"I’m learning the importance of understanding my electric meter" by: Mike Reddell

   A reminder for our clan: Be careful in arguing with the electric company about their surprising $1,000 power bills.   Back in March, we received a $1,000 utility bill.   MaLinda called and questioned the bill because our bill is usually around $400-$500.

"Japanese artificial blood substitute on the horizon" by: Jessica Shepard

   According to several reports, once a far-off fantasy of science fiction pipedreams - artificial blood – has been administered to male volunteers in Japan.   The studies began in 2022 and the goal is to actually put the universal artificial blood to use by around 2030.

"Stock Market has a positive week, a record not far off" by: John Sample

   We had a positive week for the S&P 500 ending the week above 5900.   It is no record close, but not that far away.   The Fed’s preferred measure of inflation, Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE), came in Friday at just a tick above 2%.

PSA: Questions to ask your financial advisor

   You should always be able to ask as many questions as you’d like when working with your financial advisor.    So, before your annual review, think carefully about what you’d like to ask.    Here are a few suggestions:   First, ask if your goals are still realistic.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Bring Her Back’ unsettling, gory supernatural horror flick" by: Jessica Shepard

   Amongst all of the movie franchise sequels, installments, and reboots lately, there has been a steadily growing number of folks crying for original stories and content.

‘Making amends’

   Two powerful words set the foundation of the title for this article.  Understanding the difference between an apology and making amends might be a good place to begin.

"When you live in Hill Country, chances are vacations are on beach" by: Mike Reddell

   Congratulations to the 2025 Matagorda County high school graduating classes.  Even at my extreme age, I’m always excited at the start of summer.  I’ll spend a lot of my summer in our pool, except for those laborious not-vacation-like moments of scraping algae off the sides of the pool.

"Finding a happy medium between impulsivity, feeding nostalgic needs" by: Jessica Shepard

   You know that moment when nostalgia for something hits so hard that you can’t think of anything else?

"Don’t forget the sunscreen as you enjoy your summer vacation" by: John Sample

   Hope you had a relaxing Memorial Day weekend, kicking off the start of summer.    I spent time fixing roof damage from a storm and mowing.    Remarkable how rain makes grass grow.    Last week was no bargain either with the S&P 500 losing over 2% closing just above 5800.

"Reel Reviews: ‘MI: Final Reckoning’ ambiguous ending fuels franchise annoyance" by: Jessica Shepard

   The Mission Impossible movie franchise has been around my entire life and, as such, I’ve seen every film since the first debuted in 1996.  However, like with most long-run action film franchises, there’s a need to increase the difficulty and pizazz of stunts and fight scenes.