Author Archives: joinerscorner

The list of things I don’t understand continues to grow. Two columns in 2019 covered this topic, so I refreshed my memory on what was mentioned. One area that continues to puzzle me is silent letters. Why waste ink and … Continue reading →

Several families who lived on the Scarborough Farm were mentioned in the original column. The aged homestead could tell countless stories if walls could only talk. There are two extraordinary bits of history I’m acquainted with. The earliest rarely comes … Continue reading →

I don’t expect to see these headline wishes fulfilled, and maybe folks are right who hope some never will. I’m just “speaking my piece” as people used to say, but trying to do so in a friendly way. Craddock Durham, … Continue reading →

Jimmy Lockerman, a long-time friend, is salvaging lumber from a time-worn house that belongs to a cousin of mine, Joyce Wilkes. He asked about its history, but those who knew it best are gone. A walk through empty rooms one … Continue reading →

Although I’m too young to join the Coke Club, I had a delightful visit with those fellows one Friday afternoon. Ten were present for the full session. Two others stopped by. Earlier that day I’d asked Cecil McGraw when James … Continue reading →

In our men’s Sunday School class, I recently asked the fellows to think back to childhood and share what they wanted to be when they grew up. To my surprise, no one mentioned professional sports or Superman.  Charles Stephens was … Continue reading →

“Dog is man’s best friend,” they say, but not everyone feels that way. I’m sorry I didn’t get to tell you goodbye Travis. Maybe we can visit sometimes, but I’m not sure I’ll be back. The woods we once loved … Continue reading →

It was a mystery why Harriet was limping. She winced with pain as she struggled to stand. After hopping a few feet on three legs she sat down and raised a hurt paw. For those who don’t know her, here’s … Continue reading →

October was my lucky month. Five phone messages informed me I was the grand prize winner of two major sweepstakes. Not only did I place first with Readers’ Digest, I was also atop the leaderboard at Clearer’s Publishing House. Twin … Continue reading →

“One Man – Three Wars” might be a better column title. That would pay homage to Lt. Col. Robert S. Phillips’ heroic service in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.  A mutual friend arranged a visit to his Lake Blackshear … Continue reading →