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.

“After reading your column about Memorial Day in the Daily Umbrella, I'll share my early memories (The meaning of Memorial Day, May 27, 2024). I'm just old enough to remember when it was called Decoration Day. I grew up on a farm, and Decoration Day wasn't a Monday of a long weekend. It could be mid-week. It didn't matter which day of the week it was, after early chores were done, we all piled into the car and took flowers around to the graves to pay our respects. Since our family members were mostly buried in rural cemeteries, it was a two- or three-car parade driving along gravel roads ending with dinner at Grandma's house that was like a Sunday dinner. Keep in mind a farmer might not be finished planting crops at that time of year, but work stopped to go decorate the graves and remember those who came before us.” - Tamara

That sounds like a wonderful tradition that we all could benefit from by doing more of today. Of course, having family members living hundreds of miles apart doesn’t help. - Shane

“You wrote about campfire s’mores (S’mores, Tuesday, May 28, 2024) and short cuts (Short cuts, May 30, 2024) this week. Have you tried Keebler Fudge Stripe cookies instead of graham crackers and chocolate? Just smash a toasted marshmallow between two of them. You can also make them in the oven. Use some wax paper to line a cookie sheet. Place one cookie face down, then a marshmallow, and top it with another cookie face up. Put them in the oven on 300 for five minutes. Mmmm, mmmm.” - Jim

I like how you think, Jim. - Shane

“Good morning, Shane. The very nice trailer court off S.E. Oralabor has a plethora of speed bumps where avoiding them is not feasible (Speed bumps, May 29, 2024). I occasionally drive through the court for either a change of scenery (because it’s nicely kept) or to avoid a traffic problem. Mostly, however, I avoid them altogether by not passing through the court.” - John

Some people from states outside of Iowa enjoy the views of mountains or oceans. We appreciate the scenery of a well-kept trailer court. - Shane

“I read your column today, and I had to chuckle (Short cuts, May 30, 2024). Back when Iowa went to the 55 mph speed limit, Gov. Branstad came to Centerville for something. Upon his arrival — late — he addressed the crowd: “Sorry about being late; we got behind a truck.’ Someone in the back of the crowd yelled out, ‘If you got behind a truck, you would have been here 10 minutes ago!’ Being a trucker at the time, I appreciated the humor!” - Alan

I appreciate the humor, too, and I hope Gov. Branstad did as well. - 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
www.thedailyumbrella.com

See Shane Goodman's previous columns here.

JOE'S NEIGHBORHOOD
Two characters and a dog in Woodland Cemetery

By Joe Weeg

The graves sprawl over the bright green and faded brown grass like grazing cattle over the stubble of an Iowa corn field. Narrow blacktop roads meander here and there across the 65 acres. Pools of sunshine dance on the white granite tombstones and the half-buried markers of grey river rock. While the many trees with small leafing buds stand quietly in respect.

Woodland Cemetery on the cusp of spring.

Mike Rowley tells a story.

[...]

Meet Ann Swenson
Introducing students to different types of music, instruments and experiences

By T.K. West

After a student teaching placement at the Waukee Middle School, Ann Swenson knew she wanted to teach in the Waukee Community School District. Swenson grew up in New Hampton before receiving a bachelor’s degree from Simpson College and a master’s degree from Viterbo University.

Now she is in her 14th year teaching with the district and 20th year teaching overall. She currently teaches first- through fifth-grade general music and fifth-grade choir at Brookview Elementary School.

“I love working with such a diverse population. I am also thankful for forward-thinking district leaders and a team of music educators and colleagues who are willing to learn and grow,” Swenson says.

[...]

Happy Birthday Eddie Andrews and David Collison.

These celebrities were born on this date: Brooke Shields, Clint Eastwood, Farrah Abraham, Michelle Chen, Marco Reus, Colin Farrell, Andy Hurley, Iga Świątek, Nate Robinson, Lea Thompson, Shekinah Jones

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

The answer to yesterday's riddle:

Why did the computer sing "Hello" every time somebody walked by? BECAUSE IT WAS A DELL (ADELE)! - Gail Tomlinson, Rex Post.

Today's riddle

What is the name of the final roadside stop for eggy desserts?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella, Guthrie Center Times, Panora Times, Lake Panorama Times and Guthrie County Times Vedette, contact:

KERRY JACOBSEN
Account Executive
Office: 641-755-2115
Mobile: 515-619-2788
kerry@iowalivingmagazines.com

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