ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL???

Labor Day arrived with fanfare as usual.  Now September is upon us.  Of course September always means back to the classroom for students and educators; but for me September means one thing:

THE RETURN OF GRIDIRON PLAY

Football returns with the high school and college season beginning over the Labor Day weekend; the NFL season kicks off the following week with a game played on the Thursday after Labor Day.  Personally for me, the NFL season begins on the Sunday following Labor Day. 

I am a football fanatic.  I have favorite college and professional teams for which I cheer and jeer.  Saturday mornings find me glued to ESPN’s Game Day show.  The best part is always the last ten minutes when they have a guest giving predictions along with the sports announcers.  I just laugh when Coach Corso will say “Not so fast” when he disagrees with a prediction.  Of course I also love to see whose headgear Coach Corso will don for the day.  Three times out of five I guess correctly, but there are times he does pull a surprise.

Like most fans of the game, I have my pre-game routine.  I must wear my team shirt and do my pre-game cheer.  I do a cheer for each safety, field goal and touchdown.  There is a cheer I have for interceptions and sacks also.  If my team wins, I do my post game cheer and if they are defeated a post game jeer.

Sundays I am usually glued to one of the pre-game shows on one of the networks.  I have my favorite show (won’t mention the network in this blog but Terry Bradshaw is on that show).  Like with college I will wear one of my teams’ shirts.  Since I am a fan of an AFC team and NFC team, I switch off between the two.  I have penned cheers for each of the teams which of course are shouted throughout the game.

One thing I hate when both my favorite NFL teams are on at the same time.  I have to switch channels between the two.  Don’t get me started when they play one another.  Thank goodness it is once ever so many years.

Since I am such a vocal person when it comes to football…..my husband will not take me out in public to watch the games. (Most of the time I can catch my college teams on television and as for my NFL teams, he invested in the Sunday Ticket).

Could the reason be I would have to bring along my pom-poms, bad call brick and air horn? Guess he doesn’t want to be embarrassed by my antics.  Recently I have learned there are others like me out in the world.  One bartender told me there is a man who decorates the area where he sits with his team colors and puts a team poster on the wall near him. one woman comes with teddy bears reflecting her favorite team and a few people arrive bearing the ‘terrible towel’ for their team.

Perhaps I should just take a visit to this particular bar some Sunday to watch my team(s) and see how other fanatics enjoy their game.

Yes FOOTBALL IS BACK.  Games can be seen on Thursday, both NFL and college; Friday nights, one can attend a local high school game or watch either college or high school on the sports channel; Saturday brings college games; Sunday afternoon and evening and don’t forget Monday night football.  That leaves Tuesday and Wednesday nights for other television entertainment, but us football fans can’t have everything.

Until next time, cheer on your favorite team. 

I have to run out to the drugstore now.  My fingernails need polishing with the colors of my AFC team.  Just hope I can find black fingernail polish; the gold is sitting on my make-up stand.

TRASH AND TECHNOLOGY

I recall from my younger years a girl telling her friends she had missed the bus but got a ride to school in a garbage truck from her neighbor.  Evidently the neighbor’s father owned his own refuse business.  Someone said to her well if you ever get serious about this fellow he at least has job security picking up trash.

Ten years later, I heard a similar statement.  While I had been out and about, I overheard a conversation between two friends.  The one buddy asked his friend why he was not working in a business type job since he had his degree in business, as opposed to the job he currently held.  The friend remarked that a job in the business field can be replaced by some type of technology but his job as a sanitary engineer will always be safe as there will always be garbage to pick up.

I thought of both incidents a few days ago while my husband and I traveled on Lakeview Drive in Sebring, Florida.  We had stopped behind a garbage truck.  As a kid growing up in Chicago, I recall that three men picked up the trash in the alleyways.  One man drove the truck while the other two tossed the garbage into the back. Currently in my neighbor, we have garbage pick-up twice a week and recyclable pick-up once a week.  One would think there is no doubt job security.

What I witnessed that day behind the trash truck in Sebring made me re-evaluate my thoughts. When the truck stopped in front of a residence, no one threw the garbage into the truck.  Instead some sort of mechanical arms came out, picked up the trash receptacle. dumped it into the truck then placed the receptacle back on the ground. 

It hit me; TECHNOLOGY HAS NOW ENTWINED ITSELF INTO THE GARBAGE INDUSTRY. 

What would have been a two man job (driver and trash thrower) is now down to one person….truck driver.  Someone seems to be out of a job, replaced by technology.  No doubt the start-up cost for this new way of trash pick-up is not cheap; there are those special trucks to purchase; trash containers to deliver to each resident in the community; but I am sure overtime they save money.

Of course what happens when there is glitch with the mechanical arms? What if they don’t retract to pick up the container?  Does the driver have to stop, get out, do it manually, get back into the truck and drive on to the next residence?  Do they call in a temp for the day?  Then I only saw one container per residence.  What if someone has more trash than the receptacle can hold?  Do they have to keep the overflow until the following week?   Weird thoughts whirled through my brain that day about how technology has taken over a job that I always thought secure. 

With technology now entering the garbage world, what will be next?  Will our friendly bartender be replaced by some type of mechanical device who can pour, mix and serve us our favorite beverage?  If so….then it will be time to stay home and just pop a cold one. 

Travel Observances

I like animals as much as the next person but there is a limit I feel in how one should treat their pet.

Recently while traveling on Interstate 95 North, I came across an interesting observance.  We have laws against driving while intoxicated, driving while on cell phone (in some places), and no texting while driving and then there is that law about buckling your seat belt.

I must say there has to be some law on the books about the incident I came across.  The car in front of us was traveling at 70 miles per hour and seemed to be weaving a bit in the lane.  My husband passed the vehicle and I looked over at the driver in the car; that is when I saw what I had not expected.  On the driver’s lap was their family pet.  The driver held the dog while trying to steer the car; the dog’s paws were also on the steering wheel.  Now I don’t mind people taking their pet in their car; it is after all    their prerogative to do so, but I do not feel Boxer or Bootsie should not be sitting on the driver’s lap helping them drive.

We passed this car safely without incident.  It made me think about what others are doing as they travel the highway.  I decided to look inside other cars as we passed them and I saw yet another driver with their small dog sitting on their lap.  It made me wonder if there was not an obscure holiday called “Let Your Pet Help You Drive Day” or “Teach Your Pet To Drive Day” that I knew nothing about. The organization MADD and their cause came to mind, I thought about someone starting a new cause called PAPOL (People Against Pets on Laps).  This is just as dangerous as someone driving intoxicated or even sending a text.  The animal could easily jump down on the floor at the driver’s feet, move one way or another on the driver’s lap causing them to get distracted. 

As we continued our travels, I kept my vigil on those we passed.  My favorite car we passed had to be the one with the driver trying to eat the hoagie.  Now I don’t know about you, but when I eat a hoagie (or submarine sandwich or gyro as some call them) I need both hands.  This driver had the thing in his hands while trying to steer the car with his knees it seemed.  An accident waiting to happen no doubt.  So I came up with yet another cause PADE (People Against Drivers Eating).  Many of the interstate highways have rest areas to pull into where a nice section is designated with tables for those wanting to have a bite to eat.  Just pull over people; don’t cause a accident trying to eat and drive. 

Maybe it is me; perhaps I am just being cynical about the traveling public.  After all it is your car and you can do what you want, but remember you are not the only one on the roads.  Some of us want a safe trip to reach our destination.

It was an interesting first day of travel on Interstate 95 North.  Day two seemed to be incident free until we hit the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.  Don’t get me started about the speed limit there.  Since a good portion of the road was under construction, the speed limit was at 55; my husband traveled at 60 and was passed by those going at least 70 or more.  We felt like snails as we were passed by everything under the sun including the birds. 

Traveling the interstate system is an adventure; never knowing what you may encounter or what you may see in the vehicles or at the rest stops.

As I think about the animals on the laps of the drivers, I came to the conclusion that perhaps these drivers were teaching their pets to steer so they could have both hands free to enjoy a snack. It sure is an interesting thought to ponder when you are behind the wheel of your vehicle. 

HOLIDAYS AND MOVIES

July 4^th has come and gone. 

On the fourth, we attended a nice outing at the Moose Lodge.  As we made our way home, I thought, “What will I blog about this week?”

Arriving home, I found the answer when I turned on the TCM channel.  The movie Yankee Doodle Dandy, the story about the life of George M. Cohan played by James Cagney, was about to begin.  Of course I had to watch this movie again for the UMPTEENTH time.  There is something about the songs in that movie that give me chills and makes me proud to be an American.  As I sat watching Cagney sing about how grand is our flag, I thought about movies I usually watch during other holidays of the year. 

I am a big fan of old movies.  It does not matter if they are in black and white or color, I happen to watch and re-watch my favorites over and over again.  Can’t say just how many times I’ve seen the Maltese Falcon and not just the Bogart version either.  I am glued to the antics of Nick and Nora Charles and sing along with Sam as his fingers tickle the ivories as he does “As Time Goes By” in Casablanca. 

During October (around Halloween), I have to see Vincent Price in the movie, The House on Haunted Hill.  Easter time, I am entertained by watching Fred Astair dance and sing in Easter Parade.   Let’s not forget all the great movies centered on the Christmas holiday.  I make sure to catch A Christmas Carol and White Christmas.  I know almost all the words to the songs in the movie. 

I need a hanky when I watch An Affair to Remember around Valentine’s Day.  Ah amour, amour…..even though I know how the movie ends, I still get tears in my eyes.  They just don’t make movies like that anymore.

Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day there are usually war movies being shown by TCM.  A few of my favorites, In Harms Way with John Wayne;  To Hell and Back  with Audie Murphy; and believe it or not Kelly’s Heroes   Who doesn’t enjoy seeing a movie with Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas,  Carroll O’Connor and Don Rickles as well as Donald Sutherland.  What a cast of greats in that flick

I had been asked one time which movie do I associate with St. Patrick’s Day.  The answer is The Quiet Man since it takes place in Ireland.  I just love watching that fight scene near the end.

As I thought about the old movies I enjoy, I realize I can add another to my July 4^th list; Independence Day with Will Smith.

Now that July 4^th has come and gone, the next holiday, Labor Day, will be here before we know it.  There is no movie I can associate with this holiday, but my hubby thought that Norma Rae, The Valley of Decision or   The Molly Maguires could fit the bill.  Of course he would say The Molly Maguires since it had been filmed in the country in Pennsylvania where we had lived.  My pick for a good Labor Day movie to watch is The Valley of Decision because I found a bit of romance to the storyline. 

I am certain most of you have favorite movies you associate with the holidays.  I find it fun just vegging out in front of the TV with a bowl of popcorn and a beverage to watch these flicks

Until next time…..since summer is here, I may try to find a movie or two I associate with the season.  One comes to mind at this moment. A Summer Place….young love and rekindling of an old love all mixed together; all I need is the DVD, bowl of popcorn and a tall glass of ice tea (Long Island preferable). 

FREE OR NOT SO FREE

Nothing is free anymore it seems.

I remember years ago banks gave customers one of those leather/imitation leather type bank bags just for the asking.  In fact I recall one bank had smaller type bags that could be used for coins.  When I lived in Pennsylvania, I had bags from different financial institutes.  I now wish I brought them with me to Florida when I moved.

Places at one time had give-a ways: pens, note pads, key rings, refrigerator magnets and other what-nots.

A few months ago I opened an account with a local credit union.  I asked the person who waited on me if they had any of those bank bags.  She looked in the back and said no but next time I come in just ask the teller for one.  Well over the course of the next few months I had done so with no prevail.  They had no bags in stock.  The other day I again done business at the credit union and asked about a bank bag.  I had been informed that I needed to give them my business account number; if I had no business account I could not get a bag as they only provide them to businesses.  Of course the teller went on to say I could purchase a bag for $5.00.  I pulled a five spot from my pocket and purchased the bag.  I felt as if I got ripped off for some reason.

There use to be a time when you could also get a free calendar from your bank but seems they are gone by way of the dinosaur also.  Last year I picked up a nice one from the bank I have accounts with; this year when I asked, I had been told I could get a free calendar if I make an appointment to speak to one of the bank managers about my accounts.  I know what that meant; I would be sitting there while someone tried to talk me into a consolidation loan, new type credit card or some other bank offer.  I did not make the appointment or get a calendar.  The dollar store had them for a buck; okay so I paid for one but I did not have to sit listening to someone trying to give me a bill of goods about banking options.

The last promo item I got for free was a pen from a disc jockey that runs a karaoke.  I only hope when he runs out of pens he orders more and does not make me sing a song to get a new one. 

Yes I know with the economy being the way it is, companies are not providing those promotional items like they use to. It is such a shame as I do miss my free what-nots.

Now I am not one-hundred percent sure of this, but bartenders have told me they do not get free coasters from the beer distributors as in days gone by.  Recently at a local club I saw coasters provided by some business other than a beer company. 

My favorite saying goes something like this: “if it’s free, then it is for me.”

I am still fortunate to get via my email address, BOGO coupons for meals at restaurants or coupons for a percent off my food bill.  I am a frequent customer at these establishments.

So till next time…..if you see a free pen, key ring or a what-not make sure you take it.  I’ll continue my quest for the free stuff whether I need it or not…after all it is for free.

  

FULL MOON AND DRIVING

Wednesday evening I happened to be in a quandary about my blog for this week.  I somehow mentioned this on my Facebook status.  I also mentioned about the crazy drivers out on the roads the past few days.  A Facebook friend suggested I blog about that.

This weekend will be a full moon….actually it is being called a ‘super moon’.  It seems anytime a full moon is near, some drivers get crazy.  Since Monday, I have encountered my fair share (today is only Thursday). 

DAY ONE:

I am at a red light in the left turn only lane.  My car is the second one in line.  The light turns green and the car in front of me takes their sweet time making the turn.  The driver goes so slow that only the two of us got through the light before it turned red again.  With the luck I have, well the driver made a right turn where I had planned to do so.  He was so slow that it tied up traffic while he made the turn.  Thank goodness he had gone straight and I made a left turn at the next street I had come to.

Later after I did my errands, on my way home I am now behind a vehicle who wanted to make a right turn; the unfortunate part of this incident, he could not make the turn as the road to the right is closed due to construction.  He should have followed the detour.  Instead of following the detour to the left, he sat there staring towards the closed road as if any moment it would open up just for him.  I honked my horn for him to get moving but he sat there staring right.  The car behind me also began to honk and finally after a few moments the man drove straight which would not help him.  He would come to a dead end eventually. 

DAY TWO:

My husband and I are out at the grocery store.  We parked between the lines in the parking spot but when we returned to our vehicle, someone parked in two spots.  I could not open the passenger side door and had to wait till my husband pulled the car out of the parking space for me to get inside.  No idea what that driver was thinking when they parked since there were quite a few open spots they could have used.  As we drove down US 17, heading home, a person kept passing cars on the right side, then the left and again on the right.  This person did not get very far ahead of us; we ended up sitting next to them at the red light.  What the hurry could have been anyone’s guess.

DAY THREE:

We were making our way on M Street North in our town and planned to turn onto US 17; a tanker truck had left a gas station.  The driver planned to make a right turn onto US 17 but the light was red; so this tanker truck somehow ended up blocking the road.  Cars who wanted to make a right hand turn from US 17 onto M Street but could not do so.  Traffic got backed up for about a half-block until the light turned green and the tanker got underway.  The funniest part of the story, some person in his big high off the ground pick-up truck gets right up near the tanker and almost caused an accident.  What was this person thinking I wondered?

Each day I could not wait to get home and park my car in the carport. I am not saying all the bad drivers live in my town; I remember this also happening to me when I lived in Pennsylvania.  I hated driving anyplace days prior to a full moon.

Why does the full moon bring out the crazy drivers?  Or do they just happen around me?  Am I the only one who seems to think this way?  Does anyone else come across oddness before a full moon? 

Today, I am not sure what I will encounter as I go out to run a few errands, but I am hoping not to come across any strange driving situations. Probably others think the same about me when I am behind the wheel.   

Until next time….happy driving and stay safe behind the wheel. 

Father's Day Ramblings

Father’s Day will be coming up this weekend.  Personally, I do not really have much to say on the subject.  The day did not have any special meaning to me as a child.

I have heard various takes on this saying:

It takes a REAL MAN to be a father to a child but anyone can provide sperm to create a child.  A real man will be there and step up to the plate when the child arrives in the world.

I agree with this on the most part. My reason being I never knew who fathered me.  The only thing I knew about the man who could have been my father was a name on a birth certificate. 

Having a child out of wedlock in the fifties quite a taboo for a woman.

I recall being told that my father had died.  But I wondered if that were the case why did my mother not use his last name? Why did she go by her maiden name?  It baffled me as a child.  It caused me a lot of grief growing up and even into my adult years; my first husband gave me grief I had been born out of wedlock.  He thought I should have told him in the beginning of our relationship.  Perhaps I should have, but I had been quite embarrassed about it.  I did not make the same mistake when I married again; in fact my current husband said “so what; no deal breaker.”  He did not care one way or the other.

Finally, I asked about who fathered me when I was in my twenties.  My mother told me “you don’t need to know this”.  I asked relatives and heard the same thing.  Well I wanted to know; after all isn’t that my right?

I am a fan of watching the Maury show where the women have DNA tests done on the child and the possible father.  Shame they did not have that back when I had been younger.  I would have contact the show to help me find out. 

A few years ago I thought about what constituted a father and wrote a poem for Father’s Day.  All the qualities I thought made up a good father were included in the piece.

At age seven my mother married the man who I ended up calling ‘dad’.  The man accepted her baggage which was me.  Unfortunately, I always felt like an outsider in the family as he never adopted me so I could have his last name.  It took years and years for me to finally come to terms with my situation; and just deal with it.

So with Father’s Day approaching I just wanted to ‘ramble’ about how I feel.  Perhaps my stigma has made me a better person.  I know there has to be a lot of individuals out there who also share what I call my stigma in life.  It took me until I turned forty to finally give up my quest to know the answer to the question about my father.  Life goes on and I realized I had other things to concentrate upon.

Till next time….to all you dads out there….Happy Father’s Day.

 DISECTION OF A FATHER

©Scottie-ann Murphy

A father is a special person….

One who wears many hats,

We do not really see.

TEACHER

  Someone who will explain

      What is

right and what is wrong

COMFORTER

   When hurt and tears begin to fall

      Gives a shoulder to lean upon

LISTENER

   Without critical comments, will listen

      To our dreams, hopes and goals

WISEMAN

   Gives wisdom, advice and guidance

      In any problem brought his way

CHEERLEADER

  Throughout our life, cheers us on

     Giving praise…when…praise is due

AUDIENCE

  Laughs at our jokes,

    Even those that….may not be funny

HELPER

   Lend a helping hand

     When needed, no matter….when we call

LOVING HEART

   The person who does love us

      Even though he may not always say

ENCOURAGER

  If we fail at our goals, stumble and fall

     Picks us up and encourages us to try again

PROTECTOR

  Keeps us safe from harm

    And stands by our side always

A father is someone special……

Someone….we at times….

Take for granted.

THE SUMMERTIME TELEVISION BLUES

All my favorite television shows are on a hiatus until the fall.  I guess that means I can watch re-runs of shows I’ve missed that televised at the same time as my favorites or watch summer replacement shows.  Of course I could utilize that time to concentrate on my writing projects or read.

I understand that there has to be filming of new episodes; but what I do not like is the season finales.  They leave it as a cliff hanger.  Now I will wonder what will happen in the upcoming season.  No doubt there will be speculations by fans of the same shows on what will possibly transpire.  The producers of these shows sure know what they are doing.  They leave us fans in suspense; knowing we will tune-in when they start the new season.  .

 There are five shows that have me on the edge of my seat.  My mind makes up scenarios of the outcome from the season finale.  Will there be a killing off of a main character?  Will there be a wedding in the future?  Will a character get a love life? 

Ponderings are fine as long as one does not get obsessed.  Last year at this time all I could think about was what the future held for my favorite shows.  This year, I decided not to think about the new season.  What happens, will happen.    

I am sure you all have your favorite shows you watch each week.  No doubt you too are waiting for the new season to begin to see what will happen next.  Of course I find that during the summer months, cable stations begin their new shows and I hope to find a few I enjoy; but if not I’ll be spending more time doing other things in the evenings like being on the computer or reading.  Of course computer time depends on the weather, if it is stormy (as it seems to be during the evenings here in the Sunshine State), then it will be a good book.  Just glad my local library allows me to request books on-line and have them waiting for me to check out.

Till next time……think about the shows you enjoy but don’t speculate on next season’s outcome; a good surprise is always exciting.   Hopefully too, the networks will keep my favorite shows in the same time slot and on the same day.

CHECKING OUT

In a past blog I mentioned about my first job had been cashiering in a grocery store.  Things sure have changed since my day of standing at the register tallying up the cost of the order and punching in coupons for money off on items.

When I first learned to run a register this is how it went.  Tally up the purchase, the register gives you the amount; you tell the customer the amount and they hand you the money but if they gave you more than the purchased amount, you had to calculate the amount of change to hand back in your head.  No calculator to assist you, no pen and paper to write upon.  Back then there was no putting the amount into the register to have the machine tell you the amount to return to the customer.  One had to be pretty good at math to figure this stuff out in their heads.  Glad I was half decent at math back then. 

Today the cashier swipes your item over the scanner, no punching in the amount on the register keys.  Most people now pay with a debit type card so hardly any money changes hand; if money does change hand the register will give you the amount of change to give back.

Sometimes the scanner is temperamental and it might take two or three swipes for your item to register.  In that amount of time I could have punched in three items on the register.  Technology is great and I am all for change.  I recall a few years back where a few stores had an aisle where you could check out the purchase yourself.  I don’t know if they are still around as I don’t use them. 

 I know that cashiers have a hard job.  Besides tallying up the order, they have to bag it, deal with coupon issues, sale item problems and of course the person who decides to write a check at the last minute.  I have a lot of respect for the cashier believe me.  They stand all day on their feet being nice to sometimes miserable people.  One store I frequent have the cashiers sitting on a stool; of course this store is one where you bring your own bags.  I only wish more stores would go that way to make the job easier.

Of course another issue for the cashiers are the cards some stores give out for getting discounts on items or for points towards other purchases.  I have one key ring designated just for this purpose.  Cashier have to ask if you have a card for their store before scanning up the purchases.  What I have a problem with is those customers who do not have their card ready when they get into the check-out line.  Now they know they will be asked if they have one, so why not have it ready.  Looking for it in the purse or a wallet holds up the line for those who might be in a hurry to leave the store.

Cashiers are the unsung heroes of the stores we all shop at.  Of course let’s not forget the stock personnel who keep the shelves full of our favorite items as well as those who have to go out in the cold, rain, snow and heat of summer to bring in the shopping carts left in the parking lot.

Until next time….I am off to the stores.  Need to make sure I have my store card key ring in my pocket, my debit card handy and my pin number correctly memorized in my brain.  Hope the scanners are working today. 

Memorial Day Ramblings

In another week Memorial Day will be here.  I’ve always considered this day my official beginning of the summer although summer begins in June.  One reason could be that the weather is usually warm and people tend to have cook-outs and picnics.  Also don’t many begin to wear the color white that day?  Personally I never paid mind to when one could wear white or not wear the color.  My opinion… just wear the shades you want; don’t give into what the rest of society dictates.

I remember when Memorial Day was called Decoration Day and observed on May thirtieth.  According to Wikipedia, in 1967 the day changed to Memorial Day which is now observed on the last Monday in May. 

As a veteran I celebrate by attending services at one of the veteran’s organizations.  Years ago, while living in Pennsylvania, I would read one of my original poems I composed just for that day. 

While reading through Wikipedia’s information, I found the following:

Memorial Day is not to be confused with Veterans Day; Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving, while Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, living or dead

  I sort of disagree but then that is my opinion.  Yes we do honor those who served with honor and pride and died while serving their country; but I also reflect upon those who returned home and have passed on to their final rest.  On Veteran’s Day I reflect and honor those veteran’s who are still among us; and those who are currently serving in the military who will one day be called ‘veteran’. 

Most people only see Memorial Day as a three day weekend; while many will attend some sort of service in their community.

No matter what you do, I always encourage people to take a brief moment to remember those individuals who now rest under grassy covered mounds; attend some type of observance in your community.  It only takes a hour out of your weekend. 

Until next time….put out your flag, find a Memorial Day service to attend and have a moment of silence for those who served our nation with pride, honor and courage.

. MEMORIAL DAY REFLECTIONS

(For American Post 69, Avon Park, Florida where this poem had been composed on Memorial Day 2012)

©Scottie-ann Murphy

Today we stand with bowed heads and heavy hearts

   as the bugler sounds “Taps”

Paying tribute and honor to those who have gone

   to their final rest

Dedicated to our country, our flag and our beliefs

They served with pride on foreign soils,

   in the skies and upon the waters

In battle they met the foe without hesitation

Some never knew how their fight ended

One day a year….only one day….

   we remember with respect those who ‘gave their all’

     that today we may enjoy the freedom we have

As we stand for just a brief moment of silence

    we all should remember that the price of liberty

       does not come free

No price tag hangs with a bar code

  from the men and women who served and are

    serving our country

MOTHER'S DAY

Mother’s Day has arrived.  The day put aside to honor that woman who for nine months carried us in her womb and gave us life.

What can one say to such a person?  Is ‘thank you’ enough?  Words don’t come easy and gestures even harder.

I remember when I was in grade school, our class made cards for our moms as an art project.  Although when I presented it to her, I don’t think she put it on the refrigerator to show the world or even display it on the coffee table with the store bought cards given by my step-siblings.  This remained a mystery but she did say thank-you.

Like Valentine’s Day I found the stores to be over stocked with bouquets, floral arrangements and plants to give mom.  Restaurants will be packed with families taking mom out for a meal.  I received interesting information via my email in-box.  Many places are having bring mom in for a meal specials. Television commercials advertise deals at department stores to pick out the perfect gift.  Jewelry stores promoting items that are sure to make mom happy. 

Although I am only someone’s step-mom, I recall what made my mom happy on Mother’s Day.  All she wanted was a big hug and the words ‘thank you for all you do for us’.  You see my mother worked each day helping to bring in an income to provide for us.  Since age seven I had been raised by a step-grandmother.  My mother seemed to miss out on a lot of stuff in my life. This I think was her sacrifice; ensuring that my step-siblings and I had a roof over our heads, food on the table, clothes to wear on our backs and shoes to have on our feet.  It took me years to finally come to this conclusion.  Back in the late fifties into the sixties many women stayed home.  Today it is necessary for women to work for their families to survive. 

Mothers deserve more than one day a year to be celebrated for all they do and have done for us.  Wondering what to do for your mom this year for Mother’s Day?  Well just give her a big hug, say “thanks for all you do” then ask where she’d like to go for dinner.

Happy Mother’s Day to all you moms. 

Until next time…...if you’re interested in how Mother’s Day came about just Google ….you’ll learn something interesting as I did.

SHOPPING CAN BE AN UNPLEASANT EXPERIENCE

One of my first paying jobs that took out taxes and social security had been in a grocery store.  I was still in high school at the time.  Believe me being a checker/cashier back then not like in today’s world, but this will be a future blog.

One thing I recall is how the stock boys would have to go out into the parking lot to retrieve the shopping carts left helter-skelter by the customers.  People, then and now, leave their shopping carts helter-skelter around the parking lot.  Today I could not get into three different parking spots because shopping carts took up the spaces. 

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Many of the stores have two, three and sometimes four areas to place the cart in the parking lot.  Still people are still too lazy to place the carts into the designated area.  This is one of my biggest pet peeves.  It makes me understand why one store actually makes you pay a quarter to use the cart. 

Not sure about you, but I like this idea.  You put a quarter into a slot, take the care inside the store to do your shopping, then after you are done with the cart you put it back to get the quarter.  I carry a quarter in my car at all times just for this purpose. 

When I lived in Pennsylvania we had such a place.  A few years ago this chain of stores came to Florida.  How happy I was to see them here in the Sunshine State.

One of the best stories about the opening of this store here in Florida had to be the couple who refused to put in their quarter for the cart.  The wife told the husband that she felt she should not have to pay to use a cart to shop.  I explained she’ll get the quarter back, but she glared at me like I had two heads.  I heard her tell her husband we’ll just get a hand basket inside.  I did not have the heart to tell her they had no carry baskets. Well the husband ended up carrying their items around the store like a pack mule.  They happen to get into the check out line behind me and she had the nerve to ask if she could go ahead of me as they had so much stuff they could barely hold on to it.  I smiled and said NO. Now I am not a mean person but if you are too cheap to put in a quarter for a cart you can stand there and wait your turn.

So today at the grocery store, I finally found a parking spot and did my shopping.  I returned the cart to the designated area which was only three spots from where I parked.  The lazy individual next to me left their cart in the empty spot next to their car.  There could be a new career as grocery store parking lot police.  Drive around in a golf cart fining people who don’t return their shopping cart to the designated area.

Until next time…please return your cart to the designated area so the cart police don’t fine you.