Let’s be honest, there are quite a few things that have been putting a damper on the world as of late. There’s a lot that can be saddening in the current world of international affairs and the like. However, it’s important to remember that amidst the human-caused chaos, there are plenty of things that are good as well. During the Christmas season, it’s increasingly important to focus on the good things in the world. After all, tis the season to be jolly is it not? With that being said, let’s take a look at some ways that you and I can spread holiday cheer to others around you.
The first of these ideas is, of course, to spread holiday cheer in the home. Do something extra special for your loved ones that lets them know you care. Gingerbread house making, eggnog drinking, and fruit bowl making are just a couple of the things that come to mind. That last one was a personal favorite tradition of my family. I couldn’t tell you what it was, but for some reason, once that fruit salad began the production process, everyone pitched in, and we had all the more fun because of it. Now, if you don’t think that would necessarily work for your family, that’s ok! Something as simple as card games after supper is enough to provide good family cheer and bonding with your relatives. Perhaps holiday cheer in the home is something as simple as getting hot chocolate for your family members as they curl around the fireplace.
The next step is to spread holiday cheer to your neighbors or perhaps to some coworkers that you care for. One of the most wonderful ideas for spreading holiday cheer in my opinion is leaving a batch of special treats for them on their doorstep. I heard of this idea a couple of years ago when one of my good friends noted the Christmas tradition that their family had of cooking a batch of cookies for their neighbors just down the road. Perhaps you have a neighbor who you know could use the season’s greetings? Regardless, giving small gifts like this to one another, freely is one of life’s great joys.
Finally, the last step to spreading as much holiday cheer as one can is spreading the season’s greetings to strangers in your life. The people that you run into from time to time. This could be simple as a smile or a nod but I’d encourage you to go beyond the social norms for interaction. Greet people with “Merry Christmas” and other various seasons greetings. And for those strangers that you encounter often in your life, a simple good deed goes a long way to impact someone’s life. You never know what someone is going through and who they’re missing this time of year. Simple niceties like these are truly meaningful to some who need them.
With all of these things being considered, it’s important to note that we have many different types of social interactions throughout the day. Furthermore, the world can really bear down on people with the amount of bad news we constantly tell one another. Simple good deeds and acts like those listed above are just a couple of the ways that we as people can help lighten the mood and spread yuletide cheer. As all the various carols say; “Tis the season to be jolly, “We wish you a merry Christmas”, “joy to the world”, and for goodness’ sake have “a cup of good cheer”. Happy holidays.
A Cup of Good Cheer
Safety Precautions Given As Winter Officially Arrives
“Weathermen were right this time as winter officially came in with a blizzard blast late Wednesday, December 21, 2022.”
Flint Hills Rural Electric Cooperative Association (RECA), Council Grove, issued preparation advice to customers Tuesday December 20: “Stay Safe During Winter Storms.”
While most areas had electricity Thursday, Travis Griffin, RECA member services manager, said to continue “spreading the word.”
Erin Hollinshead, director of the Energy Education Council’s SafeElectricity.org, provided the information for Flint Hills RECA.
Heavy snow and accumulating ice can easily bring tree limbs down on power lines, cutting off power to homes and businesses.
“Preparation for a potential power loss can make riding out a prolonged power outage safe and more comfortable,” Hollinshead said.
With the storm in progress, it’s late but still often possible to put an emergency kit together. This would include bottled water and non-perishable food for three to seven days.
Often overlooked is the need for a non-electric can opener, cooking tools, paper plates, and plastic utensils.
Of course. there’s necessity of blankets, pillows, and warm clothing. A first-aid kit, medicine, and prescription drugs should be readily available.
Flashlights must work and have extra batteries when needed. Likewise, radios and clocks should be battery operated with an extra battery supply.
“Consider purchasing a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio,” Hollinshead said.
Majority of families have cell phones which must be chargeable by the car or solar power in case of electrical outage. Landline telephones should be traditional type, and not cordless.
Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves require a supply of wood with a larger pile recommended now.
“It’s a good idea to know a tree-trimming professional to contact when limbs fall on power lines or if they become ice or snow covered,” Hollinshead said.
Again, late but better said now than never. “Insulating the home, installing storm windows, caulking cracks, and updating heating systems are essential for winter,” Hollinshead commented.
“If the electricity goes out, make sure to contact the electrical utility as soon as possible,” Hollinshead demanded.
Other cold winter safety recommendations include staying inside, wearing warm clothes, closing off unneeded rooms, placing draft blocks at door bottoms, and covering windows at night.
“When using an alternative heat source, follow operating instructions,” Hollinshead said. “Use fire safeguards and proper ventilation. Always keep a multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher nearby, and know how to use it.”
Home temperature should be properly regulated. “Infants and senior adults are highly susceptible to the cold,” Hollinshead said. “You may want to stay with friends or relatives or go to a shelter if unable to keep a home warm.”
Obviously, winter can bring a variety of weather patterns, so Hollinshead recommended to be aware of weather forecasts. “It’s important to know the difference between warnings provided by the National Weather Service,” he said.
Winter Storm Warning is issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, freezing rain, or sleet is coming or occurring.
Winter Storm Watch alerts the public to the possibly of a blizzard, heavy snow, freezing rain, or sleet.
Winter Storm Outlook is given when winter storm conditions are possible and is issued three to five days in advance of a winter storm.
Blizzard Warning is issued for gusty winds of 35 miles per hour or more, with falling or blowing snow creating visibility of a quarter mile or less. “These conditions usually last at least three hours,” Hollinshead said.
Additional information is available from [email protected].
+++30+++
CUTLINE
Blizzard conditions officially brought winter to east central Kansas on December 21, 2022.
Anniversary Party Plans Change
Golden anniversary celebration of professional employment was scheduled for December 26, 2022.
Original plans have been changed, but it’s still a memorable day in personal history.
After graduating from college 50 years ago, job applications were sent several places. Reponses were received with school teaching offers and tentative work for a purebred beef organization. Application to a farm newspaper received a call from the owner requesting an interview.
It was a freezing December morning when the recent graduate with wife and baby remaining in the car was interviewed.
Naivety and low-level applicant knowledge were quite apparent with the newspaper owner-interviewer readily noticing the other family members shivering outside.
Somehow, someway, maybe feeling sorry for kids, the grocery carryout boy-wannabe cowboy was hired to be a professional newspaperman.
It was really a perfect job, meeting people, writing stories, while continuing to develop personal ranching and horse business. Although documented as the “first real job,” working had been just about all that was ever known.
Growing up with parents as grocery store operators, working in every phase of that business was expected and rewarded.
Yet, working for family didn’t seem like a “real job,” compared to employment for somebody else. Not a single regret for the hardworking upbringing with the fondest memories of those “good ole days.”
Newspaper job changed positively through decades as ranching expanded with growth in horse training, sales, and judging.
Then after 36½ years, “You’re fired” came the very surprising announcement from youngblood management behind closed doors.
Right or wrong, the truly dedicated farm newspaperman shook hands with terminator, went home, and rode a horse.
Four days later, taking a horseback riding break enjoying a glass of iced tea, telephone rang: “Come work for us.” The long-listened-to radio station knew the newspaperman-cowboy and wanted him to work there.
Initially hesitant to accept the hard-to-believe offer, radio salesman soon became “the job,” with extensive cowboy work continuing. Providing incomprehensible benefits for a cowboy, that job lasted 12½ years until, “You’re Fired.”
Again, no stomps, shouts, just went home for a horseback ride. Within hours, two “job” opportunities were accepted, daily radio show, and sale barn rider, with cowboy life and writing expansion.
It is a happy anniversary as “God’s Plan” continues.
Reminded of Jeremiah 29:14: “God has a purpose and plan for you.”
+++ALLELUIA+++
XVI–52–12-25-2022
CUTLINE
Headed for another year with new jobs.
9 OF THE BEST HIKES IN KANSAS
1. CASTLE ROCK
Location: Near Quinter
Mileage/Distance: 2.3 miles roundtrip
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Castle Rock is one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas, and the trek along the bluff and through the Hackberry Creek Valley is a fun one. The 70-foot towers were once a landmark for early travelers, so you’ll have an eye on these impressive formations rising up from the plains the entire way. There are multiple worn paths to follow as you scramble down the chalky, rocky slopes through arches and tunnels. It’s also worth taking some time to explore the Badlands’ “natural Stonehenge”, with several tan-and-black banded spires, or the labyrinth of routes around the rocks. Eighty million years ago, the area was underwater in a vast inland sea, so keep an eye on the ground for shark teeth and small fish fossils.
Note: Castle Rock is on private land, so please be respectful of the property when you visit.
2. FLINT HILLS NATURE TRAIL
Location: East-Central Kansas
Mileage/Distance: 117 miles point-to-point (though you can always go out-and-back for less or more)
Difficulty Rating: Easy to difficult, depending on section
The Flint Hills Nature Trail is the longest trail in the Sunflower State, and is the seventh-longest rail trail in the United States. Running across East-Central Kansas and passing through five counties between Council Grove and Osawatomie, the trail is part of the coast-to-coast American Discovery Trail. The trail is named after the Flint Hills, a tallgrass prairie ecosystem, and follows along an old railroad corridor.
On the nature trail, you’ll hike across unimproved bridges, alongside the Marais Des Cygnes River, and through rolling farmlands and woodlands. There are also dozens of historic sites along the way, and several access points, so check out a map before you go.
3. ELK RIVER TRAIL
Location: Elk City
Mileage/Distance: 15 miles point-to-point
Difficulty Rating: Moderate to Difficult
Some backpackers consider this the best hike in Kansas because there is so much to see in this tough route. Look for tiny waterfalls, rock chambers, and small caves to explore along the Elk River. The gnarled trees, plank bridges and wildlife will make it seem like you’ve stepped into an enchanted forest. A number of switchbacks take you up to a steep ridge on the north side of Elk City Lake, where you can take in the beautiful views before slipping back into the trees.
4. Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park
Location: Logan County
Mileage/Distance: Up to 2.4 miles
Difficulty Rating: Moderate
This partnership with The Nature Conservancy and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism brings you incredible views of a rugged, Kansas landscape you didn’t even know existed! It is a mile-long stretch of 100-foot0tall spires and cliffs of eroded Niobrara Chalk that will make your jaw hit the floor. This is the largest expanse of exposed Niobrara Chalk formation in the state. There are two trails for you to enjoy, one .5 mile Overlook Trail and a 2.4 mile trail.
5. LAWRENCE LEVEE TRAIL
Location: Lawrence
Mileage/Distance: 9.3 miles point-to-point
Difficulty Rating: Easy
The Lawrence Levee Trail is a good one for beginners, or for anyone who might be building up their endurance and want to put in some decent mileage. Running along the north bank of the Kansas River, you’ll get views of vast farmland and downtown Lawrence over on the other side of the Kansas River. Hike from south to north and finish at the Riverfront Park with a round of disc golf, or just hang out by the pond and watch the birds at the KANZA Southwind Nature Preserve.
6. WYANDOTTE COUNTY LAKE LOOP TRAIL
Location: Kansas City, Kansas
Mileage/Distance: 9.2 miles roundtrip
Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Just a 20-minute drive from Kansas City, Kansas this popular loop is a quick getaway after work or just after exploring the city all day. The route goes around the lake and through thick, wooded areas, and is especially beautiful in the morning. Since the plants and path are not overly maintained, some of the overgrowth can hide parts of the trail in the summer, so get a map or take a picture of the map at the trailhead to stay on course.
7. PERRY STATE PARK TRAILS
Location: Ozawkie
Mileage/Distance: Up to 20 miles
Difficulty Rating: Easy to Difficult
The hiking and biking trails at Perry State Park follow along the shore of Perry Reservoir, through upland forest and marshland, and over wooded rolling hills in northeastern Kansas. The park is known for having an abundance of wildlife, so don’t forget to look around—you could see a bald eagle soaring high above or a wild turkey through the trees. Besides hiking, this park has something for the whole family: a playground, picnic areas, fishing and paddling on the lake, equestrian trails, and a variety of camping options.
8. AGAVE RIDGE NATURE TRAIL
Location: Ellis
Mileage/Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Western Kansas is full of beauty, and the Agave Ridge Nature Trail is a great way to experience it. The trail is named for the Great Plains Yucca, a plant that is part of the Agave family, and you’ll see it all around. The trailhead is in the Page Creek Area of Cedar Bluff State Park, where you can warm up on the one-mile paved nature trail before heading out for the four-mile loop. The bigger loop is full of wildlife and leads to views of the cedar-lined bluff.
9. CHISHOLM CREEK PARK NATURE TRAIL
Location: Wichita
Mileage/Distance: Up to 4.2 miles
Difficulty Rating: Easy
While the trails here aren’t long, there is so much to see at Chisholm Creek that you could spend quite a bit of time meandering and looking for wildflowers, birds, reptiles, fish, and mammals. The park is home to a lovely little trail system with four main trails: Quail Trail (0.5 miles), Heron Trail (0.9 miles), Bluestem Trail (1.1 miles), and Cottonwood Trail (1.7 miles). The handicapped-accessible paved trails wind through native prairies, wetlands, and woodlands, so bring a picnic lunch and spend the day exploring.
NAFTA gave U.S. the SHAFTA
According to government statistics, the last time our USA trade balance was a positive one was way back in 1975, nearly a half-century ago. That’s a long time for negative numbers to be looked at in a positive manner, but that’s the spin our government spouts as it insists that global free trade is a good thing for America.
I looked at our trade balance as of March, 2022. We had exported $241-billion dollars of “stuff,” and had imported $351-billion of “stuff,” which gave the U.S. a trade deficit of $109-billion.
Those are big numbers and for the life of an ol’ country boy like me, I can’t see any benefit — short-range or long-range — from such an immense trade deficit.
It reminded me that way back in the farm crisis of the 1980s — when the North American Free Trade Agreement for the U.S., Canada, and Mexico was being pushed hard, not only by the government, but also by numerous farm and commodity organizations — I predicted that NAFTA was going to be a loser for the U.S.
In fact, I wrote a predictive poem about it that is worth revisiting. Here is is:
THIS NAFTA’S GONNA SHAFT US
The Prez says that NAFTA’s a must.
Senator Dole says that it’s just.
But Perot yells so shrill
“Let’s not vote for this deal,
Until it is further discussed.”
Meanwhile proponents of NAFTA amass
A fortune to get the deal passed.
While opponents cry “Foul.”
And in unison howl.
“This NAFTA’s gonna give us the shaft”
And Mexico’s teetering bankrupt government
Sees that thirty million bucks get spent.
On print ads that swear,
“Move your businesses here
And hire labor for just a few cents.”
For agriculture more exports beckon.
And farmers and ranchers all reckon.
That their billfolds will swell
And a NAFTA vote will
Prove ultimately to be the correct one.
But their hopes for a windfall will fade.
Because after the NAFTA deal’s made.
They’ll most likely find
It won’t be their kind
Who’ll have it made in the shade.
It’s the financials and big corporations
Who’ll profit, not the three nations.
‘Cause NAFTA’s designed to a T
To screw you and me.
It just ain’t gonna be our salvation.
Note, in my humble opinion, not only has NAFTA shafted U.S., but free-trade with China has been worse. When will folks learn that speeding down “Cheap Lane” ultimately leads to “Poverty Landing?”
***
Folks, sometimes a deal falls into your lap unexpectedly. I wuz perfectly happy driving my 1997 dark blue Ford F-150 3-door Extended Cab with its 141,000 miles on it. But then, my son-in-law drives into our driveway driving a maroon 2010 Ford F-150 Sport Trac short-bed with only 80,000 miles on it. It’s clean as a pin, well-maintained, and gets a bit better gas mileage than my old pickup. In short, he shoots me a nice price and I buy the newer, sportier pickup.
Which means I need to part ways with my reliable old pickup. It’s for sale. It’s got a six-cylinder engine, 4WD, AC, good 10-ply tires, bed liner, no dents, but some minor scratches. I had it completely detailed interior and exterior last week. Always been garaged. It’s got a heavy-plastic bed cover if someone wants to put it back on. Price: $6,500. Interested buyers can email me at [email protected]
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Hope the blizzard coming tomorrow with sub-zero temps, snow and high wind passes by with no damage. Meanwhile, Happy New Year to one and all.
Words of wisdom for the week: “Pretend it’s 1993, not 2023 — talk to someone in person.”
Have a good ‘un.
