The "Wheatland: Home of Pennsylvania's Only President" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Looking at the photographs on iPhoto that I recently took on a visit to Wheatland.  Wheatland was at one time the residency of James Buchanan, President of the United States.  On Thursday, December 20th I wrote a story about a young James Buchanan and the love of his life, Ann Caroline Coleman.  My story today deals primarily with Wheatland, James' home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, but I thought I should pass along to you some of the history leading up to James Buchanan buying Wheatland. James commenced his political career as a member of the Federalist Party when he was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives where he served from 1814 to 1816.  In 1821 He was elected to the United States House of Representatives and served in that position until 1831.  He changed party loyalties by forming the Amalgamist Party and then eventually shifting to Jackson's Democrat Party.  In 1931 he served as Minister to Russia under President Andrew Jackson.  In 1834 he was elected to the United States Senate and served in that position until 1845.  James then served as the Secretary of State for President Polk from 1845 to 1849.  It was during this time that he purchased the estate known as Wheatland.  In December of 1848 he made the purchase, but did not move in until several months later.  On November 20, 1824, over 403 acres of land was turned over to a bank in Lancaster by a farmer.  The bank sold 165 acres of that land on January 29, 1828 to their bank President, Mr. William Jenkins who had a house constructed on the property and named it "The Wheatlands," probably because the land was primarily wheat fields.  In 1941 Jenkins sold 17 acres of that land, which included the house, to his son-in-law.  In 1845 it was sold again to William Meredith for $6,750 ($168,364 in 2013 dollars).  Meredith eventually sold the property and home three years later to Buchanan for the exact same price.  The house is a Federal style house made of brick.  Sadly there are no documents that I can find that tell about the construction or the person responsible for the design of Wheatland.  Many of the design elements incorporated in the house are designs that were prevalent in the 19th century.  Wheatland has never been significantly altered or remodeled except for modern lighting and heating.  The house is primarily a two and a half story central section which is flanked on either side by two, two story wings.  The front entrance is protected by a portico supported by four columns, while the rear entrance is on a veranda.  Both entrances open into a "T"-shaped hallway.  The hallway was covered with oilcloth flooring that was decorated with geometric squares to imitate tile.  It has since been overlaid with a reproduction that is identical to the original.  The first floor has a parlor, library, 2 dining rooms and kitchen.  One of the dining rooms was for formal dinners and also as the sitting room.  The fireplace in this room was enclosed in marble when Buchanan bought Wheatland and had a furnace installed.  The second floor is reached by using an elliptical staircase which has a "peace stone" embedded in the newel post at the base of the stairs.  This symbolizes that the owner has paid off the mortgage.  The second floor was the living quarters for Mr. Buchanan while the third floor was used as the servant's quarters.  The grounds around Wheatland were incrementally sold until only 4.25 acres remained.  It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Adjacent to Wheatland on 5.75 acres is the Lancaster Historical Society.  On March 9, 1861, Buchanan left Washington and retired to Lancaster and Wheatland to spend the rest of his life.  James Buchanan died at Wheatland on June 1, 1868.  Wheatland was willed to his niece, Harriet Lane, whom he had adopted long before and who was the daughter of his oldest sister.  It was said that Harriet was very well educated and presided over the White House as his hostess and first lady with youthful charm and womanly grace.  In 1935 a "Shrine Committee" was formed with the intent of raising money to purchase Wheatland.  An agreement of sale was signed on February 27, 1936 and on October 14, 1937  Wheatland was formally dedicated when Committee Chairman James Hale Steinman said, "I now dedicate you to the service of the people of this community .... of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and .... of the United States of America.  May you endure forever!"  I hope the following photos will show you the grandeur of the Wheatland estate.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

Rear of Wheatland showing the three sections of the home.

Plaque showing registry as a National Historic Landmark.

Front of Wheatland. 

Front door knocker.

Front door handle.  Just had to grab it so I could say I touched something that James Buchanan had touched.

Inside basin spigots.

Wheatland drawing as it appeared in 1869. 

Elliptical staircase to the second floor.

The "The Little Olde Lady ..........." Story

It was an ordinary day.  And, I finally visited the shoe.  That would be the shoe house that can be seen as you drive along Rt.30 between York and Lancaster in Pennsylvania.  Just as you are about to cross the Susquehanna River, coming from York to Lancaster, you will see the house on your right as you approach the Hellam exit.  For years I have told my wife that sometime I'm going to stop and see what that shoe house is like and take photos of it.  Well, I finally did it.  It wasn't on my bucket list, but something that I had been wanting to do for years.  The house was built by "Colonel" Mahlon N. Haines, known as the Shoe Wizard of York.  Mr. Haines was born in Old Washington, Ohio in 1975 and moved to York, PA when he was in his early 20s.  His first consignment of $127.00 lead him to build a shoe sales empire in central PA and northern Maryland that at one time had over 40 stores.  He figured if he could attract the customers to his name, anyone could sell his shoes.  The Shoe House, built in 1948, was by far one of his most outlandish advertising gimmicks.  The story goes that Mr. Haines approached an architect with one of his old work boots and said, "Build me a house like this!"  The house, shaped like a shoe, naturally, is a wood frame structure covered with wire lath and coated with stucco.  It measures 48 feet in length, 17 feet in width at the widest part and 25 feet in height.  It consists of five different levels and has three bedrooms, two baths, kitchen and living room.  It was built along the highway as a giant advertisement for his shoe stores.  Painted a pinkish color, it features a shoe mailbox, a boot decorated fence and a dog house in the rear yard shaped as a boot.  Every window in the house has a stained-glass boot on it and the front door features a stained-glass portraiture of the "Colonel" holding shoes.  Inside are many historic photographs and promotional items devised by Mr. Haines.  The palour, or living room, is in the toe of the shoe, the kitchen is in the heel and two bedrooms are located in the ankle.  In the instep is an ice cream shop and snack bar.  If you stand on the shoe-top observation deck, it is said you can see the Susquehanna River.  That part of the tour is no longer allowed because of insurance purposes.  After the shoe house was constructed, Mr. Haines made it available as a weekend vacation spot for elderly couples and newlyweds.  It was served by a live-in butler and maid.  Must have been really cramped.  The "Colonel" died in 1962 and the house has had various owners since that time.  The current owners purchased it in 2004 and the house had a new paint job in 2007.  The house was visited in the eighth season of the reality TV series The Amazing Race and was also featured on HGTV's "What's With That House."  By the time Mr. Haines had died, at the age of 87, he had already made countless donations to his favorite charities and ventures.  His philosophy was "I came into this world with nothing and I's like to leave the same way!"  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

One of the many windows that have the stained-glass boot as the centerpiece.

Fence surrounding the house is covered with boots. 

Front door of the shoe house. 

In the distance can be seen the dog house, also shaped like the house.

The "Sweets For My Sweet" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Just opened my Valentine's card from my wife after watching her open the sweetheart greeting I got for her.  The "When you care enough to send the very best" cards were great this year, as usual, but the chocolates that accompanied them were even better.  Seems that Carol bought me her favorite chocolates while I bought her my favorite chocolates.  We naturally have to share with each other, so we are both pleased with our gifts.  One item that we did not share with each other this year were the little valentine greetings that are stamped into tiny sugar hearts that at times can taste like cardboard. But then who would know what cardboard tastes like but me.  Called Sweethearts and are made by the Necco company.  One of America’s oldest candy companies, Necco was founded in 1847 in Boston by Englishman Oliver Chase, who got the business off to a good start by inventing devices that cut candy lozenges and pulverized sugar. Necco first sold confections similar to Sweethearts, but in the shape of scallop shells.  Messages written on colored paper were tucked inside the fortune cookie-style candy. Fourteen years later, Oliver’s brother Daniel designed a machine that stamped words directly on the candies with red vegetable dye.  And, the rest is history as they say. My mom used to buy me a bag of the Sweethearts to take to my elementary school and give to my friends at Valentine's Day.  Back then you were allowed to share food and no one was afraid to eat what they received in their paper bag that was taped to the front of their desk to hold all the treats and naturally the cards.  I always saved the mushiest Sweetheart greetings for my favorite girl. I was reading in Wired Magazine last month that Necco just retired 20 more of the sayings that are stamped into the sugar treats as well as added a few new ones that are more pertinent in today's society.  Five letters on the top and four on the bottom are all that can be stamped on the tiny chalk-like colored hearts.  New ones like "Tweet Me", "Text Me", and "Love Bug" have replaced old ones like "Dig Me", "Cool Dude", "Groovy", "Fax Me", "Hot Cha" and "You Are Gay".  The company has also tinkered with the Sweethearts’ flavors. Marketing research showed that children prefer bolder tastes and colors. Out went banana, cherry and wintergreen and in came bright blue raspberry, lemon and green apple. This caused a bit of a backlash from sentimental baby boomers who wanted their old candy back. The company was inundated with calls, letters and e-mails complaining about the change. Facebook pages were created to spread the word and fans ranted on blogs about the new confections: “toxic,” “yuck,” taste like “aspirin.”  For me, I always thought they tasted terrible, but they still seem to sell their 13 million pounds of Sweethearts every Valentine's season.  As for me, I'm so glad I gave up all that sugar and stamped nonsense for plain old chocolate which I read all the time is good for you!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. 

The "The Rainbow Bridge" Story

Carol and Otis as featured in a newspaper article

It was an ordinary day.  Carol and I just returned from our vet's office with our beloved Otis' ashes.  I believe picking them up may have been even more traumatic then having to take a very sick Otis to the vets one last time.  With his ashes came a certificate and a printed verse titled "The Rainbow Bridge."  I was so touched by it I thought you may care to read it.  Hope it doesn't upset you too much by reading it.

The Rainbow Bridge

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth.  It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors.  Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows,
hills and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place.  There is always food and water and warm spring weather.  The old and frail animals are young again.  Those who are maimed are made whole again.  They play all day with each other.

There is only one thing missing.  They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth.  So, each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up!  The nose twitches!  The ears are up!  The eyes are staring!
And this one suddenly runs from the group!

You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace.  Your face is kissed again and again and again, and you look once more
into the eyes of your trusting pet.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together,
never again to be separated.

Author Unknown

Someday we will meet again Otis.  I'll watch for you buddy!!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "Cliffhanger Column" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Opened the Sunday newspaper and found the "Perspective Section," then grabbed my oatmeal and sat down in my lounge chair for some entertaining reading.  This section of the Sunday News gives the opinions of the left, right and middle of our society as well as the people of Lancaster, PA.  Most of the people of Lancaster County lean towards the right and are in favor of having to present an ID when voting as well as redistricting the state so the big areas of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which are Democratic, don't always determine the vote.  Anyway, on page 3 of the section was an article by Marv Adams who is the print editor of Lancaster Newspapers.  He was kind of apologizing for the big mix up from Saturday a week ago when an article about Governor Tom Corbett's plan to fund education and handle the state's pension problem was printed on page B1 and told readers to see the rest of the story on page B2.  I remember reading the story and telling Carol that I couldn't find the rest of the story anywhere in the entire Sunday News, and it wasn't for lack of trying. After searching, she also agreed with me that it wasn't there.  Now most times it wouldn't matter to me, but this time it was some big news that could affect whether we go on any more vacations or not.  The story went like this ..... Corbett told the paper he and his budget secretary were considering revisions to the pension formulas that could significantly alter the retirement benefits of current state (see B2)  Wow, see B2.  I turned the page as quick as I could and .... nothing.  Should I call the paper?  I just assumed they would reprint the article in tomorrow's paper, which they did.  And luckily for me the end of the story read .... workers and school employees.  Corbett said he did not envision reductions in retirees' benefits, or to the pension benefits active employees already accrued.  Whew!!  The apology today was in response to the mistake and the many calls they received, perhaps from school teachers and state and county workers.  One of the callers said, "I wish I could believe him (Corbett)."  Another caller, the wife of a retired state worker said that if the governor is looking to cut pensions and benefits, start with legislators.  Other callers said they were worried about everyone's taxes going up to pay the pensions.  One woman thought it was her age that kept her from finding B2.  Another thought her eyesight was going bad.  All in all, it shows you that some people, including me, READ the paper thoroughly and hate it when something isn't finished!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "Chocolate Porn" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Trying to find a gift for my sweetheart for Valentine's Day.  Then it struck me what I should get.  Something that's common to holidays such as Halloween, Hanukkah, Christmas and Easter as well as Valentine's Day.  Yeah, you guessed it.  Wasn't hard to do, was it.  Chocolate is the ultimate dessert, and remember that it's healthy!  How many ways can I find to give my wife her chocolate treat?  Well, I found a list in a magazine of a few and will share them with you in case you're still looking for a gift for your sweetheart.  Here's my list accompanied with a pix:

Warm chocolaty goodness in the form of a cookie.  Bake they yourself for her! 

How about a box of packaged hot chocolate envelopes.  They come in a variety of chocolaty flavors and are good during the winter months. 

With so many cupcake stores showing up in town, it would make a great treat for your sweetheart as well as helping the local economy.  Pick put a few unusual toppings for the cakes.

What can be more romantic than a chocolate fountain spewing the covering for a few tantalizing strawberries.

One of my wife's favorite ice cream flavors.  Maybe a container of Double-Dutch Chocolate would work.

Then there is always the box of chocolates.  How about a variety box of Bon Bons.

One time on vacation Carol saw an ad for a chocolate massage. Chocolate has been known to relax blood vessels, creating better blood flow within your body.   I'm sure it would be unique and something that would have her talking for years to come.  

The warm, moist middle of a chocolate souffle has to win her heart.  It would mine!

Well, have you found something that interests you, or maybe your sweetheart.  I know I have.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  PS - I did steal the title of my story from somewhere, but it escapes me as to where I saw it.

The "Have You Had Your Shots?" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Reading an article about smallpox and the eradication of it that was declared on December 9, 1979.  The last case of it occurred in the UK the year before.  I recently found my vaccination slips that were given to parents to show to the school district upon registering for school.  I had received a vaccination in 1950 in my left arm when I was five years old.  When I went back to the doctor to have my armed checked, he found it to be unsuccessful.  I had no big scab on my arm like all my friends had.  I can just imagine what my mom and dad must have gone through when they realized that my shot didn't work and maybe I could contract smallpox.  So, they took me again!  I have another vaccination slip that shows that I had a successful vaccination the following year.  On October 1st, 1951 at the age of 7, a month after my birthday, my doctor claimed that it was successful, but he crossed out the word vaccination and substituted the word *vaccinoid.  Well the * read: The equivalent of a successful vaccination in a partially immune individual.  So, I was already partially immune and that is why I still have no vaccination mark on my left arm like all my  friends.  I am really thinking of having one tattooed on my arm so I can be like my friends.  How about you?  You remember going through this routine as a child.  How about the Polio shots!  My wife remembers 1957 as if it were yesterday.  She was forced to stand in a long line with her 5th grade classmates. One of her classmates, Judy Bleacher, had been in the line for quite some time.  Seems that when she reached the front of the line to receive her inoculation, she would faint.  The nurse and teacher would help her recover and have her move farther back in the line.  After fainting twice that day, she was positioned in front of my wife.  Third time was a charm for Judy.  My wife told me that in order to get a shot your parents had to sign a paper stating that they wanted you to have a polio vaccination.  She tried to talk her parents into not signing the paper, but they disagreed with her.  There were school line-ups in the hallways of elementary schools all over the country in the late-50s to receive their polio vaccination.  Polio, also known as infantile paralysis, is a viral infection that attacks the nervous system in the body and causes paralysis of the upper and lower limbs, primarily in infants and young children.  The vaccine was developed by Jonas Salk in the 1940s and was announced to the world in 1955. Shortly after that the school inoculations were in progress.  I  also remember getting my shot while standing in line in the center hall of Milton J. Brecht Elementary School.  Nurse swabbed your arm then stuck that awful needle in your arm.  I don't remember many screams, but I remember many tears.  In 1961 Albert Sabin invented the oral polio vaccine and the shots were history.   My children all received the oral vaccine along with the DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus) and MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) shots in order to meet the requirements for entry into kindergarten.  We've come a long way.  I can still see my classmate Richard wearing that metal brace on his leg and walking with a cane through the halls of high school.  He wasn't one of the lucky ones who managed to get his shot before contracting Polio.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "Adventures of a Chorister" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Just finished putting new heavy-duty carpet in my office to replace the ugly stuff that had been on the floor since we moved into the house in 1997.  Then had to redecorate the room to resemble an office at the beach.  Covered one wall with 10 beach prints, another with a shelf that holds some of our souvenirs from our journeys with a trio of prints above it, another wall with one of my favorite watercolors from St. Martin titled "Reflections" by Antoine Chapon and the final wall holds a multi-tiered shelf shaped like a boat that holds some framed photos and a few books.  It now looks like an office fit for a beach bum.  Then came the chore of relocating the furniture and sorting out the files in the filing cabinets.  While going through the one file drawer I had designated as Mom and Dad's Stuff, I came across an envelope that I had not seen before.  Tucked away in a larger envelope was an envelope addressed to my dad with 714 East End Avenue as the address.  Wow, that was when he was a young boy growing up in Lancaster.  Letter was from George B. Rodgers, Organist and Choirmaster of St. James Church, Lancaster, Pennsylvania; dated August 23, 1934.  It read: My Dear Paul,  I am truly sorry to have to write this but we must grow up and some insist of growing fast so there is the trouble, our voice can not keep up so it cracks.  I hope you will still have some interest in the choir and in a few years will care to return to it. Signed George B. Rodgers.  Dad was being fired from the choir that he loved so much as a young boy.  At the time he would have been 14 years old and his voice was no longer a soprano or alto, yet not yet a tenor, so he was of no use to a very well-known boy's choir which featured a few adult men choristers.  I can just see dad's response when he got the letter in the mail.  I'm sure he knew it would happen sometime, but you never want that time to happen.  Dad eventually returned to the choir after his voice changed to a mellow baritone.  Also tucked away in the larger envelope was a 5"x7" certificate with my name on it and dated June 1956.  It was at this time that I was awarded, as a faithful member of St. James Church Choir, the mark of distinction for outstanding work and as a lasting record of my election to wear the Choirmaster's Cross.  Pretty neat to earn that award, since it was voted on by my peers and I was now the leader of the boys choir.  I was 12 years old at the time and I did retain the Cross for two years.  The certificate was signed by my rector, Robert C. Batchelder and by my Choirmaster, Frank A. McConnell.  Quite an honor for any boy. I guess it is time to continue my search through the filing cabinet to see what other goodies may appear that will remind me of my childhood.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "The Passing of a Good Friend" Story

Otis the Cat!

Prologue:  A few days ago Otis, our cat and constant companion died.  He was a handsome chocolate point Himalayan and close to 20 years old.  He was our pet when we lived on Janet Ave. in the Grandview Heights area of Lancaster, PA as well as making the move to our Beach House on Harrington Drive in Lancaster with us.  He was our friend and companion for a good bit of our married life.  Hard to lose?  You bet!  My story is based on his passing.

It was an ordinary day.  Wondering where you are Ottie.  Looking down on us are you?  Did you get to see Gladys, Gunther or even Arnold yet?  Remember them?  We really miss you!  The keys on my keyboard are coated with moisture from the tears that are shed for you.  You were a great guy.  Still had to look for you in the dark bedroom when I got up to go to the bathroom last night.  Didn't want to trip on you as you slept in your favorite spot by the bedroom door, protecting us from harm.  Mom and I can still remember when we first got you many years ago.  You were a big fluff ball and when we went on vacation that first summer without you, you got upset and wet on my favorite lounge chair.  You have to remember that and how mad I was with you.  How about the time, after moving to our new home, that you brought your pet to visit with us during the night.  I can still hear mom yell, "It's real!"  Boy were you upset when I caught it and threw it back outside.  We can remember the time that you decided to sneak out the door and explore the property.  We chased and chased you until mom grabbed the long hairs on your tail while you lay under the trees behind the house.  Our lap never got cold on winter's nights with you laying on it.  And boy did you love the fire place.  You could stretch out in front of it for hours.  I'm sure we will be finding some of your beautiful hair around the house for years to come.  They were everywhere.  Well, take it easy in cat Heaven and don't let any of the bullies pick on you.  Maybe we'll get to see you again some time.  Love, Mom and Dad. 

PS - I know some people feel that pets are only PETS, but we can't help but become attached to our pets when they are so much a part of our life for so long.  I know some of you agree.  To check out other stories about Otis and other animals, click on Pets and Animals in the menu when you open the blog.  LDub.

The "It's Time To Panic, Folks" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Heading to the store to stock up on food and drink before the big storm that is coming up the coast hits our area.  Seems like there are two storms coming together and they should meet just about over the south-eastern corner of Pennsylvania.  The storm coming from the north-west carries with it cold weather while the storm coming from the south brings heavy rain and by the time they reach us they will join and create havoc with a couple of feet of snow predicted for Boston and surrounding areas.  We were supposed to get a coating last evening, but when I awoke this morning and looked out the bedroom window, the ground was clear.  Matter-of-fact when I fed the outdoor cat after showering and dressing, it was surprisingly warm.  Well, while traveling through the aisles of the local supermarket, I notice a rush to buy the usual staples, bread and milk.  Why do people all of a sudden have to buy bread and milk?  Do these same people eat bread and milk other times of the year when the weather is perfect?  I doubt it!  As I reach the end of the store I notice that the bread shelves are already looking bare.  At the end of that aisle I reach the milk cabinet and, yep, the shelves are half empty.  And it's 39 degrees outside!  Well, I guess I better get my bread and milk also.  I buy the bread for a different reason though ....... it is 10 loaves for $10.00.  Ah Ha, I can't be fooled by that age old trick of thinking I have to buy 10 loaves.  I pick up 2 loaves, drop them in the cart and head to the checkout.  Today I think I have kept my order under $100.  I can't believe that it costs that much for two people to eat for a week, but every week the bill is always more than that.  "What's the damage?" I ask the check-out lady.  $134 dollars and some change.  Holy Cow!  Glad I didn't buy 8 more loaves of bread!!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  PS - check out the YouTube video ..... looks like my next-door neighbor when I told him the bread and milk were getting low.

The "Making A Bad Decision" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Looking in the mirror at all the spots on my face and head that my dermatologist froze a few days ago.  Seems that every time I go to the skin doctor I return home sporting a head that has red marks that will eventually turn to scabs and them fall off.  We all make bad decisions in our life and one of mine is spending too much time in the sun.  I have documented the many surgeries I have had from my visits to the dermatologist's office, but its tough to undo the damage that was done years ago when wearing sunscreen was unheard of.  When I was a child my family traveled to the Chesapeake Bay yearly for vacation with our extended family and my parents never had me wear sunscreen.  I can remember peeling sunburn in sheets from my body just about every summer.  The sun was considered healthy and you looked healthier if you had a tan.  Some people even used baby oil to enhance and bronze their tan.  Well, I know better today that the ultraviolet radiation is making my skin age faster than it should.  Basil cell and squamous cell carcinomas have been removed  many times by either freezing or removing them with surgery.  The mark on my arm which is being diagnosed as I type this may be the next spot for removal.  But, I'm hooked on lying on the beach.  It's my one addiction that I can't seem to break.  It's the same as overeating, smoking, drinking, drugs, etc.  I have been using sunscreen faithfully over the last few years and I guess it is working, but as for staying out of the sun, I don't think that is going to happen.  I reason (evidently not too successfully) that everyone has at lest one bad habit and mine is going to the beach.  If I'm careful and use the sunscreen I should be able to make many more visits.  That is along with the help of my dermatologist who says, when I make a visit sporting a nice tan, "Looks like the sunscreen didn't work!"  Oh, well!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "A Time For Everything" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Noontime and I'm just getting home from work at the gallery where I spent the morning matting and framing a variety of pretty neat posters, original artwork and a beautiful cross-stitch.  Soon as I come in the door I turn on the news at noon and check to see if there is any soup left from yesterday in the fridge.  Yep, so I warm up the Campbell's Bean with Bacon soup, make a half chicken salad sandwich and pour a glass of lemonade.  After watching TV and finishing my meal I sit in my recliner and read the morning paper that I grabbed from my driveway as I drove over it with the car.  Within a few minutes I am out.  You know... zzzzzzzzzzz!  But that's OK, since taking an afternoon nap sometime in the early PM brings back the alertness and strength that I lost while working.  I was reading an article in Wired magazine titled "Do the right things at the right time" and they suggested a nap between 2-3 PM.  Hey, I'm not off by much.  Between 3 and 6 PM is a great time to read or do something that will exercise the mind, since long-term memory is stronger and you will be able to remember information and retain it better between those times.  That's why I can remember so much about the Mecum Auto Auctions, since I watch them when I wake from my half-hour nap.  I assume you realize that we run on a 24-hour schedule and our internal clocks sound the bells for metabolism, mood and performance.  So, there are times that are best for just about everything.  Late afternoon is the best time for flexibility, physical strength and speed, since they all reach their peak.  Your breathing is easiest and your pain tolerance is highest.  I wish I had known this stuff years ago.  Who knows what I may have been able to do with my life.  And, get this, the best time in the day to have sex is between 4 and 6 PM.  My sperm is speedier and more concentrated, or at least it used to be before the knife, so your chances of having kids should be worked on between these times.  Wonder how they figured all this stuff out.  If I would have suggested heading to the bedroom in the late afternoon, my wife would have laughed.  Naturally the best time to watch the quiz shows, Phillies baseball and Dancing With The Stars is between 8 and 10 PM.  Your mental alertness gets its "second wind" and you'll enjoy your TV watching more.  Now, the next time segment I have down pat.  10 PM to 6 AM is for ZZZZs.  Melatonin production ramps up telling the body it's nighttime.  Wonder what happens if you work the night-shift as my youngest son has been doing for the last 15 years.  Cortisol peaks when you awake and helps the body break down food, which is burned off quickly, as well as the testosterone peaks in men.  So why isn't sex better at this time?  I'll have to write to the Stanford researcher and ask them a few questions.  Then between 9 AM and 12 PM it's best to tackle tasks that require quick processing such as mathematics.  Funny but that's exactly what I do when I work at the gallery.  Now, this time schedule that I just described works for someone like me who is semi-retired and can nap in the afternoon.  How about the person who has to work afternoon and even evening hours at their job.  I'll have to read next months edition of the magazine to find out.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "The Deadly Grapefruit" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Just picked up my Simvastatin prescription at Walmart.  I take one 20mg tablet every day because for years I ate way too much ice cream and it caused my cholesterol to skyrocket.  The daily tablet has lowered my cholesterol to just about a perfect range.  That, plus reducing my ice cream intake.  I am now reading more about how the group of drugs labeled statins not only helps in lowering your cholesterol, but also lowers the risk of death from cancer.  Statins reduce the liver's production of cholesterol, but not to the point that they will prevent cholesterol from building, maintaining and reproducing cell membranes.  Therefore, when cholesterol production is limited by statins, the ability of cancer cells to reproduce uncontrollably is also diminished.  There is also evidence that statins may increase the effectiveness of radiation therapy for patients who have cancer.  Pretty neat if statins can work for both problems.  Then I also read in the "Alive" section of our local Sunday newspaper, that eating grapefruit for breakfast or drinking beverages made from grapefruit will probably cancel out the effect of the statin drug I take.  Last year, before I went on vacation, I asked my doctor about the effects of alcohol on my system, since I take a cholesterol-reducing drug.   He said that the days I plan to drink alcohol I might as well not take the pill, since alcohol reverses what the statin does.  And ...... eating grapefruit or drinking beverages with grapefruit in them can also negate the cholesterol drug he told me.  He said that studies have been done that say eating grapefruit or drinking beverages with grapefruit in them can prove dangerous, even deadly, if you take a statin drug.  Hey, pretty funny that I read all this in a newspaper section call "Alive."  This is true also for people who take drugs to treat  high blood pressure, heart artery blockage disease and other common cardiac conditions.  A compound in grapefruit called furanocoumarin inhibits an enzyme that lines the gastrointestinal tract.  The enzyme serves as a first line of defense against over-absorption of a drug.  The grapefruit can suddenly shut down the enzyme causing over-absorption of certain drugs.  For people who are on anti-clotting medications, eating or drinking something with grapefruit in it is fatal in 50% of cases.  Wow!  "But when I'm on vacation, is it OK to drink maybe one or two Tings during the entire vacation," I asked.  (Ting is a soda made from Jamaican grapefruit)  "Why would you want to if you already know the consequences?" he replied.  Then I came back with, "Well, how about a shot or two of Ma Doudou flavored rum?"  He looked at me and shook his head.  I got the point!!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.      

The "My Vote Really Counted" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Opened my email and found that I had voted for the winning entry in the PrivateFly Airport Approach Poll 2013.  What did I get for voting?  A chance to see all the top 10 approaches in the world that give intriguing landings.  As I was viewing the photos I remembered that I indeed had voted for the winning airport.  My friend Norm, who I had met online while looking at a travel forum and who Carol and I met in person on the island of St. Maarten, had sent me an email asking me to vote in the contest.  Naturally I did and Viola!, it won.  The winning airport was the St. Maarten Princess Juliana International located in naturally St. Maarten.  We have landed at this airport many times and it is always exciting looking out the window as we fly no more than 40 feet above Maho Beach.  Always a crowd of people with cameras pointed toward the plane as we arrive.  During our vacation I always spend a day at the airport doing just the same thing.  I have included a few of the airports below with what someone had said about the landing at the airport.  I have also included a video of what really happens when planes land at Princess Juliana. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. 

1. ST MAARTEN PRINCESS JULIANA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SXM), CARIBBEAN

"It's a gorgeous approach over the clear blue sea, white sand beach with hills in the background. The beach goers can almost touch the landing gear as planes make their landing. It's unbelievable, a aircraft lover's dream. No where else in the world can you get so close to the variety of aircraft. Anything from a 747 to a twin otter."

4. PARO (PBH), BHUTAN

"A truly unique approach towards touchdown between two valleys. Awesome, thrilling experience."

6. &BEYOND PHINDA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE AIRSTRIP, SOUTH AFRICA

"Where else in the world do you need to check the landing strip for lions or elephants before landing? AMAZING!"

7. LONDON CITY AIRPORT (LCY), UK

"Eastward approach great view of central London and the city, and what beats a 6 degree glideslope?!"

9. MUSTIQUE AIRPORT (MQS), ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES

"You feel you might be about to mow the grass on the hilltop as you skim down to the runway - love the arrows reminding the pilot which direction is acceptable."

10. NICE COTE D’AZUR AIRPORT (NCE), FRANCE

"Amazing view when landing, sweeping over the Med. You feel like you are landing on water."

The "Amah Knows Best!" Story

The "Worry Doll"

It was an ordinary day.  Carol just gave me the good news about our granddaughter Camille.  Seems that she had no worries at all during the past week and she even drank her box of fruit juice that she had been transporting to school every day since the beginning of school, but was afraid to drink.  Now I know this may sound like nonsense to you, but to Camille and her mom, it was a big accomplishment.  Since the beginning of school, Camille was having some anxiety issues about eating in front of people.  Doctor said it would pass, but still made for a few anxious months in her household.   Most children have some issue during their youth that is troubling to them and for Camille, it has surfaced.She became afraid to eat in front of people, because she thought she may have to throw-up and this would certainly embarrass her. Camille's school even tried to help by allowing her to eat some of her noontime meals with her teacher instead of going to the cafeteria with her class.  Then, in the beginning of January, Carol and I made a visit to State College, PA to visit for a weekend with our friends Jerry and Just Sue.  The Sunday of our visit we took a trip to the Penn State University campus to see a display of lino-prints that were at the Palmer Museum of Art.  It was a fateful day in the life of our granddaughter.  After making our trip through the museum, we were looking in the museum's store when Carol showed me a small package that contained a Mayan "Worry Doll."  Tiniest thing that actually looked like a really small person.  "I think I'm going to buy this," she said to me.  "What for?" I asked her.  "For Camille!  It  says on the package that when children go to bed at night they tell one worry to the doll and then place it under their pillow.  When they wake in the morning, the doll will have taken their worry away.  It may help Camille with her anxiety."  The following week we made a scheduled visit to see our daughter, son-in-law and granddaughters who live in Maryland.  Before we left, Carol gave the "Worry Doll" to Camille and told her what she needed to do so she wouldn't have to worry about eating in front of people.  That evening before she went to bed, our daughter gave Camille a small bed to place her in before she put it under her pillow, a metal Altoids Mint box.  Camille told her "Worry Doll" about what she worries about every lunchtime, put the doll in the box and put it under her pillow.  Presto!  The next day Camille came home from school and told our daughter she ate lunch in the cafeteria and didn't worry about throwing up.  It worked!  Matter-of-fact she now tells the doll other worries and it helps her get through them.  Now, our other granddaughter decided that, since it worked so well for her sister, that she should have one also.  We recently made a visit to Ten Thousand Villages near our house.  This is a Mennonite store that sells arts and crafts from third world countries to help impoverished areas in the world.  The pack of 10 dolls we found looked exactly the same, but were produced in Guatemala by women who live on the outskirts of Guatemala City in an area called "Esperanza" (Hope).  Through the sale of products such as the "Worry Dolls" they have been able to develop a community medical and dental clinic as well as a variety of worthwhile educational programs for the community.  We plan to send a few in valentine cards for everyone in the family.  Hey, everyone has worries, right?  I may even pick out one for myself to keep under my pillow.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "Taxi Justice" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Just got back from some place where I had to sit in a chair next to the judge and tell my side of the story.  My story started a couple of months ago when my dad and I went to visit my Aunt Lillian.  Tut, as my dad calls his sister lives on Pitney Road in Lancaster, about three miles from our house on North Queen Street.  She lives with my Uncle Bud and my two cousins, Judy and George.  We were traveling east on King Street and stopped for the light at Pitney Road. We wanted to turn left on Pitney, crossing the traffic.  But, it's a busy road and there were no green arrows to turn left at this intersection so we waited and waited until the light turned yellow and dad started to make his turn to the left, crossing behind what he thought was the last oncoming car in line.  Then we hit it.  A taxi.  It was night, but the taxi was still hard to miss since the intersection was brightly lit and the taxi was an ugly yellow color.  Seems that the taxi had just pulled out of a parking lot and quickly tried to beat the yellow light by following the last car through the intersection.  He didn't make it either.  We collided and I ended up on the floor of the car.  There were no seat belts in cars back then and I guess I was lucky that I ended up on the floor and not with my head sticking out of the windshield.  Dad and the taxi driver were uninjured.  Luckily, neither one of the cars was going fast.  Well, who's to blame?  Both insurance companies said that their driver was not at fault, so someone else had to decide.  I was only 10 or 11 at the time and I thought it was a judge, but I'm really not sure.  All I remember was putting my hand on the Bible and telling the judge I would tell him the truth.  And, I did.  Described it to him as I just described it to you, except I drew it on a piece of notebook paper so the judge could see it.  Did a great job of drawing the cars I thought, but that didn't help dad win his case.  I was the last one to sit in the chair next to the judge before he decided that dad should have stopped before he ran into the taxi.  Dad was already turning left on a red light because of having to wait so long for all the oncoming traffic, but I forgot to tell that to the judge.  Probably wouldn't have mattered anyway, since dad thought he saw the judge get into a taxi after the hearing was over.  The taxi was driven by the guy who ran into dad.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "Chust Nonsense" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Heading home from a shopping trip to Home Depot when Carol, my wife, looked out her window and said, "Is that the Amish guy from the 'Amish Mafia' show?"  I looked past her at the car sitting next to us at a stoplight and replied, "Could be! He's got the right kind of hat on." Well, have you seen the new show titled "Amish Mafia," which is a hit show on the Discovery Channel, that claims to provide a look at "the men who protect and maintain peace and order within the Amish community." We live in Lancaster County, PA where the show is being filmed.  The place where I buy some of my stained-glass supplies in downtown Lancaster was featured in one episode and there is a sign on the front window the claims "This store is protected by Lebanon Levi."  Draws quite a few stares and many photographs.  I have never considered the Amish to be in need of anyone to maintain peace and order.  Matter of fact the only thing that I believe they may have done is sell their goods to the public at a roadside stand close to my home without getting a permit from our local township and that's a no-no.  Seems there are four main characters that are featured on the show: Levi King Stoltzfus (Lebanon Levi), Alvin Stoltzfus Lantz, John Freeman Schmucker and Ester Freeman Schmucker.  Pretty scary Amish names if you ask me.  They are considered the enforcers on the show and they are real-life residents of the community.  A local newspaper story tells about our District Attorney having liaisons to the Amish community who keep him informed of any crime within the community.  The liaisons as well as the Amish residents consider the show mostly fiction.  Ah Ha!  There always has to be the word "mostly" thrown in there.  Several local Amish who have seen the show (in "English" neighbors homes naturally, since the Amish have no electricity) claim to know the real-life people who are portrayed on the show.  They are people with an Amish upbringing, but have never joined the Amish church.  And, they certainly are not violent people as portrayed.  A local man who was raised Amish, but also never joined the church, say he knows most of the characters and when he first saw alleged ring leader Lebanon Levi clutching a semiautomatic rifle and commanding his legion of "enforcers," he had to laugh.  Said that Levi would rather sit back in a corner than go after someone.  Most of the Amish realize the show is entertainment and they get a big kick out of it.  They appreciate the shows depiction of the rural scenery, including the beautiful farmland and horse-drawn buggies on the rural roads.  About the only thing that does happen in the Amish community that could be considered alarming is the renting of a home or apartment that has cable television, telephone and Internet services for having a "hut party."  These are gatherings mostly of young Amish who ask for a "cover charge" to pay for the place and refreshments.  They can watch sports, meet others and enjoy the company of their English friends.  At times they can get out of control.  A local author and historian claims the show is a farce and calls it "Chust nonsense!"  He is starting a tour attraction in April that will take tour guests to filming locations where a real-life Amish elder will explain Hollywood's fascination with the Amish culture.  Fifteen minutes after he announced his tour he had a customer on the phone.  One event that does upset the local Amish community is the shows mentioning of the attack at West Nickel Mines School in 2006 by an "English" man.  It does show the Amish vulnerability and their need for protection from "outsiders." The reference to  the shooting at the school was most offensive to the Amish, but the Amish reaction was exactly the opposite.  They showed no outrage or thirst for revenge against the "English' community.  Events in the show that prove the show to be all entertainment are: the holding of a pitchfork upside down, since the Amish would never do this because it signifies the devil; Amish using only push mowers which also is not true; the Amish belief that females won't go to heaven if they die without a prayer cover on their head which is a myth; and the fallacy that only Amish are allowed to have roadside produce stands.  And one more problem the Amish do have is forgetting to get their "English" permit to operate their roadside stand.  Now I have to drive another mile to an "English" stand to buy my produce.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.