Beech Tree News Network

You know what I miss?  I miss the days before percentages.  Not that percentages didn’t always exist, they just weren’t as boisterously thrust upon us as they are today. 

A flurry of activity at the end of state budget sessions is as much of a ritual in Frankfort as madness is in March.

Unfortunately, part of this routine involves negotiating critical decisions concerning the commonwealth’s budget behind closed doors.

So while I was not surprised to discover the hallway leading to Room 131 of the Capitol Annex roped off during recent budget conference committee meetings, it still felt like a step back.

I hope everyone had a fabulous week. The world has definately gotten more colorful in the last week with mother nature adding splashes of color everywhere. I've really enjoyed wearing my camera out roaming the roads. I had a difficult time choosing just one photograph this week, so I just had to share two :)

The 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards was held Sunday, April 1. They kicked off with Carrie Underwood performing her brand new hit “Good Girl”. After a humorous introduction, including some playful jabs, by co-hosts Blake Shelton and Reba, they introduced Nashville Star alum Chris Young who sang his song “Save Water, Drink Beer”.  Zac Brown Band then performed their latest hit, “Keep Me In Mind”. Those guys were awesome! They always put on a solid performance.

April 15 makes me feel anxious. After all, it’s ‘Tax Day,’ the last day to file our income taxes.

The kitchen has always been my favorite room in the house.  I like to cook, I love to eat, and I enjoy the activity that both involve.  When I was a kid, my step-mom cooked huge meals, morning and night—there were nine mouths to feed, after all.  I can’t imagine the challenge of cooking for that many people every day, especially since she had so little to stretch so far.

Have you ever had one of this moments where it seems that time stands still for you?  Not really in a bad way, but in a very special way.  For instance, you catch a glimpse of your child playing in the other room, or you see your spouse putting their whole heart into a project. 

“We’re moving in the right direction” is a phrase oft-repeated in Frankfort.

But it’s not always used appropriately.

Senate Republicans did anything but on the recent methamphetamine legislation – committing a foul worse than anything we see during March Madness.

Kentucky vs. Louisville, Ohio State vs. Kansas are the match-ups in the 2012 NCAA Final Four Saturday afternoon and evening. Certainly OSU/KU will be a great game. However, the fact that the ultimate (that’s right, tobacco road fans) rivalry will be played in the Final Four for the first time ever is nothing short of extraordinary!

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.