Writing assignments

Friday evening I finished all the articles and boxes for a tabloid for the North Iowa Home Improvement and Landscaping Show. I worked on it 16 days for a total of some 30 hours. Some of the time was because I don't have a scanner so had to retype last year's copy as well as type in copy to the Globe via email. A lot of time was spent phoning and phoning again. Got all but one of the companies who took out ads for the tabloid. The articles are free. Wasn't much journalism, as Bob Steenson pointed out, just a lot of PR.

With wind chill factor, it was 40 degrees below zero last night. Car took right off. Just a few seconds before it turned over. Heat tape kept water pipes nice and toasty. Per Counsin Jan, however, I set the alarm and got up every two hours to run the hot water, as it freezes first.

Pam is coming over to take a shower. They have cold water but no hot water.

Not doing too well getting rid of last 5 pounds or so, but don't think I've gained much, if any.

Have lost 20 pounds.