The "Story Starter" Story

It was an ordinary day. Just got my AARP Bulletin in the mail. So many great stories to read and maybe depress me, but I found one in the rear of the bulletin titled "Power of 50" that made me laugh. Matter of fact it gave me a great idea for our Thanksgiving meal when we have 20 or more people gathered around our dining room table to celebrate the holiday. Story called 50 Thanksgiving Starters. Supposed to get this page out when you have your gathering during the holidays. Instead of offering expressions of gratitude, you can ask everyone to share something about themselves that maybe most people gathered for the occasion don't know. The host could maybe write all 50 on 3x5 cards and put them in a box and everyone would pick two cards. Decide which one of the 2 cards you want to share with the crowd and have a great time. My two "Story Starters" I have chosen from the list are: (1)Something I wish was still sold in stores is ___and (2) I am secretly proud that I can ___. OK, for the answers: (1) Mexican jumping beans which I would buy at a downtown store called Steinfelds in Lancaster. Every Monday afternoon and Saturday morning I would have choir practice at church. I would leave my house, a mile to the north of downtown, and walk to choir practice. Usually had to make a stop at Steinfelds to get some novelty item to share with my friends at choir practice. Many times they were taken from me by Mr. McConnell, the choir master, for being disruptive during rehearsal. Wonder what he did with all the stuff he gathered from the choirboys over all those year. Anyway, the beans were tan to brown in color. They are a seed pod through which the larva of a small moth has chewed. The bean "jumps" because when it gets in a hot place the larva snaps its body hoping to roll to a cooler place. They really worked! Hold them in your hand and those buggers will rally jump. Oh the joys of being a boy in the 40s and 50s. (2) I can sit on the floor, or on anything as far as that goes, and my legs will fit right next to me on the outside of my thigh. Can't sit with my legs crossed, but I can sit with my legs to the side. Not many people can do that. So there, I have answered my 2 questions. I have included a copy of the page from the bulletin in case you want to try it yourself. I had to break it down into smaller sections so you could read it. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.