Beech Tree News Network

“8th of November” by Big and Rich and “November Rain” by Guns N Roses are the only noteworthy songs with November in the title.  That doesn’t really make for a full column, does it? Therefore, I’ll talk a little about Thanksgiving. 
Thanksgiving means something different to everyone, I’m sure.  We gather around with family and friends.  Eating is almost assuredly involved.  Football, friends, games and movies might be involved as well.  “The biggest thing”, my sister adds, “is to pause and reflect on what you’re thankful for, even beyond daily gratitude”. 

Last weekend, my sister and I discussed what we would cook and take to my mom’s Thanksgiving gathering this weekend. Between the two of us, we could feed a crowd, but we’re not the only ones cooking for the gathering. I can guarantee there will be leftovers from that meal. When large families gather together, too much food is prepared (“just in case…”). I see the humor in this, but we will still cook too much.

Those wonder years were wonderful, to be pure- but sometimes confusing to a youngster- but you’ve been there.
    My very first coloring book was that of the Lone Ranger- before TV.  I heard him on the radio.  But, certain questions; questions like, “how dare sleep out on the open ground, on even in a cave and not get his clothes dirty?”  And more of a puzzlement, “Where does he go to the bathroom… does he use toilet paper... if so, does he carry it in his saddle bags?” 

I hate to admit it, but there are times when I have become so frustrated with not being able to find what I think I need when I think I need it in Morgantown, I say things like, “You can’t find anything in this town!”  Last week, I was reminded otherwise.
    A woman came into the office of New Image Car Care, where I work, and asked if someone could replace her headlight.
    “I need to pick up my grandson at 4:30,” she said, “If I need to come back later or make an appointment, I can do that.”  It was 4 pm.

And Down the Stretch They Come!
Sunday’s race at Homestead marks the finale of the 2015-16 NASCAR season.  Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch, Martin Truex, Jr and, in his final full-season run, Jeff Gordon make up your Final Four.  Kevin Harvick has amazed me this season.  It’s not often that a champion from a previous year can repeat, much less be back in the hunt. 

The Christmas shopping season is about to begin. Over the next few weeks, many of us will examine our Christmas lists while watching for deals to help us stay within budget. Christmas shopping is a joy, but it can also be a big job.

Blind Prejudice:
    A judge in a high-profile murder case refused to hear new DNA evidence which cast doubt on the guilt of a person who had already served 16 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.  “There is no new evidence”, he “all the evidence was there at the original crime scene”, he declared.  He refused to grant a new trial.  Blind prejudice- a closed mind.

“Do you want your teeth to fall out?”  That was the question my daughter put to my granddaughter one evening during a heated exchange over teeth brushing.  Usually, there is no resistance by my granddaughter.  She has all of the tools invented to entice a little one to brush: a Little Mermaid stool upon which to stand in order to reach the faucet, a Monster High electric tooth brush, and Tom’s strawberry-flavored toothpaste.  That particular night, however, she just wasn’t feeling it.  The back and forth between the two made me think about the questions parents pose to children in the hope

The gospel of Christ is something that deserves our respect. Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16). The words of the gospel are inspired by God (II Tim. 3:16-17). Why does the gospel deserve our respect?

Country fans will remember Sugarland.  They were comprised of Jennifer Nettles, Kristian Bush and, in their original incarnation, Kristen Hall.  Hall decided to leave the group after they established stardom, leaving the trio a duo.  They were rolling along quite nicely with hit after hit.  Then, the Indiana State Fair incident occurred.  Without going into specifics (because we’ve all heard the story), the band pretty much ceased to exist after that show.  Both members were pretty torn up about the incident, obviously.