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MY SUN DAY NEWS

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News & Features Columnists Editorials Hang Your Hat Obituaries My Huntley News

December 20, 2012

Columnists

Modifying holidays to suit current needs

For years, I’ve enjoyed hosting our annual holiday gatherings. I’ve done it all, and the kids have loved it. Earlier this year, my health has suffered, and now I don’t think I can make it all happen like I used to. None of my children have offered to take over, so I am wondering how to host the holidays considering my limitations.

The most precious gift of all: time

This holiday season, we seem to be struggling to get into the holiday spirit. The concerns over the economy, the fiscal cliff, unemployment, rising costs of living, and no hockey have us all stressed out. Not even the early Black Friday (that started on Thanksgiving), nor cyber Monday seemed to get us in holiday gear.

Laughter by Paul: December 13, 2012

A newlywed wife said to her husband when he returned from work, “I have GREAT news for you. Pretty soon, there are going to be three in this house instead of two.”

Go ahead, make my Christmas day

Merry Christmas! There. I said it. Now, before any touchy-feely, overly sensitive people tell me how politically incorrect I am, give me a chance to explain.

Two Tails serves a bounty of fish seasoned in any number of ways

Two Tails Eatery is a pretty unique dining spot, as it is also a market that sells meats and seafood on a retail basis. My wife Judy and daughter Sharon joined me for dinner at this unpretentious establishment that offers lots of choices in entrees, sandwiches, soups, appetizers, salads, and a kid’s menu.

Replacing a worn-out garbage disposal

Last week my garbage disposal gave out after 11-plus years. Several times over the years it has jammed and would not start. When that happened, I took the wrenchette tool that came with the disposal, plugged it into the hole at the bottom, and rotated it until the jam was cleared. This time there was no jam, just bad bearings that made it hard enough to rotate that the motor would not start.

A candy-crazed criminal’s long-overdue apology

I don’t recall her name — I’m not sure if I ever knew it — but I would like to apologize to that skinny, curly-haired girl for giving her a bloody nose.

Why some dogs dress up in winter

Have you ever seen someone walking their little dog with a fur coat and booties on? Did you think to yourself that person is crazy to put clothes on their dogs or they have way too much money to spend? Fact is, some dogs should have clothing on to protect them from the cold elements.

Turkey talk brings to mind appreciation of sports

My wife (I love her dearly, God bless her) says, “If nose-picking was a sport on TV, he’d watch it.” It’s her way of describing how much of a sports fanatic I am.

My autobiography, told to the best of my core memory

I checked Ancestry.com and was able to trace my lineage back to about 1936. We sure didn’t look anything like we do now. The earliest I could find some of my ancestors that were anything like me, at least in the internal organs, was 1941.

An exploration of great modern-era sax men

This column is all about the Sax Men.

Our very first cruise (or: How young and stupid were we?)

I don’t remember exactly when or even why my husband and I decided to take a cruise. We had never been on a cruise ship. We didn’t know anyone who had ever been on a cruise ship. We knew nothing about cruising. I do know it was a long time ago. There weren’t any cruise websites or message boards back then. Booking a cruise online was unheard of.

Ask an Angel: November 29, 2012

Q. My family doesn’t want me to drive anymore. I am not ready for this and don’t want to give up my driving, because it really makes me think I will lose my freedom. I can’t imagine not being able to drive and having to rely on others for transportation. What do I do?

Is alternative health the answer?

I want to thank the people in my classes for the interest they have shown in learning many things that are completely contrary to the medical profession and massive false advertising. Some of you have questioned this new philosophy and others have asked where I get my information.

Concerns over the approaching fiscal cliff

The term “fiscal cliff” refers to the effect of current laws which, if unchanged, could result in tax increases and government spending cuts beginning in 2013. These laws include tax increases due to the expiration of the Tax Relief Act of 2010 and spending cuts under the Budget Control Act of 2011.

Laughter by Paul: November 29, 2012

At Judy’s granddaughter’s wedding, the DJ polled the guests to see who had been married the longest. As luck would have it, it turned out to be Judy and her husband, Ray.

Sometimes it’s best to know you can’t get there from here

I don’t know if my parents naturally had more patience than I did, or if they came by their patience through long practice, but they somehow managed to resist the temptation to leave me at a gas station after the hundredth time I asked them, “Are we there yet?” on our annual drive to Lake Nicaboyne in northern Wisconsin.

An old-fashioned supper club, spiced up Italian-style

Back in my youth, Chicago was known for its great supper clubs. Places like the Edgewater Beach Hotel and the London House were destinations for senior proms. These were restaurants that offered entertainment as a package deal, usually with a cover charge depending upon the quality and cost of the performers.

How to identify and trap Norway rats

One of the Woodchucks noticed a strange, medium-length, furry animal on his bird feeder. After patiently watching, he was able to get some good pictures of the critter. He sent the pictures to the McHenry County Extension Services, who told him he had a Norway rat.

It can never hurt to teach some puppy manners

Being a responsible dog owner is a job that requires a lot of thought and effort. It doesn’t only include making sure that your dog is current on vaccinations, eating the right foods, getting proper socialization and plenty of exercise. A responsible owner should also teach their dogs what I like to call puppy manners and being respectful of others.

A dream come true

It took some 40 years for me to put the pieces together on how to get healthy and stay that way. Sometime around 2005 I was starting to get restless. I had stored much information but started to realize my knowledge wasn’t helping others.

Are extended warranties worth the cost?

I use my exercise bike almost daily. It is an important part of keeping in top physical shape. For those of you who know me, you know I am not in physical shape. However, if I didn’t use the bike, I would be much worse off. I purchased my current bike about four years ago. It was one of the better (not the best) brands at the time. The salesperson convinced me to take the extended warranty because it included at-home repair service.

Some parting words until the next time we garden

A few weeks ago I visited the campus of my alma mater, Texas A&M University. On a Friday afternoon, I sat on a bench reading The Battalion newspaper while being drenched in the warmth of the sun. Everything was right with the world. That experience reminded me of how much I love newspapers.

Braised turkey and dressing

Here’s another way to cook a turkey that I found to be a great alternative to the conventional way. The benefit of braising is that both white and dark meat come out perfectly cooked and seasoned, juicy, and carving is so much easier.

Paying homage to the first lady of song

In previous columns, I’ve only mentioned some of the great female vocalists while writing about other musicians. It’s time to pay homage to an all-time great vocalist who began as a jazz singer but later became hugely successful in pop. The undisputed First Lady of Song is, of course, Ella Fitzgerald, who used her voice like a musical instrument.

Laughter by Paul: November 15, 2012

A woman brought a very limp duck into a veterinarian’s office and laid her pet on the table.