Out and About – Week of August 17th

Does anyone send “Thank You” notes anymore? I seriously doubt many people take the time to do this act of appreciation. I’m sure folks have valid reasons for not taking the time to purchase the notes, writing a few words of gratitude, addressing an envelope, affixing a stamp, and finally mailing the card. By sending a “Thank You” note to a deserving person, it lets that person know that they were truly appreciated. It’s just good manners. We need more of this.

When you dine out at any type of eatery, whether it’s a high-end restaurant, or a Mom and Pop coffee shop, it’s customary to leave a tip of some kind after you’ve been properly served. The size of tip is up to you. Most folks do this automatically without giving it much thought. If you have received good service and the food was quite tasty, you might want to verbally thank the server for making your visit more than pleasant. “The service exceeded my expectations and please let the cook/chef know that I was more than satisfied with the meal.” This phrase will stay in your server’s memory bank and the next time you visit, you’ll be remembered. Remember, saying “Thank You” doesn’t cost a cent.

“The smallest act of mercy, even an encouraging word, can save a life.” ~ Isaac Bashevis Singer

I had a mild heart attack back in 2001. Since that time, I have tried my best to lead a healthier life. I visit my doctor regularly and try to do as I am told. One thing that I have been doing, besides taking several prescribed meds, is taking a baby aspirin every night before going to bed. From what I’ve heard I’m not the only one doing this. Dr. Virend Somers from the Mayo Clinic wrote a report back in 2008 that explains the advantage of taking aspirin before bedtime. It seems that most heart attacks occur in the day, usually between 6 AM and noon. Having a heart attack during the night, when the heart should be most at rest, means that something unusual happened. To help prevent this from happening, you should take a baby aspirin before going to bed. Here is why: Aspirin has a 24-hour “half-life”; therefore, if most heart attacks happen in the wee hours of the morning, the aspirin would be strongest in your system.

“If you wait, all that happens is that you get older.” ~ Larry McMurtry

The St. Joseph County Animal control is in need of donations. The items they need include, wet and dry kitten food, kitty litter and pee pads, and gently used baby blankets. If you are able to donate any of these items, bring them to Animal Control, 652 East Main Street, in Centreville. Signs are posted near the Sheriffs Department. If there isn’t anyone available at the facility, you may leave your donation outside the gate.

Animal Control is currently closed to the public, but they are conducting adoptions by appointment. To make an appointment, you may phone them at 269-467-6475, extension 4. You are invited to visit their website at: www.stjosephcountymi.org/animalcontrol.

I don’t have a dog of my own, but we do have a neighbor whose dogs have pretty much adopted us. Hardly a morning goes by that Jackson and Tubey don’t show up at the front door knowing that a hot dog is waiting for them. Jackson, the Husky, is the biggest and the one who is the most demanding. We must always remind him to be nice and gentle as we give him a piece of the hot dog. Tubey, a Yorky, is more patient and the gentlest. Andy Rooney, of “Sixty Minutes” fame, was right on when he said, “The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.” A lot can be learned by watching the behavior of a good dog. They love unconditionally.

See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman

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