A couple of weeks ago, I was talking with my brother on the phone. We were discussing Christmas and what to buy for our grandkids. Eventually, the conversation turned to what they might buy for us. He then asked me, “Is there anything you want that you don’t already have?”

I have no evidence, but I’m convinced people have argued since the beginning of time. Adam and Eve probably disagreed daily about chores or responsibilities – and there wasn’t anyone else around to take sides.

An estimated 53% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck with no savings. In essence, if two consecutive checks are missed, it's game over for that family. That’s an astounding fact.

We knew a lot about our small little world but knew almost nothing going on outside our circle. But realistically, should we? Isn’t it best to shield our children from those big things until the time is right?

I was so blessed to have very awesome grandparents on both sides of my family. Even though they were equally great, they were extremely different. 

The little town of Hoagland was a great place to grow up in the 1970s. We had a general store to hang out at and a Tastee Freeze that had fantastic ice cream and sandwiches. 

Ladies and gentlemen, for more than 50 years, William (Bill) and Janet Butler of Hillsboro have been pivotal figures in transforming livestock marketing and agricultural finance in southern Ohio and beyond through their management of Union Stockyards.