Do you take your shoes off when you enter your home? Or do you wear them around the house the same way you do outside?

I used to think the answer to this question mirrored the answer to whether you make your bed every morning or not, wash your car every week or not, or make to-do lists or not. Today, I think the answer to the shoes on or shoes off question has more to do with something else. I will get to that in a moment.

I realize, as most of you do, that our habits are formed by what our parents made us do, or not do, repeatedly. In my childhood home, all shoes were taken off at the door. There were no exceptions. If any of us even attempted to sneak in with shoes on, we would be the ones on our hands and knees washing the kitchen floor for a week. There were rules, and there were consequences — and mom was the judge, jury and executioner.

I simply thought this was the rule in every household. So, when I went to other people’s homes, the first thing I did was take off my shoes. Even if my friends’ mothers or fathers told me not to worry about it, I still did it. I think I worried that Mom might find out, and I didn’t want to wash any more floors.

Jolene’s parents had the same rule and were equally strict about it, so this easily carried over into our home. The irony was, when her parents would visit, they would wear their shoes inside our home — until I pointed out the rules and consequences to them. They didn’t want to wash the kitchen floor, either.

What I have now realized is that the overlooked factor in the answer to the shoes on or shoes off question is age. Shoes are not as easy to take on or off as we get older. That whole balancing on one foot thing is a trick. My dad used to have a small bench by the door so he could sit down and take his shoes off. Now, I get it.

Jolene and I are not as particular about taking our shoes off at our door as our parents were. Our shoes are stored in our bedroom closet, and we put them on there and walk through the house. And, maybe not surprisingly, I have a small chair in the bedroom where I sit to put my shoes on. Admittedly, our bare, aging feet don’t feel so great on hard floors. An effective alternative we have to wearing shoes in the house is to don some cozy slippers, at least in the colder months.

I must admit, though, when I go to other people’s homes, I take my shoes off at the door. Mom might still be watching, and I don’t want to have to wash the kitchen floor.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, 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 other columns here.

CARS IN THE CITY
GMC Sierra Denali is truly special

By Jackie Wilson

When thinking of a luxury vehicle, a pickup truck might not come to mind. Years ago, trucks were considered workhorses, usually for hauling debris, construction and farm materials; bouncing through muddy fields and ditches; and pulling trailers, all while squeezing three or more passengers in one cramped bench seat.

No longer are pickup trucks just for moving stuff. Today’s pickup trucks offer luxury features similar to the top SUVs and sedans. The third best-selling luxury pickup truck model is a GMC Sierra Denali. The 2024 Ultimate model with a few extras test driven costs about $101,000.

300 WALNUT ST., UNIT 5, DES MOINES
SALE DATE: 2024-06-18
SALE PRICE: $475,000
SELLER: CONNIE WIMER REVOCABLE TRUST
BUYER: PLAZA FIVE LLC
ACRES: 0.031
SQUARE FEET: 6,600

Meet Katie Hoover
Honored with Education of Character Award

By Jackie Wilson

Katie Hoover, a West Des Moines teacher, was recently honored with an Education of Character Award for 2024. The Robert D and Billie Ray Center established Character Counts as a way to practice good character skills and promote a positive culture.

Hoover, who is a “fierce advocate for special needs students,” was one of 12 Character Award winners and was nominated by families and educators.

Hoover has been a “lifer’” in the West Des Moines Community School District since she first attended kindergarten. Her mother and grandmother both taught school.

These celebrities were born on this date: Will Smith, Leah Jeffries, Donald Glover, Chauncey Billups, T.I., Bella Ramsey, Rosalía, Teddy Swims, Emily Roman, Mark Hamill, Antonia Gentry, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Scottie Pippen, Michael Douglas,

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

The answer to yesterday's riddle:

Why do cows have hooves and not feet? BECAUSE THEY LACTOSE (LACK TOES)! - Mary Fowler, Aaron Burns, Rex Post, Gail Tomlinson.

Today's riddle:

Why do bakers share their recipes with some bakers but not others?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or Johnston Living magazines, contact:

Andrea Hodapp
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 322
Mobile: 515-883-0523
andrea@iowalivingmagazines.com

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