Commentary

by Lola Russell

Our assignment for the writing class that I attend on Mondays was superstitions. When I first began to think about this subject I didn’t think that I harbor any silly superstitions, but after giving it a lot of thought, I guess I am guilty. Going way back I always tried to avoid the cracks on the sidewalk. When my siblings or friends and I were walking together if we accidentally got separated for a few steps, we were quick to shout “bread and butter” to ensure that our friendship wasn’t severed.

To read more, please log in or subscribe to the digital edition.

by donna smith ammons

During a recent trip to Zachary to see our grandchildren, I noticed a unique way of supporting our local police departments and Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office. With the rash of shooting deaths of law enforcement officers, a campaign to place a blue bulb in your front porch light to show support. I could never find a blue light and I was disappointed I couldn’t participate.

To read more, please log in or subscribe to the digital edition.

by donna smith ammons

Halloween took on a new meaning this year, since we traveled to Zachary to spend the holiday with our grandchildren!! We arrived Thursdays in order to see our five-year-old grandson, Braeden, play in a soccer game. What a fun time, to see out little Minion score three goals, each time looking at us on the sidelines and showing us his fingers…one, two, three!!! It made me wonder where does all that energy come from? He reminded me so much of his Daddy at that age!!

To read more, please log in or subscribe to the digital edition.

by Lola Russell

When John worked on a job in Bossier City for a company that manufactured Hustler boats, he was impressed by the quality and workmanship and decided to purchase one. No one was happier than our eight-year-old son. They had been fishing from an aluminum “John boat” that had a 9.9 horsepower motor which you used to steer the boat with. The new boat had a fiberglass hull and 40 horsepower outboard motor, stick steering, two seats, a troll motor, and a live well. Glenn did not have to be prompted to keep the boat ship shape after every fishing trip.

To read more, please log in or subscribe to the digital edition.

by Lola Russell
The month of November is full of sweet memories and in place of a memorial to my husband John, I decided that I would re-write some of those happier days that we spent together on Toledo Bend.

To read more, please log in or subscribe to the digital edition.

by donna smith ammons
Sunday afternoons during my teenage years were spent reading the paper and watching football with my Dad. Little brother was usually outside riding his bike and more than likely, Mom was in the kitchen cooking. Daddy and I were watching whatever game was on. We were especially interested in the new exhibition team, the New Orleans Saints, since we were only about 90 minutes from the Crescent City.

To read more, please log in or subscribe to the digital edition.

by Lola Russell

One lesson that is hard for most people to learn is not to be too quick to judge. We may meet a person for the first time and form an opinion before we take the time to learn a little more about them. Just as we cannot judge a book by its cover. Often what sells a book is the jacket design. For instance, Mary Higgins Clark has been my favorite mystery writer since I read her first novel, and I have kept every one of them. I first look to see the name of the person that designed the jacket cover of each new book. Even as a child, I remember the library books that I read over and over again, such as Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, and the Brer’ Fox stories; the picture on the cover of the books depicted the thrill that we could expect once we opened it up and began to read.

To read more, please log in or subscribe to the digital edition.

by donna smith ammons

This day back in 1954 was a special day for the Smith family. Momma and Daddy had put me to bed ather early that night. Daddy came in several times to wake me, because he thought it was time to go to the base and “get my baby brother”. Finally, he came in, turned on the light and said “Get up, Donna. It’s time to go.” I recall jumping up and saying “I knew we were going!”

To read more, please log in or subscribe to the digital edition.

by Lola Russell

John’s daughter came over after she got off from work for her weekly visit with me, and I was glad to see her as usual and I told her that we would be going to listen to Sonny Hinton play his guitar and sing some songs of the 1920s and 1930s. Mr. Hinton was born in the town of Many and still has ties there. I didn’t’ know that until yesterday. His wife, Jan is an employee here at the Oaks, in charge of transportation for the residents. He has performed here before with members of the band, but this time he was going solo. He sometimes plays the guitar for our chapel services on Sunday, in place of the piano or organ and we all sing along and make a joyful noise. Jan accompanies him with a tambourine, but not last night. That would not fit in with those yodel songs that we were going to hear.

To read more, please log in or subscribe to the digital edition.

by Donna Smith Ammons

Autumn has arrived…thankfully. Now all we need is some rain. Wildfires have been battled in Sabineland since last week. Many thanks to the fire departments, volunteers and others who have taken the time to respond and even save several homes. We don’t take time to thank those who volunteer to respond to fire near enough.

To read more, please log in or subscribe to the digital edition.