Exciting Thursday developments, Howdygram style.

Oy. According to “Newsweek,” the majority of Americans — three out of four — can correctly identify Larry, Curly and Moe as the Three Stooges. Only two out of five, however, can correctly identify the three constitutional branches of our government: legislative, executive and judicial. My only comment to these knuckleheads: PICK TWO, AND SPREAD OUT, PORCUPINE.

For the latest scoop a little closer to home, we had our carpeting (three rooms and the hall) professionally cleaned today by a really nice local company. They showed up early, finished in 45 minutes and offered me their latest coupon special even though I didn’t have a coupon. I’m mighty impressed and the carpet looks terrific. The whole process was so effortless (and cheap) that I can’t wait to start spilling soft drinks and spaghetti all over again.

And finally, Sam’s cousin Darrell and his wife, Leah, sent the following scanned nature shot to prove that trees in Ontario, Canada, are just as pretty as our autumn blaze maple here in north Texas. Show offs. (Just kidding. Smooch.)

Thank you for reading this.