Recently I read an article on literacy. It seems we Americans are losing our ability to speak the King’s English. It is especially noticeable on TV. We are so used to speaking certain expressions that we never notice they are incorrect. The writer of the article said it starts in the home, especially with the mothers. Now, that is not fair but probably true.

Little children may use some expressions that are wrong but so cute they are never corrected. So it becomes a part of them and goes on and on. When I realize I’m speaking something not approved by grammar, I try to correct myself. Then it is too late. When I read some of my articles printed in the paper, I am embarrassed with the way I have written but there it is, right out there, where everyone can see.

I have always thought people from England speak perfect English. I suppose we don’t hear the ones who are at fault.

Haven’t we had a beautiful fall? I planted a maple tree years ago, looking forward to beautiful red leaves. This year, it has been yellow instead of red. I guess the weather has something to do with it. Flowers have stayed blooming longer than usual, too.

Some of my helpers have told of scraping ice from their windshields. That was not a favorite chore.

When I was a school kid, it was fun to get an innocent student to stick their tongue on an iron post. Kids are mean. Grabbing apples in your teeth as they floated in a tub of water was usual. That is not a healthy thing to do, is it? I wonder if young people do all those tricks we used to do at Halloween parties.

— norma hannaford