Importance of gratitude

MIKE McCORMICK As I was placing my frozen waffle in the toaster one morning this week, I was wondering what my work day might bring. I knew it would be a long Tuesday because it was the day of the runoff elections. I started early that morning as I normally do.

Letter to the editor

I moved to Tryon in 1970 - a small town where people took care of their yards and homes. Main Street was busy, a bank, post office, two cafes, Napa store, hardware store, grocery store, feed store, tire repair, car wash and a few more businesses.

Reflections on a father

MIKE McCORMICK It was 34 years a week ago today that I and our family lost my dad to a brief battle with lung cancer. He was 64 and in a month would have turned 65 had he made it to Sept. 12. Doctors in May of that year diagnosed a cancerous tumor the size of a softball in one of his lungs.

Town Talk

School is now in full swing. We had great weather Friday night for the Blue and White Pep Rally. There was a good turnout, and it was nice to see all the kiddos who are participating in school activities. Extra-curricular activities are an important part of a student’s education.

The gnome

Things were winding down Monday night when Reno started barking loudly at the corner of the bedroom. This was clearly a “Hey!Something’s over here” kind of bark, and he kept barking loudly and often. The only problem was that we couldn’t see anything worrisome. At all.

Eating

I was sweating like a road lizard Sunday afternoon after I harvested our purple Magic Molly finglering potatoes.

Celebrating Independence Day

Our family this year celebrated the recent July 4 holiday in a lot bigger way than we have in many years. We had the celebration on the holiday itself while some others in our neighborhood did it either on Saturday or Sunday of that weekend.

Town Talk

It’s grand opening time for Putt Putt Kicks on Route 66. Come celebrate with us on Saturday, July 30th, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. There will be free hotdogs for everyone and $2.00 golf for all ages except three and under is free.

Kin to a king

This just in: I have royal ancestors. Well, one at least. Several years ago, I took a DNA test and sent it off to 23andme because I wanted to handicap my chances of developing Alzheimer’s.

Town Talk

Thank you to the City of Stroud, GRDA and the Stroud Chamber of Commerce for hosting Stroud’s annual fireworks show in Foster Park. It’s a great time to come together as a community and celebrate America and the freedoms we enjoy.