Al, Author at Albert Lea Tribune

Columnists

Al Batt: An eerie yearie is 2020

I looked for toad feathers. The unexpected is expected in 2020, so this might be the year to find toad feathers. The year has provided a ... Read more

by Al Batt, Tuesday, October 20, 2020 8:14 pm

Columnists

Al Batt: Making good time while going home from a good time

We took no vacations. We had to make good time going home from a family gathering because we didn’t have a good time taking vacations. Read more

by Al Batt, Tuesday, October 13, 2020 8:12 pm

Columnists

Al Batt: JUNCO is acronym for ‘Just until nicer conditions occur’

The temperature dropped as if it had spotted a State Patrol squad car. Then something landed in my yard. It was no mere bird. Read more

by Al Batt, Tuesday, October 6, 2020 8:17 pm

Columnists

Al Batt: The contents had burned but the structure was unharmed

I remember it being the year after all the needles had fallen off the tree three days before Christmas. I was at a family reunion smaller ... Read more

by Al Batt, Tuesday, September 29, 2020 8:12 pm

Columnists

Al Batt: It’s fall when even my feet smell like pumpkin spice

Fall is when we give serious thought to winter. Winter is when we begin looking forward to spring. Read more

by Al Batt, Tuesday, September 22, 2020 8:12 pm

Columnists

Al Batt: I stole a car that wouldn’t start

You picked up the phone and you hoped for the best. That’s how it was before everything went to voicemail. Read more

by Al Batt, Tuesday, September 15, 2020 8:12 pm

Columnists

Al Batt: A neighbor votes for whoever he dislikes the least in elections

Sanctimonious senators! It’s that time again. I’m taking a break from a life of unbridled ecstasy to make this important announcement. Read more

by Al Batt, Tuesday, September 8, 2020 6:53 pm

Columnists

Al Batt: Making a to-do list is easy when you’re doing nothing

Back in the days when everything was nearly copacetic, we made hay and ground feed. Not all of the hay went into the barn nor ... Read more

by Al Batt, Tuesday, August 25, 2020 8:12 pm

Columnists

Al Batt: My dear little chickadees

I dreamed of chickadees. My favorite bird is the chickadee. There are things that turn frowns upside down. A chickadee does that for me. It’s not a ... Read more

by Al Batt, Tuesday, August 18, 2020 8:09 pm

Columnists

Al Batt: A swagger isn’t far from a walk with a limp in reality

His ancient pickup had undergone more oil changes than any vehicle in Iowa. That’s what legends are made of. Read more

by Al Batt, Tuesday, August 11, 2020 8:15 pm

Columnists

Al Batt: The music drowned out the sounds of many clarinets

Tales from Exit 22, by Al Batt “You live in the middle of nowhere.” The visitor who said that was from a big city. That ... Read more

by Al Batt, Tuesday, August 4, 2020 9:03 pm

Columnists

Al Batt: Rummaging around the last place I’d ever look for item

I rummaged around. It’s life on the planet Batt. I wasn’t chewing on life’s gristle or on a quest. I wasn’t looking for the truth. I wasn’t ... Read more

by Al Batt, Tuesday, July 28, 2020 8:12 pm

Columnists

Al Batt: He’s still using rabbit ears

Once upon a time, long before “The Andy Griffith Show” went into reruns, there was an eastern cottontail with a dream. He had a name, but ... Read more

by Al Batt, Tuesday, July 21, 2020 8:11 pm

Columnists

Al Batt: We can’t help it; eating is simply just in our DNA

I spit sunflower seeds for distance. It was a contest. I did OK. I’d have done better, but it had been a dry year. Read more

by Al Batt, Tuesday, July 14, 2020 8:16 pm

Columnists

Al Batt: The attack of the fine fescue

“I want to sit up front with the adults!” I said that aloud while pushing a lawn mower this week. It didn’t matter. Nobody could hear ... Read more