Out and About – Week of April 17th

I am getting very close to surrendering my driver’s license. On a recent trip to Ann Arbor, we had to use I-94. I hate this highway beyond words. The speed limit for cars is 70 miles per hour, yet if you drive the limit, you will find yourself being passed by cars doing at least 80 or 85. The speed limit for trucks is 60 miles per hour, yet we usually found them doing around 70. If a semi decides to pass another semi, it will usually take them about two miles to accomplish the task.
Now they are talking about raising the speed limit for cars to 80, which means you’ll be able to travel at 85 miles per hour without fear of being cited.
I’m sure that I-94 isn’t the worst interstate out there, but I firmly believe that if you have no fear of dying, this is the highway for you. If you must travel I-94, whether you’re going east or west, please remember that this interstate belongs to the truckers. Truckers are professionals at what they do. They are on a mission to get their cargo to its destination in a timely fashion. I refer to a famous quote which states, “If you can’t run with the big boys, stay on the porch.”
I would like to thank whoever is responsible for making it illegal to text while driving. If you must use your cell phone, make sure the phone is a “Hands-Free” model. Most cars are now capable of having this app included. If I were king, anyone causing a death while texting, would never be able to drive again.
On a more pleasant note, my snow blower is now up on blocks with an empty fuel tank. I’m now busy looking for that box containing my summer shorts. It won’t be long before someone will be complaining about the heat and humidity.
Now that the weather is conducive to venturing out without a heavy coat and earmuffs, our thoughts might turn to really getting Out and About by taking a trip outside of St. Joe County.
If your travel plans include doing a lot of walking, you’ll want to take along your most comfortable walking shoes, and it might be a great idea to buy and break in some new shoes prior to your trip. You won’t want to forget a traveling first-aid kit that would include a bandage for a blister that might form from doing the extra walking. Also in the kit, you’ll want to have antiseptic, antibiotic cream, antihistamine pills, cortisone cream for rashes or bites, eyedrops, a headache remedy, plus anything else that might come to mind. Another promising idea would be to practice walking longer distances before leaving home.
If you’re due for a physical anyway, get one prior to your trip. A trip to the dentist wouldn’t hurt, either. Having a dental emergency could ruin your time away from home.
I’ve mentioned this a time or two already, but it’s worth repeating. Please don’t use social media to let your friends know that you’ll be out of town. Burglars love Facebook and are always checking to see who is having a wonderful time at Disney World. Save all the pictures of your children with Snow White until you return home. It’s always a good idea to let your neighbors know your travel plans. Tell them to please keep an eye out for a moving van in your driveway. Have someone bring in your newspaper in case you don’t have it stopped while you’re gone. The same goes for your daily mail delivery. It’s always nicer to bring back souvenirs for your neighbors than pay to have your living room furniture replaced. Remember last week’s column that dealt with common sense? Everyone has some, so why not use it to your advantage?
Al Capone’s business card said that he was a used furniture dealer.
Moms and Dads were cool until their children became teenagers.
If croutons are stale bread, why do they come in airtight packages?
See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman