Bill Kirby: Read all about it … or think about it first

"Patience, the severest form of intelligence."

– Kevin Honold

A holiday gives you time to notice little things.

I for one have noticed that I used to be a sucker for book stores. I would go in and invariably buy several new ones. Unfortunately, most would stack up beside the nightstand … and then move to a closet … then the attic. I never got around to reading them. (It was too much like college.)

These days I go to the public library and check out books I think I want to read.

But I usually don't.

Except now, I just return them and it doesn't cost me anything.

(My motto:? "Don't age harder, age smarter.")

GOOD IDEAS: I asked your suggestions for the best innovations and inventions in recent years.

Robert Harwood says this: "Guessing the top item from readers, at least those over 60: Microwave oven

"Our first baby cried more that the rest because he had to wait for the 2 a.m. bottle to warm under hot water running from the kitchen faucet. We just bought a new microwave for the same price as the first one, but the expected life span is one third of that old Panasonic." 

And Patsy London offered this: "I suggest battery-operated tools are an improvement over tugging/pulling around a power extension cord which can easily be sliced by a weed eater or hedge trimmer. Time is limited with battery power unless you have a spare. Time limit is also a good indication it's time to take a break!

"The lawnmower that has a key to start the mower is great over pulling and tugging to start/crank a mower."

SPEAKING OF DISCOVERIES: Most of you know Augusta was named for the English princess who was the mother of King George III.

Did you know that George III was the original namesake of the planet we now call Uranus?

When British astronomer William Herschel discovered the seventh planet in 1781, he named it to honor his king – George. Later, astronomers re-named Uranus for the Greek god of the sky.

TODAY'S JOKE: The young couple had invited their aging pastor to Sunday dinner. While both were in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on the meal, the old minster leaned toward their little boy in the living room and asked, "Well, young man, what do you think they're cooking in there?"

The youngster looked up and said, "Goat."

"Goat?" replied the elderly clergyman. "Are you sure about that?"

"Yep," said the kid. "I heard Dad say to Mom, 'Today is just as good as any to have the old goat for dinner.' "

Bill Kirby has reported, photographed and commented on life in Augusta and Georgia for 45 years.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: If that book looks good, it pays to check it out: Bill Kirby: