My Two Cents Worth

Just where has this country gone?

The other day while waiting for a take out at Cathy’s cafe, a friend came in and joined me. I told him to look at the two next tables. He did and said, “What a waste.” Both tables had four or five plates of un-eaten large shrimp on them. This will just drive up the cost of a meal at Cathy’s.

While we were talking about this, three kids came by with some small instruments in their hands, just punching at them and not looking where they were going. We waited for them to walk in to the wall.

I bet they don’t get out and exercise by playing ball games like we did when we were that age. They will likely grow up overweight and cost the government money to take care of them.

Overheard at Josie’s the other morning:

Number one: “Times have gotten so tough that a man can hardly make a living picking up trash off the highway nowadays.”

Number two: “They finally reached an agreement in the middle east. They agreed to keep on fighting for another two thousands years.

G. B. Robertson

Dear Editor,

On Tuesday, November 1st, a plant was taken from a commercial building on Highway 35. The plant was over 30 years old. This belongs to someone that received it as a gift from his family when he was challenged with cancer. The cancer motivated this individual to raise an amount over 6 figures for the American Cancer Society.

The plant was a reminder of all the struggles cancer patients have with this dreaded disease. If this plant is returned, I know someone that will give a reward with no questions asked.

Russell Cain
361-920-6313

Dear Joyce,

Thank you so much for your generous coverage of our Texas Rett syndrome events benefitting the International Rett Syndrome Foundation. (Dolphin Talk, September 9, 2011)

While we never imagined that our little girl would be unable to walk, would be unable to talk, and would have no use of her arms or her hands, our lives have been changed for the better because of her. Rachael has taught us that a smile is worth a million words and that you can love someone so much even if you can never, ever hear her voice.

Because of money raised at events like ours, we have found the gene that causes Rett syndrome and we have reversed the symptoms of Rett syndrome in mice in the laboratory. Together, in Texas, this year alone, we raised over $325,000 to fund research to find a cure.

On behalf of Rachael and the thousands of girls with Rett syndrome world-wide: thank you! Your help is their hope.

Kenna Seller
Spring, Texas

Thank You

I would like to thank everyone for your gifts, prayers, visits, love and concern through my recent hospital stay. I am at home now and recovering from my surgery.

Continue to pray for me since I have more recovering to do.

A special “Thank You” to my family for your love and concern.Again, thank you and bless you all.

Nancy Harborth

Letter To The Editor:

A very big thank you to Hoop of Hurricane Junction for staging one more time the Chili & Gumbo Cookoff on the 29th of October. There were many active participants, all extremely talented, who lent their cooking abilities to the Contest. Additionally, a thank you to those who came by (following their noses) to see the activity and those who took part in the Silent Auction.

This Cookoff was for the benefit of our Library, which needs extensive remodeling and addition; we are really “busting out of our seams”! And Hoop, again, has recognized the need for the Library.

Hopefully, soon, we can get the ball rolling for the addition.

Thanks again,

The Library Crew
Shirley & Sue

New Christmas Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods — merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different! This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift-giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It’s time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Everyone — yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American-owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course?

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants — all offering gift certificates. And, if your dearly-intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint? Remember folks, this isn’t about big national chains — this is about supporting your hometown Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal? Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre?

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition!

-Submitted via e-mail.

The Dolphin welcomes letters from our readers on any subject that is of general interest to our audience. Letters should be 300 words or less (with exceptions at the Dolphin’s discretion). Letters reflect the opinion of the writer, and not that of Dolphin Talk staff, and we retain the right to determine suitability for publication. It is the policy of this newspaper to promote area interests: therefore, complaints against local businesses should be directed elsewhere. Letters must be signed and include day and evening phone numbers, which will not be published. Your name will be withheld upon request, but anonymous material will not be considered for publication.

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Dolphin Talk
P.O. Box 777, Port O’Connor, TX 77982
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