The Ransom of Red Chief self defense plan

This story can be found in my book, “The Majorettes are back in town” Putting aside the current politically correct, social and ethical storm of the bathroom gender issue, we should step back for a moment and realize that from the instant children were invented, mothers have always worried that some type of boogey man…

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Betsy’s charismatic cottage

  After years of fast-paced action raising two boys and operating a large real-estate office with her husband in South Florida, Betsy Adams settled into what has to be, one of the most charming cottages in Fairhope, Alabama.   What started out as a plain, two bedroom house soon became a cozy home that’s just…

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No Privacy!

  Let’s face it. Privacy is dead. Our laundry is being aired whether dirty or not, and we can’t always pin the blame on social media. The last haven of modesty and decorum has slowly eroded to the point that now, even the doctor’s office is a berth of lax security and breech of trust…

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Bye Bye Birdie on the Bluff

Well, Conrad Birdie definitely had the chicks a-screaming on the Fairhope Bluff as Bye Bye Birdie played for three straight nights to huge crowds in Henry George Park.   To top off the stellar performances was the five-star weather we’ve been enjoying here on the Gulf Coast. Picnic blankets and lawn chairs crowded together to…

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Tips for a perfectly proper audience

This story can be found in the book, “The Majorettes are back in town and other things to love about the South.” Well, well, well … what have we here? Could it be a springtime graduation or recital? How about an end-of-the-year awards ceremony? It’s a good thing the Alabama chapter of the Committee for…

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My secret love of . . . gas station food

Forgive me, for I have sinned against the handbook of fancy Southern ladylike behavior. I can’t help myself, but I love sneaking off and eating . . . gas station food.   I’m not referring to the new trend in gas stations where they’ve installed real restaurants with professional chefs. Such places have sprung up…

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Is it still acceptable to give parenting advice?

I could have drastically changed her life for the better in five minutes, but modern, politically correct rules prevented me from interfering, so instead, I kept quiet and helplessly watched as she got the ever-living daylights beat out of her by her four-year old son.   Looking totally clueless to his actions, the mother ignored…

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Yarn bombing in Fairhope!

Now that it’s official, I can let you in on a big surprise . . .   Fairhope is in the direct path of a yarn bomb!   In yet another clever effort to art-you-up-one-side-and-down-the-other, the Eastern Shore Art Center — ESAC, in conjunction with the Committee for Public Art — COPA, will sponsor “Art…

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