Every Year

Another year has come and gone. Nothing of any great significance has happened in my world. I'm saying that is a good thing. As my dearly departed Grandmother was fond of saying," no news is good news." She was a wise woman and I would tend to agree with her. I get more calls when something isn't right than when they are. It always seems to be that way.
I'm sure there will be some of those year in revue shows on tonight. I'll try to catch at least one of them. I do need reminding a little more every year of just what happened.Once you reach fifty or so things tend to run together. Things that seem like they just happened yesterday turn out to be several years ago. And then there are those things I need to get around too. Apparently I didn't get around to them in 2011 so it will have to be 2012. Times flies by. In the big scheme of things a year isn't any big deal. What's the rush. Stop and smell the roses I always say.
My wife has a tradition of eating sauerkraut on New Years day. It will bring you wealth and health. I will say that I have remained healthy but still waiting on the wealth part. Of course, in all fairness, she never said the " wealth " would be money. Having her for a wife is a real " treasure " so perhaps the wealth part is true also ! I have been blessed that much is sure. I hear others insist on eating black eyed peas. Some say your house must be cleaned because the way it is on New Years day is the way it will be all year. We have done this with varying success over the years.
Resolutions ! I don't make them. Never have,never will. I make changes and adjustments in my life as I see fit. I am not slave to a calender. I get the whole, it is a new year thing. Wipe the slate clean and start new. Well don't forget the lessons of the past or you are doomed to failure ! If you want to make changes in your life,you have to want them ! You can't do it for anyone else or because it is a new year. Won't work ! That is exactly why most resolutions are not kept.
As far as celebrating the new years' arrival it will be a low key affair for me. The wife and I will snack on some crackers and cheese and a few chips. Have a tall cold glass of Pepsi and attempt to stay awake. In years past it may have been different. I can neither confirm or deny parties that we may or may not have attended. We never did a whole lot for New Years as far as going out. No particular reason for it, just didn't. I don't think we missed much either. Since moving to Maryland I noticed their tradition, at least here in Greensboro. At midnight the traditionalists fire every gun they own. Shotguns, handguns, and rifles. I've been here for over twenty years and that tradition is dying. I'm not sure if there are fewer guns or people just don't do that anymore. It is a bit of a dangerous tradition. People drinking,celebrating and firing weapons ! Never heard of anyone getting hurt though. Probably a good thing to stop that tradition before a tragedy does occur.
I'm thinking 2012 will be a great year. Call it a hunch. I like the way it looks on paper. In even years I turn an odd number of years. I'll be 59 in 2012. That's better than being 60 ! LOL I don't know what it is. New Years eve just isn't the same without Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians. The last year Guy played was 1976. The Royal Canadians played two more years. Did you know that their recording of Auld Lang Syne is still the first song played on New Years day in Times Square ? Hopefully that tradition never dies.

An Interesting Life

I have had a few people suggest I write a book. I'll admit I have often considered it myself. I'm a great admirer of the printed word and the permanence of it intrigues me. I figure the few that have suggested this are just being polite and kind. I do appreciate those sentiments. I even have a title in mind. I wonder if any of the great authors ever started with just the title ? I suppose writing a book is like any other task. First you have to start it.
Assuming my title is the basic building block I should start there. The main problem lies in the fact that this book has to be interesting. Not interesting to me, but to others. Why would anyone want to read my book ? That is the fundamental question I need to answer. It is that question that is the roadblock.
I figure one should write basically what one knows. I am an expert in only one area, me. And so it follows that my book would be about me. Therein lies a problem,how to make that an interesting story. Thus far I wouldn't consider my life and experiences very interesting. I'm just your average Joe, living an average life. Nothing extraordinary or unusual. There may be a story in there somewhere but I haven't found it. Yet.
I do believe everyone has a story to tell. Each of us are unique and live our lives in a unique way. Opinions vary and so do perceptions. No one sees things quite the way you do. The problem lies in the telling of the tale. I would want my book to be as truthful an account as possible. I never was much good at making up stories but I've been told I can tell a pretty good one. I've made some questionable choices in  my life and don't really want to discuss them in detail. ( The interesting parts) So I am left with the dull and boring. Oh,it's a dilemma alright. I would need to locate some deep and provocative original thoughts. Mostly I just repeat what I have heard from others or learned from experience. I have tried being a bit of an activist but got labeled a troublemaker instead. Once I tried to start a fashion trend but everybody just laughed. A few of my closest friends became concerned for my mental health ! I even tried offering advice, but was just called a busybody.
I'll have to continue to mull the whole thing over. Surely there is a story in there somewhere. I knew it when I was a kid. I should have been a pirate. Now there is an interesting life. Just bad timing I guess. Now if I could just win the lottery,that would be interesting ! Ok, scratch the pirate idea and start buying lottery tickets. As soon as I win, I'll start writing. Nah, when I win I'll just hire one of those ghost writers. That's an interesting idea. That way my story could be embellished just a little bit, and I wouldn't be lying because I could blame it on him/her. I'm liking this plan .

Appearances

Saw the president on television on his Hawaiian vacation. He was walking along with his family wearing jeans and tee shirt. Yup, jeans and a tee shirt ! A real presidential appearance. So this is what the office of President of the United States has come to. He's cool. Well, I don't like it. No sir, I don't like it one bit. You could say I'm a bit of a traditionalist. I don't think the President of the United States should be seen in  public dressed like a common person. By virtue of the office he has been elected to, he is no longer a common man.
I know,I know this isn't the first time. I have seen him playing basketball before. At least he was wearing slacks that time. I have grown somewhat accustomed to seeing our politicians with their shirt sleeves rolled up like they are working hard. Their image people tell them to do that. They are almost always at least wearing nice slacks and a button down shirt. All this informality just doesn't sit well with me.
I have touched upon this subject in one form or another in past blogs. The story Clothes make the Man comes to mind as applicable in this scenario. A while ago pictures of the Russian president riding a horse without his shirt on were shown on the evening news. Much ado was made about this. It was considered inappropriate by most of the main stream media. No negative comments were made about Mr. Obama.
Yes I have seen photos of John Kennedy on his yacht and in his compound in Massachusetts. The difference there was it was not a public setting. I can't recall seeing him, or any other President, in a public setting being dressed in such  informal attire. Somehow, in my mind at least, it cheapens the office.
I can relate this feeling to the same one I have about children calling their parents by their first name. To this day if I turned to my mother and said," Hey Ruth " I could expect a tongue lashing. I'm 58 and she is 82. It is a form of respect. The president being dressed in a more formal fashion is a sign of respect to the office. After all ,he is not a longshoreman ! He is supposed to be the leader of the free world. The manner of dress he chooses to wear in a more private setting is not an issue with me. None of my business. I believe in saying yes sir or yes Ma'am. I like to think I have enough common sense to dress in a appropriate fashion for the occasion. I wouldn't want to go to church and see the Priest in cutoffs and a tee shirt either !
Is this issue of any particular importance ? No. Does it have any effect on the way he handles the office of President of the United States ? No. Plenty of folks see no problem with this at all. The thing is this, I'm the one writing this blog and I don't like it. Not one little bit !

Breaking a trust

I have tried to avoid this subject during the holiday but can no longer keep my fingers still. It is concerning that soldier on trial for leaking  military secrets.Once again I find myself in amazement. He is guilty of this by his own admission. What I find amazing is that there are supporters outside the base where the trial is being held. How any American can justify his actions is beyond me entirely. The fact that the defense team is trying any and all tactics is not surprising. That is, after all, their job. I watch the news coverage and remain amazed.
I am retired from the U.S. Navy. At one point in my naval career I held a secret clearance. I had access to all kinds of information. At the time I was working on nuclear powered submarines. So,as you can imagine, this subject is especially touchy with me. I was trusted by my government and I can assure you I never broke that trust. The fact that he did is inexcusable ! Had he done it under torture, I could understand. But to leak thousands of documents and video to Wikileaks ! I'm sorry I can find no justification for that.
The defense team says he feels like a woman trapped in a mans body. So what does that have to do with it ? The defense team says it is the governments fault for allowing him access to the information. Really ? So are we to believe that possible transgender people are a bad security risk ? Guess we should have asked. Or he should have told. We can do that now you know ? This band of supporters proclaim him a hero. Excuse me,he is a traitor to our government ! Their position is the information he leaked did no damage. Not the point,people !!! Whether that information was damaging or not is definitely not the issue. He signed seven separate documents pledging not to reveal any information of a classified nature. HE DID ! How anyone,other than his own Mother,could support him is beyond belief. There is no case to try here. The man is guilty as charged. The only thing that needs to be debated here, is the appropriate sentencing. My position on that is the sentence needs to be meaningful and a clear message sent. Traitors are not coddled in our country ! If you have issues, I'm sorry for you, but it will not excuse you.
And that my friends is how I feel about that. I'm adamant about it too ! There is no legitimate excuse for his actions. None. His actions have done nothing of benefit to anyone. His actions have not and will not change the way anything is done. His were the actions of a coward !
I just can not understand this mentality. Remember when one of the Dixie Chicks said something bad about our President and our country ? It cost her her career and she is pretty much ostracized  from main stream society. I'm not defending her actions but she didn't tell any secrets ! Never heard about any supporters protesting on her behalf. Do you remember what she said ? She said she was ashamed President Bush came from Texas ! That's about it.
Now this Private in the Army leaks thousands of documents and he has supporters ? Something wrong with that picture my friends. The defense team says he has a mental disorder. Gender Identity Disorder. Thought the official position on that sort of thing was that it was alright. Isn't that why the repeal of don't ask,don't tell ? Can't have it both ways you know. Is it a mental issue or not ? Whatever the case, he is guilty !!
Call me old school,hardnosed,bigoted,biased or whatever but I don't believe in breaking promises !! He was trusted and promised (7 times) in writing to not release classified information. He Did. End of Story.

Perking

I was pleased to receive a percolator style coffee pot for Christmas. This is an item I have wanted for some time but wasn't willing to pay the price for. To me it is a luxury item as I have a perfectly fine Mr.Coffee style pot. Also it is not a pot I would use on a daily basis. But I feel the percolator does make the best tasting coffee.
 It has been some time since I had perked coffee. I brewed up a pot today and I must say I wasn't disappointed. Good stuff ! I bought Maxwell House coffee for use in this pot because that is what my Grandmother always used. I usually buy Folgers but then I haven't been using a percolator. The wife says to me," do you know how to make perked coffee ?" Well, of course I do. Grandma told me to use one scoop  of grounds for every cup and one for the pot. I wound up using considerably less for my twelve cup pot, 8 scoops to be exact. The coffee was excellent but strong ! I expect that is why sugar and cream was added. I also expect that is why it was served in a coffee cup and not a mug !  In these modern times we tend to go for quantity and not quality. A couple of mugs later I knew I was drinking coffee !
As I was sipping this flavorful brew I was thinking about Grandma. She always had a pot on for anyone that stopped by. I can remember her pouring coffee for her guests and family. Always with a cup and saucer. I don't even have a cup and saucer anymore. Just mugs. Grandma had a big sugar bowl , another item I'm missing. A creamer ? Don't think so. I am so not ready to serve perked coffee. I'll have to watch for these items. If I can locate classic ones, I will be sure to snag them.Maybe I'll even get sugar cubes! One lump or two ?
 Funny thing is I never had a real cup of coffee at Grandmas'. She passed long before my coffee drinking days. I do recall however having some coffee with her. She would put a very small amount of coffee in the cup, two scoops of sugar and fill it with milk. That was my coffee. I loved it then and felt pretty grown up.

My New Percolator 

And then one more thought entered my mind. How was it that I can remember Grandma telling me how to brew coffee ? That had to be almost fifty years ago. The answer is an obvious one. The things Grandmas' tell their Grandchildren have a way of sticking. That's it ! Why that is, is a harder question to answer. Grandchildren do seem to listen to their Grandparents a little more closely than their parents. Maybe that is because Grandparents tend to listen to their Grandchildren a little more closely than their parents. Or maybe it is because Grandparents don't yell at them as much ! ( not that we Grandparents tend to spoil them you understand ). Whatever the reason, I think it is the truth. So, thank you Nana for teaching me how to use a percolator. I haven't forgotten that, or you !

One Day

Time to start packing away the memories of Christmas past. I'll be adding a few items to the collection and throwing others away.With each passing year the collection does get culled somewhat. I think I may be the opposite of most in that regard. Instead of collecting a ton of decorations and adding each year, mine are getting fewer. But more so every year, each one has more meaning to me. I love to see them appear but the time has come to put them away again. I don't like for them to wear out their welcome !
New Years eve has never been a big event for me. Even in my wilder, younger days I was just never" into it. " I'm not much of a fan of crowds in the first place. For many years I watched Guy Lombardo and the Royal Canadians perform. Following that loss, Dick C larks' New Years rocking eve. In the last few years I haven't stayed up to midnight at all. Hardly seems worth the effort. The new year will arrive whether I'm there to greet it or not.
I do enjoy watching all the " this year in " shows. I'm always surprised by some of the things. Did that really happen this year ? Seems like so long ago. And those events that seemed so momentous at the time that I had already forgotten about. Strange thing about time, how it can travel so fast on one hand, but seem so slow on another.Where did this year go ? My Mom always says, " the older you get ,the faster time goes by." I would have to agree with that statement. I'm thinking that is why us older folks become more sentimental. We are learning to stop and smell the roses ! So many things we should have enjoyed years ago that we can now only enjoy in our memory. I don't want that to happen anymore !
My thinking is this; Christmas day should also be New Years day ! One holiday. My reasoning behind this is very simple and ,at least to me, logical. In the beginning there was the word. And the word was God. God sent his only begotten son to earth to save us all from sin.So therefore, by deduction we can know that that was the beginning for us. God has always existed and you can't put a date on that. So Christmas day is also the New Year. New life was brought to man in the form of a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Talk about your Christmas present ! From that moment on time began anew. A new year ! I hope you can see the logic there.
Whenever and wherever you chose to celebrate the new year, take the lessons of the last with you into the new.As for me I'll be sitting in my living room and watching some of those shows. Maybe I'll make it to midnight but I doubt it. Have to go to work in the morning. Not concerned with being hung over by drinking too much Pepsi and eating a cheese ball but I get tired ! I need to rest. Easter is just around the corner.

The best Gift

I'm up and anxious to get going. It has been decided that while the kids are in church Grandma and I will bring our gifts over to their house. This is the usual thing we do, but this is the first time they won't be home when we arrive. We will have to wait another seven years to do this again. The plan is to set things up. A couple of the gifts are too large and bulky to wrap. I have made giant sized gift tags to hang on those. All the others are wrapped with tags and bows. 

There was a time when I waited for this morning wondering what I would get from Santa. Now I can't wait to give gifts away ! The waiting for me is as hard as it was all those years ago. I just love to see the excitement in their eyes when they first see their gifts. I have sat for hours wondering which gift will please them the most ? You can never tell. I'm hoping we have picked winners ! It is not that they don't like or appreciate everything,they do, but I'm talking about that one thing that really sparks them. It is really the best when you give them something they didn't even know they wanted ! That is the rarest gift of all.

The Grand kids are getting older and some of the excitement is subdued a bit. The gifts aren't as plentiful. Remember when you could buy all those five and ten dollar toys ? Used to fill up the room with them. Now the kids unwrap a little slower and have learned to oh and ah at every gift, even if it isn't that exciting. Think a new shirt. But Grandma and I can still tell what is a hit and what is a miss.

Funny how when you are a kid you can't wait to receive and as an adult you can't wait to give. Well,at least that is the way it is supposed to be. At this point in my life I'm almost embarrassed to receive a gift. It is a little awkward and I'm never quite sure what to say. I'd much rather be the one giving !

And not to get all religious on you but isn't that what Christmas is all about ? God gave us his only begotten son. The son gave us all hope. The greatest gift of all time ! Merry Christmas to you all ! 

Christmas Eve

I've got those last minute preparations to complete. Just a few more trips to the store and I'll be ready. Checking my, countdown to Christmas, Hallmark ornament I see I have seventeen hours forty two minutes and thirty five seconds to go ! To say I am anxious is a bit of an understatement. I'm ready to celebrate the day. I can't wait to see the look on the Grandkids faces. Even though they are getting older and the excitemnt is a little more subdued it is still the highlight.
I can't help but compare the excitement and joy children feel receiving their gifts to the joy we should all feel receiving ours, Jesus Christ. It is the closest thing to a parallel that I can think of. When they are small they just accept their gifts without question. They embrace them and love them. It is only as we age we begin to doubt and question. If only man could retain that joy of receiving throughout our lives.
Christmas eve is a time of excitement for me but also a time for reflection. It is on Christmas eve that I will " listen to the Christmas Tree." What story it will tell me or lesson to be learned I don't know. Sometimes I get a clear message and other times I don't. It really depends on me,whether I am truly listening or not.
The gifts are under the tree and waiting. The message is there as well. 

Selecting the Tree

It was almost Christmas. The snow was on the ground and the air was crisp and cold. The boy thought a Christmas tree in his bedroom would be a great idea. It was a large bedroom shared with his two brothers. They would probably like to have their own tree too. So putting on his heaviest clothes and buckling up his boots he set off. First to find a saw or a hatchet. Now where did I see one last. Here is a hand saw but it isn't the right type. Dad would get pretty made if I used that saw and got tree sap all over it. Ah, here is a different one. This one is pretty old and looks about right. Man it's cold out here. 

Off into Northwest woods he went in search of the perfect tree. This tree can't be too large but not too small either. White pine is nice but the small ones are always spindly looking. That cedar over there might work. No the branches are too tightly packed together it will be too hard to hang ornaments. Besides I've never seen a cedar tree as a Christmas tree ! Sure people put strings of lights around them in their yard but you never see one in the house. I better keep looking.

Having walked for what seemed like forever the boy was getting cold and tired. Had best head back home he thought. If I just walk this way a little ways I'll hit the main highway. Walking home down the road will be a lot easier than trudging back through those woods. I'll just go home and warm up some. The boy was determined to find just the right tree. So down the main highway he went toward home. All the while thinking about finding the right tree. I know there is one out there somewhere,he thought. He was deep in thought and almost walked right past the lane leading home. Turning up that dirt road, he saw them. A whole row of perfectly shaped Christmas trees. Spruce trees if I remember right. They stood in a perfectly straight line at the edge of Mr. Millers yard. They were beautiful. Not too large and shaped just right. All that walking and they were right here all the time.

He set to cutting down one in the middle of that row. Dragging it home behind him he was excited to get it set up. He did get it up to his bedroom and in a stand. He began to decorate it immediately. This was so cool. I bet no other kid has a Christmas tree in his room,he thought. After a bit it was done and he was relaxing,enjoying that fresh scent of a freshly cut tree. The decorations looked great too. He was almost dozing off when he heard his name being called. Get down here right now ! What,what do you want ? Rushing downstairs, he could tell by the sound of Dad's voice he had best hurry, he saw Mr. Miller standing there talking with Dad. That's strange, Mr. Miller never comes to visit  at our house.

All attention turned to the boy. Did you cut down one of Mr. Millers trees ? I,uh, cut down a tree on the side of his yard. That tree was Mr. Millers' tree ! But I just wanted a Christmas tree, I didn't know. Well you are going to have to replace that tree. You're going to get a job and earn the money to buy him another one. And in the spring you will dig up that stump and plant him a new one ! Now say you're sorry to Mr. Miler. Contrite the boy apologized. He even offered to give it back. Dad would have none of that. The boy went back upstairs and looked out the window toward Mr. Millers house. You could plainly see in the snow the path that tree had taken. Guess that is how Mr. Miller knew it was me. 

This story has been repeated for many years now. It a family story and an inside joke. The exact year it even happened is not known but sometime in the late fifties would be my guess. The boy,the culprit ? My eldest brother Harold. He cut that tree. It was replaced in the spring, although the details are sketchy now. Every Christmas I recall this tale and it is a pleasant memory.

The Crown Pilot

Had another one of those random thoughts. This one involved some comfort food. I haven't had any of this particular treat in a long while and was wondering if it was still available. I could only remember they were called Pilot crackers. Not knowing if this was a brand name or not I went to the ultimate resource, Google. Typing in Pilot crackers gave me immediate results. The crackers I remembered where there alright, Nabisco Crown Pilots. No longer being manufactured by the Nabisco company ! But like a Paul Harvey episode, that isn't the rest of the story.
I learned that this wasn't the first time production had been stopped. Eleven years ago Nabisco ceased production. A letter writing campaign and a story on Good Morning America followed. Charles Osgood had intervened. Production was resumed.
I am always interested to learn new things. I remembered these crackers from my Great Grandfathers. He always had a box handy and would let me eat them smeared with butter. Delicious. Also tasty mixed in your chowder. I never realized they were mostly a regional thing. The New England area is the hot bed for Pilot Crackers. Especially Chebeague Island, Maine. It is on this Island that Donna Miller Damon lives. It was through her efforts, and others that production was resumed in 1997. She is once again being called to battle. This woman is my new hero.
 Another name for these crackers is hard tack. I had heard of hard tack before but didn't associate the two. Made as early as 1792 it was a staple on sailing ships. Requiring no preserving other than being kept dry, it would last almost indefinitely. That is the reason they became so popular in the New England area. Well,who knew. I just grew up eating them and they were taken for granted.
 They are available from different manufacturers. Two of these manufacturers are in Hawaii ! You don't get much farther away from Maine than Hawaii ! You can ,of course,order some of them on the Internet. I checked out the price and let me tell you Grandpa just rolled over in his grave. Seventeen dollars for a 1.5 lb. tin. That doesn't include shipping and handling. I probably ate that many in one sitting along with a half pound of butter !
Nabisco says the demand doesn't justify  making them. It is these Pilot Crackers that were the very first product they made. The argument could be made that Nabisco owes those crackers  its' very existence and that's the thanks they get. They're not needed !
Times do change and products come and go. I will change with the times. I won't be writing any letters to Nabisco. I will be sending scathing E-Mails however. How dare they diss the Pilot Cracker ! It is an old friend. I sure wish I had some right now.

Snow for Christmas

Tomorrow is winter ! That's official. The temperature here in Greensboro is unseasonably warm,in the fifties. Christmas is only four days away and no chance for snow. Looking like Santa will have to use those bogie wheels on the runners to his sled. On the up side, the roof won't be too slippery. I used to think about that when I was a kid. Afraid Santa would slide off the roof and drop the bag of gifts. Surely he wouldn't have had time to make new ones !
Following Christmas and New Years there is nothing happening for quite a while. Valentines day is just a quick passing deal. A card and a box of candy , good to go ! As soon as it turns winter we start looking for the spring. People are never satisfied are they ? Me and bitter cold never did get along. I liked going sledding and ice skating but never liked the cold. If my feet get cold, I'm done. I can tolerate my hands being a little cold but not my feet ! Guess I really am a tenderfoot ! I remember as a small kid making my brother carry me home from ice skating because my feet were too cold to even walk ! Yeah,holler and whine enough and your brother will get tired of hearing it. Thanks bro for saving my life ! I would have just sat there and died.
Like most New Yorkers as I age I grow more cold intolerant. That's why so many move to Florida. It is a medical condition and should be covered under Medicare. Moving expenses, buying white belts and golf carts should be deductible ! It's just a fact. Alas, it is not, so I'm stuck here in Maryland. It is as close to Florida as I have managed to get. Maybe the next administration will take action on this problem.
I do enjoy the snow. Looking at it. It is a beautiful sight when it is fresh and clean. It is also fun to watch the Grandkids play in it. I don't mind building a snowman with them or throwing a few snowballs. I will admit the best part is hot chocolate after coming in. I never enjoy the cold crisp air ! It is always, well cold. Some say it is invigorating. All it ever does for me is make me want to get back inside. It will make me move faster that much is for sure. No fooling around.
The 21st of December marks the beginning of Winter,usually. It is also a day of momentous proportion. My sons Kevin and Kenny were born on this day. That was thirty six years ago. Thirty five winters. So God saw fit to give me something to create a balance between facing the winter and just being depressed. The boys have made the winters bearable for me. God does work in mysterious ways. And now I have the Grandchildren to smooth the path.
The first day of winter. Only four days till Christmas. Hope we get snow for Christmas !

Online

The State of Maryland is considering selling lottery tickets online. Discussions are being held in the legislature. I find it amusing that in these tough economic times where everyone is looking for an answer this would be considered. One estimate says the State could get as much as 70 million yearly from these sales.
Just check out the demographics on who is buying the majority of tickets. Isn't the rich folks. The middle class buy a portion, but the majority of money " invested " in this form of gambling is from the lower class. The poor.
You don't need to spend several thousand dollars and do a study on it. Go to any convenience / liquor store and watch the ticket sales. It will become quite apparent.
So now the plan will be to sell them online in a more private setting. Tap into the other markets. We won't tax the rich/middle class openly but will use deceit. The State wants there money too. Besides the State is running out of money to give to the poor to buy tickets with. They need to refill those coffers. By offering online sales no one has to be embarrassed being seen buying tickets. Maybe we could get some money from the elderly that aren't able to get around as well. I can see the potential here.
I have to hand to those representatives for creative thinking. The State is having a fiscal crisis so we will finance the recovery through gambling. What a plan. Given the number of scratch off tickets,power ball and mega million tickets already being sold I wouldn't count on it. It says on our tickets the benefits go to the Maryland Stadium Authority. I haven't heard anything about that being a real solvent thing. Our roads and other infrastructure in the State are crumbling. Unemployment is at all time highs. Just recently,within the last few months, highway tolls have increased dramatically.
I know. Let's allow the online sale of lottery tickets ! That will solve this problem for sure. Those middle class folks need to invest more in a gamble ! Rich folks too ! Pay their fair share. If we just make it more convenient I'm sure they will step up to the plate. Or their keyboards.

A Merry little Christmas

The legendary office Christmas party. We have all heard tell of them. There has even been movies made around them. They still exist but, in a much more subdued environment. In our politically correct world of today a great deal of the fun has been banned. ( Think Alcohol ) I'm not advocating the abuse of this substance, I'm just sayin'.
After a few drinks it does become a little less awkward. People do tend to loosen up a might.
Forty years ago,back in my youth, the consumption of alcohol played a major part in the Christmas party. Egg nog and Rum usually being the featured beverage.If you were " lactose intolerant " just drink the rum. That was the solution to that problem. Of course I don't recall anyone ever being lactose intolerant back in those days.
The one at the party that didn't get a little " pie eyed " was the one that got talked about. Must be a teetotaler or some kind of religious person. Why else wouldn't a person drink ? The trick was always to not lose control and start having a little too much fun. One had to strive to be a dignified drunk. It was acceptable to be intoxicated as long as you didn't act like it. In today's world you're liable to get an Intervention for Christmas !
Depending on the location of the party the rules might change a little bit. The first ones I attended were held at the place of business. I was working in a grocery store. On the designated day the butcher shop would close early. The butcher blocks were cleaned up and covered with tablecloths.( fresh clean aprons) It was on these that the bar was set up. All the employees that were of legal age were invited to partake. The store was still open for business but the staff just got a little friendlier. The party continued until closing time and sometimes beyond.
Later in life I worked for a company that held their Christmas party at the local golf club. The president of the company was a member and would reserve the ball room. Dinner was served and he would personally buy each employee two drinks. You could buy more at the bar if you wished. No one ever got out of hand at either of these settings that I can recall.
Things have changed over the years that much is for sure. In the big picture it has been a change for the better. An awful lot of people would be driving cars around when they shouldn't have at this time of the year. Well,at any time of the year truth be told. And although I never personally witnessed it, I'm sure a bunch of people made fools out of themselves. Things were said or actions taken that were regretted later on. About the only thing I can say about those parties is, They were a whole lot merrier than the ones I've attended in recent years !
Look, I'm just sayin'

For the last time

We had Grandparents day at the elementary school. My wife and I have gone every year without fail. This year the Grandson, Mark is in the fifth grade so it will be his last year. We had the obligatory photo taken. Yesterday I put that picture in a frame and set it on the desk. Then my wife remarked, well that will be the last time. What ? She went on to say Mark won't be in elementary next year, so it will be the last time we get our picture taken on Grandparents' day with him and his sister. I hadn't thought about that. She is right. And that simple sentence led me to think about all the last times I've had. Also led me to think what if I had known they would be the last time ?  Christmas 1970 would be the last  I enjoyed with Mom and Dad,at home. Had I known would it have been any different ? Pictures taken or mementos kept ? Or would it have put a damper on everything ? I'm a pretty sentimental guy when it comes to that now, but I wasn't then. What is it they say ? You don't miss it till it's gone.
Throughout most of  your life you wait to do things for the last time. Getting that drivers license put an end to walking or riding a bicycle anywhere, unless you want to. Moving away from home . I don't have to ask permission to come and go or be back at a special time. Doing something for the last time is not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes they do come with regrets though. I think the best thing to do is just enjoy every moment that you can. You never know when it might be your last. That's a sobering thought now isn't it ?
The thing is, lasts almost always are followed by firsts. Next year I'll take a picture of Mark going to middle school for the first time. My wife and I will have our picture taken with Morgan for Grandparents day without Mark, for the first time. I've got a lot of firsts to look forward to.
That's all I have to say this time. Next time I may have more. There will come a day when I write this blog for the last time, but I hope I'm not around to see it ! 

Laddie Boy

I was given a dog for my fifth birthday. Dad figured every boy should have a dog. I agree. The dog I was given was of no special breed. A " Heinz 57 " we used to call it. That's from the Heinz 57 varieties of pickles advertisement. In some ways he resembled a collie. His right front leg was a little deformed but it didn't seem to bother him any. I think Dad chose him for that very reason. My father liked an underdog ! Pun Intended. When he ran, that leg kinda went out to the side and forward instead of straight. He could still run pretty darn fast, even though most turns had to be made to his right, so as not to put much strain on that bad leg. I would take advantage of that knowledge when playing with him.
 In his younger days he would occasionally catch a small rabbit or squirrel. He would place them on the front step and sit there proudly. He didn't eat them or chew them up, just caught them,dispatched them and displayed them. I usually wound up burying these trophy's out in the woods.
I named him Laddie Boy. Why that name was chosen I haven't a clue. It just was. I can take no credit for training this dog. That credit goes to my Mom. She taught him well. He was an intelligent little guy. He would come when called,every time no matter what ! He would also sit,lie down and stay put on command.Another trick was to shake hands. Gimme your paw,I would say, and he would offer that crippled right leg. Laddie didn't bark at strangers much and I never saw him bite or attempt to bite anyone. And like a lot of pets from that time, he roamed free. He stayed outside when the weather was favorable and slept in the back room when it was not. It was always his choice. If he wished to be in, he would sit by the door and wait for you. Simple as that.
Laddie Boy was a creature of habit. He went to the school bus stop with me every day. At first he wanted to ride the bus and I would have to tell him," stay." After awhile he quit trying to get on the bus. He would be there in the afternoon when I got home. Over a period of time I came to know his daily routine.
After the bus, he would go to my Aunts house. She lived just down the road a ways and saved bones for him. Laddie went there for his morning treat and rested there awhile. Following that a trip to the local garage was in order. Why he went there I can't be sure but I know for a fact that he did. Got hit by a car crossing that street once. He got banged up some and had to go to the vets but seemed no the worse for wear after a week or so. After that he would stop at the edge of a road,look both ways,and quickly run across ! It was funny to see him do that. Then a trip to a friend of Fathers for an afternoon snack before meeting the bus.
When school wasn't in session his routine changed. He would follow me anywhere. Didn't matter if I was walking ,running or riding a bicycle he would follow along. I would take trips uptown, a distance of three miles and he would just run alongside. I was always proud of the fact I could tell him to stay and he would wait outside the shops' door. He would just sit and wait. To say he was loyal and faithful is a vast understatement.
I was twenty years old and returning from an overseas deployment. When I arrived home Laddie Boy wasn't there to greet me. My father told me he had died the day before. He was lying in the basement wrapped in his favorite rug and blanket. I buried him under the big old pine tree in the neighbors yard. I went alone to do this task and I alone was the last to see him. Dad figured a boy had a right to bury his dog in private like.
 It was the tree he had run to after being struck by the car. It was also the tree he liked to lie under on hot days. I can still see him lying there.
 I left no marker on that spot,only a piece of my heart, and my childhood memories. I figured the tree would be his marker. The last I knew that tree was still standing, giving Laddie Boy shade in the summer and warmth in the winter. I'm certain he is waiting for me . All the way to the end, He was a good dog and that's all I have to say about that.

Laddie Boy

Fighting Shadows

I see in the news the " WAR " is officially over. I'm happy for that. Our troops have folded the flag and are headed home. Whether or not a lasting democracy can be maintained in Iraq remains for history to tell. I certainly hope so for the sake of the people of Iraq and the world. It has been a long painful process.
Being from an older generation I couldn't help but notice how this was called a " WAR." The war on terror. The government officially recognized this as a war. Exactly who the enemy was, is a lot harder to define. Was it Muamar Gaddafi ? Was it Osama Bin Laden ? And just who is the Taliban ? And what about Al- Qaeda ? And how did the war end ? Not by a glorious and well fought battle. No it ended because of a piece of paper and a promise. We said we would leave.
Don't misunderstand me for one second.The men and women of our armed forces served with honor,pride and dignity. They carried out their mission as directed. Nothing should or can detract from that service. Far too many paid the ultimate price. As a retired Navy man I would stand with any one of them,proudly !
I just can't help but think about why this was declared a war. I don't recall the President ever saying we have declared war upon anyone. Did that happen and I missed it ? I wasn't even born yet, but I have seen footage of Roosevelt declaring war upon the Japanese. The President has to ask Congress before doing that.
Korea was a "police action" Wasn't called a war for a number of years. Vietnam wasn't called a war either,I know I was there. I was there for Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and that wasn't a war. Saddam Hussein was the enemy then. We certainly fought, but no one called that a war. We had to return about a decade later to finish up and that wasn't a war either.
And now this thing in Afghanistan. First the President says we are pulling out of Iraq,which we did,we went to Afghanistan. Now the " war " is over. So am I to believe terror has been defeated ? It no longer exists ? How can that be ? The only enemy I have ever heard about is terror and the Taliban. And no one knows exactly just who the Taliban is or where they are. How could they have been defeated ?
It can all be very confusing. The modern world is a complicated place. Men and Women go to battle and are wounded and killed. The government directed them to do so. Does that constitute a war ? Sure seems like one doesn't it ? But, according to the constitution, war must be declared by the president. That didn't happen.
The president is quick to take the credit for ending this war though. The fact that next year is an election year has nothing to do with that I suppose. The whole sorted mess seems like a bunch of political posturing to me. It has gone on for far too long. I am glad to see the end of this "war " debacle.
God bless our troops and welcome home ! Take pride in your service. There is no doubt that it was a war.
I felt that Desert Shield?Desert Storm was as well. At least we had well defined and achievable goals. The men and women of this " war " were forced to fight shadows.

A Small Town Christmas

I had posted an album of pictures online titled, The Greensboro Holiday tour. I was inspired to do this by a friend from my old hometown. She had made a comment about how the store front decorations were mostly done by professionals now, and she somewhat missed the old fashioned way. That way was when a store employee was the one doing it,having no formal training in window design or whatever the correct term for that occupation is. Those storefront windows were sometimes a little rough around the edges but always filled with the spirit of the season. The other day I was writing about going " pro " and this is another example of that. There is no danger of that happening here in Greensboro !
There are few businesses here in town. Fewer still with storefronts. The two major ones being the appliance store and the pharmacy. Every year both places decorate their windows. I love seeing them. They do take me back to my younger days. I also think it's cool that the kids here will grow up with that same memory. Different towns,of course,but same memories. A small town Christmas is a wonderful thing. The town itself puts up the vast majority of the decorations. It pleases me that, the reason for the season, figures prominently into the decorations. Mangers,The Christ child and wise men abound. We have no problems here with anyone being offended or anything like that.
Only in recent years has the town had the plywood cutouts of various scenes and characters. These particular decorations came from a campground. The campground would set them up every year and parents would drive their children through to see them. The campground has been sold and the decorations either donated or sold to the town. Now they are set up along the rivers edge in " Curtis Harvey " park. They look great and I'm sure the children enjoy them. They have spotlights aimed at them in the evening and are surrounded by Christmas trees and colored lighting. A virtual wonderland !
Even though there are basically just the two storefronts Greensboro looks decorated. I think the ages of the buildings add to the charm. Both are quite old. The pharmacy was a hardware store a while back. The appliance store, I'm told, was once a department store of sorts. Dances and socials were held in the upstairs of this building some years ago. For the older, lifetime residents of the town, I'm sure both these structures evoke many fond memories. I'm betting those windows have seen many Christmases and held many decorations.

Just one of four windows

This store has two large windows

We have had our Christmas parade. The storefronts are decorated. The town has been lighted. All that remains is the arrival of the big man. Just nine more days. Then to settle into the doldrums of winter. Soon another year will have passed us by. It is feeling like, " a hard candy Christmas " and I'm loving it.

If you wish to see the album it's on Facebook ! Enjoy. Just type Ben Reichart in the search block. :)

My Presidential Platform

Yesterday afternoon this thought came to mind, " The cost of dependence upon the government is the loss of freedom."
I'm not sure why that particular thought came to mind, the subconscious is a tricky thing. It is not a crazy thought so I don't think I need to worry about that. Still I wonder where that came from.
My guess would be hearing all this " occupy " stuff and people demanding this or that from the government. I'm still trying to figure out why anyone thinks the governments owes them anything. Personally I want as little to do with the government as possible and I want the government to stay out of my life  too. Government is necessary for a society to function but should not control that society. Too much government and not enough independent action I say.
A lot of what is going on today reminds me of an old saying, you can't have your cake and eat it too. Seems like a whole lot of folks don't understand that principle. Why here in Maryland, I don't know about other states, you receive your welfare checks ( that's not the correct term anymore ) on a debit card. They call it an Independence card. Talk about your misnomer. I wonder if this was a government decision or spurred by protests from the recipients ? Just what is independent about that ? There are those that require this assistance and it is only right that they should receive it. That doesn't entitle them to do nothing however,at least not in my estimation. Government says they don't have to do anything. Just look for a job. It has been proposed that those that are able could perform some service to the community but that idea is rejected. Wouldn't want to offend anyone. Well let me tell you,some need it. Not that it would do much good as some could care less.
If I had my way there would be far less government intervention and rule. The government does not need to micro manage the details of my life. I am not willing to sacrifice my freedoms that easily. When you become dependent upon the government, or anyone else for that matter, you must surrender certain freedoms. Remember when you were a kid ? Does this sound familiar ? " As long as you are living under my roof,you will live by my rules." In other words if you are depending upon me for your support, you go by my rules. Simple as that.
I'm not an advocate of overthrowing the government or any other radical ideas. I do think we need to return to the original premise of this nation. Freedom and Independence. Justice for all. Doesn't say anything about everyone having the same amount of wealth or social status. Doesn't say, and a fair life for all either. No where did the founding fathers say, The Government will provide the people with everything !
I don't want or expect anything that I haven't earned. Being born an American is a privilege in itself. That privilege was granted by higher authority then man. Everything else I have to earn.

                                                   I'm Just  Sayin' 

President Ben in the oval office with George W !

Going Pro

How did everything come to be " professional " ? I don't care what it is, there is a professional grade product or service. You hear that phrase often in the television commercials. Dodge trucks are professional grade ! Do this or that like a professional. This is an professionally done blog. I'm a professional blogger. It's true. I could order a diploma that even says so,right off the internet, and it will come professionally framed !
Professional and industrial are becoming synonymous with being the best. Industrial strength cleaners used by professionals. Sounds effective doesn't it ? Sounds better than I hired a person to wash the windows anyway. Technically the only difference between an amateur and a pro is one thing. The pro gets paid. Doesn't necessarily mean he or she is any more competent at the task, but that they get paid to do that.
There are some " professions " that I am totally amazed at. Skateboarder is gotta be number one on my list. I ride a skateboard for a living. You gotta be kidding me. Not,Tony Hawk has more money and fame that I can ever imagine. BMX bike riding is a close second. Really, I ride a bicycle over dirt piles for my living. I hope you have a good retirement plan because you aren't doing that for long. Talk about a young mans game. You could argue that these are sports and these people are athletes. I can see that. That they are talented in their field is beyond question but an occupation ? A professional ? Sorta !
When I hear professional I hear money. Isn't that the bottom line here. Buy this or that because, " it is used by professionals ". Really it means pay more for less product. Get less bang for your buck ! You can find a company to professionally do anything imaginable. Shoot, pay me and I'll be a pro at anything you want,if the price is right. Well,not anything but you know what I mean !
There was a time when I could be a" handyman " and do odd jobs. Now I need a license or permit to do that. So,I've become a professional handyman. Same skill set,different prices. When I rake the leaves in my yard I'm just an amateur. Hire me to do your yard and I become a landscape management specialist ! Gonna cost you for that title.
Well that's what I was thinking about this morning anyway. Not much of a thought. I'm thinking all this professional and industrial grade business has to do with ego and money. Now there are two things that can get you into trouble pretty quickly. Think I'll just stay an amateur and use the regular strength products. Well,except for toilet tissue. I'm no daredevil !

Stockings

I,along with a least a million other people in this world,hang up my Christmas stocking every year. I have done so all my life,yet I had no idea why this was. I googled it ! Turns out no one really knows where or how this tradition started and several myths exist. I like the one that says an old man had three daughters. He had no money for their dowries. This worried him greatly and St. Nicholas heard of his plight. St. Nicholas then entered the old mans house by coming down the chimney. Three socks were near the fireplace drying. He placed bags of gold in each sock. The old man finding the gold was eventually able to marry his three daughters off and they all lived happily ever after. Sounds reasonable enough to me. I'm going with that story.
As a child I kept the same stocking year after year. We all did in my family. It had stains on it and a hole or two but that didn't matter. I don't know what happened to it in later years. I imagine it went to the landfill. I'm sure when Mom and Dad moved to Florida and emptied out the house they didn't give it a thought. Just an old Christmas stocking,after all. There are many things like that,gone forever. Well you can't save everything.
I could count on a big fresh orange in the toe of that stocking each Christmas morning. That is one of my Moms' traditions. I asked her about that. My Mom told me when she was little oranges were only available in the local market during the winter months. They were also fairly expensive. This was because refrigerated trucks and train cars were not commonly used . They were costly and difficult to " import " all the way from Florida. As a result, an Orange was a special treat. I sporadically carried on this tradition and in the last ten years it has died altogether. Relegated to memory and tales of yore status.
Now my Dads'stocking usually had two items. A can of Schaefer beer in the toe and a carton of Pall Mall cigarettes. That was tradition. He didn't get an orange.
Other items almost always found in your stocking would be,mixed nuts,a candy cane,pens,pencils,maybe a Pez dispenser and small gifts both wrapped and unwrapped. We were required to look in our stockings first. No opening the gifts under the tree until the stockings had been emptied. That was a Christmas rule.
My wife and I have our stockings each year. They are the same ones we have had for many years now. We set them out  more for decoration than anything else. Seldom do we fill them with anything. That stopped when the boys left home. I don't have any great sentimental attachment to mine. I wish I did have the one I had as a child,that would be cool.
With the Grand kids my wife has crocheted little stockings for them to give out to their classmates every year. It has become a tradition. This tradition can not last. Mark is in the fifth grade and doesn't want to do it this year. Getting to grown up for that. My wife understands but you hate to see that tradition end. Still have Morgan for at least another year or two. I'm a big fan of these little stockings,each one crocheted by hand and unique. We have them on our Christmas tree almost every year. We have skipped a year here and there but those little stockings were hung somewhere in the house. There are a few hundred in and around Greensboro if the other children saved them and that estimate is conservative. I wonder about that every year. Surely some of the parents have put them away as mementos for their children. It is a comforting thought anyway. And I'm not doing the work.

Mrs Claus is holding a stocking and others are in the works !

Those little stockings have taken the place of my childhood Christmas stocking. I don't have any one special one that is mine. I want them out very year. I love seeing them. They have come to mean Christmas to me. They make people smile. I'm positive they will always be a Christmas memory to the kids. One day they may sit and tell tales of Christmas past to their own grand children. I'm hoping these little stockings Grandma has made will be included and indeed I'm hoping they will be present. May they hang on the Christmas tree for generations to come. Each one was crafted with love ! Don't get much more Christmas than that !

Gifts

Gift giving. It is that time of year. It all started with those three wise men. Each offered one gift. It has kinda grown from there. Then St. Nick got into the act. Gifts for all ! A noble sentiment and definitely tradition worthy.
It can be an enjoyable thing or a chore depending upon ones outlook. Often it is a stressful task done with a sense of urgency. That's a shame. Shouldn't be so and I don't think it was intended to be that way. I'm as guilty as the next man when it comes to all of that. We all know a gift should be something we thought about, specifically, for the person receiving the gift. For me, that can be the most difficult part of the process. The thinking ! Just what could I give/do or say for you to make you happy ? That is the basic question. And the core of the question is"YOU".
First I need to know you. By that, I mean know who you are. What are your likes and dislikes. To know your sense of humor and the values that you hold most important. Gift giving should involve some effort on my part to match an appropriate item to you. It has nothing to do with what I like,it is all about you. Ever receive a gift and just think to yourself, What was he/she thinking about ? They probably weren't thinking about you. We have all done that I'm sure. Know I have.
To me a gift should be something that person probably wouldn't buy for themselves. We have have little things that we may like or want to try but won't spend the money on it ourselves. Maybe a lady you know would like to get her nails done but won't spend that money. There is a gift. Movie tickets, oil change for the car,handyman service or any number of things are readily available. It does require some thought and paying attention on your part. Sometimes we are misled as well. If you really know the person that won't happen as much but if it is a casual acquaintance be very careful. That is were those, what the heck gifts are born.
The very best gifts are those that the receiving person didn't even know they wanted ! I love it when I'm able to pull that off. It is a difficult thing and requires a lot of thought. Risk is involved as well. It could very well turn into a what the heck moment ! It is cliche to say it, but gifts do not have to cost anything. I still believe that to be true. It is the thought that counts. Another cliche but another basic truth. The thought does count and I try to spend a great deal of thought upon each gift. Even if I were a rich man I wouldn't just buy a lot of stuff without giving it some thought. Would I buy more ? Sure who wouldn't ? But more isn't necessarily better. The amount of gifts given do not translate into the quality of the gift. I think it would be an interesting thing to have a rule, you may only give one gift to each person on your list. What would you give ? Now that requires thought. Another interesting thought is you may only give gifts to ten people. That's all, ten. How would you decide ? Decide upon their needs or your feelings toward them ? That's a sticky wicket now, isn't it governor ? Sorry, once I get started with cliches it is hard to stop.
Gift giving. If I could I would give everyone I know a gift. As it is, that isn't possible. Also, if you give a gift most people feel obligated to return the thought. There have been occasions when I refrain from giving a gift for that very reason. Sounds like an excuse but it is not. There are those that would literally give you the shirt of their back ( again with the cliche) and I wouldn't put them in a position where they felt obligated to do so. And so my gift to them is something that they don't even know about. An anonymous gift
Every year it is the same with me. I should have started earlier with the whole gift giving thing. I need more time to think. I should have been paying more attention instead of being self absorbed in my own wants and needs. You can walk the mall and shop till you drop but the gift isn't there waiting to be found. That is a fallacy. The gift is there in your mind, that is where you will find it. It may be sitting right there in front of you this very minute. Know who the gift is for and you know the gift to give. Happy Thoughts ! Now get to shopping !

Just another change

Bob Dylan wrote a song titled,The Times they are a Changin'. Always enjoyed that tune and it rings true even today, for the times they are a changin'. I'm not going to talk about Obama and his changes, I try not to get too political in this forum. I'll leave that subject alone; for now anyway. No, I just noticed something on the evening news  that is a change. It is a local news show and they were showing the Naval Cadets, because of today's Army Navy football game. A group of cadets,Company 13, to be precise were running the game ball to the stadium were the game will take place. This is a fairly new tradition. The thing that caught my eye was the fact that they were all wearing camouflage trousers ( a sorta blue pattern) and an undershirt with the collar protruding. And there on that collar was the logo of  Under Armor ! Now that's a change. Since when did the United States Navy endorse products ? I don't often pay attention to the service academies and their sports programs. Just not much of a sports nut. Now I can't help but wonder if there are other endorsements being made ? I'll have to pay more attention. Somehow it doesn't seem appropriate.
In a related vein another thing I've noticed lately is the wearing of  camos' and other working clothes by military members everywhere. During my time in the service you were not allowed to wear anything but your dress uniform or civilian clothing off of  the base or ship. I do not like the idea of them wearing what basically amounts to combat gear, in the mall. I see this on the television also. In my day, I know that's cliche, we didn't do that. I still think the public should see it's military members in their dress uniforms when not actually involved in combat or working at their job. I just don't understand the reasoning behind this. Why would you not want your members to look their best and present a more formal appearance in the eyes of the public. Not only that, but I can speak from personal experience, you get treated differently when in uniform. Clothes make the man and it works both ways. All this informality cannot be good for discipline.
The times they are a changin' and in my opinion not for the better. What's next. Let everyone in the military just do their own thing ? Or are we going to start taking bids on uniform suppliers based on endorsement royalties ? Wrangler jeans attempted to do that back in the eighties. They wanted to supply the bell bottom jeans for the Navy and was willing to do that at a reasonable cost. The snag; the U.S.Navy said they could not put that little red tag on the rear pocket. They would not endorse the jeans ! That has obviously changed. The economy must be worse off than I thought. Hey,maybe Blue Cross and Blue Shield could sponsor Medicare, that ought to make it more affordable. When you get to be 65 they tattoo there logo on you ! Now, who wants to provide new suits for the president ? You're gonna like the way you look, I guarantee it !

Not so long ago

I was thinking about things that almost every household would have had not so many years ago, that they may not have today. How about a waffle iron ? Do you have one of those ? Some younger people, I'm thinking, have never seen one. Frozen waffles took their place. You can buy frozen pancakes but I'm thinking they are not as popular. A can and bottle opener ? You know, what we used to call a church key. A regular mop and bucket. I'm talking about a rag mop. A wash board. I have one, but it is for decoration. How about an iron and ironing board ? I'm thinking homes may still have those items but they get used rarely.
Got a hurricane lamp ? Got any lamps that use oil for fuel ? How about candles ? Not scented or decorative candles. Not birthday candles, candles for lighting. Matches ? Wooden matches or book matches ? A manual can opener. A wind up clock. Do you have a clothesline in the yard ? What about a charcoal grill ? Not a gas grill ! The round grill with three legs,that's what I'm talking about. An ax or a hatchet. A bow saw.
Got any rags ? Not clothes waiting to go to the salvation army or waiting for disposal.Rags that you would use for cleaning,painting or maybe even sewing up a patch work quilt. No fair buying the material for that purpose. Do you have a rag bin ? What about a needle and thread. Can you readily put your hands on those items ? Does it contain a darning needle ?
Friction tape. Turpentine. Kerosene. Rubber cement. Tire patches. (more correctly inner tube patches) A meat grinder. A dutch oven. Black and White pictures hanging on the walls or sitting on a shelf. Don't count those in albums or ones over thirty years old. Paraffin wax. Paste type furniture wax or floor wax. A peculator coffee pot. A telephone hanging on the kitchen wall. A princess phone in your bedroom.
These are a few of the things that come to mind. I'm sure you can add to it easily enough. Isn't it amazing how quickly we adjust and become used to new technology. Doesn't take us long to accept them and throw out the old stuff. What did we do before the microwave oven ? A cup of hot cocoa was a lot more work,that much is sure. And OMG how did I ever get by without having a telephone in my pocket ? Remember looking for a phone booth ? Remember when they were actual booths ? Cost a dime for a local call. You could call collect, but then you had to hope the other person would accept the charges. Ever had anyone say, No ? Now I'm wandering off the subject at hand. I have a tendency to do that.
What things did you have ten years ago that you wouldn't have today ? It is fun to think about. Especially fun if you think about what clothes or hairstyle you might have been wearing. All I can say about that is, Rock On !

Privacy Please

It is indeed a ever changing social world we live in. Over the years things do change and not always for the better. I have been known to rant on about some of these changes. There are others where I don't really have an opinion. And there are still others I just find humorous.
Recently I was standing in the checkout line. There is always interesting stuff displayed there along with the headlines from The Globe and Enquirer. I read somewhere this is a tactic of the retailers to get you to " impulse " buy. I was scanning some of these items and noticed this long thin box. Now I've seen those boxes before.They are usually those pregnancy testers. This one, however, said it was an Ovulation predictor. Hmm, now that's different. I didn't realize one needed to predict such a thing. And if you did, would it be on impulse. Is that what you girls are thinking about ? I've since been told they make one to tell if you're fertile too. Is nothing left to chance anymore ? I saw in the news where one government bureau overruled the FDA on the Plan B pill. The FDA was going to allow it to be sold as an over the counter product but it still requires a doctors prescription. Not sure how I feel about that. Moral and ethical questions to be resolved there. I work with one young lady who is with child. She brought in her ultrasound three d images and they were astounding ! The clarity of the baby's features was truly amazing. Technology surely has advanced in that area. Crystal clear and no doubts.
You may wonder why I find an ovulation predictor funny. Or a pregnancy tester. Well,because the checkout line I was standing in was a dollar general. Not the place I would go for any medical tasting apparatus. I really don't think I would want to make any decisions based on a 99 cent test pen from the Dollar General. Let's just say my confidence level wouldn't be that high. I'm just sayin'. Perhaps they work just fine,I wouldn't know about that. Ovulation ? Is that something one should even mention outside a doctors office ? Just a little too much information for me,thank you. " I need a price check on a Ovulation predictor! "
Yes,it is a ever changing social world. In my youth one had to ask the druggist for a condom. They are displayed now in just about every 7-Eleven, corner market and drug store in prominent locations. The advertising for the various types,colors and material used for their manufacture boldly displayed. I'm thinking those " enhancement " products will be next. One advertiser says you should be taking them on a daily basis,so you will be ready,when the time is right. Don't they make a predictor for that ? Guess not. That would be a medical miracle. Predicting what a woman wants. LOL. Couldn't resist that line.
Social attitudes do evolve over time. I, for one, am not always comfortable with them. Some things need to be kept private. I am not comfortable discussing my intimate social habits with the girl at the checkout counter. I don't want them to know when I have a medical issue either. You don't need to know about any fungus that may or may not be growing upon my body. Some people will readily discuss any of these things with anyone. Some think it makes them mature and grown up. I don't agree. Just Sayin'.

About Pearl

Today is Pearl Harbor day. There isn't much I can say or write about that that hasn't already been said. Nevertheless,I will not be deterred. This event must never go unnoticed. The immediate result of that attack was tragic. So many lives lost. Historians say we lost our innocence on that day as well. It is the far reaching effect of that fateful day that I am reminded of. The deed took place twelve years before my birth. I grew up with the tales from that day. I have known many who served in the war that followed. I have watched many tributes to the fallen. I have heard tales of the hardships endured. I know of our ultimate victory against the perpetrators of that crime. It is all history.
There are very few living survivors of that attack. Their stories are well documented and preserved. It is only just and right that it should be so. They were the first victims but certainly not the last. What changes were wrought in the world because of this. A world war ! I had Uncles who served in the war. Thankfully they all returned home. My father was drafted into that war. He went and did his duty. And with that duty he was changed forever.
My father seldom spoke of that war. I would ask questions and get only vague responses. Even as a young man I would notice a strange look in his eyes when he did speak of it. I can only imagine the ordeal he went through. He flew in B-24 bombers. He was the flight engineer and top turret gunner. He flew in the Burma-China theater of operations. That he dropped many bombs is without question. He once told me he often wondered about those he dropped the bombs on. He had no qualms about bombing the enemy but the possibility of dropping them on innocent civilians haunted him. All he ever told me was the devastation was terrific. He always finished by saying, the war was necessary and I did only what was necessary.
I expect it was that way for the thousands of men and women who served during that time. Torn from their everyday existence by a dastardly deed. Their lives changed forever. It is much easier to speak of patriotism,honor and glory in retrospect. Much more difficult to live through it. This fight was one we had hoped to avoid. The Japanese wouldn't allow that. Everything changed. The world changed. President Roosevelt was correct in saying," A day that will live in infamy." The few remaining survivors of that day certainly haven't forgotten. May we as Americans and indeed as citizens of the world never forget.
Thank You Dad,thank you all.

My Dad with his flight crew, circa 1944

Belief

Will I ever see Santa again ? After writing yesterdays blog entry that was the thought on my mind. I hadn't really missed him when my own children outgrew that. In fact, never gave it a thought. I must be getting sentimental in my old age. Or am I becoming senile ? Whatever the case, I went to work with that thought on my mind.
I can't say I honestly remember seeing Santa when I was a kid, or remember the time I realized he wasn't " real." I'm sure I believed in him. But that was a long time ago. I can recall when my own children believed. I remember the excitement of making their list for Santa. I remember taking them to see him with that mixture of fear and anticipation. That too,was a long time ago. The last ten years I have had the Grand children to bring Santa back to life. That jolly old elf, so lively and quick, has been here to bring the Christmas spirit alive. Now he is absent once again. He left when Morgan said,Goodbye. A little bit of me went with him. When you see your children grown, and their children almost grown, it gives you pause. Time to reflect upon the passing years and view them with a different eye. They say you only miss what is gone. I'm beginning to understand the full implication of that seemingly simple statement. It is a sobering thought.
Christmas is to celebrate the birth of the Christ. When I was young we always had "Jesus Birthday Party " at church. The meeting hall would be decorated and carols sung. The story of the birth of Jesus was told. A huge birthday cake was there for all to share in the celebration. Following that, Santa would arrive with the ringing of the sleigh bells. Presents were handed out all around. It was a wonderful time and one I'll treasure the memory of.
Jesus is to remind us of love. Love for our fellow man and peace on the earth. That is universal. It is only right we should celebrate his birth.
All that being said, I'm going to miss the big guy. For Santa only lives within the hearts of children. The pure innocence of youth. As long as the children believed, he was alive for me as well. Now , like a favorite toy that has been outgrown,he has been put aside. With good luck and fortune I may see him again. I may have Great Grand children ! I sure hope so. It would be great to believe once again.

The Secret of Santa

The Grandchildren are nine and ten. Mark,the ten year old will be eleven in January. With Christmas fast approaching I was curious if they still held on to their belief in Santa Claus. I certainly am not going to ask them. Neither one make a big fuss about Santa and rarely mention him. I was surprised the other evening after the Christmas parade when Morgan wanted to go greet Santa. He was just climbing down from the fire engine and she walked up to him. Saying " Merry Christmas Santa "and they embraced. It was just a quick acknowledgement and off Santa went to the towns' lighting ceremony.  We proceeded home. Morgan had a big smile on her face and said, " He Hugged Me ! " I replied , " I know." Mark just gave me," that look."
The look that says, "Girls ! " I'll never understand them.
I have played that scene  in my mind over and over. It was  a scene I'm sure I'll never forget. On the one hand Morgan looking so grown up, and on the other, just a child. I couldn't help but remember years past when Santa was to be feared a little. At least in person he was. The first years,crying was the result of meeting him. As she grew older, she became bolder,eventually sitting on his lap and talking with him. This year it was different. This year when she embraced him it wasn't" Hello" , it was " Goodbye." Just as she had put aside her dolls, she put Santa on the shelf. Another part of her childhood stored away forever. She has discovered the secret of Santa.
How or when Mark discovered the secret of Santa I cannot be sure. Mark has always been very smart and inquisitive. I'm positive he knows the truth. He hasn't come right out and said so but I can tell. I give him credit for not saying so. He understands the " joke " and will play along. Not being a mean spirited sort of kid he wouldn't tell his sister any different,at least not directly.
In short I have answered my own question. No, the Grand kids have grown past the Santa deal. The Easter bunny ain't looking to good either ! I do believe however that each of them understand what the secret of Santa is. I think they know ,as I do, that Santa is magic. The magic of giving of yourself to others and expecting nothing in return. The magic of doing for others just to see them smile. It is my Christmas wish that they both remember " Santa " always, and believe !
When Morgan embraced Santa she also squeezed my heart, just a little. More Christmas magic.

Getting the Feeling

Last evening was the Christmas parade and lighting of the town. It was a swell parade, complete with a marching band. My Grand daughter was in it with her Girl Scout troop. The air was  brisk but comfortable enough for walking. This parade is one of the things I enjoy about living in Greensboro. There is something special about a small town Christmas parade. We still say Christmas and still make many references to Christ being born. Displays of a religious nature are encouraged. And of course,seeing Santa riding on that firetruck at the end of the parade is classic !
My apartment is right on the parade route. I can stand on my porch/balcony and watch the whole thing unfold. The parade will normally last between ten and fifteen minutes. The Christmas parade doesn't involve too many outsiders. Our other parades will have fire companies from surrounding towns and a few other groups not directly associated with Greensboro. The Christmas parade also did not include " The Rough Riders " a mounted equestrian group that is in every other parade. I suppose it is because of the darkness.
The Christmas parade brings in the holiday. I am a big lover of tradition. Santa makes his appearance in the Thanksgiving day parade but doesn't show up in town until the Christmas Parade. That is the way it was back in the old days. I like it. The town is decorated along with a number of homes. I admit I'm a little earlier than usual but even I'm ready. It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas !

Waiting for Santa

Print It

I rarely print pictures any more. Just the occasional special shot or two. Rarer still do I order any prints. Oh, I post them on Facebook and send them in e-mail. I keep them in files on the computer. I have made slide shows with them. I archive them to CD'S. In short I work with them a lot.
Well,for Christmas this year I had a little project in mind that required printing some pictures. Weighing the cost of printing them myself against the cost of having them done, it was a no brainer. CVS pharmacy offered 25 free prints for joining their group. I had to agree to receive offers and such, but what the heck. I went for it.
I selected the photos I wanted,uploaded them to the nearest CVS pharmacy, received a confirmation e-mail and that was that. The pictures were processed and waiting for me to pick up right on schedule. Amazing ! It all worked just the way it was supposed to.
After getting my prints, in a familiar white envelope just like the old days, I did what everyone does. I sat in the parking lot and quickly checked them out. It is a universal thing. There is no waiting to get home to look at those prints. Of course I already knew what to expect. Before uploading them I had edited and enhanced them. Removed the red eye and adjusted exposure levels. Some where cropped. Still, the urge to check them was there. Remember when you hadn't seen them before developing ? When you had an idea of what they were and high expectations ? Remember when you first saw them ? Man,that is a good one and rats, that one didn't come out. I think if you achieved a ten per cent keeper level you were doing great. I still have tons of old snapshots that aren't very good.
I have to say it is something I hadn't thought about. I can't say I have missed it. I do know this. It felt great to go pick up those prints. It was a short trip down memory lane. Getting the envelope and the anticipation. Looking at those shots again,only this time on paper. They seem so permanent on paper. Tangible proof that you were there. I'm going to do that again,sometime.
I have talked about preserving digital images in the past. To be sure to make back up copies of them. Store them on CD's or SD cards. I was also concerned about future generations being able to read that digital data easily. Like playing a 45 RPM record today. We can certainly do that but how much of a hassle would it be for you to do that ? Now I'm thinking I should select only my finest shots. The ones most representative of the time and era. Compile these and have them printed. Back to the old school. Maybe, just maybe, the old way is the better way. It'll be a project for the new year. Something to consider and ponder about. Which shots to save on paper ?

Tears ?

Yesterday was the anniversary of a movie release. Brians Song. I remember the movie vaguely. Something about a football player and I think he dies from cancer. A real tear jerker I'm told. I know all this because a radio talk show was discussing it. According  to them,it was the first movie to show men crying. To depict grown men sitting together and crying. I don't remember that part . One host was of the opinion that all men cry and the other had the opposite view. Naturally I have my own opinion.
I was taught,Men don't cry ! And if they do,they do it were no one can see or hear. It is not being sensitive,it is being a sissy. After a certain age, crying was definitely frowned upon. Teasing was the usual reaction from others. It was also looked at with suspicion. Ones manhood would be called into question. The reasoning behind all that was simple. Crying about something does no good. It cannot change anything. Men are supposed to take action and change the things that can be changed. Those things that cannot be changed, you just accept. Take it on the chin ! Stand up and be a man. This is the attitude I was raised with and the one I am comfortable with. It works well for me. The role models for this were John Wayne, Clint Eastwood,and a host of other heroes. Never saw any of them sit around and cry. They just kept forging ahead irregardless.
I'm not saying it is wrong. I am saying I don't do it. I can honestly say since reaching adulthood I have only cried once, when my father died, and I tried real hard to not let anyone know. Including my wife. I have never cried at a movie. It is only a story. I have seen a few where I had to swallow hard a few times. Should I get hurt badly ,in a physical sense, my language becomes,shall we say, less than civilized ! I try very hard to curtail that as well.
The central issue is whether or not men cry. Of course they do. Men are humans,although often referred to as another animal by some ladies. It is just a matter of when,where and how. I was taught to never cry openly. It was a sign of weakness and a man must never appear to be weak. But that doesn't mean, unfeeling. If the grief is overwhelming, get out of sight somewhere. Get out of earshot too ! A tear or two running down your face is alright as long as it isn't accompanied by any sounds. No sniffling,sobbing or out right bawling.
It is a curious thing these behaviors we are taught. How they become so ingrained into who we are. Despite evidence to the contrary or changing social attitudes we remain true to some of these teachings. For me, a man crying is one of them. I would be mortified if anyone saw me crying ! The idea of sitting around with any other man and crying is just totally foreign and out of the question. I was taught to channel grief or pain into anger. Get mad and do something about it ! And if you can't do anything about it, don't cry about it , move on. Buck Up, the expression was. Be a man and ride it out. Get back up on that horse. Do what needs to be done. Leave the crying to the women !
That's my stand.

Friends

A little or a lot ? Friends that is. Do you have a lot of friends or just a few ? Personally I have just a few. One of them is my wife. For some unknown reason I don't have a lot of friends and never did. I think I'm a friendly enough person. I can be opinionated but not forcefully so. I just never considered  a lot of people my friend. Acquaintances I have a ton of. I admit I'm not real good with names and faces but I remember most.

In grade school I don't recall having any special friends. That didn't come until later on in middle school.  I became friends with a few guys and this core group stayed together throughout the rest of our school years. A group of  four or five and that was it. I did belong with another group of friends  that I would call my Church group and would hang with them too. It's a little complicated.

It all comes down to defining a friend. Friend is a convenient term to describe an individual, not related to you, that you are acquainted with. A matter of semantics I suppose. I'm a bit of a stickler when it comes to that. I don't call everyone my friend. I reserve that term for " my friends." I didn't tell every girl I ever dated I loved her either, always figured that wouldn't be right. Love is a strong word, so is friend.
By calling you my friend, I have openly stated an obligation to you. To be your friend ! And that is where it gets a little sticky. How much do you owe to a friend. The first response is " nothing ". Friends neither want or expect anything from you other than your friendship. But the real deal is a lot more complicated. Real friends can communicate without speaking. That is the reason your true friends never ask you for anything,you already know. It is also the reason true friends don't ask for forgiveness, it was already given. Friends can go years without contact and resume that relationship instantly. Friendship is a very strong bond.
I'm given to be a little over dramatic at times. I can be a bit " passionate " on certain subjects. Not one to idly throw terms around and make declarations. I don't call everyone I've ever spoken too more than twice my friend. I'm not given to telling anyone, I love you, unless the feeling is genuine. Too much is implied in that statement to be used frivolously. To use that term to gain unfair advantage is a crime in my book.
Then one could ask, do you love your friends ? Of course I do. Do I tell them that ? No, it's implied. I don't want to be one of those, " I love you man " guys. Wimpy ! Old school you bet'cha. It is the way I was raised. Even I have drifted a little way from that upbringing. I will say, I love you, to persons other than my Wife. I'm pretty liberal when it come to that. That phrase wasn't used a whole lot around home when I was growing up. It is that same upbringing that taught me the value of those words however. Overuse devalues everything. It loses its' meaning and damages its' credibility.
The bottom line is I am happy with the friends I have. I am always willing to make new ones. Well, you don't make friends, you meet them, but again with the semantics. I don't think I could handle too many friends. I would constantly be worried about hurting someones feelings. Not all my friends are friends with one another. Being my friend they don't say anything bad about my other friends and I don't say anything about theirs. It is very complicated. Having a friend takes work. Patience and understanding and acceptance. I've only got so much of each and I don't want to spread it too thin. But that is just me. Others have no problem.
Take some of those Mormon guys for instance. Seven wives,38 kids and no worries. And everyone is their friend ! Just sayin'.