2020: WORSE YEAR SINCE 1918

President Donald Trump's impeachment trial was overwhelmed by a deadly pandemic, a racial divide, and a president's baseless attacks on the election itself. The past 12 months have left the United States a different place. Even though the U.S. is 4% of the world's population, it has recorded nearly 345,000 deaths and 19.5 million cases of COVID-19, 21% of the world's deaths and cases. It didn't have to be this way. The Commander-in-Chief wasn't at his post. I am jealous of Canada, a country that got to celebrate Christmas in the old fashioned traditional way with large gatherings at grandma's house. To everyone who lived it, 2020 will forever be the worse year in their lifetime. Thank God it's coming to an end and also coming to a close is a four year nightmare.

WELCOME 2021

After a train wreck year, the coming of the New Year will be like a breath of fresh air. I hope and pray for brighter days ahead but I suspect I won't relax until after Jan. 20. Those 20 days will seem like three months. Expect anything. I'm confident Joe Biden will be sworn in as 46th president on Jan. 20. As for me, like many of you, the vaccine can't get here fast enough. So far it's been a very slow roll out. I look forward to getting out with my friends. My hope is that by March 17, we can have a big Lunch Bunch reunion. I'm optimist about the country's new leadership. I believe good things will come our way but it won't be overnight, plus a lot of obstacles will be designed to prevent any progress by the new administration. Biden is not a novice, he's an old pro and I'm betting on him. We should all be because this country is in a deep, dark hole. It will take some doing to erase four years of abuse like the country had never seen before. My hope is our great country will heal and be made whole again. Happy New Year. I must move on. Come along, I promise it won't do you no harm.

2020 Ends on Darkest Day of COVID-19

COVID-19 cases and deaths are skyrocketing nationwide, taxing hospital staff and facilities. More school disruptions seem inevitable, vexing students and frustrating parents. The recession has plunged millions into unemployment, challenging the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden to provide relief. Partisan politics linger, undermining the kind of united front necessary to stem the tide of death and economic disruptions. The next few months promise to bring the worst of this pandemic to our door. It should never be shrugged off when the leader of a great nation abandons his people in a pandemic, leaving them to disease and death and turning his brilliant, wealthy country into a global role model for failure. From testing, contact tracing and identifying mutations of the coronavirus, to shortages of personal protective equipment and inadequate, belated and sometimes non-existent economic aid, America's response has been a rolling tragedy of mistakes, inaction, confusion, false starts, false information, propaganda, lies and disrespect for science. It should never be shrugged off when an entire political party betrays an entire country. That's true of the pandemic alone, before even considering the urgent needs of the economy, the environment, international relations, racial inequities, immigration, the rule of law, American ideals, and the nuts-and-bolts damage that Trump has inflicted on federal agencies from A to Z. As competence and honesty make a comeback with Biden, one can only hope that America will notice, and will never let a Trump happen again.

Remembering Jimmy LaComb

I was very sad to learn of the death of Jimmy Glenn LaComb, age 64, who passed away December 23, 2020. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, December 31, at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery. I had known Jimmy since he was 8-years-old and I coached him in PeeWee football. I also had known his mother Faye for many years. Jimmy played high school football for Coach Chief Wilson in his last year of coaching at Bridge City. He went off to play football at U.T. A. along with fellow teammate Mark Dunn. I recall Jimmy's marriage to Laura that produced a son, Jarred. It didn't matter where I ran into Jimmy he always took time to talk. He was just one of those good guys that I will always remember. Condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2010

Swearing in ceremonies for all elected officials will be Saturday, Jan. 1, at 10 a.m. at the Court House. Newly elected judge, David Peck, will be given the oath of office by District Judge Pat Clark. The new and first Republican county commissioner, Jody Crump will also be sworn in.*****Also on Jan. 1, TCU, 12-0, will meet Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl to be aired on ESPN at 3:30 p.m. The entire Carlos Vasek clan is attending the game. Being a preferred alumnus, Carlos will have tickets on the 50-yard line. He is a former Horned Frog halfback. *****Hugh Hefner, 84 years old, is engaged to 23-year-old Playmate Crystal Harris. Old Hugh has his work cut out. Thank God for Cialis. ***** Last week the old gang held a 35-year reunion breakfast. Richard, at Peggy's on the Bayou, cooked a mean country breakfast. In attendance were Dow Gene Anderson, Roy Dunn, Doug Harrington, Curtis Lee, Lyle Overman, H.D. Pate and Wilson Roberts. Missing was Wayne Morse. The group first met for Christmas raw oysters in 1975. *****Robert's treated the Wednesday Lunch Bunch at the annual pre-Christmas gathering. New Orange police chief Lane Martin stopped by. Also visiting was pretty Miss Coree, Christy Koury's young daughter. Former Orange city manager, Jack Huffman, also had lunch with the Bunch. Skipper Free came all dressed up in her holiday best. *****A few special folks celebrating their special day this week. Monday, Dec. 27, our buddy Sharon Bearden marked 72 years. He's just now shifting into high gear and ready for a long road head. ***Some FaceBook friends celebrating are Laura Floyd, Dec. 27; Kari Stringer and Kate Kazmar Butcher, Dec. 30; Sandra Hovind, Dec. 31. Also celebrating are Kenny "KeeKee" Dupuis, Robert Hoke, Norma Fusilier and Nancy Lapeyrolerie. *****Happy anniversary to Roy and Ms. Phyl, married at high noon on Dec. 31, 1954 in Kountz. ***Also married on the same day, at 7 p.m., 56 years ago were Thomas and Bobbie Miller. Brother Kennedy, at Cove Baptist, married them in a triple ceremony. ***Fifty years later, on the same day, Jerry and Barbara Childress were wed at home on New Year's Eve with Roy and Phyl in attendance. Best wishes to all. *****Debora and Joe came home for Christmas from Denver, Colorado. All her rowdy friends showed up at Corky and Betty Harmon's home, broke out the instruments and turned the place into a honky tonk. Debbie creates a party wherever she goes. Music with her friends is always a blast. *****Bridge City Mayor Kirk Roccaforte suffered a mild heart attack and had to be rushed to the hospital. Not a good way to celebrate his birthday.*****Also our friend Daniel Jacobs is back undergoing treatments in Houston. His recovery is going well.*****Our longtime buddy Judy Hidalgo is now being treated in Mid-County. No more long drives and stays in Houston.*****I wonder what Capt. Chuck Uzzle is going to do with that big Red Fish? We heard from a guy a few weeks ago who says he reads Uzzle and Capt. Dickie Colburn's fishing reports on our web site. Until he discovered it, he says he didn't realize that such a fishing heaven existed anywhere in this country. We get a lot of hits on our fishing columns.

22 Years Ago-Dec. 1998

For the first time in Texas history Republicans own every major office with the exception of the House and Senate. Locally, the first Republican is elected. Cimron Campbell became Justice of the Peace, Pct. 2. *** Sue Bearden is only the second woman to serve on Commissioners Court. ***The first black and also first woman, Essie Bellfield, is mayor of Orange. ***Coach Joe Hester, of Orangefield, again produced a state pole-vaulting champion. ***This year Orange Port director Roger Richard left to become director in Baton Rouge. Gene Bouillion was hired to replace him.***Ron Sigler is manager of the Orange County Drainage District. ***Orange County is served in Austin by State Representative Ron Lewis and newly elected state senator, David Bernsen. ***The college Gray and Blue game won by the Gray, 31-24. ***Bridge City's Matt Bryant contributed seven winning points with a field goal and four extra points. The Baylor senior is the son of Mary and Casey Bryant of Bridge City. Matt, a walk on in the NFL, has won many pro-games since. He was working at an Orange pawn shop when his chance came. The rest is history. He is now the leading scorer for the Atlanta Falcons. At that time, Jan. 1, 1999, Bridge City had two other youngsters in the NFL, Shane Dronett, now deceased, and Jason Matthews, now retired. *****This past week Jim Morgan, age 70, died. Also longtime groceries pioneer Howard Hattifield.***Jimmy Buntyn passed away at age 43. ***Judge Marlin Shelton left office this week after 28 years as J.P. Pct. 2. ***Warren Claybar joins Claybar Funeral Home. Warren becomes the third generation of his family to join the funeral home operations started by his grandfather Lannie, followed by his father Brown. *****Roy showed his goodness by publishing a positive story on John Harrington. Now, ain't that something?

47 Years Ago-1973

Earl Church went out and got himself run over by a danged old train.***Liz Wickersham, Charlie's little girl, is dating Joe Namath.

57 Years Ago-1964

Flashy Eddie Sutton was bleeding but threw caution to the wind and hammered out a unanimous decision over Samuel Foreman, of Lafayette, to win tournaments outstanding boxer award. Other Orange County boxers are Gary McCamey, Ken Ballard, Oscar Dominguez, and Larry Carpenter. *****Lutcher Stark High football players C.E. Riggs and Frank Beauchamp are named to All State 3-A football team.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Attorney Sharon Bearden is now home from a Clear Lake hospital where he and his wife, Liz, had been admitted with bad cases of the coronavirus. The virus mostly attacked Sharon with blood clots in the legs and lungs. He was home with the five dogs when I spoke with him, Liz remained in ICU while she fought off virus inflicted pneumonia. She was due to be released Monday or Tuesday. We are thankful that our friends are on the other side of the illness. Sharon says if someone foolishly says, "It's like the flu, they are lying to you, this stuff is bad." Sharon brought it home but doesn't know where he got it. He said he practiced all the rules, mask, etc.*****We were also glad to hear that Capt. Dickie Colburn is recovering. I believe he had a harder dose of the virus than his wife Karen. What is odd is that most people don't know where they contacted the virus.*****I heard from our friends Tommy and Sue Simar. They are bringing us some frozen figs that Momma will turn into preserves. She has plenty of time now-a-days. The Simar's are staying safe.*****What became of Margaret Toal? Possibly hiding from COVID-19.*****I can't locate my birthday list but I do recall that Commissioner Owen Burton celebrated January 3, along with Jim Sharon Bearden. Hard for me to believe Jim Sharon turns 47. Just the other day it seems he was 27.*****Two beautiful ladies, Beth Rach and Vergie Moreland celebrate on Jan. 4.*****I believe Norma Fuislier, David's mom, celebrates the last day of the year, Dec. 31. If I'm wrong I bet I'm close. I also recall our late friend Mary Lou Gunn, Tommy's mom, celebrated on Jan. 5.*****By the way, I really got a kick out of the Rascals birthday card last week. Couldn't stop laughing at how much they looked like the birthday boys.*****Donald Trump spent nearly 400 days on the golf course and less than 200 days in the Oval office with an average of two hours each day. He attended less than 10% of the National Security briefings. Domestic help say he is the laziest president in the last 30 years.*****All eyes will be on Georgia on Jan. 5. I believe the state is still Red. Biden winning was a vote against Trump. I was banking on a 90% vote. The undecided usually votes for the challenger on Election Day. The big turnout won't have many folks undecided. Trump going to Georgia and Bernie Sanders' filibuster might move the needle. My best guess is that the GOP incumbents will win in a very close race. If not, it's a windfall for Democrats.*****I was asked if I believed Trump would attend the inauguration. There's nothing for him to lose, its one large last public appearance. Biden is the kind of guy that would praise him and not be negative. Trump's sick ego will win out. If it doesn't it will be the first time.*****Trump is expected to pardon 28 more people, including his family, himself and a couple of surprises.*****I still think Trump will put a plaque on the border wall, his monument. Only ten miles of wall is completed, the rest is about 250 miles of repaired fence. Don't believe anything else. Mexico didn't pay for the wall.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

Natives celebrating birthdays in coming week. Kari Stringer, Kyler Walron, Paula Aven, Richard Hunter, Jessica Anderson, Joanne Hill, Cynthia Hernandez, Glenda Wilburn, Cody Johnson, Courtney Anderson, David Villanoueva, Kathy Mercer, Ann Burns, Barbara Dardeau, Devin Force, Nancy Lapeyrolerie, Catherine Young, Deborah Schlicher, Malinda Vail.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS

Dec. 30, LeBron James, 35; Tiger Woods, 44; Sean Hannity, 58; Matt Lauer, 62, Meredith Vieira, 66 and Sandy Koufax, 84. ***Dec. 31, Val Kilmer, 50; Anthony Hopkins, 82; Tim Matherson, 72 and Joe Mcintyre, 47. ***Jan. 1, Veme "Mini-Me' Troyer, 51; Kathleen Casey, 74; Don Novello, 77 and Frank Langella, 82. ***Jan. 2, Kate Bosworth, 37; Cuba Gooding, Jr., 52; Christy Turlington, 51 and Tie Carrere, 53. ***Jan. 3, Eli Manning, 39; Mel Gibson, 64; Victoria Principal, 70 and Stephen Stills, 75. ***Jan. 4, Michael Stipe, 60; Matt Frewer, 62; Dyan Cannon, 83 and Grace Bumbry, 83. ***Jan. 5, January Jones, 42; Marilyn Manson, 51; Pamela Sue Martin, 67; Diane Keaton, 74 and Robert Duvall, 89.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Ella Mae Comeaux flew out of Lake Charles to visit her son Donnie Lee and his family in California for Christmas. Monday, while waiting at da LA airport to return home she struck up a conversation with an arrogant California woman, married to a wealthy man. Wen da two womens start talking bout childruns the California woman started by saying, "When my first child was born my hubby built me a beautiful mansion."

Da Cajun lady, Ella Mae, answer, "Well, bless your heart."

The California lady continued, "For my second child, my hubby bought me a Mercedes-Benz."

Again Ella Mae say, "Well, bless you heart."

"When my third child was born my hubby bought me this exquisite diamond bracelet," said the California lady.

Yet again Ella Mae said, "Well, bless your heart."

Den da California woman axe, "What did your husband buy you for your first child?"

Ella Mae answer, "My man Sostan sent me to charm school him."

Da California lady cried out, "Charm school, my God what on earth for?"

Ella Mae responded, "Well, for example, instead of saying who give a big rats ass, I learned to say "Well, bless your heart."

C'EST TOUT

Happy Anniversary Ms. Phyl and Roy

These were the times and happenings all those years ago. It was Friday, the last day of the year of 1954. The date didn't hold any particular significant. The year had seen the New York Giants win the World Series over Cleveland in just four games. In fact, that game was the first color television broadcast. "Determine" won the Kentucky Derby. President Dwight David Eisenhower had been elected in 1953. Allen Shivers had succeeded Texas Gov. Beauford Jester, who died in 1949. Shivers, was elected in 1950, '52 and '54. A postage stamp cost three-cents, gasoline was 21 cents a gallon, a brand new Ford cost between $1,500 and $2,400. The average yearly income was $3,960 and that was a good job. Most were earning $50 to $60 a week to raise their families on. Unemployment was at 2.9 percent. A new, top-of-the-line, custom built home cost $22,000, with only 10 percent down on a 20-year loan. T-bone steak was 95 cents a pound. A loaf of bread was 17 cents, American cheese, 55 cents a pound, eggs, 60 cents a dozen and hamburger meat was 39 cents a pound. Apartment rent averaged $55 a month. Those were the "Good old days."*****Happy New Year to all. Stay safe, wear mask and have faith that all will be better in 2021. God bless America.