It has been one long, cold, lonely winter little Darlin’. But now it is May and if you haven’t planted, you will soon. If you haven’t cut the grass, you will soon. If you haven’t been on that bicycle you will be soon. If you have forgotten what 98 degrees in the shade means, you will be reminded soon.

But we wouldn’t have any food or many other things without a long hot summer that follows the long cold winter. So now to get myself ready for the allergies and the bugs and the sleepless nights. Ah, summer!

Were you paying attention?

1) Well it is springtime in the South. What city in Florida got as much as 20 inches of rain early this week?

2) Visiting Indiana at an NRA rally, Sarah Palin said “this is the way we baptize terrorists.” What was she referring to?

3) Iowa also had some bad weather, including a tornado near what city?

4) Sounding a bit like old time politicians, Michael Grimm of NYC vowed to run despite what?

5) A potential school bombing was thwarted when a concerned citizen tipped off police concerning odd behavior. What state was this bombing to take place in? Extra points if you know the city.

6) All of a sudden everyone knows the name of the NBA commissioner who was thrust into making a decision on the LA Clippers owner case. What is the NBA commissioner’s name?

7) The Catholic Church installed two new saints last Sunday. Can you name them? They were world famous.

8) Looks like the “kissing” congressman, Vance McAllister, has decided he will not run again for congress. What state does McAllister represent?

9) This darling of the investment set about 6 months ago, this week reported a $132 million loss in the first quarter?

10) Which Iowa senate candidate drew fire for being out of touch when he said on national TV that US senators “did not earn much money?”

11) Many people have stepped forward to say they may be interested in buying the LA Clippers, including what woman who would be the first female NBA owner?

12) In a real surprise from this year’s Iowa legislature, what medication was approved for sale in Iowa?

13) After a report that the economy grew only by .1%, many were surprised when the payroll report reported how many new jobs for April?

14) Who got an endorsement this week to run for president from former President George W. Bush?

15) The legislature ended Friday after Democrats approved what for the Oversight panel investigating mismanagement by the Branstrad administration?

BONUS: The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association has awarded the “best burger in Iowa” award. Where should you go to get the “best burger in Iowa?”

Spring is really coming. I can feel it in my nose. Pass the Kleenex, please.

Answers:

1) Pensacola and the Florida panhandle/ south Alabama

2) water boarding

3) Ottumwa – 1 person killed

4) having federal indictments handed down on him for various financial manipulations.

5) Waseca Minnesota

6) Adam Silver

7) Two late popes: Saint John XXIII and Saint John Paul II

8) Louisiana

9) Twitter

10) Mark Jacobs

11) Oprah (do you need a last name?)

12) medical marijuana oil for epilepsy

13) 288,000

14) W’s little brother John Ellis (JEB) Bush

15) subpoena power

BONUS: go to the Brick City Grill in Ames!