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“Autumn is a second spring, when every leaf is a flower.” —Albert Camus

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— MY TWO CENTS WORTH —

The one thing I’ve always enjoyed about traveling is the ability to connect with history and ancient civilizations—to walk in the footsteps of those who once lived in these communities, to stand on the bridges and buildings of architects who came before us, and left us a physical legacy to enjoy. Here are six of the oldest and most historically significant roads across the globe that are still in use today. 

— DISPATCHES FROM THE OLD WEST — 

(1) Despite heavy odds, a quasi-military branch of the Texas Rangers invaded Mexico to recover stolen cattle, over the objections of politicians. “MC NELLY’S LAW.”

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(2) One of the challenges for anyone writing about the American Frontier is to make sure that if a photo is used, it’s really of the individual character being written about. Many of the images are phony. Writer Robert G. McCubbin, in an article he once wrote for True West magazine, pointed out that not all Old West characters made themselves available for photos. And, sometimes, their very existence depended on not being recognized, of course. “It Ain’t Really Him! . . . Or is it?”

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— DISPATCHES FROM HERE & THERE —  

(3) Toys are important, primarily because they inspire creativity. The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, NY, which preserves and documents the history of play, also features the World Video Game Hall of Fame and the National Toy Hall of Fame. Here are the four 2025 finalists for induction into the Toy Hall of Fame, as well as links to previous inductees.  

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(4) Many of us probably remember skipping stones across water in our younger years. I did not realize, however, that it is a competitive sport where a champion stone skipper is crowned at a tournament in Mackinac Island. The competition is often referred to as the Stanley Cup of Stone Skipping.

According to Guinness World Records, Kurt Steiner holds the record for the most skips: 88, set on September 6, 2013, at Red Bridge, Pennsylvania. He previously held the world record from 2002 to 2007.

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(5) It’s that time of year to solve the problem of choosing a good pumpkin. Here’s how to do it. 

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(6) Halloween was always a fun time in my growing-up years. We never wore costumes, except for maybe a mask on occasion. So I was surprised to come across an entire website dedicated to Halloween costumes. Among the barrage of facts and figures was this tidbit:30% plan of those polled plan to wear more costumes this season.

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(7) I can’t wait until I find one of these in the stores where I shop. Introducing the Avadaco Scanner, which means no more squeezing and guessing. The scanner allows us shoppers to test the ripeness of avocados.

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(8) Xavi Bou, a Spanish photographer, utilizes scientific and artistic skills to create poetry in the sky. This combination enables him to capture fascinating images that the naked eye can’t perceive. 

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"The one who boasts does so only out of a feeling of inferiority." —Alfred Adler (1870-1937)

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