Legally illegal

It has been reported on the news this morning that you can now smoke marijuana, legally, in Washington D.C. You just can't smoke it in public. Oh, and it is illegal to buy or sell marijuana in Washington, D.C. but you can grow three plants in your house. You can possess up to two ounces of pot and share an ounce with friends. Humm, very interesting.
Now for those of you that may not be aware Washington D.C. borders Maryland and Virginia. In Maryland it is also illegal to buy or sell marijuana. It is also illegal in Virginia. So, unless you are using a lot of miracle grow on those plants just where are you supposed to get this marijuana ? You can buy it illegally in Washington D.C. or elsewhere. Of course if you buy it outside of D.C. you would have to transport it across state lines.
Now if that doesn't sound like a lawyer writing a law, I've never read a law before. It is both legal and illegal in the same sentence ! Think about it. I can smoke pot legally inside a building, can't smoke cigarettes inside though but that is another issue, but smoking pot outside is against the law ! I can't buy or sell it, that is a criminal offense. It is illegal to buy or sell but legal to posses ! What ? I can grow three plants in my house. Again, can't grow them outside but can grow inside. What are we hiding here ? Is this activity not fit for public view ? Whatever, but I can have two ounces for personal use and share an ounce. Does that mean I can have three ounces total ? These two are mine and this one is for sharing ? That " sharing " ounce must be for the ones that don't want to buy it illegally or transport it across state lines ! Or maybe it is just for the ones that can't grow a plant of their own for some reason. Maybe the landlord won't allow that activity. The White House is in D.C. they could grow three plants there if they wanted, you know, to share with foreign dignitaries where it may be illegal in their countries.
I just can't help but shake my head about this nonsense. The federal government restricts the sale and production of marijuana. Remember it is still an illegal substance according to the federal government ! Now, Washington D.C. , the seat of our government makes this ridiculous law. Just how can you justify it ? Considering the former mayor of D.C. was busted for snorting cocaine and then subsequently re elected to the same office I shouldn't be surprised. So now it is alright to commit a criminal offense as long as you don't do it in public ! Say what ? Unless I grow my own plant I have to commit a crime to obtain a substance which I can then legally smoke in private. Makes sense.
Perhaps the most amazing part in all of this is there is no revenue being generated. I mean, at least in other places where it has been " legalized " taxes and fees are imposed. At least some revenue is being generated. Not that I agree with that but how is it that Washington is missing this opportunity ? The only way it makes sense is if they were smoking that crap when they wrote the law ! We don't want to hurt the brothers on the streets trying to make a living man. Yeah, it's cool it'll only be legal to smoke it, indoors. Yeah but I can't get busted buying that stuff. No problem bro, we will make it legal to share an ounce ! Cool, no bogarting, I like it. And that folks is how government works ! Oh yeah. Just like the founding fathers envisioned it !
The whole thing is just stupid ! It you are going to make it legal,make it legal ! If you are going to make it illegal,make it illegal ! To paraphrase an old saying my Dad often used, " Either smoke it or get off the pot ! 

Doing the show

I'm a little sleepy this morning. I was out late last night, didn't get home till near eleven o'clock ! My granddaughter Morgan and her dance company were performing at halftime for the Harlem Globetrotters. Pretty cool stuff. The show was a good one, from both.
 The Harlem Globetrotters are in their 89th year. That was an interesting little fact. They have included a girl player. They introduced their opponents, The Washington Generals. Not being a follower of the team I was surprised to learn that they hadn't played against the Generals since1971. What ? Apparently they have been playing against a different team. I thought they always played the same team. Must be more to the story that I don't know. Anyway, the Generals were the last team to beat the Globetrotter. They weren't able to repeat last night.
 The talent level for the globetrotters did not seem as high as in past years. That is somewhat of a ambiguous statement as I have only seen them live twice, and prior to that as a child on television. The globetrotters I remember seeing on television are icons ! Those of my generation could not forget names like Curly and Meadowlark ! I don't remember them ever missing a shot ! This team did all the tricks and more but just didn't seem to be the same. In all fairness, no team could live up to that legacy. There will never be another Curly or Meadowlark, in the same way there will never be another Babe Ruth or Mickey Mantle.
 Well the truth is I went to see my Granddaughter perform. The Harlem Globetrotters were the secondary entertainment. Their purpose was to fill the time before the half. Some of you may recall I went last year as well. I thought it was pretty cool then and still think so now. Doing the halftime show for the Harlem Globetrotters ! I do think it is more of a big deal to my generation than it is to them. They do not have the memories of the heydey of the Globetrotters. I recall when they would appear on ABC'S Wide World of Sports ! They would be on other programs as well. Key players would be on talk shows and variety shows. They were a big deal ! Today not so much. Just a sign of the times I suppose. A little bit corny for the kids of today.
The girls debuted a new dance routine. It was quite flashy. I was videoing so only saw a portion of the program. That is the price you have to pay for being the videographer. I can only see a limited amount of the performance through the lens of the camera. Seldom do I see the performance as a whole. It is alright because I will see this routine many times over the next few months. The big showcase is coming up, I believe, sometime in March. This coming November the troupe will be performing at Disney ! They have been fundraising and planning for that for months now. Now that is something they are real excited about and with good cause. I mean, it's DISNEY ! I'm excited for them.

" To the Pointe " dance company with the world famous Harlem Globetrotters !

Caring for a memory

 The security of memory is the greatest comfort of man. It is in memory that there are no unknowns, we always know what to expect. Things never change. It is true that we may see a new angle every now and again, but the core is unchanged. This has become more evident  as I collect those memories. Perhaps that is the reason I began to write them down, fear of losing them. Lost memories have no home and are doomed to die. But if they are spoken of, or written down, that will not be so.
 Cave man began to draw his pictures on the walls to preserve his memories. I can think of no other reason he would have done so. Man has continued to record his memories ever since. Whether it was with drawings or symbols the recording of memory has been of primary importance. Each bit of information we acquire is a memory. Surely we can categorize those memories between what is information, and what is personal,but they remain memories nonetheless. We age very slowly in our minds. Our bodies may start to fade but our mind may endure. When our mind begins to fade that is always unexpected, at least to the one that it is happening too. I, of course, cannot speak from personal experience as my mind is apparently still functioning fine. I have spoken with and had contact with those that are not so fortunate. Alzheimer's and dementia scare me. I wonder what that feels like from the inside, and am afraid to find out ! It is my hope that I am spared that. But this posting was not meant to be depressing and I'm afraid it has taken that turn.
 I do think that our memories can provide us great comfort. I also think that is why we tend to gather reminders of those memories around us. I do it with old photographs and artifacts. The older the photograph or artifact the more it seems to give comfort. I have several old artifacts that I remember seeing at my Grandparents house. That is the only memory I have of them and now they are in my possession. Somehow my memories are connected to those things. But not just connected to the memory of seeing those things, no, deeper memories than that. It is almost as though some of my grandparents memories are instilled in those objects. I find this to be true with old photographs as well. Is this where old memories live ? When these objects are destroyed are the memories destroyed with it ? Sounds like science fiction doesn't it ? I can see that easily enough yet the feeling persists. Is that why we treasure and protect those objects from the past ? Lost memories are among the saddest of emotions. I have long said, as long as we speak of those past, as long as we remember them and speak their name they are not gone, not forgotten. There memory is still alive.
 I have been writing my thoughts and memories down in the hope they will be saved. But more than that it is my hope they will be read and pondered. If I can influence the thinking of someone in the future will that not validate the past ? My past, which to someone, will just be a memory. At least if I am successful it will be. And now I have another thought about this preservation of memory. Should I not link picture to word ? Yes they say a picture is worth a thousand words but what does the picture have to say ? If you have no memory of that picture I would think it says little. I have several pictures like that and they do speak to me. The thing is they only say what I imagine. More explanation is necessary. It is this thinking that led me to this point. What if I took a picture of myself or a place and attached an essay explaining it. Compiling these over a number of years might prove an interesting experiment in the preservation of memory. By explaining in detail what or where each photograph was taken for. Maybe I could relearn my memories should I forget ! Hummm, something to consider.

A cyber trail

All too frequently I see postings about people losing their loved ones. It is a sad reality of life that the older we become the more frequently we will recognize these people. Being on social media has certainly increased those numbers as well. I wonder how many have found out that sad news through that medium. It always saddens me when I see those postings so filled with sorrow. I certainly do not want to hit the " like " button. If I know the person in any fashion whatsoever I will try to leave a few words of consolation. But it really isn't a time for banter.
In another way I can see where this social media platform may provide some consolation. More than a simple obituary can be posted. Recently I had the unfortunate necessity of checking on the cost of an obituary and believe me it isn't cheap. What is more, I wonder how many would actually see that written tribute to my loved one. Using facebook or any number of platform I could post a tribute fit for a king ! That can be a comfort. It is rather ironic that we in this digital age would have a " timeline. " How starkly that term hits when we hear of the passing of our friends. That is especially so when the only contact you have had with that person is through that venue. Their timeline has ended and is being archived somewhere. Nothing on this internet ever really goes away. In a very strange way, immortality has been achieved.
All these thoughts went through my mind yesterday as I read a post. Another thought came creeping in, my Dad has been gone for twenty five years now. Twenty five years ! It doesn't seem possible yet the calendar does not lie. His timeline ended on the twentieth of February in 1990. That was before there were timelines on social media. The internet itself is said to have been invented in January of 1990. Al Gore didn't do it though. My dad was using what was a simple computer before his passing. It used cassette tapes and could perform some filing functions. Oh how he would have loved Google ! All that information at his fingertips would have been an inspiration to him. I was thinking about all of that and how I received the news of his passing. I had walked down to the corner phone booth and called Mom. It was on that land line telephone, standing on a street corner that Mom told me. The " booth " is still there but there is no phone inside. Twenty five years has made quite a difference.
Over the last twenty five years I have posted many pictures and written many stories about my Dad. It is a sort of continual obituary. A lasting tribute to him. I have long said that no one is gone as long as we mention their name. They are not gone, they just aren't here. It does get easier to dredge up those old memories as time goes by. There is another byproduct of keeping those memories fresh, they don't " stink. "  So, I talk about my Dad and others that I have lost often.
Something I have not considered is what happens with my facebook account after I am gone ? I mean, I know that my wife or someone else can take it down. That is a term I dislike," taking down " my profile page and account. Sounds like you are killing me ! I guess, in a way, you would be. That cyber presence would indeed be gone. I haven't heard of it yet but perhaps there will one day be a cyber haunting ! Mystery posts appearing on your timeline. Oh my, Stephen King could have a ball with that notion.
The thing with reading the postings on your timeline is that you never have any idea of what will appear. At least in the newspaper you could choose a section. Most started with the headlines, then perhaps the comic strips. The letters to the editor section always fascinated me. The Obituaries were always the last thing I wanted to read. But just like a car crash, you just had to look. On facebook this " accident " is liable to appear at any second ! There are times when I am not prepared for that. It is true even when I do not know the person being eulogized ! A slap back to reality. This facebook and timeline stuff is a " wild west " alright. Almost lawless and brutal in its' reality. You had best tighten the cinch, make sure the bit is in tight and hold on. You never know where the trail will lead.

A different kind of crazy

I have often wondered how it is that people can take themselves so seriously. I watch others doing their " thing " and being fully convinced they are great at it. Some are indeed great and others mediocre, and others are just bad. Doesn't make a difference whether it is art, dancing,writing,singing or any other thing you can imagine, some are certain of their abilities. And what further fascinates me is when they continue to do so in the face of contrary opinion. The only conclusion I can draw is that whatever it is that you are doing must continue to amuse you. That is to say, that you remain convinced, in your own mind, that your talent is genuine. Or I wonder if it isn't a detachment from reality. Can you become detached from the truth to the point of believing ? If that is the case then every true artist is just a little bit crazy. Perhaps it is also a matter of being self centered. But all these questions stem from my own insecurities. I am very much aware of that. They say being aware is the first step to recovery. What would I be recovering from ? A different kind of crazy ? Truth is we all are a little bit different.

I do think in order to be successful you must first convince yourself. Following that conviction others may or may not agree. The secret lies in not paying attention to what the others are saying. When we go out seeking approval from others that is because we have doubt. It really is as simple as that. You must be willing to " put it out there " you must believe ! 

The truth is, belief requires no validation. That is a simple truth but a harsh reality. The reality is harsh because it exposes our own weakness. Being completely self assured is a rare thing. I do not doubt its' existence. I do marvel at its' sustainability without positive feedback, without that validation. How can one remain convinced ? The stock answer is you must believe in yourself. We have all heard that. It is that belief that I question. Self doubt, insecurity ? Certainly that is the case with the majority of the population. How to overcome that obstacle is the focus of this discussion. 

I think that the way we measure success would hold the key, the answer to that question. Are we doing the thing for ourselves, or for the admiration of others ? A thorough examination of our motive is required. The whole starving artist thing, no matter the art. The person is doing it as a means of obtaining success. They are willing to sacrifice it all for that dream, or is it, that belief ? An argument could be made for either. It is the recognition of what is a dream, and what is belief that is the stumbling block. At least that is my thought. It is good to pursue your dreams but believing in that same dream is another matter altogether. Believing in dreams may lead to disappointment but a lack of dreams is depressing. Some are willing to take the risk and others are not. Taking a dream seriously doesn't seem like a prudent course to follow. Belief, on the other hand, is very serious business. That is, if the belief is reality to the person doing the believing. 

I do admire those willing to believe. The quality of their work is not as important as the genuine expression of that belief. Quality is after all subjective. I see no value in abstract paintings and dislike poems that don't rhyme. That isn't to say they are not valid expressions just that they don't speak to me. I do marvel at the belief it took for the artist to put those out there ! I believe you must be born with that belief, an innate quality to your personality. At least the great ones are. Some measure of commercial success is possible without that belief by pursuing a dream. Dreams do come true. Can you fool yourself into belief ? No, I don't think you can, and remain sane. But then we must define sanity. And that is another topic altogether. A man could go nuts thinking about this stuff !  

Tell it to the judge

I turn on the news to hear that Krysten Senema has been elected to congress. A democrat from Arizona and former senator, it was emphasized that she is the first openly bi-sexual member of Congress ! Well, my first thought was, this is a person that can't make up her mind, Apparently she is just having sex with everyone and anyone, regardless of gender. Gender identity doesn't seem to be an issue with her. A rather liberal approach to life I would say. I wonder if she as liberal in her politics.
After the initial, what the heck, I thought why is this even being spoken about ? I mean, why do we need to know this ? Is it some badge of honor ? What with all the talk about people's sexual choices and equality these days, shouldn't it be a non topic ? Choosing that lifestyle is not an accomplishment. Is she advertising ? How would the average person even know if she wasn't telling ? It is all very confusing to me. If we are not to judge people based on their sexual orientation then why include it in the description ? They didn't say she authored this bill or law. No mention of any past political accomplishments, just that she was openly bi-sexual. Is that better than being " closed " about it ?
Any of you that have been reading my postings are aware of my personal feelings on this particular subject. Setting those feelings aside I still felt compelled to write my commentary. It appears to me that political figures and others are just going for the shock value these days. In this open display of a lack of conscious, (my opinion) , they are hoping to gain acceptance. Acceptance by those that believe themselves to be " liberal " in their views and beliefs. The same people that believe in their liberal ways that government should provide everything to the people, and that everything we do is a right. The same people that disavow any accountability for their actions. The more outrageous the claims, the greater acceptance by the liberal crowd. Liberals, by their very nature are forced to accept everything less they be labeled conservative. I have no problem with being a conservative. All things in moderation.
So now we have straights,gays and at least one bi-sexual in Congress. A true representation of the American people. In one sense I can see that. In another, what difference does it make ? Are our elected officials' sexual preferences important to the job they are elected to do ? Well, all I can say is this, I'm quite certain all of these groups have been members of Congress before. The only difference being it wasn't openly discussed. Why wasn't it openly discussed in the past ? That question I will leave to you to answer in your own way. I can only say, admitting to an action does not make the action right or justified. But that answer comes from my personal views on this subject. I would just as soon not know, tell it to the judge ! 

Seasonal changes

This past Wednesday was, Ash wednesday. I was paying particular attention to the customers and didn't see a single one marked with the sign of the cross. I wonder if this practice is dying out ? In my own experience I always thought it was just a Catholic thing. I had one customer, a man I frequently speak with, inform me that Methodists have the same tradition. I didn't know that. Could be that I just wasn't paying attention when I was growing up. I admit I seldom asked what church or religion someone belonged to, figured that was there business. I knew the ones in my church and the church of my closest friends. Religion, to me, is a personal thing.
I do recall seeing those smudges of ash on others foreheads. I didn't recognize them as crosses until that was pointed out.Well, those Catholics were a little different what with all their saints and all. No offense intended to anyone, to each their own. It does mark the beginning of Lent and when I was a kid that meant giving something up. Mom would tell us that, that we had to give something up, a sacrifice, just like Jesus sacrificed his life for our own. We usually started out with the best of intentions but almost always fell short. Forty days is a long time after all. Now I tell the grandkids.
I hear in the news that church attendance is down,especially the Catholic church. They have had their share of scandals and problems in recent years. Another part of that, I think, is people just not wanting to take the time out to go to church. In this time of everything is open all the time the distractions are too numerous. Back in the old days, say 1960 or so, stores and such weren't open on Sundays. No, Sundays were for church and socializing. I think we have lost that to our own determent. Was everyone one hundred per cent sincere in their religious convictions back then ? No, they weren't, but at least a pretense was established. There was some expectation of participation. And what do we have now ? It is a sad state of affairs, in my opinion.
Another small tradition associated with the Lenten season that has gone by the wayside are the Easter outfits. I tried a few years back to get the grandkids into it. I bought Morgan the dress,shoes,gloves and bonnet. Mark got new suit pants and a vest ! They didn't enjoy it nearly as much as I did. That tradition has not been repeated since. I can understand their feelings. I wasn't crazy about the whole deal when I was a kid. Looking back at it though it was kinda fun. I'm thinking the girls must have enjoyed it more than the guys, but perhaps that is a sexist remark. Either way, it was a show of color for spring and new life ! The symbolism wasn't lost on me, at least it wasn't after Grandma explained it.
The church and the church seasons were an important part of growing up for me. I wonder about the children of today that are not exposed to these traditions. I feel as though they are vital components in gaining maturity and understanding. There were expectations and obligations to be met. We may not have liked them all but we participated. We were a part of something bigger. Bigger than ourselves and bigger than our families. We were part of a community. I'm afraid much of that is being lost. It can make you nervous for the future of our country. 

Historical figures

The internet and the material available on it are amazing. One does have to be careful as you can be redirected into areas that you would rather not go, but that is true in life as well. Yesterday I was browsing old newspapers. The East Hampton Star, whose motto is " it shines for all " is the paper of my youth. It is quite interesting to read about the events of  my youth, but events I don't really remember either.They were just the everyday things of life then and were paid little attention. A lot of the names and places are very familiar. Sometimes I am reminded of things and at others it is " news. " Hey, even old news is news.
One such news event that was reported involved several of my relatives. In the East Hampton Star when people had visitors from " away " that was reported. It was also reported if relatives returned to town for a visit. That was apparently the case in 1959 when my Dads' aunt and her husband came for a visit. They came to visit with my Uncle, Pete Reichart and his wife. They were joined by Uncle Petes' wife's parents as well. At one point my Uncle Pete took Uncle Mark fishing aboard his boat, The Bonac Devil, and they caught a 258 pound swordfish ! Pretty good catch. I think it is neat that they would report that in the paper. Well, I guess I shouldn't be surprised living in a fishing village.
In that same year, 1959, Uncle Pete, along with other volunteers were building a lodge for the girl scout camp. Uncle Pete was a contractor.The town had generously provided ground for a permanent girl scout camp on Old House Landing road. The lumber company in town, Frank B Smith, gave such a good price on the lumber that a larger structure than originally planned could be built. Now it was to be twenty foot by thirty foot and include a fireplace. The posts had already been set by the time of printing. Building on cedar posts set into the ground was a common method used back then. It allowed for air flow under the house and help prevent rot.
Uncle Petes' daughter Mary Ann belonged to that girl scout troop. At the time of the building she was a brownie but would " fly up " to girl scout in May of 1959. The article mentioned how generous some contributors had been, most notably the Ladies Village Improvement Society. It also mentions how the girl scouts were helping their own cause by selling the new forty nine star American flag ! It is that last line that jumped off the page at me. I knew about the girl scout camp and all those relatives of mine. I had heard stories about it and know the location of the camp, but somehow I missed the change to a forty nine star flag ! Of course, I was only five at the time so I guess I wasn't paying attention. It was in January of 1959 that Alaska was made a state. This article was written in May. By August of the same year I was six and Hawaii was admitted to the union. Then the girl scouts could start selling fifty star flags ! I'm betting there are not that many forty nine star flags around. Or maybe there is a surplus of them ?
It certainly is fun to read history, especially when you know the historical figures personally. I wonder what Uncle Pete and the others would think of that ? Being called a historical figure I mean. They are historical figures though and duly noted in the paper.I'm not sure if the camp is still there. That property, in " the hamptons " would surely be highly valued today. I do remember infiltrating that camp as a young man. I snuck in from the bay in a rowboat. That was much later than 1959 of course. Probably the summer of 1968 or thereabouts. I believe I was unseen. The truth is I didn't see much either. Well, it was a youthful adventure. Thankfully, it was not reported. 

A good memory

Another short story from the summer of '68. My oldest brother Harold was in the Navy and had been sent to sea. For reasons that I don't recall it was decided his wife would spend the summer at my house. She would share a bedroom with my sister. This wasn't a big deal or anything, and she was just there. I always enjoyed her company and she didn't infringe upon any of my freedom, so I didn't mind at all. If there was any drama associated with this arrangement I wasn't aware of it.
In the summer of '68 we didn't have air conditioning in our house. I do remember the girls giggling in their room and complaining about how " muggy " it was. Everyone was acting silly for one of those unknown reasons and the term " muggy " just kept getting laughs. Soon I was hollering at them that is was muggy and laughing too. Eventually Dad was hollering up the stairs to quiet down up there, he was trying to get some sleep ! He couldn't of course, because it was too muggy ! Well, after an hour or so of that we all went to sleep.
I remember the next day we were all sitting out on the front steps enjoying the coolness of the morning. It looked like it was going to be another hot one. The girls were looking at a magazine of some type. Whether it was home and gardens or some fashion thing I do not recall. Dad comes out and the girls are talking about shampooing their hair. They are saying, in this magazine it says a beer and egg shampoo will make your hair shiny and soft or some such claim. Whatever it was supposed to do, every girl needed it. They continue on about this shampoo for quite a while, debating whether or not they should do it. They were considering going to the beach later on so maybe they would wait till after that. Turning that page, they find some other fashion thing to talk about. Dad wanders back in the house. Soon he came out the door with two eggs in his hand and a can of beer ! You got it, he smashed the eggs on her head, Harold's wife, and poured the beer on it ! He says, now go wash your hair, you said that is what you wanted ! Everyone is surprised and begins to laugh. She is surprised too and can do little but laugh.
That summer went quickly and Harold returned. They went and got there own place. I will always remember that summer. I will remember how it was " muggy " and I will always remember the shampoo ! It was a great summer. A good memory.

The price of cheerios

I am so tired of hearing about the weather that I'm writing about the weather ! Does that make any sense at all ? Probably not, but it is what it is. Working in retail I hear it all day long, the standard quips, cold enough for ya, or hot enough for ya ? I hear it's raining outside, snowing or blowing like I didn't already know that. All the discussion about weather, all the stories of how cold it was twenty years ago or how high the temperature got in summer. I know that folks are just making conversation, I can appreciate that, and the weather is a safe subject. Well, most of the time it is anyway, I've heard a few retorts that were less than friendly !
There are times when I get annoyed. Like when a customer starts telling me how much money we are making off a storm. First, let me explain that I do not get anything extra no matter the potential weather, or the current weather. Secondly, all it does is make my job that much harder trying to keep up with demand. And last, but not least, is the store doesn't make any more money either. It is only that people buy it sooner. After the big storm, the store will be very slow for a few days. Yup, people will be using all that stuff they bought for the storm, they don't save it for the next ! Most will have a few days supplies to go through.
I have considered including a list of possible subjects to discuss inside the sale flyer. In that way customers could have something more to say. Perhaps some current events or town proceedings. Would have to avoid religion and politics. Maybe just ask for opinions. Or a list of trivia questions. The customer could ask the employees for the answers or get confirmation of the answer. How about putting clues in there to find a hidden object ? Find the object and get a discount. There have been days when I thought of being a mute ! Just carry a pad and paper around with me. Then I could just smile at everyone and pull out a card that says, Good Morning, do you sign ? Problem is, I don't and what happens if they do ? Bad policy there, could be offensive.
Well it is what it is ,and that is what it's a'gonna be ! Folks are just trying to be friendly I suppose. I sure wish they would ask me if I have read a good book lately, or what I think about black holes. The Tesla corporation has some exciting technology that they plan to release in about six months. Radio Shack is going out of business, snowstorms haven't helped them at all. There are any number of things I have an opinion about if you just ask. But that is the problem isn't it ? Do we really want to hear the answer ? Most don't I believe, just want to get in and out. Except for the older folks that is, they want to talk,talk, talk ! For some, that is their social interaction for the day. I understand that and try to be patient. I hope some employee returns the favor to me one day, should it become necessary.
So, go ahead talk about the weather and stay noncontroversial. It is probably the best choice overall. If an employee in a store seems annoyed by it, he probably is. Remember he is not getting rich off a snowstorm or other natural disaster. He is still getting paid by the hour and probably not getting any more hours either. More likely is he will lose some time, due to the weather !
The bottom line is their is nothing any of us can do about it. Accept it for what it is and just move on. In an oblique sort of way it is empowering. We can say, " it is cold outside " and you can't change that ! You can change the price of cheerios but you can't change the weather.

The door incident

It was one of those little incidents in life, just a part of living I suppose, not that uncommon. In todays' world this story would be analyzed and scrutinized. Counselors and experts would be brought in and perhaps even an intervention ! But this little incident took place sometime during the 1960's. During a time when it was more of a man's world. Our perceptions of manly men, doing manly things, was quite different back then. That isn't to say that they were necessarily correct just that they were.
Now this tale is a recounting of actual events as they happened. At least how they happened as I remember them. I came downstairs for breakfast. Dad is sitting at the head of the table sipping his coffee out of the saucer. That is one of his little quirks. He did have a habit of pouring coffee in the saucer and blowing across it to cool it. Then he would sip it. He was just bent over that coffee and looking a little tired. Mom is rustling around with some dishes in the sink, all is quiet. Nothing unusual about that. It is about this time that I notice the back door. The back door is open a little bit, strange because it is a little cold outside, so I decide to close it. Walking over to the door I noticed the door jam is broken and the door itself is a little damaged around the knob and latch ! I holler to Mom, " what happened to the door ! " I remember being met with eyes like daggers and being told to just shut up ! I'm taken aback, Mom doesn't usually talk that way. I go to say something else and those eyes fall on me again. I know now to not say another word ! A short glance from Dad confirmed that assumption. Suddenly I'm not hungry for breakfast at all. I go to say I'm leaving but before I can utter a sound I am told to just sit down. Being a child wise beyond my years, I comply immediately ! The tension in the air is making me nervous. I didn't do anything wrong, did I ? A bowl of cheerios is sat before me and I eat in complete silence. Dad is just sipping his coffee and Mom has washed the same dish ten times. This can't be good.
After finishing my cereal I am allowed to leave the room. Still no more words have been spoken. I go about my business and stay out of sight. No dummy, I know enough to make myself scarce. Later on, I see Dad leaving. I wonder where he could be going, it is Saturday and he doesn't have to work on Saturday. Well, I expect he has something to do. I went inside, as I had been hiding out playing in the boat in the yard. Dad was doing the bottom on that boat and it had a cabin. It was fun to play inside that cabin and be a pirate or whatever. So, I go inside and ask Mom where Dad is going ? She replies with a tart answer, to the lumber yard ! I ask, what for ? By this time I can tell Mom is getting just a bit annoyed with my questioning. Too late though, Mom goes off on a big story about that kitchen door ! I am forced to stand there and listen while she talks about Dad having too much to drink last night and how men are ! How men are so stupid and go slamming doors and stuff. I hear how she tried to prevent him from going out last night, she pointed out that he had already had enough to drink and didn't need to go out for a beer. It was then that he apparently slammed the door. And then I heard how when he came back that door was locked. But it wasn't locked because of Mom, no, it was locked because Dad slammed it shut and it locked ! Mom had gone to bed by this time but could hear him at the door. She said she heard him rattling at the door and being mad that it was locked. Well, it was his own fault that the door was locked, and if he had remembered his keys he could just unlock that door, but no, because he had been drinking he didn't have his keys ! So, you see it is all his fault ! I just nodded agreement. Mom told me that Dad said, I'll be damned if you will lock me out of my own house ! It was following that outburst that the door met its' fate. That is how the door got broken. According to Mom it is all because men are stupid ! And Dad is going to the hardware store to get stuff to fix it with.
Oh, now I know what the deal is. It took me a little while in my juvenile mind to understand. Dad was wrong and Mom had it on him ! God, I hate it when that happens to me. Poor Dad, and with a hangover too. It is a story that was often repeated in my house, although, never when Dad was around. Mom seemed to enjoy the telling of it and I think she still does. I will say this much, I have learned over the years that alcohol can make your powers of deductive reasoning a bit weak. It can also make you jump to conclusions about things. The funniest part of the whole story is this, the front door was unlocked. I never told Dad that bit of information though and as far as I know Mom didn't either.

Soundtrack

On Maryland public television on Sunday mornings I like to watch Austin City Limits. You Just never know who is going to perform and I enjoy the variety. This morning they were celebrating forty years of the show. Willie Nelson was featured as he was there for the pilot show. He was joined by others honoring Stevie Ray Vaughn and Double Trouble. It was a very good show and brought back memories,. Well, not really memories as I still listen to those performers to this day. Buddy Guy even made an appearance, another legend. As I watched and listened I couldn't help but be struck by the age of those musicians. The headliners are all getting pretty old ! Willie is eighty now and Buddy Guy can't be far behind. Emmy Lou Harris was there, still beautiful, but showing the years. Yes, it will wake you up on a Sunday morning. I'm in this same grouping, just not a musician. I'm still listening though and there is something to be said for that.
I believe we all get stuck in a time and place in music. Just like the majority of us will adopt a certain style of dress, so too music. I have always listened to a variety of genres. As a teenager I listened to Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Steppenwolf, Jr. Walker and Carol King. James Brown was another favorite, one my dad didn't understand ,along with Sly and the family stone. A little later I began to listen to country music a bit more. As the Bellamy bros. wrote, Disco left me cold. Heavy metal did nothing for me. Willie and Merle fit the bill nicely though. Of course, Dad had always listened to Country and Western, as it was called then so I was not unfamiliar with the artists. I blended all those things together.
It is a wake up call to see all these artists today and hear them called legends. Some already have statues built in their honor. You realize just how iconic they are when they can no longer really play and sing, yet are featured. A deference to their past accomplishments. They have earned that right, that kindness, through their body of works. They are treasured relics of the past. What is sobering is I fit into that category, age wise ! The only difference being, I'm just old. Now, don't take that wrong, I'm not complaining or feeling sorry for myself, I'm just pointing out the facts. All our " seniors " should be treated with the same degree of respect.
I expect each generation feels the same about their music. It is what they were in tune with, pun intended. I'm not even certain what music is popular right now. I don't seem to hear about any one person or group that much, but maybe it is because I'm not paying attention. When the Beatles arrived I think everyone in America was aware of that. I do occasionally hear about artists, and I use that term loosely, like Miley Cryus and Justin Beiber but not for their musical accomplishments. I hear about Rappers, or whatever they call themselves these days, shooting each other. I did watch a portion of the Grammy awards and was left scratching my head. I just can't see much of this new stuff being around forty years from now. Perhaps I am wrong about that, I hope so anyway. Even country music has taken a turn in recent years. Some are calling it " BRO " country and I understand that sentiment. Well to each their own. I just can't seem to relate to a lot of the songs they are singing these days. The consolation in all of this is a simple fact, you can't outlive the music of your youth, because that music is timeless. I look at it as a gift. I do believe if you could record my " soundtrack " it would be what they call a "mix tape" these days. The overture has been played and the " allegro " portion winding down. Now I would say I am more interested in the " adagio " portion of that soundtrack. It does seem to be the natural order of things. 

An equal love

Love is belief. Love dies when you stop believing. Those are truths. They are truths it has taken me years to understand and come to grips with. Love can be  a transient thing, here today and gone in an instant, in an instant of disbelief. We may struggle mightily with doubt, but hang on to belief, and love survives. Love lives in belief and will die in doubt. Love requires truth.Truth in your belief and truth in your actions.Love is not a process of reciprocity. Love does not require that action. It is the continuance of belief that keeps love alive.
This is true with all forms of love. Whether we love an object,an action or another person we must believe. Belief is a feeling and not substantiated by facts. If you believe it, it is. Attempting to prove belief is a fools errand. One can not validate belief ; nor love. Love is given freely, without exception or exemption. Love can not rely upon stipulated circumstances or conditions. Trust is the binding agent. Belief can not exist without trust. And trust must come from within ourselves. We are the sole trustee. And so trust is bound to belief, which nourishes love..
Misplaced trust causes a poor bond. Just as placing glue in the wrong area will cause a weak bond, failure is inevitable. But is failure the fault of the glue ? No, it is the failure in application. We need to be certain in placing our glue,our trust,our belief.
When belief fails to satisfy, so too the trust. So we can say in order to love, one must believe. The continuance of that belief depends upon our actions and the actions of those we place our trust in. A failure of either will result in lost love. The real issue lies in recognizing that loss.  The first thing we must understand is that love is a singularity.We must love without the expectation of reciprocity. If what we feel requires a return, it is not love. That action is called validation. We seek validation because we do not believe. We do not trust.
This is true in religion as well. Trust in your God and you have belief. In that belief, love lives. Should we not love each other as we love ourselves ? That is commanded by my God. And why should that be ? Because to trust in yourself is to trust in your God. In that trust lives belief, and in belief love abides. There is no room for doubt. God does not need to prove his existence. The only requirement is belief. Belief is love. Did Jesus not say, " those who believe in me shall not perish but have everlasting life ? " That is the love of God, Eternal. His love never ends and so too our lives need not end if we believe, if we love. Jesus said, I am the truth, the way and the light. The truth is in belief. The truth is borne out by your actions.
On this day, this Valentines day, these thoughts of love filled my mind. Love is not the candy hearts and pretty wrappings. Love is belief. I am very fortunate to have someone to believe in. My trust has been well placed. My wife has been the bonding agent to love and the understanding of love. It is from her that I have learned. She has allowed no doubt to enter my mind. The absence of doubt is indeed trust, and that trust nourishes our love. A mutual love, an equal love, that requires nothing more than belief. 

Skating, a simple life

When I was a young teen going to the roller rink was a big deal. That roller rink was a good distance from home, a good twenty miles. We rarely traveled that far from home. Mom and Dad may take us as far as Riverhead (25 miles ) on a Friday night but it had to be for a special reason. Christmas shopping or shopping for school clothes may warrant the journey. But going to the roller rink was always with a group and always in a bus. I can't say with certainty, the years have been too many, but probably with the church youth group. I did a lot with that group of kids over the years.
Going to the roller rink was an adventure. Mom would be a bit worried about it and make sure I was prepared. Clean socks were essential ! Clean underwear too, in case you had an accident that required a trip to the hospital ! Hey, Mom always said, you never know. And of course, finances. You had to have some spending money but not too much. The likelihood of being robbed in a place like Hampton Bays was a distinct possibility, best not to carry too much cash.
I do remember well skating in that circle. I was never very adept at it but managed to propel myself forward with a minimum of spills. Those skates sure were heavy ! The only other skates I ever tried were the one you strapped to your shoes. They had thin metal wheels and hardly any weight to them at all. They also didn't roll quite as easily or smoothly. I remember, as a general rule, avoiding doing the " hokey pokey " using the excuse it wasn't cool. Truth was I was afraid of falling down and looking foolish. Spinning around wasn't one of my skills. The only thing I became decent at was building up speed. I wasn't always in control though and would get yelled at by the attendant. That was in the " early " years. Later I only went to the roller rink to hopefully hold hands with the young ladies. I remember when that was a big deal too ! Bigger than going to Hampton Bays or Riverhead ! Ah, for those days again. I can still hear that hollow sound of the skates on that hardwood flooring, I can see the colored lights and hear that stereo music ! It was sometimes hard to even speak to one another it was so loud. I was always glad Mom wasn't there, she would have told them to turn it down ! I didn't go often so I suppose that is why I didn't go deaf ! Being twenty miles away did have that unexpected benefit.
I did go, a year or so ago, to a roller rink in Delaware. My granddaughter Morgan had her birthday party there. Yes, grandpa was talked into strapping on the skates. And yes, I still got it ! I found my skating skills hadn't diminished very much despite all the years. I can still go forward without falling down too much. And the best part, holding hands with my granddaughter as she laughed and giggled her way around the rink. She was as unsteady as I was ! I did not participate in the hokey pokey either. I was surprised that the whole routine hadn't changed much at all. All skate, girls skate, boys skate, the hokey pokey, musical corners ( a new game to me ) and reverse skate. The lights and music were still the same. If I closed my eyes during the hokey pokey I was back in Hampton Bays.
They were certainly good times, those trips to the roller rink. I remember how my legs would ache later on from using unfamiliar muscles. It was a feeling of independence. Funny I do not recall who drove the bus or the chaperones at all. They were good chaperones that much is certain. I do not remember there ever being a problem of any kind. We just went skating and had a great time. What private dramas may have taken place I cannot guess. Worst that ever happened to me was a young lady didn't want to skate with me. It was pretty embarrassing but a soda from the concession stand took care of the injury. Life was a lot simpler then.

It's unclear

It is sometimes a difficult thing to remain calm in a storm. And I believe our country is in a big one. There are just so many issues, of a fundamental nature, that are being called into question that I can view it in no other way. It is hard to not rant and rave and storm about ! Those actions do little good however and may even call your credibility into question. Don't want to look like a nut ! It is just that sometimes the answer is so obvious ! Yet, our government, and others, fail to see the simplicity of the solution. The debate rages on with " expert " testimony and pie charts !
I suppose a lot of this turmoil is just a product of my age. I was raised in different times, with values of a different generation. The current generation of lawmakers and leaders are more and more not of mine. We do have a way of labeling it progress. It is an age old argument and will continue. I am aware of that and try to temper my reactions accordingly. Whenever our fundamental values are called into question that is the result. Mankind has gotten this far, but I'm concerned for tomorrow. That sentiment has been mumbled over the years by generation after generation. I expect it always will.
These are turbulent times. Social unrest is on the rise. A move toward a more " socialist " approach to government is certainly evident to me. The hucksters, pundits and so called scholars may say otherwise but I am not being fooled. All this imposition of " rights " that are not in truth a right at all, is the beginning. We do have, not because of the Constitution, but because of the nature of man the natural right to life, liberty, and property. That was not made up by James Monroe or any other delegates in the continental congress. John Locke spoke of that and many others before him. It was first written down, in at least one form in the Magna Carta. Do you recall that document from your school days ? Those are rights. Any infringement upon those rights is a move toward socialism. The key word was Independence not dependence.
My thoughts are not organized this morning. I'm a little upset with the Little League scandal. To have those children lose a title because of the actions of the adult leadership is just despicable. It has not only affected the children of that team but every team that came into contact with it. If your team was eliminated, in any part, because of a defeat by that team it undermines the whole program. And now Jesse Jackson and others are immediately calling it a racist action ! Those that supposedly are the ones working toward equality being the first to call  race into the question ? What lessons are we teaching these children ? If you cheat it is acceptable if you don't get caught ? If you get caught, call race into question ? Is that the message you really want to send ?
I'm also a little upset with the President asking congress for permission to engage ISIS. That should have been done long ago. Irregardless of that, the congress is debating it. There is talk of " limited " use. Some are calling it " regional " terrorism and that any ground troops should only be from that region. I say when you killed one American, you entered my region. When I bring force against you it will be full force ! Anything else is just a waste of time. Have we learned nothing over the years of these " limited " engagements ?
I will just go to work this morning and try not to get upset. Don't want to look like a crazy old man ! Bad enough to just look old. There are any number of topics I can get fired up about these days. All I can say is, KIDS. Kids are trying to run the country and they do not have the intestinal fortitude to do so. Where or where are the leaders ? Probably playing a video game somewhere or trying to Google the answers. 

In season

I have been slowly developing a theory. It is a theory involving our diet. I'm not a scientist or researcher but I think this is something that should be looked into. And it is not so much concerned with the preservatives used in the processing of our food, or the genetic modification of that food. No, I think it is the variety in our diet that may be causing health issues. But not exactly variety, we have plenty available, maybe that is the problem.

What I'm stumbling to say is, just as the Bible says for everything there is a season, so too for our food. Back before we had refrigerated trucks delivering our perishables, or frozen foods, we were dependant upon the season. When we went to market that is what was available. Our diets were naturally adjusted according to the seasons. It is why the comfort foods of winter were developed and the light fare of summer. It was composed of what was available.

I'm thinking that many of us get stuck in a dietary rut these days. We can eat the things we like the best year round. No longer must we wait for the harvest. We can just consume whatever , whenever. Perhaps this is a violation of our biological clocks. Maybe it is a disruption of the grand scheme of things. Before all of this " modern " intervention we were pretty much forced into altering our diets. 

My theory is that we have too much available all the time. This abundance is what is causing some of the health issues we experience. Just as the advent of mechanization has caused the need for people to exercise to maintain fitness, which was accomplished by working, so too this non stop flow of food. The necessity of variety has not been removed from our diet, but it can be easily avoided. 

You could say that all this variety available to us is a good thing. I can see that argument as well. Variety in our diet is essential. The question is in what proportion ? My theory is that nature decides that. Yes it would depend upon where you live but the cycle is pretty much the same everywhere. There are growing seasons. I think if you live in the area where you were born that your body adjusts to that diet accordingly. Evidence of that is going elsewhere and eating their food. It doesn't always set well with us, does it ? Seems logical to me.

I also do not think you could argue that fresh foods are better for us than preserved ones. Fruits and vegetables grown in hothouse conditions certainly are not as flavorful. Even the bread and grains we eat today are modified in some way. If not when being grown then when being used. Yes it certainly is more convenient. It certainly is nice to be able to get whatever you want, whenever you want it. But, I can't help but theorize that it may not be a good thing. It is that way with a lot of other things too. Moderation in all things is also in the Bible. And maybe that is the root of the problem, self moderation. What nature used to do for us is now our responsibility. As a general rule we humans do not do a very good job at self denial. No, with us, it is all the food, all the time ! Well, just  a theory I have been working on. Not that I pay much attention to this theory in my own diet, I don't deny myself the pleasures of  products just because they are not in season here. Corn on the cob is still tasty in February and barbeque too. What I need is someone to practice this theory of mine for say forty years or so and measure the result. Any volunteers ? 

The noon whistle

There was an interesting bit of discussion yesterday about the " noon " whistle. Does your town have a noon whistle ?  Greensboro does not. In East Hampton where I was raised we did. I never gave it much thought though. I only heard it when I was in school or happened to be upstreet at the time. Couldn't heat it where my house was, about three miles from the location of that whistle. The general discussion determined that the whistle was initially installed as part of the civil defense system. I do remember seeing the symbols on the buildings indicating the " fallout " shelters located around town. We were assured that we would be safe in there should the Russians bomb us ! That history of the whistle makes the most sense and I believe it to be the truth of the matter.
As I said, the area of town where I grew up didn't have a whistle. At least I have no recollection of hearing one. In my section of town my neighbors where fisherman and craftsman. In other words, the blue collar crowd. Many of these people worked for themselves or outdoors in some fashion. They were not bound to a time clock. I had seen on television images of the big factories and shipyards where a great number of people were employed. I would see the whistle blowing and the people streaming out of the building. As a child I imagined that was what it wa like uptown, where they had that whistle. Those people working in the stores and shops uptown were so bound to their jobs they needed a whistle to tell them when to go to lunch. That is what I figured anyway. I thought it must be terrible to tied to a time clock. It must be like selling your soul to the devil in exchange for money !
It would appear however that the truth is far more mundane. That is usually the case  The whistle was installed as part of the civil defense program. That whole program followed the second world war and the dropping of the Atomic bombs on Japan. The dreaded Russians had gotten their hands on that technology and might bomb us all ! Along with the whistle to warn us, we schoolchildren practiced hiding under our desks ! We were ready for those Russians. The whistle was tested each day, at noon. In that way we would know it was just a test and not be scrambling to the fallout shelters or hiding under school desks. Well, that is unless those Ruskies attacked at high noon that is. The testing of the whistle, at noon, continued throughout the years.
I hear that there are towns that still carry on this tradition. What else could you call it after all this time. It certainly serves no other purpose in the modern world. Now, we would just get a text on our cell phones ! We also have finally admitted to ourselves the inevitable result of a nuclear attack. Our government has decided the people are smart enough now to understand. Back in the old days the government would withhold certain details as a matter of course. In some ways I think we were all better off.
Here in Greensboro, just up the street from my place, is the Methodist church. It has a bell tower and chimes the time on the hour. I rather enjoy that sound. Bong,bong. I think it is electronic though, but sounds like a bell. I am curious now, how many years that it has been so. Were there actual bells there and someone chiming them ? Seems unlikely. When was this automated ? And now I'm wondering if it does it all night ? Hmm, I'll have to listen for it. Just like that noon whistle it has become just a part of the sounds of the " city. " Yes, this old boy now lives " upstreet. " Wonder what happened to our civil defense whistle ? I don't remember hearing one. Oh, there is the fire whistle and I'm certain it was used for that " civil defense " purpose at one time. Did they ever test it at noon ? I'll have to do some inquiring about that.
I do find it interesting these little discussion about the everyday things in life. Little things that seem to have no significance. I'm certain when that whistle was first installed and it's purpose known it caused some uneasiness. For a least a little while when it went off at noon people had to consider that. Like most things though it became just a part of life. Just another unnoticed little thing. The " noon " whistle " indeed. It really could have forewarned us of the " twelfth " hour ! A bit of irony there. 

A nice gift

We are a third of the way through February. It was quite warm here yesterday and I saw a glimpse of spring. It was just a tease, I know that but I enjoyed the moment. The weather man on television is showing his map and the snow is falling in Massachusetts ! But I don't live there, I live in Maryland, in Greensboro Maryland to be exact. We do not have any snow on the ground or in the air. I find I do not miss that at all. Yes, I'm gloating just a bit. Yes, I know what goes around, comes around. I don't care ! I will not concern myself with the weather.
I was out shopping yesterday and saw the Easter Bunny. Yup, he was dodging cupids arrows and bounding over those red hearts. Didn't surprise me a bit. The bar-b-que  grills were lined up and the lawn furniture on display. Fairly optimistic outlook. Can bicycles and lawn mowers be far behind ? Oh, and garden supplies,plenty of garden supplies. The bathing suits were on display as well. Now that is optimistic ! It'll be a good while before the ocean or the bay is warm enough for me. I'm no polar bear plunger ! On a good year I may enter the water before the fourth of July, but it is unlikely.
I expect the weather will change and the cold return. I anticipate a snow storm or two. There is nothing to be done about that and so I resign. We are still all subject to the whims of nature. That is something that hasn't changed over millenia. We have made great improvements in being protected from those whims that is true, but even those protections could be destroyed in an instant. Man is a frail creature when compared to nature.
The weather is a topic much discussed. It is a lot like politics, everyone has an opinion. It is also rather unpredictable. We think we know, but then, wham, you're wrong. Man has satellites circling the globe and instruments stationed everywhere, but still things change. In some ways I think the standard greeting, hot enough for you, or cold enough for you, is acknowledgement to that fact. Common ground that neither can control or predict. There is no answer that is unacceptable. Whatever the response it can be debated or agreed upon. That is because it makes little or no difference to the person doing the asking. I really don't care if you think it is hot or cold. It makes for non controversial conversation. Why ? Because there isn't a thing you can do about it ! It really is as simple as that. Nature has a way of imposing her will.
Well, I bought my valentines and admired the new line of lawn furniture. I did enjoy the warmth of the day. The promise of spring was in the air. I must remember to be patient. Each day is a gift, as the old adage goes, that is why they call it the present. Yesterday was an especially nice gift. I need to remember something that my Mom told me. When you receive a gift, smile, be thankful and accept it gracefully, even the ones you do like ! It is the thought that counts. Each day we arise and face the morning it is a gift. Smile, be thankful, and accept the day. Not bad advice.

Overreaching

I saw a brief article about a freshman senator. His name is Thom Tillis. He was being lambasted for saying. " the government should not force employees to wash their hands after using the restroom. " At least that is what the headline said. Reading into the matter a little further I discover what he is really saying. What he is saying is that he feels making that requirement a " law " is another example of government overreach. I tend to agree with his common sense approach. It is his contention that the industry ( food service ) will take care of that. He went on to say he is fine with it as long as the resteraunt posts a sign saying, " we do not require our employees to wash their hands before returning to work. "  I understand his point exactly. Do we really need our Congressman and Senators to draft legislation for this ? Do we really need the government to set laws in place about basic hygiene ? Is that the purpose of government ? And then how do we enforce this law ? Will employers be required to have " bathroom " police ? It does make me wonder.
Now I agree that hand washing is the single most important way of preventing the spread of disease. I don't need the government to know that information, it is kinda common sense isn't it ? Ah, but there is the problem, common sense ! Can we have common sense in government ? It would appear that it is impossible. Everything has to be written down. Have we become so progressive that we have abandoned common sense altogether ? I think the thing that struck me the most about this article was the number of senators that supported this proposed legislation. I can understand one or two but the number was much larger. And not only that, their attack upon this fellow senator for speaking out against it was unwarranted, in my opinion.
I elect officials in government to represent me. That is the purpose of these individuals, to represent the people of the United States. I wonder how many average citizens would support spending thousands of dollars  drafting legislation about hand washing ! I don't know about you but my tax dollars could certainly be better used. Employers already require employees to wash their hands ! I see the signs everywhere. State requirements dictate that policy. And now we need a federal law ? Well, what about employees having to shower and train their fingernails ? What about having to wear hair nets and face masks ? And not just when preparing that food, no when serving it as well. What about sanitizing the tables ? Is just wiping them off with a rag really sanitary ? Well, you get the idea.
We wonder why the government can not decide upon anything ? I think I can see why clearly enough. If we are going to spend time and money arguing over something as simple as washing your hands should we expect anything more ? 

Of the mind, not of the flesh

I will attempt to broach a rather touchy subject matter here today. I do not wish to sound like some kind of zealot or preacher but these are my thoughts. I keep seeing all the advertisements for erectile dysfunction and for natural male enhancement. Phrases like " quality of life " and happiness being thrown about. The implication being that without these, shall we say capabilities, ones life is somehow diminished. I see people of both sexes in these advertisements hawking various, treatments, cures and remedies. Far more information than I wish to be a party too. The latest being a treatment for sex after menopause ! Good grief I don't need to hear about all that. Dryness and friction ! Oh my.
I can not help but view these things as a marketing scheme. Let us prey upon the insecurities of the population, especially the older ones. It is a natural thing to want to stay young and live a vigorous lifestyle. The acceptance of diminished capabilities that come with aging is often a tough thing to admit. This is especially so when the media tries to convince you otherwise. Take a pill and feel better. Let us mask the symptoms and they go away. We all know that isn't the truth of the matter but we continue to fool ourselves. And that, to me, is a sign of immaturity. Maturity is something that should be sought after, not avoided.
The greatest pleasures one can experience are those of the mind, not of the flesh. There I said it and it does sound a bit preachy. I do believe it to be true. Love is the greatest gift one can receive. The love from another is a mental thing. The physical expression of love is not necessary to validate that love.
One drug company even states, if it lasts for more than four hours, seek medical attention ! I've never heard if you love someone, for any amount of time, seek medical attention.
I find it amusing at times and at other times contradictory. We hear about being empowered and not letting our sexuality define us. This is especially true with the young women of today. The young men are being taught, with limited success, to not view women as sex objects. Yet, at the same time all these commercials are saying, if you can't have sex for any reason, your quality of life is diminished. In reality they are saying, you are pretty much worthless ! They even have beautiful women showing their disappointment. The implication is clear ! And what's more , you should keep on having sex no matter your age or any physical changes you should experience ! Just take a pill and you are twenty one again ! Well, don't do that if you have a heart problem ! Ask your Doctor first. And I wonder just how he or she is supposed to know ? I mean is there a test for that ?
But I digress. This whole discussion sounds like something from the boys locker room. I don't know what the girls talked about in their locker rooms, but juvenile boys were certainly fascinated with that bodily function. I know some grown men that have never progressed past that point. It is that portion of the population that all this is certainly aimed at. The guy is driving a sports car and it is the time for knowing ! An older couple is drinking wine and dancing in the moonlight, he is taking Cialis, for daily use ! And just what is being implied there ? Every day, really ?
I will not go as far as to say this is an indication of a degenerate society. That would be a bit too evangelistic, even for me. I will say I do think it is a matter that should be discussed in private, not in television commercials. There are certainly many other topics being openly discussed, and approved of, that I could delve into but will not. I will say this, it seems like the 1960's in some ways. Sex, drugs and rock and roll ! Take drugs so you can have sex, smoke some drugs ( legal now ) and listen to some music, you choose. Did our generation ( the baby boomers ) learn nothing from that ? It does make me wonder. Ponce De Leon was looking for the fountain of youth and apparently it can be found through medicine, at least that is the message I'm getting from all of this. I don't think so.
Lasting pleasures come from the mind. Memories of days gone by. The imagination of man is a wonderful gift from God.  Through that I can experience anything I like. I can remember the smile on a childs face at Christmas, and the sounds of the gulls circling overhead. There are great books to read. With age and maturity an appreciation for these things in life is possible. The quality of my life is not dependent upon physical capabilities. The bottom line for me in all of this is simple, grow up.

A " storied " life

Information is of little use if not shared. I have gathered quite a bit of family information over the years and it is rather specialized. Of what interest to the general public could it be ? That is a question I have asked myself on many occasions. How best could I share this information ? It was gathered to satisfy my own curiosity and now resides in a file on the computer, in papers in a folder, and pieces in my mind. Sure, my Mom and sister sometimes ask about a certain thing, or friends may, but the general public ? Of what interest could this information be in that regard ?
I think this information would have to be included in a story. It would be the story that drew the interest and the information just the background. The problem lies in that my family has no great story to tell. We are just average everyday Americans, living average everyday lives. No one is famous or notorious. No serial killers or sensational accomplishments to write about. Just regular people here.
Our story would be the story of the mundane. I can find no central character to build around. I have found dates and events that is true, but no stories. I have family members that served in each and every war this country has been in, no big heroes though. No, just the average service man doing his job as best as he can. I have discovered tragedy in the family, but no more so than other families experience. The tragic loss of life and love. I am certain there was disappointment and regret as well. Of those things there are only clues, followed by speculation. I have no journals to guide my thoughts in that regard. Any story I should write would be made up primarily from my imagination, unless of course, it was my own story. My life, after all , is the only one I know that intimately.
I believe that is true of each of us. Then the question remains, how much of that life are you willing to expose ? It is human nature to want to talk of our successes. Success, unless extraordinary in nature, does not make a good story. Then it only comes off as bragging. Failures however are far more interesting. That is also part of human nature. We enjoy hearing about others failures as long as our own are not pointed out ! That is because we tend to feel somehow superior having not made the same mistakes as another. Or, at the very least, not having anyone know about it. And so there it is, the problem with the story. I do not want to write a story about what my family, or myself, have not accomplished, our failures or shortcomings if you will. The story should be a tale of glorious achievement. But the facts support a different tale. The facts support just an ordinary family, living ordinary lives. What to do with all that information that I have gathered. That is a good question.
I have asked myself of what value has this information been to me ? Other than to satisfy a curious nature, I would have to answer, little. That answer I do find disappointing. I am not sure what I thought the value of gathering it would be. But then does it require any further value than what it already has ? No, I suppose it doesn't. It has served the primary purpose and that was to myself. There is nothing wrong with that.
The urge is there to share that information. Is it a result of wanting to show others what I have accomplished ? The answer would have to be ,yes. Human nature being what it is I can find no other answer. Now I think I need to analyze that information and discover what it is I have learned. The purpose of gathering information is to learn, is it not ? Then having learned something, I should share it. Surely there is a lesson in there somewhere.

Temperance

Temperance is a word we seldom hear, but something that should be learned . We do hear synonyms such as tolerance, abstinence, or sobriety. It is true that temperance is most closely related with the drinking of alcoholic beverages but that is not it's sole meaning. To be temperate is also to avoid extremes of opinions and feelings, or in your personal conduct. Self restraint is exercised by a temperate individual. Those are the " temperance " I am thinking about. I'm thinking we need to start a new temperance movement. This one would not concern the use of alcohol but the exercising of temperance in our everyday lives !
Temperance implies an understanding. To me the temperate person understands all sides of an issue and acts accordingly. They do not react with extremes. A measured response is more in keeping with that line of thought. I see and hear far too much reactionism in society today. Too many people just flying off the handle ! These people need to learn temperance ! Temperance is a throttling of our emotions. It is ironic that temperance itself is so closely associated with intemperate people and reactions. Perhaps they are to blame for its' gross misuse. Molly Hatchet and her gang !
I have found, over the years, I have become more of a temperate person. You may call it an aging or maturity if you like, but I think of it as becoming more temperate. I am not as easily stirred to action as I once was. That is not to say I will not get behind a cause or voice my opinion, it is just a more measured response. The temperate person just stays " cool. " That is the modern term for temperate.
We have all heard and read about the temperance movement. That was when Molly and her gang went around busting things up and crying for prohibition. Alcohol was at the root of it all then. These women and some men of faith saw the evil associated with the "intemperate" use of that alcohol. That is why they wanted it banned. Unfortunately the majority of the population didn't view it in that way. That is why prohibition proved to be such a failure. The people want what the people want, regardless of any bad side effects or moral questioning. The government viewed it as an additional avenue for tax collection and to eliminate costly law enforcement and so it was repealed. Sound familiar ? This same reasoning is being applied to the legalization of Marijuana. And, the beat goes on. Temperance should be exercised in this " new " drug as well.
But all that aside what I am talking about is temperance. Not the prohibition of any one action, but the exercising of a temperate constitution. That is to say to avoid extremes. It is only by a cool rational approach to life's problems that lasting results can be obtained. It just appears to me that everything these days is a cause. That, in my opinion, is the problem. The problem we most often experience is the effect ! The results of our own actions that we then try to assign blame to. The alcohol caused the addition. Not true, it was the consumption of the alcohol that caused the addition. Conflicts with others are often the result of our own actions and then we assign blame because of their reaction ! Temperance in our life would minimize these misunderstandings. 

Age,in the first person

Last evening I posted a funny little status to my facebook wall. I wondered why I stayed so " young " while my classmates all grew " old". Of course it is just a joke and not meant to be taken seriously. It was just that, that observation was brought up to me by my sister. She had been talking with my Mom. My Mom is eighty five. In that conversation one of my Mother's contemporaries was mentioned. Mom says, oh my, she must be an old lady by now ! My sister laughed and agreed. What my sister failed to point out to Mom is that she is an old lady herself ! I laughed with my sister about that because I understood it exactly. At sixty one I certainly don't think of myself as " old " and I don't look that old ! At least my mirror doesn't show that reflection. Well it could be that my eyes just don't see it. At any rate, I can relate to what Mom was saying. Age in the first person is different than age as observed. I think it is just an act of self preservation that we think in that fashion.
You know it is a funny thing about mirrors, they show a true reflection. So it follows that what I'm seeing is what I am. What is strange is that a camera, at least these digital ones we use nowadays, are supposed to capture that image. Mine doesn't and neither does any others that I have seen. In those images I do look a bit older. Must have something to do with the technology. To be completely honest I have seen those same images, the older looking me, in some mirrors outside of my home. Never directly though, just a fleeting glimpse. I'm thinking it must be a peek into the future or something like that. When I stop to look, the real me reappears ! Mysterious isn't it ? Has that ever happened to you ?
It is also true that appearances can be deceiving. We all age differently. My hair is beginning to thin in the standard male pattern baldness way. I have known other men that are almost completely bald by forty. An observation of mine, unsubstantiated by science, is that baldness is becoming more prevalent at a younger age than in the past. I wonder why that should be so or if it really is so ? Maybe it is just that fewer hats are being worn. Maybe it is that more hats are being worn. I hear that hat wearing leads to baldness ! I don't believe that though. I predict that in the next twenty years or so another indicator will surface. Tattoos. Tattoos in design and wording will date people. They will change with the skin they are being applied to. That is just a fact of nature and cannot be changed. As a general rule as we age our skin begins to not fit so well. The canvas begins to sag and so does the art. I have a very small amount of this art and it is fading. So far no creases in it but that is because of location. I admit it wasn't a conscious decision on my part, that location, just a fortunate choice.
I have heard that age is a state of mind. I can understand that thinking and can't argue with it. Our physical capabilities will diminish with age, no doubt about that, but our mental capabilities may not. That is the unknown. I sure hope mine remain intact. I will do my best to keep my mind young. That doesn't mean the adoption of young thinking, just exploring the possibilities as presented. These young folks have a lot to learn ! Fortunately I'm still young enough to learn. I wonder about some of my " classmates " though, they look pretty old !    Just kiddin' everyone, just kiddin' 

Places,politics and dreams

I had an interesting little climb down the family tree, heading towards the roots. I passed through some places I had been before and visited with some new. It would seem at least one branch of my tree stayed fairly close to home. That is to say in the general area of their " planting " here in America. Of course there are many offshoots going in all directions. The reasons for these forays into distant lands are as different as the people that took them. I do think about all of that and wonder does one line have precedence over another ? What I'm asking here is, which line does the main root originate from ? Would it be the maternal or paternal side ? An argument could be made for either.
In my case the maternal side goes back at least nine generations here in America. It was a Bennett that sailed from England and settled in this land. He was married and had his children here. Those roots are firmly planted in American soil. Now, my Dad's family came from Germany. The first Reichart arrived about 1856 or so and are relative newcomers. But in their defense they married into an old established family here in America. They were of German descent as well, that much is true and comes as no surprise. Birds of a feather and all that. It was my paternal Grandfather that married into a very old English family. He married Clara Lester. Her family, the Lester's and King's,  had been in America since the earliest days.
I think that most of us want to identify with a certain group. It is just basic human nature, the desire to belong. We attempt to substantiate our claims with facts. Tracing the blood is one way in which we do that. That method can prove birthright,if there is such a thing, but cannot guarantee acceptance. Our outward appearance and position in society also influences that identity. From which branch of that tree do we receive nourishment ? That, I believe, will provide the answer to the " roots " of your raising, to coin a phrase. From which grouping were you taught the basic values that you cherish ? Mine, I would say, come more through the maternal side of my family. I was raised in the same general area as my maternal ancestors, I walked in their footsteps there. I engaged in many of the same activities as they did. My manner of speech is indicative of that area.
On the paternal side of my family, the Germans that immigrated here tried to assimilate to the culture. They didn't embrace their Germanic roots as much as adopt the American way. That, I think was the prevalent thing back in those days. They had no desire to be German-Americans they wanted to be Americans.
The study of where we came from is an interesting one. It not just about names and dates. It is about places,politics and dreams. Those three things are the influences that drive us. They still do. I am learning things about my family and their dreams. Some of these things are based in fact and some on speculation. I confess it is the unknown and unknowable that fascinates me the most. Speculation based in fact ? It would seem an oxymoron but it may be all I have. Then, again, I have been accused of telling stories. I will keep looking for the facts however. All great stories have some basis in truth or at the very least tell a truth. One day I may know the truth about me ! Maybe though, I'd be better off not knowing.

Phillips' War

Yesterday I was writing about a place called Squaw Cove. That lead me to do a little exploring. The first of the Bennett line had settled at that place but was by no means the first Bennett in America. Well to be technically correct, what we now call America. The very first Bennett to immigrate to this new world was probably Edward Bennett. Ah but when we are talking about people and events from the 1600's can we ever really be one hundred percent sure ? I will continue by adding I am by no means an authority on any of this. What I am writing and saying is what I have found in various sources on the internet. There are likely mistakes but that is not the purpose of this story, this story is just a thing of interest to myself.
Edward Bennett had a son named Samuel. Samuel had a brother named George and it is this George that I found this interesting tale about. Especially interesting to me because that George would be my 8th great granduncle ! As near as I can tell we are of the same blood. Now George, along with his wife Lydia and their five children, were living in Lancaster Massachusetts in 1675 when war broke out. War with the native people that is. This war is called " Phillips War " by historians. The Phillip being referenced is not King Phillip or anything like that but this Phillip was the Chief of the Wampanog tribe ! This chief was friend and ally to Monoco , chief of the Nipmucks. He was noted for having only one eye.
But first a little background. You see the settlers had Christian Indians that were there friends and spies. These " Christian " indians reported back and forth between the two factions. The English, by virtue of their superior fire power and having made the natives somewhat dependant upon their goods like better tools and steel weapons, gained a great many concessions from them. Then the natives became unwilling to compromise further and planned an attack upon the settlement at Lancaster. This was reported to the settlers by one of those Christian Indians. That Indian was killed, some say by the order of Phillip himself. The settlers took three natives into custody,held a trial and convicted the natives. They were subsequently executed ! This, as you can understand, enraged the natives.
And so it was this that precipitated the events of the 22 of August in 1675.  George Bennett, along with seven others were in the northern part of the village that day. The accounts say they were near the cemetery when the sneak attack occurred. The natives, members of the Nipmuck tribe, killed George Bennett along with all seven others. Among them was an entire family. The MacLouds.
George Bennetts' family was spared and I can find no further record of where they went following this. There is mention of her requesting aid from the powers that be. By the following year the settlement was abandoned. It remained that way for two years or more.
I will continue to research this as I find it interesting. I can not help but wonder if old Samuel Bennett down to squaw cove knew of this. I would think that he did as it took place only about a hundred years before his birth. I wonder too, if his parents or grandparents came to squaw cove as a result of this. It is well known now, and I am sure then as well, that the native tribes on Long Island were generally quite friendly and peaceful. Perhaps it was considered a safer place in this wilderness they called the new world. Old Sam was born in 1771 and witnessed the birth of America. I can not show the direct relationship between the Samuel Bennett at Squaw Cove to the Samuel Bennett  son of Edward Bennett but it is highly likely. Samuel Bennett  born at Squaw Cove, whose father was also Samuel Bennett. George Bennett's father was Samuel George Bennett.
I can say, with some degree of certainty, that my 8th great granduncle George was killed in Phillips War on the 22nd of Aug 1675. That's pretty cool to know. 

Squaw Cove

Years ago I came into possession of a book that my Mom had purchased back in the late  '50's. East Hampton History and Genealogies by Jeanette Edwards Rattray. This volume was of particular interest because it contains my family. My own great grandmother assisted in compiling family information for inclusion in this book. We must remember this was done at a time before computers and the information superhighway. Old newspapers, documents and family Bibles were the primary sources for this type of information. I had browsed through it as a child but felt no connection to it. Later in life I took an interest in genealogy. That book proved to be a springboard. On the inside jacket there's a map showing various locations throughout the town of East Hampton. Some of the names are familiar and some are not. As I read through the family history section I discovered at least one my ancestors was born and died at a place called Squaw Cove. This place was listed on the inside and numbered on the map. Alas, the location is missing on that map ! An error in printing that was never caught. I did some inquiries but no one knew the location of Squaw Cove. I let that piece lie for many years and recently revisited it. To my astonishment the place has been identified ! Not only that, it is now a protected from development. What a wonderful discovery.
Squaw cove, the name itself demands a story to be written. The story should rightfully begin with Samuel Bennett who died at that place sometime before 1699. It is from his line that I am descended. Some historians say that the white man never made contact with the native americans at that location but I doubt that assumption. Many artifacts of an Indian encampment were found there. It is true that these artifacts predate the 1699 time period but to me that doesn't prove the natives weren't around. Perhaps they just moved to a new location. White men certainly moved around according to their needs and desires I see no reason the natives wouldn't have done the same. No record exists of a particular sale of land to Samuel Bennett but he could very well have purchased it from the natives. I think people are people whatever the time and place. If there is a profit to be had, well, who knows.
Squaw cove was, and is,  prime real estate for a person that works the water and Samuel Bennett certainly did that.
The name squaw cove indicates the presence of the natives, does it not ? Why would that place be labeled that if not for that ? We all know from our history lesson in school that the women of the tribe did the menial labor. That labor would include the gathering of shellfish along the shore and using the water there for various purposes. The washing of clothing,bedding and food for example. The name implies that squaws gathered there and it would seem obvious they would be engaged in domestic duties. If I am a white man, fairly alone, Squaw Cove sounds like a good place to hang out. Hey, some things never change you know.
In modern times we often like to build on the water. That practice is a result of having artificial shelter from the elements. The natives would have built their encampments back from the open water as a matter of practicality. There are few trees to block the wind on the water ! It would be wise to be further back in the forest. Natural shelter makes sense. My own father would speak of that. He was of the opinion living on the beach was just foolish. That was a notion he learned from his grandfather. And his grandfather probably learned that from his. In many ways they are  correct.
In later years the son of Samuel Bennett would move to the west just a bit, on the other side of three mile harbor. He would settle in a place called Northwest. Northwest, as I knew it, was only the name of the woods in my backyard. I was to learn later that an entire village once prospered there. That village is now gone and all that remains are the graves of my ancestors buried there. Some of their headstones still stand to this day. Many have been lost to time and development.
As for me I was born in a hospital. I did grow up on the edge of Northwest woods however and so claim that as my birthright. Not far from my doorstep ran Soak Hides dreen a place the native americans utilized in the curing of animal hides. Much evidence of their presence there was discovered many years past. Surely the squaws gathered there as well.
Little did I know that I grew up surrounded by history. And that history was my own. Now a great deal of that history has been lost to time and neglect. It is being rediscovered and preserved and for that I am grateful. How much more I could have known and possibly saved cannot be said. All I would have had to do is ask.
Yes, Squaw Cove is a story that needs to be told. The question is, what is that story ? A story about  a man and his family. The places in that story now only exists in history books and the names on a sign. Squaw cove, soak hides and northwest. Oh, there are others, too numerous to mention that belong in other stories. My own story begins in Squaw cove no telling where it will end.