Out and About – Week of December 10th

Perhaps it’s just me, but this year has really flown by. There are only a little over two weeks left before we welcome in 2019. It’s not too early to start gathering your receipts and totaling up your expenses for 2018. By the way, two weeks from today is Christmas. No worries. I still have 13 days before I need to think about purchasing those memorable gifts. I should also give some serious thought about sending out a few Christmas cards. I wonder if people still do that.

I drove a semi for about ten years. I enjoyed the driving but never cared much for having to go into Chicago a couple of times each week. It was interesting learning what truck drivers have to deal with on a daily basis. I gained a lot of respect for truckers who are away from home for days at a time and must deal with all types of weather and other drivers.

One thing I’ve come to realize is that if it weren’t for trucks and truck drivers, we couldn’t exist.. They bring us our food, clothing, plus everything else that we need to survive. Oh yes, trucks and their drivers also pick up our garbage. The most important thing I learned was that highways like I-94 belong to the truckers. There is a saying that hits the nail right on the head. “If you can’t run with the big dogs, stay on the porch.” In other words, if you can’t stay up with the speed limit and a little beyond, stay off the interstates.

I apologize for not sharing my helpful winter auto tips earlier. You can take these words of advise and follow them, or you can take your chances and call Road Assistance when needed. Anyway, here are a few hints that might make this winter’s driving more bearable:

Don’t let your fuel tank level drop below half.
Check your air and fuel filters before winter arrives.
Replace worn windshield wipers while the weather is still warm.
Make sure your windshield washer fluid reservoir is close to full. Having an extra bottle of the blue junk is an excellent idea.
Life is short. If you don’t stop and take a look around once in a while, you might miss it.

A reader mentioned that he always looked forward to the funny items I write about in my column. I gave this some thought because, after all, the comics in the paper aren’t all that funny. I won’t try to be a comedian by telling jokes, but here are some interesting facts about words that start with the letter “L”:

There are about 150 different species of ladybugs in the United States. Delaware has declared this little insect as its official state bug.
A flash of lightning can be more than 90 miles long. Lightning strikes the earth an average of 100 times every second.
More lemons are grown in Spain than in any other country.
Lilacs are members of the olive family.
With the holidays approaching, there are several groups collecting food and other household items for families in need. The Three Rivers Fire Department at Station Two is a good example. Firefighters For Santa are already gathering gifts and food items for their annual distribution to families in need. If you have a minute or if you know a firefighter, make arrangements to make a donation of your choice. Every Christmas, there are more than several families who could use a little extra help. The firefighters know just where to go to help make a difference.

A chance meeting with a rarely seen friend opens the floodgates to memories.

A book shut tight is but a block of paper.

See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman