We have a long standing tradition of going out to breakfast on Sunday morning. Today was no different, and soon after getting up we set out on a quest to find a good breakfast place. We drove from the RV park to downtown Livingston, discovered the Courthouse Cafe, and decided to try it, especially because they had large stained glass decorations in their windows. A lady took us to our seats, and our waitress appeared and quickly got us coffee and iced water. We ordered egg dishes, and HW2 had grits (which were wonderful), and I had a small stack of pancakes. HW2 mentioned that she liked the way that our waitress had had her hair cut and asked her where she got it done. She informed HW2 that she got it done in Onalaska, which was about seven miles away. She also mentioned it was a razor cut and was very pleased to be asked, (a Venus thing, I am sure). I suggested to HW2 that if she would also get hers dyed red, I would give her money. This suggestion was not met with much appreciation.
Our food arrived, and our waitress checked to see that everything was as requested, and indeed the bacon was crisp, and the eggs done perfectly. We suggested to her that she must have done a terrific job in the kitchen, as well as being a terrific waitress. We then learned that her name was Dolores and that on Tuesday she is getting married in the town gazebo just across the street and next to the court house. They even published their names in the paper and listed their ages. He is 61 and she is two years older. She will wear a lime green dress (which will go well with the red hair), grey shoes and silver leaf decorations on the dress. He is quite well to do, and she is hoping he will buy her a condominium with all new furniture. We wished her well and much happiness. Then she informed us that her last name used to be Flores. I liked that: Delores Flores (Has a nice ring, don't you think?) . I informed her that in Omaha we had a great weatherman named Jim Flowers, although we called him Jaimie Flores. Do you suppose that they could be related? She then wanted to know if we spoke Spanish, and I replied in Spanish, "a little." She responded with some English and some Spanish, as did we, and we both got hugs at the end. HW2 was a bit disappointed that we didn't get invited to the wedding, but Dolores is definitely a candidate for the Christmas list. Cin, cin!
PS The owner of the cafe told us that the stained glass is made on the cheap in Indonesia. This glass person was a bit offended about that. Cheap imports can sure cut into your business
PS2 from HW2: Ya'll should see her ring! And she said it was NUTHIN compared to the guard ring and wedding band that matches it! I'm betting on a completely new townhouse!
Sunday, September 30, 2007
James E.
The young man who helped us by replacing our batteries was called James E. He did a good job! When we met, he informed me that his name was James E., and his daddy was James E., but called James. He was called James E., although he was really a Junior, since he and his daddy had the same name. Then barely coming up for air, he told me that he met Stan who had the RV repair business, and that Stan had said, "Well, James E., We went to church together, What are you doing here? etc. etc." The end result was that James E. got hired by Stan, and that was a good thing because he helped raise all of his 13-14 nieces and nephews. He had even yanked a niece by the hair, off her bike, because she did not have the proper helmet on, and he related how the others all wore their helmets now. To top it off, he seemed to have several missing teeth with the remaining discolored, probably from smoking. If you could have heard him talk non-stop and really looked at him, you might have wondered where he learned enough to repair RV's, but he could and did, and we were thankful that James E. came to help us.
When we left the next morning, low and behold, the battery light came on again. So we stopped in Alba and were directed to a Freightliner repair shop where they checked James E's work and learned that the alternator needed to be replaced. This accomplished, we proceeded into the mountains of western Arkansas and found rest for the night at an old KOA site that had changed hands many times, and for the last month was being fixed up by a couple. He was 68 (I had to think if I thought that was old), and she a bit younger but covered by paint splatters. We thought that repairing an older camping facility would be very difficult. The next morning a very blue-eyed young man asked me if our motor home had four slides, and I said yes. He then asked me "Whur ya goin?" Answer, "Texas," was followed by his, "Hope ya git thar." Now if Forest Gump had appeared, I would not have been surprised. We unhooked and started out on our way south through the mountains. We passed through Hatfield, King, and De Queen in rapid order and thought maybe we would be on the lookout for mountain men dressed in bib overalls, with a hat, carrying a gun and ...... Didn't see a one, but I kept a sharp eye out, just in case.
We arrived, mid afternoon, in Livingston, TX, got set up, got our mail, and tried to turn on our TV, but no success, so back on the cell phone to Direct TV again. So we went to the local Walmart for groceries and supplies. HW2 fixed a great dinner of scallops and pasta. The TV repair man comes on Wednesday, and we shall see if he can show us how to work the thing. This technology stuff is hard to learn for a 68 year old man. Cin, cin!
When we left the next morning, low and behold, the battery light came on again. So we stopped in Alba and were directed to a Freightliner repair shop where they checked James E's work and learned that the alternator needed to be replaced. This accomplished, we proceeded into the mountains of western Arkansas and found rest for the night at an old KOA site that had changed hands many times, and for the last month was being fixed up by a couple. He was 68 (I had to think if I thought that was old), and she a bit younger but covered by paint splatters. We thought that repairing an older camping facility would be very difficult. The next morning a very blue-eyed young man asked me if our motor home had four slides, and I said yes. He then asked me "Whur ya goin?" Answer, "Texas," was followed by his, "Hope ya git thar." Now if Forest Gump had appeared, I would not have been surprised. We unhooked and started out on our way south through the mountains. We passed through Hatfield, King, and De Queen in rapid order and thought maybe we would be on the lookout for mountain men dressed in bib overalls, with a hat, carrying a gun and ...... Didn't see a one, but I kept a sharp eye out, just in case.
We arrived, mid afternoon, in Livingston, TX, got set up, got our mail, and tried to turn on our TV, but no success, so back on the cell phone to Direct TV again. So we went to the local Walmart for groceries and supplies. HW2 fixed a great dinner of scallops and pasta. The TV repair man comes on Wednesday, and we shall see if he can show us how to work the thing. This technology stuff is hard to learn for a 68 year old man. Cin, cin!
Friday, September 28, 2007
Presidential Libraries
We like to visit Presidential homes and libraries. President Hoover's home and library are in Iowa and worth visiting, just a short distance off I-80 west of Iowa City. I believe his was the first Presidential library, but recently in Springfield, Illinois, a new Lincoln Library has been created and opened. Harry Truman has his library in Independence, Missouri, not too far from his home. You can now also visit the home, but only the main floor, since Bess Truman thought it inappropriate for visitors to view the bedroom area. Eisenhower's library is in Abilene, Kansas, and both he and Mamie are buried there, and his boyhood home has been moved to be nearby the library. The only home he and Mamie owned was purchased in the latter years of his presidency and located in Gettysburgh and can also be visited. F.D.R.'s library and home are on the Hudson River at Hyde Park. He and Eleanor are buried there on the grounds of the library. Kennedy's library is in Boston near the Charles River, but his home is not open for visitors. Johnson's library is in Austin at the Universiy of Texas, and one can make trips to the outside of his home on the Pedernales River near Johnson City. Now that Lady Bird has died, perhaps the home will soon be open to the public. Nixon's library and home are located in Whittier, California, I think, but we have not visited that one at this time. Ford's library is in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is where he was recently burried. His home is not open for visitors. Carter's library is in Atlanta, Bush's is in College Station, and Clinton's is in Little Rock, AR. We have not visited Clinton's library, either. Reagan's is in the Los Angeles area near the new Getty Art Gallery, but one can easily see that Nancy did the WHOLE thing. The homes and libraries are a wonderful collection of Presidential collectibles and important papers of the times, which we have thoroughly enjoyed. I am sure that future biographers will have a treasure trove at each site.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Three Days in Carthage, MO
When we arrived in Carthage, we were quite happy to get her and to stop from our travels. On the way a warning light came on to warn us that we had low battery power. Now we suspected the cause because our four auxiliary batteries which supply power when we are not hooked up had not been well maintained and were quite low on battery fluid. Filling them with water before traveling did not do the trick, hence the light of warning. So we checked out the local RV repair place and learned that they are very backed up on the repair business, and they recommended another RV repair place. The second place even makes house calls, and about 3pm a young man drove up, tested the batteries, and sure enough, we have to replace the four auxiliary ones. He will return subsequently and replace them. So, we are enjoying some down time and checking out the Carthage area, which has lovely Victorian homes and a castle- like court house on the downtown square. Today we hope to visit an early Civil War battlefield and memorial. Then tomorrow it will be to head south again.
Palindromes
Last night as I put myself into bed, I glanced at the ceiling to see the time, 10:01, and thought the number is symmetric to the colon. Michelle had a clock that projected her times onto the ceiling, and we discovered that Target has them, so we traded in our old clock radio for this new one and now can easily learn the time when waking up in the middle of the night, which seems to occur frequently at my age. In mathematics, people who like the subject frequently get caught up in some of the fun things you learn. Palindromes, or things symmetric, have always fascinated me. Words can be symmetric too, such as: toot, boob, dad, mom, etc. As a kid I learned the following phrase: Able was I ere I saw Elba. This phrase is symmetric in that you can start at either end, and you get exactly the same letters. Somewhat later, I learned that Elba was an island in the Mediterranean Sea west of Italy and that Napoleon Bonaparte was imprisoned there until he escaped.
Several years ago HW2, Mom, and I were traveling by car from Florence, Italy, to Pisa to see the leaning tower and then proceeded south along the west coast of Italy, when we began to see small blue road signs of a stylized whale with what looked like cars in its mouth.We had no idea what this sign meant, but we became so intrigued that we followed the succession of signs, which led us to a ferry. Upon asking where the ferry was going, we learned that it was going to the island of Elba. We quickly decided to take the trip, too, and spent the next three days on Elba, visiting among other things, the house where Napoleon had spent his prison years. See the adventures that palindromes can cause?
Several years ago HW2, Mom, and I were traveling by car from Florence, Italy, to Pisa to see the leaning tower and then proceeded south along the west coast of Italy, when we began to see small blue road signs of a stylized whale with what looked like cars in its mouth.We had no idea what this sign meant, but we became so intrigued that we followed the succession of signs, which led us to a ferry. Upon asking where the ferry was going, we learned that it was going to the island of Elba. We quickly decided to take the trip, too, and spent the next three days on Elba, visiting among other things, the house where Napoleon had spent his prison years. See the adventures that palindromes can cause?
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Birds
I am a birder, that is, someone who tries to find and identify birds. This started when I started my first year of teaching. I had several junior high school science classes and somehow near the end of the school year, I realized that we had finished the book and needed something to end the year. A good friend suggested why not do a unit on birds, since the school was located in a wooded area near lots of orchards. We should be able to identify several birds, and the kids would enjoy and appreciate the birds. Well, the unit was a great success! We identified many birds and hopefully started a life long interest in birding for my students. It sure did for me. Of course, the students quickly brought me back to earth. They had been so good that I took all three classes on an extended field trip to a nearby orchard. I took 93 students to the orchard and returned to the school with 90. Now this is not good. The principal got my classes covered, and I went back to the orchard to find my three truants casually walking along in the orchard. They had planned it all along. I did not take students on another field trip for many years. However, I became a birder.
While driving from Kerrville, TX, to Albuquerque, NM, some road kill was on the road and being picked at by several buzzards. I slowed down, but one of the buzzards was slow on the take off, and we collided. He shattered our windshield but fortunately caused no other damage except to himself, as he became a part of the road kill. We taped the window so that it would not fall apart and drove to Albuquerque to get it replaced. I was able to identify this buzzard up close.
Last night in Carthage, MO, as we were eating dinner, we were entertained by a pair of bluebirds. I have never seen a bluebird and have wanted to since seeing "Song of the South" as a child. In the movie, the Uncle Remus stories were enlivened with a song including the words, "Mr. Bluebird on my shoulder....". Niece Joan is a birder and puts out nesting boxes to encourage the bluebird population and takes part in counting them. Joan, I have now seen my first bluebird and hope to see many more.
While driving from Kerrville, TX, to Albuquerque, NM, some road kill was on the road and being picked at by several buzzards. I slowed down, but one of the buzzards was slow on the take off, and we collided. He shattered our windshield but fortunately caused no other damage except to himself, as he became a part of the road kill. We taped the window so that it would not fall apart and drove to Albuquerque to get it replaced. I was able to identify this buzzard up close.
Last night in Carthage, MO, as we were eating dinner, we were entertained by a pair of bluebirds. I have never seen a bluebird and have wanted to since seeing "Song of the South" as a child. In the movie, the Uncle Remus stories were enlivened with a song including the words, "Mr. Bluebird on my shoulder....". Niece Joan is a birder and puts out nesting boxes to encourage the bluebird population and takes part in counting them. Joan, I have now seen my first bluebird and hope to see many more.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Carthage, Missouri
We are on the way wandering South. Today we had the Direct TV guy out to our gated community and he was able to fix our system and arrange for cable hook up when offered so that we could get the national networks. His name is Stan and we highly recommend him if you need his services. His addition to the Christmas list is still an open issue.
Once Stan had us hooked up and the televisions working we moved the motor home from where we were parked for the last week at Leaches RV, hooked up our car so we could tow it behind, and went to the nearest gas station for the necessary diesel fuel. A trucker in the next bay said that he spends $15,000 a month on diesel fuel and did we want to trade vehicles. I think that this easily explains higher food prices for all of us. Tank filled, we got onto the interstate I29 and headed to Kansas City, Missouri where HW2 taught middle school for three years at the beginning of her teaching career. Finally we stopped in Carthage for the night. A light came on the front display indicating low battery so we have something to attend to in the morning. However there is a RV garage attached to this park and maybe we can get them to look at our battery energy levels. When we checked into this park, the office attendants immediately recognised our new address since they use Livingston as their home address too. It is a small world. It was hard to leave family and friends in Omaha but we will work hard to stay in touch with all. HW2 seems to have dinner in hand and that seems like a good thing to me. Cin, cin!!!!
Once Stan had us hooked up and the televisions working we moved the motor home from where we were parked for the last week at Leaches RV, hooked up our car so we could tow it behind, and went to the nearest gas station for the necessary diesel fuel. A trucker in the next bay said that he spends $15,000 a month on diesel fuel and did we want to trade vehicles. I think that this easily explains higher food prices for all of us. Tank filled, we got onto the interstate I29 and headed to Kansas City, Missouri where HW2 taught middle school for three years at the beginning of her teaching career. Finally we stopped in Carthage for the night. A light came on the front display indicating low battery so we have something to attend to in the morning. However there is a RV garage attached to this park and maybe we can get them to look at our battery energy levels. When we checked into this park, the office attendants immediately recognised our new address since they use Livingston as their home address too. It is a small world. It was hard to leave family and friends in Omaha but we will work hard to stay in touch with all. HW2 seems to have dinner in hand and that seems like a good thing to me. Cin, cin!!!!
Gated community
When our house sold, we had an estate sale and moved things we wanted to keep into a storage unit nearby. Once we had cleaned things up, we loaded up the motor home and got ready to move back onto the road. When we tried to move one of the slides back, the motor did not want to do the job. So we unloaded that entire part of the coach, and I pulled on the slide while HW2 pushed the button, and we finally got the slide back in. As a result, instead of heading south, we crossed the Missouri River into Iowa and went to Leech's RV Sales where in the past we had work done on the coach. The good folks took pity on us and hooked up our coach so that we had power and water and kindly let us stay on site while things were investigated and fixed. They even gave us a gate key so that when the site was locked at night, if we had an emergency, we could unlock the gate and leave. Kim V. announced to us that we now lived in a gated community. That assessment was accurate and very funny.
Yesterday, the needed motor for the slide arrived from Indiana and was installed so that now the slide moves in and out without me pushing or pulling or unloading that part of the coach. Once the Direct TV man arrives this morning to try to get that system fully functioning, we will be on the way. We may even get to Kansas City or points further south. Happy travels! Happy Wanderings!
Yesterday, the needed motor for the slide arrived from Indiana and was installed so that now the slide moves in and out without me pushing or pulling or unloading that part of the coach. Once the Direct TV man arrives this morning to try to get that system fully functioning, we will be on the way. We may even get to Kansas City or points further south. Happy travels! Happy Wanderings!
Monday, September 24, 2007
4 Kims
Many of you know that we have a daughter Kim, who is married to a fine man, and they have two boys, making their home in Michigan. Kim is a clarinet professor and her husband is an engineer with General Motors. Their oldest boy is in kindergarten and the other in pre-school. Their lives are very busy, but we enjoy talking to them weekly on the phone and keeping current that way.
We also have a good friend Kim V. She has a family of five ranging in ages from junior high school to college age. She has home-schooled her children and certainly produced some fine musicians as well. Her husband is a professor in the medical school and does wonderful research work on malaria and Alzheimer's. Both parents are workaholics but find time for their church and are very involved. They serve as a fine example to the rest of the congregation.
Kim, the bartender at Bass Pro Shop, tends her bar in such a friendly way. She has recently twice served us lunch and been so very friendly. What a wonderful ambassador for her store and for Iowa, too. We are thinking about adding her to the Christmas list.
On the way out of The Mall of the Bluffs, we ran into Kim S., who runs an excellent show for antique dealers. She has shows here in Council Bluffs at the Mid-America Convention Center and several other shows throughout Iowa. We exhibited with Kim for several years and so appreciated her professionalism and well-run shows. There were always many customers who came to her shows and for many, they became repeat customers of ours, as well. We miss working with Kim and wish her show much success in the coming years. How neat to run into her today! Now about that pesky list.......
We also have a good friend Kim V. She has a family of five ranging in ages from junior high school to college age. She has home-schooled her children and certainly produced some fine musicians as well. Her husband is a professor in the medical school and does wonderful research work on malaria and Alzheimer's. Both parents are workaholics but find time for their church and are very involved. They serve as a fine example to the rest of the congregation.
Kim, the bartender at Bass Pro Shop, tends her bar in such a friendly way. She has recently twice served us lunch and been so very friendly. What a wonderful ambassador for her store and for Iowa, too. We are thinking about adding her to the Christmas list.
On the way out of The Mall of the Bluffs, we ran into Kim S., who runs an excellent show for antique dealers. She has shows here in Council Bluffs at the Mid-America Convention Center and several other shows throughout Iowa. We exhibited with Kim for several years and so appreciated her professionalism and well-run shows. There were always many customers who came to her shows and for many, they became repeat customers of ours, as well. We miss working with Kim and wish her show much success in the coming years. How neat to run into her today! Now about that pesky list.......
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Dennis - Marathon Man
Dennis is a good friend of ours and turns 55 today. To celebrate this milestone, he has been following a training regimen which would get him ready to run his FIRST marathon today. We decided to be his groupies and to cheer him on, knowing that his wife and son would be there, too. So about three hours into the race we waited along the route, and along came Dennis. We greeted him with a squirt bottle of water, and he said he was still into the excitement and pushed himself onward. About a half hour later we took up another position along side of the race and cheered the runners on, read part of the Sunday paper, and waited for Dennis to appear. When he got there we gave him a cold bottle of water, sprayed him down again with the squirt bottle, and cheered him on. Finally, about five hours into the race, we connected up with his wife and son, and all of us cheered him as he crossed the finish line. Now, this is quite an achievement, I think. I like the fact that he set a goal, trained appropriately, and set out to run this marathon. Today, almost 2000 people ran the race, and at the end we saw two other friends who had also run the race. I think that she came in fifth in the female category and her husband finished his first marathon, just as had Dennis. If I was a little younger, maybe much younger, I might entertain the idea, but, it seemed helpful to cheer for these fine athletes as they strove to finish their race Maybe I could walk it. I'll have to think about that.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Cars
When I finished college and was about to get married, I bought my first car. Now I really felt independent. I bought a four-door 1956 Ford from Mr. Gould. It ran well except when you let up on the gas and were coasting down a hill, it would produce huge clouds of black smoke. I quickly learned to carry several cans of oil and frequently added it to the engine. It seemed about every two weeks, I would have to take it to Uncle Harry's garage, and he would patch it back together for the next two weeks. Finally, it got traded for a Nash Rambler, which worked just fine and didn't need to be in the garage on a regular basis. Jerry was a baby at the time, and while sitting in his child seat in the car, he could reach the shift and actually shifted the car, while in foward motion, to reverse. This had an unfortunate impact on the transmission, and we were back to the garage. It was maroon in color, and to this day I like to see cars of that color.
Maurice's family was growing, and they needed a larger car, so we traded the Rambler for their green Volkswagen and drove it while attending Cornell for graduate school. I then sold the Volkswagen and bought Mom's red Volkswagen Variant Sedan that she had imported from Europe. We took it on a three week trip across the country and shipped it to Hawaii where I would teach for the next three years. While there we bought a Volkswagen Camper and had fun camping all over Oahu. After three years, we shipped both vehicles back to the mainland and settled in Tucson for more graduate school work. The Variant got traded for a white Dotsun, and the camper was traded for a Mustang Convertible (my favorite car of all). With three boys we needed larger transportation, and the next car was a nine-passenger Mercury Station wagon which overheated frequently, but each boy got his own row of seats, and the fighting diminished. That then was traded for a large Chrysler Imperial, which could really move on the highway.
The car saga continued through another Chrysler after Jerry's friend wrecked the Imperial and then to a Mitsubishi then to a Mazda truck. A second Imperial ("The Bomb") was bought but proved to backfire, leave pits in the driveway, and stall, so it was sold for a Dodge Dynasty, which was then traded for a succession of three GMC Suburbans and two Trailblazers. We still have the second Trailblazer and like it very much.
I like cars to work when needed and do not like to try to fix them. I do like to trade for a newer car frequently, as you can see by the above succession of cars. Even today as we drive about, I think about how much we might like this one or that one. Some boys never really grow up when it comes to cars. When Maurice and I were young, we would pour over the car ads in Post Magazine and cut the new ones out each fall, and dream of the day when we could own a car. I happily can revert to those days in my mind and still admire the tear-shaped Chevrolet's. Maybe one of these days I can trade............
Maurice's family was growing, and they needed a larger car, so we traded the Rambler for their green Volkswagen and drove it while attending Cornell for graduate school. I then sold the Volkswagen and bought Mom's red Volkswagen Variant Sedan that she had imported from Europe. We took it on a three week trip across the country and shipped it to Hawaii where I would teach for the next three years. While there we bought a Volkswagen Camper and had fun camping all over Oahu. After three years, we shipped both vehicles back to the mainland and settled in Tucson for more graduate school work. The Variant got traded for a white Dotsun, and the camper was traded for a Mustang Convertible (my favorite car of all). With three boys we needed larger transportation, and the next car was a nine-passenger Mercury Station wagon which overheated frequently, but each boy got his own row of seats, and the fighting diminished. That then was traded for a large Chrysler Imperial, which could really move on the highway.
The car saga continued through another Chrysler after Jerry's friend wrecked the Imperial and then to a Mitsubishi then to a Mazda truck. A second Imperial ("The Bomb") was bought but proved to backfire, leave pits in the driveway, and stall, so it was sold for a Dodge Dynasty, which was then traded for a succession of three GMC Suburbans and two Trailblazers. We still have the second Trailblazer and like it very much.
I like cars to work when needed and do not like to try to fix them. I do like to trade for a newer car frequently, as you can see by the above succession of cars. Even today as we drive about, I think about how much we might like this one or that one. Some boys never really grow up when it comes to cars. When Maurice and I were young, we would pour over the car ads in Post Magazine and cut the new ones out each fall, and dream of the day when we could own a car. I happily can revert to those days in my mind and still admire the tear-shaped Chevrolet's. Maybe one of these days I can trade............
Friday, September 21, 2007
Bats
Bats bring to my mind belfries, flying about, radar, vampires, and Hallowe'en. I have never had much to do with bats, but I do remember that they also carry rabies, and if you are bitten by one, you need the rabies shots. When we first moved to our house in Omaha, we were to invited over for dinner at Beth and Harold's home, learning that he was a train dispatcher for Union Pacific Railways, and she worked for the Henry Doorly Zoo and was an expert in bats. I don't know if she has ever been bitten, but she has had the shots for rabies.
Sometime later, one dark morning when I was up early, something flew into our house and circled the living room, then flew back outside or into the attached garage. Now, HW2 is quite afraid of mice, which do not fly at all, so I was tempted not to tell her about the flying object I had experienced. However, I decided the best part of valor was to tell her and prepare to move. Much to my surprise, HW2 did not seem to be afraid of flying things, and moving was not necessary. Some weeks later we had Beth and Harold over for dinner and related the story of the flying animal. Delighted, Beth said, "Oh, you have bats! How wonderful!" Wonderful might not describe how I felt about bats. However, right then in the middle of this conversation our resident bat flew through the living room, made a circle in the air, and then flew up stairs. Now really, this is taking bat friendship too far for me. I do not want bats in my bedroom. Beth calmly got up and went upstairs, removed a pillowcase, and caught the bat while it was hanging onto the curtains, and returned downstairs with bat in hand. "It is a brown bat, a male in fact, and probably not happy to be caught," she said. We were amazed. After instructions, Beth put it in a jar for transporting and later took it home. Harold then tried to put it in a bat house which they had in their backyard, but it escaped. After about two weeks, one evening while sitting in our living room, our bat circled back through as if to say, "I'm home!" and flew back into the garage. He never flew in after that. So, we had bats and learned to keep the door connecting the garage to the house closed, and that kept the bats out of the house.
Bats do eat insects, being especially fond of mosquitoes, so really, we were glad to have them in the neighborhood, sort of a live and let-live attitude. In the process of selling our house, the new owners called one afternoon about whether we had a mice problem. I said we had not seen any mice since we had been there, but that most likely, they could easily get in through the garage. HW2 mentioned the occasional bat droppings in the garage and wondered if they had seen that, and thus the mice-in-house question. We wonder if the new owners have met our bat, yet. I hope that they keep the door to the garage closed.
Sometime later, one dark morning when I was up early, something flew into our house and circled the living room, then flew back outside or into the attached garage. Now, HW2 is quite afraid of mice, which do not fly at all, so I was tempted not to tell her about the flying object I had experienced. However, I decided the best part of valor was to tell her and prepare to move. Much to my surprise, HW2 did not seem to be afraid of flying things, and moving was not necessary. Some weeks later we had Beth and Harold over for dinner and related the story of the flying animal. Delighted, Beth said, "Oh, you have bats! How wonderful!" Wonderful might not describe how I felt about bats. However, right then in the middle of this conversation our resident bat flew through the living room, made a circle in the air, and then flew up stairs. Now really, this is taking bat friendship too far for me. I do not want bats in my bedroom. Beth calmly got up and went upstairs, removed a pillowcase, and caught the bat while it was hanging onto the curtains, and returned downstairs with bat in hand. "It is a brown bat, a male in fact, and probably not happy to be caught," she said. We were amazed. After instructions, Beth put it in a jar for transporting and later took it home. Harold then tried to put it in a bat house which they had in their backyard, but it escaped. After about two weeks, one evening while sitting in our living room, our bat circled back through as if to say, "I'm home!" and flew back into the garage. He never flew in after that. So, we had bats and learned to keep the door connecting the garage to the house closed, and that kept the bats out of the house.
Bats do eat insects, being especially fond of mosquitoes, so really, we were glad to have them in the neighborhood, sort of a live and let-live attitude. In the process of selling our house, the new owners called one afternoon about whether we had a mice problem. I said we had not seen any mice since we had been there, but that most likely, they could easily get in through the garage. HW2 mentioned the occasional bat droppings in the garage and wondered if they had seen that, and thus the mice-in-house question. We wonder if the new owners have met our bat, yet. I hope that they keep the door to the garage closed.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Granddaughter Susannah
If you want to be greeted by a beautiful smile, then say hi to our Susannah. If you are real lucky, then you will also get one terrific hug. Now, that is a great way to be greeted! Just as the sun can go behind the clouds, so can she, and at times it can wear on her family. A year or so ago, we decided to travel from Omaha to Ann Arbor by train to see Kim and family and then return. We thought it would be fun not to drive and to see what train travel was like these days. Am Track is alive and well, but we found out it is not always punctual. We decided that we would take along one grandchild and after much consideration decided to ask Susannah to go with us. Her parents agreed that she could go, and her siblings wanted her to go since this time had not been particularly sunny weather. This way all got a break, and we got her to ourselves.
The day arrived for the trip, and early in the morning we went to the train station, where after an interminable wait, the train arrived. It is a LONG trip to Chicago, with many stops at little towns all along the way. We snacked and walked around to check everything out. At times Susannah would read, visit, look out the window, or wander about looking at the inside of the train. She learned the fun of playing Solitaire on the computer, and became quite adept at playing Aces and Kings. Since we missed our connection in Chicago, we went to Toledo, to be met by Kim, who drove us home to Ann Arbor, and the adventure continued. Kim has two younger boys, so Susannah got to be the oldest sister and developed nicely in this role. We even got to go to the Michigan State Fair where we tried out chocolate milk, rides, animals, and exhibits, and spent a small fortune. Everyone went home happy, full, and tired. She wasn't too happy being wakened by the boys but figured out how to be pleasant about it. We never had one melt-down during our week away. The trip home seemed to take a long time, but we heard no complaints, and all were glad to see us return. Everyone had a great vacation.
Susannah has also enjoyed making stained glass windows. She has only done a few but has real talent and sticks to her project until it is finished. She does very precise work and does not complain about the occasional cut or scratch, which happens in the glass business. She also likes to cook or help her mom or Grammy in the kitchen. When we make cookies at Christmas, she is willing to get right in the project, one year being Nana's (my mom) helper. It was fun too since her nickname is Nana. Maybe someday she will be the chef on Food Network, and we will say, "There is our Susannah, chief chef."
When she was just a week old and riding with her family in the car to drive Grammy to the airport in San Francisco, sister Keilah heard a Christmas song on the radio, singing, "Hosannah in the Highest," and said, "Mom, they are singing Susannh's song!" How they laughed.
The day arrived for the trip, and early in the morning we went to the train station, where after an interminable wait, the train arrived. It is a LONG trip to Chicago, with many stops at little towns all along the way. We snacked and walked around to check everything out. At times Susannah would read, visit, look out the window, or wander about looking at the inside of the train. She learned the fun of playing Solitaire on the computer, and became quite adept at playing Aces and Kings. Since we missed our connection in Chicago, we went to Toledo, to be met by Kim, who drove us home to Ann Arbor, and the adventure continued. Kim has two younger boys, so Susannah got to be the oldest sister and developed nicely in this role. We even got to go to the Michigan State Fair where we tried out chocolate milk, rides, animals, and exhibits, and spent a small fortune. Everyone went home happy, full, and tired. She wasn't too happy being wakened by the boys but figured out how to be pleasant about it. We never had one melt-down during our week away. The trip home seemed to take a long time, but we heard no complaints, and all were glad to see us return. Everyone had a great vacation.
Susannah has also enjoyed making stained glass windows. She has only done a few but has real talent and sticks to her project until it is finished. She does very precise work and does not complain about the occasional cut or scratch, which happens in the glass business. She also likes to cook or help her mom or Grammy in the kitchen. When we make cookies at Christmas, she is willing to get right in the project, one year being Nana's (my mom) helper. It was fun too since her nickname is Nana. Maybe someday she will be the chef on Food Network, and we will say, "There is our Susannah, chief chef."
When she was just a week old and riding with her family in the car to drive Grammy to the airport in San Francisco, sister Keilah heard a Christmas song on the radio, singing, "Hosannah in the Highest," and said, "Mom, they are singing Susannh's song!" How they laughed.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Terry, Terry, Terry
Today at lunch we met our third Terry in two days. He was a manager of Upstream Brewery and came by to see how lunch had gone and how our waiter had met our needs. It seems that he has been about nine years in this country, having immigrated from Ireland, first settling in Chicago, and now more recently for the past two months, in Omaha. He still visits his family at least annually in Ireland but prefers living in this country. He particularly liked Chicago but is finding Omaha a friendly city as well.
Our second Terry is a service manager at Leach Campers and Sales where we are currently parked. When our house sold, we moved back into our motor home to begin our travels on the road again after a four year absence from wandering. There seemed to be some shake-down concerns, so we brought the motor home to Leach, where we have had work done in the past. Terry felt very sorry for us, two very tired people, and arranged for us to stay with our motor home while it is being fixed. We have a key to the lot, so that we can come and go if there is an emergency, or if we just want to stay out past curfew, which is seven o'clock when the gates are closed. This morning we took all the people in the service department cinnamon rolls since they had suggested doughnuts yesterday when they were fixing up our stay. This seems to have sweetened up our stay and probably we can stay for the winter, but we would prefer to get on our way sometime soon.
When we went to sign our final papers on the sale of our house, you guessed it, Terry number three, took us through the paperwork. She was quite proficient at her job, if a bit vertically challenged, a nice way to say, short person. After a few pleasant minutes of writing our name in various places, we were on our way and back to finish cleaning out the house. By early afternoon the cleaning was complete, we were exhausted and ready to move on. You will be happy to note that since we already have a Terry on the Christmas list, we will probably not add the three new Terry's, although I do think that their presence on the list would enrich us, so maybe I should rethink...........
Our second Terry is a service manager at Leach Campers and Sales where we are currently parked. When our house sold, we moved back into our motor home to begin our travels on the road again after a four year absence from wandering. There seemed to be some shake-down concerns, so we brought the motor home to Leach, where we have had work done in the past. Terry felt very sorry for us, two very tired people, and arranged for us to stay with our motor home while it is being fixed. We have a key to the lot, so that we can come and go if there is an emergency, or if we just want to stay out past curfew, which is seven o'clock when the gates are closed. This morning we took all the people in the service department cinnamon rolls since they had suggested doughnuts yesterday when they were fixing up our stay. This seems to have sweetened up our stay and probably we can stay for the winter, but we would prefer to get on our way sometime soon.
When we went to sign our final papers on the sale of our house, you guessed it, Terry number three, took us through the paperwork. She was quite proficient at her job, if a bit vertically challenged, a nice way to say, short person. After a few pleasant minutes of writing our name in various places, we were on our way and back to finish cleaning out the house. By early afternoon the cleaning was complete, we were exhausted and ready to move on. You will be happy to note that since we already have a Terry on the Christmas list, we will probably not add the three new Terry's, although I do think that their presence on the list would enrich us, so maybe I should rethink...........
Monday, September 17, 2007
William and Moses Roe
Moses and William Roe were father and son who enlisted to fight for the North side of our Civil War. I think it was a bit unusual for a father and son to enlist to fight in that war, but I am sure that many others did so. They signed up with about 1000 others to form their regiment and at the close of the war, 100 returned including both Moses and William. Those were not good odds, but probably this was not in their minds when they signed up. It is my belief that one or both were musically inclined, playing the drum and possibly a fife. Howard Roe inherited the drum, but I do not know what became of it in later years. I believe they marched with General Sherman on his march through Georgia to the sea, living off the land and wrecking havoc to that part of the South. Somehow in my mind, I can see one of these men playing his fife or his drum and helping lead the men of the regiment onwards for their daily progress.
In later years I became interested in what happened to the drum and fife but could find out nothing. Then I decided it would be fun to acquire a Civil War drum and fife, and found the fife in North Carolina and the drum in Washington State. It makes me wonder how a Civil War drum got all the way to the northwest part of the country. Was it used in Indian wars after the Civil War? I will probably never know, but did enjoy the hunt and being able to care for these instruments to this day.
Moses was William's father. William had three wives and two children by each. In his last set was my grandfather Bernard. Thus, I feel connected in another way to this great conflict called the Civil War.
In later years I became interested in what happened to the drum and fife but could find out nothing. Then I decided it would be fun to acquire a Civil War drum and fife, and found the fife in North Carolina and the drum in Washington State. It makes me wonder how a Civil War drum got all the way to the northwest part of the country. Was it used in Indian wars after the Civil War? I will probably never know, but did enjoy the hunt and being able to care for these instruments to this day.
Moses was William's father. William had three wives and two children by each. In his last set was my grandfather Bernard. Thus, I feel connected in another way to this great conflict called the Civil War.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
People We Meet
We meet people all the time, as does each of you. The fun thing is to get to know them a bit. Tonight we waited in a line to order food from a fast food restaurant (Pepperjax) and got to talking with the people just ahead in our line. There were fun pictures on the wall about this area, most of which were taken 40 to 60 years ago. It was fun to see how the area has developed and visit with these folks at the same time. Later when they ended their meal, she came by to see if we had had a good meal, too. We think that people in the Heartland are just friendly people and like to visit with each other or anyone who happens to be handy. They plan to bring their grandchildren to this place since they liked the food so much. We would certainly go back or maybe take our grandchildren, as we liked the food too.
A couple years ago HW2 and I were doing an antique show in mid-Nebraska and got to talking with another dealer, who had shipped her stuff from England and was attending shows through the States. Monica was a neat lady, and we learned that her son lived in Austin; since we had wintered near there, we seemed to have quite a bit in common. We asked where she was going next and learned it would be the DesMoines, Iowa, show the next weekend. When we learned that she was not sure what to do with the time between the shows, we invited her to spend several days at our house. She turned out to be a great house guest and found several entertainments, like visiting Boy's Town, to fill each day, as she did not want to be a burden on us. She also attended a Catholic church Latin mass each morning, which happened to be two blocks away from our house. We still keep in touch and wonder where she is doing an antique show.
Somehow, wherever we go, we meet fun and interesting people, and their stories enrich our daily lives. The joke in the family is whether we have added each new person to our Christmas list. Somehow, it seems like we should.
A couple years ago HW2 and I were doing an antique show in mid-Nebraska and got to talking with another dealer, who had shipped her stuff from England and was attending shows through the States. Monica was a neat lady, and we learned that her son lived in Austin; since we had wintered near there, we seemed to have quite a bit in common. We asked where she was going next and learned it would be the DesMoines, Iowa, show the next weekend. When we learned that she was not sure what to do with the time between the shows, we invited her to spend several days at our house. She turned out to be a great house guest and found several entertainments, like visiting Boy's Town, to fill each day, as she did not want to be a burden on us. She also attended a Catholic church Latin mass each morning, which happened to be two blocks away from our house. We still keep in touch and wonder where she is doing an antique show.
Somehow, wherever we go, we meet fun and interesting people, and their stories enrich our daily lives. The joke in the family is whether we have added each new person to our Christmas list. Somehow, it seems like we should.
Ruminations
Yesterday was a busy third day of our living estate sale as we prepare to leave our home and get back on the road. Today we will have a final half price sale or general give-away so that we will not have to store the items. It has gone very well really, and most items of furniture got bids, and the winning bidders were all called yesterday afternoon. Many quickly showed up and took their treasures home. So we are rapidly cleaning out.
Last night we took our kids and two sets of good friends out to eat at Johnny's, which is a Fifty's style steak house. They gave us the end of a semi-private room, and the conversation and wine flowed. We occasionally got tidbits about the Nebraska - USC game, and by halftime we were not faring too well. We were so tired that by the time we got home ,we did not turn on the game but went straight to bed. What a delight to be able to share an evening with kids (who are friends) and friends.
If there is a lesson here to be learned, it would be that things are unimportant, but friendships and family are so important. It is best to nurture the important things. Today is here, and I must get to work, so these ruminations are short.
Last night we took our kids and two sets of good friends out to eat at Johnny's, which is a Fifty's style steak house. They gave us the end of a semi-private room, and the conversation and wine flowed. We occasionally got tidbits about the Nebraska - USC game, and by halftime we were not faring too well. We were so tired that by the time we got home ,we did not turn on the game but went straight to bed. What a delight to be able to share an evening with kids (who are friends) and friends.
If there is a lesson here to be learned, it would be that things are unimportant, but friendships and family are so important. It is best to nurture the important things. Today is here, and I must get to work, so these ruminations are short.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Flatulance
Now I would expect that most Venus types will not want to read any further about this particular subject, so they may be gently excused if they so prefer. However, most Mars types think that farts are funny. Now this activity is something that everyone does, including some dogs. We had a doberman that could emit green clouds that would have been selected as a poison gas in World War I or could melt walls, whichever was more useful.
One of our teacher friends, Munera, taught math. She never had any kind of response from Steve, one of her students. One day, he unintentionally and loudly had much gas. Munera said to Steve,"Steve, that is the most you have ever contributed to this class."
My mother liked to make a dried butter bean casserole with sausages. It was delicious but deadly to all who ate. One time we had friends in for dinner, and Mom served her casserole. At the end of the evening, Maurice and I went out of the house and sat facing each other on the bumpers of the cars in the driveway. At that point it started, and the farts came out like a continuous set of bullets from a machine gun. We both thought this was very funny and could neither stop laughing or farting. The company came out of the house and wanted to know what was so funny, but we were laughing so hard we could not speak. After all, how do you answer, "Farting!"
At a party a friend had a gas problem and decided to go into the next room to relieve the pressure, thinking that slamming the door would cover any noises. Little did he realize that he went through a swinging door, until he returned to a room doubled up in laughter. I am sure that each my readers can relate an embarrassing moment, but to me, they merely underline the fact that, "Farts are funny."
One of our teacher friends, Munera, taught math. She never had any kind of response from Steve, one of her students. One day, he unintentionally and loudly had much gas. Munera said to Steve,"Steve, that is the most you have ever contributed to this class."
My mother liked to make a dried butter bean casserole with sausages. It was delicious but deadly to all who ate. One time we had friends in for dinner, and Mom served her casserole. At the end of the evening, Maurice and I went out of the house and sat facing each other on the bumpers of the cars in the driveway. At that point it started, and the farts came out like a continuous set of bullets from a machine gun. We both thought this was very funny and could neither stop laughing or farting. The company came out of the house and wanted to know what was so funny, but we were laughing so hard we could not speak. After all, how do you answer, "Farting!"
At a party a friend had a gas problem and decided to go into the next room to relieve the pressure, thinking that slamming the door would cover any noises. Little did he realize that he went through a swinging door, until he returned to a room doubled up in laughter. I am sure that each my readers can relate an embarrassing moment, but to me, they merely underline the fact that, "Farts are funny."
Friday, September 14, 2007
Grandson Andy
Andy is all boy and on the move every waking moment. At the end of the day he crashes and falls in bed for a good night's sleep to recuperate. Lately he has been swimming in the backyard pool and seems like a brown berry fish to me. He loves the water and doing tricks. When he was a little guy and talking, we would ask him, "What is your name?" His answer of course was, "Andy." If we asked him what was his middle name, his reply was, "Andy, Andy." If you asked about his last name you also got, "Andy, Andy, Andy." So for awhile he became Andy Andy Andy. His favorite color at that time was orange, and he wanted to have most of his things be that color. Now his preference is blue.
One time he was shopping with his mom and sisters, and they were looking at clothes, which did not interest him at all. All of a sudden his mom panicked and said to his sisters, "Where is Andy? You have to help me find him!" Kait tried to talk to her mom but got cut off in her panic, and finally Kait got through and said, "Mom, you have him by his hand!" "Oh!" was the reply, and all was well. Motherhood can be trying, I guess.
When Andy was five, he was watching Grammy do her hair. She squirted out some mousse into her hand to put on her hair, and Andy said, "That's an awful lot of mousse for a little grammy!" Grammy still remembers and loves that story! Thanks, Andy!
One time he was shopping with his mom and sisters, and they were looking at clothes, which did not interest him at all. All of a sudden his mom panicked and said to his sisters, "Where is Andy? You have to help me find him!" Kait tried to talk to her mom but got cut off in her panic, and finally Kait got through and said, "Mom, you have him by his hand!" "Oh!" was the reply, and all was well. Motherhood can be trying, I guess.
When Andy was five, he was watching Grammy do her hair. She squirted out some mousse into her hand to put on her hair, and Andy said, "That's an awful lot of mousse for a little grammy!" Grammy still remembers and loves that story! Thanks, Andy!
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Garage and Estate Sales
We got started on our garage/estate sale. We were planning to do this tomorrow, but at 7am this morning there were cars parking outside our home. I asked HW2, " What day this was?" and she said, "Thursday." "Why are those cars parked outside and people waiting, more accurately, pounding on the garage and front doors? " So we quickly checked the ad in the paper and discovered the paper had made several mistakes, including starting the sale today instead of tomorrow. Being flexible, we quickly removed all personal items and labeled doors private, and by 8am we were open for business. The crowd literally ran through the house, bought nothing and left, and we sat there with open mouths. "What was that all about?" I think that they were looking for bargains and had more sales to get to, so were very quick about ours. HW2 called the paper and went over the ad to try to get it corrected. We decided to go on with the sale, and people continued to arrive throughout the day. Most of these folks did not run through the house and then out the door. Consequently, we have begun, and bids are coming in, and many items have sold. Lesson learned - with the best of planning, you can still get blind sided. Tonight, we are tired but undeterred.
Teeth
Teeth are an essential part of life if you want to chew your food or look good when you laugh. Our dentist got us in about two weeks earlier than planned, so our smiles are in good order these days. Of course, I had somehow chipped a molar, but Dr. Frank ground down the rough edges and sent me on my way. Thanks for not insisting on a crown or root canal or something equally awful!
In his later years, my dad had a tooth pulled and a one tooth partial made that he could easily move about with his tongue. When you least expected it, the tooth would appear as if winking at you from his mouth. His children found this very funny, but his wife did not, and he frequently got a, "Stiles, must you do that?" from Mom. He did keep on entertaining us, though. My son-in-law has a set of "hillbilly" teeth that are crooked, discolored, and can be slipped over his teeth. When he does this, he also puts on a hillbilly accent, and we laugh and laugh. He is very good at his imitation and very funny.
Another friend of ours tells about her grandma losing her teeth. She had dentures and left them in various places and urged her granddaughter to help locate them. The first set found turned out to be her uncle's, although grandma did occasionally wear them, but they kept looking. Finally, they were found in her mouth all this time, which caused grandma to laugh and be a subject of funny stories to this day.
In his later years, my dad had a tooth pulled and a one tooth partial made that he could easily move about with his tongue. When you least expected it, the tooth would appear as if winking at you from his mouth. His children found this very funny, but his wife did not, and he frequently got a, "Stiles, must you do that?" from Mom. He did keep on entertaining us, though. My son-in-law has a set of "hillbilly" teeth that are crooked, discolored, and can be slipped over his teeth. When he does this, he also puts on a hillbilly accent, and we laugh and laugh. He is very good at his imitation and very funny.
Another friend of ours tells about her grandma losing her teeth. She had dentures and left them in various places and urged her granddaughter to help locate them. The first set found turned out to be her uncle's, although grandma did occasionally wear them, but they kept looking. Finally, they were found in her mouth all this time, which caused grandma to laugh and be a subject of funny stories to this day.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Just Too Weird
On Monday we needed a break and were returning from a local trip to do several errands, when we were about two miles from home, and then we saw it. Our motor home was coming down the road and passed us going in the opposite direction. Now, probably quite a few motor homes have the same paint job as ours, but we have only seen one or two in the years since we bought ours. It was quite a shock, I can tell you. "Oh my gosh!" "Who stole our motor home?" "Should we follow it to see where it is being taken?" Did we leave it unlocked?" "Did someone break into the house while we were gone?" The air was filled with questions. Reluctantly, we decided to drive the two miles remaining and see if it was, indeed, our motor home that was going down the road. "But if we go home, and it is ours, how will we ever find it again?" Should we call the police?" "What are we going to do if it is ours, and here we are selling our house?" The questions kept coming as we crawled slowly up to the turn for our street. Finally, the traffic thinned, and we could make the necessary left turn onto our street, and we headed to the house. As we crested the hill to our house, we both craned our heads to see whether it was there. HW2 gasped out loud, "Oh, my, it is gone!" A little further and, "It's there!" The trees had hidden it till the last minute. "Jump start the pacemakers," we both said together and drove into the driveway. Boy, can we get worked up. Apparently, our house sale, the move to the motor home, and returning to wandering the roads is on track. Happy travels, all!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
College Pranks
Maybe it is the fall weather we are having, but for some reason, I have been remembering some college pranks that I might have been involved in, a FEW years ago. When I went to college, it was to live for the next four years at a college dorm, Sayles Hall. There were 150 young men quartered there, and high jinks seemed to occur every once in awhile. You might be studying in the evening, and there would be a noise at the door to your room. Then someone outside of your door would put a small amount of lighter fluid into a dust pan, tilt it appropriately, and the fluid would run under your door. Now, if the fluid was lit in the process, the occupants would be greeted by a sheet of flames that provided excitement to another boring study session. The flames went out as soon as the fuel supply went out, and not too many doors caught on fire.
Another favorite was to remove the pins from the hinges to your room door, and when the door was opened by an unsuspecting person, the door would fall on the floor. This causes much laughter, of course. My roommate returned one evening to discover his bed had been raised, and glass coke bottles had been placed under the four legs to the bed. The problem was how to rectify the situation. If you lifted one end, the other became unstable, and the bottles went flying or broke or both. The one time I had this happen to me, I jumped into the air and onto the bed. The bed sagged a bit, and then there was a upward reaction. The coke bottles broke, and the whole thing came crashing down. We had glass everywhere. Another favorite was to ask an unsuspecting visitor to: "Pick a number from one to ten." No matter what the answer, it would be wrong, and the person was told, "You lose, strip!." Usually after a bit of a pause, some laughter. One night though the person selected, called us on our game and stripped and said, "Now what?" That time the laugh was on us. There are more of these to come, so keep looking for them.
Another favorite was to remove the pins from the hinges to your room door, and when the door was opened by an unsuspecting person, the door would fall on the floor. This causes much laughter, of course. My roommate returned one evening to discover his bed had been raised, and glass coke bottles had been placed under the four legs to the bed. The problem was how to rectify the situation. If you lifted one end, the other became unstable, and the bottles went flying or broke or both. The one time I had this happen to me, I jumped into the air and onto the bed. The bed sagged a bit, and then there was a upward reaction. The coke bottles broke, and the whole thing came crashing down. We had glass everywhere. Another favorite was to ask an unsuspecting visitor to: "Pick a number from one to ten." No matter what the answer, it would be wrong, and the person was told, "You lose, strip!." Usually after a bit of a pause, some laughter. One night though the person selected, called us on our game and stripped and said, "Now what?" That time the laugh was on us. There are more of these to come, so keep looking for them.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Playing Cards
Yesterday we got a phone call from Rachael to check on us and to see if we wanted to play cards and come over for dinner. We love to play, and a chance to break bread with Rachael and Dennis was terrific. We had a wonderful dinner and then settled down to playing pinochle. This last year we four decided to take up this game and really learn the rules and play as often as we could. We have the rules down fairly well and enjoy each other's company, so the game goes on, and the visiting never stops. What fun!
There are some great card games like Canasta, Hearts, Spades, and Michigan Rummy. HW2 and I also enjoy playing Nasty, a card game for two taught to us by Marlene, who is a pro at that game and gives no quarter. Of course, we both like to play solitaire on the computer too, which I do to keep Alzheimer's at bay.
The best thing is the friendships and conversations with the card playing being the excuse to get together. Hopefully, you, the reader, enjoy playing cards, too.
There are some great card games like Canasta, Hearts, Spades, and Michigan Rummy. HW2 and I also enjoy playing Nasty, a card game for two taught to us by Marlene, who is a pro at that game and gives no quarter. Of course, we both like to play solitaire on the computer too, which I do to keep Alzheimer's at bay.
The best thing is the friendships and conversations with the card playing being the excuse to get together. Hopefully, you, the reader, enjoy playing cards, too.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Grandfathers
Most of us get two grandfathers in standard familiy geneology. Both of my grandfathers had died before I was born. Mother's father, Bernard Roe, died in 1916 of pneumonia. They did not have wonder drugs like penicillin at that time, so you either got better or died. My father's dad, Charles, had died in 1937 at about age 70 of heart disease. So I apparently did not have the benefit of good grandfather role models.
Fortunately, my great grandfather, Sheldon Warner, was still available when I was growing up. He was my Grandmother Roe's dad. He farmed on a hill farm in Fairfield, which is close to Candor, NY. He did not have a tractor but farmed with horses. Much work was done by hand, including harvesting the corn, which had to be cut and then stored in upright bundles called shocks. The corn was later picked and shucked for animal feed. In the winter time he grew a full beard to protect his face from the cold and snow, but during the rest of the year he only had a very full mustache and goatee. To me, a little kid, he seemed quite terrifying, and at some point, I thought I knew that God looked like my great grandfather. At meals, he would say grace and then get to the business at hand, eating. To me it was fascinating. With food on fork, his hand would raise all toward his mouth, which could not be seen underneath all the facial hair, and then the hair would part, a mouth discovered underneath, and the food would continue on its journey into great grandfather. The whole eating thing was amazing to me, and I am sure he wondered what was the matter with the kid, and why did he keep staring; after all, it is only eating.
So he became my grandfather example, and while I do sport a mustache, I try to keep it trimmed to be able to see my mouth, since I do not want to confuse any grandchild about looking like God.
Fortunately, my great grandfather, Sheldon Warner, was still available when I was growing up. He was my Grandmother Roe's dad. He farmed on a hill farm in Fairfield, which is close to Candor, NY. He did not have a tractor but farmed with horses. Much work was done by hand, including harvesting the corn, which had to be cut and then stored in upright bundles called shocks. The corn was later picked and shucked for animal feed. In the winter time he grew a full beard to protect his face from the cold and snow, but during the rest of the year he only had a very full mustache and goatee. To me, a little kid, he seemed quite terrifying, and at some point, I thought I knew that God looked like my great grandfather. At meals, he would say grace and then get to the business at hand, eating. To me it was fascinating. With food on fork, his hand would raise all toward his mouth, which could not be seen underneath all the facial hair, and then the hair would part, a mouth discovered underneath, and the food would continue on its journey into great grandfather. The whole eating thing was amazing to me, and I am sure he wondered what was the matter with the kid, and why did he keep staring; after all, it is only eating.
So he became my grandfather example, and while I do sport a mustache, I try to keep it trimmed to be able to see my mouth, since I do not want to confuse any grandchild about looking like God.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Granddaughter Michelle
Miche, as she prefers to be called, is in the fifth grade this year and a serious student. She works hard to get good grades. It was with great delight that Grammy was able to hear her read the other night as a part of her homework assignment. She had good inflection and made the story very interesting to hear, having hardly any trouble with the words being read. She is also quite an athlete. For a long time she was involved in competitive gymnastics, but she finally decided the pressure was too much, and it was no longer fun. She could sure do all the routines very well! These days she spends as much time as she can swimming in the pool in the back yard and does many routines there, too. It is always a joy to be able to visit with and see what this young lady is doing.
A couple of years ago, Grammy was knitting many comfortors for many of the grandchildren. Miche wanted Grammy to finish knitting hers in the worst way, before we needed to leave Albuquerque, and kept saying to Grammy, "SEW, Grammy, SEW!" It was very cute to watch Grammy being vulched by Miche. She did get her comfortor before we left, though, and has spent many happy hours wrapped up in it. Miche said, "It smells like Grammy, too."
A couple of years ago, Grammy was knitting many comfortors for many of the grandchildren. Miche wanted Grammy to finish knitting hers in the worst way, before we needed to leave Albuquerque, and kept saying to Grammy, "SEW, Grammy, SEW!" It was very cute to watch Grammy being vulched by Miche. She did get her comfortor before we left, though, and has spent many happy hours wrapped up in it. Miche said, "It smells like Grammy, too."
Granddaughter Brittani
These days, Brittani is a sophomore in high school and enjoying high school life. She has read all the Harry Potter books many times and can give you line and verse about any event in any of the books. We loved them, too, and enjoy talking to Britt about the events in the books. She is also musically talented and is learning to play the keyboard, guitar, and viola. Since such talent does not run much in my family, she must have inherited it from her mom's side. She is also quite a talker, and once you get her going on most any subject, you do not have to do much to keep her going. She naturally seems to like drama and has appeared in several plays or musicals. It will be fun to watch her develop as an adult and see what direction her talents and interests take her.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Greensburg, Kansas
While traveling to Albuquerque and then returning to Omaha, we went through Greensburg, Kansas. It looked like there had been a war there, with few buildings left standing. On the way back we looked more carefully, and even saw a hospital that was made from canvas and looked like a quonset hut. There appeared to be three or four of these huts. Pieces of lumber and other debris were collected into piles and gradually were being taken to a land fill. You could see a cellar opening but no house or other structure. The trees were starting to grow back, but few went above the first fork of the trunk by more that a few feet. There were no branches left. Downtown there was only one building left standing. It truly looked like a war zone, and indeed, it must have been the result of a very strong tornado. Here in the Heartland, tornados frequently devastate an area, but this was the first place I had ever been to witness the devastation. I am convinced that tornados are nothing to fool with, and should one be reported to be close by, it is very important to take shelter. People seem to be resilient, and Greensburg was slowly moving back into a rebuilding mode, once cleanup is complete. Our hearts go out to the members of this small city and applaud their courage to rebuild.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Trains
Today we started our trek back to Omaha, and I got to enjoy the many trains on the tracks that paralleled the roads back. I think that we saw six trains, some going west and others east. Frequently, there was only one track, so a train might have to wait a bit on a siding until another passed and then resume its trip. One train had six engines, and they were pulling a very long train mostly of containers. We saw cars being hauled, cars for coal, cars for grain, and tanker cars for petroleum products.
When I was quite young I wanted a train for Christmas, but that was an expensive gift at that time and beyond my parents' monetary abilities. But, willing to please, they got me a small wind-up train. I guessed that this might be a present and, deciding that I could not stand the suspense. I got into the guest bedroom where presents were stashed and found out that indeed a wind-up train had been purchased. On Christmas I then had to be VERY happy to get a train, and since I am not good at faking things, I probably overdid it. The lesson I really learned was not to anticipate surprises and to wait for the actual day and really enjoy the present. Sneaking a peak had not turned out so well for me. To this day I try really hard not to guess about a possible present, preferring to be surprised instead.
As an adult I have had several model trains. In the early years it was HO scale and the boys and I enjoyed playing with the trains. Recently it has been G scale probably because the scale is much larger than HO so I can actually see the parts when they need fixing. The best part about G scale is that they can be set up outside and you can make elaborate setups in your garden or other outside venues. James and I set up an area in our basement where we could run the trains and his sisters got into making houses and other things that would look good as background materials. One of the many joys of my life is watching grandchildren run the model trains whether inside or outside. As we go back to wandering the roads the trains have gone back into storage. If I ever grow up and settle down again, I expect the trains will re-emerge and provide me and others much fun and enjoyment.
A couple of years ago HW2 and I took Grandchild Susannah with us and traveled
When I was quite young I wanted a train for Christmas, but that was an expensive gift at that time and beyond my parents' monetary abilities. But, willing to please, they got me a small wind-up train. I guessed that this might be a present and, deciding that I could not stand the suspense. I got into the guest bedroom where presents were stashed and found out that indeed a wind-up train had been purchased. On Christmas I then had to be VERY happy to get a train, and since I am not good at faking things, I probably overdid it. The lesson I really learned was not to anticipate surprises and to wait for the actual day and really enjoy the present. Sneaking a peak had not turned out so well for me. To this day I try really hard not to guess about a possible present, preferring to be surprised instead.
As an adult I have had several model trains. In the early years it was HO scale and the boys and I enjoyed playing with the trains. Recently it has been G scale probably because the scale is much larger than HO so I can actually see the parts when they need fixing. The best part about G scale is that they can be set up outside and you can make elaborate setups in your garden or other outside venues. James and I set up an area in our basement where we could run the trains and his sisters got into making houses and other things that would look good as background materials. One of the many joys of my life is watching grandchildren run the model trains whether inside or outside. As we go back to wandering the roads the trains have gone back into storage. If I ever grow up and settle down again, I expect the trains will re-emerge and provide me and others much fun and enjoyment.
A couple of years ago HW2 and I took Grandchild Susannah with us and traveled
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Edward R. Eastman
If you had grown up in New York State in the 30's, 40's and 50's, you quite likely would have heard of Edward R. Eastman. He was the editor of a paper magazine called the American Agriculturist, to which many farm families subscribed. We did enjoy reading this monthly magazine and especially liked his editorials and comments on rural wit. He called his funny stories, "Eastman's Chestnuts" and published about six volumes or collections of these stories. In addition, he wrote and published many books, mostly in the historical fiction category, but, again, primarily about rural America. When a new book came out, it was eagerly bought and enjoyed by young and old alike, as he appealed to most age groups. Typically, at graduation times, his books were given as awards to an appropriate graduate.
Best of all, he was a cousin, and we felt particularly proud that one of our family members would have such an impact on rural life. His middle initial "R" stood for the family name of Roe. Since that is my middle name as well, I thought it was wonderful thing to share. Mom, of course, is a Roe, too, and one of the other Roe cousins was his housekeeper, since his wife had become an invalid as an adult and needed help around the house. She could do some things, though, and enjoyed making rag rugs to give to family and friends. We had one of these gifts and proudly used it in our kitchen.
One time in the early Forties we had stopped to visit the Eastmans, and there was a conversation about whether had we noticed the men working in the fields as we had driven up to their home. Of course, we had seen the men and wondered how such able-bodied men could be doing field work while World War II was going on, as so many men had been called up for service. It turned out that these were German men, who were prisoners of war, and that they enjoyed being able to get out and work in the fields instead of being imprisoned. We wondered if it was safe to have them about and learned that most did not want to return to Germany, hoping to stay here after the war. I always wondered if any of them gotwere able to stay here or were required to return to Germany.
Edward received many awards during his life, but perhaps the one he which moved him the most was when a new elementary school was built just north of Berkshire, NY, and named the Edward R. Eastman Elementary School. It was quite fun to be present at the dedication of this school, as Dad was the President of the Board of Education and master of ceremonies. Mom taught in the school for several years, too. Do you remember this man, or have you read any of his books? I hope so!
Best of all, he was a cousin, and we felt particularly proud that one of our family members would have such an impact on rural life. His middle initial "R" stood for the family name of Roe. Since that is my middle name as well, I thought it was wonderful thing to share. Mom, of course, is a Roe, too, and one of the other Roe cousins was his housekeeper, since his wife had become an invalid as an adult and needed help around the house. She could do some things, though, and enjoyed making rag rugs to give to family and friends. We had one of these gifts and proudly used it in our kitchen.
One time in the early Forties we had stopped to visit the Eastmans, and there was a conversation about whether had we noticed the men working in the fields as we had driven up to their home. Of course, we had seen the men and wondered how such able-bodied men could be doing field work while World War II was going on, as so many men had been called up for service. It turned out that these were German men, who were prisoners of war, and that they enjoyed being able to get out and work in the fields instead of being imprisoned. We wondered if it was safe to have them about and learned that most did not want to return to Germany, hoping to stay here after the war. I always wondered if any of them gotwere able to stay here or were required to return to Germany.
Edward received many awards during his life, but perhaps the one he which moved him the most was when a new elementary school was built just north of Berkshire, NY, and named the Edward R. Eastman Elementary School. It was quite fun to be present at the dedication of this school, as Dad was the President of the Board of Education and master of ceremonies. Mom taught in the school for several years, too. Do you remember this man, or have you read any of his books? I hope so!
Methane Production in Dalhart, Texas
Driving through Dalhart, TX, is not very exciting. This is Texas Panhandle country, and the important adjective is flat. However, roads are good, straight, and the other drivers follow the Texas motto of DRIVE FRIENDLY. Near the city of Dalhart are at least two very large feed lots for beef cows. Several miles before you get to the feed lots your nose tells you that many cows seem to be in the neighborhood. When you actually see the animals, they seem to go on for ever and be uncountable. The ozone hole over this area must be very large, which is a byproduct of methane production. I am sure that global warming is affected, also.
In either Nebraska or Iowa there is an ethanol production plant that utilizes methane gas produced by the local animals as an energy source in the production of the ethanol. How clever! The local farmers grow the necessary corn, feed some to their animals, and use the manure produced to help in the ethanol production. Seems very biodegradable to me and very GREEN, a key word these days in the concern about global warming. Although the only GREEN might be the person who had to deliver the manure to the ethanol
plant. Now you know why I did not become a farmer.
To further confound you, there is concern in Norway over having too many Mooses or is it Moose? I do know the answer to this important question. Apparently, Moose produce immense clouds of methane either in manure or ,and one moose in a year has been calculated to cause more global warming that a two thousand mile car trip. Perhaps if Norway cut down on Moose production, global warming would be a thing of the past. So, having solved this important problem, my only advice to you is, when in Dalhart Texas, drive fast, do not open any windows, and hold your breath. Happy travels.
In either Nebraska or Iowa there is an ethanol production plant that utilizes methane gas produced by the local animals as an energy source in the production of the ethanol. How clever! The local farmers grow the necessary corn, feed some to their animals, and use the manure produced to help in the ethanol production. Seems very biodegradable to me and very GREEN, a key word these days in the concern about global warming. Although the only GREEN might be the person who had to deliver the manure to the ethanol
plant. Now you know why I did not become a farmer.
To further confound you, there is concern in Norway over having too many Mooses or is it Moose? I do know the answer to this important question. Apparently, Moose produce immense clouds of methane either in manure or ,and one moose in a year has been calculated to cause more global warming that a two thousand mile car trip. Perhaps if Norway cut down on Moose production, global warming would be a thing of the past. So, having solved this important problem, my only advice to you is, when in Dalhart Texas, drive fast, do not open any windows, and hold your breath. Happy travels.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Kait, Granddaughter
If you want to know how the stained glass trip to Albuquerque went, then please read HW2's blog for today. She did a great job of bringing you all up to date.
It was great fun to help Jerry and Marlene with their Fantasy Football party tonight. We helped barbecue the chicken and later on cleaned up in rapid order. We seem to be able to clean after lots of years of practice. Kaitie, our granddaughter, was a terrific help and helped entertain the kids at the party, watching them while they went swimming. She also made the most delicious brownies, and her grandad has probably gained five pounds from them alone. Several years ago in a class project, Kaitie made a Scotty stuffed animal, which was very well made, and later given to her Grammy as a present. We have it to this day, and it will likely accompany us on our happy wanderings.
Many years ago when Kait was in elementary school, her mom called and wanted to know if she could spend the day with us, since she was not feeling well. She came supplied with school work and started the day on the couch. By lunch time, however, she was feeling better, and we decided to take her out to lunch at her favorite restaurant, which turned out to be Macaroni Grill. On the way home we had to stop at an estate sale, and she found a doll bed that she just had to have. All in all, it was a great day. When her mother came to pick her up and asked how the day went, we happily related the day's activities. Somehow, her homework never got done, though. We three had a great time and still remember it fondly all these years later. It is such fun to spoil a grandchild!
It was great fun to help Jerry and Marlene with their Fantasy Football party tonight. We helped barbecue the chicken and later on cleaned up in rapid order. We seem to be able to clean after lots of years of practice. Kaitie, our granddaughter, was a terrific help and helped entertain the kids at the party, watching them while they went swimming. She also made the most delicious brownies, and her grandad has probably gained five pounds from them alone. Several years ago in a class project, Kaitie made a Scotty stuffed animal, which was very well made, and later given to her Grammy as a present. We have it to this day, and it will likely accompany us on our happy wanderings.
Many years ago when Kait was in elementary school, her mom called and wanted to know if she could spend the day with us, since she was not feeling well. She came supplied with school work and started the day on the couch. By lunch time, however, she was feeling better, and we decided to take her out to lunch at her favorite restaurant, which turned out to be Macaroni Grill. On the way home we had to stop at an estate sale, and she found a doll bed that she just had to have. All in all, it was a great day. When her mother came to pick her up and asked how the day went, we happily related the day's activities. Somehow, her homework never got done, though. We three had a great time and still remember it fondly all these years later. It is such fun to spoil a grandchild!
Grandson James
We had to wait awhile for James to appear. He is the fifth grandchild of our thirteen and was proceeded by four wonderful girls. He is quite interested in sports and particularly likes the Seattle Mariners, having lived in Washington State near Bremerton while his dad was doing his submarine duty as a weapons officer. His mom took him to a Mariners' game, and he has followed them ever since. Ichiro, who plays in center field, is his favorite player. Now I am a Yankees fan, and guess what? James does not like the Yankees. I do not know why not. However. he can tell you who is first in each league and reads the sports section of the paper to keep up on his statistics. Having been transplanted to Nebraska, you would think that he would get interested in the Huskers and be another Big Red fan. But NO, not James. He will sit and watch a game and CHEER FOR THE OTHER TEAM. So, it is great fun to wear red shirts and hats. His Grammy has a special sweater with lots of Nebraska logos on it, and James goes on and on about how awful that sweater is, and how can she wear it , etc. On Saturday I remembered that I had my red Nebraska Stetson hat, purchased at an estate sale for $5 stored in a hat box in my closet and had to go get it and wear it, only to see the look on James's face. It was a "Oh No, Not The Red Hat Look." Great fun, of course, and his sisters immediately wanted to wear the hat, and, of course, I let them. The neat thing is that he does make up his own mind and is willing to stick to his point of view, even if everyone else thinks otherwise.
Last year we all went to our baseball farm team that is based in Omaha to watch a game of the Royals. They are housed in a wonderful park that seats 25,000 people and is the home of the College World Series each year . James caught one of the foul balls and was just delighted. Miss Nebraska came by during the game, wearing her tiara, and announced that she would love to give autographs. Grammy took James's newly acquired base ball and took it up to get her Miss Nebraska's autograph. James was appalled and said to me, "Why would Grammy do that?" She thought he would be embarrassed to get the autograph. I responded, "Because, she is Grammy, and she does things like that." He had no response but did no longer want that ball that had been ruined by the autograph. A rumor that I am spreading is that he has now sold the ball to his sister Sarah for a dollar, since everyone in the family knows that she wants to be a princess someday, if she secretly isn't, already.
Last year we all went to our baseball farm team that is based in Omaha to watch a game of the Royals. They are housed in a wonderful park that seats 25,000 people and is the home of the College World Series each year . James caught one of the foul balls and was just delighted. Miss Nebraska came by during the game, wearing her tiara, and announced that she would love to give autographs. Grammy took James's newly acquired base ball and took it up to get her Miss Nebraska's autograph. James was appalled and said to me, "Why would Grammy do that?" She thought he would be embarrassed to get the autograph. I responded, "Because, she is Grammy, and she does things like that." He had no response but did no longer want that ball that had been ruined by the autograph. A rumor that I am spreading is that he has now sold the ball to his sister Sarah for a dollar, since everyone in the family knows that she wants to be a princess someday, if she secretly isn't, already.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Suggestion
For those of you who are new to this whole subject of blogging and who are calling us, leaving us emails, and even SOME times, leaving comments, both of us are appreciating everything you tell us! We never know what our random thoughts will cause others to think! BUT... did you know that you can and should read the comments, too? Some of the comments are as good as the blogs, or even better in some cases! You are not invading any privacy! Indeed, is there any on the web? So, please feel free to leave your anonymous and/ or signed comments, but also please feel free to read the comments!
1HW and HW2
1HW and HW2
On The Road Again and Nebraska Football
We are in Texas, having left Omaha about five am. So 600 miles later, we are in Dalhart, TX, on our way to Albuquerque. We think that our house is finally selling, and we may need to be out by September 19. So a quick trip to Albuquerque was in order since Weems Gallery has agreed to take a consignment of my stained glass, hopefully for future sales in this wonderful Albuquerque gallery. We have known Ms. Weems for years and are so pleased that she is going to take a risk on my work and sell it. We'll see her tomorrow afternoon and will find out what items she thinks will work. I'll keep you posted on the results of our meeting.
Yesterday we had a football party at our house for the kids and grands and friends from church. Needless to say, Nebraska won 52 to 10 against Nevada. A wonderful result and a great way to open the season. We have become ardent Nebraska fans and wear the requisite red shirt, hat, and other stuff which we mostly get at either bargain rates or garage sales. The bean bag Nebraska chair was a real find and only $5. Last year doing antique or glass sales we would take our portable television along and get joined by other dealers who wanted to know the score of The Game. Nebraska did not always win, but when they did, the whole convention center knew it. At the game yesterday, we could see the people in the stands, about 90,000 or more, and it was a sea of red.
Yesterday we had a football party at our house for the kids and grands and friends from church. Needless to say, Nebraska won 52 to 10 against Nevada. A wonderful result and a great way to open the season. We have become ardent Nebraska fans and wear the requisite red shirt, hat, and other stuff which we mostly get at either bargain rates or garage sales. The bean bag Nebraska chair was a real find and only $5. Last year doing antique or glass sales we would take our portable television along and get joined by other dealers who wanted to know the score of The Game. Nebraska did not always win, but when they did, the whole convention center knew it. At the game yesterday, we could see the people in the stands, about 90,000 or more, and it was a sea of red.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
People's Names
We had a discussion of crazy names that some folks give their children. Now if your last name was Poole, would you name your son Gene? In college I met and worked with a great guy, Harry Pitts. Then there was the girl named Cellah Doah, think about it. Famous in Texas is the Hogg sisters, Ima and Ura, True.. If you know of others please leave leave some sample funny names on this blog. I would really like to collect a list of crazy names. Thanks!!
Blog Comments and Feedback
Yesterday I was working on a piece of glass at the soldering stage when the phone rang. I answered and had a wonderful visit with Barbara, a favorite cousin. We grew up next door to another farm which belonged to Barbara's family. Barbara is a beautiful person inside and out, and has the singing voice of an angel. She sang at Maurice and Anne's wedding 50 years ago and several years later, at mine. Barbara was very encouraging about keeping this blog going and wanted to leave feedback but needed help to do so. Since she could not make the comment thing work, she called. It made my day.
So, I researched the comment process with HW2, resident geek. HW2 says, "Select the comment word under the blog and a box will appear where you can leave your thoughts." Then if you select the button for anonymous, it will be published after the article on the blog. Apparently you can also select the button that is "other" and it will lead you through the process of signing up with Google. There is no charge for signing up and you can select a pen name you would like to use. I use 1HW and others use the first initial of their name or another pen name like Sperlonga which is meaningful to them. This allows the commentator to leave messages but not reveal his identity. In these days of identity theft, this is a good precaution.
So, I researched the comment process with HW2, resident geek. HW2 says, "Select the comment word under the blog and a box will appear where you can leave your thoughts." Then if you select the button for anonymous, it will be published after the article on the blog. Apparently you can also select the button that is "other" and it will lead you through the process of signing up with Google. There is no charge for signing up and you can select a pen name you would like to use. I use 1HW and others use the first initial of their name or another pen name like Sperlonga which is meaningful to them. This allows the commentator to leave messages but not reveal his identity. In these days of identity theft, this is a good precaution.
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