I’m writing my Thanksgiving piece a week early because I know everyone’s busy getting ready for the holidays with travel to see family, or have family visit. And if you don’t have plans for Thanksgiving, I know you’re looking forward to some down time.

I sense fatigue in everyone at this time of year. It shows in people’s body language. Not least, people are fighting off illness and finding that extra gear to prepare for and get through the holidays.

The longer I live in the United States, the more I appreciate Thanksgiving. I love the tradition of people expressing gratitude for all that’s good in... Continue Reading

5:23 p.m. Wednesday

The phone rings in my office with a bleep, bleep. That means an outside call is coming directly in. Most of the front office was gone so they come through.

I pick up.

“Hello, this is John McIntyre”
“Where is my Damn paper,” a scruffy sounding female voice bellows out.
“I am not sure. What does it look like?”
A long pause.
“I am Mrs. M (shortened by me) and I usually get my paper on Wednesday and It didn’t come.”
“You must live in Delmar Mrs. M. We had a problem at the post office last night, but everything is fixed and you will have it... Continue Reading