The Unsinkable

Today is the birthday of my namesake, Debbie Reynolds. Born this day in 1932 in El Paso, Texas, Debbie Reynolds (left) was one of Mama's favorite stars. She wanted me to be like her--cute, innocent, happy, perky. It did not work out quite the way she planned. Instead, she got me--The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Ah well.

Today is also the birthday of my good friend, Ruby Dena Anson. We've been buds since I moved to Topeka. Of course, she has hillbilly antecedents, so we accepted one another unconditionally.

This is also the beginning of my weeklong birthday celebration. Like many other historic institutions, I have a hallmark birthday this year. The big 5-0. Kudos to our friend, George Laughead, who sent me the first greeting, below:

The card contains another card, to be cut out and filled in: "I am 50 years old. I live at ________. My name is__________. Please take me home."

George is so thoughtful.
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Coyote Capers

Driving south to Overbrook before daylight this morning, I just caught sight of a coyote bounding across the highway in front of me. Not having grown up with the wild dog, I am always fascinated by them. So are geese, apparently.

Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, has a few ponds and a nice golf course and the geese just love them. In an effort to convince the geese to take up residence elsewhere, the golf course superintendent has bought some coyotes. Rather, coyote facsimiles. According to the Leavenworth Lamp, the pretend predators have been somewhat effective in discouraging the fowl. (The birds in this picture don't appear very concerned, however.)

For every intended outcome there is always one we did not foresee. Can you imagine the soldiers jogging in the twilight who suddenly come face to face with the yellow-eyed creature? I'll bet this guy has stopped a few hearts since he began guard duty.