Out and About – Week of December 29th

It’s hard to believe that 2015 begins on Thursday. I hate to wear out a phrase, but I just don’t know where this year has gone. I have to think hard to remember the seasons that have passed. Our summer was quite normal, with temperatures staying below ninety degrees most of the time. I’m not sure if we did have a spring or autumn. They are always way too short.
As always, many friends seem to leave us way too soon, and this year was no exception. The only thing we can do is cherish the time we have together and, as I’ve said many times, let those close to you know your true feelings. Dying is just a part of life and it is very difficult to accept this as fact.
I started out this year keeping track of those who pass away. Somehow I lost track of time and only made it through the first several months of 2014.
Jack Kauzsler passed away recently. The last time I saw Jack was at a doctor’s office. He only remembered me after I told him who I was. I didn’t really expect him to remember me, because the last time I saw him was when I visited his hardware store on Main Street. That was probably in the early sixties. My father used to send me to his hardware store for nails. I’d walk into the store and ask for a one-pound bag of ten-penny nails. Jack or his brother would put the nails in a bag, mark the cost down on my father’s tab, and send me on my way. They didn’t have credit cards at that time, but they did have a man’s word, which was credit enough.
I’m not sure if Ken Kauzsler is still alive. The chances are that he has probably passed also. With the passing of the Kauzsler brothers, so goes the passing of the downtown we once knew. You can no longer go downtown and shop for shoes, men’s and women’s clothing, tools for the handyman, or even a hot fudge sundae. The merchants with a business downtown deserve a lot of credit. It’s important that we support them in any way we can. The big box stores out on the highway are still hungry and are ready to gobble up any business that falters.
I’m hoping that everyone had a very Merry Christmas and that there weren’t many gifts returned. We must now prepare ourselves for the new year. You might want to start practicing writing 2015. I always seem to write those first couple of checks and put the wrong year down for the date.
I want to make sure everyone enters 2015 just a little smarter than when they left. To insure that this happens, you might want to wait until New Year’s Eve to read the following facts:
Your shoes are the first thing people subconsciously notice about you. Wear nice shoes.
There are at least six people in the world who look exactly like you. There’s a 9% chance that you’ll meet one of them in your lifetime.
Sleeping without a pillow reduces back pain and keeps your spine stronger.
Right-handed people tend to chew food on their right side.
Putting dry tea bags in gym bags or smelly shoes will absorb the unpleasant odor.
People who laugh a lot are healthier than those who don’t.
Laziness and inactivity kills just as many people as smoking.
Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, broccoli, and almonds.
It goes without saying that this will be my final column for 2014. I’m taking the rest of the year off. I’m tired and need a break.
May you all enjoy a fantastic New Year. If you plan to attend a New Year’s Eve party, have fun and bring in 2015 with much jubilation. Don’t forget that designated driver.
See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman