I often say that I live a guilt-driven life. If I don't have something to feel guilty about ... I feel guilty.

That said, I think I know where my bottom-line priorities are supposed to be. And once in a great while, I actually follow them!;-)

Many of you alrady know why I'm not producing a lot of original content lately for this really cool little local news site I created with Base 44.

But for those who don't... please visit https://www.niswonger-reynolds.com/obituaries/debra-lerten/#!/Obituary

I won't rehash the sad details here, but let's just say there's a whole lot of things to take care of and figure out. And while snagging local or state news for external links is a piece of cake, thanks to the Bugle's AI-enabled "back end," the deep dives I do on local news ... well, I just have to work things out, first.

I just have a little request: Please keep visiting once in a while, as I try to ramp back up for at least a bit after Deb's Celebration of Life.

Your patience, understanding and support are very much appreciated. (And no, this isn't a weird way of trying to 'pack the pews' next Saturday.

My little experiment has brought wonderful support, on the Bend subreddit, for example, where I've been asked to dial it back to just one daily post. And at some point, I may do that with a daily 'Barney's Bend Bugle Blast' roundup highlighting the latest posts, with links. Who knows, maybe one day there will be (free!) subscriptions, newsletters, ads, etc. I just don't know yet.

Facebook friends have seen me expound at length (and humor of course) about what these past few weeks and months have been like. Creating this site has helped to keep me sane-ish while Deb and I were going through all this. So if I continue doing it (um, bills might mean otherwise!), I promise it'll be worth your time.

Thanks so much, for everything.