Random Topics – Dare to Discover

OPUS – 1956-1968

November 5, 2025June 2, 2012 by Alan Farley

The same year that I started as band director at SAHS and wrote the alma mater — 1955-56 — I was on a roll, and began writing lyrics to fight songs. I wrote the words “Go Red Dragons, go all the way” which I understand is still being sung at SAHS athletic events. In January … Read more

Wood

November 5, 2025April 18, 2012 by Alan Farley

My great-grandfather Hite was a cabinet maker. He was truly masterful in his ability to work with wood. While I as a young child had heard of his skills, the only remaining piece of his making is a small lift top desk, which was in our home for many years. That desk was my work … Read more

White Silence

November 5, 2025April 18, 2012 by Alan Farley

I think I was 15. Wintertime. Saturday morning. Snow about six inches deep everywhere. Nothing going on at home, so I decided to go out. I walked through the snow down to the railroad tracks, then stepping on every cross tie to the South Charleston C&O Railway station. No one there, no cars on the … Read more

When the Earth Cooled

November 5, 2025April 18, 2012 by Alan Farley

If you’re reading this say, forty years from now, like in 2054, you probably believe that age 82 isn’t very old. By then “old” may start at about 100. Until you stop and think about “the way things were,” as life-span thoughts get you caught up in the now and the then. So yes, I’m … Read more

Dollars Stuff

November 5, 2025April 18, 2012 by Alan Farley

If Patrick, Leslie or Amy is/was your great grandparent, you may or may not find the following easy to believe. While I’m sure you have observed the continual escalation of prices for goods and services, it only takes on important meaning after you’ve been around long enough to see just how much the purchasing power … Read more