I can’t remember ever turning the furnace on in the first week of September! At least I didn’t have to use my air conditioner in August. I think the weather is on some sort of strange rampage. Those poor people on the East Coast must be worn out trying to protect their homes. I used to envy them for their lovely cottages by the sea. Now, living in tornadoes in Kansas, I’m satisfied to stay. What am I saying? Knock on wood!

Well, politics are getting pretty exciting. John McCain just about shook everyone up when he announced that his vice president choice was the pretty governor of Alaska. I hope everyone will be kind in their competition.

I just finished a book by the son of Johnny Cash about his mother, June. Country singers live in a different world. They seem very religious but they swear, drink, and use drugs. Maybe not all. They compete with each other, yet if one gets down they do anything to help them.

A long time ago I went to Salina to hear Johnny Cash. His voice is different, sort of haunting. You wouldn’t get him mixed up with anyone else.

Dolly Parton is my favorite country singer. I think she writes her own songs. Besides that, she is an actress. Remember when she played in a movie? She portrayed a secretary in a very amusing show. She has written a book of her life. As I said, their lives are different. I have never heard that she used drugs. She is really a very popular star.

— NORMA HANNAFORD