By Margaret Evans, Editor

Y'all know how I tend to get my little obsessions – subjects I become wildly interested in, then write about ad nauseam? (That's a rhetorical question. Of course you know.)

Well, my latest thing is birds.

Hold the phone, y'all.

Stop the presses.

Sit down 'cause you are never going to believe what I am about to tell you.

A researcher in Australia not too long ago conducted a study that shows . . . Wait for it . . . Wait for it . . .

We all have friends that deserve a special "thank you." I must admit, as I write this, I'm thinking about wedding party hosts that need reciprocating, but a thank you party for any reason is a good thing. Wouldn't it be fun to host a small party for the people who celebrate with you when you're happy and lift you up when you're down – just to say "thank you?"

Dear L. A. Plume,

I have recently moved to this area from a small town that was much more casual. I notice that women here even seem to dress up to go to the grocery store! I know the stories about women who clean their homes before the cleaning lady comes, which I must admit seems a bit ridiculous to me, but anyway . . . here's what I need to know: Is it customary in this town to dress up with good make-up and jewelry before going to the hairdresser? I have an appointment at a new salon and I don't want to start off making the wrong impression.
Shirley