-Isms: Original views on life in rural America

This is my favorite time of year.

Sweet summer is in full swing, sun lights the sky until late evening, we fire up the grill nightly and outdoor activities occupy spare time.

Summertime means my favorite holiday is only a few days away.

I have always preferred the Fourth of July to other holidays. It reminds me of family time, baseball games, picnic lunches, swimming and fireworks.

What’s more perfect than that?

My all-time favorite Fourth story includes a family softball game at my grandparents’ farm. All aunts, uncles and cousins were there, and after the evening meal, we divided into two te...