There's another disease going around. It's called “Trump de-rangement syndrome.” It is probably more deadly than the corona virus. It causes people to lose their minds when critical thinking is required and turns the world into a popularity contest.

I got my federal stimulus payment last week.
It took an extra week or so since I had to submit my banking info to the IRS, but outside of that it was fairly simple. I woke up on Thursday with $1,200 more than I had the day before.
So, is there a reason that can't happen more often?

The disaster of the corona-virus is decades in the making. It didn't start with the Chinese government covering up a cold. It didn't start with social dis-tancing or shelter in place or-ders.

Ever since the COVID-19 outbreak first made its way to Iowa, our families, small businesses, and communities have been impacted in ways they have never been before. Like many of you, I spend time doing chores I have put off because I didn’t have “time.” Well, now I do. And I realize I was avoiding those chores just because I don’t want to do them.

Iowa school buildings will remain closed for the 2019-20 school year.
Schools have come up with continuous learning proposals that include voluntary educa-tional enrichment opportunities, required educational services, or a combination of the two. They have begun implementing these plans with students through distance learning, which means students will not have to make up missed days of instruction this year.

April has been the month of remakes.
First "Resident Evil 3" gave survival horror fans a new, if somewhat abbreviated, take on the PlayStation classic. Then "Final Fantasy VII Remake" upped the ante, kicking off the first entry in what will be a multi-game series to retell the story of the original in a way I can't actually describe because it would spoil things.

I'm waiting for a decent shower to sprout weeds where we intend to plant pasture. That flush of weeds can be sprayed and then we can no-till plant the new seeds. Without tillage there will be few competing weeds when the grass comes up.

Coronavirus continues to be the top item in the news and on most of our minds.
Based on the latest data, Iowa is projected to hit its worst point for the virus in early May. As new data be-comes available, projections are refined and updated.
While we’re just starting to understand the nature of this disease, we can see clearly that distancing practices in other states do “flatten the curve,” slow the spread and save lives.

Working out of my home is nothing new for me, but the last month of social distancing has taken things to a new level. Before we were all advised to self-quarantine I rarely went out if there wasn't some kind of meeting to cover. Now, as more and more public boards are switching to teleconferencing, I don't even have those to get me out of the house.

I have a friend in Texas who I have never met. We got acquainted because he writes articles for a website dedicated to 1967 VW Beetles. I have several friends like that, far away but often in contact. He wants me to tell the history of my relationship with '67 Bee-tles and, even though there is a ton of stuff to write about regarding the “pandemic,” could you use a break? I could.

Warm greetings! As we wrap up another week of physical distancing, it is nice to see the weather forecast improving. I'm sure the farmers are thinking of planting and gardeners are looking forward to working up the soil in the warm sun!

The refrain of "stay at home" continues to resonate across the state as we all try to avoid the COVID-19 pandemic.
This has been easier for some than others.
Obviously there are a great many people that physically cannot do their jobs from home, but even those that can face difficulties.

As I once again write this week's newsletter from my kitchen table I can’t help think-ing of the struggles we are facing together, but I am also feeling encouraged. While our state and nation are experienc-ing challenges never seen in my lifetime – we still have hope! As I call to check on friends and family, most are doing well in this new solitude.

Even in these tough days, I am filled with hope and grateful to be an Iowan. I see so many folks encouraging and support-ing one another. Keep it up! We all need a boost right now.
Everyone’s situation is a little different: some are sick; some have lost their jobs; some are caring for others under challenging circumstances; and some have been home alone for weeks.

I remember my favorite neigh-bor, Morrie Wolf, driving into our yard and saying, “You have got to hear this song!” It was “Old Hippie” by the Bel-lamy Brothers.
Yep, I'm an old hippie. I was a rebel, but the only way I was destructive was in distanc-ing my relationship with my folks for a few years. It was nothing like the revolution our forefathers conducted against their own government.