Aaaaannnnnd we’re off !!
Told ya ! As soon as the Fourth of July is done, it’s the looonnnng slide into SCHOOL. Slide’s over now and here we are, back at it. But first… Got my tricycle fixed. Thanks to all those who inquired and offered to attempt restoration of my mobility. The Fix-it Elf( no relation to the Tooth Fairy that I know of)...
Between a rock and a hard place!
How, How, How is a person supposed to manage to learn to use these devices if all of the instructions assume that you already KNOW all of the technical directions and language and are able to follow them. Here I am back in familiar surroundings -- between a rock and a hard place. Brand-new equipment is no assurance of competence...
Is It Worth Haggling Over?
Imagine walking out of a restaurant and paying less — just for asking. For some people, saving money is a sport. Maybe it’s the friend who brags about a BOGO that was too good to resist, or the frugal aunt who negotiates everything. But being thoughtful about purchases — whether it’s haggling, comparison shopping, or simply pausing before you...
Why you should let us buy your old Heating & Air Conditioning System
Presented By DeBord’s One Hour Heating & Cooling Achieving healthy, shiny hair and a vibrant scalp is a common goal for many of us. While we often focus on hair products and treatments, the quality of the water we use is often overlooked. In this blog, we'll explore the significance of water treatment for maintaining healthy hair and scalp. We'll...
Bikers. I Need Bikers!
Well, one, anyway. We can skip the heavy metal, major leather, tattoo extravaganza biker-types (Not that I have anything against such displays, mind you) I just need somebody to show me how to adjust my tricycle. I purchased this beauty last summer because riding my regular two-wheeler was becoming an exercise in scary balance issues and I just sort of...
The Right Time, For The Right Reasons
We all have a unique relationship with time—some of us thrive on precise schedules; others adapt fluidly as life unfolds. This individuality shapes not just our calendars, but how we approach decisions, prioritize responsibilities, and manage change. Our relationship with money is also complex and personal. There are many paths to success. In times like these, it’s important to align...
Check, Please: Summer Spending in Review
Believe it or not, this week marks the midpoint of summer—the sweet spot between the solstice and the autumn equinox. According to the 2025 Farmers’ Almanac, August 7th is our official halfway mark. Hard to believe, isn’t it? Each day, the calendar is quietly telling us: our summer days are numbered. For many, these days are a backdrop for family,...
Applause! Applause!
That goes to the latest iteration of theatrical presentation by the Garrettsville Curtains Up Theatre, a farce titled “The Play That Goes Wrong”...which it did in so many ways–all of ‘em intended but, still…. The whole premise of the thing, I think, is to illustrate some of the various things that can go wrong in any dramatic–or musical, for that...
Enduring Values – Reflections from the Course and Your Financial Journey
This past weekend, golfer Scottie Scheffler displayed his extraordinary skill and grace under pressure by winning the British Open. Yet, what lingered even more than his win was his humility in recalling the ancient wisdom of King Solomon: “All is fleeting.” Scheffler reminded the world that trophies and glory may bring a moment’s high, but real satisfaction comes from something...
Play It Again, Sam!
That’s a famous line from a famous movie (Or at least one everybody thinks that they remember, whether they did or not. Casablanca?). We may have a local version with a small variation : “Play it again everyone.”...with “everyone” being our latest BIG Band, The Thrill of the ‘Ville. In case you missed it, Saturday night was the place to...
Do You Have What It Takes?
As headlines shift away from the recent flooding in Texas and elsewhere, the real work for many families is just beginning. Recovery after a tragedy often happens in phases: there’s the immediate response, and then there’s the longer, quieter rebuild. While initial support often quickly fades, the true progress comes from patience and steady effort over time. Rebuilding—whether it’s after...
I’ve Gotta Get Out More
No. Really Then I would not be so amazed at what’s out there. Walking around in front of God and everybody. Nor is it just the people, the products are pretty far out there sometimes too. I’ve gotten used to hair–long, short, absent (by choice or by chop)color challenged or color riotous, styled or not so–in various iterations, some flattering,...
Skip The Waiting Room
…Or not. Local boy, Jared Sheehan, having made good (more or less–he’s the chief innovation officer at a company called Quick MD and co-founded various technology-driven companies supporting various social impact industries) returned to his old “stomping grounds”, so-to-speak, to communicate the latest thinking in and about medicine online at the Garrettsville branch of the Portage County District Library on...
Unpacking the “Big Beautiful Bill” and Changes That Affect You
A significant new bill was just signed into law, locking in the 2017 tax cuts and introducing new deductions across its 900 pages. While a few new tax breaks could fatten your refund next spring, there are also some belt-tightening measures for federal healthcare, food-aid, and student loan programs that could impact millions—so don’t tune out. What does this mean...
A Great Nation Or What
As we celebrate the spirit of this great nation—one built on vision, determination and resilience—it’s only fitting that we gather under open skies, watching fireworks rise and brighten the landscape. The beauty of this view reminds us not only of America’s promise, but also of the importance of keeping our eyes on the horizon. The times we’re living in can...
Wunderbar
“Wunderbar”--pronounced “VoonderBahr”-- is something that just recently popped up in my head…well, sorta. Back in the day–other ancient persons such as myself may remember–there was a pop music style around the late forties, early fifties (WAY before the Beatles, or even Elvis made the scene)featuring vocal groups, like the Andrews Sisters (Patty, Maxine and LaVerne, remember them?)(even the Lennon...
Well, Alrighty Then…
Quite the SummerFest it was. A good deal of the time, it was “hotter than the hinges of hell”, but almost all of the time it was “tons o’ fun” for the crowds of folks in the streets, at the entertainment venues, watching the dunking tank or the bull-riding location…or EATING ! Yup. The food was abundant and varied…as usual. I...
Wait a minute – That wasn’t the plan
Summer is here—a season full of energy, possibilities, plenty of heat, and the potential for storms. The soaring temperatures serve as a reminder that, just like weather forecasts, even our best predictions about the future can change unexpectedly. Life often forces us to pivot. How well can you adapt? So far, 2025 has offered plenty of plot twists, but the economy...
The Wheels On The Bus…
Even more important than the wheels on the bus is the driver behind the steering wheel in the front of the bus. Here’s your chance to be really, really important–try being a school bus driver. These important people are in short supply right now and really, really needed by about every school district in these parts–and a bunch of other...
A Case of OPD? When Other People’s Decisions Affect Your Money.
With summer upon us, many are ready for a well-deserved break or vacation. As you recharge, this season can also be a good time to reflect on your broader financial picture—especially how others’ choices are affecting your own. We often view our financial status as a series of purely personal decisions—what to save, how to invest, when to spend. But...
Are We Festive Yet???
June is sorta shy of big-time holidays and celebrations. Ya got yer Flag Day on the 14th, yer Full Strawberry Moon on the 11th, Juneteenth National Independence Day on–what else–the 19th, the Summer Solstice ( the astronomical /meteorological first day of Summer–longest day of the year) on the 20th, a Shakespearean Midsummer Day on the 24th (to go with...
Dad in the Machine: Who to Trust for Money Decisions?
On Father’s Day, many reflect on the value of sound guidance—from fathers, father figures or close mentors who’ve influenced our lives. Steady guidance matters most as our world grows more complex. In the age of AI and chatbots, it’s easier than ever to get answers and advice—yet not all of it is reliable. Sometimes, AI provides convincing but incorrect “hallucinations.”...
Balancing “Now” Needs with “Later” Goals
With so many options and demands competing for your attention, it’s normal to wonder: Should I focus on the needs I have today, or the goals I have for tomorrow? This is what we call a “Now and Later” moment—a time for evaluating immediate needs against future aspirations. It’s natural to feel the pull of both, and a personalized...
C–JAG, Atten-Hut !!!
Army-ish orders from Camp James A. Garfield. Kinda. The recent tour of Camp James A. Garfield (As one participant commented during a Q&A session :” Anybody raised around here will probably refer to it as ‘the Arsenal’ until the end of our days.”) was interesting…enlightening…engaging for likely all of the folks gawking out the windows of the buses carrying them...
Graduate From Good Idea to Great Outcomes
With graduations, weddings, and summer adventures in season, you’ll notice an abundance of advice being shared right now. Your newsfeed might be filled with clips of speeches from such notable figures as President Trump, Simone Biles, Snoop Dogg, and even Kermit the Frog. And though the most quotable commencement speakers can delight audiences with inspiring wisdom and memorable anecdotes,...
Going, Going… GONE!
Well, mostly. The annual Rummage Sale at the Garrettsville Family YMCA has moved off into the history books…well, books of some sort anyway (There really are people who keep track of such things, I guess.). Now comes the clean-up, empty-out, back-to-normal phase–which could take a little longer. Thanks to all of the shoppers who came, saw, and made off with...
Thank You 2025!
The Class of 2025 may wish to claim responsibility for the excellent weather this weekend. Might as well start out on the rest of your adult life with a great opening event. The fact that your moms & dads were probably sincerely hoping for a cessation of the downpours which we have been graced with lately may have played a...
May Musings
As someone at the Y said to me the other day, “Must be gonna rain, it’s Yard/Garage Sale weekend.” That proved to be prophetic; people all over town were covering and uncovering their stashes of valuables from the leftover April showers that were coming to town, off-and-on, most of Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Got caught in a few, escaped...
Enjoy More, Stress Less: Tips for Summer 2025
As we look ahead into the coming months, you may be hearing about continued economic uncertainty. While there are still mixed signals, it’s clear that many families and individuals are pausing now to rethink how—and where—they spend. If you’ve found yourself trimming back some of the more unpredictable expenses and leaning into choices that provide clear value, you’re not alone....
Horticulture Hotline
Well, I finally did it. I got every green thing that I could stuck into a pot, a plot or a raised bed–no bunks, though (too prone to night-time pranks; I have wildlife to manage that; the raccoons and opossums are such kidders. Gotta take skunks seriously anytime.). Some of the hardier ones look as though they might survive,...
