Nobody asked us, but ...Despite the cold, we've been fortunate

Drizzle, wind, snow ... when will it end? We get teased by a couple of beautiful days, then, wham, we're back in parkas, snow shoes and 70-mph "gusts." Must be Nevada. At least campaign signs are "blooming."

One shouldn't complain, however. The tornados back East were horrendous, killing at least 12 people. This, on top of the miners' tragedy, did not make for a good week for many families. It always makes us wonder why, if you live in "Tornado Alley," you don't dig an underground shelter the first time you move there? Seems it would be a good investment.

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Congratulations to Alexis Lequerica, Kylie Schmid, Emily Schmid and all the other seventh and eighth graders at Carson Middle School who were inducted into the honor society. It also was nice to see Ken Cavallero and Butler Minor this week, as well as Ron Knecht. We haven't seen them in a long time ... or they haven't been let out of the "home" very often (OK guys ... as Ann Landers used to say, "50 lashes with a wet noodle").

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We saw that "Tiny" Carlson of Virginia City passed away in March. He and his late wife were married 42 years. What they didn't mention was that he and Betty only knew each other for a couple of weeks before they got married. It was a true love story, so who says those "quickie" marriages don't work out? They were both lovely people.

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Kohl's opens in the old Mervyn's store in September, so get your money ready. Unfortunately, Kim Donner, owner of D'Vine Wine, closed her property last week. They will still be open for a "breast cancer wine tasting fundraiser" on May 15. She may make that her farewell party before going to Hawaii. They also will be open for pre-planned parties and fundraisers during May. Bon Voyage, Kim! On the good news side ... Paradise Cove is now open in the Carson Mall, so we can't wait to lunch there.

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Mallard's at Empire Ranch will begin its bi-weekly Couples Golf on Friday, May 7. $75 per couple for nine holes and a roasted prime rib dinner (beginning at 5:30 p.m.); or $25 per person if you only want to eat (7:30 p.m.). Please call for reservations at the pro shop (885-2100). Empire also will have a Neil Diamond impersonator to entertain that night. Should be a fun evening.

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Cathy Robinson sent us this gem off the Internet: "The town drunk is stumbling through the woods when he comes upon a preacher baptizing people in the river. The preacher asks the drunk, 'Are you ready to find Jesus?' 'Yes,' shouts the drunk, so the preacher dunks him in the water. 'Brother,' the preacher asks, 'have you found Jesus?' 'No,' replies the drunk, so the preacher dips him a bit longer, and asks his the same thing. The answer still is 'no,' so once more the preacher dips him in the water for about 30 seconds. When the drunk comes up, kicking and sputtering, the preacher beseeches him, 'For the love of God, have you found Jesus?' The drunk wipes his eyes and catches his breath and says to the preacher, 'Are you sure this is where he fell in?'" (so far, lightning hasn't struck us.)

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Don't forget that next Sunday is Mother's Day, and that many restaurants are having special brunches. Call your favorite one, make a reservation and surprise Mom. Think spring!

• Carolyn Tate and Maizie Harris Jesse are longtime Carson City residents. They can be reached at editor@nevadaappeal.com.