by Phil Houseal | Jul 22, 2026 | All Articles, History, Philosophy
July 22, 2026– If only I could get out of this rat race and buy a small acreage If only I raised a garden so I could eat fresh chemical-free vegetables If only we kept chickens so I could have fresh eggs year round If only we had a large lawn If only I had a horse...
by Phil Houseal | Jul 15, 2026 | All Articles, Education, History, People of the Hill Country, Philosophy
July 15, 2026–“Edna” taught all of us in the office how to walk. Step… step… breathe. Step… step… breathe. She demonstrated, walking across the lobby, pausing to inhale sharply every two steps. We had to wipe off our smiles when she reached the...
by Phil Houseal | Jul 8, 2026 | All Articles, Education, Philosophy
July 8, 2026–If the early birds gets the worm, they can have it. I’ve noticed a pattern where people get punished for completing a task too soon, and suffer no consequences for finishing a thing too late, or not at all. This chaps me, because I love getting projects...
by Phil Houseal | Jul 1, 2026 | All Articles, History, Philosophy
July 1, 2026–I am a connoisseur of manure. As a farm boy, I was knee deep in it. I can discuss the merits and shortcomings of each variety. The globular tackiness of horse manure. The iconic patty shape of cow. The lumpy dustiness of chicken and turkey. The tiny...
by Phil Houseal | Jun 24, 2026 | All Articles, Food
June 24, 2026–What is real food? I think I have discovered a way to tell. I call it the “Hen Test.” Many of us have lived through decades of “expert” advice on what Americans should make part of a healthy diet. We all remember the original food pyramid that was...
