Out and About – Week of January 19th

Several years ago, I traveled to Korea to attend the Lions International Convention. I also spent several days in training, so it was necessary to take along extra clothing. I was, of course, limited to how much I could check as far as luggage, and how much I could take as carry-on luggage. I came up with a plan and thought that it would be worth sharing, because the travel season is just around the corner.
Here, once again, is that free advice. You may use it or laugh it off and think of me as a penny pincher. The choice is yours. We all have clothing that might have outlived its usefulness, but we still find it hard to part with. This is directed mostly to the guys, because we have a tendency to wear the same pair of jeans and sweatshirts until they end up shredding in the wash. For fear of digressing too much, here’s my idea. Pack those reasonably worn socks and underwear for your journey. After wearing them once, throw them away. I haven’t heard from the Republic of South Korea yet, so evidently they don’t mind my leaving my dirty underwear and socks behind. Who knows, there might be some sixty year old South Korean gentleman wearing my Fruit of the Looms. I sleep better at night knowing that I have contributed something to the South Korean economy. My dresser drawer is well stocked once again, so it might be time to really get Out and About and take another trip. Perhaps a trip to Washington, D.C. I wonder if there might be a nice hotel near the halls of Congress.
Here’s another helpful hint when it comes to traveling. I brush my teeth at least twice a day, use a mouthwash and floss. My normal tube of toothpaste and bottle of mouthwash come in large packages. Rather than pack these larger items, I prefer to use the travel-size. Same product, but smaller size. Not much you can do about the dental floss. My dentist gives me a container of dental floss and it loves to travel. Your local drug store has these travel items in stock.
One final idea worth sharing when it comes to traveling Out and About. Every month I receive at least two magazine publications. As much as I would like to, I never seem to have time to read them. As a result, they accumulate. What I try to do is take these magazines with me on overnight trips. Rather than watch TV in my hotel room, I try to at least glance through my collection of magazines. When I’m finished with one, and have made notes of noteworthy items, I cut out the address label and leave the magazine in the hotel lobby. By the time you figure out the channels on your in-room television, you can easily read through at least one magazine. Taking your own magazines with you when flying commercially is not a bad idea, either. I’m not sure if the airlines charge for reading material or not.
Two weeks ago, my wife and I were asked to be substitutes for one of the Trivia teams that meet at Brewster’s every Wednesday evening. I enjoy playing games, but when it comes to Trivial Pursuit, I’m a below average player. I’m okay when it comes to movies, but I could only come up with a couple of names when asked to name twelve or thirteen people who starred in Ocean’s Eleven. It was a fun evening, because the food was tasty and the company was more than interesting. In case anyone ever wants to know, oil in the United States was first discovered in Pennsylvania and Chris Walken was not in The Godfather.
Here are a few interesting facts for you to ponder over:
When filling your car with gas, hold the trigger halfway. You’ll get more gas and less air in the tank.
If you peel a banana from the bottom, you won’t have to pick the little stringy things off it.
Running bacon under cold water before cooking will reduce shrinking by up to 50%.
See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman

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