“Shane, I do not like to be late, so I add 10 to 15 minutes start time to alleviate the problem (Either way, you are planning, Jan. 13, 2026). Bill is NOT like me, so after 63 years of marriage we compromise… he leaves early, too!” – Karen Sparks

“I love to read your stories. You have a gift for making the reader feel like they are right in the middle of whatever you are writing about. Many of your memories are very familiar to mine. I’ll keep my eyes open for a jukebox.” – Donnita

Mr. Goodman, you can take your old electronics to the Apple Store at Jordan Creek Mall to be safely recycled. All the hard drives will be destroyed, and the devices will be taken apart and anything that can be recycled will be. What is left will be disposed of without going to a landfill. – Derek Davenport

 “Good day, Shane. My husband and I moved to a home at Lake Panorama in 2001. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the Panora Times. However, I was furious when I read your commentary in the November 2025 issue. I have been an animal lover since I was born. My dad and I rescued many animals over the years. We’ve helped turtles, dogs, cats, bunnies, ducks, chickens, mice, a rat, and a wide variety of birds, to include a gorgeous indigo.

My husband read your comments but didn’t tell me. A couple of days later, I actually cried when I read it. I was shocked by the antics of you and your college friends. My husband mentioned the article to me later. My first comment was, ‘Who does that?’ My second comment was, ‘Why?’ He had no answer. He said he had to quit reading when read about the Alka Seltzer in the goldfish bowl. When you say it was inappropriate, I agree 100%. I could have gone a lifetime without knowing what you and your friends did. Now I can’t unsee the images in my mind. 

When I read the article about the strange pets of local residents I found it interesting, yet I could obviously tell it was written by someone who isn’t an animal lover. There were many unanswered questions. I read that article before I read your commentary. It’s too late to take it back, but I certainly wish you had not shared so much. Best wishes.” – Roberta Brink

Roberta, my words obviously affected you in a way I did not intend them to do. Please know that I was not happy about the Alka Seltzer getting dropped in my fish tank either. – Shane

“I wear slippers all the time (Cold feet, Nov. 18, 2025). I don’t think my delivery drivers would recognize me without them. One time I had big ‘dog’ slippers and even put up my Christmas lights (in the snow). Can’t live without them. Good column. Love reading what you write. Have a happy Thanksgiving.” – Kris Laidley 

“I can really relate to your Nov. 14 column (We will let Jesus dry those, Nov. 14, 2025). My sister (three years younger) and I shared dish drying at home; me morning and she at night. She had the larger task, but we both used the time to learn our spelling words while Mom washed, and we dried. Both of us got A’s.” – Mike Simpson