Away From It All…

If we weren’t totally “away from it all,” we were on the outskirts, kind of like the characters in the delightful 1953 Broadway musical “Brigadoon.

Breathe, Mort, Breathe!…

Jiminy Cricket! I never dreamed I’d be writing about an insect popularized by Pinocchio, or that this week’s piece may warrant bottom-of-the-barrel placement.I may have reached a new low, what with insects in the spotlight.

State Capital HIGHLIGHTS

Phelan’s GOP foes back one challengerTexas House Republicans who want to oust Speaker Dade Phelan have coalesced behind a single opponent: state Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield. A total of 48 representatives are backing the twoterm representative, including four who dropped their own bids for speaker.

State Capital HIGHLIGHTS

State CapitalVoter registration deadline nears for November electionEligible Texans planning to vote in the November general election have until Oct. 7 to register, Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson reminds folks. The registration deadline applies to both early and election day voting.

On Becoming a Year Older…

I have probably made this claim previously, but most friends know that my respect for redundancy has never been more than trivial. So, here I go again, certain that there finally are but two groups of people—those who have egos and admit it and those who likewise have ‘em and don’t admit it.

Someone Call Security…

Stephen Cox is not an imposing figure. Still, he has the countenance and features to be a Clark Kent look-alike, even if considerably smaller in stature.You remember Clark, right?

State Capital HIGHLIGHTS

State CapitalNew Texas laws now in effect It took some time, but a set of new laws and rules passed by the Texas Legislature in 2023 went into effect on Sept. 1, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Waterford Dominoes?…

It was an absolute accident that likely couldn’t be duplicated, even with the most fastidious planning.My uncle Mort and three of his buddies playing dominoes at the general store in the thicket were caught up in the most bizarre circumstance that may forever alter the game.

State Capital HIGHLIGHTS

State CapitalComptroller: Hundreds of new homes needed to cut costsA 26-page report from the Texas Comptroller concludes that the state needs 306,000 additional homes, a shortage that has sent housing costs soaring, The Texas Tribune reported.

Up with Parrots, Down with Whoops…

Uncle Mort had never heard of “support parrots,” but admits that he shouldn’t have been surprised.“Seems like way too many of my friends are either sued or getting sued, but none of the squabbles involve birds,” he laughed.