Tuesday, June 30, 2020
GIVING ME THE NEEDLE!
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1ST., 2020
GIVING ME THE NEEDLE!
I had a blood test yesterday. My
doctor ordered it but I'm not sure why.
Both he a I already knew I had blood.
I had to sign or initial about eight
documents to allow a nurse to stick a
needle in my arm to get the sample.
Ironically, just the day before I
jammed my hand into the corner of
my swivel chair and opened a cut
that could have provided them with
a pint or so.
Seems, however, I have two kinds
of blood. "Regular" like from the cut
and "High Test" as in the blood test.
The technicians get lots of
information from the "high test blood."
Yesterday;s results, for instance, will
revele I have a "Baby Ruth" candy bar
on my way to the test.
Since my "regular blood" isn't
very useful I'm going to try to stop
getting cuts. Not likely though. I'm
"cut prone." Hope your not, that you're
well, and that all your NEWS is good!
Monday, June 29, 2020
TO DO LIST!
TUESDAY, JUNE 30TH., 2020
HOW TO DO THE "T0 DO LIST!"
Summer weather brings flowers, birds, and
my wife's desire to clean up, fix up, and paint
up everything in sight!
It's hard work, especially when the
temperatures are on the rise.
So I'd like to offer some advice to those
of you who may be facing similar projects.
Keep paint brushes and tarps handy.
You'll need clean up rags and brooms.
Buts here is my best advice. Have kids
and then grand kids! I highly
recommend having grandchildren available
to do the bulk of the work so your responsibility
is pretty much limited to supervising! Hope
you're well and that all your NEWS is good!
HOW TO DO THE "T0 DO LIST!"
Summer weather brings flowers, birds, and
my wife's desire to clean up, fix up, and paint
up everything in sight!
It's hard work, especially when the
temperatures are on the rise.
So I'd like to offer some advice to those
of you who may be facing similar projects.
Keep paint brushes and tarps handy.
You'll need clean up rags and brooms.
Buts here is my best advice. Have kids
and then grand kids! I highly
recommend having grandchildren available
to do the bulk of the work so your responsibility
is pretty much limited to supervising! Hope
you're well and that all your NEWS is good!
Sunday, June 28, 2020
TODAY THERE'S JOY IN MUDVILLE!
MONDAY, JUNE 29TH., 2020
TODAY THERE'S JOY IN MUDVILLE!
No, this is not a baseball story. I wanted all
of you to know June 29th is International Mud
Day! It's true. It was started in the country of
Napal in 2009! Children in a local orphanage
seemed more and more depressed with their
limited play abilities. Someone suggested
they all be allowed to go outside and literally
play in the mud! The results were outstanding
and immediate. The hands, arms, legs, and
faces may have been covered in mud but
the broad smiles were unmistakable. The
outing became a regular event and the event
became, eventually, an international holiday.
Of course the very basic effort is just to get
kids away from televisions and other
electronic distractions to play outside. It's
simple to use mud! And, if you haven't got
any, just mix some dirt and water and you're
in business. Of course adults are encouraged
to play along so, go to it! Here's mud in your
eye and I hope all your NEWS is good!
TODAY THERE'S JOY IN MUDVILLE!
No, this is not a baseball story. I wanted all
of you to know June 29th is International Mud
Day! It's true. It was started in the country of
Napal in 2009! Children in a local orphanage
seemed more and more depressed with their
limited play abilities. Someone suggested
they all be allowed to go outside and literally
play in the mud! The results were outstanding
and immediate. The hands, arms, legs, and
faces may have been covered in mud but
the broad smiles were unmistakable. The
outing became a regular event and the event
became, eventually, an international holiday.
Of course the very basic effort is just to get
kids away from televisions and other
electronic distractions to play outside. It's
simple to use mud! And, if you haven't got
any, just mix some dirt and water and you're
in business. Of course adults are encouraged
to play along so, go to it! Here's mud in your
eye and I hope all your NEWS is good!
Saturday, June 27, 2020
TIME FOR SOME TIME TRAVEL!
SUNDAY, JUNE 28TH., 2020
TIME FOR SOME TIME TRAVEL!
This pandemic comeback is a slow process.
It's let a lot of us a little impatient! I can't
wait till we can travel again. But, in the
meantime, I'm going to renew a suggestion
I made here once before. Do some Time
Traveling! But, you say, you don't have a
Time Machine! Actually you probably do.
An old family photo album filled with
vacation pictures from "back in the day"
will quickly take you back to those very
days. I tend to prefer video myself. I've
been on TV since the mid 60's but long
before that my Dad was taking movies of
me with an 8mm movie camera. Those
old films and, later, video tapes, have been
converted to DVD's so I can time travel
any time I want to pull out one of the
thousand or so I've got stored away, It's
not only a time machine, my DVD
player is a treasure finder as well as
look back on those treasured memories.
Give it a try. You don't even need a
Passport! Hope you'll enjoy your "trip"
through time and that all your NEWS
is good!
TIME FOR SOME TIME TRAVEL!
This pandemic comeback is a slow process.
It's let a lot of us a little impatient! I can't
wait till we can travel again. But, in the
meantime, I'm going to renew a suggestion
I made here once before. Do some Time
Traveling! But, you say, you don't have a
Time Machine! Actually you probably do.
An old family photo album filled with
vacation pictures from "back in the day"
will quickly take you back to those very
days. I tend to prefer video myself. I've
been on TV since the mid 60's but long
before that my Dad was taking movies of
me with an 8mm movie camera. Those
old films and, later, video tapes, have been
converted to DVD's so I can time travel
any time I want to pull out one of the
thousand or so I've got stored away, It's
not only a time machine, my DVD
player is a treasure finder as well as
look back on those treasured memories.
Give it a try. You don't even need a
Passport! Hope you'll enjoy your "trip"
through time and that all your NEWS
is good!
Friday, June 26, 2020
I GOT TAKEN FOR A RIDE!
SATURDAY, JUNE 27TH., 2020
I GOT TAKEN FOR A RIDE!
I've been talking a lot about playgrounds
starting to reopen lately. The little kids are
happy. I know my 4-year-old grandson
was thrilled when I told him we could finally
go back. And we've done so several times
already!
But what do you do when they're too old
for the playground?
I answered that question Friday when my
17-year-old grandson and I uncovered my
Miata, put the top down, and drove to
Nescopeck for ice cream!
It wasn't the Cotton Candy ice cream
that proved the real treat. It was my
allowing him to drive my sports car there
and back that really made his day.
Ryan likes trucks. But there's nothing
like riding in a convertible on a sunny
day! Especially when you're the one
behind the wheel!
Sometimes you have to push them
on a swing. Sometimes you have to let
them drive!
Hope you're well and that all your
NEWS is good!
Thursday, June 25, 2020
HISTORY ON TRACK!
FRIDAY, JUNE 26TH., 2020
HISTORY ON TRACK!
It's so nice to realize that a time when
so much of our country's history is being
destroyed there are places where it's
being brought back to life! It happened
Thursday in the small Luzerne County
community of Ashland. This is the town
where the huge Huber Breaker once stood.
The famous "Blue Coal" was crushed into
various sizes for home use there. Though
the breaker is gone, a large flat bed truck
delivered an old Steam Locomotive to a
small park near where the breaker once
stood. Two gigantic wrecker trucks lifted
it onto a set of rails put down in a small
public park. And it wasn't just any old
locomotive. This was the Wannimie Number
9 Engine which actually ran the rails in
this area hauling coal from local mines
"back in the day." Now it will remain, a
permanent display of local history for
future generations to enjoy and to learn
about our local heritage. I'd like to see
more monuments to our history preserved
rather than destroyed! Hope you're well
and that all you NEWS is good!
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
GOING, GOING, GONE!
THURSDAY, JUNE 25TH., 2020
GOING, GOING, GONE!
The virus pandemic stopped a lot
of things cold! Schools, movies,
Barber shops, and so many others!
But it has not stopped the
auctions! My wife and I had been
attending a weekly auction in the
Honesdale area for about a year
when the virus hit. Since large
groups of people were't allowed
to gather Auctions were stopped
in their tracks....for about 3
weeks. That's when the in house
auctioneers discovered the internet!
Now the Auctions are broadcast
live on outlets like Facebook or
on sites where bidders can submit
their bids and get an email if
somebody's bid higher so they
can up increase their offering.
It;s a lot of fun. Where else
can you spot something you had no idea
you needed or wanted and end up
buying it..often for a bargain like
price? Now we're either got to find
room for all this extra stuff...or
sell it at an auction somewhere,
maybe to you!!!!???
Hope you;re high bidder and
that all your NEWS is good.
GOING, GOING, GONE!
The virus pandemic stopped a lot
of things cold! Schools, movies,
Barber shops, and so many others!
But it has not stopped the
auctions! My wife and I had been
attending a weekly auction in the
Honesdale area for about a year
when the virus hit. Since large
groups of people were't allowed
to gather Auctions were stopped
in their tracks....for about 3
weeks. That's when the in house
auctioneers discovered the internet!
Now the Auctions are broadcast
live on outlets like Facebook or
on sites where bidders can submit
their bids and get an email if
somebody's bid higher so they
can up increase their offering.
It;s a lot of fun. Where else
can you spot something you had no idea
you needed or wanted and end up
buying it..often for a bargain like
price? Now we're either got to find
room for all this extra stuff...or
sell it at an auction somewhere,
maybe to you!!!!???
Hope you;re high bidder and
that all your NEWS is good.
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
FAIRY DUST!
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24TH. 2020
FAIRY DUST!
If you're looking for something to
celebrate today you might consider
the fact June 24th is "International
Fairy Day." I suspect this observance
may have originated in Ireland where
you'll actually find a perfectly straight
highway suddenly circling an island-
like mound of earth which the local
population considers to be "a Fairy
Fort." They take them very seriously
and don't disturb them where ever
they're found!
Sherlock Holmes creator Sir
Author Conan Doyle was a great
believe in the tiny creatures!.
And who among us hasn't read
or had Fairy Tales read to us or
waited to see what the Tooth Fairy
left under our pillow in place of
that tooth we lost?
According to one of the web
sites celebrating the day a Fairy can
blow away bad dreams, grant wishes,
and bring good luck and happiness.
Guess we could all use a little
of that right now! Enjoy the day.
Hope you;re well and that all your
NEWS is good!
FAIRY DUST!
If you're looking for something to
celebrate today you might consider
the fact June 24th is "International
Fairy Day." I suspect this observance
may have originated in Ireland where
you'll actually find a perfectly straight
highway suddenly circling an island-
like mound of earth which the local
population considers to be "a Fairy
Fort." They take them very seriously
and don't disturb them where ever
they're found!
Sherlock Holmes creator Sir
Author Conan Doyle was a great
believe in the tiny creatures!.
And who among us hasn't read
or had Fairy Tales read to us or
waited to see what the Tooth Fairy
left under our pillow in place of
that tooth we lost?
According to one of the web
sites celebrating the day a Fairy can
blow away bad dreams, grant wishes,
and bring good luck and happiness.
Guess we could all use a little
of that right now! Enjoy the day.
Hope you;re well and that all your
NEWS is good!
Monday, June 22, 2020
THE BIG COME BACK!
TUESDAY, JUNE 23RD., 2020
THE BIG COME BACK!
I put on my Susquehanna University T Shirt
this morning without giving it a second through.
Two of my granddaughters go to school there,
so you could say I've got close ties. I've got
close ties to another Susquehanna. The river.
48 years ago today I was named Public
Information Officer for Luzerne County Civil
Defense as Tropical Storm Agnes caused this
river to flood downtown Wilkes-Barre and
parts of every community along its banks
in Wyoming Valley!
At the time it was the worse natural disaster
to hit the United States! Thousands of people
were forced from their homes. Businesses
were destroyed. And in the wake of it all
heroes popped up everywhere. Hundred of
people, mainly college students, who
filled sandbags in a futile attempt to prevent
the flood. Rescue workers who save people
who were stranded. and public officials who
worked to get recovery tools and money
so people could come back from the disaster.
And they did..just as my granddaughters will
eventually get back to their college and you
will get back to a normal life after this virus
pandemic. And in the come back lies the
victory. Hope you're well and that all of your
NEWS is good!
Sunday, June 21, 2020
WHAT;S THE BUZZ?
MONDAY, JUNE 22ND., 2020
WHAT'S THE BUZZ?
Seems the virus has caused another
problem for flowers and vegetable
lovers! This is suppose to be "National
Pollinator's Week." It's a time when
we're suppose to be contacting our
Governors and legislators to get them
to support laws and events designed to
protest the animals that pollinate our
flowers and growing foods. Most if
not all of the events that had been
scheduled have been cancelled because
of the pandemic. Meanwhile, Gnats have
not taken a break! They are swarming
everywhere. Some bit and others don't.
The ones around my place seen to be
of the carnivorous variety. At least
when it comes to me! They are not
pollinators! In fact, some actually
damage plants. So whether you're
observing the week or now, be careful
what you're swating! Hope you're
well and that all your NEWS is good!
WHAT'S THE BUZZ?
Seems the virus has caused another
problem for flowers and vegetable
lovers! This is suppose to be "National
Pollinator's Week." It's a time when
we're suppose to be contacting our
Governors and legislators to get them
to support laws and events designed to
protest the animals that pollinate our
flowers and growing foods. Most if
not all of the events that had been
scheduled have been cancelled because
of the pandemic. Meanwhile, Gnats have
not taken a break! They are swarming
everywhere. Some bit and others don't.
The ones around my place seen to be
of the carnivorous variety. At least
when it comes to me! They are not
pollinators! In fact, some actually
damage plants. So whether you're
observing the week or now, be careful
what you're swating! Hope you're
well and that all your NEWS is good!
Saturday, June 20, 2020
THROWING STONES!
SUNDAY, JUNE 21ST., 2020
THROWING STONES!
A suggestion for those of you with
young kids or grand kids. The virus
pandemic still has many indoor
play places and amusement parks
closed for the time being.
Playgrounds are beginning to open
in some communities and as old school
as they may be a kid can still get a lot
of fun out of a sliding board and a
couple swings.
But here's another idea I touched
on well over a year ago that seems
as good as ever now. Find yourself
a stream or a pond and let those
kids chuck a few rocks into the water.
It's a very old "sport" but still quite
popular with most every young one!
Sometimes the simple things are
the best! Give it a try! Hope you're
well and that all your NEWS is good!
Friday, June 19, 2020
DIGGING UP HISTORY!
DIGGING UP HISTORY!
SATURDAY, JUNE 20TH., 2020
I've always been impressed with those
archaeological sites where they dig up
things like pottery and arrow heads.
Impressive artifacts of past civilizations.
I wonder what future archaeologists
will dig up? And how deep they'll have
to dig! The current politically correct
climate has seen the disposal of many
statues originally placed as monuments
to Generals who served the Confederate
States of America. The argument for
their removal centers on those officer's
support for a rebellious America that,
at the time, supported slavery. But if
that's the case somebody is bound to
point out that George Washington
owned 140 slaves by the time the
Revolutionary War began. Thomas
Jefferson owned more than 700.
There goes the Washington Monument
as well as the city and state names
along with Jefferson's home at
Monticello.
And what if the movement spreads
world wide? You'll need a very deep
pit to bury the coliseum. And what
to we do with those Egyptian
Pyramids? They weren't built by
contractors!
I guess you can bury history but
that doesn't really hide it!
Hope you're well and that all your
NEWS is good!
SATURDAY, JUNE 20TH., 2020
I've always been impressed with those
archaeological sites where they dig up
things like pottery and arrow heads.
Impressive artifacts of past civilizations.
I wonder what future archaeologists
will dig up? And how deep they'll have
to dig! The current politically correct
climate has seen the disposal of many
statues originally placed as monuments
to Generals who served the Confederate
States of America. The argument for
their removal centers on those officer's
support for a rebellious America that,
at the time, supported slavery. But if
that's the case somebody is bound to
point out that George Washington
owned 140 slaves by the time the
Revolutionary War began. Thomas
Jefferson owned more than 700.
There goes the Washington Monument
as well as the city and state names
along with Jefferson's home at
Monticello.
And what if the movement spreads
world wide? You'll need a very deep
pit to bury the coliseum. And what
to we do with those Egyptian
Pyramids? They weren't built by
contractors!
I guess you can bury history but
that doesn't really hide it!
Hope you're well and that all your
NEWS is good!
Thursday, June 18, 2020
TIME MARCHES ON!
FRIDAY, JUNE 19TH., 2020
TIME MARCHES ON!
It's time you knew! June 19th is
"National Watch Day!" It's a day
set aside to honor an industry
that's existed for over 500 years.
Before I retired I almost always
wore a wristwatch. In broadcasting,
as with many other occupations,
time was always very important.
The news started promptly at 6
so I had to be ready on the second!
When I first visited Europe I wore
two wristwatches! One had the
local time the other the time back
home. I pretty much gave up both
when I left the news beat. I might
have though, for a second, about
getting a new one when we visited
the Rolex Company in Switzerland
where watches were priced more
than most houses around here!
These days the only time I'm
watching my time seems to be for
doctor's appointments. But I'm
guessing the doctor's don't have
watches either because I always
have to wait after getting there on
time. Watches have changed so
much. I wondering if the kids
are still taught why there's a little
hand and a bid one on those big
round clocks you see here are there.
Anyway, mark June 19th on your
calendar. National Watch Day.
You can set you clock by it! Hope
you're well and that all your NEWS
is good.
TIME MARCHES ON!
It's time you knew! June 19th is
"National Watch Day!" It's a day
set aside to honor an industry
that's existed for over 500 years.
Before I retired I almost always
wore a wristwatch. In broadcasting,
as with many other occupations,
time was always very important.
The news started promptly at 6
so I had to be ready on the second!
When I first visited Europe I wore
two wristwatches! One had the
local time the other the time back
home. I pretty much gave up both
when I left the news beat. I might
have though, for a second, about
getting a new one when we visited
the Rolex Company in Switzerland
where watches were priced more
than most houses around here!
These days the only time I'm
watching my time seems to be for
doctor's appointments. But I'm
guessing the doctor's don't have
watches either because I always
have to wait after getting there on
time. Watches have changed so
much. I wondering if the kids
are still taught why there's a little
hand and a bid one on those big
round clocks you see here are there.
Anyway, mark June 19th on your
calendar. National Watch Day.
You can set you clock by it! Hope
you're well and that all your NEWS
is good.
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
THE PROTESTER!
THURSDAY, JUNE 18TH., 2020
THE PROTESTER!
A good friend of mine had an interesting
post on Facebook yesterday. Seems he
encountered a young woman in Scranton
who spent 6 days in the Electric City to be
join in protest rally's there! During their
brief conversation he learned that she was
from Ohio and was being paid for her
protesting!
People reading his post were shocked
and outraged for the most part. But it got
me to wondering. How much can you
make protesting? Are there fringe benefits,
I mean other than the travel?
A lot of folks around here are retired,
like me, and could probably use a few
extra bucks.
I was about ready to do some
protesting when I thought they were
killing off Mr. Peanut but so many
people were upset about that they brought
the character back right away..at least a
younger version.
I don't fault anybody with a cause
who wants to express him or herself.
But it's nice to know our country is
still full of opportunities for anybody
willing to just show up and hold a
sign. I wonder if that will affect my
Social Security! Hope you're well
and that all your NEWS is good!
THE PROTESTER!
A good friend of mine had an interesting
post on Facebook yesterday. Seems he
encountered a young woman in Scranton
who spent 6 days in the Electric City to be
join in protest rally's there! During their
brief conversation he learned that she was
from Ohio and was being paid for her
protesting!
People reading his post were shocked
and outraged for the most part. But it got
me to wondering. How much can you
make protesting? Are there fringe benefits,
I mean other than the travel?
A lot of folks around here are retired,
like me, and could probably use a few
extra bucks.
I was about ready to do some
protesting when I thought they were
killing off Mr. Peanut but so many
people were upset about that they brought
the character back right away..at least a
younger version.
I don't fault anybody with a cause
who wants to express him or herself.
But it's nice to know our country is
still full of opportunities for anybody
willing to just show up and hold a
sign. I wonder if that will affect my
Social Security! Hope you're well
and that all your NEWS is good!
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
TRASH TALK!
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17TH., 2020
TRASH TALK!
I was extremely pleased with the reaction
to Tuesday's Blog offering a much deserved
pat on the back to police officers everywhere.
And although it's probably not on your
calendar today is another day to salute some
of our public servants. This is National Garbage
Man's Day! It's a day set aside to make sure
we recognize the men and women who haul
away our garbage and recyclables! They
don;t get a lot of respect but they deserve it!
They work, throughout the year, in all kinds
of weather taking away all that stuff we don't
want in the house! Our local crew is great.
The guys always seem to have a smile on their
face and they have always taken time, when
my grandson is around, to wave and beep the
truck horn for him! My thanks Plains DPW
crew members, I have an idea what you go
through. I carry the garbage bag from the
house to the can! Hope you;re all well and
that all your NEWS is good!
TRASH TALK!
I was extremely pleased with the reaction
to Tuesday's Blog offering a much deserved
pat on the back to police officers everywhere.
And although it's probably not on your
calendar today is another day to salute some
of our public servants. This is National Garbage
Man's Day! It's a day set aside to make sure
we recognize the men and women who haul
away our garbage and recyclables! They
don;t get a lot of respect but they deserve it!
They work, throughout the year, in all kinds
of weather taking away all that stuff we don't
want in the house! Our local crew is great.
The guys always seem to have a smile on their
face and they have always taken time, when
my grandson is around, to wave and beep the
truck horn for him! My thanks Plains DPW
crew members, I have an idea what you go
through. I carry the garbage bag from the
house to the can! Hope you;re all well and
that all your NEWS is good!
Monday, June 15, 2020
THE SOUND OF A SIREN!
TUESDAY, JUNE 16TH., 2020
THE SOUND OF A SIREN!
It was quiet at the Plains playground.
Just the sound of a lawn mower in the
distance and a few kids playing. But
just minutes before the sound of a
police siren echoed around the park
and the flashing lights of the patrol
car could be seen for quite some
distance. But why? There were no
protests. No riots. Actually the action
was caused by my 4-year-old grandson!
The new Plains Township Police Chief
happen to be at the park when we
arrived and when my grandson inquired
about where the car's siren might be
located the chief immediately allowed
him to get in the vehicle and works the
controls! The chief won't get any headlines
or be in the news (except here) for his
kindness. But I'd like to suggest that he
is a typical example of most of the officers
serving communities everywhere these
days. Not those one or two who happen
to make the news because of wrongs
they've done. I know my grandson
appreciates the gesture he made to give
a kid a few minutes of his time. We should
all appreciate it. And say thank you to all
those who serve us with honor and
compassion. Hope your're well and
that all your NEWS is good!
THE SOUND OF A SIREN!
It was quiet at the Plains playground.
Just the sound of a lawn mower in the
distance and a few kids playing. But
just minutes before the sound of a
police siren echoed around the park
and the flashing lights of the patrol
car could be seen for quite some
distance. But why? There were no
protests. No riots. Actually the action
was caused by my 4-year-old grandson!
The new Plains Township Police Chief
happen to be at the park when we
arrived and when my grandson inquired
about where the car's siren might be
located the chief immediately allowed
him to get in the vehicle and works the
controls! The chief won't get any headlines
or be in the news (except here) for his
kindness. But I'd like to suggest that he
is a typical example of most of the officers
serving communities everywhere these
days. Not those one or two who happen
to make the news because of wrongs
they've done. I know my grandson
appreciates the gesture he made to give
a kid a few minutes of his time. We should
all appreciate it. And say thank you to all
those who serve us with honor and
compassion. Hope your're well and
that all your NEWS is good!
Sunday, June 14, 2020
A DATE AT THE MOVIES!
MONDAY, JUNE 15T. ,2020
A DATE AT THE MOVIES!
After months at home my wife and
I finally got out to a theater to see a
movie! Sort of. Actually it was a
Drive In Theater. The indoor theaters
were one of the first businesses to
close because of the virus pandemic.
They'll likely be among the last things
to reopen. The Drive Ins, on the other
hand, are seeing a resurgence! Some
things are just as you remembered.
The giant screen is still very impressive.
The popcorn is as good as ever. The
one big change is he sound system,
These days instead of depending on a
speaker that some drivers forgot and
drove off with, you listen to the sound
through your car radio and in the
comfort of your own seats. I told my
wife we should move to the back seat
(for more comfort of course). She had
a good laugh! Hope you're well and that
all your NEWS is good!
Saturday, June 13, 2020
COUNTING THE STARS!
SUNDAY, JUNE 14TH., 2020
COUNTING THE STARS!
Flag Day is a big one around our house
because it's our eldest daughter's Birthday.
That got me to thinking. She's grow up
and raised a family, all under the same
flag.
I've lived under three of them!
When I was born my cousins were
fighting in Europe for a star spangled
banner that represented 48 United
States.
Then, in January of 1959 an
additional start was added to
represent our newest, and largest
state, Alaska.
That 49 star flag and a pretty
short lifespan because just 8 months
later Hawaii officially changed its
status from a territory to a state.
Old Glory may eventually
have to find room for additional
stars. Both the District of Columbi
and Puerto Rico have voted for
statehood in referendums and there
are three other U.S. territories
that could , potentially, become
states. But, whatever she eventually
looks like let's all hope she keeps
flying ore the land of the free
and the home of the brave.
Hope you;re well and that all
your NEWS is good.
COUNTING THE STARS!
Flag Day is a big one around our house
because it's our eldest daughter's Birthday.
That got me to thinking. She's grow up
and raised a family, all under the same
flag.
I've lived under three of them!
When I was born my cousins were
fighting in Europe for a star spangled
banner that represented 48 United
States.
Then, in January of 1959 an
additional start was added to
represent our newest, and largest
state, Alaska.
That 49 star flag and a pretty
short lifespan because just 8 months
later Hawaii officially changed its
status from a territory to a state.
Old Glory may eventually
have to find room for additional
stars. Both the District of Columbi
and Puerto Rico have voted for
statehood in referendums and there
are three other U.S. territories
that could , potentially, become
states. But, whatever she eventually
looks like let's all hope she keeps
flying ore the land of the free
and the home of the brave.
Hope you;re well and that all
your NEWS is good.
Friday, June 12, 2020
LOOK BACK TO MOVE FORWARD!
SATURDAY, JUNE 13TH., 2020
LOOK BACK TO MOVE FORWARD!
We've heard so much over the past few
days about the controversy over police
reforms. It reminded me of a fellow
named Robert Peal. Robert Peal took
over a Police Department that was in
shambles! He came up with a strict code
of ethics that all police officers had to
follow. He also came up with what came
to be with what became known as the
"Pealian Reforms" Basically the idea
was the community and the police had
to work together in order for the police
to be effective and get things done. It
really worked in his case! The crime rate
went way down! It was so successful
that people began calling police officers
"Bobbies" after Robert "Bobby" Peal.
That was 1829 London! Maybe we
ought to take a look back to move
forward. I hope you're well and that
all your NEWS is good.
Thursday, June 11, 2020
REMEMBERING BETSY!
FRIDAY, JUNE 12TH., 2020
REMEMBERING BETSY!
Last evening my wife and I attended
a memorial for my sister in law
Betsy who passed away a few days ago.
The virus pandemic restricted the number
of those permitted to attend but there was
enough space for those family members
closest to her yp be there together.
Betsy enjoyed writing poetry. some
serious and melancholy, some reflecting
the comical wit that she always possessed
even as alzheimer's stole muh of her
memory away.
Her children, my nieces and nephew
and their children offered readings of
her verses giving them one last
audience while recounting memories
of their author.
There were, of course, some loving
tears shed. But as those gathered spent
the hours with one another the smiles
grew brighter and the laughter was
unmistakable even through those
protective masks. Betsy would have
loved it. I'm not big on good byes so
I'll just say...BETSY see you later!
Hope you're all well and that all of
your NEWS is good.
REMEMBERING BETSY!
Last evening my wife and I attended
a memorial for my sister in law
Betsy who passed away a few days ago.
The virus pandemic restricted the number
of those permitted to attend but there was
enough space for those family members
closest to her yp be there together.
Betsy enjoyed writing poetry. some
serious and melancholy, some reflecting
the comical wit that she always possessed
even as alzheimer's stole muh of her
memory away.
Her children, my nieces and nephew
and their children offered readings of
her verses giving them one last
audience while recounting memories
of their author.
There were, of course, some loving
tears shed. But as those gathered spent
the hours with one another the smiles
grew brighter and the laughter was
unmistakable even through those
protective masks. Betsy would have
loved it. I'm not big on good byes so
I'll just say...BETSY see you later!
Hope you're all well and that all of
your NEWS is good.
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
WHAT'S UP DOC?
THURSDAY, JUNE 11TH., 2020
WHAT'S UP DOC?
My wife and I had our regular
quarterly visit with our doctor
yesterday. There's one part of
the appointment that always
has me a little on edge and it
happens right off the bat. Before
we our escorted into the exam
room the nurse takes us over to
a scale to check our weight.
It's obviously not as good as our
bathroom scale which displays
much lower numbers. Sometimes
I forget about that weigh in and
I'm forced to take action fast!
It's OK in the winter. I can hide
my wallet, loose change, cell
phone, keys,and anything else in
my coat pockets. But it was
near 90 yesterday and I didn't
have a coat so all of those things
got weighed with me! And my
sneakers too! Women have it
much easier. They carry all those
heavy things in a purse which, by
the way, they do not hold while
they're on the scale! Think I'm
going to have to get one of those,
or demand a recount!
Hope you're all well, and that
all your NEWS is good!
WHAT'S UP DOC?
My wife and I had our regular
quarterly visit with our doctor
yesterday. There's one part of
the appointment that always
has me a little on edge and it
happens right off the bat. Before
we our escorted into the exam
room the nurse takes us over to
a scale to check our weight.
It's obviously not as good as our
bathroom scale which displays
much lower numbers. Sometimes
I forget about that weigh in and
I'm forced to take action fast!
It's OK in the winter. I can hide
my wallet, loose change, cell
phone, keys,and anything else in
my coat pockets. But it was
near 90 yesterday and I didn't
have a coat so all of those things
got weighed with me! And my
sneakers too! Women have it
much easier. They carry all those
heavy things in a purse which, by
the way, they do not hold while
they're on the scale! Think I'm
going to have to get one of those,
or demand a recount!
Hope you're all well, and that
all your NEWS is good!
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
MIGHTIER THANK THE SWORD!
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10TH., 2020
MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD!
You might want to take notes on this
blog. Writing goes way back, to the
caves. But for most of our history it
was the Quill Pen that took the notes.
Our Declaration of Independence
was penned by quill! But today we
celebrate a major advancement in
writing. For it was on this day, 76
years ago, that the Biro brothers
obtained a patent for the ballpoint
pen! I though those things had been
around forever!
They were hard to come by at
first. Very expensive. These days
they're all over the place. Some
companies give them away as
premiums. Of course the ones in
the bank are still chained to the
desk where you endorse your
check. I have one that's a
stylist on one end and a
flashlight on the other. And, oh
yes. it writes as well. Wonder
what the Biro brothers would
make of that?
Hope you're well and that all
your NEWS is good!
MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD!
You might want to take notes on this
blog. Writing goes way back, to the
caves. But for most of our history it
was the Quill Pen that took the notes.
Our Declaration of Independence
was penned by quill! But today we
celebrate a major advancement in
writing. For it was on this day, 76
years ago, that the Biro brothers
obtained a patent for the ballpoint
pen! I though those things had been
around forever!
They were hard to come by at
first. Very expensive. These days
they're all over the place. Some
companies give them away as
premiums. Of course the ones in
the bank are still chained to the
desk where you endorse your
check. I have one that's a
stylist on one end and a
flashlight on the other. And, oh
yes. it writes as well. Wonder
what the Biro brothers would
make of that?
Hope you're well and that all
your NEWS is good!
Monday, June 8, 2020
UNARMED!
TUESDAY, JUNE 9TH., 2020
UNARMED!
I kept hearing they were coming to
take our guns and now it's finally
happened. Well, not all guns. But
three very classic ones. By now you
may have heard that the new Looney
Tunes Cartoons will feature Elmer
Fudd without his shotgun and
Yosemite Sam with out his 6 shooters!
The series Executive Producer simply
said "We're not doing guns."
Now call me old school if your wish
but I'd like to point a couple things
out. First, Elmer Fudd's character
is a hunter and hunters usually have
rifles or shotguns. Second, Yosemite
Sam's character is a wild west gunman
and wild west gunman usually had
6 shooters. Thirdly, these are
cartoons! They're not real!
I can't remember ever taking them very
seriously! Now I'm as
opposed to anyone as seeing too much
violence on the screen. But in the first
of these new videos old Bugs Bunny
is seen going after Elmer with
dynamite! Poor Elmer doesn't even
have a cork pop gun!
If you really want to "disarm" a character
I'd suggest Pepe Le Pew!
Seems to me when it comes to
common sense these producers are
unharmed. Well, hope they give us a
laugh, that you're well, and that all
your NEWS is good!
UNARMED!
I kept hearing they were coming to
take our guns and now it's finally
happened. Well, not all guns. But
three very classic ones. By now you
may have heard that the new Looney
Tunes Cartoons will feature Elmer
Fudd without his shotgun and
Yosemite Sam with out his 6 shooters!
The series Executive Producer simply
said "We're not doing guns."
Now call me old school if your wish
but I'd like to point a couple things
out. First, Elmer Fudd's character
is a hunter and hunters usually have
rifles or shotguns. Second, Yosemite
Sam's character is a wild west gunman
and wild west gunman usually had
6 shooters. Thirdly, these are
cartoons! They're not real!
I can't remember ever taking them very
seriously! Now I'm as
opposed to anyone as seeing too much
violence on the screen. But in the first
of these new videos old Bugs Bunny
is seen going after Elmer with
dynamite! Poor Elmer doesn't even
have a cork pop gun!
If you really want to "disarm" a character
I'd suggest Pepe Le Pew!
Seems to me when it comes to
common sense these producers are
unharmed. Well, hope they give us a
laugh, that you're well, and that all
your NEWS is good!
Sunday, June 7, 2020
THE OLD CAMP GROUND!
MONDAY, JUNE 8TH., 2020
THE OLD CAMPGROUND!
Spent the better part of Sunday
escaping Cabin Fever by visiting
with our son and his family at their
camper.
Camping as always been popular
in our family. When our kids were
younger we hauled they all over on
vacations hauling our camper behind
our car.
Everyone enjoyed spending time
around the campfire. roasting hot dogs
and marshmallows.
Long after we quit towing we
had a couple campers at area lakes
over the years. And after we gave
up my son and his wife got theirs
to take over.
Camping is a great way to
keep the family together and their
are so many options. You'll find private
camp grounds throughout the area
an State parks offer plenty of camping
facilities. And there's another choice
close by! Your own back yard. Get
the gang together there and it's like
being on vacation miles away...right
outside your door.
Hope you'll give it a try, enjoy it,
and that all your NEWS is good!
THE OLD CAMPGROUND!
Spent the better part of Sunday
escaping Cabin Fever by visiting
with our son and his family at their
camper.
Camping as always been popular
in our family. When our kids were
younger we hauled they all over on
vacations hauling our camper behind
our car.
Everyone enjoyed spending time
around the campfire. roasting hot dogs
and marshmallows.
Long after we quit towing we
had a couple campers at area lakes
over the years. And after we gave
up my son and his wife got theirs
to take over.
Camping is a great way to
keep the family together and their
are so many options. You'll find private
camp grounds throughout the area
an State parks offer plenty of camping
facilities. And there's another choice
close by! Your own back yard. Get
the gang together there and it's like
being on vacation miles away...right
outside your door.
Hope you'll give it a try, enjoy it,
and that all your NEWS is good!
Saturday, June 6, 2020
TABLE FOR TWO?
SUNDAY, JUNE 7TH., 2020
TABLE FOR TWO?
My wife, daughter Missy and I
enjoyed a long ride Saturday. It
wasn't the first time we enjoyed
a drive but most of the others
have been close to home.
An auction buy, on line, prompted
the journey. But the bright sunny
day made an escape from the stay
at home advisories seem mandatory!
We found ourselves heading towards
Lord's Valley, then Hawley, and
Honesdale where we saw many others
celebrating the day as well.
We wanted to look for good things,
even in the face of the pandemic. And
we found some. The people enjoying
Lake Wallenpaupack, kids at playgrounds
along the way and then, the dining!
Many restautrants, seeking to return to
what they consider normal, are offering
outside dining! It's something we saw
everywhere on our Europen trips. We
stopped at one ourselves and found we
happen to be the first customers for one
of the regular waitresses. What an enjoyab;e
meal. It was like being back in Italy.
I hope it's a big success and that it will
continue even after all the virs scare is
finally over. Hope you'll try it, that your're
well, and that all your NEWS is good!
TABLE FOR TWO?
My wife, daughter Missy and I
enjoyed a long ride Saturday. It
wasn't the first time we enjoyed
a drive but most of the others
have been close to home.
An auction buy, on line, prompted
the journey. But the bright sunny
day made an escape from the stay
at home advisories seem mandatory!
We found ourselves heading towards
Lord's Valley, then Hawley, and
Honesdale where we saw many others
celebrating the day as well.
We wanted to look for good things,
even in the face of the pandemic. And
we found some. The people enjoying
Lake Wallenpaupack, kids at playgrounds
along the way and then, the dining!
Many restautrants, seeking to return to
what they consider normal, are offering
outside dining! It's something we saw
everywhere on our Europen trips. We
stopped at one ourselves and found we
happen to be the first customers for one
of the regular waitresses. What an enjoyab;e
meal. It was like being back in Italy.
I hope it's a big success and that it will
continue even after all the virs scare is
finally over. Hope you'll try it, that your're
well, and that all your NEWS is good!
Friday, June 5, 2020
KID POWER!
SATURDAY, JUNE 6TH., 2020
KID POWER!
Today I write directly to the
environmentalists and scientists out
there! Forget wind and solar power.
Drop them and concentrate on
finding a way to harness the energy
of a 4 or 5 year old child!
I took my grandson to the playground.
It was about 80 degrees and humid. I
walked with him or, rather, behind him.
I lifted him when necessary and pushed
him on a number of swings.
When we returned to my house he
pulled out half of his Tonka toy
collection and started pushing then
around on the rocks in my driveway.
He showed no signs of running
out of energy throughout the day.
In the morning he's awake and
begin all over again! I will feel as
though I've been run over by a truck
on Interstate 81!
Solve the world's energy needs!
Find a way to harness all that kid
power!
Hope you're well and that all
your NEWS is good!
KID POWER!
Today I write directly to the
environmentalists and scientists out
there! Forget wind and solar power.
Drop them and concentrate on
finding a way to harness the energy
of a 4 or 5 year old child!
I took my grandson to the playground.
It was about 80 degrees and humid. I
walked with him or, rather, behind him.
I lifted him when necessary and pushed
him on a number of swings.
When we returned to my house he
pulled out half of his Tonka toy
collection and started pushing then
around on the rocks in my driveway.
He showed no signs of running
out of energy throughout the day.
In the morning he's awake and
begin all over again! I will feel as
though I've been run over by a truck
on Interstate 81!
Solve the world's energy needs!
Find a way to harness all that kid
power!
Hope you're well and that all
your NEWS is good!
Thursday, June 4, 2020
THE SKY IS FALLING!
FRIDAY, JUNE 5TH., 2020
THE SKY IS FALLING!
If only we had listened! Bill Gates
warned President Trump about the
danger of a pandemic back in 2016.
Leaders of America's "minority
communities" have been predicting
mass demonstrations to promote
social justice. And now we learn
Chicken Little was right all along!
THE SKY IS FALLING!
Of course Chicken Little never
gave us exact dates. But NASA has!
An asteroid about the size of the
Empire State Building is headed
towards earth right now! It's going
about 285,000 miles per hour!
But wait! There's more!
Another asteroid is scheduled to
scheduled to swing by on June 8th
and a third on June 24th.
Now we're told not to fret,
The asteroid due tomorrow is
suppose to miss us by over 3 million
miles.
I thought I'd get ready just in case
they're off a bit on those calculations.
Of course I hope they're right and
that all your NEWS is good.
THE SKY IS FALLING!
If only we had listened! Bill Gates
warned President Trump about the
danger of a pandemic back in 2016.
Leaders of America's "minority
communities" have been predicting
mass demonstrations to promote
social justice. And now we learn
Chicken Little was right all along!
THE SKY IS FALLING!
Of course Chicken Little never
gave us exact dates. But NASA has!
An asteroid about the size of the
Empire State Building is headed
towards earth right now! It's going
about 285,000 miles per hour!
But wait! There's more!
Another asteroid is scheduled to
scheduled to swing by on June 8th
and a third on June 24th.
Now we're told not to fret,
The asteroid due tomorrow is
suppose to miss us by over 3 million
miles.
I thought I'd get ready just in case
they're off a bit on those calculations.
Of course I hope they're right and
that all your NEWS is good.
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
X MARKS THE SPOT!
THURSDAY, JUNE 4TH., 2020
X MARKS THE SPOT!
I have made a discovery. Pirates
had a method to their madness. They
drew a maps so they'd be able to
find the treasure they buried.
Over the years I have acquired
some "duplicate" appliances. A
second remote control for our
portable heater. A second wireless
mouse for my computer. An extra
bulb for a high intensity light I
use for reading.
Someday, I'm going tp need
one of those "extras" when the
units I described stop working.
The "back ups" are all\available.
The question is ..where?
I know we put them somewhere
safe. But just where? I haven't the
slightest idea!
I've decided, in the future,
when I get that extra part, for what
ever, I'll draw a map so I can find
it when it's needed.
Of course you all realize it's
highly likely I'll forget where I
put the map!
Hope you know where
everything is and that all your
NEWS is good!
X MARKS THE SPOT!
I have made a discovery. Pirates
had a method to their madness. They
drew a maps so they'd be able to
find the treasure they buried.
Over the years I have acquired
some "duplicate" appliances. A
second remote control for our
portable heater. A second wireless
mouse for my computer. An extra
bulb for a high intensity light I
use for reading.
Someday, I'm going tp need
one of those "extras" when the
units I described stop working.
The "back ups" are all\available.
The question is ..where?
I know we put them somewhere
safe. But just where? I haven't the
slightest idea!
I've decided, in the future,
when I get that extra part, for what
ever, I'll draw a map so I can find
it when it's needed.
Of course you all realize it's
highly likely I'll forget where I
put the map!
Hope you know where
everything is and that all your
NEWS is good!
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
CIVIL RIGHTS AND WRONGS !
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3RD., 2020
CIVIL RIGHTS & WRONGS !
Seems there's a lot of very angry
people out there these days. They've
been gathering across the country to
protest what they feel is injustice.
It's actually kind of good to know
you live in a country where people
are allowed to assemble and speak
out when they thing something is
wrong.
It's part of our Civil rights.
But then, there's the Civil wrongs.
You see our constitution allows
people to peaceably assemble.
But some have decided to
express themselves by gathering to
block highways, burn buildings, and
loot stores.
Unfortunately the message of the
many can be lost in the smoke from
those few.
It goes back to something many
of us were taught years ago. Free
Speech does not allow you to yell
fire in a crowded theater. (let alone
set one.)
I hope cooler heads eventually
prevail and that all your NEWS is
good.
CIVIL RIGHTS & WRONGS !
Seems there's a lot of very angry
people out there these days. They've
been gathering across the country to
protest what they feel is injustice.
It's actually kind of good to know
you live in a country where people
are allowed to assemble and speak
out when they thing something is
wrong.
It's part of our Civil rights.
But then, there's the Civil wrongs.
You see our constitution allows
people to peaceably assemble.
But some have decided to
express themselves by gathering to
block highways, burn buildings, and
loot stores.
Unfortunately the message of the
many can be lost in the smoke from
those few.
It goes back to something many
of us were taught years ago. Free
Speech does not allow you to yell
fire in a crowded theater. (let alone
set one.)
I hope cooler heads eventually
prevail and that all your NEWS is
good.
Monday, June 1, 2020
SOMETIMES IT'S GOOD TO SLIDE A BIT!
TUESDAY JUNE 2ND., 2020
SOMETIMES IT'S GOOD TO SLIDE A BIT!
The virus pandemic restrictions have caused
a hardship for many and, at the very least, an
inconvenience for most everyone. For kids,
it's caused a terrible confusion. They ask
"Why can't we go to school." Why can't we
play with our friends? Why is the amusement
park closed." My grandson and I call the virus
"the sickness." That's why I was so very
pleased that, at least in my community, the
playgrounds have reopened. There's nothing\
like a ride on a swing or a run down the sliding
board to make the kids feel that things are
getting back to normal. That everything is
going to be all right. And you know what?
It will be all right for us too. We've just got
to be a little more patient. Hope you're well
and that all of your NEWS is good!
SOMETIMES IT'S GOOD TO SLIDE A BIT!
The virus pandemic restrictions have caused
a hardship for many and, at the very least, an
inconvenience for most everyone. For kids,
it's caused a terrible confusion. They ask
"Why can't we go to school." Why can't we
play with our friends? Why is the amusement
park closed." My grandson and I call the virus
"the sickness." That's why I was so very
pleased that, at least in my community, the
playgrounds have reopened. There's nothing\
like a ride on a swing or a run down the sliding
board to make the kids feel that things are
getting back to normal. That everything is
going to be all right. And you know what?
It will be all right for us too. We've just got
to be a little more patient. Hope you're well
and that all of your NEWS is good!