The "A Couple Of Short Tails Or Reading Between The Lions" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Have been checking my Facebook page.  Actually it is my wife's Facebook page, but she didn't want to post a photo of herself so she posted my photograph so people now assume it is my Facebook page.  Anyway, I found a rather humorous short story (I guess you could call it a joke if you want) that I thought you would enjoy as well as a rather unique musical tale that I know many of you will enjoy.  So, (don't you hate when people begin every sentence with "So" while speaking) without further adieu, I present my agenda for the day.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

1. A public school teacher was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport this morning as he attempted to board a flight while in possession of a ruler, a protractor, a compass, a slide-rule and a calculator.  At a press conference just before noon today, Attorney General Eric Holder said he believes the man is a member of the notorious Al-Gebra movement.  Although he did not identify the man, he confirmed the man has been charged by the FBI with carrying weapons of math instruction.  "Al-Gebra is a problem for us," the Attorney General said.  "They derive solutions by means and extremes and sometimes go off on tangents in search of absolute values.  They use secret code names like 'X' and 'Y' and refer to themselves as 'unknowns', but we have determined that they belong to a common denominator of the axis of medieval with coordinates in every country.  As the Greek philosopher Isosceles used to say, 'There are 3 sides to every triangle.'"  The Attorney General went on to say. "Teaching our children sentient thought processes and equipping them to solve problems is dangerous and puts our government at risk."  
2. Home Free is a musical group originally founded by brothers Chris and Adam Rupp while they were in college during the early 2000s.  They soon gathered three more members and began touring the country and performing for crowds of thousands of eager fans!  Their fame hit an all-time high when they were invited on the hit show "The Sing-Off" and won.  Perhaps you heard them on the show.  Now the skilled men showcase their talents by performing iconic tunes like "Angels We Have Heard On High."  Their voices, paired with the beautiful scenery and acoustics of the church make for a video that will stand the test of time!  What a beautiful rendition of this treasured Christmas carol!  I know ... it's not the season for Christmas music, but so what.  In the video this talented a cappella group enters a beautiful church and begins singing "Angels We Have Heard On High" with such harmony and grace that it covered me in goosebumps.  Loved their harmony and had to listen to the video a few times.  See what you think.  Almost makes you wish that Christmas was right around the corner.

The "A Return To The Grange Fair: Part II" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Walking the Grange Fair Campgrounds in Centre Hall, Pennsylvania taking photographs to share the experience with you.  The fairgrounds cover 264 acres with tents, RVs, food vendors, music venues, rides, animal buildings and plenty of parking space.  Follow along with me as I give you a visual idea as to the fun that one can have when visiting the Grange Fair.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The dairy cattle barn.

The tractor pulls.

Feeding the horses in the equine building.

The proud winner in one of the day's events

Preparing for  showing her horse.

The equine barn getting ready for a jumping event.

Heading to the show ring.

These young farmers proudly show their goats.

This girl wasn't very happy she lost.

And ... the winner!

The interior of one of the 1,000 tents in the campgrounds.

Walking the campgrounds.

Having the best time of his life.

A cool treat on a warm day.

Finding something to do in her tent.

Looking for her owner.

This young rider couldn't have been ore than 10 years old.

Worn out from caring for her cows.

Smiling for the camera.

This rabbit is preparing for competition.

While this young girl comforts her hare after competition.

Enjoying a cool treat.

Truly enjoying himself.  

Self-feeder

Saw me and posed for this photograph.

Summer attire?

The "A Return To The Grange Fair: Part I" Story

It was an ordinary day.  While reading the Centre Daily Times, the daily newspaper in State College, Pennsylvania, I came across a small section telling of events that happened 25 years ago and 50 years ago during the week of August 20-26.  Half a century ago on August 23, 1967, nearly 200 trailers and 700 tents gathered in nearby Centre Hall, PA for the 93rd annual Grange Fair.  The festivities officially began the next day, with hobby and art show exhibits scattered across the fairgrounds.  It's been 143 years since Leonard Rhone urged Progress Grange to join its sister subordinate Granges in having a picnic in Centre Hall, Pennsylvania.  

Entrance gate into the Grange fairgrounds.

The Grange, officially referred to as The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, is a fraternal organization in the United States that encourages families to band together to promote the economic and political well-being of the community and agriculture.  The Grange, which was founded in 1867 after the Civil War, is the oldest American agricultural advocacy group with a national scope.  That small picnic in Centre Hall has now grown to a weeklong event that includes 1,000 tents, 1,500 recreational vehicles, hundreds of concessions, more that 7,000 exhibits items, amusement rides, livestock and just about anything you can imagine to eat; many of them fried.  

Riding the Tram from one venue to another with Sue.

The fair has become a family tradition, with some campers returning generation after generation.  Carol and I have made visits to the fair a few times over the past few years with our friends Jere and Sue who live in State College, PA.  Two years ago I wrote a few stories about the fair and will add another one after our recent visit this year.  It amazes me that the 1,000 tents set up each year for campers from 22 states have been passes down year after year; family to family.  Very few open up for new campers with a waiting list of 500 closed to new names for now.  Add to that the 1,500 RVs with families and you get the idea of the size of this yearly event.  

A sampling of the many acres of tents can be seen here.

There are many day guests, such as Carol, Jere, Sue and I, but I suspect that the majority of the visitors stay for the duration of the event.  Campers bring their couches, fancy lights, TVs, microwaves and whatever is needed for a week of merriment.  Of course, since this is an agricultural event, there are plenty of pigs, goats, chickens, sheep and cows that are judged for all ages involved in raising them.  Competitions exist for every type of fruit and vegetable imaginable as well as competitions for sewing items, artwork, photography ... and the list goes on and on.  

Many more acres are covered with RVs.

I find the event to be a remarkable venture with expend- itures probably topping $3 million this year.  There are close to 400 employees in varying capacities with a payroll budget over $600,000 needed to run this venture.  Can you imagine the amount of food needed to go along with the amount of electricity, water and sewer needed to keep the campgrounds running smoothly.  And, the parking!  There are 264 acres of Centre Hall that houses the fair with quite a bit of that being parking areas for the RVs and thousands of cars that find their way to the fair.  

Some of the hundreds of food vendors.

I must admit I tire from time to time with all the walking needed to traverse the camp- grounds, but the many tractor-trams that run constantly are a welcome means of heading from the equine buildings to the livestock buildings.  Music fills most parts of the campgrounds as bands of all genres of music play all day long.  We did manage to find plenty to eat with my huge, warm cinnamon bun being my favorite this year.  I'm sure someone a hundred years or more from now will likely write much the same as I have about this delightful experience that I have enjoyed many times.  The Grange should be congratulated for the wonderful job they do on an annual basis!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  PS - Follow along tomorrow for a more visual journey around the Grange Fairgrounds.

The "Needlepoint Extraordinaire" Story

Neat beach needlepoint I just finished framing for Sue.

It was an ordinary day.  Just finished framing one of Sue's needle- points with a light tan suede and red accent mats.  It was one of many that I have framed for her over the past ten years in my basement shop.  I have just a few close friends as customers since I work for a matting and frame shop and will only do a few, since I don't care to take work away from the shop.  Sue supplies me with the framing material and I do the rest.  Sue and her husband Jere are travel companions of my wife and myself and many of the needlepoints I do for her are patterns she had purchased while on travel vacations with us.  

Another beach related needlepoint by Sue.

Both Sue and Jere were high school classmates of mine so we have been friends for most of our lifetime.  Sue's work is fantastic and I love to add my touch to what she has done.  Easy to make a piece of artwork look good if the original artwork is good by itself.  For those of you who haven't a clue what needlepoint may be, it is a form of counted thread embroidery in which yarn of varying colors is stitched through a stiff open weave canvas.  Most needlepoint designs completely cover the canvas although that isn't necessary.  

A more traditional needlepoint she has done.
Remember to click on photos to enlarge them.

Needlepoint may be worked in a variety of stitches, but many designs use only a simple tent stitch and rely upon color changes in the yarn to construct the pattern.  The degree of detail depends on the thread count of the original fabric.  The majority of needlepoint work that Sue does is used for wall hangings, but she has made a pillow and Christmas tree ornaments for Carol and I.  Needlepoint goes back thousands of years to the ancient Egyptians who used small slanted stitches to sew up their canvas tents.  Needlepoint has been found in caves dating back to 1500 BC.  Needlepoint is also known to some as tapestry or canvaswork.  

My favorite which depicts the Christmas calandar.

The thread is usually wool, silk, cotton or a combination of these such as a wool-silk blend.  Some fibers may be metallic cord, metallic braid, ribbon or raffia.  Sue's needlepoint is done as a hobby as well as gifts for friends and relatives.  I enjoy framing her work since much of it has a seaside theme to it which reminds me of our travels with her and Jere.  

Another beach theme on this needlepoint.

But, my favorite needlepoint that I recently did for her was a rather large piece that had to be close to 24" by 24" in size and had to be made multi-dimensional since small pieces were used in the design.  The design was meant to illustrate the 24 days til Christmas.  Can't imaging the amount of time Sue spent on this piece of artwork.  For many, needlepoint is a form of relaxation and I suspect that is one of the reasons Sue enjoys her hobby so much.  And, as you can see by her work, good eyesight seems to be a must to be successful at needlepoint.  Check out her work and you'll see why I enjoy framing them for her. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

This small piece shows you don't have to totally cover the piece with stitches.

Minimal colors are used in this beach theme needlepoint.

A pair that hang in her livingroom. 

Much of this piece is not covered with thread.  This is a more traditional needlepoint displaying the letters of the alphabet.

  

The "Presidential Time Keeper" Story

An engraving of President James Buchanan.

It was an ordinary day.  Holding a gold pocket watch that at one time rested in the pocket of one James Buchanan Jr.; as in President James Buchanan Jr.  President James Buchanan was the 15th President of the United States, serving immediately prior to the American Civil War.  He was the only president that was a lifelong bachelor and the last president born in the 18th century as well as the only President from the State of Pennsylvania.  "Some" still consider him to be the worst President ever, but those "some" don't live in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where James lived on his beloved estate known as Wheatland until his death in June of 1868.  

Pres. James Buchanan's pocket watch. The watch
is attached to a "T" bar with the gold chain.

Anyway, history will soon show that James wasn't the worst ever.  Today I am in the basement of the Lancaster Historical Society Museum which is located a hop, skip and jump from Buchanan's home of Wheatland on of all places, President Avenue!  I am the guest of one of the museum's employees, Victoria.  We sat around a table in the temperature and humidity controlled room with white gloves on so as not to soil, fingermark or damage the beautiful pocket watch in front of us.  The pocket watch was a gift from the Mr. and Mrs. Ted Ewing family who is distantly related to President James Buchanan.  Since James Buchanan was a bachelor, he bequeathed his material goods and wealth to his niece Harriet Lane Johnston, who acted as First Lady in the White House during James' Presidency, to his brother Edward Y. Buchanan and to his nephew J. Buchanan Henry.  

Click on image to enlarge.  Only one letter, a "B" can
be seen in the center of the gold pocket watch case.

In 2014 the Ewings made a visit to the Wheatland Mansion and fell in love with the place.  Two years later the Ewings donated the pocket watch to the museum.  And, that is the watch that I am now attempting to photograph, with white gloves on naturally.  The case of the watch is simple in design with what appear to be three initials in the center; Only one is clear enough to read, even with a magnifying glass; the third letter "B".  

You may be able to read some of the cursive
writing if you click on the image to enlarge it.

Victoria opened the watch to the inside rear cover where there is engraved: From James Buchanan May 9th 1865. Opposite that are two small openings, or aperatures, where the pocket watch could be wound.  Words also appear which look to be: Time Keeper, Lewis Ladomus & Co., Philadelphia, Pa in cursive writing with a line on the top which is much harder to decipher and seems to list: "E. T. & Co. 18K 16943."  A gold chain runs from the bow at the top of the watch to a T-bar on the other end that could be used to attach the watch to a button hole on James' vest or possibly to a pants pocket.  The chain is a bright gold with short thick links to it.  

This shows places to wind the wind the watch

The other side of the pocket watch opens to the face which is in white with black Roman Numerals (the traditional IIII represents the #4 - this balances the VIII for the #8 on the opposite side).  A second dial, inset on the face, shows the second hand with traditional numerals every 10 seconds apart.  The cursive writing on the face reads: Lewis Ladomus & Co., Philadelphia, Pa.  The Lewis Ladomus & Company can be found on Google as: Lewis Ladomus / L. Ladomus & Co., Philadelphia, PA 1845-1878 : Had business of L. Ladomus & Co. 1853-1878 : Silversmith and watchmaker.  

The face of the pocket watch with hands and cursive writing.

They were located at 802 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia at one time.  The company had gone through different company partner- ships, but based on the date on the watch, Mr. Lewis Ladomus was the watchmaker who made the pocket watch that I am photographing.  Seems unreal to be able to hold, with gloved hands, a piece of history as well as the watch that more than likely was used in the White House by the President of the United States to help direct him in a timely manner throughout the day.  I must admit that I have several pocket watches in a nearby drawer that are more elegant, since my father was a watchmaker and jeweler, but none carry the prominence of the one I am now holding.  Too bad I wasn't allowed to try and wind it.  It was another day in the life of an ordinary guy.

Closer look at the "T" at the end of the chain.  This would be used to clip the pocket watch to a button hole, vest or pants pocket.  It was suggested it may also be used for winding the watch.

The "Your Dad Really Has A Great Doctor!" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Actually, its been an ordinary week, really!  For the past several weeks Carol has been visiting the Anne Barshinger Cancer Institute in Lancaster for daily radiation treatments for breast cancer.  More than once someone, either friend or relative, has called to ask if she is glowing yet.  Usually is a way to begin their conversation with her to ask her how she feels while going through radiation therapy.  The treatments seem to create a rather itchy red rash which is helped with a special cream she was given to use.  She is finally finished with the treatments and will now begin a 5 year round of a daily pill to help keep the cancer from returning.  The chances of staying cancer free are 95% when she takes the pill while only 85% without it.  It's been a long road to gain freedom from the cancer, but she has finally seen the end of the struggle.  As for me, Carol and I visited my Urologist to find if I am free of my prostate cancer.  I had a blood test done to see what my PSA may be and when the doctor entered the room he had a big smile on his face as well as a greeting telling me that he will end his day with his news that my PSA is now 0.01.  

We spent some time talking with him about the gene testing that I had done before being treated for my prostate cancer.  After finding out I had prostate cancer, he recommended I have the blood test done to see what my gene structure may be.  Found out I have the BRACA2 gene mutation which makes me more susceptible for breast, prostate and melanoma cancers.  My treatment for my prostate cancer changed after finding out I had the mutated gene.  I had Cryotherapy rather than radiation done.  The gene that I now know I carry can possibly transfer to my three children so Carol and I have suggested that our children be tested as soon as possible so they can find if they might also have the gene and make a plan for treatment.  Our daughter had blood drawn for the test and was told that if test results come back positive, she should consider having both breasts removed as well as having her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed.  Pretty drastic, but that is the recommendation that doctors give.  Her doctor told her that I have a fantastic doctor who realizes the ramifications of having a child who could inherit my gene mutation that can be deadly.  Even though I am in my 70s, he still strongly suggested I have the test done for the sake of my immediate family.  Our sons have yet to be tested, but we hope they take our advice and have the gene test also done.  We did get good news a few days ago that our daughter does not carry the gene and thus our two granddaughters cannot have it ... unless our son-in-law carries the gene.  He has never been tested.  So, does any of this matter?  Well, I wrote a story over a year ago about one of our daughters friends whose father had stomach cancer and carried a specific gene.  She was tested and found she too had the gene and chose to have both breasts removed and her stomach removed.  She found she had pre-cancerous cells in her stomach.  Could they have turned into cancer?  No one knows, but she can now be at ease knowing she will not be effected by the gene.  These are radical responses to cancer scares that may in the near future be realized if they are not done.  So, for those who have been tested, they can now live without the threat of cancer from any of the cells they carry that have been proven to be deadly.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  

The "Eyes On The Skies!" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Had my special polarizing glasses on as well as the very dark glasses I was given a few weeks ago when I had cataract surgery.  Standing in my driveway with my metal tripod to which I had attached my DSLR camera with my 70-250mm lens and a polarizing filter over my lens.  Spent a few minutes making adjustments on the camera and tripod and I was ready for the eclipse.  I'm sure by now you know what I'm talking about.  We in the United States have been bombarded with stories and warnings about a once in a lifetime event that was not to be missed.  Actually, our local paper said it would be "Priceless."  

Chart showing exactly what occurred on August 21, 2017.

And, I guess it was!  I certainly was excited.  We who live in Lancaster County, Pennsyl- vania knew we wouldn't have a total solar eclipse, but anything close would be amazing.  It was supposed to take 93 minutes to travel across the United States, at about 850 miles an hour. IF only we could drive across the United States in 93 minutes.  Those areas where there would be total darkness would be in darkness for 2 minutes and 39 seconds.  About 2:00 pm I was ready for the event while standing in my driveway.  Tried pointing my camera at the sun and pressing the button to make it automatically focus.  Wouldn't work.  Just ... wouldn't work!  Ah Ha!  Put my camera on manual focus, focused it to infinity and Voila!!  I knew ahead of time I wasn't going to get the same type of photos that I was seeing on television from places like Madras, Oregon and other locations along the 70-mile-wide swath across the United States.  But, I was hoping I could get a photo worthy of showing on my story today.  Then, about 2:30 the clouds rolled in and covered the sky.  

Taken from my TV showing the total eclipse in Kansas City, MO.

Geez, now what?  I'll be dead before this happens again.  We in Lancaster were supposed to see about 76% of the sun covered with the shadow of the moon, but we had to be able to see the sun.  Then, just as quick as the clouds covered the sky, they began to disappear.  At 2:42, the time we were told the excitement would begin, I began to take a few photos.  I tried every few minutes until I was sure it was over.  Checked to see what I got and hoped I had some great photos.  Didn't happen.  Not sure why, but I wasn't happy with my photos.  Probably doing something wrong, but it still didn't take away from the excitement of having a once in a lifetime chance of seeing a solar eclipse.  

Another view of the total eclipse taken from my TV.

Our local news outlets were telling me that the eclipse was the first total solar eclipse in the United States since 1979, which I don't recall at all, as well as the first total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. in 99 years.  We were also told that the air would get cooler and it would begin to get dark.  Not where I was standing!  The sweat was still rolling off my bald head and it was as bight as ever.  And, my wife kept reminding me not to look at the sun.  I did have my adjustable viewfinder on my camera pointed toward me so I didn't have to look towards the heavens, but you know how it is ... I just had to take a peek.  I figured how much worse could it be than when I look toward the sun while on vacation in the Caribbean and have the chance to take photos of a double rainbow.  Also read in the paper that people might act strange during the eclipse.  

And, the best I could produce from my driveway in Lancaster, PA

If you count the excitement involved, I guess you might consider that strange, but give me a break ... do you think people will really act strange?  Now, my wife said there's no way I can act more strange than I usually do, so we were safe in the driveway.  Yes, I can see animals who may be in the path of total darkness thinking it was nighttime, but others probably had no idea there was anything different happening.  I did read stories of things that happened 99 years ago when chickens went home to roost and birds returned to their nests and streetcars had to turn on their headlights.  Back then they made pinhole viewers and used smoked glass to view the eclipse.  Well, the event is now passed and truly was exciting and the next total eclipse for parts of the United States will appear on April 8, 2024 with the next full coast-to-coast total eclipse coming in 2045.  Only time will tell if I will be able to try again when the next eclipse arrives.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.