Can you Describe This Sizzlin’ First Weekend of Summer in Shady Pines?
Summer Heat Is Here!
How can I explain how hot it feels this first week of summer around here? Dear Readers, all I can say is go from an air-conditioned room to outside, and you feel like you’ve been hit with a furnace blast of hot air.
Not only that, but when you add in the moisture in the air, that humidity factor will make you wilt.
Over at The Shady Pines Gazette news office, editor Zulah Talmadge has made a decision. 
She needs to get out and report on the dangers of summer heat in the South.
“You have to admit this part of the country has all sorts of weather extremes,” says Zulah as she looks for her reporter’s notebook. “I mean we have tornadoes, droughts, fires, and of course we’re smack dab into hurricane season right now. But this kind of heat is a whole other kind of headache!”
Getting The Lowdown from Locals
Zulah heads down Main Street to see what people in Shady Pines Story Town are saying about this toasty start to the summer season.
She figures she’ll start by popping into 
Maggie’s Diner where gosssip is served up right along with that day’s special sandwich.
But before she gets there, Zulah runs into Kim Dunworthy. Mail carrier Kim is coming out of Cup ‘O Joe’s coffee shop.
Clearly she has her hands full.
“Whoa now,” says Kim. “Oh boy!”
“Hey Kim, do you need some help?” asks Zulah.
“Oh, yes Ms. Zulah. That’s very kind of you,” says Kim as she stoops and tries to collect the packages and letters she’s dropped. “I think I got a little ambitious about the number of 
things I could carry at one time.”
Zulah leans down and helps collect the scattered items. “While you’re here Kim, maybe you can help me out.”
“Sure. What do you need?”
How Do You Describe It?
“I’m doing a story about summer heat in the South, ” says Zulah. “You grew up in neighboring River City. What’s your take?”
“I look at summer heat as our very own sweat badge of courage,” says Kim. “We seem to cope with temperatures that would be the undoin’ of most folks. As my momma would say, ‘we handle it gracefully.‘
Zulah chukles as she makes notes in her reporter’s notebook. “That’s great. Thank you Kim. See ya later.”
“See ya Ms. Zulah.”
It’s not enough for Southerners to bravely endure the heat. One thing Zulah knows for sure. They love to talk about it. She decides to do some man – and women – on the street interviews.
“Excuse me ma’am. I’m Zulah Talmadge with The Shady Pines Gazette. When I say summer heat, what comes to mind?”
The stately lady in the flowing dress and wide brimmed hat dabs her face with her hankerchief. “As a Southern woman, I say we don’t sweat. We glisten.”
Zulah nods. “Got it.”
Here are some other reactions Zulah heard.
Expressions That People Use
- It’s hotter than Blue Blazes
- Is it hot enough for ya?
- Man, it’s hot as all get-out!
- It must be 90 in the shade
- This one’s gonna be a sorcher
- You could fry an egg on the sidewalk
How Hot Is It Really?
- It’s so hot the swimming pool is boiling
- It’s so hot the ice cream truck has melted
- It’s like a steam bath out here
- I’m burning slap up
- Could I stick my face in your deep freeze for just a second?
Be Careful In The Heat
After listening to all the colorful ways her neighbors talk about extreme heat, Zulah wants her article to include a reminder. “This kind of extreme heat can be dangerous, especially 
to kids, the elderly and to our pets. 
We really need to take some precautions.”
Zulah finds an article: ‘High temperatures and extreme heat can cause children to become sick very quickly in several ways. It can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat stroke, which is a medical emergency.’
For more information go to: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Protecting-Children-from-Extreme-Heat-Information-for-Parents.aspx
Final Thoughts
Zulah is now back at The Gazette office with loads of information for her article. She’s discovered some important things. 
“It’s amazing how many expressions Southerners can haul out to explain just how dang uncomfortable it really is in our neck of the woods,” says Zulah. “We seem to use humor as a way to deal with extreme situations. At the same time, we need to take dangerous summer heat seriously and watch out for one another.”
And that’s the the most important takeaway of all. No matter what the temperature outside, Kindness and Caring are always cool in the small Southern town of Shady Pines.
He’s in the den of the Sanders’ home on Dogwood Drive across from Copy Cat lane.
“Why do they make such a fuss about Father’s Day?” he wonders out loud. “It’s ridiculous.”
Harold turns the volume down on the TV. “What’s supposed to happen when your children are covered in fur? They’re not going to buy me a lawn mower or a fishing rod.”
room chased by a handsome Australian Shepherd dog. “Halley, you are such a pain. Give me my toy back!”
“I don’t see your name on it, Booo-mer-rang!”
Boomer points at the toy. “Well look at it, will ya!”
girl. But, please, play with your own toys.”
And they love you right back. Look at them.”
Edna joins him on the floor and hugs him. “Yes, and besides that, they may have something for you next Sunday that you’re not expecting.”
“Oh, please tell me it will not be crawling, slithering or flying through the house. You know how our daughter likes to surprise us!”
Scoop the Cub Reporter with The Shady Pines Gazette news is literally running to keep up with events.
It’s the kind of gift that would be welcome all month long.
and leave it for the person who delivers you mail, walks your dog or mows your lawn.
Meanwhile, every horse lover knows to mark their calendar for the first Saturday in May. That’s because it’s time for the Run For The Roses
that $4 million dollar race is all that our Edna Sanders talks about.
They get gussied 
up like the folks do who actually go the the event. Edna says watching the 
fashion choices people make – especially those hats – is part of the fun.
army’s May 5, 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. The day is also known as Battle of Puebla Day.
Kim is planning a dance downtown with tables of food.
If they hit it hard enough, candy pours out.
Mother’s Day
There’s no way to sum up all that mothers do for their children and their families. But it did get us wondering, who came up with the idea for a day devoted to moms?
It became an official U.S. holiday in 1914.
At the Sanders’ household, Harold decided to make Edna a Mother’s Day card. He got their four legged children to help.
things never go as planned. 
It won’t be long. Easter is only days away. 
The good folks in Shady Pines Story Town are all atwitter about this most festive of holidays.
the middle with colorful eggs around it.
And, no, we’re not going to even try to explain The Easter Bunny that shows up in your local Mall. That’s a whole other subject.
are mostly born in the spring. That’s one reason.
the Easter Bunny and the eggs is a goddess. Pretty cool, huh?
go back to the 1600’s. That’s when a rabbit known as Osterhas, begins popping up in literature. His name translates as ‘Easter rabbit.’ As the story goes, the furry critter was said to leave colorful eggs all around for children to find on Easter Sunday. When the first Europeans landed in America, they brought this tradition with them.
Easter Baskets and Containers
and sizes and are decorated to the hilt.
So remember two things before you go on an Easter Egg Hunt, or you dive into a basket full of goodies. You have the Goddess Eostre (Easter) and that rabbit 
Osterhas to thank for giving us an excuse to eat a few more chocolates on Easter Sunday!
very Lamb-like indeed.
The Ides of March. We’ll have more on that later.
What does that mean? Well, during the lunar eclipse the moon will block out the light from the sun for just a bit as it passes by. As that happens the moon will take on a reddish color.
It’s rare that both things occur at the same time. How cool is that?
Next, before you can say, “The Luck Of the Irish,” we’ll be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on Monday the 17th.
There are parades, costumes, good food, dancing and music – the works.
But you’ll have to wait until April to find out which teams finally win and hoist those trophies!
Make sure you visit often and tell your friends about us.
The third Monday in February is now known for one thing – it’s President’s Day! 
The national holiday this year lands on Monday, February 17th.
“That’d be great, Ms. Talmadge. I been looking up all kinds of neat stuff about this holiday. For instance, we can’t go to the bank because it’ll be closed.”
Over at City Hall on Main Street Mayor Beauregard P. Fibbs is lost in thought. “President’s Day,” he says with a sigh. “Zulah wants to talk to me about it. Should I tell her the truth?”
He wondered what it would be like to live in the White House.
The mayor fidgets a bit in his seat. “Well, Zulah. What do you want to know?”
Washington was only six years old he got a hatchet as a gift. He didn’t mean to but he accidentally damaged his father’s cherry tree.
Fibbs nods his head. “Yes. I wanted to make a difference on a very large stage.”
I don’t know how it is where you live 
but everyone in Shady Pines Story Town is seeing red.
secret behind my super-duper kitchen device.
I cook.
You know Harold means well. He likes to tinker with things. When you own the Nuts ‘N Bolts hardware store on Main Street, that’s what you do.
I mumbled, “Oh, for crying in the soup.”
I must tell you there are still times, when, well, we have our little mis-adventures.
ingredients of all.
Oh my goodness dear readers. Will you look at that! Powdery snow swirls in a light wind and drifts down on Main Street in Shady Pines.
This is kinda exciting.
The kids love it though ’cause they get out of school. 
Most of them run outside, plop on down and make snow angels. Some find any little slope so they can go sledding.
As he makes his way to the Sanders’ home on Dogwood drive, Ray sees other pets out for a walk.
Before Ray can ask if Boomer and Halley have winter gear, Edna has an idea.
Ray looks up. “That’s very nice of you.”
Fall is such a wonderful time of year in Shady Pines Story Town. Everywhere you look there’s an explosion of color. And I really like the cooler weather, don’t you?
I’m Scoop the Cub Reporter for The Shady Pines Gazette. Of course, the upcoming U.S. Presidential election is dominating the news. Even our own Boomer and Halley are gearing up for Election Day. We’ll get to that story a bit later.
adventure. And why not?
I can already see for myself that this is one place where children can discover things for themselves. That’s really important. I know I like to find those unexpected, special, moments. 
Do you see the colors of that butterfly next to the pumpkin? Being out on the farm lets you be amazed at Mother Nature. I think this kind of stuff is really cool!
I talked to a dad who told me, “From the second we arrived, my children ran off with smiles, but then, they realized how much work it was to be in a field of pumpkins. Even running took work since the vines were everywhere, waiting to trip little, toddler-sized running feet.”
A lot of kids don’t realize it takes hard work to be a farmer. One young girl I met was getting a little taste of that. Just trying to push a wheelbarrow with a big ‘ole pumpkin was something she hadn’t done 
before.
time for me to take the title back! The other reason I need to pick up some pumpkins is to inspire my mom.
This hurricane season is proving that no one is safe from natural disasters.
First Helene battered homes and businesses, and now Hurricane Milton has left destruction in its wake.
Before she can answer, there’s a piercing cat scream followed by a loud bark coming from the other room.
“I think that’s a great idea,” says Harold. “In the meantime, why don’t we both go by the Community Center today and donate to The Lantern Project?“
We watch homeowners knee derp in mud picking up the pieces.
Whole communities have been wiped out.
We are calling this all- hands-on-deck effort: The Lantern Project. We aim to spread light and love through our efforts and donations to people in need. 
One thing we learned right away is that we need to work with The Red Cross and other big relief organizations.
rushing into these hard hit areas and then getting stuck because of washed out roads.
we’ve got neighbors worried about friends and loved ones who live in some of the affected areas.
Because of that, Mayor Beauregard Fibbs has set up a communications center at City Hall.
Making these connections is proving to be hard to do. Crews are working round the clock to restore power and cell phone service knocked out by the storm.
Their goal is to round up clothes, toys, books and educational materials to be donated to kids in the flood zones who are missing those things right now.
The Lantern Project is another way we express compassion as part of our ongoing Kindness and Caring Campaign.
Here’s a fact that is hard to believe. We are marking Patriot Day 2024. It’s been 23 years since that horrible attack on our country, September 11, 2001. 
But there are many young people and children who weren’t around back then.
Planes were hijacked by bad men and flown into their targets. So many innocent people just going about their daily lives never made it home.
It seemed like a bad movie. It couldn’t be real.
And then we saw so many brave policemen, firemen, and other first responders race in to help others. Many didn’t come back alive. It was all too much to bear.
We would never feel as safe again.
As deep and painful as our wounds were, a sense of brotherhood swept over our nation in a way many of us may have never before seen in our lifetime. Above the black smoke and rubble, America still stood as a country – held together by the spirit of our people.
The thing is, these people woke up that morning just like the rest of us. They did not know what was to be asked of them in the next couple of hours. 
But, when it came time, they got up the courage needed and answered the call.
If you live near any of the
Generally speaking, the first weekend in 
September signals the unofficial end of Summer. Yess-sir-eee. Labor Day on Monday, September 2nd becomes part of a three-day celebration for most folks in Shady Pines Story Town. I bet it’s the same where you live.
A National Holiday qualifies as a really good excuse to throw a party.
celebrate all the wonderful workers in our country who make our day-to-day living just that much better.
Ray’s father is in the Army and right now he’s serving our country overseas. 
Ray and his mom haven’t seen him in a long time. Staff Sergeant Robinson writes to Ray as much as he can.
And don’t forget to be grateful for all the grocery store workers who make sure you have enough of those picnic foods ready when you need them.
Finally, these hard working , underpaid United States workers decided they had to do something to improve their situation. So they joined
demanded better pay, fewer hours, and safer working conditions. 
“plan” on a holiday weekend, Harold arrived home to find a half filled blow up pool, an out of control water 
hose snaking 
Besides Boomerang the Australian Shepherd dog and Halley’s Comet a silver streak of a cat, Edna was waterlogged from the tip of her head to the toes on her feet.
Fortunately, this time the wooden table in the backyard is set for a picnic. Edna is humming as she brings out a pitcher of lemonade from the kitchen. Boomer dogs her heels and Halley tries her best to sneak up on a bird.
It’s the biggest mystery anyone can remember and a whole lot of people are talking.
The first day of the new school year is fast approaching. Soon, big yellow buses will start rolling. Kids and their parents have been buying new clothes, backpacks and supplies.
The heating system was upgraded, classroom walls were painted, a few water pipes needed to be repaired and some student desks were replaced.
The mayor shakes his head. “Well, I’ll be. What we have here is that little ‘ole game of telephone.”
Tropical Storm Debby is finally outta here. Her
visit to Shady Pines Story Town dumped over fifteen inches of rain in some places! Why that’s enough to fill buckets.
Their memories of those days without a home are as dark as the clouds outside.
“Hey, Boomer buddy. We need some exercise. What do you say we take a walk?”
Edna hands Boomer’s leash to Harold. “Be careful. Watch out for deep puddles.”
“Come on down girl. I’m putting these in your bowl. Here you go Boom.”
“I thought you might like a sweet treat after your adventure in the rain.”
Another wonderful example that kindness and caring goes a long way even on a rainy afternoon in the small Southern town of Shady Pines.
But the folks who forecast the weather say Hurricane Debby is hitting Florida big time. Soon it will head up the East Coast.
at the pictures on the news, it won’t be long before our small Southern town will be dealing with a whole lot of rain and wind.
“It seems like Debby is a gal we need to take seriously.”
says Halley
But on a day like this, she wants to be extra sure.
It’s on! Every four years the world comes together to see incredible sports competition. This year the 2024 summer
Olympics are in Paris, France.
Learning to be a good sport is having an impact even as far away as the small Southern town of Shady Pines.
“Mom sounds like it’s important.”
“Look at the American gymnast, Harold! His name is Frederick Richard.”
Harold and Edna cheer as other members of the USA team perform.
Edna is teary. “Each man gave it their all.”
Isn’t the bronze medal third place?”
Chattering customers and clinking glasses fill the ar in Nuts ‘N Bolts Hardware. 
An old fashioned soda fountain sits smack dab in the middle of the downtown store.
“Seems like when people watch the news or go on the internet they get so riled up.”
It’s here! The actual start of summer has arrived. But for many folks in Shady Pines Story Town it’s felt like summer for awhile. Temperatures this June heading into July have been soaring into the high 90’s. The air often feels like it’s 100 degrees or more.
woods,” says Zulah.
A father is so very important in the lives of his children – even if his children have four legs!
sister act. Boomerang had grown up out west on a ranch where his herding instincts made him a natural for rounding up cattle.
The family left her in the car for just a minute to go inside a restaurant to get lunch. They left the windows down a bit so their favorite feline would have enough air.
Instinct took over and the silver streak was out the window and gone. You guessed it. She found herself lost in Shady Pines.
to help your kids make their own Father’s Day gifts we found a site for you 
good. Boomer and I will get us some.”
Boomer barks. “Hey, watch where you’re going!”
Edna agrees. “Look around. Hot chocolate, chocolate eggs and bunnies, jelly beans, candy. No wonder the kids are hyper.”
Before you can say, “hop to it,” the children arrive at the starting point giggling and laughing. They carry baskets and buckets and are ready to go.
“Halley, I bet I find more stuff than you do,” yells Boomer.
“Well, there was nearly a fight over a big chocolate bunny. Oh, and our favorite cattle herding dog had no trouble rounding up some wayward boys.”
It’s that time people! 
Halloween in Shady Pines is a big deal. Around our small Southern town folks get gussied up in costumes. 
Oh, No! Look at the time. I’ve got to get back to the Gazette office. My editor, Zulah Talmadge, is probably wondering why I’ve been gone so long. But this is just so darn much fun. Hope you’ve enjoyed it!
The curtains billow gently from the open windows in the Sanders house on Dogwood Drive this morning.
She hesitates for a moment. “Maybe I should put on my swim suit. No, I’ll just change into some shorts and a tee-shirt.”
garden with its different kinds of roses.
snakes through the air like a crazy, whirly, swirly, out of control object.
It’s late afternoon now and the shadows in the backyard grow longer. Finally, a cooling breeze causes the wind chime made of spoons to sing.
Harold reaches way up to the top cabinet and brings down a container of cut glass. “What about this one? It should look great with sunlight bouncing off it.”
Harold sees Boomer looking up and sniffing at the flowers on the kitchen counter. Halley has jumped up on her window seat and is licking her paws. Harold smiles. “I think I can manage, dear.”
“What’s a Mother’s Day?” asks Boomer.
In minutes the kitchen table is covered with thick paper in a variety of colors, coloring pens, scissors, glue – the works. Boomer crawls under the table and chews his bone. Halley grabs Mr. Squeaky toy with her teeth, throws it up into the air and chases after it.
Harold looks around the room. “We need to add things to the card that will be meaningful to Edna. The flowers! They’re perfect.” Harold takes out his phone and snaps a picture.
Before he can finish the sentence, Halley sees a bird perched in the tree right outside the open window. In a flash, she leaps off the table sending papers and pens high up in the air. Before they can hit the floor, Boomer is charging after Halley, running and dodging the flying objects.
Harold picks up the pink card and turns it around to show his wife the message. “We were trying to surprise you with a Mother’s Day card.”
A new month is nearly here. And in Shady Pines Story Town that means new opportunities for fun and kindness. Some May Day traditions date back hundreds – even thousands – of years.
Either way, the maypole itself is supposed to be a delightful reminder that the cold days of winter are
behind us and spring has sprung. This tradition is also about celebrating the love of friends, family and community.
And there’ll be musicians playing folk music.
and dashing away before they get discovered. 
But the truth may be the opposite. A small 
The level of activity has certainly picked up this week. Before you know it, Easter will be here.
guys look for new shirts and ties to spruce up their looks; and kids search for new oufits along with goodies to fill their Easter baskets.” 
Easter he sits with the kids to tell them about the Legend of the Easter bunny.
Well children, it turns out the exact beginings of the Easter Bunny legend is not easy to pin down.
It won’t be long now and the excitement is building. The Shady Pines Community Center will soon hold it’s annual 
and makes a beeline to the refrigerator. “What do we all like, dear?”
Boomer tilts his head. “You don’t know, do you?”
take weeks or even months to arrive. 
His teacher called him “addled,” which means slow or dim. 
That’s right. They didn’t think he was very smart. Edison’s mother was frustrated with the school.
the Grand Trunk Herald.
Some of his other best known inventions include the phonograph (which recorded sounds and played them back) and the movie camera. That’s right. Every time you watch a movie you now know who made that possible.
Just days ahead of Martin Luther King Day this year, Boston unveiled a new statue. 
about the civil rights leader’s connection to Boston?
“I Have A Dream”
President Ronald Reagan signed Martin Luther King Day, into law, making it a federal holiday.
With all the angry political divide in our country right now, Martin Luther King Day comes just at the right time, don’t you think? His peaceful approach to intolerance was not only the right way to encourage change, it actually worked!
Dreams are the wings that let us soar through life. And this year, 
hopes that a dream would give them advice, comfort, or healing. How about that?
I get lost in my thoughts sometimes. But you should know that a lot of folks get some really good and creative ideas while they’re daydreaming. So don’t knock it!
A long time ago in 1865, a man dreamed up the idea of a little girl falling into a magical land and having all sorts of adventures with the characters she found there.
in an amazing way in this children’s tale. Not only that, but it has become one of the most beloved and enduring children’s stories of all time.
Here’s another example. In 1925 a man turned a mouse into an empire.
Hey look! We’ve got a new year upon us and that means new opportunities for the good folks of Shady Pines Story Town. What do you want to happen in 2023?
Ask questions to help you find out what’s most important to to your kids. Some examples:
And here’s something else you can try. Write thank you notes. Yep, one expert said they wrote to all the people that had helped them this year. It made that person feel good. And it helped the person sending the note to feel gratitude heading into a new year. 
Oh, boy, the big day will be here before we know it!
The countdown to Christmas is on here in Shady Pines Story Town. Have you seen the advent calendars? They’re popping up everywhere.
Now that Thanksgiving is in our rear view mirror the holiday season is in full gear. 
It has been seen by Christians around the world as a way to get ready for the coming 
These days, most Advent Calendars have numbered paper doors or pockets that open to reveal an image, chocolate or other small object. Some of the folks here in Shady Pines will hide messages of kindness, caring and love behind those colorful doors.
For instance, a long time ago you might have seen a really old fashioned calendar that looks like your great, great, grandmother might have made it. 
These holiday calendars are fun. And just like the spiritual theme of the season, they offer anticipation, and the joy of discovery.
Do you know what we should all be doing this Friday, November 11th? I’ll give you a hint. That’s Veterans Day. We need to say thank you to the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of this country. 
How Veterans Day Started
Any chance we get, we should recognize them for their service.
I don’t know about you, but most people confuse Veterans Day and
gone.
This can’t be possible. It seems like Labor Day was just yesterday.
football is once again on TV, and warm clothing is popping up on racks everywhere you look.
So what does all of this mean?
Fall and Autumn are the same season! Autumn is just the formal way of saying it. Fall is when the weather starts getting cooler, the leaves change and some animals search for food to store up for Winter.
the hoizon as it does below. On that day (September 22) the sunrise and sunset are about 12 hours apart everywhere on the earth. The daylight hours are just a smidge longer.
For many Shady Pines families it’s become a tradition to take the children out to pick pumpkins and apples this time of year.
We mentioned clothing earlier. If your wardrobe could use a little fall overhaul this is the time to do it. Sweater weather is on its way. 
With each new season comes another chance to think about ways to be kind to our family members, neighbors and friends. Of course, that shouldn’t be just a Fall thing. Here in Shady Pines we try to make it an everyday thing! Happy Fall y’all!!!
This is so exciting! Folks in Shady Pines are all a twitter about what’s going on in the skies above our town this week and even waaaay beyond that.
much of the matter of our bodies was created within the stars a really long time ago.
male deer, or bucks, are in full-growth mode during this time. According to 
Whatever you choose to call it, just remember to look up tomorrow night after sunset.
for is brewing off the coast.
Those rains are already soaking the coastal regions in the South.
track this storm system closely to make sure they can still go ahead with everything that’s supposed to happen on Monday.
straight lines as they form teams. 
We’re all about that in Shady Pines.
of those booming explosions. Our small animals get scared, shiver with fear and look everywhere for a place to hide. If you know your neighbors have pets who respond negatively to fireworks, please be respectful.
Bottom line, in Shady Pines no matter what the weather or the holiday 
moms, dads, family members and friends are just tickled pink to see them perform on the stage at the Shady Pines Community Center next door to the school.
Next is the actual graduation ceremony. You’ve never seen so many cameras and phones fly out of purses and pockets. This is an event that a family wants to preserve for all time. And don’t the kids look cute in their caps and gowns? It was a fairly small graduation class this year but there was nothing small about the joyous celebration.
You really know it’s spring in Shady Pines Story Town when the first day of May rolls around.
In fact, it’s such a big deal our mayor, Beauregard P. Fibbs, is declaring 
A group gathering is welcome news after folks around here had to spend so much time apart because of the pandemic. Now the small Southern town can kick up its heels at a party or kick back and smell those bright, wonderful, spring flowers.
We’ll have all sorts of flavors available like chocolate, strawberry and vanilla, plus rocky road, pepermint, and so much more. After that, we’ll dance around the 
maypole.”
Thursday the 5th. Can you guess what it is? That’s right! Kim is organizing a Cinco De Mayo party. Kim grew up in nearby River City just over the McCaw River, but one of her best friends is from Mexico.
They’re in black and white ’cause she lived a long time ago. Her name was Sonora Smart Dodd. She was born in Sebastian County in Arkansas in 1892. Her mother, 
in raising her and her and her brothers.
plan into place ran into some difficulties. So the first Father’s Day celebration was pushed back to Sunday, June 19, 1910.
celebration in 1916. President Calvin Coolidge chimed in with his support in 1924, as well.
Sonora Dodd died in 1978 at the age of 96. The mother-of-one was remembered as a children’s book author, sculptor, and a business owner. Her gravestone reads, ‘Founder of Father’s Day.’
There are some important days ahead for our country. A national holiday tomorrow and by mid week, Joe Biden will be sworn in as the 46th president of the 
United States. Normally, this is a really cool event. For a lot of reasons, it’s going to be different. On Wednesday when the swearing in ceremony takes place, President Elect Biden will take the oath of office on the same steps of the Capitol where an angry mob rioted just a short time ago.
The calendar reads January 6th. You know what that means? It’s Sherlock Holmes’ birthday! He may be a crime fighting character out of books from a long time ago. But, through movies and television dramas people all over the world still follow this famous detective as he travels around London, England solving mysteries. In fact, Sherlock Holmes has a real fan living in Shady Pines Story Town.
Edna stares at the page. “Oh, golly. Oh, boy. This is great!” She claps her hands for joy. Edna is really excited. She’d forgotten what day it is. 
Her favorite detective of all time was born on Januray 6, 1861. Everyone knows how much Edna loves these stories. Why, one of her best friends just sent her a book for Christmas called, The Adventures of Sherlcok Holmes.
“Let me get your chew bone Boomer, and Halley I’ll get you some tuna. Then, I’ll tell you all about him and his famous partner, Dr. Watson. He was a retired army officer, don’t you know.”
He’s also known for that tweed hat he wears, the pipe he smokes and the magnifying glass he uses to look for clues.”
Oh, boy, the big day will be here soon. The countdown is on for Christmas and advent calendars are popping up everywhere. 
I want you to know about two events that are happening at the same time. You really should be paying attention to both. 
Zulah Talmage with you from The Shady Pines Gazette news team. On the one hand, our nation is still waiting to hear the results of the 2020 presidential election. Unlike other elections, this one is taking a long time.
great? Here’s another one: “In a world where you can be anything, Be Kind.”
In a city filled with celebrities, Kobe Bryant managed to stand out.
That’s why it was even more painful to learn that the daughter who loved playing basketball and being coached by her famous father, died alongside him on their way to a game.
Attach Action to the Resolutions
mixed together, taken a sip of water, and is settling in for a nap.
“Well,” says Edna, “I’m thinking agility classes for Boomer and walking on a leash classes for Halley. She still doesn’t have the hang of it yet.”
“Hey, watch out!” says Harold.
“Hey, where do you want me to put these?” One of the volunteers helping to decorate carries an armload of ornament boxes. The fragile, colorful balls will decorate the Center’s Christmas tree later on. The trouble is, right now, he can barely see above the top box and shuffles right towards the tree. Before anyone can yell, “Look out,” the man bumps right into the tree. Swaying uncontrollably on its stand, rocking from one side to the other, the tree lurches to the right before toppling to the floor. The boxes fly across the room, crashing to the earth in an almost musical tinkling of breaking ornaments.
One of the smaller boys, clutching his pine cone, tugs on Harold’s tool belt. “I want to put mine 
up high,” he says, and soon the adults are lifting the smallest children up on their shoulders so they can tie their pine cones to the tallest branches. Old and young alike smile and help one another.
I just found out that there is an art project you have to see to believe. I’ll give you a hint. This is one doggone good assignment for me. I’m heading over to our local author, Mary Jane McKittrick’s, house right now. Seems Mary Jane has a friend with some artwork that might just unleash a whole new trend. Have you guessed what it is yet?
Here’s Mary Jane’s friend, Jan Maresh Saunders, with the artist herself – Polly the dog!
Yep, we’ll be able to see a “Blood Moon”on Tuesday, March 3rd from 3:44am – 9:23 am EST. You know Editor, Zulah Talmadge from The Shady Pines Gazette is all over that news.
Scoop smiles like he has a secret to share. “You know it’s called the “Worm Moon,” too.
Oh good. You’re just in time. Dear reader, you may not know it, but Presidents Day in Shady Pines Story Town is not just another federal holiday. No, NO! Monday February 16th is a day of celebration around here.
It’s a chance to shed light on the qualities that make our community strong.
“Well, says Scoop, when we talk about good character there’s a story about him that may or may not be true, but the lesson is a good one.”
Scoop lights up. “Cool. Abraham Lincoln was
By doing that, he introduced the idea of term limits. Isn’t that something we talk about even today?”
darkest periods in our history. Our country was badly divided. North versus South.”
“Think about this. One of the most moving speeches ever delivered took place on the site of one of those battlefields. Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg address includes one of the most important notions about our country ever stated:
“It’s too cold out there for someone who may have lost power. No electricity means no heat. They’ll need a warm place to stay,” she says. “I remember when that happened to me a few years ago. I was shivering and scared. I don’t want anyone else to go throught that.”
Kim Dunworthy won’t let the weather stop her from delivering the mail. “You just have to find a way to get the job done,” she says.
Boomerang and Halley’s Comet help their mom Edna hand out mugs of hot chocolate to our neighbor friends who are out helping others.
“Hurry up Halley,” shouts Boomer. “Right behind you,” hisses the silver streak of a cat.”You don’t need to yell.”
The amount of stress most people are feeling these days is hard to put into words.
All ages are feeling it. Even some of our younger neighbors here in Shady Pines Story Town are troubled by the images they see on TV and other electronic devices.
Edna places a plate with four cookies in front of Ray along with a tall glass of milk. She lifts Halley to the floor and sits next to her visitor. “What did you want to talk about?”
Ray looks confused. “Like what?”
I don’t know what January is like where you live dear reader, but here in Shady Pines Story Town this first month of the year can be really cold. Sometimes we even get snow.
You need a bright outfit and a buddy to find a palyful activity to keep you busy.
He lived in the South. Back then, he saw that Black (Colored) people did not have the same rights as White people. 
King led peaceful marches and nonviolent protests chanting, “We Shall Overcome.”
That one-of-a-kind document says that all people in this country have the same rights no matter the color of their hair, skin, religion, age, disability or nationality.
Dr.King
Welcome dear readers and thank you for visiting Shady Pines Story Town. Can you hear it?
As her list gets longer, Boomerang paddles into the kitchen and lays his handsome head on her lap.
“Pipe down Halley,” growls Boomer. “Mom and I are having a moment.”
Boomer crunches his bone then looks up.” Yeah, that was nice of them. I got the stuff that was hidden down low and you found the goodies up top.”
that often reminds me to reach out when someone is sick, or in the hospital. Sometimes just sending a card of some flowers can make their day.”
We see it coming. There’s always a countown as another year comes to an end. What’s the old saying dear reader? “Time Waits For No Man.” It doesn’t wait for any of us – man, woman or child.
Let’s face it. Most of us begin each morning thinking about what we ‘Have to Do.” I bet you do, too.
One person did something kind and other people saw that and wanted to do the same sort of thing.