FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: This life story begins in 1973 (kind of) – part 31

“Cheyenne,” I said, with a look of amazement, “when Corrina took me up upstairs and showed me her room and her view westward from her upstairs window... well, that was like the intro to the beauties portion of this beauty’s and beast’s saga.

OUT TO PASTOR: The re-gifting queen of the family

Sitting around the Christmas tree with my family and opening up Christmas presents, it stirred fond memories of my Aunt Edith. She was known as “The Re-gifting Queen” of our family.And believe me, she earned that name quite well.Most of the family didn’t catch on to what she was doing.

COMICALLY INCORRECT by A.F. Branco (January 4, 2024)

OPINION: Biden and the polls – he’s fallen and he can’t get up

In an interview with the Financial Times, the longtime Washington political analyst Charlie Cook noted that President Joe Biden’s job approval rating has been stuck below 50% for a long time, 2 1/2 years, and shows no signs of rising above 50% anytime soon.

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE: But I do not want to eat bugs, and I do not want to be fined for using my cell phone

Who was it that said something akin to “Lie, lie and lie until the lies become believable?” That would be Joseph Goebbels, who was the chief propagandist for the Nazi Party.Just wanted to remind everyone of that little piece of information.

OPINION: California is off the rails

Having a happy New Year this year won’t be easy in California.The state is a fiscal, social and economic train wreck that just keeps on wrecking.As we roll into 2024, we’ve learned we’re looking at a projected budget deficit of $68 billion.

NOTABLE QUOTABLES (January 4, 2024)

THE BIG LIE“All good. Take a look. Start reporting it the right way.” – President Joe Biden regarding the economic outlook“Wages for workers are up. Black wealth is … up a record 60% since the pandemic.” – Joe Biden WHAT ARE YOU SMOKING?

5,400-acre South Creek Ranch for sale

FERRIS – The 5,400-acre ranch, former home of Dallas executive W. Ray Wallace, CEO of Trinity Industries, who died in 2016 is for sale. One phase of homes has already been constructed and sold in the Woodstone development.

Starbucks opens in Ferris

Ferris – Starbucks opened to the public on Dec. 18, following a successful soft opening.Located at Fifth Street and Interstate 45, it marks a significant milestone in the city’s economic development and quality of life initiatives.

Wilmer Mayor Sheila Petta featured in The Dallas Dispatch

WILMER – When she was asked to run for Wilmer City Council, Sheila Petta had no interest. She had other matters demanding her time.That was several years ago.