A collection of newspaper columns written for The Times, Ottawa, Illinois, from 2001 through 2016, Carole's Columns inspire, influence and entertain. With candor and wit, Carole shares her thoughts on faith, family, and growing up in the Midwestern town of Ottawa, Illinois. Columns include interviews with local citizens, grandmas at the Y, Grumpie at the Weenie Wagon, and a group of seniors known as the "Hardee bunch." Looking back, she recalls becoming a grandmother for the first time, her initial forays into writing, and the first time she and her husband claimed the "senior discount."