THE END OF THE YEAR

It's the end of 2010. The end of the first decade of the second millennium. The year has been a fun, challenging, frightening yet encouraging one.

Just a few things that happened at our house in 2010...

Jaime & Shawn outgrew their old house and hoped to build a new one to house them and the kids. The plan was to sell the house...move in with us...while they built their new, bigger house. After 18 months and a lousy housing market, the house finally sold this spring. Unfortunately, it's been a lousy job market too. Shawn ran out of work...and so they will stay with us until that changes. But that ain't all bad. Shawn has been here to oversee the kids to and from school...and be a great help to me around the house doing things that I don't have time to do or don't know how to do. For now, Cindy & I are enjoying them all being here. Although...for Shawn's psyche...we hope he'll find work in 2011 to get them on the road to their goals.

Julie had a successful year as manager of her place of work. She has done a great job there. This summer Julie met Eric. As the new year begins...Julie will move to Florida and start a new life there with Eric. If all goes as Julie & Eric hope...Mason will join them this summer.

Joni & Ryan decided they had lived long enough in Chicago, and moved back to Lafayette this summer. Taking a chance...they left their jobs in Chicago...without jobs to move to in Lafayette. But with hard work, persistence and some luck...they both found jobs they like. They will begin the new year...moving into their new home they bought.

The entire family...all 10 of us...enjoyed a fun summer vacation to Disney World. It will be difficult to find a more fun vacation.

Late this summer...I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. After surgery this fall...all indications are the cancer was successfully removed. Shortly after the start of the new year, I will have my first of many tests to make sure the cancer is gone...and stays gone.

It has been a fun...challenging...frightening...but good year. We'll hope that the new year...2011...will be a good year too.

Happy New Year to all of you.


Dan

DON'T DO IT

I heard a commercial on the radio as I was coming home from work...that ruffled my feathers. It was so sinister, so galling...yet advertised as if 'they' were doing us a favor.

I didn't catch the name of the institution...but I'm sure there are some (many) in your neighborhood too...so it doesn't matter.

The advertiser was reminding us that it's 'post Christmas'...and soon will come those dreaded credit card bills...with all those charges that we put on the cards to buy those gifts we wanted to buy.

He went on to say how 'low' mortgage interest is..."some rates as low as 3.85%"...or whatever he advertised.

Then the galling part was..."why don't you refinance those credit card bills and your mortgage at this new 3.85%"?

Sure...lets put that $1000 or $2000 or whatever we put on those credit cards...and add it to our 30 year mortgage plan. We won't have to pay those credit cards off when the bills come, the mortgage company will pay them. Yes...and then you'll pay that $1000 or $2000 or whatever...over the next 30 years...and end up paying $10,000 to pay that $1000 credit card.

Unfortunately...there are way to many gullible people out there...who will fall for that line of crap (not knowing about the last part...the total amount to be paid back)...and will sign up.

There's a whole big list of people who are on my 'need to be taken out and shot' list...and these type institutions certainly deserve to be put on it. Damn them.


Dan

A TRIP WEST...NEEDED

Eight years ago, I spent a few days in San Francisco with my sister and neice. The purpose for our trip was to be a part of our brothers' (and uncles') wedding.

We had an opportunity to visit a number of the 'touristy' part of San Francisco...Fisherman's Wharf...Golden Gate Bridge... Ghirardelli Square...the lights of downtown at night...a drive down Lombard Street...Coit Tower...Chinatown...a ride on a cable car...

When I returned home (Cindy didn't go) I told Cindy what a cool city San Francisco was to visit...and that we needed to go visit sometime.

Well...it's 8 years later...and we still haven't gone. Shame on me for not doing that. My brother has made a number of trips to see us in those 8 years...and I haven't made 1 to go there.

That needs to move to near the top of my 'to do' list.

Also...Happy Anniversary Dave & Chris.


Dan

TIME FLIES

Sometimes...when you're having such a good time...you just don't notice how the 'time' is passing quickly. We sure have had a good time this weekend of Christmas.

It's Sunday night. How can the weekend be over? I had Friday off to make it a 3 day weekend...and it's almost over.

How'd that happen?

Sometimes...time flies.

Don't you just hate it? I do.


Dan

CHRISTMAS 2010

Snow fell last night...must've been another 4" or more...and we had a nice, snowy Christmas morning. It was actually quite pretty.

Julie's boyfriend Eric flew in from Florida to surprise her for Christmas. After a quick sleep...the grandkids were up early to check out what Santa had left. They had to wait about an hour for aunt Joni & uncle Ryan to come over...then it was a 2 hour present fest...as we all ooohed and aaahed at what we got and at what 'they' got.

We had plenty of good food to eat all day...played some games...played with new toys...and enjoyed the warmth of being inside.

It was a great Christmas Day for the Clark clan.

Hoping all of my faithful followers had a great holiday time too.


Dan

CHRISTMAS IN THE BIG CHURCH

Reading a headline today...took me back to the Christmas of 1961. I don't even remember the article now...it just took my mind back to the little church in Owensville...in my growin' up years.

I remember being in the sanctuary of General Baptist Church on the corner of Brummitt and Mill Streets, in downtown Owensville. That was our home church...the only church I remember attending. And on one evening around Christmas, I recall a sanctuary full of people...and Santa getting presents out from under the tree at the front of the church...and he found one under there with my name on it and brought it to me. As I recall...all the little kids...like me...had a gift under the tree that Santa gave to them. I think the gift ended up being a coloring book and crayons...but in those times...that was an okay gift for me.

I don't remember getting the number of gifts back then...like my kids and grandkids do now...because we didn't. Two or three gifts was about all dad could afford back then. My wife...ever since I've been with her...goes crazy at Christmas...and I love her for it. But my kids and grandkids would wander what they did wrong...if they only saw 3 gifts under the tree!

But back to General Baptist...like many things...what I see now and what I saw then...differ greatly. Our house in Owensville was big THEN. With today's eyes...I bet it wasn't 600 square feet inside. General Baptist was huge...THEN. Now...I see it with about 8 rows of pews in 3 sections.

No matter the size...nearly 50 years later...the BIG little house has great memories...and the BIG little church...does too.


Dan

BATMAN !!

In 1966, in 6th grade...BATMAN came out as a weekly TV show. The 'colors' of the outfits on the show were outrageous...but caught everyones attention. Color TV was catching on about this time...so it was a great way to initiate the public with fascinating colors. The bad guys on each week, wore wild colors of green or yellow or purple.

I must have had to watch it on TV at dad's work...or at friends houses...as we didn't have a color TV at home then. Cindy & I got 'our' first color TV after we were married in 1974. Until then...it was black & white for me...or go somewhere else to watch it.

The shows of Batman were 'corny'...but so much so...that you had to watch. I don't think there were too many that I missed in the 3 or 4 years that it ran on TV.

To the batpole!


Dan

LET IT SNOW...LET IT SNOW...

Last weekend we had about a 3" snow. Not a big snowstorm but enough to make it a white...Christmas season.

This morning...we woke up to a couple more inches of new snow. I made a quick pass through some of the driveway and sidewalk with the trusty old snow shovel so the kids could get to the cars for school and/or work but left the bulk of it.

When I got home from work this afternoon...I couldn't get in my garage because one of Santa's helpers put a 'snow blower' in the middle of my garage.

Apparently the helper thought she wouldn't wait until Christmas to give it...because all the snow may be gone.

So I cranked it up and cleaned off the driveway.

Now my thought is....'let it snow' !

Thanks...Santa's helper.


Dan

GOING GREEN AND THE BMV

Daughter Joni reminded me today of a new problem we may be creating. She had a run-in with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles today. She had to provide multiple forms of ID...and barely eeked out what was needed.

The BMV asks for proof of residence and proof of ID. Usually, I think a passport, social security card, paystub and a utility bill are some of the items that will work. I think HIGH on the list...is some type of proof of residence...so a bill with your name and address on it.

I, like many people, have tried to 'go green' with many of the places that send us bills. I pay almost everything 'on-line' and do all my banking on line. Couldn't tell you the last time I've seen the inside of a bank lobby...or mailed a bill into a company with a check in the envelope.

So...since I have no bills coming to my house with my name and address on them...how can I take one to the BMV when I need to get something done?

Maybe the BMV will adjust to the 'new way' of things.

Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!


Dan

DON'T OPEN 'TIL CHRISTMAS

Last night...Jaime & Shawn took the 3 grandkids out to look at Christmas lights. That allowed two of the remaining 'Santas helpers' left at the house to get some wrapping done.

Most of the things that were wrapped are hidden in places throughout the house...but one gift for each member of the family...10 of them...were placed under the Christmas tree.

This morning...just Cindy & I were awake...reading the paper in the living room with the tree...and Mason came in to snuggle and tell us about all the lights and Christmas'y stuff he saw last night. Eventually...he stopped in mid-sentence as he saw the gifts under the tree...left there by Santa's helpers.

He crawled under the tree to read whose gifts were there...and realized there was one for every family member. Then he pulled his out from under the tree and looked at it...felt how heavy it was...ran his fingers over the paper (probably hoping that it would miraculously tear open so he could see more contents).

Finally...I had to tell him to put it back...that it was left under the tree for a reason...that he had a few weeks before he could open it. He slid it back under the tree...much to his displeasure.

I was reminded of a younger time in my life...when I was alone at home around Christmas...and there were 3 or 4 gifts under the tree with my name on them. Knowing I had some time before someone would be home to catch me...I carefully lifted the tape off...then carefully unwrapped...then carefully opened the box enough to peek at what was inside. Then when I was done...I carefully taped the wrapping paper back in place and put the gifts back under the tree. No one was the wiser.

WORST CHRISTMAS I EVER HAD!!

On Christmas morning...as we unwrapped...I had no excitement...no thrill of wondering what was in each box as I unwrapped them. I already knew.

Part of the fun of Christmas...is that instant when the unopened gift is in your lap...and you WONDER what's in it...but don't know yet.

Never again...have I wanted to look...in advance...at what I was getting on Christmas. It would all come-and-go too quickly as it is. Thank you...I'll just wait 'til Christmas morning.


Dan

THE NEW CHILD

I spoke with an acquaintance today whom I haven't seen in a few weeks. He and his wife had a new daughter several months ago...just before my surgery...I think.

I asked how the newest member of the family was doing. This is his third daughter...just like I have...except my youngest is in her 20's and his...is months old.

He said this one is quite different than the others. The first two were easy. His oldest is very smart. His middle child is the lover and must hug and kiss everyone...including the dog...before bedtime. The newest is...different.

She seems to require lots of attention...rocking...holding...feeding...and lots of talking to. Apparently...in a recent late night rocking encounter...dad whispered to the new one that 'she was not endearing herself to him' with all these antics.

I didn't have the heart to say...these are the good times. Enjoy them while you can.


Dan

TOO POLITICALLY CORRECT

I saw something today...while Christmas shopping with Cindy...that I haven't seen before...or at least it didn't hit me before...like it did this time.

We still warn smokers...on every package...that smoking is hazardous. We still warn people that eating raw meat can be harmful. We still warn men using ED drugs that an erection lasting 4 hours might be harmful.

All right...maybe some/most/all of these have their place. Good reminders to make us think twice.

But we have all been taught 'right-from-wrong'. We all have a conscience (alright...some don't) about doing the right things.

Today...I saw a warning to criminals on some electrical devices at one of the stores we shopped.

Warning: This package has a security device attached.

So now...we are being PC to criminals...in case you 'didn't get taught right from wrong...in case you don't have a conscience...we have one more deterrent. An alarm on this device will alert us that you are stealing it.

Okay...I guess we gotta cover ALL bases.


Dan

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

I've been on-call with the hospital since Thanksgiving morning...so it's been a lonnnng week. I haven't felt too Christmas'y this week to help Cindy get the house ready...until today. My call time stopped at 7am. So after work, I came home...parked the car outside the garage...went inside and pulled down the attic ladder and proceeded to bring ALL the Christmas decorations down from the attic.

This year was much easier...as Shawn was here to help me. I went in the attic...and handed it all down to Shawn. All 20 tubs...you know the ones...about the size of a big cooler. And yes...there are at least 20 tubs. It will take Cindy (and I'll help a little) most of the weekend to get it all in the right place.

I've already put some strings of light outside...but I got too cold and am too tired to overdo it. So tomorrow...we'll get to making the house Christmas'y.

It's gonna be a great Christmas. In recent years, it was Cindy & I and Mason (if he was with us and not with his dad) and Julie. We'd have to wait until Jaime & Shawn and kids had their Christmas at their house before they came over here to see what Santa brought all of us. And Ryan and Joni were in Chicago and probably sleeping in at 'his' parents house until it was time to come over.

But this Christmas...Ryan & Joni now live up the road. And all the remaining kids and all the grandkids live under our roof. My guess is that Christmas will be VERY early Christmas morning...so the grandkids can see what Santa brought.

First the decorations will go up this weekend...and then the big fun in a few more weeks.

I'm now in the Christmas spirit. It will be a great Christmas.


Dan

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT

Our Radiology department produces a news letter every 3-4 months, that is available for all hospital personnel to read on the hospital intranet (yes that's the correct spelling i-n-t-r-a-n-e-t). It is called the X-File. Each issue shares a little something that's going on in the Radiology Department and/or some of the individual departments of Radiology (CT, MRI, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, Interventional Radiology or general x-ray)

Last year I began contributing an article for each issue titled, Meet Your Co-Workers. In each article, I pick out 6 or 7 staff members and ask them questions that will shed some light about them...things that most people wouldn't know.

We are making an issue for December and my questions include...What was the year and model of your first car?...What do you like on your toast?...and...What was your favorite childhood Christmas gift?

For some of the guys and gals that I asked the gift question...they struggled to come up with an answer. When I was thinking up what questions to ask, when that question popped into my head...I knew immediately what my answer would be.

In 1960 or 1961...Santa brought me a 'Rifleman' rifle...from the TV Western, The Rifleman. The show was about a western cowboy/farmer and his young son. The dad, Lucas McCain, carried around a rifle that had a special lever on the handle, so that as he 'cocked' the rifle, he was able to make the gun shoot immediately. With this attachment, rather than cock the gun...aim...and shoot...he was able to repeat the action quickly and fire the gun in 'rapid fire' mode. (Watch this video of the opening credits of the show and you'll see what I mean.)

Well...when I got my rifle (toy rifle...not a real one)...I became the fastest shootin'est cowboy in Owensville. I was able to put a roll of 'caps' in the gun and it produced the noise, smoke and smell of a real shooting gun.

I was shootin' bad guys faster than they could make 'em.

What a great Christmas present. One I've never forgotten.


Dan

100 YEARS AGO

An interesting article in the local paper caught my eye this morning. Bob Kriebel, a local writer, shared an email he had received earlier this year...from a writer who describes some of the interesting facts from the year 1910. I don't know if Mr. Kriebel did any research on these facts...but he shared them as written.

I guess why it caught my eye...is that my dad was born in 1909...my mother in 1912. So these 'things' that were supposedly occurring in 1910...were what my parents were experiencing as young children.

Here's a few of the things that were shared:
-in 1910, 100 years ago, the average life expectancy for American men was 47 years
-only drugstores sold fuel for cars
-there were 8000 cars in the U.S, and 144 miles of paved roads
-the maximum speed limit was 10 mph
-1 in 7 homes had a bathtub, 1 in 12 a telephone
-the average American wage was $0.22 an hour
-the average American worker earned between $200-400 a year
-a competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 a year, a dentist $2500, a veterinarian $4000, a mechanical engineer $5000
-over 95% of all American births took place at home
-90% of all doctors had no college education. Instead they had attended 'so-called' medical schools
-sugar cost 4 cents a pound, eggs 14 cents a dozen, coffee 15 cents a pound
-most women washed their hair once a month and used Borax or egg yolks as shampoo
-the leading causes of death were, 1)pneumonia, 2) tuberculosis, 3) diarrhea, 4) heart disease, 5) stroke
-the U.S. flag had 45 stars
-the population of Las Vegas was 30
-crossword puzzles, iced tea, and canned beer had not yet been invented
-there was neither a Mother's Day or Father's Day
-2 in 10 adults could neither read nor write
-1 in 16 finished high school
-there were 230 murders reported in the entire U.S. that year

Things have changed in 100 years.


Dan

WORKING BLACK FRIDAY

Today is 'Black Friday'...reportedly the busiest shopping day of the year...the Friday following Thanksgiving. They call it Black Friday...because every business makes money (in the 'black') that day.

Yesterday...Thanksgiving Day...our newspaper was thicker than our usual Sunday paper. On Sundays...there's the news...and all the ads for the week. But yesterday...in preparation for Black Friday...EVERY store in our city had an ad section in the paper...or so it seemed.

I happened to be on-call for the Thanksgiving holiday and weekend. I got called in this morning at 3am. Usually...at 3am...there are few cars on the road with me. But today...there were lots of cars...apparently people on their way to early shopping. A few stores in town opened at 4am...more at 5am. Those 3am cars, I guess, were on their way to get in line for those 4am openings.

I got done at the hospital and was back on my way home at 445am. The Menards store (big box store that's similar to Loews and Home Depot) is on my way home. The lot was filling with cars...with lots of them with their lights on and running...it was 25 degrees at the time...as they waited for the 5am opening. Cars that weren't pulling in to Menards...were turning right at the next intersection...heading to the mall that is about 1 mile north of Menards.

I was glad I was on call this weekend...and not out in the craziness of shopping at 3am...and 5am.

I'm not a good shopper anyway...but I'd be a nasty shopper at those hours!


Dan

THE WINNER IS...

There is no winner. I'm talking about the hot subject in the news lately...do I get x-rayed at the airport security...or do I let them grope me?

This is not an easy subject to find a side to stand firm on. The world as it is today...has created a monster...and we all become the loser to the monster.

With some of the radical lunatics out there who want to cause harm...we have to find ways to protect ourselves.

One way is the x-ray machine. But it doesn't come without cost. Our bodies are getting a small amount of radiation...that we don't want. Our images are being seen...and stored (I don't believe them when they say they aren't or can't be saved...and looked at by others).

If we don't want the x-ray...it's no longer just having a 'wand' waved over you to check for metal...because the lunatics have found ways to make bombs without metal. So the option now is a 'hands on' pat down...that includes the breast areas and groin.

Now...as in most professions...most people who do their job...are good at it...and professional. But as with every job...there are a few who take liberty with their liberties...and you can't tell me there aren't a few guys who take advantage of 'feeling up' a few of the pretty girls...because they can.

I have a family relative whom it happened to...so you can't tell me it doesn't happen. Her choice was...let it happen...or take the risk of them not letting you on the plane.

I am glad I am not flying this Thursday. It sounds like there is a ground swell of people who intend to raise a fuss...at not getting x-rayed...and not getting groped. Their complaints...are simply going to tie up the system...making it longer for everyone to get on the plane...and risk not getting on it at all.

On the other hand...we simply can't allow everyone to get on the plane without some kind of check system to make sure we will be safe on that plane.

Both sides are a little wrong...both are a little right.

Until we can find a way that we all win...a little more than what we feel we're losing...it will be ugly.


Dan

GRANDMA

Well...since I talked about granddad on Saturday...I guess it's only fair I talk about grandma today. This time...on moms' side. Today grandma Fravel would be 130 years old.

Grandma was born in 1880. And yes...I do remember her. She died in 1965...I had just turned 11.

Grandma lived down on the south end of town in Owensville. My mom and dad and my brothers and sisters lived near there too...before my time. They moved to the house I 'do' remember before I was born. But I remember grandmas house.

The funniest story I remember about grandma, was when my cousin and I were playing outside her house...and she came out to ask us if we had seen her glasses...she couldn't find them. I remember telling her that they were 'on top of your head'. She had...as we glass wearers are sometimes known to do...pushed them up on top of her head...and forgot. Then she obviously spent some time looking for them in the house...before coming out to ask the grandkids if they'd seen them or done something with them.

I suppose I'll do something goofy to my grandkids...if I haven't done it already...that they'll recall 50 years from now.

I hope so.


Dan

GRANDDAD

Today is the day my granddad was born. I'm a papaw to my grandchildren...my dad was papaw to his grandchildren...but my grandfather was 'granddad'.

Granddad was born 129 years ago...and amazingly...I still remember him. Many of my readers might think...and say...geez you must be old. You remember someone that would be 129 years old!!

As most of my readers know...I was born late in my parents life as parents. Granddad was 73 years old when I was born...so by the time I was old enough to know he was my granddad...he was pushing 80. Luckily for me...granddad lived into his 90s so I had a long time to grow up and remember him.

Even with that...I never really got close to granddad. He just wasn't a guy that kids got close to. But when I'm 80 and going into my 90s...maybe the kids won't wanna get close to me either.

I hope not. I want my g-kids and g-g-kids and g-g-g-kids to remember me as somebody they liked being around and was a cool 'old' guy.


Dan

WATCHIN

I have owned...I believe...about 6 watches in my lifetime. There might be a few more in there that I'm not thinking about...but that's pretty close.

I just started wearing one again in the last few weeks, after not wearing one for many years. That's my usual cycle. Wear one for awhile...let the battery die...not replace the battery...quit wearing a watch.

I never really missed wearing a watch all those years. It's different today than it used to be. Who needs to wear a watch these days? There's a clock on the dashboard of my car...there's one on my cell phone...there's one on the stove, the microwave, the TV...there's one in almost every room of the house...and the 'monster' that wakes me up each morning. Who needs to wear one...you don't have to look too far, or too hard...to find the time displayed on 'something'.

My first watch was given to me by my dad. He worked at the hardware store in Owensville and inexpensive Timex watches were on a display rack there, near the cash register. Since we moved from Owensville when I was 8, I assume dad gave me mine for Christmas in 1961 when I was 7 years old. We moved that next summer.

My next watch that I remember was given to me on Christmas Day 1972. Cindy bought me a watch for 'our' first Christmas together. We were dating then...it would be a couple more Christmases before we'd be married. I wore that watch for a long time.

After Cindy & I moved to Lafayette...and before children...we'd once in a while go to Anderson's Auction Gallery nearby on Friday night for entertainment. It was always interesting to see what would be auctioned that night...old and new...and exciting once in a while to bid on something. As long as you didn't buy...it was cheap entertainment for the evening...and we were pretty cheap in those days. One evening...Colonel John was hawking 'new' digital watches for $5...and I bought one. I think it lasted about as long as you'd expect a $5 watch to last.

Cindy again bought me the next watch I recall...a beautiful watch for my 50th birthday. I happened to get another watch at about the same time...not sure who gave it to me...obviously not Cindy. It was the first time I'd owned 2 functioning watches at the same time. I could alternate wearing one, then the other...until the batteries wore out on both of them and I haven't worn a watch since then...

...until last month, when Jaime & Shawn went to Gatlinburg and strolled through the Fossil watch shop...among the thousands of shops down there...and bought me a new watch as a gift. (For being the world's best dad!)

The old Timex that dad bought me...got lost among the shuffles of life in the last 50 years. The 2 that Cindy bought me are in Cindy's jewelry box. Someday I'll take them to a jeweler and have them repaired...or put in a new battery...whatever it takes to get them running...and I'll hand them down to my grandsons.

I hope they'll wear them proudly...assuming men wear watches then.


Dan

VETERAN'S DAY 2010

My brother-in-law served in WWII. My brother served in Korea. Another brother served in Vietnam. My nephews served in Vietnam and Desert Storm. I'm sure there are others I'm forgetting.

Cindy's dad served in WWII. Her uncle served in the Army. With as many uncles as she had...I know there were many of them that served in WWII and other armed service areas.

Today is Veterans Day. A day to pause, reflect and thank those who served...and are serving...in any capacity.

A touching story is attached...about a group of men who have honored those who served and who have fallen...at over 57,000 funerals.

Remember those in your family...those of your friends...who have served. We have privileges beyond our imagination...because of them.


Dan

IT AIN'T RIGHT

Ever been swimming...in deep water...and got into trouble? And for a few brief seconds...that may have seemed like minutes...you thought that you might drown?

I have. It's a frightening feeling. I'll bet if a poll were taken...a vast majority of people would state two ways that they DO NOT want to die...burning to death in a fire...and drowning in water.

Sorry about the morbid thoughts...but I read the headlines today about George Bush's book...in which he authorized 'waterboarding' on some men while he was in office. And he still feels he was right in doing so.

Waterboarding...as I understand it...is basically simulated drowning of a person...and then stopping at the last second...saving them so they don't drown. And then maybe repeating the steps. And then maybe again.

The idea...again as I understand it...it that a person who is 'tortured' in this way...will 'break' and tell the torturers 'anything they want to hear'. Otherwise...the next time...maybe they won't stop the 'drowning' at the last second. And we've already decided this is 'one' way we don't want to die.

If I were to be waterboarded...I'd tell you anything you want to hear. Did I kick your grandmother in the knee? Damn right I did...if you won't drown me. Did I steal a box of pens from my workplace? Damn right I did...if you won't drown me.

Anyway you look at it...in my opinion...this is torture of the highest degree. I can't find it in my soul...to say it is the proper thing to do...even if the guy is a 'bad guy'.

Well...let me restate that. If somebody waterboaded one of my loved ones...and I knew who did it...I might find it in my soul to return a little 'eye-for-an-eye'.

And maybe that's the way those whom we waterboard...and their loved ones...and those of similar beliefs...feel about us. Maybe that's why they don't like us. No...HATE US!

George Bush is wrong. And if Barack Obama agreed with it...I'd say he is wrong too. And if in 2012 there is a new president...and that person says it would be okay...I'd say they were wrong too.


Dan

20 YEARS AND COUNTING...DOWN

I didn't know this about chocolate. Cocoa trees are only in the equatorial part of the world...and they are not being replenished as fast as they are being used.

The article implies we might run so low in 20 years that few will be able to afford chocolate.

Say it ain't so!!


Dan

MONOPOLY

The board game of Monopoly...has been around for 75 years...at least the version that 'we' are all familiar with.

There's really quite an interesting story that can be read about how this game came about and who really invented it.

I just remember as a youngster, my friend Mike and I would play entire weekends. We'd play into the wee hours of the morning...go to bed...and resume again when we woke up.

When Mike, or someone else, wasn't around...I'd play by myself. I'd sit on one side of the board and I'd play for the 3 'pretend' guys on the other sides. I'd be the banker...the deed watcher...house and hotel distributor...the dice roller...I did it all.

I was easily entertained. But I had fun...and stayed out of trouble.

Like my article about baseball cards and comics the other day...I've owned several versions of Monopoly. Sounds like the 'new' versions don't even have money these days...it's all done on a computer chip. The last one I owned...the houses and hotels were plastic.

I swear that first one we had...the houses and hotels were made of wood. Oh...to still have that version. Probably worth some real cash today.


Dan

WHAT...ME WORRY?

Nearly 2 years ago, Cindy surprised me with a gift of a laptop computer. Her main purpose...was that she was tired of me always disappearing to the computer room and not spending time with her.

It wasn't that I was ignoring Cindy. I was working...almost daily...on a personal project using our desktop computer.

The gift of the laptop, allowed me to still work on the project if I wanted...but at least I could be in the same room as she was.

Today...I rarely use the desktop...I'm hardly ever in the 'computer room'. Now...I can be found all over the house...in the bedroom...in the TV room...with the laptop...on my lap.

Today I read...the dangers of men having their laptops...on their laps. Scrotal hyperthermia.

Now...that may be an issue that some men need to worry about. But after all I've been through...it's not something I will.


Dan

MURDER IN PROGRESS

Cindy's trying to kill me! She's disguising it by cute little tricks...but oh don't let that fool you...she's trying to kill me.

The reason? Because my 'to do' list is so long...I get too flustered to even start working on it...so when a new task comes along...it just goes on the bottom of the list. She gets tired of me not working on a project...so today...the slow killing began.

She disguised it...by asking if the two grandsons...Mason & Owen...wanted to earn a few bucks. She walked them to the half bath...where the wallpaper has been in need of getting taken off the wall for...well...for a long time. So she told the boys to start peeling.

Well they started...but guess who's finishing? Yep...me! And my body is aching tonight for all the reaching...stretching...bending over...sitting on the floor...laying on the floor...reaching behind the toilet...under the sink...over the medicine cabinet.

I took three Advil to see if I can limit the body aches...but they don't seem to be doing any good. Of course...Cindy will get me loosened up in the morning...when she sends me back in there to finish the job.

I'm guessing this job will run me a couple of weeks. Hopefully by Thanksgiving, I'll have the bathroom done and newly painted. No wallpaper getting put up this time.

Cindy will try to kill me again if I do.


Dan

OH...TO GO BACK IN TIME

Every time I read a story like this, I think about my younger years when I had more comic books and baseball cards than I could count.

I'm sure I didn't have a Honus Wagner card...like the article...but I'll bet I had some cards (and probably old comics) that today might be worth hundreds...maybe thousands of dollars.

But no...they got thrown out...or left somewhere...or given away...or cards used to make my bicycle sound like a motorcycle.

To go back in time and find those cards...would be a real treat. And while I was back there...I'd invest in IBM, Apple and Google.

Then I guess I wouldn't need the cards!!


Dan

MEET MR. GRUMPY

This has been one of those days where bad news has come in bunches. It's put me in a less-than-friendly mood...and at bedtime that's not good for me...as I will toss these ideas in my head all night and sleep poorly.

I read where the Republicans have gained control of the House. They boast. I'm not sure why. They say they want to take the country back. Back where? They want to fix the problems? Good. As far as I'm concerned...they caused them...so they 'should' fix them. My gut tells me they won't be able to fix anything any better than the current administration. Try working out solutions that everyone gains...something...especially your constituents. But alas...I fear it won't be that easy.

Then...I hear that one of my friends is leaving their job...because of someone they have to work with. That person has no integrity...and gives no respect...yet demands it from others. My friend has had enough...and is taking their skills elsewhere. My friend...feeling they have asked for the matter to be addressed...with no changes taking place...has decided they will take their 30 skilled years to a competitor. I wish them well.

There's more...but it only makes me more frustrated to continue talking about them all. I am angry. My stomach is turning. I'm grumpy.

I am a firm believer in justice...'karma' if you will. My only relief is that I believe all the above will work out. My frustration is that it won't be as soon as 'I' want it to.

That's the part that will keep me up tonight.


Dan

NEW POLL

After work...I stopped off to vote...then came home to check email and Facebook before getting ready to go see my Boilers basketball team play tonight. Looking forward to a great basketball season.

While on Facebook...I thought it was interesting that you could click on a box to indicate to people that you voted. (I didn't click the box...because I don't think it's anybody else's business).

What made me chuckle...is that...as I write this...5,881,889 Facebook people say they have voted. The purpose for the chuckle...was because I wonder how factual this number really is. Usually at mid-term elections, such as this...voter turnout is usually very low. Yet 6 million Facebook folks say they voted.

I wonder if it's like the 600,000 people who say they attended Woodstock in 1969? Reports are that somewhere around 250,000 actually attended...but it's 'cool' to say "I was at Woodstock"...and who's gonna know?

Who's gonna know if 6 million people on Facebook voted? And for me...who cares?

I hope you voted. All I know is that I did...and that's all that counts.


Dan

I MADE IT !

It is the evening of November 1st. I have survived my first day back at work...after a full month off.

Now...not that I was loafing that month off...there were a few days in there that 'no one' would want to go through if they didn't have to.

But that month allowed me to heal...and get rested...and get as ready as one can get...to return to work.

I was greeted by a number of co-workers throughout the day who gave me a hug and a comment that they were glad to see me back. And in all honesty...it was good to be back. After 35 years...some of those folks are just like family...and I missed interacting with them as much as I would miss my own family.

I did comment to one of them that the only reason I came back...was because I didn't win the lottery while I was off. That's not 'totally' true...but if I'd have 'played'...and 'won'...it would've been very interesting!!


Dan

HERE COMES NOVEMBER

What a month can do. For one thing...it can fly!!!

On September 28, I put in my last day of work. I spent the next day going through my prep for surgery. September 30, I had a prostectomy to remove my cancerous prostate.

The entire month of October was spent recovering. It is now the last Friday of October. I will spend the remaining weekend visiting Cindy's family in southern Indiana.

Monday will be November...and I will return to work. I'm sure it will take me a little time to get back in the 'groove'. The alarm clock hasn't gone off the entire month. I slept until I got up. I did what I felt like doing. If I needed a nap...I took a nap.

But my surgery was successful. I feel good. It's time to start the next chapter of my life.

I'm pretty sure...they don't allow naps at work.

It could be rough for awhile!


Dan

RIGHT FAR

I see in the obits that James MacArthur died today. Now for some people, that name won't ring a bell...until they click on this and see the photo that goes with the story.

Most people will recognize MacArthur as the character 'Danno' (book him Danno) from the original Hawaii Five-0 (there's a new version this season...but I haven't watched it).

I 'do' remember MacArthur from the 'old' Hawaii Five-0 (Hawaii was the 50th state you know...so...5...0...Five-0). Anyway it wasn't Hawaii Five-0 that I liked MacArthur from.

One of my favorite all-time movies is titled...'Spencer's Mountain'. The movie starred Henry Fonda and Maureen O'Hara as the parents of a brood of children...and MacArthur played the oldest son...Clayboy.

The movie was the basis of a well-loved TV show of the 70's called 'The Waltons'.

The basis of the movie is the dream of the father to build a get-away home up on the old mountain for he and his wife to enjoy...and the dream of Clayboy...to get 'off' that mountain and do something besides what his grandparents and parents and uncles have done all their life.

I still remember the last words of the movie.

As Clayboy takes a seat on the bus that will take him away to college...after just saying a touching goodbye to his parents and siblings...a man that Clayboy sits down beside on the bus asks him...'going far'...and Clayboy responds...'right far'.

A great movie if you haven't seen it.


Dan

SPECIAL DAY

I wrote about this topic on this date 1 year ago...but I'm going to write about it again...because it's about a special person.

Today...would be my big sister's 80th birthday. I say...'would be'...because she's been gone for 16 years. That dreaded disease...cancer...shortened her life.

Joan (pronounced Jo-Ann) was a wonderful sister...maybe the nicest person I have ever known. A simple farm wife...who never held any lofty positions...never had a lot of money...but who was a wonderful wife, mom, daughter, sister, grandmother...who loved her family and friends...and was equally, loved in return...by all.

If there is a person who I should emulate...it would be my sister.

What a wonderful privilege it would be...to sit down at the table this evening and sing happy birthday, share some cake and ice cream, and give my sister a big hug and kiss.

Now 'that' would be a great day.


Dan

WORLD SERIES

My brother lives in San Francisco...and his local baseball team...the Giants...will play in this years World Series.

I believe I saw a commercial on TV that said the first game is scheduled for later this week...to begin at 730pm. Why does it start at 730pm? Because that's when the TV people say it will begin!

I assume EVERY game of the World Series...will be played in the evenings...so the TV company that is showing it...can get the largest audience possible.

That's a change from when I was a little guy. I remember the World Series being held in the afternoons...while I was in school. Night games?...we didn't need no stinking night games!!


I recall some of the bigger kids (6th graders) sneaking their transistor radios in to school with an earplug attached...in hopes they could listen to a few innings while they were pretending to study...hoping their teacher wouldn't notice.

My guess is...some of the men teachers...had their own radio tucked in one of their desk drawers...with an earplug attached that 'they' could listen to once in a while...hoping the students wouldn't get rowdy and interrupt the play-by-play.

Those were the days when the game was fun...and I enjoyed following it. Today...like all professional sports (heck...even college sports for that matter)...it's all changed. Teams are 'told' when they will play...and they'll 'like' it.

I'm glad my brothers' local team is playing...but I could personally care less WHO is playing...when they're playing...or on what channel.

In fact...whatever channel they'll be playing on...will be one that I WON'T be watching.


Dan

CARNEGIE LIBRARIES

I read a short article today about Andrew Carnegie. The main topic of the article...was regarding the 'public libraries' that were built across the United States thanks to funding from Andrew Carnegie.

Between 1883 and 1929, Carnegie funded the construction of 1679 public libraries in almost every state of the United States...as well as over 650 in Great Britain and Ireland and another 125 in Canada.

In a rags-to-riches manner, the immigrant from Scotland worked his way from messenger boy to a communications executive to business strategist.

Carnegie reportedly spent some $70 million of his money...to build the libraries (this amount would translate into 'billions' in today's dollars).

My little hometown of Owensville...was one of those towns that accepted a grant from Carnegie...to build their library. Located in the center block of the downtown area, (much like court houses in larger towns of the state), it is still standing and still in use. (I hoped to attach a photo of the library here...but couldn't make it work. Good reporting...eh?)(Instead...I settled for a link, showing all the Carnegie libraries in Indiana.)

I remember going into that library as a little boy. Although it's probably been 10 years since I've been in it...I recall the good feeling I had when walking in that great building...in a great little town.

I'm sure there are things that people could find wrong with Andrew Carnegie...but I would have to give him credit for at least doing such a great thing for so many towns across the country.


Dan

STOLEN SILVERWARE

This article jumped out at me as I scanned the paper. It's about restaurant customers stealing things that belong to the restaurant.

The reason it caught my eye...is that the little restaurant/bar that we went to last weekend...had a little blurb from the owner in the corner of their menu.

Basically the little column read..."Do our hamburgers really cost me $4.95? The answer is NO." He then went on to list his monthly expenses...his electric bill, advertising, building rent...etc. He then went on to say something like..."so please don't take my silverware, glassware or salt n pepper shakers."

But since they don't listen to his plea's...he has to charge $4.95 for a hamburger.

I had no idea that this seems to be such a common things for restaurant owners to have to battle.

Geez.


Dan

JET STREAMS

While waiting to pick up Mason after basketball practice, I sat in my car in the school parking lot and enjoyed a nice sunny...but cool...sky. In a matter of a few minutes...a saw '5' jets streaking across the sky...all going in different directions.

As usually happens...my mind drifts off...wandering where those 5 jets are headed...and who might be on those planes...and what they're doing on them.

I'm not a 'frequent' flier...but I've flown more times than I can count. I've flown to meetings held in other states...to my brothers' wedding...to visit friends...to go on vacation with friends or family.

I thought of how each moment of each day...is so different to different people. It might be one persons' best day of their life...it might be someone else's worst. As I mentioned recently...the first Friday of October was my first day without the cancer in my body. That same day...good friend Lisa...found out...cancer was growing in hers.

Someone on one of those jets...may be off to a job interview...that may change their life in unknown ways. Someone may be on their honeymoon. Someone may be off to bury a loving family member.

Our last trip on a jet...was this summer when Cindy & I, our kids and grandkids...all flew down to Disney World for a week. It was an 'even better than expected' time together.

If someone like me...on the day that our jet was flying south...looked up in the sky and saw our jet...and wondered where it was going and what the people on it were doing...well...the 10 of us were on our way to a great adventure that we will likely never forget.

I hope the people in those 5 jets that I saw today...were all on their way...to 'their'...great adventure.


Dan

MASON'S BAD DAYS

Yesterday afternoon...as school was about to get out...I drove down to pick up the three grandkids. When the bell rang...they all eventually popped through the school doors and headed my way. We walked to the car as we discussed how the school day had been. The three jumped in the back seat and buckled in as we talked more. We made the short drive to the house...and began to climb out and head in the house for a drink and a snack and begin working on our homework.

As usual...I hear the doors of the car slam...the shuffling of book bags and bodies...as the three try to be the first one in the house. This time however...my ears perk up quickly as I hear a high pitch wail...that tells me...this isn't the usual shuffle and pushing and shoving and...this time...someone got hurt...bad.

I look through the window to the back passenger seat and see the door closed...and through the glass...see Mason's face in agony and I know immediately what happened. As he continues to wail...I run to his side of the car as fast as I can. I was there in 4 seconds...but to him it probably seemed 4 minutes. The door is completely closed...and the 4 fingers of his left hand can't be seen...they're still inside the car door.

I open the door and he pulls his hand free. He wails even more because it 'really' hurts now. I look to see if fingers are still attached. Then I look to see if there is blood. They are attached...there is no blood. But three of the fingers are indented 1/4 inch where they were trapped in the door. They are bruised and swelling.

It has now been no more than 10 seconds since the first wail. By the time I have Mason's hands free...Shawn has come running from the house to the garage. He later told me his thoughts were...when he heard the scream...which one of the kids just had their fingers caught in the car door?

We get Mason inside...make an ice bag and get it on his hand. With lots of hugging and loving and holding and icing down...Mason finally settles down...the indentations are not as deep...and I convince him to try to move them. Soon he's a little better...an occasional sob...but able to move the fingers a little more.

Finally...I know they're not broken and he's gonna make it. A few more grey hairs sprout in my head...but I'm gonna make it too.

Today...he's better...well...he was...until I got him after school...to take him to the doctor's office...to get his flu shot.

I'm not sure which he thought was worse...fingers caught in the door...or flu shot in the arm.

I'm guessing Mason won't want me to pick him up at school tomorrow!

Poor kid.

Poor papaw.


Dan

A LESSON IN SCIENCE CLASS

The 4th grade science teacher, Mrs. Parks, asked her class, "Which human body part increases to 10 times its size when stimulated?"

No one answered until little Mary stood up...angry...and said, "you should not be asking 4th graders a question like that! I'm going to tell my parents, and they will go and tell the principal, who will then fire you!" With a sneer on her face, she then sat back down.

Mrs. Parks ignored her and asked the question again, "Which body part increases to 10 times its size when stimulated?"

Finally, Billy stood up, looked around nervously, and said, "The body part that increases 10 times its size when stimulated...is the pupil of the eye."

Mrs. Parks said, "Very good, Billy", then turned to Mary and continued, "As for you, young lady, I have three things to say:
1. You have a dirty mind
2. You didn't read your homework...and
3. One day you are going to be very...very...disappointed!"


Dan

REAL STARS

Years ago, when I was writing a book that I would later give to my girls, I ran across an article that caught my eye. I don't recall the exact information...but I remember the gist of it.

It was about the most important people in our lives.

The article began by asking the reader to name some people from the headlines. For example...could you name the five wealthiest people in the world? Could you name the most recent Miss America? Could you name the actor, actress and movie that won last years Academy Awards? Could you name the last three World Series winners?

How’d you do?

Probably like me. I could name a few billionaires, drop the name of a movie star or two and a few baseball teams...but were they the right ones? Doubt it.

The point is...none of us remember the headlines of yesterday...for very long. And these people in the headlines aren't second rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. Yet, they are forgotten. The applause dies, the awards tarnish, their achievements are forgotten, the accolades and certificates are buried with the owners.

Next, the article asked the reader to think of these type questions. Can you name the teacher(s) who aided your journey through school? Can you name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time? Can you think of four people with whom you enjoy spending time?

The lesson?

The people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials...the most money...or the most awards. They are the ones who care...about you...who have been there when it counted. They have been successful in a 'different' way to you. They have helped to make 'you'...'you'.

Their awards are in our hearts...not to be forgotten.

I hope you've had those people in your life. I hope 'you'...have been that person in someone else's life.

I know I've 'had' those people in my life. I hope I've been 'that' person...in someone elses.


Dan

THE REAL ONES TRIED TO KILL ME

Cindy & I had a good day today with friends. Part of it was spent with friend Lisa...who later this week...will begin chemotherapy for a recently found breast cancer.

Lisa & Vince chose not to share their news with us when they visited me in the hospital 2 weeks ago. They knew it was 'my' time for care and concern...and not the time to share 'their' bad news.

We told Lisa today...we appreciated their concern, but wished we could have been there for them that day. But we promised we are with them now...for whatever they need.

Lisa is thinking positive...as she must. We shed only a few tears with her...and then got in the mode of...let's just get 'this show' on the road.

Lisa will undergo chemotherapy...then radiation...then surgery...all over the next 5 months.

One of her friends called her this week to say she found the perfect T-shirt for Lisa to wear after she has her mastectomies and reconstructive surgery. Reluctantly, Lisa asked what the shirt said.

"Yes they're fake...my real ones tried to kill me!"

We loved it. We love Lisa.


Dan

WELL...IT 'DEPENDS'

It's Saturday evening...and it's been a great day (well...except for hearing about our Boilers and the injury to Robbie Hummel.)

On a beautiful fall Saturday...Cindy & I, two of the big kids and 2 of the little kids...went to the pumpkin patch and bought a whole slew of pumpkins of various styles and sizes. Then it was home to decorate a few of them and get them in place in front of the house.

Then this evening...it was a night out for Cindy & I and 4 of the 5 big kids...we got a sitter for the little ones. We drove to a small town nearby and ate at the towns 'only' hot spot...the local restaurant/pub. We shared some drinks, a good meal and laughs.

Then we giggled as I got lost...(well that's what I got accused of)...trying to find my way back out of town. We spent the next hour driving to...and looking over...a motor home that Ryan was interested in purchasing. More giggling ensued as our tummies rumbled and bladders filled...as we waited in the car for Ryan to tell the owner...NO...not interested...in a nice way.

Lucky for me...I was wearing my depends...so I didn't...literally...wet my pants during the giggle sessions. (My recent prostate removal left me with a little bit of bladder control problems...so I wear a depends in case I...laugh/cough/sneeze...uncontrollably).

Tonight...for the first time...it came in handy.

A fun day...and a fun evening.


Dan

AN IMPORTANT NUMBER

Yesterday, I mentioned...again...a little fascination I have with numbers. Well, today the number is 38.

Cindy & I started dating January 15, 1972. After graduation, I worked in Atlanta for the summer to save up some money and in the process bought her an engagement ring with the proceeds.

Having the weird fascination with numbers...even then...I happened to have a date the night of October 14, 1972 with Cindy. I took her home late (her family happened to be staying at the cabin at the lake) and we went in for a snack and a drink and to smooch and all that stuff...but I wouldn't leave. Everyone was asleep except us as we sat at the dining room table...talking quietly (whispering), holding hands...all that yucky stuff.

I think Cindy had to work the next morning, but I was just the 'thing that wouldn't leave'. Finally, after midnight...it obviously turned to October 15. That was 9 months from our first date...and I thought a good time to give her that ring.

Thirty-eight years ago.

Man...where does time go?


Dan

NUMBERS

I think I've mentioned before...numbers intrigue me.

I saw this article and it obviously jumped out at me. A couple had 3 children in a period of 3 years. Their dates of birth will always be easy to remember.

8/8/08
9/9/09
10/10/10

Now what would be the odds of that? They might want to buy a lottery ticket.


Dan

THE LOG RIDE

A lucky...???...man in Missouri stepped into a sewer drain, became unhooked from his harness and rode the 'log' ride for a mile down the drain before someone finally heard his cries and began his rescue.

I noticed one line in the story that says they are giving him antibiotics because of the high likelihood he swallowed raw sewage on his wild ride.

High likelihood?! I can flat guarantee it. I can't step in the shower without getting water in my mouth. I've never jumped in a swimming pool without getting a little water in my nose and mouth and swallowed it. This man was fighting and struggling and hollering as loud as he could for a one mile trip in the bowels...literally...of the sewer system. I can flat guarantee he swallowed several mouthfuls of sewage.

As a prep for my recent surgery...I had to take several capsules and drink a drink...with the sole purpose to empty my colon...and it did it's job.

If I'm this guy...I'd ask them for a double dose of this bowel emptying stuff...and hook me up to a hose with water running through me continuously and flush me until I'm so clean inside...I squeak when I walk. Meanwhile...pump in all those IV antibiotics that you can possibly give me.


Dan

THE TUBE...OF FIRE

Well...today was a big day for me. A day that's been on the calendar for almost 2 weeks...but has been on my mind since the middle of August...when we met my surgeon about my prostatectomy.

On that day in August, Dr. Ramsey met with us to discuss what he would do about my cancer surgery. That included...removal of the prostate gland...and in the process...removal of a portion of my urethra...the tube that carries urine from your bladder...to its exit from the body. He told me, he would sew the urethra parts together and they must be allowed to heal...and to help them heal...a catheter must be placed to connect the bladder to the exit from the body.

A few weeks before this meeting, I had had to have a catheter put in during a visit to the Emergency Room. I was so sick...that the catheter was very uncomfortable...every minute it was in place...and very painful as it was removed. So when Dr. Ramsey told me a catheter would be placed in me after my surgery was completed...and had to be left in...for 12 days...it was a thought that never totally left my mind from that moment.

I was less afraid of the surgery I would eventually undergo...than the thought of that lousy catheter being in place for those 12 long days.

But...the 12 days passed quickly...and...although not pain free...it wasn't anywhere near what I had experienced in the Emergency Room..

So today...the catheter was to be removed. I was nervously excited...happy it was coming out...but fearful of the pain that would ensue upon its removal...like I had experienced before.

So Cindy & I met in the office, Dr. Ramsey came in to see how we were and what to do and not do and what to expect in the weeks and months to come.

Then, when all subjects had been addressed and questions answered, it was time for the removal of the catheter...or as I referred to it...THE TUBE OF FIRE.

Needless to say, the removal process attracted my attention...I was at an '8' on the pain scale of 0 to 10...but it lasted less than 10 seconds...although it seemed longer...in fact, I thought my bladder had briefly fallen to my knees since it seemed to take forever to finally see the end of that tube come out...it drained me of energy and made my knees a little rubbery...but...I survived the removal.

The recovery still continues...but at least it's without...that tube of fire.


Dan

10 WAYS TO A BETTER LIFE

1. People are illogical, unreasonable and self-centered. LOVE THEM ANYWAY.

2. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. DO GOOD ANYWAY.

3. If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. SUCCEED ANYWAY.

4. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. DO GOOD ANYWAY.

5. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. BE HONEST AND FRANK ANYWAY.

6. The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. THINK BIG ANYWAY.

7. People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs. FIGHT FOR A FEW UNDERDOGS ANYWAY.

8. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. BUILD ANYWAY.

9. People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. HELP PEOPLE ANYWAY.

10. Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth. GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU HAVE ANYWAY.


Dan

A 36 HOUR TWIST

In a 36-hour time frame, our emotions have gone from low-to-high-to-low again.

On Thursday morning...we got the great news that...it appears that my cancer was found early and...aside from time to heal...I will need no further treatment for now.

By Friday night...while still celebrating my results...we received news that our good friend Lisa...has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Vince & Lisa were at the hospital to see me last Thursday...to support me as my surgery and recovery began. Vince stopped by to see me the next day to check on me again and shared with us their weekend plans. But those plans changed before the day ended.

Ironically, Vince...shares the same birthday as our granddaughter Anna. Their daughter Megan...shares the same birthday as our daughter Joni. Their daughter Abbey shares the same birthday as me. Lisa and I have lost our mothers to breast cancer. Our families are intertwined in many ways. Now we share a new...unwanted...common foe.

Just as Vince & Lisa have given their love to support Cindy & I with our battle...we will re-dedicate our love and support to help them with their battle.

The month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It's a little too close to home...to get this news.

We don't need anymore...awareness...of cancer in our lives.


Dan

OCTOBER 9 BIRTHDAYS

Tomorrow is the birthday of 2 of my favorite people.

The most famous...is John Lennon. Tomorrow would be his 70th birthday. I still recall the morning in December 1980 when I woke up to the radio, and hearing the news that John Lennon had been murdered the night before.

Most of you know that the Beatles are my favorite musical group...and I think John was the 'brains' behind the success of the group. He was very innovative and very controversial, often despised and hated. But I think there was a genuineness to him that made him more realistic than his bandmates. This article talks a little about that subject.

Tomorrow is also the birthday of one of my best friends from my growin' up years...Jimi. His parents refer to me as their 4th son. They were a wonderful part of my life and I am eternally grateful to them.

Jimi was my sports 'able' buddy who always let me tag along. Jim was a good football player, good baseball player, good basketball player, good tennis player...and he tried to help me get better with all of them...but I could never quite get to his level.

Today, Jimi is a great coach at the high school level in southern Illinois. He has coached most of the sports at one time or another at his school...and currently is the cross country coach...in fact had a recent article written about his success.

I like the music that John played a part in...that contributed to the 'music' fabric of my life.

But I love the 'real life' aspects that Jimi made a part of my life.

Happy Birthday Jimi.


Dan

BEST NEWS IN A LONG TIME

Well, this morning Cindy & I hoped to hear the news we wanted to hear. She stayed home from work for a few hours so she could share the news with me.

One week ago, I had my prostatectomy...removal of my prostate due to cancer found in it in July. The gland, once removed, is tested in pathology, to gather more information about the cancer than was discovered in the biopsy samples.

We were told to call today, and we'd hear the pathology findings. When I called the office about 830am, I got the voice mail...so I left my message and number...and hoped they'd call back soon. We got our return call in about 15 minutes. I put the phone on speaker so Cindy & I could both listen to the comments together. We heard what we wanted to hear.

First, the Gleason score remained at 6. The Gleason score evaluates the aggressiveness of the cancer. '10' is very aggressive...'5' is less aggressive. The Gleason score on my biopsy in July was '6'...indicating it was not an overly aggressive tumor...but somewhat aggressive. The Gleason score on the pathology stayed at 6...so it was indeed NOT...overly aggressive.

Second, the tumor was about 5% of the overall mass of the gland...so it wasn't large. That would make you think it was caught in its' early stages.

Third...and most important...the margins of the gland showed no evidence of tumor growth...meaning that the tumor was all 'inside' the prostate...and hadn't started growing 'out' of it...and attacking other areas of the body.

It was about as good of news as we could have hoped. Cindy & I had a good hug...feeling like we'd just won a big battle.

Now it's just going through the healing process...taking the occasional tests when needed...and believing that the tumor is all gone...and will stay gone.

Best news we've received in a long time.


Dan

PUNKIN' TIME

Soon...we'll make the trek out to the country to buy pumpkins...and gourds...and all the oddities that Cindy likes to display at this time of year.

Last year...we also bought one of those BIG pumpkins. If we do that this year...it will have to make its own way into the vehicle and fall out in the right spot when we get to our house. Right now...I'm not supposed to lift 10 pounds. Those MONSTER pumpkins are 100's of pounds.

Some years ago, friends of Cindy & mine had relatives who grew those whopper pumpkins. We took Mason out to see them when he was just a few years old and took pictures with him sitting atop several of them. According to this article...the bigger and uglier they can grow them these days...the better.

We'll probably get several varieties when we go, but certainly will get a number of the 'old standby' pumpkin. Since we're all...well almost all...in one household now, I think we'll have to have a decorating contest this year.

The grandkids will like that...and the big kids will certainly try to outdo one another.

It should be a fun Halloween season.


Dan

HUSH THAT OLD BAG

Rarely...do we not have a bag of potato chips available to eat at our house. Normally...its 4 or 5 bags. There's pretzels...regular...barbecue...fritos...SunChips...any number and variety.

In recent months, SunChips has gone to a new type of bag that...as they advertise...is 100% biodegradable. It is also...100% noisy.

We have laughed with each other...and teased each other...that you couldn't sneak into the kitchen for a few chips out of the SunChip bag...because it is so dang noisy...everyone in the house knows you're in them.

Well...sounds like the company has received grief from customers and is going back to the old style of packaging...less noisy. Too bad...it's at the sacrifice of the landfills filling up with the less degradable bag.

Oh well...as long as their customers are happy. As for us...we had fun with it. We knew we were getting low on chips...when there wasn't enough noise going on in the kitchen.


Dan

RECOVERY ROAD

It's Monday morning. I slept in my 'own' bed last night. Surgery is behind me. The month long recovery begins.

Shawn fixed me a good breakfast this morning. I gathered all my materials and have moved to the recliner in the living room looking out the front windows. The sun is shining...my thermometer says it's 46 degrees...a beautiful fall day.

The house is quiet. All the big people are off to work...and the little ones off to school. I can hear the grandfather clock 'ticking' in the background.

I feel good. An ache here and there and I walk like I'm 80 years old...but I feel good...all things considered.

All the positive thoughts and prayers that family and friends sent...I felt. And they helped. They had to. I'm home aren't I?

And...according to Cindy...all those prayers for 'gas to pass' were answered. In fact...she thinks you can STOP those prayers!!

Thanks to one and all. I'm recoverin'.


Dan

WELL...I'M BACK

I am comfortably reclining in my 'own' bed after spending the last 3 nights in a hospital bed.

If you aren't caught up on my dealings lately...I had a prostatectomy on Thursday. After having gone through the procedure, I'm sure they changed it from the description they gave me 'before' surgery.

What they 'told' me..was they would use a robotic device...called a da Vinci...to remove my tumorous prostate gland.

What they 'really' did was...removed everything south of my nipples to just above my knees...put everything in a pile...rummaged through them until they found my prostate and chucked it in the trash can...and then shoved the remaining parts back in.

Well...maybe they didn't do that...but it felt like that for awhile.

My buddy Cindy spent every minute with me, pretending to sleep comfortably in a piece of furniture meant to look like a chair during the day and a bed during the night. I'm as glad to have 'her' back home as I am to have myself home.

My biggest event after surgery...was to work up some gas to prove that my bowels had returned to normal. One episode came at a most embarrassing time...and then Cindy started to giggle...which made me start to giggle...and one thing you don't want to do with stitches in your belly is laugh (or cough or sneeze) after surgery. The more she laughed...she cried...which made me laugh...and cry...and I finally had to make her leave the room so I could stop hurting.

Laughing until it hurts. That's what good friends do.

I'm back.


Dan

OH NO I'M NOT

Last night was my last night of eating for awhile. So to celebrate, we met out at Pepe's...Cindy & I...the big kids...Cindy's aunt Sandy...and several friends. Cindy & the kids called it the..."goodbye to Dan's prostate..party."

Today...is bowel prep day. Need I say more? I thought not. All I have to say about today is...for those of you who think I'm full of sh**...

OH NO I'M NOT. At least not anymore.


Dan

JIM AND ME...SIMILAR THOUGHTS

In June, I blogged that I thought our country should go to work on a 'high-speed rail system'. Not only would it put 'us' to work, but it is a type of transportation that could be utilized to our advantage.

Jim Jubak proposed a similar idea today. His idea is just expressed in nicer words...he's a better writer. He proposed other ideas as well...but I just focused on the high-speed rail.

See what you think of his other ideas. He may have a point.


Dan

BOTTLE CAP PIN-ONS

Well this will certainly show my and my readers age. Those my age and older will know what I mean. Those younger than me, will likely not have a clue...or even be capable of imagining...what I'm talking about.

This article...the heading...not the story itself...caught my eye...and took me way back to my younger years.

In the 'old days'...pop (coke, pepsi, nehi, royal crown...you name 'em) came in bottles. It was years later that I remember pop coming in cans. The lids to those bottles of pop, had to be taken off with a bottle opener. And underneath that lid, was a thin layer of 'cork' that was glued to that underneath side. The purpose of the cork, was that it allowed a good seal between the 'tin' of the bottle cap, and the 'glass' that the cap was pressed onto...thus sealing in the 'fizz' into the bottle.

In our younger years...as I've stated before, we sometimes had to 'invent' games and cool things to do that would be fun. Well...one of the things we did was to slowly, and carefully...so that you didn't tear the cork...you gently pealed the cork from the underneath side of that pop bottle cap. If successful, in one hand you had the cap...and the other, the cork.

We then put the cap on the outside of our shirt and placed the cork on the inside of our shirt and pushed the 2 together, as if you were now trying to put the cork 'back into' the bottle cap...just with your shirt positioned in between.

If successful...you now had a new pin to wear on your shirt...a pop bottle cap pin.

Anyone remember?

Now the younger folks are scratching their head with thoughts of 'what?' and 'so then what'd you do?'

Hey...we were inventive. You would be shocked at the things we found to do to have fun. Sure beat bein' couped up inside playing games on a computer or TV screen.


Dan

A FULL DAY

We had a full day today. Since this summer, we've had this weekend marked on the calendar. For one...it is grandson Mason's birthday. Two...we decided to go to the Purdue campus and tailgate before heading to the game.

All was good...weather perfect...but we lost the football game. Still...a good day to all 10 of the crew to be together. Then it was home later in the afternoon to order some pizzas and open presents...and then of course...cake and ice cream.

A week from today...I hope to be home from the hospital. I'm sure I won't feel as good as I do today...but a big event will be over and the road to recovery will begin.

But today...the 10 had a good day. And that's all I could want.


Dan

FIRE AND WATER

It's been a tension-filled week and Friday afternoon was a welcome sight.

It was windy today so I had the usual limbs down in the yard when I got home. I ran some errands as we prepare for a big day tomorrow, then I picked up the grandkids at the babysitter and headed back home.

While they unwound from a week of school...I headed out to the yard and picked up a bunch of limbs and threw them in the fire pit. Once I got a good fire going, I grabbed a chair, pulled it up near the fire...and unwound...just watching the fire.

I think one of the things Cindy & I enjoy when we're at the beach, is how you can just get mesmerized watching the water. Equally, I can get mesmerized watching a fire burn in the fireplace or in the fire pit.

While I was relaxing, I knew my time would be interrupted by someone wondering what was for supper tonight...and eventually...the interruption came...but until it happened...my week got a little better just unwinding...watching some of my worries burn up in the fire.


Dan

SOGGY BREAD

While at lunch today, I noticed my co-workers sandwich had 'soggy' bread. The meat that had been put on it was wet...and thus the bread got wet.

I hate 'soggy' bread. So our brief lunch discussion was about me...hating 'soggy' bread. I also said I am NOT someone who crumbles up crackers and puts them in my soup. I also HATE...'soggy' crackers. If crackers and bread were meant to be wet and soggy...you would be able to buy them that way.

My mind then flashed back to my dad, who would pour a small bowl of milk, then get a couple slices of bread, tear the bread in pieces and drop them in the milk. (Now THAT ain't right!)

When asked why my dad did that...(it even sounded disgusting to her)...I said dad was from the Depression era, and probably had to do with the fact that you ate...whatever you could get your hands on...and you'd like it...or go hungry.

I recall so, so many eating oddities of dads...but I'll tell you...he was ALWAYS a member of the 'clean plate' club...because he NEVER didn't eat what was on his plate.

I'll tell ya...things would have to be pretty tough for me to choke down some soggy bread or crackers. I guess I've been fortunate enough to never be in that position.


Dan

YOU TALKIN' TO ME?

I caught myself today...doing something I have caught myself doing before. I talked to myself...outloud.

I did a quick look around to see if someone heard me and there was no one around.

Now it wasn't like I was carrying on a major conversation...I said 2 words out loud. So I'm not a major self-talker...or in politically correct language...'intrapersonal communication'.

I googled to see what else I could find about talking to oneself...and mostly I found discussions of Autism...and mental health issues. But those people were talking to themselves constantly, carrying on several sides of the conversation, answering their own questions aloud.

This was just 2 little words. I'm gonna guess some of you readers have caught yourself saying something out loud too.

Let me know if I'm the only goofy one...or if you have found yourself talking aloud too. I'm betting we all do it once in awhile.


Dan

I FEEL YOUR PAIN

This Chicago woman had enough. Her yard became the 'waste' dump for her neighbors dog...and she snapped.

Being a dog owner, we are mindful of the 'yard bombs' that are left behind. When we go on dog walks with Zoe...a bag and garden shovel go with us to scoop up any bombs that might be dropped in neighboring yards.

I often shake my head in disgust at dog walkers who don't have bags with them when they are walking their dogs. I've often thought if I saw someones dog dropping bombs in my yard, I'd scoop them up and walk over to their yard and throw them in theirs.

That's what this lady did...and it landed her in trouble. Seems like the wrong person is behind bars if you ask me.


Dan

WHAT'S THAT SMELL ?

I, for one, like the smell of a new car. It doesn't last long, but for some reason...I just like it. I've never seen it in a can that you can apparently spray in your 'older' car to make it smell like a new one...but it's supposedly out there.

Until reading this article, I never made the connection of how hard it is for car manufacturers to make sure a new car smells the way 'most' people like a new car to smell...rather than some component of 'all' the different parts and oils and plastic and metal and carpeting and rubber and leather that is inside your car.

And they even have 'teams' of individuals whose job is to make sure that new car smell isn't offensive.

I think that might be a good job for me when I retire. Well...maybe not. I bet even that job gets old...after awhile.


Dan

CHANGING OF THE TIMES

While in the cafeteria today, I sat near a table where two of the elderly hospital volunteers were having lunch. I happened to overhear part of their conversation about computers and newspapers.

They shared a concern about information that can be found and shared on the computer. They felt that it made their lives too accessible...and easy for someone to find out things about them that they may not want someone to know.

Then they talked about the speed of news information on the Internet. In 'their day', one read the newspaper to find out what happened the day before. It was new news...about old news. I was reminded how it was days or weeks before some parts of the world knew WWII had ended. Today...news reporting is almost instantaneous to the news happening.

I don't disagree with some of their concerns...but computers and the computer age IS NOT going away. It's positive effects will always outweigh it's negative points.

My grandchildren will probably never have a newspaper or magazine delivered to their home. Watching 'news' on the TV will be a thing of the past. Their news will be updated instantaneously on their 'phones' or computers or whatever gadget is invented between now and then.

Times have changed...and will continue to do so.


Dan

THE BLIND MAN

When they built our new hospital, they tried to make it as user friendly as possible. We have 4 entrances to the hospital for patients and family to come in...depending on where they are headed (OB/ER/Outpatient testing/Visiting).

Outside the outpatient testing and ER entrances...between the drive that cars can pull up to...and the sidewalk leading inside...they installed some red brick with little bumps on them. I thought the bumps were there so the brick could drain more easily after getting wet. Their purpose, I later found, is that they are essentially 'Braille' bricks...for those people who are blind, or visually impaired, to 'feel' when they are leaving one surface to another...(ie. off the drive and heading to the sidewalk...or vice versa).

Today, I passed by a new drug store being built near the hospital...and noticed they had similar bricks in their sidewalk...near the drive that leads to-and-from the street. I suppose this is to alert those who can't see...that they are no longer on 'safe' sidewalk...but rather crossing pavement that cars may enter or exit.

Anyway...I thought the concept was pretty neat. The more I thought of it...my mind took me back to the days when I was little, and I used to go to the post office in Vincennes with dad. Due to his work, he was at the post office almost daily. I recalled the blind man who had a little 10 x 10 cubby-hole in the corner of the post office...where he sold magazines and newspapers and gum, candy, etc. His name was Percy Nightingale.

While dad was in line at the windows to pick up mail or buy stamps or whatever...I'd go over by Percy and watch him as he dealt with his customers that came to see him. Percy was an older 'black' man and everyone knew him...calling him by name...and he knew many of them by the sound of their voice and would return their greeting by saying their name. I would watch Percy as he would listen to what they wanted from him...and then watch him walk to its exact location, pick the item up and walk back to the customer. They would hand him the money and...if it was a bill, Percy would feel it and could somehow tell if it was a $1 or $5 bill or whatever...apparently by it's shape or it's size...and he would then give them the appropriate change, wish them farewell and ask 'who's next?'

I was always amazed at how he was able to do all that...while not able to see...any of it.

My trips to the post office with dad were always an adventure...just watching Percy.


Dan

A DATE TO PENROD

Cindy & I had a 'date' day today...driving to Indianapolis to attend the Penrod Art Fair. When we attended last year, for the first time, the weather was ideal, we saw some very interesting art, heard some good music and had some good food.

It was such a good time, we penciled it on the calendar to go again this year.

One of the artists commented...while we were there today...that it hasn't rained for 29 days in a row...and it decided to rain today!

About 30 minutes after we got there...it began to drizzle...then rain...then pour. We walked from artist tent to artist tent...looking at their wares and trying to stay out of the rain. When is slowed to a mist...we walked to the bus pickup to take us back to our car...and it stopped completely. So we went back in and spent the rest of our time enjoying some new exhibits...and those we passed quickly when we were trying to stay out of the rain.

We had some good sandwiches...listened to Duke Tomatoe...a local favorite band...and bought a few more art goodies to take home.

We think after our retirement...we might have to begin a little artsy-fartsy craft that we can have fun with...and make a little money on the side too.

It was a good day...rain and all.


Dan

A SAD ANNIVERSARY

Tomorrow is the 9th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. On the surface...it seems impossible that it's been 9 years. It doesn't seem that long...to me.

On that day nearly 3000 people died in the events that occurred. To their remaining loved ones...those 9 years must seem like an eternity...a painful one they feel...every day.

Since the start of the war that was created from those events...nearly 5700 US military deaths have occurred in Iraq and Afghanistan. To 'their' remaining loved ones...the same pain must be felt...every day.

Our world has changed since that day. Life almost seemed simpler...those short 9 years ago.

Are we wiser since then? In some ways...maybe...but a few radicals make ALL of us look bad in the eyes of much of the world...and we appear FAR from wise. Are we safer since then? Doesn't seem like it.

Have we made steps to let the loss of life...approaching 10,000...to have made sense? Have we honored those who have made the ultimate sacrifice?

Our government seems to be in a stalemate. Our 'so called' leaders are doing a poor job of leading. It is a finger-pointing-to-blame-others mess in Washington.

Tomorrow, we should be honoring those who have lost their lives in the last 9 years...innocently...and in the line of duty to protect us. Their loved ones should feel like those lives weren't given in vain.

At least on this anniversary...I think they'll feel insulted...instead.

It's a sad state.


Dan

GOOGLED

Today at work, I needed to 'Google' something. Many (most?)(all?) of you know about Google. It is a search engine...or a computer tool...to help you find almost anything...about anything.

Maybe you've been in a conversation with someone and you asked them a question...and maybe they responded...'Google it'.

If you want to know how to fix spaghetti...enter the word 'google' in you tool bar at the top of your internet page...and when Google appears...enter 'how do I fix spaghetti' in the blank line. You will get article after article on how to fix spaghetti.

If you want to change the oil filter on your 1947 Plymouth Valient...you can Google it and find out the recommended oil type, filter and how to change it...and how to safely 'greenly' exchange your old oil.

If you want to know 'who' invented your Plymouth...you can Google that too. I don't think there's a topic...or person...you can't find out about.

Thus came my latest idea. I wonder if I can Google....me?

For the hell of it...I Googled...Dan Clark. Well...I found out there are a whole lot of 'me' out there. We are doctors, professional hockey players, pastors, convicted felons, professional wrestlers and motivational speakers...to name a few.

I wasn't on Page 1 of the many listings...nor page 2...not on page 10...nope on page 20...nada on page 30...nothin' on page 40...but at the bottom of page 44...is a link to me and 'this' blog site.

I'm not the very last Dan Clark to be on Google...there are 47 pages of us in all. Personally...I'm glad I'm way back on page 44. If I was on page 1...I'd have probably done something bad, or be a little more 'famous' than I want to be.


Dan

ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

I've been rolling around a topic for the last 6 weeks but, thus far, have chosen not to write about it. I've been walking around it...like that elephant in the room that everyone tries to ignore. But I thought about it some more this weekend and decided I 'do' need to write about it. Not for myself...but maybe for some of my readers...or someone my readers know...that may benefit from the information.

I want, and ask for, no sympathy. I'm not telling this story for sympathy. I don't want to be treated differently. I don't want pity. I just want you, or those you love, to know it can happen and to do something about it if it does.

I have cancer.

In June, I had to have an annual checkup with my urologist. He had me perform another PSA lab test. Over the last 10-15 years, my PSA had always hovered around 1.0. But over the last few years, it has slowly crept from 1.0 to 2.0 to 3.0 to nearly 4.0 When it hit 4 last year, I had a prostate biopsy that was determined to be negative for cancer. But with a strong family history for cancer, I was to return in a year for another PSA.

Well, the year was up, and I repeated my PSA. My PSA level was again high, which resulted in another test being performed...a PCA3+. In English, there is a prostate enzyme that is expressed in your urine. When they check the urine, the prostate antigen should be at a specific level. My results came back and the level was high...indicating a strong likelihood for cancer. My doctor told me the next step was to have another prostate biopsy.

The biopsy was performed in mid-June...and Cindy & I had a 2 week wait for results. At the end of June, we met with my urologist, and he told us the news I wasn't expecting to hear...at least not on that day... 'You have prostate cancer.'

Prostate cancer in men is common. Some physicians will go so far as to say...if a man lives long enough, he will eventually get prostate cancer.

My dad had prostate cancer, found at about age 70. He died from it at age 76.

I'm 56.

My dad's was found too late. Mine was found early.

Cindy & I met with a surgeon in Indianapolis in mid-August. We discussed what options were out there for me, and the one we chose...was to have surgery...to remove the prostate.

Before the surgery, I had a bone scan performed, which looks to see if the cancer has spread to involve the bones. My scan wasn't totally normal...but not terribly abnormal either.

My surgery, a prostatectomy, is scheduled the end of this month, September. I am taking the month of October off from work, to recover and gain some body functions back that I will lose from the surgery.

I'm not looking forward to the surgery...I'm not looking forward to the recovery that will result...

...but 'I am looking forward.'

I expect the surgery to be successful and totally remove the cancer from my body. I expect to fully recover my body functions to the point prior to surgery. I expect the future tests that I will undergo to be negative...with no signs of cancer's return.

I expect all of you...to have yourself checked...or your loved ones checked. Keep your health. Help and encourage them to keep their health.

If something is found...let it be at an early stage...because you were pro-active.

I'm planning on that being the case for me.

The elephant has left the room.


Dan

BIKER COURTESY

I went for a bike ride yesterday...my first in a long time...and it brought back some memories of my younger years and the thousands of miles I put on my bike.

While trying to be observant of the traffic and pedestrians around me, I recalled some general rules of biker courtesy that I learned all those years ago...that I don't think have been handed down to the kids and young adults of today.

I was taught several rules of bike riding. The main one...was that pedestrians are to be respected. When riding down the sidewalk...if I came upon some pedestrians walking toward me...'I' was the one who was to pull over into the grass and slow down or stop until they were past. THEY had the right to the sidewalk...not me and my bike. This rule does not seem to apply today. I couldn't count how many times that Cindy & I had to walk in the grass or risk getting run over by the kid on the bike.

I was taught to ride against traffic while riding in the streets...so I could see the drivers coming at me and have an opportunity to react to what they 'might' do, rather than having the traffic behind me without knowledge of if they might hit me from behind. Today, almost every biker I see rides 'with' the traffic and 'in' the lane of the vehicles...as if they'll 'be damned' if they'll pull over and let me by. They almost challenge you to hit them...apparently so they can contact their lawyer.

I was taught that stop signs applied to me as well. Today...that's not necessarily the case.

I get a little testy when I see bikers not using common sense and common courtesy.

You bikers out there...try using some of each. If you did...maybe you wouldn't have to wear those stupid looking little helmets. They might not be needed.

And don't get me started on the 'moped' riders. Geez! That's a whole 'nuther blog!!



Dan