Consider yourself invited to join a couple of our staff members on a summer adventure. If you don't already subscribe to the newspaper, it might you cost you a few cents to get your hands on a Monday newspaper, but it will be well worth the price of admission — as usual.

Writer Wes Ferguson and Scott Brunner, our Web site guru/photographer/videographer, will present the first installment of their Day Trip adventures in East Texas starting tomorrow.

The entire newsroom got a sampling of their first foray — to Caddo Lake — when they brought back a batch of freshly caught crappie. The catch was ably taken in hand by editorial assistant Delaney Dudley, who transformed it into a flavorfully fried repast one afternoon last week.

Kevin Green, chief photographer and entrepreneur, provided a juicy red watermelon to cap off the meal.

It's hard to stay focused on work during the summer, knowing friends and co-workers are off on relaxing adventures, or just off. The mind wanders.

I am especially tempted because my office has windows on two sides offering a view of downtown Longview, but, thanks to a thriving tree, much of it is filtered through bright greenery, squirrels and birds.

It brings to mind the deck at home, where I love to take in our backyard that's buffered by woods on two sides.

Nevertheless, among the things that keep me from sinking into my own summertime lethargy are the three dozen or so folks who labor alongside me and battle the same temptation.

Hence, a break in the routine via a batch of fish fried by loving hands, and then getting to sink our teeth into a juicy East Texas watermelon, was much welcomed.

Wes and Scott's adventures will publish on Mondays for six weeks starting tomorrow. Be sure and watch the video at news-journal.com. My first viewing of it was enhanced by the smell of some fine Cajun cuisine that had made its way to the office on Friday. That happened as I watched the folks at Fugler's whip up some monster Bubba Burgers. For just a second, I thought, "Man, have these guys figured out how to get smell on the Internet?"

Here's hoping you see your way clear to follow Scott and Wes in the paper and on the road. We may just run into each other at some of the well-known, but perhaps forgotten, jewels of our East Texas home.

If you have suggestions for future destinations, let us know.

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Wasn't it great Friday to spot three Longview kids featured on our pages for making far-reaching news?

The Unwind cover served notice that Lee Supercinski will produce 26 new episodes of the Fox comedy "Futurama." Working alongside him again will be Michael Saikin.

The front page of the Sports section showed us Chris Davis running the bases after hitting a solo home run on behalf of the Texas Rangers.

All three young men are graduates of Longview High School.

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Look inside today's paper for a touching reflection by President Barack Obama on Father's Day that's presented in Parade magazine.

A mortal like all others, he confesses his regret for the times when he was not there for his daughters but he challenges other dads to step up to the plate.

My favorite quote from the piece reads in part: "... what makes you a man is not the ability to have a child but the courage to raise one."

Thanks to all who had the courage.

Happy Father's Day.

Ana Pecina Walker is editor of the Longview News-Journal.