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Random Thoughts: Research is topic for the day

Aren't we glad that we live in the center of our country? Some of the Pacific islands already are noticing that the ocean is creeping up on their land (global warming?). They eventually will be completely submerged. The inhabitants are looking for a country to take them in. Maybe Australia. Those islands rose from the sea and will go back to it.

Kansas once was covered by an ocean. My husband's cousin, who was connected with the Smithsonian, did research work looking for marine life of thousands of years ago.

Every summer he came to the Midwest looking for specimens. He had a huge collection stand in jars there at the Smithsonian. I saw them. Each jar held a tiny skeleton (fish) suspended in some preservative. He wrote several books on the subject and was considered an expert on the subject.

I think I told you that I did some research on Elizabeth Custer, widow of General Custer. With the help of our efficient library, I found a book of excerpts from Mrs. Custer's diaries. What a charming young woman. She was only 17 when she married the general. He was in the cavalry. She describes him as handsome, daring, and wonderful on a horse.

Her first year of marriage was spent following her husband as he bravely fought in the Civil War. It was a hard and scary experience; but still romantic. They were both beloved by their followers. As good as "Gone With the Wind."

All the men running for the city council sounded so good. I want to vote for all of them.

I hope both the winners and the losers get together and really make Marion a town to be proud of.

— NORMA HANNAFORD

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