Matt Steen's Attempt at Blogging

Eating Out

2011-10-13T17:56:00.012-04:00

Night before last my wife Marsha and myself (Can you guess what I like to do beside eat? I admit this picture was photo shopped to get rid of the person I was jumping tandem with.) and our friends Pat and her husband Russell

went out to eat. We decided to try a new restaurant in town
Logan's Road House.

Logan's is a chain that as near as I can tell has 225 restaurants in 23 states. The one we went to here in Troy, Ohio, had just opened the day before we visited them. I have to admit that I was a bit leery of going so quickly after they opened since I have had bad experiences at places immediately after they opened.

I didn't have to worry though. The food was wonderful! Some of the menu items were a bit pricey, but not all of them.

All four of us enjoyed our meals tremendously. There was somewhat of a long wait for them because the place was jammed with customers but it was well worth the wait. I have a new favorite restaurant!

We were waited on by a lovely young lady named Catherine and she was ably assisted by her trainer Tim. I took pictures of them using my phone, but neglected to save them. I'm tech challenged sometime. I'm sorry Catherine and Tim.

Those of you that live in or near Troy should try the new Logan's Road House. It is right next to Ruby Tuesday's, which I'm afraid is going to take a serious hit from them.

I highly recommend Logan's.

My Computer Travails

2010-09-14T13:15:00.004-04:00

Had a terrible time last night with the HP warranty people re: my computer. I recently bought an expensive new 18" laptop and one of the USB ports does not work. Over an hour on the phone with someone in India who had an accent thick enough to cut, and only a basic understanding of English. Kept wanting me to do idiotic stuff so she could see if my computer really does have problems. All this had been settled with a Tech Rep day before yesterday. I was supposed to call back and get a box sent to me to ship the computer to HP in. My service # had all the information that they needed, but they wanted me to jump through their hoops all over again. After trying very hard to make myself understood for an hour, I finally told them I was wasting time trying to talk with them. They kept right on babbling nonsensical things to me. Finally, I yelled at them and hung the phone up. Marsha, who is very even tempered, told me she was proud of me...that I had been patient longer than she would have been. She really made me feel like perhaps I wasn't too wrong in finally losing my temper at them.

The person I had been trying to talk with called me back. I still couldn't make heads nor tails of what they were trying to say, so I asked Marsha to listen to them and try to interpret for me. They had decided that someone else had to call me from HP concerning my problem. We explained to them that I could not wait for a call because I had to go to the hospital to spend the night for some tests. The woman I was talking to said the hardware supervisor would call me back in 10 minutes. After 45 minutes, I left for the hospital. Late for my appt. The hardware supervisor still has not called.

Today, I called HP back, and got someone with a good grasp of English and got the problem resolved in just a few minutes.

I've bought quite a few HP computers in the past several years, and this is the first one I have ever had a problem with. I have recommended them to my friends and assisted them in getting HP computers themselves. Outsourcing the warranty work to places like India and the Phillipines, and using people that have a poor grasp of English leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I may return to my old way of buying the parts and building my own computers.

I'm told I will have the box to ship the computer to HP within a couple of days, and should have the computer back in 7-9 days after that. I'll keep you informed.

Now I am going to have to share a computer with Marsha, unless I go buy myself a cheap one to use. We'll see how that goes.

Way To Go, Utah!

2010-06-18T10:08:00.006-04:00

This morning Utah's firing squad executed Ronnie Lee Gardner.

Gardner had been on Utah's death row for 25 years manipulating the system and trying to escape his fate. He was sentenced to die in 1985 for a botched escape attempt on April 2, 1985, during which Gardner shot and killed Michael Burdell, a defense attorney, and injured court bailiff George "Nick" Kirk. Gardner, in court on charges stemming from the 1984 robbery and shooting death of Melvyn John Otterstrom, used a gun that had been smuggled into the old Salt Lake County Courthouse by his girlfriend.

Melvyn John Otterstrom's and Michael Burdell's family are still suffering because of Gardner's cruelty and viciousness, and George Kirk says he has not been without pain from his wounds in the 25 years since Gardner shot him.

Members of Gardner's family — some of whom left the courtroom in tears at the last hearing to get his sentence changed — are victims as well, and I'm sorry for them, but my greatest sympathy goes out to his victims.

Gardner had no redeeming features. There is no reason he should be alive.

I believe the system worked. Too slowly, but it worked.

Touchdown Jesus

2010-06-16T11:39:00.006-04:00

A six-story statue of Jesus Christ near my home town was struck by lightning and burned to the ground a couple of days ago, leaving only a blackened steel skeleton and pieces of foam that were scooped up by curious onlookers on Tuesday.

Already there are numerous theories going around: "The Devil did it." "God was displeased at the image."

Personally, I think Elvis did it!

Regardless....the church is going to spend over $700,000.00 to replace it. I guess it's their business, but I can think of a hell of a lot of places where that money would do more good than in a plastic statue.

An Amazing Young Lady

2010-03-16T14:12:00.008-04:00

March 15) -- The Atlantic Ocean is no match for Katie Spotz.

The 22-year-old woman became the youngest person to make the trip across the Atlantic alone in a rowboat. After 70 days at sea, hundreds of well-wishers welcomed Spotz into the port of Georgetown, Guyana Sunday as she completed her 2,817 mile journey from Dakar, Senegal.

"The hardest part was just the solo part," Spotz told The Associated Press.

For over two months, she rowed alone amid high waves, beating sun, and very little fresh food. But for the Mentor, Ohio native, "endurance challenges" are a way of life. In 2008, Spotz became the first person to swim the entire length of the 325-mile Allegheny River. She has also biked across the country and ran 150 miles across the Mojave and Colorado deserts alone.
Katie Spotz, 22, of Mentor, Ohio, arrives in Georgetown, Guyana, on Sunday. She began her Atlantic crossing on Jan. 3 in Senegal.

Spotz's trans-Atlantic row raised over $70,000 for the Blue Planet Run Foundation, which works to provide safe drinking water around the world.

Her coach, Sam Williams, said Spotz was more interested helping the foundation's cause than she was in breaking records.

"The records are just a bonus for Katie. Rowing the Atlantic and raising funds for clean water are the things she really cares about," Williams told the AP.

But there's a reason so few rowers dare to make the trip across the Atlantic. According to The New York Times, Spotz rowed between 8 and 10 hours a day, and said rough waves made it difficult to sleep. "Sleeping was a real problem," Spotz told The Times. "It took a toll to put out that much physical effort on very little rest."

About a week ago, Spotz had nearly made landfall when she encountered such rough seas that she was forced to row 400 miles to the northeast of her original destination of Cayenne, French Guiana, to Georgetown.

On the second-to-last day of the trip, her GPS tracker caught on fire. At one point, she encountered 20-foot waves. "I was worried the boat might capsize," she said. Spotz ate freeze-dried meals, munched on small plants she grew on board, and, according to the AP, dug into a watermelon as soon as she hit the shore in Guyana.

An absolutely astounding young lady!

George (No Show) Jones

2010-02-15T12:01:00.007-05:00

Listening to an old George Jones CD....Often known as "No Show Jones" because of his habit of getting drunk and not showing up for his shows, George has had some tough times in his life. Many, like my own tough times, brought on by himself. Still...even though I am not really a country music fan....in my opinion he is one of the best singers to ever come down the pike.

Below is one of my favorite songs of all time. if any of my friends...and you know who you are.... want a copy of the CD, let me know. I will make you one and send it to you. I will send it to Texas, Utah, PA, VA, or Ohio. Those of you in TX will have to send me your address, of course. I promise to not stalk you. :)

"Imagine a world where no music was playing
And think of a church with nobody praying
Have you ever looked up at a sky with no blue?
Then you've seen a picture of me without you

Have you walked in a garden where nothing was growing
Or stood by a river where nothing was flowing
If you've seen a red rose unkissed by the dew
Then you've seen a picture of me without you

Can you picture heaven with no angels singing
Or a quite Sunday morning with no church bells ringing
If you've watched as the heart of a child breaks in two
Then you've seen a picture of me without you."

I Hate Snow!!

2010-02-06T08:43:00.010-05:00

I hope this is the last significant snow we get this year. I hope the next snow falls on a certain horse farm in Texas. (snicker)

Below are a few pictures taken just a few minutes ago from my front door. More snow is expected today. Grrrrrrrrrr

Here are a couple of pictures of our neighbor, Brian, on his snow plow. He keeps it clear for us when the snow gets too deep. He and his son, Ryan, cleared the driveway and even cleaned the snow off the car and truck for us. Great neighbors! Thanks, guys!

The First Annual, Weekly, Bi-Weekly, or Monthly, (Dependent Upon Participant's Interest) Geriatric Poker Game

2010-01-29T19:58:00.015-05:00

Today, as you can see below, several of us gathered together our oxygen tanks, inhalers, and nebulizers and met at Pat and Russell's for a poker game.

Next, here are Russell, yours truly, Ellie, and Jackie intent on our cards as Ellie deals. You have to kinda keep your eye on Ellie, as she's somewhat of a hustler, or least she used to be, back in the good old days. (grin)

Scott, as you can see below, is quite interested in what Jackie is doing with her cards. Of course, Scott is quite interested in Jackie regardless of what she's doing.

Looks like Scott is biting his nails, doesn't it? He was the big winner, though. He must have won 5 or 6 dollars. Real high-rollers, aren't we?

I'm trying to convince everyone that I have no idea where that ace came from. They weren't going for it, though.

We had an enjoyable time. We enjoyed each other's fellowship, and had good sandwiches and drinks. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon when the temperature is in the teens.

Urp!!

2010-01-27T20:09:00.011-05:00

My life is so freaking boring the past few years that it's difficult for me to find things to write about.

Lately, the only thing noteworthy that has happened to me is the great meal I had last night.

My friends Pat and Russell invited Marsha and me over for steaks.

Russell cooked some rib-eyes on the grill. We are all from the South, except Marsha, but we forgive her, and we like our steaks grilled. As you can see, a little bit of snow is not going to stop us from cooking out.

Years ago, my children used to really love for me to get the trusty old charcoal grill out and cook steaks. I always thought I did a pretty good job on them, but Russell does wonderfully. He's a great cook, as you can see by the picture below:

Next...here are Marsha, Pat, and Russell getting ready to dig in.

Here is Jake, hoping for a share of the bounty. Sorry, Jakie...nothing left. Next time.

Finally....Pat sneaked a picture of yours truly while I was trying to recover from my gastronomical indiscretions.

Wounded Knee and Other Items of Historical Significance.

2009-12-27T18:50:00.024-05:00

I posted most of this last year at this time, but because I am too lazy to do anything new right now, I will just make a couple of changes and post it again. :)

Today is December 29. The anniversary of the massacre at Wounded Knee, in which nearly 300 mostly peaceable Sioux were mowed down by trigger happy troopers of the 7th US Cavalry. To me, the phrase "trigger happy" usually equates to being afraid. I'm willing to bet that the troopers of the 7th Cavalry were pretty nervous around the Sioux, who were famous for their bravery and fighting abilities. Below are what I believe to be actual Sioux war party pictures. The pictures were taken by Edward S. Curtis.

The Wounded Knee massacre pretty well closed out the Plains Indian era, I believe. The last of the nomadic tribes were moved onto reservations around this time, and endured a great deal of suffering and mistreatment for a number of years. Below is a picture of the Wounded Knee battlefield immediately after the fight, showing a few of the bodies of the Indians that were shot down mercilessly.

Finally....here is a picture of a Wounded Knee veteran taken in 1964. The guy in the center of the picture was one of the soldiers at Wounded Knee during the massacre. I'm not so sure I would be taking credit for it.

Also, on this date in 1896, six years after the events at Wounded Knee, my maternal grandfather, W.W.Johnston, was born.

As you may be able to tell, Granddad was not always thrilled to have his picture taken. He passed away in 1977, at age 80. My grandfather was in the Army during WW1, according to my memories of what he told me, but did not go overseas.

Coincidentally, on this date in 1976, my son Matthew III was also born. Matthew is married and is an attorney, now, and has just become a father for the first time. Below is a picture of him holding his newborn son, Matthew IV, for the first time last month.

Next is a picture of Matthew III and Matthew IV comparing muscles. I'm not sure which one won. :)

Happy Birthday, Son.

My paternal grandfather, J.H. Steen was born in 1877, 13 years before Wounded Knee. He was in the Army during the Spanish American War, but also, to the best of my knowledge, did not see any action. Below is a picture of my Grandfather Steen, along with my Grandmother and two other persons whose identity I am not sure of. The man may possibly be my late uncle, Fred. No clue about the child, unless it is one of his grandchildren, whom I do not know.

Granddad Steen died in 1968 at the age of 91 or 92.

Last year, I posted that my Grandfather Steen was born in 1870, and died at the age of 98. However, my son did some genealogical work and discovered differently. I trust my son's research better than I do the memories of elderly family members, who did not have the resources available to search public records that we now have, and who have long since passed away themselves.

A Patriotic Legacy

2009-11-22T15:55:00.030-05:00

This is Norman (Just call me Bill) W. Van Ausdal. (1895-1979) He was the father of my friend Nancy Fulker.

He hated the name 'Norman', and according to Nancy, when he was little, he and his sister Elva went to the back yard one day to discuss his name, Norman. He explained to her (I gather he was about 6 then) that he disliked his name and she asked what he would like to be called. He told her "Bill" -- and that was that -- from then on even his Mother and Father called him Bill!

As a young man Norman, anxious to get into WW1 and do his share, joined the Ambulance Corps. Since the United States was officially neutral at the time, that was practically the only way young people could actually serve in the war effort.

Norman passed away in 1975, but he left a written record of his service. I will just let him tell of his wartime experiences in his own words. (I will insert a few pictures that I got from Nancy.)

FIRST WORLD WAR RECORD OF N.W. VAN AUSDAL - NOV. 1916 TO NOV. 1918

A general description ofthe type of war waged from 1913 to November 11, 1918 is first necessary to understand the activities of any soldier engaged. The German Armies were lined up against English and French Armies from Flanders through France to the Swiss border from 1914 to 1918, in trench warfare. Both sides had continuous trenches from one to three miles apart with several back-up trenches backing them up, in case of not being able to hold the front line.

These trenches were always muddy and wet - and due to this condition American troops acquired the name of "DoughBoy."

The Germans had large numbers of submarines, mostly surrounding England, which had
to have heavy imports both of food and munitions to live and fight the war. There was no convoy system as ships were not available to guard convoys as in World War II.
The United States was the principal source for munitions and food.
In 1916, large numbers of ships from the U.S. had been sunk and public opinion was
veering toward the U.S. entering the war against the Kaiser. Opinion on this crystalized in early May, 1917 and the U.S. entered the war on the Allied side.

In November of 1916 the Pure Oil Co. was organized by B----? G. Dawes of Marietta,
Ohio; Charles G. Dawes, a brother and Chicago banker, and Fletcher Heath of Oxford, Ohio. The Pure Oil Co. Organized an Ambulance Drivers Unit of 20 men to send to France as soon as possible.

In addition to the 20 men, 22 Ford Ambulances were to be sent under the auspices of the Red Cross which was considered a non-combatant service as the U.S. was not involved at that time. These American Field Service units attached to the French army, reached a total of about 2000 men before the U.S.entered as a combatant, and about Sept. Of 1918 were all taken over by the U.S. army as combatant units. Enlistment was for six month periods and on expiration of enlistment were discharged, returned to the United States or enlisted in Europe in
any service of their choice. Most returned to the United States to get the necessary training.

Our unit left the States in March of 1917 with 14 men from Marietta, Ohio, College and six from Miami who had been selected by the Dean of the Senior College and Fietcher Heath of the Pure Oil Co., and I was picked as one ofthe six men. We received our diplomas with our 1917 class in June.

On arrival in France we received a training course of about one month. However, by this time it was a certainty that the U.S. would enter the war, and we were assigned to combat duty with the French army driving heavy Pierce Arrow trucks hauling ammunition for the "Chemin des Dames" campaign to break the German trenches in the Soissons area about 70 miles north of Paris. Our duties consisted of convoys of about 10 trucks, all at night and driving without lights. (Below is a picture of The living quarters assigned to Norman and his friends)

Generally speaking, we did not go to the front line trenches, although cross roads were under almost continual shellfire. When the need was urgent we risked the loss of trucks and went as far as we could go, often near the front line, where the ammunition was needed.

2.
For one such mission, our unit received a French army citation from our area corps commander, General Petain.
In the second world war he became head of the infamous Vichy German collaborator government. Unfortunately, I had been up all night before the ceremony, thereby avoiding being kissed by the most infamous man in history after Hitler.

The famous LaFayette Escadrille was stationed on our front at this time, about a mile from our camp.
During rest periods we spent much time at this camp and of course became aviation addicts. During this period I met many men who subsequently became famous and have photos which I hope can become a part of this record: General Billy Mitchell, now considered the father of American aviation; Norman Hall, who wrote Mutiny on the Bounty with Nordhoff; Raul Lufberry, the leading Ace of the time; Bill Thaw, a cousin of Harry Thaw, who killed Sanford White in a very famous murder trial; Kiffen Rockwell, a brother of Norman Rockwell, and several others, all of wealthy and prominent families. Not to mention Whiskey and Soda, their famous mascots - not so small lion cubs. This unit was broken up and taken into American service.

On December 10, 1917, I arrived back in the U.S. Unfortunately my younger sister died about two months later or I might have joined the British Flying Corps. Knowing she was ill and dying was a restraining reason, so I joined the U.S. flying program early in 1918.

The U.S. air service at that time had no combat planes, and only one training plane,
known as the Curtiss Jenny - which could do only 80 mph without a tail wind - not suitable for combat service. As a matter of fact, the war ended and the U.S. never had a combat plane, and very few of their own aviators, in France - all using French Spaads and British Sopwith Camels .
•
After some active service in France, this part of my war experience was anti-climax and disappointing. I spent 6 weeks at Ohio State University in Cadet Ground School - which was closed and our class shipped to Austin, Texas after about half had already flunked. I graduated from Austin Ground School after another 6 weeks and was sent to a holding camp at the, Dallas, Texas Fairgrounds. All flying schools were overloaded with men, and there was a wait of two months here. While there I got the job of chauffeur to the Colonel Commandant. Unfortunately, he was in the same hospital in which John Kennedy was pronounced dead at a much later date. Most of that time I spent taking the colonel's wife to visit him each afternoon from two to four.

Finally I was sent to Fort Monroe at point Comfort, Va., where I received my training in flying at Langley Field. This consisted of 8 hours of solo flying to receive a flying commission as second lieutenant. I finished this training in early November of 1918, but the Armistice was signed on November 11, so I never took the commission, or more correctly perhaps they gave out no more commissions as the army was disbanded. In any case I was discharged later in November not long after the end of the war.

After the war, Bill worked as the European Representative for Delco-Frigidaire. He traveled Europe, and a good part of the rest of the world, setting up distributorships for them. Actually, my friend Nancy was born in Australia while he was working there. She had a difficult time proving her American citizenship.

When he returned to the United States and went to work for Hobart Co., he was always called "Van" (or the men called him The Green Hornet because of the color of the truck he drove to work sites.)

See If You Can Guess What This Is.

2009-11-18T11:22:00.005-05:00

Answer below...

Well...if you didn't already know...this is India....you know...the place you call when you have technical problems with your computer.

Welcome Matthew IV - Congratulations Robyn and Matthew III

2009-11-17T05:10:00.009-05:00

Baby Matthew IV arrived yesterday at 5:27 pm. 9 pounds 7 ounces. Everything went well.

Robyn had expert attendants. My daughter Mary, an OB Nurse, was there to help.

This is Matthew and Robyn's first child, but probably not their last one. They will undoubtedly be great parents.

My 5th Grandson....

2009-11-15T10:56:00.005-05:00

is due today.

My son and his wife are expecting their first child.

If you go to their blog http://thesteeners.blogspot.com
and guess the baby's weight and length, and are the closest without going over, they will send you a prize.

I will let you know when Matthew IV arrives.

....Speaking of Birthdays

2009-11-07T20:30:00.011-05:00

I guess this is turning into a birthday blog. A few days ago, it was my wife Marsha's birthday. Today is our friend Pat's birthday. I won't tell how old she is........
(Just kidding. You can tell that's not really Pat, because Pat doesn't smoke. :D)

Anyway, since Pat has to work today, we went out to dinner last night with her and Russell.

We went to La Fiesta...A Mexican Restaurant here in Troy. Excellent place to eat.

After eating, we went to Pat and Russell's for dessert. Pat had wanted an ice cream cake for her birthday, so that's what we had.

Pat acted the proper hostess and cut and served the cake.

The cake was still frozen pretty solid, so she had a difficult time getting it cut...

but she persevered, and did a fine job.

Pat said she had a good birthday, and we're glad she did. It's a pleasure watching other people enjoy themselves.

Happy Birthday, Pat.

Happy Birthday Marsha

2009-10-28T06:06:00.034-04:00

Yesterday was my wife Marsha's birthday. I'm not allowed to tell how old she is, but she is 4 years younger than me, and I was born on 9/17/41. :D

They did a lot for her at work yesterday. Her friend Anita brought in this cake she made. Anita has been taking a cake decorating course. Looks to me like she probably came out at the top of the class.

When Marsha got to work yesterday they had decorated her cubicle.

(That picture on her desktop, by the way, is one I took by leaning over the side of the airplane I was riding in last month.)

There was more food, too.

We went out to dinner for her birthday. She chose the place to go, and picked K's Hamburgers, a fixture in our lovely little town of Troy, Ohio.

K's is reminiscent of the 1940's, and we go there, as does a large part of the population of Troy, quite often.

The staff at K's made Marsha a birthday hat to wear while she was eating.

Marsha was quite pleased with her day, particularly when one of her co-workers, Terry, showed up and sang happy birthday to her.

Happy Birthday, Marsha

我有新的電郵地址！ I have no clue what that means, in case you're wondering.

2009-10-19T19:48:00.004-04:00

Well, I got another bit of wonderful news via e-mail. Seems I'm going to get a hefty chunk of dinero compliments of the United Nations. I need to get off this computer and send these guys my name and mailing address.....Christmas is coming and I have 4 and 8/9 grandsons. :D

我有新的電郵地址！

你現可電郵給我：
unitedn49@yahoo.com

- Attention:How are you today? Hope all is well with you and family?, You may not understand why this mail came to you. We have been having a meeting for the passed 7 months, which ended 2 days ago with the then secretary to the UNITED NATIONS. This email is to all the people that have been scammed in any part of the world, the UNITED NATION have agreed to compensate them with the sum of US$350 ,000. This includes every foreign contractors that may have not received their contract sum, and people that have had an unfinished transaction or international businesses that failed due to Government problems etc.We found your name in our list and that is why we are contacting you, this have been agreed upon and have been signed. You are advised to contact Mr. JIM OVIA ZINETH BANK OF NIGERIA PLC , as he is our representative in NIGERIA , contact him immediately for your Cheque/International Bank Draft of USD$ 350,000.This funds are in a Bank Draft for security purpose ok? So he will send it to you and you can clear it in any bank of your choice. Therefore, you should send him your full Name and telephone number/your correct mailing address where you want him to send the Draft to you.Contact Mr. JIM OVIA immediately for your Cheque:Person to Contact Mr.JIM OVIA Email: mrjim000i1@gmail.com Thanks and God bless you and your family. Hoping to hear from you as soon as you cash your Bank Draft.Regards,Mr. Ban ki Moon .Secretary (UNITED NATIONS)

I Admit It...I'm A Thief

2009-09-24T15:51:00.004-04:00

I stole this hilarious post from my daughter Jackie's blog. Hopefully she will overlook my slip into the morass of immorality once more and not require me to take it down. To be truthful, it sounds like something she might have written when she was younger. I didn't want to comment to that effect on her blog, though. I wouldn't want her friends to think she would do something like that. :) (Double click the picture to read it better.)

My Open Cockpit Bi-Plane Ride

2009-09-19T20:34:00.019-04:00

Today, I took the bi-plane ride that I was given for my birthday. I'm actually in the plane you see above. It was pretty exciting. More so, because my wife Marsha told the pilot that I have been a paratrooper, which impressed him no end. He's never jumped, and was blown away when he asked me how long it had been and I told him only about 8 years, when I was 60. He said, "Well, since you were a jumper, I guess you want an exciting ride...I will do some 'ups and downs'" he said. What could I say? Of course I said: "Sure...go right ahead. Anything you want to do." I need to talk to Marsha, and ask her to keep things to herself. :) Truthfully, it wasn't bad at all. I enjoyed it. He didn't get too wild. Following are a few pictures, and if I can get it uploaded, a video of me taking off. I have never worked with videos before, and neither has Marsha and our friend Pat who actually took the video.

This is the plane I rode in.

Here I am climbing into the cockpit.

Sitting in the cockpit waiting on the other passenger to get in. Looks Like I am going to be the pilot, doesn't it? Actually, the Pilot sat in the very rear and the other passenger and myself sat in the front.

Taxiing to the field to take off.

Here we are taking off.

Following are a few pictures I took by leaning out of the plane. The Pilot said it was ok :)

The two large buildings are Honda, when my wife works.

A neighborhood close to mine.

Returning to the field.

It was an exciting and pleasant experience, and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to do it.

Caricatures of Marsha and Matt by Jennifer Thurmond of Troy, Ohio

2009-09-19T16:30:00.005-04:00

Jennifer is a lovely young lady that we met in Troy today. She had a kiosk set up with examples of her art for sale. She was doing these caricatures for $5.00 each. If you want one, I will call her and see if she can do them with an emailed picture. I bet she can! I'm sorry I didn't ask her when we were having ours done.

WACO Bi-planes

2009-09-18T18:39:00.011-04:00

The WACO (Prounounced "Wocko") Aircraft Company of Troy, Ohio was the leading aircraft manufacturer of civilian aircraft in the U. S. from 1928 - 1935. Beginning in 1921 as the Weaver Aircraft Company in Lorain, Ohio , they moved to Troy in 1924 and became the Advance Aircraft Company but kept the WACO logo. In 1929, the name was changed to simply the WACO Aircraft Company.

WACO produced over 80 models during the years 1919 - 1946, including the large troop carrying gliders used in all the major invasions during WWII. The best selling WACO was the Model 10, with over 1100 being produced from 1927 - 1930. During the years 1939 - 1942, WACO also built just over 600 Model UPF-7's for the CAA and the Civilian Pilot Training program. WACOs were also popular around the world and sold airplanes to 37 different countries with Brazil being the largest byer.

WACOs were purchased for many different uses. The WACO Taperwing Models ATO and CTO were known for their outstanding acrobatic qualities and were also used for air racing. WACO won the 1928 and 1929 Ford Reliability Tour also known as the National Air Tour, which was a transcontinental race sponsored by Ford pitting over 25 aircraft manufacturers against each other. WACOs raced in the famous National Air Races in Cleveland, Los Angeles and Chicago and placed first in many events. One WACO was even invited to participate in the Paris International Air Show in 1936 where it placed first in the acrobatic events. Other WACOs were purchased and used for military fighters in Central and South American countries such as Uruguay, Nicaragua, Brazil, Argentina, El Salvador and Cuba.

Here are just a few of the planes that are at the show today.

The first one is real similar to the first plane I ever rode in. My father took me to the airport in what is now Chesapeake, VA and got us a ride in a Piper Cub. That was over 60 years ago.

Next are a few of the bi-planes that are there.

Yesterday was my 68th birthday and my wife bought me a ride in one of the bi-planes. I am pretty excited about riding in an open cockpit plane. I will do that tomorrow. Come back tomorrow and see the pics, and possibly a video of that event.

Today I bought 4 model bi-planes while I was at the show. I don't know what in the world I will do with them. The fact that I have 4 grandsons is just coincidence. :)

RIP Patrick Swayze

2009-09-15T13:32:00.003-04:00

Patrick Swayze has died.

He starred in what are two of my all time favorite movies. Ghost and Dirty Dancing.

He put up a valiant battle against Pancreatic cancer, which is one of the deadliest and most painful cancers known.

Once again, we've lost someone with the ability to make us forget, if only for a few minutes, things in our lives that may be mundane and unhappy.

2009-08-23T10:25:00.005-04:00

Well, they finally put me on oxygen. I guess it's not as bad as it could be, though. I only use it at night, so far. I've been using it for about a week now and can't tell any difference.

I have an oxygen concentrator, which is the grey piece of equipment in the picture. The oxygen tank is in case we have a power failure at night.

The air we breath is made up of approximately 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen and about 1% of argon and other trace gases. A concentrator removes up to approximately 94% of the nitrogen and furnishes nearly pure oxygen.

Could be worse, I guess.

Beautiful and Delicious Cakes

2009-08-06T18:24:00.008-04:00

My daughter Jackie brought this cake site to my attention.

Jenny and Kat have developed their own unique art form.

Unfortunately, the cakes are not really available outside of Utah, but if you like to look at lovely creations, then it is well worth your while to visit
this site. <~~~ link

A Special Lady

2009-07-28T16:20:00.005-04:00

This is my good friend Patricia Rousculp.

Next month will be 81 years since she was born.

In spite of her age, she has maintained a schedule that would wear me to a frazzle. An avid sports fan, she has followed the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Reds for years. She has golfed at every opportunity. She has been a volunteer for FISH, Needy Baskets, the Clothesline, all of which benefitted the needy folks in our area. She has been, for a number of years, an election official, and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Red Hat Society. She is a charter member of the Tipp City Players where she was head of wardrobe for many years and a vereran of the stage. Other volunteer activities throughout her lifetime are too numerous to mention.

Once, since she had never had any, and was brave enough to try it, my other friend Pat and I went to her home and made her some grits, country ham, and red eye gravy. She loved it, and wanted more. Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to do it again.

She was a member of Pulmonary Rehab with me and loved by patients and staff alike.

Pat went into the hospital with acute appendicitis a couple of weeks ago, and had an appendectomy. While in the hospital, she had a heart attack, and then a stroke.

Pat passed away last week.

The world is a sadder place today.

God bless you, Pat. You are sorely missed.

The Secret to a Long, Long, Life??

2009-07-19T11:14:00.007-04:00

Henry Alleningham 6 June 1896–18 July 2009

Henry became the world's oldest man earlier this year when the previous record holder died. He attributed his longevity to "whiskey, cigarettes, and wild, wild, women."

If that's the case, I'm glad I calmed down some years back. Otherwise I may have lived forever. I'm decrepit enough in my late 60s, as it is.

Henry was a veteran of World War 1.

Catfishing

2009-07-11T20:33:00.004-04:00

My Grandson Googie saw pictures of a catfish that I posted in my previous blog, and decided he could catfish, too.

Who knows? Perhaps he will grow up to be a fisherman, too. There are worse things he could be, I guess.

From One Extreme to Another

2009-07-08T08:17:00.008-04:00

This really is a Big Mouth Bass that Pat caught a few weeks ago. Of course, she threw it back to grow some more.

This week, she caught this catfish.

The guy is Dave. His wife, Karen, and he were kind enough to invite us to fish at their pond that is stocked with Bass and Catfish. We also caught another Catfish, and several large Bass. Thanks a lot, Karen and Dave.

Pat and Russell taught me to skin catfish, so we skinned and filleted this one and he is in the freezer. We will eat him soon.

As you can see, the fish is twice as long as my rather large foot. :)

Our new GodPuppy

2009-07-07T18:40:00.018-04:00

Our Friends Pat and Russell got a new puppy. Half German Shepherd and half Yellow Lab. It's going to be a big one when it's grown, I think.

Marsha's boss loves yellow labs. She has one, actually, so Marsha emailed her a picture of Pat and Russell's new addition and referred to it as our "GodPuppy".
Nothing would do but that Pat take it to work and introduce it to Marsha's boss, who seemed to love it.

Pat probably loves the pup more than she does her children.

Russell has his own ideas about it.

It really is a sweet dog, though, playful

and extremely friendly. Marsha and I wish Pat and Russell much happiness with young Jake.

I Really Am A Grandfather!!

2009-06-12T19:50:00.019-04:00

Actually, I've been a grandfather for a number of years. Seven, to be exact, but for one reason or another I never met my grandkids. Never, that is, until this past Tuesday, June 9, when I was finally able to meet 3 of the 4 grandsons.

This week, my daughter, Jackie, and her companion Josh loaded their 4 kids and themselves on a plane and flew from way out west to PA to visit family. Personally, I can't imagine four kids age 7 to 2 on a plane, but Jackie and Josh said they had absolutely no trouble with them. Amazing!

I had the opportunity to drive from Ohio to PA to spend a bit of long overdue time with them.

I have been described by my friends, variously, as being bubbly, cheerful, happy, and having a twinkle in my eye since I returned. My wife, Marsha, who is not normally given to poetic turns of phrase said that I looked like I was floating on a cloud of happiness. I don't know about all that, but the trip was well worth making, and I'm happy to have had the opportunity.

I really hate posting pictures of myself since I have gotten so fat and ugly in the past few years, but here are a couple to share with those of you that might be interested.
From left to right: Jordan, Jacob, and Jadon. Jacob is squirming around trying to get down. He is an active boy....full of life.... after a somewhat rocky start.
This is Jackie and Josh. This was my first meeting with my son-in-law. He's quite a nice guy.
Finally...here is a picture of Jackie's feet taken by Jordan. :)

The boys have an uncle named Matt, and not being quite sure who I am, even though Jackie introduced me as her daddy, they referred to me as "Old Matt." Oh, well...that works for me!

Joe's Double Lung Transplant

2009-06-06T17:11:00.017-04:00

This is Joe Martin, 41, who attends Pulmonary Rehab with me and has Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Or did. I'm not sure if he still has it or not, because just a few weeks ago Joe had a double lung transplant.
There are five million people worldwide that are affected by this disease. In the United States there are over 200,000 patients with Pulmonary Fibrosis. As a consequence of misdiagnosis the actual numbers may be significantly higher. Of these more than 40,000 expire annually. This is the same as die from Breast Cancer. Typically, patients are in their forties and fifties when diagnosed. However, diagnoses have ranged from age seven to the eighties. Current research indicates that many infants are afflicted by Pediatric Interstitial Lung Disease. At this time there is limited data on prevalence for this group.
Symptons of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis include:

Shortness of breath, particularly with exertion, Chronic dry, hacking cough, Fatigue and weakness, Discomfort in the chest, Loss of appetite, Rapid weight loss.

While the exact cause remains unknown, associations have been made with the following:

Inhaled environmental and occupational pollutants, Cigarette smoking, Diseases such as Scleroderma, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus and Sarcoidosis, Certain medications,Therapeutic radiation

Because the origin and development of the disease is not completely understood, misdiagnosis is common. Varying terminology and lack of standard diagnostic criteria have complicated the gathering of accurate statistics about people with pulmonary fibrosis. Supplemental oxygen improves the quality of life and exercise capacity. Single lung transplant may be considered for some patients. Pulmonary Fibrosis is a very complex disease and the prediction of longevity of patients after diagnosis vary greatly. Joe lost a sister when she was 4 years old, a brother who was a teen ager, and his mother at a very young age to this terrible disease.
After Joe returned from the Cleveland Clinic where he had his transplant, there was a benefit given for him to help him meet some of the astronomical costs associated with the surgery.
The community seemed to really support Joe and his family and turned out in great numbers for this benefit. There was somewhat over $15,000.00 raised, I believe, which while not enough, was, I'm sure, quite helpful.

Below are a few pictures of the event.

This is the Piqua High School Show Choir. A wonderfully talented group of kids. They gave a purely professional performance. I've never seen a group of kids this age that are so talented. Some of the Pulmonary Rehab folks that attended are as follows:

This is Karen and Dave. Dave said I made him look ugly in the picture....Sorry Dave. It wasn't me, bud. It was someone much more powerful than me.

Here is Dave again...the guy's a real camera hog....with Mary Heft, former Manager of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab, and Carol, a retired Respiratory Therapist.
Here's another one of dave...we just can't seem to get rid of this guy... with some of the other fine folks associated with Pulmonary Rehab at Upper Valley Medical Center.
Finally, here is your's truly with the two loveliest ladies at the event...Pat and Elaine...a Registered Respiratory Therapist, and a Registered Nurse, respectively.

P.S. Just teasing about Dave, of course. Dave is a nice guy with a great wit and sense of humor. See you at Rehab, Dave.

I Guess I Look Like An Idiot To People That I'm Not Married To, Too. :)

2009-06-05T16:33:00.008-04:00

I received this wholly unsolicited offer of a business proposal....an unobscured business proposal at that, whatever that is....from the Peoples Bank of China, using what appears to be a German return email. I guess they heard I like Mandarin Oranges and Saurkraut. (I promise that I don't eat them together, though.)

From: Mr. Wang Hongzhang (abt.rhabanus@schweiklberg.de)
Sent: Thu 6/04/09 5:57 PM
To: wang1954@hdrmut.net

Hello, I am Mr.Wang HongZhang,Chief Disciplinary Officer,People's Bank of China(PBC).I have an obscured business proposal for you.Please reply ifinterested.

Kind Regards,

Wang HongZhang

I wonder if I should reply?

First Time Out In The Boat This Year

2009-06-01T10:13:00.007-04:00

We finally got out in the boat this year. Caught about 30 fish. Most of them are cleaned and in the freezer now. Mostly fairly small Crappie.

We went to a series of small intra-connected lakes close to our home.

When we get tired of fishing in one lake, we can go through one of the channels into another lake.

It was a pretty enjoyable day. I caught one pretty good sized one. I am going to post the picture, although I have studiously avoided posting many pictures of myself because I look so darned old and fat.

Thinnerware

2009-05-25T16:27:00.004-04:00

This is Thinnerware. Thinnerware was created by a friend of one of my daughters with the intention of helping us portly folks lose a bit of weight. I'm thinking of trying them, assuming I don't win the set being given away next week. Wish me luck. Click on the red Thinnerware button for more information.

Fine Dining in the Time Warp Cafe

2009-05-23T15:29:00.006-04:00

A few nights ago, we had dinner at one of our favorite places here in Troy, K's Hamburger Shop.
It's been in business, owned and operated by the same family, since 1935. It may not boast the ambience of the more expensive establishments, but the interior takes you back to an earlier time, complete with all the nostalgia for times past. There is a counter with little round stools, and booths, many of which seem to be in possession of their original springs, now showing the passage of time. It can make for an adventurous seating experience. But even though it can be a bit bumpy, the overall feeling is one of comfort. There are flowers (yes, of course, they're fake!) separating the banks of booths and more flowers in the window.

And the promise made by the unchanged appearance is delivered by the food. No health-conscious menu here, no sir! This is good, honest, 1950's style food. Unpretentious and tasty, just like what you remember from the good old days. The hamburgers are on the small side, a bit larger than the mini versions now being offered by Ruby Tuesday's and Applebee's, and they're delicious. The fries are plump, with crisp outsides and tender insides. And the chocolate frosty is to die for. They have plenty of other items on the menu (which is up on the wall -- no printed menus here), but I love the burgers and fries so much that I have to confess I've never sampled anything else. And the prices, while not quite as firmly rooted in the past as the rest of the place (their burgers were originally sold for a nickel apiece), are still a bargain.

I's Be Gittin' Me Sum Kulture!!

2009-05-19T19:09:00.010-04:00

The other night my wife Marsha, our friend Pat, and I went to the Troy Civic Theatre to see their production the Odd Couple. We enjoyed it so much we are trying to decide whether or not to get season tickets.

The Civic Theater is in an old barn...more that 100 years old...that really is quite small, but still an enjoyable experience. It is so small, that the when the first row of seats are filled, it is extremely difficult to pass between them and the stage. We had a great time, though. Troy's Mayor, Michael Beamish, played a part in the production, and did an excellent job. Of course, he's a politician, so he's probably a natural actor.

Marsha is dangerous with a camera in her hand and had to get a picture of me when I wasn't expecting it.
All in all...an enjoyable night.

A World Record Big Mouth Bass!!

2009-05-17T20:03:00.004-04:00

Today, mine and Marsha's friend Pat caught what must be a world record big mouth bass in a pond at the farm belonging to the Fraternal Order of Eagles here in Troy. Congratulations, Pat!! You go, Girl!!

SGT John Russell and Other Victims of Iraq and Other Wars.

2009-05-13T19:33:00.007-04:00

SGT John M. Russell killed 5 of his fellow soldiers and wounded one more at a "Stress Center" in Iraq this past Monday.

What Russell is accused of doing is shocking but, in one sense, unsurprising – at least to those familiar with statistics on the psychological toll that war takes on our troops.

A 2008 Army study established that the rate of soldiers reporting serious mental health problems increases with each deployment. By the third go-around, 27 percent of soldiers show significant signs of stress. National Guard and Reserve troops are suffering the worst, another report found. Russell was on his third one year deployment to Iraq. His military record also shows that he served in Serbia through the last half of 1996 and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last half of 1998.

I believe that Russell suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Not that I'm a doctor, by any means, but the signs are all there.

When is our military going to learn that our troops are not disposable? That they cannot be used over and over again without showing signs of damage?

My heart goes out to the soldiers and their families that were killed and wounded in this tragedy. I do not condone what Russell did in any way, and believe he needs to pay for it, but I believe he is a victim, too.

Obama Tattoos?? Give me a break!

2009-05-08T20:41:00.004-04:00

Can you believe people are putting Obama tats on their bodies? I voted for him, but I think that is going a tad far. 25% of Americans have tats, including yours truly, but this is bordering on the ridiculous.

Also, in about 7 years from now, you can expect to see in kindergarten and first grade a flock of kids named: Barrack Hussein Obama What-Ever-Their-Last-Name-Is.

Lets see what he does before we start groveling at his feet, folks. (Where is my soapbox?)

Obama and Biden Following in my Footsteps?

2009-05-06T07:16:00.008-04:00

Well, I think the jury is still out on the new administration. I will, however, have to give them an A+ on their taste in hamburgers.

.
Yesterday they skipped lunch at the White House and went to Ray's Hell Burger in Arlington, VA.

I've eaten hamburgers there, and I will have to say that I don't think I've ever had a better one.

The menu is limited to a few small chalkboards. One breaks down the burger choices: You can order the patties simply grilled, with a chipotle-spiked “diablo” marinade, blackened Cajun-style, or au poivre with a black-peppercorn crust. Then specify how long you’d like your burger to sit on the grill: “recommended” (with a warm red center), medium (pink), or “cooked throughout.”

If you're ever on Wilson Blvd in Arlington, I highly recommend you try Ray's Hell Burgers.

Still More Windows 7 Stuff

2009-05-05T20:55:00.004-04:00

I downloaded the Windows 7 Release Candidate to my new laptop today. This version is good until June 2010. The biggest problem with it is that it still does not have all the drivers it should have. That creates some problems, but none that are insurmountable. It is available at: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/

Be sure to read all the caveats carefully. Good luck if you try it.

The World is a Sadder Place today.....

2009-04-26T20:52:00.003-04:00

Bea Arthur passed away at 86.

I remember laughing at her comedic style when she appeared on my red neck buddy Archie Bunker's show, and later on Maude, and Golden Girls. God bless you, Bea.

Craigslist

2009-04-06T06:35:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, I put my laptop on Craigslist in order to sell it. I put it at a decent price, and ten minutes after the ad came out, I had two emails wanting it, and sold it to one of the persons that wrote. I never realized Craigslist was so popular. Beats the hell out of as far as I am concerned, if you want to get results quickly, although I do like eBay. I buy from them quite often.

Happy 35th Birthday!

2009-04-05T10:28:00.007-04:00

Today is my daughter Jackie's 35th birthday. Jackie is the snaggle toothed little cutie on my shoulder with her brother, Matthew. Their sister, Mary, is in the foreground. Now Jackie has a husband and four handsome sons of her own. Happy Birthday, Sweetie, I wish you many, many, more.

URP!

2009-04-05T08:11:00.009-04:00

Yesterday, my friends Pat and Russell took pity on me because I had been abandoned by my wife, who went with her Red Hat Group to visit her mother in the town she lives in about 40 miles from us.
They took me to eat at a Texas Roadhouse Restaurant.
This was the first time I had ever eaten in one, and it was a really pleasurable experience. I had filet mignon, baked sweet potato with all the fattening stuff....marshmallows, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon....and green beans. Prior to eating, we had an onion blossom. It was by far the best one I ever ate. Delicious.
The steaks are cut each day, and there is a refrigerated display case as you walk in showing the different steaks available.
They also have a bucket of peanuts on the table to nibble on while you are waiting for your meal. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to enjoy them for reasons I won't go into here. :)
We had a fine young waiter named Patrick, who did a great job taking care of us.
All in all, a fine meal and a good time. I highly recommend the Texas Roadhouse Restaurants to you if there is one near you.
After reading this, Marsha said I ate better than she did, and is now pouting until I take her to the Texas Roadhouse. :)

Senior men's sap rises, too!

2009-03-24T20:35:00.010-04:00

My friend from Pulmonary Rehab, Nancy Fulker, brought in some maple syrup her husband John made. It may very well be the best syrup I ever ate.

John is an amazing man. 80 years old, nearly, and still works full time at his law practice, and finds time to perform many community activities, write books, go duck hunting, work with conservation groups, and many other things that make me tired just thinking of them. This picture of John was stolen from one of his books. It is a few years old. Some recent ones are further down the blog.

One of John's activities that really interests me is his syrup making.
Making maple syrup has been an activity of early spring since the pre-columbian era in America. Native Americans would gash the trees, collect the sap, let it partially freeze to enrich the sap and then boil it down, sometimes by dropping heated stones into the sap. Maybe after the syrup was made, they licked the stones...I dunno. Ohio has a long history of making maple syrup, and is reportedly second only to Vermont in it's production.
Trees suitable for tapping include all of the maple family: sugar, silver and red maples as well as box elder. Sugar maple sap contains the highest concentration of sugar (2% or higher according to weather conditions and the health of the tree). Box Elder produces a weaker sap, but one which is especially delicious to drink as is, tasting like a slightly sweet spring water. Other species of trees which reportedly may be tapped include walnut, hickories, sycamore and sweet birch. Trees to be tapped should be at least 1 1/2 feet in diameter, have large healthy crowns, and be well exposed to the sun. These are a few pictures of John and some of the trees he tapped this year.

The flow of sap is highly dependant upon weather conditions. Flow does not begin until after a time of hard freeze, followed by several sunny days with temperatures in the 40s. The peak flow occurs early in the sugaring season when it freezes at night and is bright and sunny the next day with the temperature in the 40s. The flow will stop when daytime temperatures do not go above freezing, or when night temperatures do not go below freezing. The flow usually lasts roughly three to four weeks. While it flows, collect the sap daily, preferably in the late afternoon. If the trees are tapped too soon and flow does not begin, it is possible that the holes will seal over and subsequent flow is inhibited significantly. The holes may have to be redrilled in this case.
Drill the tapping hole about 3 feet from the ground and 1 1/2- 2" deep into the trunk, with a slight upward slope so the sap flows out of the hole. Position the hole on the sunniest side of the tree, avoiding tapping directly below a lower limb or trunk defect. (Northern exposure often will not flow at all early in the flow.) Use a drill with a 3/8ths inch bit to drill into the sunniest side of the tree trunk.
After the turnings are cleaned out of the hole, insert a spile into a hook eye with the hook towards the spout, and insert the assembly, lip down, into the hole, tap it in firmly and hang the bucket to the spile. In some cases, the bucket has a hole to receive the hook.

It takes 30-33 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup. This year, in his spare time, John produced 300 gallons of sap. Amazing!
I'm not sure what steps are involved in making the syrup, but I know you have to boil it a bit. John used to do it all in the house,but my understanding is that he melted a coffee pot, or can opener or something, and had soot all over the kitchen, and was banished to the outside by Nancy.

Nancy is a real sweetie, though, and still allows him to fill the containers with syrup in the kitchen.
In 2007 the average retail price of a gallon of maple syrup was $33.20. This year, it fetches a minimum of $59.95. Usually more. If it wasn't so much work, I might try it myself. I will content myself with eating it.

My, How computers have changed.

2009-03-21T18:25:00.014-04:00

I remember my first computer. I was as proud of that thing as if it were a Maserati, or something similar. It was an
386, 2 megs of ram 25mhz processor, no CD rom...and it was a great computer. I loved it.

I have been through a lot of computers since then, each of them improving a bit over the last one. Shortly after buying this first computer, I began to learn to work on them and to perform different tasks on them. Soon, I was building my own computers and others for other people. I began to work on other folk's computers....not for pay...but for enjoyment. I studied different manuals and books, and became somewhat of a geek for someone my age. You usually expect a geek to be somewhat younger, I think. I am getting close to 70, and haven't quit yet, although I have practically completely quit building computers, since I can now buy them darn near as cheap as I can build one. I particularly enjoy helping older folks with their computers, or in getting acquainted with computers. Often I acquire computers that I am able to repair and give to older folks that want to find something to do with themselves. It is quite rewarding. Not financially, but emotionally, or, if you will, even spiritually.

Yesterday, my latest computer was delivered from
I still have a difficult time believing I now own a computer with the improvements this one has over the first one. 8000 megs of ram, quad processors, and so many other bells and whistles that I'm not sure I will learn what to do with them all. I buy strictly HP now. I have had nothing but good luck with them, and I strongly recommend them to you if you need a computer. (I promise you, they didn't pay me to say that.)

Meegan's Art

2009-02-19T17:31:00.011-05:00

My friend Meegan lives in the Tarheel state. That's North Carolina for the geographically challenged. Lovely lady, great sense of humor, warm, and caring. Meegan has had her share of difficult times, as we all have, but has found a way to keep herself cheerfully occupied.

A few years ago, she took up painting as a hobby. I was so impressed by her talent that I prevailed upon her to let me share a few of her paintings with the world. Or, at least the small part of it that stumbles upon my blog. Here is just a small part of her work.

My Bay of Pigs Memories

2009-02-17T19:28:00.016-05:00

Recently, I stumbled across something pertaining to Cuba and how the people’s lives were changing for the better

The article caused me to have a flash of déjà vu.

One day in the summer of 1960, when I was 18 years old, (Damn….that’s nearly a half century ago) I was listening to radio station WNOR, in Norfolk, VA. During the news broadcast, the announcer mentioned that some people were in town recruiting for a group called the International Anti-Communist Brigade, whose purpose was to invade Cuba and kick Castro’s communist government to the curb and establish a democratic government.

Even though I was only 18, I had been on my own since I was 15, was already divorced and had been in and out of the Army, and was really not doing too much worthwhile with my life. This group sounded to me, street kid that I was, like an ideal thing for me to be doing. Kill a Commie for Mommy, and all that.

The news announcer didn’t give any way to get in touch with these people, so I called the radio station and talked to the announcer and was told that they didn’t have any information about getting in touch with the recruiters about joining the Brigade, but that they would try to get some information for me, and to call back.

The station ran a little piece about the Brigade and ridiculed them a bit….saying it seemed strange that they were recruiting, but that no one was able to get in touch with them. Next day, they had some names and a phone number for me.

I called the number, which was in South Norfolk, now known as Chesapeake, VA, and talked to a person named Bernard Barker, whom I found out later is a native born Cuban, in spite of his name, and a former member of the Cuban secret police under Batista, Castro’s predecessor. (Born in 1917, Barker was still alive in Miami Florida as of January 2009)

Barker talked to me a bit, and turned me over to Frank Fiorini, also known as Frank Sturgis. Sturgis, among other things in a multi-faceted career, was at one time in the mountains of Cuba with Castro before Castro won his revolution. As it turned out, both of these guys were working with the CIA at this time. (Another couple of interesting tidbits about these two guys later.)

The three of us met, along with a friend of mine who was also interested, and we were finally invited to go along with them and do our part to save Cuba from Castro and the “Red Menace.” We were to meet in front of the post office in Norfolk (Now a Federal Courthouse) and be transported to Florida, and from there to Peru for training.

My friend and I were there when we were supposed to be, but Sturgis and Barker never showed. I talked to Sturgis’ wife, Juanita Fiorini, who worked as a waitress at the Virginian Restaurant on Granby Street in downtown Norfolk, but she denied any knowledge of their whereabouts or activities. I never saw them again.

The landing, as is well known, was a spectacular failure. Castro not only survived the invasion but outlasted ten presidents despite every effort to force him from office—including at least six attempts at assassination.

To prepare for the invasion, the CIA trained the force in secret camps in Guatemala-not Peru, as I was told- for nearly six months. But long before the landing, it was widely known in the Cuban community in Florida (and, presumably, the information was also available to Castro agents) that such a landing was in the offing. Finally, the invasion failed because Kennedy refused to provide U.S. air support for the brigade. Castro's aircraft easily disposed of the exiles' tiny air force and proceeded to sink the invasion ships and cut down the men holding the Bay of Pigs beachhead.

This in spite of the fact that some of the Cuban militia was bussed….yep…bussed to the battlefield.

Only about 150 members of the 1,500-strong brigade managed to escape; the others were either killed in battle or captured by the Cuban armed forces. I remember seeing some of them on TV being landed in Florida in handcuffs and chains. I remember saying to myself…”Self…you are one lucky SOB!”

Twenty months later, in December 1962, Castro released the 1,179 Bay of Pigs prisoners in exchange for $53 million worth of medical supplies and other goods raised by private individuals and groups in the United States.

You remember Frank Sturgis, and Bernard Barker, that I mentioned above? Well…these two showed up again a few years later. They were two of the Watergate burglars!

During the time between the Bay of Pigs fiasco and Watergate, they were both suspected, and still are in many quarters, of being involved in the Kennedy assassination.

As far as the Kennedy thing goes, though, I like my daughter Jackie’s theory the best. She said: “I think Elvis did it.” The poor girl takes after her old man.

First Day of Fishing this Year

2009-02-13T18:12:00.003-05:00

Went fishing today. Tried a lake and a pond but didn't catch anything worth keeping. Had the strangest feeling, though, that a big one was close by. Guess he wasn't hungry. Oh Well. Maybe I'll have better luck next time.

Our TV Travails

2009-02-09T16:31:00.019-05:00

Recently, we decided we deserved a large screen HD TV. After checking all the sale papers, we decided on:

We arrived at Sears less than an hour after the sale started, only to learn from the sales person that they didn’t have the advertised TV and, in fact, had not had any. His excuse was that the sale’s newspaper ads were prepared far in advance and they had sold out before the sale began. He said that it was last year’s model and that they had actually sold out of the advertised TV that we wanted last year. Of course, he tried to switch us to another TV that was more expensive. We did not go for it. It seemed too much like the old bait and switch game to us. The whole experience kind of torqued Marsha’s jaws, so she wrote an email to someone at Sears. In return she got a sort of “screw you” email back. Not hard to understand why they are having financial difficulties if that is the way they treat their customers.

Next stop was:

They had a sale going on several brands. We decided on a Sharp 46 inch HDTV.

They had it on sale for a reduced price, plus they threw in a Sharp Blu-Ray DVD player. We figured that was a good deal. We also got free next day delivery. The TV and Blu-Ray player have a gazillion different wires and cords to hook up, so we felt it was worthwhile to get them to do it. It is all I can do to figure out how to plug in my computer, so…we sprung for the

to come out and do the hook up and installation.
The TV arrived …not the next day, but in two days….acceptable, since there was about 90 feet of snow on the ground. (More or less) In another couple of days, the Geek Squad showed up, in the person of a frazzled young fellow that was in sort of a hurry for some reason. He hooked up the TV and the dvd player, turned it on, and got an error message. He looked at the error message and switched the electrical plug to another outlet, got the same message, and told me the TV was defective. So…..he hooked up our old Sanyo 32 inch CRT TV again, with the Blu-Ray player and left. Unfortunately, he hooked it up wrong and the Blu-Ray player would not play any movies, and it took two remotes and a PHD degree to operate the TV.

In due course, another TV arrived. I had the other one repacked for them by the time they got here, and they carted it away.

In a couple of days, another Geek Squad guy arrived. This one was in one of the cute little Volkswagens we see on the TV advertisements. (The first guy was in a van.)

I was further impressed when I discovered that this guys name is Matt. I mean….we all know that Matts are known all over the country for being exceptionally knowledgeable, competent, and industrious, as well as being handsome, suave, and debonair. (See pic at top of page)

Matt took one look at the wiring the first guy had done and whipped out his telephone and took several pictures of it. (Yes, Grandma, they take pictures with telephones now.) I asked the reason for that, and he told me that he was the guy that trained all the Geek Squad people that came from the store we got our TV and DVD player from, and he was intending to ask this guy why our stuff was wired in such a poor manner.

To make a long, and probably boring, story shorter, Matt hooked the stuff up, showed me how to operate the remotes for both the TV and the Blu-Ray and departed into the sun riding his trusty VW. No problems since. I am inclined to believe that the first TV may not have been defective at all, but who knows? We are satisfied now.

WOO-HOO!!!! I'm going to be rich!

2009-01-30T11:21:00.003-05:00

I am so lucky! I got this e-mail this morning. I am going to answer it as soon as I get my house and car and truck on the market so I can pay the miniscule charges that I am sure will be attached to this wonderful bonanza.

From Mrs Rebecca Williams
N�[38 Rue Des Martyrs Cocody
Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire

ATTN:
DEAREST ONE OF GOD
I am the above named person from Kuwait . I am married to Mr Benson Williams, who worked with Kuwait embassy in Ivory Coast for nine years before he died in the year 2004. We were married for eleven years without a child. He died after a brief illness that lasted for only four days.

Before his death we were both born again Christian. Since his death I decided not to remarry or get a child outside my matrimonial home which the Bible is against. When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of $2. 5 Million (Two Million Five Hundred U.S. Dollars) in the bank here in Abidjan in suspense account.

Presently, the fund is still with the bank. Recently, my Doctor told me that i have serious sickness which is cancer problem. The one that disturbs me most is my stroke sickness. Having known my condition I decided to donate this fund to a church or individual that will utilize this money the way I am going to instruct herein. I want a church that will use this fund for orphanages, widows, propagating the word of God and to endeavour that the house of God is maintained.

The Bible made us to understand that blessed is the hand that giveth. I took this decision because I don稚 have any child that will inherit this money and my husband relatives are not Christians and I don稚 want my husband痴 efforts to be used by unbelievers. I don稚 want a situation where this money will be used in an ungodly way. This is why I am taking this decision. I am not afraid of death hence i know where I am going. I know that I am going to be in the bosom of the Lord. Exodus 14 VS 14 says that the Lord will fight my case and I shall hold my peace.

I don稚 need any telephone communication in this regard because of my health hence the presence of my husband痴 relatives is around me always I don't want them to know about this development. With God all things are possible. As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of the bank here in Abidjan . I want you and the church to always pray for me because the Lord is my shepherd. My happiness is that I lived a life of a worthy Christian. Whoever that wants to serve the Lord must serve him in spirit and Truth. Please always be prayerful all through your life.

Contact me on the above e-mail address for more information痴, any delay in your reply will give me room in sourcing another church or individual for this same purpose. Please assure me that you will act accordingly as I Stated herein. Hoping to receive your
reply.
Remain blessed in the Lord.
Yours in Christ,
Mrs Rebecca Williams.

More Windows 7 stuff

2009-01-29T14:45:00.002-05:00

Unfortunately, I had to remove Windows 7 from my desktop PC. I bought a new all in one printer from HP, and it wouldn't work on Windows 7. I got a message saying that HP did not have drivers for that OS. I called HP, and they wern't able to help me. I still have it on my laptop, though, and still like it a lot.

Yech! More snow.

2009-01-28T10:31:00.007-05:00

Seems like Winter lasts as long as the other three seasons combined. At least it does to me. Particularly when it snows. I was just out in snow half way up to my knees...and I am tall, too....refilling the blasted bird feeders. I have gotten silly in my old age. So far we have at least eight inches of snow and it is coming down really hard. I expect a foot, if not more by the time it is finished. This is Marsha's car 5 minutes ago. More pictures when it quits snowing. I will see if I can figure out how to lighten it a bit. This camera baffles me.

(Thanks to my friend Falsie (www.washingtoncube.blogspot.com)for fixing the picture for me.)

Not a Messiah, Not a Saviour. Simply our new President.

2009-01-20T19:21:00.004-05:00

Many people seem to think that our new president is either a Messiah or a Saviour.

I certainly hope they are not too disappointed when they find out he is neither.

I will be happy if he is able to accomplish a significant part of what he appears to have promised to do, and can get our economy to begin to get on the right track, and get us out of these futile wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Chief Justice may have his doubts...he stumbled over the oath when he was administering it to the new president.

Katie Couric said today that my wife's acquaintance, Joe Biden, was the president for a few minutes. Biden was sworn in as vice-president shortly before noon. President Bush's job ended, by law, at noon. President Obama was not sworn in until several minutes after noon. Seems to me that Biden may have been president for a few minutes. (Where is Alexander Haig when we need him)

Bitter Cold!

2009-01-16T06:35:00.006-05:00

Fifteen below zero here this morning. Wind chill 33 below zero. I've never seen it that cold before. Some places, according to the news, have been as low as 47 below. Hard to believe. I'll post this picture of one of the trees in my yard in the Spring to make myself feel warmer. :)

Darn! It's Cold!

2009-01-15T07:06:00.002-05:00

4 degrees this morning. Going down to zero this afternoon, with a wind chill around 20 below zero. 10 below zero tonight. Snowed all day yesterday, although mostly not heavily. I'm surprised we only got 5 inches of snow. Worse thing about it is that I won't be able to go to Pulmonary Rehab this morning. Hate to miss that.

It's Snowing! Yech!

2009-01-14T13:00:00.009-05:00

It just started snowing a couple of hours ago. Pictures from my front door.

More Windows 7 Beta Stuff

2009-01-13T19:23:00.003-05:00

So far, I've liked Windows 7 on my laptop so well, that I have now downloaded it to my desktop pc as well as to my laptop. It really does seem to operate quicker, and has a few new gadgets to play with. I'm quite happy so far. My wife claims that I have ambitions to be the oldest geek around.

Cold Air Coming!!

2009-01-13T19:14:00.003-05:00

ICK!! Weatherbug tells me it's going to be minus 7 Thursday night. I'm sure that means at least minus 10. Anyone heading South and have room for one more? If I hadn't shaved my beard off, I would probably look like this dude.

Windows 7 Beta

2009-01-10T18:02:00.016-05:00

I downloaded and installed Windows 7 Beta today. So far, it seems pretty cool. Only thing I am having trouble with, is personalizing my desktop. I don't really care for the different settings that are available so far. I'm sure something different will come out before the beta test ends in August of this year. When the test ends, I will have to install a new OS on my laptop, but I made recovery discs so I am ok there. Microsoft recommends a dedicated test computer for the beta test, so I put it on my new laptop, which I haven't used very much. I'll let everyone know what I think of it.

One thing I thought was pretty cute....This is a beta program and the default desktop is:

A Siamese fighting fish, more commonly known as a beta. Some people spell it with two t's. i.e. betta. I'm not too sure which is actually correct, and it doesn't seem important enough to look up.

For my desktop I chose:

I apologize for the quality of the picture. I guess you have to be smarter than the camera to take a good picture.

Wounded Knee and other stuff

2008-12-29T16:41:00.015-05:00

Today is December 29. The anniversary of the massacre at Wounded Knee, in which nearly 300 mostly peaceable Sioux were mowed down by trigger happy troopers of the 7th US Cavalry. To me, the phrase "trigger happy" usually equates to being afraid. I'm willing to bet that the troopers of the 7th Cavalry were pretty nervous around the Sioux, who were famous for their bravery and fighting abilities. Below are what I believe to be actual Sioux war party pictures. The pictures were taken by Edward S. Curtis.

The Wounded Knee massacre pretty well closed out the Plains Indian era, I believe. The last of the nomadic tribes were moved onto reservations around this time, and endured a great deal of suffering and mistreatment for a number of years.

Also, on this date in 1896, six years after the events at Wounded Knee, my maternal grandfather, W.W.Johnston, was born.

As you may be able to tell, Granddad was not always thrilled to have his picture taken. He passed away in 1977, at age 80. Coincidentally, on this date in 1976, my son was also born. I will not post his name or picture out of regard for his privacy. Happy birthday, Son.

My grandfather was in the Army during WW1, according to my memories of what he told me, but did not go overseas.

My paternal grandfather, J.H. Steen was born in 1870, 20 years before Wounded Knee. He was in the Army during the Spanish American War, but also, to the best of my knowledge, did not see any action. Below is a picture of my Grandfather Steen, along with my Grandmother and two other persons whose identity I am not sure of. The man may possibly be my late uncle, Fred. No clue about the child, unless it is one of his grandchildren, whom I do not know.

Granddad Steen died in 1968 at the age of 98.

Pulmonary Rehab

2008-12-22T19:17:00.050-05:00

For over five years now, I have been participating in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at Upper Valley Medical Center.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a program of education and exercise classes for those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) that teaches you about your lungs, how to exercise and do activities with less shortness of breath, and how to "live" better with your lung condition. The most important aid to coping with your everyday activities is learning to breath correctly. I was amazed to learn that I was not breathing correctly when I started rehab. I still have trouble remembering the proper way, occasionally.

The success of pulmonary rehabilitation relies on the relationship between you and your team of health professionals. This team works with you to achieve goals. However, they cannot do it for you. It is vital that you take an active role in the program and understand the importance of regular participation.
Although this therapy can improve your daily life, and add years to your life, it does not reverse the effects that COPD has had on the lungs or other organs such as the heart. It does not cure COPD. It trains the mind, muscles, and heart to get the most out of your damaged lungs.

If you don't have a program in your area, there are many things you can do on your own. Your quality of life can be improved by stopping smoking, learning how to correctly use inhaled medicines, and exercising regularly. I use a nebulizer, which is a machine that converts two liquid medicines into a vapor that I inhale. I do this four times a day. It takes from 15 to 20 minutes for each treatment. As of yet, I do not use oxygen, although I expect to have to do so in the not too distant future

This is some of the exercise equipment that a well equipped Pulmonary/Cardiac Rehab program will have for their patients to make use of.

However, if you don't have a good rehab program available to you, there are other things you can do.

One of the most important exercises for someone with lung problems is walking regularly. Begin walking slowly at a very comfortable pace for a period of time (say 5 to 10 minutes daily), 3 to 5 days a week. Do not increase the time you are walking until you can walk the entire time without stopping. When you can walk without stopping to rest, increase the time you are walking by 1 to 2 minutes each week. For example, if you can walk nonstop for 5 minutes a day for five days in one week, increase your walking to 7 minutes each day. Many people with severe lung disease can reach the goal of walking 30 minutes without stopping. Some people with lung problems require oxygen during exercise. If you have been prescribed oxygen for regular use, be sure to use it with exercise. If you aren't sure about using oxygen, talk with your health care provider. Some of the resources listed below may help you either find a program or provide you with more information about lung conditions.

American Lung Association, telephone 1-800-LUNGUSA, or www.lungusa.org or contact your State or local chapter of the Lung Association.

American Association for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), telephone 312-644-6610 or www.aacvpr.org (go to "program directory")

I am fortunate to be able to be enrolled in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at Upper Valley Medical Center. It has the reputation of being the best program of it's kind in the area. Virtually all of the credit for this reputation goes to the fine staff of the program. Without exception, they are all wonderfully knowledgeable and dedicated people. I am fortunate to be one of their patients.

This is Mary H. Mary is in charge of both Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab at the hospital. She has been a Registered Nurse for a number of years, and combines outstanding nursing and management skills with a warmth and caring for her patients that is heart warming to all of us.

Elaine B. is another RN who demonstrates a high degree of knowledge and ability along with kindness and understanding of her patient's needs and problems.

Mary Z. is a sweet spirited, warm, kind, and caring RN who has dedicated many years to caring for her patients. (well, maybe not all that many. Certainly, I'm not trying to make this lovely lady appear to be elderly. She has quite a bit to go to catch up with me.)

Jenny is another highly skilled, wonderfully competent and concientious RN. Jenny, however, has one other skill that is really important to me and one that I take advantage of whenever I can. She bakes wonderful cookies! A really sweet lady.

Last, but certainly not in any way least, this is Marcia and Pat. Both are highly trained and skilled Registered Respiratory Therapists.

Don't be fooled by the fact that these ladies do not have the suffix RN after their names. Only some of the things they have to have in order to obtain their degrees are:

General knowledge of science, social science, and language arts.

Functional knowledge and understanding of respiratory care theories and practice.

Active participation in respiratory care as professionals in the field.

Practical knowledge and experience of professional interactions in the field.

Some of their training also includes practical training with ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, and work in an arterial blood gas laboratory, pulmonary function laboratory, or work with other respiratory therapy equipment.

A respiratory therapist often provides life critical care to patients with cardio-pulmonary problems. A respiratory therapist's responsibilities include advising physicians and nurses on respiratory therapy, working with patients on breathing therapies, monitoring patients, supervising technicians, and more.

A wonderful career choice.

My, How Times Have Changed

2008-12-15T19:56:00.004-05:00

Back in the 1929 financial crash, it was said that some Wall Street stock brokers and bankers jumped from their office windows and committed suicide when confronted with the news of their firms' and clients' financial ruin . . . Many people were said to almost feel a little sorry for them . . . . . .

In 2008 the attitude has changed somewhat:

Another Interesting Lady

2008-12-08T18:50:00.015-05:00

Joanne Duke Gamblee at a recent book signing

Monday, December 8, 2008

Recently I had the distinct pleasure of meeting a lovely lady, Joanne Duke Gamblee, who has written several quite interesting books concerning Miami County and the people living here. She is a very attractive, interesting, and down to earth lady.

Mrs. Gamblee is originally from Wellsville, New York, and obtained her degree in journalism at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. To our good fortune, she decided to remain in Ohio. She served as Director of Communications for the Troy City Schools for sixteen years. As a freelance writer, she sold many articles and stories to various newspapers and magazines, as well as writing four books.

I was introduced to her work by our mutual friend, Nancy V. Fulker, to whom at least one of her books is dedicated. Nancy loaned me a copy of Mrs. Gamblee’s latest book, The Dam Battle. The book was so interesting to me that I read it nearly nonstop until I finished it. After reading it, I went out and bought copies of all Mrs Gamblee’s books except one, Ahead of Their Time, which is out of print now. Nancy was kind enough to loan me her beautifully inscribed copy of the book. Mrs. Gamblee's books are:

Ahead of Their Time: Which is the story of a number of 19th century ladies from Miami County.

The Dam Battle: The story of the battle to implement a comprehensive flood prevention plan which began one year after the most disastrous flood in history

Ghosts,too: This book is a compilation of spooky accounts of supernatural encounters local people have had.

and Mary Jane Hayner: This is the story of a lady who made many contributions of cultural and historical significance to the city of Troy, Ohio. With a cover of finely woven plum-colored silk fabric topped with gold stamping, a narrow orchid satin ribbon bookmark, and superior quality paper throughout, the presentation of the book is as elegant as the lady and the mansion it represents.

I highly recommend all these books to you.

More Changes in Our Government

2008-12-07T14:13:00.007-05:00

In the 2nd Congressional District of Louisiana, which includes most of New Orleans, Republican attorney Anh "Joseph" Cao won 50 percent of the vote to Jefferson's 47 percent and will become the first Vietnamese-American in Congress.

Cao came to the United States as a child after the fall of Saigon in 1975 and went on to earn degrees in philosophy, physics and law.

He ousted Indicted Democratic U.S. Rep. William Jefferson who became Louisiana's first black congressman since Reconstruction when he took office in 1991, and is currently under indictment for bribery and money laundering. (I wonder if I had any contact with any of the new Congressman's relatives a few decades back?)

O.J. Simpson

2008-12-06T08:19:00.009-05:00

He choked back tears as he told the judge: "In no way did I mean to hurt anybody, to steal anything from anyone," Simpson said, his voice cracking. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for all of it."

OJ is snivelling, whining and crying now that he has to go to jail, where, in my opinion, he should have been for the past 13 years. Let's see what a big shot he is when he gets to prison. Bubba and Rasheed are waiting for him.

The Goldmans believe that their relentless pursuit of Simpson's assetts to satisfy their multimillion dollar judgement had a great deal to do with him committing this latest crime and getting caught and convicted for it. I believe they are probably right.

I admire the Goldmans for the manner they have pursued Simpson. They are better people than I am. If I were in their position there is no doubt I would have been in prison these past 13 years.

A wonderfully promising life and career ruined. What a shame.

Fishing and Fulkers

2008-12-02T16:13:00.012-05:00

This year, looking for something to do that wouldn’t be too strenuous for me, because of my pulmonary problems, I took up fishing. I am so glad I did!

Two or three days a week, sometimes even more, during Spring, Summer, and Fall, my fishing buddy and I headed out to one, sometimes more than one of the lakes or ponds in the area, depending on how they were biting. I haven’t caught anything too special, but I sure enjoy going and trying. I have caught several catfish and have learned how to skin and filet them. The large mouth bass in the picture is the biggest fish I have caught so far.

One day, in Pulmonary Rehab, I was talking about the different places we go to fish, and one of my fellow patients, Nancy Fulker, offered her and her husband’s property on one of the large lakes in the area for us to fish on. I was shocked that someone would offer something like that but Nancy and her husband John are genuinely nice people. They even told us how to find the key to their cabin. (Their word not mine, I could live quite happily in their “cabin”.) They said that they have had this cabin for years, since before they owned a home, and have added to it several times over the years as their family grew. It’s a lovely place.

John has been practicing law since 1953, and has been joined in his practice by his son and grandson. He has a wide variety of interests including chess, classical music, literature, swimming, canoeing, sailing, and particularly, waterfowling. He is an avid conservationist and has been active in Ducks Unlimited. He is a renowned local historian and author. He has written four books concerning celebrated criminal trials which were held in Miami County, Ohio, in one of which he served as defense counsel.

Their titles are:

Chicken Soup, Cheap Whiskey, and Bad Women;
The View from Above;
And True Deliverance Make; and
Shards & Pellets & Knives Oh My!

I highly recommend these books to anyone that enjoys a good read. They are available on Amazon.com, as well as in many book stores. The Fulkers made me a gift of these books and I don’t know when I have appreciated and enjoyed a gift more. John also wrote a history of the Miami County Common Pleas Court that is an outstanding example of research and writing.

Nancy is a well know authority on antiques and the history of Miami County. She collaborated on her husband’s books, as well as acting as proof reader and editor for his books and those of another local author, JoAnne Duke Gamblee. More on Mrs. Gamblee shortly. Nancy has also served on the board of directors of the Hayner Cultural Center in Troy, Ohio, as well as more than one term as its president.

More pictures of John and Nancy's cabin.

Thanksgiving and Black Friday

2008-11-28T20:32:00.003-05:00

Marsha and I went to our friends Pat and Russell’s house yesterday for thanksgiving. We joined their family in enjoying a terrific feast. It was my first time to try fried turkey. Marc, Pat and Russell’s son, cooked it. By the time we ate dinner, I had already nearly filled up with shrimp. I must have eaten nearly a pound of it! The family has adopted Marsha and me, and we feel right at home at their house. We know the entire family….Son, Daughter, grandchildren, boyfriends, girlfriends, dogs, cats, pet lizards….the whole works…Martha, the daughter who lives in the DC area and is the Web Desk Chief for one of the newspapers, was able to make it as well. Marsha took her knitting, and I read and snoozed in one of their recliners.

This morning I got up at 3:30AM in order to make it to Wally World in time to catch their 5AM to 11AM sale. I knew I was in trouble when I got there before 5 and saw the entire gigantic parking lot filled and all the neighboring stores that were closed had their parking lots filled, also. I circled the parking lot for about 20 minutes or so before I caught someone coming out and waited for their space, resisting the impulse to flip off the idiot behind me that was leaning on his or her horn. (It was too dark to see whether it was a him or a her) The space I got was quite a distance from the store…farther than I usually park because I can’t walk a great distance without getting short of breath….but I finally made it inside the store. The store was jammed with bargain hunters. I was able to get a buggy and joined the procession wending its way through the store. I was after a vacuum cleaner for Martha….a camera for Lahcen, Martha’s SO, who, by the way is a very nice guy from Morocco….a couple of 4 gig flashdrives and an all in one printer for Marsha and me.

It took me about 15 minutes to make my way through the crowd to the vacuum cleaners, but I got one and put it in the cart, after poking some poor lady in the tush with it, for which I apologized profusely. She was very nice about it, though, smiled and told me it was perfectly alright.

I struggled through the store trying to get to the electronic department, bumping people with my cart and getting bumped and pushed and stepped on all the while, and having a harder and harder time breathing. I have learned since being in Pulmonary Rehab for the past few years that being in a crowded space is not at all good for those of us with breathing problems. The crowd exhales so much carbon dioxide that you can’t bring in the oxygen that you need, and so you begin panting and gasping for air.

Even though I had had a breathing treatment before leaving home, I became so short winded that I left the cart with Martha’s vacuum in it in the aisle (The checkout lines stretched from the front of the store all the way to the back of our new Super Wally World) and left the store and returned home without getting anything.

Marsha and I returned a little before 11 and the only things left that we wanted, although Marsha did look longingly at the plasma tvs, was the 4 gig flash drives. We got two.

Martha and Lahcen were quite understanding. They were not upset that I wasn’t able to get their items for them.

2008-11-22T09:50:00.005-05:00

It seems that everyone is creating a blog lately.
I’ve been creeping around the internet recently, looking at different blogs trying to get some ideas thinking that I might start one myself. So….here goes:

I am 67 years old, retired, handicapped, (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) but stay as active as possible. I live in the Miami Valley of Ohio and love it here. The only thing I really dislike about it is the winter season. It gets cold and snowy here! I have seen it as cold as 10 below zero a couple of times, and have been told to expect to see 20 below upon occasion. ICK!

I have lived in quite a few states….Virginia, North and South Carolina, California, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, and Pennsylvania. I have no plans to move again.

I voted for Barrack Obama. I know that will surprise a lot of people that know me, or think they do, or knew me in the past, but things change. It is time for a change in our country, and I have high hopes for our future.

Politically, I consider myself an Independent. I vote for whomever I feel is best for the job, regardless of their party affiliation. My wife, however, is a hardcore Democrat, as is her 85 year old mother.

Marsha worked for a number of years on Capitol Hill and knows quite a few politicians, including Joe Biden, our Vice-President elect. She tells a story about him that I have her permission to share with you.

“For a year or two during the time I worked on Capitol Hill, I was in an office next door to Senator Biden. The Senator for whom I worked kept a huge candy dish next to the door. Quite often when Senator Biden was passing by on his way to the Capitol, he would stop for a piece of candy. Since the dish was next to the door, he didn't even have to come in. Most times, all we saw was his hand, snaking in and grabbing a piece, sometimes waving quickly before proceeding.

"I especially remember one time when there was a vote going on in the Senate chamber. My Senator was already there and had called me to bring a file to him. Just as I hung up, the door opened and that hand was moving toward the candy dish. Without thinking, I said, "Since you're going there anyhow, would you mind taking this file with you?" He nodded agreeably and waited. But then I had second thoughts and told him, "Never mind. I don't think my boss would like it if I used a United States Senator as an errand boy!"

It seems kind of ironic somehow that in all my years in Washington, DC, including 15 years on Capitol Hill, I never once met a President, Vice President, or anyone who later became a President or Vice President. But now that I'm back here in Ohio, someone I saw frequently for a year or two has become Vice President. The best part is that he's a good guy, very genuine and down to earth. I'm looking forward to the new administration. "