“My father would gift clients knife sets. He always asked for a coin from some tradition or superstition of never wanting to sever a friendship (Superstitions, Oct. 4, 2023). Never pick up a penny off the ground when it’s tails side up. Gentlemen walk on the outside edge when walking with a lady on a sidewalk next to a street. Never three on a match in lighting a cigarette or a cigar (from Vietnam and WW 2, as a sniper can draw a bead with the time it takes to light three). If a hotel has a 13th floor, don't stay on it. Spilled salt gets tossed over your right shoulder only. No shoes on any table in the house, as it brings bad luck. If you spot a white horse, that's good luck. No talking while fishing, brings bad luck and no catches. After cooking the bird, break the wishbone of chicken or a turkey for good luck.” - Rex

All these rules. How do you sleep at night? - Shane

“Three superstitions came to mind when I read your column (Superstitions, Oct. 4, 2023). I heard them all as a child from my grandpa who, with a fourth-grade education, was still one of the wisest men I've known. Others may have been told but these three seem to hold true, for me anyway! The first — death comes in threes. Whenever someone I've known dies, you can bet that two more deaths will follow in a short amount of time. Second — people tend to die in the month before or after their birthday. I'm a genealogist and found this to be true more often than not in my family. Third — pay attention to the path of the first spring storm. Chances are that most of the storms will follow that same path.” - LuAnn

Well, now I have some more things to pay attention to. Thanks, Luann. - Shane

Have a thoughtful Thursday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com

View Shane Goodman's archived columns from past issues here.

Your Clear Mortgage forecast

Rain chances continue today and Friday into Friday night as well. The rain will be heavy at times. It'll be quite breezy through Saturday.

For help with preapprovals or refinancing, get in touch with Carrie at carrie.mortgage.

“Gardening Can Be Murder,” Oct. 12, two presentations
Marta McDowell makes her inaugural tour to Central Iowa Oct. 12 with stops at the Clive Public Library (Oct 12, 2 p.m.), and Reiman Gardens (in Ames Oct. 12, 6 p.m., as part of the ISU Lecture Series). All events are free and open to the public. Listen as Marta provides insights into her newly released book, “Gardening Can Be Murder: How Poisonous Poppies, Sinister Shovels, and Grim Gardens Have Inspired Mystery Writers.” In her newest book, Marta McDowell takes us on a delightfully diabolical romp through the role of horticulture in crime fiction. From deadly seeds, to menacing pruning shears, to suspicious groundskeepers, the garden has always provided both the motive and means to commit the perfect crime. ‘Gardening Can Be Murder’ belongs on the shelf of every Agatha Christie fan — and every gardener who enjoys a little mischief and mayhem.” ― Amy Stewart, author of “Wicked Plants”

“High School Musical Jr,” Oct. 13-15
A special kind of performance arts magic returns to the Des Moines Community Playhouse as it presents a limited run of Disney’s “High School Musical Jr,” part of The Penguin Project.

ABBA and Des Moines Symphony
“Direct from Sweden: The Music of ABBA,” Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m. Complete with a full rock band, The Des Moines Symphony performs an evening of ABBA's beloved hits. You'll be having the time of your life with favorites like “Mamma Mia!,” “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me” and more. 

FROM KCCI: Boone County Sheriff's new K-9 helps rescue man

BOONE, Iowa — The family of a man who went missing in a cornfield is grateful for the new Boone County Sheriff's Office K-9 that helped rescue him. Djanga, a Belgian Malinois, is only 10 months old. ... READ MORE FROM KCCI

FROM WHO-TV: More Iowa school districts exploring 4-day weeks

DES MOINES, Iowa — Over the last five years, roughly, more school districts in Iowa have been increasingly considering a four-day school week. The Waco Community School District was the first district in Iowa to adopt a four-day schedule year-round, back in the Fall 2013. According to the district, it started as a teacher-driven concept that rose out of financial concern. ... READ MORE FROM WHO-TV

FROM WOI-DT Local 5: Jolly Holiday Lights to debut at new location | Here's what you need to know

ALTOONA, Iowa — It's the most wonderful time of the year: Jolly Holiday Lights returns to the metro on Friday, Nov. 17.  The beloved central Iowa light show began in 1996 as a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Iowa. But for longtime attendees, the 2023 event might look a little different. ...READ MORE FROM WOI-DT Local 5

Newsroom Tokyo reported that, after investments wizard Warren Buffet made a spring trip to Japan, the Japanese stock market has risen by over 20%. That is yet another Japanese win for low interest prime rates. Tourism, agricultural exporting, business expansions, start-ups and unemployment rates are all shining in the light of the rising sun. Maybe Jay Powell is not the smartest man in the world.

Fox Business reported that Walmart brass have acknowledged that Ozempic, and other new generation weight loss drugs, are cutting into grocery sales, particularly high profit junk foods. The company stock is struggling.

Richard Garells of Garrels Elk Farm in Mount Pleasant told us that the Iowa elk business was decimated by the invention of Viagra and its imitators. Previously, the elk farmer could make his nut on antler sales because Chinese buyers believed them to be a cure for erectile dysfunction. Viagra was much cheaper.

Elk meat is harder to find in Iowa, too. Trostel's Greenbriar (5810 Merele Hay Rd., Johnston) used to feature it at lunch and dinner, but, after Troy Trostel left, the restaurant elk followed. Troy is chef at the Hotel Pattee now but there is no elk on their menu. Butch's River Rock Cafe is now closed. Exotic Meat Market and Broken Arrow are two good mail order sources.

Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

Cozy campfire on a chilly night - Debbi Cooper. Send your Halloween decoration photos to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com