Beech Tree News Network

One year ago, I began following my physician’s advice to increase my activity and to choose healthier foods. My fight against obesity is not a new fight: I’ve been fighting weight gain for two decades. And, it is a battle.

I’ve been a resident of Morgantown and Butler County for over 30 years and my roots go pretty deep. My late husband and I have lived and worked here, raised our children here, and have a tombstone here. I see so many things about our town that I like; but, I also see a few things that I don’t like.

A few things about Morgantown and Butler County that I like are randomly listed below:

June brings to mind weddings. In our country, June is a very popular wedding month.  Although I did not marry in June, like many of you, I have observed the exchange of many wedding vows during that month.

Are you a volunteer? Most people do things for others, never thinking of their kindness as volunteer work.

Volunteering is generally intended to promote good or to improve quality of life in some way. People volunteer to improve skills, to make contacts for possible employment, to have fun, and for other reasons. Volunteerism is giving of your time without pay. Although a volunteer may not earn money, volunteering produces a feeling of self-worth and earns respect. Volunteering may be an organized effort or an individual endeavor.

Have you noticed that birthday celebrations are fairly joyous until about the age of 30? People seem to have a good time and not mind having another birthday until then. But at age 30, things begin to change.

Our Butler County ‘snowbirds’ are returning home. Of course, I’m always happy to see the return of friends and neighbors, especially since I’m not a snowbird – yet.

The word snowbird is often used to describe those people from the U.S. Northeast and Midwest and from Canada who spend much of the winter in a warmer region such as in Victoria, British Columbia (for Canadians), in the south or southwest United States, in Mexico, or in the Caribbean. Snowbirds are typically retirees or business owners whose business is easily moved.

‘Lost’ has be defined as missing or unable to be found. It can also mean something that was wasted or not used in a valuable way. The first definition – missing or unable to be found – describes my experience.

Have you ever lost something? Losing a thing is unsettling. When I lose something, I look around, I retrace my recent steps, and I rack my memory. For example, I’ve lost my phone on occasion. It’s helpful to be able to call it and track down the ring (unless it’s on silent). I’ve also lost my keys. But, usually they’re either in a coat pocket or in the kitchen.

Recently, a friend and I were discussing how being grandparents differs from being parents. We agreed that since we aren’t responsible for discipline or the daily care of our grandchildren, our grandparenting time is usually pretty easy.

Winter is not my favorite time. During this season, I watch the weather more than in any other. I have a need to know just how uncomfortable I’m likely to be on any given day.

In the fall, I read long-range predictions for winter weather. Although, meteorologists can only make an educated guess, their long-range predictions are fun: I like to see what they get right. Below, you’ll find my understanding of some long-range winter weather predictions.