Opinion

Dear Neil: We have bare spots beneath our live oaks. We put new St. Augustine sod in eight years ago and it has gradually disappeared. I understand it’s the competition from the live oaks’ roots plus the lack of sunlight. Thoughts?

“I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land.” Psalms 143:6 (NIV) I often feel that we, as Christians in the U.S., have it too good. Most of us, even during the worst of times, don’t face the same hardships as people living in many other parts of the world.

The summer months are flying by, and school will be starting soon, but don’t let the summer slip away without enjoying the health benefits of berries, watermelon, and cantaloupe. You know the saying that good things come in small packages? Well, when it comes to the health benefits of berries, it’s true. In a recent Health Hints newsletter, two registered dietitians were asked about the health of berries. Rachel Helfferich runs her own virtual practice, Everglow Nutrition, and is a yoga instructor. Amy Gorin is owner of Plant-Based Eats in Stamford, Conn.

Dear Neil: What is wrong with our young burr oak’s leaves? They’re horribly distorted. I have not encountered this before.

While in Santa Claus, Ind., to cool off at Holiday World, the Tyree family took a side trip to the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in nearby Lincoln City. “But I thought Abraham Lincoln was from Kentucky!” a co-worker objected.

Last week, the perpetually offended scored another big win. The venerable Cleveland Indians announced that next year their nickname will be the Guardians, a reference to two large landmark stone edifices near Progressive Field.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NIV)

In West Texas, watermelon is considered a staple in our diets. August has been established as National Watermelon Month and of course this big fruit deserves it’s own special day as well. This year we celebrate the big day on Aug. 3. Sweet and tasty, watermelons are one of summer’s favorite fruit, and are a regular at just about everyone’s summer picnics or parties.

Car buyers are getting crushed by the rapid increase in the cost of new and used cars, but my dad’s old-school negotiating techniques might offer some relief. Thanks to the rippling effects of the pandemic and the lockdowns, it’s harder to find a new car to buy in the first place.

My family took the easy way out - again. We had our annual chance at a professional portrait and decided to let (insist) son Gideon pose solo for the umpteenth time.