Just Humor Me

Book excerpt: If you have ever lived with Uncle Merle, you are probably laughing out loud, right now. If you haven't lived with him, that's too bad. Howard Noel, the author of Just Humor Me brought to these pages a hilarious look at the funny side of family life. And at his side is Uncle Merle. Uncle Merle is wise. He is "steely strong" and opinionated. He is experienced and stubborn. He listens to everyone. He just doesn't pay attention. He understands the world around him, and is quick to let you know it. Uncle Merle can make sense of the most complex issues and problems. He will reduce his intellectual competitor to tears of frustration, and his audience to tears of laughter. For after it all...Uncle Merle is a hilarious representation of the conventional wisdom of this day. Just Humor Me is a collection of the best of the syndicated column The Front Porch. It is from that porch that family, neighborhood and community problems are discussed and solved every week. This collection of lively essays gives us an intimate look into the world of the author, his family, his neighbors, and of course, the venerable Uncle Merle.