Category Archives: Odds and ends

A toilet paper surprise

April 6, 2020cats, Odds and endssusanmanzke

Who would have thought I’d be writing about toilet paper? Not I.

I did not hoard any of those white rolls. Our cabinets usually have an ample supply both upstairs and downstairs. It amazed me that people were actually emptying the stores of toilet paper.

Yesterday, I got a phone call from my sister-in-law. Ginny asked if I needed any canned cat food. She was heading into Dollar General in Black Creek, where I usually bought the cheapest canned cat food I found–it’s for the outside cats. They don’t get prime rib but with this added to dry food, they fill up and become fat and sassy.

I’ve been limiting their added canned food lately and they were not happy with the change in their diet. Now, I expect they will be happy with a little more of the canned food–not a lot, but a little. I mean they shouldn’t be so picky when begging at my door.

Ginny also wanted to know if I wanted anything else. “Do they have toilet paper?” I asked. “I can get along with what I have, but if they have any, get me a package.”

This was the surprise she brought me.

So the cats and I will continue on, thanks to my sister-in-law.

I hope everyone who can is staying safe at home. It’s the best place to be.

Trimming trees

March 31, 2020nature, Odds and endssusanmanzke

No, I’m not trimming any trees.

Two weeks ago WPS notified me that they would be cutting trees close to the electric lines by Sunnybook Farm. Well, they showed up today.

I went and took a photo last week of the trees before the trimming.

before the trimming branches surround the electric lines

I was worried about these trees getting tangled with the electric lines and causing all kinds of problems.

There were a lot of branches that needed removing.

The biggest one was the basswood … after its trim

Now, after all the branch trimming, I feel better. Hopefully, a wind storm won’t knock out electricity on Sunnybook Farm

This is a good thing. Only professionals should cut near electric lines.

Still, I would love to take a ride in that bucket that goes so high in the air. It would be great for picking apples in the fall.

What day is it?

March 29, 2020Odds and endssusanmanzke

I’m home alone. Most days are the same for me. My chores are the same. Even my phone calls are the same, “Yes, I’m still home and I’m okay. How is it at your home? ….. The same, huh…..”

It’s hard to tell what day it is. I’m not going to Sunday church, though I did set a timer to tell me that mass will be broadcast at 10:30. But often I have to think, “What day is it?” “Monday? …… Wednesday? …. or what?”

Another reminder for me is the due date for my column, but I really have to think about that so I have something written and ready to go to my editor.

People who take pills daily have a reminder at their fingertips. It’s called a pill organizer. Sometimes this is the only reminder I have, but it does work…

As long as I remember to take my pills.

I’m counting the days of confinement. Today is number 14 for me….I think

Official Absentee Ballot

March 22, 2020creativity, Odds and endssusanmanzke

I usually work the election polls, but I bowed out from these duties and asked for a paper absentee ballot.

I received my paper ballot yesterday and only opened the envelope today. It looked as I expected. I was ready to fill it out and send it back to our township clerk. That’s when I stumbled across a problem.

The envelope has highlighted places for signatures. Yes, I said signatures with an S. I was to sign and have someone sign as a witness to my signature.

I was flummoxed. Who would witness my signature? If Bob was around, we would have witnessed each other. Now I only had the dog. Somehow I don’t think his paw print would suffice.

While I was contemplating this dilemma, I got a phone call from daughter Rebecca. I told her about the situation. Rebecca said to take my sealed ballot to the drive-up window at the bank. The clerk at the window can be my witness–they also have notary public services the same way.

Tomorrow I’ll take a drive to Nicolet Bank in Seymour. They know me there and should be able to be my witness.

Thank you, Rebecca.

Hoarding!

March 13, 2020fun, Odds and endssusanmanzke

I couldn’t believe it if I didn’t see it for my self.

The shelves at the store were empty, even in Seymour!

I wasn’t in dire need, but I was concerned that none were left for the rest of us.

But then I found out it wasn’t as bad as I thought. Only toilet paper had been swept off the shelves.

Chocolate could still be found in all stores.

I will survive to eat chocolate another day.

(I understand all the hand sanitizers being bought up, but I really don’t understand the reason for the toilet paper hoarding.)

Susan Manzke

Writer, Speaker, All-Around Good Person