Inside this 48-page issue of Lake Panorama Times, you will also find two special sections, bringing you a total of 96 pages of reading entertainment this month.
The first section is our Veteran Salute, a project we have been working on for most of this year. We first created a website that we could use to gather and post photos of local veterans. We then asked our readers to submit those photos. The end result is this printed edition that I hope you are all proud of, as I feel it is a fitting tribute to our servicemen and servicewomen. If you are a veteran who was not included, or know a veteran from Guthrie County who is not represented, please submit the photos and information at https://gctimesnews.com/veterans so we can be sure to add them to the project for next year.
The second section is our Home Improvement Guide, which has been one of our most popular sections for a few years now. In it, we share the stories of lake residents who have made improvements to their homes or properties. Whether you are looking to make improvements or are just curious what others have done, you will certainly enjoy this section. And if you have a completed project you think we should cover, please reach out and let me know.
Yellow ball
A few years ago, after being frustrated by boats zooming by our property too close, I decided to buy one of those large yellow balls to float out from the dock to remind boaters to back off and slow down. I tied one end of a rope to a concrete block and the other end to the ball, and I walked out to the then-designated distance and placed it. The ball did what it was supposed to do, but, unfortunately, the DNR will not allow these on the lake anymore. So, I removed the ball and rope and concrete block and put them in my garage. I have walked by that yellow ball many times since, and I keep wondering what I am going to do with it. Maybe a horse would like to kick it around in an open field. I could paint some eyes and a smiley face on it and hang it from a tree. Or I could gather my neighbors and have a great game of kickball. It could become a makeshift chair. Or an exercise ball. Or a buffer to keep me from pulling my truck in too far in the garage. I know I am not alone on this yellow ball challenge. If you found a clever use for yours, send me a note and let me know.
Lake humor returns
I was asked the other day why I haven’t shared jokes in this column recently. That prod inspired me to offer my favorite two-part joke, and a related one. Are you ready?
How do you kill a blue elephant? Shoot it with a blue elephant gun.
How do you kill a pink elephant? Paint it blue and shoot it with a blue elephant gun.
If you appreciate my warped sense of humor, you may enjoy this one with a subtle lake connection, too.
Why don’t you ever see elephants hiding in trees by the lake? Because they’re really good at it.
Have a great November and, as always, thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Lake Panorama Times
641-332-2707
shane@gctimesnews.com