Do you have a Facebook account?
I do. And I started my facebook account for one reason-
To be found by people looking for me.
Yesterday I got a Facebook "friend request" from a guy named Bobby J. P******.
Listed as his High School?
CGHS.
I smiled and responded instantly.
I haven't seen or talked to Bob since 1966, but he was one of the good guys.
Good thing too... Bob was a fairly big man, with fists the size of cantaloupes...
A good guy to call friend.
Checking out Bob's "Friends" list I see photos for Pookie I*******, Paula D*****, Bill B*****, and Bob's sister Diane, who worked as a carhop at the Frostop.
This may (or may not) be a chance to bring some of those folks into our VK community, we'll see. But there's no question- opening my Facebook account is bearing fruit.
Maybe it's time for you to do the same?
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Friday, And Log Inn Pics!
The "Log Inn" wasn't much to look at on the outside. But the line of folks waiting to get in to eat was an indication it might be worth the wait. We didn't wait long to be seated...
Maybe 15 minutes or so. (You can click these pics to enlarge 'em.)
We really didn't know how many were gonna show up, so we sat and chatted for about half an hour to insure everyone who intended to come was there. Here, Cinders and Ferdy catch up on their news.
The lineup on the opposite side of the table from me...
TC, Tracy, Carol, and Ferdy. Cinders and TD are just out of the photo on the right.
Hawk and his Mrs., and Sharon were on my side. Greybeard and Sara Jean are just outta the picture on the left.
TD speaks and TC looks convinced. Cinders seems skeptical. What were you sellin' TD?
This the "Lincoln Room", where Abraham Lincoln supposedly ate during a stop here in the 1840's. We ate in an adjoining room.
Vandy's Kids assembled, just prior to heading home for the evening. This barn, owned by TC's son Scott, is just a wonderful place for a get-together. Thanks again to TC and Sharon, and Scott and Lois, for your wonderful hospitality!
It's Friday once again.
Tell us what's happenin' with ya!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Valley Newsboy
Dennis Sikes, that was his name.
Odd that I can still remember it. He was 12 and I was 10. His family was getting ready to move out of the house that my second-grade teacher Dora Saunders would move into. Dennis had an "Indianapolis News" paper route. Dennis had pockets that jingled. I wanted pockets that jingled. Due to his move he needed someone to take his route, and I felt I was just the "man" to take it.
But there were a couple obstacles-
-I was too young. I think the Star-News people wanted their carriers to be at least 12.
-My parents also worried I was too young. They also knew that having a paper route would complicate my schedule should we want to take vacations or other time away from home.
But I had my mind set on having change in my pockets, so I persevered.
The route manager, a nice guy by the name of Mr. Hanson, came out and interviewed me, then talked with my parents. When he left the route was mine.
(Mom and Dad immediately set out to insure I knew how to make change.)
I delivered the Indy News evenings, Monday through Saturday, then I got up early Sunday to deliver the Sunday Star...
Seven days a week I delivered newspapers for almost 5 years. My pockets jingled. I saved and bought myself nice things. I was King of my world.
My bundle of papers was delivered at the end of our drive shortly after school let out. I'd pack them into a canvas saddlebag and throw them onto my bicycle (until I was twelve when I bought myself a Cushman Motor Scooter similar to this one), and I'd start out Northbound delivering papers to houses along Morgantown Road toward Bill Doty's Standard Station. Then I'd double back Southbound delivering along the way to old Smith Valley Road where I turned West and worked my way to Paddock Road. There I'd again go North to a couple newer houses near S.V. Road, then back South, over the bridge past Cissy, C&C, and Rita's house, delivering my last paper by simply walking through the back patio and into Ode Perry's old house where I'd lay the paper on their kitchen table. (I can still remember the comfortable smell of that place.)
I think I've written before about how much that route taught me...
Because of it I truly became a "small businessman" and learned ya always gotta have more income than outgo. I learned to save for things I wanted.
Much of my Valley clientele was elderly, so I also learned once in a while there'd be no one to answer the door when you came to collect at week's end. Having developed strong relationships with my customers over those five years, that was tough sometimes.
Doty's Standard Service, Effie's Variety Store, and Don Sutton's grocery were all great places to stop and have a cold refreshing "Ski" and maybe a bag of "Planter's Peanuts" in the summer, while affording a place to thaw out in the cold of Winter.
Papers delivered, there was almost always a pick-up basketball or full-tackle football game to be played at Steve and Danny W's house. (We were talking at our latest mini about the evening David W's collar bone got broken. We tackled tough!)
When it was REALLY cold, the creek would freeze over and we'd ride/slide our bikes up and down that stretch just beneath the old iron bridge. How we kept from breaking some bone while doing that is beyond me!
Ahhh.....
So there. I've shared some of my smiles with you.
Please, share some Friday-forum smiles with the rest of us.
Odd that I can still remember it. He was 12 and I was 10. His family was getting ready to move out of the house that my second-grade teacher Dora Saunders would move into. Dennis had an "Indianapolis News" paper route. Dennis had pockets that jingled. I wanted pockets that jingled. Due to his move he needed someone to take his route, and I felt I was just the "man" to take it.
But there were a couple obstacles-
-I was too young. I think the Star-News people wanted their carriers to be at least 12.
-My parents also worried I was too young. They also knew that having a paper route would complicate my schedule should we want to take vacations or other time away from home.
But I had my mind set on having change in my pockets, so I persevered.
The route manager, a nice guy by the name of Mr. Hanson, came out and interviewed me, then talked with my parents. When he left the route was mine.
(Mom and Dad immediately set out to insure I knew how to make change.)
I delivered the Indy News evenings, Monday through Saturday, then I got up early Sunday to deliver the Sunday Star...
Seven days a week I delivered newspapers for almost 5 years. My pockets jingled. I saved and bought myself nice things. I was King of my world.
My bundle of papers was delivered at the end of our drive shortly after school let out. I'd pack them into a canvas saddlebag and throw them onto my bicycle (until I was twelve when I bought myself a Cushman Motor Scooter similar to this one), and I'd start out Northbound delivering papers to houses along Morgantown Road toward Bill Doty's Standard Station. Then I'd double back Southbound delivering along the way to old Smith Valley Road where I turned West and worked my way to Paddock Road. There I'd again go North to a couple newer houses near S.V. Road, then back South, over the bridge past Cissy, C&C, and Rita's house, delivering my last paper by simply walking through the back patio and into Ode Perry's old house where I'd lay the paper on their kitchen table. (I can still remember the comfortable smell of that place.)
I think I've written before about how much that route taught me...
Because of it I truly became a "small businessman" and learned ya always gotta have more income than outgo. I learned to save for things I wanted.
Much of my Valley clientele was elderly, so I also learned once in a while there'd be no one to answer the door when you came to collect at week's end. Having developed strong relationships with my customers over those five years, that was tough sometimes.
Doty's Standard Service, Effie's Variety Store, and Don Sutton's grocery were all great places to stop and have a cold refreshing "Ski" and maybe a bag of "Planter's Peanuts" in the summer, while affording a place to thaw out in the cold of Winter.
Papers delivered, there was almost always a pick-up basketball or full-tackle football game to be played at Steve and Danny W's house. (We were talking at our latest mini about the evening David W's collar bone got broken. We tackled tough!)
When it was REALLY cold, the creek would freeze over and we'd ride/slide our bikes up and down that stretch just beneath the old iron bridge. How we kept from breaking some bone while doing that is beyond me!
Ahhh.....
So there. I've shared some of my smiles with you.
Please, share some Friday-forum smiles with the rest of us.
Monday, August 17, 2009
The Log Inn Gathering
For all of you that could not make it to the Log Inn, you really missed some great food and again good fellowship with our classmates. Needless to say the desserts were delicious afterwards at the barn.
We want to Thank Terry & Sharon and Scott & Lois for the use of the party barn. It was the perfect end to a very good day. We set around visited and just plain relaxed after our bellies were full. Terry & Steve did play a little table tennis, "Did I say Little"???
David took some pictures so hopefully he will get them posted when he has the time. I hope everyone made it home safely.
Has anyone heard from Echo to see if they are OK and what happened to them Saturday night??
We want to Thank Terry & Sharon and Scott & Lois for the use of the party barn. It was the perfect end to a very good day. We set around visited and just plain relaxed after our bellies were full. Terry & Steve did play a little table tennis, "Did I say Little"???
David took some pictures so hopefully he will get them posted when he has the time. I hope everyone made it home safely.
Has anyone heard from Echo to see if they are OK and what happened to them Saturday night??
Friday, August 14, 2009
Dreams of Home
I don't often dream of Smith Valley. I guess the thought of visiting with all of you tomorrow sparked this dream last night:
During Winter snows, we'd often bring our sleds to the Hiatt addition hill near John K.'s house and sled down from there. It was tricky, 'cause you had to cross the street at the base of the hill where traffic didn't stop. We'd put a kid at the base of the hill to warn of oncoming traffic in case we needed to abort our sled run due to a car coming.
In my dream there had been an ice storm, coating everything in a thick layer of clear ice. I slid down the hill standing upright, then had to jump the cross street. Jumping/flying are frequently factors in my dreams and this was no different...
I jumped/flew for several seconds, making a perfect landing on the other side of the cross street...
Exhilarating.
Now, about this weekend-
Sorry you cannot make it Cissy. I had really looked forward to meeting the two of you, but fully understand that family is more important. We'll take a rain check for a "date to be named later."
Don't know yet if we'll be spending the night...
I was surprised this morning by my wife who said, "Let's play it by ear", meaning we'll bring an air mattress just in case we need to use it. We will certainly stay until we are "visited out", but then may drive the two hour drive home to wake in our own bed. (I snore when I'm tired, so it may be best for others if we don't stay!)
I'll call the Log Inn later and confirm reservations for 14-
TC and Sharon,
Echo and Shifty,
Hawk and Mrs. Hawk,
TD and Cinders,
JT and Barb,
Carol and Tracy,
SJ and GB.
... If I'm missing anyone, please let me know.
So, no cheesecake from Cissy, but we can look forward to cobbler made with fresh blackberries from Carol, and Sara Jean will make her killer peanut butter cookies.
Yum, yum!
Come hungry. Bring cash. See many of ya tomorrow.
During Winter snows, we'd often bring our sleds to the Hiatt addition hill near John K.'s house and sled down from there. It was tricky, 'cause you had to cross the street at the base of the hill where traffic didn't stop. We'd put a kid at the base of the hill to warn of oncoming traffic in case we needed to abort our sled run due to a car coming.
In my dream there had been an ice storm, coating everything in a thick layer of clear ice. I slid down the hill standing upright, then had to jump the cross street. Jumping/flying are frequently factors in my dreams and this was no different...
I jumped/flew for several seconds, making a perfect landing on the other side of the cross street...
Exhilarating.
Now, about this weekend-
Sorry you cannot make it Cissy. I had really looked forward to meeting the two of you, but fully understand that family is more important. We'll take a rain check for a "date to be named later."
Don't know yet if we'll be spending the night...
I was surprised this morning by my wife who said, "Let's play it by ear", meaning we'll bring an air mattress just in case we need to use it. We will certainly stay until we are "visited out", but then may drive the two hour drive home to wake in our own bed. (I snore when I'm tired, so it may be best for others if we don't stay!)
I'll call the Log Inn later and confirm reservations for 14-
TC and Sharon,
Echo and Shifty,
Hawk and Mrs. Hawk,
TD and Cinders,
JT and Barb,
Carol and Tracy,
SJ and GB.
... If I'm missing anyone, please let me know.
So, no cheesecake from Cissy, but we can look forward to cobbler made with fresh blackberries from Carol, and Sara Jean will make her killer peanut butter cookies.
Yum, yum!
Come hungry. Bring cash. See many of ya tomorrow.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Log Inn Gathering
I talked with Terry & Sharon this morning and they suggest we bring sleeping bags and/or air mattres. Barn is plenty big for whoever wants to stay.
If you plan on staying just leave word here so they will know about how many.
Terry said he would even fix eggs & bacon for breakfast. :)
If you plan on staying just leave word here so they will know about how many.
Terry said he would even fix eggs & bacon for breakfast. :)
Friday, August 07, 2009
Carson's Riding Stables
You can't read comments here and not notice there are horse lovers amongst us.
Joker, GH, and DJ all love the critters and, with TD and Cinders alongside (who met because of their mutual interest), will gather and share horsey experiences at every chance.
I think horses are beautiful, and there's nothing prettier than a slow-motion movie of a horse in full gallop... breathtaking.
Still, they are mighty dangerous. Anything that big, powerful, and spirited needs to be handled with discipline and respect. I have commented on several occasions how we often hear motorcycle riders derisively called "donors", while my experience flying injured patients is that horses can be every bit as hazardous to their rider's health. (Chris Reeve is a good example.) Interested in hearing a few gory stories? Ask when you see me next.
TD, DJ, Joker, and GH all owned their own animals and could saddle up when they had the time and inclination. For the rest of us, a place like Carson's was an alternative. My recollection is fuzzy, so help me if I screw up the details but as I recall Carson's was on the South side of Indy, not far from Beech Grove. For a few bucks you could drive the short drive and they'd saddle up a docile animal for you to go ride for an hour. I always did it a couple times a summer and felt it was a good value for the money... another fond memory.
Now, about next weekend...
I called the folks at "The Log Inn" and changed our reservation to 4 P.M..
I also told them our group may be as large as 14 or more. (Tracy and Carol, GREAT!) I trolled around the restaurant reviews and found this one, which seems representative of most:
"Great fried chicken! To-die-for mashed potatoes, slaw, etc. You can't miss this historic place. The service is always great, and quick. You may have to wait a bit for a table unless you get there early. This is our favorite family/special occasion place. "
... The hint at a possible wait to be seated was the most prevalent complaint, so we may have a little time to visit before being seated... Don't come famished.
Another thing I noticed... They don't take credit cards. Bring cash.
I told the gal we were having a mini-reunion and asked if there was a place we could sit and visit before/after eating. She said no, so I joked and said "Fine... We'll just bring lawn chairs and camp outside your front door!" The nice lady chuckled and said "You COULD do that... there's plenty of room, just no furniture."
Remember what happened after "The Best Little Whorehouse...?"
Discuss!
The restaurant is 12 miles North of Evansville, 1 mile East of U.S. Highway 41 on "Old State Road", just North and East of the intersection I-64 and 41. Check Mapquest or Mapblast.
Maybe TC can give us more detail, but I'm sure Carmen the Garmin will get us there just fine.
I'm looking forward to hugging and visiting with friends, both those I know AND those I oughta know!
Joker, GH, and DJ all love the critters and, with TD and Cinders alongside (who met because of their mutual interest), will gather and share horsey experiences at every chance.
I think horses are beautiful, and there's nothing prettier than a slow-motion movie of a horse in full gallop... breathtaking.
Still, they are mighty dangerous. Anything that big, powerful, and spirited needs to be handled with discipline and respect. I have commented on several occasions how we often hear motorcycle riders derisively called "donors", while my experience flying injured patients is that horses can be every bit as hazardous to their rider's health. (Chris Reeve is a good example.) Interested in hearing a few gory stories? Ask when you see me next.
TD, DJ, Joker, and GH all owned their own animals and could saddle up when they had the time and inclination. For the rest of us, a place like Carson's was an alternative. My recollection is fuzzy, so help me if I screw up the details but as I recall Carson's was on the South side of Indy, not far from Beech Grove. For a few bucks you could drive the short drive and they'd saddle up a docile animal for you to go ride for an hour. I always did it a couple times a summer and felt it was a good value for the money... another fond memory.
Now, about next weekend...
I called the folks at "The Log Inn" and changed our reservation to 4 P.M..
I also told them our group may be as large as 14 or more. (Tracy and Carol, GREAT!) I trolled around the restaurant reviews and found this one, which seems representative of most:
"Great fried chicken! To-die-for mashed potatoes, slaw, etc. You can't miss this historic place. The service is always great, and quick. You may have to wait a bit for a table unless you get there early. This is our favorite family/special occasion place. "
... The hint at a possible wait to be seated was the most prevalent complaint, so we may have a little time to visit before being seated... Don't come famished.
Another thing I noticed... They don't take credit cards. Bring cash.
I told the gal we were having a mini-reunion and asked if there was a place we could sit and visit before/after eating. She said no, so I joked and said "Fine... We'll just bring lawn chairs and camp outside your front door!" The nice lady chuckled and said "You COULD do that... there's plenty of room, just no furniture."
Remember what happened after "The Best Little Whorehouse...?"
Discuss!
The restaurant is 12 miles North of Evansville, 1 mile East of U.S. Highway 41 on "Old State Road", just North and East of the intersection I-64 and 41. Check Mapquest or Mapblast.
Maybe TC can give us more detail, but I'm sure Carmen the Garmin will get us there just fine.
I'm looking forward to hugging and visiting with friends, both those I know AND those I oughta know!
Friday, July 31, 2009
S&H, And Top Value
It's another of those things that seems odd now...
I was thinking of the stamps retailers used to give out as incentives to shop at their stores...
"Top Value" and "S&H Green Stamps".
I think the IGA in the Smith Valley Shopping Center gave out Top Value stamps. My Mom would wait until she had lots and lots of them to add to the books you were supposed to stick them in, then she'd use a sponge to wet them and apply them to the books. We'd all look through the catalog they supplied to see how many stamp-filled books we had to accrue in order to get an appliance or some other doo-dad.
More memories...
Glasses or towels as premiums in boxes of laundry detergent. When I first set up independent housekeeping as a bachelor I think my cupboard was filled with glasses I got as premiums for buying gasoline at the "Gulf" Service Station...
Whatever happened to "Good Gulf" gasoline?
When I went lookin' for an image of the stamps I found the above photo of the General Store in Nashville, Indiana. (Click it to see the full photo.) Stores don't actually give those things out anymore, do they?
Two weeks from tomorrow we'll be meeting in Evansville...
Are ya comin'?
It's the last Friday in July. Time to sound off!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Honoring A Special Request
I was gonna regale ya here with details of our colonoscopies last week, but Hawkeye begged me not to, so I'll comply with his request. You do need to know one thing...
Sara Jean chickened out.
The day prior to our scheduled procedure, BEFORE she had started drinking the tasty "GoLytely", she started having diarrhea and throwing up...
Nerves.
And rightfully so. She has a strong gag-reflex so I sincerely doubted her ability to get a gallon of that stuff in her. Heck, I truly doubted she could get a full glass of it in her.
So she called and told the folks what she was experiencing and they rescheduled her. We have now found that if she absolutely refuses to drink the GoLytely there is another way to get the job done... with a "Fleet Enema".(?)
I'll let ya know more when I know more.
But for those that have not already read the play-by-play and are interested, you can go here and maybe read more than you want to know on the subject. But let me re-emphasize here, if you are over 50 and have not yet had this procedure done, remember Farrah, (maybe unnecessarily) dead at 62.
Shift gears now...
I don't know about you, but this Man-made global warming is about to chill me to death! We have had jacket weather most nights for the last two weeks.
The cold is also delaying growth in our garden. Sweet corn is ready to pick, but the ears are small. Tomatoes are growing slowly and most have spots or other problems making the fruit look ugly.
We are looking forward to seeing a bunch of you on the 15th. What time do you want to meet at the Log Inn for dinner...
Want to beat the normal dinner crowd? Is 5 P.M. better, or would you rather eat at a more normal 7 P.M. or so? (Consider we may want to visit a while after eating.)
Please make your thoughts known.
Hawk and his Mrs. are coming,
as are TC and Sharon,
TD and Cinders,
and Cissy and Leroy(?)
Didn't I also see that Echo and Shifty are coming?
Sara Jean and Greybeard will be there.
How 'bout you? Are you coming?
Friday forum again...
Lay a little lovin' on us!
Sara Jean chickened out.
The day prior to our scheduled procedure, BEFORE she had started drinking the tasty "GoLytely", she started having diarrhea and throwing up...
Nerves.
And rightfully so. She has a strong gag-reflex so I sincerely doubted her ability to get a gallon of that stuff in her. Heck, I truly doubted she could get a full glass of it in her.
So she called and told the folks what she was experiencing and they rescheduled her. We have now found that if she absolutely refuses to drink the GoLytely there is another way to get the job done... with a "Fleet Enema".(?)
I'll let ya know more when I know more.
But for those that have not already read the play-by-play and are interested, you can go here and maybe read more than you want to know on the subject. But let me re-emphasize here, if you are over 50 and have not yet had this procedure done, remember Farrah, (maybe unnecessarily) dead at 62.
Shift gears now...
I don't know about you, but this Man-made global warming is about to chill me to death! We have had jacket weather most nights for the last two weeks.
The cold is also delaying growth in our garden. Sweet corn is ready to pick, but the ears are small. Tomatoes are growing slowly and most have spots or other problems making the fruit look ugly.
We are looking forward to seeing a bunch of you on the 15th. What time do you want to meet at the Log Inn for dinner...
Want to beat the normal dinner crowd? Is 5 P.M. better, or would you rather eat at a more normal 7 P.M. or so? (Consider we may want to visit a while after eating.)
Please make your thoughts known.
Hawk and his Mrs. are coming,
as are TC and Sharon,
TD and Cinders,
and Cissy and Leroy(?)
Didn't I also see that Echo and Shifty are coming?
Sara Jean and Greybeard will be there.
How 'bout you? Are you coming?
Friday forum again...
Lay a little lovin' on us!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
TC, Birthday Boy
Today is TC's birthday!
(Sorry for the late posting, TC, but life has been quite a swirl!)
All together now...
"Happy Birthday to you...."
Hope your day was a good one my friend.
(Sorry for the late posting, TC, but life has been quite a swirl!)
All together now...
"Happy Birthday to you...."
Hope your day was a good one my friend.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Transfusion!
I had to think a while about embedding this video here...
It was popular in 1956, just about the time I really started paying attention to music. As a matter of fact, my interest in this stupid tune may have led to my paying closer attention to ALL music on the radio and elsewhere. But 1956? Who's gonna remember that? Some VK's weren't yet born!
Other novelty tunes come to mind:
"Purple People Eater",
"My Friend The Witch Doctor",
"The Monster Mash"...
And you can probably name several more. I thought they were goofy, but fun. Other than the song parodies by "Weird Al Yankovic" I can't think of many novelty tunes being produced today, and that seems a shame. We could sure use a little more goofiness in our lives, couldn't we?
Sara Jean lives with "Goofy" every day!
It's Friday...
What's goofy with you?
It was popular in 1956, just about the time I really started paying attention to music. As a matter of fact, my interest in this stupid tune may have led to my paying closer attention to ALL music on the radio and elsewhere. But 1956? Who's gonna remember that? Some VK's weren't yet born!
Other novelty tunes come to mind:
"Purple People Eater",
"My Friend The Witch Doctor",
"The Monster Mash"...
And you can probably name several more. I thought they were goofy, but fun. Other than the song parodies by "Weird Al Yankovic" I can't think of many novelty tunes being produced today, and that seems a shame. We could sure use a little more goofiness in our lives, couldn't we?
Sara Jean lives with "Goofy" every day!
It's Friday...
What's goofy with you?
Friday, July 10, 2009
The Fish Fry
Here we go again...
As a "Valley" guy, I'm beginning to be a little shy about telling stories that show how much more fun we had than those that lived elsewhere. But we DID have fun, and we knew we lived in a special place and LOVED it!
At about this time of year there would be a festival at the Smith Valley Community Center. I can remember a huge deep-fat fryer and lots and lots of delicious fresh fish being served there. Our family simply referred to this festival as "The Fish Fry", and it was a big deal-
Live music, lots of booths displaying arts and crafts and other doo-dads for sale. Games of chance...
The Fish Fry always drew a big crowd...
It was very much like a Mini-County Fair.
I remember one year they had a dunk-tank to raise money for charity. Diana D's Dad was the "monkey" in the tank. For a buck you got three baseballs to try to hit a lever that would drop the seat from beneath Diana's Dad and dunk him in a three-feet-deep reservoir below. It was a hot night and I remember thinking it might be refreshing to be dunked now and then, so I asked him if I could be the "dunkee".
I think he pulled a "Tom Sawyer" on me...
"Oh no, this is too much fun. I really don't want to give up the job."
But I begged, and he relented. I ran home and put on my swimming trunks. It only took about three or four dunkings for the "refreshing" dip to get old. I think I was the monkey for an hour or so before Diana's Dad took pity on me and sent me home to put my street clothes back on.
My memory of the Fish Fry was tweaked by Crown and Coke's comments about the Johnson County Fair this week. (By the by, how'd that go C&C?)
How long has it been since they had a festival at the old SVCC?
I know I'd gladly drive the distance home to attend one!
Okay, by now you know the routine-
It's Friday...
WHASSUP?
As a "Valley" guy, I'm beginning to be a little shy about telling stories that show how much more fun we had than those that lived elsewhere. But we DID have fun, and we knew we lived in a special place and LOVED it!
At about this time of year there would be a festival at the Smith Valley Community Center. I can remember a huge deep-fat fryer and lots and lots of delicious fresh fish being served there. Our family simply referred to this festival as "The Fish Fry", and it was a big deal-
Live music, lots of booths displaying arts and crafts and other doo-dads for sale. Games of chance...
The Fish Fry always drew a big crowd...
It was very much like a Mini-County Fair.
I remember one year they had a dunk-tank to raise money for charity. Diana D's Dad was the "monkey" in the tank. For a buck you got three baseballs to try to hit a lever that would drop the seat from beneath Diana's Dad and dunk him in a three-feet-deep reservoir below. It was a hot night and I remember thinking it might be refreshing to be dunked now and then, so I asked him if I could be the "dunkee".
I think he pulled a "Tom Sawyer" on me...
"Oh no, this is too much fun. I really don't want to give up the job."
But I begged, and he relented. I ran home and put on my swimming trunks. It only took about three or four dunkings for the "refreshing" dip to get old. I think I was the monkey for an hour or so before Diana's Dad took pity on me and sent me home to put my street clothes back on.
My memory of the Fish Fry was tweaked by Crown and Coke's comments about the Johnson County Fair this week. (By the by, how'd that go C&C?)
How long has it been since they had a festival at the old SVCC?
I know I'd gladly drive the distance home to attend one!
Okay, by now you know the routine-
It's Friday...
WHASSUP?
Friday, July 03, 2009
July 4th, 2009
It's a big weekend for us...
Big Bubba is coming home. We haven't seen him since we went out to Arizona in February, so absence has certainly made our hearts fonder. Monday is his birthday... he'll be 26. Time does fly, doesn't it?
He'll be here a week. We have all sorts of things we would like to do with him but we don't want to overdo...
So we'll make suggestions and allow him to make selections ala carte. One of the options is to go to St. Louis for the fireworks display. They do it REALLY BIG there...
They pull a barge out in the middle of the river in front of the Arch, and in front of hundreds of thousands of spectators on the Arch grounds, shoot fireworks from the barge for half an hour. I'm told these displays, sponsored by Macy's department stores, cost nearly a million dollars. I believe it too...
Unlike the displays we saw as kids, there is never a second where the sky doesn't have one, or several explosions entertaining you.
I have fuzzy memories now of going to the Meridian Drive-In theater on July 4th to watch the fireworks display there. I can't remember... did they shoot the fireworks between movies or at dusk?
We will have a good week catching up on life with our son. I hope your weekend will be a safe one, whatever your plans.
So what are your plans?
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Trial Balloon
We tried this once before and reality got in the way...Closed on Sundays, I didn't leave enough time for everyone to make plans.
Let's try again.
We're tentatively looking at 15 August. Several have indicated that day is open for them...
They won't be frolicking in Italy or attending a Doctoral graduation. It's far enough "out there" that you should available to come share with us.
So take a look, make a mark on your calendar, and give us some feedback.
It should be fun!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Guess who?
Just for fun!
The following celebrities all have something in common.
I’ve given their initials: Can you guess who they are and what they all have in common?
1. LP and ML ( Lisa Marie Presley & Michael Lockwood)
2. RR and JO (Rebecca Romijn & Jerry O'Connell)
3. JR and DM (Julia Roberts & Danny Moder: guessed by Ferdy)
4. JL and MA (Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony: guessed by GB)
5. AJ and BP (Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt: guessed by GB)
1st. clue: each numbered line contains 1 male and 1 female
2nd. clue: The male & female on each line are noted
as a "couple" (some married, some not)
3rd. clue: first set of initials in each line are female, second set are male
4th. clue: #1. ML = Michael Lockwood (celebrity by association)
The answer is: TWINS
They all had twins in 2008 except Julia Roberts who had hers in 2004.
The following celebrities all have something in common.
I’ve given their initials: Can you guess who they are and what they all have in common?
1. LP and ML ( Lisa Marie Presley & Michael Lockwood)
2. RR and JO (Rebecca Romijn & Jerry O'Connell)
3. JR and DM (Julia Roberts & Danny Moder: guessed by Ferdy)
4. JL and MA (Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony: guessed by GB)
5. AJ and BP (Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt: guessed by GB)
1st. clue: each numbered line contains 1 male and 1 female
2nd. clue: The male & female on each line are noted
as a "couple" (some married, some not)
3rd. clue: first set of initials in each line are female, second set are male
4th. clue: #1. ML = Michael Lockwood (celebrity by association)
The answer is: TWINS
They all had twins in 2008 except Julia Roberts who had hers in 2004.
Friday, June 26, 2009
A Wild Goose Chase
Just a quicky post so that those of you bustin' with news to share can do so...
I just finished with our annual "Goose Roundup". If you don't know what that is, I'll be back later to explain.
In the meantime, are you one of those that believe Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, and Ed McMahon are all chatting in another dimension now?
It's nice to think they might be.
More later.
Comment!
UPDATE:
If you are interested, details on the goose roundup are here, and here.
I just finished with our annual "Goose Roundup". If you don't know what that is, I'll be back later to explain.
In the meantime, are you one of those that believe Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, and Ed McMahon are all chatting in another dimension now?
It's nice to think they might be.
More later.
Comment!
UPDATE:
If you are interested, details on the goose roundup are here, and here.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
C.G. Teachers
Center Grove Art Teacher
Lloyd Ernest Huyser-Poston
Artist and educator, gardener and fine food aficionado, died on Friday, June 19, 2009. Born to Stanley and Gertrude Huyser in Holland, Michigan, on September 13, 1930, Lloyd graduated from Holland High School and earned a B.A. at Hope College, graduating as the first Art Major in the school’s history.
Lloyd’s education was interrupted by the Korean Conflict when he was inducted into the US Army and spent 1953-1955serving in the Far East with the C.I.A. Upon receiving an Honorable Discharge from the military, he moved to Indianapolis to attend John Herron School of Art, now part of Indiana University.
He began his formal career as an art educator, teaching at Floral Park High School, NYC, returning to Indiana a year later as he and his partner, Gene R. Poston, had decided to settle in Indianapolis. He continued his career in Art Education at Center Grove School Corporation, teaching in both the Middle School and High School.
He is survived by Gene R. Poston, his partner of over 52 years, his brother Earl Huyser, Ph.D. (Barbara) of Lawrence, Kansas, nieces and nephews and close friends Jack and Nancy Albright, Terry Lavering, and William G “Speed” Schumacher.
A Celebration of Lloyd’s Life will be held Saturday, June 27, 2009, at 11:00 am at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 West 38th Street, Indpls., IN. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. Lloyd’s partner of 52 years and his family and extended family express deep appreciation for the many comforting expressions of love and support.
Memorial contributions in Lloyd’s name may be made to the Gene R. Poston Legacy Foundation, care of the IPS Educational Foundation, which provides scholarships and musical instruments to students at Broad Ripple High School, Indianapolis.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
APB for The Joker
I am looking for that hilarious person that used to post so many great puzzles on our blog. It was a big hi lite of my week.
For some reason, the island has been having a resurge in her "Wicked Wahine" and I can't stop thinking about her and her many stories of her travels when I see a display. I keep imagining her story of tumbling in the waves and losing her swimsuit. I hope all is well with her and hope to hear more from her soon.
Happy Father's Day to all the daddys out there.
GH
For some reason, the island has been having a resurge in her "Wicked Wahine" and I can't stop thinking about her and her many stories of her travels when I see a display. I keep imagining her story of tumbling in the waves and losing her swimsuit. I hope all is well with her and hope to hear more from her soon.
Happy Father's Day to all the daddys out there.
GH
Friday, June 19, 2009
Our New Cell Phones
I hate cell phones, have I told you that before?
I hate talking on the telephone. Like most people I value my time and I hate when someone calls and distracts me from whatever task I'm accomplishing. (Send me an email, but don't waste my time with a "Forward"!)
But on a couple occasions having the cell phone at hand saved me enough money to pay for the thing for years, and on another occasion, being able to call 911 may actually have saved a life.
For me then, the cell phone is a "necessary evil".
The first one I owned was one of those "bag phones". Roughly the size of a football, I hated the handset, but since it was the only thing available at the time, I didn't mind the size of the thing...
Actually, losing it, as I often do my present cell phone, was an impossibility because of its size...
The term "elephant in the room" comes to mind. The phone transmitted and received telephone calls... that's all. (Cell phones are not telephones at all, they're radio transmitters.)
Now cell phones can download music. They can be miniature computers. They can be used as alarm clocks. They can bake a loaf of bread. (Just kidding. But don't suggest you'd like that feature or we may be back to "bag phone" size with some models.)
For reasons stated above the stupid devices have become a necessity, so some years back I bought one for Sara Jean. She loves to talk on the phone, so she's talking on hers most of her waking hours. With her Blue Tooth device she can do her work while she's chatting away, and SHE DOES.
For a number of reasons, we have never had the same model phone at the same time. That's good in one way... I never mistake her phone for mine. But it's bad in several ways, not the least of which is that when we travel we both have to remember to carry our individual chargers for our dissimilar phones.
Yesterday I rectified that. I bought one of these for each of us... hers is the color shown, mine in basic black so we don't confuse them.
These phones have all sorts of features we'll probably never use, (I'll check to see if they bake bread), but I'm slowly but surely being dragged into the 21st Century and may need the ability to access my email on the road soon. This phone will allow me to do that.
I'm getting ready to retire. Can someone please explain to me why life continues to get more and more complicated as I/we get older?
Now, a challenge for you...
It's Friday "Vandy's Forum" time...
Tell us something that is irritating you, then tell us a something good in your life, IN THAT ORDER!
Me? I've got a leak in an upstairs bathroom soaking the floor in my office I have to chase down.
But next week I'll be chasing geese with the Dept. of Natural Resources biologists... always a hoot.
Now, it's your turn.
I hate talking on the telephone. Like most people I value my time and I hate when someone calls and distracts me from whatever task I'm accomplishing. (Send me an email, but don't waste my time with a "Forward"!)
But on a couple occasions having the cell phone at hand saved me enough money to pay for the thing for years, and on another occasion, being able to call 911 may actually have saved a life.
For me then, the cell phone is a "necessary evil".
The first one I owned was one of those "bag phones". Roughly the size of a football, I hated the handset, but since it was the only thing available at the time, I didn't mind the size of the thing...
Actually, losing it, as I often do my present cell phone, was an impossibility because of its size...
The term "elephant in the room" comes to mind. The phone transmitted and received telephone calls... that's all. (Cell phones are not telephones at all, they're radio transmitters.)
Now cell phones can download music. They can be miniature computers. They can be used as alarm clocks. They can bake a loaf of bread. (Just kidding. But don't suggest you'd like that feature or we may be back to "bag phone" size with some models.)
For reasons stated above the stupid devices have become a necessity, so some years back I bought one for Sara Jean. She loves to talk on the phone, so she's talking on hers most of her waking hours. With her Blue Tooth device she can do her work while she's chatting away, and SHE DOES.
For a number of reasons, we have never had the same model phone at the same time. That's good in one way... I never mistake her phone for mine. But it's bad in several ways, not the least of which is that when we travel we both have to remember to carry our individual chargers for our dissimilar phones.
Yesterday I rectified that. I bought one of these for each of us... hers is the color shown, mine in basic black so we don't confuse them.
These phones have all sorts of features we'll probably never use, (I'll check to see if they bake bread), but I'm slowly but surely being dragged into the 21st Century and may need the ability to access my email on the road soon. This phone will allow me to do that.
I'm getting ready to retire. Can someone please explain to me why life continues to get more and more complicated as I/we get older?
Now, a challenge for you...
It's Friday "Vandy's Forum" time...
Tell us something that is irritating you, then tell us a something good in your life, IN THAT ORDER!
Me? I've got a leak in an upstairs bathroom soaking the floor in my office I have to chase down.
But next week I'll be chasing geese with the Dept. of Natural Resources biologists... always a hoot.
Now, it's your turn.
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