Al, Author at Albert Lea Tribune - Page 54 of 78

Columnists

A meeting of the past foreshadows future

It was back in the day when I asked to go to the lavatory when nature called in school. When my upstairs bedroom was cold enough ... Read more

by Al Batt, Wednesday, August 6, 2014 9:47 am

Arts & Culture

Definition of blackbirds and difference between crows, ravens

My neighbor Crandall stops by. “How are you doing?” I ask. “Everything is nearly copacetic. I had a good, long nap. I went to sleep clean shaven ... Read more

by Al Batt, Sunday, August 3, 2014 9:00 am

Columnists

Fare thee well, fair Freeborn County Fair

The radio played “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding, “Under the Boardwalk” by The Drifters, “Hot Fun in the Summertime” by ... Read more

by Al Batt, Wednesday, July 30, 2014 9:56 am

Arts & Culture

Eastern and western meadowlarks, ducks are on a yearly decline

My neighbor Crandall stops by. “How are you doing?” I ask. “Everything is nearly copacetic. There’s lots of road work this year. Still Bill says that means ... Read more

by Al Batt, Sunday, July 27, 2014 9:00 am

Columnists

Let’s apply the brakes to stop at the wakes

I wanted to pump the brakes. The gathering made me want to slow down. It caused me to wish that I could revisit the past and confabulate ... Read more

by Al Batt, Wednesday, July 23, 2014 10:05 am

Arts & Culture

Ants on sweet peony buds and picking up baby rabbits do no harm

My neighbor Crandall stops by. “How are you doing?” I ask. “Everything is nearly copacetic. Have you ever stopped to consider that humanity owes its existence to ... Read more

by Al Batt, Sunday, July 20, 2014 9:00 am

Columnists

Skating on thin socks and one rollerskate

I had an acute case of everything was wonderful. It was a time before convenience was a necessity. Most stores were closed on Sundays and convenience ... Read more

by Al Batt, Wednesday, July 16, 2014 9:17 am

Arts & Culture

House wrens invest in natural pest control with spider egg sacs

My neighbor Crandall stops by. “How are you doing?” I ask. “Everything is nearly copacetic. I looked at a full moon recently and realized that I’d never ... Read more

by Al Batt, Sunday, July 13, 2014 9:00 am

Columnists

Is it too late to be the pastor at Herter’s?

I felt like a rose kissed by the morning dew. Except for my sore throat, which made it difficult to even think in words. The preacher came ... Read more

by Al Batt, Wednesday, July 9, 2014 9:47 am

Arts & Culture

Mosquitoes and purple martins, bug zappers and egg-laying habits

My neighbor Crandall stops by. “How are you doing?” I ask. “Everything is nearly copacetic. That’s despite the fact that somebody let a Monday in last week ... Read more

by Al Batt, Sunday, July 6, 2014 9:00 am

Columnists

Model worker joins the unemployment line

Getting the job made Gizzard feel like a 16-year old with a new car. Gizzard liked his boss at first. Then he began his second day on ... Read more

by Al Batt, Wednesday, July 2, 2014 9:40 am

Arts & Culture

Participating in the Zeiss Victory Experience is a dream come true

My neighbor Crandall stops by. “How are you doing?” I ask. “Everything is nearly copacetic. I went to the Eat Around It Cafe yesterday. They offer an ... Read more

by Al Batt, Sunday, June 29, 2014 9:00 am

Columnists

It’s rather hot; why not go topless this year?

It was a robin sweater. It was so hot, even the robins were sweating. That’s summer for you. A neighbor raised summer cows. Read more

by Al Batt, Wednesday, June 25, 2014 9:39 am

Arts & Culture

Mosquitoes and bites are a fact of life when watching for birds

My neighbor Crandall stops by. “How are you doing?” I ask. “Everything is nearly copacetic. I’m trying to get more exercise. I walked to town one day. ... Read more

by Al Batt, Sunday, June 22, 2014 9:00 am

Columnists

European expedition was filled with fooood

My hat hadn’t hung from the same nail often. I had been traveling incessantly, on a perpetual peregrination. My “I love baggage handlers” sticker on my suitcase ... Read more

by Al Batt, Wednesday, June 18, 2014 9:24 am

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