Welcome to the Friday mailbag where you will find some of the comments, questions and ideas sent recently by subscribers of this newsletter or our publications. They are edited for space and clarity.
“All right, spill the beans (Better late than never, Feb. 28, 2024). Or, better yet, help me read the tea leaves. What is the herbal tea that aids in sleep? Dude, don’t leave us hanging!” - John
If you are looking for a specific brand, I opt for Bigelow simply because it is readily available at many stores. Don’t forget the honey. - Shane
“A snow blower, in case you can't afford a service or a neighborhood teen to do it for you (Better late than never, Feb. 28, 2024). A Cuban cigar, especially when you have two older ladies who go to Canada and smuggle a few for you.” - John
How about a neighborhood teen blowing the snow out of your driveway while you smoke a Cuban cigar? - Shane
“When I moved to Connecticut in 1999, I took my fiancé with me to start our life together. We first lived in a condo in downtown Stamford, and across the street was the mall. One look at my Fred Flintstone doggies, and she said it was time to take care of them (Better late than never, Feb. 28, 2024.) One Saturday with a shop full of gals, I got started down the path to enlightenment (and happier feet) and pedicures for ME for some 23-plus years.” - Rex
Yabba-dabba doo! - Shane
“I have always allowed distractions in my life (Focus, March 4, 2024). They were also my biggest goal. They are my children. It didn’t matter what I was working on, they interrupted then, more than texts on my phone today. I miss the days when my children were my distractions and goals. Today, in retirement, I long for the distraction of a grandchild Facetiming or texting or just an old fashioned phone call.” - Donna
That’s a great perspective, Donna. Thank you. - Shane
“When my kids were in elementary school, I worked from home in an office overlooking our front yard (Pranks, March 5, 2024). All the neighborhood school kids used to walk along our sidewalk on the way to school. One year, I superglued quarters and dimes on that sidewalk. I lost track of how many kids stopped to try to pry them up!” - Diane
It was all fun and games until Billy discovered the sledgehammer. - Shane
“Our college football team made the playoffs, and several guys planned an overnight trip to watch them play the game (Pranks, March 5, 2024). They overnighted in a hotel. After a shower, one guy told the last guy, ‘All the hot water is gone. I got it adjusted as warm as it will go. Don't move it!’ Prankee took the coldest shower imaginable. But the hot water was available! It is still funny when we talk about it years later.” - David
At least you didn’t put bouillon cubes in the shower head. - Shane
Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
See Shane Goodman's previous columns here. |
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Your Clear Mortgage forecast
Rain chances last into the early afternoon today. Temperatures cool today and Saturday but warm up again into next week.
For help with pre-approvals or refinancing, get in touch with Originating Branch Manager Carrie Hansen at carrie.mortgage. |
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| CITYVIEW's Best Of Des Moines® | | | The results have been tallied and published in the February issue of CITYVIEW and online!
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| Featured home for sale | | |
$500,000 3001 Druid Hill Drive, Des Moines, IA 50315
Discover the charm of this stunning home in the iconic Druid Hill neighborhood! As you step inside, you will be greeted by a gorgeous foyer leading into the spacious family room, dining room and kitchen. These areas feature beautiful hardwood floors and large windows that offer a picturesque view of the private backyard.
See the listing here.
| | | See More Homes For Sale |
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| From the March issue of CITYVIEW | | | The history behind Des Moines’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade
By Cyote Williams
Who was St. Patrick? Why does he get a parade? And why is his parade so much fun?
At the core of St. Patrick’s Day, those with Irish heritage recognize St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and celebrate their Irish heritage. St. Patrick is heralded on March 17, which is thought to be the day he died.
While Des Moines doesn’t go as far as dying its rivers green, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick have been putting together an evolving parade since 1979 that is steeped in a deep lore of its own.
The 1986 parade going through downtown Des Moines. Photo courtesy of the Friendly Sons
The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick
The society of the Friendly Sons dates back to 1771, with the first chapter being formed in Philadelphia and eventually spreading throughout the rest of the country, including Hawaii. | | | READ MORE |
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The Cherry News. National Parks and Weather Services in Japan and the U.S. have announced this year's cherry blossom seasons. It's March 23-26 for D.C. (earlier than usual) and March 22-29 for Tokyo (later than usual). This is the busiest non-summer time of the year for tourism in both cities... TNWD reported that Upper Michigan's cherry orchards are being cut down for new crops due to warmer winters. That leaves only Oregon, Washington and northern California as significant producers of sweet tasting cherries. Warmer climates produce sour cherries, mostly for cooking and baking.
Bruce Gerleman, owner of Splash Seafood Bar and Grill, has announced that Ryan Baber has been promoted to the role of executive chef. Baber has served as the sous chef at Splash for the last 16 years, and he's a serious talent.
Friday's specials at Chicago Speakeasy (1520 Euclid Ave., Des Moines) are "Speakeasy" (French dip) or BBQ beef sandwiches (made from prime rib) for lunch... Saturdays and Sundays are menudo, and pozole days at most Mexican cafes in town. Medical and food scientists have proven that both stews' mythical hangover relief properties are for real.
— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com |
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| Keep Iowa Beautiful photo contest winners |
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ABOVE: Iowa Water, First Place: “Majestic Sunrise,” by William Beardsley of Estherville
Keep Iowa Beautiful has announced the winners of the 14th Annual Keep Iowa Beautiful Photography Contest, aimed at raising awareness of Iowa's natural and environmental beauty. To see all the winning photos, visit Keep Iowa Beautiful.
Send your photos of beautiful sights in Iowa to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com. |
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FROM KCCI: House bill would limit amount of THC per serving and per container in Iowa
DES MOINES, Iowa — A bill making its way through the Iowa House could limit the amount of THC allowed in products sold across the state. HF 2605 includes a number of regulations of hemp and hemp products. The original version of the bill would let the Department of Health and Human Services determine the limit on the amount of THC per serving and per container....READ MORE FROM KCCI
FROM WHO-TV: Iowa House OKs bill to criminalize death of an “unborn person” despite IVF concerns
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Republicans in Iowa’s House of Representatives approved a bill Thursday that would criminalize the death of an “unborn person” — over Democrats’ concerns about how it might apply to in vitro fertilization, after an Alabama court found frozen embryos can be considered children.. ... READ MORE FROM WHO-TV
FROM WOI-DT Local 5: Bipartisan bill to increase minimum teacher salary passes Iowa House
Through HF 2630, Iowa teachers would make a minimum of $47,500 per year, increasing to $50,000 by July 1, 2026...READ MORE FROM WOI-DT Local 5 |
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| CORRECTION: Weekly fuel report | | | The report included yesterday was incorrect. The corrected prices are:
•The price of regular unleaded gasoline rose 8 cents, averaging $3.14 across Iowa according to AAA. Prices are down 3 cents from a year ago. The national average on Wednesday was $3.39, up 10 cents from last week’s price.
•Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 3 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.77. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.94 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 29 cents lower than the national average of $4.06.
•Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.
•Propane prices averaged $1.59 per gallon statewide.
•Home heating oil prices averaged $3.14 per gallon statewide.
• Natural gas prices rose 7 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $1.93/MMbtu
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| Birthdays and notables | | | Happy Birthday Sunday to Chance Tomlinson!
These celebrities were born on this date: Kit Connor, Montana Jordan, Benny Blanco, Freddie Prinze Jr., Kat Von D, James Van Der Beek, Devon Werkheiser, Camryn Manheim, Kenny Smith, Lester Holt, Boris Kodjoe
SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com |
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The answer to yesterday's riddle:
Why did zookeepers name the new arctic wolf "Frost"? BECAUSE FROST BITES!
Today's riddle
Why should you never use the word "veranda" as an expletive?
Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com |
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To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or Ankeny, Altoona and Bondurant Living magazines, contact:
Angela Ossian
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 307
Mobile: 515-979-5585
angela@iowalivingmagazines.com
©Big Green Umbrella Media, Inc., all rights reserved.
www.biggreenumbrellamedia.com. Add webmaster@dmcityview.com to your address book to ensure delivery. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Click here to get it delivered to your inbox for FREE! |
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