I am writing this column on Monday morning. I face a Noon deadline each Monday. So, as you read this, there may or may not be six inches of snow that has blown into drifts of 31 inches or more.
In my usual soft way, I remind folks that complaints about the weather fall on deaf ears.
Mark Twain said, “Everyone complains about the weather, but no one does anything about it.”
Again, it is because it falls on deaf ears. About the only thing you can do is travel to get away from its grips.
Too cold? Travel south.
Too hot? Travel north.
Too dry? Travel east.
Too wet? Travel west.
Too windy? Live underground.
If you like to complain, then stay where you are!
My most memorable snowstorms?
December 1968. It was just a few days before Christmas and school had let out for the holidays. 12 to 15-foot drifts graced our farmstead five miles southwest of Valparaiso. A daily sledder’s delight.
The other was in January 1975. The snowdrifts covered the top of our hog pen fences and the pigs took a leisurely stroll around the farm. We rounded them up and reminded them that they were there to produce ham and bacon, and not become rural tour guides.
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How about those Huskers?!? As in men’s basketball.
Fred Hoiberg has his team playing at its highest level ever during his four-year Nebraska basketball mayorship.
A huge part of the team’s recent success is son Sam Hoiberg, who has affectionately been labeled “Governor Sam” by members of the Omaha and Lincoln media.
Sam’s overtime steal of the basketball and ensuing layup this past Sunday against Maryland will go down as one of the top plays in Pinnacle Bank Arena history.
Kudos also to Sam Griesel, who truly is the team leader.
It warms my heart to see these two Lincolnites enjoying Husker success. Griesel is a graduate of Lincoln East High School and Hoiberg is a product of the Lincoln Pius X Thunderbolts. Griesel graduates from college this year while Hoiberg (hopefully) will play for his dad another three years.
Speaking of Sam, watching Sam & Sam & Company with me on Sunday afternoon was my late Sam-Dog.
Well, sort of watching with me.
He was there in spirit.
Sam-dog died on January 18 and his ashes are in a puppy can that rests right by my TV set. Sam will be buried in a special place in the country later this spring.
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As you read this, it is my prayer and hope that everyone’s radio friend, Jason Wentworth, is back in Alliance after a month’s stay in Colorado medical facilities. I’ll let Jason explain to you his medical issues, but I can tell you that he is one heck of a fighter. It might have appeared that Jason was down and out, but his 99 pounds is mostly that of heart and stubbornness. Those are wonderful possessions when being challenged to a duel the Grim Reaper.
Jason accepted the challenge and appeared on main street with his guns loaded.
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I must correct an error I made in last week’s column concerning the Wizard of Oz. I stated that Margaret Hamilton’s screen time as Miss Gulch and the Wicked Witch was less than ten minutes. A check with YouTube video archives proves it was about twelve minutes.
A little of Margaret Hamilton went a long way. My late father says she played the perfect greedy land baron and the folks commenting on YouTube believe she was the greatest wicked witch in history of cinema.
My favorite Margaret Hamilton scene in the Wizard of Oz? When Uncle Henry allows the picket fence gate to swing and slap Miss Gulch in the behind.
Priceless.
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Thanks to all who have offered feedback on these columns. Many of you have shared how much you enjoy reading my Cornhusker football memories. They will be returning as the Huskers begin spring practice soon.
The spring game is set for Saturday, April 22 at 1pm, Memorial Stadium time.
Matt Rhule is getting a lot of love during the first few months of his tenure.
Remember, Scott Frost did, too.
Only time will tell as to where this program is heading.
Until then, enjoy the remainder of the basketball season, the start of baseball and anything else in life that you enjoy!