Columnists
Al Batt: Marshal Wannabe at The Put It Back Store
A friend suggested we try paintball. I declined. Here’s why.
Al, Author at Albert Lea Tribune
Columnists
Al Batt: Meanwhile back here at the old geezer bench
I was playing the part of me.
by Al Batt, Tuesday, February 23, 2021 8:45 pm
Columnists
Al Batt: Watch out for the potty mouth man outside the post office
He wouldn’t set his long underwear on fire to keep others warm. But he's a good guy.
by Al Batt, Tuesday, February 16, 2021 8:50 pm
Columnists
Al Batt: The family’s trusted Pontiac had an oldometer
My father was the last owner of every car titled in his name.
by Al Batt, Tuesday, February 9, 2021 8:45 pm
Columnists
Al Batt: Smelling the dairy air
I’ll admit it, I’ve never milked almonds. I’ve never milked soybeans, rice, oats, hemp, flax, coconuts or cashews either. Apparently, milk comes from everything but ...
by Al Batt, Tuesday, February 2, 2021 8:45 pm
Columnists
Al Batt: There is no “I” in food
Sometimes I get so hungry I could almost eat my cooking.
by Al Batt, Tuesday, January 26, 2021 8:45 pm
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Al Batt: We kitchen-tabled everything
The wind gained speed as it blew through the cracks of the old house.
by Al Batt, Tuesday, January 19, 2021 8:45 pm
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Al Batt: They cut off heads of birds at the drugstore near here
I couldn’t find a short pier as someone had suggested I do.
by Al Batt, Tuesday, January 12, 2021 8:45 pm
Columnists
Al Batt: Living in the middle of the country’s frozen food section
January is the perfect time to get a good deal on a Christmas tree. January is when we realize Canada’s major exports are cold fronts.
by Al Batt, Tuesday, January 5, 2021 8:20 pm
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Al Batt: How I love you, how I love you, my dear old Swami
I opened the door and a robed visitor accompanied by sitar music walked in out of the dimming twilight.
by Al Batt, Tuesday, December 29, 2020 8:25 pm
Columnists
Al Batt: Santa wasn’t watching, but Aunt Ingeborg sure was
Tales from Exit 22, By Al Batt I don’t care if we have a white Christmas. There, I’ve said it. Such an utterance is nearly ...
by Al Batt, Tuesday, December 22, 2020 8:33 pm
Columnists
Al Batt: This isn’t fake-effect snow
What’s your favorite part of living where you do?
by Al Batt, Tuesday, December 15, 2020 8:47 pm
Columnists
Al Batt: What did Merriam and Webster name their dogs?
I put my car into reverse. That took me back. I thought about dog names. I’d been listening to an audiobook that mentioned a dog’s name. Bella ...
by Al Batt, Tuesday, December 8, 2020 8:09 pm
Columnists
Al Batt: The junk drawer that just couldn’t seem to hold it all
I woke up one morning. That was the good part. I woke up and realized I had too much junk, and I’m the only one who wants ...
by Al Batt, Tuesday, December 1, 2020 8:10 pm
Columnists
Al Batt: Enjoy your cranberry sauce, watermelon pickle sandwich
Tales from Exit 22, By Al Batt This year it’s turkey, stuffing and masked potatoes. I remember another rough patch at Thanksgiving back when Grandma ...