As we age, we notice our bodies and minds may not be as quick as they once were. Luckily for humans, we can voice problems and pains and seek the medical attention we need; our dogs are not so lucky.

New books just keep arriving here at Rhoads Memorial Library and we are processing them as fast as we can, so our patrons have up-to-date choices for checkout. Among the newly released books are those written by favorite authors of our patrons: -'Captive' (an Eve Duncan novel) by Iris Johansen; -'Robert B. Parker's Fallout (a Jesse Stone novel) by Mike Lupica; -'Desperation in Death' (an Eve Dallas novel) by J.D. Robb; -'Hell and Back' (a Longmire mystery) by Craig Johnson.

As some are aware, the grocery inserts are disappearing in newspapers and customers are being forced online to retrieve any savings on their shopping. This is happening at community newspapers across the Texas Panhandle and state.

Many male friends tell me, “I am losing my hair. What can I do about it?” I suggest they do what I did… get rid of your mirror.

Across the state, Texans are keeping a closer eye on their government. They’re asking questions and demanding information.

As I get older, I try to learn something every day. That’s not always possible, because some days I just watch reruns.

Here’s a terrific question from Justin: “Why do a girl’s clothes cost more than a boy’s clothes?” Justin, I’m guessing that since the beginning of time, women simply required more threads. When a man buys clothes, he chooses underwear, shirt, pants, socks, and shoes.

As Texas school children return to the classroom this fall, their teachers are there to welcome them back, support their academic growth, and spark a love for learning. Texas teachers are the heart and soul of our state’s public schools, and in recent years we have faced unprecedented challenges in recruiting and retaining teachers.

The student loan forgiveness idea continues to be on the forefront, with people on both sides battling. Biden has renewed the pandemic- related pause on student loan payments (started during the Trump administration) three times during his presidency, and calls to issue blanket loan forgiveness grow louder.

My friend Judy asks, “If money doesn’t grow on trees, then why do banks have branches?” This is such a good question, I consulted two experts: a friend who owes his bank money, and another guy whose desk faces an ATM machine. Here’s what they told me.