Saturday, November 30, 2013
I know that I shall never see...
Some would call it excessive. Some may call it ostentatious. Most just shake their heads. I speak of the 35 lighted Christmas trees inside and out! When it comes to Christmas, I have always believed that nothing succeeds like excess! There's just something entrancing to me about the play of light on tree and wall and sky. And so the palette changes from area to area. Multi lights in the back...different shades, different hues. Monochrome in the front, a study in red. And inside? Variety is the spice of life! Blue in one room, red in another, and an amazing amalgam designed by the lady of the house on floor two! It is a joint venture, and one enjoyed by both. But each year takes a little longer. Could it be an increase in decoration? I think not. Just an increase in age...yet another reason to celebrate the season! So while we can, we'll light the trees and celebrate life! And share with you our love!
Friday, November 29, 2013
Spelled out in lights
Tonight was the annual lighted Christmas parade. It's a fun event that seems to light up more than just the floats! This year, I had the honor to act as Grand Marshall! It was a hoot. I climbed out the passenger side window of the vehicle they provided, sat on the window ledge and did the wave thing. Several young spectators called me Santa. I think it had something to do with the white beard and the Santa hat! It was a recognition that I truly don't deserve but appreciate. Along the route were an amazing number of familiar faces, all wishing me Merry Christmas. I reciprocated. It was on the way to the nursing home that a young man broke out of the crowd, came over and gave me a huge hug. He was a former student with whom I keep in contact on Facebook. The gesture took me so by surprise, I almost forgot to wish him a happy holiday. In one simple contact, he reminded me why I so thoroughly enjoyed my 34 years in the school system! It was one of those moments that transcends the crappy pay, the long hours, and the political crap that comes with the job. The thank you in that hug spoke more than any possible reward, and will be my greatest Christmas treasure this year. He lit my parade, and for this, I am once again humbled. Life is good, and you are loved!
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Allow me to introduce...
If you have happened on this blog indiscriminately (you have nothing better to do and you can't believe someone actually does this every day of the year!) or you are one of my few but powerful regulars, I want today to introduce you (reintroduce you) to the city of Watertown.
If you are lucky enough to have grown up here, upon your departure, I truly believe you left with two things...first, an education that has prepared you to enter the world knowing both what's out there and what isn't, and the ability to reason, mathmacate, discern and in some cases perform. While we are not the best educational system in the world, we rank right up there with the most caring professionals--from the former student who serves now as superintendent to the educators who teach with a fervor and love for both their subject area and their students. I can truthfully says I've been there, done that! I know of what I speak. Second, you come from a community that cares about you. The support of all that is Arrow is amazing! And you don't have to be a Polak (that would be Virg Polak, the largest Arrow supporter of all!) to recognize what that support can do! Second, you leave with the realization that you can come home again. Watertown would be/is an amazing place to raise a family. Thomas Wolfe, eat your heart out!
If you have been lucky enough to come here to further your education, all I can say is wow! There are only three other two year institutions that can claim they are in the top four in the nation! LATI deserves both the accolades and the reputation. The Mount Marty local presence allows for personalization of education and a staff that supports and promotes its students.
If you have been lucky enough to visit here, you would find the world class Terry Redlin Art Museum. You would find an amazing network of parks. You would find golf courses, frisbee golf courses, lakes (yes, lakes, plural), and a people who welcome you with a smile, an answer to how to get there, and a willingness to see to your every need.
But it's the Thanks Giving that most impresses me. We are a "middle class" community--some would say blue collar. And yet, every year, we manage to give over a million dollars to charitable institutions. Drive down highway 212 and notice how close to the top the United Way heart is. That's $700,000 in giving. Attend such activities as the Arrow Education Harvest Festival, the Make-A-Wish banquet, or the LATI Festival of the Trees, and you see an amazing number of people opening their pocket books and their hearts for those less fortunate, those deserving individuals. Listen to the tintinnabulation (Sorry, Mr. Poe) of the Salvation Army Bells at Christmas and notice the smiles on the faces of those who contribute, and you quickly realize we are truly a community that puts its money where its heart is. I like to say we give until if feels good. And isn't that what today is all about? Oh sure, there's the turkey and the pecan pie, but Watertown truly puts its thanks into its giving.
From here? Just a reminder? Looking for a place to move? We're ready. Looking for a place to visit, we're ready. Just looking for something different to read, well, you found it! I'm TRULY THANKFUL for you! And know you are loved!
If you are lucky enough to have grown up here, upon your departure, I truly believe you left with two things...first, an education that has prepared you to enter the world knowing both what's out there and what isn't, and the ability to reason, mathmacate, discern and in some cases perform. While we are not the best educational system in the world, we rank right up there with the most caring professionals--from the former student who serves now as superintendent to the educators who teach with a fervor and love for both their subject area and their students. I can truthfully says I've been there, done that! I know of what I speak. Second, you come from a community that cares about you. The support of all that is Arrow is amazing! And you don't have to be a Polak (that would be Virg Polak, the largest Arrow supporter of all!) to recognize what that support can do! Second, you leave with the realization that you can come home again. Watertown would be/is an amazing place to raise a family. Thomas Wolfe, eat your heart out!
If you have been lucky enough to come here to further your education, all I can say is wow! There are only three other two year institutions that can claim they are in the top four in the nation! LATI deserves both the accolades and the reputation. The Mount Marty local presence allows for personalization of education and a staff that supports and promotes its students.
If you have been lucky enough to visit here, you would find the world class Terry Redlin Art Museum. You would find an amazing network of parks. You would find golf courses, frisbee golf courses, lakes (yes, lakes, plural), and a people who welcome you with a smile, an answer to how to get there, and a willingness to see to your every need.
But it's the Thanks Giving that most impresses me. We are a "middle class" community--some would say blue collar. And yet, every year, we manage to give over a million dollars to charitable institutions. Drive down highway 212 and notice how close to the top the United Way heart is. That's $700,000 in giving. Attend such activities as the Arrow Education Harvest Festival, the Make-A-Wish banquet, or the LATI Festival of the Trees, and you see an amazing number of people opening their pocket books and their hearts for those less fortunate, those deserving individuals. Listen to the tintinnabulation (Sorry, Mr. Poe) of the Salvation Army Bells at Christmas and notice the smiles on the faces of those who contribute, and you quickly realize we are truly a community that puts its money where its heart is. I like to say we give until if feels good. And isn't that what today is all about? Oh sure, there's the turkey and the pecan pie, but Watertown truly puts its thanks into its giving.
From here? Just a reminder? Looking for a place to move? We're ready. Looking for a place to visit, we're ready. Just looking for something different to read, well, you found it! I'm TRULY THANKFUL for you! And know you are loved!
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
What better way to say thanks?
It is my humble opinion that there are several ways to say thank you. Some do it with flowers. Some do it with cards. Some do it with a handshake, a hug, or a kiss. Me? I do it in the kitchen.Taking the time to prepare a meal for the people you love has always worked as a way to say Thank You! To my relatives, thank you for not disinheriting me. To my friends, thank you for putting up with my idiosyncrasies. To my wife, thank you for not killing me when you see the mess I have made in both kitchens! For me, nothing is more heartfelt than fresh home-built buns to use for that left-over turkey sandwich. Pecan pie and carrot cake say so much more than a simple card. And I can't begin to tell you how much better mashed potatoes, dressing, and gravy are than a hand shake. Granted, nothing is going to top the hug and kiss, but a really good cranberry salad comes close! We are born with certain talents. We learn to develop others. I was born with the drive and desire to cook, and have had fun learning how to hone in on that desire. I still have flops. I still screw things up. I have had to throw turkeys away because they were spoiled. I have had lumpy mashed potatoes and dry dressing. I never know what the pecan pie will do, but the carrot cake? It's a sure thing! Put cream cheese frosting on anything and it works! I guess what I'm saying is this. If cooking is your thing, say thanks to someone today. If eating is more your thing, say thanks to the powers that be that some of your friends love to cook! And maybe take them a nice bottle of wine on occasion! It's a thought. And if I could, I would be feeding each and everyone of you right now to say thanks for reading, and know you are loved!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Another bus trip, another rhyme
Once again, the rhyming old fart has traveled, and the result appears below! Wish you could have joined us!
It's been five days, they've quickly passed
We've done a lot and done it fast.
In miles to go, it's just a few
The perfect time for quick review.
A Friday's day, 11/22
We board the bus, this motley crew
And head on down the road due south
We've got some age, oh shut my mouth.
We eat and drink and sleep a bit
Let driver dan work while we sit
An evening spent at drury keep
Overland Park is where we sleep.
Day two
Then back on road to Branson head
We stop for nuts! That's what I said
You would have thought; it's not that tough;
On bus like this we had enough!
O'donnell, Dan, is where we start
It's ballads true straight from the heart
Then arrow pierce for evening show
True energy through them does flow
(Recap is fine, the day will do
We sing it's praise...hono lulu!)
Then off to bed perchance to sleep
Whilst mem'ries dear, of songs we keep
On day the next an extra treat
No doubt in mind it will be sweet!
Day three
It's up and gone, no pow! No bam!
We've lots to learn. Can you say dam?
Then on to taste the fruit Devine
In bottled form they call it wine.
Then tenors twelve, this afternoon
Some listen well, some just do swoon
For me the highlight I would note
Alleluia truly floats my boat!
Clay Cooper rounds the ev'ning out
With cast quite large, Life's all about
Just having fun! enough's been said
It's time to rest my little head.
Day four
We say goodbye with fam'ly Brett
More Christmas need? Well don't you fret
This family rocks! They're out of sight
For me? Goose bumps! O Holy Night.
At Evans Bob we stop for lunch
'Twas more than just a lucky hunch
To know who ate the last pot pie
Jimbo's his name now he must die!
Salvation looms, I have no pride
The fact is this, I will not hide
One of our group did leave some crust
I snitched a bite, now that's called trust!
Back on the bus and headed north
The sky is gray, no rain comes forth
We must be full, I hear no peep
A perfect time for all to sleep!
But two more stops are ours to use
Cheese and chocolate do bemuse
Our myst'ry tour does prove it's worth,
Our wallets light...increase our girth
Then supper stop...instinct feral
Replenishing...Cracker Barrel
The off we go, with stomach full
But pie is nice, that ain't no bull!!
Day five
The carpet red does see us off
To comfort inn our hats we doff.
With mem'ries fond, it's off we roam
The end result is home sweet home
That brings us here...full circle done
Ere off the bus when all will run
Our voices raise within the ranks
To Shirley, dan we give great thanks
For safely getting us around
For planning things: for lights and sound
For making this a time of joy
For every girl and every boy
And to bus comrades, now our friends,
May you find peace that never ends
Good trip? No myst'ry to unravel
It all depends with whom you travel!
It's with great truth, no jokes no pranks
That in this season of great thanks
KXLG, the Zubke's too
With heartfelt joy say we love you!
Honolulu, and Happy travels!
It's been five days, they've quickly passed
We've done a lot and done it fast.
In miles to go, it's just a few
The perfect time for quick review.
A Friday's day, 11/22
We board the bus, this motley crew
And head on down the road due south
We've got some age, oh shut my mouth.
We eat and drink and sleep a bit
Let driver dan work while we sit
An evening spent at drury keep
Overland Park is where we sleep.
Day two
Then back on road to Branson head
We stop for nuts! That's what I said
You would have thought; it's not that tough;
On bus like this we had enough!
O'donnell, Dan, is where we start
It's ballads true straight from the heart
Then arrow pierce for evening show
True energy through them does flow
(Recap is fine, the day will do
We sing it's praise...hono lulu!)
Then off to bed perchance to sleep
Whilst mem'ries dear, of songs we keep
On day the next an extra treat
No doubt in mind it will be sweet!
Day three
It's up and gone, no pow! No bam!
We've lots to learn. Can you say dam?
Then on to taste the fruit Devine
In bottled form they call it wine.
Then tenors twelve, this afternoon
Some listen well, some just do swoon
For me the highlight I would note
Alleluia truly floats my boat!
Clay Cooper rounds the ev'ning out
With cast quite large, Life's all about
Just having fun! enough's been said
It's time to rest my little head.
Day four
We say goodbye with fam'ly Brett
More Christmas need? Well don't you fret
This family rocks! They're out of sight
For me? Goose bumps! O Holy Night.
At Evans Bob we stop for lunch
'Twas more than just a lucky hunch
To know who ate the last pot pie
Jimbo's his name now he must die!
Salvation looms, I have no pride
The fact is this, I will not hide
One of our group did leave some crust
I snitched a bite, now that's called trust!
Back on the bus and headed north
The sky is gray, no rain comes forth
We must be full, I hear no peep
A perfect time for all to sleep!
But two more stops are ours to use
Cheese and chocolate do bemuse
Our myst'ry tour does prove it's worth,
Our wallets light...increase our girth
Then supper stop...instinct feral
Replenishing...Cracker Barrel
The off we go, with stomach full
But pie is nice, that ain't no bull!!
Day five
The carpet red does see us off
To comfort inn our hats we doff.
With mem'ries fond, it's off we roam
The end result is home sweet home
That brings us here...full circle done
Ere off the bus when all will run
Our voices raise within the ranks
To Shirley, dan we give great thanks
For safely getting us around
For planning things: for lights and sound
For making this a time of joy
For every girl and every boy
And to bus comrades, now our friends,
May you find peace that never ends
Good trip? No myst'ry to unravel
It all depends with whom you travel!
It's with great truth, no jokes no pranks
That in this season of great thanks
KXLG, the Zubke's too
With heartfelt joy say we love you!
Honolulu, and Happy travels!
Monday, November 25, 2013
The joys of technology
As an elder statesperson (rough translation, old fart) I find myself more connected to those around me. When I can find it and remember to turn it on, I'm never more than a quick chorus of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" away from that extremely important phone call. As long as I can figure out how to connect to wi-fi, those incredulously important updates are at my fingertips! Those would be two pretty large ifs! I'm more than skeptical most of the time about what this technology is doing to our social and communications skills. It's like an addiction. If I can't check Facebook, I'm upset! But then the debater in me clicks in and I realize there are two sides to every issue. For example, Cath just found a turkey recipe for gourmet club and through screen shots, links, and a twitter account, it now resides on my computer. I must remember to write her an e to thank her for it. Oh wait, she's sitting right next to me. I can just call!
Talk to someone today. Jot them a snail-mail note. Or just go for coffee. Put it on your Google calendar! And both in cyber space and real time, know you are loved!
Talk to someone today. Jot them a snail-mail note. Or just go for coffee. Put it on your Google calendar! And both in cyber space and real time, know you are loved!
Sunday, November 24, 2013
You make me feel so...
Part of this retirement thing has to be the ability to pick up and go, and that is exactly what we're doing. Perhaps never has the name of this blog been more appropriate. We're doing Branson by bus, and we're on the go. Branson was a sleepy little community until...now, it is tourist Mecca extraordinaire. Population without tourists? 11000. With tourists? 100000000000000000. Most of whom make me feel like a young buck again. Okay, I was never really a young buck...more like a young pup...but that's another blog! Family entertainment still exists! I have seen two shows where it was not necessary to use shock value words to capture attention! It's been a long time since I've been able to say that! I'm not prudish. I know the words. I use the words! It's just nice to know that those who do object have a place to go! Now, it's time for breakfast, a quick tour of the Ozarks (well at least some of them)' a little wine tasting, and two more shows! Life continues to be an adventure not to be missed! Cherish every minute, and always remember...you are loved!
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