Out and About – Week of March 13th

Hopefully everyone remembered to set their clocks ahead one hour this past Sunday. Remember, spring ahead, fall back. I still haven’t heard a good reason for resetting our clocks twice a year. There has been talk of doing away with the time changing, but that would require an act of Congress and we all know they are way too busy to handle that right now.
This Friday, we all become a little Irish. The Chicago River turns green, and green beer is quite popular at local watering holes. Have a great time celebrating, but do so responsibly. Don’t forget that designated driver. Because St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday this year, there will be more than the normal amount of celebrating. Our men in blue will be watching out for you, too.
I haven’t found anyone who disagrees that March most definitely came in like a Lion. Thus, it should go out like a lamb. I can’t remember from one year to the next if this holds to be a valid omen, so I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. I’d be willing to bet that we won’t have another snow storm this year, but this is Michigan. However, I would like to know if it’s safe to run the snow blower out of gas and put it away for the season. Some might say that if I want a snow storm, run the machine out of fuel. We’ve really been quite lucky this year, as far as snow accumulation. If you feel we’ve had it bad, just think of the folks living on the eastern seaboard.
I am not very mechanically inclined. Oh, I can handle little tasks around the garage, but I’ve never been a big fan of getting my hands as dirty as, say, an auto mechanic. I know several mechanics and have the utmost respect for what they do. They don’t mind having their hands black with grease and oil. I have a container of “Goop” in the garage but have rarely needed to use it, because I keep a rag handy and find myself wiping my hands whenever even a little bit of grease or oil comes in contact with them. I read somewhere that it’s a good idea to keep a can of shaving cream in the car, garage, or workshop. If water is not readily available, shaving cream works wonders on greasy or oily hands. Another idea would be to wear strong, yet durable, rubber gloves when working with greasy tools. There are some mechanics who say that this works. It keeps their hands cleaner and still gives them the flexibility that’s needed.
A couple of weeks ago, several of us from the Lions Club visited Park Elementary School, just north of Three Rivers on Wilbur Road, and we read to some of the students. This was the second time we’ve done this, and it was a very rewarding experience. I’m not a big reader, but I do enjoy reading to children. Mom would be proud of me.
Prior to visiting Park Elementary, we all were screened for security purposes. I would like to thank the students at Park for their kind attention and very good behavior. Thanks also to Mrs. Nikki Holtz, who made all the arrangements for our visit. I never realized that something as simple as reading to someone could have such an impact on all those involved. We always look forward to the next opportunity to do something for the community.
Palm Sunday, Passover, and Easter happen next month. The Easter season was special to me as a kid, because that was the time when I received a new pair of Sunday dress shoes and my old dress shoes became my everyday shoes. Funny how some things stay in our minds and we are reminded of those special times when a certain event comes up. As a youngster, I received new shoes for Easter. The girls I knew usually received a pretty Easter dress or shiny patent-leather shoes. Times have changed. You don’t see too many Easter bonnets anymore. I miss that time of my life.
A dragonfly has a life span of 24 hours. Now you know.
See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman

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