By Dave Bates For the Observer-Reporter After the fourth consecutive person began their conversation with some variation of, “Boy, it sure is hot out there,” I gave up and withdrew to my study. I have always wanted to say that. Sounds almost cultured. Except for the fact that my study ...

Summer is almost here. My grass is almost mowed to an acceptable level. I’m almost ready to retire. … Almost. So much to do with summer on the way and the close of another school year. I sat down at my desk the other evening and began assembling my own honey-do list in preparation of the ...