Word of the Month: Portmanteau

David Zapatka Coming from a tech and marketing background, sister and reader, Debbie, recognized a trend in her field that is prevalent today and suggested researching the word, portmanteau. Portmanteau port·man·teau, port-ˈman- tō noun: a word blending the sounds and meanings of two other words Origin and Etymology: From French portemanteau, literally “carry cloak,” a…

In Passing – April 2026

Nancy Borden Nancy Ladd Borden, née Chandler, passed away peacefully on Jan. 27, 2026, at Towers Nursing Home in Smithville, Texas, surrounded by her loving family. She was 88 years old. Nancy was born on Dec. 31, 1937, in Omaha, Neb., to Dwight Lamont Chandler and Frances Mae Chandler, née Smith. She grew up with…

Jacquie’s Corner: All I Need to Know

Jacqueline M. Ruffino I learned from the Easter Bunny! Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Everyone needs a friend who is all ears. There’s no such thing as too much candy. All work and no play can make you a basket case. A cute tail attracts a lot of attention. Everyone is entitled…

Why Your Kids Don’t Want Your Stuff

Kim Kubsch Do you feel you have reached the age or time when you need to decide to divide, disperse, or dispose of your stuff—from accumulated dishes, books, tools, furniture, and memorabilia? Have your kids created established homes, marriages, and babies? Will they want to inherit your vast inventory of lifelong treasures or mementos that…