-Isms: Views on life in rural America

Six Saturdays of shopping remain until Christmas morning, which falls on the seventh Saturday from today.

I haven't even started shopping.

One of our kids told us no toys for the grandkids this year, please.

"Get them something they need."

Well, if we grandparents believe the kiddos need a LEGO set to work on for next year's 4-H project, they will, more than likely, get it.

Or maybe they won't.

I'm all about practical gifts, a necessity, a replacement, something you know you need but wouldn't necessarily make the purchase for yourself.

I'm also all about realistic gifts. Gifts need to be affor...