When sharing my class-mate's memories of grade-school, someone pointed out that I miss-spelled her last name. I always thought it was Ingram not Ingraham. I apologized to Donna and chalked it up to "just one of those things." Shoot me.
I am very fortunate that most of my class-mates last names were very simple like--Smith, Roberts, Murphy, Latham, and Paul. Thank goodness, we didn't live in an area that had names like Karahalious or Ferthatovic. I would be in real trouble.
One of my classmates last name was Miiller or Muller with the dots over the "U." I was never sure about the dots and so forth except it had something to do with German pronunciation. I always just thought of it as Miller. Please just try and bear with me!!
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
OVERHEARD AT THE BURG GROCERY!
A common remark from a check-out clerk to a customer before announcing the total price of the groceries is usually--"Did you find everything O.K.?"
Just once I would like to hear the customer say--"No! I forgot some cheese that I need. I'll be right back." While another customer waits next in line, the person walks slowly to the back of the store for the item. I bet the clerk would never ask that question again.
Just once I would like to hear the customer say--"No! I forgot some cheese that I need. I'll be right back." While another customer waits next in line, the person walks slowly to the back of the store for the item. I bet the clerk would never ask that question again.
DICK, JANE, AND SALLY/ WRITING(A GOOD LESSON)
Donna Ingraham continues her grade school memories.
DICK, JANE, AND SALLY
I loved reading from kindergarten through first grade about Dick, Jane, and baby Sally. Sally had a teddy bear named Tim. Their dog's name was Spot. Dick always had his little red wagon and he would frequently pull Sally in it. Jane was the sister who was squeaky clean. Dick many times was in some sort of trouble and Sally got in lots of trouble. Spot could find trouble on his own. I could get lost in reading about their adventure. Reading takes you out of yourself and provides dreams and possibilities beyond your wildest imaginations.
WRITING
In later elementary school we had to write our autobiography. Little did I know that this would become a passion when I taught 3rd grade. Ours was just a few pages and I still enjoy it. When I taught 3rd grade for over 20 years my students were given an assignment every day to write and illustrate. The assignment might be My Favorite Hiding Place or My Favorite Time of Year. We would start out with one paragraph at the beginning of the year. We always had a topic sentence of their choosing first, 2 or 3 details and finally a feeling sentence. I encouraged them to use their 5 senses in deciding what to write. By the end of the year we were writing 4 to 5 paragraphs a day. It was hand written and student illustrated. No computer in sight!! We would end up with 150 to 200 pages of their lives that we gave to mothers on Mother's Day. What a treasure!! Did I give them a grade for it? Not on your life and no child ever asked me what grade they got. A good writer will also be a good reader but they have to be taught!!!
DICK, JANE, AND SALLY
I loved reading from kindergarten through first grade about Dick, Jane, and baby Sally. Sally had a teddy bear named Tim. Their dog's name was Spot. Dick always had his little red wagon and he would frequently pull Sally in it. Jane was the sister who was squeaky clean. Dick many times was in some sort of trouble and Sally got in lots of trouble. Spot could find trouble on his own. I could get lost in reading about their adventure. Reading takes you out of yourself and provides dreams and possibilities beyond your wildest imaginations.
WRITING
In later elementary school we had to write our autobiography. Little did I know that this would become a passion when I taught 3rd grade. Ours was just a few pages and I still enjoy it. When I taught 3rd grade for over 20 years my students were given an assignment every day to write and illustrate. The assignment might be My Favorite Hiding Place or My Favorite Time of Year. We would start out with one paragraph at the beginning of the year. We always had a topic sentence of their choosing first, 2 or 3 details and finally a feeling sentence. I encouraged them to use their 5 senses in deciding what to write. By the end of the year we were writing 4 to 5 paragraphs a day. It was hand written and student illustrated. No computer in sight!! We would end up with 150 to 200 pages of their lives that we gave to mothers on Mother's Day. What a treasure!! Did I give them a grade for it? Not on your life and no child ever asked me what grade they got. A good writer will also be a good reader but they have to be taught!!!
Sunday, September 28, 2014
THE BOP WITH BOB
Bob Bueghly, my cousin, probably had the greatest influence on me if for only one reason. He taught me self-confidence in an indirect way.
I was around ten years old and rock and roll had just begun-the early days. Little Richard, Fats Domino, and Bill Haley and the Comets. The golden years of Rock and Roll was on its way-the early 1950's.
To dance rock and roll was to take a little from swing and jitterbug of earlier years, but, with a new and exciting BEAT. Bob lived in the big city of Marshalltown, Iowa. He was four years older and much wiser as to the ways of what was hip at the time. He was like the "Fonz." He knew how to dance, and when you knew how to dance you knew how to get the ladies attention!
Bob was my aunt Vivian's son, my mother's sister, and they lived on north 2nd street. We visited there a quite a bit and it gave lots of opportunities for Bob to teach me a thing or two.
He had one of those small "45" record players in his room and proceeded to teach me how to dance or as he called it how to "BOP." That's what of a lot of people referred to it instead of R&R. Even the song by Danny and the Juniors was originally called Do The Bop." Dick Clark talked them into changing it.
I know it sounds a little odd for one guy to teach another guy to dance, but he did and I was a good student. It did teach me self-confidence in many ways that I'll never know. It most certainly helped me to overcome my rural and small town shyness that has not entirely gone away my entire life.
But, learning to dance and taking speech at Marshalltown Junior College taught me to not, at least, be afraid to confront people. And, best of all, to walk right up to a "chick" and ask for a dance!
I was around ten years old and rock and roll had just begun-the early days. Little Richard, Fats Domino, and Bill Haley and the Comets. The golden years of Rock and Roll was on its way-the early 1950's.
To dance rock and roll was to take a little from swing and jitterbug of earlier years, but, with a new and exciting BEAT. Bob lived in the big city of Marshalltown, Iowa. He was four years older and much wiser as to the ways of what was hip at the time. He was like the "Fonz." He knew how to dance, and when you knew how to dance you knew how to get the ladies attention!
Bob was my aunt Vivian's son, my mother's sister, and they lived on north 2nd street. We visited there a quite a bit and it gave lots of opportunities for Bob to teach me a thing or two.
He had one of those small "45" record players in his room and proceeded to teach me how to dance or as he called it how to "BOP." That's what of a lot of people referred to it instead of R&R. Even the song by Danny and the Juniors was originally called Do The Bop." Dick Clark talked them into changing it.
I know it sounds a little odd for one guy to teach another guy to dance, but he did and I was a good student. It did teach me self-confidence in many ways that I'll never know. It most certainly helped me to overcome my rural and small town shyness that has not entirely gone away my entire life.
But, learning to dance and taking speech at Marshalltown Junior College taught me to not, at least, be afraid to confront people. And, best of all, to walk right up to a "chick" and ask for a dance!
BOMBS & FRIENDS-CLASSMATE MEMORIES CONTINUE!!
More from Donna Ingraham and grade school memories.
BOMBS
Stalin was head of Russia and a mortal enemy of the United States. He made no bones about hating the United States. With World War II over, the threat of war still remained. We not only had fire drills, we had bomb drills. We had to crouch under our desks with our hands over our heads. Never mind that this would not have saved us if a bomb dropped. Besides, we were in the middle of the United States and any Russian plane would have had to cross halfway across the United States to bomb Laurel, Iowa. One of our teachers had a son who flew planes in the service. One day he flew over and buzzed the school. That was day I will always remember. We had no idea it was coming and I am sure thoughts of Russia filled our heads. They had finally arrived!!!! Not!
FRIENDS FOR A LIFETIME
Most of our class started to school together and graduated together. Some stayed in the Laurel area and some moved away. There is a bond, however, has kept us all together. We grew up, had families of our own, started our own careers, and for awhile lost track of each other. It seems as we get older that bond has gotten stronger. Our memories are more special even though somewhat dulled. Perhaps things weren't as great as we remember. We have lost parents, children, family members, and classmates. We have come to realize that friendships are very precious. When we are together, time fades away.
BOMBS
Stalin was head of Russia and a mortal enemy of the United States. He made no bones about hating the United States. With World War II over, the threat of war still remained. We not only had fire drills, we had bomb drills. We had to crouch under our desks with our hands over our heads. Never mind that this would not have saved us if a bomb dropped. Besides, we were in the middle of the United States and any Russian plane would have had to cross halfway across the United States to bomb Laurel, Iowa. One of our teachers had a son who flew planes in the service. One day he flew over and buzzed the school. That was day I will always remember. We had no idea it was coming and I am sure thoughts of Russia filled our heads. They had finally arrived!!!! Not!
FRIENDS FOR A LIFETIME
Most of our class started to school together and graduated together. Some stayed in the Laurel area and some moved away. There is a bond, however, has kept us all together. We grew up, had families of our own, started our own careers, and for awhile lost track of each other. It seems as we get older that bond has gotten stronger. Our memories are more special even though somewhat dulled. Perhaps things weren't as great as we remember. We have lost parents, children, family members, and classmates. We have come to realize that friendships are very precious. When we are together, time fades away.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
MORE FUN GRADE SCHOOL MEMORIES
THE GYM
The gym was in he lower level of the school. It was very small with basketball hoops at each end attached to the wall. Obviously out of bounds WAS the wall. On the east end was the stage that was used as storage. On the south end was a door that led to the locker room. It seemed the door was always open and I always wondered what was down there. I never dared venture down there though. On the west end were bleachers. We played in the gym on indoor recess days and after lunch. On one such occasion, a classmate ran into the wall and broke his collarbone. I can't remember the games we played. I do remember it being fun though.
THE LUNCHROOM
The lunchroom was a marvelous place. It was made by wonderful local cooks with a homemade touch. Because my two sisters were type 1 juvenile diabetics, mother watched very closely what I ate because she didn't want me to get it too. I remember eating Spam sandwiches from my metal lunch box while the others ate wonderful lunches from the kitchen. My mother did allow me to get the milk that was in cartons. Little did she know how much sugar was in milk!! We ate above the gym looking over a railing. We could observe all that went on below. I am sure it would not be government approved now.
BIRTHDAY TREATS
One thing I do remember vividly were the homemade birthday treats. There were always cupcakes, cakes, or some special dessert. Because my sisters were diabetic, my mother watched very closely what we ate. I was not allowed these wonderful treats. Instead I always got Planters Peanuts in a little bag. It is funny but I don't remember even trying to sneak the special birthday treat. It never dawned on me until years later that my mother probably provided the peanuts because they were always the same. We never ate peanuts at home and I wouldn't be allowed to eat them at school today because, heaven forbid, an allergic classmate might eat one and die!! Funny, we all ate peanut butter sandwiches and we are still alive.
To be continued------
The gym was in he lower level of the school. It was very small with basketball hoops at each end attached to the wall. Obviously out of bounds WAS the wall. On the east end was the stage that was used as storage. On the south end was a door that led to the locker room. It seemed the door was always open and I always wondered what was down there. I never dared venture down there though. On the west end were bleachers. We played in the gym on indoor recess days and after lunch. On one such occasion, a classmate ran into the wall and broke his collarbone. I can't remember the games we played. I do remember it being fun though.
THE LUNCHROOM
The lunchroom was a marvelous place. It was made by wonderful local cooks with a homemade touch. Because my two sisters were type 1 juvenile diabetics, mother watched very closely what I ate because she didn't want me to get it too. I remember eating Spam sandwiches from my metal lunch box while the others ate wonderful lunches from the kitchen. My mother did allow me to get the milk that was in cartons. Little did she know how much sugar was in milk!! We ate above the gym looking over a railing. We could observe all that went on below. I am sure it would not be government approved now.
BIRTHDAY TREATS
One thing I do remember vividly were the homemade birthday treats. There were always cupcakes, cakes, or some special dessert. Because my sisters were diabetic, my mother watched very closely what we ate. I was not allowed these wonderful treats. Instead I always got Planters Peanuts in a little bag. It is funny but I don't remember even trying to sneak the special birthday treat. It never dawned on me until years later that my mother probably provided the peanuts because they were always the same. We never ate peanuts at home and I wouldn't be allowed to eat them at school today because, heaven forbid, an allergic classmate might eat one and die!! Funny, we all ate peanut butter sandwiches and we are still alive.
To be continued------
DONNA'S GRADE SCHOOL MEMORIES -continued
The following are more of Donna Ingraham's (Wernberg) memories of grade school days at Laurel Consolidated School.
MUSIC CLASSES BEGIN
I have always loved music! Music class in elementary school in Laurel was held in the lower level/gym area of the school. We always sat on bleachers while we sang songs like "She'll Be Comin' Round The Mountain", "Old Dan Tucker", and "America The Beautiful" from song books that were provided.
The favorite activity for me was when the teacher brought out a large LP with Dumbo on the cover. She would turn on the record player at probably 78 and the story would begin. She would turn the page with each beep on the record and the story would continue. How I loved that story and probably still would if I could go back and listen again.
FIELD TRIP
One day the kindergarten teacher decided to take us all, 20 some of us, on a walk around Laurel. Now, Laurel is not exactly Chicago so it wouldn't take long. It was a nice day and we headed out two by two holding hands. I was with my best friend, Ben. He had a sister the same age as my sister. As we were walking merrily along, we went past Mr. Bradley's house. He had two large German Shepherds. Just as we got past the house, one of the dogs came out and bit Ben in the pants! That ended the field trip.
LIFE'S MOTTO
Speaking of Ben, he provided me with a motto that I have claimed all my life. He had a HUGE tricycle that I wanted to ride so badly. Now, I am not the largest person on the planet to say the least. I was very upset when I couldn't reach the pedals. He was very comforting and said, "That's okay! You are only short on one end!" To this day I have to have a pedal o the car accelerator. Now you know which end is the shortest.
SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE
The Superintendent's office was an imposing place. It was on the first floor next to the bathrooms and the south classroom. It was not very large. There was room enough for a wooden desk and a chair. Above his desk was a large paddle that hung on the wall. Needless to say I never wanted to enter this room. It seemed to me the door was open all the time with the paddle in plain view. I never saw any student in there but I am sure there were some who needed correction. He was a nice, mild mannered man but I didn't want to get too close.f If I remember, he always wore a suit. Are students afraid of anyone anymore?
SAFE PLAYGROUND
Our playground was anything but safe. All of the equipment was metal except for the see-saw and the swings. The slide was especially high and if you stuck your tongue on it in the winter it wouldn't come off until spring. I hated that slide but I ventured up one day. When I got to the top an especially nasty boy pushed me and down I went with him right behind. Going down wasn't so bad but landing was less than desirable. I landed on my bottom on sheer, hard ice. I couldn't sit down for a week. I still have trouble with my back. The swings were great and you could soar to the heavens and back. The see-saw was fine until someone on down-end decided to jump off. Down you came with a crash and you hopefully didn't have your feet under it. The merry-go-round was less than merry and was also metal. Many a shin probably has scars from that thing. But we survived and are none the worse for wear.
WINTER IN THE BUS
The school bus was heated but not well. If it was really cold out, you froze. Remember, I was in a dress with a wool coat, snow pants,, hat, and mittens. On one occasion we had been in the midst of a snowstorm. When the bus turned the corner, into the snow bank we went. Since we were right by a farm house, I assume a tractor was used to pull us out. The bus went on its way again. It was an improvement from the days my father drove a school bus or hack pulled by horses. The kids in town walked home and I always envied them because they would plan activities after school that I could not be part of because I rode the bus. Still, I wouldn't trade growing up on a farm for anything.
I NEVER PASSED NOTES AGAIN
There are several lessons one learns in life. This was one of those. I was in probably 2nd or 3rd grade and had a crush on one particular boy. I wrote about it to my best friend, Nikki. The teacher spied me passing the note to Nikki and confiscated it. Horror of horrors the teacher made me come to the front of the class and read my note. I could not have been more embarrassed and have been very careful what I put in print. As I remember no one laughed and neither did I.
TO BE CONTINUED-----
MUSIC CLASSES BEGIN
I have always loved music! Music class in elementary school in Laurel was held in the lower level/gym area of the school. We always sat on bleachers while we sang songs like "She'll Be Comin' Round The Mountain", "Old Dan Tucker", and "America The Beautiful" from song books that were provided.
The favorite activity for me was when the teacher brought out a large LP with Dumbo on the cover. She would turn on the record player at probably 78 and the story would begin. She would turn the page with each beep on the record and the story would continue. How I loved that story and probably still would if I could go back and listen again.
FIELD TRIP
One day the kindergarten teacher decided to take us all, 20 some of us, on a walk around Laurel. Now, Laurel is not exactly Chicago so it wouldn't take long. It was a nice day and we headed out two by two holding hands. I was with my best friend, Ben. He had a sister the same age as my sister. As we were walking merrily along, we went past Mr. Bradley's house. He had two large German Shepherds. Just as we got past the house, one of the dogs came out and bit Ben in the pants! That ended the field trip.
LIFE'S MOTTO
Speaking of Ben, he provided me with a motto that I have claimed all my life. He had a HUGE tricycle that I wanted to ride so badly. Now, I am not the largest person on the planet to say the least. I was very upset when I couldn't reach the pedals. He was very comforting and said, "That's okay! You are only short on one end!" To this day I have to have a pedal o the car accelerator. Now you know which end is the shortest.
SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE
The Superintendent's office was an imposing place. It was on the first floor next to the bathrooms and the south classroom. It was not very large. There was room enough for a wooden desk and a chair. Above his desk was a large paddle that hung on the wall. Needless to say I never wanted to enter this room. It seemed to me the door was open all the time with the paddle in plain view. I never saw any student in there but I am sure there were some who needed correction. He was a nice, mild mannered man but I didn't want to get too close.f If I remember, he always wore a suit. Are students afraid of anyone anymore?
SAFE PLAYGROUND
Our playground was anything but safe. All of the equipment was metal except for the see-saw and the swings. The slide was especially high and if you stuck your tongue on it in the winter it wouldn't come off until spring. I hated that slide but I ventured up one day. When I got to the top an especially nasty boy pushed me and down I went with him right behind. Going down wasn't so bad but landing was less than desirable. I landed on my bottom on sheer, hard ice. I couldn't sit down for a week. I still have trouble with my back. The swings were great and you could soar to the heavens and back. The see-saw was fine until someone on down-end decided to jump off. Down you came with a crash and you hopefully didn't have your feet under it. The merry-go-round was less than merry and was also metal. Many a shin probably has scars from that thing. But we survived and are none the worse for wear.
WINTER IN THE BUS
The school bus was heated but not well. If it was really cold out, you froze. Remember, I was in a dress with a wool coat, snow pants,, hat, and mittens. On one occasion we had been in the midst of a snowstorm. When the bus turned the corner, into the snow bank we went. Since we were right by a farm house, I assume a tractor was used to pull us out. The bus went on its way again. It was an improvement from the days my father drove a school bus or hack pulled by horses. The kids in town walked home and I always envied them because they would plan activities after school that I could not be part of because I rode the bus. Still, I wouldn't trade growing up on a farm for anything.
I NEVER PASSED NOTES AGAIN
There are several lessons one learns in life. This was one of those. I was in probably 2nd or 3rd grade and had a crush on one particular boy. I wrote about it to my best friend, Nikki. The teacher spied me passing the note to Nikki and confiscated it. Horror of horrors the teacher made me come to the front of the class and read my note. I could not have been more embarrassed and have been very careful what I put in print. As I remember no one laughed and neither did I.
TO BE CONTINUED-----
WHAT IS A CLOTHESPIN?
It was the late 1960's and I had just built my first house in Clive, Iowa at 1932 90th street. It had an area for a washer and dryer and we had no clothes line to hang clothes out. Thus, the story begins.
La Risa, my daughter was three or four at the time. One night we had a next door neighbor boy to baby sit for her while out for the evening.
Somehow, during the course of the evening, she knocked over a plant and it soiled the nearby drape. The sitter asked La Risa to get a clothespin to hold back the drape to let it dry. She replied, "What's a clothespin?"
Even though she had seen such at her grandma's, she just forgot or didn't understand. It was example of how through the years as things become outdated or extinct, we slowly forget them.
When's the last time you saw clothes hanging out to dry at least in the city? P.S. Do miss that smell!!
La Risa, my daughter was three or four at the time. One night we had a next door neighbor boy to baby sit for her while out for the evening.
Somehow, during the course of the evening, she knocked over a plant and it soiled the nearby drape. The sitter asked La Risa to get a clothespin to hold back the drape to let it dry. She replied, "What's a clothespin?"
Even though she had seen such at her grandma's, she just forgot or didn't understand. It was example of how through the years as things become outdated or extinct, we slowly forget them.
When's the last time you saw clothes hanging out to dry at least in the city? P.S. Do miss that smell!!
FROM THE COMFORT FOOD KING
The other night I fixed a comfort delight that was so good that it surprised me. Have you ever prepared something for a meal and you go WOW! You say to yourself. Did I make that?
With the nip of fall in the air and already having made Dennis' world famous chili (mild style), it was time for chicken noodle soup.
Here it is. Just follow the directions off a container of Swanson's (32 oz.) chicken broth. Little extra carrot, extra celery, one half onion, with Amish Kitchens extra wide noodles, and cut up fresh chicken breast tenderloins baked first with Lowery's and sage seasoning.
It was so thick that it could have been called chicken noodle stew or gumbo instead. Of course, maybe I was just hungry!
With the nip of fall in the air and already having made Dennis' world famous chili (mild style), it was time for chicken noodle soup.
Here it is. Just follow the directions off a container of Swanson's (32 oz.) chicken broth. Little extra carrot, extra celery, one half onion, with Amish Kitchens extra wide noodles, and cut up fresh chicken breast tenderloins baked first with Lowery's and sage seasoning.
It was so thick that it could have been called chicken noodle stew or gumbo instead. Of course, maybe I was just hungry!
Friday, September 26, 2014
WOMEN'S SHOES KNEE HIGH DEEP!
It was called Nichol's and Green Shoe Store. It was another dying breed of independently-owned retail stores around the country. The store sat on Main Street between Center and First Avenue on the north side of the street and across from the courthouse in Marshalltown, Iowa.
While attending Marshalltown Junior College as it was called then, I worked there during my sophomore year 1963. I was the guy who picked up the shoes after they were tried on and then I put them back in their boxes in the back room where they were all stored.
Bill Tank owned it when I worked there, and, his dad had started it years before. It was an upscale shoe store selling both men's and women's shoes. The best men's shoe, a Nun-Bush "wing tip," sold for $50.00. That was a lot of money for the 1960's.
The store supported five full time salesmen, a cashier, a bookkeeper, and of course a part-time guy like myself. The salesmen worked basically on commission and supported a family
It was not unusual for a Saturday afternoon to have the store filled with women trying on several pairs of shoes and having all those salesmen running non-stop for a period, attempting to sell the latest style of shoes. Then it was my job to put all those shoes back in their proper place.
It always amazed me that one minute there would be no one in the store, and then all of a sudden, it was as if a bus unloaded a group of women and they would come storming in like there was no tomorrow.
The store went out of business in the early 2000's and as of my original writing of his story, Ewer's the last independent shoe store, went out of business. This was in 2008.
While attending Marshalltown Junior College as it was called then, I worked there during my sophomore year 1963. I was the guy who picked up the shoes after they were tried on and then I put them back in their boxes in the back room where they were all stored.
Bill Tank owned it when I worked there, and, his dad had started it years before. It was an upscale shoe store selling both men's and women's shoes. The best men's shoe, a Nun-Bush "wing tip," sold for $50.00. That was a lot of money for the 1960's.
The store supported five full time salesmen, a cashier, a bookkeeper, and of course a part-time guy like myself. The salesmen worked basically on commission and supported a family
It was not unusual for a Saturday afternoon to have the store filled with women trying on several pairs of shoes and having all those salesmen running non-stop for a period, attempting to sell the latest style of shoes. Then it was my job to put all those shoes back in their proper place.
It always amazed me that one minute there would be no one in the store, and then all of a sudden, it was as if a bus unloaded a group of women and they would come storming in like there was no tomorrow.
The store went out of business in the early 2000's and as of my original writing of his story, Ewer's the last independent shoe store, went out of business. This was in 2008.
CLASSMATE SHARES GRADE SCHOOL MEMORIES!!
One of my dearest and closest classmates, Donna Ingraham(Wernberg), has agreed to share some of her memories from our grade school days from 1949 to mid 1950's era while attending Laurel Consolidated School in Laurel, Iowa.
LAUREL SCHOOL DAYS
Big Sister Knocks Me Flat
LAUREL SCHOOL DAYS
Big Sister Knocks Me Flat
Kindergarten was a wonderful, adventurous experience for me. We were an all day kindergarten so nap time was always a must. My older sister was a senior and had classes in the upper level of the school. During nap time I would always look to see if she was coming down the stairs. Soon she appeared and headed for the bathroom. The bathroom doors were big, heavy, tall oak doors. I asked permission to go to the bathroom and headed there. Just as I got to the door, my sister came out! She knocked me flat! I had a big bump on my head that required ice. She felt bad but not as bad as I did.
Dresses In Winter
Winters in Iowa can be brutal! Is it just me or were winters worse when we were in elementary school? The rule was girls had to wear dresses. Looking back it was probably men who made up that rule. The only exception was that we could wear snow pants under our dresses. The snow pants had to come off in the entry way of the school. You were lucky if you got to sit beside the heater in the room once you got there. My snow pants were wool left over from my oldest sister. They were ugly, heavy, brown, and itched but that didn't matter. At least it kept my legs warm! Rules! Glad they have done away with that one.
Mittens, Boots, and Wet Clothes
We grew up before the space age so our winter clothing was made of wool. The mittens got wet the minute you threw a snowball and if you fell down, the snow pants got wet too! I never lost my mittens because they had a string attached that went through the sleeves of my coat. We did have fun playing Fox and Goose and throwing snow balls. The minute we got inside the clothes were put on the heater and if you have ever smelled wet wool it isn't pretty. The room stunk like a wet dog the rest of the day. What I wouldn't give to smell that again though.
**to be continued---------
**to be continued---------
Thursday, September 25, 2014
PEACEFUL MOMENTS IN LIFE!
We all like to think back to peaceful moments from time to time. Either during times with stress in our daily lives or just because sometimes it simply makes us feel good. I'd like to share a few of those moments with you.
From my childhood, were the times I climbed up atop the barn and just sat there daydreaming or appreciating a sunset.
That was one of life's best. A close second were the times in Colorado snow skiing and ascending a ski slope on a beautiful blue sky morning with a fresh snow the night before. Sitting there on the chair lift with nothing but the soft breeze blowing through the evergreens and occasional clicking of someone's skis together up ahead of you. And, once up to the top, just standing there for a moment taking in all the glory and beauty that lie below you.
Speaking of views and peace, looking straight down from Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor, Maine. Not like the Rocky Mountains, the view was only a few thousand feet below. But, you were standing there, looking almost straight down at the Atlantic Ocean. Such peace!
Arising early one morning to walk the beach at sunrise in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. So peaceful and serene to be the only one at sunrise strolling the beach with the fog laden horizon not burned off by the early morning sun.
Another time with a glorious sunrise on the bow of a cruise ship-just me and a cup of java. Watching the island of Jamaica slowly coming near with the isle-green mountains becoming ever so larger and closer moment by moment.
Lastly, how fortunate to be able to enjoy the peace and beauty of the green valley behind me every day from my home on Lily Lane in Marshalltown, Iowa. Sometimes and most times, we find those peaceful moments right at home!
From my childhood, were the times I climbed up atop the barn and just sat there daydreaming or appreciating a sunset.
That was one of life's best. A close second were the times in Colorado snow skiing and ascending a ski slope on a beautiful blue sky morning with a fresh snow the night before. Sitting there on the chair lift with nothing but the soft breeze blowing through the evergreens and occasional clicking of someone's skis together up ahead of you. And, once up to the top, just standing there for a moment taking in all the glory and beauty that lie below you.
Speaking of views and peace, looking straight down from Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor, Maine. Not like the Rocky Mountains, the view was only a few thousand feet below. But, you were standing there, looking almost straight down at the Atlantic Ocean. Such peace!
Arising early one morning to walk the beach at sunrise in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. So peaceful and serene to be the only one at sunrise strolling the beach with the fog laden horizon not burned off by the early morning sun.
Another time with a glorious sunrise on the bow of a cruise ship-just me and a cup of java. Watching the island of Jamaica slowly coming near with the isle-green mountains becoming ever so larger and closer moment by moment.
Lastly, how fortunate to be able to enjoy the peace and beauty of the green valley behind me every day from my home on Lily Lane in Marshalltown, Iowa. Sometimes and most times, we find those peaceful moments right at home!
CLYDE EDDY/ HIS 1954 SLEEPER!
My brother-in-law, Clyde Eddy, was maybe one of the most gifted automobile mechanics you could have ever known. And, he was known through-out central Iowa for his expertise!
Only one small story and remembrance of him do I want to share for now. This memory always leaves me with a warm smile.
Clyde owned this 1954 Chevrolet. It was two-toned blue with a white top. The model was a "150" and it was called a two door sedan and not a hard top because it had the support posts. It was a very unassuming looking car to say the least!
That was where it ended. The "150" was the low end of the model class and just to look at the auto you wouldn't give it much thought to being a "moving machine!" Oh! Did I forget to tell you that Clyde had slipped in a 1955 V-8 Corvette engine into this 1954 classic.
Clyde let me one time drive this beast over to highway 14, which was one mile west of where we lived. Highway 14 was paved and I couldn't wait to give this machine my own personal test. I came to a complete stop and then "hit" it. I will never know what the zero to sixty speed was, but, only knew I was experiencing the ride of my life. Sheer power! Wow!
I would have given anything to have experienced being with him on occasion when some cool dude challenged him to a little "race!" What a surprise that guy had in store!
Only one small story and remembrance of him do I want to share for now. This memory always leaves me with a warm smile.
Clyde owned this 1954 Chevrolet. It was two-toned blue with a white top. The model was a "150" and it was called a two door sedan and not a hard top because it had the support posts. It was a very unassuming looking car to say the least!
That was where it ended. The "150" was the low end of the model class and just to look at the auto you wouldn't give it much thought to being a "moving machine!" Oh! Did I forget to tell you that Clyde had slipped in a 1955 V-8 Corvette engine into this 1954 classic.
Clyde let me one time drive this beast over to highway 14, which was one mile west of where we lived. Highway 14 was paved and I couldn't wait to give this machine my own personal test. I came to a complete stop and then "hit" it. I will never know what the zero to sixty speed was, but, only knew I was experiencing the ride of my life. Sheer power! Wow!
I would have given anything to have experienced being with him on occasion when some cool dude challenged him to a little "race!" What a surprise that guy had in store!
OUR MERRY-GO-ROUND/ THE KILLER!
Our Merry-go-round at the school I attended as a kid was, I'm sure, no different than most in the country during the 1950's. It was all metal with metal handles or gripes through-out. But, it wasn't perfectly round. There were, maybe, ten sections that came together. and on the outer- ring they came together with just a slight point, not perfectly rounded off.
There lay one of the dangers. If you were standing there and spinning "it" around you could possibly get your shin hit by this slight edge or outside point. If that didn't do you in then maybe the following would. If you were being spun around by a class-mate and happened to fall, you could bounce around on the those handle-grips like a pin-ball. Hopefully you would not be knocked unconscious!
We were lucky in that we just had plain dirt around the merry-go-round not gravel or rock. That could have really finished you off.
One more danger lurked in the teeter-totter! If you were the lucky soul to be sitting on the up side when your partner decided to leave you for what ever reason! Bye-bye! Down you came with a thud! Hopefully your teeth and any other body parts were still all there!
We'll save the flying swing-set and "big" slide for another time!
There lay one of the dangers. If you were standing there and spinning "it" around you could possibly get your shin hit by this slight edge or outside point. If that didn't do you in then maybe the following would. If you were being spun around by a class-mate and happened to fall, you could bounce around on the those handle-grips like a pin-ball. Hopefully you would not be knocked unconscious!
We were lucky in that we just had plain dirt around the merry-go-round not gravel or rock. That could have really finished you off.
One more danger lurked in the teeter-totter! If you were the lucky soul to be sitting on the up side when your partner decided to leave you for what ever reason! Bye-bye! Down you came with a thud! Hopefully your teeth and any other body parts were still all there!
We'll save the flying swing-set and "big" slide for another time!
REALLY OLD FUNNY MEMORY OF TAYLOR'S MAID-RITE
One funny memory I have of Taylor's can be envisioned before the eatery was moved to its present location on the east side of 3rd Avenue. This would have been prior to 1958 when the old building was still across the street.
As a young kid, I remember from time to time going there with my mother for a bite to eat. The building then resembled a train box-car shape or size. Maybe even a caboose of a train. (anybody remember a caboose?) Where they made the maid-rites was in the center of the eatery and then on each side was lined approximately ten stools for patrons. There was also a door to enter on each side front and back with four in all. The building sat perpendicular to the street.
What was always funny to me on occasion was the following. If you came in one side and there was no seating available, you obviously waited for your turn. If you spotted an empty stool on the other side you had to go out the door on your side, walk outside, go to the door on the other side, go in and sit at that empty stool.
However, if someone else came in about the same time they could take that seat before you got around. Hmmm! It would have made a great routine on a sit-com! The best thing to have always done was eat at an off time! I said it was funny, but, maybe not hilarious!
As a young kid, I remember from time to time going there with my mother for a bite to eat. The building then resembled a train box-car shape or size. Maybe even a caboose of a train. (anybody remember a caboose?) Where they made the maid-rites was in the center of the eatery and then on each side was lined approximately ten stools for patrons. There was also a door to enter on each side front and back with four in all. The building sat perpendicular to the street.
What was always funny to me on occasion was the following. If you came in one side and there was no seating available, you obviously waited for your turn. If you spotted an empty stool on the other side you had to go out the door on your side, walk outside, go to the door on the other side, go in and sit at that empty stool.
However, if someone else came in about the same time they could take that seat before you got around. Hmmm! It would have made a great routine on a sit-com! The best thing to have always done was eat at an off time! I said it was funny, but, maybe not hilarious!
DEPRESSION ERA HABITS DIDN'T ALWAYS WORK!
A favorite story told by my mother involved my step-dad, Maurice Korte. They both lived and experienced the Great Depression of the 1930's.
When it came to saving things and not throwing much away, Maurice was probably no different than a lot of men from that era. On one occasion, after they had a new storm door installed at their front entrance, the installer asked if they wanted them to dispose of the old door. Maurice said that he would keep it and dis-assembled it right down to every screw and washer.
On another day, Maurice indicated he was driving to Marshalltown from their home in Melbourne to buy a particular "nut or bolt" that he needed for a project. She asked him why he didn't use some of the items saved in various coffee cans.
That was where the problem came about. Maurice was very good in saving things, but, he didn't mark on the coffee cans what was inside of them. And, there were dozens and dozens of cans lined up along a shelving unit that ran along the top of the walls in their garage. I'll never know what became of all the those unmarked "cans!"
When it came to saving things and not throwing much away, Maurice was probably no different than a lot of men from that era. On one occasion, after they had a new storm door installed at their front entrance, the installer asked if they wanted them to dispose of the old door. Maurice said that he would keep it and dis-assembled it right down to every screw and washer.
On another day, Maurice indicated he was driving to Marshalltown from their home in Melbourne to buy a particular "nut or bolt" that he needed for a project. She asked him why he didn't use some of the items saved in various coffee cans.
That was where the problem came about. Maurice was very good in saving things, but, he didn't mark on the coffee cans what was inside of them. And, there were dozens and dozens of cans lined up along a shelving unit that ran along the top of the walls in their garage. I'll never know what became of all the those unmarked "cans!"
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
OVERHEARD AT TAYLOR'S MAID-RITE!
When I'm in Marshalltown It's hard to not stop into Taylor's for a loose one. This Tuesday was no exception.
As I was waiting for my one with everything and a vanilla malt with a double shot of malt, a regular sat down beside me. This guy looked interesting. He could have been one of ZZ Tops cousins with his long straight beard.
One of the employees yelled over to him ad asked if he wanted his usual. "Ya, just bring me my lightly moist one with a cup of coffee." I started to laugh and mentioned to him that was one I had never heard. My sister orders hers with extra- extra onion and of course the horror stories about extra wet ones, but, not "lightly or slightly moist."
He didn't even look like the kind of guy that would use that phrase. I had him pegged for more of an "extra dry" guy!
As I was waiting for my one with everything and a vanilla malt with a double shot of malt, a regular sat down beside me. This guy looked interesting. He could have been one of ZZ Tops cousins with his long straight beard.
One of the employees yelled over to him ad asked if he wanted his usual. "Ya, just bring me my lightly moist one with a cup of coffee." I started to laugh and mentioned to him that was one I had never heard. My sister orders hers with extra- extra onion and of course the horror stories about extra wet ones, but, not "lightly or slightly moist."
He didn't even look like the kind of guy that would use that phrase. I had him pegged for more of an "extra dry" guy!
Monday, September 22, 2014
IT'S APPLE CIDER TIME!
As soon as the cool weather of fall hits, it seems everybody starts thinking about chili, chicken noodle soup, stews and, oh yes, hot apple cider. When I saw the apple cider start to go out of the Burg Grocery, I had another fond memory.
When I was a young man, I had taken my family on a vacation to the Branson area long before it became the big vacation destination it is today. This was in the early 1970's.
At that time, to drive to southern Missouri, the roads were still two lane and through the Ozark's, from Lake of the Ozark's and on south, it was a lot of hills and curves.
It seemed like every time you would get to the top of a ridge or hill, there would be an outdoor stand of some kind selling all kinds of souvenir junk. Everything from huge cigars, corn-cob pipes, blankets, and all kinds of stickers pertaining to the Ozark's to put on your car bumper or in your rear window, were sold. The kind of stuff that when you got it home, you wondered why!
One thing I do remember that was really good was that ice cold apple cider at those stands! Never did see many apple orchards down there, but, they must have been around. Doesn't matter! It tasted oh so good on a warm summer day, after a tiring drive up and down those Ozark hills!
When I was a young man, I had taken my family on a vacation to the Branson area long before it became the big vacation destination it is today. This was in the early 1970's.
At that time, to drive to southern Missouri, the roads were still two lane and through the Ozark's, from Lake of the Ozark's and on south, it was a lot of hills and curves.
It seemed like every time you would get to the top of a ridge or hill, there would be an outdoor stand of some kind selling all kinds of souvenir junk. Everything from huge cigars, corn-cob pipes, blankets, and all kinds of stickers pertaining to the Ozark's to put on your car bumper or in your rear window, were sold. The kind of stuff that when you got it home, you wondered why!
One thing I do remember that was really good was that ice cold apple cider at those stands! Never did see many apple orchards down there, but, they must have been around. Doesn't matter! It tasted oh so good on a warm summer day, after a tiring drive up and down those Ozark hills!
Sunday, September 21, 2014
MAN CAN NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE!
There is an old saying that goes: "Man can not live by bread alone. Once in awhile he must have peanut butter!"
CHANGE IS GOOD-SOMETIMES!
For several years I've been wearing the same white Reebok tennis shoe (exact same model) for twenty years at least. The last pair I've worn for work and power walking have lasted at least two years easy. I knew if I didn't buy a new pair soon the front which had a slit almost around the entire front and before long before long it would be "complete air-conditioning."
After having some pain in my right foot arch, I decided it was time for new shoes and some Aleve. I bought a pair that was supposed to have a better arch support and looked a little more "hip." The new ones were blue and didn't look like an old grandpa.
They never did feel good. Never felt comfortable-walked hard! Finally I went back to the store (Penney's) and bought the same Reebok model I have had for decades. My feet said thank you and with a little occasional Aleve life is good again!
After having some pain in my right foot arch, I decided it was time for new shoes and some Aleve. I bought a pair that was supposed to have a better arch support and looked a little more "hip." The new ones were blue and didn't look like an old grandpa.
They never did feel good. Never felt comfortable-walked hard! Finally I went back to the store (Penney's) and bought the same Reebok model I have had for decades. My feet said thank you and with a little occasional Aleve life is good again!
JUNK MAIL-WHO CARES!
A few years ago, I started getting my mail and would bring in to the attached garage and place it on a certain shelf just outside the door that went on into the kitchen. Then, I would sort through it all and discard the junk mail before going into the house. I even discarded the little pieces of advertising inside the various bills. It's one of my many obsessive "things" by not wanting unnecessary stuff to deal with later.
When finally moving to Williamsburg, we obtained a post office box. The reason was due to where our house was located, we were going to have to put up a mail-box in one of these multiple mail box set-ups about a block away.
I love getting mail at the post office and setting it all o a nearby table and disposing of the junk mail right there! It's kind of neat the way things work out sometimes!
When finally moving to Williamsburg, we obtained a post office box. The reason was due to where our house was located, we were going to have to put up a mail-box in one of these multiple mail box set-ups about a block away.
I love getting mail at the post office and setting it all o a nearby table and disposing of the junk mail right there! It's kind of neat the way things work out sometimes!
A MEMORY-MY MOM'S MEMORY
The other day I was talking to an old classmate about school days. Some things she had remembered and some things I didn't and back and forth we went. It is amazing the things we do remember about school, for example, and yet someone else remembers it differently or not at all.
Well, that can be left for another topic of discussion some other day. Our conversation reminded me of how good of memory my mother possessed her entire life. She lived just short of being ninety years old. (April 9th, 2003)
One time during the mid-1990's we were in the car going to church and she was telling a story about some family in the community that had eight or so children. She rattled them off slick as a whistle-Johnny, June, Jimmie, Jane, and on until she got to the seventh kid. She couldn't think of the last two and became very frustrated. She was in her 80's at the time and was telling a story that went back into the 1930's or 1940's, possibly forty or fifty years ago. I mentioned at the time, that it was O.K. that she had remembered six out of the eight!
Another little trick she would use in remembering was to start counting like--A, B, C, D, and so on until she remembered some word, name, or place. She would start going through the alphabet until with glee she would yell out with "J-it was Jimmie!" Then all would be right with the world! Try it sometime. It works!
Well, that can be left for another topic of discussion some other day. Our conversation reminded me of how good of memory my mother possessed her entire life. She lived just short of being ninety years old. (April 9th, 2003)
One time during the mid-1990's we were in the car going to church and she was telling a story about some family in the community that had eight or so children. She rattled them off slick as a whistle-Johnny, June, Jimmie, Jane, and on until she got to the seventh kid. She couldn't think of the last two and became very frustrated. She was in her 80's at the time and was telling a story that went back into the 1930's or 1940's, possibly forty or fifty years ago. I mentioned at the time, that it was O.K. that she had remembered six out of the eight!
Another little trick she would use in remembering was to start counting like--A, B, C, D, and so on until she remembered some word, name, or place. She would start going through the alphabet until with glee she would yell out with "J-it was Jimmie!" Then all would be right with the world! Try it sometime. It works!
Saturday, September 20, 2014
STEREO FOR THE FIRST TIME!
The first time I listened to stereophonic sound was in Gilman, Iowa at the home of my junior high girl-friend, Denise Walker. Yes, we took a lot of kidding about Dennis and Denise.
Her dad had just bought a new "stereo" set-up and had it arranged in their living room with the two speakers, one on each side of their fire-place.
With the stereo came a novelty record, "vinyl," to help demonstrate the stereo sound. It was incredible listening to the sound of a bowling ball starting to roll down the lane on one side of the fireplace, then rolling though it and hitting the pins on the other side. WOW! The same with an airplane taking off or an automobile shifting gears and roaring through the living room.
The sound of music, movies, and T.V. would change forever.
Her dad had just bought a new "stereo" set-up and had it arranged in their living room with the two speakers, one on each side of their fire-place.
With the stereo came a novelty record, "vinyl," to help demonstrate the stereo sound. It was incredible listening to the sound of a bowling ball starting to roll down the lane on one side of the fireplace, then rolling though it and hitting the pins on the other side. WOW! The same with an airplane taking off or an automobile shifting gears and roaring through the living room.
The sound of music, movies, and T.V. would change forever.
CATCH OF THE YEAR-OFF HIS HEAD!
Before the baseball season gets totally ,here's a story you might like. Again, we're in the late 1950's at dear old Laurel High!
Baseball was not my cup of tea. I only played my freshman and sophomore year. There was this one event that was worth noting.
The first thing was that we had a senior pitcher, Paul Mann, who could throw a baseball mighty fast. If you were an outfielder like me, you could almost sit down and eat grass because Paul would strike out most batters 1-2-3! I do remember standing at the plate ready to hit against Paul in practice one time. Here came this this big wide curve-ball right at me. I backed out of the way, but, of course it came back across the plate for a strike. No way could I stand in there knowing or not knowing it was going to hit me.
My claim to fame on one particular game when I was playing right field. A class-mate and center fielder was Jim Latham. A fly ball was hit to Jim for what appeared to be and would normally be an easy out.
Jim ran up to catch the ball and stepped into a chuck hole. Our playing field was far from perfect in those days. The ball hit him right on the head, but because, for a change, I did the right thing by backing him up, the ball bounced right off his head into my glove for the out. If only that could have been televised, it would have made replays on ESPN.
originally written March 2008.
Baseball was not my cup of tea. I only played my freshman and sophomore year. There was this one event that was worth noting.
The first thing was that we had a senior pitcher, Paul Mann, who could throw a baseball mighty fast. If you were an outfielder like me, you could almost sit down and eat grass because Paul would strike out most batters 1-2-3! I do remember standing at the plate ready to hit against Paul in practice one time. Here came this this big wide curve-ball right at me. I backed out of the way, but, of course it came back across the plate for a strike. No way could I stand in there knowing or not knowing it was going to hit me.
My claim to fame on one particular game when I was playing right field. A class-mate and center fielder was Jim Latham. A fly ball was hit to Jim for what appeared to be and would normally be an easy out.
Jim ran up to catch the ball and stepped into a chuck hole. Our playing field was far from perfect in those days. The ball hit him right on the head, but because, for a change, I did the right thing by backing him up, the ball bounced right off his head into my glove for the out. If only that could have been televised, it would have made replays on ESPN.
originally written March 2008.
FALL CLEANING OF THE GROVE!
I've told the story about fall cleaning of windows and this was another fall ritual that was attended to when I was a kid in the 1950's. It was a family team effort and had its reward at the end.
Just to the immediate north of our farm home was a grove of very old, primarily soft maple, trees. There, also, was another out- lying grove about 100 hundred yards further north of pretty much the same type of trees and ever-greens. Both ran from the road that ran past our house to back west maybe 100-150 yards or so.
But, the first or primary grove, next to our house, was what we raked and burned dead limbs each fall and spring. Did I mention my mom was a "clean freak."
To make this all worth while, my mom would make it an event with a picnic as a finale. Roasting hot-dogs over an open fire was the best ever. We didn't know what a charcoal or gas grills were then!
We didn't know what a lot of stuff was then! Who cared and plus we didn't know better!
Just to the immediate north of our farm home was a grove of very old, primarily soft maple, trees. There, also, was another out- lying grove about 100 hundred yards further north of pretty much the same type of trees and ever-greens. Both ran from the road that ran past our house to back west maybe 100-150 yards or so.
But, the first or primary grove, next to our house, was what we raked and burned dead limbs each fall and spring. Did I mention my mom was a "clean freak."
To make this all worth while, my mom would make it an event with a picnic as a finale. Roasting hot-dogs over an open fire was the best ever. We didn't know what a charcoal or gas grills were then!
We didn't know what a lot of stuff was then! Who cared and plus we didn't know better!
HEY KIDS! DO YOU LIKE PIE?
We have lived in Williamsburg, Iowa for nearly two years now and have just hit the "mother-load" on something incredible. A lady has been coming into the Burg Grocery and I never knew one of her "special talents."
She makes pies and not just any ordinary pies. These pies are SUPURB! She used to make pies for one of the major restaurants in the Amana Colony years ago.
When I heard all this, it was decided to give her a try. She lives right in town and only charges $5.00 a pie. So far Peach, Cherry, Banana Cream, Raisin Crème, Chocolate, and, currently, Coconut Crème has been DEVOURED.
The only complaint so far has been that there were too many raisins in that pie. I'm not real fond of the expression "to die for," but, it fits here. The crusts are just right and the meringue looks like something made for a commercial!
If you are ever close to the "Burg" or doing a shopping spree to the Tanger Outlet, you may want to consider putting an order in via me. No! I am not giving her name out at this point. Not sure I want to share too much!!
P.S. Her home is immaculate and did I mention she charges only $5.00!
She makes pies and not just any ordinary pies. These pies are SUPURB! She used to make pies for one of the major restaurants in the Amana Colony years ago.
When I heard all this, it was decided to give her a try. She lives right in town and only charges $5.00 a pie. So far Peach, Cherry, Banana Cream, Raisin Crème, Chocolate, and, currently, Coconut Crème has been DEVOURED.
The only complaint so far has been that there were too many raisins in that pie. I'm not real fond of the expression "to die for," but, it fits here. The crusts are just right and the meringue looks like something made for a commercial!
If you are ever close to the "Burg" or doing a shopping spree to the Tanger Outlet, you may want to consider putting an order in via me. No! I am not giving her name out at this point. Not sure I want to share too much!!
P.S. Her home is immaculate and did I mention she charges only $5.00!
JUST BECAUSE!
Bob Newhart has always been one of my favorite comedians of all time. Always loved his two hit T.V. shows years ago. The first when he played a psychiatrist in Chicago and when he was an innkeeper in Vermont.
One of the first albums I purchased when in high-school back in the late 1950's was "The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart." This album was a first of it's kind because up till that time comedians had not put their work on records. He topped the charts for a time with this album and beat out the likes of Elvis Presley.
One of the routines he did was about baseball. He played the guy from the Patent office and was taking on the phone to "Doubleday" who had invented baseball. The whole routine is a hoot especially when asked: "So why are there three strikes and four balls?" "Oh! just because!" Of course he was told that a game played with 18 people would never catch on. Also, coming HOME was hard to explain!
If you ever get a chance to see or hear this album, do yourself a favor and enjoy!!
One of the first albums I purchased when in high-school back in the late 1950's was "The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart." This album was a first of it's kind because up till that time comedians had not put their work on records. He topped the charts for a time with this album and beat out the likes of Elvis Presley.
One of the routines he did was about baseball. He played the guy from the Patent office and was taking on the phone to "Doubleday" who had invented baseball. The whole routine is a hoot especially when asked: "So why are there three strikes and four balls?" "Oh! just because!" Of course he was told that a game played with 18 people would never catch on. Also, coming HOME was hard to explain!
If you ever get a chance to see or hear this album, do yourself a favor and enjoy!!
ONLY THE TOP HALF WILL COME OFF!
One of the Burg Grocery employees just returned from vacation and her first airplane flight to visit her sisters in Colorado. Her favorite part of flying was the take-off which is mine and most people. One never tires of that feeling.
It also reminded me of an old comedy album that I bought back in the late 1950's while in high-school. It was by a comedian named Shelly Berman and he did a routine about flying which I have not forgotten.
It goes something like this. "Welcome ladies and gentleman to flight 714. I'm captain Holbrook and I'll be your pilot this evening. Miss Jones will be your flight attendant and she will be serving coffee, tea, or ME!
Also, make sure you fasten your seat belt in case we hit the side of a mountain. That way only the top half of you will come off!!
It also reminded me of an old comedy album that I bought back in the late 1950's while in high-school. It was by a comedian named Shelly Berman and he did a routine about flying which I have not forgotten.
It goes something like this. "Welcome ladies and gentleman to flight 714. I'm captain Holbrook and I'll be your pilot this evening. Miss Jones will be your flight attendant and she will be serving coffee, tea, or ME!
Also, make sure you fasten your seat belt in case we hit the side of a mountain. That way only the top half of you will come off!!
BRANDON'S JOKE OF THE WEEK!
A duck walks into the grocery store and asks the produce man if he has any grapes. No! replies the man and you shouldn't be in here.
Same thing happens the next day and next. Finally, the produce man tells the duck not to come back or he will nail his web feet to the floor.
The fourth day the duck returns and asks if they have any nails. No! replies the produce man! Well then, asks the duck. Can I have some grapes?
Same thing happens the next day and next. Finally, the produce man tells the duck not to come back or he will nail his web feet to the floor.
The fourth day the duck returns and asks if they have any nails. No! replies the produce man! Well then, asks the duck. Can I have some grapes?
Friday, September 19, 2014
THE FALL-WHY I LOVE IT SO!
It was my job when I was a kid, starting in the 1950's, to wash the outside windows in the fall and usually in the spring. At what age exactly this ritual was started I am not sure. All I know is my mother liked things nice and clean and that was just one of many cleaning jobs to attend to on the farm.
Only the first floor windows were dealt with. Our house was big! The lower ones were enough. Wood storms on in the fall with the screens then stored in the basement. In the spring, obviously the reverse. Mostly vinegar, water, and rags were used after being hosed off to eliminate cobwebs and dust. Those old storms were heavy, but, I never remember breaking one.
THREE things came out of fall window cleaning. One, to this day fall is my favorite season. Clear blue skies, sunny, and temperatures in the 60's or maybe low 70's. Two, I still enjoy doing windows and the pride in seeing that one window perfectly clean so when looking at it you would think there was no glass there at all.
And thirdly, on those Saturdays with my blue portable radio sitting there beside me, listening to the Iowa Hawkeye football games with the voice of the Hawkeyes-Jim Zabel. Life couldn't have been much better. No sir!
Only the first floor windows were dealt with. Our house was big! The lower ones were enough. Wood storms on in the fall with the screens then stored in the basement. In the spring, obviously the reverse. Mostly vinegar, water, and rags were used after being hosed off to eliminate cobwebs and dust. Those old storms were heavy, but, I never remember breaking one.
THREE things came out of fall window cleaning. One, to this day fall is my favorite season. Clear blue skies, sunny, and temperatures in the 60's or maybe low 70's. Two, I still enjoy doing windows and the pride in seeing that one window perfectly clean so when looking at it you would think there was no glass there at all.
And thirdly, on those Saturdays with my blue portable radio sitting there beside me, listening to the Iowa Hawkeye football games with the voice of the Hawkeyes-Jim Zabel. Life couldn't have been much better. No sir!
Thursday, September 18, 2014
SENIORS OF 1962 DO CHICAGO!
Little did I realize until later in life the significance of the Chicago Senior Skip Day. It was May 1962. It was dark and late at night at the train depot in Grinnell, Iowa. Our senior class, most at least, with chaperones, were ready to get on the "Rocket" coming in from Denver, Colorado.
Most small school graduating classes went somewhere in their final spring. Ozarks, Chicago, Kansas City, somewhere to go all together for one last fling. No Hillbilly's for us. We were headed for Chi-town. The Big City.
We checked into the Palmer House hotel (still there as of this writing.) on that great street-State Street. While we were there we rode in cabs which for most of us was a first time experience just like the train ride. The cab rides were something you would never forget. We knew after that why horns were invented!
One thing we didn't do was go to a baseball game (Chicago Cubs) as it got rained out. The big event while there was seeing Andy Williams, the "Moon River" man, at the hotel in the Emerald Room with dinner no less. We also saw the Kingston Trio, who was also performing at the hotel and too considered big time entertainment at the time.
Seeing Chicago, a train ride, cab ride, big time entertainment, and staying in a swanky hotel, all, for the first time in one week-end was too much!!
P.S. To this day I marvel that none of class recalls raising money for our trip. In today's dollars, it would have been a fairly expensive trip. All I can say is thank you parents!!
SPEAKING OF MY SISTER DORIS-MY BEST MEAL!
Yes! I actually rank meals that I have enjoyed in my life or at least somewhat. And, no, this isn't about a meal that she entirely prepared, but, did take place at her home.
It was in the late 1970's, summer, and we had a family re-union at my sister Doris' and brother-in-law, Clyde's, home south of Laurel. They lived in the big house that we all grew up years before. At the time I lived in Des Moines, was divorced, and drove up with my two kids, La Risa and Darrin.
I don't remember the actual occasion, but, the overall meal was greatest that I probably have ever enjoyed in a restaurant or otherwise.
Clyde, had T-bone steaks butchered at a locker in nearby Kellogg, Iowa. He grilled them to perfection. They were extra thick and the size of an entire dinner plate. On another plate was new potatoes, fresh tomatoes, green beans, sweet corn, and who knows what else, mostly all from their garden.
Lastly, Mom and my step-dad, Maurice, brought the makings for homemade ice-cream. Cranked by hand and also to creamy perfection! If it gets better than that you can -------!
It was in the late 1970's, summer, and we had a family re-union at my sister Doris' and brother-in-law, Clyde's, home south of Laurel. They lived in the big house that we all grew up years before. At the time I lived in Des Moines, was divorced, and drove up with my two kids, La Risa and Darrin.
I don't remember the actual occasion, but, the overall meal was greatest that I probably have ever enjoyed in a restaurant or otherwise.
Clyde, had T-bone steaks butchered at a locker in nearby Kellogg, Iowa. He grilled them to perfection. They were extra thick and the size of an entire dinner plate. On another plate was new potatoes, fresh tomatoes, green beans, sweet corn, and who knows what else, mostly all from their garden.
Lastly, Mom and my step-dad, Maurice, brought the makings for homemade ice-cream. Cranked by hand and also to creamy perfection! If it gets better than that you can -------!
HE DIDN'T SAY RARE!!!
The other day at the Burg Grocery, someone was testing a new outdoor grill for the store. In turn some of us were treated with a "test" hamburger. They were well-done or should we say creamnated. One of the employees mentioned he liked his more medium rare. Of course, that reminded me of a story.
Many years ago,1960's, while dining one evening at a restaurant called, Rocky's White Shutter Inn, something very unusual was overheard.
A "gentleman" at an adjoining table was having words with the waiter and it was getting louder and louder. At some point, the guy was clearly heard saying the following: "Take the steak out of the refrigerator, sit it on the counter for a few minutes and then bring it to me."
Obviously, he didn't want it "rare" but, "raw." I don't remember much else that happened in that restaurant that night, but, I know it grossed out most everybody there. Takes all kinds!!
Many years ago,1960's, while dining one evening at a restaurant called, Rocky's White Shutter Inn, something very unusual was overheard.
A "gentleman" at an adjoining table was having words with the waiter and it was getting louder and louder. At some point, the guy was clearly heard saying the following: "Take the steak out of the refrigerator, sit it on the counter for a few minutes and then bring it to me."
Obviously, he didn't want it "rare" but, "raw." I don't remember much else that happened in that restaurant that night, but, I know it grossed out most everybody there. Takes all kinds!!
DORIS LAVERTY(EDDY) ESSAY FROM ISU!
In the fall of 1954, my sister, Doris, wrote an essay for an English class while attending Iowa State University. She sent it to our mother, (Doris May Smith Laverty Korte), along with an attached personal note.
Doris
My Brother Dennis
I didn't know if I liked the idea of having a baby brother or not, a sister wouldn't be so bad but a boy would just be a nuisance. For one thing, I had been an only child for eight years and it would hurt to think I would have to share things with someone else.
Grandma(Smith) was there when Dennis, my brother , was born. She told me I would get to like him and wonder what I ever did without him.
She was right , but it took quite awhile. When I first saw Dennis he was a red wrinkled mess. Could I ever love that? I did. I helped Mother take care of him and it was fun. By the time he could walk and talk I was wondering what I had ever done without him. I taught him how to bat and throw a ball. Now he is very good & loves sports of all kinds. I'm very proud of him. He is president of his fifth grade class this year and was elected best football player in his room. To top it all off, he gets the best in grades of which I am very glad.
While I was in school, in anyone dared to tease me or do anything to me in the bus or on the school grounds he came right to my rescue.
Sure, he's been in the way at times and we've had our arguments and fights but it's been nothing serious.
Just think of all the fun and good times I would have missed if it hadn't been for my brother, Dennis.
-----------------
Mom,
I wrote this in class, believe it or not. Be seeing you. Tell Debby *(sister- Deborah Jon Laverty Arges- age 4.) thanks for the bouquet. Just what I needed. Wish you could have come up. Are you sick? I'll come home if we have no Sat. classes & put up screens etc. It would be fun. Also, rake & clean up the yard.
Doris
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
THANK YOU EVERYONE!
Dennis: Now and Ago was created just two months ago and with friends encouragement, it has created over two thousand views in just those sixty days. Again, thank you for your support and will hopefully bring many more fun stories from now and ago for you to enjoy.
Monday, September 15, 2014
DEVIL'S TOWER-A MUST SEE!
One of my favorite not too far away trips is probably one of America's favorite vacation destinations. The perfect time to do it is September, despite the fact that this year they got an early snowfall. It is none other than South Dakota-Mount Rushmore, Black Hills and much more.
I took this trip a few years ago and not till later, did I realize how pleasurable and to this day probably the most enjoyable four to five day vacation I've taken for all kinds of reasons. The very first thing that got this trip off on the right foot was the weather-ideal-sunny, temperatures in the 60's and low 70's.There is nothing better for weather, especially in the fall, than to feel the crisp, slight coolness in the air, but, with the warmth of the sun on your back.
Traveling, once the kids are back in school, can be a pure delight. Not that I don't like kids, but, when you can walk right into a restaurant without a wait, it's heaven. Despite the fact that traveling the distance across South Dakota on I-90 is quite at times. a long and boring jaunt, the Corn Palace at Mitchell, Wall Drug, and watching a huge thundercloud form and rise to 40,000 feet in the distance can shorten the ride.
The area and it's attractions live up to the hype except for too much trashy sideshows leading up to the four Presidents. I really had only one big disappointment while there. We stayed in a town just north of Rapid City and the infamous Sturgis called Deadwood. With a pure cowboy name like "Deadwood" and an authentic steakhouse restaurant nearby, the suspense of sitting down to that big old juicy steak was a killer. Big disappointment! Tough and tasteless. Don't ever underestimate Iowa corn-fed beef. No Sir!
Now, on to the most unforgettable, pleasant surprise of the trip. Almost a spiritual experience, if you will. Just a few short miles off I-90 into northwest Wyoming, in the middle of nowhere, when you just pop a rise, is this huge round ribbed tall rock with a flat top. It can and has been climbed a lot and doesn't take long to walk around, but there is just something about it!
Hundreds of little "ground squirrels" live around there. The movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" was filmed there. With the near perfect weather. it made the experience, again, unforgettable. I do hope to return again someday.
written originally July 2008
I took this trip a few years ago and not till later, did I realize how pleasurable and to this day probably the most enjoyable four to five day vacation I've taken for all kinds of reasons. The very first thing that got this trip off on the right foot was the weather-ideal-sunny, temperatures in the 60's and low 70's.There is nothing better for weather, especially in the fall, than to feel the crisp, slight coolness in the air, but, with the warmth of the sun on your back.
Traveling, once the kids are back in school, can be a pure delight. Not that I don't like kids, but, when you can walk right into a restaurant without a wait, it's heaven. Despite the fact that traveling the distance across South Dakota on I-90 is quite at times. a long and boring jaunt, the Corn Palace at Mitchell, Wall Drug, and watching a huge thundercloud form and rise to 40,000 feet in the distance can shorten the ride.
The area and it's attractions live up to the hype except for too much trashy sideshows leading up to the four Presidents. I really had only one big disappointment while there. We stayed in a town just north of Rapid City and the infamous Sturgis called Deadwood. With a pure cowboy name like "Deadwood" and an authentic steakhouse restaurant nearby, the suspense of sitting down to that big old juicy steak was a killer. Big disappointment! Tough and tasteless. Don't ever underestimate Iowa corn-fed beef. No Sir!
Now, on to the most unforgettable, pleasant surprise of the trip. Almost a spiritual experience, if you will. Just a few short miles off I-90 into northwest Wyoming, in the middle of nowhere, when you just pop a rise, is this huge round ribbed tall rock with a flat top. It can and has been climbed a lot and doesn't take long to walk around, but there is just something about it!
Hundreds of little "ground squirrels" live around there. The movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" was filmed there. With the near perfect weather. it made the experience, again, unforgettable. I do hope to return again someday.
written originally July 2008
"A MUST HAVE" ON YOUR NEXT ROAD TRIP!
If you enjoy road trips, don' think about leaving home without the following: Reader's Digest-The most Scenic Drive's In America. There at least 120 drives in all. You can order a hard-bound book(great for your coffee table) for as little as $18.00 on-line.
If you never travel anywhere else, but, follow these drives, you have seen much of American scenic beauty. A lot of the drives are closer to home than you might think. Example: Highway #84 in Illinois from I-80 up along the Mississippi to Galena, Illinois. A real surprise. It points out various attractions along the way in detail.
Do your-self a favor and check it out. I don't think you will be disappointed.
If you never travel anywhere else, but, follow these drives, you have seen much of American scenic beauty. A lot of the drives are closer to home than you might think. Example: Highway #84 in Illinois from I-80 up along the Mississippi to Galena, Illinois. A real surprise. It points out various attractions along the way in detail.
Do your-self a favor and check it out. I don't think you will be disappointed.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
ELVIS IN VEGAS-A CATASTROPHE!
It was the early 1970's, my ex-wife and I were in Las Vegas while she was attending a convention. We stayed in the Hilton International and was at the time one of the largest hotels there.
Elvis was also contracted by the hotel and was appearing. Not sure how we got tickets, but, at the time was not that difficult. The "game" that the hotels played was that the best "tip" got you the best seats. That simple. Money talks!
The trick I learned was this. You wadded up lots of one dollar bills to make it appear that you had lots of cash to tip with. By the time this "maître-d guy" figured out that he didn't receive much, we were sitting stage-side. There was a three drink minimum and they brought all at once.
When they first introduced Elvis, it was the build-up that was impressive. First, the hotel orchestra played. Then out came his own personal band. Then the four female vocals came out on one side followed by the four male vocals on the other. Then after a little more of a musical build-up, here came the "King." Wow oh Wow!
His health was not the best at this late stage of his life. He appeared to either be on drugs, intoxicated, or just plain exhausted. From the very beginning of his act, he messed up by forgetting words to his songs, slurring his words, and just plain acting "goofy." People, a lot of people, started walking out and demanding a refund. It was sad, but, we did get to see the "King of Rock and Roll."
Elvis was also contracted by the hotel and was appearing. Not sure how we got tickets, but, at the time was not that difficult. The "game" that the hotels played was that the best "tip" got you the best seats. That simple. Money talks!
The trick I learned was this. You wadded up lots of one dollar bills to make it appear that you had lots of cash to tip with. By the time this "maître-d guy" figured out that he didn't receive much, we were sitting stage-side. There was a three drink minimum and they brought all at once.
When they first introduced Elvis, it was the build-up that was impressive. First, the hotel orchestra played. Then out came his own personal band. Then the four female vocals came out on one side followed by the four male vocals on the other. Then after a little more of a musical build-up, here came the "King." Wow oh Wow!
His health was not the best at this late stage of his life. He appeared to either be on drugs, intoxicated, or just plain exhausted. From the very beginning of his act, he messed up by forgetting words to his songs, slurring his words, and just plain acting "goofy." People, a lot of people, started walking out and demanding a refund. It was sad, but, we did get to see the "King of Rock and Roll."
SCALPING FOOTBALL TCKETS/ ECONOMICS 101
The first guy, that approached me after getting off the Hawkeye Express ,was asking $100.00 a ticket. I knew it was a sell-out and ticket prices from scalpers would be unusually high.
A few years ago, Ilah and I went to the ISU/IU game in Ames and bought the first pair of tickets that was offered. We sat at the thirty yard line and fairly high seating. I never saw another person trying to sell a ticket after that. Scalping is not for every-one either!
This year and day there were the usual pro-sellers. These guys you can find at every game selling tickets. Where they get them is another whole story. This day they too were asking upwards of $100.00. This could be tough! Even one old "codger" like myself was attempting to sell a pair of tickets. His price was $125-$150 range. You have to be kidding. After all the Hawks are just playing the Clones. Ha!
We bantered back and forth about his high price and then the insult of me offering him only $30.00 I love this action so! Sooner or later the laws of supply and demand would apply. It was, at that point, two hours till game time. The same guys still possessed a lot of tickets.
With about one hour to go, I made my rounds again in front of Kinnick. I approached one young pro-seller and indicated that I needed a ticket and would be happy sitting in the end-zone. He had one in the south-west corner of the south end-zone and would take "par" or actual ticket price of $70.00. Can you believe that 70,000 people will pay that much to watch young guys to beat each others brains out.
I convinced him to take $50.00 and be happy, as I probably would have sat there until just before game time and then offered him far less. Part of me wishes that I would have waited it out and been more patient. Like a little kid, I was too anxious to get inside and soak in all the action. Too bad the game, for me, didn't live up to my expectations. Oh well! Another day!
A few years ago, Ilah and I went to the ISU/IU game in Ames and bought the first pair of tickets that was offered. We sat at the thirty yard line and fairly high seating. I never saw another person trying to sell a ticket after that. Scalping is not for every-one either!
This year and day there were the usual pro-sellers. These guys you can find at every game selling tickets. Where they get them is another whole story. This day they too were asking upwards of $100.00. This could be tough! Even one old "codger" like myself was attempting to sell a pair of tickets. His price was $125-$150 range. You have to be kidding. After all the Hawks are just playing the Clones. Ha!
We bantered back and forth about his high price and then the insult of me offering him only $30.00 I love this action so! Sooner or later the laws of supply and demand would apply. It was, at that point, two hours till game time. The same guys still possessed a lot of tickets.
With about one hour to go, I made my rounds again in front of Kinnick. I approached one young pro-seller and indicated that I needed a ticket and would be happy sitting in the end-zone. He had one in the south-west corner of the south end-zone and would take "par" or actual ticket price of $70.00. Can you believe that 70,000 people will pay that much to watch young guys to beat each others brains out.
I convinced him to take $50.00 and be happy, as I probably would have sat there until just before game time and then offered him far less. Part of me wishes that I would have waited it out and been more patient. Like a little kid, I was too anxious to get inside and soak in all the action. Too bad the game, for me, didn't live up to my expectations. Oh well! Another day!
ISU/1974 TACKLE OUT OF NOWHERE!
It was November 24th, 1973. I had decided to invite the husband, Bob Merritt, of my wife's best friend, to a football game. Yes, back then I did go to a few Cyclone games. It was closer to Des Moines and I didn't really get into going to Iowa City and the Hawkeyes, until after my divorce in 1974. I digress.
The Cyclones were playing Oklahoma State and was the last home game of the season. After a kick-off or punt, the Iowa State player broke loose and was running for a touch-down on the west side-line and going from the south end-zone to the north end-zone.
Our seats were on the east side and we were, that time of year, looking directly into the low sun. We were all cheering as the ISU player was obviously going to score! With my hands shading the sun and the player running in the shade, one second the player was there and the next second he disappeared!
An Oklahoma State player, who was standing on the side-line like they do, jumped off the side-line and "tackled" the Iowa State player. Iowa State was awarded the TD. Wow!
At the time it an NCAA record for most "bizarre" and probably is still a record for all I know! I will always wonder, if anyone ever interviewed that OKU player to find out what he was thinking!
The Cyclones were playing Oklahoma State and was the last home game of the season. After a kick-off or punt, the Iowa State player broke loose and was running for a touch-down on the west side-line and going from the south end-zone to the north end-zone.
Our seats were on the east side and we were, that time of year, looking directly into the low sun. We were all cheering as the ISU player was obviously going to score! With my hands shading the sun and the player running in the shade, one second the player was there and the next second he disappeared!
An Oklahoma State player, who was standing on the side-line like they do, jumped off the side-line and "tackled" the Iowa State player. Iowa State was awarded the TD. Wow!
At the time it an NCAA record for most "bizarre" and probably is still a record for all I know! I will always wonder, if anyone ever interviewed that OKU player to find out what he was thinking!
YES! ISU WON/REAL EXCITEMENT IN STANDS!
Since I "scalp" my tickets anymore to the Hawkeye games, I never know where I may end up. It is fun and like a new adventure each week, not knowing exactly where my seat might be. Yesterday, for the big ISU/IA game, may have been the exception to the rule.
My seat was in section 221, which is in the south-west corner of the south end-zone. My seat was fairly high, row 25, and next to the edge of the stadium and the isle. Didn't think I would have to stand for the whole game. Think again!
All of a sudden in came a group of young male students, primarily, and they preceded to stand not only just up, but, stand on their seats. The game had started and I could not see a thing. I tapped one kid on the shoulder and asked him to sit as I could not see. If they wanted to stand at least stand on the floor.
They first looked at me like I was from Mars and turned around. Now they made me mad. Did I mention that, despite I'm an old man and being out numbered by at least six to one, that did not bother me. The words began to fly.
They let me know that this was a student section and the "tradition" was to stand on the seats during a game. They were wrong and it was starting to get ugly. They even were ranting about how they paid for these tickets thru their tuition and etc.
Plus, lots of them were standing in the isles.
Then the "cavalry" came. A security guy reminded this "bunch" that the area was not the student section as it had been the year before. Fueled by alcohol, these kids were not going to give in and tried all kinds of ways to talk the security guy into letting them stay despite the fact that there were people waiting to get into their rightful seats.
Finally, a handful ofofficers with badges arrived and escorted most back to the student section and I assumed found them seats. Remember, the law usually wins and so does age and crotchety old men.
.
My seat was in section 221, which is in the south-west corner of the south end-zone. My seat was fairly high, row 25, and next to the edge of the stadium and the isle. Didn't think I would have to stand for the whole game. Think again!
All of a sudden in came a group of young male students, primarily, and they preceded to stand not only just up, but, stand on their seats. The game had started and I could not see a thing. I tapped one kid on the shoulder and asked him to sit as I could not see. If they wanted to stand at least stand on the floor.
They first looked at me like I was from Mars and turned around. Now they made me mad. Did I mention that, despite I'm an old man and being out numbered by at least six to one, that did not bother me. The words began to fly.
They let me know that this was a student section and the "tradition" was to stand on the seats during a game. They were wrong and it was starting to get ugly. They even were ranting about how they paid for these tickets thru their tuition and etc.
Plus, lots of them were standing in the isles.
Then the "cavalry" came. A security guy reminded this "bunch" that the area was not the student section as it had been the year before. Fueled by alcohol, these kids were not going to give in and tried all kinds of ways to talk the security guy into letting them stay despite the fact that there were people waiting to get into their rightful seats.
Finally, a handful ofofficers with badges arrived and escorted most back to the student section and I assumed found them seats. Remember, the law usually wins and so does age and crotchety old men.
.
CYCLONE FAN SHARES BUCKET LIST! YOU WON'T BELIEVE IT!
About an hour before the big ISU/IU game, I sat down next to a gentleman from Cedar Rapids who was an ISU fan in front of Kinnick Stadium. We were both doing a little "fan" watching and a little basking. Both just waiting to go into the game.
It's amazing what you can learn by simply striking up a conversation with a complete stranger-even a "Cyclone" fan. I don't buy into this silence is better theory. Two shy, introverted, quiet types, in my estimation, don't learn much. Maybe from books.
Somehow, I mentioned that I used to tell my kids and grand-children, instead of choosing Iowa or Iowa State, about going to college at Pepperdine University, which would be pretty cool as it sits high above the Malibu area in southern California. That way Dennis could come out and visit and walk the beach and look at the pretty girls!
Most people don't even know where Pepperdine is located. This gentleman's eyes lit up and indicated he just returned from Malibu. It was something that always had been on his "Bucket List" and he got a super deal of some kind on the flight and because it was off-season a good deal on the beach house.
Of course I couldn't resist by asking how much it cost per day or week. His reply was that it was "ONLY" $900.00 per day and they stayed the week. It was something he always wanted to do! Is this a great country or what and what fun can sometimes happen by striking up a conversation with a stranger!!
It's amazing what you can learn by simply striking up a conversation with a complete stranger-even a "Cyclone" fan. I don't buy into this silence is better theory. Two shy, introverted, quiet types, in my estimation, don't learn much. Maybe from books.
Somehow, I mentioned that I used to tell my kids and grand-children, instead of choosing Iowa or Iowa State, about going to college at Pepperdine University, which would be pretty cool as it sits high above the Malibu area in southern California. That way Dennis could come out and visit and walk the beach and look at the pretty girls!
Most people don't even know where Pepperdine is located. This gentleman's eyes lit up and indicated he just returned from Malibu. It was something that always had been on his "Bucket List" and he got a super deal of some kind on the flight and because it was off-season a good deal on the beach house.
Of course I couldn't resist by asking how much it cost per day or week. His reply was that it was "ONLY" $900.00 per day and they stayed the week. It was something he always wanted to do! Is this a great country or what and what fun can sometimes happen by striking up a conversation with a stranger!!
Saturday, September 13, 2014
THE STRANGERS IN THE BOX
This is a poem by Pam Harazim, which I included in the book of memories (A collection of personal and family- related short stories)in 2009.
Come, look with me inside this drawer, in this box I've often seen. The pictures, black and white, faces proud, still and serene.
I wish I knew the people these strangers in the box. Their names and all their memories are lost among the socks.
I wonder what their lives were like, how they spend their days. What about their special times, I'll never know their ways.
If only someone had taken the time to tell who, what and when. Those faces of my heritage would come to life again.
Could this become the fate of the pictures we take today? The faces and the memories someday to be tossed away.
Make time to save your pictures. Seize the opportunity when it knocks. Or someday you and yours could be the strangers in the box.
THANK YOU LADIES!
A DEDICATION
I give an enormous amount of credit
to all the talented English teachers
at Laurel Consolidated School,
especially in teaching the
basic skills and usage of grammar.
It has given me the confidence and courage
to put my memories on paper.
Again, Thank you, ladies.
...Dennis M. Laverty
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