mason minute

Simple Bracket (MM #4797)

No one ever said that simple was easy. A few weeks ago, one of the brackets that hold up the handrail on the steps leading to our second floor broke. If you have a staircase in your house, you know the one I’m talking about. It’s made of brass or some alloy that looks like…

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Straight-Line Winds (MM #4796)

Many parts of the country have dealt with tornadoes over the last few days. The warmer weather and severe storms often make for a troubling combination this time of year. I remember going through tornado drills when I was still in grade school. While Nashville has experienced numerous tornadoes over the last few years, the…

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The Backyard (MM #4795)

Many people like to spend time in the backyard during this time of year. It could be gardening, hanging out with friends, or even grilling out. While I enjoyed spending time outdoors in my younger days, my allergies mostly keep me indoors today. I spend very little time in the backyard. But I can watch…

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Get The Message (MM #4794)

Consumers are frustrated. For the last couple of years, the cost of everything has skyrocketed. For a while, people kept buying what they needed. But recently, they’ve screamed enough is enough. Fewer people are dining out. Many are even staying away from fast food. Business at grocery stores is slowing down, too. Shoppers have had…

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Jam And Jelly (MM #4793)

I’m sure someone explained this to me years ago, but I couldn’t remember how jam and jelly differ. And what about preserves? Recently, we went out for dinner, and they had some little containers to use on my biscuits. I thought I knew the difference, but I get a bit confused when you add preserves…

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Head North (MM #4792)

While I don’t own a self-driving car, I often joke that the one thing I can do is head north with my eyes closed. If I drive any highway outside of Nashville, I usually head north on Interstate 65. Once or twice a month, I visit my booth at the antique mall in Franklin, Kentucky….

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Point Of Reference (MM #4791)

I have difficulty remembering when or where things happen as I get older. I often need a point of reference to jog my memory. Now, this isn’t an issue with my memory. It’s simply because there are so many memories filling my brain. Today my nephew, Cade, graduates from college. It seems like yesterday when…

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A Different Journey (MM #4790)

Sometimes, I have to stop and think about the people I’ve met, places I’ve gone, and things I’ve done. I realize that my life is like so many others. With my father’s years in the media and all of mine, I’ve experienced many things that sometimes fascinate people. But I’ve long realized that we’re all…

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Center Turn Lane (MM #4789)

One of the best things that has happened to our streets and highways is the creation of the center turn lane. That extra lane makes all the difference to keep traffic flowing. I’m sure they’ve been around for a long time, but I didn’t see one until the late 1970s. But they’ve been around so…

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Maypo (MM #4788)

My brain holds a lot of strange facts. Some are useful, but most are just good if you’re playing a trivia game. We were in a team meeting the other day at work, and the subject of May Day came up. I started talking about the tradition of dancing around the Maypole. Most on the…

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