Stray Thoughts: Getting to Yes

The “Stray Thoughts” piece by Mark Peacock which appeared here last week was his 500th written since he started gathering his thoughts and sharing them with readers in the Isabel Dakotan. That’s quite a record! Thanks, Mark. Here, readers, is Stray Thoughts #501.

Fundamental functions

I confess that occasionally even doctors get squeamish. Or perhaps more honestly, this doctor does. My personal list has gotten pretty short, but one of the things that still makes me squirm is something I nevertheless frequently recommend to my patients.

From the Legislature

This was our only five-day week this session that also saw the deadline for bills to be filed. On Wednesday (Jan. 31), the Governor called for a joint address of the House and Senate. She talked about the crisis at the border, which we agree is a crisis at this time.

Little Pasture on the Prairie

This week featured five full days of dense fog. If you are a regular reader, you may remember my column about the fog calendar from a few weeks ago. The fog calendar predicts that 84 days after a fog event there will be either 1.) significant precipitation OR 2.) more fog.

Stray Thoughts: What truly matters

It was one of those unscripted moments we rarely see.

LETTER

South Dakota lawmakers are gathering once again in Pierre for another year of debating and passing legislation. The democratic process is something America prides itself on and one that requires input from citizens to thrive.

TL Ambulance Service could close permanently

The doors of the Timber Lake Ambulance Service could close permanently. Sometime in our life we will be in a crisis where we need to ask for help, now and fast. It may be to help a loved one, a child, an adult, or a person we really don’t know at all.

Even in darkness you can be found

“I’ve lost everything…but I just can’t stop.” “Once I take that first drink that is all I think about.” “I use to take the pain away.” These are some of the many things you might hear someone who struggles on a daily basis with an addiction say.

Stray Thoughts: It’s all in your hands

On a recent trip out of town I was loading supplies into my pickup with my cart on one side of my body and my tailgate on the other side. I suddenly heard someone behind me rev up their engine, and in a flash I saw the vehicle heading straight toward me.

Little Pasture on the Prairie

Winter on the Northern Plains is always an exercise in patience and biding one’s time. No amount of fortitude or dressing for the weather or vitamin d supplementation (although these things do help!