I have always been fascinated by those newspaper 'briefs' such as 'This date in history,' 'Do You Remember?' I recall as an East St. Louis kid reading in those blues about some of my dad's sports heroes that he told me about and then as time went by, I started reading those 'Fifty Years Ago Today' blurbs about my own youth heroes.
Well, my Washington, Illinois friends took time to send me a news briefs, which featured 'me.' Yesterday, my wife handed me a Peoria Journal-Star news clipping that had been carefully cut from a recent edition. Titled, 'Remember When,' it read: Jerry Sullivan is picked to be the new basketball coach at Mason City. He served the past four seasons on the 'Huskies' staff as assistant coach to Mel Roustio who has accepted the top job at Washington. Mason City has not had a losing season in the last dozen years and has claimed six regional titles in that stretch.
(Touch)
Those Were The Days
Friday, June 30, 2017
Thursday, June 29, 2017
When Will He Be Stopped?
I cannot guarantee many things. I can guarantee that for the past 56-years, I have prayed for those who are sick, those in harms way and those who are caught in financial and relationship problems. I pray for first responders, those in medical research and hands on doctors and caretakers. I pray for comforting grace upon those who grieve. Most definitely, I pray for our nation and those in leadership positions both in America and other nations. Therefore, I pray for he success of President Donald Trump even though I did not vote for for him. I must admit he is increasingly a difficult person for whom to pray.
This President's focus is not on our nation's problems or needs. His primary focus is not on world issues. He elects to spend an inordinate amount of time and energy on attacking people who may disagree with him or second guess him. I understand a little about personal attacks and second-guessing. I never chose to rent my mind or give my energies to those 'drugstore Cowboys.' 'Thin-skin' Trump on the other hand must attack America's fourth-estate and sling personal attacks at people representing any view contrary to his views.
A few weeks ago when a crazed shooter targeted a U.S. Senator and seriously injured people, the President and republican congressmen lead a calling for 'unity and toned down rhetoric.' When the Sandy Hook Elementary first grade children were killed by a gunman the aftermath unified position from the right was to protect the Second Amendment.
With waring issues looming in Syria, North Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan; an ongoing health care debate, the economy, needed infrastructure attention and a plethora of other national problems, Mr. Trump chose this morning to send out a tweet attacking two morning television commentators and personally attacking the female host stating that 'she was bleeding from on her face due to a bad face lift.' This man's vulgar comments about women is well-documented. And what is it about women and blood that looms in his thinking.
I ask, when will the right-wing self-proclaim Christian party do more than mildly denounce such comments from this President? This behavior is demeaning to the office of the United States' Presidency. Such language from the lips of an American President is an affront to the moral principles America purports. If another leader in another country speak such disgusting language, we would point the most condescending fingers. When will our nation's leaders decide it's time to protect our young from this kind of vulgar language from the office of the President?
This President's focus is not on our nation's problems or needs. His primary focus is not on world issues. He elects to spend an inordinate amount of time and energy on attacking people who may disagree with him or second guess him. I understand a little about personal attacks and second-guessing. I never chose to rent my mind or give my energies to those 'drugstore Cowboys.' 'Thin-skin' Trump on the other hand must attack America's fourth-estate and sling personal attacks at people representing any view contrary to his views.
A few weeks ago when a crazed shooter targeted a U.S. Senator and seriously injured people, the President and republican congressmen lead a calling for 'unity and toned down rhetoric.' When the Sandy Hook Elementary first grade children were killed by a gunman the aftermath unified position from the right was to protect the Second Amendment.
With waring issues looming in Syria, North Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan; an ongoing health care debate, the economy, needed infrastructure attention and a plethora of other national problems, Mr. Trump chose this morning to send out a tweet attacking two morning television commentators and personally attacking the female host stating that 'she was bleeding from on her face due to a bad face lift.' This man's vulgar comments about women is well-documented. And what is it about women and blood that looms in his thinking.
I ask, when will the right-wing self-proclaim Christian party do more than mildly denounce such comments from this President? This behavior is demeaning to the office of the United States' Presidency. Such language from the lips of an American President is an affront to the moral principles America purports. If another leader in another country speak such disgusting language, we would point the most condescending fingers. When will our nation's leaders decide it's time to protect our young from this kind of vulgar language from the office of the President?
Crazy Woman
Whew, thank goodness, Nana and Boompa survived last week's Naboo Camp. Mission Accomplished...really accomplished, G. W. Nana and Boompa hosted the three youngest of 15- grandkids for one week of Camp. Those three would be sisters Alexa (13), Ashlyn (6) and cousin, Shannon (14). Unnecessary to detail it but indeed 'an interesting dynamic.'
Nana and Boompa have now hosted six Naboo Camps from 2002-to-2017. Those week long camps feature nightly theme meals with costumes included, nightly Scavenger hunts, three craft sessions each day, trips to the zoo, children's museum and the movies. The kids held individual talent shows and a group production play. Late night S'mores and Boompa Floats topped the day.
Consider, if you will, the first five Naboo Camps took place in consecutive summers beginning in 2002. That means there was an eleven-year hiatus. Let me state it in other terms: In 2006, the Naboo 'camp counselors' were 66 & 67 respectively. "Whoa Nellie! This past week long camp saw bedtime come slowly and wake up time too soon," says the seventy-eight year old Boompa.
Yesterday, Nana and Boompa spent much of the day putting away the physical evidence of camp. As I picked up the Welcome "NABOO CAMP" sign, I said to Camp Director, Nana, "Well, I believe I'll throw this sign away...we've held our last Naboo Camp." Nana's quick and terse response, "Don't you dare throw that sign away. I'm having those three girls back next year plus great granddaughter, Juniper and I may have a NABOO CAMP Reunion for all the grandkids and great grandkids!"
I'll just follow her lead...unlike some the Naboo Camp Director is unimpeachable.
(Touch)
Driving Me Crazy
Nana and Boompa have now hosted six Naboo Camps from 2002-to-2017. Those week long camps feature nightly theme meals with costumes included, nightly Scavenger hunts, three craft sessions each day, trips to the zoo, children's museum and the movies. The kids held individual talent shows and a group production play. Late night S'mores and Boompa Floats topped the day.
Consider, if you will, the first five Naboo Camps took place in consecutive summers beginning in 2002. That means there was an eleven-year hiatus. Let me state it in other terms: In 2006, the Naboo 'camp counselors' were 66 & 67 respectively. "Whoa Nellie! This past week long camp saw bedtime come slowly and wake up time too soon," says the seventy-eight year old Boompa.
Yesterday, Nana and Boompa spent much of the day putting away the physical evidence of camp. As I picked up the Welcome "NABOO CAMP" sign, I said to Camp Director, Nana, "Well, I believe I'll throw this sign away...we've held our last Naboo Camp." Nana's quick and terse response, "Don't you dare throw that sign away. I'm having those three girls back next year plus great granddaughter, Juniper and I may have a NABOO CAMP Reunion for all the grandkids and great grandkids!"
I'll just follow her lead...unlike some the Naboo Camp Director is unimpeachable.
(Touch)
Driving Me Crazy
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Family Dynamics
They voted for change...and why not? I'm talking about changing the Roustio Family Reunion from an annual affair as it has been for the past sixty-eight years to an every other year Reunion beginning in 2020. The French-descendants (Roustieau clan) will meet for their 69th 'annual' reunion in 2018 but thereafter meet the every other year on 'even-number-years.'
The change is probably long overdue. When the family gathering began in 1949, families were not nearly as dispersed as they are today. A village really did have 'hands-on' raising children because the village was largely made up of kinfolks looking out for one another. Consider the '40's & '50's family dynamics. Many families stayed close to one another because of like customs, traditions and language barriers with first and second generation immigrants.Those issues fell by the wayside with generational assimilation.
I remember those days when fathers worked five week days while mothers were truly 'homemakers' and then both were doing home projects on Saturday. We knew grandparents were butchering a few chickens Saturday for Sunday dinner after Church. That was back in the day when nearly 50% of Americans were attending Sunday Church services compared to 14% today. (Don't believe that? Look it up!) stores were closed to 'honor the Sabbath.' Family traditions dictated. As education and job opportunities pulled the younger generation away from the hometown we saw the beginning of a more mobile society and noted dwindling attendance numbers at the family reunion. It was more difficult for those far away family members to make the date. Perhaps thirty years earlier a Saturday reunion date change was çalling; We were not listening. Well, yesterday the fifty-one people in attendance were given four choices to consider: The pre-vote emphasis was a charge to vote for the choice you believe sustains and improves attendance. A decisive majority wanted to have the Roustio Reunion every other year on the even years.
I am appreciate my children and spouses stepping forward and taking some leadership responsibilities. Your Papaw would be pleased. And on that note, may I say, my wife and I attended these reunions over the years for two reasons: We wanted to honor family love ones who came before and we wanted our kids/grandkids to stay connected this becoming part of a legacy.
Keep in mind this is not the only family reunion we should hope to attend.
(Touch)
One Day
The change is probably long overdue. When the family gathering began in 1949, families were not nearly as dispersed as they are today. A village really did have 'hands-on' raising children because the village was largely made up of kinfolks looking out for one another. Consider the '40's & '50's family dynamics. Many families stayed close to one another because of like customs, traditions and language barriers with first and second generation immigrants.Those issues fell by the wayside with generational assimilation.
I remember those days when fathers worked five week days while mothers were truly 'homemakers' and then both were doing home projects on Saturday. We knew grandparents were butchering a few chickens Saturday for Sunday dinner after Church. That was back in the day when nearly 50% of Americans were attending Sunday Church services compared to 14% today. (Don't believe that? Look it up!) stores were closed to 'honor the Sabbath.' Family traditions dictated. As education and job opportunities pulled the younger generation away from the hometown we saw the beginning of a more mobile society and noted dwindling attendance numbers at the family reunion. It was more difficult for those far away family members to make the date. Perhaps thirty years earlier a Saturday reunion date change was çalling; We were not listening. Well, yesterday the fifty-one people in attendance were given four choices to consider: The pre-vote emphasis was a charge to vote for the choice you believe sustains and improves attendance. A decisive majority wanted to have the Roustio Reunion every other year on the even years.
I am appreciate my children and spouses stepping forward and taking some leadership responsibilities. Your Papaw would be pleased. And on that note, may I say, my wife and I attended these reunions over the years for two reasons: We wanted to honor family love ones who came before and we wanted our kids/grandkids to stay connected this becoming part of a legacy.
Keep in mind this is not the only family reunion we should hope to attend.
(Touch)
One Day
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Interesting Insight
I have shared with readers before that my wife and I have 15- grandchildren and two great grandchildren. This past Sunday the Roustio clan assembled at Shiloh Park (Shiloh, IL.) for the 68-annual Roustio Family Reunion. Shiloh is about a 2-hour drive from Decatur. My wife, Gerry is dealing with a physical issue, which kept her home bound Reunion Day. Believe me, my wife is incapacitated when she stays away from family gatherings.
Fortunately, second oldest granddaughter, Lindsay O'Keefe-Mitchell was in Decatur with her mother (daughter Dawn) and sisters, Alexa and Ashlyn and decided to keep me company on the drive to and from Shiloh. As you can imagine, I relish such time. Those one-on-one times with the grandchildren allow me a captive audience. I seize those moments to ask the poignant questions and do a little preaching. As most grandfathers, I operate on the illusion that my grandchildren thrive on my words of wisdom. Thankfully, my grandchildren are respectful to the extent they placate me by pretending to listen.
On our drive back home, yesterday, the tables were turned on the old-timer. It was I who gained insight in words spoken by granddaughter, Lindsay. At some moment, I asked Lindsay if she and husband, Reid had plans to begin a family. (How's that, you readers think I'm bold and intrusive? Well, I ask, "What's your point?") Anyway, Lindsay explained the family-game plan and added this observation: "All I read on my Facebook page is friends getting married or having babies."
I thought and then shared with Lindsay, "That's interesting because all I read on my Facebook page is about friends having surgery and obituary postings." I suppose the differences in our two Facebook pages speaks to the various distances traveled in our respective train rides. That said, I am thinking about getting younger friends.
(Touch)
Feel Young
Fortunately, second oldest granddaughter, Lindsay O'Keefe-Mitchell was in Decatur with her mother (daughter Dawn) and sisters, Alexa and Ashlyn and decided to keep me company on the drive to and from Shiloh. As you can imagine, I relish such time. Those one-on-one times with the grandchildren allow me a captive audience. I seize those moments to ask the poignant questions and do a little preaching. As most grandfathers, I operate on the illusion that my grandchildren thrive on my words of wisdom. Thankfully, my grandchildren are respectful to the extent they placate me by pretending to listen.
On our drive back home, yesterday, the tables were turned on the old-timer. It was I who gained insight in words spoken by granddaughter, Lindsay. At some moment, I asked Lindsay if she and husband, Reid had plans to begin a family. (How's that, you readers think I'm bold and intrusive? Well, I ask, "What's your point?") Anyway, Lindsay explained the family-game plan and added this observation: "All I read on my Facebook page is friends getting married or having babies."
I thought and then shared with Lindsay, "That's interesting because all I read on my Facebook page is about friends having surgery and obituary postings." I suppose the differences in our two Facebook pages speaks to the various distances traveled in our respective train rides. That said, I am thinking about getting younger friends.
(Touch)
Feel Young
Monday, June 26, 2017
Dadgumit if those numbers ain't gettin' higher!
The year 2017, has unveiled some eye-popping higher Anniversary numbers; check it out: This blog writer's February birthday Anniversary reached 78. My East Side High Class of 1957 reunion hits the 60th rung and my high school sweetheart and I celebrated 57 married years.
My last four birthdays have been spent in Florida, therefore the significance of getting longer in the tooth (the few I have remaining) has been tempered with the absence of immediate family decorating with those damn 'black balloons.' My high school Class reunion slated for this coming mid-October poses a difficult scenario this time around. Every high school kid has a handful of classmates that were truly best friends. I could point to four such buddies. Three of the four I have stayed in close contact over the post graduate years. Those dear friends all died since our class last assembled. One friend with whom I spoke with a few days after his surgery died suddenly within 12-hours of our conversation. A second friend and former teammate had been fighting a terminal illness. I was calling him every other week. My heart sunk when my last telephone call kicked to a recording telling me, "The number you are calling has been disconnected."
I just received the Class Reunion form to fill out and send in to the committee. With a positive and grateful spirit, I will mail my remittance and form tomorrow. We have held seven (5-year intervals) plus two additional birthday (65& 75) reunions, which totals 9 reunions. Now, I'm wondering if I can squeeze into another dinner table reunion night. Regardless, I'm sure those in attendance will sooner or later get swept away with remineising about days of old.
(Touch)
lost in the fifties
My last four birthdays have been spent in Florida, therefore the significance of getting longer in the tooth (the few I have remaining) has been tempered with the absence of immediate family decorating with those damn 'black balloons.' My high school Class reunion slated for this coming mid-October poses a difficult scenario this time around. Every high school kid has a handful of classmates that were truly best friends. I could point to four such buddies. Three of the four I have stayed in close contact over the post graduate years. Those dear friends all died since our class last assembled. One friend with whom I spoke with a few days after his surgery died suddenly within 12-hours of our conversation. A second friend and former teammate had been fighting a terminal illness. I was calling him every other week. My heart sunk when my last telephone call kicked to a recording telling me, "The number you are calling has been disconnected."
I just received the Class Reunion form to fill out and send in to the committee. With a positive and grateful spirit, I will mail my remittance and form tomorrow. We have held seven (5-year intervals) plus two additional birthday (65& 75) reunions, which totals 9 reunions. Now, I'm wondering if I can squeeze into another dinner table reunion night. Regardless, I'm sure those in attendance will sooner or later get swept away with remineising about days of old.
(Touch)
lost in the fifties
Friday, June 23, 2017
Angry and Obnoxious
There are two professions I could never embrace: a politician or a boxer. Politicians lie and say horrible things about one another while a boxer's objective is to render another human unconscious. In each arena, we note the ability of both combatants to hug in the aftermath of contesting...not my cup of tea. I suppose I'm not that forgiving. I would want to 'punch' the opposing politician and I certainly would not be hugging someone who'd been 'punching' me. Suffice to say, my attitude about competition is 'Respect All; Fear None...but let's not pretend we're Friends'
We have a real sickness in America. In this land of the free and home of the brave where countrymen profess love for Jesus, we frequently wish to deny others of their freedoms while cowardly taking cheap-shots at opponents or humiliating those not of our persuasion or ethnicity. Consequently, we are a very angry people and the prospects for future peaceful tranquility fades in the distance. People are so entrenched in their ethnocentrism that tolerance for opposing ideas is no longer an option but instead we embrace the unrelenting posture of 'if you're not with me, you are against me.' People are quick to show the attitude of 'no-fault; it's not responsibility.'
Our greed for money and power rivals that of the Roman Empire. We are often blatantly obnoxious in celebratory displays and show a growing need to add to our success the scalp of our victim. We attempt to reduce physical and emotional pain with pills, alcohol and illegal drugs. Our public language usage and dress suggest that we, as a society, have redefined moral behavior and dismissed all thoughts of modeling for our youth. Environmentalists worry about the destruction of our natural-environment and resources. We would be wise to cry out for the salvation of our moral environment.
My message this morning is not a new one. For generations writers have penned similar warnings. Therefore, you ask, "Why the alarm?" My answer: "Beware and know that the pendulum NEVER swings all the way back and erosion becomes a certain by-product."
(Touch)
Games People Play
We have a real sickness in America. In this land of the free and home of the brave where countrymen profess love for Jesus, we frequently wish to deny others of their freedoms while cowardly taking cheap-shots at opponents or humiliating those not of our persuasion or ethnicity. Consequently, we are a very angry people and the prospects for future peaceful tranquility fades in the distance. People are so entrenched in their ethnocentrism that tolerance for opposing ideas is no longer an option but instead we embrace the unrelenting posture of 'if you're not with me, you are against me.' People are quick to show the attitude of 'no-fault; it's not responsibility.'
Our greed for money and power rivals that of the Roman Empire. We are often blatantly obnoxious in celebratory displays and show a growing need to add to our success the scalp of our victim. We attempt to reduce physical and emotional pain with pills, alcohol and illegal drugs. Our public language usage and dress suggest that we, as a society, have redefined moral behavior and dismissed all thoughts of modeling for our youth. Environmentalists worry about the destruction of our natural-environment and resources. We would be wise to cry out for the salvation of our moral environment.
My message this morning is not a new one. For generations writers have penned similar warnings. Therefore, you ask, "Why the alarm?" My answer: "Beware and know that the pendulum NEVER swings all the way back and erosion becomes a certain by-product."
(Touch)
Games People Play
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