POSTCARDS MAGAZINE - Lake Conroe - FEBRUARY 2026

Postcards

Publisher’s Post

Who You Love

February has a way of slowing us down just enough to think about love. Not the loud, over-the-top kind, but the steady kind. The kind that shows up, day after day, in ways we sometimes forget to acknowledge.

This month, I find myself thinking about the people and places we rely on most. The ones we call without thinking twice. The familiar voices, friendly faces, and small gestures that make life feel a little easier and a lot warmer.

Who do you love?

It might be a person who has walked beside you through a hard season. Someone who listens. Someone who shows up. Or it might be a local business owner who treats you like family, remembers your name, and takes pride in doing things the right way. The kind of place you recommend to a friend without hesitation.

In today’s world, words matter more than ever. A kind note. A quick message. A thoughtful review. Taking the time to say, “I see you, and I appreciate you,” carries real weight. For many small businesses and service providers, those few words of encouragement can mean more than we realize. They validate the long hours, the sacrifices, and the commitment to serving their community well.

It’s easy to assume people know they’re appreciated. But how often do we actually say it?

February is a good reminder to pause and do just that. Tell someone you love them. Thank the person who always goes the extra mile. Write a review for the business you depend on. Send a note. Make the call. Speak the words.

Those moments of connection—big or small—are what knit a community together. They remind us that behind every counter, every desk, and every service call is a person doing their best to take care of others.

At Postcards, we get the privilege of telling stories about this community all year long, and one thing is always clear: kindness still matters here. Gratitude still matters. And love, in its many forms, still has the power to make a difference. So, this month, think about who you love. Then take a moment to let them know. It just might be exactly what they needed to hear.

One thing is for sure.

Don’t assume they know—tell them.

“A Gentle Reset for the New Year”

February is often the month when the excitement of the New Year fades, and lingering aches, stiffness, and fatigue begin to surface. For many adults, cooler weather and post-holiday routines can bring joint pain, nerve discomfort, poor circulation, and disrupted sleep back into focus.

Acupuncture offers a time-tested, natural way to help the body reset and restore balance.

Used for thousands of years, acupuncture works by stimulating specific points along the body’s natural pathways to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and support the nervous system. Modern research continues to show its effectiveness in helping with chronic pain, neuropathy, arthritis, headaches, stress, and mobility issues without relying on medications that often come with unwanted side effects.

submitted by: Alyson Bayer, Acupuncturist

February is also Heart Health Month, a reminder that circulation plays a vital role in overall wellness. Healthy blood flow supports nerves, muscles, and joints, helping the body repair and function more efficiently. When circulation improves, patients often notice reduced pain, warmer hands and feet, better sleep, and increased confidence in movement.

A Commitment to Healing

For nearly two decades, our team has been dedicated to serving the Montgomery community with integrative, patient-centered care. We specialize in chronic and complex pain cases, especially those once considered difficult or untreatable. Our approach combines traditional acupuncture with advanced technology designed to enhance healing and improve outcomes.

At Clear Choice Acupuncture and Wellness, we often meet patients who feel they’ve “tried everything.” Many are frustrated by ongoing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that interferes with daily life, walking comfortably, sleeping through the night, or enjoying time with family.

What surprises most people is how gentle acupuncture truly is. Treatments are designed to work with the body’s natural healing ability, encouraging blood flow and calming the nervous system. Many patients report feeling deeply relaxed during sessions, followed by gradual improvements in comfort, balance, and energy over time.

If pain, stiffness, or nerve discomfort has kept you from enjoying the activities you love, February is a great time to explore a different path to healing.

Call (936) 703-5040 today to schedule your complimentary consultation, or visit www. clearchoiceacupuncture.com to learn more about our New Patient Offer

Clear Choice Acupuncture & Wellness

21105 Eva St • Montgomery, Texas

Located in the Heritage Place at the intersection of Hwy 105 & 149, across from the old Methodist Church

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As we enter the new year, many of us are filled with optimism and hope for a bright future. Often that involves planning ways to improve our lives or situation. Whether it is simply a goal, or you refer to it as a resolution, it is the intention to make changes in our habits to positively impact our lives and the lives of our families.

The unfortunate truth is that most of our goals, or resolutions, last less than four months into a new year. The failure is likely the result of unrealistic goals or inadequate planning to implement the goals. So, with that in mind, we would like to suggest some simple steps we can all take to start off the year in a positive fashion.

1. The February Audit – This is a great time to do a review of your fixed and recurring expenses. Think of costs like insurance (home, auto, life), utilities including internet service providers, groceries, automobile expense (including fuel), and monthly payments for home and other loans. Are all these expenses still budgeted appropriately? Are there any changes that could be made to improve your financial situation?

2. Subscriptions – How many subscriptions do you have? Think about streaming services for television or music, gym memberships, or software products. Are you still actively using all your subscriptions? If not, this is a great time weed out the subscriptions you are no longer using.

3. Estate and Beneficiary Review – This is a great opportunity to look at wills, power of attorney, medical powers, and other legal documents. Changes in estate tax exemptions, gift tax limits, and life events can all impact your estate documents. In addition, named beneficiaries will allow accounts to transfer outside of those legal documents. It is extremely important to keep your beneficiaries up to date based on life changes such as marriage, divorce, or even children becoming adults.

4. Savings Rates – When you consider your monthly budget, do you pay yourself? It is important to have an emergency fund, and savings for future planned purchases or even retirement. How much of your income do you pay to yourself as opposed to allocating to current or past lifestyle (credit cards). A good goal is to pay yourself 10-15% of your income for future use. If you are not currently doing that, incremental steps can help get you there.

If you need assistance with any of these steps, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We work with many families that are probably just like yours. We would love to be “Your Financial Partner for Life”.

Jedson Boyd says the holidays just wear you out!

Wolf Moon from Jan. 3, 2026. Two more supermoons will occur this year, both in May. Submitted by Tom Miller

Saturday, April 25, 2026 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Step

Sam Houston Memorial Museum Grounds

1836 Sam Houston Avenue Huntsville, TX 77340

samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com 936.294.1832

CHARACTER BUILDERS

Pork Futures:

A Look Inside the Show Pig Industry

An insider shares the process and its value to young people.

BY CLAUDIA KIRKWOOD | PHOTOS BY TOM MILLER

Thislittle piggy went to market, and, yes, that is true, but this article is about his pre-market days when he stayed home and lived the life of a pampered pig. Meet Rooster the show pig, raised by Kamlynn Mason. Kamlynn and her brother Kaden have both won awards in this industry, Kamlynn with Rooster, and Kaden with his barrow named Hollywood. Their mother Carrie Brockman and her husband Josh own a farm in the area and run a breeding program for the show pig industry with clientele from throughout the United States. They host a training camp for young people twice a year and sell pigs that will be raised for competition. Carrie recently shared information about how this fascinating industry is run and the benefits that raising an animal can bring to a young person.

Carrie, share with our readers information about your farm and its goals. We started raising show pigs ten years ago, in 2015, and began with

seven sows. We eventually owned 250 sows but are down to 120 at the current time. Our initial goal was to win as many shows as possible, but our objectives have changed over time to those of building solid customer relationships and pointing as many people as possible to the Lord Jesus Christ. We try to do everything we can in this operation to glorify God and give thanks to Him for the many ways He has blessed us. Additionally, we want our customers to be successful, and we do our best to give them the direction and support needed toward this goal.

Raising an animal is a timeconsuming project. What responsibilities must a young person shoulder in raising an animal for competition?

Kamlynn and Kaden are both currently raising pigs for competition. They are homeschooled and have classes in the afternoon, so their mornings are spent caring for their animals. The pigs need to stay on a regular schedule, and this involves being fed twice a

day with high-quality feed. Time is spent brushing and conditioning their skin and hair, and this also helps the animals get accustomed to being handled. The pens are kept extremely clean, which ensures the animals are living in a healthy environment and not subject to factors that can cause sickness. Biosecurity is important and is a term meaning to reduce the risk of diseases through a variety of factors including people, other animals, equipment, and during transport. Keeping the pen clean also helps to keep the white portion of the pig’s skin and hair as white as possible. To keep the black portion as black as possible, the pig is taken to a pen out in the sun for about thirty minutes a day for tanning. The pig is also trained to walk for competition. When a young person decides to get into this type of extracurricular activity, he or she needs to be committed to the daily process of taking care of their animal. It’s a lot of work and responsibility, and knowing they are caring for a living being adds a weight of importance to the project.

When a family contacts you about the purchase of a pig, what can they expect to receive as far as instruction and support?

We have private-treaty and live sales throughout the year, and after purchase, we help them through the entire feeding period. Feeding a pig has become a science to help ensure the development of a quality animal. They can send videos every two weeks, and we will make recommendations on what to do. We also help with showmanship as much as possible. We offer camps twice a year and have some blog videos to help. We love seeing our young people succeed and build solid work ethics. And as a side benefit to our family, Kaden and Kamlynn have developed friendships with young people from all over the United States.

Give us a tour through Show Day when all the months of labor and toil come together. It is February, and after raising the

pig for six months, it’s showtime! Competitions take place all over the nation, but we will center our sights on Rooster and the Ft. Worth Stock Show for this article. Registration to show a pig took place in December and Rooster is now ready for his big day! He is not fed during the trip to Ft. Worth because this can upset his stomach. Kamlynn will move him into the barn the morning before the show and give him thirty minutes of rest before feeding him. Water and electrolytes are offered several times during the day and then he is fed at noon before getting an afternoon bath. The day is centered around letting Rooster eat, drink, and rest.

Competition is divided into weight ranges. Kamlynn will guide Rooster into the show ring on the cue of the judge. At this time, the judge swiftly surveys all the animals and makes quick and definitive decisions on what animals stay for further competition and those that don’t make the grade.

Within just a few seconds, the fate of the past few months of hard work is known! If the pig wins at this class level, he will go on to compete in the weight within breed category, and if successful, then the breed show. The Grand Champion is selected from the breed competition on Thursday night. As you can see, the first impression at each level of a contest is huge!

The auction takes place on Saturday morning, and a percentage of the pigs are sold to companies and individuals who bid on them. And for those animals who placed high enough in both the Houston and San Antonio shows, they go to the A&M carcass contest and are judged for their meat. The young person can make extra money at this level.

Kamlynn entered Rooster in the Ft. Worth show and won Grand Champion, and won in Louisville, Kentucky with her pig Joker. Kaden won at San Antonio, the biggest of the shows, with his pig Hollywood. Kamlynn and Kaden entered into this project through 4H, but contestants can also enter through their local high school FFA program. Whether one’s animal wins or goes home early, the rewards these young people reap will enrich their lives and benefit them greatly in the future. The characterbuilding and work ethic developed within the young person is priceless.

The Brockmans have built a business that has touched lives, both young and old, all over the nation. It has enabled them to raise Kaden and Kamlynn in an atmosphere of commitment, compassion, and trust as they work together as a family to

care for a multitude of animals who depend on them. And as Carrie states, “We are always being watched by young people and their parents, so we

work hard to honor Christ and touch lives with His love and message of good news. That is our main mission, and we take it very seriously.”

A

few tips to consider before entering into this activity:

• Research the expenses involved for supplies and equipment

• Set goals for what you want to achieve

• Understand the tasks and schedules required

• Find mentors, whether in-person or online, who can guide you

• Be prepared for the various outcomes that competition brings

• Embrace the benefits and rewards that raising an animal can bring

Glorious Grandchildren

Beckett Steely

Grandchild of Larry & Theresa Hughes and Kelvin & Deann Steely

Ellie, Holly, Heidi, Gabriel, Rebekah, Josiah, Audrie, Ruthie, Jacob, Michael & Van

Grandchildren of John & Linda Unger, shared with Roger & Tammy Dixon, Van Hale, and David & Nancy Gauteson

EmmaLynn & Lukas

Grandchilren of PawPaw

Tasty Bites

Ginger Glazed Mahi Mahi

INGREDIENTS

3 Tbs honey

3 Tbs soy sauce

3 Tbs balsamic vinegar

2 tsp olive oil

1 tsp grated fresh ginger root

1 clove garlic, crushed or to taste

4 (6 oz) mahi mahi fillets salt and pepper to taste

1 Tbs vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS

Step 1: Mix honey, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, ginger, and garlic together in a shallow dish. Season fish fillets with salt and pepper; place them skinsides down in the dish with marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Remove fish fillets, reserving marinade. Fry fish for 4 to 6 minutes on each side, turning only once, until fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove fillets to a serving platter and keep warm.

Step 3: Pour reserved marinade into the skillet; simmer over medium heat until reduced to a glaze. Spoon glaze over fish and serve.

The Garden Post

Planting Season has Begun!

The weather has been so unpredictable even the most seasoned gardeners are asking what to do when. Regardless of what Mother Nature has in store, we “do know” planting season has begun for fruit and nut trees, as well as most berry plants and roses. The unseasonally warm weather may be a challenge for area fruit trees struggling to receive 650 chilling hours this year to set fruit. If you are unfamiliar with the term “chilling hour” and a few others, here is a quick refresher course.

A chilling hour is the amount time below 43 degrees a tree must receive to set fruit. Low chilling hour fruit trees (400 and below) will be for the coastal areas of Texas, where frost rarely occurs. The Walker County area is 650-675, and the Dallas area is 850900. Our neighboring northern counties will be in 750-850 requirements. A low chilling hour tree planted further north may bloom out too early and be zapped by a late frost. chilling hour (800) tree may set fruit if planted in south This is why it is so important or trust the nursery you are to have the correct varieties

Pollinator required versus self-pollinating tree will not blooming nearby at the same nating. A self-pollinating female, allowing pollen to (with the help of wind and the ever-essential bee). Even self-pollinating trees will benefit from having a second pollinator nearby to increase crop yield.

better with pollinator).

Kim Bius President, Kim's Home & Garden Center

Self-Pollinating fruit tree varieties: pomegranate, citrus (lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, etc.) peach, certain plums.

Pollinator required: pecans, apples, most plums, pears, avocado, blueberry, blackberry, grapes, dragon fruit (do much

Bare Root – Bare root is the terminology given to trees/ plants that are field grown and removed from the field for resale. The tree can come with no dirt and bare root and trunk only, or the tree root ball may be wrapped in burlap with a wire cage. These trees can be removed from the ground after the second killing frost, generally mid-January to late February. If spring comes early and leaves begin emerging, transplant window. This is also a to take saplings out of wild for replanting. Many garden centers receive bare root trees and pot in biodegradable pots to ensure their customer is getting the best!

Container Grown or Containerized – (The lingo given to plants grown in a container/ pot.) These trees have 50% more labor and maintenance involved, so expect a 50% higher price.

Grafted versus Own-root fruit trees are either or grown on their own system without grafting, heirloom fruit varieties and trees. This is especially citrus, not so much in with a large seed, peach trees have two parts: the root system, and the part with the desired fruit size, hardiness, and soil adaption; the top graft is the actual fruit variety.

An own-root stock lemon tree will have a bush form and the fruit will be smaller for the first few years of production, but it will catch up. The beauty of the own root tree is that if the plant freezes, it can return from the root system if the temps are not below 20 degrees. Most grafted citrus damage easily at 32 degrees, something good to know.

celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 2025

celebrating her 96th Birthday

Dear Gabby

Send me your questions at

Welcome back to the February 2026 edition of the Dear Gabby advice column. Our February national holiday is Washington’s Birthday on Monday the 16th. Happy Valentine’s Day and sweet wishes to my loyal readers on the 14th. Not to get too personal, but a quote from Cameron Esposito reminded me of my own relationship with my husband/hero, Dud. “I married for love, but the obvious side benefit of having someone around to find your glasses cannot be ignored.” Send me your questions by clicking on Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive.com/share

DEAR GABBY

No question, I’m just venting. I have a wonderful husband, but he usually skips Valentine’s Day altogether or buys the most unromantic gifts anyone could imagine. We’ve been together forever, so this isn’t a game changer, but it can be quite annoying.

ALREADY POUTING

DEAR GABBY

I bought some wine the other day, and the cashier barely glanced at my ID and finished checking me out. I must look younger than I thought!

PUFFED UP

DEAR POUTING

We may be neighbors! I asked my neighbor if he’s bought his wife a gift for Valentine’s Day. He replied that he bought her a belt and a bag! I was so impressed until he added that he hoped the vacuum cleaner would work much better. One year, I told Dud I thought we should go out to eat for Valentine’s. He informed me he didn’t go out with married women, sorry. I reminded him we were married to each other, but he stuck to his guns. No exceptions! I determined I should just appreciate his moral ground and decide what to cook. I even made his favorite dessert.

GABBY

LISTENING. LEARNING. CARING.

DEAR PUFFY

I hate to be the deflator, but it doesn’t take long for a checker to see that some birthdates start with 19. They used to have to do math.

GABBY

CONFIDENTIAL TO “Out of Shape”

So what if you can’t touch your toes anymore. Who wants to touch their toes anyway?

Planting Season Has Begun

ANNOUNCING THE OPENING OF THE MANSION AT THE TOP O’ THE HILL EVENT VENUE AVAILABLE FOR ALL TYPES OF EVENTS CALL HANNAH FOR DETAILS 936-295-5282

BUSINESS FOCUS P

Cameron Optical

BY RUTH FIELDS | PHOTOS BY TOM MILLER

Dr. Bonnie Cameron is often reminded of the optometrist she saw while she was growing up near Chicago. “He wasn’t just there to get you a pair of glasses and out the door,” she says. “He wanted to get to know you.” She remembers that during one annual visit when she was in junior high school, he asked about her interests.

“No one ever asked me that question,” she says. When she responded that she was interested in science, he noted her inquisitive nature and suggested

The Business Focus is chosen each month by random drawing from among Postcards contract advertisers.

optometry might be a good field for her. At subsequent visits, they discussed this idea.

Cameron’s family moved to the Houston area when she was in high school, but she remembered her conversations with her former optometrist. After graduating from Cypress-Fairbanks High School, she earned her undergraduate degree from Baylor University, then moved to Philadelphia, where she attended Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, one of the nation’s top-ranked colleges of optometry. She graduated with honors in 2005.

While in Philadelphia, a colleague introduced her to Mark Soveral, a licensed optician. Soveral worked in the eyecare industry and enjoyed the satisfaction of helping others. He remembers as a boy, he needed glasses, but they were expensive, and his mother, a single parent of three who worked three jobs, had to search out the best bargains. “I watched my mom struggle with those interactions,” he says. “I wanted to be able to help people afford glasses.”

Cameron and Soveral eventually married and, over the next 20 years, had five children. When Cameron graduated from optometry school, the couple moved to Montgomery. She calls Montgomery a “hidden jewel,” close enough to Houston for big city needs and an international airport, but “tucked away in a little secret spot.”

Cameron and Soveral have worked together at Cameron Optical since 2007, where they each use their talents to help patients. Soveral is clinic director and optician; Cameron is an optometric glaucoma specialist, having attained the highest level of optometric training. The clinic treats patients of all ages: their youngest patients are six months old; the oldest is 103. Soveral notes that Cameron is respected for being knowledgeable, personable, and empathetic. “She listens,” he says.

As an optometric glaucoma specialist, Cameron can fit patients with glasses and contact lenses, but does much more. Her high level of training enables her to treat patients who have such conditions as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and corneal abrasions.

She also manages post-surgical care for patients who have had surgery to treat cataracts or retinal tears. In addition, she provides glasses for patients who have had strokes or brain surgery. “We can help people cope and learn to live with their new disabilities,” she says. She also co-manages patients who have neuro-optometric conditions.

Meanwhile, Soveral uses his training, background, and effervescent personality to help people find the glasses that suit them best. He estimates the clinic has more than 5,000 frames available. Some cost as little as $99, but many designer frames are available as well, including those by Gucci, Versace, and Vera Bradley. Glasses are made at an on-site lab, giving patients options not usually found in the area. For example, those who want to re-use their favorite frames can get their new glasses in hours rather than weeks.

Cameron Optical is proud to provide patients the benefits of advanced technology, such as ocular coherence tomography (OCT), an imaging device that is a valuable tool for early detection of eye diseases, as well as prevention. There have also been recent technological advances in vision correction. “Complex contact lenses have come a long way,” Soveral says, noting new multifocal contact lenses for patients with astigmatism are far better than their predecessors. Even glasses have undergone technological advances. Silhouette offers strong, lightweight frames with a minimalist look and are popular with patients; Ovvo frames, made of surgical steel and titanium composite, are touted as being virtually indestructible.

Cameron Optical also offers OptiLight, an FDA-approved treatment that uses intense broad-spectrum light to address meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which is the cause of most cases of dry eye. Cameron Optical also recommends Neurolenses, which can help ease headaches, eye strain, and dizziness. Neurolenses can correct common eye misalignments, promising great vision as well as the elimination of many vision-related complaints prevalent among people who do much of their work utilizing their near vision.

Non-surgical facelifts

In early 2025, Cameron Optical introduced its patients to NeoGen for non-surgical eye lifts. NeoGen is a nitrogen plasma energy treatment that repairs and rejuvenates the skin. “It tricks the body into thinking it needs new skin,” Soveral says. “It triggers stem cell regeneration. The body automatically starts to regenerate.”

Patients were amazed by the results, and Soveral thought, “Why stop there? You can do the whole face and neck.” In addition to expanding the treatment to include faces and necks, Cameron Optical began combining NeoGen with TriLift, a new technology that painlessly stimulates facial muscles. The combination of rejuvenating the skin and underlying muscles amounts to non-surgical facelifts at a small fraction of the cost of surgical facelifts. “You are talking about the most incredible, most natural facelift you will ever have with no scarring and minimal social downtime,” Soveral says. “It textures, tones, and tightens.”

TriLift is painless, working its magic in just 20 to 30 minutes by stimulating muscles. (Patients even get their choice of music to listen to so the experience is more relaxing.) Once the muscles have been treated, most patients choose to have their skin rejuvenated as well. Soveral calls NeoGen “spicy”—tolerable, but not quite painless. “It’s like a hot puff of air,” he says. Patients may limit social interaction for a week or two afterwards because of redness and peeling, he says, but the recovery time is extremely minimal when compared to surgical facelifts.

Cameron Optical is one of the few providers nationwide to offer both TriLift and NeoGen, and while many existing patients have taken advantage of this new technology, many more have flown in from around the country, Soveral says. The effects of sun damage, aging, and the loss of elasticity are addressed in minutes rather than hours, and without injections or incisions. “It’s the coolest thing I have ever seen in my life,” he says.

Cameron Optical accepts both vision insurance and medical insurance, including Medicare. Because insurance can often be confusing, staff members can guide patients so they’ll know what is covered.

Craig Boudreaux, DO

Board-certified in Family Medicine

Preventive Screenings Every Man Should Know About

Many men do not think about health screenings unless something feels wrong. The challenge is that many common health conditions in men develop quietly. Preventive screenings help catch changes early, often before symptoms appear, when they are easier to manage.

Blood pressure is a good example. High blood pressure often has no warning signs, but it can damage the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels over time. All men should begin blood pressure checks at age 18 and have them checked at least once a year. Risk is higher for men with a family history of high blood pressure, diets high in salt or processed foods, excess weight, regular alcohol use, or ongoing stress. Black men and those with a family history of high blood pressure are also more likely to develop high blood pressure at younger ages than other groups.

Cholesterol is another screening that often surprises people. High cholesterol does not cause pain or clear symptoms, but it can slowly raise the risk for heart attacks and strokes. Most men should have their cholesterol checked starting in their early 20s. If results are normal, testing is often repeated every four to six years. Men with a family history of heart disease, low physical activity, or conditions like diabetes may need

testing more often. If your cholesterol is slightly elevated, your doctor will likely only recommend changes in diet and exercise. However, in some cases, cholesterol can be very high at an early age, warranting a recommendation for lifestyle changes and medication to lower risk.

Colon cancer screening is recommended for most men starting at age 45 or earlier if the patient has a family history of colon cancer. Risk increases with age, diets low in fiber, limited physical activity, or regular alcohol use. Screening can find cancer early and may even prevent it by identifying growths before they become dangerous.

Prostate health is another important part of men’s preventive care. Prostate cancer screening is not one-size-fits-all and should be discussed with a doctor. Many men begin these conversations around age 50, or earlier for those with a family history or other risk factors.

Skin cancer screening is often

overlooked, especially by men. Risk is higher for those who work outdoors; spend time hunting or fishing; golfing; or coaching/watching kids’ sports. If you have had frequent sunburns early in your life, you may be at increased risk. Men with lighter skin tones are at higher risk, but skin cancer can affect anyone regardless of skin tone. Regular self-checks and routine skin exams, based on a doctor’s guidance, help catch changes early.

Blood sugar screening is important even for men who have not been diagnosed with diabetes. Many men begin screening in their 30s or earlier if risk factors are present. Risk is higher for men who are overweight, inactive, or have a family history of diabetes. Hispanic, Black, and Native American men are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than other groups.

As an osteopathic doctor, I strive to help patients become as healthy as they can be, and I view preventive screenings as part of caring for the whole patient. These checks are about understanding risk and protecting longterm health. Preventive screenings only work if they happen. If it has been a while since you last saw a doctor, or you are not sure when your screenings were last checked, now is a good time to schedule a visit. Even one appointment can help establish a baseline and identify risks early, allowing for appropriate guidance to help patients find health.

Postcardslive.com

Sudoku Marketspace

February 2026

Club Annual Used Book Sale facebook.com/thefortnightlyclub

COLLEGE

Simon & Garfunkel Story” opastickets.org

Dollar Quartet” tuts.org

3rd Annual Sporting Clays Tournament

Man: The Musical”

61st Annual Go Texan Parade email: cwwmetro@gmail.com

Mustard Seed Moments

By WES ALTOM

By Hook or By Crook

The team was determined to win the championship by hook or by crook, using every strategy available.

Ever wonder about the origin of this phrase? In my mind, I always have put a positive connotation on the first (as in bait on a hook, an enticement) and a negative connotation on the second (as in a “crook” using dirty or illegal means). Maybe that’s just the way my warped mind works.

When researching the origin, there is no definitive answer for the exact source, but the two top theories BOTH present an either/or as a connection and not opposites as I supposed.

The first likely source of the phrase is that it comes from Hook Head, Ireland and Crooke, Ireland. During the English Civil War in 1650, there was a vow by Oliver Cromwell to capture Waterford by Hook or by Crooke—a simple alternate choice of routes.

The second supposition is that it comes from the customs regulating which firewood local people could take from

common land. They were allowed to take any branches they could reach with either a billhook (a farmer’s tool) or a crook (a shepherd’s tool). Again, a simple alternate choice. Is it becoming our very nature to see every potential alternative situation as a “VS.” rather than an “OR”? We must each be careful lest we lose our ability to be objective in evaluating ourselves, examining our choices, and passing judgment on others.

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand. Philippians 4:5 (ESV)

Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:5 (Amplified)

PRECISION ALIGNMENTS HAVE ARRIVED.

Professional Alignments:

• Requires specialized equipment used by trained professionals.

• Proper Adjustments create vehicle suspension angles so wheels are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the road.

• Process uses sensors, lasers, and a computer to measure angles against manufacturer specifications.

• Adjustments made by making adjustments to the suspension and steering components.

Why It's Done

• Corrects pulling to one side.

• Prevents uneven and premature tire wear.

• Insures better handling and improved safety.

• Improves steering response and stability.

• Enhances fuel efficiency.

Common Causes for Misalignment

• Hitting potholes or curbs.

• Worn or damaged suspension parts.

• General wear and tear over time.