Our oldest daughter, Dawn (the one with seven children) telephoned us two nights ago to apologize. I was unaware of her offense as was my wife. Dawn explained. It seems her daughter, Lindsay (the first-year fourth-grade teaching granddaughter) had told her Mother that Nana and Boompa were sending a 'surprise goodies' package to her students. When our daughter learned from the granddaughter that the package had not arrived as per the U.S Postal time frame expectations and the package contained school-related items worth $25.00, plus a $10.00 mailing cost, Dawn told Lindsay, "That's stupid; Nana and Boompa are foolish; they should save the postage cost and just send you money to buy the classroom items." I am guessing that our daughter felt that her comment might get back to us thus she called with the apology. (Note: My wife and I are definitely losing brain-cell-power every day, however we still can converse with Wal Mart shoppers, football tailgaters, pro-wrestling fans and NASCAR folks).
Well, the package arrived yesterday and guess who is looking 'foolish' now? That would be our lovely all-knowing eldest female child, Dawn! Lindsay's fourth-grade class was less than properly behaved that day. When an office person brought the large white package into the room and placed it upon the teacher's desk, students immediately noticed the 'red-color' printed notes all around the box; little learning-encouragement suggestions. Suddenly, every student needed their pencil sharpened and an parade of nosey 10-year old children slowly made a trek past the looming mysterious box. "What's in the box Ms. O'Keefe?" "Who is the box for, Ms. O'keefe?" Ms. O'Keefe answered saying, "The box is sent to our class and I assume whatever is inside the box is for YOU, however, we have not had the best behavior day so we will wait to open the box tomorrow!"
When our teaching granddaughter telephoned to tell us that the box had arrived, she relayed the excited reaction and comments from the students adding, "The brief school time remaining, the entire class sat still with a locked mesmerising fixation on the box."
We told Lindsay to tell her students that the items in the box are gifts from a 'phantom friend of learning' and they would be receiving a gift box every month until the end of the school year; the last box will have a photo of the 'Phantom Friend.' Now the teacher was excited.
Our daughter, Dawn was surprised by the excitement generated by the gift-box received in the mail and telephoned with her acknowledgement/apology.
About ten years ago, Nana and Boompa conducted a week long grandchildren; camp called, 'Naboo.'
We continued with the Naboo camp for six consecutive summers for most of our 15-grandkids. Give us credit; we know what 'floats-a-kids'-boat!'
There is a moral to this exercise: Never stop 'thinking' like a kid!
Friday, January 18, 2013
Thursday, January 17, 2013
A Sickness That Knows No Rival!
Born in 1939, at Christian Welfare Hospital (East St. Louis, Illinois) placed me at an Eads' Bridge walk across the Mighty Mississippi River to downtown St. Louis, Missouri; naturally, I have held a warm attachment to the St. Louis Metropolitan area throughout my lifetime. One of those endearments was my fondness for the well publicized 'Voice of St. Louis,' KMOX Radio Station. Of course, my on-going attraction to KMOX was nurtured by the fact that for most of my life KMOX has been the flagship station for Cardinals' baseball games broadcasting.
Aside from the station being the 'Voice of the Redbirds' it fancied one of the best daytime call-in talk/debate program-formats of the era; KMOX proudly stated, "Total Information." Among the many on-air celebrities three individuals standout as particularly skilled talk show moderators; Rex Davis, Anne Keef and Bob Hardy. I personally knew Hardy through Shriner's affiliation. These magicians of the microphone were proficient at presenting both sides of a local or national issue; civic or political and then stepping back with the invitation to listeners to share opinions. Before, during or after the program it was impossible to figure out just where the moderator 'stood' on the subject-matter thoroughly discussed.
This represented a time when a radio station with the clout of 50 thousand watts was a true American treasure standing on the foundation of committed, sincere and honest public service!
Unfortunately, KMOX does NOT reflect those fair public service values today. Oh, I still appreciate them being the 'voice' of my Cardinals, however, I am saddened by their wholesale sell-out to one side of our Nations' political debate. Today, KMOX has all local programming with one exception; syndicated Conservative pundit, Rush Limbaugh. While driving yesterday, I was listening to Mr. Limbaugh. Using the current gun control debate, Limbaugh went on extensive rants stirring divisiveness about President Obama's children having secret service protection and other Americans' less important children are unguarded by guns. Suddenly and without topical segway, Limbaugh shifted gears to offer comments that seemed intended to fulfill someones perverted appetite. Limbaugh said, "Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett told New York Knicks' forward, Carmelo Anthony, in a (basketball game) trash-talking moment, that Carmelo's wife tasted like Honey Oats Cheerios."
KMOX Radio Management and ownership should be ashamed of such language and sexual inference occurring mid-day over its airwaves. Is it pitiful that this once proud radio station ignores this 'smut' innuendo/connotation language. May my friend, Bob Hardy rest in his Heavenly Peace.
Aside from the station being the 'Voice of the Redbirds' it fancied one of the best daytime call-in talk/debate program-formats of the era; KMOX proudly stated, "Total Information." Among the many on-air celebrities three individuals standout as particularly skilled talk show moderators; Rex Davis, Anne Keef and Bob Hardy. I personally knew Hardy through Shriner's affiliation. These magicians of the microphone were proficient at presenting both sides of a local or national issue; civic or political and then stepping back with the invitation to listeners to share opinions. Before, during or after the program it was impossible to figure out just where the moderator 'stood' on the subject-matter thoroughly discussed.
This represented a time when a radio station with the clout of 50 thousand watts was a true American treasure standing on the foundation of committed, sincere and honest public service!
Unfortunately, KMOX does NOT reflect those fair public service values today. Oh, I still appreciate them being the 'voice' of my Cardinals, however, I am saddened by their wholesale sell-out to one side of our Nations' political debate. Today, KMOX has all local programming with one exception; syndicated Conservative pundit, Rush Limbaugh. While driving yesterday, I was listening to Mr. Limbaugh. Using the current gun control debate, Limbaugh went on extensive rants stirring divisiveness about President Obama's children having secret service protection and other Americans' less important children are unguarded by guns. Suddenly and without topical segway, Limbaugh shifted gears to offer comments that seemed intended to fulfill someones perverted appetite. Limbaugh said, "Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett told New York Knicks' forward, Carmelo Anthony, in a (basketball game) trash-talking moment, that Carmelo's wife tasted like Honey Oats Cheerios."
KMOX Radio Management and ownership should be ashamed of such language and sexual inference occurring mid-day over its airwaves. Is it pitiful that this once proud radio station ignores this 'smut' innuendo/connotation language. May my friend, Bob Hardy rest in his Heavenly Peace.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
You Can't Fix What You Won't Admit
I entered Illinois State 'Normal' University in the fall of 1957; it was then considered one of the premier teacher preparation institutions in the Midwest. ISNU offered a quality liberal arts (college) education and intense teaching certification standards. Those were exciting times for the new teacher.
As with most professional certification processes, we anticipate change. It would seem obvious that 'teaching' perse' would demand constant change, if for no reason but new information forthcoming in many subjects. New information results from study findings and other research efforts. Once in awhile, our society begs for and causes change. For example, people of my generation did NOT take a driver's education course in high school. We were most generally taught to drive by a very hyperactive Uncle or an impatient parent. Today's high school kid worries more about when he can 'take' driver's education than what is needed for high school graduation. Insurance companies became part of the mix that ultimately caused the driver education curriculum development. Eventually, the teacher preparation institution, i.e., Illinois State University placed driver education teaching certification studies into its teacher preparation curriculum. Gotta have driver's ed teachers now but in time we would no longer need Home Economics teachers because American families would soon not sit down to eat a 'HOME' cooked meal. Our discombobulated families are too busy working to meet living expenses and driving those youngins to their activities; let's grab a burger, Hallelujah!
Well, hold your horses or shall I say, 'Hold your Redbird, ISU!' We are soon going to need a curriculum called, "Teacher Education & Security Personnel." And the Illinois State University Board of Governors might consider an alteration of that school's long standing motto: "Gladly would He Learn and Gladly Teach." A future read might be, "Gladly Would He Learn, Gladly Teach & Shoot Crazies Entering the Classroom." One of the solutions offered by the NRA and other nincompoop groups is to 'arm the school Marm' with a pistol so she might protect her students; kinda like they did back in to 'Old West' days before the local Sheriff took guns away from folks comin' to town eventually making towns safer. (Look it up; it's in most American history books, Texas being an exception to the rule; some Texas groups have revised both the Bible and American History books.)
I am going to excuse myself from this typing machine because I have come to a conclusion, which is 'that' place where one becomes tired of thinking! Remember that half of the people whose ideas you read about are below average!
Oh, I have a parting question. Does anyone possibly believe that if our 'Founding Fathers' were to sit down for the first time (January 16, 2013) they would likely write the same United States document, verbatim to the document written in the 1700's, known as our Constitution? I think an amended Constitution that would put the NRA and American Civil Liberties Union out of business is long past due.
As with most professional certification processes, we anticipate change. It would seem obvious that 'teaching' perse' would demand constant change, if for no reason but new information forthcoming in many subjects. New information results from study findings and other research efforts. Once in awhile, our society begs for and causes change. For example, people of my generation did NOT take a driver's education course in high school. We were most generally taught to drive by a very hyperactive Uncle or an impatient parent. Today's high school kid worries more about when he can 'take' driver's education than what is needed for high school graduation. Insurance companies became part of the mix that ultimately caused the driver education curriculum development. Eventually, the teacher preparation institution, i.e., Illinois State University placed driver education teaching certification studies into its teacher preparation curriculum. Gotta have driver's ed teachers now but in time we would no longer need Home Economics teachers because American families would soon not sit down to eat a 'HOME' cooked meal. Our discombobulated families are too busy working to meet living expenses and driving those youngins to their activities; let's grab a burger, Hallelujah!
Well, hold your horses or shall I say, 'Hold your Redbird, ISU!' We are soon going to need a curriculum called, "Teacher Education & Security Personnel." And the Illinois State University Board of Governors might consider an alteration of that school's long standing motto: "Gladly would He Learn and Gladly Teach." A future read might be, "Gladly Would He Learn, Gladly Teach & Shoot Crazies Entering the Classroom." One of the solutions offered by the NRA and other nincompoop groups is to 'arm the school Marm' with a pistol so she might protect her students; kinda like they did back in to 'Old West' days before the local Sheriff took guns away from folks comin' to town eventually making towns safer. (Look it up; it's in most American history books, Texas being an exception to the rule; some Texas groups have revised both the Bible and American History books.)
I am going to excuse myself from this typing machine because I have come to a conclusion, which is 'that' place where one becomes tired of thinking! Remember that half of the people whose ideas you read about are below average!
Oh, I have a parting question. Does anyone possibly believe that if our 'Founding Fathers' were to sit down for the first time (January 16, 2013) they would likely write the same United States document, verbatim to the document written in the 1700's, known as our Constitution? I think an amended Constitution that would put the NRA and American Civil Liberties Union out of business is long past due.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
To The Victor Goes The Spoils
During our fifty-two-plus years of marriage, my wife and I have purchased a few houses and automobiles. In every instance, we attempted to negotiate the 'sale' price before settling on an agreed price with the seller. Also, we purchased these homes and autos on time-payment credit. We always understood the payment due-dates and repossession consequences should we default on payment.
This crap is not rocket-science! Please, if you will, our United States government bought some stuff. They bought 'stuff'' after attempts by the two-political party's to negotiate and debate the 'should-we-buy' questions. Eventually the Congress voted after the debate. Our collective-leaders settled on a deal. Some folks obviously voted against buying 'stuff' but it is apparent that enough legislatures voted for the purchase and under our democratic system, we need to pay up.
At this moment in time the Republican Party wishes NOT to pay for crap we legal bought and for which we legally owe others. Who changed the rules whereas the smaller number wins? When did the minority number of the neighborhood kids get authority or permission to decide the game to be played or the playing rules?
This is way of thinking is becoming the American 'new-normal.' If we don't care for the Church Pastor create havoc. If the teacher expects too much from our kid then telephone the Principal. If the police do their jobs, we shall praise the effort unless we are ticketed; we shall then demean. People want cuts in government spending but they want a strong military, Social Security and Medicare.
I think many Republicans (actually, that's unfair; let's be honest; Tea Party folks) are products from modern day Little League Baseball programs that refused to call any kid 'out' and never kept score of the game; this explains why those people don't understand the consequences of an ass-whuppin'!
This crap is not rocket-science! Please, if you will, our United States government bought some stuff. They bought 'stuff'' after attempts by the two-political party's to negotiate and debate the 'should-we-buy' questions. Eventually the Congress voted after the debate. Our collective-leaders settled on a deal. Some folks obviously voted against buying 'stuff' but it is apparent that enough legislatures voted for the purchase and under our democratic system, we need to pay up.
At this moment in time the Republican Party wishes NOT to pay for crap we legal bought and for which we legally owe others. Who changed the rules whereas the smaller number wins? When did the minority number of the neighborhood kids get authority or permission to decide the game to be played or the playing rules?
This is way of thinking is becoming the American 'new-normal.' If we don't care for the Church Pastor create havoc. If the teacher expects too much from our kid then telephone the Principal. If the police do their jobs, we shall praise the effort unless we are ticketed; we shall then demean. People want cuts in government spending but they want a strong military, Social Security and Medicare.
I think many Republicans (actually, that's unfair; let's be honest; Tea Party folks) are products from modern day Little League Baseball programs that refused to call any kid 'out' and never kept score of the game; this explains why those people don't understand the consequences of an ass-whuppin'!
Monday, January 14, 2013
It's a Bucket-List Attitude
I have not completed 'my bucket-list;' things to do before I expire, however I am working my way towards that slate with this 'senior-attitude-adjustment' register. I need to concentrate on, as songwriter, Johnny Mercer wrote, "Accentuate the Positive, eliminate the negatives and latch on to Mr.In Between!"
Turning seventy-four next month gives me senior status permission to:
1) I will no longer bother asking people if I told a story previously; I may tell it better the second time.
2) Each morning when shaving, I shall ignore all blemishes and concentrate on my prominent high cheekbones.
3) I am going to allow others to pick things up that I may drop.
4) I need to permit myself the occasional public gas-passing to avoid stomach cramping.
5) I will begin viewing my numerous doctors' appointments as a social outings.
6) I should watch more Animal Channel and Jerry Springer; they hold much commonality.
7) I intend to organize my return-sticker address labels so to avoid sending out 'Frosty-the-Snowman' labels on July mail.
8) I will start eating things that look good and not worry so much about medical studies, which eventually denounce themselves, i.e., eggs from the 1970's medical researchers.
9) I intend to raise hell in stores that have long lines and fifty percent of the checkout lanes unmanned, oops, unpersoned.
10) If I 'dunk' a food item at home then I will dunk that food in public.
11) I will never again ask any of my dear Republican friends, 'how that political Party can come down on the wrong-side of so many issues.'
12) Finally, I intend to acknowledge my wife with sincere appreciation and grateful praise for not feeling that she needs to apologize for or explain me!
Turning seventy-four next month gives me senior status permission to:
1) I will no longer bother asking people if I told a story previously; I may tell it better the second time.
2) Each morning when shaving, I shall ignore all blemishes and concentrate on my prominent high cheekbones.
3) I am going to allow others to pick things up that I may drop.
4) I need to permit myself the occasional public gas-passing to avoid stomach cramping.
5) I will begin viewing my numerous doctors' appointments as a social outings.
6) I should watch more Animal Channel and Jerry Springer; they hold much commonality.
7) I intend to organize my return-sticker address labels so to avoid sending out 'Frosty-the-Snowman' labels on July mail.
8) I will start eating things that look good and not worry so much about medical studies, which eventually denounce themselves, i.e., eggs from the 1970's medical researchers.
9) I intend to raise hell in stores that have long lines and fifty percent of the checkout lanes unmanned, oops, unpersoned.
10) If I 'dunk' a food item at home then I will dunk that food in public.
11) I will never again ask any of my dear Republican friends, 'how that political Party can come down on the wrong-side of so many issues.'
12) Finally, I intend to acknowledge my wife with sincere appreciation and grateful praise for not feeling that she needs to apologize for or explain me!
Friday, January 11, 2013
Lord, I Wish I Was 18 Again
If the Good Lord's willing and the creek don't rise, I turn seventy-four next month. Actually the creek has absolutely nothing to do with the possible eventuality. My children always telephone to ask me what I 'want' for birthdays, Christmas and Father's Day. I casually dismiss the inquires with some common suggestion such as socks, underwear or a necktie. One of the aforementioned, I seldom wear. I am thinking, perhaps this birthday I will give them legitimate gift ideas.
Sunglasses would be nice to receive because I lose about three pairs a year. Computer print cartridges can be a good gift since I go through them so quickly. (Note) I am trying to use fewer words but it is difficult with a limited vocabulary. I recently began wearing a hearing aid in my left ear. I am equally hard hearing in my right ear but I need one ear cleared for phone conversations. Anyhow, hearing aid-batteries #10, would be an excellent gift; those darn things don't last very long. I could use a roll of Velcro. I believe it would be wise given these senile senior years to Velcro-secure T.V. remotes, car keys and my wife's cell phone.
I am constantly getting handkerchiefs out of my chest-of-draws so that is a gift idea; I sneeze a lot. Cologne is always a smart gift for; little boys and old men who tend to smell differently than the rest of the world. I broke my electric pencil sharpener a year ago; I have always liked electric pencil sharpeners; I find them practical and sensuous. I need a new weed-whacker. Ever since my wife over-planted backyard flower beds, I use a whacker as much as the lawnmower! I can still can see the printed page and occasionally, I enjoy a good book. My kids could stop by Barnes & Noble and survey those possibilities. I just must remind the children that I don't care for topics on Fascism; spare anything written by Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity.
I think I'll call the kids this weekend and give them my February 18, birthday wish list. I will suggest that they should likely wait a day or two before the event. Let's be practical in our thinking; at my age the gift return possibility increases annually.
Sunglasses would be nice to receive because I lose about three pairs a year. Computer print cartridges can be a good gift since I go through them so quickly. (Note) I am trying to use fewer words but it is difficult with a limited vocabulary. I recently began wearing a hearing aid in my left ear. I am equally hard hearing in my right ear but I need one ear cleared for phone conversations. Anyhow, hearing aid-batteries #10, would be an excellent gift; those darn things don't last very long. I could use a roll of Velcro. I believe it would be wise given these senile senior years to Velcro-secure T.V. remotes, car keys and my wife's cell phone.
I am constantly getting handkerchiefs out of my chest-of-draws so that is a gift idea; I sneeze a lot. Cologne is always a smart gift for; little boys and old men who tend to smell differently than the rest of the world. I broke my electric pencil sharpener a year ago; I have always liked electric pencil sharpeners; I find them practical and sensuous. I need a new weed-whacker. Ever since my wife over-planted backyard flower beds, I use a whacker as much as the lawnmower! I can still can see the printed page and occasionally, I enjoy a good book. My kids could stop by Barnes & Noble and survey those possibilities. I just must remind the children that I don't care for topics on Fascism; spare anything written by Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity.
I think I'll call the kids this weekend and give them my February 18, birthday wish list. I will suggest that they should likely wait a day or two before the event. Let's be practical in our thinking; at my age the gift return possibility increases annually.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Friendship Untold
Absolutely, I believe in the age-old adage; 'opposites attract.' I was attracted to a 13-year old girlfriend with whom I have now been married 52-plus years. The list of ways one could count 'our opposites' is lengthy, indeed!
One of my wife's opposite traits, which I find so admirable is her ability to make that human connection quickly and become such a trusting friend. I have told her many times that my numbered acquaintances far out-distance her acquaintances; one of the biggest reason is her casual acquaintances become friends. My wife immediately accepts folks upon 'face-value' whereas I tend to hold back due to doubting trust issues. I understand why I withhold trust and yet it is never going to change; like the young folks say, 'It is what it is."
Don't get the wrong idea, I do have friends, just not the number found on my wife's dance card. I have had many friends these past few weeks reach out with sympathy, love and offered prayers upon the death of my Mother. I so deeply appreciate the many kind words and certainly the memorial gifts to Hospice in my other Lucille's name. I thank them all.
One individual sent a note with kind thoughtful expressions and wondered how I could keep such poise giving Mother's eulogy. I will confess that in several private moments, I shed my tears thinking that all our Mother-Son conversations have ceased. Let me tell you how I could keep things together delivering that eulogy. Before walking to the lectern, I stared at my Mother's profile as she lay there.
I said to myself several times over, "I am most blessed to have had such a long and wonderful relationship with my ninety-three year old Mother and I pray to our Lord that He comfort those Newtown, Connecticut parents who lost a lifetime with their children. I cannot imagine such heartache and pain.
Yesterday, I opened a lovely sympathy card from Ann Hoffman which held heartfelt personal words about losing my Mother. WOW! What a perfect Christian lady. Ann and Bob Hoffman's son, Bobby died suddenly and unexpectedly at age forty-one leaving his young wife and two very young daughters. Mrs. Hoffman once again thanked me for "all" I did for Bobby when he played basketball under my mentoring. As I finished reading the woman's note, I closed my eyes to feel the hot tears swell. My immediate thoughts were not about my Mom but about another mother, Ann Hoffman and her incredible Christian testimony working its Christian friendship through unimaginable daily anguish.
Here is a sad reality about the high school coaching career: A wise coach must keep an arm's length from all parents due to the inevitable jealousy between parents as they perceive favoritism to another child. This situation stymies a coach's ability to make friends.
One of my wife's opposite traits, which I find so admirable is her ability to make that human connection quickly and become such a trusting friend. I have told her many times that my numbered acquaintances far out-distance her acquaintances; one of the biggest reason is her casual acquaintances become friends. My wife immediately accepts folks upon 'face-value' whereas I tend to hold back due to doubting trust issues. I understand why I withhold trust and yet it is never going to change; like the young folks say, 'It is what it is."
Don't get the wrong idea, I do have friends, just not the number found on my wife's dance card. I have had many friends these past few weeks reach out with sympathy, love and offered prayers upon the death of my Mother. I so deeply appreciate the many kind words and certainly the memorial gifts to Hospice in my other Lucille's name. I thank them all.
One individual sent a note with kind thoughtful expressions and wondered how I could keep such poise giving Mother's eulogy. I will confess that in several private moments, I shed my tears thinking that all our Mother-Son conversations have ceased. Let me tell you how I could keep things together delivering that eulogy. Before walking to the lectern, I stared at my Mother's profile as she lay there.
I said to myself several times over, "I am most blessed to have had such a long and wonderful relationship with my ninety-three year old Mother and I pray to our Lord that He comfort those Newtown, Connecticut parents who lost a lifetime with their children. I cannot imagine such heartache and pain.
Yesterday, I opened a lovely sympathy card from Ann Hoffman which held heartfelt personal words about losing my Mother. WOW! What a perfect Christian lady. Ann and Bob Hoffman's son, Bobby died suddenly and unexpectedly at age forty-one leaving his young wife and two very young daughters. Mrs. Hoffman once again thanked me for "all" I did for Bobby when he played basketball under my mentoring. As I finished reading the woman's note, I closed my eyes to feel the hot tears swell. My immediate thoughts were not about my Mom but about another mother, Ann Hoffman and her incredible Christian testimony working its Christian friendship through unimaginable daily anguish.
Here is a sad reality about the high school coaching career: A wise coach must keep an arm's length from all parents due to the inevitable jealousy between parents as they perceive favoritism to another child. This situation stymies a coach's ability to make friends.
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