Why Palisades Park? Because I was born there, in a flat over the Banner Grocery store, the youngest of five kids. Since age 17, mine has been a circuitous route which has now led to Mabel, MN (near Decorah, Iowa), and, yes, I shoveled snow this afternoon. Why Mabel? My wife 

Susan grew up on a farm here abouts and so we have returned to her roots. 

Some things I like about living in a small town: It's quiet; little pollution, unless you count fertilizer and stuff like that during planting season; and a whole new set of jokes. For example, I don't have to use turn signals when driving in town because everyone knows where I'm going. Also, everyone knows who is doing what in town, but I still read the newspaper to find out who got caught. 

That's all I can think of; besides, it's almost time for the evening news on TV.