Opinions
It’s slowly getting cooler. Although soup is great any time of year, it’s usually fall when cooks start to look through their recipes (either written or in their memories) for comforting and hearty soups. “Soup Suppers: More than 100 Main-Course Soups and 40 Accompaniments” by Arthur Schwartz (1994...
Echoes from the Loafers’ Club Meeting
What’s wrong?
My doctor wants me to have elective surgery.
Well, don’t worry, you have my vote.
Driving by Bruce’s drive
I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Deep thoughts occur as I drive past his drive. I called a company with a question. I got the...
Dear Savvy Senior,
I recently turned 65 and would like to know if am supposed to get the pneumonia vaccine? And if so, which type of vaccine do I need and is it covered by Medicare?
Relatively Healthy
Dear Relatively,
Yes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does indeed...
I remember quite a while ago when the media announced that salsa has surpassed ketchup as American’s favorite condiment. Almost everyone enjoys salsa whether you like it mild, with a bit of a bite or so hot it drops you to your knees. Most salsas are pretty standard: tomatoes, onion, garlic, some...
Echoes from the Loafers’ Club Meeting
You should come over and see my new dog. It’s a rescue.
Ah, you’ve finally realized I’m a dog whisperer.
No, that’s not it. I want to see if the dog bites.
Driving by Bruce’s drive
I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. I went for a stroll. There was no...
Dear Savvy Senior,
I would like to arrange a simple cremation that doesn’t cost me, or my family, a lot of money. Can you offer any tips that can help me with this?
Still Kicking
Dear Kicking,
If you’re looking for a simple and affordable way to go, cremation is an excellent choice, and one that...
Welcome back to a new school year! As school buses roll down our local streets, high school stadiums light up on Friday nights and students return to our schools, there's nothing like fall in Iowa.
This past spring, significant legislative changes impacted K-12 education in Iowa, including House...
Now that school has started and some of the trees have started turning colors let's talk about parking. Parking is always a problem, but even more serious in the winter because of the need for clearing of the snow. An effort to enforce our parking ordinances is beginning. In addition to disabled...
I have declared many times that I’m a cook, not a baker. I don’t enjoy the “fussiness” of baking, the precise amounts of ingredients called for to make the recipe work as promised. When I found “Made Simple Baking” (2007, Publications International, Ltd, Lincolnwood, IL) I figured it might be just...
Echoes from the Loafers’ Club Meeting
Max owned a little house in Portland. He gave it to his son.
That was a nice thing for him to do.
Yes, he’s an Oregon donor.
Driving by Bruce’s drive
I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Deep thoughts occur as I drive past his drive. I enjoy cilantro. I...