The "I Never Give Up!" Story

It was an ordinary day. Just getting back from Giant Supermarket. Trying to peddle my store list tablets that I had made. Seems Carol and I have tried for years to find a "get rich, quick" item that we could make and sell. We tried making a cookbook with original recipes from our families and that didn't sell. Carol tried making smocked dresses and it took so long to make them that no one would pay the price that we had to charge. I tired working on weekends and vacations with a friend putting siding on homes and I ran out of steam. The list goes on and on. And then, I finally came up with the idea that I would make tablets that had a shopping list on them geared for each individual grocery store. I figured I would start with the Giant in the Lancaster Shopping Center, since that is the store where I did the shopping. Spent time going through the store writing down, aisle by aisle, what was on the shelves. Then I typeset a grocery list for every aisle. On the rear of the shopping list I made a space for daily meals and one for coupons. Pretty neat. Tried it out for a few weeks and then printed a case of paper with the list on, padded and trimmed them and headed to the Giant to show them what they might want to sell. They were impressed that it was tailored to their store. But, it had to be approved by their headquarters. And, they weren't interested. My guess was that it would be the same with every store, so I stopped before I went any further. All I had to do now was shop at the Giant for the rest of my life to use up the case of tablets I had. Wouldn't you know it, they closed the store to renovate it and when it re-opened a few months ago, it didn't look the same. Oh well, put the thinking cap back on again!! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - Sorry the shopping list is hard to read, but you can see the quantity of tablets I still have left under my desk.

The "Plantation Mont Vernon" Story

It was an ordinary day. Heading towards Grand Case for supper at one of the many fine restaurants along the culinary strip that winds through the town. While driving along the road, Carol mentioned that we must stop some time at the Plantation Mont Vernon and visit. After a little more discussion, we decided to make a stop the following morning, before the sun got too hot. The La Plantation Mont Vernon is one of the few places that actually remind you of the rich history of the island of St. Martin. The plantation was established in 1786 for growing sugar, cotton, coffee, manioc (reminds you of a sweet potato), tobacco, corn and spices for Europe and was close to Orient Bay so it was easy to transport these products to the docks for shipping to Europe. The Plantation Mont Vernon is located on more than five acres of land and has a beautifully restored master's house called the "Maison de maitre" situated in the middle of tropical fruit trees. After paying for our tour we were given a small tape player that we used to give ourselves a self-guided tour of the grounds. We stopped at a small out-building where someone explained the roasting of coffee and then to another out-building where we were told about the making of rum. Free samples were given at this stop. We had just finished our breakfast, but the rum still had a great taste to it. Starting to feel more line a native islander all the time. The paths that were winding throughout the plantation had a variety of native plants growing and with our self-guided tape player, we were able to visualize what it must have been like in the 18th century living on this plantation. One of our favorite stops on the tour was the gift shop. Probably had more authentic island crafts than anywhere on the island. The Plantation was opened in 2005 for tourists, but last year on our annual trip to St. Martin, we noticed that it had closed. Hoping it is only temporary, since we did enjoy the travel through history. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - photos from our trip through the Plantation Mont

Vernon. YouTube video shows a better view of the place.

The "Gall Bladder Shaped Pool" Story

It was an ordinary day. Visiting with my brother and is family in Ephrata, PA. Ephrata is located about 25 minutes north of Lancaster. Take Rt. 272N to Rt. 322W, travel a few miles, and you will find his house on a new street covered with single homes as well as small condo units. Steve, my brother, lives right next to my niece and his daughter, Kelly and her husband Shawn and their three young children. Steve and his wife, Kathy, moved there about two years ago and recently decided to build a pool in the back yard. We are there today to celebrate the opening of the pool to family, friends and neighbors. And ..... the pool is BEAUTIFUL! He really knows how to do it right! Concrete in-ground pool with beautiful tile lining the inside of the 3-8 foot pool. But what makes his pool so neat is the landscaping that he did all around the pool. A little bit of grass for the dog, some large white beach stones on some parts, shrubs surrounded by mulch on other parts and an American flag flying on a tall pole in the corner of the fenced in pool. Many pool chairs, tables and umbrellas fill the walk around the pool. Now we get to talking about the landscaping and he tells me he decided to do all of it by himself. Did get some help from daughter Kelly, but he hauled ton after ton of rock, shrubs, mulch and 90 pound pavers for a path to the gate. I'm getting old, and I know he is five years younger, but there is no way anyone can do that without killing themself. Yep, just about what he did. Kathy told me that just as he finished, he looked at her and said he didn't fell well. She told me he looked terrible and suggested she call 911. Steve resisted so she told him she was taking him to the hospital. That he didn't resist and after examination was found that he needed to have his gallbladder removed. The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that rests beneath the right side of the liver. Its main purpose is to collect and concentrate a digestive liquid (bile) produced by the liver. Bile is released from the gallbladder after eating, aiding digestion. Bile travels through narrow tubular channels (bile ducts) into the small intestine. Steve's was not working properly, so he needed it removed. Immediately! He went through Laparoscopic gallbladder removal where they made three one inch long incisions and removed it. Unblieivable! His only regret about having to have it done immediately was that he never got to jump in the pool as soon as he finished all the work. But, today he will celebrate the opening of his pool. After Carol and I arrived, Steve and I compared our scars from our recent operations and then began the celebration. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - photos from the top are: overall view of Steve and Kathy's new in-ground pool, Shawn using the slide, my grandson Caden shooting a basket, and me celebrating with my little brother. I made him sit so I don't look like a midget.

The "Tastes of Anesthesia" Story

It was an ordinary day. Eating a bowl of potato soup that my wife made for me to help with my recovery. Have been home from the hospital for a few days and my appetite is non-existent. I called the doctor today to see if I can get any medicine to help make me eat, but the nurse explained that the anesthesia is what is causing that. It just has to work its way out of my system. Wow, anesthesia can cause so many side effects. Seems that on my first day home, Carol sliced a fresh peach for me, hoping I would be able to eat it. I tried a bite and it was soooo sweet that I just couldn't eat it. Same with the soup. It was sooooo salty that I struggled to finish more than a few spoon fulls. The anesthesia! Then I read about some research that the Monell Chemical Senses Center did that has shown that many of the taste receptors on your tongue are also present in your guts. And when the anesthesia is affecting most parts of my body, no wonder my taste buds are also being affected. The study was pretty interesting. Taste cells that specialize to detect sweetness live on the tip, back, and sides of the tongue. When you taste sugar, that activates the taste cells which send a signal to a nearby nerve that transmits a message to the brain. As you digest that same sugar, enzymes break it down into glucose and fructose as they enter the small intestine. In the intestines are some of the same taste cells that are on the tongue, so your brain gets a double dose of the message of sweetness. Then, eventually, the glucose and fructose reach your pancreas. And, even your pancreas has taste cells that send messages to your brain indicating something sweet. Wonder what else in my body the anesthesia is messing with. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "Meal in a Dish" Story

It was an ordinary day. Having a banana with my cereal for breakfast. You did know that the banana is America's second most popular fruit. Great source of potassium. Got the banana at the grocery store, since the bananas growing in my bedroom aren't ready to eat yet. Yep, have a banana tree in the bedroom. Matter of fact, we have 9 banana plants growing in our house. They are primarily ornamental, but they at times produce bananas. Indoor plants reduce components of indoor air pollution as well as remove carbon dioxide from the air. Plants are also known to reduce airborne microbes and increase humidity. This will be the second bunch of bananas that we have had in the last 10 years. The first bunch did not grow large enough to eat, and I fear that may be the case again. After a banana stem produces a flower, which turns into the actual bananas, it slowly dies, even if the flower is cut away or no fruits are produced. The leaves begin to yellow and the stem itself rots, eventually falling away from the clump to the ground. That is what happened the last time and I'm sure it will happen again. But, the banana plant is continually renewing itself by sending up new stems. The stem that has produced the latest flower and bunch of bananas is a shoot from the previous plant that bore fruit and died. Pretty neat to watch how the plant can perpetuate for generations. As our banana trees grow, they all have shoots that can separated from the mother stem and replanted. We now have 9 plants that are in full growth that we have started from other plants. No carbon dioxide in our house! My one wish with our last batch of bananas is that it will supply me with a source to keep a few scoops of ice cream aligned in a dish. Oh yeah, I'll also need the chocolate, caramel, and pineapple syrups as well as the whipped cream and cherries. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.PS - the photos that follow are the banana plants that are growing in our house. The first 2 photos are the plant that is going to bear the fruit.

The "Lumbar Laminectomy" Story

It was an ordinary day. Starting to recover. A few months ago I started having pain in my right leg. Radiated from my back down to my calf. At first it appeared for a short time and then disappeared. Then it became more regular. At that point I went to my family doctor for an appointment. He ordered an MRI and the results showed severe spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal column that causes pressure on the spinal cord, or narrowing of the openings (called neural foramina) where spinal nerves leave the spinal column. My family doctor made an appointment for me at the Lancaster NeuroScience & Spine Center where Dr. Gastaldo met with me. By now my pain was becoming more severe. He reviewed my MRI with me and arranged for 5 physical therapy sessions with their in-house therapist. Didn't help! I was then scheduled to have a shot of steroids directly into my spine. When I showed up for the appointment my doctor reviewed my MRI and told me it probably would be a waste of my time since it would not correct my problem, so I was referred back to Dr. Gastaldo. My wife and I met with him and he went over my options which were pain management with drugs or surgery. Reviewed all the possible things that can happen with surgery and I made the choice to have the surgery. By this point I had to crawl up and down the stairs in our house because of the intense pain in my right leg as well as walk bent over to help relieve the pain. The following week I entered the Lancaster General Hospital for Lumbar Laminectomy of the L4 and L5 vertebrae. A laminectomy removes the entire lamina which is the rounded bone at

the back of the spinal canal. This helps relieve pressure when a disk bulges into a nerve. After the procedure, the new opening in the spine is protected by the thick back muscles. The procedure went well and I returned to my room. Since I am on Medicare, I was required to stay overnight. Believe it or not, what I had done can be considered day surgery. Well the surgery went well, but my recovery took a downward turn when the anesthesia I was given affected my urinary organs and I needed a catheter to help me void liquids. On the FORTH try, and finally with the help of a urologist, the catheter was inserted. I remained an extra day and finally went home with the catheter still inserted. NO FUN AT ALL! After three more days the bladder muscles were starting to reject the catheter which caused painful spasms. I was told to go to my urologist's office immediately and the catheter was removed. Instant relief! It was at that moment that I began my recovery. That was 5 days ago, and I am now walking without the intense pain and my back is only slightly sore. But, considering what I had done, I'm very satisfied with my progress. I have a month to recover before I vacation in the warm sun of the Caribbean. My doctor told me I was on schedule for vacation, as long as I don't do something stupid. Hear that LDUB! DON'T DO SOMETHING STUPID!! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "Ba ba ding a dong ding Blue Moon" Story

It was an ordinary day. Opening my emails to see what I should save and what is Junk Mail. Got an email from my friend Bill who lives in Arizona. We correspond quite often and he will stop for a visit when he returns to the area to visit with old friends. Bill sent me the "Doo-Wop Test." Now, for those who are reading that have no idea what that is, I feel sorry for you. You never had the chance to experience some of the best music ever created. The name "Doo-Wop" is given to a style of vocal-based rhythm and blues music that developed in African America communities in the 1940s and achieved mainstream popularity in the 1950s and early 1960s. Philadelphia is known as the home to many of the great "Doo-Wop" artists of that time. Built upon vocal harmony, "Doo-Wop" was one of the most mainstream, pop-oriented R&B styles of the 1950s and 1960s. During this time, singers would gather on street corners and in subways, generally in groups of three to six, and break into a Capella arrangements that would mimic instruments. The bass singing "bom-bom-bom, a guitar rendered as "shang-a-lang and brass sounds as doooo-wop-wop. I can still remember songs such as Earth Angel by The Penguins, Only You and The Great Pretender by The Platters, Why Do Fools Fall in Love by Frankie Lymon, Book of Love by the Monotones, Blue Moon by the Marcels, and Who put the Bomp? by Barry Mann. Some of these artists were featured on American Bandstand when it started in 1952 in Philadelphia, hosted first by Bob Horn and eventually by Dick Clark. Show went national in 1957. Well, I took the test that Bill sent to me and had 23 of the 30 questions correct. But, you have to remember I had a part-time job at Grants Department Store at the Lancaster Shopping Center. Worked in the record department, so I got a chance for a few years to listen to all the "Doo-Wop" music. Take the test and see how you do. After the test is a song you may remember and while watching the video you will see a white 1958 chevy that looks exactly like the one I had in the early 60s and close to the end at Mel's Diner, you will see a pink and white '55 Ford just like I had before the Chevy. Click on "Watch on YouTube" to hear the song. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

Doo-Wop Test

1. When did ''Little Suzie'' finally wake up?
(a) The movie's over, it's 2 o'clock
(b) The movie's over, it's 3 o'clock
(c) The movie's over, it's 4 o'clock

2. ''Rock Around The Clock'' was used in what movie?
(a) Rebel Without A Cause
(b) Blackboard Jungle
(c) The Wild Ones

3. What's missing from a Rock & Roll standpoint? Earth _____
(a) Angel
(b) Mother
(c) Worm

4. ''I found my thrill . . .'' where?
(a) Kansas City
(b) Heartbreak Hotel
(c) Blueberry Hill

5. ''Please turn on your magic beam, _____ _____ bring me a dream,'':
(a) Mr. Sandman
(b) Earth Angel
(c) Dream Lover

6. For which label did Elvis Presley first record?
(a) Atlantic
(b) RCA
(c) Sun

7. He asked, ''Why's everybody always pickin' on me?'' Who was he?
(a) Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
(b) Charlie Brown
(c) Buster Brown

8. In Bobby Darin's ''Mack The Knife,'' the one with the knife, was named:
(a) MacHeath
(b) MacCloud
(c) MacNamara

9. Name the song with ''A-wop bop a-loo bop a-lop bam boom.''
(a) Good Golly, Miss Molly
(b) Be-Bop-A-Lula
(c) Tutti Fruitti

10. Who is generally given credit for originating the term ''Rock And Roll''?
(a) Dick Clark
(b) Wolfman Jack
(c) Alan Freed

11. In 1957, he left the music business to become a preacher:
(a) Little Richard
(b) Frankie Lymon
(c) Tony Orlando

12. Paul Anka's ''Puppy Love'' is written to what star?
(a) Susan Gibbs
(b) Connie Francis
(c) Annette Funicello

13. The Everly Brothers were ........
(a) Pete and Dick
(b) Don and Phil
(c) Bob and Bill

14. The Big Bopper's real name was:
(a) Jiles P. Richardson
(b) Roy Iddings Jr.
(c) Marion Michael Morrison

15. In 1959, Berry Gordy, Jr. started a small record company called...
(a) Decca
(b) Cameo
(c) Motown

16. Edd Brynes had a hit with ''Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb''. What TV show was he on?
(a) 77 Sunset Strip
(b) Hawaiian Eye
(c) Surfside Six

17. In 1960 Bobby Darin married:
(a) Carol Lynley
(b) Sandra Dee
(c) Natalie Wood

18. They were a one hit wonder with ''Book Of Love'':
(a) The Penguins
(b) The Monotones
(c) The Moonglows

19. The Everly Brothers sang a song called ''Till I ______ You.''
(a) Loved
(b) Kissed
(c) Met

20. Chuck Berry sang ''Oh, ___________, why can't you be true?''
(a) Suzie Q
(b) Peggy Sue
(c) Maybelline

21. ''Wooly _______''
(a) Mammouth
(b) Bully
(c) Pully

22. ''I'm like a one-eyed cat . . . ."
(a) can't go into town no more
(b) sleepin' on a cold hard floor
(c) peepin' in a seafood store

23. ''Sometimes I wonder what I'm gonna do . . . . .....''
(a) cause there ain't no answer for a life without booze
(b) cause there ain't no cure for the summertime blues
(c) cause my car's gassed up and I'm ready to cruise

24. ''They often call me Speedo, but my real name is ..... . . .''
(a) Mr. Earl
(b) Jackie Pearl
(c) Milton Berle

25. ''You're my Fanny and nobody else's ......''
(a) girl
(b) butt
(c) love

26. ''I want you to play with my . . . ''
(a) heart
(b) dreams
(c) ding a ling

27. ''Be Bop A Lula .......''
(a) she's got the rabies
(b) she's my baby.
(c) she loves me, maybe

28. ''Fine Love, Fine Kissing ...''
(a) right here
(b) fifty cents
(c) just for you

29. ''He wore black denim trousers and . . .''
(a) a pink carnation
(b) pink leotards
(c) motorcycle boots

30. ''I got a gal named . ... .''
(a) Jenny Zamboni
(b) Gerri Mahoney
(c) Boney Maroney

Answers:

Scroll Down so you aren't tempted to cheat ( as if cheating were needed here).
* * * * * * * * * * * *

1. (c) The movie's over, it's 4 o'clock
2. (b) Blackboard Jungle
3. (a) Angel
4. (c) Blueberry Hill
5. (a) Mr. Sandman
6. (c) Sun
7. (b) Charlie Brown
8. (a) Mac Heath
9. (c) Tutti Fruitti
10. (c) Alan Freed
11. (a) Little Richard
12. (c) Annette Funicello
13. (b) Don and Phil
14. (a) Jiles P. Richardson
15. (c) Motown
16. (a) 77 Sunset Strip
17. (b) Sandra Dee
18. (b) The Monotones
19. (b) Kissed
20. (c) Maybelline
21. (b) Bully
22. (c) peepin' in a sea food store
23. (b) cause there ain't no cure for the summertime blues

24. (a) Mr. Earl
25. (b) butt
26. (c) ding a ling
27. (b) she's my baby
28. (a) right here
29. (c) motorcycle boots
30. (c) Boney Maroney

The "Someone's Watching You!" Story

It was an ordinary day. Just got a call from my oldest son. Seems he is in trouble with the law. And, he pleads guilty. My grandson is in first grade this year in a school a few blocks from their home. He has been after his dad to come visit him during recess and watch him playing in the schoolyard. So, about two weeks ago my son hopped on his scooter and headed down to the playground. Must not have been the correct time, since he couldn't find him on the playground. But ....... someone saw him "loitering" around the playground while he was there. After a few minutes he returned home. Then again yesterday he thought he would ride down and try to find him. He did! Watched him play for a short time and waved to him. Shortly he was confronted by a school security guard wondering what he was doing. He explained he was there to visit and watch his son. Then the school principal arrived and confronted him. Same explanation. Never gave his name, and was never asked for it. The principal told him he was not allowed to visit unless they had previous notice of the visit. So my son returned home on the scooter. Feeling bad about what happened, he called the principal and gave her his name and exactly what he was there for. She was very courteous, but told him that security of the students is a prime priority in the school. As he hung up, he looked out the window and saw 2 police cruisers arriving in front of his house. Must have gotten the license number of his scooter while he was there. He walked out and had a conversation with them about what had just happened and they understood, but told him to make arrangements with the school before he tries to visit again. A long day, but it made my son realize that his son, my grandson, is being protected as he would want him to be while away from home. How many readers had that kind of protection when they were in elementary school? We have come a long way ..... and it's so sad it has to be that way! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "Lost Memories - The Flood of 2011" Story

It was an ordinary day. Raining! Heavy! And, I need to leave about 11:30 AM to head to the Lancaster General Hospital for back surgery. Woke about 6:30 AM, showered with a special solution to help prevent infections in the hospital. Dressed in freshly laundered clothes and headed down the stairs. My wife and I knew that the sump pump had been running all night, but I feared what I would find when I headed to the basement. "OK so far!" I yelled up to her from the basement after looking in the french drain we have in our basement. We had moved almost everything to higher ground last night, just in case (or so I thought!). We have had flooding twice in our basement since moving to our house. First time was almost 2 feet and flooded because I didn't realize we were supposed to have a sump pump in the french drain. We evidently have an underground stream that travels through the neighborhood, and it makes a stop in our basement. Second time it was only about 6 inches because the pump kept working and emptied the water shortly after it stopped coming into the basement. Found I needed a bigger pump, so I bought a BIG one and left the other one next to it hoping that they will stop the water this time. Kept checking the water level in the drain every half hour and at 11:00 AM, when I walked into the basement, it was just starting to get the carpet wet. I turned off our gas heating system in my power panel to avoid any problems with the gas burner and headed up the steps to make a few calls. Had to leave in 30 minutes for the hospital. Little did I remember that I had plugged my smaller pump into a receptacle on the burner and not it how no power. Called the carpet company and burner company and got my name on their list. Called my insurance company to tell them I will need an adjuster in the next week of so. OK, not much else I can do but watch the water level rise. We left for the hospital with about 4 inches of water in the basement. My wife had called out oldest son, Derek, and asked him to stop at noon on his way home from work and check on the basement. Great move! He found the smaller pump not working and realized what had happened. Found an extension cord and plugged it in another outlet and it started to lower the water which was now close to a foot. By the time my wife returned to the house about 9:00 PM that evening, the water was gone. The following day she had to handle the chore of calling the carpet and burner companies and arranging for times for them to arrive. Two days later I returned home to recover from the surgery and witnesses all the labor she had done to help in our flood recovery. We had saved most items, but a few irreplaceable items didn't make it. A box of my mother's "memories" was under water and looks as if it may not be able to be saved. High School Diplomas and yearbooks from my mom and dad, a collection of antique fans, and a case of cassette tapes that had my dad's Barbershop solo recordings as well as duets that my dad and I did while members of our church choir were soaked in water. Items that are irreplaceable! Have placed tapes in an area to try and dry them, but not giving it much hope. The books and diplomas as well as the fans also cannot be salvaged. Keeping them until the insurance adjuster arrives to see what value he can assign to them. No matter what price he assigns, the memories can never be recaptured. They will be part of the lost memories of the flood of 2011. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - photos from the top are: basement at 11:00 AM, water rushing from the sump pump on the side of our house, stairs in garage holding the cassette tapes for drying, my mom's photo in her yearbook (Dorothea Elizabeth Cochran on the bottom right), dad's photo from his yearbook (Paul Henry Woods), and a few of the antique fans that were damaged in the flood.

The "Release from the Stress" Story

It was an ordinary day. Just getting back from the Urologist's office. Still in the recovery stage from back surgery and I needed to pick up a prescription at Walmart. Still not allowed to drive so Carol is my chauffeur this morning. "Just stop and I'll sit in the car and wait for you while you run in and get my prescription," I told her. Parking lot was full for a weekday morning and only a few handicapped spots left near the main door. I grabbed the handicapped placard from the dash and put it on the rear view mirror. I got the placard over 5 years ago for my dad when he was having difficulties getting around. He died shortly after and I still have the placard. Never used it until two weeks ago when I had such pain in my right leg I could hardly get out of the car. Haven't used it since then. Today was a borderlinedecision on my part to use it again so my dear wife wouldn't have to walk too far to get mymeds. Have no intention of using it again and it expires in a month or so. Always thought people who parked in handicapped spots and got out of their car and ran in to a store should have their car stolen. So, today I remain in the car, not to make sure my car isn't stolen, but out of necessity. I was amazed at what happens in a large parking lot such as the one we parked in today. Shortly after Carol parked, put the windows down for me, and headed into the store, a car pulled in directly in front of me. Girl told the guy in the passenger's seat to watch the kid in the back and she hustled into the store. The guy, in his 30s, got out, put a cigar in his mouth, lit it, made a call on his cell and placed the phone on the roof of his car. Had it on "speakerphone" mode I found out. He proceeded to tell this woman on the other end where he was and that he had to get home and take the engine out of the old car he had in the garage. "You know, the one that I bought to re-sell but beat it to death and now have to replace the engine." He told her he would have to get help to put the new one in, but that wouldn't be for a couple of days. After another call I shared with him he got back in, his driver arrived and they left. In that spot pulled a red SUV. My dentist appeared from behind the wheel. "Hi Doc," I yelled to him as he got out. He waved, but I don't think he recognized me. Shortly he returned with a few fans and put them in the back. I stuck my head out the window and asked him if he had water in his basement. Then he knew who I was and stopped to talk for a short time. The space remained open, but a young pregnant girl came fromWalmart and jumped into a Jeep next to the open space. Sat there for a few minutes then stuck her head out the window and started to apply makeup using her outside rear viewmirror. To my right was another car with a handicapped sign and a gentleman now arrived to get back in his Lincoln. Had to be at least 80 and close to 300 pounds. He really struggled to get in and after quite a bit of straining and spitting, finally closed the door. And ..... drove away. Here is someone that shouldn't be on the road I thought to myself. Geeze, where is my wife. Couldn't call her on my cell since it is in her pocketbook. Gave it to her when they took me back for my appointment this morning. Into the Lincoln space pulls a car that I didn't hear. No engine noise at all! Must be electric I thought. Lady in her late 70s or early 80s. She also deserved the placard! She opened the door, sat in her car for a short time thinking, swiveled her feet to the pavement, opened a tissue container and blew her nose. I guess she was ready now for shopping. Got out, closed the door and noticed I was watching her. "Hello!" I said to her. She returned the greeting and struggled into the store. Ah ha! Carol has returned, finally. Told me they had just received the prescription from the doctor and had to fill it while she waited. "That's OK. I had an entertaining 20 minutes," I told her. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - And a chance to actually sit in front of my computer and have some fun writing after a long and stressful week.

The "Memories of Stan" Story

It was an ordinary day. Googling a few things on my computer when I came across this article. Titled: "Does anyone remember Stan Lipman?" He did metal sculptures (junk metal) back in the mid sixties and into the seventies. He made the huge metal sculptures that were placed in the center of Park City when it was first built. It looks like we may now have another Artist working in his place. I would hope this one is favored and accepted better than Stan was among the community. Stan was a big singer and pounder when he was creating. He could be heard throughout the neighborhood. Good luck to the new artist. Yep, I remember Stan Lipman! Good friend. He created quite a bit of his artwork in the metal shop at Manheim Township High School. He was the Special Ed. teacher at the high school. I know it's not called Special Ed. now, but back in the 60s, 70s and 80s that was what it was called. And, his "kids" loved him. He would help get the students in his high school class jobs in the community that they could handle and keep for years. I coached rifle at the time and the rifle range was right next to his classroom in the high school. Many days I would be in the range during the day and stick my head into his room to say "Hi". Always invited in to see what they were doing for the day. Many times I was invited to have lunch with them. Stan set up a kitchen in his room and would go out and buy food so that he would teach his class how to cook. Always paid for it with his own money. And, boy was it great food. Often I would chip in a few bucks so he could get more food for another lesson for his class. And, naturally another invitation to dinner. He was teaching life skills to his students. Funny how one of his boys, Brian, ended up working as a cook and dishwasher for years after graduation from high school at the retirement facility where my wife worked for years. During his classes in the shop, he would melt aluminum in the kiln and pour it on sand he had spread over the floor. Showed the students how to pour it into shapes they would recognize. After cooling they would polish the metal and place hangers on it for their homes. He ended up selling some of them. Then he went to local junk yards where he would talk them out of scrap metal punchings and show the students how to weld. He was becoming quite a metal artist. So accomplished that some of his work was purchased by his friends in the entertainment business. Stan was commissioned to build the centerpiece for the newly finished Park City Shopping Center in Lancaster, PA. He made it out of copper and brass tubing and titled it "The Phoenix." And, another item I came across on Google while trying to find a photo of it:Question: Anyone have a photo of the old Park City Mall fountain? Comment: the fountain in the center of Park City Mall in the 70's? You know, the one that was lit with orange lights and kind of looked like a gateway to Hell? Obviously, it would have to be a scam. Guess everyone didn't like Stan's work. Wonder if they liked his pounding and singing as he made it. I still have and display a small garden sculpture that Stan made for me. Stan died almost 40 years ago of colon cancer. Spent time with him during his illness. An upbeat guy! He was a great friend and an even greater teacher to the children who had him for class. Matter of fact, he was their HERO! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "Woman with the Green Thumb" Story

It was an ordinary day. Finished my shower and was on my way down the stairs to feed the cat and water the plants. The cat job is easy, time wise, compared to watering the plants. At the beginning of the summer we take all the plants that have been placed indoors from the previous summer and move them outside onto our back deck. Every year it takes longer to accomplish that job since our banana trees sprout new shoots all the time and the plumeria plants multiply like crazy. Every day, unless it rains overnight or we are expecting rain during the day, someone has to water the plants on the deck. And ..... since I am the first person down in the morning, it is me. The deck and surrounding garden is a wonderland of gorgeous flowers and shrubs. When we first moved to the house almost 20 years ago, the bank behind the deck was filled with weeds. We had a florist help design and plant growth that would resemble an area that would remind us of the beach. Over the years they have grown and we have added to the theme. I have expanded the small pond that was installed and have two years ago added a small feeder stream and waterfall to help add more to garden. Our evening meals and parties remind us of gatherings at the beach, so the chore of watering isn't that bad a deal. And, all of this is overlooked by the gardener, my wife Carol. She knows the name of almost every plant and flower found in the Caribbean as well as local flora. We have so many comments on how lovely the garden and pond area looks. As fall arrives, I think of all the work it will be to cut the grasses and perennials and move the tropical plants into the house for the winter. But, I guess we will have more time to spend with the plants as they inhabit our house for the winter season before they will once again move to the garden next year. I have included a sampling of of the flowers and an overview of the pond with the grasses and flowers for you to see some of the gardener's labors. Enjoy, as we get to do every day! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "Quick Update" Story

It was an ordinary day. Basement survived better than me. Only had 9 1/2" of water in the basement that finally were taken away by my 2 pumps. Carpet guy and gas burner guys in already to get us going again. Huge fans will leave soon. Carol had had to handle all of this by herself. What a sweetheart. As for the surgery. Successful, but painful right now. The front hurts more than the back though. Couldn't urinate so they had to insert a tube so I could pee. Nurse tried THREE times, then called for a urologist to do it. He got it the first try. Got home yesterday and first time I felt like sitting in front of the computer. Really crummy way to celebrate my birthday. Thanks for tuning in! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "Cultural Iconic Sign" Story

It was an ordinary day. Eating breakfast at Andy and Cheryl's, formerly known as Baywatch, on Orient beach on the French side of St. Martin. Beach is known as the Caribbean equivalent of the French Riviera. And with good reason. Beautiful beach with beach bars spread up and down the 2 mile beach. Water sports abound on the beach and the atmosphere is carnival like. The entire beach is, in the French style, clothing optional. For most of the beach that means topless, but for the south end of the beach, it means nude. Club Orient occupies the last quarter mile of the beach on the South side and is marked with a sign where the naturist part starts. The sign has evidently been there for years and years and was always the same until a year ago. I'm sure that thousands of people have posed in front of it for a photo. It is the farthest south on the beach where you are allowed to take any photos. Cruise ships sponsor trips to the the "nude beach" and bus loads of people arrive at the south end of the beach to be greeted by the sign. Many take the chance to have a photo taken in front of it. Most are fully clothed during the photo, but every so often someone or some couple will disrobe for a photo. They will pose just as the couple on the sign is posing. From our seats in Baywatch we can watch the documentation of the venture onto the Club O Beach by the tourists. Most tourists will stop at the sign, but some walk onto the nude section, out of curiosity. There they are greeted with another small sign that shows a variety of cameras with a large nail driven through each of them. No doubt cameras from people who don't heed the sign about "NO CAMERAS OR CELL PHONES." The security guards do take cell phones and either remove the film from film cameras or take the digital card from the digital cameras. If they can't figure out how to do either, they pound a nail in it on the board by the water. How can they do that? I don't know, but they do it. And, I've never seen anyone question the immense security guards. The sign has changed recently and now shows a photo of a real couple instead of a drawing of a couple. The sign is as much a part of Club Orient and Orient Beach as are the orange beach chairs and yellow umbrellas that line the beach at the naturist resort. They are truly Caribbean cultural icons! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - photos from the top are: orange chairs and yellow umbrella, view of the beach from the water, hand-made sign showing the cameras that were confiscated, couple posing in front of the old sign, and LDub in front of the new sign.

The "Sindhi and the Suitcase" Story

It was an ordinary day. Read a very interesting article written by Robert James titled "The Sindhi and the Suitcase". It seems that Robert was delayed on a flight from Miami to Jamaica in 1997 and was talking with another passenger during the wait. He was telling Robert all about the Partition of India and how it has affected his family. Why did the article interest me? You will see; and I will keep it simple and as accurate as I can, I hope. Sindhi is one of the four provinces of Pakistan and historically is home to the Sindhi people. Pakistan borders India. After WWII, the British Government, who had occupied India for over 100 years, wanted out of the area. On August 14, 1947 they just up and left India. They told the people of the land they occupied that it's OK for you blokes to split your country in two, and do it on your own. Well the land was divided between Muslim and Hindus. They began killing each other for the land. The Sindhi population which lived west of the Partition line were given 30 days to leave, and leave everything behind. Families packed suitcases and kept them under their beds, just in case they had to leave quickly. It seems that the Sindhi's were a resourceful people and many were jewelers. As they left their native land, they took with them most of the jewels of the country. And they headed to the Caribbean. At the time the islands were crowded with slaves that had gained their freedom from their European masters, but had no idea how to run businesses. The Sindhi were good at that. So, they worked well together. Through the mutual hard work of the Sindhi community and the West Indian community (the slaves of the Caribbean), the Caribbean islands were turned into some of the most highly developed nations in the Western Hemisphere. The oil refinery as well as the Cruzan Rum factory were both developed in St. Croix. And, the huge jewelry industry that now exists throughout the Caribbean islands was developed. You take a cruise or visit any Caribbean island and you will see jewelry stores that were developed since the Partition of 1947. Jewelers with names like Daswani, Dadlani, Alwani, Khiatani, Sharma, ..... wait a minute, that is the name of the Jeweler my wife got a necklace from on our last visit to St. Martin. Could he be one of the families that immigrated to the Caribbean after 1947? Have to ask him next time we visit. And, to this day there are still survivors living in the Caribbean who keep a suitcase packed and under there bed ..... just in case! They can't forget what it was like during the Partition. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "With a Little Help from my Friends" Story

It was an ordinary day. Just took the last CD into school and made the final 4 plates needed to print the 2011 Football Program. I have been doing the football program for Manheim Township High School for the past umpteen years; probably back into the 70s. Even after I retired from teaching, I was still asked to print the programs for the team in the high school print shop. Seems with donated paper and no overhead, I can do the programs for far less that what it would cost elsewhere. Well, this year we ran into a snag. I am having trouble with a back issue and will be having surgery before the first home game. How will I ever get the programs ready on time? I was able to do all the composition on my iMac, get all the

photos scheduled and taken by my friend Andy, transfer all the files to PDF and load them

onto a few CDs and make all the necessary plates on the school's Xante platemaker. The hard part was the printing and assembly. That requires quite a bit of physical labor, which I cannot do. My son, Tad, who is a pressman for a local printing company, went to school with me and while I watched, ran a few pages on the press for me for me. I made a call to Jim who is now the teacher in my old room, asking him if he could help me get them printed. No Problem! He would finish them for me. Wow! I made a call to Mike, who works with me during the summer doing the in-house school printing, and he said he would fold, assemble and staple the programs for me. Wow!! The programs will be done on time ..... with a little help from my friends. Not sure whether it is time to give up the football program job, or if this is just a detour this year. Time will tell. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - photo above shows LDub getting IDs for the girl's tennis team while the pixs below show covers from programs of the last decade. Notice how they went from one color ideas I created and printed to four-color covers that were printed by someone else and place on the program inside I printed. The school press isn't capable of doing four-color printing.

The "Here We Go Again" Story

It was an ordinary day. No sense crying over "spilled milk", as the saying goes. My "spilled milk" is my latest trip that was scheduled for St. Martin in two days. My back problem has persisted and I will need surgery. Next week! Do I really have to wait for next week? Yep! Doctor only operates on Thursdays and I just missed this Thursday. I gave you the history yesterday of my back problem in a story and Dr. Gastaldo reviewed my options with my wife Carol and I during our appointment this morning. He answered all our questions then Carol wanted to know if I would be ready to travel in 6-8 weeks. No problem! Seems we will miss our trip that is scheduled for 2 days from now to St. Martin, but don't want to miss a trip that is scheduled for late October. My surgery is called Lumbar Laminectomy and will correct my problem. I was given a website to review the procedure. Even given an access code where I must type my name before viewing the half-hour program about the procedure. The program is extremely informative and answered any questions that I may have forgotten to ask the doctor. The evening before and the morning of the surgery I must wash, from the neck down, with an antiseptic/antimicrobial skin cleanser. Have to wear freshly laundered clothes to the hospital. Avoiding germs at all costs. I am anxiously awaiting the day when I will be able to walk again without pain. The "spilled milk" will be rescheduled and I will be able to enjoy walking the beach, swimming in the warm Caribbean sea, and relaxing on the soft white sand in a beach chair with a drink in one hand and a good book in the other. Can hardly wait! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "Avoiding Surgery At All Costs" Story

It was an ordinary day. Having back pain again. Used to be all in my back, but now has spread to my legs. Sound familiar to you? You have the same thing and haven't done anything about it? Well, here's what you can do. Had my family doctor give me a couple of steroid shots in the butt that did help somewhat, but after half a year the pain persisted and started to progress down my leg. Called Sciatica. My family doctor made arrangements for me to get an MRI and sure enough, I have severe stenosis, so my family doctor made an appointment with Dr. Galstado at the NeuroScience and Spine Center for me. Spinal Stenosis is a condition due to narrowing in and around the spinal canal causing nerve pinching which leads to persistent back pain, pain in the buttocks, limping, lack of feeling in the lower extremities, and decreased physical activity. Visited Doctor Galstado and he recommended a half dozen appointments at the physical therapist. He diagnozed the sciatica and thought it may releive the pain if I had the therapy. Anything to avoid surgery. DIDN'T WORK! Pain persisted, sometimes even worse. So I returned to Dr. Gastaldo's office and this time saw his Physician's Assistant who explained what was happening in my back. Spinal Cord goes through your spine which is composed of vertebrae in your back and has nerves going through it. As it reaches the bottom of your spine, the lower nerves spread out and go through openings down your legs. With age the spinal cord can become compressed and push on the nerves, causing pain. Also, bone spurs and uneven edges on the vertebrae can rub against the nerve causing pain. The pain actually comes from inflamation caused by the rubbing of the nerve against the bone and spurs. Now, if you can reduce the inflamation, you will eliminate the pain, allegedly. If not, surgery may be the only way to releive the pain by removing the bone spurs or rough edges along the vertebrae, or parts of the vertebrae. Got it so far. Well, if you have the pain anywhere in your back, at what spot are you right now? Just in the back, down the legs, hard to walk, can't sleep, etc. Since the physical therapy hasn't helped, my next step will be steriod shots directly into the spine to try to stop the swelling and inflamation in the area where my nerves exit the spinal cord and head down my legs. Saw the next doctor who was supposed to give me a shot in the spine to relieve the pain, but after reviewing my MRI told me it wouldn't help so he took my file back to Dr. Gastaldo's nurse who has scheduled me for another appointment with Dr. Gastaldo. And ..... more to follow. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "Losing A Good Customer" Story

It was an ordinary day. One of my printing customers, Twila R., who owns Garden Spot Promotions in Lancaster, just stopped for her 10,000 flyers I had printed. Twila promotes gospel music in South-eastern Pennsylvania. Her Blue Mountain Gospel Music Festival, held in Lebanon, PA, always takes place over the Labor Day weekend. She arranges and promotes a dozen or more concerts each year which are almost always sold out. Names such as Legacy Five, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Greater Vision, Talley Trio, and The Hoppers make a journey every year to play in front of sold out crowds at either Calvary Independent Church or Lancaster Mennonnite High School. I have printed flyers for her and Garden Promotions for the last eight years, or since she has owned it. She purchased it from Mary C. in 2003. I printed flyers for Mary for a few years before she sold it to Twila. I found out about Mary through a former high school classmate, Dotty L., who ran a printing business with her husband and were closing their shop. She suggested to Mary that she call me to help her with the printing of the flyers. And now, this is all coming to an end! Twila told me today that she has sold the company to a fellow in Tennessee and he will take control at the end of the year. Chances are he is not going to need my services. She felt bad sharing the information with me, but I can understand. The chore of running a business such as Garden Spot Promotions, raising a family, and helping with the care of her parents has taken a toll. She told me she will give the new owner my phone number, but I'm not sitting by the phone, waiting. I'll miss the extra money which was used for our vacation fund, but will find something to take it's place. Always do. You know .... even-steven. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "Following Akela" Story

It was an ordinary day. Checking my email and there was a photo of my grandson Caden in his Cub Scout uniform. Pretty neat! He will be the third generation of the Woods clan that will follow the scout motto: Do Your Best! And he will. He always does. He is sooooo excited to be able to join Cub Scouts. He loves to be outside enjoying everything from swimming in the ocean to playing sports with his family and friends. I'm sure camping will be added to that list very soon. I can remember when I joined Cub Scouts in 1st grade. I was in a Pack that met about a half mile from my house in Lancaster City. Had to walk with a few friends to meetings once a week. I can still remember the Scout Promise: I, LDub, promise to do my best, to do my duty To God and my country, To help other people, and To obey the Law of the Pack. Had to recite that at every Pack meeting before we got our snack. Learned it pretty fast. Still say it before I have a snack! (Not) Then, there was the Law of the Pack, that I must tell the truth and say that I had to look it up. Here goes: The Cub Scouts follow Akela, The Cub Scouts help the Pack go, The Pack helps the Cub Scout grow, The Cub Scout gives goodwill. Hey, if you're wondering who Akela may be, it means "good leader" or in Caden's case, the parent or friend that is the scout leader. Both my sons were in scouts and enjoyed camping. Sorry to say that I didn't. If I hadn't slept on thedamp ground all the times I did, I probably wouldn't have the bad back that I have today. Oh well! I already bought $40 worth of popcorn which is his first fundraiser. If you come to visit me, you'll probably have popcorn for a snack. Only after we recite the Cub Scout Promise!! So, start learning in! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - pixs from the top are: my grandson Caden in his new uniform, Caden's dad and my son Derek in his uniform, and LDub sporting his Cub Scout uniform doing his best while doing his duty to help other people.