February | Spotlight Letters to the editor E-mail us at: letters@alabamaliving.coop or write us at: Letters to the editor P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124
Correction
Editor’s note: We received several emails about a photo included with the outdoors article on hunting for woodcocks on Page 32 of the January issue. Several readers pointed out that this photo was not of a woodcock, but of a snipe, a similar but different bird. We apologize for the error, which occurred during an online search process. The correct photo of a woodcock can be found with the story on our Alabama Living website.
Loved stories of flamingos, raisins and a blizzard
I would like (to thank) you and your artist friend for more great stories. I enjoy reading them to my wife. She, like many other campers, has those flamingos all over her camper lot. Some are dead, with police tape around them, while others stand nearby! Or [with] little skeletons riding on their backs. I can go on forever! We loved that story! But “Aunt Anne, Daddy and raisins” (December 2021)… well, your story brought tears to my eyes and a crackle to my voice as I tried to read about your beautiful family tradition. Whew, that was wonderful. I could see in my mind what was taking place! Wonderful stories...They’re all good but these brought laughter and warmth to us! And the painting of the mid ‘50s pickup in the blizzard (December 2020) is so real! I can recall those days by the lake (Michigan) in northern Indiana. Skip Dietz, Guntersville Your article in December 2021 (“Aunt Anne, Daddy and raisins”) was a wonderful family story. Being 82, I am so appreciative of stories such as this. Your story brought a smile to an old lady’s heart. I really needed it this Christmas. Thank you and God bless you. Veda Praytor, Lincoln
Headstones tell a story
I just wanted to let you know that I read and enjoyed your article “Oh, those tombs” (“Hardy Jackson’s Alabama”) in the January magazine. I have been researching my family tree for over 40 years and have spent a lot of time in cemeteries. The headstones tell a story, for sure, if you take the time to study them. Kim Self Hughes, Albertville I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your “Oh, those tombs” article. My sweet mother, who is 91 this month and living in a memory care facility, taught me to accept the fact that death is a part of living, and that as a Christian, I have no reason to fear death. I think that is the reason I feel a sense of calm in a cemetery or graveyard. Thanks again for the wonderful article and best of luck to you. Randall McCraney, Deer Park Alabama Living
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Find the hidden
dingbat! Thanks to all the hundreds of readers who skated their way through the February magazine to find the hidden ice skate on Page 34. It was hiding in the letter “B” in the word “Baking.” Chesteen McWhorter of Crane Hill, a member of Cullman EC, said it took her three times, but she finally found it. “First attempt I searched each page wearing my glasses. Second attempt, I took off my glasses thinking that might help. My third attempt, which is always a charm, I went straight to the recipe section. I just knew it had to be hidden in the bread. I kept staring at that beautiful loaf of bread on page 34, just knowing it was hiding in the white flour around the edges. I turned the page in all directions, brought it close, held it afar, only to be discouraged and set the magazine to my side on the couch. Then! I noticed something odd about that big letter, that capital “B”. There it was!” Playing off the letter “B,” reader Richard Railey, a member of Tallapoosa River EC from Wadley, wrote us a clever note: “This may “B” the “B”est hidden dingbat yet! “B”cause of my love for homemade “B”read I was able to find it. The skate dingbat can “B” found on page 34 in the top half of the “B” in the word Baking on the “B”ottom half of the page!” Congratulations to our randomly drawn winner, Janet Powell of Vinemont, a member of Cullman EC. This month, in honor of Presidents Day on Feb. 21, we’ve hidden a picture of a U.S. penny with Abraham Lincoln’s image. Good luck! Remember: the dingbat won’t be in an ad and it won’t be on Pages 1-8. Deadline is Feb. 11. By mail: Find the Dingbat Alabama Living PO Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124
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By email: dingbat@alabamaliving.com
Exercise motivation for the new year Now that the new year is under way, how are those exercise resolutions coming along? They’re much easier to make than keep, but there are steps you can take to increase your chances of success: Choose a specific goal. Every year, millions resolve to “lose weight” or “get in shape.” Focus instead on setting a specific, achievable goal. Make a detailed plan. Creating a written plan can help you stick to your goal. It allows you to consider what tactics to use when faced with challenges. Remember that change is a process. Be patient with yourself. Even if you make a misstep or two, restart and continue on your journey. Get support. Explain your goals to your close friends and family and ask for their help. Or, join a group, like an exercise class, that shares your goal and will help keep you accountable. Source: HealthMed Inc. FEBRUARY 2022 11
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