VIVIAN

Cindy & I have seen comedian Bill Cosby twice. Both times he was entertaining at Purdue's Hall of Music for Purdue's homecoming weekend. The first time was shortly after we moved to Lafayette...35+ years ago. The last time was probably 20 years ago after the release of the album...'Himself'.

One of the stories Cosby told that night...was about a trip he had taken...and a little boy that sat near him...named JEFFREY. Bill knew his name was Jeffrey...because Jeffrey told everyone that would listen that his name was..."JEFFREY...and I'm FREEEE years old"...as he held up 3 stubby little fingers.

Jeffrey was a handful for his mother. No one rested on the flight as all they heard was Jeffrey...and Jeffrey's mother saying..."Jeffrey stop that"..."Jeffrey don't do that"..."Jeffrey don't you dare". When she first sat down with Jeffrey...her hair was neatly combed and her clothes in order. By the end of the flight...her hair was hanging in her face...her clothes were knotted and twisted as she wrestled with little Jeffrey. Not until the last few minutes of the flight...did Jeffery settle down and eventually fall asleep. As they exited the plane...all the passengers enjoyed walking past Jeffery to wake him up...as his body jerked and twisted...as a child does when he's on that verge of trying to stay awake and fall asleep...and they would giggle that sinful laugh as he twitched...and whined.

Well...on my flight home from California last night...specifically...the leg from Salt Lake City to Indianapolis...I didn't have Jeffrey sitting behind me...but I did have...VIVIAN !

Vivian was probably 2...maybe 2 1/2. Now, Vivian only said a few words that made the hair on my neck stand up...and my head hurt...and that was NO!...and MORE CANDY! But that was enough...because she said it loud enough for the pilots to hear from their seats in the cockpit.

But not only was Vivian a little challenging...but Vivian's daddy had a voice whose normal audible volume was about a 7 on a scale of 10. There was no 'inside voice' in this man. So I learned Vivian's name...not from Vivian...but from her daddy.

NOW VIVIAN...YOU HAVE TO STAY SEATED...WITH YOUR SEATBELT ON. VIVIAN...YOU CAN'T STAND UP BECAUSE THE PILOT WILL BE ANGRY. VIVIAN...YOU CAN'T HAVE ANYMORE CANDY UNTIL THE PLANE TAKES OFF.

(Now insert a 2 1/2 year old scream here saying...MORE CANDY!!)

OKAY VIVIAN...YOU CAN HAVE 1 PIECE OF CANDY BUT CHEW IT SLOWLY...BECAUSE YOU CAN'T HAVE ANYMORE UNTIL WE TAKE OFF. VIVIAN...WHEN WE GET UP IN THE AIR...WE CAN WATCH A MOVIE ON YOUR MOVIE PLAYER. VIVIAN...DO YOU WANT TO WATCH CINDERELLA...OR TOY STORY? NO VIVIAN...WE CAN'T TURN THE MOVIE PLAYER ON UNTIL WE TAKE OFF BECAUSE THEY SAID WE HAVE TO KEEP ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES TURNED OFF UNTIL THE PILOT SAYS WE CAN TURN THEM ON.

Now mind you...this was approaching 10pm. Candy should not be on ANY child's list of things to have at that hour. They should have been feeding her carrots...or apple slices...something good for her...with a little less sugar. However...that candy was apparently good for her bowels...because she expelled them about 2/3 of the way through the flight...leaving quite an aroma for all of us to enjoy until dad took her back to the potty to change her diaper.

Unfortunately...Vivian was still awake when we landed...because I think everyone on the plane would have enjoyed waking Vivian...to tell her good bye!

The little brat. I bet a dollar that she was asleep in her car seat before dad got out of the airport parking lot.


Dan

JUST DOWN THE ROAD

Friday night...Kim and I took Dave and wife Chris...out to eat. It was...'just down the road'...according to Dave. Kim drove us all in Dave's truck...because it's easier for Dave to get into his truck...than in Chris's car.

It was a place Dave and Chris have gone to a number of times in the years they've lived out here. The meal opened with soup...then with salad...then spaghetti and ravioli...oh...I forgot the couple loaves of bread they brought out...then the entree...then ice cream for dessert. It was good...and it was filling...and it was...'just down the road'.

Saturday morning...the 3 of us boys visited for hours and hours...and finally worked up a big appetite...and drove to a place called Doug's for breakfast. It was...'just down the road'. Once again...Kim drove us in Dave's truck. We were all 3 stuffed when we were done...and it was back to Dave's place...and time for a nap...which we all 3 had.

I had mentioned to Dave Friday night...that while we were here...I wanted to go to a place that served nice, fat, juicy, good-tastin' burgers. I told him every once in a while...I just love a great big fat burger.

After our big breakfast Saturday morning...the 3 of us didn't eat the rest of the day...until supper time. Finally Dave said...let's go to Barney's...they have the best burgers. Kim asked if it too was...'just down the road'? Dave said yes...maybe just a little further than the other places...but it was 'just down the road'.

This time...I drove the truck.

Well...it was down the road...onto interstate 580...then another freeway...then 3 or 4 other streets...and about 25 minutes later...we were in Piedmont...a nice little town...to Barney's...and a great burger...with more fries than the 3 of us could eat.

But I got my fat, juicy burger...and it truly was delicious.

Kim and I joked with Dave on the way back home...that 'his' version of just down the road...is a hell of a lot different than Kim and my version. To us 'hicks' back in Indiana...just down the road is a 2 minute drive. To Dave...out here in San Francisco/Oakland...just down the road...is a 30 minute drive.

Guess it's all in what you're used to.


Dan

THE TRIP WEST

My nephew...Kim...and I flew west to San Francisco to see my brother, Dave, today. Our goal...was to get on a couple of jets...get westward...and spend a few days with Dave before coming back east after a long weekend of visiting.

Our goal...was met...because we got there...but the journey was...more than we expected.

Kim and I met up at the Indianapolis airport early this morning...6am. Kim drove up from 'the homelands'...Owensville...and I drove down from Lafayette. Neither one of us had slept very well...I think I had one eye open all night...just fearful that I might miss the alarm. Finally...I got up at 415 and took a shower. When I looked outside I saw...snow...although light...had fallen during the early morning hours and had the ground covered. I was on the road before 5 and met Kim in the terminal a little after 6. We got through security quickly and found our gate and waited for our 8am flight.

Our jet was a small one...80 seats...and about 75 of them were taken. Once we got in the air...it was cloudy and after looking down on the fluffy clouds...I closed my eyes and tried to catch up on some sleep for the 2+ hour trip to Salt Lake City.

I don't think I ever slept...I just rested my eyes. I opened 'em up every once in a while and looked out the window...just to see the tops of the clouds...and no ground. About 1/2 hour out of Salt Lake...I looked out to see the tops of the clouds again...or so I thought. I kept looking...and realized I was looking at the Rockies...covered with snow...not the tops of the clouds. The mountains were beautiful. We may have been flying at 30,000 feet...but the mountains were 10,000 feet closer to us than our Indiana flat land...so it looked like we were flying close to the ground. It was a beautiful sight.

Salt Lake must be in a valley with all the mountains surrounding it...because it was a beautiful sight coming in for a landing at the airport.

We were to change planes in Salt Lake after a 2 hour layover...and be on our way to Oakland, California. That's when the fun began.

About 10 minutes after we were to be boarding our plane...they came over the speaker to say the plane was having some 'maintenance problems' and we might be a little delayed in departing. Our 1115am departure time...became 1135. Soon...it was changed to 1200 noon. When 1200 came and went...it changed to 1230. Then they asked us all to move 4 gates down the terminal to wait and they were bringing a new plane from the hangar and we would be taking off at 100pm. Next...it changed to 130 as they were having trouble getting the plane from the hangar. At 210pm...minutes after they said the plane was on the way from the hangar...a jet from Los Angeles landed at our gate and after all the people got off...they decided this would be our new plane to Oakland.

My guess was...that this was their plan the entire time...there never was a plane in the hangar...they just 'teased' us so no one would demand to switch to another airline and fly away!! After finally boarding and being told we should be under way at 245...we left at 315.

As you can imagine...there were not many smiling faces on the plane. Everyone wanted the stewardesses and pilot to SHUT UP and QUIT APOLOGIZING...and just get us the hell on the way to California.

Soon...I forgot all about the hassles as I watched more of those beautiful Rocky Mountains...as we flew on our way to Oakland International Airport.

It didn't happen the way we wanted it...but the end result was...we got to California...and we are visiting my brother...and THAT'S...what we wanted.

Now having a good visit with Dave.


Dan

THE DREAM

Every once in a awhile...well...rarely...I've had a dream about one of my deceased family members. I still recall the one that included my dad and my oldest brother...Durward...that was maybe 10 years ago. It was real...as real as it could be...so I still recall it. Dad was the secondary figure in the dream...the main person was my brother Durward...and the wonderful hug that I gave him after not seeing him for a long time. I had last seen Durward in late 1969. He died in early 1970. This dream was...maybe...30 years later.

This morning...I had another dream. Ironically...I wouldn't have had the dream...if I had set my alarm properly. I generally wake up at 5:40am when my alarm goes off. Last night...I inadvertently forgot to set the alarm. At 6:05am...I woke up...realizing I had overslept...but I had just had my dream. Had I set the alarm properly...I would've missed the dream.

The dream...included my brother Durward...again...sitting in a living room chair. This time he was the secondary person in the dream. He was the age that I last remember seeing him...in his 30's. Dad was also in the dream...this time the main person...sitting in another chair near Durward...and he too was the age that I last recall him...in his 70's.

Dad was frail...but he was dad. I leaned down and gave him a hug...and patted him firmly...and called him 'old man'...and asked him how he was.

The hug was long...and real...as real as it could be. It felt good. I love those kinds of dreams.


Dan

TYING A KNOT

My thanks go to my faithful followers. Over the last few months, several have reminded me I haven't written in a while. To be honest, life has gotten rather hectic in these last few months, and is still that way.

There will come a time when things get settled down, and I'll have time to talk and explain. But until then...I have tied a knot in the end of my rope...and I'm just trying to hang on.


Dan

LAST LAUGH

Just saw a headline in the New York Times. A New York Times/CBS News poll shows that 9% of us approve the way Congress is handling their job...while 84% of us disapprove.

If you and I had that kind of approval rating in our work...we'd be fired.

Congress doesn't care. Whether working or getting voted out of office...they will still draw a pension...even if they only lasted 1 term...and they will have health insurance for life.

Who gets the last laugh here? Disgusting.


Dan

80 SOMETHINGS

Today I passed by the emergency room waiting room...and I saw a group of five 80-somethings giving each other a big hug. The hugs were very serious...they weren't old friends meeting after not seeing each other in years...or they wouldn't be meeting in an emergency room waiting room. It was much more serious than that.

My guess...is that there was a sixth 80-something...back in an emergency room...and it wasn't good...and that's why the other 5...were giving those serious hugs. It was likely the situation for the missing member...wasn't good.

I'm glad those 80 somethings had each other...to lean on...and care about.

One of these days...I may be one of those 80 somethings...and I'm gonna want somebody to hug...or be there to hug my 80 something buddy.


Dan

ANGER

Cindy & I watched a good show on the Lifetime Channel last night, titled 'Five'. It consisted of 5 short stories about people, and those around them, who were diagnosed with breast cancer.

With my mother and sister lost to breast cancer...the recent passing of Cindy's cousin to breast cancer...my daughters school friend lost to breast cancer in her 20's...and too many of our friends currently battling the disease as I write this...we have had a 'much too personal' connection with this dreadful enemy.

The five stories were all moving...real...and believable. One of them, however, touched me more than the others...because it shed light from a perspective that I had not considered.

In this one story...a woman reacts to the news from her doctor...that the disease that she thought would soon kill her...was in remission. Her reaction was one I hadn't considered...ANGER.

Anger...because...in the months since her diagnosis...she had spent all of her money...she had cashed in her retirement accounts...she had drained her savings...so that she could do what she wanted in her last days...or as she said when asked what she had done with it all...she said 'living'. After all...we've all heard...'you can't take it with you'.

She was angry because she had given away many of her personal belongings and treasures...knowing she wouldn't need them anymore. Now that she was going to live...what does she live...with?

She was angry...because she had made some enemies...of her friends and family during her final months. She had decided she was going to be honest with them...and if they had hurt her feelings...or done her or someone wrong...she called them on it...and in turn had hurt 'their' feelings...and distanced herself from those around her.

Now...after hearing news that most people pray for...her cancer was in remission...she was angry. She was going to live...at least longer than she had been led to believe...and she had no money...few belongings...and few friends left.

I had never thought of this situation. What do you do...when you've planned to die...and don't?

All the stories were good ones...and heartfelt...and in need of a box of tissues if you watch them.


Dan

POST 9/11

Yesterday...there were a number of programs on TV all day...commemorating the 10th anniversary of 9/11. As well...there were a number of channels replaying the events of that day 10 years ago...as they happened. I have to admit...I watched several of them. Much like the proverbial train wreck...I just couldn't look away.

Even without the recap of events...I still remember that day...and some of the thoughts that raced in my mind back then.

One of them was...just knowing...that the price of gasoline would go up...and I wasn't wrong as some unscrupulous dealers saw an opportunity to raise it $2 or $3 a gallon. Only after they were told they would get in trouble...did they lower the price back to a more reasonable figure...the next day.

I was also convinced that we would be going to war with someone. Our nature seems to be that when we get sand kicked in our face...we go get big brother to kick some ass. Little did we suspect...that we would still be fighting that war...10 years later.

But...the main thought that was on my mind back then was...'what kind of world had my new grandchildren been born into?' My granddaughter was just 10 days old on 9/11...and my grandson would be born in 2 weeks. What had I let them get into? With the success the terrorists had achieved right in our own land...what else might they try next? Were these acts on 9/11...'the beginning of the end?' Had the world come to a point in time...that my grandchildren would be the last generation on this earth?

Those initial questions...have eased...to some extent...as we eventually found out who was behind the attacks and our attempt to 'make them pay for it.' But I can't say that I feel a whole lot better now...than I did then. The fact that we're still trying to... 'make them pay'...10 years later is disheartening. The news gives us the daily reminder...that they aren't interested in giving up or giving in anytime soon...if ever. They just don't like us...and what we stand for.

For that reason...I'm still concerned for my grandchildren. I hope that kindness...and a desire to truly help someone...without an ulterior motive...will prevail...and my grandchildren can grow up in a world ...that they can someday watch 'their' grandchildren grow old.

I sure hope that for them.


Dan

PIZZA...THE COMMON THEME

This weekend...Cindy & I made a trip to Vincennes to visit her mom. While there...we got a pizza from Bobe's. I don't know exactly what it is about their pizza...but we think it's maybe the best pizza around.

Earlier this week...one of my Facebook friends also said they were heading to Vincennes for the weekend...from their home in Ohio...and they too commented they were gonna be getting some pizza from Bobe's.

One of the pizza joints in Lafayette is Arni's. For many people who have grown up in Lafayette...and moved away...each time they come back to Lafayette...the conversation includes...we gotta get some pizza from Arni's.

Daughter Joni lived in Chicago for a number of years and I'm pretty sure she has a favorite pizza joint up there...that they return to when they get to Chicago.

When I visited my brother in San Francisco years ago...one of our meals was at a pizza joint...I assume one of his favorites.

I suppose we 'all' think...that the pizza that we grew up with...or that we've found during our years of living some place...is the best pizza there is.

Maybe we're all right.


Dan

USERS AND ABUSERS

I got one of those post cards today...from one of those companies that take advantage of people. They try to use scare tactics to get someone to buy a warranty for something...that the person doesn't really need...but these crooked companies try to convince you otherwise.

I envision some elderly persons...and those who are financially strapped...fall for the gimic...and waste their money on these type warranties. Then...when they need the benefit of what the warranty should provide them...the company will find some 'small print' in the contract so they don't have to provide the service they should.

Google the name...Century Automotive Service Corporation...and see what you find. I think it will say...what I am saying.

Shame on them.


Dan

SISTERS

Today is my sister's birthday...and I feel like such a jerk. It wasn't until this morning that I thought it would have been nice to send her some flowers...or drop her a card. Instead...I planned to call her...which I know she'll appreciate...but still...I shoulda done more.

I've been fortunate enough to have 2...great...sisters. A guy is a lucky guy...I think...to have a sister.  Maybe not every guy out there feels this way...but I bet most of them do.

It can be lots of fun to have brothers...because you get to do what boys do...heck...I've got brothers too. But for me...there's just something special about having a sister. There's a different kind of love...between a brother...and his sister.

I'm blessed to have that kind of love with 'my' sister. She's a great sister...always has been.

And today...I wish her a very special...HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

Love you Jean.


Dan

SHOES

I read the headline about the anchors of NBC's Today Show..."How many shoes do you own, the anchors count 'em up." Al the weather man says he probably owns 15 pair...Matt 30-35...the ladies 50-80 pair!

Of course...my wife Cindy comes to mind.

Cindy tortures me with her shoes. Not literally...but with the 'number' of shoes she owns. And the number, and type, she owns...is NEVER enough. She is always...always...looking at shoes whereever we go. I am convinced...there are shoes in her closet that she has worn only once...that's it. There may even be some in there that she's never worn...except while trying them on at the store she bought them. Cindy loves shoes...and purses...but we'll just talk about shoes for now.

For me...as a kid...I can remember having 1...one...pair of shoes. Whether dressing up or playing outside...those were the shoes I wore. I remember at the start of 2nd grade...dad bought me 2 pair of tennis shoes...one to wear in gym class...and one to wear all the other time (so I didn't mess up my Sunday-go-to-church-shoes). Three pair of shoes...OMG!

Today...I wear tennis shoes to work...for those hard floors and doing lots of walking every day. I usually buy a new pair of tennis shoes every 4-6 months. When I do buy a new pair...there is a rotation that occurs with my other tennis shoes. The previous pair that I wore everyday...stays nearby so that if the new ones hurt my feet...I can switch back to my old comfortable ones. The pair that had been my backup shoes...go to the garage to become my 'new' mowing shoes. My old mowing shoes...go in the trash can.

Add to those...I have a pair of messin' around tennis shoes to wear during the summer. I also have a pair of sandals...expensive ones...eccos...that Cindy made me buy last summer when we took the kids and grandkids to Disney World. I will likely have those shoes until I die...just so I feel I got my money's worth out of them. I have 1 pair of dress shoes that I keep under the bed to trap all the dust bunnies that hide there. Lastly, I have a not-so-dressy-non-tennis shoes that I wear in the winter.

That's it...what is that...6 pair? I would guess that Cindy is probably closer to 30...but I don't want to get in the closet to count them to know for sure...because it'd probably make my stomach hurt.

As I said...Cindy tortures me when we go out and she sees shoes to look at. With a wry smile...and a gleam in her eye...she looks over at me...knowing...KNOWING...that she's driving me crazy. So in response...I roll my eyes at her...and whisper to her..."you're killin' me Cindy...you're just killin' me!"

I love my wife...and her 30 pair of shoes. I just don't understand...that's all.


Dan

THE FAN

In the wee hours of the morning, I was awake...and my mind kept spinning and I couldn't get back to sleep. This is a pretty normal activity for me...just another start to the day.

Listening to the noises of the house...I heard the central air conditioner running...and appreciated the coolness of the house...and I thought back 50 years when I was a little guy in Owensville.

Our little house didn't have air conditioning...in fact...I don't recall anyone having air conditioning in those days. I'm guessing we had summers...just like we're having right now...little rain for days and weeks...and day after day after day of 90 degree temperatures.

I remember going to bed at night and dad turning the fan on to help circulate the air. I always wanted him to point it at me...but he would aim it towards the ceiling...so the air could circulate through the house. Sometimes he would put it in the window sill...blowing the air out...which...he said...would pull the cool outside our in through the other windows.

I seem to remember some hot, sweaty nights...but we lived through it. Still...I sure do enjoy that central air conditioner fan blowing...in the middle of the night. I may not be able to sleep...but it's not because of the hot air outside.


Dan

YEAR OLD NEWS

July 29, 2010...will be one of those days that I will likely always remember...for it was on that date...1 year ago...that Cindy & I sat in a doctor's office and heard those words..."well...we got the test results back...and you have cancer."

The last year has been a blur of activities...tests...surgeries...recovery...more tests...more recovery.

Just days ago...Cindy & I met with my surgeon for my 9 month test results...and heard the words that just never gets too old to hear..."there is no sign of the cancers' return."

He is equally open to saying that...it's not over. He told me when we started this journey 10 months ago...that he would check me frequently over the following 5 years. If...at the end of those 5 years...the results are still negative...I will be able to say...I 'had' cancer...but don't have it any longer...but not until then.

We're 1 year into the diagnosis...and 10 months  into the recovery from surgery...and the reports are good.

Both Cindy & I still get a little emotional...a year later...when we think of that day...and those words...but life has been good to us...and our purpose here is not over.


Dan

WORKING HARD ?

On a frequent basis...someone at work will ask me...'working hard?'

On my way home today...with the thermometer reading in the 90's...I thought of this question...and thought of my dad.

Dad was one of the more hard working men I ever knew. His work days were long...not all...but much of his work was outside. Working outside...doing manual labor...in this kind of heat...now THAT is 'working hard'.

My work is inside...in air conditioning...with the benefit of equipment that does the manual labor...and simply requires me to know which button to push to make it work.

I try to work efficiently...and smart...but I should never answer the question...'working hard?'...by saying yes. That would be disrespecting my dad.


Dan

DEAR NITWIT

This morning when I walked out to the mailbox to get the paper...I found a 'big gulp'...one of those 42oz. fast food cups...in my front yard. The street that runs in front of our house isn't heavily traveled, but certainly has car traffic on it on a daily basis. It's not uncommon for me to find a can, or cup, or bottle in the yard...several times a week...thrown by some uncaring...'Nitwit'.

Seeing the cup in my yard this morning reminded me of my trip home from work on Friday that...at the time...put a smile on my face.

I worked late Friday at our downtown hospital and so my drive home took me through the downtown Lafayette area. Seeing as it had been a long day in a long week, I was in sort of a stupor...not paying extremely close attention to the events going on around me...as I headed home. I was aware however...of the police car about 50 feet in front of me. Suddenly...he stopped in the street...thus making me come to a quick stop too to avoid running into his car. His car door swung open quickly and I saw him yell to a man walking on the street in front of the Catholic Church that we were now stopped in front of.

I looked  behind where the man had just walked...and...still rolling on the ground...was a big gulp cup...with a reasonable amount of pop spilling from it...on the sidewalk in front of the church. It occurred to me then what had happened. The uncaring nitwit...that the officer was yelling at...had just thrown his half-full big gulp cup on the steps of the church as he continued to walk away. (Nitwits apparently aren't aware of things called trash cans...respect for others...and respect for our environment...so they just throw their unwanted things...wherever they want. In this nitwits case...it was on the front steps of the church.) Unfortunately for the nitwit...he did the wrong thing at the wrong time in front of the wrong person.

I then looked over to see...the nitwit getting an earful from the officer about his uncaring deed...and being instructed to walk over and 'pick that up'. By this time...I pulled around the police car and continued on my way home...but as I looked in my rear view mirror...the nitwit was headed to the back seat of the patrol car where...I'm guessing...he was told to sit while the officer checked his ID and checked the computer to see if he had any 'priors' he could be arrested for.

I smiled to myself as I continued home...thinking about how proud I was of that officer and the fact he didn't just turn his head and 'not see' what had happened.

Did the nitwit go to jail...for littering...or maybe on some unrelated charge? I don't know. But it would  be nice...whether he did or not...that he would have to do some community service like walking around town...picking up trash on the sidewalks and yards...that other nitwits...who didn't get caught...had thrown down.

To all the nitwits our there in the world...come on ...have some brains...and some respect. The reason you are 'down on your luck'...is because you do such things as this...and Karma is just paying you back. Learn to respect others...instead of just thinking of yourself...and maybe your luck will change...and good things will happen to you..

Until you do...expect to spend your life...drinking out of a big gulp cup...wondering why you can't get a break.

Dan

FATHER-SON PHOTO OP

Thought this was a pretty cool story. A father and son were in attendance to see the first space shuttle take off...and were at the last one 30 years later.

The picture is cool...and the story is touching...and the comments from some of the story followers is interesting too.

Nice story...about what appears to be a good father...and a good son.


Dan

HAND SIGNALS

Followed behind someone...on the way home from work today...and saw something I haven't seen in many, many years...someone using their hands for turn signals.

For those of you who didn't know...if you desire to turn to your LEFT...you extend your left arm out of your car window...as if pointing to your left. If you want to turn RIGHT...you bend your left arm up...as if pointing your arm to the sky, while at the same time pointing your finger to your right.

When I was a kid...most cars didn't have turn signals...and this was the common method to tell those cars behind you that you are turning.

Heck...now days...there's way too many people...who are too inconsiderate...or lazy...to even use their automatic signals...let alone use their arms. It took me 'back in time' to watch the guy in front of me use this old fashioned signal.


Dan

NEWS HEADLINES ON JULY 5

LOUSY MATH
I see a woman has ended up in the hospital, after consuming 10 5-Hour Energy drinks per day, for 2 weeks.

Let's see...10 x 5 = 50       

So, 10 bottles should get you through 2 full days...but this lady was drinking the equivalent...every day...for 2 weeks

I'm guessing it'll be awhile before she gets some sleep.


STOCK MARKET HEADLINES
They're driving me crazy. In a matter of a few minutes, I saw 4 headlines about the stock market. Stocks Waver After 5-Day Run...50 Hot Stocks for July...Why the DOW Will End Up Plunging to 7000...After a Big Run, Stocks Due to Fall This Week

Are they playing me? They want me to check out the 50 hottest stocks...to what?...watch them all fall?...and lose all my money?

They're killing me.


THE JURY DECISION
Sounds as if the mom...Casey Anthony...has been found 'not guilty' in the death of her daughter.

Well...I think we all have our opinion.

I guess our peers who served as the jurors...have decided she is guilty of being a lousy mother...but there was not enough evidence...to prove beyond a shadow of doubt...that the mom did the killing.

We have an interesting court system. It's been wrong before...convicting those who are innocent...letting those go who are guilty.

Guess this is when 'Karma' will have to do. She's certainly the lousy mother...but if she's the killer as well...one day she'll get her justice.


Dan

REMINISCING

Today was a day of reminiscing. We drove to Vincennes to help Cindy's mom with a little housekeeping. She was hoping to have her kitchen cleaned up...and we were the little helpers.

As we cleaned some things from the top of the kitchen cabinets...Marge decided to get rid of some of them and asked us to give them to 'the kids'.

One...was a cookie crock...that belonged to Cindy's great grandmother. Another... was a cookie jar that belonged to a grandmother.

Cindy's mother is approaching 80...and has LOTS and LOTS of S-T-U-F-F. It was a time of 'remembering' for her...and 'taking it all in'...for us.

A good day.


Dan

UP THE ANTE

One of the card games I enjoy playing is Texas Hold 'Em Poker. It's a game that has grown in popularity over the years with games to attend in your own town...in your friends homes...even on the internet.

The basis of the game is that a group of players invest a set amount of money and in turn receive a sum of chips to bet while playing poker. For guys like me...and my friends...that initial investment might be $10...or $20. If 10 guys play...that's $200 if each invests $20. The winner might get 1/2 the pot with the second and third place players splitting the rest. For me...it's just a fun night with the guys (and sometimes gals) whether I win or lose...which most of the time...is the latter.

I saw recently where a few Hollywood guys have made the headlines because they were playing with 'serious' money...like tens-of-thousands...to hundreds-of-thousands of dollars. I guess it's all relative...as some of those guys make millions of dollars a year...so maybe $10,000 to them...might seem like $10 to me.

Anyway...these guys have been told they might want to 'cool it'. Throwing that kinda money around might encourage some 'seedy' people getting into their lives.

They won't have to be warning me. My $20 bucks isn't gonna attract too bad a crowd.


Dan

HOPE THE RESULT ISN'T THE SAME

I was looking through the headlines of 2 newspapers...and found an eerie connection.

This San Francisco article...is about the finding of skeletal remains of a young girl who was kidnapped nearly 35 years ago. I suppose the family...if her parents are still alive...had finally accepted what must have happened to her...but at least now maybe they have 'some' closure.

This article in the Indianapolis Star...is about an Indiana University student who has been missing for almost a month. It has been painful to read about the parents and what they must be going through.

I hope that 'they' don't get the same results the parents in San Francisco got. I don't know how either one of them could cope. Something no one should ever have to go through.


Dan

WILL MY OLD THOUGHTS...BECOME LOST THOUGHTS?

Being in the medical profession...you run into elderly patients who are obviously into...or approaching...senility. Some have little-to-no idea of who they are...or where they are. In those times I often wonder if their family members are struggling to 'let them go'...because their loved one sure doesn't seem to be having a good 'quality' of life.

Seeing many of those occurrences in my 35 years in the business...I've often feared and hoped that one day...that won't be me...the crotchety old man...cussin' up a storm...not aware of who he is...or what he's doing or saying.

Last week, I saw that Glen Campbell has gone public to say that he is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. His plans are to have a farewell tour where he can thank his fans and...I assume...to educate his audience about this disease that affects millions. I wonder if the tour will be a short one...as it sounds as if he has frequent days where he doesn't know the simplest of tasks...let alone recall words to songs and play notes on a guitar...often at the same time.

I have days...now...as many of us do probably...where we can't recall some of the simple things we've done a thousand times. I...teasingly say...my Alzheimer's is kicking in. I hope that my poor attempt at humor doesn't come to fruition some day.


Dan

ODDITIES

Probably most of you have read these little tidbits...or received email messages about them. I always find interesting number facts...fun.

Here they are:

This year, there will be 4 odd dates...1/1/11, 1/11/11, 11/1/11 and 11/11/11.

The latest I heard is that in July of this year...there will be 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays. This event happens every 823 years...

I guess the other is that if you will take the last 2 digits of the year you were born...and add your age...the number will be 111...for everyone.

After doing a little adding...I guess that works for those born before the year 2000. Anyone born after that...the answer will be 11.

Those crazy numbers. They just make my head spin.


Dan

AIRPORT SURPLUS

Any of you like me...and wonder where some of the stuff that doesn't make it through the check-points at the airport...goes?

Sounds like...in an area of Texas...it goes into a state-run warehouse to be resold and the proceeds go to the state fund. Last year...it added $300,000 to the state coffers!!

For those who have done some flying before...we've probably learned our lesson and know what NOT to take through the security lines. But every day...there's surely lots of folks who have never flown before...and it's too late by the time they get to security...for them to discover...I NEVER KNEW I COULDN'T TAKE THAT ON THE PLANE!!

Well...the state of Texas is GLAD to take that off your hands. (I think you could replace the word 'Texas' in the previous sentence...with the state name of your choice.)


Dan

FATHER'S DAY

Today is Father's Day...2011. Later today...our family will join with daughter Joni's in-laws...and enjoy a joint...Father's Day get-together.

This will be my first Father's Day...in quite a few years...without my entire crew being present. Daughter Julie...moved to Florida in January to begin a new life with boyfriend Eric. Grandson Mason...moved to Florida to join them a few weeks ago. As they enjoy Father's Day there...we will enjoy the day here...but without them. There will be a little 'missing' today.

My dad died the fall of 1986. In June 1986...25 years ago...we spent his last Father's Day with him. My dad was a good dad. I will think of him...and miss him...on this Father's Day.

I hope Julie...will think of her dad...and Mason...will think of papaw...on this Father's Day. I will miss them not being here with me.

But I will celebrate with those who 'will' be with me...daughter Jaime...daughter Joni...Shawn and Ryan...and the other two grandbabies Anna and Owen.

And of course...I will have a good day with the woman who made it all possible...Cindy.

Happy Father's Day...to all those fathers out there.


Dan

LEARNING TO DRIVE

Cindy & I both took driving lessons from one of the old school teachers...when we began driving...decades ago. His name was Mr. Archer...and he was our science teacher in 8th grade. Like many school teachers...he had to have a side job...or two...to make ends meet...and for him...one of his side jobs was giving private driving lessons.

Mr. Archer taught us many things...and occasionally Cindy & I mention them...when some other driver is not doing things...the way Mr. Archer taught us.

An article I just saw in AARP made me think of him. This article was started by an author...who apparently asked people what things they do to save gas. One of the recent responses...that caught my eye...was someone who said their daddy taught them to pretend they had a raw egg under their foot when they stepped on the gas pedal or the brake. Doing that...prevents jackrabbit starts and stops...which are real 'gas wasters'.

Mr. Archer taught us that same method. I see drivers every day that I think to myself...they didn't have Mr. Archer for their instructor. Those drivers seem to think that if the speed limit is 40...they must get their car up to that speed as quickly as possible. Meanwhile...I ease on the pedal and gradually work my way up to 40.

When I giggle to myself...is when I catch that same car...at the next stoplight...because all they did...was get to the stoplight sooner than I did.

Many drivers don't know how to use turn signals...or how to pull over as close to the center line as you can when you are turning left...so cars behind you can get around on the right...rather than stopping in the middle of the lane...and all the cars line up behind you waiting for you to turn left. It's on those occasions that Cindy & I will mention...they didn't take lessons from Mr. Archer...did they?

Good old Mr. Archer. I think he'd be proud of how well Cindy & I learned good driving lessons from him...and recall him fondly.


Dan

GOOD NEWS...IN BAD TIMES

I was happy to talk to a co-worker last night...to get good news. But that didn't make the bad news...better. Or did it?

I heard on the news last night that a Muncie firefighter lost his life fighting a blaze earlier in the day. My co-workers dad...has been a firefighter in Muncie for most of his life. I called Staci to make sure her dad wasn't the one involved. Just the way she answered the phone...told me it wasn't her dad. But at the time...she didn't know who it was...just that it wasn't her pop.

But Staci has grown up around the fire station all of her life...and my guess today is that...even with the happiness of her dad not being involved...I bet she knew the man who died. I'm betting too...Staci's dad is heartbroken...at the loss of a brother fire fighter...and a friend.

That CAN'T...make us bad people...when we're happy...that a tragedy didn't involve our loved ones.

I guess we just have to count our blessings...and then provide whatever comfort we can...however we can...to the one who didn't...get good news.


Dan

SIX FEET ?

As I've aged...I have noticed my hair is thinning on top of my head. At the same time...I seem to have more and more hair on my back and neck...that drives me crazy. I don't want to be one of those guys that you can't tell where the hair on the back of my head ends...and the hair on my neck starts.

In addition to the loss of hair on top...I swear it's growing out of my ears and nose just as quickly.

Is it just me?

Well...according to a book I just read...the average man will grow 6 feet of nose hair in a lifetime. Now there's a good look...huh?

Guess I'm just one of those average guys. I'll just keep mine trimmed if you don't mind.


Dan

SOMETIMES...THE GOOD GUYS WIN

I've made it no secret that I love college basketball...and not much of a fan of professional basketball. However...I was glad to read this morning that the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA won the championship last night. I was happy...because one of the players on that championship team...is a Purdue Alumni. And not just any alumni...but probably one of the schools all-time-favorite players.

His name is Brian Cardinal...and he played at Purdue from 1997-2000. He dang near got us into the 'Final Four' in his senior year...but we fell just short. His wife...also a Purdue alum...played on the girls Purdue team...that won the national championship in 1999.

So now...I'm guessing their trophy room will have a replica of her 'national championship' trophy...and a replica of his 'world championship' trophy.

Brian was just one of those fun guys that loved playing basketball. He wasn't the most gifted player on the floor...but there was never a player with more hustle and determination...on the floor.

It was good to see that 'one of the good guys'...came out on top.


Dan

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...OLD FRIEND

Today is my best friends birthday. This will be the 40th birthday I get to spend with the old girl. Yep. My wife...Cindy.

Referring to an old saying my dad would use...there's been a lot of water go under the bridge in those 40 years. We started dating in high school...after being 'just friends' from junior high. Our first birthday together...was after we had graduated.

Then there was the birthdays that came after other big events in our lives...after college...after we were married...after our move to Lafayette...after the births of our daughters...after the loss of loved ones...

But we've always been through it all...together.

She's a great mother to our children...she's the grandmother all grandchildren would love to have...and she's a great wife.

I'd love to lavish wonderful gifts on her. I'd hoped to take her on a nice trip...but work time for the both of us, and money, prevent it. I'd love to open the door to a lovely new home with all the 'fixins' in it that she would want...but she's willing to settle for the old place we've had for a long time.

I hope she'll just accept the gift that I've tried to give her for 40 years. Being a good guy to her...and telling her I love her.

Happy Birthday...to my best friend.  I love you.


Dan

DREAMING

Ever wake up in the morning after a crazy dream? That was me this morning. I usually have multiple dreams during a night since I sleep a while...wake up...sleep a while...wake up...

The last dream I had before I woke up...was me...giving a bath to a horse. Yes...that's what I said.

There was a small, shallow pool...that initially was filled with a number of dogs...and I started to give a bath to a big dog. But within a few seconds...it turned into this beautiful big...blackish/red horse. After having it covered with lots of suds...I convinced it to lay on its side in the shallow pool...and found one of the grandkids tupperware bowls they use to eat their cereal...to pour water from the pool over the horse to remove the suds.

It was a beautiful horse...and I was rinsing it with water...and saying "I can't fall in love with this beautiful horse...where would I keep it?"

Then I woke up...to Zoe (our golden retriever) needing to out to potty.

Cindy & I had some sandwiches from the Pub down the street for supper last night...and I had mentioned to her that I needed to give Zoe a bath today. Maybe that's where part of the dream originated...just not sure where 'the horse' came in.

Musta been the sandwich! I better lay off the buffalo chicken next time.


Dan

A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS

Today starts a new chapter in Cindy & my life...and in Masons. Mason has lived with Cindy & me for 8 years. We have watched him potty train...crawl-to-walk-to-run...we have watched him walk down the street to the circle...to ride a bike down to the circle...walked him to school that first day...through Kindergarten...1st grade...2nd grade...and 3rd grade. We have watched him learn to talk...learn to read...learn to do math...learn his manners.

But today...we put him on a jet to Florida with his mom Julie...to start a new life there. He is so excited about his new life...which made it easier for us to let him go. If that's what he wants...then that's what we want. If he is happy and safe...then we can accept it.

A new chapter has begun for Mason.

A new chapter has started for Cindy & me.


Dam

AHHH...THE DRIVE IN

The headline says that the 1st drive in theater...opened 78 years ago today. According to an AARP article ...the number of drive-ins has dropped from 4000... to less than 400.

I remember the drive in...Sunset Drive-in...as I remember it called...on the outskirts of Evansville...that you could see the movie screen from Hwy 41 as you drove by. There was also one outside Princeton...the Starlite Drive-in...as I recall...also on Hwy 41...but you couldn't see the screen from the road. I remember going to both of them as a youngster.

There were several drive-ins near Vincennes that we went to during high school...in fact Cindy and I saw several movies there during our dating years.

There was a drive-in in Lafayette when we moved here in the late 70's that we went to lots of times. It was cheap entertainment...with a special feel that brought back good feelings from younger years.

All the above drive-ins...are among the 3600 drive-ins that are no longer in existence.

There's still a drive-in in Monticello...a small community about 35 minutes to our north. We took the kids there a number of times when they were small...and it's still there...and now our kids...are taking their kids there.

It's quite a fun time at the drive-in...an interesting experience that I recall from my younger years...and I'm  glad there's some still around that my grandchildren can experience.

It's one of the few things left that I can tell the grandkids about...without them thinking that papaw is crazy...and talking about something from 100 years ago when papaw was a little boy!


Dan

BIRTHDAY WEEKEND

It's been a birthday weekend...but of a different kind. One to celebrate those family members of my past...not current family members.

Friday, June 3...would have been my uncle Jim's 100th birthday. Uncle Jim was my dad's only brother. I had the opportunity to attend uncle Jim's 95th birthday party. Uncle Jim was the last...long-term connection with dad, so it was a special day to have the chance to celebrate with him.

Saturday, June 4...would have been my brother-in-law...Elvin...84th birthday. Elvin was Joan's..my beautiful oldest sister's...husband. In my younger years...I always thought that Elvin was 'mean'. As I got a little older and more mature...I learned to have a great respect for Elvin. He was a very honest man...who wasn't afraid to say what was on his mind. When you're a little boy...you don't like men being gruff and honest with you. When you're a man...you can appreciate a man with character. Elvin...had character.

Sunday, June 5...would be my grandmother...Elsie...125th birtday. Elsie was my dad's mother. Elsie died a few years before I was born. I would like to have had the opportunity to meet her.

A special birthday weekend.


Dan

HEADLINES

Thumbing through a few headlines today brought several thoughts to mind. Here's my take on them.

Can the DOW hit 20,000?
A phrase my dad said frequently related to...'taking 1 step forward...and 2 steps back'. That seems to be the shape of our economy these last many months. Something good seems to happen...and then a bad thing or two happens...and we lose the momentum from the good thing. Today's headline read 'Can the DOW hit 20,000? Right now it's at 12,000...and falling. My concern is more in line with ...'can we keep the DOW from falling to 10,000?' Until our leaders in Congress quit pointing fingers of blame at the other guy and tell us what 'he is doing wrong'...and instead takes a personal interest into what 'they' are going to do to help matters get better...it's going to continue to be a long road...of 1 step forward...and 2 steps back.

Appearance fees
In a time when people...by the millions...could use a helping hand...and a  break...and who 'want' to work to earn their way...I read about Hollywood 'stars' (a questionable title)...who charge $75,000 (some even more)...for appearance fees. They apparently feel they are so valuable to mankind...that people should have to pay to see them...to have the privilege to shake their hand...or have their picture taken with them. I'm not sure how they sleep at night. I do believe in Karma. I trust that 'it'...will someday settle this issue with those people who feel they are among the high and mighty.

Doughnuts
Today is National Doughnut Day. M-M-M. Who doesn't like a doughnut...or 3...every now and then? I'm always reminded...when in deep thought about doughnuts...about my wife, Cindy...and her story when she was a young girl...and her friend Carol...whose dad owned Walt's Doughnut Shop in Vincennes. Cindy said that...on more than one occasion...she and Carol would slip into the doughnut shop (after hours)...grab a doughnut and head to the 'filling' machine...where they would slip their doughnut over the spigot...and fill the doughnut with so much jelly...that it'd take the shape of a baseball. Now that doesn't sound appealing to  me as I'm not much on doughnuts with filling...but I get a big smile on my face...as I imagine Cindy filling that doughnut so full that it nearly explodes. Happy National Doughnut Day to all.


Dan

AHHHHH...SUMMER!

The grandkids had their last day of school today. Summer vacation officially started at 2:45.

I still remember that wonderful feeling back then...when you 'just' got out of school...and had the whole summer ahead of you. Of course...it just 'flew' by and before you knew it...you were back in school again. But that first day that school is out...is a great feeling.

Now...for me...the closest thing I can get is Friday afternoon...when I'm walking out to the car after just getting off work...and the weekend has just officially started...and I've got the whole weekend ahead of me.

Just like those summer vacations back in school...the weekend 'flies' by...but that walk out to the parking lot...feels 'sooooo' good.

I'm hoping my grandkids...and your kids or grandkids...have a great summer.


Dan

ZOE

Had to take our old buddy Zoe to the vet today...a return trip from about 10 days ago. Zoe had a tumor on her back that we had to have removed. Today they had to take out the 10 stitches they left in her to close the wound.

Last week...I took a picture of Zoe as she looked to the side. When I showed it to Cindy...she thought it looked like I had had Zoe stuffed and mounted on a wall plaque. We had a funny laugh about that.

We'll miss that old dog when she's gone...but I think we'll pass on keeping her around on a plaque.


Dan

MY FAVORITE

This time of the year...is my favorite time.

In April and May and early June...the weather is getting warmer...the days are getting longer...my pale skin gets a little more color in it.

Sometimes I get into that 'glass half empty' mode...thinking that June 21...is the longest day of the year...the summer solstice...and from that day forward...the days get shorter...and fall and winter are on their way.

But until then...I will enjoy my favorite time of the year.

Ahhhhh summer...where have you been?


Dan

TOUGH IN TENNESSEE

I had to giggle when I saw these headlines...about a Tennessee officer being fired, because he gave some confiscated beer to a fellow police officer. It took me back a few years.

In the summer of 1971, Haf, and I were stopped in the parking lot at Creole Lanes for underage drinking. We were asked to open the trunk of my car...and figuring I'd have more problems being a smart aleck and playing the 'show me your search warrant' CARD...than just cooperating and opening it up...I opened my trunk.

There...the officer found a well-stocked cooler. For our cooperation...we got a police car ride down to the station...where the officers looked through the spoils in my cooler...and teasingly...in front of us...quizzed each other on 'who' was going to take home the beer. 'Do you like this brand?' 'Nah...you take it.'

I don't know what ever happened to the beer...if they 'did' take it home...or if they poured it out on the ground. It didn't bother me. I was just glad they didn't throw us in jail. I think not playing 'the card'...paid off.

Apparently someone in Tennessee took offense...that the cops did something with the beer they took from a few underage kids. Firing a police officer over it...was a little over the top. Come on people...ease up.


Dan

FRENCH FRIES

I see in the NY Times...a man known for selling the world frozen french fries...has died. No...he wasn't cremated in a deep fryer.

French fries are well liked around our house...but there are few that I like. The bar down the street has lousy fries...so I get chips. I don't like Wendy's new 'sea salt' fries.

McDonalds has decent fries...but my favorite are from Steak 'n' Shake.

They're so bad for me...I don't get them too often. But when I want a good fry...Steak 'n' Shake is where I want to go.

Thanks to Mr. McCain...for his evil desire...to feed all of us...french fries.


Dan

THE MAP

I was Google-Earthing my old hometown of Owensville again today...when something popped into my head that I haven't thought about in many, many years.

Owensville...is a small farming town in southwest Indiana...with a population of about 1000. There are about 20 streets in the town...10 running east/west...and 10 running north/south...none of which are likely more than a mile long...some only a few blocks in length.

I remember my dad had a scale model...'birds eye'...view of Owensville...that he drew by hand on a large poster-board...showing every street...every business...and every residence in the town. This poster was probably 5 feet x 5 feet in dimensions.

My guess is that it no longer exists...as it would now be over 60 years old. The paper...and the pencil sketching...have probably long-since disintegrated or become illegible. Mother Nature...and Father Time...have likely taken their toll on this prized object.

Dad knew the town of Owensville...like the back of his hand...as the old saying goes. In his early working years...one of dads jobs was to deliver ice. Back in those days...there were few, if any, refrigerators...as we know them today. Instead...people had 'ice boxes' that perishables were kept in. Every few days...dad would deliver a big block of ice to the home that would be placed in the 'ice box'...and it would keep things cool...until it melted and needed replaced.

We...always had a refrigerator at our house (at least that's all I recall)...but it was always referred to as...'the ice box'. 

"Dad...where's the milk?"  "It's in the ice box!"

I'm guessing...since dad was of the age and background to have owned ice boxes...and delivered ice to so many home with ice boxes...that he always referred to the object in the house that kept the food cool...as the ice box...not the refrigerator. Because of dads use of the word...my brothers and sisters and I...grew up using the same language when we talked about 'the refrigerator'. It was called...'the ice box'.

In later years of dads work...when I was little...dad delivered bottled gas to the residences of Owensville. Natural gas was not prevalent in those days...so propane gas was used to heat stoves for cooking and baking...and probably for dryers for those that had them...and maybe other things in the home. And when the bottled gas tank ran out...dad delivered and hooked up a new tank for them.

So...over the years...by either needing ice to keep their food cool...and/or needing gas to cook their food...everyone in Owensville knew dad...and he knew everyone...and where they lived...and was invited into their homes...maybe hundreds of times.

So one day...out of need...or out of a desire to maintain his sanity...dad found some stiff poster board and paper...and slowly...meticulously...over hours and days and maybe weeks...drew every street...every business...every home...and the names of those who lived in those homes...on that poster board. The 'map'.

In 1962, when we moved from Owensville to Vincennes...the map...wasn't an item that could make the trip...and it was left behind...in Owensville.

It was of no value to me...then...at age 8. Now...as I approach 58...it would be invaluable. It would be like owning an expensive art piece that belonged in a museum...a city history document.

I would love to own it. It would be a priceless treasure.


Dan

MOTHER'S DAY

Today...May 8, 2011...is Mother’s Day.

In March...my mother would have turned 99 years old…but she died at age 59. I never had the typical mother-son relationship with my mother. You see...she developed a mental illness that consumed much of her life. Because of that...mom wasn’t around much of my life.

When I was 3, mom was placed in the Evansville State Hospital…a hospital for mentally ill individuals. Outside of holiday visits home and an occasional short term leave…mom stayed in that hospital until I was 17 years old. I was 18 when she died.

Mom never got to be that mother figure...that moms are supposed to be. Oh…she loved me dearly and wrote me often…but she wasn’t at home like she’d like to have been.

I had other wonderful family members who filled in for my mom. My sister Joan…my sister-in-law Sylvia…my sister Jean…all helped to raise me...all wonderful women in my life…all wonderful mothers to their own children…and me.

I happened to marry a wonderful woman too…who became a wonderful mother. Now...she’ll tell you she’s not so sure about that...being a good mother and all. But I think all mothers probably wonder if they were a good mother…just like all fathers wonder if they were a good father. But I’ll tell you…she’s a great mom...just like she's a great wife.

So on this special day that we recognize the women in our lives...to my mom…my sisters…and my wife…Happy Mothers Day.

Thanks for all the wonderful things you’ve done for me…in my life.

Love to all of you.

Dan

SMOKEHOUSE

If I asked my children today what a 'smokehouse' was...they'd probably respond that it's where a group of people who smoke are relegated to these days...since most people can't smoke at their workplace.

I would however mean...a building used for storing and curing meat.

Smokehouse...popped into my head today as I was 'google-mapping'.

Google mapping allows you to look down upon the earth from the satellites...and you are able to zoom in close on objects...seeing cars and even people...from outer space.

Today, I was looking at various places across the country...an old family cemetery I was interested in locating in Illinois...my old hometown of Owensville...and...outside of Owensville...the old farm that my sister, Joan, and her husband Elvin and their children, Diane and Kim, my niece and nephew, lived for most of my young years.

As I zoomed down on Joan's farm...I saw the old farmhouse...the silos...the machine shed...and the old garage. But missing...was a few of the other outbuildings that used to be there in my younger years...the hog houses were gone...and the big old red barn was gone. As I gazed at the picture, I recalled the old smokehouse that was at the back of the house. The smokehouse had been torn down long, long ago. I knew it was gone...but somehow it came back to mind as I stared at the old place.

The smokehouse was taken down when I was quite young. By the time Cindy & I were dating...and she began going to Joan's with me...it was already gone...so she doesn't recall it ever being there. But I do.

The smokehouse wasn't a 'functional' smokehouse when I was little...but was used more for storage. But I can still see it.

A smokehouse...isn't a modern day smoking bar. It was a usable building that had it's place years ago. But no longer. They are no longer needed, no longer used, and in my sister's case...no longer there.

But looking down on that old farmland...brought back many good memories...of a wonderful place in my young years...my sister's farm.


Dan

FOUR POINTING BACK

For several months...Cindy has not been able to send me text messages from her phone. For those several months...we agreed we needed to stop by AT&T and get her a new phone. Neither her or I are 'smart' phone users...but we thought that might be a direction we would have to go with Cindy.

Finally...yesterday...we found some time to stop by AT&T...and describe the problem that we were having with Cindy's phone. She could call and get calls to and from everyone...she could receive text messages from everyone...and she could send messages to everyone...except me.

As the phone guy was checking her phone...a light bulb finally came on above my head. I teasingly said..."maybe it's not her phone...maybe it's my phone that's not working...maybe my phone is blocking hers".

So I handed 'my' phone to the service guy...and sure enough...he clicked a few places here...and a few places there...and found that I had a 'block' on Cindy's text messages.

I don't know how I did it...but I apparently hit a few keys a few months ago and unknowingly blocked her phone.

I thought about the sayings my old elementary teachers warned me of..."remember when you point one finger at someone...four are pointing back at you".

Here I had been blaming Cindy and her phone for not sending messages to me...and all along it was my phone...blocking her.

We laughed...and she razzed me about blocking her phone so I didn't have to get messages from her...and we left with our old phones and headed home.


Dan

FRAUD

Got a call this morning from Chase Fraud Department...telling me they think one of my credit cards has some charges that may be fraudulent.

Sure enough...after investigation with Chase...and calling the company in California where the charges were taking place...there was someone in Atlanta trying to make 2 charges on my card...worth about $300.

While talking to the California company...they tracked down the 2 charges...and admitted to me that they had the address of the person making the fraudulent charges. I asked if 'they' do something about that...and they said...NO...I will need to do something about that. (Does that make them as guilty as the 'guy' who is trying to steal from me?)

So...I called the local police and a policeman came to the house and got the information. He in turn will give it to a detective...who is supposed to get hold of the Atlanta police...who in turn will call the California company...who hopefully will give them the name of the thief to the Atlanta police...and they will go find them and arrest them.

I'm thankful to Chase for their quick action.
I'm thankful to the police for their attempts to bring justice.
I'm none too pleased with the California company...New Egg.


Dan

WHY THE NINE-TENTHS?

For the second time in 2 weeks...our local gas prices have gone up to $3.99. A week or so ago...it jumped from $3.75...to $3.99...overnight. I can understand when it might have to go up a penny or two or three...but 25 cents overnight?

The price had eased its way back down a few cents since then. Some station owner thought that $3.97 might bring more customers...and then the guy down the street sees that that idea works...so he drops his to $3.95...and so on. So yesterday...the price had gotten down to $3.81 in a few places...until the seemingly unanimous decision to bump it to $3.99 again.

The part that is sorta funny...to me...well...not funny really...but thought-provokingly obvious to me...is that NONE...not one...of any of the local stations has bumped the price to $4.00...on either occasion. It's like...they think we won't buy gas...or that we'll raise a ruckus...if gas goes ALL THE WAY UP to $4.00.

So...every station has put the ceiling...twice in 2 weeks...at $3.99.

Now what bugs me...is the REAL price. The sign out at the street says $3.99. But the price on the pump is $3.99.9

What the hell is that about? What genius came up with the idea..."let's really charge an additional 9/10 of a cent more than listed?"

So in reality...our gas price is 1/10 of a cent from that dreaded $4.00. One-tenth of a cent! Imagine how much MORE the gas companies are making from that 9/10 of a cent. It may not seem like a lot when you're asked to pay it as a consumer...but when you add up all the 9/10 each person is paying per gallon...per day...at every station across the country...it's mind boggling.

All right all you gas industry big shots...let's lose this .9 cents crap...just tell me it's $4.00 and I'll buy it or I won't. But stop the disguise that it's "UNDER" $4.00. And quit making us try to believe you're not making any money. We know better.


Dan

THE LETTER

I am on call this weekend...Cindy has traveled to see her mother in Vincennes...it has been raining so it is not a great day to be out...so I am watching a little of the PBS special...The Civil War.

Toward the end of episode one...I caught the last few minutes of a discussion of a man named Sullivan Ballou. For several minutes...the narrator read a letter that Major Ballou wrote to his wife...a letter oozing with his knowledge of his certain death...a man fighting the love of his country and the love of his family...and some of the most beautiful words a man could write to his wife.

I've attached some information about Ballou. Be sure you read his eloquent letter. And if you get the chance to see the PBS special...listen to words as they are read by the narrator. It is truly moving.


Dan

THE MAN FROM VIETNAM

I met a very interesting man today. He was from Vietnam. He has lived in America for some 35 years...coming here after the end of American troop involvement in Vietnam. Remember those scenes at the end of the Vietnam War...of the large number of people trying to board the helicopters on top of the American Embassy? He was one of those people.

The need for him to get out of the country...stemmed from his involvement with America. He was a Navy Seal...a special ops force. He and his team were told by the CIA and American Command...where to go, what to do, and get the hell back out of there.

He showed me photos of him in his uniform. He showed me his document stating he was a Navy Seal...and the statement on the card that says if he is captured...he is not to be held or questioned...and if he is killed or injured...a specific agency was to be notified. He shared that on his actual missions...he carried no ID...so there would be no link to him and his profession and employer.

He was brought to the United States with the clothes he was wearing, a uniform in his duffel bag, and $5. I asked if he knew the English language well at the time (he still speaks pretty 'broken' English) and he said he knew the basics...'hello', 'how are you'...but didn't know the slang terms he would come to hear.

A painful story he shared was hearing that his parents were murdered after he left the country. He never told his parents what he was and what he was doing...he was never allowed to. But someone found out after he left...and they were killed for it.

He was also hurt...for awhile...by the ridicule he received in America. He was accused of being an illegal entrant into the country. Little did his accusers know...he was a recipient of 'The Purple Heart' and 'The Silver Star'...both awarded for gallantry...and for wounds incurred...for action against an enemy of the United States.

He was a very interesting man. A very proud man.


Dan

DAYS 7 & 8

Friday was a beautiful day. Cindy & I got to the pool early...slathered up...and warmed in the sun. Julie, Eric and Mason came over and joined us for the day and it was good. We cleaned up in the afternoon and filled our bellies at Joe's Crab Shack...then back to the hotel where Mason swam a little longer before we called it a night at poolside. We went to our room and relaxed and watched a movie. Mason spent the night with us so we could get to the airport early...so hugs and kisses and tears for Julie & Eric as they said goodbyes to their housemate of the last week. Saturday morning...we packed up...paid up...and headed to the airport. We turned the car in...checked our bags...found some breakfast...and jumped on our jet to get back to Indiana. We landed to 50 degree weather...after leaving 80 degrees. The 80 felt a lot better! It was a wonderful week to get away with Cindy and enjoy some nice weather and some time to regroup...and I know Mason enjoyed seeing his mom and Eric. We might have to do it again! Dan

DAY 6

The day started with rain...continued with rain...finished with rain. We picked up Mason and headed to the movie theater. Of course the show he wanted to see...wasn't on for 2 hours. So we walked the mall...had a snack...played in the play area...until it was movie time. A large drink and popcorn...and we headed for theater 11 to see 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid'. It wasn't the best movie I've ever seen...but Mason liked it...and it kept us out of the rain for a couple of hours. Hopefully it rained itself out today...and will be nice tomorrow...since it's our last full day. We're hoping for a relaxing day...poolside. The week has flown by...as all vacations do. Dan

DAY 5

Our assignment today was to be at Julie & Eric’s at 900am. We didn’t make it. But we did make it by 930. (They weren’t ready anyway either). We finally got under way to Ocala…about an hour away. Our trip was to meet Eric’s parents…Jay & Ann. They have a beautiful 15 acre ranch with cattle and horses. Cindy & I both agreed that granddaughter Anna would think she had arrived in heaven if she had been with us. Anna is our horse lover and has taken riding lessons for 4 years and this summer will be in a local 4-H program to show horses. Jay & Ann are obviously into animals…they train their horses to become ‘search and rescue’ horses. This region of Florida has some dense forests and water areas and it’s not uncommon for people to get lost in these locations. Because of the land make up…cars can’t always be utilized to search for these people…but horses can be. Their horses are not only beautiful…but well-trained…beneficial animals. We enjoyed a nice lunch at a local eatery and then back to the ranch to visit and give Mason a chance to swim in their pool. Jay & Ann and Cindy & I had a few minutes to talk alone about our concerns and hopes for Eric & Julie and particularly Mason. We all want the best for them and agreed to support their efforts however we can. After a fun day, we headed back to Julie & Eric’s. A storm had passed through the area while we were away…and their home was without power. Cindy & I headed back to the hotel to grab a bite to eat and hear from the kids that they had power back. One of our other concerns during the day…was the news of whether our Purdue basketball coach was going to leave and go to another school to become their new coach. We sure didn’t want him to go…and by later in the day…the word came that he had decided to stay at Purdue. We breathed easier after hearing that. A fun, enjoyable day…to meet some nice folks. Dan

DAY 4

The weatherman was wrong...it was a nice day today. We sat by the pool and sunned...and headed over to Downtown Disney. We grabbed a bite to eat at 'The House of Blues'...and walked the boardwalk. The weather remained nice and the weatherman must have scared off the crowds because it was a non-crowded day. At 530, we headed for the Cirque du Soleil and watched La Nouba. What a head spinning...exciting...fun program. Gymnasts...tight-rope walkers...high-wire acts...tumblers...and the like. The little girls were the hit of the show. Afterwards, we headed back to the hotel...grabbed a pizza...some cheesecake and a couple of beers...and headed back to the room to unwind. A great date night out with Cindy. Dan

DAY 3

The weather has done a 180. As beautiful and sunny as yesterday was...today was rain...rain...and more rain. The locals were glad to see it as it has been dry here...but we were spoiled by yesterday's sun and 90 degrees. Today...I'm not sure it hit 70. After breakfast...we looked up Cindy's cousin Susan. Susan is 18 months into her cancer treatment...and looks good. She is in her 'off' week of chemo so she was feeling good and up for a visit. We took time to catch up on her and her family...and ours. She took us for a drive around the area...including the school that Mason would attend next fall here in Florida. Ironically...it's the same school her 3 children attended years ago. After our visit with Susan...we headed back to our hotel for a diet coke and a nap...and then headed to the Florida Mall to see if we could find anything we couldn't resist. We didn't find it. We had a nice dinner at Buca di Beppo. Then back to our hotel to sit up again for awhile...as our bellies were too full to lay down. A rainy day...and rainy night. But it's 67 degrees here...it's 37 degrees back home. We'll stay here a little longer...and hope the rain moves on through. Either way...another great day. Dan

DAY 2

Cindy & I got a nice breakfast in our bellies...and headed for the pool. There was 1 cloud in the sky when we got there...and it soon went away. The temps finally hit 90 degrees and the water felt good. Julie had to work today...so Mason and Eric came over and joined us for the day. They have a fun water slide and a water fall to swim under...and Mason enjoyed every moment. When he and Eric finally headed home...Cindy & I guessed that Mason was asleep long before they got to the house...maybe before the 1st stoplight past the hotel! Cindy & I cleaned off the sunscreen...we both found a few sunburned places where we didn't get enough sunscreen...and headed out for a bite to eat. We ended up at Landry's Seafood House and had a great meal. As we headed out of the parking lot on the way home...a guy flagged us down in the parking lot...I thought maybe he might need a jump for his car. He goes on to tell us a 'hard luck' story about losing his job in Michigan...living out of a van with his wife and daughter...and needing some money...any money...for a meal. I asked him if he was pulling my leg...and gave him some money. As we pulled away, I asked Cindy if I was a fool...and she said I did the right thing...and if he was lying to us...then 'that' was on him. Finally back to the hotel...to sit up in bed for awhile...as we were both too full to lay down. A good second day. It's been a great time with Cindy. Dan

THE TRIP...DAY 1

Woke up early at our Indy hotel and Cindy, grandson Mason, and I headed to the airport. Everything went about as well as could be...landing 10 minutes early in Orlando.

Julie & Eric met up with us while we waited for luggage and car rental. Followed them to their house...what a nice place in Ocoee (O-KO-EE). Decided we were all hungry and headed to get a bite to eat. A good lunch...Cindy & I downed 2 big ice teas...and we've been peeing ever since.

Stopped at Walmart to buy some drinks and snax to take to our hotel. Had to pee while at Walmart...and guy was talking on his cell phone...while doing his business! Now...that's a phone call I don't want to answer!!

Headed to our hotel while Mason went to J & E's. Got to our hotel...Caribe Royale...what a nice place. Texted the kids to let them know we were in. Julie texted back that Mason was playing in his room...loving it already.

A little sales pitch for those of you who don't have one. Three letters. G-P-S. If you don't have one...get one. I don't think I could get around in a place having to use maps and reading it...driving...missing a turn...blah, blah, blah. I just entered the address I needed to drive to...and let the GPS tell me where to turn, what road to get on, and how much further it is. Cindy calls ours...Stella...the Street Talker.

We are relaxin'...and feelin' good. Day 1...has gone as good as we could ask.


Dan

MY BAD KNEE

Yesterday was a nice day...temperature in the low 60's...which felt really good...after what has been a loooonnng winter.

The grandkids got the bikes out and got their first bike ride in of the early spring. After a number of trips up and down the street to the 'circle'...Mason had an accident...that required Shawn and I to walk down to the scene of the crash.

He scraped up his knee but was otherwise just fine. I told him...from my experience...if you ride a bike...you're gonna have a wreck now and then.

Mason's crash took me back to my early days of bike riding in Owensville. I didn't have a small bike to learn to ride on...I had to learn on Jean and Dave's bigger bikes. Because of that...I had a number of crashes.

My most memorable crash was within a few blocks of our house. I rounded a corner quickly and the bike hit some gravel and the wheels slid out from under me. Fortunately...my knee helped me to skid to a stop over about 15-20 feet!

My jeans were ripped to shreds...with the good part of the jeans that was remaining...soaking up the blood from my bloody knee.

I recall dad trying to clean it up and put some iodine on it...which I knew would 'burn like hell'. I beleive it was my sister Jean...who told me years later...that dad had to wait until I was asleep to finally clean my wound.

I don't remember that part thank goodness...but I was reminded of that accident by the huge scar on my knee for years and years.

I'm looking forward to spring...and will likely have to help the grandkids through several bike accidents. Hopefully we'll have nothing more than minor scraped knees.


Dan

I'M RESTING

For my faithful followers...you may have noticed I haven't had many postings in the last few months. Since the inception of my blog...I've found about 20 or so things to talk about each month. For one reason or another I haven't found 20 things I wanted to talk about in the last 2 months combined.

Maybe I have "writer's block". Maybe I'm just tired. Maybe I've been busy with other things.

There's still lots to talk...and read...about. The world hasn't stopped spinning.

The tragedies in Japan provide lots of stories. The Mideast is up to its' usual stuff. Gas prices are on the rise. The stock market rises and falls. States...including my own...are trying to make 'bad guys' out of union members. Teachers are getting laid off in droves. NCAA tournament time is here...one of my favorite times of the year. Young athletes are in the news...for dying at a young age.

Oh...there's plenty of news out there. Plenty of things to bring up as topics of discussion.

I just don't feel like talkin' about them right now. Ever felt that way? Ever just needed some space?

I'm taking some time to recharge my batteries. Maybe I just need some sunshine to cheer me up. Hang in there with me. I'll be back.


Dan

LOSS OF A CHILD

A sad story in the papers made me think back to a conversation with my dad.

A family in Pennsylvania had a fire at their dairy farm house. The father was away from the house delivering milk...the mother was in the barn milking cows.

A fire broke out in the house containing their 8 children...all under 11 years of age. The 3 year old woke up and ran to the barn to tell their mother of the fire. According to the news...by the time the mother got the father...the house was engulfed in flames...with the loss of life of the remaining 7 children.

The circumstances don’t add up…but the end result...is the loss of life of this family's 7 children.

Within the last month or so, a similar tragedy occurred in Western Kentucky. A couple...and their 7 children...were on their way home from a relatives’ house...all riding in the family horse and wagon (an Amish family).

A recent rain storm had caused the creek...that they had to cross to get to their home...to rise to high levels. As they crossed, the swiftly flowing water overturned the wagon and 4 of the 7 children were swept away to their deaths.

A parent can hardly imagine...never wants to imagine...the loss of ‘one’ child. These parents lost multiple children at once.

In the later years of my fathers’ life...I spoke to him about many of the past events of his life. During one of his stories...he spoke of my oldest brother…his first son…Durward. Durward had died in an accident at age 37.

Fifteen years after Durwards' death...it was still a crushing loss to my father. He whispered softly how he still missed him.

These two families lost...not one child...lost 4 of 7 and 7 of 8. Only someone who has had a similar tragedy could even begin to fathom what they have gone through.

I'm sure...until the ends of their lives...these parents will have that inner pain that will never go away...of their lost children...and how they missed them.


Dan

UNDER MY SKIN

For many years...up until a few years ago...I was a ‘check’ writer. If I bought it…I wrote a check for it. I didn’t like using credit cards and was amazed at people who seemed to use them for everything…milk at the grocery store…happy meals at McDonald's…it seemed I saw it a lot. I felt they were putting themselves in real financial jeopardy, knowing that people with no self-control use the...‘buy now pay later’...mentality and then get themselves in serious trouble when the bill comes. So…to not become one of those people …I wrote checks…lots of them.

Then one day…my thoughts changed and I gradually switched over to ‘their’ way of thinking. I knew I had the control to pay the card bill off every month when it came…and I’ve been able to do that for the most part. Now I probably write less checks in a year than I used to write in a month.

Recently I read that Europe is wanting the United States to change our credit cards to the type they use, to make things easier for 'them'.

You’ll notice on the back of your credit card is a black strip. This is simply a piece of magnetic recording tape that our card information is loaded onto. When our card is ‘swiped’ through a reader, it detects those numbers that appear on the front of our card, along with other information the business needs and the charges are put on our account.

It seems that in Europe, they’ve gone from the magnetic strip…to a computer chip that’s embedded in the card. It’s easier and better for 'them' and they want us to do the same...so that when we ‘crazy Americans’ go over there to spend our money...we can make their life easier by having credit cards like theirs.

So don’t be surprised if that doesn’t happen some day, whether it’s for the Europeans…or just considered a good idea by us.

I also read that MasterCard is now making a card that has a small display window on the front. By pushing a few buttons on the card, it will display your card balance, your recent transactions and similar functions. Don’t be surprised if you see more of these smart cards in the future, too.

But I think rather than putting a computer chip in my credit card, I'll have my bank install one under my skin...that connects to my bank accounts. When I buy something...I’ll wave my arm under the reader and...DING...it's done.

Hey we can put those chips under our dogs skin and track where they are in the neighborhood…why not track my spending with one.

Lots of other people seem to bet getting under my skin. I’ll just add my credit cards too.


Dan

I AGREE WITH TOM

Yesterday... a controversial decision was handed down by the Supreme Court. It is not a popular response...but I believe the right response.

A Kansas church...for some years now...have had some of their members appear at military funerals...with placards and shouts of 'God killed your son because of His anger at our nations support of homosexuals'...or something to that effect.

One particular man had sued the church...and it had gone all the way to the Supreme Court...stating that those church members violated his right to bury his son...and mourn the loss of his son...in the way a father should.

Now...not a one among us...(and if you disagree...please feel free to NEVER read my blog again)...would agree with what this 'radical' church sect is doing. Shame on them. I believe that when 'their' judgement day comes...God has a special place...(HELL!)... that they will be sent to.

With that being said...one of the things that makes America...America...is the freedoms that we have. And...one of those freedoms is our freedom of speech. As wrong...and hurtful...and cruel as the words these church members say...that group has the right to say them.

I believe I saw a comment from Tom Brokaw...the old NBC news anchor...that basically said...that the best thing we could do would be to outnumber those church folks...with our veterans...and those who support our veterans.

So the next time those church members come to protest...they need to be outnumbered by those who 'support' that grieving family. If 10 of 'them' show up to protest...let 100 veterans/supporters show up. If 20 of 'them' show up...have 200 supporters show up.

Ten or twenty people blocking the view...or holding placards of support...or shouting louder than a protester...can overshadow what that '1' person can do.

I agree with Tom on this one.


Dan

CALCULATOR +/- 50 YEARS

The word 'calculator' jumped out of an article at me today. For some reason...my thoughts flashed back 50 years...to my brother.

A calculator...of sorts...back then was called a 'slide rule'. I recall Dave having one to do his homework. I don't know if it was a design class...a math class...or a science class...but it was there for his use.

I saw 'his' specific slide rule in years past...in fact...I may still have it tucked away in a storage tub somewhere.

I bet if I showed a slide rule to my kids...they'd have no idea what it was or how to use it. Since it's been many, many years since I've used one, it'd probably take me a few minutes before 'I' could even show them how to use it.

Today...we don't have, or need, slide rules in our 'every day' world. As I remember them, I could multiply or divide and get an estimate of a number...but rarely an exact number.

Instead...today...we have calculators (the size of credit cards...or they come as a function on our cell phone) that can give us the ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide with an answer that can be carried out into multiple decimal points.

The slide rule...one more thing from the old days...that's no longer applicable...and is unrecognizable to today's kids.

Another clue that I'm getting older.


Dan

BLUE LAWS...SCHMOO LAWS

Here in Indiana...and according to this article...in Connecticut...and probably where you live...there are 'blue laws'. Specifically...a law prohibiting the sale of alcohol on Sundays.

I have no particular side to be on in this matter...because I'm not much of a drinker. I probably drink a case of beer...a year. I think Cindy & I were at Sam's Warehouse one Sunday and she happened to pick up a bottle of wine and we didn't think anything of it until we got to the checkout and were reminded it was Sunday. I'm real sure we didn't lose any sleep from not having that bottle of wine to sip on that afternoon.

The writer of the above article must be about my age. I enjoyed some of his comments...and they reminded me of how it was in my younger years...when next-to-nothing was open on Sundays.

I know when we lived in Owensville (population 1000) as a small kid...I think the restaurants were the only thing open on Sundays. I know that Sunday was the 'only' day that dad was off...and heck...occasionally he even did some work on that day.

But most of the time...it was a good day to go to church...and then do family things...like...go visit granddad...or my uncle and cousins...or my older sister or older brother...or make homemade ice cream.

Now days...more things are open...than closed on Sundays. It's just another day. I think we lost something there.

I think I'd enjoy...not only not having to worry about whether I could get booze on Sunday...but do I really have to do anything on Sunday?

Heck...let's all just stay home and relax...before Monday starts the week all over again.


Dan