I love going to events in Darke County. There is generally someone there that I know and get re-acquainted with.

I have been meeting people who know me because I have written stories on them or their family members or friends, according to them. I don’t remember them all, unless I get a clue about where the interview took place or even what the story was about.

I wish I would have kept every story I have ever written, but, in reality, I have no room for all of that. If I’d done so, I think I would have a lot of fun going back through them and reminiscing from events of the nearly last 50 years, but that would take a three-week vacation at the least.

I should have kept count of all the stories I penned during my newspaper days.

I’m pretty sure my writing style has gotten better over the years, but some might beg to differ with that statement. I really don’t care, as long as the families that were involved liked what I did for them.

Some stories come easy for a writer and others don’t. I prefer the features…the human interest type stories. Sure, we have to write about controversial issues sometimes, but I don’t feel like I always do those kinds of stories justice…and I don’t know why.

There are very few subjects that you can’t make stories out of. At least, I didn’t find it too hard to make a story out of anything…unless I had a writer’s block.

And, if I find out I did write something about someone, I think it would be interesting to do a follow-up, such as a “where are they now” piece, whether it be someone who was critically ill or injured, or someone who achieved much success at a career or someone who went elsewhere and became tops in their field.

I have asked people if they would be interested in a follow-up. They said they would consider it, but I leave it up to them if they want to do it or not.

I could not have asked for a better career.

I’ve penned a lot of stories in varying degrees. I’ve covered ball games, fatalities and other traffic accidents, fires, reunions, tons of activities that were open to the public, many banquets, and lots of school board and village/city council meetings as well as fire and police/sheriff’s reports…not to mention those features that focused on individuals.

Looking back, some of it was rough, but they made me what I am today and that’s what my life is all about. Don’t know if I’ll ever stop writing. Maybe I can pen an award-winning book…but what about? Maybe some snippets about the happenings in Darke County. However, I would need all of the clippings that I should have kept over the years to do it justice.

In the meantime, I will try and work on that thought.

It hurts when I think!

•••••

When is this weather going to make up its mind?

No wonder people seem to be sicker than usual this year, with the temperatures having performed like a roller coaster this winter season.

Maybe it’s just me, but I think we sort of had a depressing winter this year. Yes, there were some humorous moments, but you can’t make plans if you don’t know what that weather is going to bring.

I shouldn’t growl, however. I’m glad the winter wasn’t harsh again this year and I know that we will probably pay for it the next few years to come.

•••••

Don’t forget:

• The next Treaty City Seniors dance will be Monday at the VFW Post on North Ohio Street in Greenville. Dancing is from 1 to 4 p.m. with Tom Everhart serving as deejay.

• The Rossburg Fire Department Auxiliary is hosting a spaghetti dinner in downtown Rossburg at the fire department April 1 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

•••••

Happy birthday to:

• March 22 to Sylvia Garrett, Cristy Kammer Moody, Tom Wentworth, Glen Best and Elaine Hartzell Howell.

• March 23 to Paula Moody, Jeff Dohme, Brandan Heck (15), Virginia O’Dell (98), Carol Bowman Cox, Kaya Price (16), Dezera Sleppy and Bill Clark Jr.

• March 24 to Norma Byrd, Kim Koverman Hershey, Cindy Jenkinson Brown, Brian K. Hathaway (40), Mike Thornhill, Jana Deeter, Jeff Subler, Tina Ruble Ullery and Mike Stegall.

• March 25 to Brandon Moody, Joan Springer DeMange, Doris Barga, Mike Doyle, Kristin Hartrum, Linda Shuttleworth, Greg Knick, Brian Dapore, Nancy Norton, Shelly King and Tonia Shoenleben Thompson.

• March 26 to Nevin Elleman, Connie Moody Starline, Teresa Huntwork King, Mary Hannan, Kenny Erwin and Dwain Hodge II.

• March 27 to Joan Falknor, Susan Stoltz Kammer, Travis Yohey, Jeff Hile, Samantha Daniels, Molly Wentworth, Nathan Leeper, Chuck Runner and Sharon Cheadle Hutchens.

Happy anniversary to: Gene and Amy Maher on March 26.

Don’t forget to pray for: Tom Brumbaugh Jr., Mason Osterloh, Kent Clark, Harry Moody, Rosemary Goodpaster Wetzel, Vickie Martin, Betty Kremer, Jeff Stump, Stacy Dorko, Charlotte Metzcar, Vicki Wilker Gibson, Carl Francis, Evan Boggs, Rhonda Rodeheffer Rismiller, Janet Bolin, Shirley Miller, Roger Flory, Albert Duncan, Jack Good, Bill Duncan, Keith Starks, Darla Bowman Miller, Cheri Antrobus Davis, Scott Clark, Steve Schafer, Tom Hawkins, Greg Moody, Connie Apple, Jodie Glick, Kohen Thwaits, Jerrod Pratt, Dawn Oldiges, Judy York, Lowell Elsass, Linda Johnston, Tracy Bailey, Shannon Peters Hall, Jack Riegle, Bruce Knick, Aiden Turner, Brody Wilson, Carol Bollheimer, Roger McEowen, Al Bliss, Tim King, Gary Poor, Layna Best, Jean Eastridge, Alishia Clark Funk, Glenna Curry, Mike Bale, Phyllis Gibbons, Carmen Sanders, Michael Allen Clark, Elmer Long, Shirley Mead, Kathy Magoto,

Also, Wanda and Joe Bailey, Shelly Hoffman, Lisa Hall, Tammy Shapiro, David Magoto, Phil Clark, Sonny Hunt, Don and Nina McDaniel, D’Arleen Waymire, Pappy Harshman, Delores Duncan Bridges, John Klipstine, Elsie Svajda, Sue Chitty, Phil Chilcoat, Christine Pipenger, Paul Barton, Terry Ungericht, Gracyn Blackburn, Dave Starline, Bob Hiestand Jr., Kathy and Tom Hamilton, Joanne Sharp, Ivan Miller, Cindy Elson, Cary Van De Grift, Teresa Mayo Amspaugh, Tina Kiser Deaton, Tonia Thompson, Fred Monnin, Faye Schlecty, Sheila Reed, Bill Beasley, Kody Ketring, Bob and Sandy Finkbine, Kevin Dickey, Margaret “Peg” Bundy, Kevin Hemmerich, Penny Starns, Tim Heck, Vanna (Hannam) Abbott, Addie Henderson, Samantha Smith, Todd Walls, Ron Kramer, Dana Holzapfel, Kara Didier, Carla Welch and Bill Schuette.

And, pray for all those others who suffer from the many debilitating diseases, and may God bless all of our military people serving and protecting this nation, as well as rescue, fire and law enforcement personnel who put their lives on the line to protect us.

•••••

Jamie and I sincerely extend our condolences to the families of: Rita Huffman, Patricia Hall, Don Stocksdale, Carol Rindler, Maureen Wheeler, Marvin Lindemuth, Joseph Williams, Patty Mong and Jane Deardourff.

•••••

Think about it: “No symphony orchestra has ever produced music that comes close to the magical sounds of a little child’s laughter.” — Unknown