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 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 17, 2026 | All Articles, Education, Food, History, Philosophy
June 17, 2026–What substance found naturally on earth caused mankind to go to war, forge new trade routes, and walk past chocolate chip cookies in a bakery? I give you salt. This substance must once have seemed to hold magical properties. It could be used to enhance...
by Phil Houseal | Jun 10, 2026 | All Articles, Food, History, Philosophy
June 10, 2026–My online shopping strategy is to haphazardly drop individual items into my shopping cart over a matter of weeks until I have enough to qualify for free shipping from this huge site named after a South American river. I am never in a hurry to buy more...
by Phil Houseal | May 13, 2026 | All Articles, Education, History, Philosophy
May 13, 2026–I need potatoes. I’m grilling steaks. The meal requires a traditional side dish that is delicious with gravy. You have potatoes. Piles of potatoes. You grow them in your garden, and you have dug up more than your family can eat in a reasonable amount of...
