Millions of children struggle under the weight of an overstuffed backpack, putting themselves at risk of injury.

Parents should inspect their child’s backpack from time to time. They often carry much more than they should with extra shoes, toys and other unnecessary items.

A backpack shouldn’t weigh more than 15 percent of the child’s weight, or about seven pounds for a child who weighs 50 pounds. If it is textbooks that are making the bag too heavy, parents should speak with the teacher—sometimes these books can be left at school.

During August and September, it will be easy to spot Joe-Pye Weed along roadsides and woodland edges. I wondered how it got its name, so I looked it up and the answer follows.

I have a nephew who is four months older than I am, yet he constantly harasses me about my age. I always remind him that as long as we are both living, he will always be older.

But could it be he is right, and I am old?

Let’s review a recent day in the life of me.

I was saddened to learn just last week of the passing of a colleague from my first eight years teaching at Luttrell Elementary School. I have throughout the years had many colleagues, most of which were just acquaintances, but a few who became treasured friends.

I love paths. I just don’t see a trail. I see an adventure waiting at the other end.

Some of my childhood friends and relatives had paths around where they lived. I loved it when we scampered down those dirt trails. Being the imaginative child I was, I envisioned all kinds of wondrous places and creatures along those paths.

Of course reality was different. One time I followed my friend and her little brother up a path on the side of a ridge and behind their house. I fell and tangled with a fence. I lost, so I came back bleeding.

Here is an easy omelet recipe. Soup and eggs couldn't be easier. If you want to fancy it up a bit, tuck some crispy bacon or chopped ham I the center before you flip it. Good eating.

Most everything at a wedding is white, even the punch. There is no alcohol in this one. It doesn't need it. The ginger ale gives it the tang. Make more as needed. It's not expensive to do. For the ice ring, remember to boil the water first, then cool it. The process works better if you do.

We all like Lemon Pie. This old-timey dessert is easier to make. It doesn't need a crust; no sauce, either. If you have a couple lemons in the fridge, you are all set to go.

The world seems all messed up right now, doesn’t it? A dear friend uses the phrase “upside down and backwards” and I think we all can relate. In these troubled times, we can get overwhelmed with all that is going on that is out of our control. But you can control you! After all, nobody does you better than you! So I want to encourage you to be intentional with how you are living your life and actively pursue a healthier and happier you.

This is the fourth of a series of articles on the history of Wood Dale School in Union County, Tennessee.