Out and About – Week of November 9th

What’s in a name? Are you happy with your last name, or do you wish you could change it for some reason? My last name is one of those you have to spell out, if you’re speaking to someone on the phone. I don’t know if it’s because of the “tes” or what. Maybe it’s because there are two “Ts” in the name, and unless your diction is perfect, that letter can easily be mistaken for another.
A relative of mine recently asked me how I pronounce our last name. I pronounce it “Stuuuutesman”. My relative pronounces it “Stutzman”. He said that he had looked the name up in some genealogy book, but I can’t remember what he said was the proper way to pronounce it.
I’m proud of my last name and am not about to change it. That would really mess things up. When we dine out at a place where we leave our name with the hostess or host, because of a waiting line, I usually use my first name. I have, in the past, given the hostess the name “Pacino”. This is a name you don’t hear that often and it’s an easy name to spell. The president of the United States probably never has to spell his name for the person on the other end of the phone line. When I give the name Pacino, I can usually count on two things. First, I doubt Al will be eating at the same establishment, and it’s a given that I’ll get an eye roll from my wife. I try to make things as simple and as easy as I can, so I tell everyone just to call me Norm. If you address me as Mr. Stutesman, I start looking around for my father.
We are now well into the month of November, or is it May. The weather last week was fantastic. I could deal with two or three more months of days like those. Rumor has it that we’re in for a mild winter. Wouldn’t it be great if we had nicer weather than those snowbirds who spend the winter months in Florida or Arizona?
We’re in the middle of the “Leaf Pickup” season. The city is busy picking up piles of leaves in every district. This week they are picking up in our district. Please make sure that your piles of leaves are completely off your curb. They will only pick up those leaves that are in the “gutter” section of the street. They will not go onto your lawn. Oh, I long for those days when you could burn your leaves. The smell of burning leaves is just a part of the autumn season. Sort of like a grilled cheese sandwich and a cup of tomato soup.
Tomorrow is Veterans Day. A special day to remember those who have served in our Armed Forces. If you happen to come across a veteran, please thank her/him for serving. You have no idea how good this makes one feel.
Thanksgiving is a little over two weeks away. Now might be a good time to seek out that turkey. Another good idea is to pick up a few extra items and give those to the local food bank or to that neighbor in need. We all have so much to be thankful for, yet there are many who could always use a little help. Be generous in your planning.
See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman