Opinion

I stepped off the rocky ridge and ducked into a stand of trees. The wind was cold and the air in my lungs took my breath away. Today, probably wasn’t the best day to take a walk so far from the house.

My husband is tearing down his grandparents’ house. Don’t worry— they don’t live there anymore. They’re now in heaven, enjoying a serious home upgrade. Their old house has been unused, unlived in for more than a decade. It’s made a nice storage unit for family heirlooms, but that’s about it. Rick’s aunt, who now owns that property, decided the house needs to go. It’s in disrepair from lack of use. In many ways, the land will be more valuable without it.

Paul’s estate held a brokerage account containing stocks and bonds worth $250,000 on the date of his death. Paul’s will left three quarters of the account to his daughter, Penny, and one quarter to his son, Peter. Peter contested the will contest which delayed for eighteen months the distribution to Penny under a final judgment favoring her. In the interim, the brokerage account earned income. Will Penny owe any income tax or capital gains when the proceeds of the account are distributed to her?

I went to the Miles Vs. Sterling City playoff game last Thursday. It was a nail biter coming down to a missed extra point. I later watched the replay of the game on television. I think there was an offside penalty on that play, but it was not called and the win was not meant to be. It was a great season for the Bulldogs. I wish the Sterling City Eagles good luck as they move deeper into the playoffs.

falling leaves autumn’s colors swirl along the calico ______________ .

I’ve always been a Christmas junkie. My family was traditional with turkey dinner during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

It had been a long and tedious day. The country was raw and rough, and it had taken its toll. The handlers brought the gates around and securely closed them. At last, they were all penned and safe. The gathering had taken most of the day, but it had worked well despite the hours spent. Hopefully, the head count would be correct, and they could be about their business of moving the sheep to the new grazing area. It would be good to get back to camp. As the herd milled and stewed some men sat on the ground while a couple of others followed the herdsman.

Each holiday season, my emotions go on high alert. On November 1, my hormones wake up like they know it’s time for a Hallmark Movie marathon. This time of year is Kleenex season for me— not because of cold and flu, but because I’m just. So. Emotional.

Jerks and others of assorted intellects were jolted by a recent piece of news that is bound to reach front pages sooner than later. It’s one thing to consider the Energizer Bunny, hear commercials challenging us to “start something,” and marvel at the growing list of battery- powered mechanisms.

Last Sunday the ‘Biggest Methodist Church’ in Miles had a fellowship meal after church. This meal was provided by some special folks in the church and was intended to get members back into the church groove again after this pandemic experience. We packed the house.