Out and About – Week of May 4th

Finally, there have been some restrictions lifted by those in power. I’m so thankful that you can now visit the local tattoo parlor. This should definitely help the economy get back on its feet, arms, backs, chests and necks.

I’m wondering if the act of shaking hands or giving hugs will return. Howie Mandel has refused to shake hands with anyone for quite some time, so this will not be a problem for him. I’m a hand-shaker and a hugger, so I’m confused on exactly how to handle this.

In many civic organizations, shaking hands is part of a ritual. In Lions clubs, you might be fined if it is discovered that you failed to shake hands with the “Phantom”. In church, shaking hands with fellow members is just a natural thing to do. It’s going to be interesting to see how this all pans out.

I couldn’t begin to guess how many hands I’ve shaken in my lifetime. Shaking hands properly was something that was stressed by my father as I grew up. A few choice words of advice were, “Offer a firm handshake and look the person in the eye.” There are some ladies who offer only half their hand. I’ve never understood this.

There are times when it is not appropriate to shake hands while wearing gloves. Due to Covid-19, this might be the only safe way to do so.

I’d hate to see the handshaking tradition disappear. It could happen. There are many traditions, or acts of chivalry that have done just that. It’s rare to see a gentleman open the car door for a lady, or to walk next to the curb with a female companion. I guess there are certain traditions that just aren’t that important anymore. That’s a shame.

If I were king, I’d do what I could to make sure that hand-shaking continued on. I’d also make sure there were more places available to wash your hands. It’s all about having more consideration for others health and well-being and caring for someone other than yourself. This all should start at home.

Due to the current pandemic, there have been quite a few event cancellations. You’ll have to pay attention to television, radio and newspaper announcements, as they become available. As of this writing, there will not be a Memorial Day parade. There might still be a short ceremony at Riverside Cemetery. Veterans who have passed, must be remembered. I will do what I can to keep everyone in the loop.

The one thing that I have learned during the “Stay at Home” alert, is that I don’t need to spend a lot of time in town. This saves a lot on gasoline. Once all restrictions are lifted, I just might continue with the fewer trips. I sure don’t care to go through this crisis again. However, I’m sure we’ve all experienced a bit of cabin fever. Remember, we must isolate ourselves now so that when we do get back together, no one is missing.

A lady friend of mine enlightened me as to why men don’t have babies. She feels that God saw the way men handle a cold and knew that the species would never survive.

Any person capable of angering you becomes your master; he/she can anger you only when you permit yourself to be disturbed by him/her.

Hopefully soon, I’ll be seeing you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman