Guest Night
Every few months the Geneseo Kiwanis members have a meeting/dinner for spouses or friends. Lorna and I always try to attend. We never have a problem getting seats as no one seems to sit at our table. Anyway, the “Guest Night” was last Tuesday. The food was excellent and the GHS Jazz Band was the entertainment. They were good, really good! At the end of the band’s performance, Linda Vanderleest did a nice gesture and challenged everyone to chip in a sawbuck for scholarships to the students attending band camp this summer. Oh, my gosh! Did I just compliment Linda? I so need help!!
Steve and Jan Weber
There were no other seats available for Kiwanis “Guest Night” so Mr. & Mrs. Steve Weber and Mr. & Mrs. Roger Bengtson sat at our table. In our conversations, Steve wondered if many read my column? I said I honestly don’t know and that does bother me. Jan Weber pulled out her iphone and showed me seven “likes” on my previous column. I’m just not real savvy with somethings on the iphone, computer, etc. Both Jan and Steve gave me some good advice on how to increase readers. It can be a bit of a challenge each week to come up with interesting things. I try to add topics of humor, fishing, sports, history, coming events, gardening, birds and some odds ‘n ends. If possible, I attempt to stay away from religion and politics. So, am I on the right track or wrong train??? Hit “Likes”or your thoughts at: deboonelr@aol.com
Postage Stamps
Buy them from the USPS and NOT from some phony businesses that advertise low discounts on stamps. They look real, but they are not!
Trout Saturday
Reminder, this coming Saturday, April 6, 2024, is the opening day of the Illinois Trout Season. Here are some of the nearest trout fishing locations: Prospect Park Lagoon, Moline; Hennepin Canal Parkway, Sheffield; and Centennial Park, Rock Falls. The limit is 5 trout per person. The Sheffield location begins at 6 a.m. and the other places start at 5 a.m. Make sure you have both the 2024/25 fishing and trout licenses. By the way, the 2023/24 fishing license expired March 31, 2024. My favorite baits for trout are minnows or lures. If minnows, make sure they are alive and hook the minnow just behind its dorsal fin. Small bobber, split shot and a short-shank #6 hook and ‘yer in business.
Spring Swap Meet
The QC In-Fisherman Club will host their” Spring Swap Meet” on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the QCCA Expo Center, 2621 4th Ave., Rock Island. The hours are from 8:00 a.m. to Noon. Free admission. So, if you have some fishing, camping and/or hunting items you may be able to buy, sell or trade those type items. No firearms or live ammo allowed. Biscuits & gravy will be available. Let’s just hope my neighbor, Jim Putnam, isn’t doing the cooking! Donations welcome!
Fishy Poem
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Fishing is fun,
For me and you;
Trout taste good,
Whether day or night;
Minnows or lures,
I know they’ll bite;
Kathy Mattea
In my opinion, no one sings the old Civil War ballad, The Vacant Chair, better than singer & song writer, Kathy Mattea. So, last week I sent her a letter telling how much I enjoyed her singing and especially her performance of The Vacant Chair. No, I do not expect to hear back from her and that’s understandable. The ballad tells of a CW soldier who never comes back from the war. He will never again sit in his chair for the family dinner. Sadly, as wars continue to this day, I’m sure there are many “vacant chairs” around the dining tables.
NCAA Tournament
Two of my favorite teams, Iowa State (M), and Notre Dame (W) went down in flames last Thursday & Friday. My other favorite is Illinois (M) who beat Iowa State. I had Illinois winning in my bracket until they meet with UConn. I think South Carolina women’s team will win the women’s tournament although I’d rather see UConn take the top spot.
Senior Humor
Ladies, want to seem younger? Try these 3 tips. 1) Wear running shoes to Walmart. 2) Wear a warm-up suit when grocery shopping. 3) Keep a tennis racquet somewhere in your car so it can be seen.
Lorna and I used to see fiber in our carpets. Now we find it in our cereal bowl. Golfers: They say swimming is good for us. But once I find my golf ball, I’m ready to call it a day.
Quote of the Week
Whenever the press quits abusing me, I know I’m in the wrong pew. - Harry S. Truman