"Reel Reviews: ‘Project Hail Mary’ film great for popcorn, easy storyline" by: Jessica Shepard

   Every time I learn about some new movie set in space to save the planet Earth from something terrible, I’m reminded of my favorite quote from the 2009 “Star Trek” reboot film.     In that flick, Dr.

One of a kind

   Some folks make it their mission in life to change their significant other, family members or friends.      When those close to them don’t measure up to their standards, they feel empowered to reign them in to their way of thinking or doing.

"Pet personalities seem to change with age" by: Jessica Shepard

   Now that April is steamrolling right ahead, I’m reminded that sometime this month – or right at the end of March thereabouts – Jack-Jack our orange tabby rescue cat made his grand appearance.  Now, we didn’t have him pop up on our radar until the tail end of May last year.

"Uncertain times are arriving with the Spring wildflowers" by: John Sample

   I sincerely you had a wonderful Easter with your family and friends.  Here in the Hill Country, we were blessed with rain that was seriously needed.  It cut into my yard work, but that was fine by me. It will always be there next week.

PSA: Four stages of raising confident, money-smart kids

   Teaching good money habits starts early and grows through every stage of life.With young children, begin simply.  Three jars labeled “Spend,” “Save,” and “Share” can help them understand what money is and learn that saving for something special takes patience.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Super Mario Galaxy’ movie full of franchise references" by: Jessica Shepard

   While most of my Mario in-game knowledge is limited to the late 1990s, I’m still always excited to see the Nintendo franchise’s characters appear on screen.I mean, I’ve been playing video games since I could hold a controller, but the Mario franchise holds some of my earliest memories, too.

Emotional residue

   The pollen count has been off the charts in the area for weeks.  The clues are inevitable- watery eyes, running nose, scratchy throat and, of course, the yellow pollen settling on cars, park benches and sidewalks, all subtle hints from Mother Nature that Spring has sprung.

"Easter is almost upon us while bringing up nostalgic feelings" by: Jessica Shepard

   I feel like we’re in this weird time vortex since we shifted clocks forward an hour.   It just dawned on me that Easter is really this weekend and I can’t figure out where the time has gone.

"Looking for that gem hidden among all of the rocks" by: John Sample

   We have headed south for over a month now - we haven’t seen this type of pullback in four years.     There probably will be some recovery, as so many quality stocks have been lowered to more than reasonable P/E ratios based on forward months earnings projections.