Beech Tree News Network

As I’ve said, I am a reader. Sometimes I read about what I’m involved in, and sometimes I stumble upon something that just catches my interest. Below are my thoughts about three of the articles I’ve read recently.

First, I enjoyed reading Andy Sullivan’s BTN August 24th “Against the Grain” column. I believe many will remember their eclipse parties in fields across the U.S. The eclipse was absolutely amazing. Although I had seen a partial eclipse before and had studied the marvel of an eclipse in science classes, I totally enjoyed viewing this one – definitely a marvel. The skies certainly did “proclaim the work of His hands” (Psalms 19:1), and the crescent shadows captured in Andy’s picture were exactly as I remembered. Good article, Andy!

Second, in a CNBC article, Emmie Martin provided the stories of how ordinary people followed self-made plans to pay off thousands (https://www.cnbc.com/2017/06/26/money-saving-tips-from-ordinary-people-w...). The five different methods described were:

•Automate your money: set up your savings accounts, retirement funds and debt-repayment plans to automatically draw money from your paycheck or checking account.

•Increase income and decrease spending.

•Generate two incomes and live off the smaller one.

•Cook your own meals, and take them to work.

•Tell others about your plan. Then let the support of others provide you with motivation and force you to stick to the plan.

These plans sound logical. I might be able to follow some of these plans, but I’m guessing I would stray from my plan occasionally. For more information, please read the original article. Videos are also available online.

Third, since I’ve been canning tomatoes – something I enjoy except for the mess, I noticed an article in the July issue of Better Homes & Gardens that listed 15 foods with high water content. Of course, tomatoes were included – listed at 94%. Some of my other favorite foods included in this list were: strawberries, 92%; watermelon, 92%; and cantaloupe, 90%. No wonder they’re so refreshing; they’re full of water! Many of us will miss the availability of these fresh, water-filled foods in a few months.

Finally, it’s been said, “there is a limit on how much information you can keep bottled up” (Dick Gregory; https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/information.html). Having been in education for 32 ½ years, I don’t generally ‘bottle up’ information. It’s way too much fun sharing.