REMARKS: END OF SUMMER BRINGS CHANGES

Whether we're relieved or depressed, summer has just about run its course. Summer weather may and may not hang around for a while longer, but the summer schedule is a thing of the past for most of us.

During my school days I naturally looked forward to summer vacation. By August, though, I was ready to go back. Three months is just a tad long, and it seemed longer living out in the country, with only a handful of kids my age within walking distance-- most of them cousins! It was always neat getting back to school, seeing who had done interesting things over the summer and who had changed.

In a trivia room the other night, a lady (several years older than me) was reflecting back upon Elvis Presley's death. It had truly been a traumatic experience for her. In fact, she informed us, her ex-husband's insensitivity concerning Elvis' death was one factor that led to her divorce not long afterward. I was almost embarrassed to admit that I remembered a date a few days later much more vividly than the day Elvis died. That date was August 22, 1977 -- my first day of high school. (And with that confession goes any chance I had of snowing any of you into believing I'm 10 years younger than I actually am!)

I survived that scary date, as I did my first day of college, my first day of work as a post-college adult and other dreaded times. Somehow the things we truly dread usually turn out to be less frightful than we imagine.

Speaking of frightful, the hideous street work in downtown Cape seems to be coming to an end. How the merchants on Broadway and Independence stayed in business this summer, I have no idea! Trying to navigate Cape was a frustrating experience this summer. I'm thankful the intersection of 25 and 61 wasn't closed in Jackson at the same time as Shawnee and Main! A whole new use might have been found for the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railway!

I attended my first Cardinal game since Mark McGwire has been in town, last Saturday against the Cubs. It was a picture perfect day, weather-wise and a great way to introduce an Oklahoma City friend to Missouri. Unfortunately the Cardinals' pitching and defense were even more hospitable, helping the Cubs win 9-7. (McGwire and Sosa both homered.) As much as I've enjoyed Big Mac's home run displays -- and especially him being such a positive role model, I have to admit I yearn for the Whitey Herzog/Red Schoendienst days. A single, a steal or hit-and-run, a ground-out and a sacrifice fly would put a run across. Then the lead would be held. The stat that stands out in my mind from the 1980s is the 1985 pennant-winning team's 81-0 mark when leading after seven innings! (Make that 81-1, including Game Six of the World Series, thanks to Don Denkinger.)

This will be the first time in five years that I won't have to be at a football game every Friday night. I'm still not 100 percent sure how I will handle sports in my two publications. Certainly with the USA Signal's deadline (Layout begins Thursday afternoons.) and Sunday publication date, it would make very little sense to spend much time covering varsity football. Anyway, that's what the "big paper" is for. I doubt if I can stay off the sidelines all season, of course. There's just something about high school football and the crisp fall night air that makes one feel alive.

My first Homecomers was a pleasant experience, even though the queen contest was called off. It's nice to step into something that has been going on for over nine decades.

We are still seeking a couple of columnists. So far some very able writers have submitted work; hopefully all of those who have will be willing to make a commitment to contribute on a regular basis. Also I hope that by fall our local ministers will be in position to hit the pastors' column with determination. I know many readers draw inspiration from their words.

Historic photos, short stories and poems are also still sought. It was very nice to get Milo Miller's piece of fiction in this week. I hope it is just the first of many local submissions. Every outside submission is one less story of mine you have to read!

I hope the trivia quiz is being well-received, too. This is how I spend an inordinate amount of my free time. As a trivia chat room junkie (http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Square/1328 is my personal web site, in case I've never given it out.), I am full of useless bits of information. Of course this on-line activity has spawned several real-life friendships, including my two cohorts at the Cardinal game. I often complain about change, but I have to admit: In many ways I was born for the computer age.