Topsail Gun Gal September 2025

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words may never hurt me” We all remember this from elementary school, but is it true? Of course not. Everyone that was ever teased or bullied as a kid remembers those times. Words are certainly hurtful, and with our world focused on social media, words can be produced by “anonymous” villains, who do nothing but stir hate and spread lies. Does the First Amendment protect lies? Do we, as a society, have the right to say “NO MORE” of the spreading of fake and harmful information? The most important thing we can do is to call out lies. To make people accountable for their words and actions. For some reason, this very natural process went away. We need to bring it back – and soon.

Hurricane Erin swung by just long enough to give the area surfers some “fun in the sun”. It was amazing to sit on the beach and watch. How peaceful and beautiful. Another thing Erin was nice enough to do was to deposit some much-needed sand on Topsail. Don’t get complacent and think this is a “norm” for Hurricanes, but as they go – this one was okay in my books.

Giant golden orb spider season is upon us. If you are not familiar with these amazing natural engineers, take a walk through a wooden area or down a tree lined street. You may just find some. Look up, they like to be high in the trees. I have watched these webs span 20 feet or more and hold up to excessive wind and rain. I have walked into one and had it hold together and bounce back after I ran screaming off in the opposite direction. I have also witnessed them build archways over where I walk. Smart little guys. I have noticed that they coat their webs in a golden powder, I am guessing that’s why they are Golden Orbs.

Fall is right around the corner and with that comes cooler weather and motivation to enjoy the great outdoors. This is the perfect time of year to do a little target shooting or to get your gear out for hunting season. Whatever your fancy, always remember the rules. Never point a firearm at anything you don’t intend to shoot and always consider a firearm to be loaded. If you are not sure what is behind your target – don't shoot. Noise bothers everybody so be courteous of those in your area. Make sure your firearms are clean and in good working order. If you are not sure how to do this, stop by a local gun shop and ask. Most places offer classes and/or gun cleaning and function tests.

Shake, rattle and roll. If you have been paying attention to our southern neighbor, you will know that a small area of South Carolina has been plagued with small earthquakes recently. Located south of Greenville and west of Columbia, Coronaca, South Carolina has experienced a dozen small earthquakes.

Oh, Cracker Barrel......how I will miss your “old barn” ways. I enjoyed dining in the fun and simple atmosphere, and sometimes terrifying – if you ever sat at the table with a farmer’s scythe (or sickle) hanging above your head by that tiny wire. You are a classic. We see you when we travel, we feel like we are visiting that crazy aunt who collects too much when we open your doors, and we like the fact we could have breakfast any time of day. Who, in their right mind, thought to change all that? Shame on people wanting to ruin a good thing. As we all know, the mighty dollar plays a big role in how a business is judged, so maybe our “old barn” will return soon enough.

Remember knowledge is power, words can and do hurt, so be thoughtful, and don’t worry about the integrity of the Golden Orb’s web if you walk into it – it will be just fine.