Punch Line

  My mother once told me: "Don't trust anyone -- not even me."

  Whenever I mention this, people seem utterly shocked.  I myself was shocked when she said it, but I'm far less so now.  Frankly, empirically, it was sage advice.  I mean:  Read the news; Listen to telephone solicitations; Check the mail for what arrives (bills) and what doesn't (payments).

  As it turned out, my mother was extremely trustworthy.  

  Wonders and surprises truly never ever cease.