Out and About – Week of November 29th

“The person who says it cannot be done, should not interrupt the person who is doing it.”

~ Chinese Proverb

For you married couples, I’m sure you now realize the following: There is no such thing as a perfect marriage, and for you couples thinking about getting married, I strongly suggest you enter into marriage knowing that it will not be perfect.

We have now entered the month of December. This means that we can expect snow anytime over the next three or four months. We were lucky this year, because we weren’t blessed with any snow on Thanksgiving Day. I don’t know what the Farmers’ Almanac predicts for this winter’s snowfall. Because we’re in Michigan, we can expect almost anything.

We have a good snowblower, but the past few years I haven’t had to use it that much. Most of the snow we received last year was easily handled by a snow shovel. We should always respect snow shoveling as the strenuous labor it is, because heart attacks from snow shoveling are a major cause of death, especially after a good winter storm. It’s been advised not to shovel snow after smoking a cigarette, drinking coffee, or taking decongestants. These are all things that can raise your pulse rate. It’s better to take frequent breaks and finish the job in shifts. You should also dress in layers when you go out to begin shoveling. As you begin to sweat, peel off the outer layers, so as to avoid getting overheated.

A few words about stocking up on things needed during the winter season. Purchase gloves, shovels, and deicing materials in the off-season You’d be surprised how expensive snow shovels and snowblowers can be in January. They might also be harder to find at this time.

Now that we are into the holiday season, we’ll all be attending family dinners a little more. This is a good time to teach your children some table manners. Some will say that table manners are a thing of the past. They are absolutely right. If you don’t believe me, take notice the next time you venture out to almost any restaurant. A good many children and parents lack proper table manners. Here are four samples of table manners that are rarely seen at all these days:

Make sure youngsters wash up before dinner and that you and your spouse do the same. After all, clean hands and faces are a part of good table manners.
Show children how to place their napkins in their laps and to use their tableware. They may have to struggle at first. Remind them gently, but don’t nag.
Include your children in the dinner conversation. Treat their opinions with respect, and expect the same good manners from them.
Teach your child to say, “May I please be excused?” This is the polite way for a restless child to request to leave the table before the adults are finished.
Children learn their table manners at family meals, not at charm school. They are more likely to copy what they see adults do than to follow any verbal instructions.

A few more words of wisdom. We should all adhere to most of these:

Do not become angry with people who do not agree with your opinion.
You can never go wrong keeping your mouth shut.
Never hate the truth.
Comedy is all about timing.

“Shaving brush is out of date. Use the razor’s perfect mate.” – BURMA SHAVE

See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman