The "They're Coming Out Of The Cracks And Applying For Statehood!" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Reading yet another story about places throughout the world who would like to become one of the United States of America.  The last two locations that became new States in the Union were Alaska and Hawaii who were both named a State in 1959.  It's been over 60 years since the United States has added a new State to the Union.   I began to do a search of places that would like to be considered for Statehood, and was amazed at a few that were considering applying for Statehood.  One of a few locations that has have been talked about for years is Puerto Rico.  

Puerto Rico

The U.S. has had a presence in Puerto Rico since it claimed the island for its own during the Spanish-American War of 1898.  The Jones-Shafroth Act granted U.S. citizenship to Puerto Rican residents in 1917, but Puerto Rico was never declared an official State.  In 1951 the residents of Puerto Rico voted for commonwealth status after President Truman signed the Puerto Rico Commonwealth Bill.  A majority of voters in Puerto Rico indicated they were not happy with Puerto Rico's status as a U.S. territory, but when given the choice to become a U.S. State,  an independent country or a "sovereign free associated state," more than 60% of Puerto Rican voters voted for U.S. statehood.  Perhaps it will happen in the near future.  

The island of Guam

Another tiny island in the Western Pacific, Guam, has long served as a strategic location for the United States.  During WWII, Guam and the Philippines served as important vantage points for U.S. military engagements in Asia.  When the U.S. took control of Guam, it was made an official territory, but the citizens were not U.S. citizens until 1950.  Over time, the people of Guam have moved toward self-government, but the most likely reason Guam could become a U.S. State is the military flexibility the island affords the U.S. in terms of its relations with Japan, North Korea and China.  So, it is mutually beneficial to both Guam and the U.S. for them to become a State.  Might that happen in the near future?  

The U.S. Virgin Island of St. Thomas

The U.S. Virgin Islands in the 17th and 18th centuries were part of the Danish West Indies.  In the 1860s the United States began to explore the possibility of a peaceful acquisition of the islands.  When WWI began the U.S. was concerned that Germany was setting its sights on Denmark which would give them control of the Virgin Islands.  So the U.S. bought the islands for $25,000,000 worth of gold coins.  In 1927 the residents of the islands were granted citizenship, but today the U.S. Virgin Islands have no formal constitution.  Their residents can't vote in U.S. elections.  But, low voter turnout has hampered the islands from moving forward with Statehood.  Maybe they will someday soon become new States in the Union.  

Manhattan Cityscape

Another location that I read about was New York City.  They would like to become their own state, separate from the rest of New York.  New York City would be separate from the 53 counties in upstate New York.  Proponents of the new state highlight the political and economic differences between New York City and upstate New York.  But, revenues in New York City benefit the upstate economy.  We will have to wait and see what happens there.  One more location in the current United States that would like to become their own State is the District of Columbia.  

Washington, D.C.

They are getting tired of not being able to vote and want to have the same rights as the rest of the United States.  They would be known as the State of New Columbia.  They have the best chance of becoming a new state and would be the 51st U.S. State.  Now, the final two locations that would like to be a U.S. State are rather interesting.  One is Cuba that is less than 100 miles from the coast of Florida.  Cuba is now home to the United States oldest overseas Navy Base, Guantanamo Bay Naval Base.  The Base is a 45-square-mile parcel on the southern tip of the island since 1903.  

Cuba

If the United States can get the country to become a Free Cuba, they could possibly become a U.S. State.  Now for the final location that would like to become a U.S. State.  It is 3,500 miles from New York City, but shares a historical and financial connection.  Great Britain is a little larger than Alabama and Georgia combined, but has a population of over 60 million.  Making them a state would instantly make Great Britain the most populous of the United States.  They are currently a member of the European Union, but has no plans to adopt the Euro, staunchly maintaining the Pound Sterling as its currency.  

If the United States wishes to make Great Britain a State, it would extend a foothold onto another continent at the end of the 21st Century.  Now, what are the chances of that happening.  They'd have to change their big sport to real Football with pads instead of what they now call football where they kick the ball into a net!  Not going to happen for a long, long time.  I'll never be around to see it happen and more than likely either will you.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

Great Britain

The "Medical Marijuana May Help Decrease PA's Opioid Epidemic!"

It was an ordinary day.  Standing in front of the new Medical Marijuana (MedMar) dispensary which is about a city block from my home in Manheim Township, Lancaster, PA.  The place is a very small, non-descript corner store in a strip mall that is anchored by Dunkin' Donuts on one end and a home-goods store called At Home on the other end.  Neighbors in my neighborhood aren't quite sure what to expect as far as traffic, noise and any other problems that may occur from the store opening.  My guess is we won't notice any difference from what was in the place in the past.  I'm rather interested in what they will dispense and how it may at one time help me with my medical problems.  The store is called Cure Dispensary and is one of the stores approved in 2017 by the State of Pennsylvania after our Governor Tom Wolf and state legislators enacted one of the most comprehensive MedMar programs in the nation.  Pennsylvania has been experiencing an opioid epidemic and perhaps with the beginning of the legalization of MedMar that may begin to decline.  Medical cannabis has been approved to treat 17 medical conditions in patients of all ages.  MedMar has been a proven treatment for patients with debilitating pain with minimal risk, especially when using strains low in THC which is the main mind-altering chemical found in marijuana.  THC content of marijuana is 10,000 times stronger that alcohol in its ability to produce intoxication.  A low THC content is very effective in treating depression, arthritis, anxiety, lupus and multiple sclerosis as well as preventing epileptic seizures.  Another active chemical in marijuana is cannabidiol (CBD) which is non-psychoactive and seems to have many health benefits.  CBD provides relief from pain, anxiety, paranoia and seizures as well as having potential as a cancer treatment.  

It is primarily the CBD oil which states have deemed a legal, safe product due to its harmless medicinal effects and overall separation from THC-based marijuana.  For the people who are fortunate to live in a state that has legalized MedMar, those with medical problems that have suffered for years will be able to find relief.  MedMar is certainly not the same as what many think of as marijuana which people smoke.  Marijuana smoke contains over 400 chemicals with many of those chemicals toxic.  Removing the THC from the plant creates MedMar which is what has been made legal in Pennsylvaia.  There are states that have legalized recreational marijuana, but that is totally different than what we will have in Pennsylvania.  Perhaps someday that too will happen in my state, but I'm hoping that isn't in my lifetime.  What a relief it must be for those who will benefit from, or whose children will benefit from, Governor Wolf's decision to sign the MedMar bill into law and allow relief for so many medical problems.  And, I'm hoping that the new dispensary in my neighborhood will be a godsend for those in need.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "Memories of Neighbors Past" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Talking about all the new neighbors we have.  Seems that many of the neighbors that we got to know after moving into our "Beach House" have departed.  Hank, our next door neighbor to the south, who would do just about anything for you, moved because of business, but then shortly after moving, died.  Next to him were friends who we would talk with most every day as they walked their dog past our house.  Now they have departed the neighborhood.  Across the street to  the front of our house lived Jackie and Bill.  Great neighbors whom we shared dinner with many times.  

Photograph of our "Beach House" that our neighbor Bill
took one snowy day years ago.  

Bill became ill and they had to move to a retirement community.  Then Carol and I began to talk about all the neighbors we had when we lived in the neighbor- hood known as Grandview Heights.  We lived in a semi-detatched home on a tree-lined street.  Next to us in the house that wasn't attatched to us lived Frank and Alice.  Frank was a short, frail man who was more than twice my age.  He loved to talk of the "old days" with me.  He had no time for neighbors who didn't take care of their properties.  He would often tell me that so and so's house looks like a whore house.  Frank passed and we sort of adopted Alice as our grandmother, inviting her to holiday dinners and events.  More than once I recall having to walk next door to her house to retrieve her teeth so she could share dinner with us.  Alice had a 1955 Buick sedan that she would allow me to drive.  Neat car that reminded me of my Grandpap's car.  Next to Frank and Alice, in the other half of their semi, lived Blanch and Bill who were about the same age as Frank and Alice.  Bill was disabled, but still had enough energy to curse at Blanche on a daily basis.  Bill eventually died and I ended up doing repair work for Blanche until she too died.  Behind us lived a family who had relocated from Viet Nam.  The father had been a General in the South Viet Nam Army.  Great family, but I do remember one time when Carol and I decided to throw away quite a few items and placed them in the rear alley for the trash man.  The following weekend the neighborhood held a yard sale and while walking past the rear neighbor's house, we noticed all our trash for sale in their yard. Our final neighbors whom we recall lived in the other half of our house.  I have so much I could write about them, but one event will give you an idea about them.  Fred hated to do work of any kind around the house.  One time they decided to play croquet in the rear yard.  They got out the push mower, mowed a croquet route through the foot high grass and put up the wickets.  I think you have an idea how well they kept their half of the duplex.  Memories are fun to share.  Living those memories at times were stressful, but as I look back on them now, I don't think I would have wanted it any other way.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.    

The "The Story of Grandview Heights: Present Day" Story

Wide tree-lined streets are the norm in Grandview Heights.

It was an ordinary day.  Looking at sturdy brick homes sitting close together on wide streets lined on either side with sidewalks and large trees that at times touch each other as their branches stretch across the streets.  Streets with names such as Helen, Louise, Martha, Janet ….. daughters of the original owner of part the land known today as Grandview Heights.  

One the early photos from the mid to late 1920's.  The
corner Grandview Apartment Buildings in the bottom center
shows New Holland Pike (State Rt. 23) to the right and
Grandview Boulevard to the left.  Very few homes are
seen in the background in the photo.

The main boulevard, known as Grandview Boulevard, was given the name since it sits on farmland that was once known as Grand View Farm.  I can only imagine what the land must have looked like over 100 years ago.  Corn standing six feet high, peach trees lining the edge of the lane leading to the farm where and cows grazed in the open fields behind the farm.  

The same corner as seen today.

This all changed when Samuel R. Slaymaker bought the McGrann and Rohrer farms in 1925 and turned them into a housing develop- ment for those with moderate means.  My mom and dad saved for years so they could have a little plot in Grandview Heights which was finally realized in the mid-1960's.  Mom loved her back porch and it was so hard to tell her late in her life that it was time for her to move to a retirement home for her safety and have to sell the place.  

This photo shows what the interior of one of the
apartments was like when they opened.

She did realize that her loving family was correct and reluctantly sold it along with many years of memories in her house in the 900 block of Janet Ave.  For years Carol and I lived up the street from mom and dad in a semi-detached home on the other side of the street.  Many a day she would call and ask us to cross one of her grandchildren so they could come and visit with them.  Also wasn't unusual for Carol to cross our dog, Arnold, so he could run down the street to visit with Grandma and Grandpa.  

Our house at 925 Janet Ave. as it appears today.

Carol and I lived in our house on Janet Avenue for 29 years before we moved to our "Beach House" a few miles away.  I spent some time recently roaming the old neighbor- hood known as the Heights to take some photos to match some from a CD that was given to me by my friend Mike.  Mike and his wife Anne met at nearby Schaeffer Elementary School where they taught, married then moved to Janet Ave.  

Our house was at the far end on the right in this 1930's pix.

They raised their three children in Grandview Heights where one of them is now teaching in the same school where her parents met.  Grandview Heights just seems to get in your blood.  Old and young alike inhabit the 500 or so homes in the neighborhood where everyone knows your name and lends a helping hand. While taking the photos for this story I met a few of the neighbors who were more than willing to take time to talk with me.  The following photos show some of the homes and places pictured in CD that was given to Mike by our mutual friend Matt who was in real estate and moved from the area.  My photos accompany the old photos so you can judge for yourself if the homes have changed that much in the last 100 years.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  PS - Click on any photo to enlarge it.

Some of the earliest homes in Grandview Heights are these row homes on Pleasure Road which is the street to the far north of the development.

The same row of homes, but seen from the opposite end.

This was Kilheffer's Store at the corner of Martha and Fountain Avenues.

Corner as it looks today.

Houses in the 800 block of Janet Ave. in the 1930's.

Same two houses as seen today.

This beautiful home in the 900 block of Grandview Boulevard has young trees in the front yard. 

The same house as seen today.

This house was located at 710 McGrann Bouvelard.

Same house as seen today.

This photo shows a double house along Martha Avenue.  Notice the old car in the background.

Today's view of the same house.

The "Lawn Art Revisited! Story

Photo of lawn art taken on a previous visit to a neighbor's house.
"Creativity Takes Courage" shows on a sign in front of the display.

It was an ordinary day.  Just walked a few blocks to take a photo of a neighbor's idea of art that is stationed on his lawn on Roseville Road in Lancaster, PA.  It was less than a year ago that I posted a story about the same lawn and alleged art gallery that the home owner has placed along the road for all to view.  He was given air time on our local TV station and commented that he studied art when he went to college.  

Photo taken a few days ago of the same lawn.

I'm sure the college was so glad that he didn't mention it's name on the air!  The display that he featured when I first photographed it for a story slowly deteriorated in the winter weather since it was partially panels that he had purchased that were used for some type of indoor play or musical.  Since then he has made many new additions to his display, much to the chagrin of his neighbors who more than likely don't agree with his idea of art.  A home across the street from the lawn art took forever to sell when it was listed for sale.  Any guesses why?  Well, I have included an overall look at the yard and individual photos of most of the pieces in his yard.  My only question I guess I have for him is ..... how do you mow around all that stuff?  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  PS - remember to click on photo to enlarge.

Even is mailbox is an alleged  piece of art!

His pink sports car with a window box full of flowers on the passenger's side.  

This is rather cute and does draw a chuckle from motorists I suspect.  Notice that this piece of art? has a light in front of it.  Most of the artwork? is illuminated at night.  At times it causes traffic to slow while passing his house.  

You have to click on this to able to appreciate it!

And, this one was just added a few days ago.

The bed of flowers was actually very creative, but certainly not what I would call art.

And this is my favorite.  A pink night stand with accompanied sign.  Pretty tacky art, to say the least!

The "Story Updates" Story

I took this photo a few days ago of a heron
in Overlook Park near our house.  My guess
is he/she paid a visit to my house earlier today.

It was an ordinary day.  Just took photos to update two stories that I posted in the past.  The first story dealt with a Blue Heron that visited our neighborhood one evening a few years ago and enjoyed the pond full of fish that we had in our backyard.  Didn't know anything about it until we found a photo in our mailbox that someone had taken of a heron standing on our roof.  The note written on the rear of the photo asked when the baby was due, since I guess they thought it was a stork.  Well, that was a few years ago, but today as Carol was backing the car out of our driveway, she spied another heron sitting on one of the triangular canvas covers we have hung over our rear deck for shade.  It was staring at our pond!  We have 7 fish in our pond; they managed to survive the terrible cold winter we experienced last year in the northeast US.  She stopped the car so she could get a photo with her phone, but while getting out of the car the heron saw her and took flight.  Later this afternoon, as I was removing the pump from the pond for the winter, I noticed the fish must have been hiding.  Then I realized that ……. only two remained in the pond.  I hope the heron enjoyed the meal.  

A home on Roseville Road in Lancaster, PA which displays
a variety of lawn …. well, I'm not sure what to call it.

The other story I wrote was about neighbor who had a bathtub painted pink with a mannequin wearing a pink bra sitting in the tub.  That, plus a pink bicycle and an antique bed planted with flowers.  Tough being the next door neighbor to someone who calls that lawn art.  But, today as I drove past I noticed a few more additions.  Happened to have my camera with me and pulled over to take another photo.  The family now has a washstand, pink fire hydrant, pink bulldog, pink mailbox and what appears to be a five panel collage of …… well, look for yourself and see what you think.  Is this art?  Or, is it just lawn trash?  So glad I don't live close to them.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "Victoria's Secret" Story

 It was an ordinary day.  7:30 AM and I'm heading to work.  Made the left-hand turn out of my develop- ment and after driving maybe fifty yards on West Roseville Road I saw it.  There on my left, at the home that always had close to 50 pink plastic flamingos scattered around their yard, was a cast iron bathtub painted pink around the bottom with a pink plastic female mannequin's body bathing in the tub filled with dirt.  Sitting behind it about five feet away was a ceramic toilet filled with dirt and plants popping out of the seat.  To the left of the tub, about 20 feet away was an antique metal bed frame that had wooden sides, filled with dirt and flowers.  Between the two was an old female's bicycle with handbrakes, painted bright pink.  I thought the bed was rather clever, since it reminded me of a bed of flowers, but the tub with the nude mannequin's body was a bit too much.  I knew the neighbor's weren't going to take lightly to the ower's display of "artwork" on his front lawn, especially the nude mannequin.  Someone will surely call him and complain. 

The left hand of the mannequin holds a sign advertising
an apartment the owner has for rent at the side of his house.

Well, that was about two days ago and today I noticed a new addition to the display - a bright pink Victoria's Secret brassiere covered the boobs of the naked pink manniquin.  Nice touch!!  I know that homeowners are entitled to decorate their house and surroundings with whatever they care, but to subject your neighbors with what this guy has done over the years is going slightly overboard.  Look at my top photo showing his building additions in the background and you will see other white ornamental sculptures and fountains that grace his yard.  Not just one, but many of them.  Kinda overboard, if you ask me.  Of course, he didn't ask me, which is fine, but I thought I should still give him a look on my blog so others can be glad who they have as neighbors.  I know I'm glad after seeing his expression's of "artwork."  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.