Before Crossing an Obstacle with a Firearm…

It’s going to sound strange to some of you, but you should know that I’m the first person in the history of my family to own a rifle. At least, as far as I know. But it’s a pretty good bet. My ancestors settled in the crowded tenements of big cities...

A Tale of Two Healthcare Systems

These days, if you happen to be sick in Perry County, it is the best of times and the worst of times. I’d like to tell you about two of my friends from Spring Township. I was planning to protect their identities, but one of them, Jeff Heikenfeld, was on the...

This Is the Grass that Grows Wherever the Land Is

I didn’t always hate grass. I used to love it. When we first came to St. Peter’s Church Road, I even looked forward to mowing. Mowing was fun. I got to ride a tiny tractor. I got to visit every corner of the property without even having to walk. There were...

The Poysoned Weed that Causeth Rednesse and Itchyng

Back in 1624, John Smith wowed the Old World with his five-volume Generall Historie of the New World. He hit all the major points—geography, native peoples, settlers, religion, customs, etc. But nothing was too small to escape his voracious eye. Especially if he...

One Hundred Thirty Years Old and Built for Love

There she was, glowing enticingly on my monitor. She was incredibly well built. Round in all the right places. She had these beautifully curved, powerful legs. True, she was no spring chicken, but she was remarkably well preserved. I tend to like the older models,...

Soon I’ll Be Down to 30,000 Packs a Day

The shiny pink handle of the jump rope swung back and forth in front of my eyes. “You’re feeling sleepy,” my hypnotist sa id. “I am?” “Yes, you are. When I clap my hands, you will wake up wanting to smoke cigarettes.” “I...