SCORES & OUTDOORS: What’s the difference between a cobweb and a spider web?

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Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

This may not have anything to do with nature, but I think it qualifies.

Nothing is more irritating, to me, at least, than walking into a cobweb as I’m exiting the house or camp. So, that prompted the question, what is the difference between a cobweb and a spider web?

The term “spider web” is typically used to refer to a web that is apparently still in use (i.e., clean), whereas “cobweb” refers to a seemingly abandoned (i.e., dusty) web. However, the word “cobweb” is also used by biologists to describe the tangled three-dimensional web of some spiders of the family Theridiidae.

File this one under “T ”, for “Today I Learned….” Despite emitting from the same arachnid derrière, spider webs and cobwebs are not the same thing. Spider webs are the sticky traps spiders set to capture their supper; cobwebs are but a shadow of their former spider web self.

Typically, a cobweb is an abandoned spider web. The sticky silk of a spider web is excellent at catching insects, so naturally, it’s great at collecting dust. This is especially possible in hard-to-reach areas, like ceiling corners, that are infrequently dusted.

Cobwebs are tangled and irregularly designed webs. Spider webs are more elegant and sophistically designed. Cobwebs are also comprised of a different type of silk than the spider web.

Unlike spider webs, which spiders use to catch and trap their prey, cobwebs are vacant “homes” spiders have abandoned to move on to greener pastures – in this case, usually just a new area of your house. The stray spider silk left behind is incredibly sticky and a magnet for pollen, dust particles, and other debris. This is why, when you discover cobwebs, they appear dirty and loose, instead of elastic and tight as a new spider web.

While they may not pose any real danger, these sticky nuisances certainly don’t add to the aesthetics. Moreover, they tend to accumulate dust, making your space feel less inviting. If your house is starting to resemble a spooky Halloween scene with cobwebs adorning every corner, it’s time to take action. Dust and clean your home regularly. This doesn’t allow a spider to build a web. Dusting regularly doesn’t just keep the webs away, but also ensures other insects attracting elements are cleaned from your house, keeping the prey away, also.

If you’re seeing a lot of spiderwebs in and around your home, it’s likely you’ve incurred a pretty sizeable spider infestation. Spiders typically hide until they have no choice but to come out into the open, so there could be a lot more than you think.

Ways to spider-proof your house:

– Lemon peels. Spiders hate the smell of citrus fruits such as lemons, limes and oranges. …
– Peppermint Oil. This makes a surprisingly great, natural bug repellent. …
– Keep your house clutter-free.
– Close windows at night. …
– White vinegar. …
– Limit lights.

Now, this may sound strange, and it might even be directed at some of our friends, since my wife strongly believes Vicks VapoRub can be used for many cures.

Because of this, Vicks VapoRub is the perfect deterrent – it uses eucalyptus and menthol to open your nasal passages, which is much too strong of a scent for an arachnid. In addition to peppermint, which was mentioned earlier, you can try using essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus, as spiders tend to dislike these scents. You can create a homemade spider-repellent spray by mixing a few drops of these essential oils with water and applying it to spider-prone areas.

The smell of cinnamon also repels these arachnids. Spiders prefer to maintain a fair distance away from them. Ultimately, cinnamon oil will also fight other insects and keep them away, so it’s not for spiders only. Mix cinnamon oil with water, dip a cotton ball in, then wipe the mixture in spider-prone areas.

How about moth balls? My wife and I use them liberally when closing up camp in the fall to discourage mice from entering the shelter. Contrary to what many believe, these moth balls really work. So…

As the mothball disintegrates, the chemical is released into the air. The foul scent that is released becomes a spider repellent and gets rid of spiders. They are repelled by this naturally occurring scent. With that being said, spiders will avoid mothballs at all costs.

Will dryer sheets work? Dryer sheets are rumored to protect against much more than static cling. But there is no scientific research to back up these claims.

Finally, my wife and I use small electronic devices to discourage spiders from entering our camp. You can buy them at The Home Depot, Tractor Supply, Agway and Aubuchon Hardware. They are small plug-ins that have a small blinking red light, and the sound of a “tick” every few seconds. They work very well.

So, we’ve learned quite a bit about spiders, their webs and repellants today. Now, if you’re not a fan of spiders, like I, get to work.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

What “curse” prevented the Red Sox winning the World Series for 85 years?.

Answer
Curse of the Bambino. (A supposed curse placed on the Red Sox when they traded Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees.)

MERIT: If we build it, will they save?

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by André Chassé
Volunteer State President,
AARP Maine

When Maine set out to develop a way to make retirement savings accessible to more workers, it was somewhat of a “field of dreams” moment for all those who had advocated for the Work & Save program including AARP Maine. We knew that access to an employer-based retirement plan would be critical for building financial security. In addition, with roughly 40% of Maine’s private sector employees having no way to save for retirement on the job, we believed a solution was needed to our state’s retirement savings crisis. However, as we entered the final stages of implementation, we found ourselves asking: if we build it, will they save?

The answer is a resounding “yes.” I am delighted to share that more Mainers have started building a secure financial future for themselves by saving for retirement, thanks to the notable success of the Maine Retirement Investment Trust (MERIT). In a landmark achievement, MERIT recently announced that Maine employees have collectively saved an impressive one million dollars for their retirement within just six months of its statewide launch in January of this year. This milestone reflects the commitment and hard work of both the program and the participants as they strive to build a stable financial future for themselves and their families.

MERIT was created in 2021 by the Work and Save Bill, sponsored by Senator Eloise Vitelli, to improve access to retirement savings programs. The public-private retirement savings option was established to provide an efficient and transparent retirement savings option for the over 200,000 workers in Maine who do not have access to a workplace retirement savings plan.

The initiative has proven to be a critical step toward promoting responsibility and long-term planning for Maine workers. By providing a streamlined enrollment process, MERIT enables employers to offer a valuable tool that significantly enhances employee satisfaction and financial security. MERIT allows workers to set their own contribution percentage. There is no cost or match requirement for employers. Funds are invested in a Roth IRA that employees can take with them from job to job. Through the MERIT portal at meritsaves.com, employees can change their contribution percentage, view and change investment options and identify their beneficiaries.

MERIT addresses a vital need for Maine residents who face uncertainty about their retirement savings. Retirement savings options that help workers become savers are needed now more than ever. According to an AARP survey conducted earlier this year, one in five Americans 50-plus have no retirement savings, and over half worry that their savings won’t last in retirement.

Until now, too many workers in Maine have not had access to a retirement savings account at work, leaving them unprepared for the future. But with the recently met MERIT savings benchmark, we have a million reasons to believe that together, we can bridge this gap and ensure a more secure future for Maine’s workers.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: The Time Thief Affecting More Than Half of Americans: Poor Mental Health

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Courtney Nugent struggled with anxiety so debilitating it led to multiple hospitalizations.

(NAPSI)—The latest GeneSight® Mental Health Monitor survey shows that nearly half of Americans feel they have lost time in their lives due to poor mental health.

Courtney Nugent suffered a decade-long struggle with anxiety. At first, medication helped manage her anxiety. However, after a surgery, she found her medication was no longer keeping her anxiety in check. She began a trial-and-error journey of seven different medications to try to get back to “normal.”

“I had to call off my wedding to focus on my mental health,” said Nugent. “My mental health crisis was six months on paper, but for every second of every day, I was fighting to stay alive. That’s time I can’t get back.”

Of those diagnosed with anxiety and/or depression, 50 percent said they have lost years of their lifetime because of poor mental health—and 12 percent said they’ve lost decades.

About a third of those with anxiety and/or depression said they’ve missed significant events due to ineffective mental health treatments. The “treatment as usual” approach to mental health conditions, like depression and anxiety, is often associated with medication trial-and-error, which can also add to lost time. The GeneSight test is a tool clinicians can use to inform mental health medication treatment plans and may help shorten their patients’ road to wellness.

“Patients who have lost time due to depressive episodes or periods of anxiety often feel a sense of loss, which further complicates their mental health situation,” said Sharon Philbin, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse.

A person’s genes may play a role in their outcomes to certain mental health medications. Practitioners like Philbin order the GeneSight test (a simple cheek swab) to help patients understand how they may metabolize or respond to several mental health medications based on their individual genetics.

“GeneSight has been one of the tools I’ve used to help my patients feel better and take control of lost time so that those living with anxiety and depression can enjoy their lives,” said Philbin.
Courtney was prescribed a new medication based partly on her GeneSight test results and began to feel like herself again. “I have a new job and a new lease on life. I do not think I would be alive without the GeneSight test,” said Courtney.

It wasn’t until her clinician personalized her mental health medication treatment with the help of the GeneSight test that she got back on track. Learn more at https://genesight.com/mental-health-monitor/.

PLATTER PERSPECTIVE – Actor: Dana Andrews; Conductor: Arturo Toscanini

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Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Dana Andrews

Dana Andrews

Actor Dana Andrews (1909-1992) had considerable screen presence in such classic 1940s films as The Ox-Bow Incident, Laura, State Fair, The Best Years of Our Lives and, a special favorite of mine more for Susan Hayward (1917-1975) than for Andrews, the 1949 My Foolish Heart.

1956 brought Beyond a Reasonable Doubt where he winds up on Death Row with a surprising plot twist at the end. 1965’s satire on the funeral home racket, The Loved One (very loosely based on an Evelyn Waugh novel), had Andrews appearing as an U.S. Air Force colonel being given a tour of the casket room by Jonathan Winters as the “Divine Reverend Wilbur Glenworthy”.

A 1958 LP, And God Said (Epic 5LN 3534), features Andrews as the narrator of a Biblical music presentation on the Old and New Testaments and his spoken words were delivered with vivid resonance while the music itself, sounding a bit like the special and rather schmaltzy church cantatas so often heard in the Protestant churches of my 1950s childhood, was composed by Dickson Hall, sung by the Frank Raye Singers and arranged and conducted by James Peterson, all of whom are names previously unfamiliar to me but who did good work.

The album has illustrations of scenes from the Bible – the creation of light , Cain slaughtering his brother Abel, the 40 days and nights of rain, etc. Its main attraction is that of a time warp 1950s period piece.

When I was still living in Houston, I taught a course in American literature for Houston Community College at its Bellaire High School campus then utilized, as were other middle and high schools, for its evening programs. The school corridor had photos of a former principal who was a brother of the actor.

Another historic detail – the auditorium of the high school was used as the venue for a concert of Arturo Toscanini conducting the NBC Symphony during its 1950 nationwide tour.

Arturo Toscanini

Arturo Toscanini

Speaking of Toscanini, his 1953 RCA studio recording of Dvorak’s New World Symphony with the NBC players has a bristling intensity well worth hearing and is accessible on YouTube .

A trumpet player in the Orchestra told of a performance of the Brahms 4th Symphony, a work the Maestro devoted a lot of painstaking labor on and conducted numerous times, leaving also an NBC studio recording and broadcasts with the BBC and Philharmonia Orchestras in London.

The gentleman stated the performance of one evening was perfection, except for barely noticeable details in which the brass section at the end of two quarter notes failed to cut off half of the second note. They were summoned to the Maestro’s dressing room.

For at least 20 minutes, Toscanini paced back and forth, back and forth.

Then he said, “You all go home tonight, eat dinner, be with family, go to bed. Me, I can’t do any of that. I keep hearing those two notes without the cutoff. I toss and turn all night, suffering because of those two notes without the cutoff. ”

The musicians were then allowed to leave.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Have you seen this invasive plant hopper?

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The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula.

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Have you seen one of these?

The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, is an invasive planthopper that feeds on a wide range of plants, including grapes, hops, stone fruits, and hardwood trees. When the spotted lanternfly feeds, it excretes a sticky, sugary fluid that causes sooty mold, which can further damage plants. Its preferred host is tree of heaven. Today 17 states have some degree of infestation.

The spotted lanternfly is a hitchhiking pest that is native to Asia. It lays its eggs on any hard surface including grills, vehicles, trailers, firewood, outdoor furniture, bikes and toys. The pest was first detected in 2014 in Pennsylvania. It likely arrived in the United States on goods shipped from overseas.

The spotted lanternfly can harm our fruit and forest industries. Early detection is a critical step to mitigating economic and ecological losses. Residents in SLF quarantine areas should check outdoor items before traveling to new areas. Here’s what to look for:

Nymphs (juvenile spotted lanternflies) are black with white spots and turn red as they develop.

Adults, roughly one-inch long and 1/2-inch wide, have a yellow, black-barred abdomen. With large, visually striking wings, adult spotted lanternflies can be easier to spot than other pests. They have brown forewings with black spots at the front and a speckled band at the rear. Their hind wings are scarlet with black spots at the front and white and black bars at the rear.

Newly laid egg masses (holding 30-50 eggs) resemble wet, gray putty before turning dull and brown, mirroring a smear of cracked mud. The one-inch long egg masses can be seen in fall, winter, and spring on a variety of smooth surfaces, such as trees, bricks, stones, fences, grills, equipment, and vehicles.

When spotted lanternflies feed on plants, they leave behind a sticky, oozing residue called honeydew. This substance attracts other insects, causes mold growth, and further hurts plants.

As honeydew ferments, it can develop an intense, rotten smell.

One of the best places to look for these pests is on a tree-of-heaven, a favorite plant for spotted lanternflies. The tree has a cantaloupe-like texture, with bark that appears light brown to gray. The leaves are large, one to four feet in length. These leaves are made up of many smaller leaflets on both sides of a central stem.

Spotted lanternflies (both nymphs and adults) frequently gather in large numbers when feeding. They’re easiest to spot at dusk or at night as they migrate up and down the trunk of a plant. During the day, they tend to cluster near the base or canopy of a plant, making them more difficult to see.

While there is no active infestation of the spotted lanternfly in Maine, spotted lanternfly eggs were discovered in the Pine Tree State in 2020. Spotted lanternfly has also been seen in neighboring New Hampshire.

Not sure if you’ve seen a spotted lantern fly? If you think you see any of the life stages of the spotted lanternfly, please report it to Bugwatch@maine.gov.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

In the 1971 Olympics, Nadia Comaneci was the first gymnast to record a perfect score. What country was she representing?

Answer
Romania.

PLATTER PERSPECTIVE: Violinist Jascha Heifetz

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Jascha Heifetz

Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Jascha Heifetz

Violinist Jascha Heifetz (1901-1987) held a series of televised master classes at UCLA in 1962; I recently watched the first one on YouTube and was quite fascinated by his personality and teaching style for its entire 1 hour.

He had a half dozen students sitting with what seemed to be a combination of fear and anticipation and, by stating that he promises not to perform himself, provoked relaxed laughter. During the first hour, only two would play while his longtime accompanist Brooks Smith (1912-2000) served as pianist .

The first student performed a short piece by the 19th century virtuoso/composer Wienawski. Heifetz would listen, telling the student to phrase with more expression, to speed up the tempo in order to sustain the rhythmic excitement or to slow down. At times, he would play a passage from memory to demonstrate what he wanted from the student. At other moments, he would be following his own score with a pencil, silently beating time.

The second student was Erick Friedmann (1939-2004) who would record Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins with Heifetz for RCA Victor around the same time and who became his most well-known protégé. He played sections of the Brahms Violin Concerto while Heifetz listened with at times smiling admiration and then joined Friedmann for the last movement of the previously mentioned Bach.

When Heifetz, at the age of 11, gave a private recital at a home in Berlin in 1912, Fritz Kreisler commented that “we might as well take our fiddles and break them across our knees.”

For hobbies, Heifetz collected books and stamps, played tennis and ping pong and would go sailing off the coast of Southern California. He routinely practiced three to four hours and advised his students against both practicing too much and practicing too little.

When Heifetz recorded the Brahms Violin Concerto in 1955 with Fritz Reiner and the Chicago Symphony, RCA producer Richard Mohr asked the violinist if he was ready to begin the session, he replied, “No, I am not ready, I will never be ready, but we might as well get this over with.” The usually stern Reiner almost broke out giggling.

Along with the 1955 Brahms Concerto, I highly recommend the 1935 Sibelius Violin Concerto collaboration with Sir Thomas Beecham and the Royal Philharmonic; the 1940 Beethoven Concerto with Arturo Toscanini and the NBC Symphony and, again with Reiner/Chicago, the 1957 Tchaikovsky Concerto, all the above and so much else of Heifetz available on YouTube.

Itzhak Perlman paid tribute once by commenting that Heifetz could do things on the violin that were impossible for all of the other violinists. Heifetz’s perfection was often equated with that of God.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Cool Ways to Protect Yourself from Heat-Related Illness

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Extreme heat can be deadly, but you can take steps to stay safe.

(NAPSI)—Much of the U.S. could face hotter than normal conditions this year as the climate crisis drives higher temperatures—but you can keep yourself and those you care about safe.
Consider these facts and figures:

• 2023 was the hottest year on record, and scientists warn that 2024 could break records again.
• Since the 1960s, heat waves have become more frequent, more intense and longer lasting.
• Heat-related deaths are on the rise.

What You Can Do

When extreme heat blankets the country, the American Red Cross recommends you take these steps:

1. Slow down by postponing or limiting outdoor activities, including strenuous exercise. If you must work outdoors, take frequent breaks and try to schedule tasks early or late in the day. Remember, hot cars can be deadly—never leave children or pets in a vehicle.

2. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks. Be sure animals have access to plenty of fresh water and shade.

3. Spend time indoors in an air-conditioned place. If you don’t have air conditioning, go to a public library, shopping mall or public cooling center. Call 211 to find an open location. Check on loved ones and neighbors who may be at risk and lack air conditioning to ensure they are safe.

Signs of Illness

You should also know how to recognize the signs of heat-related illness and what to do. It’s critical to react quickly.

• Heat can make anyone ill, especially older adults, the very young, pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions. People who work outdoors, have limited personal resources and live in places without green spaces are also at higher risk.
• Heat cramps are an early sign of trouble and include heavy sweating with muscle pains or spasms. To help, move the person to a cooler place and encourage them to drink water. Get medical help if symptoms last longer than an hour or if the person has heart problems.
• Heat exhaustion is a more severe condition signaled by cool, pale and clammy skin; a fast or weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; tiredness or weakness; or a headache, dizziness or passing out. To help, move the person to a cooler place, loosen tight clothing and encourage them to sip water slowly. Use wet cloths, misting or fanning to cool them off. Get medical help right away if symptoms worsen or last longer than an hour, or if the person vomits or acts confused.
• Heat stroke is a deadly condition that requires immediate medical help. Symptoms include a high body temperature; hot, red, dry or damp skin; a fast or strong pulse; a headache or dizziness; or nausea, confusion and passing out. Call 911 right away if you think someone may have heat stroke. Then move the person to a cool place, and use wet cloths, misting or fanning to help cool them off. Do not give the person anything to drink.

Extreme Weather on the Rise

Along with heat waves, the U.S. is experiencing more frequent and intense disasters. The Red Cross encourages everyone to prepare now by making a plan to stay safe, gathering important supplies and knowing how you’ll stay connected. Visit redcross.org or download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time weather alerts and safety information in English and Spanish. Find the app in smartphone app stores by searching for the “American Red Cross.”

SMALL SPACE GARDENING: Prune raspberries for an abundant harvest

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photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com

by Melinda Myers

A bit of summer pruning goes a long way to keeping your raspberries healthy and productive. So, get out the mosquito netting, long sleeves, and pruners and get busy.

The summer harvest is produced on 2-year-old canes called floricanes. Remove those that bore fruit to ground level once your harvest is complete. These canes will not produce more fruit and their presence can increase the risk of insect and disease problems. This is also a good time to remove damaged, insect-infested, or discolored canes.

Summer is also a good time to thin the remaining canes on summer-only bearing raspberries. Remove weak or damaged canes, leaving three or four of the sturdiest canes per foot of row or six or eight stems per hill when growing in the hill system. Thinning increases airflow and light penetration, resulting in healthier plants and a better harvest next season. Wait until next spring to reduce the height of the remaining canes. At that time, you can determine winter dieback, and damage, and prune accordingly.

Everbearing raspberries are often called fall raspberries and form fruit on first-year canes called primocanes. You can manage these types of raspberries for a single fall harvest only. Wait until the plants are dormant then cut the whole planting back to ground level. There will be a larger and earlier harvest when pruning everbearing raspberries this way. Although this pruning technique eliminates the summer crop, it is much easier, less time-consuming, and eliminates animal and winter damage in just one cut.
The other option is to prune everbearing raspberries for a fall and summer harvest. The new growth produces the fall crop. These canes are left to produce berries the following summer. Prune these two-year-old canes after the summer harvest as you would on a summer-only bearing raspberry.

Maximize your summer and fall harvest by planting a summer and a fall-bearing raspberry patch. You’ll enjoy summer raspberries from one planting plus a larger, earlier harvest from the fall-bearing raspberries when pruning all those canes to ground level each year during the dormant season.

Don’t let a lack of space keep you from growing delicious raspberries high in fiber and vitamin C. Plant, train, and use raspberries as a hedge in your landscape. Or grow the new compact and thornless Raspberry Shortcakeâ in a container or any sunny small space in your garden. You may not be freezing a large harvest from a single pot of raspberries, but you will enjoy fresh-from-the-garden raspberries even in your small space.

Melinda Myers has written over 20 gardening books, including Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ website is www. MelindaMyers.com.

VETERANS CORNER: Is there greater benefit after one receives 100% rating?

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Veterans Affairs Regional Benefit Office Togus, ME

by Gary Kennedy

A question often asked is, “is there any greater benefit after one receives a 100 percent rating?” My answer is, it is possible to receive other benefits both monetarily speaking and in services. However, these areas of benefits may not be that easy to obtain. They definitely require advanced knowledge of veteran’s benefits, what is needed and how to apply. If you feel you have hit a wall but you have reason to believe you should be able to receive more, then you may be correct in your summation. The question should not harbor around what other people make but why you feel you have reason to believe you have conditions, with service relationships that have kept you from achieving the goals you have set in life and the reasons you can’t achieve them that most likely have something to do with your time in the military that has prohibited you from achieving your life goals.

If one considers all the physical and/or emotional events that occurred while serving your country, in an honorable manner, you might find something that stands out to the trained eye as a problem not fully addressed within the guidelines of your 100 percent rating. Perhaps it’s time you started asking those very questions to those who have been trained to see those things and are there to help you.

Those in the know are referred to as V.S.O’s, Veterans Service Officers. The acronym may change with time but the service remains the same.

I have heard your arguments. Sometimes you need to shop around to find the correct fit for you and for your situation. We all know there are good mechanics and not so good mechanics, good doctors and not so good doctors. Sometimes it becomes a matter of personality. We all run across those in life we just can’t relate to. However, the one you need is out there and you can find that person if you are patient and tolerant.

We veterans can be difficult to deal with at times, given the circumstances that life has dished out. “Don’t bite your nose to spite your face”, as the old adage goes. Some of those V.S.O’s are veterans themselves. I have found that whether prior service or not most are compassionate, understanding and thankful for your service. You are the reason they are there. Given a fair chance and your cooperation you might be surprised at what can be achieved in regards to your dreams and aspirations.

I find the office of V.B.A to be very friendly and hospitable. There is usually a comfortable seat, a pot of coffee and a smiling friendly greeter to welcome you in with “how may we assist you?” The next step is obviously up to you. You will certainly be directed to a specialist in a private room to air out your questions. I guarantee when you conclude your visit you will have obtained answers to most, if not all of your questions. The area that I am currently referring to is knows as V.B.A.. They are located on the second floor of building. 248. To locate this area you would need to enter building 205. Just inside the door you will be greeted by a big veteran in a power wheelchair. He will direct you from there. Some of you know this building as the one where most of your primary care providers are located. He can also direct you to V.F.W., D.A.V., Maine Vets and Paralyzed Veterans of Maine. American Legion is in another building but is temporarily closed. In any case there are always many veteran assistants available to help with all of your questions. Your initial question of, “is there life beyond 100 percent?” can be answered by those I have previously mentioned.

There are many scenarios that can be addressed. The one I hear most is, “I need help”. Those can be heart breaking words if left on their own. The way I always look at it is, if you’re stating this then there is a serious short coming in your life that needs to be addressed. No one wants you to carry that weight around with you. If you are honest and sincere there is always an answer to fit your needs. It might not always be perfect but it will definitely lighten your load.

I find that to be true most of the time. Some of you have tried before and failed but time has gone by and things always change. Also, you might be dealing with a new entity, program or rule. I’ve seen it many times. I do offer one word of advice, actually there are several words making up one advice: when given some good sound advice act upon it as given. I have seen several take the advice and share it and a conversation pursued on how to improve upon it with another veteran. You went to an adviser for advice; act upon it as given. That’s his or her job and they won’t lead you astray. Unsound advice leads to descent.

In the slang, that’s a downer. Next time I will share some of what I believe to be true regarding programs that can elevate your lot if you in fact qualify. It breaks my heart to see anyone miss out on what they have earned and deserve. Don’t let the government’s tricky words unravel you. A house with no stairs raises hell with a slinky. We will get the job done. God bless you and yours and have a great fun filled week.

Give Us Your Best Shot! for Thursday, July 11, 2024

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To submit a photo for this section, please visit our contact page or email us at townline@townline.org!

JUST HANGIN’ OUT: Joan Chaffee, of Clinton, snapped this blue jay last winter.

A RARE SIGHT: Jo Orlando, of China, saw this black squirrel on the ground at the base of her bird feeder in China.

DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE: Emily Poulin, of South China, photographed this double rainbow.