Out and About Blog by Norm Stutesman

I’ve been doing this column for over fourteen years. A lot has changed over the years, some good and some not so good. I’ve kept a daily journal for probably the last ten years. Every so often, I’ll look back to see what was happening five years ago on a certain date. I’ve kept a copy of all my columns …

I’ve written on this topic more than once, but the situation is getting worse, so I must vent a bit once more. I’m sure there are many of you who feel the same as I do about television viewing. To unwind and be entertained, our television is turned on for about six hours a day. I’ve done a bit of …

This pandemic that we are all experiencing can be very trying on all of us. Our patience wears thin and it’s very easy to be rude to others at sometime or another. I’d like to share something my pastor posted on Facebook. It made a lot of sense to me. It deals with the difference between being rude and being …

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 friend of mine passed away Monday, August 3. She passed in the most peaceful way and that was while she was sleeping. I don’t believe she was in any pain, and if she was, she rarely expressed it. I’d like to share a few memories of her with you, because I’m sure she was well known and loved by …

Where have all the cabooses gone? Trains don’t have them anymore. Why did they have them in the first place? Other than the locomotive itself, the caboose was the most interesting part of the train. As a kid, it was fun to watch the train as it passed by and wave to the man sitting by the window of the …

Back in the fifties there was a popcorn stand at the intersection of West Michigan Avenue and Main Street. With the traffic we have now, it would be difficult to have that popcorn stand at that location. For you popcorn lovers out there, here is some good news. That same popcorn stand is now located in Scidmore Park next to …

Probably the nicest and largest flea market around is in Shipshewana, Indiana. I’m not sure what days the flea market is open, but if you’re in the Shipshewana area and traffic is bumper-to-bumper, it’s a good chance that the flea market is open for business. I’ve visited the market and there are bargains there for everyone. To check out everything, …

Dining out has become a real treat since some restrictions were lifted. The experience used to be taken for granted before Covid-19. When the restriction for dining inside was lifted, it was suggested that everyone wear a mask when entering a restaurant or a bar. Once seated, the mask could be removed. A small price to pay for the privilege …

Last week I bragged a little about the state of Michigan. If you are thinking about taking the family on a short vacation, Michigan has a lot to offer. Day trips are easy to find, or if you’d like to stretch that time away into a week or two, that’s also possible, and you don’t have to leave the state. …