One should be very very cautious of saying “I’ll never do that.” I personally do my very best to avoid this sort of ill advised proclamation. Because we all change. Oh do we change. This I am fully aware of. As I grow up and grow older I see ever so more clearly how much everyone changes. So I would offer that “Never” is a most bold and dangerous assertion on anyone’s part, especially mine. I am however far from perfect.
I said “never” just last week. And I am as convinced today as I was... More about: Nope Not Ever

Over 10 years ago, Scott Simon and the public tv folk did a documentary on "voluntary simplicity", living on only what is necessary, avoiding excess consumption, reducing stress and actually becoming "anti-materialistic." They ran it again on the Documentary Channel this afternoon and it really caught my attention.

Here, in our economic pothole, with a government trying to restore the high debt spending system supported by banks, investment houses, auto manufacturers... More about: Voluntary Simplicity

“Mildly obese” were the words written to describe me. What an awful thing to say, I thought to myself. No – it is not politically incorrect? But how about emotionally damaging? Mentally harmful? Hurtful? Or just plain wrong? Some medical terms should be disallowed no matter how accurate they are. “Mildly obese” is a mean thing to say about another human being. And from a psychologist who was trying to be helpful. I think. Well - Shame on him. Obese – who ever thought of that word... More about: Tell Me Something I Don't Know

On Monday night approximently 60 members and guests of the Berkeley County Democratic Association found their way to Brothers Pizza on Winchester Avenue in Martinsburg to attend their their January mixer and business meeting.

This fine establishment owned and operated by Derek Helman made everyone feel at home, and let me interject this, their menu consisted of much more than Pizza,... More about: UPDATED w/ PICTS: Berkeley County Democratic Association January Mixer

On Saturday, January 24th at approximately 8:30 a.m. breakfast was served for all of the folks who had registered to be part of the "New Producers, New Products Workshop" that was held in the fellowship hall of the Berkeley Springs Presbyterian Church. A delicious and hardy meal of sausage and egg strata and a mixed fruit and oatmeal dish was enjoyed by all compliments of Patti Miller, Owner and Leslie Hotaling food supplier of Panorama at the Peak. Thank you ladies!

At 9:10... More about: New Producers, New Products Workshop Held in Berkeley Springs

On Sunday January 11th, my wife, Linda, and I were driving our Scion over the mountain road that over looks our home. It was 9 a.m. and we were on our way to Church in Oldtown, Maryland. We had gotten no more than a mile up the mountain when the road went from being merely wet to becoming a solid sheet of treacherous ice.

We immediately lost traction and ended up going backwards into a very deep ditch. The passenger side of the car was jammed against the bank, and the driver side tires... More about: Winter Driving Tips

As I considered all the dire financial forecasts that are coming out of Wall Street as well as from our nations capitol, and pondered what impact my diminished retirement account and shrinking equity in my home would have on my future (near and long term), I began to consider what one thing I could do to help assure that this financial downturn, which may go on for an extended period, would have the least impact upon myself and my family.

Do my wife and I look for a second job to bring... More about: It’s winter but spring is coming!

2009 began with a sense of hopefulness and excitement for many Morgan County residents who packed the magistrate court to overflowing to witness the swearing-in of its three new elected officials.

Commissioner Swaim led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance and than one-by-one the three newly elected officials were sworn in.

Stacy Dugan was sworn in as the newest member of the three person County Commission. Vince Shambaugh was sworn in as Morgan County Sheriff and former Sheriff... More about: Swearing-in of Morgan County Elected Officials

This holiday season will be one to remember for the Wise family of Great Cacapon West Virginia who suffered severe damage to their home on Christmas Day by a fire that had it’s origin in or near their chimney.

There was no one at home at the time of the blaze. The call came in by a neighbor across the street at approximately 2:11 p.m. who came outside and saw smoke pouring from the Wise home.

Six alarms were called in with fire companies responding from Great Cacapon, Hancock MD.,... More about: Christmas Day Fire in Great Cacapon

Yesterday I made my way in the slushy winter mix from my home in Great Cacapon to the Fairfax Coffee Shop in Berkeley Springs to gather again with a few other concerned individuals to meet with 51st district Delegate Daryl Cowles.

Our first subject of conversation came from the front page headline of the Morgan Messenger and concerned the sale of Morgan County War Memorial Hospital... More about: Hospital Sale, Economic Outlook Discussed as Part of Discussion with Delegate Cowles