Flipping coins, trails, taxes and political talk

My annual coin flipping day has come and gone. You're probably thinking, "He's really flipping out this week." You may be right, at least close to right; however, let me explain.

It was the first day of autumn several weeks ago when Mother Nature officially abandoned her summer ship in favor of my favorite season of the year. I call it fall, like spring forward when daylight saving time begins and fall back a few months later when everything is supposed to return to normal -- whatever that is.

I always flip a coin the first day of autumn, a time to look back at the hot, steamy, dry, thunderstorm summer days with a sigh of relief. Now, give or take a few days or weeks, cooler and more relaxed temps begin to take charge.

But flipping a coin to make important decisions? Should I chop up leaves, rake them up for disposal or leave them on the ground? Should I take a jacket to the football game or should I chance the weather will remain warm? Should I root for the Cardinals or Royals in the World Series? Should I put off for a few days paying my taxes? Should I have the furnace checked? Should I start making a Christmas list?

I'm sure you have your own lists for decision making. Do you sometimes flip a coin?

Do I really flip a coin? Of course not; it's a mental thing. It's my official "C" (for coin) day ... which leads into another "C." A conglomeration column. For instance, back in April, as major league ball began, it appeared the teams I follow, the Cardinals, forever, and the Royals, looked like they could be headed for a rematch in the Series. But something flubbed the picture and neither made the playoff cut.

For instance, Whoops! Tax paying deadline is here, right now, tomorrow! October 15 is deadline to pay before that 10 percent penalty kicks in.

Christmas lists? Even though Christmas decorations are crowding out Halloween, Thanksgiving and autumn displays? You've got to be kidding. Christmas is almost three months away. And shopping? That waits until about a week before, when the crowds are terrific, when possible gift selections have been picked over.

The approaching Advent is a time to start thinking about the real meaning of Christmas, what Christmas truly represents: The Gift, the thought, the meaning, the love ... remembering what too many simply call the season. Slow down, love, remember and be thankful....

A new "C": I read in the paper the other day that Gravette has received a $500,000 grant through the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department to improve the trail system that started several years ago. The trail is enjoyed. It starts in Pop Allum Park and winds through a wooded area for about a half mile. This is a non-matching grant for the city to upgrade and expand the system. Tentatively planned, it will extend through many areas of town, using many existing traffic lanes to old town park, the museum, school facilities and Main Street business area. It will accommodate handicapped persons and provide rest stops. Several offshoots from the trail are also being considered, such as to the hospital and the new high school complex. Finally, it will complete a loop to the starting point. Of course, starting can be at any point for short walks and tours. The preliminary map can be viewed at City Hall, and a final decision will also depend on public comment and possible suggestions.

Another "C": A man, who as a boy survived time in a Nazi concentration camp during World War II, died several days ago. The man, Elie Wiezel, after being freed at the end of the war, eventually came to America, where he was a professor at Boston University. He was the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Gold Medal, the French Legion of Honor and, in 1986, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He was the author of more than 40 books, the most famous being "Night," which chronicled the persecution that millions of Jewish people endured many years -- most of them were executed. Wiesel's descriptions are among the most sobering that anyone could imagine. Several years ago, I wrote in the 'Cuff that the book "Night" should be required reading for every high school student. It can be a wake-up call concerning similar atrocities that are occurring in the world today. I believe a copy is available at the public library. I loaned my copy months ago and, honestly, have forgotten to whom. I try to read "Night" occasionally to snap myself back to the realities of horror that must never again be permitted.

A final "C": Politics continues to hold the spotlight on the tube, in newspapers, on social media and in barber shop and Main Street talk. I must mention a story I overheard about a 5-year-old who, tucked into bed, heard outbursts during the recently held presidential debates. He got out of bed, wandered into the living room and asked his mother, "Could you please turn it down? ... I can't go to sleep with (he mentioned her name) talking so loud." Ah yes, out of the mouths of babes.

Also overheard following the veep debate: "I wanted to get up and kick the television when (I'll omit the name) interrupted every time his opponent tried to talk ... Maybe some duct tape should be a requirement since moderators seem unable to control these so-called debates.

Won't we all be glad when it's over? Then we can start all over since 2020 is already being talked by some wannabes! Happy conglomerating!

Dodie Evans is the former owner and long-time editor of the Gravette News Herald. Opinions expressed are those of the author.

Editorial on 10/12/2016