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Methodical mentorships

Rough weather weekends in January which keep me off the ice often have me planning out adventures for the months to come, but they also give me an opportunity to look ahead for those times I can share the outdoors not only with my kids, but the next generation of hunters and anglers who might not otherwise get the opportunity to get out there in pursuit of fish or game. While such an endeavor can seem monumental, when kept incremental or done with the help of other experienced anglers, shooters or hunters, the mentoring process can come with greater ease, especially once you’ve got a ...

The purse

Astronomers tell us that somewhere out in the vastness of space there are curious objects known as black holes. Formed during the collapse of super-huge stars, these things are so massive and their gravity so intense that nothing — not even light or Harry Houdini — can escape the clutches of their immense gravity. When I first heard about black holes, I got that funny feeling called déjà vu. This is because I thought that they were describing my wife’s purse. If women are an enigma wrapped in a mystery, then their purses fall into the realm of the unknowable. As any married ...

Let’s come together

It always inspires me when I experience it. While having a coffee chat recently, I was sitting with a pal and we were, obviously, solving all the issues surrounding us. As people entered the coffee shop, they would smile as they heard our amazingly intelligent talk. Every once in awhile, someone would actually join our scatter brained discussion, and the laughs multiplied. The ongoing humor was outstanding, and it dawned on me it was happening again. What was that “it?” We were coming together. Naturally, we knew some of the folks who would briefly join our conversation, but ...

Anniversary of Star Trek brings back basement memories

Sometimes I’m surprised by parade units in the Tournament of Roses Parade and Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. It might be a band from the Upper Midwest, a new giant balloon, a colorful float or some other attraction. There’s usually at least one surprise each year. Earlier this month the Rose Parade included a float commemorating one of my favorite childhood television shows. It’s the 60th anniversary of Star Trek, 60 years since the Enterprise first appeared on television screens. I was a big fan of Star Trek reruns in the late 1970s. I was a Trekkie. I had the Enterprise play ...

The emotional hurdles of retirement

Retirement is often seen as the long-awaited reward for decades of hard work — a time to relax, travel and enjoy life on your own terms. Yet for many, the transition into retirement brings unexpected emotional challenges. While financial preparation is critical, it’s just one part of the equation. As a financial adviser, I’ve seen firsthand how addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of retirement can be just as vital in helping clients thrive in this new chapter of life. Redefining identity and purpose. For many, work isn’t just a paycheck, it is a source of ...

On the Porch

Many businesses give promotional items to their customers as a way of expressing thank you for your business. The Lyon County Museum has many promotional items from area businesses past and present. The promotional items vary greatly. Examples include: pencils, pens, notepads, calendars, coffee mugs, rulers, thermometers, picture frames, dishes, and calculators to name a few. The items often have the business name, logo, slogan, and or contact information on them. One example of promotional items in the museum’s collection that we have several of are Watt pottery pieces. In 1922, ...