Out and About Blog by Norm Stutesman

I’d like to start off this week’s column with the “Myth Buster”. When I switch an appliance off, it might still be using electricity. TRUE. Many electronic appliances, such as TVs, DVD players, and microwave ovens, draw a significant amount of “standby power”. In the average home, 75% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while they …

On November 18, we traveled to Owosso, Michigan, where we boarded the Polar Express. The Polar Express is a train that runs from Owosso to Ashley several times during the Christmas holiday season. Reservations were made last March, due to the popularity of this family experience. Our scheduled departure time was 5 PM. We were told that we could pick …

Whether we admit it or not, we all have a certain phrase that sets us apart from others. Those few words we say without being aware of it. Some teenagers use the word “Like” more than they might admit. “Like, that really happened”, or “Like, I saw her talking to him and like I didn’t think she was that bold.” …

Thanksgiving is this week. This means several things. There will be no mail delivery or garbage pick up. If your garbage is picked up on Thursday or Friday, it will be a day later this week. If you want to start your holiday shopping early, I’d advise you to do so before Thanksgiving Day. If you are one of those …

We are only into the third week of November, and Christmas is still more than a month away, but I couldn’t wait until next month to pay tribute to Ron Linton. Ron passed away at the beginning of this month, and those that knew him were more than deeply saddened. My condolences go out to Ron’s family. Ron’s favorite time …

Today (Tuesday, November 6) is Election Day, so every eligible citizen should exercise their right and get out and vote. I can’t think of a valid excuse not to do so. If you can’t drive or if you don’t know of anyone who can take you to the polling place, the St. Joe County Transportation Authority will take you there …

Happy Halloween to all you ghosts, goblins, and other creepy creatures out there. This is one of those days when most of us hide the bathroom scales and magically forget to count calories. It’s time to clog the arteries with cholesterol and anything else that “THEY” say is bad for us. After all, it’s been over a month since we …

Autumn has arrived. I know this because I’ve already removed about ten five-gallon buckets of walnuts from our driveway and have made numerous trips to the DPS property to dispose of the fallen leaves that have graced our property. I’ve tried to make friends with the neighborhood squirrels, in hopes that they’ll help me get rid of the walnuts. No …

I never earned the privilege of wearing the Eagle/Globe/Anchor of the United States Marine Corps, but am honored to be an Associate Member of the St. Joseph County Marine Corps League. I’ve always had the highest regard to those men and women who survived a grueling boot camp and became for the rest of their lives a Marine. This year …

With winter just around the corner, I thought it appropriate to share a conversation I had some years ago with a dog we had adopted. With all the dogs and cats needing adoption, I’ve found it more rewarding to visit an animal shelter than a pet store. I’ve also come to the conclusion that it doesn’t matter whether a dog …