It was something of a surprise to find out Monday morning someone in the U.S. Senate attached a rider to a routine defense appropriations bill that if approved, would have repealed the half-baked Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, which was forced on the military during President Clinton’s watch in 1993.

There is never a good time to start an unpleasant conversation. Anyone who has ever had to be the bearer of bad news knows that.

This summer my life has been dramatically changed by a serious illness. It has been both alarming and disheartening.

This weekend thousands of men, women and children will flock to the grounds of Colonial Pemaquid for the Olde Bristol Days celebration. There will be face painting and food serving, vendors vending, children playing and music in the air.

The strains of the music, the roar of the crowd, you know what that is, really? That’s what the business part of show business sounds like.

There is nothing quite like those cold fingers of fear grabbing a hold of your intestines and giving them a good, chilly squeeze when you round the corner and see blue lights flashing, now is there?

Way back in grade school, I remember a student giving his oral report, mentioning at one point, “Oh – you know what I mean.” The teacher replied, “You know what you mean, I don’t. Tell me what you mean.”

To the Editor:

My husband is a resident at the Harbor View Cottage up on the hill at Rt. 1. This is a very steep hill and it is difficult to see cars coming.

Most people from away come to Maine, I believe, because of the raw beauty Maine provides. Otherwise, why would Maine and its beautiful coast be such a draw for artists and photographers and “just getting away from city life” vacationers?

To the Editor:

My husband is a resident at the Harbor View cottage, an extension of the Lincoln Home for Alzheimer’s patients.

Re: Stars Jewelry and Skidompha Library (July 22 LCN).

Obviously no one at this center of learning has even read “Dogs 101.” Two lessons to be learned: “Be loyal to your owner” (in this case fellow townspeople and merchants) and of course that real old one, “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”

To the Editor:

The Bristol Area Lions Club would like to thank and congratulate the vendors who participated in the Bristol Flea Market, which took place this past weekend at Bristol School.

To the Editor:

Did you know that Deb Sanderson was running for State Representative?

To the Editor:

Have you ever driven on School Street in Damariscotta? Well I have and I do it on a daily basis.