By Paula Mitchell
The English language is certainly difficult. Imagine what it would be like to not speak the language well, and to try to learn it. Take for instance the complicated matter of the following:
•The bandage was wound around the wound.
•The farm was used to produce produce.
•The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
•We must polish the Polish furniture.
•He could lead if he would get the lead out.
•The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
•Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
•A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
•When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
•I did not object to the object.
•The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
•There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
•They were too close to the door to close it.
Well, how did my readers fair with this small exercise? Quite challenging the writer dare says.
To add to this are some very interesting words: bamboozled, flabbergasted, discombobulated, shenanigans, cattywampus, lollygag, malarky, kerfuffle, brouhaha, nincompoop, skedaddle and pumpernickel.
Quite challenging the writer dare says. No doubt those speaking English as their second language would have quite a difficult time; so bare with them.
Life’s little instructions include the following:
1. Share garden produce.
2. Express gratitude to others.
3. Spend more quality time with family and friends.
4. Eat slowly.
5. Check emails once a day.
Hasn’t it been hot and sultry? That’s Dog Days for one, the reader. Temperatures have been in the nineties with morning temperatures in the sixties. Spotty showers have been in this community whilst Brandywine and the surrounding area has received 4-5 inches in a hammering storm.
Quotes for the week are as follows:
“Math. It’s either right or wrong. That’s what I like about it.” — Katherine Johnson
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
“The salt of patience seasons everything.” — Italian Proverb
“Some people never go crazy. What truly horrible lives they must lead.” — Charles Bukowski
“I was a drum major for justice, peace and righteousness.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.
Sitting inside with a glass of lemonade is the best place to hear the “Talk of the Grove.”
Sunday afternoon, Bob and Marti Fisher of Romney were visitors in the home of Willard and Judy Rader.
Ben Puffenbarger spent a week at the Governor’s Computer Science Institute on the campus of WVU Tech in Beckley. Throughout the week he had classes in Android App Development, Python, programming drones, and machine learning. In addition, he worked with three other students on a group project that they presented to GCSI staff at the end of the week. Their project was a stealth and escape-based computer game using Python for coding and it won first place. Way to go Ben! Thanks for representing Pendleton County Schools!
Summer started with an unforgettable adventure for the Bowers family, Seth, Ashley, Cayson, Laney, Landon, Piper and Lucas. In June, they cruised to the beautiful Bahamas, visiting Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, and Celebration Key. From crystal-clear turquoise waters and white-sand beaches to sunshine, laughter, and endless fun, it was a trip filled with memories they’ll cherish for years to come. The adventure didn’t stop there though. After returning home, they headed to the Outer Banks for a few more days of beach fun, relaxation, and quality time together. Once they returned home, Laney underwent surgery to repair the labrum in her shoulder. She handled the procedure like a champ and is recovering well. While she’ll be spending much of her summer in a sling, she’s already making great progress.
Becky, Wesley, Nathan and Emma Puffenbarger visited with Becky’s aunt, Roberta Lilly of Beckley.
Enjoying a week’s vacation at Ocean Isle, North Carolina, were Brandon, Cara, Macie, Carson, and Carly Mitchell. The week spent with family members was quite relaxing.
Clickety clacks for the chin waggers are as follows:
•Camels have three eyelids to protect their eyes from sand.
•In 1976, Queen Elizabeth II became the first head of state to send an email.
•Winston Churchill had a pet leopard named Rota.
•Mister Rogers wore a cozy cardigan sweater on every episode of “Mr. Rogers,” all handmade by his mother. By the time the show ended, he had about 100 of them.
•In Turkey, it is considered unlucky to chew gum after dark.
Concerns are for Charles Anderson, Sheila and George Armstrong, Roger and Joan Ashley, Mercedes Aumann, Dave Basagic, “Bo” Boggs, Jeff Craig, Stanley Dahmer, Isaac Eye, Carl Gant, Sue Hall, Clyde Hamilton, Armanda Heavner, family and friends of the Mary Lee Heavner, Starr Hedrick, Keith Hoover, Mickey Huffman, Cynthia Hurry, Gary Jamison, Mike and Lisa Jamison, Tara Kelley, Stanley Kile, Keith Kimble, Lori Ann Lambert, Melissa Lambert, Skip and Roger Mallow, Yvonne Marsh, Dottie Mitchell, Helen Nash, Willa Nelson, Ronald Pitsenbarger, Alda Propst, Sheldon Propst, Jimmy Rexrode, Bernie and Margaret Sasscer, Robbie Sites and Edwin Wimer.
