Informal

I've written about this subject before but it is on my mind again. The change in manners, in general. Most noticeably the informality. Have you noticed most people call the President, Obama. Mitt is running against him. Condi has checked into the debate. All these names rolling off our tongues like they are old friends.
Was a time when speaking about someone on a first name basis meant that they were close friends of yours. Others were Mr or Mrs. Over time we started name dropping. Celebrities were first. We knew Marilyn, Lucy, Groucho and others. We started with nick names too, The Duke comes to mind. We spoke of those people like we knew them personally. I guess on some level we did. But it has escalated to just about everyone. Even some children addressing their parents by their first names. Well, I don't like it. I think it is a sign of disrespect and a lack of proper manners. All this informality I find disturbing.
I expect a psychologist or sociologist could explain it all. It has to do with shifting attitudes and social strata. How we all feel as though we are equals and manifest this in our speech patterns. The struggle of the lower class to perceive themselves as equal to the ruling class. I'm sure they could write an entire thesis on the subject. I think it is nothing more than a lack of manners and respect for our fellow man. I was taught if the person was older than you, you never addressed them by their first name. If it was a person in authority, you addressed them accordingly. Sir or Ma'am was always appropriate.
Being civil is how I would describe it. Living in a society. Addressing one another with respect and exercising discretion in our words. Because not only have we become far too informal, our choice of words, especially adjectives, is questionable at best. Far from bringing us closer together this is driving us apart. At least in years past we feigned civility. Good Morning Mr. or Mrs. instead of, hey bob this is some &#$*(^  weather.
I miss the kinder gentler world of my youth. The time when Father did know best and Mr. and Mrs. Cleaver brightened our days. Dirty laundry stayed at home. Courtesy and politeness is becoming unusual instead of the norm. They say things go in cycles. I hope that is true and we cycle back soon. 

Chain Letters and Guilt trips

I and millions of others around the world enjoy this social media,we call Facebook. For the most part the posts are interesting or funny. There are the sad ones that tell of lose. And there are the appeals for support. But the ones becoming more prevalent and annoying to me are those chain letters (posts) and the guilt trips. Believe me, I've heard enough guilt trips in my life already. I have a Mother and a wife !  In my younger days I'll even admit to self inflicted guilt,waking up to realize I'd done something foolish, but we are not going there !
I suppose I'm guilty of just not caring or having the proper amount of empathy. I don't always repost,even though you think you know who will, or will not, do so. Sometimes, I don't care if you do know. If I posted everything I saw about that, for just an hour, that's all that would be on. Is there a point to all of that ? Do I really need to post that I wish we could cure cancer ? And just how long is National " insert cause here " month ? I get those every day and have for several months. Mostly it is the same cause. And I really don't believe anyone is getting anything every time I click like. Label me a skeptic, call me uncaring but I'm not buying that. So guess what, no clicks for you !
Years ago, back in the reaches if time, we would occasionally get a chain letter. These letters would just arrive mysteriously and threaten our happiness. If they were not forwarded within a set amount of time, doom and gloom time, baby. I threw every one of those chain letters in the trash. I'm here and I'm typing. Of course, maybe if I hadn't thrown them out and forwarded them all diligently, my life would be different today. Maybe I would be living in a mansion on a hill, just rolling in money. Fame,wealth and happiness may have been mine, but I threw it anyway. Well maybe the fame and wealth part anyway. I'm a pretty happy guy.
Now these posts pop up to threaten me once again. I Support adding a "ignore " button. I have no comment. I don't dislike the sentiment but feel no need to share either. So, I just want to ignore it. Thing is those chain letters and guilt trips are persistent rascals. I know I should be deeply concerned with the endangered walla walla bug and they need my support and I feel guilty for not sharing and caring. I should be pressing like to feed the homeless Veterans all day, every day. I should be reposting all these things to show the world my caring and compassionate side. To show all of Facebook what a caring and loving person I am but I don't.
Oh the shame and guilt of it all. Now, where is that ignore button.

Window to the World

The other day I was reading a blog written by one of my " hometown " friends. She mentioned taking a vacation and a group that had formed many years ago called the " Ramblers ". As I understand it, this group of ladies would choose an area to explore. One of the ladies would do the research and present  a report on it the others. In this way " rambling " the globe to all the exotic places they knew they would never actually visit. This group,I am told, is still active. What a wonderful idea.
My own Great Grandmother had a vast collection of those " View Master " slides of locations throughout the world. She passed when I was only two years old. I am told that she spent many hours looking at those slides and imagining herself there. I myself, can remember looking at those pictures. Putting the reel in and pressing down on a bar in the back to illuminate the slide. The pictures were beautiful and it was easy to see yourself there. Great Grandmother Lucy surely must have enjoyed them. I couldn't help but wonder if maybe she had been a member of those " ramblers " at one time. She was active in the community. That she had an interest in Genealogy is certain and preserving the past.
My Great Grandfather told me he would order those slide packets for her. In her last years she was bedridden and suffered much. Those pictures were her escape. I am told how excited she would be to receive a new set. I can't help but think how much that must have really meant to her. I also can't help but think what if she had had the internet ? How much exploring could she have done then ? What an amazing resource for information and pictures of places around the world.

My Great Grandfather having been long past now and his home sold I do not know what  happened to those slides. Perhaps my Aunt Jessie saved them. Sadly I never knew Aunt Jessie and she too has passed. What became of those items ? A mystery I'll never solve. I like to think they are saved somewhere. They were her window to the world. 

Pride and Dependence

There are times in everyone's life when it becomes necessary to swallow ones pride and accept some help. Whether it is with personal problems or financial issues. In years past this option wasn't taken quite so often as it is today. Today it seems like instead of people just swallowing their pride they are feasting upon it ! They are not just accepting that help but demanding it. I, for one, can't help but wonder how that came to be.  My Grandmother always told me, "  God helps those, who help themselves." That lesson has stayed with me all my life. She would also say, be beholding to no one but your God. Words to live by.
Erosion is slowly eating away at our society. The false security of government provided assistance which can only lead to dependence. And with dependence comes subjugation. I blame no one particular political party for this. This fault comes from within. When we, as a society come to accept this as normal, that is the problem. And in my opinion we are making this very option more appealing with each passing year. Like overprotective parents we are spoiling our children. In the name of caring and compassion we are destroying their pride.
The very standard for moral and ethical behavior is being changed. There is much talk of this in recent years. It is my belief we are a Christian nation, although there are those that would deny that. There are those that figure on an intellectual level they are much brighter. There are those that claim the framers of the constitution intended otherwise. I can not agree. And therein lies my basic problem. I'm operating on a different set of values. I find it difficult to understand this new morality. I'm not the first to feel this way. The Pilgrims had the same issues. I do feel compelled to try to persuade others to my line of thought. All of us do. That is a natural and normal thing to do.
They say you have to hit bottom before you can return to the top. I personally don't believe that. You can reverse your descent at any time. It all depends on how much you are enjoying the fall. If the fall is a pleasant one the incentive to change direction is small. Perhaps that is what is needed, making the fall a little more uncomfortable. Perhaps instead of teaching it is alright to fall we should teach it is desirable to rise.  

Homes of Honor

I am fortunate to have in my possession a document, albeit not the original, but a copy of the writings of my Great Uncle Alfred. This man emigrated to the United States in search of a better life. He found it. In reading his words it gave me an appreciation for the hardships he had to endure but more importantly the optimism he had his entire life. He came to this land with the hope of the future and was richly rewarded. He was rewarded through his own efforts and perseverance. No government hand outs,bailouts or assistance. Just a poor immigrant striving for a better way of life. He arrived with a wife, a child and four dollars in cash. Yet he wrote," I arrived with a glad heart."
The story is not a very long one but filled with information. More important to me however is the fashion in what he said. He wrote eloquently and knew how to turn a phrase. He tells of his ancestors and his search for his own roots. And he states the reason for doing so, " my children and my childrens' children have the scared right to know something of their forebears." His concern was having moved to the United States his children would lose touch with their Nordic roots. The writing ended in 1934. Uncle Afred could not have imagined the resources available today in that regard. He was an engineer and designer of machinery for the book binding industry. He held several patents.
There is one passage in his writings that I particularly enjoyed. I would like to share that passage with you. I find the words both  humbling and inspiring.
" Many have set down their family history to indicate how brilliant an ancestry they have. I write to show how humbly we began and what we have attained. I believe my descendants in time to come will feel as satisfied to be a part of a rising family as to sit back and glory over the has been-- I would say to my children, and children's children in generations to come that though our cradles were rocked in humble homes, they were homes of honor and that the God-given gift to improve the family destiny never suffered a setback-- although for generations it may have lain dormant. We rested not on the shoulders of wealth made by someone else-- striving instead to excel at what our hands have found to do. "

The words ring true and speak to all men. Words to live by. We have much to learn from the past. The old folks were not so easily detoured from their courses. Less distraction perhaps or was it more of a necessity. There were no safeguards against failure. You got what you earned. Effort in, equals results out.
And most important, in my opinion,is his statement, " though our cradles were rocked in humble homes,they were homes of honor. " A noble sentiment.  It is my hope the same can be said of my life and my home.
Thank you Uncle Alfred.

Great Uncle Alfred and family

The romantic past

As I was looking at some old photographs and reading some posts it occurred to me what a strange thing life really is. We look back at the things we used to do and romanticize them. Especially everyday things like our  occupation or daily chores. We speak of what we used to do and say how much we enjoyed it. And how much better things were back then. How is it we come to think that way ?
If we are honest with ourselves we know that isn't the case at all. There was little romance in the things we did. We did them simply to get by. To make a living and provide for ourselves and our families. They were often hard and uncomfortable. Subject to the whims of mother nature. We often couldn't wait to be done with whatever task we were doing. Ready for quitting time.
Later on poets write about it. Painters depict stirring scenes and old photographs are framed. We speak of how majestic it all was. Defying death itself and speak of the struggles. Were it only true as it happens. How exciting would be our days. But it is not so. Life, as it is being lived, is often boring. More so in the modern world I think. Maybe that explains the rise in popularity of those extreme sports. Seeking out the thrills. In the past those same thrills were an everyday thing. So we invented,improved and tailored our world. We made it better. And then we long for what we had. Man has always done so and it will never change.
So consider what you are doing today. What stories will you tell later on. Stories about the time your computer crashed or you were denied internet access. Stories of how you struggled by on only fifty thousand a year. No environmental control system in your home. Remember those cars that wouldn't park themselves ? Ah, but progress is being made and the future is bright. Solar powered one might say. Some things will never change.

School Days

The wife and I went to the middle school with our grand son last night. It was orientation. We arrived early to allow time for the purchase of his P.E. gear. Twenty bucks for shorts and a tee shirt. Mandatory. A far cry from my own school days. We just selected a pair of shorts out of this huge bin they had at school. Some were fairly new and others had been in use I think since the school opened. Tee shirts were,well, your tee shirt. Almost every guy wore a tee shirt back then. If not you just brought a white tee shirt from home and kept it in your gym locker.
Then we got his schedule and proceeded to locate all his classrooms. The teachers were there to greet us.They were all dressed in kakai slacks and black polo shirts. The shirts had the school mascot on them, a wildcat. A little less formal than I like teachers to be dressed but I'm old school. Given the age of those  teachers that uniform is probably formal attire for them. Whether this is what they wear daily or just for this occasion I don't know. They must all be exceptional to have earned a teaching degree at such a young age.
Following that was the actual orientation lecture given by the principle of the school. She too was dressed in the same uniform. A very nice and energetic lady. This took place in the cafeteria and was very hot and crowded. They did have an overhead projector set up but not a single transparency ! Darn thing was hooked to a laptop and projected images the same way, quite mysterious. They even used a wireless microphone. Pretty hi tech stuff. She introduced the entire teaching staff and office personnel. She spoke about the bus schedule, attendance policy and bullying. Extra time and emphasis was spent on the bullying issue. Another sign of the times. That and a small portion was spoken in Spanish.
Some time was spent talking about the hall lockers. This part I found amusing. School begins on Monday and the students will receive a hall locker. Instructions for opening that locker ( a combination lock ) are printed out for them to study. Monday and Tuesday the teacher will assist the students in opening their locker. If, on Wednesday, they can successfully open their locker on their own, they can begin using it. These students are beginning sixth grade not kindergarten. Can it be that difficult ? As I remember we were just given the combination and told to have at it. I don't recall a training session on it. Times change I suppose and we wouldn't want  to cause undue stress and pressure on our students. As I said,amusing.
The orientation was wrapped up and we were all dismissed. I did note that my wife and I were probably the only grand parents in attendance. Perhaps school has outgrown us. Or is it that the grand son has outgrown us ? Not that he minded at all, he doesn't but we stuck out a bit. Not that we couldn't have been parents.
It is just that we have been there and done that.
Now we just have to wait for Monday. Well except we go to the elementary school tonight to meet our grand daughters teacher. We still have that. And we will be welcomed and expected there. And time marches on.

What's he doing ?

For the last few months I have taken to walking to work. It is not all that far and is really a pleasant little walk. Down hill half the way and over the bridge across the river. I say good morning to any I should meet along the way. I see the geese grazing in the park. I have been fortunate in that the weather has been good and not too many rainy days. Gives a man time to think away from the distractions of television and the computer. A time to " smell the roses " as it were. I've noticed a few more people waving to me as they pass.
I am becoming an accepted part of the morning.
A lot of us,myself included, tend to think that people aren't paying much attention. I am coming to learn that is far from the truth. While at work, in the grocery store, I have had many people say, aren't you the one walking ? Or I've seen you walking. I've had them ask questions like, is your car broken ? Some have even insinuated that perhaps I had trouble like I was poor or somehow ran afoul of the law. All manner of inquiries. Funny thing is no one yet guessed the real reason. I just wanted too. That's right. I'm not doing it for exercise. My car isn't broken. I still have a valid drivers license. No troubles with the law. I just feel like walking to work.
I have told people this and now I'm afraid I'm getting a label. Eccentric ! I getting to be considered as an eccentric. Why else would you walk to work ? I'm thinking I should get a walking stick and maybe wear one of those Swiss hats with the big feather. If they want eccentric I would hate to disappoint. Seriously though I do find it amusing. The simple fact is I like walking to work, most mornings. It is nothing more than that. I am fortunate that I live close enough to make that possible. I am lucky that I am not bound that closely to the time clock either. Five or ten minutes one way or another makes no difference.
I don't get eyed as suspiciously as when I first began. I receive a few more nods and tentative waves. I'm starting to become part of the morning. A familiar sight. It takes time for people to accept and adjust to changes. This man walking now, what is he up to ? Why ? Is he trouble ? More people have been watching than I originally thought. And in a way that thought is comforting in itself. Maybe the world really is a smaller place than we know. 

Waiting

Did you ever feel like you were waiting for something ? Not sure what it is or if it affects you directly ?  That's the way I've been feeling. A little anxious and impatient. Or perhaps pensive is a better adjective.  Is it age ? I recently had a birthday. No, I don't think that is it. I feel healthy enough. No tragedies have befallen me. Still, I feel like something is going to happen.
I do think that whatever is going to happen is going to be a good thing. I don't have a sense of foreboding. I just wish something would happen ! Feels like my world has become a little stagnant. Not that I'm unhappy with my little world , but perhaps it is lacking a little spice. It is just tough to put a finger on it.
There is the possibility that whatever is about to happen will not effect my world directly. But if that were the case why would I feel the way I do ? I'm no medium. At least not that I know of. Are you born a medium or do you somehow learn to become one ? OMG , Am I a closet medium ? Nah, I can't tell what I'm having for supper, let alone the fate of anyone else.
I just wish this feeling would pass. It is not a mood, moods don't last this long. This is a nagging feeling. I don't feel compelled to action but rather to inaction. Strange. And so I write this. Perhaps the inaction is spurring an action. Life sure is complicated sometimes. Guess I'll have another cup of coffee and wait to see what happens !

A new routine

The soccer season begins tonight. My grandson has his first practice. For me, that is the signal. Summer is effectively over. School begins here on the 27th. Changes in routine. Not long before dance classes begin again either. Labor day coming up and Halloween not far behind. It is all going so fast. Whoa ! How can that be ?
Grandma has been getting the kids off to school since pre-school days. Walking them to the bus through wind,rain,sleet and snow. Through extreme cold and heat. This year Mark will be going to the bus,alone. Leaving earlier than previous years and catching the bus at the end of the street where he lives. No more coming to Grandmas' house in the morning. No more Grandma walking to the bus stop and keeping him company. No more Grandma making sure he has everything.
His sister Morgan will still be coming to Grandmas' in the morning. So it is not cold turkey for Grandma. I'm betting Morgan will feel a little sad though. She has ridden the bus with her brother every day she has gone to school. The occasions when Mark was not with her have been very few. It will be a big adjustment for her.
This school year will be altogether different. The kids are uncomfortable and so are we. All the usual and familiar routines disrupted. Anxious is the best way to describe it. We are all anxious. Parents and Kids anxious and Grandparents topping the list ! Grandparents definitely get more anxious and concerned than parents do. After all, parents aren't anything but big kids themselves ! At least that is the way I see it. This is serious business.
No one ever told me being a Grandparent was this emotionally draining. You have to constantly monitor the situation. It is not easy being the go between. The stand between the realities of life and time and cushion and prepare the Grandchildren. Their parents have their own ideas on how to raise them. You have to consider that, I suppose. Grandparents know better, but you can't tell them that. Parents think they know. And then you have to let the kids make some choices for themselves. Why they don't just listen and follow your advice I'll never understand. Have I ever led them wrong ? I don't think so. Life isn't about being in style or being cool. And the music I listen too is the best kind of music. Movies rated above "G" are probably just trash. Why the greatest movies of all time are rated ' G ". Just sayin'.
I can't wait for all this to pass. I know it will and a new normal will emerge. A new routine. But it is taking a toll.   

Atlas and LaLanne

I'm not sure how the conversation started, but I got to talking about the fitness thing. I got to thinking about my parents and how they did not exercise. In fact I thought it funny to even imagine my dad in sweatpants or Mom in a workout outfit. If you are a baby boomer, you know what I mean. There was a reason for this. It had to do with lifestyle and convenience. They worked hard and didn't have the conveniences we take for granted today. In fact, a little extra weight showed that you were successful. Politicians,bankers and businessmen. The ladies had help around the house. Oh, there were the wealthy ones that played tennis and golf. They sported tans and wore shorts or tennis skirts.

The fitness guru's we grew up with and admired were in two categories. Well, was really only two guys and they were different. You had Charles Alas and Jack LaLanne. Charles Atlas was a mans man. He bulked up and got tough for one reason and one reason only. A bully kicked sand in his face and his girl left him for that bully. So he worked out, hunted that bully down and beat him up ! The girl swooned and came running back to him. And that is how it is supposed to be. That was the lesson we learned from Charles Atlas.

Jack LaLanne however appealed to the ladies. He had a daytime show devoted to helping them stay trim and attractive. Although married, he was suspect in the eyes of many guys. Maybe it was those stretchy pants he wore or his manner of speech. After all, he was French. And he wore those ballerina looking slippers. And do we really need to know more than that ? That's the way it was in the fifties. 

Over time that has changed. I think it started with jogging. People started jogging to lose weight and get in shape. It was easy and costs were little. Then there were the health clubs. Different from the smelly old gyms were muscle men hung out, they were clean and odor free. More emphasis was placed on the social aspect than the actual working out. That's were the work out outfits began to take a life of their own. Think Olivia Newton John, Let's get Physical !
 Now people think it strange if you don't work out. You should be working out. You should walk. You need to eat right. You can get surgery to speed up the process too. A little lipo here and there, a tummy tuck or even get things implanted ! And it's for guys too ! Steroids to build muscle and an entire store devoted to nutritional supplements. Exercise machines and methods in an endless variety. Why, we even have sports medicine to deal with all those injuries caused by the working out.
We have come a long way from Charles Atlas and Jack LaLanne. The motivation hasn't changed all that much though. Being attractive. The girls want the muscle men. The guys want super models. At least that is the perception society tries to project.  

Slingshots and pocketknives

Imitation is really the sincerest form of flattery. My grandson has taken up the practice of carrying a pocket knife. Something his grandfather does. I've carried a pocket knife as long as I can remember. Not as much when I was younger, but now wouldn't be without one. My old standard got broken and has been replaced. I felt a little lost there for a while. Always reaching for something that wasn't there.
Being from the old school of thought I have no problem with him carrying a pocketknife. Of course, we live in a different time. He must be very careful when and where he takes that knife. Slip up just one time and an entire swat team is liable to descend upon him. I can see it all now. He'll be questioned and analyzed to determine his mental state. Does he pose any threat to national security ? Why are you carrying a knife ? What are your intentions ? And his only response would be, cause Grandpa carries a knife. And then they come for me. I'm up on charges for child endangerment !
For a brief period as a child I carried a slingshot. It was a homemade affair made from a tree branch and the inner tube out of a bicycle tire. Pretty effective at close range. Scare you good at farther distances. Rocks were a good projectile but I found acorns worked really well. I shot at cans and bottles. Stop signs and tree trunks. I shot at birds and squirrels. Don't recall ever actually hitting any of the later, but gave them a good scare. Yes,like a Norman Rockwell painting, I carried that slingshot in my back pocket. Had some ammo in my front pocket. I would roam the wilderness that was my back yard fighting evil and injustice. And let me tell you Robins are especially evil ! I kept them at bay,however. Well as long as Mom wasn't watching anyway.
I learned some valuable lessons through all of that. The least being that knives will cut you and slingshots can be dangerous things. I learned a measure of respect for the objects that were my targets. I learned that aiming and firing that slingshot had consequences. I learned I always didn't have complete control of those consequences. I found a pocketknife to be a wonderful tool to have, but not one to play with. Never did it occur to me to use that knife or slingshot to threaten another person. That would have been cowardly. At least that is the lesson I was taught.
All that was many years ago. I'm flattered and amused that my grandson wants to carry a pocketknife, just like Grandpa. I'm sure it is a phase that will pass. Given today's world it is probably best. It is a lot of risk for a little reward. Still I'm glad he gets to experience that. It is a responsibility and he is aware of that. And that is half the battle raising children, making them aware. Now about a slingshot ? I'm considering that one carefully. There isn't much area for him to really use that particular weapon. Perhaps that is best left to history.

Rhythm and Routine

I awoke to the melancholy sounds of a gentle rain. We do need the rain so I suppose I should be grateful of it. Not being a farmer it does not affect me personally. I won't lose any crops or anything but will pay the price at the grocery store.
With the rain comes the changing of plans. What do today. Didn't have any special plans in the first place so it is no big deal. Maybe a quiet day indoors working on a few projects or just kickin' back. Feels a little cooler out now, maybe put on a pot of soup. Falls coming after all. Noticed the fall grass starting to come in and saw a few praying mantis. Mantis is one of those words that are both singular and plural, I think. Yeah,must be. I'm looking forward to a change in season. I find it a comfort but there are those that don't.
Endless summer is for the young or very old I think. But,to each their own. Following summer I need a break and fall fills the ticket just right. Pleasant temps during the day and good sleeping weather at night. Sweaters and jackets. Brightly colored leaves.
Life is all about rhythm and routine. Happiness comes from living within those constraints. The earth has a rhythm to it. Learn to feel and understand that rhythm. Native Americans ( Indians) knew that well. Some spoke with great eloquence about it. And we all have routines. Whether it be going to work or school or keeping the house. We all have things we must do. Do them without complaint and life is a little more enjoyable. Embrace the routine ! I know I sound like I am preaching and I guess I am. Whether to convince you, the reader of my thoughts, or to convince myself I couldn't say. That much is left to wonder and speculation.
With the rain comes a change in routine. The rhythm of the earth has not. I can hear the earth speaking to me as I write. Wait a minute, that's my wife. Have to run along,another change in routine. Now, if I was a Native American brave, the routine would have been different ! 

Culling through the memories

I have,over time,become the steward of a number of old photographs and  memorabilia. These items have been handed down through the family. Most I have grown up. Pictures from my fathers scrapbook during his wartime service. Family photographs. Small articles and bits of memories here and there. Pieces of my childhood and pieces from my parents and grandparents. We all grew up in the same town, those three generations. I, along with my sister and brothers have moved on. My children have never seen those places in the photographs. They know little of the people . Just the stories from an aging man who likes to reminisce. My children have there own set of memories. Their own locations and people. When I myself was younger, these things didn't hold quite the significance they do today. They remained out of sight and seldom spoken of. By the time I rediscovered these treasures my own children had moved out. I do share them with the grand kids. They are good kids and show at least a passing interest. More than I expected and I am grateful.
Thinking about these things I came to realize something. It seems like a simple statement once you spell it out but it is much more. At some point, our memories become history. Sounds self explanatory and somewhat morose but it is a truth. A majority of the photographs I treasure would have little or no meaning to my children or grandchildren. They have never seen these locations and have no memory associated with them. Same with the people. Whereas the grand kids have met my brothers and sister, it was only once or twice. They will not remember them thirty years from now. My memorabilia is the same. Some cool old junk to others but I have attachments to each piece. And so at some point in time these items will be culled. Gone through and resigned to history. Nameless faces, forgotten landscapes and dusty old objects. A source of curiosity or indifference.
I can't help but wonder what will become of them. Will they find a place in the home of my descendants or end up in a junk shop ? There are places to send these old memories where they will be loved and cared for. That's what a museum does. A repository of dreams and memories. Old family photographs are a different thing altogether. What of them ? I have many that I ,of course, never met these people but know they are my ancestors. When looking at the picture I can feel a connection. So perhaps that connection is never lost. It is a sad thing to think that my life will one day be shifted through. What is treasure and what is junk. I'm sure no matter the choice I would take issue. But the choice will not be mine ! Doesn't mean I can't try to influence that decision while I can. I Am a creature of sentiment. 

Deferred Action

I have been trying to refrain from political statements but sometimes I just can't help it. Now all I hear about is a program called deferred action. This deferred action would grant amnesty to illegal immigrants for a period of two years. What's next ? A deferred action plan for any crime committed ? If I rob a bank can I have the action deferred for two years ? Illegal immigration is a crime ! Period, end of story.
What is even more amazing are the qualifications. You must have entered the country prior to your sixteenth birthday. We'll take your word for it though. You must have graduated from High School. In other words you must have already received a free education and probably free lunches illegally. A GED will suffice. If you have served in the military that counts. My question is, how did you get in my armed forces as an illegal immigrant ?
This whole ill conceived program is fraught with dangers. There are no safeguards against fraud. All it is going to do is add thousands more to the welfare rolls. This will encourage even more illegal entries into the country. I find the whole thing incredulous. If you don't know how to control crime, just grant amnesty ? Yeah,that'll solve the problem.
Only good thing is that it is a policy, not a law. Come next January this whole bunch of nonsense can come to a quick end. 

Once agan

Here in Maryland,as in other states as well, gambling is again an issue. This time is it the expansion of gambling. The battle for slot machines was won a while back and now table gaming has been approved. Poker,craps,roulette and others. It really came as no surprise to me. Open the barn door and soon all the animals are out.
But being somewhat of a history nut some interesting parallels can be drawn from all of this. In the Roman times the empire got wealthy through conquest. After a while there was no one left to conquer. The population was being well fed and cared for. A democracy,of sorts, was being formed. You had the Roman senate. The senators represented the people but often times strove for power of their own. They didn't always truly represent the wants and needs of the people. They took bribes from the wealthy elite to satisfy their own agendas. They became corrupt. The population became unsettled and angry. The solution ? Keep the population entertained and fed. Feasting days were established and let the games begin. In Rome they built the Coliseum. Smaller " coliseums " were constructed throughout the empire. Moral and social attitudes changed dramatically. It became a moral free for all. The attitude of ,if it feels good, do it prevailed.
It occurred to me that our own country is headed down this same path. History does indeed repeat itself. The population is becoming more and more dependent upon the government to provide. Our legislators are showing far more concern for special interests than the common good of the nation. The population is becoming angry. The answer, build more Casinos and/or expand the ones we have. The thinking being if we keep the population entertained they will remain quiet. Let us legislate questionable moral and ethical values to make these behaviors acceptable. We will indoctrinate our young people to believe that this is " normal " behavior.
Eventually the Roman empire collapsed from within. It was never really conquered. Invaded yes, but never conquered. We are being invaded as well. Draw your own conclusions on that statement. I certainly hope that the future generations in America will see this trend and reverse it. A return to our basic premise of a nation, including it's basic moral and ethical values is in order. Time marches on and history repeats. 

Being Famous

I've heard it said that each of us get fifteen minutes of fame. No one ever said you get all fifteen at once. And that got me to thinking. I must be getting mine a few seconds at a time. I've had a good moment or two here and there. Had the spotlight on me so to speak. If I reflect back, a few moments do stand out. I was interviewed for a newspaper article. Mentioned in the press. When I retired from the Navy I got to give a farewell address. I've won a few raffles and got to shout Bingo ! All these moments had me in the bright lights. But I think the moments of fame I enjoyed the most where these ; finding my wife, holding my children for the first time,and then holding each grand child. To have your child or grand child look up at you and say, I love you. Or have them turn to you in times of need. Those are moments of fame. Fame is not about you but about those you love. Fame is earned a moment at a time over a lifetime.
Popularity is not the same as fame. They are often confused. I know I have been confused by that. Maybe that is why so many " famous " people have met a tragic end. Perhaps that same fame has eroded their capacity to love without fear. I am fortunate to be able to love freely. I need not be concerned that anyone would try to deceive me. For what gain ? Not much of monetary value here. No fast track to the top. No, just Ben.
And so I am famous after all. I think I have gotten my fifteen minutes already. But the same person that said, we each get fifteen minutes of fame, never said we couldn't have more. Fame, wasn't that a song or a show ? Fame, I'm going to live forever. To be remembered and loved even after you are gone, that is true fame.

United

I have received an E-mail from a distant relative in Sweden. I had heard from him earlier in the year. All our lives are so different,each one of us busy living it. I am so excited about this development. I can not wait to establish a writing relationship. A sort of Pen Pal thing. But a link to the past. My Grandmother emigrated from Sweden when she was just sixteen years old. Seldom did she speak about her homeland. Just a snipet or two about holiday customs or going to school. I am anxious to learn more.
Already Gunnar is teaching me about Swedish culture and customs. We have begun with the family tree. A natural place to begin. The way the Swedish people derive their names is interesting. It is not like in America where it is a straightforward affair. Not at all. You take the first name, the name used for Christening,say that choice was Ben. Then taking the fathers first name you add son. Say my fathers name was Ben. I would then become known as Ben Bensson or the son of Ben. I still have much to learn of this practice and whether it's still in practice today. That it lead to much confusion is evident. My own Grandmother had her last name changed to Hagberg before she emigrated. Her name was Olsson but her father felt there were just too many Olssons ! Changed it to Hagberg.
Gunnar has mentioned that he has read some of my blogs. Now how cool is that ? A distant relative living on another continent, reading my words. My Grandmother would certainly be astonished. Well, anyone from her time would be. I'm surprised myself. Gunnar,like a lot of Europeans can obviously read and write English. We Americans are not always so bi-lingual. He tells me he has studied Psycology and worked in that field. Guess I better be careful choosing my words. Well,it may be too late if he reads some of my earlier postings. LOL He may be chuckling even now, that crazy American Ben !
I am looking forward to more conversations with him. I would like to learn of his family and life. What it is like to live in Sweden and his perceptions of America. I wonder if he has ever visited our country. In my Navy days I never got to visit Sweden but did visit Norway. Both scandinavian nations. One thing I do know for certain is that no matter where you go in the world people are basically the same. Customs and culture are different, but not the soul of men. We share our common humanity. If we all could establish our relationships between people and nations what a wonderful world we could create. Have we strayed too far from family ? Let us reunite. 

Time Alone

It seems to me more and more every day I see people walking around with earphones of some type. Whether it is an I-pod or a telephone. I tried carrying a Walkman once but found it to be an annoyance and a hindrance. And the boom box thing, forget about it ! But the times change and technology changes with it. I guess those ear buds have become comfortable. The only buds I ever had in my ears was potato buds ! At least Mom thought so, as she was always having me wash my ears ! Now I'm not opposed to listening to some tunes while you are walking or running. I enjoy my music as much as the next person. Earphones can make the experience more enjoyable and provide a better quality of sound. It is just the prevalence of this practice is starting to annoy, and yes, concern me. Having to try to attract someones attention by visual means I find annoying. Just speaking to them, excuse me, has no effect.
The concern comes in when you finally get their attention. Some will remove the ear buds and look at you with that,what do you want, look. Others will merely turn down the sound. I've had a few that do neither and just speak real loudly to you. What ? That I find really annoying. But the concern is with their responses. I'm thinking they should perhaps turn off those devices and listen to themselves think, if even only for a few minutes. Some of the dribble and nonsense that comes from these people I find astounding. It is obvious they have never been alone in their thoughts. I get especially concerned when you engage them in conversation and the only quotes they seem to know are pieces of a rap song by someone named p-diddy ! And they think that is a profound revelation ! Good grief man !
Another concern is that some of these, should we call them earphone people, apparently become disoriented without them. They can't seem to function. They need them to read or write. They need them when working. They need them to relax. They suffer from some sort or withdrawal symptoms. I can only assume they can not just be content in their own thoughts. What a pity. Some of the best conversations I've ever had are with myself. I've had to give myself a good talking too on more than one occasion. I've also congratulated myself when no one else would. I find that most of the answers are there if we but listen to ourselves. Those Monks are onto something with their meditation and stuff. That Dali LLama must be a great animal to have around, it seems to promote clear thinking. I prefer a cat or a dog but a LLama ? To each their own. Now that Al Paca fellow is a close second I think. Might be a cousin of that Dali LLama.
I've wandered off the track a bit though. The point is I think we all need to have a little silence every now and then. To spend time with our thoughts. To be less distracted. All this entertainment all the time can't be a good thing. I'm just sayin'.

A Calling

Every now and again I hear a person speak of hearing their calling. How they were called to a higher purpose or called to their occupation. A mysterious voice or desire filled them. They knew right then what they were to do in life. Their goal was clear to them. Surely these people are blessed. How much easier it must be to know what your purpose is rather than just flounder about. I can see where it might also be a burden.
As for me,for the most part, the only calling I've ever heard was being called for supper or called upon to do something. A lot of the time I wouldn't even call it a calling, more like a yelling. Boy,get over here and mow the grass. Hey, get to work. That's the calling I'm hearing.
I do believe reach of us are here for a reason. We each have a contribution to make. A higher purpose. Maybe those of us that don't know what that purpose is are the really gifted ones. Maybe our purpose is so important, so vital to the working of the universe that we can not know or understand. Yeah, that must be it.
We need to " just do it. " Our mission is so important that we could not be allowed to influence the outcome in any way.
That is not to say I'm not listening. I am. I'm waiting and listening for the call. The call to greatness. Hope it includes a lot of money too. I could use that. I'm thinking I would like to be called to write. To do just what I'm doing right now, only better. And to get paid to do it, or at least quoted occasionally. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I would love to be called to play baseball but I'm afraid there is no " senior league " major league clubs. I'll keep listening though.
In a larger sense you could say I've already answered the call. Just my luck it was a telemarketer. Let's just say the product wasn't all it could have been. My bad. I do recall my grade school teachers saying, you need to apply yourself young man, just buckle down and do your work. I wasn't listening. I am now.

Decisions

Yesterday was August the ninth. No news there except it stuck with me all day that on that very day forty three years ago I left home for Navy basic training. Forty three years ! And the memory of that time is just as fresh and vibrant as the day it all happened. It is possible that much time had passed ? Yup.
The world was a different place in 1971. The Vietnam war was still being contested and was quite an unpopular topic. Veterans, and service men in general, where not held in high regard in some quarters. Referred to as baby killers and ridiculed. Being in the service wasn't "cool " man. The cost of a gallon of gasoline was thirty six cents. Stamps for mailing letters home cost six cents each. Yes, we were writing actual letters home using paper and pen. Air mail stamps cost more though. Eleven cents ! Phones had to be dialed.
I recall standing on the platform with Mom and Dad. Dad just standing there stoic as always. Just talking matter of fact. And Mom trying not to show her emotions. The train arrived and Mom hugs me. Not too much though, I'm no baby. And Dad sticking his hand out for a good firm handshake. That was how it was done back in the day. Men didn't hug or embrace ! Show affection or the worst of all, shed a tear in a public setting ! Not hardly.
It was on that day I took my first plane ride. It was also the first time I was alone. Completely alone. Well that's not exactly true. My best friend had joined with me and we traveled together. We got to spend some time together before being assigned to a company. He to the band and I to a rifle company. Following that we rarely saw each other and never got the chance to speak.

There are days that change history. August the ninth 1971 was one of those days in my life. How much would have been different had I not made that choice ? Had I chosen to go with the hippie movement and followed that route. In retrospect I would not change that decision. There are things I would do differently but the decision stands. It was a good choice.

Secrets

I just heard on the news about the New York Police Department requesting information from twitter. It is in regard to a " suspect ". The commentator says twitter is willing to cooperate but has concerns for the privacy of its' users. I understand their position in today's litigating environment. The suspect may file suit. As it turned out, twitter did release the information requested about this suspect. This person was making threats about a certain theater.
Much discussion followed about privacy concerns using social media. Do you have an expectation of privacy?  Should social media release your account information to requesting authorities without a subpoena ?
On and on with legal talk and debate. Wish I could have joined in and clarified the whole deal for these legal pundits. If  you want to keep a secret, ie: personal data, do not put it on twitter or Facebook !  Simple as that. In order for something to remain a secret you must not share it with anyone ! That's why it is a secret ! What is so difficult about that concept ? I have not nor will I ever share or post any data that I wish to remain a secret on any social media site ,ever ! In that way I do not have to worry about the information being disclosed.
Allow me to explain my thinking. If I wish to post comments,remarks or pictures to social media I must create an account. I do so voluntarily. If I do not wish to divulge certain details I may be refused the service. My choice. I appreciate it when this same media doesn't reveal personal information to the public in general but that courtesy is extended to me by that service. It is not a guarantee or a right protected by the constitution of the United States ! There is a legal term for this concept, " caveat emptor. " Simply put it means let the buyer beware. In this situation let the user beware. I think it applies especially when you are not even paying for the service.
This miscreant was using Twitter to spread word that he had bad intentions. Threats being made. The police became aware of this and felt it necessary to investigate. The request for information should have been immediately complied with. As far as I'm concerned there is no discussion required.

Just wondering

I fail to see the great significance in landing a rover on Mars. A great technical feat to be sure but of what practical value ? I believe I heard it said the rover cost two and a half billion dollars to build. That's a lot of  money. Money that perhaps could have or should have been spent elsewhere to benefit more people. I don't know, I just question the necessity of it all. Another time perhaps but given the economic situation the country is in ? Well,guess it does employ scientists and engineers.
This rover is sending back data and photographs from the surface of Mars. That is pretty mind boggling if you give it some thought. The rover is expected to do this for a minimum of two years. This data must travel, at the speed of light, for nine minutes and thirty seconds before it reaches us here on earth. As the planets orbit that time will increase to sixteen minutes. Now, that is a long way out there. And it is working fine. The thing that confuses me is this, if we can do that, how come my cell phone loses a signal down the block and the battery goes dead in an hour ? Something just doesn't seem right about all of that. And the earth is rotating so the antenna can't always be aimed at Mars can it ? Mars is rotating. Won't the rover be on the back side at some point ? Well guess that is why I'm not a scientist or space engineer. My phone loses it's signal in a tunnel and my satellite television loses it's signal in a thunderstorm yet this tiny little rover can transmit pictures and data thirty eight million miles across the universe. Go figure.
It is a mysterious thing to me. How these signals travel such great distances. And there are so many of these signals just flying around. Why they don't just interfere with each other I don't know. Radio waves,microwaves and how many other kinds of waves. Beaming around the earth and into outer space. Yet somehow we receive them. And just how do you broadcast a signal thirty eight million miles and hit the target ? It is an astounding feat.

Speak Up

With the election campaigns heating up the rhetoric is definitely being cranked up. Name calling and accusations. It is getting quite messy already. And both parties are using current tragic events to try to further their causes. I listen to the candidates but really they say little of substance. I can't help but wonder, where have the great speech makers gone ?
Consider the great speakers, General George S Patton comes to mind, Abraham Lincoln comes to mind, John F Kennedy comes to mind. Ronald Reagan was called the great communicator. Martin Luther King and Franklin Roosevelt with his fireside chats. Now all I hear is negative comments about the opponents and a bunch of dribble. Is there no one that can speak ? No one to inspire ?
Irregardless of party affiliation I do enjoy a good speaker. A candidate that has a message that you can believe. I don't want to hear what the other person has done wrong but rather what we can do better. I want to hear words of encouragement. A rousing speech that ignites a passion in you. But not a passion to do harm, a passion for the good. It just seems to me the candidates are so busy being political correct these days they have forgotten to be political. State your beliefs and your intended course of action and let the votes fall where they may. The citizens of this,the greatest nation on earth, have always chosen wisely. That is why our democracy has survived. We deserve to know the heart and soul of our candidates ! I demand it.
Yes, what we need is a candidate to galvanize the nation. And I'm telling you one great speech can do it !
It is my feeling that the candidates running for the greatest office in the land are doing so for the wrong reasons. They are doing it for prestige,glory, power and just plain old ego. They have the money and backing of powerful men. They are being pushed into the ring. What we need is a " Rocky ". A candidate with the skills who just needs a chance. A chance to say, " Adrian, I did it. " A champion to inspire our nation and its' people. Honest, brave and true. Where is this candidate ? He is waiting somewhere in the heartland, waiting for his shot. Speaking his truth and more importantly, living that truth. I hope that I get to see this person. I hope I get to hear a good speech !

One more tick

All the fun things of summer are over. The fun things are the things the Grandchildren do. That's my fun these days. I'm not complaining, just explaining. They have both been to camp. Mark has had his big adventure attending the Junior National Leadership Conference. A week in D.C.  Sleepovers have been enjoyed. Smores cooked. And so we shift into the back to school mode. I, along with everyone else, wonder where the summer went.
Went out to do a little shopping yesterday. I was overwhelmed with Pilgrims and Pumpkins ! I have been seeing the back to school stuff for a while but wasn't prepared for Thanksgiving. Yes, there was some Halloween stuff haunting the fringes. Can Santa be far behind ? It's all about marketing. The marketing is draining all the fun and excitement out of the holidays. That's the way I see it anyway. Could we please just wait until after labor day for Thanksgiving ?
Soon the pattern of everyday life will change once again. Reverting back to the fall/winter routine. Oh, it will be a little different this year because Mark will start middle school. He will be leaving earlier and so his sister will be riding the bus alone. A slight modification to the schedule of the past. Just an indicator of time and its' passing. At a certain age you start to observe that. Just when you go from looking forward to the passage of time, to watching it pass you, is unclear to me. I think it happened somewhere in my fifties.
I'm sad to see the summer pass. Not that I'm a big beach fan or anything but summer does have advantages. More daylight and more opportunities for some outdoor fun. More people out and about. With the coming of the winter months I'll be spending more time in the cave. Less contact with the outside world. I dislike the cold. Snow is pretty to look at but my desire to roll around in it has long since passed.
Just where has the summer gone ? It is fast fading away into memory. Other than Marks' conference there was nothing remarkable about this one. Just another tick on the celestial clock.
.

Truth is

I have been fortunate to make many road trips with the Grandkids. To go on vacation with them and share that " quality" time.  Sometimes a small the problem arises during this time. Quality time can get noisy or argumentative. I found an effective solution to this problem some years ago. It's a little game I called, Graveyard. The kids have to lie perfectly still and absolutely quiet. Eyes closed. Those in the graveyard can not see or peek. Grandma and Grandpa keep a lookout. The one staying motionless and quiet the longest is the winner. When all goes as planned, Grandparents and parents are the winners ! I am always surprised at how well this works. I have even had them ask to play !
When I was a child we played a game while riding. Name the car make and model. We could almost always tell just by looking at the tail lights. Don't think that game would work so well today. Of course we played I spy. That game doesn't last so long though. Things moving a little fast. I do find it funny that given all the entertainment possibilities in today's vehicles, dvd players,i-pods and such that Graveyard should become the most popular. I'm sure the kids will use this device with their own children someday. I can't help but wonder when they will realize what its' true intent was. I'm not telling. Let that be one of the " truths " of life that they discover on their own. 

Not !

There are some things I've come to realize that I will never do. One of them is wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. They have passed regulations about that. Under sixteen, wear a helmet. Protecting the children I suppose. Ok, not a bad idea and one I don't have issue with. I will not wear one, ever. Like the old hockey players I'm just going to grandfather myself in. Besides, I think it just looks ridiculous pedaling my single speed cruiser. I believe I can handle the speed and have enough control to not fall over. I may be old, but I'm not feeble.
I will never,ever stick a telephone in my ear ! I will not walk around with a star trek looking device in my ear and appear to be talking to myself. Carrying a cell phone in my pants pocket is as close as I'll get. No holsters strapped to my belt with the phone poised like I'm in a gunfight.
I will not use the self checkout at any store. If you want my money you must take it from me personally ! Let me reiterate, if you want my money you must take it personally. It is only common courtesy and a little thing I call customer service.
Not that I would ever buy a car so equipped, but I would never let a car park itself. There is no way I would trust any computer to control my vehicle. I have used cruise control and find that to be nerve racking enough. Forget about it.
I will never ever wear one of those pouches around my waist. You know the ones. Geeky !! No way.
I will never color,dye  or alter my hair color. I'm grey and will stay that way.
I will not use hand sanitizer ! Washing them is sufficient.
I will not wear crocs or sandals of any kind. Never have, never will.
And one more thing I've come to realize about myself, I will never learn to just keep my opinions to myself !

We the representatives.

My grandson returned from his junior national leadership conference this past week. Being the thoughtful young man that he is he brought everyone a gift. He got for me, a hard bound copy of the Constitution of the United States. He felt that I would enjoy reading it and having arguments with his father about that document. You see, occasionally I have rather heated debates with my son on political issues. Yes, the same son that is one of the commissioners of the town of Greensboro. Although we are aligned with the same political party, we don't always agree. But I digress. So I sat down to read this most important of documents.
We all know the preamble, We the People, but most of us would be challenged to go much farther than that. I know I am. I will admit that for the most part the read isn't all that interesting. The language is a little difficult to understand. Guess that is why we have Constitutional Scholars. The president claims to be one. The document isn't that long and could be memorized in an afternoon if you really tried. Making an entire career out of studying it, I'm not so sure about. As with any written words it is subject to interpretation. Can we really ever know the mind of the founding fathers ? Times and attitudes change. Acceptable behaviors. Still I admit it is the most astounding of documents. Well thought out and crafted. I can only imagine the argument that must have went into its' creation. And then we come to the Bill of Rights. The first ten amendments to the constitution. That took place in 1791. Most of us are familiar with them, even if we can't tell you what number is for what. Then I continued to read all the amendments. The ones about voting, alcohol, what to do in case of presidential death or disability, terms of congress and all that stuff. The last amendment being added in 1992.
As I closed that booklet I paused to think for just a moment. The thing that struck me the most was the amendments. Let me quote the first amendment and then the last.
The First amendment :
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people to peacefully assemble, and to petition the government  for a redress of grievances.

Don't have to be a scholar to understand that. These are rights given to We The People ! Our government providing for our life,liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The Twenty Seventh Amendment:
No law, varying the compensation for the services of Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of representatives shall have intervened.

Say what ? Senators and Representatives can't get a raise or a decrease in pay ( compensation) without those same representatives voting on it ? They do have to wait until their next term of office begins . So essentially they can't vote themselves a raise during the term they are currently serving.

Interesting to me is that the first amendment dealt with us, The People, and the last deals with the representatives. Speaks volumes to me about the evolution of our government. Why does it not state; no raises unless voted upon by, We the People ?

Bottom line to me is this, used to be the government was concerned for the citizens and their welfare. Now it seems the government is only concerned for themselves and putting, We the People, on welfare. Just sayin'.