The "Jack 'The Scribbler' Brubaker" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Looking up the word "Scribbler" online to see when it was first used.  Seems that it was first used in print in 1556 when it was used to mean "hurried writer."   I searched for the word since I have read a column every Sunday in my local newspaper titled "The Scribbler" for a long as I can remember.  Neat column written by a fellow named Jack Brubaker who considers himself "The Scribbler" while writing his column which deals with a variety of unusual and different items in my newspaper.  "The Scribbler" first appeared in the Lancaster newspaper on May 24, 1919.  That column was published in The Daily Examiner and Express which merged with The Lancaster New Era which eventually became LNP.  The column was published weekly except during WWII.  It returned in 1947 when a trio of writers became "The Scribbler."  One of those writers was Gerald Lestz who was the step-father of my girlfriend at the time.  Then in 1951,  the column was once again discontinued until 1957 when Mr. Lestz resurrected the column once again and authored the column until he retired in 1979.  It was at that time that Jack took over.   On May 23, 2018 the column celebrated it's 99th birthday.  "The Scribbler is one of the oldest newspaper columns in the world!  "The Beachcomber", published in the London Daily Express, is considered the world's oldest newspaper column followed by "The Scribbler."  Well, this past Sunday, August 28, 2022, I found another interesting story in "The Scribbler."  Seems that a writer, Dr. Alan Peterson from Pequea Township, wrote telling The Scribbler that he was watching an INSP show, part of the "Wild West Chronicles" called "Doc Susie Goes Underground",  that featured Doc Susie calling Bat Masterson "the Scribbler."  She walks into his office and says, "Is the Scribbler in?"  Doc Susie couldn't be talking about  Jack Brubaker...could she?  Could be that Bat Masterson was being called a scribbler...meaning hurried writer.  In the early 1990s Mr. George Rosenfeld wrote a column of poetry called "the Scribbler" for the nearby Elizabethtown College Chronicle.  When he found out about the Lancaster newspaper's "the Scribbler," he changed his column to the "Hillbilly Scribbler."  So...who is the "real" Scribbler?  To me, "The Scribbler" will always be Jack Brubaker.  

Jack Brubaker

I'll always picture this guy with gray, receding hair, wearing wire-rim glasses and sporting a gray mustache with a smile on his face as "The Scribbler."  Who else could it be???  My only regret is that I look so much older than "The Scribbler."!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  

The "The Power Of Forgiveness" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Reading about how hard it is to forgive someone.  Not just strangers whom may have done something wrong to you, but to friends and family that have caused pain and suffering due to actions or words they may have spread which caused you pain and suffering; both physically and mentally.  From the time I was a young boy I was taught to say "please", "thank you", and "sorry", but I really don't remember being taught to say "I forgive you."  Forgiveness requires more than just saying words out loud.  It requires us to make a conscious decision to choose to move on, to embrace the possibilities of the future rather than focus on the negativity of the present.  Practicing forgiveness can help develop empathy and compassion toward others, and ultimately strengthen relationships you may have or might like to have with others.  Tough sometimes to understand a friend or relative as a human being.  But, to understand someone else as a human being is about as close to real forgiveness as one can get.  I recently found a few quotes from some of history's greatest thinkers whom have cited forgiveness as a key component to reaching your full potential in life.  See what you think and see if you too might practice some of what you are about to read.  I know I plan to use the quotes to help me be a better person and forgive others as I would want them to forgive me.  

We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.
― Martin Luther King Jr.

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
― Mahatma Gandhi

Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning.
― Desmond Tutu

To err is human; to forgive, divine.
― Alexander Pope

I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.
― Abraham Lincoln

It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody.
― Maya Angelou

Take forgiveness slowly. Don’t blame yourself for being slow. Peace will come.
― Yoko Ono

Forgiveness is a strange thing. It can sometimes be easier to forgive our enemies than our friends. It can be hardest of all to forgive people we love.
― Fred Rogers

See if you can learn from reading the previous quotes and than practice them in your daily life.  May be hard to do, but nothing worthwhile is ever easy.  And then...remember...practice what you preach!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.    

 

The "One Of The Sweetest People On Earth!" Story

 It was an ordinary day.  Friday, August 26 and Carol and I are standing in the rear of Boehm's United Methodist Church in the little town of Willow Street.  We have arrived to visit with family and friends at a service to celebrate the life and death of Peggy M. (Adams) Stiffel of Willow Street who was the wife of my cousin George B. Stiffel, Jr.  Peggy died August 21 at the Lancaster General Hospital at the age of 68.  

Peggy M. (Adams) Stiffel

She had just celebrated her 47th year of marriage to my cousin George.  She was the daughter of the late Marvin I, Sr. and Bertha V.E. Barnes Adams.  She had graduated from nearby Penn Manor High School in 1971 and had worked for many years in the business offices of Turkey Hill Minit Markets and later in the business offices of Sight & Sound.  At the time of her death she was employed at Manor Fuels.  Peggy loved cats and enjoyed working in her garden.  She enjoyed days at Rawlinsville Camp Meeting and was a faithful follower of Jesus.  She was one of the nicest people you could ever meet.  It seems as if nothing ever bothered her and she loved everyone she met.  My wife Carol and I only got to see Peggy when our families gathered for special events and celebrations, but she was one of the kindest and sweetest people you would ever want to meet.  We always said that my cousin George was one lucky guy to have married Peggy.  Besides her husband George, she is survived by a brother, Marvin Adams, Jr., husband of the Rev. Helen Adams of Pequea, a sister-in-law, Judy (my cousin), wife of Roy Rineer, Willow Street and three nieces.  She was the godmother of Abigail.  She is also survived by several cousins.  She had requested that donations on her behalf should be to Wounded Warriors Project.  My cousin George is going to miss Peggy who was the love of his life.  She was the sweetest person who was always the most quiet person in the room.  Rest In Peace sweet Peggy!  We will all miss you!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. 

The "My Hat Goes Off To Angela & Vernon" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Reading about a couple who recently celebrated their 80th Anniversary.  Yes, you read that correctly!  They celebrated their 80th Anniversary!  My wife, Carol, and I have been married for 55 years and thought that was a long time, but it's nothing compared to Vernon and Angela Stinebaugh who celebrated 80 years of marriage on August 16, 2022.  Vernon said he calls his wife "The Angel of glad tidings and great joy."  She replies that her husband has been an anchor, a real anchor.  At 103 years of age, the Stinebaughs still share the spark that brought them together.  "Memory has been a very fortunate thing.  I can reminisce," Vernon said.  They first met at Manchester College in Indiana, when Angela spotted Vernon in the stairwell of the music department.  She says that she was really taken.  Vernon replied, "She didn't say which way."  Vernon asked Angela on a date.  He said that she gave him a big smile that he's never forgotten.  And, the rest is history...as they say.  After the wedding, Angela moved to Pennsylvania to become a teacher.  Once Vernon finished school in Indiana, he followed her to Pennsylvania.  They both say that while their love kept them devoted, it was music that drew them even closer.  "It was a nice addition.  A nice complement," Angela said.  With Vernon on the violin and Angela on the piano, they performed 123 concerts together over the years.  But, the achievement they are most proud of is the family they've built.  "Two daughters, three grandsons and five great-grandchildren," Angela said.  But, it wasn't always easy.  "We've been through all kinds of up and downs," Vernon said.  "Yes, we have," Angela said.  But, they've always prevailed.  They are still learning, even after 80 years of marriage.  Vernon says that, "We're learning a lot at this age.  Learning every day is so important."  And after 80 years, they both say they've learned the secret to a love that lasts.  "Be adaptable to life in whatever circumstance," Angela said.  "I don't need to say more than, 'Amen to that,'" Vernon said.  They both claim that 80 years of marriage is the Oak Anniversary, symbolizing the strength and longevity of the oak tree and a deeply rooted love for one another.  My wife and I recently celebrated 55 years of marriage and I thought that was a fabulous accomplishment, but 80 years is UNBELIEVABLE.  

Angela and Vernon Stinebaugh

I'm not sure I ever knew anyone who was 103 years old.  And, its hard to believe, by looking at their photograph, that they are that old.  Congratulations go out to the fantastic couple!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  

The "Life Lessons From Mr. Rogers" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Sunny inside as well as outside on this particular day.  Sunny inside since I was reading "Life's Lessons From Mister Rogers."  Yep... the same guy that fascinated and entertained not only my children, but myself for years and years.   Mister Rogers was actually Mr. Fred McFeely Rogers who was the host of the children's television series "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood."  He was the TV host that both kids and parents trusted and enjoyed. He was the most mellow fellow with the friendly attitude and had a calming demeanor.  PBS broadcast his show, "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" for three decades and I watched many of those shows...both with my children as well as watching his shows by myself.  Learned so much from him which helped me raise my own children.  Remember when he began each episode by changing into one of his trademark cardigan sweaters and slipping on some sneakers while singing his show's theme song, "Won't You Be My Neighbor?"  And, he always ended each show with the song "Tomorrow."  Remember that?  Aw, come on!  I'll bet you remember that.  Who didn't watch Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood?  The series ran for 31 seasons from 1968 through 2001.  On the show, Mr. Rogers dished out timeless wisdom about how to be kind to others, how to feel good about yourself, and what to do when you're up against your worst fears.  He used puppets at times to teach his lessons on empathy and compassion and then encouraged his viewers to dream big, explore the world and be kind.  I can still remember the song that introduced his show to his audience.  Some of his most memorable quotes and reminders of the good ole days were recently published online and I thought you might enjoy them as much as I did when I read them a few days ago.  Read on and see if you remember some of Mister Rogers' inspiring quotes...

All of us, at some time or other, needs help. Whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors — in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver.

As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has or ever will have, something inside that is unique to all time.

Imagine what our real neighborhoods would be like if each of us offered, as a matter of course, just one kind word to another person.

Everyone longs to be loved. And the greatest thing we can do is to let people know that they are loved and capable of loving.

Mutual caring relationships require kindness and patience, tolerance, optimism, joy in the other's achievements, confidence in oneself, and the ability to give without undue thought of gain.

Forgiveness is a strange thing. It can sometimes be easier to forgive our enemies than our friends. It can be hardest of all to forgive people we love. Like all of life's important coping skills, the ability to forgive and the capacity to let go of resentments most likely take root very early in our lives.

It’s not so much what we have in this life that matters. It’s what we do with what we have.

You rarely have time for everything you want in this life, so you need to make choices. And hopefully your choices can come from a deep sense of who you are.

If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of.

It’s really easy to fall into the trap of believing that what we do is more important than what we are. Of course, it’s the opposite that’s true: What we are ultimately determines what we do!

The greatest gift you ever give is your honest self.

Do you remember any of Mister Rogers' words of wisdom?  Perhaps you watched his show.  If so...I'm sure you will never forget his entry song of "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood"......and "Won't You Be My Neighbor?"  Thank you Mr. Rogers for all you taught my family while watching your show.  They just don't broadcast shows like that anymore.  Such a shame!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "Life Is All About Balance..." Story

It was an ordinary day.  Which for many people is a day filled with stress and worry.  Does it have to be that way?  Many people think that is the only way to eventual happiness.  But why does it have to be that way?  Life could and should be all about balance.......work hard, play hard and that sort of thing.  But, when can you find time to relax?  Relaxing is aspirational and healing: "to make or become less tense or anxious."  Why can't you just take a break and watch a good game or event on TV?  Or, why not take some time and tend to your favorite flowers in your garden?  There has to be something that you enjoy to do that can give you some relaxation.  How about just lounging in your hammock or stroll through your neighborhood, talking with friends you haven't seen for some time.  Rest should be a built-in part of everyone's daily routine.  I know...you say you just can't afford the time.  Well, take time!  Stop feeling overwhelmed with work!  Watch some television or perhaps you can spend some time in your garden or maybe visit across the backyard fence with a neighbor.  Rest of some sort should be built into your day.  Rest should be a built-in part of everyone's daily routine.  So when deadlines and to-do's start to feel overwhelming, take these following 15 quotes about the importance of relaxation to heart.  Remember: Life is beautiful, but brief and it's crucial to pause and de-stress every once in a while, so as not to miss the smaller moments that make all the work worthwhile.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

There is more to life than increasing its speed...Mahatma Gandhi

Taking time to do nothing often brings everything into perspective...Doe Zantamata

The time to relax is when you don't have time for it...Sydney J Harris, journalist

It's not the daily increase but the daily decrease.  Hack away at the inessentials...Bruce Lee

Tension is who you think you should be.  Relaxation is who you are...Chinese proverb

We're so busy watching out for what's  just ahead of us that we don't take time to enjoy where we are...Bill Watterson, creator of "Calvin & Hobbes"

Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that's very important for good health...Dalai Lama

Every now and then, go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer...Leonardo da Vinci

Sometimes, the most productive thing that you can do is to step outside and do nothing...relax and enjoy nature...Melanie Charlene, author

It's a good idea always to do something relaxing prior to making an important decision in your life...Paulo Coelho, author

I promise you nothing is as chaotic as it seems.  Nothing is worth diminishing your health.  Nothing is worth poisoning yourself into stress, anxiety, and fear...Steve Maraboli, author.

Turn off your mind, relax, and float downstream...John Lennon

Rule number one is, don't sweat the small stuff.  Rule number two is, it's all small stuff...Robert Eliot, author

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished...Lao Tzu

Take rest; a field that has rested, gives bountiful crop...Ovid, Roman poet.

The "I Will Have To Adjust My Tanning Procedure" Story

 The following story I wrote, but never posted before we were supposed to leave for St. Martin in 2019.....and now, here it is 2022 and we still haven't returned to our favorite vacation site.  Will we ever?  I decided instead of discarding this story, since we never made it back to St. Martin, to post it anyway since it may help you with decisions made about your own sun tanning decisions. 

 

Foreword:  It has a been over three years since we have traveled to our favorite Caribbean destination, Sint Maarten/St. Martin.  Will we be able to travel this coming Fall to the island of our dreams?  Only time, Covid and personal health will tell.  I do know that if we head back to the islands I must do a better job of protecting my skin while on the island or I most certainly will miss all future trips. 

It was an ordinary day.  Checking my new desk calendar when all of a sudden I realized I will  be going to see my dermatologist AFTER Carol and I return from our rescheduled visit to the island of St. Martin.  Now, that can't be a good move on my part.  I always try to make a visit to the dermatologist's office before we head on vacation so I won't have to listen to "the talk" about being in the sun too much.  And, while on the island of St. Martin, Carol and I spend most of the vacation relaxing on the beach.  We do make sure we are always covered with tanning oil as well as try to sit under the beach umbrella, but it's tough to not get tanned when the water looks so inviting and walks along the beach are part of vacation.  Over the past 20 years or so I have had various parts of my body operated on due to skin cancer.  So far none have been diagnosed as Melanoma, but I have had several Squamous Cell Carcinomas removed from my head and body as well as quite a few pre-cancerous cells frozen on my body.  My mother had part of her right forearm removed due to Melanoma, and being that it can be hereditary, I must be very careful to keep sunscreen on at all times.  40%-50% of Americans who live to the age of 65 will have skin cancer at least once.  The most common cancers are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.  Both are referred to as non-melanoma cancers and are almost always due to excess sun exposure.  Approximately one in 60 people will develop invasive cutaneous melanoma during their lifetime.  That cancer begins in the melanocytes or the pigment-producing cells in the skin.  And, most times it is due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation or sun exposure.  About 10% of those cases are inherited so being that my mom had melanoma, I have a greater chance to get it.   So, how do we get sunburned?  Well, going to the beach is probably the worst thing you can do.  It only stands to reason that the heat of the sun and the burning sensation that follows would be a good way to get sunburned.  The ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun damages DNA in skin cells and when that happens the epidermis is damaged which releases prostaglandins and cytokines which trigger dilation of blood vessels and inflammation at the site of damage.  

Squamous cell carcinoma on my ear.

It usually happens when you have been in the sun for more than four hours without sun tan lotion.  So, try and stay safe as Carol and I do.  Always cover yourself with sun tan lotion before you go to the beach and try and add a bit more after getting out of the water.  We always use a beach umbrella.  But, there is no way you will spend a day at the beach, or in our case three weeks at the beach, without getting a bit of suntan.  We know we will have a darker colored skin when our vacation is over, but we try to make sure we never suffer sunburn.  And...we are always told about it when we head to the dermatologist if our visit to the doctor's office is within a month or so after we return from our vacation.  

Squamous cell carcinoma on my face.

So far we have been lucky, with a series of minor operations needed from time to time to remove the damage we might have done to our skin.  So, we now try to be more aware of staying out of the sun while on vacation, but the sun tends to be more intense in the Caribbean than it is along the New Jersey shore.  Common sense would tell us to stay away from the beach, but life if always filled with choices, some being bad, and we choose to use our common sense the best we can and still be able to enjoy trips to the beaches in the Caribbean.  Life is short we realize, so we try not to overdue the sun worshipping so we can spend more years at the beach.  One way or another, my dermatologist has been my savior.  I just have to make my schedule so I'm not heading to visit with her too soon after a trip to the beach.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "Sacheen Littlefeather Speaks For Brando" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Reading an article about the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences that tells of an apology that was given to Sacheen Littlefeather, an Apache and Yaqui and activist who was booed onstage at the Oscars in 1973 after she refused the best actor award on behalf of Marlon Brando.  Seems that she was asked by Marlon Brando to attend the Academy Awards on his behalf and when he was to be given the award, she was to read a comment he had prepared, refusing the award.  Littlefeather was 26 years old at the time and was the first Native American woman to appear on stage at the Academy Awards.  When she stood onstage, it created perhaps one of the best-known disruptions in the history of the award ceremony.  When she spoke, some of the audience cheered her and others jeered.  One actor, John Wayne, was so unsettled that security guards had to restrain him from storming onstage.  Brando was to receive the best actor award for his performance as Vito Corleone in "The Godfather."  The night before the awards, Sacheen received a call from Brando.  The two had become best friends through her director Francis Ford Coppola.  At that time Brando asked her to attend the awards and refuse the award on his behalf if he won.  She agreed and about 15 minutes before the award was to be given she arrived at the ceremony wearing a glimmering buckskin dress, moccasins and hair ties while holding the speech she was asked to read.  But, when the producer of the Oscars saw the pages in her hand when she arrived onstage, he told her that she would be removed if her comments lasted more than 60 seconds.  She introduced herself, then explained that Brando would not be accepting the award because of his concerns about the image of Native American people in film and television and by the governenment.  She paused when a mix of boos and cheers erupted from the audience.  She said she focused on the mouths and jaws that were dropping open in the audience.  

Sacheen Littefeather

She said it was like looking into a sea of Clorox, since there were very few people of color in the audience.  The crowd quieted and Littlefeather mentioned the Wounded Knee standoff and then left the stage without touching the golden Oscars statue.  Some in the audience did the so-called tomahawk chop in her direction.  She said that talking to the Academy about these events in 2022 '"felt like a big cleanse."  "It feels like the sacred circle is completing itself before I go in this life."  The former president of the Academy, David Rubin, wrote an apology to Littlefeather that the abuse she faced because of the speech was "unwarranted and unjustified.  For too long, the courage you showed has been unacknowledged.  For this we offer both our deepest apologies and our sincere admiration."  Rubin's letter will be read next month at a program at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, "An Evening with Sacheen Littlefeather."  Bravo Sacheen!  The Academy described the event as a "conversation, reflection, healing and celebration."  It's about time!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "It's Not You...It's Me!" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Watching reruns of probably my most favorite show ever on TV...Seinfeld!  I could sit and watch reruns all day long.  Matter of fact, I have done that a few times while on vacation and found the weather to be too bad to head to the beach.  Well, my wife and I tried to remember some of our favorite memorable lines throughout the nine seasons of Seinfeld on NBC.  The sitcom was created by Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David and aired from 1989 to 1998 with more than 170 episodes.  Have you watched everyone of them as I have?  Well, the show was described as a show about "nothing" and had such a substantial impact on pop culture that it seems to be as relative today as it was 25 years ago.  The four lead characters were New Yorkers annoyed about everything and not afraid to complain.  Jerry was played by Jerry Seinfeld, Elaine was played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, George was played by Jason Alexander and Kramer was played by Michael Richards.  What an odd bunch, but they had the chemistry needed for perhaps the best comedy show ever on TV.  I have written about the show in the past, but have never listed the most memorable lines from the show.   So, see if you too don't think that the following are some of your most memorable and favorite lines of Seinfeld!

You know, it's not fair people are seated first come, first served. It should be based on who's hungriest. I feel like just going over there and taking some food off somebody's plate.— Elaine Benes, season 2, episode 11

I don't like when a woman says, "Make love to me." It's intimidating. The last time a woman said that to me, I wound up apologizing to her.

— George Costanza, season 3, episode 10

Hey, I'm doing what I do. You know, I've always done what I do. I'm doing what I do, way I've always done, and the way I'll always do it.

— Kramer, season 4, episode 2

So I sped home to save my friend's life and I was stopped for speeding. Yes, I admit I was speeding, but it was to save a man's life! A close friend. An innocent person who wanted nothing more out of life than to love, to be loved, and to be a banker.

— Newman (Wayne Knight), season 4, episode 4

I say let's let bygones be bygones. If you took the raisins, if you didn't take the raisins. They weren't even my raisins.

— George Costanza, season 4, episode 24

You're giving me the "It's not you, it's me" routine? I invented "It's not you, it's me"! No one tells me it's them, not me! If it's anybody, it's me!

— George Costanza, season 5, episode 6

I always have tuna on toast. Nothing's ever worked out for me with tuna on toast. I want the complete opposite of tuna on toast. Chicken salad, on rye, untoasted … with a side of potato salad … and a cup of tea!

— George Costanza, season 5, episode 22

The point is I intend to undertake this. And I'll do it with or without you. So if you're scared, if you haven't got the stomach for this, let's get it out right now! And I'll go on my own. If not, you can get on board and we can get to work!

— Jerry Seinfeld, season 6, episode 11

Oh, it's Risk. It's a game of world domination being played by two guys who can barely run their own lives.

— Jerry Seinfeld, season 6, episode 12

I tell you, when she threw that toupee out the window, it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I feel like my old self again. Totally inadequate, completely insecure, paranoid, neurotic — it's a pleasure.

— George Costanza, season 6, episode 16

I mean, she's giving and caring and genuinely concerned about the welfare of others. I can't be with someone like that.

— Jerry Seinfeld, season 7, episode 9

Serenity now! Serenity now!

— Frank Costanza (Jerry Stiller), season 3, episode 3

Our policy is, we're comfortable with our bodies. You know, if someone wants to help themselves to an eyeful, well, we say "Enjoy the show.”

— Kramer, season 9, episode 12

Breaking up is like knocking over a Coke machine. You can’t do it in one push; you gotta rock it back and forth a few times, and then it goes over.

— Jerry Seinfeld, season 9, episode 2 

Recognize most of the lines?  Still makes me laugh everytime I read them.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "Our 'Beach House' Is For Sale" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Sitting on my rear deck, typing this story as I listen to the cascading waterfall that flows beside our deck which is shaded with plenty of trees and canvas tarps.  I am waiting for the next real estate agent and customers to arrive and look at our home on  Harrington Drive in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  Today is the start of trying to find a buyer for the place Carol and I have called home for almost 30 years.  

An early photo of 1949 Harrington without all the tall trees and shrubs.

It was the third home that we have occupied during our 55 years of marriage.  But, it is a bit too much to have to manage and we have decided to move to a retirement community where we can enjoy the rest of our lives with as little work to do except for enjoying ourselves and visiting with our new neighbors.  Carol and I have been spending hour upon hour preparing what we call our beach home for visitors whom we hope will fall in love with our home just as we did and purchase it for their next residence.

A winter scene of our house taken by a neighbor.

Today there are a half-dozen viewers who will get a chance to walk through our Harrington Drive home and see if they would fit the mold that we have formed over the past years.  The home has a sunken living room, dining room, kitchen, family room, den and half-bath on the first floor with three bedrooms and two full baths on the second floor.  It also has a fairly large storage area in one of the smaller bedrooms and a very large storage area in the master bedroom.  A two-car garage can be entered from the family room.  

Interior shot of our entranceway and stairwell.
Above the garage is another very large storage area.  In the basement is a large family area with a smaller room which at one time was occupied by one of our sons.  After he moved into his own home, I used the space for my stained glass and photography workshop.  OK...by now you might have guessed that I'm trying to sell our house!  Only problem is that you would have to live in the area of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  But...if you may be interested, and live in the area...leave me a comment here.  I'd be glad to show you our "Beach House."  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

       

The "Girls And Boys Working Together To Achieve The Same Result!" Story

 It was an ordinary day.  Reading about both female and male athletes being on the same team.  There are very few teams in high school sports that have both male and female members on the same team.  Can you name one?  How about two?  Many schools do not allow both sexes on the same team if physical contact takes place.  I know of a football team who had a young girl on the team, but she kicks extra points and field goals.  Then there was a track team that had a girl who did the pole vault.  And...how about the high school team that had a girl, or should I say girls, who were on the rifle team.  Oh yeah!  That would have been my team.  Tough to find a team today that has both males and females on the same athletic team.  Just doesn't go together.  Too many problems involved.  But, I have read that if a girl wants to be on the soccer team and there is no girls soccer team, they can be on the boys team.  How is it in your area?  I recently read a story about a young girl who wanted to play baseball, but it was back in the 1950s and you just didn't do things like that back then.  Well, some things have changed over the years.   I can attest to that!  I was named rifle coach at Manheim Township  High School and we had both girls and boys on the same team.  I know...that's a bit different, since no physical contact takes place in rifle.  Well, I became coach in 1971 and we had a good team in my first year.  Not because I was a good shot, but because I could communicate well with both boys and girls.   Actually, I had only fired a rifle a few times in my life, but I also owed my Principal a favor, so I agreed to be the rifle coach.  The first year I had three girls and about 20 boys on the team.  We did well for my first year as coach.  The second year I had the same three girls and most of the same boys.   I added a few more underclassmen, both boys and girls, and we looked to be a good team.  They all trusted me to help them with the correct amount of adjustments needed for a perfect target.  They did so good that we traveled to State College, Pennsylvania for the State Championship.  Each team was allowed 10 shooters.  I had 7 boys and 3 girls on the team that was going for the title.  We easily won the State Title in 1972.  The boys trusted the girls and the girls trusted their male teammates.  I'll never forget that team that had both male and female shooters on it who helped each other prepare for their session on the range.  I know it is very different than most other sports, but yet it is still much the same.  The fight for equality in athletics could take a look at my rifle team and maybe get some pointers.  That State Championship team was also picked as the best sports team in Lancaster County that year.  Something I will always be proud of, both for myself as well as for the team members.  Both girls and boys worked together to achieve something that may never happen again!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. 

The "A Few Lessons From The King...Elvis" Story

It was an ordinary day. Reading a variety of "musical stuff" when I came across a story about one of my all-time favorite musicians...Elvis Presley!  Elvis could make a crowd go wild with a shake of his leg or a swivel of his hip.  Girls would go wild and at times...faint!  When Elvis arrived on the scene in the mid-1950s, the world of pop music canned forever.  He brought a new and unheard of sound to rock 'n' roll.  A sound that was influenced by the blues, Christian gospel and Southern country.  And...it was sung in his distinctive baritone voice with a three-octave range while sending his fans into a frenzy.  Elvis was more than a singer since his style ranged from a slick James Dean to an outlandish diamond-studded jumpsuit that inspired the likes of Elton John.  He was both colorful and entertaining, both on and off the stage.  He was a guy who sent his fans into a frenzy, while creating controversy among society's conservative elements.  He was more than a singer!  He became a cultural icon whose sense of style ranged from a slick-looking James Dean to a diamond-studded Elton John.  He was both colorful as well as entertaining.  He had his ups and downs, struggling with drugs and his health, but still retained the title of "King of Rock 'n' Roll."  Elvis was considered the greatest cultural force in the 20th century.  He introduced his ryhmatic beat to everything from music to language to clothes.  He introduced a whole new social revolution.  For those reading my story today who weren't born until the 60s or later...you really missed living and growing up in one of the neatest musical ages ever.  As Leonard Bernstein once said, "Elvis is the greatest cultural force in the 20th century.  He introduced the beat to everything from music to language to clothes!  It was an entire new social revolution."  The following quotes from the King himself cover everything from his provocative pelvis to his views on fame and fortune.....

"To judge a man by his weakest link or deed is like judging the power of the ocean by one wave."

"Some people tap their feet, some people snap their fingers and some people sway back and forth.  I just sorta do 'em all together, I guess"

"The first time that I appeared on stage, it scared me to death.  I really didn't know what all the yelling was about.  I didn't realize that my body was moving.  It's a natural thing to me.  So to the manager backstage I said, "What'd I do?"  He replied, "Whatever it is, go back and do it again."

Just because I managed to do a little something, I don't want anyone back home to think I got the big head."

"The image is one thing and the human being is another...it's very hard to live up to an image."  

"In public I like real conservative clothes, something that's not too flashy.  But, onstage, I like 'em as flashy as you can get 'em."

"Truth is like the sun.  You can shut it out for a time, but it ain't go'on away."

"I figure all any kid needs is hope and the feeling he or she belongs.  If I could do or say anything that would give some kid that feeling, I would believe I had contributed something to the world." 

"Money can never buy everything your heart desires.  It won't buy love, or health or happiness."

My momma taught be one thing right from the very beginning, and that's that everyone's got a right to his own opinion.  I believe that.  And, I also believe that you can't make everyone like you."

I've had a pretty good lesson in human nature.  it's more important to try to surround yourself with people who can give you a little happiness, because you only passs through this life once, Jack.  You don't come back for an encore."

Perhaps you might have learned something about Elvis by reading his quotes!  I know I have.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "You Say It's Worth How Much? Part II" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Cleaning out a drawer in my office when I discovered something I don't remember ever seeing before.  How could it have gotten in the drawer?  Well, no matter how much I thought about it, I couldn't figure it out.  So, I thought I might just as well enjoy it.   The item was about 7 inches high and 4 inches wide.  The half-inch thick book had a dark leather cover with no printing on it whatsoever.  I opened it and had to be careful with the tattered pages, less I pull the entire book apart.  I found the front of the book and inside it read, "The New Testament Of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Newly Translated out of the Original Greek; And with the former Translations Diligently Compared and Reviled." At the bottom of the cover it read LANCASTER, Printed by Bailey and W. Dickson, in Kingftreet, M,DCC,XCIII.  WOW!  No, make that double WOW!  This little Bible was printed on King Street in Lancaster in 1813!  On the end sheet of the book was written: Peter Rock his New Testament 1813.  A bit further down the inside cover read "his Testimonial 1816 by Ruben Henry" with a few other words I couldn't understand at the bottom of the page.  Wow!  This Bible is 209 years old!!  And, to top that off, at the rear of the last section of the sewn Bible is an additional loose section printed in half English and half German.  Well, I was so fascinated by what I was holding in my hand that I knew I had to find out a bit more about this piece of history.  My wife looked at me and said, "I'll bet the Historical Society could help you find out a bit more about it."  So, I headed to the Historical Society where I am a member, to find out a bit more about my latest find.  Check out the last part of my story sometime in the near future as to what I discovered at the Historical Society.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "You Say It's Worth How Much? Part I" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Going through cartons of old "stuff" in preparation for moving to a retirement home with my wife in the near future.  Found plenty of junk that I realized was nothing more than junk, but did find a couple neat surprises among the junk.  One such item was a gold pocket watch that has an 18 inch gold chain attached to it.  Neat item that was given to me by my mom and dad many years ago.  Never thought to examine it until we decided it was time to go through the many drawers in our home and see what can be discarded before we have to pack and move into the retirement community.  While going through an old box I came upon the gold pocket watch.  Took forever to find a way to open it without damaging it, but I finally managed to get both the front and rear open with, of all things, my fingernail.  

The design on the front and back seem to be identical, but after a bit more examination, my wife said they are slightly different.  One side of it has a vase with flowers and vines in it while the opposite side has a vase with an etching of a castle on the vase as well as flowers and vines around it.  The stem of the watch no longer will turn which evidently means it is wound too tight.  Perhaps everyone whom ever picked up the watch wound it so tight that it has damaged the spring mechanism within the watch.  After opening the one side of the watch with my fingernail, I read "Elgin' on the face of the watch.  A small 60 second dial in 10 second increments was at the bottom, about a half-inch across with a small black hand.  I discovered the number "634557' embossed in the lid, but the rest of the lid appeared empty of writing.  That was until the light struck the lid an a slight angle and showed some etched letters.  I couldn't make the letters into any words so I closed the one side and opened the other side of the pocketwatch.  That side also opened easily with my fingernail and saw that the watch body had the date Dec. 7, 1901 etched along the one side.  In the center was the name "Jos. N. Woods, Coatesville, Penna."  I can also read the word "Lancaster" on the same side.  I'm sure there are a few letters, but I can't make them into words.  I'm hoping that a watchmaker in our town will be able to get the watch running again.  But, if not, I guess it's age of 111 years might be the reason for it not coming to life once again.  As I look at it, I wonder just how much a 100+ year old watch might be worth.   Check back tomorrow to see what else I was able to discover.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  

The "Lancaster's Ballpark Takes 1st Place Once Again" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Watching my grandson Caden play in a few games at Lancaster's Clipper Magazine Stadium.  His team qualified for the Lancaster County summer league tournament in the 16 and under tournament.  But, the star of the day has to be the stadium which was recently voted Ballpark Digest's Best MLB Partner League Ballpark for the third consecutive year.  The stadium with a dirt diamond is a baseball haven, an amusement park and a perfect spot for date night or family time.  It's an escape from the stress of the world!  'The folks in and around Clipper Stadium really support this stadium and what the stadium's owners try to accomplish.  It is not only a good baseball park, but an awesome community center.  You don't necessarily have to be a baseball fan to enjoy the park.  For the youngsters, or even the young at heart, there is a children's park that's home to an eye-catching carousel, which can be seen lit up and spinning at every game.  For mothers of the tiniest fans, there is the May-Grant Obstetrics & Gynecology Little Sluggers Dugout to provide comfort while nursing.  For the adults that get upset when the Barnstormers begin to lose, there's cornhole and outdoor games at the Capital Blue Cross Backyard, which is outfitted with colorful chairs and offers a different view of the field.  The Subaru Outdoor Experience is another playful option, offering games such as Jenga.  For foodies and beer enthusiasts, game days are perfect for indulgence.   The Bat Craft Beer Deck features almost 20 Pennsylvania brews on tap. The concession stands house options that include Hess's BBQ, Fuddruckers and other local choices.  But, it's not just meant for the fans who attend the games.  The players on the teams that play in the stadium seem to enjoy all that is offered to the players.  Many often comment about the people who work and staff all the events in the stadium.  The Barnstormers play 66 home games during the season, but there are many other dates that fill the stadium as well.  Graduations are hosted in the stadium, community events are held in the stadium, blood drives are held in the stadium, movie nights are held in the stadium, 4th of July is celebrated in the stadium and a Christmas light show is part of the holidays.  The staff of the ballpark is always busy preparing for the upcoming events that take place on a yearly basis.  Months go in to making each event special to Lancaster and it's neighboring cities and towns.  And, that's why it has been voted the best ballpark in its class in Ballpark Digest.  Stop some time to look around the park and see what they have to offer.  Well, my grandson's game has ended and they just missed the finals by a couple of runs.  Last year they won the annual event, but some of the teams have improved from last year and made it tougher to win this year.  Still love making a visit to the stadium and having something to eat and drink while watching.  The Atlantic League is in it's second half of the season, so I still have a chance to take in a game or two before it will end.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "Making A Name For The Town Of Columbia, Pennsylvania, PA" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Reading about a fellow named Francis Smith.  Francis is a photographer who works his way around the country collecting images of towns named Columbia.  Have one near you?  Well, I live about fifteen minutes, at the most, away from the small town of Columbia, Pennsylvania.  I have made many trips to Columbia, PA to take photographs and visit locations in and near the city for stories for this blog.  Well, one day Francis' landlord knocked on the door of his Brooklyn rental and told him he needed to move on to make room for the landlord's family.  Instead of being upset, Francis saw it as a change to fulfill his dream of undertaking a big photographic project.  He had a theme of "America" and now needed something a bit more pointed to begin his dream.  He first thought of visiting and taking photos of places called Rome or Athens, but after re-thinking it a bit more, he decided to take photos of cities and towns named Columbia, since there were dozens of cities named Columbia and the name once symbolized our nation.  Plus the fact that Columbia was at one time picked as the name for the United States after the Revolutionary War.  The Columbia that is a hop, skip and jump from my home in Lancaster actually got it name in the same way.  In the late 1780s the small town along the Susquehanna River near Lancaster was known as Wright's Ferry.  It rebranded itself as Columbia hoping too entice our government to name it our Nation's Capital, since President George Washington favored the name.  Then there was the patriotic song "Hail Columbia" that was considered as the national anthem.  The song didn't make it to the top, but did make it as the official anthem of the Vice-President.  Well, in 2015, Smith decided to "hit the road" and take photos of America. He traveled 100,000 miles to photograph more than 60 Columbia locations in 45 states.  He hopes to make a book titled "America by Another Name."  He and his project have been featured in the Washington Post.  His lifestyle seems to be a perfect fit. His goal was to photograph "people as they are."  He takes photos of people just as they are.  No poses are necessary.  He wanted everyone he took photos of to be just plain people.  

Francis Smith

He did happen upon a golf tournament in the middle of Columbia, Nebraska which he photographed.  And, of course, Columbia, Pennsylvania was on his list. He loved the architecture in the old town.  It was so Americana, especially when he happened upon a pharmacy with a lunch counter.  Some day he hopes to return and take more photos of Columbia, Pennsylvania.  Our sweet old town along the mighty Susquehanna River.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.     

The "Antiquated State 'Garb Law' Is Still Being Enforced" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Reading Jack Brubaker's "The Scribbler" newspaper column once again.  He always has an interesting column every Sunday in Lancaster's Sunday LNP Lancaster Online.  Today's column had to do with Pennsylvania's antiquated "Garb Law" which still remains on the books.  The story today dealt with prohibiting public school teachers from wearing religiously distinctive clothing.  You know...like wearing a prayer head cover while teaching.  This law is part of the "Garb Law" which was passed in 1895.  And to top that off...it was unsuccessfully challenged early in the 20th century and to this day still exists.  Two nearby Elizabethtown College historians, Steven Nolt and Jean-Paul Benowitz, explained why the "Garb Law" was passed in the first place and why it remains in effect today.  The historians article is titled "Plain Dress in the Docket" and is in the latest issue of Pennsylvania History Magazine.  The law was originally aimed at a group of Catholic nuns whom resigned after the law passed. The law was first enforced against plain-clothed Mennonite and Brethren teachers in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  It was specifically tendered against female teachers who wore religious head coverings.  In 1908 a Mennonite teacher in Mt. Joy Township, Lillian Risser, became a target when she wore a head covering and other Plain garb prescribed by her religion.  A Township taxpayer brought a legal complaint against her for violating the law.  The township's school board, comprised of mostly Mennonites, mounted a legal defense with local Democratic lawyer, William Hensel, defending the teacher.  Hensel argued that the Garb Law was unconstitutional and his argument was upheld with reasoning such as: A teacher may cover himself with partisan political badges or herself with the white ribbons of crusading Prohibitionists...so why not Anabaptist clothing?  Later that year a nativist, anti-immigrant group called the Junior Order of American Mechanics appealed the decision to the state's Superior Court.  That court overturned the previous decision.  Superior Court Judge Charles Rice determined that the Garb Law was "directed against acts, not beliefs," and so did not impinge on religious freedom.  The state Supreme Court sustained that decision in 1910.  Thus, Risser's license to teach in a public school was revoked, and she left teaching.  Remaining Mennonite teachers who wanted to continued to teach altered their dress or moved to a parochial school.  Today, all schools except Pennsylvania have repealed the law.  Efforts to repeal the law in 2010 failed, but efforts have once again been initiated.  What will happen?  Only time will tell!  So, as of now, the antiquated state "Garb Law" remains on the books.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.   

The "Officer McGillicuddy Is Waiting For Your Hugs" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Reading in my local LNP morning Newspaper of a new officer being inducted into the local Police force.  Story's about a little horse by the name of Officer McGillicuddy. A bit over 20 miles to the south of Lancaster, Pennsylvania lies the small town of Quarryville.  I have taken you there several times with me for stories, but today's story will take you there one more time to learn about a miniature horse who joined the Police Department in the town.  

Officer McGillicuddy, photograph by Lancaster Newspapers

Officer McGillicuddy is now a member of the Police Department after being sworn in as an officer a few weeks ago.  The new officer is a 2 1/2-foot-tall, 330 pound miniature horse.  Officer McGillicuddy was sworn in by Mr. Anthony Cavallaro,  the Mayor of Quarryville.  He sports the same type of uniform as his other fellow officers, but in a much different size.  The department's newest member is listed as a "Community Relation's Specialist" who will be responsible for cultivating positive police and community relationships.  Officer McGillicuddy will volunteer his time at Quarryville Police Foundation events in exchange for a few treats, a few pats on his back and a few rubs of his head.  Officer McGillicuddy is the pet of Maddie, the 6-year-old niece of Quarryville Police Foundation board member Kirklyn Groves.  The story in the paper reported that he will not be giving rides while on duty, but will welcome hugs from the children of the community in exchange for his hard work schedule.  I'm sure he would enjoy seeing you if you happen to be in the vicinity Quarryville, Pennsylvania.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  

The "Being In The Right Place At The Right Time Makes All The Difference!" Story

It was an ordinary day...for most people that is.  For a few others it was perhaps the most exciting day of their lives.  And why...you may ask?  Well, this past Wednesday two pair of wood storks landed on the Octoraro Lake in Southern Lancaster County.  A few people actually set out looking for a flock of juvenile little blue herons that were rumored to have been in the Octoraro Lake area.  As they arrived at the Lake they spotted the wood storks.  It was an amazing site since wood storks are seldom seen in this area.  Actually, it was only the second sighting of the birds in the county in modern history.

Wood Storks at Octoraro Lake

The last time the birds were spotted was in 1996 at Hammer Creek, near the border of Lancaster and Lebanon counties.  The prehistoric looking birds are described as black and white with a combination of an ugly-faced vulture and a tall, white-bodied egret.  Someone replied that it really is only the face a mother could love.  Lancaster County is really too cool in the summer months for wood storks who love warmer, more tropical and subtropical areas.  You usually would have to visit places like Florida, Georgia or Texas to see the bird.  They favor tropical swamps, marshes, lagoons and ponds.  The wood storks that were spotted at Octoraro Lake were young birds that had more than likely just left their nesting grounds.  Their trip to Lancaster County was more than likely an exploratory trip.  The sighting was only the second ever in the 1900s in  Lancaster County.  When the word got out, bird watchers flocked to the area to try and spot them before they may decide to take flight and leave.  Some bird watchers traveled hours to try and get a sighting of the birds.  The stork's popularity among local birders is not surprising.  It's rare birds showing up like these that make the birding hobby interesting.  I am amazed that Blaine Shahan, one of the great photographers for the Lancaster newspaper, was able to get there fast enough in order to take photos before they took flight.  What a thrill it must have been for him.  I know I would have felt special if I had been able to see such rare birds.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "Long, Long Time Ago, I Can Still Remember" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Singing to myself one of my all-time favorite songs...American Pie.  I assume you have heard it sometime in the past if you listen to music.  If you are not sure if you have heard it before, it begins with: 

Long long time ago, I can still remember, How that music used to make me smile...

Does that help?  I read a story recently about the musical artist who composed the song, Don McLean.  Told of an interview with Don where he told the Associated Press that "just about everyone is happy when they sing it.  And...you don't really have to worry about how well you sing this song anymore.  Even sung badly, people are really happy with it."  American Pie is considered a masterpiece, voted among the top 5 Songs of the Century as compiled by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts.  Don and his tune about "the day the music died" are the subject of a full length documentary which recently debuted on Paramount+.  If you never heard the lyrics before, you just knew I would post them in my story today.  They will follow shortly...and Don will share the secrets of his lyrics with all.  The documentary begins with a single-engine plane carrying Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and Jiles P. Richardson, the "Big Bopper," plunging into a cornfield north of Clear Lake, Iowa on February 3, 1959, killing the three musicians and their pilot.  Don McLean was 13 at the time and living in New Rochelle, New York.  During his song he sings about a "sacred store" which was where he bough his music and a guitar at "The Sacred Store of Music on Main Street."  Young Don was a paperboy at the time and every paper he delivered which told of the death of a famous artists such as Elvis, Bo Diddley and Holly affected him.  Years later he remembered these artists in "American Pie."  It was in 1971, while the nation was racked by assassinations, anti-war protests and civil rights marches, that he lost his father.  He thought he "needed a big song about America."  The first verse and melody seemed to just tumble out.  Began like this..."A long, long, time ago..."  It ended in the huge sing-along-chorus: "We were singing', 'Bye-bye, Miss American pie'/Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry/Them good old boys were drinking' whiskey 'n' rye/And singin', "This'll be the day that I die.'"  After reaching this point he said, "Wow, that is something.  I don't know what it is, but its exactly what I've been wanting to try to get ahold of...that feeling about Buddy Holly--for all these years and that plane crash," McLean told the Associated Press.  "I always feel a tug inside me whenever I think about Buddy." In a 90-minute documentary, cameras capture McLean visiting the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, the last place where Buddy played before their fateful plane trip in 1959.  The documentary also has interviews with Garth Brooks, Weird Al Yankovic, Brian Wilson and Spanish language singer Jencarlos Canela who speaks to how the song has resonated far past America.  The documentary reveals that recording the album was not exactly a smooth process.  Producer Ed Freeman didn't think McLean was up to playing rhythm guitar on "American Pie."  He eventually relented.  But, recording the song was just the beginning of trouble.  At over 8 minutes, radio stations balked at playing it, and McLeans's record label, Media Arts, went bust just as it was to release the album "American Pie."  After seeing the documentary, McLean was struck by a common strand in his career.  He noticed that he had to fight and fight to get this thing done the way he wanted it done.  

Don McLean

McLean said that it was all worthwhile.  "If it starts young people thinking about Buddy Holly, about rock 'n' roll and that music, and then it teaches 'the maybe' about what else happened in the country...if that can happen, then the song really is serving a wonderful purpose and a positive purpose."    As for me... I could listen and listen to his lengthy song and sing along with the lyrics and when it was over, do it all over again.  How could you not love American Pie?  Check out the lyrics that follow.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  See if you can find the music to the song and sing along with the lyrics to "American Pie" which follows..... 

Long long time ago, I can still remember
How that music used to make me smile
And I knew if I had my chance
That I could make those people dance
And maybe they'd be happy for a while

But February made me shiver
With every paper I'd deliver
Bad news on the doorstep
I couldn't take one more step

I can't remember if I cried
When I read about his widowed bride
But something touched me deep inside
The day the music died

So bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee
But the levee was dry
Them good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye
Singing, "This'll be the day that I die"
This will be the day that I die

Did you write the Book of Love?
And do you have faith in God above?
If the Bible tells you so
Do you believe in rock 'n' roll?
Can music save your mortal soul?
And can you teach me how to dance real slow?

Well I know that you're in love with him
'Cause I saw you dancing in the gym
You both kicked off your shoes
Then I dig those rhythm and blues

I was a lonely teenage broncin' buck
With a pink carnation and a pickup truck
But I knew I was out of luck
The day the music died

I started singing bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee
But the levee was dry
Them good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye
Singing, "This'll be the day that I die"
"This will be the day that I die."

Now for ten years we've been on our own
And moss grows fat on a rolling stone
But that's not how it used to be...
When the jester sang for the King and Queen
In a coat he borrowed from James Dean
And a voice that came from you and me

Oh, and while the King was looking down
The jester stole his thorny crown
The courtroom was adjourned
No verdict was returned

And while Lenin read a book of Marx
The Quartet practiced in the park
And we sang dirges in the dark
The day the music died

We were singing, bye-bye Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee
But the levee was dry
Them good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye
Singing, "This'll be the day that I die"
This will be the day that I die.

Helter skelter in the summer swelter
The birds flew off with a fallout shelter
Eight miles high and falling fast
It landed foul on the grass, the players tried for a forward pass
With the jester on the sidelines in a cast

Now the halftime air was sweet perfume
While the sergeants played a marching tune
We all got up to dance
Oh, but we never got the chance

'Cause the players tried to take the field
The marching band refused to yield
Do you recall what was revealed
The day the music died?

We started singing bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
Them good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye
And singing, "This'll be the day that I die"
This will be the day that I die

Oh, and there we were all in one place
A generation lost in space
With no time left to start again
So come on, Jack be nimble, Jack be quick
Jack Flash sat on a candlestick
'Cause fire is the devil's only friend

Oh, and as I watched him on the stage
My hands were clenched in fists of rage
No angel born in Hell
Could break that Satan's spell

And as the flames climbed high into the night
To light the sacrificial rite
I saw Satan laughing with delight
The day the music died

He was singing bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
Them good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye
And singing, "This'll be the day that I die"
This will be the day that I die

I met a girl who sang the blues
And I asked her for some happy news
But she just smiled and turned away
I went down to the sacred store
Where I'd heard the music years before
But the man there said the music wouldn't play

And in the streets, the children screamed
The lovers cried and the poets dreamed
But not a word was spoken
The church bells all were broken

And the three men I admire most
The Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost
They caught the last train for the coast
The day the music died

And they were singing bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
And them good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye
Singing, "This'll be the day that I die"
This will be the day that I die

....and, so my story ends for today.  The longest story I have ever posted, just like the song I just wrote about.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.