Columnists
Al Batt: Potatoes, popcorn and a rabbit walk into a story
Tales from Exit 22 by Al Batt “I don’t have enough rabbits.” I couldn’t muster any pity for the man who said that. “I have ...
Al, Author at Albert Lea Tribune
Columnists
Al Batt: The grass is always greener when it’s in your Easter basket
Spring rode in on the south wind. It was a soaring turkey vulture wearing a stocking cap on its bald head. Its head still looked much ...
by Al Batt, Tuesday, April 6, 2021 8:51 pm
Columnists
Al Batt: At least I wouldn’t have to bother to burn it behind me
I built a bridge once. I’ve been to Jerusalem. I picked up newspapers from a smiling vendor without a stand. Stacks of papers rested upon the ...
by Al Batt, Tuesday, March 30, 2021 8:45 pm
Columnists
Al Batt: Playing game of football against the Steel Beams
There are two kinds of people — those who were born in March and those who wish they had been.
by Al Batt, Tuesday, March 23, 2021 8:45 pm
Columnists
Al Batt: I’m a stay-by-the-cart kind of guy when we’re shopping
My wife asked me to put ketchup on the shopping list. Her wish was my command. Now I can’t read anything on the list.
by Al Batt, Tuesday, March 16, 2021 8:45 pm
Columnists
Al Batt: Life itself can be known as a near-death experience
We’ve all had near-death experiences.
by Al Batt, Tuesday, March 9, 2021 8:45 pm
Columnists
Al Batt: Marshal Wannabe at The Put It Back Store
A friend suggested we try paintball. I declined. Here’s why.
by Al Batt, Tuesday, March 2, 2021 8:45 pm
Columnists
Al Batt: Meanwhile back here at the old geezer bench
I was playing the part of me.
by Al Batt, Tuesday, February 23, 2021 8:45 pm
Columnists
Al Batt: Watch out for the potty mouth man outside the post office
He wouldn’t set his long underwear on fire to keep others warm. But he's a good guy.
by Al Batt, Tuesday, February 16, 2021 8:50 pm
Columnists
Al Batt: The family’s trusted Pontiac had an oldometer
My father was the last owner of every car titled in his name.
by Al Batt, Tuesday, February 9, 2021 8:45 pm
Columnists
Al Batt: Smelling the dairy air
I’ll admit it, I’ve never milked almonds. I’ve never milked soybeans, rice, oats, hemp, flax, coconuts or cashews either. Apparently, milk comes from everything but ...
by Al Batt, Tuesday, February 2, 2021 8:45 pm
Columnists
Al Batt: There is no “I” in food
Sometimes I get so hungry I could almost eat my cooking.
by Al Batt, Tuesday, January 26, 2021 8:45 pm
Columnists
Al Batt: We kitchen-tabled everything
The wind gained speed as it blew through the cracks of the old house.
by Al Batt, Tuesday, January 19, 2021 8:45 pm
Columnists
Al Batt: They cut off heads of birds at the drugstore near here
I couldn’t find a short pier as someone had suggested I do.
by Al Batt, Tuesday, January 12, 2021 8:45 pm
Columnists
Al Batt: Living in the middle of the country’s frozen food section
January is the perfect time to get a good deal on a Christmas tree. January is when we realize Canada’s major exports are cold fronts.