When I was young, I never gave a single thought about being a Redwood Tree or Giant Sequoia. I was happy being a run-of-the-mill shrub.

Martin Dies, fire- breathing founder of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), came out of retirement on Apr. 26, 1952 to run for Texas’ new at-large congressional seat.

I’m trying hard to remember. What was so dad-gum funny about that?”— Me.

Learning his commander-in-chief had decided to stand and fight, an insubordinate captain rejoined the Texas Army on Apr. 17, 1836 in time for the Battle of San Jacinto.

Ican’t imagine anything in the past or in the future being as memorable and awe-inspiring as the 2024 Great American Eclipse that recently passed right over Texas. Since both of my parents were teachers, we had the whole summer off together to do whatever we wanted to do, which always included spending time in Colorado.

“Remember the good times? When phones were dumb, and people were smart?” — Spotted on a tee shirt. Worn by someone using a smart phone.

Under the fading light of day, I witnessed a scene that tugged at my heartstrings. A young man, barely out of his teens, stood at the edge of life’s crossroads.

The only F5 tornado ever to touch down in the northernmost part of the Lone Star State tore through the Texas Panhandle on Apr. 9, 1947 leaving death and destruction in its 100-mile-long wake.

Most mornings for me are about the same. Get up around 5:30 because the dog wants to get up. Take her outside so she can “take care of her business.” Bring her back inside to eat. Then take her back outside so she can take care of any undone business.

“Go on to Mount Pleasant. They’ve got a long, wide runway up there.” — Center Airport Manager Bill Neve’s advice after I reported instrument issues with my airplane.