General observations for this week
Have any of you noticed how closely Kansas Attorney General candidate Paul Morrison resembles our superintendent of schools, Tom Alstrom? I don't know that it means anything, but I thought I would see if anyone else caught the resemblance. Of course, if either of them was decked out with a do-rag and an earring, he also could double for "Mr. Clean." Too bad Halloween is over.
Quite a few people commented on the cute photo of the black mama cat and her five kittens cavorting across the front page of the Peabody Gazette-Bulletin a couple of weeks ago. Myrna Wood took that picture. I am not real sure why we don't name a photographer who isn't a staff member, but there is some rule about it and we just call the picture a "courtesy photo." However, so many people asked I am going to sneak the information in here and hope none of the people in charge will notice. If you liked the picture, tell Myrna, not me. If you would like to adopt one of the adorable kittens, check with Dr. Skinner at Peabody Veterinary Clinic.
I think the Bradford pear trees downtown and around town are absolutely stunning this year.
I'm still waiting for those of you who support charitable organizations to come forward with your wish lists for either the holiday season or the coming year. I've heard from a couple of people, but I know there are more out there with suggestions and causes and the hope of making someone's holiday brighter. My telephone number, fax number, and e-mail address are in most issues of the paper. My office is in the back room of Jackrabbit Hollow. My home number is in the book. Let me hear from you before Thanksgiving. We can do a lot of good locally.
Elsewhere in this issue of the newspaper are examples of haiku poetry written by Peabody-Burns fourth grade students. Haiku is a style of Japanese poetry that uses just a few syllables to tell the story of an observation about life or nature. I never thought it was easy or even much fun so I'm a little amazed that this group of kids has pulled this off. Some of the poems are pretty good. I might add that having something you've written put in a newspaper for the entire hometown public to read can be a bit daunting. It would be nice for the youngsters to hear from you if you enjoy their work. We thank Peabody-Burns Elementary School teachers Jennifer Young and Shawna McCartney for sharing their students' work with us.
— SUSAN MARSHALL
