Forward: Bradford native Tanya Graves shared a poem with us about thoughts and moving forward.

Strategically Placed Thoughts

Strategically placed thoughts

And emotional bonds

My thoughts of living life with doing no wrong

Humbling experiences, although so long

The main thought always remains

I can do no wrong

Leaps and bounds this time so rough

I will put my emotions aside

Letting go of my pride

Strategically placed thoughts

And emotional bonds

My journey begins, I can do no wrong

This emotional rollercoaster ride

With fear I will no longer hide

Closing my eyes to stimulate my mind

Trying to appreciate life one day at a time

Beginning to heal both inside and out

With this new outlook I have no doubt

Strategically placed thoughts

And emotional bonds.

———

Cold in Alaska: Jerry Bator of Bradford wrote in about the recent cold weather we have been experiencing. He writes, “The cold weather we are having reminds me of when I was in Alaska in 1959. I was in the Air Force, transferring to a remote radar site for a one-year tour of duty. (no TV, no phones).

Passing a small village on a snow icy packed dirt road, I saw a sign along the way. I still remember the words. It went like this:

If you lived up in Alaska

Where arctic breezes blow

And survived one long dark winter

When mercury ran low

If you saw the fall ice come

And saw the spring ice go

Then you drop the name cheecako

And become a sourdough.”