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Greetings, Quotaholics:
April 27, 1973 was a rainy, rainy day in Elyria, Ohio. It was the Friday
after Easter. We woke up to rain and it rained all day. All. Day. At
5 pm on that day, our wedding started and the reception was held immediately
after.
We were impossibly
young and terribly naïve. My new husband had served is the United
States Marine Corps for two years and we met shortly after his discharge.
He had signed up for two years, a hard time, and Vietnam. He got the
two years and hard time, but a Colonel who appreciated his typing skills,
kept Dick stateside and working in the office.
We had no idea what was ahead of us, but who does? I was barely twenty
and my newly minted husband was twenty-three. As most 20 somethings,
we thought we knew everything.
I was a nursing student, my husband was working as a manager in a small
grocery store and going to school on the GI Bill. We lived frugally,
but managed to squeak by. We rented a duplex from our boss, assuring
our employment if nothing else. I made all the curtains, our home was
cozy.
We moved from there to a mobile home 14 x 65 feet with an expended living
room. Our first son was born there making him trailer trash. He was
born 27 days early and didn’t have toenails yet. But we somehow all
managed to make it through. He was 13 weeks old when I finished up my
nursing program. He stayed with his Nana while I went south for two
days to take (and pass) my licensing board. I was now an RN.
Dick switched jobs and began working for a welding supply company and
I stayed home for the first year, babysitting my niece while my older
sister taught fourth grade. For a while, I had two kids under a year
old, but on completely different schedules. The next summer, I went
to work while my sister babysat our son. We purchased our first house.
Dick moved to a larger international welding supply company.
A few years later, our second son was born. Two kids are so much more
than twice the work of one kid. But we had great neighbors and it all
turned out to be a wonderful way to raise a couple kids. Dick was transferred
across the state and so we all packed up and moved south. Another lucky
break. Our new neighborhood was as wonderful as our first one. It was
a wonderful place to raise a couple kids.
I switched from working Med/Surg to working ICU/CCU and from there moved
to OR. Dick kept moving up the ranks and was manager of three different
locations. All this eventually got on his last nerve and we opted to
move back north and he would once again work in the national headquarters.
We packed up and moved again.
We built a new home and finally could move in. We had one son in college
and one son still at home. Four days after moving into our new home,
Dick’s job vanished with a restructuring of the company. They found
a new position for him inside the company, but it entailed lots and
lots of traveling. He worked out of New York City one year and out of
Boston another. He was home most weekends, but not always. Traveling
around the country was irritating to us both.
I had quit my job as a nurse after working in a horrible hospital. I
became a data entry person for a while and decided to go back to school
to get a degree in computer crap. I got my second degree 25 years after
the first. I began teaching, first high school kids and then eventually
moved to grade school kids. Our younger son graduated from high school
and moved around the country and became the quintessential boomerang
baby. His brother had moved to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina
after graduating from college.
Once again, we transferred with my husband’s job and ended up in South
Carolina. Very convenient and definitely planned. By then both sons
were in South Carolina and we were grandparents. Living closer to our
only grandchild had allure.
Dick’s company sold off his portion of the business and within a year,
he was out of a job. In just a few months, his old company hired him
back with all seniority intact. He has since worked out of the house.
We have four grandchildren now, two boys and two girls. Our children
all live around Hilton Head Island, but our older son just recently
moved off-island into his own newly built house.
When we moved to South Carolina, I did not go back to teaching or nursing,
but worked at various small jobs. I’m now working part-time for a couple
financial advisors. I’m the secretary and get to have fun at work. Dick
is hoping to retire soon, some days even sooner.
Those fresh eyed kids grew up and got old. They had a life they never
expected with good and bad things happening throughout the decades.
We would never have guessed the adventures ahead back in 1973, but it’s
been a fun trip overall.
My sweet, darling, patient, kind, funny, loving husband - it’s been
worth it. I’m glad we got married, I’m glad we stayed married.
Your loving wife,
Comment
On This Article |
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| Today’s
Quotes |
“Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right
mate, but through being the right mate.” - Barnett R. Brickner
“I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person
you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” - Rita Rudner
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| Today’s
Chuckle |
New Car
[Thanks dEE]
A Florida senior citizen
drove his brand new Corvette convertible out of the dealership.
Taking off down the road, he pushed it to 80 mph, enjoying the wind
blowing through what little hair he had left. “Amazing,” he thought
as he flew down I-75, pushing the pedal even more. Looking in his rear
view mirror, he saw a Florida State Trooper, blue lights flashing and
siren blaring. He floored it to 100 mph, then 110, then 120.
Suddenly he thought, “What am I doing? I’m too old for this!” and pulled
over to await the trooper’s arrival. Pulling in behind him, the trooper
got out of his vehicle and walked up to the Corvette. He looked at his
watch, then said, “Sir, my shift ends in 30 minutes. Today is Friday.
If you can give me a new reason for speeding–a reason I’ve never before
heard–I’ll let you go.”
The old gentleman paused then said: “Three years ago, my wife ran off
with a Florida State Trooper. I thought you were bringing her back.”
“Have a good day, Sir,” replied the trooper.
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| Life
Sentences |
“A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is braver five minutes
longer.”
“Don’t be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an
experiment. The more experiments you make the better.”
“I hate quotations. Tell me what you know.” – all from Ralph Waldo Emerson,
American essayist, who died on this day in 1882
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| Image’n
That! |
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Left
Ain’t Bad Either!
[Thanks Tesser]
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| My
Most Embarrassing Moment
My Scariest Moment |
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Speak right up!
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| Cliff’s
Notes
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Virtual
In the past 10 years, this one word has brought one thing to mind; something
intangible and usually something that exists only online. This
took on more of a interactive relationship with people and games.
The term "virtual reality" joined the vernacular around the
time of the movie "Tron" way back in 1982.
It became more of a popular term as the populace gained access to the
Internet. Chat rooms replaced BBS (bulletin board services). Some
even allowed for an avatar which purported to represent the individual
to which you were conversing. To identify the difference between
reality and what was being publicly described, the term virtual was
again revived to differentiate between the two, as there often was a
major gap between the them.
Geocaching took on the term as well. Most geocaches would require
some type of container, large or very small, to be placed where the
finder would sign a log as proof they actually found the cache.
Tthere were many spots where something worthy of a visit was there,
but the placement of a container was either impossible, or impractical.
Government facilities, public attractions, and locations where "muggles"
were in great abundance all make it difficult to place a container.
Some are prohibited due to property owner stipulations. Even in
public accessible private property, some property owners are afraid
of liability issues and decline the opportunity to place caches on their
property.
These locations were adopted as "virtual
caches" where the only requirements were to answer some questions
about the location and/or take a picture of yourself at the attraction.
The questions would usually be answered by some site-specific reference
that could be obtained only by being there. Sometimes these answers
had nothing to do with the attraction, but were only for verification
purposes. For example, the picture would be of the cacher and
the attraction, then the question could be how many steps it took to
go from the parking area to the observation point. There were
usually several questions involved.
Geocaching.com
stopped allowing virtual caches as they were being abused. People
were making virtual caches of obscure things just to get more caches
credited to their account. A hand-carved totem pole in someone’s
yard became a virtual cache even though it was neither authentic, nor
was properly depicted. An antique milk jug on some porch somewhere
became a virtual cache. A comical face hung on a tree became
a virtual cache. They were simply just somewhere to stop rather
than being something worthy of notice.
Groundspeak,
the official entity operating the most popular geocaching reference
site, allowed others to take on virtual caches. Terracaching.com
was created to incorporate these caches. A wide variety of virtual
caches were created there, some of which no personal visit is even required
to get a "find". Some can be claimed by answering questions
after locating the spot via Google
Earth or other computer application. Groundspeak
did establish a sister site to address virtual caches, and other cache
types they no longer would allow. Virtual caches were adopted
into Waymarking.com.
Neither site, however, reflects finds in these other sites as finds
for geocaching statistic purposes, but some additional categories of
caches were created, including "scavenger hunts".
Groundspeak has indicated they may allow virtual caches again
at some point. Because of the large amount of physical caches
that were removed when property owners objected to them, the need for
virtual caches has increased. However, the new virtual caches
will be governed by a specific set of guidelines similar to earthcaches.
When virtual caches are again permitted in geocaching, they will count
in geocaching statistics, but will be reviewed for content and appropriateness
before they are approved.
Here’s your quiz:
Do you have an attraction near you that you would like the world know
about?
What would you consider a proper attraction type to highlight?
Would you be concerned about people stopping to take pictures of something
near where you live?
Virtual - Not A Young Blonde Female With Blue Eyes And Large Attributes
Cliff (the High-Tech Redneck who doesn’t rate a fancy ’signature pic’)
Comment
on this article |
Kirsten’s
Krazy Kaleidoscope |
Kirsten is busy planning her wedding that is to take place on this coming
Saturday. It seems she would prefer to plan a party than write
for us. What do you feel about this? Do you feel she is
shirking her duties? Do you feel like it’s about time for a good
party somewhere, even if you aren’t invited? Or do you feel this
may be one of those "all about me" situations?
Ghost Writer
Comment
On This Article |
| Lucille’s
Lunacy |
The best man and maid of honor were stewed to the gills. They both gave
their toasts, and that was good for a nanosecond of entertainment. Next
the family put on one of those skits where the intent was to embarrass
the guests and the newlyweds. I couldn’t read my book because my table
was closest to the stage, and even I have some manners. Finally that torment
was over, and everyone settled into a low murmur while we waited for the
cake to be brought forward so the couple could take the first cut, and smear
each other’s faces with it. Again, I had to stop reading, and I was even to
a good part in my book.
My driver and I were finally able to escape without giving offense. I
had resisted several urges to smoke, and felt I was deserving of a purple
heart for my bravery. As we left the venue, I was grateful for its no
smoking policy. If smoking had been allowed, it might have ruined my resolve.
In that situation, I think a non-nicotine e-cig would have made all the
difference in the world. The only thing that might have been better is
if the bride and groom had eloped, and just sent me a card to announce
their nuptials.
Comment On
This Article |
| Poet-Tree |
That was fun. Let’s try another one.
Next opening line…
My son ran away with the _______…
Hints:
Here’s a great new rhyming/composition tool. http://www.writerhymes.com/
There’s also a great rhyming dictionary at http://www.rhymezone.com/
Limerick rules. http://freespace.virgin.net/merrick.sheldon/limerickrules.htm
Submit
Opening Line
Submit
Limerick
My
mother told me I was late
The truth of this I can’t negate
Intending to rush ahead,
I failed and just stayed in bed
And so missed another first date.
Maria in Illinois |
My
mother told me I was bad
the worst child she’d ever had
so I packed my bags
and said "See ya’ you hag"
to which she replied "I am so glad". - Cassandra in
New York |
My mother told me
I was a girl
As my hair, she attempted to curl
But when I put on my dress
I looked such a mess
It really made me want to hurl. - Bonnie |
My mother told me
I was dumb
as I sat there and pulled out a plumb.
How did she know
that I was so slow?
Was it cause I sucked on my thumb? - ldo |
My mother told me
I was wrong
for wearing to school my new thong.
I argued with her
that was for sure.
Too bad I had sung the wrong song. - ldo |
I think this is a
bunch of slop
The Easter bunny just did not stop
Last week at my house.
I guess it seems that louse
Is not into eggs but now hip-hop. - E. Cole Aye |
The Fed’s tax rate’s
breaking our backs
Yet the Feds wants to tax to the max
In the last tax package
They’ll tax our johns’ usage.
It’s called the "doing business" tax. - E. Cole Aye |
Great wisdom I wish
to espouse
Without my sounding too high-brow
I say let the chips rest
Where they may - unless
You’re walking behind a herd of cows. - E. Cole Aye |
I sit here as my
mind meanders
Thinking of the earths’ many wonders
I realize how popcorn
Did come to be "born" -
It was created by Kernel Sanders. - E. Cole Aye |
In honor of Dr Who
returning to BBC America this past weekend:
There was a man of Gallafrey
Who was dressed in the oddest way
You’d thought him a fool,
said "Bowties are cool"
Yet he was here to save the day. |
He travelled in his
big blue box,
And with his "Sonic" to pick locks.
Off to have some fun,
With his companion
And back before the clock tick-tocks. |
From Daleks to the
Cybermen
He saved us all yet once again.
A crack in the wall?
No problem at all!
The Doctor, the last of his kin. - Tony in Richmond |
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Reader Comments
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Re: Westboro Baptist
I don’t believe
it to be wrong at all what the folks in Mississippi did. Hate groups
like the westboro crowd are nothing more that pure evil, disturbing
the families of fallen warriors like they do. I applaud the people
of that town for doing what they did. Kevin in Texas
I agree with you
assessment that although funny and seemingly appropriate it was probably
wrong. But there is one significant difference to what happened here
and incidents in the ’60’s. The protesters left unsuccessful, but
alive.
Just
my husband and my first thoughts on reading this. - kel
Mike asked, "Don’t
we chip away, just a little, at the very freedoms we put so much faith
in when we let another group be treated this way?"
Absolutely. But all freedoms are not unrestricted; my freedom to swing
my fist ends where your nose begins. There is a time and place for
everything, and there are times and places where things ought not
to be. Some times a little sacrifice of freedom is good for the community
at large - not often, but sometimes. [From a very liberal guy.] -
Ray in Port Washington
Mike
asked, "Don’t we chip away, just a little, at the very freedoms
we put so much faith in when we let another group be treated this
way?"
Do we not also lose freedoms when we let the bullies win? When we
allow ourselves to be intimidated? I know it’s a thin line to balance
upon, but…
With all rights come responsibilities, and the WBC, who clearly have
no intention of shouldering these responsibilties, don’t deserve to
be treated as civilised human beings. Using religious conviction as
a smoke shield is one of the oldest scare tactics in the world, and
one of the least worthy.
Saying anything more would just be repetition in different clothes.
- Gyppo
When the Yankees went south
to fight segregation, they were part of a huge, worldwide community
working for justice. The Westboro incident was an example of fighting
mischief with mischief, in hopes of avoiding a violent confrontation.
So far, so good. Everyone is still getting heard. - Bob of the North
I’m sure
you’ve heard the expression, “The freedom to swing your
fist ends at my nose.” I’m sure you’re also aware
that freedom of speech doesn’t give you the right to yell “Fire”
in a public place. I view this situation similarly. With freedoms
and privileges come responsibilities, including common sense and decency.
These people are exercising neither and frankly deserve whatever befalls
them. I’m actually pretty impressed with the people of this
town; I’m not sure I would have been able to behave with such
restraint. - Robert from Southern California
How different are the townsfolk
of Brandon, Mississippi, from the kid who recently body-slammed the
bully who had been harassing him for the past several years or the
people of Skidmore, Missouri. Over the course of his life Ken McElroy
was accused of dozens of felonies, including pedophilia, rape, arson,
cattle rustling, and burglary. In all, he was prosecuted 22 times,
but escaped conviction on all but the last. In 1981, McElroy was convicted
of wounding the town’s 70-year-old grocer, Bo Bowenkamp, the previous
year. But McElroy successfully appealed the conviction and was released
on bond, after which he appeared in a local bar, the D&G Tavern,
armed with a semi-automatic military rifle and bayonet, and threatened
to kill Bowenkamp. The next day, McElroy was shot to death in broad
daylight while he sat with his wife Trena in his pickup truck on Skidmore’s
main street. Evidence indicated that he was struck by bullets from
at least two weapons, in front of a crowd of people estimated to be
between 30 and 45. No one was ever charged with McElroy’s death.
I’d say when the law will not do justice for victims of bullies, people
are going to step up and do it themselves, be it right or wrong.
And we will sit back and cheer either out loud or secretly.
I’d say those Westboro people should be glad they weren’t treated
like Ken McElroy. - Noella
I can’t figure
out why all local governments aren’t enacting Ordinances declaring
cemeteries Quiet Zones and requiring protesters to register, with
Rules about where they can stand and how loud they can be. They do
this for all sorts of other activities. Courts have upheld where strikers
may stand, how close to abortion clinics, schools and hospitals people
( including the media) can be who really have no direct business with
the occupants of a place. - Nancy L in Ohio
Do not the Local Yokel’s
have every right to protest the Outside Agitators protest? I do agree
that the Westboro people have a right to free speech, though I wish
they would use that right in a less disrespectful way. However in
this case, (if the story is true at all) the stunts the Locals pulled
didn’t cause any physical harm. It was only designed to frustrate
the Westboro folks. I’ve been frustrated plenty of times. I’m sure
I’ve frustrated others. It’s not illegal. It’s not harmful. No harm,
no foul. - L&K, herm
We have laws against
hate crimes in this country. The young man who filmed his roommate
in a homosexual act which precipitated the filmed man’s suicide was
charged with a hate crime and can be severely punished for it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hate_crime_laws_in_the_United_States
I don’t see it a perversion of the system for locals to out-protest
the protesters at funerals. - Patti
Re:
Vista
Cliff asked, "What
did you witness that simply took your breath away?"
Other than witnessing the birth of my 2 sons, the best vista I have
seen was on a mountain top in Vietnam. As far as I coud see was a
carpet of white clouds below me, with dozens of mountain peaks poking
their heads above to receive the sun.
"Do you prefer being down low looking up, or the other way
around?"
Absolutely down looking up! Not too far to fall that way.
"If there was a place you could visit, whether you have or
really can doesn’t matter, where would it be?"
1) Standing on top of the North Pole. 2) Riding the Trans-Siberian
railroad the entire length (5,753 miles). - ldo
1) Witnessed that
took my breath away…..Launch of a Saturn V rocket
2) Prefer…Down looking up…Actually, I prefer "in the moment."
3) Place to visit….Space - Mike J.
I sucked in my breath. .
Awe-struck would better describe a scene that will never leave my
mind. The plane was circling for a landing in Anchorage just as the
sun lifted enough to send a shaft of light down mountainsides into
the coastal city. The mountains were majestically purple. The city
looked carved from alabaster. "America the Beautiful" sang
in my mind. - Nancy L in Ohio
Re:
Graceful
I’m way way behind,
but wanted to comment on this question. Cliff asked what is the most
graceful thing I’ve ever seen. A few weeks ago, I couldn’t have answered
that question, because sight is not something I have, but now, I can
answer that question with out a doubt. The most graceful thing I ever
have seen is the way my Seeing Eye dog Campbell guides me through
a crowd. It is the most beautiful thing I ever experienced. Blind
people told me how They’d felt about it, but never ever did I imagine
what it would be like till I took that harness handle in my hand,
and away we went. Doesn’t matter if we’re walking on a walking path
some place quiet and free of crowds, or if we’re walking down a busy
side walk, he moves with grace and confidence, and makes me proud
to tears most days. I use to hate shopping in a mall, and now, it
is a dream come true. Just my answer. - Signed, Tazz, and Campbell
Dog. The best dog in the world today!
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Disclaimer- All quotes printed in this publication are believed to be
accurately attributed, but no guarantees are made that some incorrectly
attributed, or even outright false quotes won’t get in here from time
to time. I assure readers that I will do my best to weed out incorrect
quotes, and will print a retraction as soon as I become aware of any errors.
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