SUBTLE SIGNS-THINGS ARE A CHANGIN' !

      As reported in USA newspaper, ESPEN's subscriber base has plummeted to 92 million as of October 3. That's down from 95 million just a little more than a year ago. Live sports programming is expensive to produce. And an increasing number of cord cutters are ditching pricey cable subscriptions and turning instead to a la carte options, available through streaming services and smartphone apps. I will be changing from cable after the first of the year as soon as I talk to my 12 year old grandson to assist me with the best way to go!!!! 

       

REDNECK THANKSGIVING!

      A redneck Thanksgiving is when you drive to a Convenience Store from a relative's home to get a slice of pizza for your appetizer!

YOU KNOW YOU ARE GETTING OLD WHEN---!

      You know you are getting old when you remember a time they used to have cardboard boxes at the front of the grocery store to carry your groceries out in!!

YOU KNOW WHAT REALLY UPSET ME TODAY?

      Today in our Deli at the Burg Grocery, we have a deal going with "ChampsChicken" where you can get 5 chicken tenders for $5, 10 for $10 up to 5 for $50. I just wanted 3 for lunch and it was going to cost me $1.49 each. Such a deal!!! 

YOU KNOW YOU ARE GETTING OLD WHEN--!

      You know you are an old timer when you remember your first pizza at home on a week-end evening being a Chef Boyardee box pizza. Not only was it so good, it was fun to watch your mom roll out the dough and assist her with on the toppings!

HOLIDAY LEFTOVERS CAN BE GOOD & FUN!

       This year's Thanksgiving dinner was one of the best ever in recent memory! The leftovers are generally O.K. later, but, nothing compared to the main event! However, tonite was one of those exceptions to the rule, at least for me! 

       Thanks to Ilah, I took the leftover broccoli and cauliflower from the appetizer tray and made a soup that included the above along with onion and celery. Of course it had to be cheesy and so I did have to go the Burg Grocery and buy some shredded cheese. 

       What was funny to me was that there was a CASSEROLE BLEND  which was American, Cheddar, and Mozzarella cheese. It just continues to amaze me, like everything else, how they continue to come up with more varieties and blends. I have to stand there and ponder too long in making the decision on what cheese to use! I am sure this is not the end! No matter. The leftover soup was oooooh, so good!

       

TIME FLYS & NOTHING YOU CAN DO !

     We have lived in Williamsburg going on four years as of the first of November. And, since working at the Burg Grocery, I note, each year,  a Christmas tree stand put out by the Kiwanis's just south of the grocery store. And, each year it seems that the trees are put out sooner and the next thing I know is they are basically gone and the the little hut that they sell the trees from is moved away.

      The whole ritual seems to go faster and faster each year. I just wish there was some way I could slow this down! Let me know please if you ever figure out a way!  

THEY DIDN'T SMELL THE ROSES!

      Back in the late 1960's and early 1970's while working at Allied Mutual in Des Moines, I worked with a very interesting man which we will call Les. He was nearing retirement when I started there and he could tell you to the day when he was going to retire. His wife Lucille also worked there and was going to also retire when Les did.

       They both were old school in that they would come in on a Saturday and/ or Sundays and would usually stay late, working, through the week. It was known that they didn't have any children and they also didn't take vacations throughout  their working careers. 

       One thing they were banking on or looking forward to after retirement was enjoying a lakeside cabin they were going to build near Brooklyn, Iowa. It never happened! Lucille passed away just a short time before their retirement. It was devastating to Les. The good news was he eventually met someone and all ended pretty well for him. But, we all know the moral of the story!

THESE CAN BE THE GOOD OL' DAYS!

      Helping a lady out the other day at the  Burg Grocery, she mentioned that she had seen my article about story writing in the local paper. She regretted not getting more stories out of her dad before he passed away. I told her the same thing happened to me, but, I decided that if anybody could tell stories it was me.

        The moral of my story is don't think just because a loved one several loved ones are gone that all family stories are lost forever. You may think you don't have stories to pass on, but, you do. Get going! 

MY FAVORITE DESSERT!NO IT'S NOT---!

 
     At Thanksgiving there is no other dessert that can replace pumpkin pie. None! It just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without it. And, what was funny yesterday was that my favorite dessert all time was for my taking--cherry pie and vanilla ice cream. Didn't even touch it!

      Through the years, I have had desserts that I have had and still enjoy to this day, but, not quite up there. Some are pineapple upside down cake, cherry cheesecake, chocolate cake with white frosting, pecan pie, French Silk pie, Carrot Cake,and many more.

       Years ago, I used to go to the Village Inn in West Des Moines on a Sunday evening for a little dessert to top off the day. That place had a dessert menu that was the BEST! Every kind of dessert that you could imagine or ever want. They had it! Invariably I would sit and study that menu like I was preparing for a mid-term exam. By the time the waitress came back to take my order, it was always the same. "I'll take a slice of cherry pie with a scoop of ice-cream-oh, make that two scoops!"  If I was ever to go to Baskin Robbins with their 99 flavors of ice-cream,  I would probably end up ordering vanilla! 
   

BOND! JAMES BOND! EVER NOTICE??

     Last week-end , we went to see the latest 007 movie Spectre. and I must say that upon seeing the fourth James Bond movie that Daniel Craig has starred, I finally am getting used to him playing 007. To me and actually living long enough to have seen the first Bond movie way back when and knowing this is all about the Brits, I always liked Sean Connery best.

      If you haven't seen this one you will not be disappointed. The scenery is all breathtaking and the opening scene takes place in Mexico City which you really never see in any movie or TV show. Also, outstanding scenes in Rome, Austria, and a great train ride the desert in North Africa. 

       After seeing all twenty plus of 007 movies, here is one thing I will never understand about the bad guys. They all eventually invite Bond and his gal to their hide-out and treat him like guest of royalty and brag and brag about all they are going to do to change the world. Bond always tells him how mad he is, of course and ends up blowing to "smithereens" the joint! I guess no matter how ingenious Mr. Evil is, he ends up not only being insane, but, not really too bright!

LEARN HOW TO PACE!

       Around the Holiday's, it seems everyone is even in a bigger hurry than we already are. Rush, rush, rush! At the Burg Grocery, as employees, we are flying around trying to make our customers shopping experience as smooth and quick as possible. If there is a small back-log to the check-out lanes, a panic seems to set in. And, yet if you were shopping at the big stores in Iowa City a customer would be standing in line for several minutes.

       As you gets older, hopefully, you do get a little smarter and/or wiser. I have learned to pace myself better as I get older because partly I can't move as fast and tire much quicker.  It reminds me of the first time I played racket ball. I chased that little ball around to every wall and after the first game , I thought I was going to die. Slowly, I learned to wait for that little ball to come to me more. I learned how to pace!

      So many things in my life now I have learned from that lesson. Even tasks around the house, I have learned to spread out over the week. Yes, Life is not a sprint but is a marathon! 

OR DEE OR'S!/OR APPETIZERS!

      Someone the other day purchased an appetizer tray that the Burg Grocery makes up for the holiday's. It's the typical one of carrot sticks celery, and  etc. I mentioned to the customer that since I have gotten older and can't eat as much especially at a big meal like Thanksgiving, I don't even try to eat appetizer stuff, but, save myself for the main event. And, even then I have to pick and choose what morsels I will indulge. No more back for seconds like years gone by. Maybe a little pickled herring or a few Greek olives-- just a few!

       It also reminded me of my mother at special meals. She never could pronounce horderves right! She did pronounce it like the actual spelling--hors d' oeuvres. It was always OR-DEE-ORS! Some thought she was just yanking our chain but just never could  pronounce it right. It was cute! But on the other hand, it took me a long time to pronounce Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! 
  

A BIG STORM/COUNTRY LIVING PAID OFF!

      When it comes to snowstorms, everybody seems to have their own favorite depending on what part of the state you grew up in and so forth. One storm I will always remember was a spring storm when living in Clive and I believe it was the one of April 1968

       We were living on 90th street in Clive, Iowa and and it stared snowing early on Monday morning. From our back yard there was nothing really but open ground or prairie. 

        I told my wife, Sandi, that I thought it best to stay put and not leave for work as something told me that this was going to be a severe storm by just the way it looked and my experiences of  days growing up in the country on the farm. It was one of the better decisions I made up until then.

       People got caught downtown Des Moines after work and some had to spend the night in places like Vet's Auditorium. I was working at Allied Mutual at the time and many of the employees were stuck there for the night. Obviously, snow removal has improved immensely and so has weather forecasting.  That country living did pay off!   
     

AJAX LIQUOR STORE! WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH!

      I was reminded the other day, after discussing a situation that involved Tequila, about an old recording  done in  by a comedy team of Hudson and Landry called "Ajax Liquor Store." It is one of the funniest comedy bits you will ever listen to.

      A close friend of mine, Bob Merritt, actually did some of this routine over the phone to me during a time in our lives when we both needed a little humor. It totally cracked me up at the time and will never forget it. All I asked is for you to google up the Ajax Liquor Store and listen to the routine on U tube. If you don't get a laugh out of it something is wrong with you! 

     

THE LAST LIGHTHOUSE LEAVING IRELAND Day 7

Day 7 Friday, November 15th, 1876.

Then on Friday the 15th it was very calm and beautiful with scarcely a ruffle on the face of the water. I would hardly believe that the sea would have been so still and smooth if I had not seen it. I saw five ships today all bound toward England. About 2 o'clock a fine gale of wind arose blowing from the south. They unfurled all the sails. They were making more speed than they had done since we started. Although, it was only a side wind.

It is now ten o'clock P.M. and it is pretty rough. It was stormy all night with rain. Two men had a great argument on politics and about blacks. It was in the room that I was in. On of them thought the blacks ought to be on equal footing.

------end of diary. 

THE LAST LIGHTHOUSE LEAVING IRELAND DAY 6

Day 6 Thursday, November 14th, 1876

The 14th came but the sea is still rough. I saw a ship this morning. It was going toward Liverpool. Also, I saw four fish that came along side of the ship and then would rise and jump six or eight feet or perhaps I might say "ten yards" at a jump. They could go twice as fast as the ship was going. They ran along the side of the ship for a considerable distance. They had small heads with a nose not very unlike a hog. I learned that they were what they call "sea hogs."

-----------to be continued

THE LAST LIGHTHOUSE LEAVING IRELAND Day 5

Day 5 Wednesday, November 13th, 1867.

On Wednesday, I arose and went on deck. The spray was dashing over the bulwark. You would have thought it was raining. But, it was not long until it got worse. The wind was right ahead of the ship and a person could not stand on deck without being wet. For every little while a great wave would wash over the foredeck. Sometimes it would dash up over the cooking house and then run down on the people that would be standing about.

I got pretty wet myself. That day I was up on deck and was standing at the side of the cooking house when a great wave came over the cooking house and ran down upon my head so that I got wet all over. Some of the people that were standing by laughed heartily at me, but I had not long to wait until I got a laugh at them. For a few minutes another wave came over the ship and cooking house and ran down upon them which I was not sorry to see.

At the same time the water was ankle  deep on deck. For the greater part of the day the way that the water came over, the carpenter closed the front hatchway and nailed canvasses on it to keep out the water. 

The ship is rolling from side to side and heaving up and down so that it is very hard to keep from falling. It is now 9:00 at night and it is as course as ever. Blowing so hard that it would almost blow a man off his feet and the water still dashing over her forefront. 

The wind is now on the right side of the ship and is blowing very strong. But, clear sky and moon so clear that I almost see to read. Wednesday night it was very stormy all night. This was the 13th.

---------------to be continued.

THE LAST LIGHTHOUSE LEAVING IRELAND-DAY 4

Day 4-November 12th, 1867

Then on Tuesday morning they let out the rest of the cloth. But, it was only for about an hour and a half or so until they rolled it all up and tied it fast to the beams. This day about 10:00 in the morning, the passengers were ordered on deck and some were so sick that they were carried on deck. This day the carpenter nailed up a bill stating that immigrants should not give up their contract ticket to anyone but the immigrant official.

There was a side wind on this day and the sea was a little rough. Still, we had some stir on board. One man played the fiddle and some danced. This was on the deck below. They were also busy playing cards. On this day I saw a steamer. She was going to Liverpool. This was on the 12th of November. 

--------------to be continued.

THE LAST LIGHTHOUSE LEAVING IRELAND DAY 3

Day 3 Monday, November 11th, 1867

Then Monday the tinder came with passengers from Queenstown and got them on board about 11:00 in the morning. This morning two boats came along to the ship with women who had apples and oranges to sell.

We had rough sea and most of the passengers were sick. We passed Lochhaven Lighthouse at 5:00 in the evening. Then we passed Scullhead Lighthouse at 7:00 P.M. Scullhead stands on the north side of Ireland. This is the last lighthouse that we see leaving Ireland. 

I went to bed at 9:00. This was Monday the 11th. But, I have omitted to say that on Saturday after we came on board, we were all told to go to the cabin deck. And, then we passed before the doctor and gave him our duplicate ticket to them.

Then on the Sabbath, after dinner, we were ordered on deck again and ordered to show the other part of our ticket which one of the officers took from us and gave them to the storage steward. I thought we ought to have been able to have kept part of the ticket.

We had a pretty calm sea on Monday, the 11th. They had some of her sails set in the evening. The wind was on the left side. 

---------------------to be continued.  

BRANDON'S JOKE OF THE WEEK!

      Why did the turkey join the band? Because he had the DRUM STICKS!

THE LAST LIGHTHOUSE LEAVING IRELAND Day 2

Day 2 Sunday, November 10th, 1867

And rose about 6:30  a.m. on the Sabbath. I heard some fiddling when I rose this morning and one was playing a concerti. This day the pilot came on board from Queenstown at 4:00 in the evening. They then stopped the engine and dropped anchor and got supper at 6:00. Then one of them got upon the deck and sang songs and others were courting.

We had one passenger who was dividing tracts among some of them and telling them that there were only two ways to go when you die. When one of the sailors asked him, "Where do you think I will go when I die?" "Why to heaven to be sure." The man replied, "No" said of his brother. "I would like to go to fiddlers green, where there is plenty of fun."  They amused themselves until 10:00 when most  of them went to bed and fell asleep. I was awakened at 12:00 (midnight)  by two or three of them in our room who began arguing politics or the laws of America. This was the Sabbath. The 10th of November.

to be continued-----------------------

THE LAST LIGHTHOUSE LEAVING IRELAND- Day 1

Day 1- Saturday, November 9th, 1867

      The Tripoli left Liverpool on the 9th of November, 1867 at 10:30 A.M. Then they lay out in the channel till 5:00 in the evening. That was Saturday. The passengers were mostly all Dutch and two of them played fiddles and two of them played harps. That was on a Saturday night. A great many others were singing. So we had plenty of music. I went to bed this night about 9:00.

to be continued-------------

HOW BIG WAS THAT POPCORN?

      Sunday afternoon we drove to Corralville to catch a matinee  movie at the local multi-plex. We decided on the recent James Bond movie, Spectre, and it turned out to be quite enjoyable.

       We don't go to a movie as often anymore mainly a theater is not as close as when we lived in Marshalltown, somewhat the expense and it doesn't seem that many movies are that appealing any more. (Old Age!) 

       I suppose the admission price was not too bad at matinee time and with senior tickets. Even at $7.50 it seems they are pushing it a bit. The one that got me was the food! I asked what the best value on a popcorn and a drink would be? The large popcorn and largest beverage combo was something over $12.00. I went numb for a second! I asked how many ounces the largest popcorn "bucket." 170 ounces! Wow! There used to be just this standard big bucket. Now there is thisone that dwarfs it!

       It didn't matter. I just got the next size down combo and it was still about the same price. No use fighting city hall. While in Rome and all that! No matter, it still was around $26.00 total admission and refreshments. I am just glad that I don't have any other expensive bad habits!

        

A GOOD DAY TO CLEAN A CLOSET!

      There is an old expression that goes something like "The acorn doesn't fall far from the tree." In my case It applies to cleaning, not as bad as it used to be, like my mother once did.

       Last week-end, I decided it was time to dig into my semi annual or quarterly cleaning of my closet. I am not the clothes horse I once was so the job only takes less than a half hour any more. There was a time when all suits were lined up by pinstripe, solid, color, etc, the shirts by color,long sleeve, short sleeve, work dress or leisure. Even sweaters were divided by wool or cotton. Yes, I was pathetic. *Not as bad as an old school-mate who it was discovered was much neater and could only have each hanger no more than two finger widths apart.

        Now, it is just a matter of keeping mostly leisure clothes separated by colored tee shirts, short sleeve shirts and long sleeve. The group of slacks or pants consists mostly of denim and a few are a size down just in case I shed a few important pounds. I always keep trying! I have one suit now that fits along with a pair of leather sole dress shoes just in case of that funeral, wedding or super important event. The last time I needed a Tux, I actually found one that was just perfect when I advertised for it in the local Penny Saver. That was a big Gala New Years Eve in 1999!

        A few years back I went to a funeral and wore a suit and was about the only guy with one on! Any more I like to go out and buy a new shirt or two, especially, just to let the grand-kids know that I am at least trying to "be with it." And, once in awhile I like to take a shirt or two to our dry cleaning place. At least I feel like I look better as an older guy and they sure look better hanging in my closet!
     

THE LAST LIGHTHOUSE LEAVING IRELAND

        The following accounts are from a diary (day 1 thru 7) kept by Samuel A.Paul on his journey, along with his mother and possibly his sister, Mary to America from County Antrim, North Ireland. The journey by the ship, Tripoli, began from Liverpool, England to New York City beginning the 9th of November, 1867, on to Philadelphia and arriving in Walcott, Iowa November 29, 1867.

      Samuel A. Paul (1840-1919) was the son of John and Margaret Buick Paul. Another sister was also named Margaret who was married to Thomas M. Laverty and great-grandfather of Dennis M. Laverty. This account is of great importance as it represents the first hand written account from my family and demonstrates the importance of family writings.

--------------to be continued.

























       

SWEETEST & SAD STORY ABOUT A STORY!

      This past Friday a lady by the name of Alice came up to me at the check out and mentioned that she enjoyed the article that was done in our local newspaper about my writing and encouraging seniors to write personal and family related stories.

       As I thanked her, she mentioned that she had written her life story some time ago. I mentioned that it was really great that her family would  have it to enjoy and appreciate for years to come.   Then she let me know that she had no children just a sister! I had nothing else to say at the time, but, later thought that it was neat that she had written it. Someday someone will read it and appreciate her effort!

IT UPSET ME @ THE TIME-NOT FOR LONG!

       Several years ago while living in Marshalltown, I had made one of my many coffee break stops at a local convenience stores. I was in line with just this nice elderly lady ahead of me. We waited patiently for a short time. It seemed all the clerks were busy doing other things and didn't notice us standing there waiting.

       I always remembered an episode from the show Seinfeld where the character, Kramer, was trying to get the attention of Joe DiMaggio at a restaurant. He banged on the table and let out a "Yelp." In that case it didn't work.

       After a period of time, I said to the lady ahead of me to watch. I went up to the counter and banged, not too loudly, on the counter. It got someone's attention. When I got back in line, the lady ahead of me said-"I wish I could have done that!"  I know I need to show more patience at times, but, sometimes a guy has to do what ----!!!!
   

REALLY BAD WEATHER/BY STINEMAN'S!

     This Friday, 11/20/15, all that was talked about was the upcoming "snow storm." It's hard to get too excited about another storm when you reach my age and have experienced so many. The storm of March of 1959, experiencing a Colorado Spring snow storm in the 1980's , the storm of 1968 and I am sure you have your own!

       One I will never forget was a time when we were still living three miles south of Laurel, Iowa on the farm. It had to have been the very late 1950's or very early 1960's. The time of year is also unknown. All I remember is I was headed north on the gravel road that went right by our home and I had crossed the county line-Jasper into Marshall county and was just a quarter mile or so south of where my classmate, Mike Stineman, lived.

        At some point along that stretch, I hit a patch of ice on the road along with fog. That was one of the most frightening feelings in a driving situation I can remember! To be dealing with the fear of ice and sliding into the ditch and then also not knowing where you were exactly was a feeling I have never forgotten even though the where and why I was out that night eludes me!

THESE ONES!?!?! NOT W/ MY MOM!

       The other day at the Burg Grocery, one of the clerks was heard responding to a customer with "Are these ones what you wanted?" I cringed when I heard that. My mother would be turning over in her grave. 

        When it came to grammar she wouldn't let you get away with incorrect usage. Despite the fact that her beginnings were somewhat modest, she always spoke with very good diction and proper usage of the language. God help you , especially, if you were caught ending a sentence with at! Like-Where are you going at or where have you been at! Start running!

BRANDON'S JOKE OF THE WEEK!

      What did the man say who was outside in the winter with a shovel? There's no business like SNOW business!!!!!

MR ROGERS & BOB ROSS!

       Generally at night when I go to bed I turn to the  cable TV station, HLN, that has Forensic Files. It is a half hour show that solves crimes with forensics. It is low budget show and actually you can just listen to it and catch everything. I just like the voice of the commentator as his voice is soothing to me and most evenings I can fall asleep before the end of one episode. 

        Some people, I am sure if they can't get to sleep right away, either read or maybe have the tapes with the sounds of the ocean or other calming sounds. I have always thought, not very seriously, about getting some CD's or DVD's of Mr. Rogers or the late Bob Ross who had a TV series years ago and he would paint landscapes. His voice was so soft and soothing he could out you to sleep in a very short time. Very softly he would say, "Now let's put a little evergreen right down here by the lake!" ZZZZZ!
     
     

MY MOM-A CLEANING FOOL!

       While cleaning out my bedroom closet this year for the third time, I got to thinking about where my obsession for cleaning came from. I didn't have to think long! My mother!

        She was always cleaning something. If it wasn't the weekly run of the mill cleaning, it was the semi-annual cleaning of the basement, attic, or the grove. It was a wonder she didn't go out and clean down the center of the corn crib on ocassion. I don't remember cleaning out our detached garage, but, I am sure I must have blanked that out for some reason.

        In later years, while talking to her on the telephone, she would bring it up that she just got done cleaning out another drawer and found some particular pictures, a poem, or some other special treasure of hers. After hearing this  several times, I would say something like, "Mom you don't have that many drawers in the whole house." 

       I learned from that years ago and have most of my treasure's boxed away. I do have one sister that has many many treasure's still in those drawers and scattered around her house. Hopefully, one day she will re-find those treasure's after some cleaning!

THEY DON'T MAKE THEM LIKE-- OR DO THEY!

      The other day I overheard an elderly lady make the comment "They don't make em' like they used to!" There are a lot of things that are not made with the quality of old for sure. But, one thing that Has changed is cars. 

       When I was a kid back in the 1950's and beyond, cars did not last as long as they do today. My dad traded at least every two years and it seemed if you had more than about 30,000 miles on your car it was trading time. If you had 50,000 or more you didn't tell anybody. Today it seems like a lot of people brag that their vehicle has 150,000 or more miles. Maybe this is just my imagination. Oh well! Cars were cooler back then! 

       


       

REMEMBER GABBY HAYES?

      Making up my list of favorite kid's TV shows, I couldn't help but comment on  Gabby Hayes. He was so colorful and a sidekick to many famous cowboys of the 1940's and 50's! At one time he was in the top 10 of highest paid actors in Hollywood.

      Anyway, in the early 1950's he had his own TV show that he simply hosted and featured others like Whip Lash La Rue or Long John Silver. His show was sponsored by Quaker Oats and he would, before a commercial, get out this big cannon and point it right at you. He would tell "all you boys and girls to stand back" and then he would pull the string or rope from the cannon and Quaker Oats would explode out at you!

       One offer that he had was a ring with a small metal cannon on it that was spring loaded.  Of course I sent off for it. Probably cost $1.00? It was great for shooting "spit wads"! I wish I still had that piece of memorabilia today!    

THOSE GREAT MISCUES IN OLD COWBOY SHOWS!

      Putting on some of my favorite old kid's TV shows reminded me of the miscue's that for some reason I really picked up on as a kid. The classic was, of course, the cowboy shooting at someone with his six shooter and banging on and  on about "10 or 12" times without reloading!  Or, fighting with the bad guy and noticing that he is not coming real close with his punches.

       Also, in a chase on horseback, it always seemed that the good guy would catch up to the bad guy just when they got next to this nice incline so they could both gently down the hill. Most times the good guy would still have on his hat when the fight ended! Also, my hero was always clean shaven and all his clothes seemed to be neatly pressed and clean. Always!

        I didn't learn right away that the furniture in the saloon fight scene was actually balsa wood. And, let's face it with some of those chases that went on for miles, the horses could not have ran at full speed as long as they did! I have other flubs that I will share some other time!

        

THIS ONE I'VE GOTTEN OVER WITH!

      This driving situation started when I moved to Marshalltown years back from Des Moines. The pace in Des Moines for one thing was always faster and one got used to that. To beat out the next guy was just the way it was!

      Then, when I came to Marshalltown the pace slowed down quite a bit. Marshalltown even had the distinction of having the shortest "commute" to work for a town its size in Iowa. My irritation had to do, generally, with meeting another old guy at an intersection.

      Here is the situation. I am pulling up to a four way or two way stop. The guy  across the way facing me is going to go straight. I have my blinker on to make a left turn. This old guy, who probably has all day, waves me to go on. No! No! You have the right of way I wave at him. I know he is also maybe just being polite, but, still! I have gotten over that one pretty much now that I am living even in a smaller town and even more "old guys" around it seems! 

FAVORITE PRIME-TIME TV SHOWS/50's & 60'S!

1. Your Show of Shows.
2. Ed Sullivan.
3. Steve Allen.
4. Jack Benny Show.
5. The Burns and Allen Show.
6. Dragnet.
7. Ozzie and Harriet.
8. Maverick.
9. Alfred Hitchcock.
10. The Twilight Zone.
11. American Bandstand.
12. My Little Margie.
13. Peter Gunn.
14. Tonite Show
15. Death Valley Days.
16. The Untouchables.
17. The Bob Hope Show.
18. Cheyenne.
19. 77 Sunset Strip.
20. Death Valley Days.
21. Bonanza.
22. Highway Patrol.
23. The Jackie Gleason Show.
24. Wild Bill Hickok
25. Topper.
26. Milton Berle. 

I COULD BREAK MY NECK!

      The other day an older gentleman was checking out at the Burg Grocery and mis-stepped somehow and almost fell. His remark was that he could have fallen and broke his neck. That phrase has been used by us all at one time or other. But, for some reason when he said it I thought how terrible it would be if someone did fall and actually broke their neck. I think from now on I will try to say "I could have fallen and twisted my ankle."

THIS UPSETS ME JUST A LITTLE!

       I have shared that it upsets me when someone is following behind me too close walking. This one is similar in that it involves someone getting in to my space. I have had an ocassion when in line at a grocery or convenience store that someone is standing in line too close to me.

       When I feel that someone is touching me or I sense they are too close, I always use this little trick to back them off. I reach for my wallet, but, make sure that I exaggerate swinging my arm or elbow back to get into my back pocket. Of course I always say "excuse me!" Usually that person gets the message!

MY FAVORITE KID'S SHOWS 1950'S

1. Captain Video
2. Captain Midnight
3. Robin Hood
4. Winky Dink & You.
5. Howdy Doody
6. Lone Ranger.
7. Cisco Kid.
8. Superman.
9. Davy Crockett.
10. Gabby Hayes Show
11. Hopalong Casidy.
12. Lassie.
13. Long John Silver.
14. Roy Rogers.
15. Kukla Fran & Ollie.
16. Mickey Mouse Club
17. Loony Tunes (all)
18. Sky King.
19. "Whip" Lash LaRue. 
20. Mr. Wizard.

MY FAVORITE SONGS OF THE 1950"S

1. Night Train. Buddy Morrow*
2. Jail House Rock. Elvis Presley
3. Rock Around the Clock. Bill Haley & the Comets
4.Green Door. Jim Lowe
5. Memories Are Made of This. Dean Martin
6. Come Go With Me. Del Vikings
7. Wake Up Little Susie. Everly Brothers
8. Searchin. The Coasters
9.The Stroll & Little Darlin'. The Diamonds
10. Only You. The Platters
11. Ain't That A Shame. Fats Domino
12. I Hear You Knocking. Little Richard
13. At The Hop. Danny and the Juniors
14. Diana. Paul Anka
15. You Send Me. Sam Cooke
16. I Hear You Knockin'. Gale Storm**made prior to Little Richard's rendition.
17. Tequila. Champs
18. Stagger Lee. Lloyd Price
19. Whole Lot of Shakin Going On. Jerry Lee Lewis
20. La Bamba. Ritchie Valens
21. Chantilly Lace. Big Bopper 

      This is just a rough top 20 plus songs from my early teen years.* I used to listen to KFJB Marshalltown radio station at night and this song "Night Train" was the theme song of a music program then. Loved it! 

FOLLOW-UP TO NEWSPAPER INTERVIEW!

       If there is anything that would please me greatly is knowing that someone after reading the article will, in some fashion, write personal and family related stories even if just a few. It doesn't matter if it is about THE really old days or a week ago, a list of your favorite stories kept for future generations, or a list of your Favorite This & That! But, please, just get started. It will be the best thing you will do for your loved ones! 

MY TOP BROADWAY MUSICALS SEEN!

1. Mama Mia. My favorite all time. seen twice at Civic Center Des Moines
2. Hair.  seen in New York City late 1960's.
3. Promises Promises. seen New York City late 1960's
4. Sweet Charity. seen New York City late 1960's
5. The Music Man. 1st musical seen at KRNT Theater in Des Moines mid 1960's
6. Hello Dolly. in KRNT Theater 
7. Jesus Christ Super Star. Vet's Auditorium DM mid 60's
8. Grease. Civic Center DM.
9. Jersey Boys. Civic Center
10. Fiddler On The Roof. KRNT Theater late 60's early 70's
11. Cats. Civic Center. late 90's early 2000. seen twice.
12. A Chorus Line.  on a  Cruise Line, Caribbean, 80's.
13. Mama Mia. again in Iowa City 2017

       Have seen several other musicals through the years, but, the above were my favorites. The Music Man with Burt Parks at KRNT Theater really got me excited about live Broadway musicals. Never cared about much for Drama. 

MY FAVORITE MOVIES WORTH WATCHING AGAIN & AGAIN!

       The following list of movies are some of my favorite's that I have and could watch again and again. They are not in any order of favorite to least favorite! It is just my list and I may add to it as time goes on and I do a little more digging.

1. The original The Day the Earth Stood Still. 1953.
2. Shane
3. Rebel Without a Cause.
4. Graduate.
5. Them
6. Any of The Three Stooges
7. Any of the earlier James Bond movies-pre 1990's
8. Halloween.
9. Psycho original
10. Patton.
11. Godfather.
12. The Firm
13. Shining.
14. Good Fellas
15. Fargo*(maybe my all time favorite)
16. Chinatown.
17. Star Wars original.
18. Wizard of Oz.
19. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
20. American Graffiti.
21. Casablanca.
22. Dr. Strangelove.
23. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.
24. The Silence of the Lambs.
25.  Some Like It Hot.
26. Airplane.
27. Return of the Pink Panther.

       Some of the big long epic movies once is about enough. Some I could see once more, but, not again and again. What is your list?

HERE'S ONE THAT USED TO UPSET ME!

      Years ago while living in Marshalltown and engaged in my cleaning service, I would stop at various convenience stores around town for a coffee break or something to eat at lunch time. When most of these places started selling lottery tickets,  at first it  got to me because if you were there to simply purchase a food item or gasoline and there was also a long line, the added traffic purchasing this losing habit irritated me. 

       Now that I am not usually in a hurry it no longer bothers me as much. One time I have to admit, after waiting for some person to pick out various types of lottery games and not being able to make up their mind and standing in a long to boot, I let out a "If you want to gamble why not go to a Casino!" It didn't change anything, but, I did feel a little better! Also, remember what PT Barnum once said: "There is a sucker born every minute!" At least I think he said that.   

TELLING YOUR STORY! part 3

continued.

      One of Laverty's earliest stories-- and one of his favorites-was about the basement of the house he grew up. "that was probably the first story I ever told, he said. "Because we grew up in a big farm home, where you had that furnace with the pipes that went up (and scary coal room.) I always thought there were monsters and all kinds of stuff down there." "I wish I had Stephen King's abilities I could come up with a best-seller, But, I like to write about things today too," he said.
       Laverty has also taught creative writing part time at Iowa Valley Community College of Marsjhalltown which also has a campus in Grinnell where he has taught along with many Clubs and Organizations in the area. His courses are directed particularly toward senior citizens, although a few younger people have taken these classes. He's also taugt at Highland Ridge in Williamsburg and the Williamsburg Public Library.

DATE ALL CHECKS THE 1ST!

      Customers are constantly asking, as they are checking out at the Burg Grocery while starting to write a check, what the date is. Here is one thing I started doing a couple of years ago while writing a few checks at the first of the month. I just date them all the 1ST. What difference does it make? Even if I write one by the 7th, I still write the 1st. This way I never have to think or look at what the date is. It is not like I am post dating? Besides, if someone gets my check by the 20th so what if it is dated the 1st as long as it on time. I know what you are asking? Why am I still writing checks!

REMEMBER! MAN CAN NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE!

       ALONG THE WAY HE MUST HAVE A LITTLE PEANUT BUTTER!!!!~

TELLING YOUR STORY! part 2

Interview continued----------

       "If there's one person that can pass along stories, it's me." I love to tell stories. And, a lot of people you want to talk to are or interview, by the time you think about it, they're dead--they've passed away," he added.
       Laverty and his long time companion, Ilah Morey, recently moved to Iowa County to be closer to her family, renting a house less than a block from Williamsburg High School. He is originally from Marshalltown, where he operated a residential cleaning business, he lived in Des Moines before that, selling real estate.
       Once he accumulated enough material to assemble into a book form, he consulted w a friend at a print shop in Marshalltown. The stories were printed out and bound into booklets, and this has been done quarterly- a process he continues to follow. 
       The books aren't available at any library-they're available to family members - but they'll all be preserved, ready for future generations to read. "Hopefully I live long enough by the time some of these relatives will read them and 2015 will be--"Gee, they did that back in 2015?" he said.
       Just about anything can draw inspiration. When Laverty goes to a University of Iowa football game, for instance, he won't write about the game( anyone can get that from the newspaper the next day, he says) but, he'll focus on people he met, or something interesting he observed. It could also be day trips, a song he's heard on the radio, thinking about memories from the past, or people he encounters on his part-time job at Williamsburg Foods.----" (story from there)---"A young lady is up there, (check-out lane) and she says, "I did something to my arm and it really hurts," she explains. I got up and didn't do anything unusual. I went out and threw a few bales of hay to my horses," that's was when I stopped her and started laughing. "Whoa, you threw a couple of bales and making a throwing motion."your arm hurts? You think maybe there is a connection?" "That's a story that I thought was pretty funny."

--------------------to be continued.

SPAGHETTI O'S SUPER MARIO!

      What is the first thing you think of when you hear the name Mario? I don't know about you, but, I immediately think of Mario Andretti the race car driver of many years ago. I overheard a mother asking her little boy, at the Burg Grocery, if he wanted to purchase this "Mario" ??, some type of Spaghetti O's food item. I never had heard of it at least the Mario part. Just another one of those generational gaps! My Mario was cooler!!!

TELLING YOUR STORY! part 1

       The following is the interview of yours truly which appeared this week in the Iowa County Journal Tribune and written by Brian Rathjen, managing editor.

TELLING YOUR STORY-Williamsburg resident publishes his blog in book form for sharing with future generations. Brian Rathjen NPIC managing editor.

      Everyone has a good story to tell about themselves. Someday your descendants might be interested in what went on when you were younger, or what the world was like in that great year of 20152014, 2013....
      Doesn't matter if it's an old song you heard on a classic repeat of "American Top 40," to throwing your arm out while throwing hay bales to horses on the farm, to the enthusiasm shown by members of the local dance team.
       Today can be looked upon as "the good old days" 20,30, 40 years from now. That's what Williamsburg resident and blogger Dennis Laverty suggests--writing your personal story, sharing stories about your family and so forth.
      "The spins we write about today a grandkid or great-grandkid can read someday...and(the current time)can be the good ol' days," said Laverty. He should know. He's maintained his own blog for the past number of years, and has collected those writings and published them in book form.
      Everything is there-from the people he met on the Hawkeye Express train at Kinnick Stadium to describing the atmosphere of a small-town eatery he and other friends visited, to the food booths operated by the Mennonites at auction in Kalona.
       Those writings can also be found on his online blog, Dennis Now and Ago. Found at dennisnowandago.blogspot.com, the entries about 800 of them  from 2014 and 2015 are posted- contain everything from short observations to longer stories. "I started writing, when I say short stories, vignettes---none of my stories are probably longer than just a few pages (and) some are two or three paragraphs," he said of his hobby, which he says he began in 2007.

----------------------to be continued.

ONLY IN A SMALL TOWN/WHERE WOMEN ARE--!

      This past week a lady was checking out at the Burg Grocery and came up with a dandy! She had brought in her own grocery bag, as several customers do, and I filled it as best I could. It was fairly heavy and as she appeared to be my age, give or take, I offered to carry it out for her as we always do!  We offer because it is part of the job and as a courtesy!

        She immediately declined the offer and replied that earlier in the day she had changed a flat tire on a pick-up truck and she could easily handle a bag of groceries! I love it! This is where women are women!  

YOU KNOW WHAT REALLY UPSETS ME?

       Here is a situation on the interstate that has always baffled me. Here I am driving along on the right hand lane and  doing pretty much the speed limit. I look in my rear view mirror and here comes this vehicle gaining on me with lighting speed. Then, all of a sudden he slows down and maintains a position right at my "blind spot." He just stays there for a time. What is that all about? Is he afraid of coming up along me so I can see him out of shyness? Or what? I have never understood what happens there. How can you be driving along at a pretty good clip and then all of a sudden bingo! In the blind spot. Especially if that person has on his cruise control! Please let me know of the explanation!

THE 3 STOOGES WAY OF CLEANING!

      This past week I cleaned windows for some folks who live just outside of Williamsburg. They have a rather large farming operation and maintain an office in one room in the main level of their home. Both husband and wife operate out of this office and as she admits that neither one of them are the neatest when it comes to the tops of the  huge U shaped desk in the room. When she makes the time to "clean" in the room she would have me come back and get to those windows.

       Of course, the whole episode reminded me of a story! One of the old "short" comedies of the Three Stooges started when they were a cleaning crew and had arrived at this office to clean. One scene had Curly's (yuk-yuk) job to start cleaning off the top of this desk. He had a big barrel and got out a leaf rake and proceeded to clear off everything on the desk with it. It was a funny bit!

        I don't think I insulted my customer with the story. At least I hope not. I just couldn't help passing along that one. Oh well. If you can't take a joke!

         

THANK YOU JOURNAL TRIBUNE/ FRONT PAGE INTERVIEW!

       A big Thank You to Brian Rathien of the Iowa County Journal Tribune for the superb interview "TELLING YOUR STORY."I hope in helps many, especially seniors, to write their personal and family related stories for future generations to enjoy. I will share the article over the next few days. Again, Brian, Thank You!!

AN UNUSUAL ITEM ON THE BUCKET LIST!

       Speaking of pizza's and Zeno's in Marshalltown, brought to mind an unusual and  low priority on my bucket list. Really low and really unusual. I mentioned one day to someone that I would like to learn how to spin pizza dough above my head like you used to see in some pizza places. Don't ask me why I would just like to be able to do it. It's just one of those things that looked interesting and difficult to do, but, had to have some degree of satisfaction when it came down in good shape as you were shaping it into the pan. 

       I do enjoy making homemade pizzas and the part I like best is shaping the dough in the pan before adding all the goodies. Maybe the next natural progression is to spin! Maybe one of these days! In the meantime, I want one of those big commercial pizza cutters for Christmas! WOMPA!   

THE FRUSTRATED OYSTER SOUP LADY!

       A lady came down isle 2 at the Burg Grocery the other day and asked if we carried oyster soup. A s long as I had worked there I have never seen oyster soup in a can! I mentioned that we carried just whole oysters in a can and we also, because of the upcoming season, carry fresh oysters.

       Her problem or delima seemed to be that she had never had made it from scratch and had always bought it from a "soup can" basis. I mentioned that I made it a lot during the Holiday Season and if I could make it anybody could. It basically was making sure  to cook the oysters until they curl a little and making sure that the milk did not curdle. 

         I don't think she was buying any of it and she did not use the computer so she could   google up a recipe. She walked out without any oysters. I only hope that she either finds canned oyster soup or maybe, well, who knows!

   

GOT MY ORANGE CRUSH GOT MY SPINE!!

      Again, the other day while assisting a guy to his car, I had to make a comment about his case of Orange Crush pop that he had just purchased. I mentioned that I have a CD of 1980's hits that includes the song about Orange Crush and Got his Spine and because my grand-daughter, Jenna, likes it so much.

        He shot right back that he was a musician and he knew that the song was done by REM and agreed it was from the 80's. Sometimes we learn little things, not always by listening, but, by talking as well! 

PREJUDICIAL TYPECAST OR NOT?

       The other day I was helping a guy out with his groceries at the Burg Grocery and in the particular area of the parking lot there were only two vehicles. One was a pick-up and the other a newer VW Bug. I knew from the looks and dress of the guy he was a pick-up kind of person and he was.

       It reminded me of several years ago, in the late 1960's to be exact, when I was on my lunch brake and I was crossing the street at 5th Street and Locust in downtown Des Moines. As I was waiting to cross the street a Volkswagen Bug was making a right turn onto Locust in front of me. 

       I looked at the driver who was a young well dressed African American male. It was like it didn't compute at the time that a black person should have been driving a VW. You know what I was thinking. It, of course, should have been a Cadillac! Right? I am not, I don't think, of being prejudicial, but, that was what I thought at the time. End of story!

WHEN YOU KNOW YOUR GRAND KID IS A GENIUS!

        I knew  that my youngest grandson, Grant, was going to be exceptional  when he was seven years old or so! He was staying with me for the week-end and we were just out and about in Marshalltown at the time. 

        The radio station that was on was, KIOA, the oldies station that has been around for years out of Des Moines. One of the first songs being played was by The Guess Who group from the late 1960's. "These eyes!" I never was in to them that much, but, did enjoy another group called just the WHO! "Who are you."

         All of a sudden Grant says something like "Wow, I haven't heard them for a while!" I looked over at him and said something like-"Awhile! You  are really too young to even heard or remembered them!" That was one of my first measuring sticks with him.

         He now is in college at Iowa University and is thinking of becoming a lawyer or maybe a sportscaster! Another Harry Carry! That would be cool. Well, so would a lawyer, I guess!

THE BRACELET CLASP CAPER!

 

        There probably isn't a husband around that hasn't heard those immortal words " Hey, honey please come here and help me with getting on (or off ) my bracelet"! You know what you have in store!
 
          When you look down at the tiny chain on the wrist of your spouse, it takes a second or two for your eyes to attempt to adjust. They really don't! I have glasses with bifocals, but, it doesn't matter! I know trouble lies ahead.

     My eyes are not what they used to be and I am not sure they were ever good enough for this task. Whoever designed these bracelets either did not like women or they sadistically knew they would be torturing husbands. Plus, my stubby fingers cannot get around that clasp and I cannot see well enough to see whether it is even open or not!

       It is always a crap shoot! Sometimes I can and sometimes I cannot! I always give it a shot! I guess Velcro wouldn't be very sheik?

MAMA MIA! ZENO'S STILL A TREAT!

      This past weekend, while in Marshalltown, and with family, we ate at Zeno's on Main Street a long time dining tradition since the 1950's. Since it had been sold from long time owner Terry and Jan Kluck, some said it wasn't as good as it once was. 

        I am going to put any nasty rumors to rest. I had just a plain half cheese and half green pepper. I have always said that one way to determine the flavor of a pizza is to occasionally just order cheese to test the true flavor. They still use "provolone" instead of mozzarella like most pizza places. They were also in the midst of redecorating and there was a big crowd Saturday evening. 

       When any of us go back "home" wherever that may be it is always comforting to have a place like Zeno's or Taylor's to come home to. It is good when some things stay the same! Yes it is!

GIDDY UP W/GPS

        This past week while visiting a friend of Ilah's while in WDM, I encountered almost a surreal experience while in the area and involving the GPS "contraption" on the smart phone. Here goes.

         Since I lived in WDM area for nearly 30 years, I have always felt that getting around the area would never be a problem. Where I went wrong is that since I have not lived there for nearly 20 years a lot of the tremendous growth has been west of I80/35. and that was exactly where we were headed last Tuesday night. I did say night and that always is a game changer!

          Have you ever tried trying to listen to a GPS devise giving you directions while IT is in  the back seat with Ilah and her friend Cathy so they could visit. It was hard to hear what it was saying and at the same time trying to compute the direction it was giving me, figuring out what lane out of four or five to get into, watching traffic around me, and then on ocassion disagreeing with the GPS thing because I thought I knew better just by instinct.

           Of course once heading back to the hotel I got disoriented and ended up going west on I80 headed west to the Waukee exist. Oh we made it out of town later and made it back to  Williamsburg OK. It was a classic lesson in technology and progress meets Dennis and days gone by and "night moves." I think I lost, but, I gave it a try! Next time will meet at high noon and in a cab!

IF YOU CAN'T TAKE THE HEAT!

       We see all kinds of things on the social media world of Facebook! Everyone has some kind of agenda. Some like it as a way of showing off their grandchildren, some vacation destinations, others show us places we would like to see or visit, but, at least are showing us beautiful scenery. Some use it to complain, some share recipes, or myself like to just share humor in different forms along with restaurant tips, etc.

        But, when you get into political agenda's with propaganda from different sources and assume when you put them on that all your "friends" share your same beliefs you may have a rude awakening! Most people will let whatever appear and if they don't like it will just go on with no "like" or "comment." 

         Some, like myself will respond especially if I disagree. If you are putting it out there then you should be able to take some criticism. This is a free country and so are these sites. You also have the choice to "defriend" someone and then maybe just get your facebook friends down to people who just think the way you do. Personally, I like to simply poke fun at those that I feel have gone a little to far to extremes! But, as they say: "If you can't take the heat then get out of the kitchen!"   

YOU KNOW WHAT REALLY UPSETS ME?

      I know as I have gotten older I don't walk as fast as I used to. Even when I was in my mid to late 40's while power walking the sidewalks of WDM younger people would pass me by with ease it seemed!

       No, that doesn't upset me. What really upsets me is when entering a store and someone gets so close behind me I feel like they are going to run right into me and knock me over. I call it "Human Tailgating!" Sometimes, I will step aside as fast as I can and give the person a dirty look and/or a big sigh! On ocassion, I will stop suddenly and dare them to run right into me. 

       Usually then I get this stare. I know what they are thinking! Old guy! Ya! But, it does get frustrating sometimes to think that you are moving along at a pretty good clip and just like on the Interstate there is someone right behind you trying to move you over!

   

FAVORITE MUSICAL GROUPS EARLY YEARS!

      The following list of rock or contemporary groups were a list I made up that probably has brought me the most enjoyment and excitement, starting with Glen Miller in the 1940's, a little before my time,  then to the early 1950's up until the 1980's. It seems my interest in most contemporary music started to fade by the 1990's and from there I relied on just listening to Oldies stations or my private stock of  favorite's!

      1.  Bill Haley & The Comets.
      2.  Fats Domino
      3.  The Diamonds 
      4.  Buddy Holly & The Crickets
      5.  Roy Orbison 
      6.  Beach Boys
      7.  Elton John
      8.  Billy Joel
      9.  Chicago
     10. Boz Scaggs
     11. Fleetwood Mac
     12. Rolling Stones
     13. Buchman Turner Overdrive
     14. KC & The Sunshine Band
     15. Bee Gee's
     16. Eagle's
     17. Burt Bacharach
     18, Glen Miller Band
     19. Henry Mancini
     20. The University of Iowa Marching Band*

THE NEXT PERSON WHO SPEAKS LOSES!

      Something I learned in sales, years ago, was a technique when you were getting ready to CLOSE the deal! It was that the next person to speak would lose. I would generally hand the pen to the customer and ask them to OK the offer form. If they said anything next I had them!

       This should apply to a parent and a child. It seems we want to keep going and going with them Why daddy? Why? Why? And, we keep going and answering! I would occasionally do like a baseball umpire and basically turn my back and walk away and say nothing!

        Recently, after watching so many of these political interviews and debates, it seems like these political hopefuls would do when they say they have answered a question and want to move on just to sit there and say nothing until the moderator gives up or moves on to the next question. Other words, end of story!

BRANDON'S JOKE OF THE WEEK!

    
      What's the difference between a guitar and a fish? You can't TUNA fish!!

AT LEAST WRITE A LIST OF FAVORITE STORIES!

      I feel I have been fortunate to have written lots of short stories about personal and family related events and memories. I only wish that I would have at least written down a lot of the stories that my mom and other family members told through the years.  You just assume that you will remember them forever, I guess.

       You won't and your family will remember some but not all. Do this. If you don't think that you will ever write your favorite stories at least make a list of the story ideas in some manner. Even if you make a list of  a couple of dozen you will be glad you did and so will your loved ones! 

IA HAWKEYES & TOILET SEAT SAVED ME!

      The other day a man came in to the Burg Grocery with this dark black and blue shiner on his one eye. It reminded me immediately why I always use caution when I am in the shower and especially as I have gotten a little older and hearing stories about Seniors falling while bathing!

       It was in the 1980's and I was just finishing up with my shower and somehow slipped and was falling head first toward the nearby toilet. Fortunately, I had installed a padded Iowa Hawkeye toilet seat just a few weeks prior to this mishap. I still had a black and blue beauty on my left eye, but, it could have ended a lot worse!

       Shortly after that we had gone to New Orleans and had a picture taken coming off the Natchez River Boat and one of those deals where they shoot your picture prior to boarding. I put that picture out for a long time as a reminder to be always  careful in the old bathroom. Still, to this day, I always hang on to something before getting out of the shower! 

HOARDING OR NOT TO HOARD!

      Everyone has probably watched one of these Hoarder shows on cable TV? Sometimes it is difficult to imagine how anyone can accumulate as much stuff as some of these people do! About the time I think we have too much clutter around I just need to watch one of those shows. 

       Everyone has had someone that maybe lived through the Great Depression and that always seemed to be the excuse. That generation saved everything because they were either poor, weren't close to a source to buy or that was just the way things were done then!

        A recent encounter with hoarding was when a customer came into Burg Grocery a couple of years ago and I helped her out with her groceries to her van. She opened the side door and after my mouth closed after seeing all the stuff piled almost to the top of the inside, she pointed toward what little space that was left toward the ceiling to put the groceries UP there!

        Then, there was my mother who seemed to be just the opposite. I would have called her a minimalist. She always seemed to be cleaning out the basement or attic and throwing things away. But, she never did throw things that were important to her. Family memorabilia lets call it. Quilts, Fiesta dishes, pictures and old letters and so on! I am sure and know that lots of things did get tossed down to the old "ditch" but, at least there was plenty of space to walk around that big farm house of ours! 

HAVE FUN W/ YOUR FAVORITE THIS & THAT LIST!

       Some time ago I made up a "Favorite This & That" list. It includes everything from favorite movie to favorite all time President living or dead, and some of the obvious favorite color, flower, sports teams, and so on!!! Use your imagination. If you don't think you want to leave short stories about yourself for loved ones at least let them know in an easy list form all the things you enjoyed or like in your life time. And, while you are at make one up for all the "Least Favorite Things" list. For me it would be Least Favorite Food Item--LIVER!!

    

EGG NOG HAS ARRIVED!

      Egg Nog has arrived! Not just any egg nog, but, Anderson Erickson egg nog! I always have mixed emotions about it coming out much earlier than the whole Holiday season. Yes, I mean Thanksgiving, Christmas and through New Years.

       I haven't bought my first quart yet, but, only because I know I won't be able to stop. I have been known to just tip the container late at night right out of the refrigerator. I have always liked it straight without any alcohol kicker! And, it always was funny to watch the lady giving away samples of Robert's Dairy egg nog at the Hy Vee store in Marshalltown and watch most people go on by and walk directly the AE  product. I just know I will break down by this week-end and have my first glass of that marvelous taste treat!

TOOTSIE POP A DAY OR HOW TO QUIT SMOKING!

     Someone at the Burg Grocery was talking about their struggle with trying to quit smoking. It reminded me how I quit smoking nearly twelve years ago. It was quite simple and inexpensive. It may not work for everyone,  but, for some reason it did for me.

        I had heard about this technique somewhere and decided to give it a try. I went around and bought up as many of the chocolate tootsie pops I could find. They are my favorite and especially when you get to the middle you have more chocolate! 

       Well, I made sure I had one of those in my mouth for the next three or four days until I was getting a little sick of them. By then the "bad stuff" was out of my system and then all I was fighting for a week or two was those times when that little jolt hit you to have "ONE." 

      Then it was just mind over matter and I just started to think about something else. It was like saying "BEGONE!" It worked for me and I have never had the urge to go back to that nasty nasty habit!

HAVE YOUR TASTY TACO & CHEESECAKE TOO!

     Tuesday evening we drove toWest Des Moines to meet up with Cathy, a close friend of Ilah's from Ida Grove, who was attending a seminar related to her business. I have always said it is nice to get out of Dodge on ocassion and see a little different scenery.

      My treat and motivation for riding along was we were going to have dinner at Tasty Taco's at their new location near Jordan Creek Mall. Then, Ilah suggested, with little resistance, to have dessert at the Cheesecake Factory nearby. For me this was heaven and yes we were in Iowa.

       It was funny listening to these two women, as we were driving around the immediate area, yelling out different store names and  commenting on how good they are for eating or shopping. You would think that they had never been to the BIG city. It was like we driving down the main drag in Las Vegas or Broadway in New York City. It was fun and funny! Everyone had a  really good time!  

YOU KNOW WHAT REALLY UPSETS ME?

       This past week while in Marshalltwon I stopped in to one of the convenience stores to pick up a little afternoon treat like a Snicker's candy bar. Was I in for a really big surprise! Big!

        My big surprise came when I discovered that just a "normal" size candy bar was priced at $1.49 up from its previous over price of $1.29. Even the Burg Grocery only charges 89 cents and I think that is too high! Sometimes, I end up buying a chocolate donut at 80 cents or so just to get my chocolate fix and not pay as much. Sometimes my logic is?

       A wise person told me years ago that I should buy a whole bag of candy bars at a place like Walmart and save a lot of money! Well, that has never been my style! Saving money that is and going to Walmart!

       I never understand why items have to be insanely high at places like Casey's. I know it is for convenience blah blah, but, they have a lot of buying power etc. GREED! Just plain greed!  To get even sometimes I go in and use the bathroom and don't buy anything! That shows them!

      

SOMETHING ELSE THAT MAKES ME MAD/ COMING TOMORROW!

     

LOVE THAT BLACK GOSPEL MUSIC!

       About fifteen years ago a friend of mine in Des Moines were talking one day about our mutual love of Black Gospel music. We decided that it would be enjoyable to visit a local African American Church in Des Moines. The one we attended one Sunday morning was the St Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church just north of downtown Des Moines.

        The only problem was it lasted, before we left due to my hunger, beyond an hour an a half and the minister still hadn't got up for the sermon. The energy and enthusiasm were incredible. The people attending had to have been exhausted by the time they left! I had never experienced that much excitement during a big time Rock concert. 

       Of course not just one Hallelujah was said. It was always followed by three or four more! Then that was followed by "Jesus is good! Just like Campbell's Soup! MMMMM GOOD!!" With that kind of  enthusiasm, I probably would still be attending church on a regular basis.   

YOU KNOW WHAT BURNS ME UP?

      This past week I was in Marshalltown on business and stopped into US Bank to make a deposit. I had forgot to bring my own deposit slips so I used a counter deposit at the bank.

       Keep in mind I only was making one deposit so it was not too difficult.When I looked down at the form I was at first a little confused. When you get older it seems even with glasses that things just don't focus in as quickly! And, not that it is too tough to write the numbers 35.00 and a total of $35.00.

      I have a difficult time the way it is just reading small print and forms. Then when they put additional stuff on this small form and in Spanish it just makes it more difficult! One language is the glue that holds a culture, society, or country together.
That's just me and my opinion!