Columns/Opinions

Given the tremendous number of species of living things on Earth (about 2 million have been identified and scientists believe there are many more millions not yet discovered), it may seem surprising that all life can be grouped into only five categories, called Kingdoms. These five Kingdoms are Monera, Protista, Plantae, Fungi and Animalia.

Before I proceed, I should warn the readers that I am certainly not a professional biologist and the discussion here is decidedly the simplified, amateur version of the organization of life. And the five-Kingdom system described here is not the only organization system that has been and is used by some experts.

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The rain came again Sunday leaving different amounts around the Bend and today (Monday) it came a nice shower across the river, but nothing on the San Saba side. It was reported that Lampasas had lots of lightening and thunder along with quite a bit of rain Monday morning.

Guess everyoneis getting ready to celebrate the Fourth of July, which is next week. It has been noted that there is a number of Firework stands already set up and open. There should be no danger of fires, because of all the rain and the grass and weeds are green, but caution should be taken while setting off fireworks. Make plans to attend the fireworks that many of the towns around will be having and have a safe Fourth. Just think of all the money you will save by enjoying the area fireworks! Be safe and enjoy the Fourth.

The weather people have missed their mark several times this week. The storm passed us by and went on toward Lampasas, Kempner, Cove and Killeen. Lots of damage was done as it went east of us. No reports of anyone being injured or killed, which was a blessing. Many homes were severely damaged!

Jane Clark reported on all the events that took place over this past weekend. Her home was a beehive of activity. Sunday, a big celebration for numerous occasions was held. Birthday celebration and Father’s Day for William, an anniversary celebration for Frank and Marsha Norris, and a graduation party was held for Eli Clark.

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A retired school superintendent--weary of the sameness of approaching his job in the traditional manner--dreamed of serving in an unlikely place.

The school was in a swamp long since drained, and locals said alligators hadn’t been seen there in years.

During his professional years, the dreamer said he took on challenges daily, hoping to prevail most of the time. He claimed never worrying about being swallowed by a whale. It crossed his mind, however, that odds were 50-50 that he might be nibbled to death by a thousand minnows…

Then there’s Dr. Susan K. Bohn, an energetic leader with training and experience to give both tradition and innovation their due. She recently completed her first year as Aledo, TX ISD Superintendent. Dr. Bohn seems fearless, and upon “signing on” last year, she recognized the dynamism and potential of a community. She believed her mantra of “getting better” would be embraced in Aledo.

I have written before about the more common Hill Country trees and shrubs. Here are some that are not rare, but certainly not very common either.

• Carolina Basswoood, or Linden tree (Tilia caroliniana) can be a rather large tree of rich, deep moist soils. It is fairly common throughout the whole eastern half of the U.S., into east Texas. Surprisingly, it also occurs as an uncommon tree in the Hill Country. It has large round to heart-shaped leaves with an asymmetrical base, a pointed tip and toothed margins, and is sometimes confused with mulberries. Its blooms, however, are quite unique clusters hanging down from leaf-like bracts underneath small branches and maturing into 1/4 inch fruits in the fall.

It seems we are going straight into summer fairly quickly with some reports of the high 80’s and into the 90’s. Still have some chances of rain around the middle of this week. The wind has just about dried up all the standing water, so another rain will be welcome.

Speaking of rain, the rodeo ground was one of the muddiest places around last Friday night. Lot of the people that had signed up for some of the events were a no show, but the clown did put on a good show and the kids riding the sheep was a fun event. The only thing that was not very nice was the women’s bathroom---no light bulb and no toilet tissue. You would think the people who were responsible for the event would have checked on that little detail! There is always next year.

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It’s summer time! The days are long and there is plenty of sunshine. It’s a great time of year to get outside and get moving with activities you enjoy, especially with your family!

“For youth and adults participating in physical activity like hiking, swimming, or various sports, healthy eating is essential for optimizing performance. Combining good nutrition and physical activity can lead to a healthier lifestyle,” says Texas A&M AgriLife Extension agent Kailey Miller. Use these tips from the United States Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate website (www.choosemyplyate.gov) to combine good nutrition and physical activity to make the most of your summer!

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I get anxious, as I might have mentioned.

While I don’t think it’s anything requiring medication, fortunately, I became aware at middle-age that I have always had a sort of “hum” of anxiety going on in the background. I usually only notice it when it stops—like when the refrigerator has been running nonstop and you only notice when it falls silent.

Anxiety has not always been my enemy. I am almost never late. I never miss a deadline. I lie in bed and obsess about everything I’ve written to everyone so I don’t make a lot of careless mistakes. None of this is especially bad.

I suspect my anxiety was pretty darned useful when my ancestors were living on the savanna, watching out for saber-toothed tigers. My ancestor would have been that hyper-vigilant one, sitting on the edge of the campfire, thinking to herself, “Is that a tiger or just a shadow?”

Dear Editor and fellow Texans:

As we enjoy the blessings of family and friends this Memorial Day, let us all take a moment to recollect the reason for this day. Today, we honor the men and women who sacrificed their lives, so that we may enjoy the freedoms we hold so dear.

I ask you to unite with family and friends in a national moment of remembrance at 3:00 p.m. to reflect on the sacrifices made in defense of our values and to remember our servicemembers lost in service to our nation.

For over 150 years, Memorial Day has been a national holiday honoring those who died in service to our nation. Let us remember our history and see our present, so that the thousands of Americans who have served and lost their lives to war, from days past to present, will not be forgotten.

It was the evening of February 2, 1943, and the U.S.A.T. Dorchester was crowded to capacity, carrying 902 service men, merchant seamen and civilian workers. Once a luxury coastal liner, the 5,649-ton vessel had been converted into an Army transport ship. The Dorchester, one of three ships in the SG-19 convoy, was moving steadily across the icy waters from Newfoundland toward an American base in Greenland. SG-19 was escorted by Coast Guard Cutters Tampa, Escanaba and Comanche.

Hans J. Danielsen, the ship's captain, was concerned and cautious. Earlier the Tampa had detected a submarine with its sonar. Danielsen knew he was in dangerous waters even before he got the alarming information. German U-boats were constantly prowling these vital sea lanes, and several ships had already been blasted and sunk.