TO DO OR BUST 2018

       The following list are some things that I hope to do in  2018. They are not neccessarily a "Bucket List" but, just a list of "To Do's" which hopefully can be achieved with good health.

1. To put on a Community Charity Auction to raise funds toward children benifits.
2. Lonliest Road in America Trip.(incl.  Salt Lake area, Yosemite, Death Valley, and Grand Canyon.)
3. Contined writing of personal and family related stories and teaching classes on same.
4. Expanding of Window Cleaning business.
5. Involvemnt of buy/sell Antiques/Collectibles
6. Attending Major Indy or NASCAR event as did in 2017.
7. Traveling to North Dakota with sister Doris.
8. Attending one Chicago Cubs game in Wrigley.
9. Discovery of at least 5 new "Interesting Cafes/Eateries" around the state of Iowa.
10. Involvement in Politics whatever level.
11. Iowa State Fair--again and again!
12. Take in a new "Festival" wherever!
13, At least one new Live Musical.
14. Seeing the "Eagles" live for first time.
15. Week-end in Memphis
16. Two Hawkeye football home games plus one away game.

Long Shots for 2018.****
18. Bayou/Park w/ Cypress trees in Loiusiana
19. Big Bend National Park, Southwestern, Texas.
20. Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. 

DREAM--FIGHT W/ BEST FRIEND!

        The other night I had a dream about my best friend in grade school, Gary Campbell. Gary and I were also adversaries and always vying for leadership of our class and at the same time friends and did a lot together.

         The dream was simply a situation where we were going to fight one another, but, Gary was wearing this very clean white long sleeved shirt. I was in the process of talking him out of fighting because I was afraid he would get his shirt dirty.Only a close friend would worry about his competitor's shirt getting dirty before the big "Rumble!"  

ONE OF FUNNIEST LINES EVER!

      If you didn't catch the video on Facebook with Johnny Carson, Dean Martin, Bob Hope, and George Gobel here was the funniest line by an old time comedian maybe ever. George Gobel said: "Did you ever get the feeling that the whole world is a tuxedo and you're just a pair of brown shoes?"

COMING THIS SPRING/LONLIEST ROAD!

        Lately I have been doing a little research on my May 2018 Bucket List--"The Loneliest  Road in America trip!" Like a little kid waiting for Christmas, I get mildly excited about this new adventure.

       One thing that got me fired up was reading an encounter by someone who drove the stretch from Fallen, Nevada to the tiny town of Sigurd, Utah back in 2007. This guy said that he expected to see just"wasteland" but, saw just the opposite. 

        His quote was-- "It was one of the most beautiful drives I've ever seen!" He mentioned driving over 7 Mountain ranges in Nevada. He made a notation about "Notch Peak" as being the 2nd highest vertical drop in the Continental United States. 

       And, when throwing in the Great Salt Lake and Salt Flats, Yosemite National Park, and  Reno, Nevada which I have never seen or been to, it even gets more exciting. Along with Death Valley and The Grand Canyon which I have experienced, but, want see again, I'll be counting the days.

         No I will not be doing any cities or gambling in Reno or Las Vegas, this is all about natural beauty,  Seclusion, and "Only the Lonely!"   

        

FOR DRAMA--OUR DEMOCRACY!

       Watching all this drama about the Russia/ Election Fiasco, I love how the media can take certain words or phrases and give them a "gentle" twist. When those trying to show their obvious bias against the President, they tend to use "Our Democracy this & that instead of using or saying--"Our Country this & that---."

     By saying Democracy it creates a little more drama to the stage. Ohhhh! It could ruin our Democracy as we know it! Oh shut up!! If they ruin our Country that's OK? But, our Democracy? No way! Nothing like a little friendly ---"Word Manipulation!"

EVEN THIS COMPANY NOT SAFE!

 
           Many years ago, I thought that if there was one class of companies that would be shielded from change. That was delivery companies like UPS. Even if on-line companies like Amazon would be talking over from brick and mortar stores, goods would have to always be delivered.

       Just this morning,01/30/2018,I heard it on a Business News Cable station that Amazon is getting ready to deliver their own product and cut out other third party delivery companies. It is amazing to watch change and about the time you think something won't it will and does!

OH BOY!--TONITE A PO- BOY!

        One type of a meal that I have not had in many a moon is a favorite--A Shrimp Po-Boy. For some of you that are unfamiliar withe sandwich or term its origin goes back to the early 1900's and New Orleans, Loiusiana.

         The first time I had that sandwich was at a New Orleans Jazz Festival during the late 1980's. The one I had and loved was a Fried Shrimp Po-Boy which is simply fried shrimp on French Bread or similiar with tartar sauce recipe, onion, thin sliced tomato, lettuce, and hot sauce to liking.

         The origin of this sandwich is as many as the different recipes fo the actual sandwich. Most shrimp po-boys are made with fried shrimp as I prefer boiled just fried(blackened) for two minutes or less. Like  a lot of Cajun food it starts with ingrediants that are simple, local and available. Yum!  

NEIL DIAMOND & SCALPING A SCALPER!

       Seeing that Neil Diamond will not be touring any longer reminded me when I last saw him, mid 1990's, live at Hilton Auditorium in Ames, Iowa. The story up to that evening started by responding to an ad for two tickets located dead center first row balcony.

         I had talked to my daughter La Risa and mentioned to her about going "if" I could pull off getting tickets as it was already sold out! The guy selling the tickets was a local scalper or at least I thought so, and he was asking an absorbent price over the par value.

         I told him I wasn't interested at that price, but, if he didn't get them sold by a certain time that afternoon to give me a call back. In those day there were no cell phones and I had to give a couple of numbers where I could be reached.

         By late that afternoon, he still had them and then I made a final offer more in line with just the regular price. The tickets were "legit" and we did sit straight on and dead center to the stage that was in the round!

        That last minute technique has worked on a couple of occasions including Billy Joel. Sometimes you have the attitude that if you don't get the tickets so what. The Eagles are coming to Wells Fargo in Des Moines --March 2018. Stay tuned to see if that ticket buying fest works one more time!
         

DISCOVERING MY RARE MEDICAL CONDITION!

        The night before last, I was awaken during my "mid-evening nap" by a commercial concerning a bent finger condition and  some type of remedy that I didn't catch. I decided  to "Google" it up as it sounded like a condition that I have had for over a year.

         My middle and ring finger on my left hand are bent over each morning when I awake. My remedy has been to simply run warm water over the two fingers and gently bend them back. I just thought it was a simple case of Arthritus. 

         Then, last night I did pull up "bent finger"  and found that there is an actual condition called "Dupuytren's Contracture." It does involve the ring finger or other adjoining fingers and is primarily found in older men, northern European heritage, and could be connected to Diabetics, smoking and alcohol, etc.

       One should never make light of any medical issue life threatening or not, but, it is somewhat comforting to have a very rare medical condition and the age of 74 that only requires a applying a little warm water once a day--at least for now!  

THANK YOU ALL/BIRTHDAY WISHES!

       I want to thank everyone for all the "Happy Birthday" wishes. I really do appreciate the warm thoughts. I'm very optimistic about the upcoming year in terms of business and social goals! I can't wait. With great health, all I can say is  bring on 2018! One thing of utmost importance is my enjoyment of writing stories to bring a chuckle or smile to family, friends, class-mates, and anyone who enjoys a stroll down "NOW & AGO!" Thank you, again!

AN OPTIMIST ON WINTER

         No one gets all giddy about when we go off day light savings time in early winter and we go into early darkness around 5P.M. It is, for most of us, a little depressing. Here is the good news.

         When I was in junior high at Laurel Consolidated School, our boys team was at Van Cleve, Iowa and playing them in basketball. Happily, we had defeated them badly and were getting back on the bus to head back to Laurel all seven miles or so.

        For some reason, I noticed going to the bus that the sun was just setting in the western sky and it was a little lighter around 5PM-6PM. It was right around my birthday, January 27th, 1950's. Also, I felt good about it for whatever reason.

       Throughout my lifetime, when someone has complained about the long dark winter and it's around Christmas, I always reminded them that there was only a month left of early darkness and by the end of January, and, to give my birthday a plug, it will be getting lighter. Always look to the bright side and later this afternoon around 5PM take a peek outside!

SHE KEEPS COMING W/WATER REFILLS

          Last night my sister, Doris, treated me to my birthday dinner at That Place near Conrad, Iowa. Their Prime Rib is possibly my favorite entree anywhere! All I wanted for my drink was water like most older people. During the course of the meal, the "water" gal kept coming by the table and re-filling my glass. Once, I couldn't get my hand over the glass instead of saying no thank you. And, I was getting a little chilly by drinking all that ice water and I could also hear my stomach sloshing.

      The whole episode did bring back a warm memory, of course. It was back in the late 1970's and I was with my children, Darrin and La Risa and a class-mate/ friend(Miss Nulph)   We were in Breckenridge, Colorado during Spring Break for some down hill skiing in the Summit County area. 

         One evening we went out to eat and ate at a place called the Whale's Tail. A cute young lad was our "water boy" and most of the evening my daughter and friend kept drinking their water as fast as they could so they could call this cutie kid back to our table for re-fills! I think they were making a bee-line for the restroom frequently too!

       

GET THEIR STORIES-BEFORE TOO LATE!

       I can't believe it's been over ten years ago when the writing bug overwhelmed me and away I went. It all started when I would tease my sister, Doris, about genealogy and how I thought it was like "watching paint dry."

       What I was tying to convince her of was that we all are more than just  names on this "Tree."
My thought was that we should all do more to interview loved ones and those that came before us to --"Bring them alive." One of the last people that I wanted to interview was a local Laurel resident--Mike Buhrow.

        Mike was one of a group of Laurel men, along with my dad, John Laverty, that went fishing annually to Minnesota. Since my dad died in 1953, I thought Mike might have some "interesting" fishing tales that he could share. Before I got around to that sit down with him, he passed away.

         It was because of that missed opportunity with Mike, I decided that the one person that had some personal and family related stories to tell was yours truly. My advise to anyone reading this is quite obvious--don't wait as it might be too late!   

1941/ THE YEAR MY GRANDPA PASSED

       My sister, Doris, found an old letter that was written by Elsie Christian, a niece/aunt relationship, to my grandmother back in 1941 after my Grandpa Smith passed away. My mother and Elsie were cousins and she lived with husband George in southeastern Wyoming near Lusk.

        I remember going out there and visiting on at least one occassion and was really cool to stay on a real western ranch, complete with lots of cattle, bunk-house and a single engine airplane that was owned by them.  I would like to take the opportunity to share this letter at a trying time for their families.  

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                                                                                                           Hat Creek, Wyo.
                                                                                                              Jan. 20

              Dear Aunt Minnie, 

         We were so sorry to hear of Uncle Henry's death and have intended to write to you sooner but we have had so much sickness here since Papa left.  We were both more concerned about his death as it seemed such a short time we were there and enjoyed  our short visit so much out there. We both have both talked of that so much. Uncle Henry must not have been too well at that time but you couldn't have guessed by being around him.

       It seems with our family now Vivian(Smith/Bueghly) and I don't write and I hardly have known about only one back there. I was surprised to hear Arnold (Smith) was married.Papa had left before I got word of Uncle Henry's death. We have no mail route or telephone service out there so communication is slow. We are twelve miles from our P.O. so only get our mail when we go to town or someone delivers it. I don't get to see or talk to Mamma very often.

       She is very poorly. She got bad soon after Papa left and hasn't improved much. Her heart is in such bad shape. I had just got over the flu and went up there to help. Then I got and set back and really had it the second time. Then Stan came down with it so George moved us to town. I called Lucille this morn. to see how Mamma was and she thought they would have to bring her back to the hospital. They put her under oxygen and relieves her so much. She hates awful to go there but is the only thing.

       Well Aunt Minnie you have our utmost sympathy and knowing your family as I do know they will be so much comfort and blessing to you in the years to come. 

                                                               Love from Elsie & Family  

  
                                                                                                                

SHOOTING HOOPS IN MY DREAMS!

      Last night I was a regular Michael Jordan well not really. I was simply shooting hoops by myself and all my shots were over my head backwards. Some, I don't know how, were bounced down over my head then went up and into the basket. 

        Out of 5 shots or so, I only missed the last one` which hit the top of the back-board and spun around before falling to the ground. Haven't shot a basketball in many years in any manner, so I'm not sure what that one was about. I'm glad most of my shots when in though!

WAS JUST A "B" STUDENT!

          When in high school and college getting an A was a very rare thing. Mostly B's and too many C's were seen on my report cards. I should have been happy that I didn't see the big D more often.

        I have known a few old fellow students in high school days that barely made it through high school because of grades, and yet, were extremely successful in later life. I am  happy that at least I was somewhat consistent.

          Back in my days of selling real-estate, I never seemed to be able to achieve that Elite group of top producers. Even though I made the so-called "Million Dollar Club," I was not in the top few. Some consolation, I was part of my own Realtor's Top 7% Club.

       Remember when your mother told you--"Do the best you can!" Later in life, I did finally wake up to the fact that no matter how well you do, there will always someone that does better. My motto now has been -- "At least I made the All Star Team though I was not a starter!"

REMEMBER WHEN SPIES WORE TRENCHCOATS?

       Maybe I look at things through an old man's eyes, but, living a long time your vision of events can be much different than some. All this rhetoric about Russian meddling in our election and how it could destroy our Democracy, to me, is close to laughable.

         We used to call it "Spying" since at least the cold war days of the 1950's. Movies depicted Russian spies or our own "Secret Agent Men" lurking around a foggy Belgrade street-corner in a Fedora and turned up collar belted trench coat!

       And, it seems no one ever talks about meddling by other countries. Are the Russians the only ones? What about all the other Bad Boys--China, Iran, North Korea, and even a few of our so called friends. Just the method has changed. Now those spies are lurking in under ground bunkers filled with Foreign Nerds and computers galore.

        I'm pretty sure our DEMOCRACY will survive just like it has done for close to 250 years. We have been through worse. I do miss those shady looking characters leaning on a lamp post somewhere around DC or better yet Bond, James Bond! 

IT WAS KINDA CREEPY, BUT!

       After receiving my energy bill this week, I about freaked out when I viewed the three digit amount. I have always given thought to "Budget Bill" but, dismiss the idea when Spring or Fall comes around and the amount is extremely low. 

         I decided to call my energy provider to see if I could make arrangements for at least one month or so till Spring when income picks up a bit. I first tried the ol' on-line method just to see if with my computer savvy, I could accomplish my goal without actually talking to another human being. Nope. I didn't make it through the maze and gave up that idea.

         Next, I called the 800 number and knew that I would probably be put on hold 
till the next Blue Moon. Nope. Got right in after punching 1, to 2, back to 1, after a series of questions. Next thing I was listening to this "Robo Guy" who never did give me his name.

        After saying once or twice that I needed help with my power bill, he calmly and logically informed me that I could extend my payment until a certain date two months from now. I didn't have to put on any of my sales charm or get into a "vinegar/honey" dialogue.   That was the first time in my life I was a little stressed about dealing with a "bill paying issue" and when done I was calm as a cucumber!  Thanks HAL!

ONCE IN A BLUE MOON-SOON!

  
        In January 23rd, 2018 issue was an article about a Triple Treat skywatchers will get on January 31, 2018. One thing the article pointed out was just the Blue Moon which occurs about every 2 1/2 years-is another term for the second full moon in a single month. January's first full moon occurred January 1. 

         In addition, we will get a super moon and a total lunar eclipse. It's the first blue moon total lunar eclipse in the USA since March 1866, just after the Civil War. For skywatchers in the central and eastern USA , only a partial eclipse will be visible, because the moon will set before totality. 

ADVANTAGE OF SMALL TOWN

        Today I had about 5 errands that I had to run up-town to accomplish that were of some importance to me. First, I drove three blocks to the Kirkwood College Satellite location to briefly visit with someone. Second and thirty seconds later, I was headed uptown to get my mail at the post office.

         Third, I stopped at a fabric shop to ask what the material was on a quilt I just bought at a week-end auction. Fourth, I ran into the drug store to update some meds. Fifth, over to the Library to make copies of something and then back to the drug store to pick-up the meds. All toll, it took me less than half hour and I was home and out for my morning walk. I love efficiency!

NEXT PERSON TO SPEAK-LOSES!

        With all the flack going on with the government shutdown, and immigration banter, it reminded me of my own techniques in selling real-estate decades ago. Believe me, it was difficult many times, for me, to be quiet. But, once I felt I had made my point, I generally handed the pen to the buyer and asked them to OK the offer and  not use the word "sign."

        The next step was not to say a word. Just sit there and look at the buyer or buyers. Most times the technique worked in my favor. The buyer would usually say something like "OK" and start signing. That age old principle worked many times and also worked just as well with a seller when listing a property!

WATCHING MOVIE BEING MADE!

        After watching a movie on TV today, it reminded me of a happening years ago. It was back in the 1980's and in Alcapulco, Mexico while on an incentive trip when selling real-estate in West Des Moines, Iowa. The hotel where staying also at the time was allowing  some scenes to be shot for a Made forTV-Movie. 

      The movie was something about a Third World Country and the attempted  overthrow by a  guerrilla force. The star of the movie was Lou Gossett, Jr. One thing that was interesting to watch at the time was a scene where this limoousine pulled up to the hotel to let this "General" out.

       The scene must have been shot 2 or 3 times and only lasted 20-30 seconds. It amazed me that at that rate how long  movies would take to make. It was interesting  in that the same evening while at a local restaurant we visited with a co-star at a bar before being seated at our table.

A DREAM/BEING BLIND-SIDED!

       Last night 1/21/2018, my dream had me back selling real estate like I used to back in the 70's-early 90's. That I understood. The part I didn't get was being together with the seller and buyer to sign papers and having it all fall apart.

         The seller's, an older couple sitting in their home(unknown) with one of the buyers and myself the realtor. The one buyer was Charlene Peers who I worked with while at First Realty in West Des Moines. Charlene was a good friend and associate, but, have not seen or talked to her in 25 years or so. 

            Charlene's husband and other buyer, Bob Peers, was on the telephone with Charlene and indicating that he decided to not buy this house with Charlene, but, buy another with his "girlfriend" in another city. It was all a shock to everyone! Charlene was crying, the old couple were devastated and I was stunned because I would be losing my commission! How selfish of me and a strange transaction!

THE DAY IT RAINED ON CLEAR DAY

       Recently, I found an old brochure on Camp Mitigwa near Boone, Iowa that I had kept while attending there as a young boy and Boy Scout in Laurel, Iowa. My memories have faded about the expeience over the many years, but one remains very clear.

           One day I was walking along this path to the PX/Commissary, where you bought everything from candy, materials to make bracelets, and post cards. I recall very vividly feeling it start to gently rain. I remember looking up very puzzled as there didn't appear to be a cloud in the sky. I'll never forget that moment. 

      And, of course there has been several songs about rain/clear day. But, my all time favorite from the mid 1970's and after coming back to happier times after a devastating divorce, was Johnny Nash's "I Can See Clearly Now." Both happy memories stay twined forever!

STILL DREAMING II

        This past week I had also had a dream that involved me playing golf. I was teeing off inside a very large restaurant that went on and on with many round tables and patrons and with flooring that rolled somewhat like a real golf course.

          It was a miracle that no one was hit after teeing off several times. I did reach the green, but, don't recall putting out or who, man or woman, was my partner. I understand the restaurant part but noy golf. I haven't played in 25 years and was never very good-besides I would rather watch paint dry! 

AMISH AUCTION

        This past Saturday morning I headed down to Wellman just west of Kalona, Iowa. What intrigued me was that it was billed as having a lot of "Amish Treasures," in their mix of antiques, collectibles, and household items. 

        Attending an auction is like a poor man's way of participating on the stock exchange. It's the action that I love so--the auctioneer's chant, viewing/ appreciating all types of vintage keep-sakes. and being amazed how high some items sell for or how little.  

         And, what made this adventure very special was seeing several gems from a culture and heritage never seen. The vintage ladies bonnets, huge wood bowls, and framed  black and white photos in Amish settings were a treat to view.  A special morning!

I'M STILL DREAMING!

         A dream that I had this past week was absolutely beautiful. I was simply walking by this extremely tall cross between a Victorian House that was very detailed, and ornate, and at the same time would remind one of a castle that you would see in Bavaria!

       The setting, however, was not in a mountainous area, but, was surrounded by very tall trees, palm tree like, with reddish bark and branches and leaves just at the very top.  Like most dreams, I don't have a clue where this COMBO of a dwelling came from. All I know is that it was quite beautiful!

WE THE PEOPLE--continued

---------------continued

       Another wrong conception Europeans get is about the way of living in the United States. When a motion picture is sent over there most of them show (movies) our way of living as being luxurious and extravagant. How do the people in this country live then? All those Americans drive big cars, live in big houses, and they all are millionaires. They get this idea from the tourists that visit European countries. They get this idea from the tourists that visit European countries. Most of the tourists are quite wealthy, and they get to believe that everyone in this country lives that way. That id their idea of our way of living.

        Another angle of the picture is our juvenile delinquency problem. Puerto Ricans, although they are part of the United States, are still Spanish decent. These people come to New York thinking the opportunities are better there. If they don't find jobs, or do, their children are left to run wild and get into all kinds of trouble. You can't blame it all on the Puerto Ricans, though.

       Wars have brought some of the biggest changes to this country and others. The position of this country and our type of government, of course, has made this a wide open place  of discussion and criticism. The thing that makes me perturbed is that the more we do for other countries the less gratitude we get. Countries are like people because they are made up of individuals. They would have to act like people then. Although, the world can sit and criticize us, it was they who made this country what it is today. In my eyes this is the greatest country in the world.  

WE THE PEOPLE!

      Written March 8, 1961, Junior, Laurel Consolidated School, Laurel, Iowa. Seventeen yrs. old.


                                                      WE THE PEOPLE

        I would like to know why people from other countries are always tearing down the United States? There are some who come from abroad that admire our country very such. These people are probably in the majority, but, it is that other small percentage that does the damage. Maybe someone from England or another European country will come our  way of living to shreds. They might say our women have it too easy, our children are all delinquents, or we are all a bunch of nervous wrecks.

      This country is always being criticized for something we are doing wrong. If foreigners will think it over, it was they who started this great country and built it to what it is today. When you get together about every type of race, color, and creed into one type of system, something is bound to be different. to me the only difference between our country and others is that we are one of  the strongest countries in the world. Naturally the rest of the world is watching to see what kind of a move were going to make next.

        Basically, people are the same all over the world; but, someone has to be the critics and someone has to be in the main ring. Since we are a democracy, or close to it, our newspapers have the right to publish events as they see them. For an example I would like to use the Little Rock affair we had not long ago. Europeans got to hear so much about Little Rock that they thought the whole country must be a Little Rock. They get to think everyone over here hates the Negro and that is the way we are living. This gives them the excuse to believe that the Negroes are unsatisfied, and they are revolting. What do people think about our government then?


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

    

LOOSE MEAT EATING CONTEST!!

       Most all of us from the Marshalltown, Iowa area are big fans of Taylor's Maid Rite on South 3rd Avenue. Whether you are from Marshalltown,Clear Lake, Iowa, or Ogallala, Nebraska, I have a fun road trip to do thyis summer.

        This summer in Ottumwa, Iowa the "Loose Meat Eating Contest" will be held in Central Park there to be held on June 2, 2018. The event was pointed out in an article on January 18, 2018 about the event.

          The idea originated from the "Canteen Lunch in the Alley" which possibly is the oldest loose meat eatery in the state of Iowa. It got it's start in 1936. An employee had told me years ago, while having lunch, that they opened a year before Taylor's in Marshalltown, Iowa.

       Even if you don't make it for the Big Contest in June, you are in for a real treat to travel to southeast Iowa and have a loose one at this cozy retro eatery. They serve primarly the "loose meat sandwich," malts, and home-made pies. Yes, you do enter from an alley and your only place to enjoy  your meal is up on a stool at the counter. You will NOT be disappointed!!

A DOG'S ADVENTURE

       Witten May 16, 1955 in 5th grade, Laurel Consolidated School, Laurel, Iowa. Age 11.

                                                           A DOG'S ADVENTURE

        One time Sniffer the dog lived with his friend Coontail Jim. (He's a dog too) One day they went walking. They went down to an old shed. They found an old bed there and went to sleep. They both jumped when a jar fell right on Sniffer's head. For about ten minutes he saw red, purple, green, blue, yellow, brown, black, and orange stars.

        When they finally got out of there they were lost because it was dark. Bo-ing! "Ouch! I hit a tree. Oh-h-h my poor noggin." (Coontail) "Be quiet," said Sniffer, "Look for the North Star. That will help us." "I don't even know where  north is, let alone know where the North Star is," said Jim, a little droggily.

      "Watch out!" said Sniffer. "How come!" replied Jim.  "Because your foot's down my throat!" barked Sniffer.  "Oh! Oh! I'm sorry."!  said Jim. "You better be sorry! Just remember your foot doesn't taste too well, and another thing you haven't washed your stinking feet for months." said Sniffer.

       "All right! All right!" "Hey we're home!" "Yah!" "Thanks for sticking your foot down my throat."  "You're welcome." chuckled, Jim.


*** beneath was a sketched bathtub with steam rising. (Jim's bathtub)
        



       

ARE SELFIES LOSING STEAM?

        In the comic section of the Des Moines Register was a funny bit in "Baby Blues." The little kid shows a selfie to his sister. She responds "Gross, all I see is nostrils." She goes on to ask him if he zoomed out and then he goes to his dad and mentions that his "arms are too short", with his dad responding- "That life is tough for everybody son."

       It made me think that I don't see as many selfies on facebook as I used to. Maybe it was just something new and just became less popular. Or, after a lot of people saw themselves and how it was not that flattering, maybe it has faded into the sunset! Besides, no one likes to see up your nostrils! 

TOM SELLECK/TIMES HAVE CHANGED!

       This morning while watching cable news, the ongoing commercial for "Reverse Mortgage" with peddler Tom Selleck, I couldn't help but notice his attire. He was wearng a plain blue suit with matching vest, and a plain white shirt--no tie! 

          Back in "my day" you would wear a vest but always with a tie. Maybe Selleck's new look, and I'm sure it is becoming moe prevelant, is just a way of saying "Hey, I'm all business, but, I can take my tie off and relax and I'm not just some stuff shirt.

       I know I'm reading too much into it, and just don't realize that times have changed and some young clothing advisor just thinks the look is cool. Maybe they should add a colorful hankie for a little Pizazz! 

         

CAMPING W/ UNKNOWN THING--continued

        We both came to the same conclusion that we did not want to stay anywhere near the Evergreens that night. We finally slept about a hundred yards away in a pasture that was supposed to be free of animals. I now it was late when I finally got to sleep because the moon had swept to the western skies from the east.

       I remember when I finally got to sleep how wonderful it would be to be able to sleep late in the morning. I ate those words the next morning about 4:30 A.M., because over a hill in the northeast came a beautiful and perfect orange ball. I tried to turn over and go back to sleep, but, as the sun progressed, its climb upward, it seemed to penetrate right through the back of my head.

        We both came to the same conclusion, again, that we might as well call it a lost cause and head for home. We were so tired after walking over those, what seemed mammoth size mountains, that when we finally reached my place, we both fell asleep in te back porch.

       When we woke, mom asked us where we had stayed. We didn't want to say we went over to the neighbor's without asking, so we just said down the road. She told us she was very glad that we hadn't stayed up by the Evergreens, because during the night the neighbor's horses were stampeded by some UNKNOWN THING and had torn down a lot of fence. It was ironic in the fact that they had gotten out and then had gone back to their original pasture as though nothing had happened. 


 footnote----( from teacher-"Good Story-Moves well."   A Minus grade)

I HATE IT WHEN THAT HAPPENS!

      I picked up my mail yesterday and one good thing was a small check that I had been waiting on. About mid-morning and knowng the bank would be open, I headed up town to mae my deposit along with some others.

       I thought I had brought it inside and layed it on my kitchen table. No check. I went through everything on the table, back to the car for a look around and back in for another look on the table. I even went back to the post office, looked around and mentioned it to one of the employees. 

        I had thrown some old newspapes into the Recycle bin which by now was sitting out at the end of the drive way for pick-up. I finally made the decision to haul the bin back into the house(since it was below zero in my garage) I put down an old shower liner and started pulling out stuff one at a time. Finally, after half-way through, there it was--the check! How-Why. Who knows! I guess I was about due. I don't think I have lost or misplaced a check in decades.  All's well that ends well, I guess!  

CAMPING W/ "UNKOWN THING!"

Written March 11, 1960, tenth grade, Laurel Consolidated School, Laurel, Iowa age 16

                                              English 10

       Last summer a friend and I decided to go camping. It was an excellent night, with a full moon out, so close and bright that you could make out the cratoror distinguish the face if you wanted. Thin layers of clouds moved by like smoke moving slowly from a chimney.

        We didn't really really know where we wanted to go, but, we didn't want to go where we would be vulnerable to animals of any kind. The conclusion was we would walk one and a half miles back of our neighbor's place in an acreage of Evergreens.

       It was about nine o'clock when we finally got packed and ready to go. When we got ready, we decided to put on a sweater because it was just cool enough out without a sweater the coolness of the night would go right through you.the slightly waving oats, 

       As we wled back, we had to wal beside a corn field. It seemed that about every six rows some mysterious object would be peering at us behind a corn stalk. I thought my troubles of imagination would be through when we reached the oats field. As the thin layer of clouds passed over it developed in to a tedious creeping object of some kind. 

       My bravery seemed to slacken when we raeched our destination. The wind, that had gradually increased seemed to be whistling a tune through the tall, dark Evergreens. A cold chill, by this time had found its way down my spine.   The ultimate end came when a white faced owl came flying at us with his huge eyes looing like two car lights in the night. I swore I could feel my heart jump from my throat to my stomach then back up again. After it was over, I was afraid my companion could hear my heart beating loudly like a bass drum and maybe think I was afraid.

    -------------to be continued

        

 

                                               
       

THE TRUTH USUALLY LIES IN THE MIDDLE!

        All this talk about immigration--too much, too little, wrong kind of people, too few skills, and on and on it goes. There was an old movie where there was a scene in a court room and the Judge made a comment -"The Truth Lies in the Middle!" So it is with immigration. 

Yes, a lot of us came over via family that  had very little in terms of money or skills. Besides, three generations ago, most industry was agriculture. Today is totally different. With our Capitalistic/Democracy system, it lends itself to prosper as one of the best in the world.

         Maybe it's time to change the method of allowing immigrants into this country. Tie it closer to the GNP and other economic conditions.  Since our population is at a confortable level, 3 million or so, maybe it's time to slow down a bit. what good does it do to let population rise unchecked. We don't need over-population. Steady as she goes.

         If and when there are human catastophe's, we should study the situation and be in a position to assist with more immigrants no matter where they are from or their talent skills.
Just like a dam and a lake. Hold that water back somewhat so that when there is a flood, there's room to handle the flood!

A DOG'S DILEMMA

         Written on February 10, 1955, 5th grade, Laurel Consolidated School, Lauel, Iowa.Age 11


                                                 A DOG'S DILEMMA

         My name's Skip. I am a Cocker Spaniel. I live on a Wyoming ranch. Everyday I get up and watch the cattle. Sometimes I get very tired. One time a calf got out and I was chasing him all over. Finally, I got him back in his pen. When my master came out he thought I was chasing him just for fun and he kicked me.

      So that night I sneaked away. When I got about a mile away I saw a coon and I chased him all over and finally I got him. Then,I ate him. And boy was he good! After awhile I lay down under a tree and went to sleep. 

      In the morning I met a Collie. We went all different places. We went down to the pond and played. Then we saw a man. He took us to his house and used Mike (Collie) for watching the cattle and me for watching the house.

1948 NORWAY LETTER TO DENNIS

       I came across a letter that was witten to me by a young boy's mother who both were from Oslo, Norway on November 11, 1948. It was the result of correspondance between my older sister, Doris, and in turn her "Pen Pal" Ruth Opsahl. It is unclear how that connection was made in talking to my sister Doris.



Post mark-Oslo, **Kampen, 11.29,1948


Mr. Dennis Michael Laverty
Gilman, Iowa U.S.A.

                                                                                      Oslo  Nov. 11, 1948

Dear Dennis Michael

     *** I am just a little boy from Norway. My mother is writing this  My mother tells me that you live on a farm where you have all kinds of animals. Would like to live like that. I love all the animals cows, horses, pigs, chickens, and don't forget the dog and cat. 

        We live in a big city with 300,000 people but we just have one room and a kitchen. We don't have any room for a dog or cat. I'm sending you a picture of myself so that you can see that I am a big boy. We now have winter and I've alraedy been out on a sled. I would like to get moe snow and then they can go on skies. We can skate on ice with iceskates too. The weather has been nasty, foggy and rainy like. The smoke from the big boats hang over the town. Oslo is a sea town. 

                                           Lots of greetings and a Happy New Year from your Letter Pal

                                                     (Inside- in Norwegian) To Dennis Michael
                                         wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
                                                  greetings 3 yrs old. Arve Olav Opsahl  

**Kampen is a neighborhood in Oslo, Norway. Mrs Opsahl also sent and wrote the letter in Norwegian.

BEST I CAN--POEM

      I found this poem in my archive cave recently and don't recall when I found it. It hit home.


                                                       BEST I CAN

A child alone in daddy's room
The gun was hidden here
No one home to catch me when I fall
A young man now in a private chair
I've seen the world through a bitter stare
But my dream is still alive
I'm going to be the best I can
I want to see the change in the future
I'm going to make the best of what I have
I want to write fo a magazine
I'm gonna be the best I've ever seen 
I know I'll win if I give it all I can
I won't let go, gotta make the grade
No, I won't let go

To be the best man, the best man that I can
Back street hoop star you've got it good
You're the wonder of the crumbling neighborhood
Now taking bids on the next six digit plan
Showed me that my will survived
The tragedy  that came into my life
Giving me hope and the new start
That I have

I won't let go, gotta make the grade
No, I won't let go
To be the best man, the best man that I can
Step by step I dream the plan
This constant dream is on my mind
Chase the light I see ahead
Luminate the path I tread
I live to be the best I can
Now I'm moving forward
And I'm never looking back
Straight ahead, focused on the big attack
On a roll and I'm never slowing down

I won't be torn between 
The man in the chair
And the man that's in my dream
I'm going to melt the two men into one
I won't let go, gotta make the grade I set
No, I won't let go
To be the best man, the best man that I can.

PUBLISHED BARN STORY continued

                                             BALING HAY

        Why bale hay? Most farms years ago raised cattle. Hay was needed to feed them through the winter. A farmer cut clover in the summer after it bloomed with a sickle type machine pulled behind the tractor. Once the hay dried a little, it was raked up into rows--resembling long curls--to let the wind and sun dry them.

          In a day or two a baler was pulled behind a tractor along with a hay rack. The rectangular-shaped bales were formed by the baler with twine to hold the hay shape together. It was pushed back and up toward someone who would stack the bales--usually 30-70 pounds each-- depending on how much moisture remained. 

        When the hay rack was stacked full, it was taken to the barn. Most barns, like ours, had a big door up high at the front of the barn. The hayrack was pulled up in front of the barn. Huge forks were used  to hold, at least, eight bales together. They were lifted with a pulley. Once the hay reached the top, it then followed a track. Once it reached a certain location in the hay mow, someone would trip the forks and the hay would drop.

      On this particular day I was the guy doing the stacking up in the barn. This was quite an operation, generally taking, at least, six men or so to complete the cycle. It was in the late fifties, I was in my teens. Hot day! Really hard work for 75 cents  to one dollar an hour. The there was no air movement in the barn.

         At some point, I looked down on my arms, and there was no sweat. Once I was sweating like a "pig" and the next minute I was dry and clammy. I knew I had dehydrated. Time to get out. The rest of the afternoon it was lemonade for this guy. 

**As a footnote, I used to do some work as a teen-ager for Art DeWitt, who lived  just lived just north of our place. I will never forget baling hay for him one day. His wife, Beverly, made lunch. I was amazed that we could eat fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables, complete with pie and go back to work after a brief rest. Then, enjoy a sandwich and lemonade at 4 0'clock and we'd go home and eat later again.

1ST CLAIM TO FAME/STORY PUBLISHED

  
       My first published stories were published in the Iowa Barn Foundation Magazine Spring 2009 edition. I was previliged, at the time, to have known the Editor, Jacqueline Schmeal of Zearing, Iowa, who published my work. 


                                       VIGNETTES FROM RURAL IOWA by Dennis Laverty

           Dennis Laverty, Marshalltown, has been writing vignettes remembered from growing up in Iowa. Here are two involving barns. 
___________________________________________________________________________________
                                             FALLING OFF THE BARN

         Never, ever would I wish that I lived somewhere else but on the farm where I was raised. Although there was a certain isolation it also could be referred to as more of a peaceful experience. No busy highways or streets. No railroad traffic. No pollution. 

         There were places where I could think my thoughts in peace. I could walk the soft dirt lane  west of the corn crib. In the summer I could feel the soft mud unning through my toes after a summer rain. I could climg up the elevator on the corncrib and sit and look west at the beautiful sky. 

        The same could be said for climbing to the peak of the barn. I could reach this peak by climbing up on the wooden cattle laoder parked by the barn. Then I could scoot up to the peak. Usually, I could sit there with my legs spread over the peak just like sitting in the saddle on a horse.

         The shingles on the barn were wooden with an occasional nail sticking out. One had to be careful going up and especially coming down. Those nails and a little moss here and there could spell disaster. Yes! You guessed it. One time a nail got me and down I went head first. 

        At the same time, a nail saved me and caught my pant leg just before I was headed over the  eight to ten foot drop to the ground. Living on the farm could be peaceful, but, danger lurked once in awhile. 

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

       

LOST IN AN OLD CAVE

           Written April, 4, 1955, 5th grade, Laurel Consolidated School, Laurel, Iowa. Age 11.


                                                        LOST IN AN OLD CAVE

       One night while I was lying in bed I wanted to go exploring. I got on my clothes, went downstairs to get some supplies and started out. That night it was foggy out. I couldn't see too well. I got down the road aways. I saw a place that looked like a cave. I went over to see if it was true. Sure enough it was a cave!

         I turned on my lantern and went in. It was awfully scary. I heard a loud noise. Out came a whole bunch of bats. Boy, that was a close one!! I went a little further and saw a little door. 

         I opened it and out popped--------nothing. I kept on going and saw spiders. Then at the end of the hall were Jim, Gary, Larry, Bob, and Dale. I asked them what they were doing there. They said that they heard Old man Grumpy hid some money in the cave. So-o-o-o-o we went searching.
Everybody split up. Gary went one way and I went the other. We hit each other  and we scared each other out of our wits. 

      Jim and Bob found the money. Lucky stiffs! We took it back to the police. They said we could keep it. We were rich pals the rest of our lives. So there you are! 

I WAS JOHN WAYNE'S CONVERTIBLE!

      Written February 25, 1955, 5th grade, Laurel Consolidated School, Laurel, Iowa. age 11.

                                                   A COURTEOUS CHEVROLET

       My name's Courteous  Chevrolet. Last Monday I came out of the factory. Today, I am in a showroom in Hollywood. I have push-button windows, push-button seats, and I am a two door convertible. 

      One day John Wayne came in and bought me. Boy, was I glad! I had a real neat garage to live in. I got lubricated every month. One day he took me all over Hollywood. Everybody looked atme. Onetime alittle girl fell down and I stopped just in time. John Wayne got out and picked her up. When she got in the car we took her home. 

       The next day we went down to Warner Brothers Studio. John when in and asked them if I could be in the movies with him. The director said yes. The next day when we got there we started rehearsing. It was fun making movies. The name of it was "A Trip To Texas."

       We went home and John didn't do much for three days. Then the next day he came out, and said that we were going to Florida. We went through Phoenix, Arizona, Fort Worth, Texas, and Mobile, Alabama. Then we went down to Miami, Florida. We had a nice vacation and a good time. 
I got John Wayne back safely to Hollywood. After that we always went together.




**************footnote I drew a picture of a futuristic looking car at bottom of page with a "1960" below!

          

A DUEL BETWEEN SKIP AND A STRAY DOG

       Written March 28, 1955, 5th grade, Laurel Consolidated School. Laurel. Iowa. 11 years old.


                                         A DUEL BETWEEN SKIP AND A STRAY DOG

          My dog Skip is a very good dog, sometimes. If anybody ever tries to hurt me he doesn't let them. If it's ever cold out I put him in the basement where it's warm.Now you see why my dog and I are good friends.

       One day while my dog and I were playing in the front yard we saw a stray dog coming up the road. We just kept on playing for awhile. Then the dog came into the yard. Skip went out and started barking. He ran away and we didn't see him for awhile. 

       Then about a week later he came back. Skip started getting real mad at  the intruder. He went out and started in fighting.  Skip kept on the top. They rolled and rolled. Skip started in growling and getting real, real, real, mad. The dog was so scared that he went away forever. Boy, was that a close one!

PIKE'S PEAK @ TEN YRS. OLD

Witten January 27, 1955 (on my birthday) 5th grade, Laurel Consolidated School, Laurel, Iowa age 11. 

                                    SOMETHING I'LL NEVER FORGET

         One thing I'll pobably never forget is when my sister, Doris, and I went on top of Pike's Peak. It was a very exciting and scary trip. Last summer we went to Colorado Springs. *Mom, Doris, Deborah, and I.) When we where out there, my sister and I decided to take a trip to the top of Pike's Peak. **(my mom didn't go as my youngest sister, Deborah, was only four yrs. of age.)

       There was an informational**(TOUR) house across from our cabin. So, we went over and asked about it. The woman there said we could go in the morning. So, in the morning when we woke up we got ready and we went. We rode in a big Cadilac. We had to pick up other people and then we went. We got up there a little ways and had to pay toll.

       The man that was driving was real relaxed, but, I was nervous. We went around hairpin curves. Once, we about ran into another car. When we finally got up there you could see for miles. You could about see Nebraska. When you were up there your ears popped. 

       After we went back down we ate dinner and drove to Canyon**(Canon) City and there we saw the Royal Gorge and Colorado State Prison. Then we went home. 

EVERYBODY, SOMEBODY, ANYBODY, NOBODY

       I have had this tucked away in my archive cave and would now like to share.

EVERYBODY, SOMEBODY, ANYBODY, NOBODY

       This is a story about four pesons named everybody, somebody, anybody, and nobody. There was an important job to be done and everybody was sure somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was everybody's job. Everybody thought anybody could do it and nobody realized that everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that everybody blamed somebody when actually anybody should have known that everybody was to blame. 

                                          --By Another Somebody

  

   

   

I WAS A TOM SAWYER

       Written April 27, 1955, 5th grade, Laurel Consolidated School, Laurel, Iowa. age 11.


                                               I WAS A TOM SAWYER

       My name is Tom Sawyer. I live by the Mississippi River. My friend's name is Dumb-Wit-Sam. They call him that because he doesn't even know that 2 plus 2 = 5. One day Dumb-Wit and I were walking along the river when we meet Dumb-Wit's cousin, Square-Head-No-Brain Santee. They call him that because his head is hallow.

      We went up in the hills where it's dark. We didn't see much except  a couple of black snakes, four lizards, and three rats. W etook out our sling shots and got us a couple of black birds.

       When we got back to town we took the birds and went to Goofball Margies's house. When she came to the door we threw the birds at her. She screamed like a pink-blooded Hyena. We went around back of her house. We saw some pies cooling, so we took one. Boy, were they good. I hate to tell you this, but, they were "Blackbird Pies."

DENNIS' EARLY STORY/ NOT POLITICALLY CORRECT!

          Written May 6, 1955, 5th grade, Laurel Consolidated School, Laurel, Iowa. 11 years old.


                                             NEVER COMING HOME AGAIN

           One time in Bumstead, Connecticut lived Mrs. Hearting and her son. They found out that he had to go the Army. When he got in Camp Pot Shot, he found it was a very nice place, except for Sergeant Loud Mouth, who was always kicking him around. One time he made him scrub all the floors in the Mess Hall.

                                                          (A YEAR LATER)

        While he was in China the Second World War was on. The commander said they had to go to No Man's Land. While he was there everything was going well. Two weeks later he found out his mother had died of cancer. Then everything was gone.

      One day in 1950 Japs moved in. The U.S. was trapped in.All they had was 350 rounds of machine gun shells. When thet finally came they let them have it.

       Everybody was wipped out, even the darn old Sergeant. They had filled them so full of lead they looked like mouse-eaten cheese. Two weeks later U.S. Jets moved in and wipped the Japs out.

TOUGH BOYS!

         Written May 2, 1955 in 5 the grade, Laurel Consolidated School, Laurel, Iowa. age 11.

                                                         TOUGH BOYS

         "Hello, what are you doing here, John?" "I'm going to pay you back for putting that bubble gum in my hair, you monkey," answered John. "I'm sorry about that. I guess I had one too many," said Mike. "I should give you a ring around that right eye of yours," replied John angrily. "Let's go and swipe a couple of apples," said Mike. "You go get your old apples. I'm going to get some bubble gum," remarked John.

                                                         (Later in the Pool Hall)

       "Hi, Pete! Where's John?" "He went to get some old bubble gume" "Will you play a game of 8 -ballwith me?" answered Pete. "Sure, I will. Give me a good cue," said Mike.

                                                           (After 23 games)

       "I better go home now, with one eye *closed," said Mike. "Yeah! It's four o'clock. Bye!" said Pete.

* I have forgotten my intent, but, assume Mike got hit in the eye with ball or Pete hit him in eye for getting beat too many times? 

WHEN TIMING (& NAPS) IS EVERYTHING!

       A friend gave this clipping to me yesterday that was written by an Amy Scribner of the SPOTLIGHT.  In her column she wrote about a book When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect :Timing by Daniel H. Pink 

                                       WHEN TIMING IS EVERYTHING

       Pink reveals that timing really is everything. No matter where one lives , everyone experiences the same daily rhyme: a peak, a trough and a rebound. It may be at different times for different people (some people are night owls while others are morning people, while still another group is what Pink calls "third birds") The trick is to take advantage of the time when you're at your best to do your toughest work.

          And that time is rarely mid-afternoon. Pink noted a British survey that pinpoints the most unproductive moment of the day is 2:55p.m. Afternoon is when hospital workers are least likely to wash their hands., it's when Danish schoolchildren fare worse on exams and it's when prisoners are less likely to get parole. 

       Throughout the book , Pink breaks down the science of timing by offering what he calls the "Time Hacker's Handbook." These are simple tips to maximize your time, such as how to take the perfect nap. This marriage of research, stories and practical application is vintage Pink, helping us use science to improve our everyday lives. 

RUN, RUN, RUN!!!

       The following was written May 9, 1955 in 5th grade, Lauel Consolidated School, Laurel, Iowa, age 11.

                                                RUN, RUN, RUN!!!

            My name's Shut Eye. I'm sleppy. My pal's name's Snory. He snores too much. It's nine P.M. Everything's quiet. My pal and I are walking through town. We see a character. He's coming this way. We duck in Pop's Beer Stand. Here he comes. We duck out the back. We headed up the alley.

     " He's still coming. I think he is after us. Yah! Let's beat it. No, stay here. Get your gun ready. Look mean and start out walking. He's still following us. Shut up! Don't walk fast. I wonder what he wants? Stop a minute. Oh-o-o-o-o-o-o! It's only Private Eye Henderson. He just came to tell us boys that Sandy Mack's on the lose."
          "Thanks."

           "Yah, sure!"


***** ( Not sure about proper usage of qutation marks. Teacher didn't correct or comment.) Still received A-.

EXPERIENCES WITH A FRIEND

         The following was written April, 13, 1955, 5th grade,Laurel Consolidated School, Laurel, Iowa. Eleven years of age. Received an A plus-"Clever Writing"


                                                      EXPERIENCES WITH A FRIEND

        Two years ago Gary Campbell(class-mate) came out to my place.  It was cloudy on that day but warm. When he came we went in the house and looked at some trucks. Then we went outside. We went down  to our chicken house. It was pretty clean inside. So-o-o-o! we got some old pans and some corn, oats, weeds, flowers, water, **old medicine, dirt, sand, lemon juice, and some vinegar and other things.

       We mixed it all up into a pan. Ah-h-h-h! What a sloopy mess! I hate to say would it looked like. After we cleaned up the mess we played with my trucks. We played on top of the cave.  It started raining and Gary had to go home. 

       Gary and I about always do things together. For instance, I stayed at his place twice, he stayed at my place three times, we go swimming together, and, go to shows together. I even go to ballgames with him. That's why we're good friends. Was that mess messy!!!!

MY TRIP TO HAWAII--continued

     -------continued.

        I didn't believe them so I got ready togo down. Just in case I took a shock gun. I went down for about 15 minutes. I saw the old ship. I could see something else. When I got up close I saw a huge fish. It had one great big eye in the middle of his face. He started toward me. I let him have it with my shock gun. That didn't do anything. I gave him a couple more. He was about done for, but, he didn't give up. I was out of spears so I stabed him with my knife about 10 times. He was finally dead.

      I went down to the ship. I saw some chests. I went up and told them that I had killed the huge fish. So they came down. I got the treasure and got it for money. I had about $15,000. I bought a new car and T.V.. I spent some more for a new lab. I had about $12,000 left. Then I put the rest in the bank. The rocks I got from Hawaii weren't anything, but, I didn't care. 

       I always wrote to the people of Hawaii, especially the people who helped me bring up the treasure. I never forgot them. After that I've always loved Hawaii, its people, and its sunken ships and treasure.

"MY TRIP TO HAWAII"--pure fiction

       The following was written in March 14, 1955, 5th grade, age 11, Laurel Consolidated School, Laurel, Iowa. ***Let it be known I never stepped foot on or near Hawaii until the early 1980's.

                                                    MY TRIP TO HAWAII

       Early last summer I took a trip to Hawaii. I started from San Francisco June 6, 1955. We started out. It was at night. The bright lights were really pretty. Oh, by the way, I'm a geologist.
I'm going searching for lava and otgher rocks.
  
        June 7, 1955, I arriand beautiful floweresby songs ved at Honolulu. I was welcomed by songs and beautiful flowers. I got myself a cabin. and stayed there all night. The next morning I got up and began searching. The Hawaiian islands used  to have over forty volcanoes, but, now it only has two. I now have many rocks.

       The natives are very fiendly. Each day I go swimming and surf riding. Friday I went skin-diving. While I was under water I saw many fish. I saw crabs, stingrays, starfishes, and many others. I had been swimming under water for  about 30 minutes. I saw something up ahead. It looked like an old ship. 

        I went up to to surface. I asked some other men if they would go down with me and help    bring up the treasure. They said no, because there was a great fish down there and whoever went down there it would kill them.

-----------------------to be continues.  

"THE POST" --SEE TO NOW!

       Just saw this movie this AM in Coralville, Iowa. May be picture of year! Brush up on your early70's--Pentagon Papers/Washington Post- Political History and run to see it! Excellent!

"SWIMMING IN COLD WATER."

         Written April 22, 1955, 5th grade, Laurel Consolidated School, Laurel, Iowa. 11 years old.
Happily, I receive an A plus.

                                               SWIMMING IN COLD WATER

          Last year I took swimming lessons at the Municipal pool.  (Marshalltown, Iowa) Gary Campbell, and Mike Stineman went with me. My sister(Doris) was driving that day. When we got up to Marshalltown she had to go to the store and get something. She tried to park and hit an old Cadilac. The guy with the cigar in his mouth in the Cad gave her a dirty look. Ha-Ha!

       When we finally got down there we waited until it was our turn. Then we went in. It was a nice day. I was in class "four" then. We jumped in and You-eee! Br-r-r! was it cold. I got out of there fast. We had to swim to the diving board and back. For a minute there I thought my leg was frozen. 
    
          Then we had to dive in and stay under. When we came up we had to get out. Was I glad. Oh, Yes! They just put in fresh water. That's why it was so cold.

"A BASEBALL GAME I CAN'T FORGET."

 
         Written April 18, 1955, grade 5, Laurel Consolidated School, Laurel,Iowa. age 11.


                                     A BASEBALL GAME I CAN'T FORGET

         Two weeks ago the fifth graders played the fourth graders in a championship game. The fourth graders got up first. They didn't do too well that inning. We knocked them off one, two, three. When we got up Harold Wright was pitching. Gary Campbell hit two home runs, Jim(Latham) hit one and I hit one. The score then was seven to nothing.

        When they got up they started hitting well. I was playing left field at the time. Tom Campbell hit a high fly right to me. Then Harold hit one about 10 feet from me. I tried to reach for it but couldn't. I heard something go R-r-r-r-r-ip. I found out it was my shirt. He hit a home run with a man on first and third. We finally beat them 23-20. That was a close game.

"A TRIP TO THE MOON!"

         I wrote the following story while in fourth grade, February, 7, 1954, at Laurel Consolidated School, Laurel, Iowa I was 10 years old.

        
                                  A TRIP TO THE MOON

       Last year when I took a trip to the moon I had to go up town to buy a new rocketship. When I got it I flew it home. That night I got ready and took off. When I was flying I was going 100 miles a second. While I was flying I saw many meteors.

      I got to a space station and refueled. I finally got to the moon. While I was there I had to turn my space suit up to 100 degrees. Boy, it was really cold. While I was there I tried to play catch with a ball **( not sure with who) but, it just floated away. 

       There were a lot of crators there. Later on I had to jump a hole. It was sixteen feet long so I jumped it. I went on the other side of the moon and it was 212 degrees above so I had to turn my air-conditioned control.  I noticed that there wasn't any water.  I had to use my own. All of a sudden I woke up and found out I was only dreaming.

IF NEVER SEEN--BUY IT!

        Today I drove over to a household auction in Belle Plaine, Iowa. I had no intention of buying anything, but, always looking for that one of a kind--never seen before "treasure" just to buy just because!

         Well, I let one slip away! It was a set of 6-8 vintage "placemats" with really cool graphics.
There is no other way to explain it. I just let them get away. I could have doubled or tripled my money--no problem.

       The next time I will make out a short list and prioritize items of interest. The item that is #1, I will not let get away. This has happened before to me, but, next time my head will be in the game. It's like losing a game in sports--shake it off and on to the next game!

WHAT I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN

       Somewhere through the years, I saved the following which I found to have wisdom and humor.

WHAT I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN

Most of what I really need to know about how to live , and what to do, and

      how to be, I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate   
      school mountain but there in the sandbox at nursery school.

                   These are the things I learned: Share everything. Play fair. Don't hit people. 
       Put things back where you found them. Clean up your own mess. Don't take things
       that aren't yours. Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody. Wash your hands
       before you eat. Flush. Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you. Live a 
       balanced life. Learn some and think some and daw and paint and sing and dance
       and play and work every day some.

                     Take a nap every afternoon. When you go out into the world, watch for                                  traffic, hold hands and stick together. Be aware of wonder. Remember the little 
           seed in the plastic cup. The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody
          really knows how or why, but, we are like that.

                       Goldfish and white mice and even the little seed in the plastic cup-they 
          all die. So do we. and, then remember the book about Dick and Jane and
           the first word you learned, the biggest word of all: LOOK. Everything you
          need to know in there somewhere. The Golden Rule and love and basic 
           sanitation. Ecology and policies and sane living.

                         Think of what a better world it would be if we all-the whole world-
           had cookies and milk about 3 0'clock every afternoon and then lay down
            with our blankets for a nap. Or, if we had a basic policy in our nation and
           other nations to always put things back where we found them and cleaned
           up our own messes. And, it is still true, no matter how old you are, when   
            you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.


                                                                                 Robert Fulghum, Kansas City Times 
                                                                                    


         

A HOT ROD MADE OF JELLO!

       I would like to share another assignment piece that I wrote 3/11/1955 while in grade school at Laurel, Iowa.

A JELLO HOT ROD RACER

One day while I was eating dinner my jello started shivering. I

                     wondered what was the matter. For about a week I didn't think 

                     anything about it. Then. the next week it started shivering again.

                               When I started in eating the jello it began dancing around. My

                     hair stood up like porcupine quills. It started going around the table 

                     like a hot rod racer. It was shaking and going so fast that it looked 

                     like an old beat-up Ford.

                                I found out that he was afraid that I was going to stab him 

                      with my spoon. I put my hand like a stop sign. He came around the 

                       last lap and stopped with a screech. I apologized to him. I never ate 

                      him again. After awhile he got stale and I had to thaw him out. The 

                      next second he was running away. That's why I call it a Jello Hot 

                     Rod Racer!

AN EARLY BIRTHDAY PARTY

        The following is a piece I wrote on 5/23/1955 when I was eleven years old and attending Laurel Consolidated School and in fifth grade. 

A Birthday Party

  

         Four years ago I had a birthday party. Tony Preston, La Verne Paul, Ben Wunn, and Gary Campbell came. It was January 27, a cold day. When they came we played some games in the house. Then we went out out in the barn.

      When we got there we couldn't find a light. Finally we did and went upstairs.The barn was loaded with hay. We messed around jumping from bale to bale. We played hide-and-seek for awhile. Then we went to the top of all that hay. 

       Tony Preston slipped and fell down. It just so happened that there was a "bull" down there eating. When Tony saw it he came up there like a Jack Rabbit. For supped we had smashed potatoes, S bone steak, oats, I mean corn. We had desert, I mean dessert. Well, we had a good supper. 

    

HOW MUCH WAS THAT APARTMENT?

         I came across an old letter that I had written my mother on 8/3/1966.We were moving out of Ross Hall-Married Student Dormintory-at Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, and since Iwould be graduating in January needed to find new housing. 

         I mentioned to mom that we had been out looking for an apartment, but, the nice ones were priced "Terribly High." For what it is worth we did find a brand new never lived in 2 bedroom unit with a single garage and window air-conditioner for $130.00 a month. I don't re-call the break-down exactly on the utilities, but, believe we just paid for electricity.

            Up till then our rent at Drake had been around $90.00. The interesting thing about our new apartment was that the address was 7705 Dennis Drive in Urbandale. It was just off Douglas Avenue and at the time in the edge of the city.  

       

         

MY HIGH SCHOOL THANKSGIVING LETTER

       I'm not sure what year( early 1960's) I was in when I did the following assignment on Thanksgiving, but, had to be in high-school as I used a typewriter and now I am re-writing it on a lap top computer.

THANKSGIVING

         Well, it's that time of the year again. I guess the word I want to use is Thanksgiving. It seems a lot of people have completely forgotten the reason why we have Thanksgiving. I believe this holds true with the rest of the holidays.

        I don't want to sound like a pessimist or critic but I believe, as a lot of people will probably admit, Thanksgiving, like all other holidays, is becoming a time just to go visit grandma or Aunt Mary and Uncle Fred. Most all of us go there with usually one thing in mind, eat and then eat some more. For a lot of men it's a time to sit around and watch the Thanksgiving Day football games that are on television. To others, it's a day to go hunting or just go for a long trip.

       There is nothing really wrong with doing all these things, but, most of us do not stop to think what Thanksgiving really means. I believe if everyone would stop to give thanks before eating his or her meal on Thanksgiving Day, we might realize just how lucky we really are by living in a free country and having so much of everything. 

      We should not only be thankful just for food but, also our families, material things, such as our houses and cars, and many more things which could go on endlessly. I believe we should all give thanks each day to give gratitude to those people, ahead of us and those who fought for us, who made it possible for us to enjoy the freedoms we have today.

       I would now like to tell some of my own intimate feelings toward the subject Thanksgiving. As for me, along with many others, I am afraid I take Thanksgiving just for granted. But, as I sit here and type this I know and feel that it's not only Thanksgiving  o Christmas but, also here are a lot of things around  me that I take for granted every day.

         When I wake up in the morning, I come down and wash. I run and waste lots of water and think nothing of it. My mother cooks my breakfast and serves it to me. I finally realize how much for granted I take her when she is ill or is gone. 

       I come to school for a day, don't actually study very hard, and don't really realize that there are some kids in this country and others that can't or don't get an education. My biggest regret is that on Sunday when I go to Sunday School and Church, I do not realize how thankful I should be for having a place to worship.

        Now, I'm glad thof things over.at I havw written this and have thought a lot of things over. I truly believe   if everyone would take time, at least, on Thaksgiving to think of all the trouble and heartaches that went into making this a free country and into giving us so much for which to be thankful , how much happier everyone in our country would be.