Miserable weekend weather cancelled out may Father’s Day events scheduled for the outdoors, but Dad could at least follow the golf events and baseball games that made it to television. Indoor picnics are free of ants and bees and if hot dogs, hamburgers and steaks had to be cooked in the kitchen broiler, no one complains.

Getting some mail ready to go out to the box this still damp day, produced a near-tantrum episode. There are probably people who like the way the postal service sells stamps these days but I hate them. I buy new stamps in the usual amount of 20 per number. I get a sheet of “peel off” stamps on a thin backing – they don’t fit in the stamp box on the desk and they hate this muggy weather. Pulling them off the backing is a bit of a trick if they have been the victim of muggy weather. Occasionally the clerk will hand you a sheet that aren’t “peel off” and the sheet must be stored carefully in the desk drawer or they will stick to everything they come in contact with.

Try cutting up the sheet of 20 “peel off” and tucking them in the stamp box. There isn’t room between the stamps to find an edge to lift up that postal creation because you cut too close to the edge. It could take up to ten minutes to find a corner to lift.

Frustration takes over and before you get the letter ready to go you’ve wrecked one stamp and thrown it away and torn another. What genius designed these new ideas and why did they change the style of the doomed things, anyway? It’s no wonder the postal service is in financial trouble – the whole business is getting worse instead of better. To make things better, they increase the price of the stamps and the public pays for their problem. Just like many of life’s little annoyances.

This month of June is a time when the newspapers all around the country spotlight the accomplishments of our young people. It is pleasant to read about the graduating students – their awards and their future plans and goals. Graduating class pictures and the focus on top achievers reflect happy faces and pride of accomplishments. I commend the papers such as our own Newtown Bee, which gives extra space to this annual profession of knowledge – from kindergartners to college graduates.

In many fields, a college education has become a requirement. Specialization has been a force of need in many area of knowledge. It has demanded the students diversification and expertise in fields where technology has become a way of life.

There is another pathway to success that cannot be overlooked. Some high school graduates will enter a career where a college diploma is not required. They can progress to high levels of learning by using common sense, specialized interest and fields not requiring modern technology. But motivation and experience can take these young people to a satisfying lifetime work and they deserve support and encouragement.

Whenever I read about the excellent programs offered to Future Farmers of America, or other such offerings, I silently salute the educational leaders who make these paths through life available. They are important and dedicated people who are just as important to our country as the highest academic achievers.

Our graduate this year is Megan, Wendy’s daughter. Her entry into high school closes a chapter in family life – no more younger children. No more toys for birthdays, no more “kids” clothing – from now on we are a family of adults only – older ones and younger ones – we have grown up!

Last week the column ended with words from Shakespeare.

Who said “There is a homely adage which says: ‘Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far?’”