Welcome to the Friday mailbag on Monday, as I wanted to publish a Veterans Day column last Friday. Today you will find some of the comments, questions and ideas sent recently by subscribers of this newsletter. They are edited for space and clarity.
“So you're the guy who zooms past me and I wind up laughing at when I pull up next to him at the stop light and then pull ahead of him because he's waiting for someone ahead of him to turn left (Driver’s education, Oct. 31, 2022). And the game begins again!” - Brad
Yep. - Shane
“Thought I would let you know that a couple of food service trays from Iowa State somehow made it home with me when I graduated in 1983 (Lunch trays, Nov. 1, 2022). They sit on top of my refrigerator and are used almost daily. My kids would push each other around on them on the carpeted floors and they have kept spills off the coffee table during countless meals eaten in front of the TV. I've never used them as snow sleds, but I've heard they work great for that as well. I've had them ‘on loan’ now for nearly 40 years but fully intend to ask a grandchild to return them with my thanks to ISU when I make that final move to the old folks home — hopefully not for another 25 years. Love your daily column!” - Tim
You should drop off those plastic milk crates while you are at it. - Shane
“Depending upon what the entrée was, the other space was a vegetable, fruit, or sometimes a roll (Lunch trays, Nov. 1, 2022). That was in public school in Kansas decades ago. I checked with a friend who was once a school lunch lady in a Des Moines Catholic school, and she said all of their tray sections had something in them. More recently, in a ‘seasoned citizens’ setting, I’ve thought those old school lunch trays might come in handy on days when we do buffet style serving because of staffing issues. However, if the research cited is still valid, the extra costs would probably kill that idea.” - Chuck
Yes, a dinner roll. How could I have missed that one? - Shane
“Good morning. Regarding what the extra spot on the lunch trays is for (Lunch trays, Nov. 1, 2022)? Antacid packets.” - John
Careful, John, or you will be apologizing to the lunch ladies, too. - Shane
“Prior to the rotary dial phone was the party line (Turn the channel, Nov. 2, 2022). Several customers were connected on the same circuit, and since the phone had no dial, to make a call, you picked up the receiver, which connected you to an operator. You knew most by name, ‘Helen. I need to talk with Sheriff Taylor,” and you would be connected. Everyone on your party line had a selective ring cadence. For example, if the phone rang two long rings and two short, you knew that call was for you. If you picked up the receiver and heard a conversation in progress, you would have to wait until they were finished to make your call. Or just eavesdrop on their conversation. There was not much privacy, and my neighbors usually knew who my date was for Saturday night.” - Paul
“For us, the driving instructor line was ‘R is for reverse, not race’ (Driver’s education, Oct. 31, 2022). Have a good long weekend.” - Dewayne
Maybe the R was for reckless. - Shane
Have a marvelous Monday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305 | 
