The 501

Body Remember when we took water for granted? It was the first thing served in a restaurant. The waitress put it down about the same time she handed you a menu. That’s how I remember it. If you were just learning to read, you treasured the times when she also handed you a menu.

When childhood ends

Body soon to be home for summer. With only a dance recital on June 3 and a commuter basketball camp, the girls are set for some carefree time with their parents. One more round of swimming lessons, and they will be good to go for pool time.

House OKs $4.5 billion for teacher pay raises

Body Thursday passed two educationrelated bills, one that allocates $4.5 billion for teacher pay raises and another to increase the annual per-student base funding from $6,160 to $6,300 – a 2.3% increase.

Lawmakers begin negotiations

Body Withjustoveramonth left in the 88th Regular Session, the Conference Committee on HB1, the budget, held its first public meeting as legislators begin the work of aligning the House and Senate spending plans.

SMITH

Body TUMBLEWEED As the creator and producer of “The Sound of Texas,” one of the longest running syndicated radio programs in Texas, Tumbleweed seeks fascinating people who embody the spirit of the Lone StarStateandbringsthemintothehomesandheartsofthousands.

Moments with my mom

Body taking up a bit more space in my head and heart this week. Springtime reminds me of her birthdate, April 28, so I suppose it is only natural to feel a stronger tug to memories and moments shared with her.

Senate, House begin budget reconciliation process

Body unanimously approved a $308 billion two-year budget last week, the Austin American-Statesman reported. The next step is to reconcile that budget with one passed earlier by the Texas House.

What’s in a name?

Body Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! – John Proctor, “The Crucible” Indulge this quick review of your high school Junior English class.

More than 18,000 cattle killed in Dimmitt explosion

Body What is being called the deadliest barn fire for cattle on record left more than 18,000 cattle dead and one worker critically injured at a dairy farm in the Texas Panhandle, The Dallas Morning News reported.

No-bake Cookie Chocolate Oatmeal

Body This recipe will feel oh-so indulgent—and cooks up to be the texture of a rich, smooth, and silky chocolate pudding. With the combination of oats and chocolate, it stirs up thoughts of the famous no-bake cookies my mom has made for many, many years.