Some of the news in my column today is designed for many like me in an age group that says “Hey, slow down you are getting old.” That’s right, no more climbing up ladders, driving at night and mowing grass on a hot sunny day.

I, like some of my friends in my age group, have become what some call “old heads.” In other words, we are the ones folks come to when they want to find out about things that occurred in the past.

Well, most of the old heads I once knew are gone, and I am now an old head. I suppose that’s one of the reasons the Advance keeps me around to keep readers informed about events and people of years ago. I need the money, too. Then, again medical sources tell us to keep on working because it keeps our minds fresh and it also keeps down Alzheimer’s.

It seems each week I get an email asking me to write about certain subjects. It is almost embarrassing that sometimes I just cannot do this because I do not know enough about it to write about it. But, I was able to throw a little light on one subject I was asked about this week.

This emailer said to tell us what you know about that big store which was situated partly in Alabama and partly Florida.

Well, I will tell you this. There was such a store. I remember it as a boy and we went to that store to buy fireworks. I do not remember whether it was Florida or Alabama that did not allow the sale of fireworks in this store so we bought them from the state that allowed them. The store was a wooden frame building literally located on the state lines just across the highway from the former lotto building. I am sorry I cannot remember who owned that building in the time I am speaking of, the late 1940s and 1950s. Some say it was once a grocery store and say it was a liquor store. Some say it was a combination grocery-liquor store. I am sure if it were a liquor store the products would have had to been sold in the Florida section.

Perhaps some of you can help me with this. I bet there are a few of you who went to that store too.

Now, let’s talk football.

Just as sure that Urban Meyer is heading for a nervous breakdown, the University of Alabama is heading for another national championship. And, the Auburn Tigers will not be far behind.

Why do I say that about Meyer, the current Ohio State coach? Well, he was doing real well when he was the Florida coach until he lost a couple of games and developed a “nervous” condition and resigned. He remained out of football until he got his current job. So, why do we say he may be developing another “nervous” condition?” He lost a game to Penn State last Saturday night. This loss was what we call key. It not only knocked his team lower in the national standings, it possibly knocked the Buckeyes from the national championship game.

So, let’s see how he overcomes this loss. Will he overcome it and get his team back on track or will the nervousness reoccur forcing him to follow the pattern he exemplified at Florida?

Have you caught one of the Damien Harris interviews on ESPN TV?

This Crimson Tide running back is not only dashing for big yardage on the playing field, but he is also capturing the attention of the ESPN anchors and reporters. He is so articulate with such immaculate self expression that ESPN is willing to give him a job on the air when his playing days are over. Not only that, but donned with his dark rim glasses he makes an excellent photo type for the TV cameras. Yes, this Tider can expect great things ahead either as a professional player or in the broadcast booth.

I finally learned of an area in our country where the chinquapin is so well known. It is in the state of North Carolina. And it is because of the recent flood there that I learned about it. Reportedly, a river by the same name overflowed and caused some of that flooding. And, I learned that these trees grow along this river.

I wrote about the tasty nut grown on the chinquapin tree a few years ago. I told how difficult it is to find these trees around here today as opposed to years ago when they were very plentiful. As you know the nut is enclosed in a thorny hull but is filled with a great taste, especially when parched over an open fire or in the oven. So now we know where to go to find these nuts.

The Williams Station Day appeared to be well attended and food vendors seemed to be pleased. Hats off to our friend Marlene Nall Joint for capturing honors at her unique arts and crafts booth. Congratulations too, to those “old men” who played such good bluegrass music. It goes to prove older folks can do well too.

More news next week.