The Old Saw About Hard Work
A lot of fitness can still be gained by using a chain saw [Kickin’ Ashe, April 2026]. The sweat washes off, but the sap stays on the arms for many days.
Ray Wolbrecht, Pedernales EC | Blanco
A Whole Mess of Trash
I had seen all the Don’t Mess With Texas signs and so was surprised by a surge in litter [A Tidy Revolution, March 2026]. I complained and complained to my husband about the litter and the fact that no one seemed worried about it.
Finally, I grew tired of complaining and decided to act. Now, I try to collect litter once a week—one bag of cans and bottles and one bag of trash.
Lynda Southwick, Bluebonnet EC | Brenham
Powderhorn Lake sits along Matagorda Bay on the Texas coast.
Erich Schlegel
Wear a Life Jacket
I was excited by the paddling trails article [Charted Waters, March 2026]. However, I was dismayed when pictures showed paddlers not wearing life jackets and reading only to “pack a personal flotation device, as required by Texas law.”
While canoeing, I’ve experienced several hairy situations and would never not wear one. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 85% of boating-related drowning victims were not wearing a life vest.
Kat Saul, Grayson-Collin EC | Allen
Cavalry Hopes
I always wanted to be in the Army cavalry [From Posts to Pillars, February 2026]. When I came of age, the cavalry was no more.
But I knew a man who was born on Fort Ringgold. His father was the post bandmaster. He used to tell me many interesting stories of those times.
Wallace L. Morgan, GVEC | Nixon
Blocker Billboard
Yes, at one time there was a billboard announcing that O’Donnell was the hometown of Dan Blocker [Tiny Dots on a Big Map, January 2026]. Sadly, the fading signage went AWOL, probably blown away by high winds that frequent this part of the High Plains.
Betty Morgan, Bryan Texas Utilities | Bryan
