Welcome to an extra 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.
“Shane, I read your column every day and enjoy your insights and perspective. Have you ever considered writing about how frustrating it is to unwrap shrink wrap items especially if you are in a hurry or a senior citizen? Or to open a new bottle of vitamins, or single wrapped pills? Or multi pack of Kleenex? We order something almost daily from Amazon and it's crazy how difficult it is to unpack some of the merchandise. I don't recall growing up having to deal with the frustration of merchandise packaging. Is it just me or do you share the same frustration? Thanks.” - Mike
I am still trying to successfully unwrap a BAND-AID. - Shane
“You mentioned recliners the other day (The recliner, Oct. 27, 2026). I found my recliner to be particularly suited to recovery after surgery. I could stretch out, wiggle around, apply ice packs, etc. In one case, I think I was rehabbing in the recliner for three weeks before I could comfortably get back to bed. Yes, recliners are great places to refresh and refuel regardless of the reason.” - Chuck
I can’t argue with that. - Shane
“I love your story on Iowa stereotypes (Corn, pigs and farming, Oct. 28, 2026). My grandparents grew up on a farm, so I’m one of the 73% who visited a farm regularly. Whenever I go outside to tend to my garden, I tell my wife I’m going out to ‘plant the back 40.’ ” - Kevin
That certainly sounds like code for something. - Shane
“I grew up an Iowa ‘city girl,’ but I do remember visiting a farm as a child when a calf licked my hand as I was feeding it (Corn, pigs and farming, Oct. 28, 2026). What I really remember is how rough the tongue was. We continued to eat beef tongue for dinner, but, strangely, I never made a connection. I guess the meal was just too tasty to think of other things.” - Margaret
I wouldn’t use the words beef tongue and tasty in the same sentence, but I am glad you like it, Margaret. - Shane
“Shane, I loved your column today in the Daily Umbrella (Corn, pigs and farming, Oct. 28, 2026). Iowa is often misunderstood and even more often overlooked as a great place to live and grow up in. Growing up as a farm girl and raising my kids, grands and now a great-grand on our family farm is the best life I can imagine. You nailed the description of farm life and farm kids. My late father-in-law used to say, ‘You don’t hire good help, you raise it.’ Having five sons, he practiced what he preached. We do the same. Thanks for another great column and keeping it real. God bless.” - Joni
And I now have a new favorite quote. Thank you, Joni! - Shane
“Hey Shane, as one of your boat storage customers this year, I have to say as a farm kid I was totally impressed with your boat trailer backing maneuvers (The storage business, Oct. 29, 2026)! Your warehouse was spotless and a great location for my pontoon’s hibernation. I enjoyed reading how you got into the business. Have a good winter!” - Russ
Well, practice makes “almost” perfect. - Shane
“Look at you diversifying (The storage business, Oct. 29, 2026)! A U-Haul franchise cannot be far behind!” - Brad
Hmmm. Maybe. - Shane
Have a thoughtful Thursday, and thanks for reading. | 
