Summer, Fishing, Gardening. Let’s Make This World a Better Place

August 7, 2019 Leave a comment


I absolutely love summer! I only wish it would slow down. It’s not that I don’t like fall. It’s more that I dread winter. I remember last winter! It makes me shudder to think about.

What has everyone done this summer? We have taken the boat out several times to go fishing. I wish we could brag about the number of fish we have caught, or even “the one that got away”, but I don’t have one single fish to brag about. Unless catching a small blue gill is bragging rights! I hope we catch a keeper before summer is over! But, what I enjoy most is the time Jeff and I spend together. When we aren’t catching fish, we spend the time talking, laughing, sharing memories of the past and making more memories for the future.

We recently celebrated our 23rd anniversary. We have been together 25 years. As with any married couple, we have had our ups and downs. We have always gotten through the hard times together. We support each other, stand by each other, and always love each other.

We went away for a few days to a cabin. I have discovered with time, and with age, gifts to each other for an anniversary aren’t important. Time spent together is the greatest gift of all. We made some good memories during those few days together, enjoying peace and quiet. It is nice to get away from life sometimes and relax. Everyone needs some time away.

I have also learned that every day is a blessing. When we are both home in the evenings, after a busy day, we sit on the patio, weather permitting, and talk about whatever comes up!

We have also been very busy this summer with our enormous garden. It definitely is keeping us hopping! We share our garden veggies with others, which is why we made it larger. We have our own farmers market here at our house on Main Street. The cucumbers keep growing! Tomatoes are taking off now and as I type this, I am thinking I should be in the garden! I will tend to it shortly. I am going to cook eggplant for lunch! I love all the garden goodies. I do believe there is nothing better than homegrown vegetables. They are so tasty!

Enjoy the rest of your summer. We are planning on more fishing trips and hope we finally catch some fish so we can have a fish fry with some friends! We are also hoping for another getaway before the snow flies. If that doesn’t work out, we can always change the date to spring.

Take care. Share a smile with someone. Lend a helping hand to others. There is enough hate in the world we live in. It is up to us to make a difference. I know we can do it if we work together!

Just a few of the garden veggies we have picked this year. Photo Credit, Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

 

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Election is in Just Five Days!

November 1, 2018 Leave a comment


I would like to start my column by reminding everyone to vote! Also, for the citizens of Oakland, remember, there is a debate tonight with the candidates for the Mayor and the candidates for the Oakland-Craig School Board. The debate begins at 6:30 p.m. at the gymnasium in the new school. This is your chance to learn about the candidates, where they stand on issues, why they are running for their respective offices and also for them to answer questions from those in attendance.

I strongly encourage everyone to attend. I have always believed in getting the facts about those running for office before making a decision on whom to vote for. I don’t vote for someone just because I know them or like them. People often are different once they are elected to an office than who they are personally. I am also one that doesn’t like vague responses to questions. I want exact answers. To me, if someone is being vague, they are hiding something. I lose trust for those type of people quickly.

There is another item on the ballot that concerns Oakland citizens greatly. Do you want the sales tax in Oakland raised 1/2%? I will vote no for this. Why? Because as I just mentioned in the last paragraph, vague answers as to what the money will be used for. Do we need an auditorium? Maybe. But, bottom line to me is, do we want the library moved to a new building, possibly the upstairs of the auditorium? Or, more recently, the rumor has been going around town that the library could be moved to the Police Department building. As I said, rumor. Nobody is being clear on the future of the library. I will say, I have been in the Police Department, and that is not, in my opinion, a good fit for the library. Size is a concern to me. Keep in mind, the library purchased the vacant lot next to them to add on to the library. I am all for that happening!

I agree the city could use more money. Budgets are difficult to do. I am personally aware of that. But, definite answers are what I need to hear before I will vote for a sales tax increase. Maybe there are other ways to come up with the money? I have looked at the budget sheets for the last several years and this year. I wish everyone would. Then maybe you would see where your money is going. I am sure after looking over the budgets, you would have some serious concerns. I know I do.

Remember, every one of us has freedom of speech. I personally don’t care if you have a sign in your yard indicating who you favor in the election. You have every right to say who your candidate is, who you will vote for and yes, put the sign in your yard if you so choose. Nobody should treat anyone differently because of who they are supporting in an election. And, you should never fear backlash for doing so.

Let’s be kind.

Go to the debate.

Go to the polls.

Vote.

Whoever is elected, we want the best for the community and the school.

Wednesday, the 7th, we move forward.

 

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Never Fear Speaking Your Opinion!

August 13, 2018 Leave a comment


I tend to speak my mind. Tactfully, not angrily. I believe everyone should do so. Nobody is alike, thus nobody has the exact same thoughts or opinions.

I want to hear what others have to say, even if I don’t agree with them. I believe hearing another person’s point of view could possibly sway my way of thinking, or at least help me to understand why they think the way they do.

As of late, many people are unwilling to hear what other individuals have to say. I have actually had people swear at me when I share my point of view, especially politically. Or, I am called some very choice names that I would never repeat! I am not intimidated though. I still share my own opinion. It is mine! I have the constitutional right to voice it, and I will continue to do so. I base my opinions on facts. Those that have called me names have never counteracted with facts, just awful insults. I have had some fun political banter with some friends. We don’t agree on things, but we don’t throw hate either. We are adults and act as such. We respect each other and always conclude the conversation with just that, respect.

In other circumstances that I have mentioned, respect is non-existent. But, throwing hate is at an all-time high! People are quick to throw hate on social media. But, would they do the same if we were face-to-face? I highly doubt it. Social media has allowed people with no backbone to type their hate to whomever they choose. I never take anything on social media seriously. I put it in perspective, knowing that a keyboard is their courage. Without it, they would be left to use their knowledge of right and wrong, and would know better. At least I hope so. I won’t count on it though!

In conclusion, never fear those throwing hate. That shows their true character, not yours. Never stop speaking up! If you don’t, nothing changes!

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The Bugs and Beauty of the Seasons: Always Be Humble and Kind

September 23, 2016 Leave a comment


By Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub

It is hard to believe it is fall. It is hot and very humid out!

Normally, I enjoy the heat, but not today. I have to admit, I am tired of it.

This summer has been very hot, more than usual. I want it a bit cooler so I can enjoy being outside.

The other problem is the all of the bugs. We spray our yard for mosquitos but haven’t lately because it keeps raining and washing it off. So, the mosquitos come back bringing the little black bugs I call laundry bugs.

I enjoy hanging laundry on the line. But, with the arrival of the laundry bugs, there are some things I can’t hang out, especially anything very light colored or white.

And, the worst part of them is, they may be little, but their bite hurts!

I wanted to have a cup of coffee outside this morning. I was outside two minutes at the most and had to come in! They were eating me up!

I may go out again later and I am bringing bug spray with me!

I will never let bugs dampen my appreciation of nature.

We have two hummingbird feeders in our yard. We love sitting outside and watching them fly in to eat! They are truly amazing!

They can even fly backwards!

I enjoy the different colors of each one. They are so beautiful!

The other evening, one flew by us to go to the feeder. What he didn’t know is another hummingbird was hiding in the bush in our front yard. He swooped at the one on the feeder and chased him off.

He then flew back to the bush and waited for him to come back.

I think there are hummingbirds that are bullies too! It is interesting to watch them!

Enjoy the beauty of nature and the changing of the seasons. Take it all in! It is a blessing!

Lastly, I would like to ask everyone to be kind to each other. Everyone has their opinions. You may not agree with another’s opinion, but remember, they are entitled to it just as much as you are.

As Tim McGraw says: Always be humble and kind.

Have a wonderful weekend and God Bless.

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