Al, Author at Albert Lea Tribune

Columnists

Al Batt: Meanwhile back here at the old geezer bench

I was playing the part of me. Read more

by Al Batt, Tuesday, February 23, 2021 8:45 pm

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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. Read more

by Al Batt, Tuesday, February 16, 2021 8:50 pm

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Al Batt: The family’s trusted Pontiac had an oldometer

My father was the last owner of every car titled in his name. Read more

by Al Batt, Tuesday, February 9, 2021 8:45 pm

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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 ... Read more

by Al Batt, Tuesday, February 2, 2021 8:45 pm

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Al Batt: There is no “I” in food

Sometimes I get so hungry I could almost eat my cooking. Read more

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. Read more

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. Read more

by Al Batt, Tuesday, January 12, 2021 8:45 pm

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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. Read more

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. Read more

by Al Batt, Tuesday, December 29, 2020 8:25 pm

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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 ... Read more

by Al Batt, Tuesday, December 22, 2020 8:33 pm

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Al Batt: This isn’t fake-effect snow

What’s your favorite part of living where you do? Read more

by Al Batt, Tuesday, December 15, 2020 8:47 pm

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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 ... Read more

by Al Batt, Tuesday, December 8, 2020 8:09 pm

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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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

by Al Batt, Tuesday, November 24, 2020 9:00 pm

Columnists

Al Batt: When Googling was nothing more than just goofy giggling

The first vehicle I fell in love with wasn’t a Corvette or a Mustang. It was a bookmobile. I miss libraries. I know some are open, ... Read more