Out and About – Week of June 29th

We recently had a cottonwood tree removed. The tree was probably eighty years old and had been hit by lightning a couple of times. It stood at least eighty feet tall and the fear of it falling was the main reason for removal. The fact that it shed twigs and other debris on the deck and yard contributed to the desire to have it removed.

There are numerous companies that are in the business of tree removal. Some friends recommended a man who is a climber. He doesn’t use a cherry-picker, but rather with a series of ropes, he climbs and carefully removes the tree, branch by branch. He had two men on the ground who helped with the lowering the branches as they were cut. It took Jackson and his crew two days to complete the job. They arrived early and worked just past noon each day. That way they avoided the afternoon heat. It was truly an event to watch. Being afraid of heights myself, I sat in awe with the neighbors, as he worked his magic with his chainsaw. If there’s anyone in need of this type of service, please contact me and I’ll be happy to share his contact information.

Independence Day, July 4, is next Saturday. If you are traveling this weekend, please take along your common sense and leave the road rage at home. It’s too early to know what the weather will be like, because this is Michigan, and we all know how quickly the weather can change. If you are planning to have your own fireworks, please be extra safe, especially if there are children around. Finally, please remember this, HE WHO COMES FORTH WITH A FIFTH ON THE FOURTH, MAY NOT COME FORTH ON THE FIFTH.

A belated Happy Birthday to my mother. Her birthday was June 22, a date I never forget, because on that date, the days start getting shorter by the minute.

Before Covid-19 closed the gyms and other workout facilities, I enjoyed swimming in the pool at Health-Trac. After spending time in the water, I noticed that my skin was clammy and wrinkled. This is a normal reaction one receives after spending an extended amount of time in the pool, or in a warm bath. If you have ever wondered why this happens, here’s the explanation:

Under normal circumstances the skin is water-resistant, but prolonged immersion in water changes this. The skin has a protective barrier made up of the protein keratin. Keratin is manufactured by cells in the epidermis to block out moisture, bacteria, and other foreign matter. Prolonged exposure to water causes the cells in the epidermis layer to absorb water and swell. The enlarged cells cause the skin to pucker and wrinkle. Several minutes after toweling off, the water in the skin cells evaporates and the cells return to their normal shape and size.

“Those who control what young people are taught and what they experience, what they see, hear, think and believe…will determine the future course for the nation.” ~ James Dobson

I was born and raised here in Michigan. During my working years I lived and worked in Illinois, Colorado, Louisiana, Kentucky and Nevada. I have also had the privilege of traveling in every state except Alaska, the last frontier. What I discovered is that Michigan is truly a place to call “Home”. Here are a few interesting facts about “Pure Michigan”:

Isle Royal Park shelters one of the largest moose herds remaining in the United States.
The first auto traffic tunnel built between two nations was the mile-long Detroit-Windsor tunnel under the Detroit River.
The world’s first international submarine railway tunnel was opened between Port Huron, Michigan, and Sarnia, Ontario, Canada in 1891.
See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman

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