It was reported that Gov. Sebelius' State of the State speech was met with "scorn" by Republican leadership in Topeka. That was such a surprise (yawn). Now, I know the new speaker of the House, Mike O'Neal, is just as nasty as the old speaker. He is also smarter, albeit that bar was fairly low. That being said, I will give O'Neal the same advice I gave to previous speakers Neufeld and Doug Mays before him: "Work with the governor. She's a lot smarter than you -- a lot smarter."

Tuesday, I'll be watching President Barack Obama's speech. If you decide to drop by and watch it with me, remember -- no talking.

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On our last trip back East, I had a nice visit with a family on the plane. Mom, Dad and two very well-behaved pre-schoolers. As I visited with the dad, his looks, voice and actions reminded me of someone I'd seen on TV, but I just couldn't determine who it was. I also found out the dad was a coach for the University of Illinois wrestling team. Many of you know all about my wrestling prowess (lack of).

A few weeks after we returned home, I was driving around listening to "Coming of Age," and it hit me. Miranda's boyfriend on "Sex and the City." So, I googled "Illinois wrestling" and there he was, Carl Perry, University of Illinois assistant wrestling coach; complete with e-mail address. I sent him a note along with a bio of his star look-alike. I also sent him my column on my wrestling prowess (aforementioned lack of). He thought it was humorous and asked for our address.

A few weeks later, I had a package from Champaign, Ill. A University of Illinois wrestling media guide (a very successful program, I might add) and a UI wrestling T-shirt, which I wear with great pride. I can't wait to show the Leiker cousins in Overland Park.

Thanks Coach Perry, and say "hi" to Jamie, Breanna and Bryce. And Miranda.

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I had several responses to my last column. That's not unusual, except most of them were positive.

First of all, a history lesson on Massey's Mudhole from my uncle, Dennis Cornelius Staab. "Massey Park was named after A. K. Massey, who was the junior high principal and teacher at Hays High when I started school there in 1954. That was a time when a principal in a junior high was only a part-time job, as Mr. Massey was also a teacher and probably needed the extra income he made at the park. Just thought you might want to know."

More on the mudhole from my classmate, Linda (Artman) Barkley. "I have lovely memories of Massey's Mudhole, too. My dad still lives within a few blocks, and we walk by there and Lincoln School whenever we are in town."

I hate to be the bearer of bad news for former Haysites, Charlie and Denise Riedel. They're favorite stop was at Daylight Pastries for their renowned decorated sugar cookies. A treat they and their kids have enjoyed for more than 15 years. Denise's note ended with, "We haven't had any in a while, though. Seems like they've been closed whenever one of us has been there." Well, Denise, now they are really, really closed. Any of you readers know if they can get these cookies elsewhere? She also mentioned clearing the Dillons shelves of the "skinny Pat's Noodles" on her return visits.

Bob and Jill Leiker now live north of Kansas City, but when they are expecting visitors from Hays, they place a takeout order with them for Taco Shop.

Jill wrote that one order totaled more than $80. I must assume sons Jason and Jarrett were home at the time.

Another classmate, Rick Hays, took me on a sentimental journey. "My favorite place was Jugs. Great sandwiches. Much of which had to do with my making them. I remember the old Blue Moon pool hall had great hamburgers, though Mecca was a great hamburger too. Also used to hit a donut shop -- Neuberger's owned it." He added next time he is town, "Beer at the Brass Rail, or some similar landmark, will be on me."

Finally, someone wrote on my brother Mark's favorite food item in Hays, "You made that up about the Sanchez. That sounds nasty." Well, you are wrong. There's nothing dirty about it. Taco Shop's menu describes a Sanchez as a "sancho smothered in our chili con queso." Not only that, the Sanchez is one of the January specials.

Well, I am happy to report I haven't broken any of my New Year's resolutions; of course I didn't make any. But I do resolve to see you in two weeks.