Midwest Memo
Etc.
by Alan Shultz

Friday was a beautiful day, a gentle week's end after a Thanksgiving Day of eating well. I was in Delphi about noon and the sun overhead was warm and the air still. Still, that is, until a huge flock of geese honked at me overhead. I think they were letting it be known that they were headed for warmer spots.

The flock was magnificent in its sheer size and formation and all I could do was take it in and wonder at the variety, detail and beauty of our Creator's handiwork.

* * *

Down on Terra Firma I had recycling to do and so I spent a little time sorting over at the green bins just off Washington Street. From the look of things, more bins for glass are needed, although the Bud Lite drinkers are a neat crowd. There were dozens of bottled six packs where the empties were put back in their cardboard containers.

I noticed that although I tossed tin cans into one side of a bin, and aluminum into the other, well, gee, they mix together in the bin. I like to recycle. I don't like to feel foolish. What's the deal on that?

* * * From the conversation at Jerry's Barbershop Friday it must be coon hunting season soon. I don't usually follow that sport but the barking dogs and the flashlights are always an interesting wake-up call out on the farm.

The barbershop and the local diner are always good spots for a little local color - and news.

* * *

The trouble with these megabig box stores is they can be the equivalent of an hour on the treadmill if you don't know where to find something.

Saturday we were at Menard's doing a little shopping. On the list of items needed was an air conditioner cover. We asked no fewer than four salespeople where the covers might be located. The directions we got were a comical contradiction that had us traveling to all four corners of the place.

Mind you, the folks were mighty friendly, no complaint in that department, but we did some serious shopping. I was in the local hardware the day before in Delphi. Shop locally is the lesson here - it's good for your feet.

* * *

The County Council sure has

its collective hands full these

days with the need to balance the books.

As a long time courthouse observer, I will throw my two cents in as far as the department head situation. Equal pay is set for each of those elected officials but the responsibilities and work load of the various offices is far from equal.

I don't think the department heads are paid enough for the responsibilities that go with that office. Having said that, some departments are much more complex to run than others. The jobs are not equal.

* * *

We've happened upon the best salsa ever. Given the nature of that spicy, south of the border concoction, one wouldn't think that the salsa maker would live in Adams Township. But it's true. She says she hasn't written the recipe down.

Are bribes ok when we're talking food?

* * * Happy shopping.