WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
As a toddler, taking a nap was something I didn’t enjoy doing. At this time in my life, taking an afternoon nap has become quite enjoyable. It has become something that is also quite necessary, unless I want to find myself falling asleep during Jeopardy. I’m an early riser, even without an alarm clock. I don’t need to get up early anymore. One of the benefits of being retired. My problem is that I just don’t want to miss having that morning coffee with whoever shows up at the coffee café near my office.
Studies have shown that a person my age should get at least eight hours of sleep every night. I usually hit the sheets around midnight or one AM. This would mean that I wouldn’t get to the coffee café until after nine AM. By that time, my cronies will have all gone to work and there’s a possibility that there might not be any coffee left. Besides, I don’t want there to be a line of people waiting for me to open my office so that they can have something notarized, or seek my advice on how to get a better night’s sleep. So little time, yet so much to do.
Mike the mailman would like to remind everyone to do what they can to keep their sidewalks clear during this winter. Another reason to get up early. Remember, no trail, no mail.
We have a big weekend ahead of us. Christmas Eve on Saturday, then Christmas Day on Sunday. Every so often these special days of celebration happen on a weekend. New Year’s Eve and Day will be the same. This can be quite confusing for employers, because they need to decide how to give their employees an extra day off for the holidays. Everyone’s trash pickup will not be affected, so you can all put your toters and trash cans out on your regular pickup day. Mail delivery will not be delayed, but you might want to check with your financial institution, because they might shorten their hours so that their employees can have some extra family time.
If travel plans are in your future, please take along some extra patience, especially if you plan on flying somewhere. Remember, the airlines gave up controlling the weather many years ago. If you and the family will be traveling the highways, please drive defensively. There are too many drivers who don’t know enough to slow down when the roads become icy or snow-covered.
I was Out and About in the neighborhood a couple days ago and stopped briefly to chat with one of the dogs in the neighborhood. Yes, I do talk with dogs, and even a few cats. Anyway, my dog-friend, Clyde, had some things he wanted me to pass on to you readers. He has a pretty nice life, but he has dog-friends who don’t have it so nice, so he wanted to speak on their behalf. First, he mentioned that when the weather turns bad, he’d really rather be inside where it’s warm. He realizes that he doesn’t need a coat or a jacket, but he can still get cold in nasty weather. Some of Clyde’s friends have owners who stay mad at them for far too long. The owners have great friends and a family to make them happy. Clyde and his friends only have their owners.
I also had an interesting talk with God the other day. We were both busy, but he always has time for a quick question. I asked him what surprises her most about humankind. He replied, “Humans tend to get bored with childhood. They rush to grow up, then long to be children again.”
Saturday is Christmas Eve, as I mentioned before, but it is also the first day of Hanukkah. Please take the time this holiday season to show respect to those of many different faiths. It’s a time of celebration and a time to share love for one another. Let’s do what we can to make every day a day of celebration. Our world needs a lot of work in order to make it a better place, and we are the only ones who can make it happen.
Musician Bob Marley once said, “Live for yourself and you will live in vain. Live for others, and you will live again.” Not bad advice.
Merry Christmas, and I’ll see you Out and About!
Submitted by Norm Stutesman
