Closing the Book 

     Historic Farmers' Almanac will stop the press in November, ending weather predictions, gardening advice, and folksy humor. 

     Its peak circulation reached in 1994 was 4 million, way higher than current estimates at 510,000. Four employees still work at the company in Maine. 

     The accuracy they claim for weather predictions is 85%, although a study by the U. of Illinois puts the number at 52%. 

     Is this the sad end? Nah. 

     The original Old Farmer's Almanac which began publishing in 1792 has no plans to cease operations. 

On the Go 

     Looking at our calendar for January and February, Mrs. and I together have some 10 appointments on the 17 weekdays of the month. It could be doctors, haircuts, automobile service, dentists, a blood draw or some checkup or other. 

     We may be retired from our occupations, but we're tired of appointments. 

Baby Returns Home 

     Our special great grandson, age 3-1/2 months, has CHARGE syndrome, an issue that affects thousands of newborns. These children need round the clock attention.   

         Jimmy