Welcome to another edition of the mailbag where you will find some of the comments, questions and ideas sent recently by readers of this newsletter or our publications. They are edited for space and clarity.

“I have dealt with biz associates and friends alike who had no regard for other people’s time (Why people miss deadlines, Dec. 15, 2025). They would show up but consistently late. Finally, I decided I had enough and either told them the meeting /departure times were earlier than actual or just started meetings without them and would not allow anyone to catch them up in that meeting. Took a few sessions and some nerves all around but worked most of the time. You have to call out the laggards and inform them. On time for all is a good thing.” - Rex

I had to look up what laggard meant. I am adding it to my vocabulary — and I hopefully won’t have to use it too often. - Shane

“Another dandy, thought-provoking column this morning (Christmas cards, Dec. 16, 2025). I can't think of ‘White Christmas’ (the Bing Crosby version) without replaying his obbligato whistling that just floated like a gently falling snowflake of song. Regarding cards, they are an evolution of the times... as long as communication with family, friends and those you care about continues.” - John

First, laggard. Now, obbligato. Who says you don't get smarter by reading the Daily Umbrella? - Shane

“I saw a stupor recently about a family that ‘stole’ items from their parents’ house each time they visited (Recycling gifts, Dec. 17, 2025). All of those items were wrapped and given back to the parents at Christmas. Several times during the opening festivities, they would remark, ‘I think I might already have one of these.’ It took quite a while for them to recognize what had happened. Since I don’t really need anything, I suggested this to my kids and grandkids. Maybe they will give me something useful I forgot I had!” - Chuck

Or, better yet, maybe we should wrap up those unused items and gift them back to the original sender to see if they remember. - Shane

“First, I thought James’ commentary (Mailbag, Dec. 19, 2025) was great — and accurate (as I’m also retired). Second, I have developed a liking for ‘Love Actually’ as a holiday Christmas movie. And, I agree, the Alastair Sim’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ is required watching. And listening to Doug Brown on IPR read ‘A Christmas Carol’ is a joy, and I bought the CDs just to be sure I could listen again. Thanks much for one more interesting and entertaining Umbrella.” - Victoria

Keep the Christmas spirit going, Victoria! - Shane

Merry Christmas to you all, and thanks for reading.

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

Read more of Shane Goodman's columns here.

Merry Christmas and thanks for reading.
 
Kudos to Ruth’s Chris, AJ’s at Prairie Meadows, Cracker Barrel, Mulberry Street Tavern, Park Street, Tupelo Honey, Opa!, and the many pubs who provide lonely people with a place to hang and eat today.

We use the last week of the year to exalt 2025's seven greatest gifts to the Des Moines' food scene. First up is Masao - the most inventive new restaurant since Harbinger. The brainchild of Waterfront scion Nick Hanke, Masao utilized nearly 50 years of connections to the docks of America’s independent fishermen and watermen plus the magic of air freight to bring the city Kaga-level sushi. Hanke also talked Phil Shires out of a 10-year retirement to run a superb French-forward kitchen to complement his fish. Read more about Masao here.

— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

CARS IN THE CITY
Chevy Trailblazer

By Jackie Wilson

As an auto manufacturer with more than 110 years in existence, Chevrolet knows its vehicles. They have tousled with model names back and forth, tweaking and releasing different versions each year.

For example, take the Chevy Trailblazer. The Trailblazer was released in 1999 as an upscale Blazer. It quickly morphed into an SUV in 2002, then was discontinued in 2009. ...

Strabala enjoys her bird companions
Avian friends require a lot of work.

By Jeanne Yordi

Walking into Brooke Strabala’s house, visitors are greeted with a gruff “hello.” Looking around, you find that it comes from Hank, a scarlet macaw.

Brooke’s parents had birds, and, about three years ago, Brooke decided she wanted to adopt a baby bird, so she drove to Missouri to meet Hank. Soon after, she adopted Oscar, an African gray, and Baby, a green Quaker parrot.
Adopting a bird is not for the faint-of-heart and is a lifetime commitment. Birds can live 50 to 70 years in captivity, and a baby macaw can cost between $6,000 and $7,000, according to Brooke. Adopting an older bird may cost about $2,500, but it is a lot more work because, like adopting an older dog or cat, you need to learn their likes, dislikes, routines and behaviors. A scarlet macaw usually only bonds with one or two people so moving to a new home has challenges. ...

The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 6 cents from last week's price and is currently averaging $2.42 across Iowa according to AAA. Prices are down 36 cents from a year ago. The national average on Wednesday was $2.86, down 5 cents from last week’s price.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 8 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.31. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.28 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 28 cents lower than the national average of $3.59.

Natural gas prices were up 19 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $4.18 MMbtu.

Propane prices averaged $1.58 per gallon in Iowa.

Home heating oil prices had a statewide average of $2.80 per gallon.

Lower prices in the Metro: www.gasbuddy.com

Sam's Club in Ankeny (4625 S.E. Delaware Ave.) - $1.92

Costco in Ankeny (4000 N.E. Spectrum Drive) - $1.93

Mega Saver in Des Moines (6304 S.W. 9th St) - $1.97

These celebrities were born on this date: Justin Trudeau, Daysha Taylor, Dido, Adut Akech, Annie Lennox, Princess Alexandra, Sissy Spacek, Jorgie Porter

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

The answer to the last riddle: What dinosaur is best at wrapping gifts? VELOCO-WRAP-TOR! Kris Laurson, Sharon Hill Watkins. Or a TY-WRAP-ASAURUS. - Brent Hoover. None - their arms are too short! - Rex Post. Other answers from Bill Snyder, Carolyn Rogers

Today's riddle: Who hides in a Christmas bakery?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

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

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

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

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