This is my 15th year of writing this column. I plan on writing this column as long as I’m able to do so (maybe not every week, but at least monthly). This column has always been “Fact or Fiction: You Decide Which.” The main emphasis was and will continue to be how well you enjoy it. I like to hear about your enjoyment – just keep reading ‘til you enjoy a column – then let me know. Thanks.

And now, onto another enjoyable-or-not column.

The Albert Lea Tribune has very, very sharp management. They know that Friday has the least number of papers sold each week. They keep tabs on who the buyers are of extra papers with a buyers’ interest published in that paper.

They match photos and articles to the extra paper buyers’ interests in the Friday paper. Classic example: The Friday, January 1, 2016 paper. Violinist Clair LaFrance was pictured playing her violin at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. Now, you know that Grandpa and Grandma LaFrance from Cabin 97 at Beaver Lake are two of the most extra Friday paper buyers of the Albert Lea Tribune (proud parents are Kevin and Elizabeth LaFrance).

Genie and I each purchased one of the “old folks” cell phones. You can set when your cell phone will not ring for three hours. We set ours for before 8 a.m. Monday-Friday, before 9 a.m. on Saturday and before 10 a.m. on Sunday. The caller receives the message that the phone won’t ring if calling before the above times. The “old folks” phone has given us much-needed a.m. snooze time!

The “Village Inn” in Hartland is now open from early a.m. to mid-afternoon, Monday-Saturday. Stop and say, “Hi,” to the new owners, while thanking former owner Judy Hendrickson for all the food and fun Judy will be present helping the new owners get orientated for a few weeks.

As you’re well aware, many freak accidents happen around the house. Genie had one of those freak accidents. In napping in the Lazy Boy, her foot slipped off the footrest and she twisted her knee, causing it to swell. Genie and Dr. Edwards are now in the process of inventing side rails for Lazy Boy recliners.

In case any naughty person is wondering why Santa didn’t give out coal this year, it was because coal is a “no-no” environmental item.

For those of you that like to plan in advance: F.R.O.G. of Central Freeborn Lutheran Church plans on sponsoring a bus to Lutheran Night at the Twins vs. Milwaukee Braves on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, leaving at 4 p.m. from behind Slumberland in Albert Lea (further details later).

Fun and fellowship makes for a good Valentine’s party. Call (507) 373-8655 and for $5 we’ll reserve a set for three hours of fun and fellowship beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6 to eat pizza, play Norwegian Bingo and eat an ice cream dessert at a Valentine’s party held at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church.

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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.