Out and About Blog by Norm Stutesman

Seventeen years ago today, the United States was attacked in New York City, Washington, DC. and Pennsylvania. The nation was drawn closer together that day than it had been in years. American flags were displayed everywhere. Things have changed over the years. There seems to be less respect for our flag. Those displaying this lack of respect are the ones …

In 1985, I was trained and finally certified as a Rescue Diver. I haven’t done any diving since then because I had relocated and didn’t have anyone to share my SCUBA diving interests. Several weeks ago, I got the bug to possibly get back into the sport. I made arrangements to get checked out by an instructor to see if …

Public restrooms are just that. They are for the public. I applaud businesses who provide a room where patrons can go “Rest”. It’s the responsibility of the business owner to maintain that room of rest, but I feel the public should share in some of that responsibility. I’m not saying we should scrub the toilet or mop the floor, but …

School used to start the day after Labor Day, but as far as when the school bell rings this year will depend on where you live. School has already started in parts of Indiana and Illinois. No matter when school starts for your children, it’s not too late to shop for those back-to-school clothes and supplies. The Stone House, located …

This time next month, college students should be settled in their living quarters. If your son or daughter is returning to college for their second year, the problems that existed a year ago should be forgotten. They will be familiar with the campus and dorm life, so the stress level should be lower and easier to deal with. What I’d …

I must apologize to my Canadian friends. I failed to mention earlier that yesterday was Civic Holiday in Canada. I’ll try to do better when it comes to holidays celebrated by our neighbors to the north. As we begin the month of August, there aren’t any real days of celebration this month, unless you want to consider the fact that …

At this time of the year, everyone should be aware how important it is to keep yourself hydrated. We should consume more water even if we’re not thirsty. Staying hydrated year-round is equally important, yet is easily overlooked. Driving while dehydrated might cause you to lane drift or be late in braking your vehicle. According to “Men’s Health”, a person’s …

I feel that I must apologize for the actions of some individuals of my generation. We are the ones responsible for raising children who were never taught manners or responsibility. Now I’m not saying that all of us failed at parenting, because most took the responsibility seriously. What I’m saying is that many things have changed over the years, which …

I recently had blood drawn, per a request from my family doctor. I have this done every several months or so, because I’m diabetic, and this helps me keep everything under control. I’ve come to realize that getting needles stuck in you is all part of growing older. As a kid, I dreaded getting shots, but now I don’t mind …

July and August have the reputation of being the two hottest months of the year. Normal heat isn’t too bad, but when you throw in the heat index, the atmosphere becomes extremely uncomfortable. However, this is Michigan, so we must learn to deal with the heat and humidity. Most of us have come to rely heavily on air conditioning. Just …