A few fact or fiction statements to get you in the “You decide” frame of mind.
1. If a Twins outfielder catches a fly ball with his hat instead of his glove, the batter is awarded three bases.
2. In July, the sun in Minnesota goes down earlier and comes up later than June.
3. Iowa is home to eight times as many hogs as people.
4. When going berry picking in Alaska, one should wear bear bells.
5. There are DNA tests for dogs.
If you said fact to all five statements, you’re right on!
The creepy little bugs with pinchers are back. They like to hide in our mailbox. In the insect world, they are called earwigs. In the language of our Norwegian Albert Lea Mail Lady (Chris Carlson) The English language word is UFFDA!
Albert Lea is spraying for rain on a set schedule just at dusk. So far, it has been 10% successful by 10 a.m. the next day. My comment, “UFFDA.”
Sad to say, regarding the pair of ruby-throated hummingbirds by our house in Albert Lea, the second nest also blew down in a high wind, no babies, no eggs. In researching hummers, I found out they do not believe in “three times and you’re out” as it is even a rarity to build two nests in one season.
Speaking of birds, we have a male wren trying to make two female wrens happy in two separate wren houses. So far, he is succeeding!
I was one of the first to attempt self check in at the Veteran’s Administration in Minneapolis. Notice the word attempt. There were about 25 veterans behind me until an employee stepped in to get me checked in!
In October of 1978 I was lucky to be the Albert Lea Chamber of Commerce Ambassador to welcome Hy-Vee to Albert Lea at their grand opening. It went very smoothly.
In June of this year, Hy-Vee of Albert Lea started a self-checkout service. Mary Guggisberg (Hy-Vee extraordinary great employee) asked me to be the first to attempt – notice the word attempt – the self-checkout service.
With Mary’s help I mastered the checkout until at the end I asked for a paper bag for my purchase. The entire system shut down, as it wasn’t set up for paper bags! Mary is happy to report paper bags are now part of the self-service checkout and things are running smoothly.
The change in the location of Relay for Life of Freeborn County is most certainly a step in the right direction was the opinion of most attendees this year. I agreed.
Comment: Dentist Dr. George Lundstrom is one sharp purchaser of advertising. With the help of Albert Lea Tribune writer (the talented user of words, Sarah Kocher), he received a full-page ad free of charge in the arts and culture section of the June Tribune.
The Minnesota Twins are going through a change in direction. Don’t worry, be happy! (I’m referring to their winning percentage.)
— — —
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.