Which Path

I completed a twenty year career in the U.S.Navy. I was stationed in all four corners of this great country of ours. I have sailed the seven seas, as the saying goes. I visited many foreign countries and Island nations. During a good part of this time I would long for home. I would think and dream about being a civilian. Settled in one place,raising my family and belonging to the community. All the things I could do if that were so. I could grow my hair any length I felt comfortable with. I could take vacation any time I felt like it. I could get up at any hour of the morning I wanted too. I wouldn't have anyone telling me what to do ! Yes those civilians have got it easy. That's what I used to think. You're probably wondering ,why then, did you stay ? The answer to that is simple. Made good economic sense. Keeping an eye on the future.

Now I have been retired from the Navy almost twenty years. Sometimes I find myself longing to go to sea again. With the passing of time we tend to forget about past hardships and recall only the good times. That is a gift from God. A reward for living. I have learned over this time that I still have to get up in the morning. I can't go on vacation whenever I feel like it. And I still have someone telling me what to do ! I call that someone ,wife ! LOL  This civilian stuff is a pretty rough row to hoe. I had some carefree days back in the day. Sure I could grow my hair long but I won't. Kinda used to it the way it is. 

It is just another life cycle I suppose. When we are children we want to be grown ups. When we reach adulthood we find ourselves missing those carefree childhood days. We often find ourselves looking back and wishing for those times again. Looking forward we usually envision better days. The reality is not as promising. Looking too far ahead can cause depression. It is best to look back. 

I am not at a point where I am looking forward to retirement altogether. Contrary to popular belief you can not live off a military retirement. It does make an excellent supplement. When that day comes however I'm sure I will welcome it. For a little while anyway. Then I'll start to look back. I expect there will be days when I'll be wishing for a return to the workforce. Eventually we all reach that " final retirement. " Will we be able to look back from that ? An interesting question don't you think ? If you believe in Ghosts are they trying to get a do over ? To relive some of the past. The path we choose is our own. The destination is not known to us. If you believe God has a plan for you then the path taken doesn't matter. You will reach the preordained destination. As for me, I'm still pondering that question. The existence of God I do not doubt. Whether or not the destination is preordained I haven't decided upon.

In a practical sense if God has preordained my fate does the path I take make any difference ? Therein lies the enigma. 

"Splaining "

I usually write these blogs of mine first thing in the morning. It is a routine. I write them more or less on the fly. Seldom do I do any background research. My random thoughts and memories are just that. Random thoughts and my memories. They are not to be taken in a literal sense. I have no more knowledge of the ways of the universe than anyone else. I don't consider myself to be a scholar. Rather I enjoy a good discourse on life.
I try to express as plainly as possible my view and my reasoning. My original intent was to just leave a written record for my descendants. Pictures and videos are wonderful but it was my thought if I could leave a record of my mind ( however brief ) it might prove interesting.
I enjoy reading comments left by my readers. Any input is a good thing. I am reminded of certain things and humbled on occasion. Some times the comments are favorable and other times they are not. Just like in the real world. It is not surprising. As we all know religion and politics are not the best things to discuss. Those subjects arise passion and can lead to hard feelings. I do feel it necessary to include them in my random thoughts and memories though. They are both part of my life.
I felt compelled to explain this. I am very pleased that others would take the time to read my words. I am flattered that they would leave a comment. I won't be changing the way I write these thoughts of mine. If there are inconsistencies and errors in facts it because I am inconsistent and make mistakes. I am not attempting to write a thesis on life. Please, by all means correct me when I am wrong and encourage me when I do good.
Read my blog called, " Self Serving. " That one says a lot too. Apparently I've got some "splaining to do.

Who is he ?

This past week I've been working in a different store. The man that owns the Save a Lot where I normally work is opening a new store. This will be number seven for him. I went to this new store to help prepare it for the grand opening. Employees from all his other stores were there as well. Some from management and some of us " standard " employees. It has been a while since I had worked alongside others that I didn't know. Conversely they didn't know me. I should explain a little for any of you that don't know this. My son is the " Regional Manager " for lack of a better term. He oversees all seven stores. His home store is the one where I normally work.
While working in this" foreign land " I was aware of certain dynamics. Other than a representative from the Save-A -Lot corporation supervising the set up of the store, I was the oldest person there. The younger people eyed me with what I can only describe as suspicion. Unsure of my position within the company they were mostly polite and helpful. The owner came in on several occasions and spoke to me casually. This threw them off a bit too. I was working right alongside them, doing the same jobs as they. A couple times I was assigned a task that could be considered as " getting a break." A special favor even. That I spoke to my son, and they were unaware that is who is is to me, on a personal level added somewhat to the mystery. I was asked by several what store I worked in. I told them Greensboro. Most had never been there and knew nothing of Greensboro.
The days were long and very busy. There was little time for any social interaction. Do this,do that. The atmosphere was tense as the deadline is fast approaching. I would arrive,with my son,as we rode together. Sometimes we arrived later than the others. Sometimes we left sooner than the others. This added to the puzzling question of just who was I and what position did I hold. Of course the answer is simple. I'm just another employee. Perhaps I do receive certain considerations. I do work however and try to pull my weight.
I think that depends on what ground you are standing on. I think I work just as hard,if not harder, than the others. I'm sure they think the opposite. But that is a different discussion altogether.
It was somewhat refreshing to be around others you don't know. A temporary change. I'm grateful for the chance to meet them. I'm sure I will be seeing some of them again. I occasionally travel to other stores with my son to help him with certain projects. I'm looking forward to that. By then the word will have leaked out. Most will know who I am. And that is amusing. At least to me it is. Some will wonder why would a father work for his son ? I've had people ask me about that. I don't have a problem with it. Guess that is because of my age. Maybe because he's alright to work for. At any rate I don't find it uncomfortable. I like things just the way they are.

What's the story ?

My mother came from a family with ten children. Seven girls and three boys. That wasn't unusual for the times. Why Mrs. McQuire across the way had twenty. Grandma didn't have twins or anything so the ages varied widely. As a small boy I had been in the upstairs of Grandmas house and believe me it was small. Only three bedrooms if memory serves . There was no heat or plumbing of any kind up there. My own mother spoke little of living there. She did tell me she can remember the out house. It was a three holer ! Used to sit where the grape arbor is now.
Growing up in a small town you would think we all knew each other. The cousins I mean, but that isn't the case at all. Most, I barely knew at all. In fact some were total strangers. We often talk of what a small world it is. Many times,especially in small towns, we complain about it. But at least for me I was unaware of the majority of my relatives. Almost all of Moms brothers and sisters lived right around there. A bunch of my cousins went to the same school as I did. Some I even shared classes with. Yet somehow, all this went right by.
The two sisters that my Mom would visit the most often were married but had no children. Whether this was by choice or fate I do not know. I had at least one Uncle in town that was married and had a bunch of children. Eleven I think. I would hear tales about them but never really knew any of them. I don't recall ever going to his house. There was an Aunt in Sag Harbor, a town about seven miles away. I vaguely remember going there as a small child. I think she has children or at least one child. Another Aunt lived in town but we didn't see her often. She had two older children and a younger one. They were all years apart from me in school so I didn't know them well either.
I've been working on the family tree for years now. I still don't have a complete listing of my first cousins. The latest census to be released is the 1940 census. If you were born after that I don't know about you. Mom doesn't even know them all. And Mom is the last of that generation in my immediate family. All her brothers and sisters are gone. My own father had a brother that had two girls. They lived in Chicago. I met them once. I was going to school at the Great Lakes Naval Training center and traveled to the city to visit them. I have no idea about them now. Dad also had two half brothers. They both have children. The one brother, Pete, had two girls and a boy. Sadly, I can't say I knew them well. Two of them have tragically passed on. One daughter remains and I do speak with her occasionally via facebook. As to his other brother I understand he has a daughter. I have been unsuccessful in contacting her.
And so that's the way it goes. Sometimes you don't see things that are the closest to you. On television you see family reunions. All the cousins getting together and sharing good times. Playing together and grieving together. All those " hallmark memories. " I wish it were so. The why it isn't so I'll probably never know either. That secret is being held by Mom. And rightly so,it is hers to keep.
Had my mother more closely associated with her siblings, how different might I have grown up ? What influences might have acted upon me ? I would most certainly have had a different point of view. I can not help but wonder about the back story. Now that would be some interesting reading !

Social Responsibility

I'm quite sure it is not only in Maryland. I hear the Governor of the state may be calling for special sessions of the general assembly. The last meeting of the assembly failed to resolve certain issues. On the last day, at the last minute the budget was rejected. So, a special session is being called for to address the possible expansion of gambling in our state. Apparently betting on horses,scratch off tickets,pick three,pick four,match five,keno,mega millions and powerball along with the slots are not sufficient. The expansion of gambling to include table games at the casinos or possibly more casinos could resolve our budget issues.
So our elected officials answer to budget shortfalls is to increase the states dependence upon the vices of the population. They have already increased the tax on cigarettes, in the name of saving us all from health issues, to a ridiculous point. The tax on beer and liquor is extremely high. They sometimes refer to these as " sin taxes ". Gambling, I suppose, is not a sin. But then we are not supposed to mention moral values in the political arena, unless to gain advantage over our opponents.
Now I'm not opposed to this plan on moral grounds. I don't believe the casinos and all the other forms of gambling cause anyone to become a" gambleholic" any more than beer and liquor companies make you an alcoholic. We are all responsible for our choices. Should I not have the will power to resist these temptations, is is no fault of there's. But, whether the state should rely upon the weakness of it's population and prey upon that weakness, is questionable at best. And in my estimation that is just what this relys upon. The state is gambling on the fact that gambling will increase and as a result revenue increases. But what is the true cost of this ? The further eroding of morality and social responsibility. The morality issue I will leave to your own judgement having stated my opinion on that matter. As to the social responsibility I have these feelings. Is it not the responsibility of our elected officials to be our social conscience ? To propose and vote upon issues of significant social impact ? Gambling falls into that category. To make such a judgement based primarily on monetary issues is an injustice to us all. To me it is just another example of our eroding values as a nation. Take the easiest route and the devil take the hindmost. Yield to any significant resistance and just fold.
It is time in this country for us to reexamine ourselves. The land of free and the home of the brave. That doesn't mean what can I get for free, if I'm brave enough to ask for it. We need to take a stand and back the initial values as defined in the Constitution ! One nation under God. That means just that. I'm sick of this back pedaling rhetoric. We are a Christian Nation. We adhere to Christian principles. It is our very Christianity that allows others to live here. And therein lies the sticky wicket. As a Christian nation we also believe and support certain moral and ethical behaviors. Should we, as a nation, abandon these principles are we not also abandoning the Constitution ? It is a slippery slope we are treading upon. To support these behaviors is quite a different thing than tolerating them. To base our economic future upon them is folly.
A return to self sufficiency and all things in moderation is in order. A reexamining of our priorities. I'm quite sure there are a number of ways to reduce spending should we make the hard choices. I would much rather "do without" than "sell out."  I choose not to base the future of my Grand children and Great Grandchildren on the roll of the dice. In the song God Bless America we sing," God Bless America , land that I love,Stand beside her and guide her " and I don't think God would lead us to the casino !   I'm just sayin'

Gravy

I was privileged to know a man by the name of Meredith Graves. At least I think that was his name. I always called him Uncle Gravy. He was a business partner of my Uncle Petes'. Graves and Reichart builders. They built many a home on Eastern long Island. He lived right down the road from me in a development called Hampton Waters. It was a fine split level home. I thought it quite large and luxurious. A big fireplace dominated one end of the great room and it was painted white. Only white fireplace I had ever seen.
Uncle Gravy was a good friend of my Dad. He would come to my home often and visit. I was young enough then that I would climb up on him and sit in his lap. He was a wonderful man. At some point he gave me a cuckoo clock. I think it was when they were moving from an apartment uptown into their new home down to Hampton Waters, but don't quote me on that. Uncle Gravy had two daughters but they were much older than I. Maybe as much as three, four years older so I paid them no mind. His wife was a kindly lady but I don't remember much about her.
Uncle Gravy rescued me from a mean dog on one occasion. There was a small pond in the woods down the street from his house. I was on it ice skating. When I got ready to leave a large dog approached the edge of the pond and started growling at me. The hair on his back was raised and his teeth was bared. Every time I tried to leave the ice he would growl and threaten me. I didn't know what to do. I started hollering, HELP ! Uncle Gravy heard me and came down there and run that dog off. I was sure glad to see him that day. Some time later that same dog jumped over a fence and hung itself. It was a mean one.
Gravy,as Dad would call him, looked and dressed like any other carpenter of the time. Tanned deeply from working in the sun. Strong calloused hands. Usually dressed in tan Dickies work pants,a tee shirt and work shoes. Come to think of it I don't remember him any other way. A man that enjoyed drinking a few beers after work. What you could only describe as your typical blue collar worker. But ,he wasn't ! No sir. Prior to being a carpenter he was an artist for Walt Disney ! He had been employed by the Walt Disney company to work in their studios. He had a special gift for drawing dogs. I had seen these drawings on his walls  and asked about them. He would just modestly say, yeah I drew them. Being rather young I never asked too much more about that. The fact that he worked for Walt Disney was enough for me. I could see those pencil drawings and man they were good.
The years have passed and I don't know what ever happened to Uncle Gravy. Looking back I sure wished I had asked him for a drawing. I don't know what happened to the clock. Thinking about this though reminded me not to judge a book by it's cover. From all outward appearances he looked and talked like any other blue collar carpenter. That a talent for drawing lie hidden inside has fascinated me all these years. That he had a job with Disney and left it fascinates me even more. I'm sure he had his reasons. Just how do you go from that extreme to being a builder in East Hampton in the 1960's ? I'm betting the whole story would be a fascinating tale indeed.

Sizes

Sizing. I've been noticing the resizing of America for some time now. First it was in the products being sold at the grocery store. The physical size of the package has not changed just the weight of the contents. Got less. Then the candy bars changed in size and price. Smaller size, larger price. Ever notice sugar now comes in a four pound bag ? Looks the same as it always did but read the label. A lot of products have gone this route. I figure it is a marketing strategy. Keep the look the same but provide less product. A subtle change that maybe you won't notice. A few less squares on that roll of toilet tissue. No one will notice and we can sell a few more rolls with those that we saved. You get the idea.
For a while it was the plan to make everything larger. Super size it. The plan there was to show you what a great savings you would get. Make that burger a little bigger for a few cents more. Large fries and super sized drinks. The grocery stores started selling those industrial sized boxes of cereal and canned vegetables. Everything bigger. Bigger is better.
Now this probably isn't anything new but I just noticed it. Clothing sizes. Except for the addition of a few pounds I haven't changed all that much from say, twenty years ago. I'm still the same height and about the same build. Slim is how you would describe it I believe. My waist is a 34 and inseam 32. My chest is probably a 38 or so, I've never measured it. Yeah, I got a bit of a belly but other than that I'm pretty much the same. So how come I have to buy an large or extra large shirt ? Wore a medium for years. Wouldn't be the fact that large and extra large generally cost a little more would it ? The companies wouldn't be trying to use less material and charge more would they ? I think it is part of the plan. Try to make me feel like a big man. Well.it ain't working folks. All I feel is ripped off. I know I'm not an extra large.
These companies are trying to resize everything. If they could they would make 11 inches a foot ! Getting less for more is what they want. Toledo scales had a motto " Honest Weight ". We need a return to that along with a return to " honest sizing ". 

Connections

I was talking with my Mom as I often do on a Sunday morning. I try to call her each Sunday just to check in and stay in touch. We talk about the weather,family,old times and what's going on in general. Neither of us live in East Hampton anymore but I read the East Hampton Star newspaper online. I'll pass any information along I get from there on to her. Mom doesn't do the internet or computers in general. I also belong to a group on Facebook dedicated to the goings on in East Hampton by us that are exiled from our childhood homes. We still have a few patriots embedded among the local population. It was through this group that I  learned of the passing of an old friend. Naturally I shared this sad news with Mom.
That''s when Mom started talking about the life of this man. She had known him well. She attended school with him. Living in a small town and hearing all the gossip she knew quite a bit about him. I only knew him as the owner of the sporting goods store. A very friendly man that didn't mind us kids hanging around his store admiring all the goods. He had baseball gloves and bats. He had fishing equipment and bows and arrows. A display case with gleaming knives. All the things young boys love to drool over. At least we did back in the day. Of course,he was much more than that. And Mom started making all the connections. The store he owned was purchased from two men. One of those men had a daughter named Doris. She grew up to be a Doctor. A Pediatrician. Took care of my siblings and I. The other man lived on the corner of the same street as my Great Grandfather. I have a photo of this man standing in a rowboat after the hurricane of 1938. The streets had all flooded and this rowboat is in the front of his home. And he didn't have waterfront property.
 As Mom talked on it occurred to me how we are all connected in a small town. Each affected by the others actions or lack of action. Personal and business relationships. Fact and gossip intermingle. Years pass and we tend to forget. Or do we ? Each one of us carry this information within us. We use it to form our own opinions and influence our prejudices. I could hear that in Mom's conversation. Nothing mean or hateful being said but opinions being expressed. The view from her standpoint.
I am not what you would call socially connected. I pretty much stay to myself and my family. Probably has something to do with the New England mentality. I know very little of my neighbors. I know very little of their past. They know nothing about me. I am forming connections here but it takes many years to form those deep connections that Mom shares with me. Once the grandchildren are grown and start their lives I'll know my roots are taking hold. Connections will be formed.   

Singing Once Again

I purchased an old cuckoo clock at a yard sale. It was mostly intact, just needs new hands, a weight and a set of bellows. I carefully removed the face and back to gain access to the movement. I removed the movement from the case and cleaned and oiled it. Not being an expert on clocks it certainly looked like everything was there. So I placed it back in the case and began experimenting with the weight and pendulum. The pendulum I made from an old dowel rod I had in the attic. Having done some reading on the subject via Google I figured it should be about seven inches long. The weight to drive the mechanism was a different matter altogether. I found no data to tell me how much weight should be used, so I started just using fishing sinkers. From looking at other weight driven clocks I knew the weight should be fairly heavy. After adding about a pound or so it began to tick. It took the better part of a day,on and off, to get it to this stage.
Before proceeding further I want to make sure it stays running. I have temporarily mounted this clock on a door frame. It is nothing to look at being mostly dismantled but has been happily ticking away for a couple days now. It is a one day clock, meaning you have to " rewind " it every twenty four hours. I've had a few hiccups over the last day or so with it but for the most part it is good to go. So now I'm proceeding with the next phase. Repairing the bellows and mechanism to make it go cuckoo. Not much point in having a cuckoo clock that doesn't cuckoo now is there ? They are quite small being only about an inch wide and an inch and one half long. Finding the proper material for the bellows is proving to be difficult. The size inhibits my choices. I will persevere however. It is just a personal challenge.
As I sit here writing this little blog I can hear the steady tick-tock of that clock. I had forgotten what a pleasant sound it is. It is comforting in its' regularity. Somehow reassuring. We live in a noisy world nowadays. Television ,radio, cell phones playing music. We are seldom without some form of entertainment going on. I enjoy the silence of the morning and the stillness in the evening. A little tick-tock is the perfect accompaniment. Reminds me of simpler times.
At Grandpas house you can hear the sound of a percolator coffee pot brewing a fresh batch and the ticking of the clock. I like to keep the noise down. I've got a hard enough time hearing as it is. Too much noise jangles my nerves. I'm looking forward to hearing a cuckoo. I'll get that bird to singing once again. 

Why

I was asked recently why I write a blog. The truth is I started writing this blog as a journal of my memories and thoughts. I love to talk and tell others my views on everything and anything. Call it my contribution to society. Others may do good deeds, be healers and physicians. Me I offer my thoughts to you. Yeah, I know not much of a gift but it is what I have to offer. To say I do not get enjoyment from it would be a lie. I do. I like the idea of others reading my thoughts and comments and agreeing with me. Don't like it so much when they don't. (LOL)
Then one day a thought occurred to me. Do I have anything important to say ? I've been thinking about that for some time now. I know others would say, "yes, everyone is important " but that is not what I mean. I'm thinking about a profound contribution to the conversation. Something of substance and true value. We often quote famous people. Sometimes, it is the very quote that secured their fame. Think Benedict Arnold. I wonder if I have any quotes in me ? Now their is a lofty thought, don't you think ? Although I think it would be extremely cool if that ever happened. " Well, you know Ben said." And you knew who Ben was.
So now I'm thinkin' I'll keep on writing for another reason. Maybe if I write enough I'll say something of real value. Something more than entertaining. Something thought provoking and contemplative. Scholarly even ! OK, so I get a little carried away at times. I do enjoy the process though and do hope future generations of Reicharts will get some enjoyment from this exercise. And the truth of the matter there is I want to attempt to secure my own immortality. You are never really gone as long as someone remembers you ! And I'm writing a few reminders just to be on the safe side ! Better to err on the side of caution.

In another world

I along with millions of others have been enjoying this new fangled " social media " for several years now. I don't do twitter but spend oodles of time on Facebook. At first it was just a diversion. I enjoyed reading the comments left by others. As I became more savvy I joined in myself. Then I started discovering people I actually  knew. Soon I had joined a group formed by those that grew up in my hometown. We all began to connect and share our remembrances. Old photos were shared. As this group grew in size I began to know not just those I had attended school with but their brothers and sisters. Strange how when you are in school a couple years makes such a difference. Two years ahead or behind and I barely know your name. But in this new social atmosphere, free of age bias, we all become acquainted. Following others lives via Facebook postings I feel like I am getting a glimpse into their lives. Paying attention you can begin to get an idea of their personality. I realize you must temper that with the knowledge that not everything you read may be completely straightforward. Nevertheless, I do feel like I have come to know quite a few people  I otherwise would never have known.
Yesterday when I went to check my computer I was met with a sad thing. Another " friend " was facing a serious illness. Over the years this occasionally happens. Just like in real life, in this world of social media tragic events occur. Prayers for recovery, strength and condolences are immediately sent. A community of support is available. In the end it turned out that God had called his newest angel to her reward. I felt a sadness come over me. I never really knew or met this person. Not in a literal sense. Yet I had shared comments and stories with her. I had viewed her pictures and listened to her triumphs. And now she was gone.
I will not mention this person by name. Those that are my friends will know of whom I speak. I will say this event has given me a different perspective. At first it was just a bunch of names and unknown faces. Being a natural skeptic I didn't take any of this too seriously. Now I'm beginning to see the world from a different light.  The world has suffered a loss. And it is a much larger loss than perhaps we would have been aware of twenty years ago. I am surprised by the personal impact I felt. In previous times reading the name of someone you never knew,or possibly never even heard of, passing away was an impersonal fact. But this was more like losing a friend. A friend I knew little of, only what she chose to share. Still that does not diminish my sorrow at her passing. It is truly a new world this social media. Rest in Peace my friend. We will all miss you.

The Day the Music Died

We all know the song American Pie, better known as The Day the Music Died, by Don McLean. It is supposed to be referencing the death of Buddy Holly,The Big Bopper and Richie Valens. Other verses talk about the loss of innocence in American youth. The interpretation of the lyrics is left to the listener. Don McLean has not commented on the meaning and refuses to do so.
I think the music dies for all of us at different times. For me, Disco killed the music. No popular form of music has appeared for me following that debacle. This so called Rap stuff is not even music as far as I'm concerned. Certainly no signing talent is required and isn't that music ? Label me old fashioned and not hip but it stinks ! Occasionally I will hear a catchy tune on the radio as I pass by. A quick novelty though, no more than that.
For my parents the music died with Lawrence Welk and the Champagne music makers. Guy Lombardo and his royal Canadians being the only holdout for a number of years. And of course we lost him too. It is inevitable.
The genre of music lives on however. It does change a little in form and the messages being told in the song. But country music is still country music and classical still classical.  Those forms have endured the test of time. That, old  rock and roll, is living on but has yet to be around long enough to prove itself. I think that it will. Now Disco is only played as a nostalgic kinda joke. No one I know takes it seriously. High heel boots and leisure suits. I will survive. It didn't. I can't see future generations listening to Rap music either. I don't think it will be relevant twenty years from now. And you can't dance to it. All you do to that is pull up your baggy jeans, wave your hands around while making weird finger gestures and grab at your crotch. You're gonna look pretty silly doing that at eighty.
There are those that will speak to the purity of the music. I do agree there is too much electronic assistance going on to suit me. I hear they can alter your voice to keep you on pitch. All sorts of enhancements. I do prefer an acoustic guitar and  unamplified sound. Just the singer and his/her instrument. Well, unless it is rock and roll then that is a necessary part of the performance. Disney has a regular factory of pop stars going on. Those studios are turning out single performers, groups and entire companies of talented kids. I don't deny the talent of the kids, just the manufacturing of the music.
I started writing this yesterday afternoon before I heard the news of Dick Clarks' passing. Now perhaps this entire blog has taken on a different meaning altogether. The exact word to describe it escapes me at the moment. Did I have some future vision ? I think not, but an odd coincidence.
One day the music does stop for us all. We become defined by it. If you are young and listening to the latest thing you are cool. If you are an older person listening to the latest thing, others think you are either amusing or senile ! Music can be young and new. Eventually it grows old. And in the inevitable passage of time it will someday die. But there are timeless examples, classical and country. And in the same vein, Dick Clark was timeless too.

The Recital

My Grand daughters' annual ballet recital is just around the corner. In previous years I have taken her to her lessons and became familiar with the songs being played. I would sit in a separate room so as not to be a distraction and just listen. They always started with the tap routine. I would hear the tapping of those shoes on that hardwood floor. At first the taps where like the sound of twenty carpenters and as the year progressed they would begin to be in unison. Following that was the ballet/dance portion. All I could hear was the music.

You could go outside and peek through the vertical blinds into the studio. I would do that on occasion. You got to see various portions of the program but it was far to difficult to attempt to put it all together. Once during the " season " was parent observation night. On that one night you get to watch. This was also the first year I didn't attend that event.

So this year you could say I'm out of the loop. In years past I was aware of all the happenings and events. I didn't know the exact order of the program but had a good idea about the songs. I would know some dances as well. I'll definitely being attending the recital. I wouldn't miss that for anything. And it will all be new to me. That will be a change. I have mixed feelings about that. On one hand it is nice to be totally surprised but I kinda liked being in the know as well. This year I don't feel like I'm a part of it. Just an observer. An unfamiliar circumstance. I think it is a basic human desire. The desire to be a part of it all. In years past at least I was the driver. Oh well I'm certain the program will be wonderful. I can't wait.

Saving Money

I'm sure you have heard the old saying, " it takes money to make money " well, that should be paraphrased to say " it takes money, to save money."  I'm always seeing all these government incentives to save money. Put a new energy efficient heating systems in your home and get a tax credit. Yeah, right after I pay my fuel bill. Install insulation and get a tax break. Yeah,right after I buy a home. Buy a new hybrid car and get a tax break. Yeah, right after I pay sixty five dollars to fill the tank on the car I already have. I'll start saving my money ! Are you kidding me ?
It is the age old story and I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. The rich get richer and the poor stay poor. I just can't help but wonder what the thought process is. Given the state of the economy perhaps we would be better served offering incentives and savings to the average working men and women. Please note I did say working people. No more entitlements to the welfare recipients and tax breaks for the rich ! Where are the incentives for the person to secure employment at minimum wage ? If you are a single Mom that doesn't make economic sense. You are far better off financially collecting food stamps and all the other government entitlements. One need only sacrifice their pride. Perhaps offering a subsidy if you prove you have a good record at employment, IE: coming to work on time,attendance,and performance, would prove more beneficial to stimulating the economy. Personally I can't see where just giving away some cash does a whole lot in the big picture.
The list of available " freebies " from the government is staggering in it's scope. Everything from free cell phones to tax credits for installing solar panels on your roof. I'm no economic genius, you can tell that by my checkbook, but I do know you can't give away billions of dollars and expect to remain solvent. Seems like half the country wants to work and the other half is standing in line with their hands out.
I fail to see the logic in spending money to save money. It is akin to buying an item on sale that you don't need. Yeah, I got 10% off but spent 90% on an unnecessary thing. All these tax credits, rebates and incentives are just smoke and mirrors. Great for those " who qualify " but not very good for the rest of us. Those shortfalls have to come from somewhere.

Seeing the Light

This is old news and I guess I missed it somehow. In the year 2014, in America, the use of incandescent light bulbs is banned ! No more will you be allowed to waste energy powering up Mr. Edison's invention. No sir. You must buy and use those CFL ones. You know the curly q's that are all made in China. That's right. And they all contain Mercury ! We are not allowed to produce mercury thermometers anymore but the Chinese can produce the light bulbs for us, after all they don't have quite the stringent guidelines that we do. Now there is some job creation for you ! Jobs for the Chinese.
The government started telling me I must wear a seat belt. Then I must wear a helmet. Now I must use only Chinese made CFL bulbs. Obama is telling me I must buy certain insurance. Just what the heck is going on here ? Things are spiraling ( like the pig tails on those bulbs ) out of control. Just who is paying for the energy I use ? I think I am. If I want my old fashioned light bulb I should have my old fashioned light bulb ! At least it doesn't interfere with radio signals, the remote for my television or contain deadly toxins ! Should I drop it I do not have to call a HAZMAT team to clean it up. These new CFL bulbs have a specific disposal procedure. You are not supposed to just throw them away. No, you are supposed to take them to a recycling center for proper disposal. Yeah, I can see that happening. Look on the side of any highway and you can see how people properly dispose of things. Just like your used batteries. You do take them all to the recycling center, don't you ? You know you are supposed too,don't you ? You are not just dropping them in the trash can are you ? Didn't think so.
Like I said this is apparently old news. First I heard of it. On the bright side it is reassuring to know that the government may be going broke, unemployment is at record highs, and gas prices are at the four dollar mark but ,by God, we got those pesky energy using light bulbs taken care of ! Now that was some important piece of legislating to be sure !
I bought one of those bulbs a while back. I've got the jump on them. It is guaranteed for seven years against defects in material and workmanship. I even wrote about it. It is still working but I don't like it. The light isn't the same. I know it's all in my head. I'm going to start hoarding incandescent bulbs. A secret stash. Pssst. Buddy wanna buy a hundred watts ? I know a man. The market should be lucrative. Finally a retirement strategy. You didn't read it here though.

Defining

I suppose as we age we begin to ask ourselves questions. The whys of life . Why did I do this or why didn't I do that. We ask why are we here and does it matter ? All those things that you gave no thought too when you were young. I expect it has always been so. At first everything is new to you. A time of wonder. Then after you settle in for a while it is all commonplace and blase. You go along for years never really paying attention to the big picture. You become encapsulated within your own little world. It is only when you begin to realize that, yes, indeed you are mortal, do you begin questioning  the meaning of the whole deal. I certainly have no answer for that. Perhaps there is no answer. At any rate that is neither here nor there. It just is. And I think I'll just leave it at that.
Another question I think we all begin to ask ourselves is how other people see us. I don't mean as old or young or attractive and unattractive, not seeing us in a physical sense. No, I think we begin to question our own life choices, morals and ethics. Are we really what we think we are ? As sure as the face in the mirror is not always the face others see, I have no doubt our own conceptions about ourselves are different as well. It is a difficult thing to be completely unbiased and truthful, even with yourself. After all, who knows the reasoning behind your choices more than you ? It is quite easy to justify oneself. We all have a bit of conceit in us. We all have pride. We all have secret opinions that we just keep to ourselves.
Each of us live our lives according to our own code. And in each life there is a defining moment. It may come early in life or maybe hours before death. Have you had a defining moment ? Truthfully I would have to answer, No. I can not think of a particular instance that would fall into that category. That I will have one, I don't doubt. That it may have already occurred is a possibility. An interesting thing is to attempt to define yourself. Just you ,to yourself. Not to share with anyone else. It is not an easy task. In the end all I hope for is that I be defined in a simple way, He was a good man. That would be enough. Think I'll work on that.

It's Frustrating

Don't you hate it when you are away from work for a few days, be it a vacation or you had to be somewhere else, and when you return things are just all fouled up ? It recently happened with me and I can't stand it. Why everyone else can't just do things the way I do them (the right way) is beyond me. You would think it would be obvious to others that the operation isn't running as smooth. But no, they just keep muddling along, doing it there way and making the situation worse. Good thing I was only gone for a few days !
I've noticed this phenomena my whole life. When I was in school the other kids didn't do things the right way either. Their book covers were messy and ugly. Mine were neat and really cool looking. My reports were obviously better,although the teachers showed bias. In fact most people have been biased towards me. I think they are just jealous.
Oh, I've met others that feel their way is the best way. Those that think they know it all. But they are wrong ! All they have to do is ask me. I'll be happy to share my knowledge with them. Make their lives and jobs a little easier. Unfortunately, I meet with resistance. And then you have to leave for a few days and well, here we go again.
The world would be such a better place if everyone just agreed with me. If everyone did things the way I do them. If the world would just follow my example. But alas, it is not so. So I'll have to get back to work and straighten the whole mess out. I'm off for the weekend and things will be messed up come Monday morning. It is a never ending battle. I guess it is just my lot in life ! I'll soldier on. It's frustrating though.

Justice

I, along with most of the country have been following the case of Trayvon Martin. Now they have arrested George Zimmerman and charged him with second degree murder. They also say the Feds are looking at the situation and may charge him with a hate crime if it can be proved that race played a factor.
There are a few things that bother me about this whole deal. First the special prosecutor was on television, smiling and almost jovial, saying no outside influence was brought to bear. This lady would have me believe that she didn't feel any pressure from the national media, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, thousands of protesters, not to mention her own political future in reaching a decision to press charges. Right ! Give me a break lady. I'm not saying he shouldn't be charged, I don't know the facts, but that statement is ridiculous.
The second thing that bothers me is how is George Zimmerman supposed to get a fair and unbiased trial ? Not in this country. He has been tried and found guilty by every main stream media outlet their is. The way the whole thing has been portrayed only one conclusion can be reached.
The Federal government is looking into whether race played a factor. Whose race ? Trayvon was an African American and George Zimmerman is multi racial. That part really troubles me. You often hear of hate crimes being prosecuted when it is a white person and a black person. Seldom do you hear about it the other way around. And now they are trying to prove a hate crime between these two. Unless either person is a member of some group dedicated to hate mongering just how do you prove that ? Can we presume to know the mind of another ?
This whole case has been botched up from the beginning. My feeling is now they can be no justice for anyone.  A fair and unbiased trial ? Not likely. If he is found found innocent or even convicted of a lesser charge will Tryvon Martin's family be satisfied ? I doubt it. And then there are always those individuals that just want to stir the pot of hate and intolerance. Those that are looking for any excuse to further their cause.
And so now this sad case is reduced to politics. There are those whose careers will be profoundly affected by this. The special prosecutor, Zimmerman's defense lawyers, judges, detectives and others. The media will be having a feeding frenzy and analyze every move and gesture. Political correctness being the most important factor. Make no mistake about it this case will have little to do with whether George Zimmerman acted out of hate or fear. No this will have to do with everything else but that.

What's your Story ?

Ever meet those people that tell you their life story in the first five minutes of your acquaintance with them ? Working in the grocery it happens to me all the time. Some are older people and I feel that maybe they are just lonely. Others are just talkers I guess. All it takes to start them up is a simple hello or good morning.
Now I admit to being somewhat of a talker. I have been known to express my views and opinions to anyone that will listen. I don't think I spell out my life story to everyone, however. At least I hope that isn't  the case. I do find myself making a conscious effort on occasion to curb my enthusiasm for shooting the breeze. After all, there is work to be done.
I have met those that will follow you around and keep talking away to you. You say hello and it begins. Trying to be pleasant and polite I'll say something complimentary or agree with them. Excusing myself to continue doing whatever it is I'm doing, I find this person in my wake. They have more to say. I've had occasion when it took several attempts to break free. Once I even ducked into the bathroom. He was there when I got out !
I do enjoy listening to people and their stories. It is just that sometimes the information they share is a bit uncomfortable. Details about serious medical conditions, family problems, personal relationships and such things. I just met you , I have no opinion and nothing constructive to say to you about why your ex wife took your money. To say these meetings can be tedious is an understatement.
It takes all kinds to make a world. You gotta love them. It is amusing that this should come from a person that writes a blog every day. The pot calling the kettle black ! Writing it down is different though. Isn't it ?  At least that I keep telling myself. That's my story.

A dream job

I went to a informational meeting last night. The State of Maryland and Caroline County are working together on the Harriet Tubman byway. Harriet Tubman , as you may know, was a famous " conductor " on the underground railway. She lived in and around the Greensboro area. This byway is a route exploring various sites known to have been associated with her and her activities. A representative from the department of tourism gave the presentation. Very informative and knowledgeable. The potential for gain in tourism dollars is exciting. The actual byway will run from Maryland all the way to upstate New York and if all goes well, into Canada as well.
During this presentation she mentioned the training of tour guides. The exact phrasing she used escapes me at the moment. These tour guides ride on the commercial buses and explain what you are looking at. A group has already been trained and is ready to go. When she mentioned that these guides earn $50.00 an hour I admit my attention became a little more intense. Sounds good to me. Sign me up.
I have visited various historical sites over the years. Old Sturbridge village in  Massachusetts and Colonial Williamsburg among others. I have often thought what a wonderful job that would be. To be a part of that as a guide or reenactor. Perhaps it could get toilsome but I would be willing to risk it. I spent some time talking with a man that was a wheelwright at Colonial Williamsburg and it seemed like an ideal job. Working with wood, crafting wagon wheels the old fashioned way. He explained that they made them for sale to other people for restoration projects or even for everyday use.
I can't help but think this tour guide business would be an ideal position for me. I love history and I love to run my mouth. Give me a captive audience and I'm in heaven. Shoot, I'd almost do it for free. I would do it for less than fifty an hour but it would probably make others mad. I hear tell one can become accredited by the U. S. Park service as a guide and really rake in the bucks too. I think gaining a permanet position at some historic site and passing on the knowledge of it would be tremendous. A dream job.
Well, off to work and the real world. The present day. If you ever need a tour of Greensboro let me know. I'll give you a discounted rate. We would have to walk though, pick a sunny day.

Fishin'

They call them bottlefish,blowfish and puffers. Whatever name you use they are delicious little rascals. Mom said they tasted a lot like lobster. I would have to agree. I caught more than my share of them. I had heard that they went away for awhile. Now I hear they are making a return.
I have very fond memories of catching these smaller sized fish. We could catch them with a pole or just using a hand line. The most I ever caught in one day was using a hand line off a rowboat. Just drifting one hundred yards or so off of Sammis beach. Seemed as soon as the line went into the water I had a bite. Putting them in the bucket they would blow up and fill the basket. We would take a knife and pop them so they would deflate. These little fish would also nibble at your toes. Floating on my inner tube from a truck tire my toes were irresistible to them. It didn't hurt at all but would startle you.
I liked these fish for a number of reasons. Easy to catch, they were plentiful, easy to clean and they are delicious. To clean these fish one only needed a tree to drive a nail into and a sharp knife. You skin them much like you would skin a catfish. One slice around right behind the fins and peel that skin off. The skin of this fish has no scales and feels much like sandpaper. It will tear your hands up ! Been there and done that !
After that I would just turn them over to Mom. She would boil them fish and use them to make a salad. I haven't had the pleasure of that salad in over forty years but can still taste it. Similar to a chicken salad but tasting more like lobster. We often called that fish salad a " poor mans Lobster. " On toast with lettuce and tomato, oh man was that " fittin " as the saying went.
All that was a long time ago. I would like to experience all that one more time. I could go catch the fish but doubt if I could make the salad. I must remember to ask Mom about the recipe for that. I don't recall ever eating this fish in any other way. But then again maybe it is best to leave a memory alone. Sometimes that is the case.

All Blowed Up !

Hazed

Occasionally we hear about hazing. Yesterday at Texas stadium the elder players had the rookie " ride " a stuffed horse and carry a backpack to the bullpen. All in good fun. A stark contrast to the hazing on the bus that lead to the death of that young man in the marching band. During my Navy years I was subject to hazing every time I changed commands. Sort of a" welcome aboard " type thing. These rituals have all been officially outlawed. I'm willing to bet that at least some still continue. Some of these hazing practices did carry a risk of injury. I personally never felt like I was in an great danger. Keep in mind you are talking about young men here. Aged 18 to 25 or so for the most part. After you had been in the service for eight or ten years the hazing took on a different complexion. It became more in the lines of a practical joke.
How or why hazing gets elevated to a level to cause permanent injury or death I can not understand. Never happened to me or anyone I served with. Oh, we had a few that cried and complained about it. Needless to say their complaints were not met with caring and understanding. Those emotions don't usually enter an 18 to 25 year old male mind. But that was back in the day. Different times and different attitudes. There were different things you could expect and you just had to deal with it. Putting up some resistance was expected and some force was used. These actions by both parties were tempered. As I said I never saw it get out of hand.
In some ways it was a good thing. The men you were working with got an idea of your character. Were you a good sport ? Did you " play " fairly ? It was a means of gaining acceptance into a fraternity of sorts. Each division on the ship had its' own hazing practices based on the occupation. The deck hands were a rough bunch and so were the engineers. I belonged to the later. If you were an engineer you should expect grease to be involved in the " welcome aboard " package. I won't say exactly were it was placed but you didn't " squeek " when you walked after that.
All that was years ago now. We have moved forward. All these hazing rituals have been outlawed. Violators are in for some serious consequences. Back in my time no one got hurt. The only thing that may be damaged was your pride. You quickly learned however that nobody was immune. You also learned that no matter how big and bad you thought you were you were going down. Seen a few epic struggles in my time. The big man always went done. Of course no weapons of any kind were ever used. No excessive force. Just could clean fun. How did this change ?
Crybabies and complainers that's how. All this touchy feely stuff now days. A polar shift to the genteel. Political correctness. Dignity should be learned and respect earned. You are not born with those qualities. Character requires development. You can not learn those things in school. Conversely they cannot be taught. Life will teach you those things if you are allowed to live it. I think we are becoming too restrictive in our ways. Too many rules.
It is a complex issue to be sure. Still I'll say this. Nothing wrong with a little good clean fun. I'm waiting to see if any groups wants to take issue with this hazing on the baseball field. I won't be surprised if they do.

Taste

There are those that have expensive tastes. I'm not one of them. Yesterday while at the grocery store I decided to try some fresh ground Mills Brothers coffee. They sell sample bags that is enough for one pot. I was at the Dover Air Force base commissary and the price was $1.25. What the heck I'll give it a try. There were about twelve different blends to choose from. I read each name and wondered about each one. Hazel nut didn't seem appealing. I like hazel nuts just don't think I want them in my coffee. Chicory ? Unless I'm mistaken that isn't anything but tree bark. Well, I just went and settled on Breakfast Blend. I drink most of my coffee in the morning and they didn't really say what the blend consisted of. Probably better off not knowing that. I noticed the price per pound was $7.99. To me that's expensive. But for that price you do get to grind your own.
So here it is Easter morning and I'm having my Mills Brothers breakfast blend coffee. It is not an unpleasant tasting coffee. To sum it up, it's alright. My everyday Folgers classic roast is better however. I've tried that Starbucks coffee too and wasn't impressed. Dunkin' Donuts isn't all that either. I figure it has to do with expensive tastes. Guess I'm just a plain person. I take my coffee black,no sugar. The best cup is an old ceramic mug with a few chips in the rim.
These tastes run to other things as well. Give me a plain chunk of beef on the grill. A potato. Them fancy expensive foods don't taste like much to me and you never get enough on your plate. Cracker Barrel is a bit pricey but at least you get enough to eat. When it comes to pictures hanging on the wall I want the one where you can tell what it is. Those expensive ones all look like the artist spilled his paint bucket. You can get some mighty good art at the sale at the Holiday Inn.
Well this cup of coffee isn't bad but I'll not be buying it by the pound. I'll stick with the Folgers, thank you. I will admit to buying a cheaper store brand coffee and found that to be awful. They say you get what you pay for. I guess that is true but you don't have to pay the most that you can either. More expensive isn't always better. 

Hindsight

With the changing of the seasons we also change. We change our wardrobe,our schedules and for most of us our attitudes. We prepare for the season. Depending upon your location and lifestyle these changes and preparations can be drastic or subtle. They have also changed over the years.

I was thinking about this and remembering. When I was young and living on Long Island many men would be caulking their boats this time of year. The boats were mostly wooden so that task was necessary. I expect that is getting to be a lost art nowadays. I remember Dads boat sitting in the yard on stilts. You have to take the boat off the trailer to caulk her up proper. Scraping and painting ,at least the bottom, followed that operation. I can't imagine what warnings would be on those cans of bottom paint now. It was good stuff but I'm sure by today's standards quite toxic.

Just about this time of year we would be taking down the storm windows and putting in the screens. Another ritual mostly gone. When I was real little Mom would take the throw rugs outside and beat them. That was part of spring cleaning. She would get help and take the area rugs out too. Hang them over the clothesline, or if too heavy for that, the fence. She had a rug beater and would give them a good thrashing. Mom said before vacuum cleaners they used to do that all the time. Now that is spring cleaning !

As for me I would be looking for my fishing pole. I know I had several but over the winter they would try to hide. I always found them, sometimes hiding with the clam rake. You had to blow up your inner tube and check for leaks. Seems every year at least one patch got added. For those of you that may not know, you need the inner tube to float your clam basket. I'd tie that tube to my waist while clamming, everyone did. That's how it's done.

The bicycle was rounded up and got ready. Check the tires and grease the chain at least. It had sat under the tree all winter. We didn't have a garage. And that was about it for my spring preparations. We didn't have air conditioning so the windows pretty much stayed open until the fall. Listening to the whip or wills and tree frogs at night became the norm. I could hear an occasional car or truck passing in the night but that was unusual. We didn't live close to the main road. 

All that has changed. No boat,no clam rake, storm windows are aluminum and the carpets are wall to wall. Have air conditioning so the windows pretty much stay closed. I live close to the main drag and hear trucks and cars all the time. I don't have to mow the grass anymore, I live in an apartment. 

Yes things have changed but as the kids today say, It's all good. I'm still grateful for the changing of the seasons. Some chores I don't miss at all. Scraping the bottom of a boat is not fun. Go with the flow I always say. Hindsight, they say, is twenty twenty, but often it is also distorted just a bit. I long for some of the old ways and things but they ain't all I remember them to be either. If I think and remember hard enough and am honest about it, it wasn't that much fun !

Fight or Flight

There have been many calls to repeal the law allowing you to defend yourself. The so called " stand your ground " law. Those that would support this say it is confusing and often misunderstood. Yeah,well so is the tax code and that isn't getting repealed and I think a few of us would support that measure. Needless to say I disagree with repealing this basic right. Are we going to give the criminals more power and rights ? As if they don't have enough protection right now ? We are not going to be allowed to protect ourselves ? I realize they are talking about the use of lethal force. Now, unless I am an expert in self defense, I may tend to get carried away that is true. But it is not just the use of a gun that can cause lethal action. Rocks,sticks,a baseball bat or any number of things I may get my hands on can do some serious damage, believe me. If you are attempting to rob,beat or rape me expect me to use whatever force necessary. I will not be concerned with being fair or the rules of engagement.
I seriously wonder about the mentality of anyone that thinks otherwise. Just what world did they grow up in ? I grew up in America. The land of the free and the home of the brave. The criminals in this country should fear me, the average citizen. I should not have to live in fear of them. I will not write or repeal laws to encourage their deviant behavior. I believe I have the right to defend myself by all means necessary ! The fight or flight response is born into all of us. I'm not much on running. I'm not saying  I'm a " bad " dude but given an equalizer, I can be formidable when attacked.
I can't put it any plainer than that. To think that it would be against the law to defend yourself is ludicrous. To expect me to just throw my hands up and surrender is crazy. If it comes to that I'm serving notice right now, I will not obey this law and will break it whenever and wherever necessary. I will defend my ground.
To those that would argue this point. I know this law is presently in 28 states and I assume the rest do not. I do not know if Maryland has this law or does not have this law. Doesn't matter. Read the above again !

Uncertainty

I'll never write a book on this subject but have been known to offer advice on it. I have been known to expound upon others lack of skill in this area. I can be quick to point out what I feel is the correct method. It is a topic of hot debate among generations. It has been discussed and analyzed since the beginning of time. I thought I would offer, as a public service, my take on the subject. And what is this subject ? Child Rearing ! That's right the raising of children.
I can break it down for you in four easy steps. Fear, Respect, Risk and Reward. It is that simple. Everything else a child needs will come from that formula. Allow me to explain.
First a child should be " just that much afraid " of the parent. Not a paralyzing fear nor a menacing fear, more of an uncertain kind of fear. I hear the threats and he/she just might follow through on that threat. Old people will embarrass you in public without hesitation. Parents can be stubborn. Here's an example. Say I am considering doing something I know to be wrong. I consider it but "that fear" creeps in. I don't want to find out if Dad's size nine foot will really fit where he says he will put it. That is a good fear.
Respect will come out of the fear. Fear is a reaction to the unknown. Respect comes from knowing how someone will respond to certain actions. If you are consistent, respect follows. How often have you heard someone say, " I don't agree, but I respect that "? Works the other way too. Remember you have the power. Power can breed fear or foster respect. It all depends on how that power is used.
Let me explain about risk and reward. Think back to the analogy of " that fear " of where Dad may or may not place his size nine foot. I could have chosen to do the wrong thing but the risk was great. The reward for that action would not be a pleasant one. Not worth the risk.
You see you only have to place " that fear " ,doubt or uncertainty in a child's mind when they are very young to help guide them to the proper choices. Be consistent. The risk and reward system must never change. Forcing them to weigh whether the risk is actually going to be worth the reward.
Quite simple really. So DR. Phil what do you have to say about that ! 

Excuses

Now I hear that Autism in America is on the rise. Seems like this is just another in a long line of diseases and maladies that are on the rise. Whereas you have to empathize with those that suffer from any sort of medical issues these reports leave me wondering. How much is truth, how much is the drug companies trying to make a buck and how much is people looking for excuses.
A number of these ailments that are on the rise have no explanation. The scientists are baffled. Some make claims to having more knowledge now, so that is why it is being recognized. Others are searching for answers in our food supply,air quality and in the drugs we take. Haven't heard of any just saying maybe some of these cases on the rise are not real. Perhaps some people are receiving this diagnosis from the doctors to just silence them. The doctors just get tired of hearing the complaints and make a diagnosis.
In my humble opinion a lot of people are looking for excuses. For everything that doesn't go their way they make an excuse. We are becoming a country of spoiled little brats. I feel sad, give me drugs to make me happy. I can't seem to get along with others, must be a medical reason for that because it can't be my fault. Excuses and more excuses. Pride and dignity are taking a back seat to perseverance and hard work.
I'm not saying these conditions don't exist. I'm not saying we have not made advances in medicine and the treatment of mental illness. What I am saying is we are too quick to reach for the easy way out. Instead of holding people accountable for their own actions, we attempt to modify their behavior artificially.
I'm saying that sometimes we feel sad. Sometimes we have aches and pains. Some of us are just not too sharp. We are not all the same. We have different personalities.
The things I see different with this new generation are this. No accountability. Don't spank children, don't yell at them and for heavens sake don't discipline them. Don't hold them accountable for their actions, give them a second chance. And if that doesn't work give them a third. If the offensive behavior continues find an excuse and medicate them. If you can't medicate the problem away, sue somebody ! Everyone gets a medal for everything.
Some things are just what they appear to be. It is as simple as that. Let us not get the idea that we know it all. There are bad apples, the cause is not so important to understand. It just is.The only thing to do for it is to cut it out. I know it sounds a bit harsh. Well life is harsh and all what you make it. You can not diagnosis that away. You can not medicate it away either. I'm growing tired of the excuses.

The Truth

Last night I attended our monthly meeting of the historical society. We elected new officials for the year and had a guest speaker. This guest speaker, Ms Irma Harper, is an author and researcher. She presented evidence to substantiate a claim that a gentleman named Peter Rich is the true founder of Greensboro. Popular belief  has been giving credit to a Peter Harrington. Of local interest to be sure. 

Listening to this lady speak I couldn't help but think how she could effect a change. There are signs posted stating that Peter Harrington is the founder of Greensboro. Historical markers placed by the state. Our former Mayor is a member of the society and stated he had a speech regarding Peter Harrington. He told how he gave this speech every founders day and now that speech isn't valid.

This lady also described herself as a researcher. She didn't spell out her qualifications. I have no idea if she had any formal training. She is also an author. She has published at least one book. I'm not certain if it was published at her own expense or funded by a publishing house.

That left me with a few questions. If you pay to have your own book published does that make you an author ? I suppose by a strict definition anyone writing anything is an author. What I mean is would it be misleading to call yourself an author if you are paying to have your work published ? I hear that used a lot these days. I have paid to have my blogs printed in a book, does that make me an author ? I think not. Not unless a publishing house pays me for my work and people actually buy it. That's what I think anyway. As far as being a researcher I think anyone can do that. All it takes is curiosity,patience and persistence. Checking and double checking all the facts. I'm thinking it is a lot easier to do today with the internet, than in the past.

It is really not a matter of importance. She was an engaging speaker and I appreciated her efforts. The evidence she presented made sense and I would have to agree with her conclusion. Perhaps one day she will be formally recognized for discovering the true origins of Greensboro. 

That's Different

An unusual day. I don't have much to say this morning. The news is just boring and disgusting me. April fools day has come and gone. The weather is nothing to look forward too. It is Monday and the beginning of another work week. Guess you could say I am uninspired.
Well I'm sure something will come along during the day to stimulate my thoughts. It always does. The public in general can be amusing. I'm quite sure I can cause some amusement for others as well. Each of us with our own ways and foibles.
This is what I guess you would consider a slow news day. I was up late last night watching Wrestlemania at my sons house. A tremendous sports entertainment spectacular. Maybe that is why I am having a time trying to express my thoughts. Burned out. LOL Not often I stay up until after eleven o'clock.
So now it's off to see what the day will bring. Enjoy.

Gramp

On April 1st we all say Aprils fools day ! It is all in good fun. For me April 1st is always Great Grandfather Floyd Lesters birthday. He was born on this day in 1878. He was born in East Hampton and that is where he passed away. As far as anyone knows the farthest away from home he ever went was Montauk. I have a postcard with him on it advertising the Maidstone Taxi. Standing proudly next to his horse and wagon. That turned out to be a failed venture. At various times his occupation is listed as farmer and clerk. He never went in the military but registered for the draft in WW1 and WW2.
I know that he delivered groceries for Ralstons store in East Hampton. So, he had a drivers license at one time. I never saw him drive a car and rarely did he ride in one. He enjoyed his cigars. He chewed on them more than smoked them. Always dressed in a three piece suit. He carried a cane as well.
Gramp, as we all called him passed in August of 1968. Ninety years is a good long life. I still miss him and every April fools day I say Happy Birthday Gramp ! And that is no joke.