Marsha Henry Goff

Jest for Grins: Reader comments: Angry, funny, educational
October 4, 2009
Writers don’t write for money alone. It’s true: If writers had a theme song, it would be “Reach Out and Touch Someone.”
Local job growth, loss reflects choices
October 4, 2009
“New federal numbers that measure the overall size of a city’s economy found that Lawrence in 2008 ranked last among 34 cities in the Plains region in terms of per capita gross domestic product.” — Journal-World, Sept. 25
Jest for Grins: Absolute truths for travelers
September 6, 2009
You might say husband Ray and I have itchy feet and — whether we scratch that itch by air, sea or land — as long as our money holds out, we plan to travel.
Frustrated husband trying to outsmart raccoons
August 2, 2009
“This is the alarm company. May I have your name and password?” As I complied, I grinned in anticipation of the next question: “Is everything all right?”
Here’s the skinny on our city’s claim to fame
April 5, 2009
According to the Internet, there must be a lot of skinny, wrinkleless women walking around Lawrence … well, at least a couple of them.
Husband has penchant for rehabilitating raptors
March 1, 2009
On a recent drive down a county highway, I saw something that made me think my imagination was working overtime.
Wii Fit brings out couple’s competitiveness
February 1, 2009
Husband Ray and I spent the month of January skiing.
New car must prove itself before becoming family
January 11, 2009
Ol’Blu was a good car and, while I didn’t shed any tears when we traded her for a newer model, the lump in my throat confirmed that I wanted to.
Beloved pets merit remembrance on holidays, too
December 21, 2008
There’s a legend that animals are endowed with the gift of speech at midnight on Christmas Eve.
My kitchen? You could say it came with the house
November 2, 2008
I only have a kitchen because it came with the house! That statement was e-mailed to me by a friend who knew it expressed my view exactly. It’s not that I wouldn’t like to feel at home in the kitchen, it’s simply that - like a dog who chases a car and catches it - I haven’t a clue what to do with it.
Requiem paid to Clyde the camel, other neighborhood pals
October 5, 2008
I tend to be single-minded when I am shopping, so, if she hadn’t called my name, I might not have noticed my neighbor LaDonna as I passed her in the grocery aisle. LaDonna and her husband, Vic, care for a wonderful variety of critters, including Black Angus cattle, miniature donkeys, llamas, pheasants from all over the world, emus, trumpeter swans, hairy chickens, cranes, several dogs and a camel.
Showing one’s true colors not advisable in Missouri
August 3, 2008
“Oops,” I said to husband Ray as we entered the restaurant. “This may not be the best T-shirt to wear here.” The restaurant was TGI Friday’s in Columbia, Mo. - the heart of Tiger country - and I was wearing a bright red “beak ‘em Hawks” national basketball championship T-shirt. Worse, because it was raining, I’d slipped on my white jacket with a big Jayhawk on the back and KANSAS on the sleeve.
Road trip souvenir leaves tourist ticked off
July 6, 2008
With bare feet - sans DEET - shoved into red Crocs (will I never learn?), I stood in thick grass at Gettysburg and worried about chiggers while listening to our guide speak of the Civil War battle of Culp’s Hill. It was a long battle - three days - and, while husband Ray assures me that the guide didn’t talk THAT long, I’m pretty sure he didn’t leave out many details.
Dad, I hardly knew ye
June 15, 2008
I first called him Daddy, then shortened it to Dad. During my early teen years, I briefly flirted with calling him Lew but that felt silly and stilted even to me. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to know him as an adult, but - while I thought I knew him well -there was a part of his life that was closed to me.
Best get your brain in gear before your mouth’s in motion
June 8, 2008
Early in childhood, I learned that a knot in the tongue is worth two on the head. Problem is, I didn’t learn that lesson well. While others come up with the perfect rejoinder long after the occasion to use it, I think of it immediately and am challenged to keep from saying it. In other words, as my dad often warned, “Don’t let your mouth be in motion before your brain is in gear!”

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