Opinion Archive

Anticipation is my drug of choice, and no time of year is more pleasing than the weeks leading up to Christmas.

I’m not much of a shopper anymore, having entered a phase of my life when getting rid of things feels even better than getting new possessions. But at Christmas, it’s still just as sweet.

This weekend is the official start to Christmas in Navarre. Saturday morning there is a Jingle Bell Run/Walk that begins at 8 a.m. at the Navarre Fire Station – with a shortcut to Grandma’s house.

Where the goodies are. If you haven’t registered at this point – you might be out of luck for this year’s shirt, but a previous year’s shirt will be just as festive.

As I pondered a letter written by a local gentleman who states that Incorporation of Navarre is a bad idea, something struck me.

The writer stated, and I quote, “Or could we enjoy our freedom, mind our own business and appreciate a county government that generally leaves us alone unless we ask for help.”

Thanksgiving Day brings back a wide range of memories, and some of my favorites are those moments on a sandlot football field right down the street from the house I grew up in.

There would be a point late in the day when the sun would begin to set on a cold Illinois afternoon, and we’d decide it was time to go play some football.

It’s a privilege this year to write a column that may be read on Thanksgiving Day. For me, columns about being grateful are some of the easiest to write.

I’m very conscious of gratitude in my everyday life, since I have found it can push me above ground on days when I’m tempted to wallow in a hole. No matter how frustrating and painful life can be, it’s also such a gift. I know that sounds cringe-worthy.  

People who collect items do so for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the purpose is an unlimited curiosity about the subject which is collected. Stamp and coin collectors often fall into this category.

The autumn season in Santa Rosa County brings out another variety of collector which has practical and utilitarian objectives for their collecting activity. Seed collectors are actively acquiring mature seeds for one of two diametrically opposed reasons.

As a Canadian – or as the Bible refers to me, “the alien in your midst” – I still think of the second Monday in October as Thanksgiving Day. In many U.S. states, that day is Columbus Day, and in others, Indigenous Peoples Day.

Whatever you choose to call that day, one fact remains, I am not getting any turkey.