For farmers across the country, the first months of a new year mean thinking about planting their next crop. For many, it also means thinking ahead to the deadline to sign up for federal crop insurance. Generally, federal crop insurance refers to a set of programs available for agricultural ...
Years ago, I worked as a counselor in a prison when an inmate I’ll call “Kerry” (not his real name) told me a very shocking…and yes, the sobering story of his life. He and his wife had a high-needs daughter, putting an insurmountable strain on their marriage. Finally, they had it ...
I didn’t pay much attention to football for much of my life. But then I gave birth to three sons who adore the sport. I watched them all play while they were growing up, and now I watch with them in front of the flat screen on Sundays (and Mondays and Thursdays - September through the second ...
Last year, Americans spent $23.9 billion on Valentine’s Day gifts! On what? My frugal mind goes to a card (probably homemade) and a marshmallow-filled chocolate heart. But some gift offerings blow my mind! For about 200 bucks, you can buy a portable tabletop fireplace! I didn’t notice ...
Here’s fun, catchy phrases, like “The Quick Picker Upper” (by Bounty), “Finger-Lickin’ Good” (by KFC), and “Where’s the Beef!” (by Wendy’s). Some phrases we know well, like…“Have it Your Way!”, “Like a Good Neighbor…”, “Snap, Crackle, Pop!” and “You ...
I've been learning some things about my adoptive hometown and the people that populate it. First of all, Gladbrook is not afraid of cold weather. The good souls of my hometown go out in subzero weather to deliver goodie bags. I sit shivering in my home because I am freezing all the time. To ...
(January 27th, 2023) It’s good to talk to people. As I make the telephone rounds, the topic that comes up most – along with the Steering/Executive Committee discussion the woeful state of our rural Democratic party in this state. IT’s down so far (you could see it coming), that some ...
A friend recently encouraged me to be “strong like bull.” I was a bit confused (not uncommon.) Somehow, I thought the phrase was “strong like a bear.” Which, of course, lead me to Google. Turns out the phrase “strong like bull” is a pop culture reference from a handful of movies, ...
Jim Sorensen, a local high school athlete, has advanced to the Golden Gloves tournament to be held at Cedar Rapids. Appearing in the ring for the first time and fighting in the 160-pound class, Sorensen, a southpaw who starred in football for Toledo high school, won the right to enter the Cedar ...
Well, in case you haven't figured it out yet, we are in the throes of "old-man winter." The snow, the cold, the wind, and we're in the middle of winter. February is just starting, and not sure at this writing if the groundhog saw his shadow or not, but to be fairly honest with you, I really ...