August 1, 2025
PUBLISHER’S CORNER
Hodge Podge of Random Thoughts
By Eloise Graham
I am often asked where I come up with my topics for the articles. Usually, I have a thought or theme that is running around in my mind. Not this month. I hit a wall, had writer’s block, had nothing but a bunch of little ideas that really produced nothing. So here are my little ideas.
August is usually a time for state fairs. In the mid-’70s, I was riding with my parents through Topeka and spotted a billboard for the fair. It read something like ‘Free Kansas State Fair.’ I thought we should go. It said “free” and to me that was an invitation. My dad had to explain to me that entrance to the fairgrounds would be free, but nothing inside would be free. The rides, the food stations, the games would all have a charge. Needless to say, I was disappointed. This year, the Kansas State Fair is in September. Iowa and Illinois State Fairs are in August.
I remember going to the county fair in my hometown of Ottawa, Kansas. It was the county seat and boasted a wonderful fairground. Carnies would come in and set up their rides, game booths and food stands. There is something really great about corn dogs and cotton candy at the fair. That was the only time I remember getting those treats.
Have you noticed how many commercials there are for medicines? These are remedies for diseases we didn’t really know about 60 or 70 years ago. I remember ads from way back then for Alka Seltzer, you know, “plop, plop fizz, fizz – oh what a relief it is” and Carter’s little liver pills. I am sure there were others, but not near as many as we have ads for today. Many of these current ads are for prescription medicines. That is why they often say to ask your doctor. So basically these ads are for items you cannot merely purchase.
Swimming was my favorite pastime in August – really all summer. Our swimming pool did not close until Labor Day. Summer didn’t end until Labor Day. The day after was the first day of school. I think it should still be that way, but that is just my opinion.
Have you noticed the dandelions this year. I think I had a bumper crop. I really wasn’t trying to but they were prolific in my flower bed. There were many different kinds – and all with DEEP roots. I had some flowers that were over eighteen inches tall. The seemed to prefer growing in the middle of the daffodils or the rose bush. I had others that stayed close to the ground and spread out almost like a ground cover. And many sizes in between.
That about does it for my random thoughts. Hope you enjoyed the visit in my head.
