Save Ottumwa Post July 06, 2022

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Ottumwa Publishing

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Look For The Homes Section Inside •••••JULY 06, 2022•••••

A New Hobby Late last fall, I decided to take up a new hobby. I thought bee keeping would be interesting and already had plans for all the honey I could get. Knowing nothing about a project has never deterred me from trying. How hard could it be? When I was just a child, my grandfather, Adolph, raised bees when he migrated from Germany after the war. At the time, it seemed to me, he just drove around the countryside, collecting honey from his hives, and selling it. I wish I would have paid attention and learned more about the process. During the winter, I studied about bee keeping. The more I learned, the more I found out I did not know. Bees are fascinating and complicated insects. When the opportunity arose to take a class, I jumped at the chance. The class was much more beneficial than all the internet videos I had watched. About twenty-five people with all levels of bee keeping experience were there, to improve on the knowledge they had or, like me, learn where to start. Though not recom(Outdoors cont’d on pg 2)

641-208-5505


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on my bee suit and offered Zane one. He mended as the easideclined saying he est way to get started, would stay back so I decided to trap they would not get him. wild local bees. My My wife and Damon thoughts were, if they wanted pictures of the lived here in the wild disaster as it unfolded, for many generations, so Zane volunteered to they would probably be the photographer. be better adjusted to Zane stood our climate extremes back, taking pictures, and may be resistant to until I needed assissome diseases found tance getting the trap in domesticated bees. off the tree. With no I made a swarm trap, set it out and waited. After more than two months of waiting, I was beginning to think my plan would not work. One day, on my way by the trap, I noticed a couple of bees going in and out. That was a good sign. Perhaps these were scouts for a swarm and were checking out suitable accommodations for the rest of their group. About a week later, I saw a number of bees going in and out. My hive was set up and waiting in case I ever caught any bees, so I was ready. My son, Damon, and grandson, Zane stopped by that evening. I explained I was going to move the trap to the hive and asked if anybody want- protection and a few ed to go along. Neither bees flying around, he my wife nor Damon helped get the trap into wanted any part of it. the Ranger. The bees They were sure I was seemed quite calm. going to get stung to We went to where death. Zane was all the hive was located for the adventure. I put before I opened the

JULY 06, 2022

(Outdoors cont’d from pg 1)

some remained in the trap, but none of them tried to sting us. I put the lid back on the hive and left the trap open nearby. The stragglers slowly made their way into their new home, following the scent of their queen. In the two weeks since capturing the wild bees, they have set up housekeeping, making honeycomb and laying

trap. To my pleasant surprise, there were a whole bunch of bees inside. Most of them were on two frames that I moved over to the hive. A few bees were flying about and

eggs to increase their numbers. They are located in a field of white clover near the lake. They seem to be thriving as they are making some honey and bringing in pollen for reserves. I am well pleased with the results of my new hobby.

Ray’s Longbranch Homemade 1/2 lb. Tenderloins & Hamburgers Drakesville, IA • 722-3355


JULY 06, 2022

The Freelancer’s Guide to Financial Security

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expenses can cause trouble down the road. When tax time rolls around, it’s helpful to have your business expenses isolated, with receipts to back them up. Be sure to maintain complete business records going back a minimum of three years in case of an IRS audit. Also, consider paying yourself on a regular schedule from your business account. You can choose a set amount each month or a percentage of each project. Doing so will help you manage your personal expenses.

tions to save for retirement, including a variety of IRAs and the individual 401(k). The key is to establish a habit, even if it means saving a modest amount monthly. Aim for 10 to15 percent as a target, saving more if you are able. Be aware of the rules regarding retirement plans for self-employed individuals, which can get complicated if you hire one or more employees.

Don’t forget to review your financial posiFreelance professiontion regularly. Keep als have unique opporcareful watch over your tunities and challenges Do maintain a healthy cash flow and make emergency fund. when it comes to cresure you are invoicing Freelance income ating a viable path to your clients in a timely often ebbs and flows financial security. In fashion to get paid as exchange for increased in direct response to a soon as possible. It variety of factors, inflexibility, freelancers may be cumbersome must create their own cluding the economy, to keep track of all of seasonality, changes paychecks and finanyour expenses, but cial strategy. Whether in a key client’s needs there is power in knowyou’re a long-time free- or your capacity for ing where your money lancer, new to the ‘gig projects. Build your is going. When you uneconomy,’ or just curi- liquid savings, which derstand your income will allow you to subsi- and expenses, you’re ous how people can dize your paycheck in in a better position to manage their money a lean month. when they don’t have steer your business access to traditional in the most profitable Do create a tax strat- direction. workplace benefits, here’s a primer on how egy. Freelancers are generally required to to make it work: Don’t neglect healthpay estimated taxes on care. Health issues a quarterly basis, with can arise at any time. Do set your own the remaining balance Minimize the impact terms of service. Define your rates and due by tax time of the of a medical crisis and payment terms to avoid following year. Self-em- protect your financial ployment taxes, which stability by enrolling ambiguity with your covers Social Security you and your family in clients. It’s easier to and Medicare, also enforce terms when a good health insurgenerally need to be you’ve spelled them ance plan. You can paid quarterly. Paying evaluate options from out in your freelance the incorrect amount contract and on your the healthcare marketinvoice. An established can result in costly place or with an insurpenalties. Consult a tax ance provider during policy can also help advisor who can help you set and achieve the annual open enrollyour income goals and you formulate your ment period. maintain sufficient cash strategy. flow. Don’t wait to create Do prioritize saving a plan for other longfor retirement. You Do keep business term financial goals. and personal financ- won’t have the benefit Weddings, the birth of of a company match, es separate. Mixing a child, college savings business and personal but you still have opand a new home are

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just a few of the bigticket life events that can be hard to plan for when your income varies. It helps to have a clear plan to accomplish multiple goals If you’re a freelancer, it can be easy to let the unpredictability of your income hinder you from achieving financial confidence. No matter what your business or personal financial situation is today, you can take control and improve your circumstances for tomorrow. Duane J Lusson, CFP, ChFC, CLU, MSFS, is a Private Wealth Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Ottumwa, Iowa. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 30 years. To contact him, call 641-684-4200 or stop by his office at 527 W. Second in Ottumwa, Iowa. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value. Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2022 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. File #4775611


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Wednesday morning. On-time.” Nova looked at me and yawned. Then she flopped down on the futon, let out a deep sigh, and closed her eyes to take a nap. Edgar reminded me, “Don’t forget to clean On Time the litter box and refill the cat food container.” My wife went to ScotThen he moseyed down land for three weeks the hall to nap in the with her aunt and uncle. guest bedroom window. While she was travelI understood where they ing abroad, there was were coming from – I no shortage of things I was pretty tired myself. needed to do; most of which required travelAfter putting a load of ing. laundry in the washer, I laid down next to Nova After dropping Melissa on the futon. “We’re off at the Minneapolis/ just going to catch thirty St. Paul international minutes of shut-eye. airport, we continued When the washer is to Iowa. I, myself, my done, we must get up trusty canine Nova Mae, and work.” My trusty caand our black cat, Ednine shuffled a bit, then gar Allan. Our travels curled up next to me, also took us to Florida, resting her head on my back to Iowa, then chest. I closed my eyes home to Minnesota. and drifted off. Covering more than 3,500 miles over two I woke before sunrise to weeks, we finally rebirds singing and raturned home late Thurs- vens squawking. A cool day night, just five days breeze blew through before Melissa’s return the three-season room, from Scotland. and a dog was standing next to me, licking my Although there was forehead. “Dad, wake plenty of work to be up. I have to go potty.” done at home, we deAs much as I did not cided to lounge all day want to get out from Friday and enjoy being under the warm afghan, home. A phone conver- I forced myself to get up sation Friday afternoon for Nova. resulted in yet another quick business trip. I When we came inside, spent most of Saturday Nova went right over preparing for our road and sat next to her trip on Sunday and food bowl. I glanced at Monday. the clock. “It’s ten after five – you don’t get When we got home breakfast until six.” We Monday, I told Nova went to the basement to Mae and Edgar, “Tomor- move the clean clothes row is our last day to from the washer to the get things ready for your dryer. Then we came mom’s return. I want to upstairs, and Nova have all our work done went right over and sat and the van loaded by her food dish. “Not and ready to go the yet, sweetie,” I told her night before so we can as I returned to the leave by nine-o-clock futon. “When the dryer

is done, we’ll get up for breakfast and start our chores.” This time I set the alarm for six a.m. After hitting the snooze three times, I climbed out of bed to feed the dog. Someone was meowing in the living room. “Meow, meow. What about me? No one fed the cat, and I’m hungry, too.” Edgar complained. I gave the sleek black cat a rub on the head. He wiggled and walked under my hand to carry the rub down his back. Next, I wrapped my fingers gently around his tail, and he kept walking until the tip slipped through my grip. After two more rubs, I told him, “You’re a good cat, Edgar Allan.” Then I put a scoop of kitty crunchies in his bowl and gave him a savory salmon-flavored Greenie cat treat. He loves those.

and clicked on the link my wife sent me, “Delta flight 0011 Departs London Heathrow Tomorrow at 9:55 a.m. London time, and arrives at MSP at 12:50 p.m. central time.” I mumbled some calculations: “Her flight leaves at four a.m. our time; it’s three and a half hours to the cities; drop off the pie, and I better allow a little time for road construction….” Finally, I announced to my traveling companions, “We must be on

I pulled out my phone

(Just the Other Day cont’d on pg 8)


JULY 06, 2022

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OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY July 10 - 1:00-2:30

406 N. Sheridan Ave 4 BRs, 1.5 Baths

$115,000 MLS#6224646

Joella Turner

641-226-4995 641-683-3777

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY JULY 10 - 1:00-2:30 CO N D O

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1002 N. JAY ST.

$149,500 2 BRs, 1.5 Baths #6155156

Cindy Latos

641-799-3269 641-683-3777

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JULY 06, 2022

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PAGE 7

LENORA COULTER ESTATE

FARM AUCTION

TO BE HELD THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022-10:00 AM at Debbie’s Celebration Barn, 2162 21st Ave W, Oskaloosa, IA

345 ACRES m/l TO BE AUCTIONED IN 3 TRACTS

Pre-registration begins June 29 by emailing office@remaxpride.com, calling 641-676-3456 or stopping into the office at 103 High Ave E, Oskaloosa, IA FSA Info available to pre-registered bidders. All farms are rented for the 2022 season, with second half of rent going to the buyer. All farms are open for the 2023 season. 10% non-refundable earnest deposit due at auction, closing within 30 days of bid acceptance. All announcements day of auction take precedence over any advertising. Final bid is subject to seller approval.

TRACT 1 - Mahaska County. 154.52 Acres M/L, 82.1 CSR2.

Located at the corner of Lacey Blacktop (175th) and Niland Avenue Topography Map

Aerial Map

Soils Map

State: County: Location: Township: Acres: Date:

Iowa Mahaska 9-76N-15W Adams 151.6 6/13/2022

Soils data provided by USDA and NRCS.

Area Symbol: IA123, Soil Area Version: 27

Map Center: 41° 23' 48.13, -92° 35' 56.15

0ft

815ft

map center: 41° 23' 48.13, -92° 35' 56.15

1631ft

0ft

815ft

1631ft

9-76N-15W Mahaska County Iowa

9-76N-15W Mahaska County Iowa

Soil Description

281C2

Otley silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded

55.73

36.8%

IIIe

82

73

66

281B

Otley silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes

Acres Percent of field 33.70

22.2%

CSR2 Legend

Non­Irr Class *c CSR2** IIe

91

92

77

8B

Judson silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes

21.41

14.1%

IIe

94

90

83

54

Zook silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded

11.91

7.9%

IIw

60

70

47

133

Colo silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded

10.93

7.2%

IIw

78

80

75

11B

Colo­Ely complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes

8.65

5.7%

IIw

86

68

76

442D2

Sparta­Otley complex, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded

4.75

3.1%

IVe

30

41

43

467

Radford silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes

3.97

2.6%

IIw

78

95

54B

Zook silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes

0.55

0.4%

IIw

60

65

55

82.1 79.2

*n 70.5

Weighted Average

2.43

CSR *n NCCPI Soybeans

94

**IA has updated the CSR values for each county to CSR2. *n: The aggregation method is "Weighted Average using all components" *c: Using Capabilities Class Dominant Condition Aggregation Method Soils data provided by USDA and NRCS.

6/13/2022

6/13/2022

Field borders provided by Farm Service Agency as of 5/21/2008.

Field borders provided by Farm Service Agency as of 5/21/2008.

Code

TRACT 2 - Mahaska County. 38.50 Acres M/L, 74.6 CSR2. Located at the corner of 150th and Rutledge Avenue

Aerial Map

Soils Map

Topography Map

Iowa Mahaska 36-77N-15W Union 38.19 6/13/2022

State: County: Location: Township: Acres: Date:

Soils data provided by USDA and NRCS.

Area Symbol: IA123, Soil Area Version: 27

Map Center: 41° 26' 8.7, -92° 31' 46.76

0ft

272ft

map center: 41° 26' 8.7, -92° 31' 46.76

544ft

0ft

272ft

544ft

36-77N-15W Mahaska County Iowa

36-77N-15W Mahaska County Iowa

Soil Description

M163D2

Fayette silt loam, till plain, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded

Acres Percent of field 11.61

30.4%

CSR2 Legend

Non­Irr Class *c IIIe

CSR2** 47

CSR Bromegrass alfalfa Corn AUM Bu

M163B

Fayette silt loam, till plain, 2 to 5 percent slopes

9.68

25.3%

IIe

84

Oats Bu

Soybeans Bu

*n NCCPI Soybeans 64

1

9

4

3

81

1

9

4

3

71

M163C2

Fayette silt loam, till plain, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded

5.47

14.3%

IIIe

76

75

Givin silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes

4.64

12.1%

IIe

80

85

85

424E2

Lindley­Keswick complex, 14 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded

2.71

7.1%

VIe

19

5

45

571C2

Hedrick silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded

2.25

5.9%

IIIe

77

62

78

76B

Ladoga silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes

0.73

1.9%

IIe

86

87

79

W

Water

0.57

1.5%

0

0

65E2

Lindley loam, 14 to 18 percent slopes, moderately eroded

0.53

1.4%

VIe

27

30

2.82

64.1

Weighted Average

52 0.4

3.6

1.6

1.2

*n 70.5

**IA has updated the CSR values for each county to CSR2. *- CSR weighted average cannot be calculated on the current soils data, use prior data version for csr values. *n: The aggregation method is "Weighted Average using all components" *c: Using Capabilities Class Dominant Condition Aggregation Method Soils data provided by USDA and NRCS.

6/13/2022

6/13/2022

Code

Field borders provided by Farm Service Agency as of 5/21/2008.

Field borders provided by Farm Service Agency as of 5/21/2008.

TRACT 3 - Keokuk County. 151.57 Acres M/L, 63.7 CSR2. Located at the corner of Hwy 21 and 195th

Aerial Map

Topography Map

Soils Map

State: County: Location: Township: Acres: Date:

Iowa Keokuk 22-76N-13W Washington 142.32 6/13/2022

Soils data provided by USDA and NRCS.

Area Symbol: IA107, Soil Area Version: 26

Map Center: 41° 22' 9.09, -92° 21' 0.24

0ft

818ft

map center: 41° 22' 9.09, -92° 21' 0.24

1636ft

818ft

22-76N-13W Keokuk County Iowa

22-76N-13W Keokuk County Iowa Field borders provided by Farm Service Agency as of 5/21/2008.

1636ft

Soil Description

281B

Otley silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes

Acres Percent of field 38.37

27.0%

570C2

Nira silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, moderately eroded

31.58

822D2

Lamoni silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded

25.65

13B

Olmitz­Zook­Vesser complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes

281C2

Otley silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded

76C2

CSR2 Legend

Non­Irr Class *c

CSR2** 91

90

77

22.2%

IIIe

71

67

74

18.0%

IVe

13

15

44

16.18

11.4%

IIw

71

60

62

11.82

8.3%

IIIe

82

70

66

Ladoga silty clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded

8.02

5.6%

IIIe

75

65

66

993D2

Gara­Armstrong complex, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded

7.19

5.1%

IVe

30

20

50

423D2

Bucknell silty clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, moderately eroded

2.97

2.1%

IVe

6

13

280

Mahaska silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes

0.54

0.4%

94

95

77

63.7 59.8

*n 65.1

Iw 2.86

**IA has updated the CSR values for each county to CSR2. *n: The aggregation method is "Weighted Average using all components" *c: Using Capabilities Class Dominant Condition Aggregation Method Soils data provided by USDA and NRCS.

For the most updated info, visit our website at www.remaxpride.com, email office@remaxpride.com or scan QR Code.

Licensed in Iowa and Missouri

JASON CARTER Broker/Owner

CSR *n NCCPI Soybeans

IIe

Weighted Average

6/13/2022

6/13/2022 Field borders provided by Farm Service Agency as of 5/21/2008.

0ft

Code

515-708-0615

jason@remaxpride.com

44


PAGE 8 (Just the Other Day cont’d from pg 4)

the road at nine a.m. Are you guys listening to me?”

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answered, “Hello, what are you doing up so early?”

“I’m getting ready. My flight leaves in four While the dog and cat hours, and I have to crunched away on their be there three hours breakfast, I retrieved the early,” Melissa said, clothes from the dryer. then asked, “Why are I dumped the clean you still up? You should laundry on the bed and be in bed.” She was just started folding. Soon, calling to tell me she Edgar jumped on the was excited to see me bed to see what I was soon. Of course, I was doing; Nova Mae sat by excited, too. my feet. I rubbed the wrinkles from a T-shirt When we hung up, it and folded it as I adoccurred to me that she dressed the crew. “We was getting up, and I have a lot of work to get was just going to bed. It done today, guys. We’re was an empty feeling. I always running late, but felt like we were worlds this time we ARE going apart for the first time to be on time to meet since she left. your mom at the airport tomorrow.” The cat and Before going to bed, I dog stared at me. “I set my alarm for 6:00. mean it. We’re going to As a backup, I set the be on time, so we have iPad alarm for 6:15. to be in the van AT nine Just in case, I set the a.m. To make this hap- time on the stove for pen, I will need help and seven hours. Nova cooperation from you woke me up before two.” I felt my words the alarm went off, and were falling on deaf we enjoyed a leisurely ears. morning. I had a cup of coffee on the deck while While I folded more the animals ate breakclothes, the cat jumped fast. I rechecked the from the bed over the link, “DL0011, on time,” dog’s head below. I chuckled, “and so are Then he ran down the we.” hallway. The dog took off in pursuit. Things I had the van loaded, were banging around in and everything was the living room as the ready to go. The last chase went on. Finally, I thing I had to do was heard the cat jump into potty the dog, put Edhis high chair; the dog gar’s harness on him, yapped several times, and take him to the and the cat snarled. vehicle. Once I had the “Enough, you two,” I pets in the car, I would hollered! “Is this your bring Edgar’s litter box. idea of helping me?” Edgar is an intelligent The cat and dog settled cat. He’ll run and hide down, and I managed to if he sees me taking his get all of my work done box out the front door. throughout the day. He loves to travel (once we’re on the road) but After dinner, around doesn’t always like seven our time, I clicked getting in the van. So on the link again. Just we’ve learned to put three hours left before him in the car, then the Melissa’s flight delitter box. parted, the link changed from ‘scheduled’ to ‘on- I checked the time while time.’ “And so are we,” I walking the dog (offboasted. leash) a short distance down our little road “Come on, Nova. before putting her in There’s time to bath the van. “It’s 8:42, Miss you so your coat will be Nova Mae,” I chuckled, soft, and you’ll smell “We’re going to be on nice and clean when the road a few minutes mom sees you!” Edgar early.” As we neared our laughed at the dog. driveway, Nova spotted “Edgar,” I warned. “I am two small white butnot afraid to give a cat a terflies fluttering under bath, too,” Edgar mum- the pine trees. So natubled something about rally, she went to chase leaving me with bloody them. limbs, but I pretended not to hear him so I “No, Nova! No! Stop! wouldn’t have to follow Leave it!” The dog did through on my foolish as I commanded. The threat. problem is, the butterflies were on the other The bath went well; I side of the ditch, and prefer taking Nova in she was in full stride. the shower, which works When she stopped, she better. I had only one crashed head first into thing left to do before the water in the ditch, going to bed: I promised the nasty, stagnant my granddaughter, Ad- water that lies by the dison, a pumpkin pie; I culvert going under the would drop it off at their driveway. You know, house in Duluth on our that place where mosway to the airport. The quitos breed. pie was just coming out of the oven when the Nova ran back to me, phone rang at midnight brushing up against (six a.m. London time.) my leg before I could It was Melissa calling. I get out of her way. The

JULY 06, 2022

dog wreaked, smelling like swamp mud, and so did my jeans. Even if I changed my pants, there was no way the smelly beast could ride with us this way. I left Nova outside on the porch, threw my jeans in the washer, and turned on the shower. Then, wearing just my shorts, I carried the swamp creature from the porch to the shower, complaining, “I can’t believe you did that, Nova. We WERE on time!” Edgar laughed as we passed by. “It’s not funny, Edgar!” After shampooing the dog, I picked her up. After rinsing her left side, I turned her in my arms to rinse the right. While turning, Nova’s paw bumped the soap dish on the shelf. The bar of soap and the glass dish fell to the floor, shattering! Both of us froze. I looked at glass chunks and chards all around my bare feet. “Okay, Nova, this is going to be interesting. You can’t squirm at all!” Then, without moving my feet, I finished rinsing the dog and turned off the water. “Be easy, Nova.” She cooperated well while I held her in my right arm, using my left hand to move broken glass pieces to the side. Once the pieces I could see were cleared, I reached out of the shower to grab Nova’s towel. I folded the towel in half and laid it on the shower floor, setting her there. “Okay, baby girl, shake, shake.” She shook a few times. If she tried to move, I kept her on the towel so she wouldn’t get any glass in her paws. Next, I used my towel to dry the dog the best I could without moving my feet or hers. Then I pulled the shower curtain back to let her out. Edgar sat on the bathroom floor, taking in all this commotion with sadistic glee. Nova stepped onto the throw rug and gave a big shake, sending a tidal wave of water droplets over the unsuspecting feline spectator. Edgar snarled, hissed, and screeched while bolting out of the room. He slipped on the wet floor, bouncing off the door, then disappeared to a hiding place unknown. Nova and I shared a good laugh about that. “It serves him right,” I said while giving my dog a rub on the head. I quickly dried off and got dressed; then, I walked around the house looking for the cat. “Come on, Edgar. We’re way behind schedule now; I don’t have time for this.”

I looked under our bed. “Come on, buddy,” I pleaded. Edgar ran out the far side of the bed and out of the room. I closed the door behind me. I found him burrowed under the center of the bed in the guest room. “Come on, Edgar, please?” I couldn’t reach him, so I slid the bed to the side. The cat ran around me and down the hall. I closed the door behind me. He wasn’t in the main bathroom, so I closed that door. Next, I found him under the futon in the threeseasons room. “Edgar, I’m not kidding. We have to go!” I almost had him, but again, the wet feline slipped my grip, running to the living room. I closed the door behind me. Edgar was behind the couch: he ran out the other end and down the hallway, but all the doors were closed. I thought I had him, but not yet. It was now a game to Edgar, and he was winning. “Fine! Do you want to play games? You can just stay here,” I said in defeat. I put an extra scoop of food in his dish, topped off the water bowl, then opened the door to the three seasons room so he could get to his litter box. “I’m leaving, you rotten cat!”

going to get him?” “Nope.” I dropped off the pie in Duluth for my granddaughter, then stopped for gas. DL0011 on time. Forty-five minutes from the airport, the link updated, DL0011 expected 12:58. “Good, they’re getting headwind. We might still have a chance,” I said. At 12:50, I glanced at the link; it switched while I watched: “DL0011 - arrived.” I was still thirty-five minutes away. I conceded, “I’ll never be on time for anything.” Melissa messaged me that they landed but were still taxiing to the gate. Then, a bit later, she called, “I’m off the plane but have to get my bag and go through customs.” I didn’t admit to not being at the airport yet, but simply told her, “No rush. Take your time.” We turned into the ‘arrivals’ lane at terminal one. Melissa called, “I don’t know where to tell you to meet me; I’ll be coming out door four.” (I was just passing door two). “What are you driving,” she asked? I pulled behind a waiting car by door four and stopped, turning on my flashers. “We’re driving the van,” I said. “I see you coming out.”

My wife was all smiles and waving as she walked toward the van. Maybe she was excited to see me after being away for almost three weeks. But it could also Nova said, “Edgar is in have been because I the bay window looking was there to pick her up at us.” I was backing out - on time. of the drive. “Are you I climbed into the driver’s seat and checked the time; 9:35. I check the link; DL0011 on time. “Crap.”


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