Better late than never. The older I get, the more I agree with that phrase. I was not neglected as a child, but I wasn’t exposed to much either. My life was simple — and mostly predictable. As an adult, I began to discover a number of relatively simple things I never knew existed in my youth. And, as such, I now wish I would have known about them sooner. Here are a few:

1. Hot tea before bedtime. I discovered an herbal nighttime tea that supposedly helps a person sleep. You can remove the word “supposedly.” It works, and I love it. I thank Randy Clarkson for introducing me to other teas as well.

2. Good shoes. I had a price point in my younger years that I would not exceed for a pair of shoes. I grew older, and inflation occurred, but my price point stayed the same. I began to realize that I was getting less for my dollar. Jeff Watts used to own a men’s clothing store called Bonds of Beaverdale. He convinced me to ante up for a nice pair of dress shoes and said I would not regret it. He was right. I had those shoes resoled twice, but they lasted for more than a decade.

3. Pedicures. I fight with my toenails, and they win. Many people told me how a professional pedicure would solve my problems, but I didn’t listen. When I heard that Larry Babcock praised pedicures, though, I decided to give it a try. I now go monthly, and my toes feel great.

4. Good bourbon. Like many rural Iowans, my dad would enjoy a glass of whiskey when it was time to celebrate. And, like many rural Iowans, his whiskey of choice was Black Velvet. I tried it a few times but never cared for it much. Then Shayne McGaughy introduced me to a selection of higher-end bourbons, and my taste buds have never been the same.

5. Rice. Mom cooked meat. And potatoes. Maybe a vegetable. Rice? Never. I didn't even taste it until I was in college. Now it is my preferred side.

6. A riding lawn mower. I mowed a lot of lawns as a kid. To be honest, I mowed more weeds than grass. I used to see some old men with plush lawns on their riding mowers with a beverage in hand. That looked appealing as I pushed along. After years of wanting one, and years of my wife telling me it was unnecessary, I finally got my way.

7. A great steak. I mentioned that Mom cooked meat. It was usually hamburger, and it looked much like the briquets on the grill — small, black and burnt. They were awful. She doused hers in ketchup, so it really didn't matter to her. Today, I enjoy few things more than I do a medium-cooked, bacon-wrapped filet. With a glass of bourbon. And rice. After a pedicure.

Which ones did I miss? Send me a note and let me know. Have a wonderful Wednesday, and thanks for reading.

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

See Shane Goodman's previous columns here.

Golden employees
Retirement-age workers share why they continue to report for duty.

By Chantel Boyd

The vision of what life is like “after retirement” is as unique as each individual. For some, that vision focuses on leisure: traveling to warm beaches, afternoons spent reading, extra rounds of golf, more time for hobbies, friends and families. For others, however, employment continues to be an important aspect of their lives. From those who continue full-time careers to those who put in a few hours to keep busy, work can be a key part of life after retirement age.

Smiles at her job
As Linda Moravec was checking out at the Fareway Grocery store in Clive, she began chatting with one of the checkers at the cash register. Linda explained she recently moved to Clive after her mom died and was looking for something to do. The checker suggested she apply for a job.

Linda applied the next week and was hired as a checker. She now works about 18 hours a week during various daytime shifts.

At age 72, it’s plenty of work hours, as she’s already been employed numerous times throughout her adult life.

Happy Birthday Miles Summa!

These celebrities were born on this date: Aroldis Chapman, Bernadette Peters, Gilbert Gottfried, Jason Aldean, Madisen Beaty, Tasha Smith, Ali Larter, Cindy Wilson, John Turturro, Mario Andretti, Pat Monahan

SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The answer to yesterday's riddle:

How was the bewitched frog's performance at the opera house? RIBBITING! - Mike Chiston, Rex Post, Carolyn Rogers. Or, It was “toad”ally un”frog”stable! - Lori Bluml. Or, He croaked! - Gail Tomlinson. Or, The aria hopped from note to note. - William Snyder.

Today's riddle

What did the poet purchase at the roadside produce stand?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

To advertise in Winterset Living magazine, contact:

Kristine McDonald
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 321
Mobile: C: 515-975-3543
kristine@iowalivingmagazines.com

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