The "Framing A Piece Of History" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Reading a few of the articles in the Illinois Journal newspaper laying in front of me on the framing counter at Grebinger Gallery in Neffsville, PA.  Newspaper is dated May 4, 1865, approximately two weeks after President Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.  The attack on Lincoln came five days after Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered his massive army at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, effectively ending the American Civil War.  The Illinois Journal is printed in Springfield, Illinois where Lincoln was a lawyer and elected to the Illinois House of Representative and eventually elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1846,  and then to the Presidency of the United States on November 6, 1860.  The newspaper was brought in to the Gallery for framing after the owner of the newspaper saw a similar historic newspaper framed and hanging in the gallery as a sample.  On the front page of the paper folio is one brief story printed under "Afternoon Dispatches" which tells of Secretary of State William H. Seward being seriously wounded by Booth's conspirator Lewis Powell during the assassination plot that killed Lincoln.  Newspaper looked as if it had been folded and in storage for years.  Many of the creases were beyond being straightened without the chance of destroying the newspaper. At times I can use a heating press to remove these creases, but this one is beyond total restoration. I was given the job of framing the paper, showing only the front of the newspaper.  Loved reading the articles and advertisements that were placed on the front page of the paper.  Follow along with me as I frame the historic newspaper using all acid-free and conservation materials to help preserve the newspaper forever.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. 

Newspaper laying on board for inspection and preparation for framing.

Date can be seen in this photo.

Short notice about Secretary Seward attempted assassination.

I have cut the mat and cut a piece of conservation backing for framig.

Position the paper on the foam and use acid-free paper adhesive clips to hold it in place.

I used the underpinner to make the frame.

Frame, Museum glass, and matted job ready for assembly.

The driver is used to hold the project in place.

Tape is placed along the edges to hold the dust cover in place.

Stretching the paper dust cover on the rear of the frame.

Trim excess paper from the edges. 

In this case I used Wall-Buddies to allow for hanging.

Final result.  Acid free and conservation materials used for maximum preservation.

  

The "You Won't Believe This": Part III - The Recovery" Story

The day of Carol's emergency surgery she was greeted early in the
morning by this banner from Jerry and Just Sue wishing her a
Happy Birthday. Little did she know what was in for her on her birthday!

It was an ordinary day.  Carol's sitting in her favorite lounge chair watching "Dancing with the Stars" and jotting the scores down on her tablet.  Been almost two weeks since she felt the "bubble" in her stomach and after much thought and reasoning decided to have her appendix removed in the National Hospital of Providenciales.  Was a tough call, but one that had to be made since her appendix had increased to just about triple it's size and could have burst.  

Our housekeeper made this special design
for Carol for her birthday.

After returning from the hospital to Ocean Club Resort, Carol spent the next four days recuperating, primarily in our room.  Did manage to eat out a few times and relax by the pool on one occasion, but felt much better when reclining on the bed in our second floor room.  Management at the resort did offer to place us in a first floor room, but Carol said it was much easier for her to climb the steps than have to pack and repack all our belongings.  Soon after we returned to the resort a large fruit basket arrived at our room, compliments of the staff and management of the resort.  Often wondered what would happen if one of us would become ill while on one of the many islands in the Caribbean.  I guess we were lucky that since it did happen, that it happened on an island that had one of the best hospitals available in the Caribbean.  

The waitresses at the resort restaurant sang Happy Birthday
to her.  Wasn't long until she landed in the hospital.

We always purchase travel insurance hoping we will never need it, but when it was needed, it softened the financial consequ- ences that come from medical care. Knowing Carol may have a hard time flying, we made the decision to change our flight to first class.  I'll let you know right now that it was wonderful!  I called our travel agent in Lancaster, PA and she helped us make the change.  I also called the motel we stayed at and where our car was in Baltimore, MD and scheduled an extra night at the motel rather than driving back to Lancaster after two flights.  Amos, our rental car company owner at Scooter Bob's helped us get to the airport with little hassle and American Airlines had a wheelchair available as soon as we arrived at the airport.  Upon arrival in Miami International Airport, another wheelchair greeted Carol as she exited the plane.  

The driver of our cart was joking with Carol as he took
us to our next gate for our final flight home.

Our attendant helped us, as well as our traveling friends Jerry and Just Sue, get through Immigra- tion and Customs as well as get our luggage to be checked in once again, and finally helped us breeze through security.  A cart then took us to our next gate.  After arriving in Baltimore another wheelchair was ready to usher us to our luggage and then wait outside for our shuttle to the motel.  The ride the following day took about an hour and a half, but we returned home safely and our friends loaded their luggage in their car and headed back to State College, PA.  Recovery has gone well with plenty of lap time from our cat Creamsicle and plenty of family visitors and telephone calls wishing her a speedy recovery.  A trip to the surgeon, who treated her with antibiotics the first time she had appendicitis last April, told her that all was well with her incision and well-being.  As we age and continue to travel, we always take the chance that something like this might happen.  Luckily all went well.  Is it time to reconsider more trips.  Nah!  As long as we can get on that plane and head to some of the best beaches in the world, we will do so.  After all, you only live once, so live it to the fullest!!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "You Won't Believe This": Part II - The Results" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Finally helping Carol get into the rental car after a few very long and tiresome days at the National Hospital of Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos Island chain.  She had been admitted to the hospital late afternoon on Wednesday, October 27, her birthday!  

Waitstaff at our resort singing Happy birthday to Carol.

She was searching for seashells earlier that day with our traveling friend Just Sue and me on Grace Bay beach when she developed pain in the center of her stomach.  Wasn't long before she was admitted to the hospital with appendicitis.  Operated on late in the day and began her recovery soon after.  On Friday she was given pain medication through her IV to ease the pain she was experiencing as well as meds for her nausea.  I entered the hospital about 10:00 AM to visit as I was told the previous evening by a nurse in the General Ward and when I asked directions to her room at the main desk, I was told visiting hours weren't until 1:30 PM.  I asked to talk to a hospital supervisor and when I spoke to her I was told, since I am a visitor to the island, I can visit any time I desire.  So there!  Found Carol looking better, but could tell she was stressed and with pain.  She said it was mostly nausea and not pain, and was being given meds for the nausea.  I left about 2:30, at the end of the official visiting hour, and promised to return in the evening for the 6:30 to 7:30 visiting hour.  Didn't want to press my luck!  In the evening she was eating some light food and looking better.  Then the door opened and in stepped the nurse for the evening shift as well as the night supervisor who had threatened to have me removed the evening before when I got upset since I couldn't stay for a visit with my wife after her surgery ... if only I had known the hospital policy last night.  We shared a stare and she left without a word to me.  Carol's nurse talked with us and told us she would be released on Saturday and I should plan to come in at 10:00 AM to get all the paperwork taken care of before we left.  I left shortly after they said visiting hours were over for my 15 minute drive to our  resort.  Saturday morning I got an early call from the hospital asking me to bring Carol's toothbrush and tooth paste, shampoo, deodorant, and shower gel.  She wanted to take a shower before she was discharged I was told.  So, I loaded all the items in a bag and headed to the hospital about 9:15 AM figuring I could get the items to her early so we could leave at 10:00 AM.  WRONG!  I walked into an empty hospital lobby and was confronted by security asking what I was doing there.  I explained I was asked to bring items for my wife by a nurse in the General Ward.  

Lobby of the hospital with mural on wall.

He told me to take a seat until he called the Ward.  My explanation that I was told I could visit anytime I wanted since I was a tourist didn't mean anything I guess. At 10:00 AM I was told I could go to the General Ward.  Carol looked much better and had a smile on her face when I arrived in room #7.  I gave her the bag, she looked inside and asked where the towel and washcloth were.  "Didn't tell me to bring any.  Aren't there any in the bathroom?" I asked.  Seems this hospital doesn't give you anything; no towels, washcloths, TV on the wall, clock on the wall, basic toiletries, etc.   Oh, well!  She was going home ... or so I thought.  After paying the bill, waiting for Carol's discharge papers and waiting forever for a wheelchair to arrive, we finally left close to 3:00 PM.  Carol had been given a prescription for pain drugs which we had to get at a local pharmacy.  I got her in the car and we left the hospital, heading to the pharmacy next door.  Wouldn't give me the pills, since the doctor had forgotten to sign the paper.  OK, a return trip to the hospital where I was told the doctor had gone home.  After they called him, I was told to head to a different pharmacy where the doctor had called to order the pills for us over the phone.  That was all that was needed as I got the two prescriptions for $11.00.  Total bill was just over $5,000 which I'm hoping the travel insurance will cover.  Thank goodness for credit cards!  The cost was perhaps a third or quarter what it would have been in the States.  Close to 4:00 PM we made it to the resort!!  Long day and Carol was tired.  We talked about the experience and she said she had some of the best and most respectful nurses she has ever had.  All were so concerned with her well-being and all were so helpful, giving her help whenever she asked.  Her surgeon was great.  The nurses at the hospital who did her second ultrasound sang Happy Birthday to her when they saw on her paperwork it was her birthday.  The cook staff made her porridge for breakfast and a special chicken soup for lunch.  I met quite a few of the nurses and agreed that they were fantastic.  Loved talking to all of them about their career choice, the islands where they had been born and a bit about their life.  They made Carol's visit to their island hospital bearable in a difficult situation.  We both wish to thank the staff and the doctors at the hospital for their skill and super treatment.   Even though everything wasn't perfect, the cultural experience gave both of us a different look at life in the Caribbean.  Getting a chance to talk to, and learn about,  the nurses and doctors from all over the world who have come to this tiny island to administer to the sick and helpless was an experience not many others get during a vacation.  Not the type of experience we expected, but nonetheless, it was an experience we will never forget.  And, a big "Thank You" goes to the manager and staff at the Ocean Club Resort for their constant concern and thoughts as well as the huge fruit basket they delivered to our room shortly after we returned to the resort from the hospital.  What could have been a terrible vacation turned out to be a real learning experience in island culture and the true caring hospitality of a great staff at one of the best resorts in the Caribbean.  You certainly can't go wrong with a visit to the Ocean Club Resort on the island of Provo.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  

The "You Won't Believe This": Part I - The Event" Story

The National Hospital of Providenciales.

It was an ordinary day.  House- keeper's eyes were as big as saucers as I told her my wife had just had her appendix removed at the island hospital.  "How can that be," she said.  A little over six months ago Carol was diagnosed with appendicitis just before we were to leave on vacation to St. Martin.  Doctor told us he was going to treat her with antibiotics rather than remove the appendix.  Told us that's the way it is done in Europe with great success.  It worked fine ... that was until October 27.  On her birthday, while walking on Grace Bay Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world located on the island of Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos island chain, she felt a "bubble" in her abdomen.  Same thing she had felt in late March.  She knew what it was right away.  The manager of the Ocean Club Resort took us to the local medical center where an ultrasound showed it was more than they could handle so they sent us to the local hospital with information as to what they suspected.  After arriving at the hospital, more tests were conducted and before long one of their surgeons walked in to talk with us.  Since it was her second bout with the infection,  he thought her appendix needed to be removed.  We asked about laproscopic surgery and he told us he couldn't perform the surgery at this time, since he needed more technicians than were available at the time.  Carol could wait until the next day or have surgery immediately.  Not wanting to have the appendix burst, she chose to have the traditional appendectomy immediately.  Not long after we kissed and off she went.  At 5:30 PM I was ushered to the Emergency Room waiting area for what I was told would be an hour long procedure.  During the next few hours I believe I must have given at least two dozen fist bumps to the little island children that came into the ER with their parents and found a person with a different skin color to be interesting.  Close to 10:00 PM a nurse came and ushered me to the General Ward where Carol was placed.  She was still very groggy and not able to talk.  Wasn't more than 5 minutes after I arrived than the Ward Supervisor stuck her head in the door and wondered why I was in the room after visiting hours.  I explained I was just brought there by a nurse to see my wife and stay with her until I knew she was going to be OK.  Wasn't going to happen with her though.  

Tubes and more tubes leading into Carol's arm.

I was told to leave and when I said I wanted to be with my wife, she headed down the hall calling for security.  Carol heard the commotion and told me I better leave.  We kissed and I headed down the hall.  I did ask the Supervisor nicely which way it was to the parking lot, promising to return in the morning when she wasn't there.  Even though I left in a rather bad mood, I must admit that the National Hospital in Provo is a very impressive facility.  It was built in 2010 and is a 20 bed facility managed by Canadanian InterHealth.  Can't figure that out since Provo is an English territory.  The hospital is said to be "State of the Art" with operating theatres, CT and MRI scanners, dialysis centers, maternity services as well as a separate Clinic.  It is a two-story white building that is beautiful.  Maintenance of the building is remarkable.  The exterior is landscaped with island trees and shrubs and the large lobby has a fantastic mural on the wall.  The halls and cafeteria are very clean and the stairwells have natural light.  Signage marks all the locations in the hospital.  I did stop at the cafeteria and found it to be clean as well as well stocked with snacks and sandwiches, even at 6:00 PM.  Tomorrow I will give you some thoughts from Carol as to how her surgery went as well as a few more thoughts from me about our experiences at the National Hospital.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  

The "A Provo Beach Wedding" Story

Work crew putting the finishing touches to the beach gazebo.

It was an ordinary day.  That was until I saw the work crew at the Ocean Club Resort, with the blue shirts reading STAFF, delivering lumber to the beach along Grace Bay in Provendenciales.  There had been talk of a wedding taking place on one of the world's most beautiful beaches and this confirms it.  

Two young women added the finishing touches.

Wasn't long before the STAFF had the beach gazebo finished and two young women began spreading vines and flowers over it.  I gathered my camera and walked toward the action when I came upon a fellow my age wearing a black Viet Nam baseball hat and asked if he knew anything about the wedding.  His name was Al and he was from California and it was his niece getting married today.  The bride was from San Francisco and the groom from Los Angeles and Al was going to perform the wedding ceremony for them.  We had a nice conversation and I asked if he would mind if I take photos of the wedding.  Told me he would give me his email address so I could send some of photos to him.  Before long the beach gazebo looked amazing, chairs had been moved into place on the sand and the sand had been raked smooth.  

The wedding guests await the Bride.

The sky was overcast the majority of the day with several threatening black clouds passing by, but by 4:30, a half hour before the wedding, the clouds parted and the sun broke through.  I arrived with my camera about fifteen minutes early and caught some of the early arrivers.  

The Bride arrives with Father as her escort.

Shortly the groom arrived with family and the wedding photogra- phers began taking photos.  The bride arrived about fifteen minutes late, but looked beautiful on the arm of her father as they walked behind the flower girl from the resort's beach restaurant toward the flowered covered gazebo.  Rev. Al began the ceremony and in about 15 minutes had pronounced them man and wife and gave them permission for the wedding kiss.  

Reverend Al performs the ceremony.

The gathering of about 40 cheered and applauded the new bride and groom as the photographer gathered them along the water for photographs.  I snapped my final photo and headed back toward my room.  This was the third wedding I have had the chance to photograph since beginning to travel in the Caribbean in 2001. My wife Carol, along with friends Jerry and Just Sue, had the honor of attending the wedding of a young couple in St. Croix in the early 2000s.  We met them on the beach earlier in the day and they said they had no one to stand up for them at their wedding and asked if the four of us would do that for them.  Had a great time taking photos and enjoying the wedding and small reception on the beach.  A few years later, while on the island of Jamaica, the four of us were relaxing on the beach when a young couple walked by in their wedding gown and tux, walked to the water's edge where they met a minister and were married.  The entire beach crowd got to be witness to their wedding and when it was over they waved and left.  Well, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience today and must find Al tomorrow and get his email address to send him a few of the photos I took.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The Rev. Al presents the newlyweds to the guests.

The Bride and Groom.

The "Here's Smokin' To You" Story

The Cuban Cigar Factory in Salt Mills Plaza.

It was an ordinary day.  Talking with a young woman at the Cuban Cigar Factory in the Salt Mills Plaza when it hit me.  My nose began to run, my eyes began to water and my speech sounded different.  Shortly after I had to leave the store.  I tried to extend my visit two other times to see and learn more about the art of rolling cigars, but each time my visit was cut short.  Never had that happen before so I suppose it had to be some ingredient in the store that caused my discomfort.  

Two of the three cigar rollers.

Interesting place that I'm sure is a must stop for the cigar aficio- nados.  The Cigar Factory is the only one of it's kind on the island of Providen- ciales, Turks & Caicos.  While only briefly there I had the pleasure to watch the three master rollers that were creating the cigars made with what they called Cuban tobacco.  Seems the seeds that create their product come from Cuba, but are grown in the fields of Nicaragua.  

This young man was putting filler in the cigar.

One of the workers was sorting and straight- ening the raw tobacco, another was filling a piece of wrapper tobacco with filler while the final worker was placing the outside wrapper in place, adding the rounded end that is placed in the mouth for smoking and trimming it to a specific length.  Two of the workers, whom I believe came from the Dominican Republic, didn't understand a word I said, but the young woman was able to discuss the process with me.

And, this young woman finishes the rolling and cutting.

She explained the technique that was being used and told of each step the other two workers were doing.  I told her I was from the part of the United States where large quantities of tobacco are grown by people who have long beards, wear black clothing, have wide-brimmed hats and don't believe in the use of electricity.  They also do all their tobacco farming without the use of tractors or other gas powered equipment.  

Cabinet which holds the cigars for sale.

She stared at me, astonished with my story.  "The people are called Amish and the tobacco is grown in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania which is know as the Garden Spot of America" I told her.  Got her interest, so it did.  But then, my eyes filled with tears and my voice grew raspy so I had to leave.  Another day I returned and we began to talk more about the product they make and sell.  The cigars are sold individually or in boxes.  The least expensive cigar sells for $7.00 with some that sell for over $100.00.  That's EACH!  "What is the difference in the cigars?" I asked.  

Aromatic Cuban cigars rolled by Dominicans!

Seems it has to do with the length, strength of tobacco and the shape of the cigar that determines the cost. "I don't smoke, but if I did, I'd have to give one of your cigars a try," I told her.  The aroma was enticing, which was perhaps the reason I was having some reaction.  Maybe my body telling me it was time to leave before I tried to smoke one of the Cuban Cigars.  So, Cuban cigars don't have to be made and rolled by Cubans, or even grown in Cuba, but only the seeds have to be from Cuba to be known as a Cuban Cigar.  Wonder if they realize that in Cuba!  If only Kramer had known that years ago (for my Seinfeld fans)!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "Inky ... Our New Friend" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Heading back from the beach after a full day of catching some rays, reading my Kindle and enjoying the refreshing ocean.  Carol and I rinsed the excess sand off our legs and feet and headed back toward our room at the far end of Ocean Club Resort.  As we passed one of the swimming pools on the property we sighted Inky, the small black cat which we have befriended.  He was on the other side of the property, but as soon as he saw us he hustled across the property to meet us as we headed up the steps to our room.  It was a few days ago he found us during his walks around the resort.  Must have been the cat's intuition that here were people who love animals or perhaps the smell of those who had something in their room fridge they would share with him.  Happens every time we go on vacation.  Doesn't matter where we go, whether it be an island somewhere in the Caribbean or a trip to the Chesapeake Bay for lunch,  somehow a stray cat will find us.  Not always just for a free meal, but for someone to rub against and to feel the human touch of hands.  Friends and relatives know we have a soft spot in our hearts for those creatures who have a hard time in life.  The cat that is now a permanent member of our family, Creamsicle, discovered one snowy winter night years ago that we were a soft touch when he jumped a snow drift and came in the back door.  

And  tonight, as Carol sleeps in the bed next to me as I watch the World Series and strike the keys on my MacBook Air to type this story, Inky sleeps at the foot of her bed.  I'm afraid I am going to upset  him when I put him in the hall, but I don't want to chance keeping him locked in our room overnight without a kitty litter pan. I'm sure tomorrow morning I will reopen the door and the little black ball of fur will be staring me in the eyes knowing full well he will be welcomed into the room for the rest of the can of cat food we bought at the grocery store today.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "Faces Of Strangers: #44" Story

Keon Sr.

 It was an ordinary day.  The sky had just opened and began to drench the colorful Caribbean shacks with liquid charm.  I hustled into the nearest doorway and was greeted with the smiling face of the cutest soon to be two-year-old little boy on the island of Providenciales (Provo).  I must have startled him since he instantly hustled toward his father who was enjoying a plate of island fish.  I asked his dad if I could take a photo of his son and he readily agreed.  Seemed that the rain eased off just at the right instant and I had him sit by the window for a photograph.  I showed the result to the young boy and pulled a $1 from my pocket and handed it to him. His eyes lit up as he ran to his father to hide behind his arm.  I introduced myself to him and he told me his son's name was Keon and having his second birthday in another week.  

Keon Jr.

We began talking and Keon's father, Keon Sr. told me he had been born on Provo which is an island in the Turks and Caicos chain of islands, but his son was born in Miami, Florida shortly after moving to the States. He eventually was forced to return to Provo because his paperwork wasn't in order.  Shortly my wife and friends Jerry and Just Sue found me talking with Keon Sr. and sat with me as we got to know him and hear his story.  Extremely interesting and intellectual young man who worries his native country is making many mistakes in government as well as in the private sector.  The island has one source of income ... tourism, and they are beginning to overprice that base group out of existence.  Provo has no exports to speak of, except maybe conch which is plentiful in the waters around the islands, and offers very little to its residents as far as wages and benefits.  Keon Sr. had a worried look when he talked of his son's future on the island.  He wants a better life for him and wonders if his U.S. citizenship will eventually help him succeed in life.  Over the past fifteen years of traveling throughout the Caribbean, I must say this young man impressed me more than any other islander I have met.  My hopes are that he will be able to find a good life for his family and be a success in what ever he attempts.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "Scooter Bob's: A Carefree Car Rental Company" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Just got an email from Amos who runs Scooter Bob's Island Rentals on the island of Providen- ciales (Provo) in the Turks and Caicos Islands telling me he would be glad to send someone to pick me up at my resort and bring me to Scooter Bob's to pick up a car for my vacation on the island.

Amos from Scooter Bob's Island Rentals

Amos has been helping to run his dad's business for years when his dad takes off for his native Canada during the off-season in the Caribbean.  It was quite a few years ago that my wife and I, along with our traveling friends Jerry and Just Sue made our first trip to Provo.  During one of the first days on the island we knew we were going to have to have a rental car to tour the island.  While eating our evening meal, our waitress overheard us talking about needed a rental car and told us she could help up find one if we wished.  Her boyfriend had a business who rented from Scooter Bob's and she would be glad to talk with him about helping us with the rental.  We arrived to rent the car and were given a small car with a name hand-painted on the hood.  While leaving Scooter Bob's we passed another car and I told Jerry I just had to have that car.  Had "Larry" painted on the hood and I knew I would never forgive myself if I didn't rent a car with my name on it.  

Photo from Scooter Bob's Facebook Page showing some
of the rental items they offer for rent.

On our second trip we rented a car named "Mosquito" which had a starter problem and a few minutes after calling Scooter Bob's we had another car named "Otter."  Well, today Amos sent us on our way with "Ash".  When we knew we needed a car we didn't think twice about who to call, since the service we receive when renting at Scooter Bob's is tremendous.  Scooter Bob's began years ago with the rental of scooters.  Today they still rent scooters along with bikes, cars, vans, SUVs, Jeeps and stand-up paddleboards along with snorkel gear, bait and tackle.  

Hats for sell at Scooter Bob's. I had one just like the yellow
one on the bottom shelf, but later gave it to my son.

At one time I had purchased one of his hats from his fishing business known as "Master Baits."  After wearing it a few times my wife suggested I give it to one of my kids since it wasn't an appropriate had for a high school teacher.  Well, today we arrived at Scooter Bob's and met Amos once again.  Noticed his tattoos and told him about my son who also was about his age and had quite a few tattoos.  Found out Amos is a big ice hockey fan and played at one time as did my son.  The four of us eventually drove off in "Ash" and headed to the nearby supermarket for groceries.  I should tell you that you drive on the left side of the road on Provo and "Ash" has the steering wheel on the right side.  Lucky for me it is an automatic even though I can drive stick.  While pulling into the supermarket parking lot I cut a corner too close and hit the curb.  I heard the hubcap crunch immediately.  I pulled into a parking space and checked the hubcap and tire.  Tire looked flat and the hubcap was missing a piece.  Called Amos immediately and within ten minutes he was pulling in behind me.  Looked at the tire and said there was nothing wrong with it .... it was a low-profile tire.  It was slightly low on air so he added some air and told me the hubcap was no big deal and after another hand-shake, he hopped in his truck and left.  If we ever return to Provo in the future we will make sure we call ahead and reserve our car, since I have never rented from anyone who is as considerate and helpful as Amos and Scooter Bob's.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

PS - It's been five days since we rented "Ash" and while shopping along the main drag in Provo, I noticed the tire on the driver's side looked low.  An hour later it was flat!  Once again I got out my phone and called Amos.  "I'll be there in 15 minutes!" he told me.  Wasn't even that long until he arrived, parked next to the car and discovered a slight hole in the sidewall of the tire.  He inflated the tire, told us to take the car he arrived in, and headed back to the shop. Just as quick as that the problem was fixed for us and we are now driving "GET A LOT".  Rather embarassing for the girls, but works for Jerry and Me. Only hope he made it back to his business before the tire went flat again!

The "JoJo: Part II - The Adventure" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Talking with Randy about his encounter with JoJo the dolphin in the waters of Grace Bay Beach directly in front of the Ocean Club Resort on the island of Providenciales.  JoJo has been known to patrol the waters of the Turks & Caicos Islands and interact with humans on his daily rounds.  I told of the encounter Carol and I had with him in my story yesterday.  A week of so ago Randy was using his personal handheld Sea-Doo watercraft off the beach in front of the resort where he owns a condo.  After a few passes back and forth in the water he felt he was being followed by something.  Then he sighted JoJo closeby.  One of Randy's friends also has a personal watercraft and has patrolled with JoJo from time to time.  Randy thought maybe JoJo heard the familiar sound of the engine and went in search of his friend.  Randy made a few runs back and forth with JoJo at his side and then, with snorkeling mask in place, headed underwater for a few trips back and forth.  He told me JoJo was perhaps five feet in length and 135 pounds in weight and made noises as he swam.  On one occasion, Randy moved his hand as if to touch JoJo when JoJo left him know through his motions that wasn't going to be part of the deal today.  

Photo by Tom McDowell

Randy and JoJo played and then Randy began to follow JoJo as he headed toward the reef which is a few hundred yards from shore.  Just as they began their final trip along the shore, Randy's best friend and fellow diver, Tom, managed to catch, if just for an instant, the encounter with JoJo.  After some time Randy decided he didn't want to follow him into deeper waters and headed back toward shore.  JoJo must have had his interaction for the day and didn't follow Randy back towards shore.  As I listened to Randy tell of the sighting and eventual interaction with the much beloved National Treasure, I could sense the excitement in his voice and see the glint in his eyes as he described what will certainly be a memory he will never forget.  Neat to have had the chance, if only for a short time, to be treated to a swim with JoJo.  For Randy, an experienced diver and lover of the sea and scuba diving, the experience is one that will be told over and over again to give him the chance to relive it once again.  It was an another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.    

The "JoJo: Part I - The Legend" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Reading about JoJo the dolphin in a variety of publications and thinking back to the mid-2000s and the time that Carol and I had an encounter with JoJo on the island of Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos Islands.  We were visiting a marina on the island, checking about scheduling a snorkeling trip for Carol and myself as well as our friends Jerry and Just Sue.  As we were standing on the dock, Carol pointed out a fin in the water beneath the dock and we realized it was a dolphin.  

JoJo as photographed by Sydney

Someone yelled it was JoJo so in we jumped to try and swim with the famous dolphin.  He came close to us, but finally swam away.  Exciting experience even if we didn't get to swim with him.  JoJo is a male Atlantic Bottlenose dophin who has made his home in the coastal waters of the Caicos Cays since the early 1980s.  There are only eight dolphins in the world that are known to seek out the company of humans with JoJo being the most famous.  Dolphins such as JoJo can live forty to fifty years and grow to be about eight feet in length and weigh close to 250 pounds.  Many of the residents, as well as visitors to the islands, have had the chance to interact with JoJo since he first made the T&C Islands his home territory.  

Very early photo of JoJo interacting with humans.

He is the rare example of a mammal that interacts with humans in his own environment.  Many people have reported sighting JoJo while many others claim to have swam with him.  Seems he enjoys swimming with humans, but doesn't enjoy unsolicited touching which can be dangerous to both the dolphin as well as the  human.  At one point JoJo was reported as having attacked several humans, but this was unproven.  

Photo of Dean Bernal who is said to be JoJo's best friend and
who petitioned the Turks & Caicos Ministry of Natural Resources
stating that JoJo should be protected as a unique resource.

Many said the dolphin was only defending himself from unwanted human advances.  Finally in 1989 JoJo was declared a "National Treasure" in the Turks & Caicos Islands. He has become a symbol for nature conserva- tion in the Turks & Caicos Islands where Marine Turtles, migrating whales, schools of wild dolphins and a variety of rare birds can be found.  The island's government has committed itself to protect their fragile natural heritage and to help preserve JoJo's home.  There are 27 national parks and protected areas in the islands which help safeguard their pristine shores and coral reefs.  Follow along tomorrow as I tell the story of JoJo and Randy, a friend whom Carol and I had the chance to meet during our visit to the islands in 2012.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. 

The "Faces Of Strangers: #43" Story

Taxi and Tour Driver Lloyd "Skipper" Stubbs

 It was an ordinary day.  Had just gone through Immigration and Customs, retrieved our suitcases and were standing outside the Providenciales International Airport in the Turks and Caicos Islands looking for a taxi to take us to the Ocean Club Resort.  Wasn't long before someone helped shuffle us into line.  Traveling with me are my wife Carol and traveling and longtime friends Jerry and Just Sue.  Within five minutes Lloyd "Skipper" Stubbs had loaded our luggage along with the luggage of four other visitors into his large taxi for transfer to our resorts.  Lloyd is a personable monster of a man who is more than ready and willing to answer all our questions and give us a narration on his favorite place, Provo.  The other four travelers where heading to different locations from us, but "Skipper" first headed toward Ocean Club to give, I suppose, the others their money's worth and a tour of the island before stopping at their resorts. "Skipper"got his name years ago, since he is a Jr. and his mother didn't want two Lloyd Stubbs so she called him "Skipper."  

"Skipper" giving us information on the island we are visiting.

He has been in the tourism trade for more than 37 years, starting out as a helper at a resort and now finally a cab driver.  Questions on everything from the weather to the local government came from the riders in the taxi.  All were answered in a comical style which grew on you with each answer he gave.  I asked him a few questions of navigating the roads of the island since you drive on the left and must yield to the car on the right in the many Round-a-bouts that are on the island.  Traffic flows quite well on the island and I can't remember a single stoplight from our two previous trips.  "Skipper" also gives tours of the island and as we exited the taxi, he handed us a few business cards in case we cared to use his services in the future.  We left him with a "Thank You" and a handshake as he closed his rear door and headed back to the driver's seat to take his remaining riders to their resorts.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.   

The "Magnificent Artistry Of Tom McDowell" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Standing on the top step of the deck at Ocean Club in Providenciales looking toward the water.  The sun has started it's decent into the ocean in front of me.  Magical moments are beginning to take place; the puffy white clouds are gathering as if on cue, hiding the sun behind it. The water is turning a beautiful deep shade of turquoise and the distant sky is soaked with the red hues that signal a beautiful western sunset.  And, there in front of me stands the same guy who was there last evening, as well as the evening before, and the evening before, and ......  He holds his DSLR to his eye and judges the light and presto!! takes some of the most beautiful photos you will ever witness.  His images are remarkable, almost as if standing in them yourself viewing the same vision he is.  I met Tom three years ago when I visited the island of Provo with my wife and friends Jerry and Just Sue.  My first sighting of him was the same as it usually is .... standing along the water, waiting for just that instant when the sky draws you into it's spell and you capture it for eternity.  Tom visits the island frequently when he and his longtime friend, Randy, travel to the island to scuba dive in some of the best waters on earth off the coast of the Turks & Caicos Islands.  Randy has owned a condo unit at Ocean Club since the resort was built.  Both their wives now fear flying so Randy and Tom visit together and spend their time diving.  Tom is a fantastic photographer; of the quality you would expect to find  working for a vacation, travel or diving publication.  Three years ago I was amazed with his work and have followed his website (www.tommcdowell.net) as well as his Facebook Page since that time.  On November 27, 2013 I posted a story about Tom, showing you some of his images.  Well, I asked Tom if I could have a few more samples to share and he obliged with many remarkable images.  A few of the photos I will feature in another story while the rest I will share with you today.  Hope you enjoy his work and check his websites to view more.  Thanks, Tom for sharing with me and my readers your talent.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

Ocean Club Resort on Providenciales, Turks & Caicos.

Palmetto fish.

Pelican eyes his prey.

Only in your dreams!

I believe this is from Iguana Island.

Reef Shark

Sunset taken from a nearby dock.

Gorgeous cloud structure.

Looking out over Grace Bay Beach from Ocean Club Resort.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle

And ... my favorite taken with the lens half-submerged, showing Ocean Club Resort in the background.