Peggy Keener, Author at Austin Daily Herald

Columnists

Peggy Keener: Mao, the ruler

As a young teen, Mao enjoyed nothing more that joining in discussions with his friends. On one occasion, after spending a night in a monastery, ... Read more

by Peggy Keener, Saturday, February 20, 2021 6:30 am

Columnists

Peggy Keener: Son of stone

As a young student, Mao was out of control. After being expelled from his fourth school, his father realized that the only power he had ... Read more

by Peggy Keener, Saturday, February 6, 2021 6:30 am

Columnists

Peggy Keener: Son of the seventh sister

He was born in 1893 into a peasant family whose ancestors had lived in the area for more than 500 years. Forests surrounded their village ... Read more

by Peggy Keener, Saturday, January 23, 2021 6:30 am

Columnists

Peggy Keener: The holiday treat that never ever retreats

I could have become emotional, you know, lamenting the pesky social restructuring of the holidays this past year. But I resisted. Why bother when we’ve ... Read more

by Peggy Keener, Saturday, January 9, 2021 6:30 am

Columnists

Peggy Keener: Wonky holiday traditions

If you think everyone in the world celebrates Christmas like we Americans do, think again. There are umpteen unusual … dare I say bewildering? … ... Read more

by Peggy Keener, Wednesday, December 23, 2020 6:30 am

Columnists

Almost authentic, but not quite

As we here in America wait seemingly forever for a white bearded chub of a man in a red suit to deliver his bag of ... Read more

by Peggy Keener, Saturday, December 12, 2020 6:30 am

Columnists

Peggy Keener: Our turkey day propugnaculum

Thanksgiving will be different this year. Actually it will be unlike any year we’ve ever known. The reason—we will have to protect ourselves by socially ... Read more

by Peggy Keener, Wednesday, November 25, 2020 6:30 am

Columnists

Peggy Keener: Ocean cruising in Austin, Minnesota

I grew up believing the world had three oceans: Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean and East Side Lake Ocean. Having not seen the other two, I ... Read more

by Peggy Keener, Saturday, November 14, 2020 6:30 am

Columnists

Peggy Keener: A knotty kind of a problem

I, a semi risk taker, have just done something gutsy. After prolonged anguish in which I weighed my actions back and forth ad nauseam, I ... Read more

by Peggy Keener, Saturday, October 31, 2020 1:01 pm

Columnists

Peggy Keener: A sugar shackled life

There are people in this world whose contributions have raised our enjoyment of life to undreamed of heights. You know who they are: Liberace, Thomas ... Read more

by Peggy Keener, Saturday, October 17, 2020 6:30 am

Opinion

Peggy Keener: History is as history does

I have tried my darnedest to avoid mentioning COVID in any of my columns. Tried, that is, until now when my resolve faded upon receiving ... Read more

by Peggy Keener, Saturday, October 3, 2020 6:30 am

Opinion

Peggy Keener: Before there was mayo

Oh, dear! I had no idea I was so ill-equipped. Why didn’t you tell me? I am looking at “The People’s Home Library” circa 1919. ... Read more

by Peggy Keener, Saturday, September 19, 2020 6:30 am

Columnists

Peggy Keener: Fancy fare for Fido

“Do not feed the dog at the table!” Mom reprimanded us. Still, how many times did we continue to sneak little bites to Rex when ... Read more

by Peggy Keener, Saturday, September 5, 2020 6:30 am

Columnists

Peggy Keener: Cerealously serious cereal

Snap, crackle and pop! If you can tell me what those words represent, then you, my friend, are a real American. And if you know ... Read more

by Peggy Keener, Saturday, August 22, 2020 6:30 am

Columnists

The unfailing fervor of fruitfulness

Quiz. Why did God invent teeth? 1. So we could smile and not look all gummy. 2. So toothpaste companies could prosper. 3. So dentists ... Read more