This era on our planet is called the Anthropocene – meaning the time of man (yes, and woman). And here’s the truly incredible news: humans have—and have had—more effect on the changes of the planet than earthquakes, glaciation, tides and all the rivers in the world. Yes, you read that right. We’ve collectively changed the planet more than anything nature previously provided.

The Republican Party lost ground in the congressional and state elections earlier this month, but they continue to triumph in the all-important contests over words.

Pet ownership in America is well over 50 percent. Nine out of 10 of these owners view their pet as part of the family. As such, dollars spent on traditional pet ownership areas such as food, veterinary needs and boarding have expanded to include things like exercise and travel. For more and more Americans, that trend has grown to include what cars we purchase.

This is the time of year when we like to evaluate our lives and give thanks for all we have. If we’re honest, we take a hard look — we look at our relationships, our work, our homes, our communities. We analyze what we contribute and what more we could do. We also, or at least we should, figure out where we fall short.

That’s not to say that we shouldn’t celebrate the wonderful things going on in our lives. We should. And we should share that joy with those around us. Everyone could use encouragement, and hope. 

Beware of snowy roads and take caution

Please remember that keeping Pine Plains roads passable during inclement weather is my top priority during the winter months. I would appreciate your cooperation while my crew members are trying to do their jobs.

I don’t know about you, but I didn’t spend much time outdoors this past summer. It seems that either it was raining — movie rains, coming down in voluptuous sheets, obscuring windows and flooding driveways; or, it was so hot that I was reluctant to leave my air-conditioned living room. To be honest, the outdoors has never held a great attraction for me. Hiking and biking are not my thing. Wining and dining is more like it.