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.

“I loved your column on why we talk with our hands (Talking with hands, May 7, 2024). I come from a whole family of hand-talkers, but my mom was the one you had to watch out for. She also really enjoyed a glass of wine, so the poor soul sitting next to her was under constant threat of being doused with wine any time a lively conversation caused her to get extra animated!” - Jeannie

There seems to be one in every family. Red wine, presumably? And did you sit next to her, or was that seat for the newcomers? - Shane

“I am an organ-transplant recipient, so your feature article in the April edition of Clive Living magazine was of special interest to me. I had vasculitis in 2012, which attacked my kidney. They were not able to save the kidney, so after five months on dialysis, my son gave me a second chance by donating a kidney on May 15, 2012, at Mercy Hospital. It was a very emotional experience for our family since two members of our family were involved. Our son and his family live in Cincinnati, Ohio; however, May 15 is a day of celebration for us whether we are together or apart being very thankful that we are both doing great. The story of the mother giving a kidney to her son touched my heart. Also, the story about the couple was of such value stressing the importance of being an organ donor. Thank you so much for sharing such wonderful stories.” - Janet

I was also touched by the stories on this subject in Clive Living and the ones in our other Iowa Living magazines. I appreciate you sharing your story, Janet. - Shane

“I appreciated your column on seasonal allergies (Pass me a tissue, May 8, 2024). In fact, I'm trying to figure out how to evict my sinuses since they've become as difficult to clear as a clogged drain. My grandfather would inhale salt water through his nose to clear his sinuses, but I haven't tried that. Your comments reminded me of the man who thought he was built upside down because his feet smelled and his nose ran.” - Bob

Unfortunately, that makes a lot of sense. I bought one of those battery-powered nasal rinse devices that “flush out allergens, mucus, germs, and bacteria from your nose.” It's amazing. Just make sure you use distilled water. You will have that nasal drain unclogged in no time. - Shane

Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.

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.

FOOD DUDE
Tumea & Sons
is a veritable heirloom

By Jim Duncan

The meaning of “heirloom” has been extended this century in American vernacular. It’s not just for nouns anymore. I have seen it used to describe baseball fans, tomatoes, pigs, brand new wrist watches and stocks.
There’s nothing wrong with that, but here’s what Oxford now has to say: “heirloom: 1.) a valuable object that has belonged to a family for several generations. 2.) denoting a traditional variety of plant or breed of animal which is not associated with large-scale commercial agriculture.”

There’s nothing wrong with that, but here’s what Oxford now has to say: “heirloom: 1.) a valuable object that has belonged to a family for several generations. 2.) denoting a traditional variety of plant or breed of animal which is not associated with large-scale commercial agriculture.”

[...]

Cruising through time
For Alexander, life’s too short to drive an ordinary car.

By Becky Kolosik

Cliff Alexander believes the heart and soul of any classic muscle car is not only what lies beneath the hood, but also the stories behind it.

“Modern muscle cars are cool, but they’re just not the same,” he says. “The kids in my generation… we worked hard saving up money to buy our first cars. We had more appreciation for them and what it took to keep them running.”

[...]

Happy Birthday Saturday to William Brown and Mike Chiston!

These celebrities were born on this date: Chris Berman, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Dallas Roberts, Dave Mason, Dean Heller, Graham Gouldman, Helio Castroneves, Kenan Thompson, Bono, Halston Sage, Gia Gunn

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

The answer to yesterday's riddle:

Why did the ghost join a soccer team? IT WANTED TO BE A GHOULIE! - Brent Hoover, Carolyn Rogers and Gail Tomlinson 
OR, TO ADD SOME TEAM SPIRIT! - Rex Post

Today's riddle

How did police catch the thief who robbed an Apple store?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or Waukee, West Des Moines/Jordan Creek or Norwalk living magazines, contact:

Martha Munro
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 314
Mobile: 515-321-5246
martha@iowalivingmagazines.com

©Big Green Umbrella Media, Inc., all rights reserved.
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