Opinions

I just read an article that pointed out the fact that, by time we reach age 80, we will have spent approximately 233,600 hours sleeping. That’s the equivalent of 26.67 years– almost enough to make me want to sell my bed.

For some reason, November almost always sends me off on a nostalgic journey to my husband’s hometown of Graettinger. That’s in the northwest corner of the state, not far from Spencer, Okoboji, and the Minnesota border. Maybe it’s because it was at this time of year that we became aware that winter was near at hand (and, believe me, winter in that part of the state is definitely a thing to remain aware of). Maybe it was the pheasant hunting that got us there every year, in the days before everybody farmed right out to the road. There were fence rows then, and cover for the birds.

I put a new canvas on my easel the other day but haven’t the slightest idea why. Or what I had in mind to paint on it. There’s something intimidating about a blank canvas. Maybe it’s because of all that white– the same thing that sometimes causes writers to be reluctant to commit those first words to a fresh sheet of paper.

I should think that doctors would be delighted that the price of bacon has risen so dramatically in recent months. Just think how much less bacon we’re eating, not to mention all that good bacon grease we’re not using to fry our fish and potatoes– even though grandma always told us that was best. Who knows– without all that bacon in our diets, we may be able to save a few cents a day on those meds we were taking to get rid of the cholesterol. I really missed those bacon and tomato sandwiches this summer, though.

I can’t help but wonder just how much the design of today’s cars influences the rising prominence of road-rage on our highways. One can’t help but see faces on oncoming cars, with the grille suggesting a toothy grin, and the headlights representing eyes. Some sports cars, with their sleek profiles have always brought to my mind the image of a predatory shark.