Out and About – Week of October 24th

I recently realized that I don’t really have a lot of buddies anymore. Oh, I have a buddy that I have lunch with once a week and I have a buddy that I might go with to the Conservation Club every so often, but I don’t have anyone that I feel comfortable with going to their house and asking if he can come out and play. I’m sure that this is primarily my fault, because I don’t fish or hunt, and I’m not one to go to someone’s house to watch a ball game. This is not to say that I don’t have any friends, because I really do. I’m sure it would be different if I weren’t married and my friends weren’t married, but I wouldn’t want to give up the married life for a buddy. Besides, I’m married to my best friend, so maybe I’ll ask her to go fishing. If I’m lucky, maybe she’ll even bait my hook. Back in the day, things seemed so much easier.
I don’t know if it’s just me, or if there are others who feel that most people aren’t always aware of their surroundings. For example, I’ve noticed that it doesn’t seem to bother certain individuals who stop in the middle of the aisle at the grocery store and carry on a conversation with another shopper, not realizing that they are blocking the aisle. When I go grocery shopping, I try to move with a purpose up and down each aisle. If I want to spend more than sixty seconds talking to someone, I’ll invite them over for dinner. How many times have you been driving down a street and notice two cars stopped in the middle of the street while their drivers carry on a conversation? Take my advice and back up and go around the block. Do not blow your horn at them, hoping that they will move out of your way. This will only anger them and you’re very likely to be dealt with in a way that would embarrass your mother. Another instance when we should all take others into consideration as we move through life.
Halloween is next Monday. If you don’t care much for children, this would be the perfect opportunity to go out for a late dinner somewhere. If you have children, please consider accompanying them as they venture out seeking goodies. Be alert to your and their surroundings. See the previous paragraph. Times have changed over the years, so as parents, it’s a good thing to inspect what your children have in their “Goody Bags”. It would also be a good idea to stay in your own neighborhood so that your kids would be visiting people they know and trust. We’re very fortunate to have had very nice trick-or-treaters appear on our doorstep. Please check this newspaper for hours that have been set aside for trick-or-treating in your area.
Having a safe deposit box is a good idea. It’s a perfect place to keep copies of birth certificates for example. You’ll need a birth certificate to register a child for school, and when it comes time to apply for a Social Security number, passport, driver’s license, or any other important document, that birth certificate will be something you’ll want to be able to find in a timely fashion. If you’re a veteran of the Armed Forces, you’ll want to put a copy of your DD-214 in there also.
See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman

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