Columns

As the 19th president from 1877-1881, Rutherford B. Hayes is known for overseeing the end of Reconstruction and guiding the nation into the Second Industrial Revolution. He became the Republican candidate in 1876 and his campaign against Samuel Tilden was a bitter and corrupt one.

No one was even certain who won that hotly disputed election in 1977 until, just days before the inauguration, Hayes and his party won a challenge in the Compromise of 1877 and was awarded the victory.

OK Folks, this one's for all of you who think you are losing your minds and then feel better after hearing about someone else who is losing it.

It was two weeks ago on Sunday. Harry and I went up to the church to tear down the backdrop from the Ladies Spring Fling luncheon about 1:30 p.m. We needed my keys to get into the social hall. When we locked up, Harry handed my keys to me and said, "Remember. I gave your keys back to you."

We went back to my mom's, played some Scat, had dinner, did the dishes, played some more Scat, had dessert and went home about 8:30 p.m.

No matter how old we are, life's lessons keep coming. I think I learned or relearned a few more this week.

Normally, I'm a cautious person, especially when it comes to spending money. I do a lot of research and comparison shopping so I can make an informed decision.

What I learned this week is that I can't always trust repairmen. I learned due diligence is always in order. And to put it more bluntly, I learned there are shysters masquerading as helpful technicians.

CLAIRE:

There's a whole subcategory of movies that my mom likes to call "uplifting." The typical trademark of these movies is an hour and a half of tragedy, death, and misery, followed by about three minutes of pure joy and redemption. Think: George Bailey's impromptu party at the end of "It's a Wonderful Life," or the brand new puppy running through a field at the end of "Old Yeller."