Welcome to an extra edition of the 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.

“Shane, I don't recall having a piggy bank when I was growing up (Piggy banks, March 19, 2024). I had something even better — a bank book! Remember the passport-sized book the bank gave you when you opened a savings account? It had a blue cover with the bank's name and logo on the front, and every time you made a deposit (or withdrawal, but Dad didn't allow those), the bank would write it in your book. And, on top of that, the bank would occasionally add some of their money to it — something called interest — and I didn't have to do anything at all. Those trips to the bank were a big deal for a little kid — made me feel grown up. Of course, most of the money for those deposits came from Dad. He owned his own business and periodically would give me a ‘paycheck’ to deposit and then use my ‘salary’ as a business deduction (don't tell the IRS). I'm grateful he taught me to save money from an early age. The only disadvantage to having a bank book was that, when you shook it, it didn't rattle.” - Bob

I was digging through some old boxes the other day and came across my first bank book. The edges were curled, and the plastic sleeve it came in was crumbling, but it was there. I still smile when I think of my first deposit of $16 that came from selling many of my toys at Mom’s garage sale. Thanks for the memory, Bob, and keep rattling! - Shane

“Good afternoon, Shane. I have a steam locomotive pottery bank my grandson made me that I put any money I find in the street (Piggy banks, March 19, 2024). Then I have a German Shepherd dog that I put loose change in. It represents my K9 days.” - John

That steam locomotive pottery bank sounds interesting, but I really want to see how you put loose change in a German Shepherd. Or maybe not. - Shane

“The old saying goes, if you don't like the weather in Iowa just wait a minute (Weather talk, March 20, 2024).” - Brent

I don’t like to wait. - Shane

“You might just happen to be a farmer whose livelihood depends on the weather and what he is going to do today, tomorrow, next week (Weather talk, March 20, 2024). Have a bright, sunny day.” - Larry

That’s a good point, Larry. The actual weather may dictate what jobs do or don’t get completed that day, especially for farmers. My point was that you can’t change the weather, so what good does it do to continually talk about it? - 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

See Shane Goodman's previous columns here.

Trip of a lifetime
Residents share stories of their dreams-come-true vacations.

By Becky Kolosik

For some people, vacationing is a part of their routine. They plan, take and enjoy numerous trips to see the sights and “get away” from the usual hustle and bustle of life. They enjoy good times and make fond memories. They share photos and stories, but it isn’t long before they are looking forward to their next excursion. For some others, a vacation turns out to be much more than that — it is a dream come true, and, no matter how many vacations may follow, none will ever compare. It is a trip of a lifetime.

Around the world
Family is important to Loren and Linda Meyer. Having two children of their own, little did they know they would have the opportunity to gain four “bonus” kids through their involvement with the Youth for Understanding Program (YFU) as hosts of Indianola High School foreign exchange students from Germany.

Starting with the 2003-2004 school year, and every three years after that until 2013, the Meyers welcomed students into their home and helped them become involved at IHS, as well as the community of Indianola.

• The price of regular unleaded gasoline rose 2 cents, averaging $3.33 across Iowa according to AAA. Prices are up 16 cents from a year ago. The national average on Wednesday was $3.54, up 2 cents from last week’s price.

•Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 1 cent this week with a statewide average of $3.78. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.85 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 27 cents lower than the national average of $4.05.

•Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.

•Propane prices averaged $1.58 per gallon statewide.

•Home heating oil prices averaged $3.20 per gallon statewide.

•Natural gas prices rose 2 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $1.72/MMbtu.

These celebrities were born on this date: Alexandra Billings, Bart Conner, Charlie McCoy, Julia Stiles, Lady Gaga, Matt Nathanson, Reba McEntire, Rodrigo Duterte, Vince Vaughn, Dreezy, Derek Carr, Lacey Turner, Jonathan van Ness

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

The answer to yesterday's riddle:

How do you avoid getting swallowed by a river while white water rafting? STAY AWAY FROM THE MOUTH OF THE RIVER! - Rex Post, Gail Tomlinson. Or, from William Snyder: Paddle faster and don’t listen to the banjos. Or, By not letting it "gorge" on you! -Carolyn Rogers

Today's riddle

Which journalist covered the story about the baby lions at the zoo?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or 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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