Welcome to the Friday mailbag, where you will find some of the comments, questions and ideas sent recently by subscribers of this newsletter. They are edited for space and clarity.

“Thank you, thank you. I am so enjoying the comic you insert in your emails (Comfortably Dumb, June 8, 2022). I laughed and laughed at Long Johns. Thanks again.” – Donna

Well, we all deserve to laugh every day. I am glad you are enjoying it. - Shane

“Loved the father of the bride speech/story you shared (Daddy! June 7, 2022). So vivid and such wise advice to your daughter’s new husband! Bet it was a beautiful day. I’m so happy for you and Jolene. Best wishes to the happy couple!” - Greylene 

Thank you, Greylene. The older we get, the easier it seems to offer advice. Not necessarily better, just easier. - Shane

“Just letting you know that I saved the Daily Umbrella this morning (Daddy! June 7, 2022). I will be using some of your ideas to create my speech in a couple of years, if that is OK with you. I have one daughter left to get married. Thanks.” - Steve

Help yourself, Steve. Just be sure to send me the royalty checks. – Shane

“When I was a recruiter for Iowa National Guard back in the 1970s, I soon learned midway through the interview to stand up, walk over to the window and view the vehicle the person had arrived in (Best job interview question, June 6, 2022). More often than not, you could tell a lot about that person — how they take care of business and what kind of recruit they would be. As usual, you hit the nail on the head!” - Alan

To me, it’s about showing respect for the person whom you hope offers you a job. It’s also a good sign of how an employee will take care of company-issued equipment. Besides all that, it’s just nice to have a clean car, especially when going to a job interview. – 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

Your Clear Mortgage forecast from Jason Parkin

Scattered storm chances will continue today, and lesser chances linger into Saturday and Sunday. It won’t rain all day in any case, and temperatures will stay warm. Heat builds starting Monday.

For help with preapprovals or refinancing, get in touch with Jason at parkin.mortgage

CITYVIEW announced its 2022 Best Of Des Moines readers' choices Feb.1. You can find all the results from the poll in the February issue of CITYVIEW magazine!

Best Local Nachos
1. University Library Café
2. Jethro’s
3. The Dam Pub

Condo community

Breckenridges love their home

By Lindsey Giardino

Andrea Breckenridge and her family have lived in Johnston since 2007. The guiding factor behind their decision to move to the community was the Johnston Community School District, which they knew to be exceptional.

The Breckenridges live in a condo in town, which they chose because it was what they could afford at the time.

Breckenridge says her favorite part of their home is the neighbors — especially the ones below them.

“My daughter’s best friend moved into the unit directly below us a little over a year ago,” she explains. “I also love that we have a park within walking distance. It’s close to my daughter’s school, so we will periodically see her friends there.”

[...]

From the June issue of JOHNSTON Living magazine.

Happy Birthday to these celebrities: Elizabeth Hurley, Kate Upton, Bill Burr, Sasha Obama, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Faith Evans, Gina Gershon, Leelee Sobieski, Jonathan Bennett, DJ Qualls, Shane West, Tara Lipinski

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