The "Cow Head In The Tree" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Reading in my Lancaster Sunday News a weekly article titled "I Know A Story."  These are stories submitted to the newspaper by subscribers to the local newspaper.  This particular article was titled "Cow head in a tree attracted police attention" and was submitted to the newspaper by reader Anne Alban.  Began with...It was August 1958 when my husband Don was ready to attend Lancaster School of the Bible to study for the ministry.  He had worked the year before at Hanover General Hospital to get enough money to go to school and the time finally arrived.  When his mom and dad took him to the campus their eyes fell on a "unique dormitory," which was the carriage house, with a large three-story mansion in front of it, that happens to be the girls dorm facing Chestnut Street.  Unpacking, in his assigned dorm room, he was informed that he would have a roommate, Van.  Of course, Van was not in the dorm at the time, as he was spending time with his girl, Kathy.  Most fellows do not have a theme decor when they've in a dorm, but Don, having spent a few summers working at River Valley Ranch in Millers, Maryland, was a bit homesick, and wanted something on the wall to remind him of the great summers that he worked as a ranch boy at RVR.  Therefore, along with his purple cowboy boots, he pondered.  "Ah, I need a cow head - it would be pretty cool to hang over my bed," he thought.  Since his roomie was a missionary kid from Africa, that probably would also help Van feel "more at home."  As the weeks moved on, and he made new acquaintances with other students, Don met a young student named Elsie.  It did not take long for him to learn that her dad worked at the Lancaster Stockyards.  So, Dan got his courage up one day to ask Elsie, "Do you think your dad could get me a cow head from the stockyards?"  Elsie eventually asked her dad, and he surprisingly said yes.  Finally, the requested item arrived, probably in a bag because Elsie did not feel too good carrying the huge head in the dorm where others could see it, since it still had flesh and meat hanging off it.  Don reasoned how he could dry it out, and his dorm room was certainly not the place.  So he spied a large tree in the schoolyard, right next to the dorm, that would be a good choice.  One day he found a ladder and climbed over the stone wall, pulling the ladder behind him.  Climbing the tree, he pulled the head on a rope behind him until it was pretty far up.  He anchored the head securely on a branch, descended, and went back to the dorm.  A few days later, coming home from class, Dan and his friend Mel, glanced over at the schoolyard, where he saw a young boy and a police officer pointing up in a tree.  "Oh-oh, I'd better go see what's up!"  He thought.  So, climbing the wall, they came face to face with the officer.  "So you know anything about that cow head up there?" he asked.  "Yes sir, I do," Don timidly responded.  At that moment, friend Mel "fled the scene" and quickly departed for the dorm, leaving Don there all along.  "Well, there was a cow stolen from Peach Bottom last weekend.  Would this by any chance be part of that cow?"  Don quickly responded by explaining where he got the head.  "Well, I need some confirmation on what you are telling me," the officer said.  Don knew he had to work fast, so he contacted Elsie and asked if her dad could validate that he got the head for him.  Her dad confirmed with the police that this was not the head of the stolen cow.  After all the work to prepare the wall hanging, Don and Van could not figure out where to put it because of the walls.  They considered displaying it on the roof of the boys dorm, but sadly, the slant of the roof made that impossible.  So where did the splendid cow head end up?  It found its resting place in the dumpster behind the barn.  Maybe a cowboy hat and a lasso would be a better idea!  And...so goes the story of the cow head, be it true or false!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "The Invasive Lanternfly Has Returned" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Was checking out the foliage to the rear of our new home in Woodcrest Villa when I saw a small bug with spots on it.  Nah!  Just couldn't be a spotted lanternfly!  Or...could it?  The weather is starting to warm up in Lancaster County which means more insects will be arriving.  So, why couldn't the spotted lanternfly be returning to our neighborhood?  The invasive species is native to Asia and not a "true fly", but instead a type of plant hopper that is closely related to cicadas, leafhoppers and treehoppers.  

The invasive laternfly

The lantern fly was allegedly first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014.  Many horticulturalists believe that it was here long before that.  Seems it was brought here by accident, but that's another story to be told later.  Those of us living in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania should expect lanternflies to begin to hatch by mid-May, if not sooner.  The eggs of the lanternfly generally hatch from April through June but hatch times vary across each state.  Population size depends on the number of live eggs present from last year's adults, and there are many factors that can affect insect populations.  We in Lancaster, Pennsylvania saw a rather mild winter which can affect lantern flies' population in many different ways.  Rainy weather can support the development of fungal pathogens that attack insects, and hot or cold temperatures can cause lantern fly legs to develop slowly or even kill them altogether.  Lancaster County is one of 51 counties in Pennsylvania's quarantine zones created by the state Department of Agriculture.  Within the quarantine zone, the department restricts movement of certain plants, landscaping materials and construction waste, among other items.  Residents should be on the lookout for egg masses right now.  Egg masses often look like blobs of cracked mud.  People can smash eggs or scrape eggs into a plastic bag with some rubbing alcohol or liquid hand sanitizer to kill them.  Personally, I think they are a neat looking bug, but realize the havoc that they can create if they begin to multiply.  So, we all must do our best to try and eliminate the pests whenever or wherever we can.  Keep a lookout for the little red bug with the black stripe and white dots on them and try an help eliminate them if possible.  You will be helping everyone in your neighborhood if you do so.   It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.   

The "Oh, For The Good Ole Days at Dutch Wonderland" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Looking at a photograph that shows the original monorail that carried tourists around Lancaster County's Dutch Wonderland which is located on Lincoln Highway East.  It has been since 1963 that Dutch Wonderland has been a mainstay of Lancaster County tourism and a landmark of Lincoln Highway East.  The iconic elements that highlight the park are the monorail that travels around the outskirts of the park on an elevated track and the purple dragon that oversees his watery domain.  I haven't visited Dutch Wonderland for years, since my three grandkids have outgrown most of the rides that make the park a true wonderland.  I often thought about taking a trip to the park, but wondered what the other guests would think of an old guy walking around the park, looking at everyone.  

Dutch Wonderland

Dutch Wonderland is celebrating its 60th anniversary the year.  It was on October 28, 1962 that the local Sunday News published a photo of a strange sight - a fairytale castle being built in the middle of Lancaster County farm land.  Mr. Earl Clark was building a "family fun park" as he often called it, in the middle of farm country since he had heard complaints for years that Lancaster County tourists have very few options that appeal to children.  So...he came up with the idea known as Dutch Wonderland.  Mr. Clark was at one time a potato farmer who built the Congress Inn Motel along route 30 in 1958.  He had purchased a 14-acre tract and began to build a tourist attraction that would appeal to kids.  Thus, Dutch Wonderland was born.  Just why did he build a castle?  Well, Mr. Clark said he saw it in a dream and thought it to be magical.  Who wouldn't want to visit a castle in farm country?  The 180-foot-long castle housed a gift shop and snack bar.  When Dutch Wonderland first opened, only four rides had been built;  the Wonderland Special steam Train, The Lady Gay riverboat, the Turnpike with its drivable antique-style cars, and the Whale Boats.  There was also a petting zoo, puppet shows and areas focused on subjects such as nursery rhymes and space ships.

Giant slide

During the 1960s Mr. Clark purchased an additional 54 adjoining acres to be used for expansion.  In 1966 the monorail debuted.  His original monorail had heated and air-conditioned cars as well as a glass bubble top.  They traveled along a mile-long circuit around the perimeter of the park.  There were three individual trains with one being red, one white and one blue.  

Coaster at Dutch Wonderland

In 1989 two of the three were destroyed in a fire.  In 1990 the Sky ride debuted.  It carried guests 42 feet above the park.  The giant slide and a haunted house were added in the 1960s.  In the 1970s Dutch Wonderland added dolphin shows with "Dutchie" arriving in June of 1970  and Wonder arriving the following year.  Throughout the '60s and '70s, stars of Philadelphia's children TV shows began to appear.  Chief Halftown, cowgirl Sally Star and the Peter Pan-inspired Pixanne all entertained kids at Dutch Wonderland.  

Leapin' Frogs

They also spread word of Dutch Wonderland on TV.  In 1977 the "Double Splash" log flume opened with its two drops arranged along a figure-eight waterway.  A children's Ferris wheel was added in 1982 and the Flying Trapeze chair swing ride was added in 1986.  But, my favorite ride was the rollercoaster that was added in 1992.  The "Sky Princess" was a family sized coaster that traveled about 40 mph from a 55-foot drop.  Then in 1993 Mr. Clark died of cancer at the age of 63, 30 years and one month after he opened Dutch Wonderland.  His sons took over running the place until they sold it to Hershey Entertainment and Resorts.  Hershey ran the park until 2010 when Hershey Entertainment bought the property.  Dutch Wonderland has continued to add new attractions with several new roller coasters.  But, many of the old classics still remain such as the Turnpike and the old Dutch Wonder house.  Just like it was back in the 1960s.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.   

The "This Is A Must Visit Restaurant In The Caribbean" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Carol and I were sitting on the beach in front of Il Nettuno which was one of our favorite restaurants on the island of St Martin/Sint Maarten.  Il Nettuno translates to "The Neptune, Roman God of the Sea."  We first began to travel to the island known as St. Martin/Sint Maarten in the early 2000s.  During our first trip to the island we traveled to both the French side and the Dutch side of the island to try out their beaches as well as their cuisine.  Wasn't long before we found our favorite restaurant.  Il Nettuno was an Italian restaurant serving all classic pasta dishes and is located at 70 Grand Case Boulevard.

Il Nettuno in Grand Case

The restaurant is one of the larger ones in Grand Case so we had no trouble walking up and getting an immediate table.  The rear of the restaurant is along Grand Case Beach and an entire row of tables sits directly above the water.  The food at this restaurant was probably the best of any island restaurant we visited during our many visits to the Caribbean.  The more I read about the restaurant, the more I realized Carol and I weren't the only couple who thought the restaurant to be the best in the Caribbean.  The menu boasted a variety of Italian classics, with an emphasis on seafood dishes.  The meals ranged from 15-25 euros for most of the main dishes, but they certainly were worth the price.  Everyone has a reason for eating at a specific restaurant while on vacation, and the more you get to travel, the more restaurants you will find that suit your taste buds.  Well, after over 20 years or more of traveling to the Caribbean, we never found a restaurant that we enjoyed more than Il Nettuno.  If you ever get a chance to travel to the dual island known as St. Martin/Sint Maarten, don't miss eating at Il Nettuno which is located on the French side of the island.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.       

The "A Truly One Of A Kind Guy" Story

 It was an ordinary day.  Opened my Sunday News to the "Entertainment" section and noticed "an explosion of color."  It was a  story about a fellow named Bill Hutson who died this past September after a yearslong battle with cancer which made him declared legally blind.  How sad for a professional artist to lose his livelihood due to loss of his vision.  In the 10 years leading up to his death, Mr. Bill Hutson was diagnosed with severe advanced glaucoma.  His field of vision was reduced to the size of a pinprick and his perception of color was almost totally lost to the disease.  With a diagnoses such as that, how could anyone, be they an artist or not, continue to paint?  

Bill Hutson with some of his artistic work

But, Mr. Hutson continued painting and completed his last series of abstract artwork two years before his death.  Mr. Hutson died on September 21, 2022 after battling his cancer for years.  Before his death he served as the distinguished artist-in-resident and associate professor emeritus in the Department of Art, Art History and Film at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  One of Mr. Hutson's good friends at F&M was Padmini Mongia who said that Hutson's final paintings, that were made with failing eyesight, were among his most luminous.  Those paintings featured dense masses of bright pure light and as the color moved away from the center, it would gradually fade.  Mr. Hutson's relatives and best friends are making sure that his artwork and legacy will not fade, since they have created a celebration of his life and a career-spanning exhibit at F&M's Phillip's Museum of Art which runs until April 27 and again in the fall from September 5 to December 8.  In 2010 Mr. Hutson donated thousands of pieces of artwork to the college's art gallery and archives.  Mr. Hutson was born in 1936 and raised in the Dunbar neighborhood of San Marcos, Texas.  In early 2022 he gave one of his last interviews via email to the Online art magazine "Hyperallergic."  He recently told the Lancaster Newspaper that "Art just sort of found me.  I'm not one of those people who say I want to be an artist when I grow up."  He served in the Air Force and after his discharge studied at the University of New Mexico for a semester followed by a quick stop in California.  He finally decided that art school wasn't for him and quit.  He rented a room in North Beach and began to paint.  Luckily, he lived a block away from the "City Lights Bookstore" where everyone was so kind to him.  He made visits to the San Francisco Institute of Art and sat in on some sessions there where he met quite a few well known artists.  Then the civil rights movement began and he left for Europe.  He spent the next 20 years living abroad.  He lived and worked throughout Europe, Asia, South America and Africa.  During his lifetime he had 20 solo exhibits as well as more than 50 group exhibits around the world.  Hutson's work can be found at the Brooklyn Museum of Art, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Studio Museum in Harlem, NY, and the George Visit Collection in Paris.  In 2020 he displayed his artwork at the Pennsylvania Governor's Residence.  The Governor's wife, Frances Wolf was a former student of Mr. Hutson when he taught at F&M from 1989-99.  Mr. Hutson displayed his work at Franklin & Marshall and said, "I'm 83 years old and I've had exhibitions here in the states and all over the world and this is one of the most inspiring."  Mr Hutson came to Lancaster in 1989 to teach at F&M and remained here the rest of his life.  He worked at his studio on Church Street, even as he was losing his sight and had to feel his way around the rooms.  

One of my favorite pieces of his work

Mr. Hutson donated at least 15 boxes of his sketches, photographs, slides, and exhibition books and monographs.  Padmini Mongia said that,  "Hutson encouraged me to pause while painting, not to rush......and to do less.  He'd talk about paintings breathing.  He felt that people should not just be passive consumers and viewers of art.  They should be able to manipulate the art to suit their mood."  Mr. Bill Hutson was a "one of kind artist."  So sad to hear of his passing.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.   

The "Buns Of Steel" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Just walked out of the Manheim Township Public Library after checking out a few books for some leisure reading.  The library used to be within walking distance of my home on Harrington Drive, but my wife and I decided to move to a retirement community and we now have to drive to the library when we want to find reading material.  The reason for my telling you this is due to reading an article that was written 25 years ago about librarians having a reputation for being soft-spoken, but when it comes to overdue books, it's best not to cross their path.  Story goes back to March of 1998 when the Lancaster County libraries had nearly 30,000 overdue items listed in their system as missing for more than three months.  Those numbers, which amounted to about 5% of the total collection overdue, spurred the county library system to enlist the help of a collection agency to get the missing items.....as well as fines or replacement costs.....from the delinquent borrowers.  The library  had planned to send letters to patrons with overdue books and if no response was received, they would be turned over to an agency that would send letters before ultimately resorting to fines and an appearance before a district justice.  Somehow, they either wanted the item returned or have you pay for a new one. The missing items ranged from children's books such as "Curious George Goes to the Hospital" to classics such as "Withering Heights" to video items such as a VHS copy of "Buns of Steel."  But, perhaps the most relevant item on the list was a book called "A Children's Book About Being Forgetful."  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. 

The "Well, The Weather Outside Is Frightful.....And" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Reading one of my favorite newspaper columns known as "The Scribbler."  "The Scribbler" is actually a retired newspaper writer by the name of Jack Brubaker who seems to continue to write and write his column over and over, week after week.  Seems he loves his job so much that you just can't keep him away from his typewriter, even though he is considered "retired."  I really believe he is my clone since I have many of the same characteristics as he does.  I taught Industrial Arts in high school for most of my adult life, but seem to never give it up.  I still do woodworking,  printing and glasswork even though I retired a few years ago.  I know how Jack feels.  It's extremely tough to stop writing or working with your hands when you have been doing it all your life.  I don't know what I would do if I couldn't be making something with my hands or writing something or even working with stained glass which I took up a few years ago, soon after I retired from teaching.  Seems that one of my former students is a well known glass artist in Lancaster and I happened to see him a few years ago and I haven't been able to stay away from his house since then.  My wife and I recently moved to Woodcrest Villa and I brought my favorite full-length beach scene stained glass window with me.  Managed to get the master craftsmen at the villa to help me hang it in our dining room.  It looks great!  As for Jack....he still loves being "The Scribbler."  You will never take that away from him.  He still writes his weekly column for the Lancaster Newspaper and does research for his next week column, be whatever it may be.  He recently wrote an article about "Rural roads, doors and a market."  Loved it!!  He had me hooked after reading his first sentence which read..."Why did the farmer's road pass all the way through his property?  So he could get to the other side!"  Now who wouldn't have known that except for maybe Charlene who sent in the question to him!  I will forever be a reader of his column!  I just have to hope he never stops writing it!  And, as for me...well the weather has finally changed and I now can get back to working on my stained glass once again for you see, I have to work on it in my one-car garage and it was a bit to chilly to work on it when it was near freezing in my garage.  Yeah, I have a few space heaters, but my near 80 year-old hands just can't handle that and my wife won't let me set up shop in our bedroom.  I don't know why?  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.          

The "The Story Behind Grasshopper Level" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Taking a ride with my wife through the Strasburg area of Lancaster County when we came upon a neat sign that had a grasshopper on it and read "Misty Meadows" and below the grasshopper read "Grasshopper Level."  My Uncle Bob lived in Strasburg for as long as I knew him until he sadly passed away many years ago.  I often traveled the same road to his house, but since he passed away I haven't been traveling on that stretch of road for many years.  A few weeks ago I noticed an article in the Lancaster Newspaper that carried the heading, "How did 'Grasshopper Level' get its colorful name?"  The article was written by Jack Brubaker, aka "The Scribbler."  Perhaps you have read one of his articles in the Sunday News.  Cindy Stauffer from Lititz had sent a question to "The Scribbler" that read: I was driving along Route 896 and saw that several houses south of Strasburg have proud signs noting they are located on "Grasshopper Level."  I was wondering where that name came from.  Jack did some research and was able to give Cindy, as well as me and now all of you reading this story, an answer to her question.  The area in question is known as Gobbler's Knob and is a hill just past the interseion of Georgetown and Belmont roads.  Turkeys apparently gobbled incessantly up there at one time.  A couple known as the Gridleys lived in the Georgetown Road house with the first "Grasshopper Level" sign out of Strasburg.  Until recently they operated a bed and breakfast called Misty Meadows.  A woman by the name of Beverly Lewis stayed at the bed and breakfast and mentioned Grasshopper Level in "The Covenant," one of her tales about the Old Order Amish.  Beverly never mentioned anything about the origin of the name Grasshopper Level in her tales.  Jack went on to write that one might think that the Georgetown Road ridge, from which one can see for several miles across largely Amish farmland to the north, was named for the long back of a grasshopper.  But, that's not what the newspaper record suggests.  Multiple stories suggests that the area took its name from an unusual infestation of grasshoppers that were found along the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks that run about three miles north of the ridge.  The most complete newspaper version is from the Col. Edwin Jeffries obituary in the March 29, 1899 edition of the Lancaster New Era.  Jeffries claimed that one season the grasshoppers were so numerous that their hind legs wore fence rails smooth as the insects crossed from one side to the other searching for greener pastures.  When crushed on metal rails, the bugs made a slippery mess.  During the season the pests were so thick on the rails in the vicinity mentioned that the engines with their trains were stalled so that to make any progress it became necessary to have men precede the trains and pour sand upon the tracks.  The local newspaper reprinted this story several times with a 1924 version suggesting that the Pennsylvania Railroad workers "sanded" the slimy rails as early as 1834.  Perhaps this is the explanation as to why the area is known as Grasshopper Level!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "Are You Ready To Shovel In Heaven? Story

It was an ordinary day.  Weather is beginning to get warmer after a winter that seemed to be on the mild side with very little snow and only a few days of really cold weather.  As a child, I would have been extremely upset since there was very little snow for sledding and building snow forts in the backyard.  It's been more than half-a-century since I have enjoyed snow the way I used to enjoy it.  Now I wish for warm winters with very little snow since it is more of a chore to have to shovel the white stuff than it used to be. I know...winters were designed for piles of snow and school snow days.  I loved when school was closed, both as a child an as an adult while teaching high school at Manheim Township High School.  Missing school days was always fun and listening to the TV and radio to see if the schools were closed has never grown old.  But I have aged quite a bit and now snow tends to be an enemy rather than the friend it used to be.  Having to drive in the snow and shovel the white stuff has become harder to handle in the past couple of years.  That is one reason why my wife and I recently decided to sell our home and move to a retirement community in Lancaster, PA so that someone else can shovel pathways for us old folk.   I still love watching the white stuff float from the sky and cover the ground.  I love a white landscape which brightens the days and illuminates the nights.  And, now that I have someone else to take care of all the snow shoveling, I enjoy the white stuff once again.  I have been lucky enough throughout my lifetime to live in the northern parts of the USA so that I could  experience the cold weather and the snow that comes with the cold weather.  I can't imagine what it must be like not having snow to cover your property in the winter.  Will death bring the same challenges?  Will there be snow in heaven?  Will there be someone there to help me to shovel the white stuff once again so I can visit with my heavenly friends?  As I grow older I think about things that I never thought of years ago.  So, prepare yourself for what's to come.  You know it will come at some point in your life.  Perhaps we will meet sometime in the future.  I hope you remember to bring your shovel with you.....because I'm leaving mine behind!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "A Chosen Lifestyle?" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Just finished reading an article in my morning newspaper that told of the increase in people sleeping on benches in center-city Lancaster.  For months you could pass through the city and see very few people in need of a place to sleep, but that seems to have changed since just about every bench is now filled with a sleeping bag or multiple blankets as the sun begins to set to the west.  I must admit that it is a scene that could easily chase visitors to the city of Lancaster away from our intercity stores as well as entertainment facilities.  The city is struggling with what to do with all those who are homeless.  We do have a few local locations such as the YWCA and the Water Street Rescue Mission where those who have no place to sleep may go for aid, but it seems that the homeless enjoy staying in the center of the city to be with all their friends who are also homeless.  Most every bench in center city is filled by the time the sun sets over Lancaster.  The city is trying to do just about everything to keep the homeless off the streets and pubic benches so they don't chase away the tourists and local shoppers.  I can imagine the local businesses are pushing the city to do something so they won't continue to lose business.  The city of Lancaster is a beautiful sight with all the historic buildings as well as our local farmer's market.  But, visitors tend to be chased away from inter-city Lancaster when all they see on the park benches that are spread around the city are people with blankest and a load of clothes dragging behind them.  Luckily, I have never experienced homelessness, but I can just imagine how they must feel not having anyone to stay with if necessary or to find a place to sleep overnight.  I recently visited a few of Lancaster's public buildings to take photographs of the buildings to document some of my stories.  I found quite a few homeless people who were still covered with their blankets while sleeping on the benches throughout the city.  It did make it a bit harder to take photographs without having to show the homeless, even though it was close to noon on a Sunday morning.  The amount of items that have to be carried tend to take up as much space as the person who is homeless.  The city of Lancaster does have a homeless shelter a few blocks from center city, but the homeless may not care for the rules they must follow and try and find other places to call home.

A homeless man sleeping as I take photos nearby

I realize that Lancaster isn't the only town in Pennsylvania who has homeless roaming the city at all hours of the day and night, but it still looks bad for those who come to visit.  I recently went downtown to take photos of the Court House for a story I was going to write and found many benches still filled with sleeping homeless people.  And....it was close to noon when I arrived.  I did have to make a few changes to my schedule in hopes they would move on so I could get a few photos, but by the time I left, I was still without some of my photos.  When should I return?  Perhaps...never!  I feel sorry for those who have to live out of a bag, but it seems to be their choice since there are places to stay...but these places do have rules to follow and I guess that is too much to ask of a homeless person.  If only somebody could come up with the perfect answer for the homeless!  Anyone have an idea?  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "Is It OK To Search For Easter Eggs In A Cemetery?" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Began the day as I usually do...by reading my morning newspaper.  I'd be lost if I wouldn't be able to check out all the local as well as national and International news on a daily basis.  Much of the news tells about what is taking place throughout the world while the remainder tells about what is going on in good old Lancaster, Pennsylvania, my hometown.  Read a couple of Trump stories and than began with the good stuff that deals with local news.  A few of the stories dealt with the upcoming Easter holidays and the myriad of Easter egg hunts that take place just about everywhere throughout Eastern United States.  One such egg hunt is to take place at Holly Hill Memorial Gardens in Essex, Baltimore County, Maryland.  Seems that the town is going to hold their Easter egg hunt in their nearby Holly Hill Memorial Gardens.  But, some residents are rather upset that an Easter egg hunt will be held among their loved ones who had been laid to rest beneath the same ground where the Easter egg hunt is to take place.  One resident said he thought it rather odd to hold an egg hunt in the vicinity of the beloved gone beyond.  Mrs. Kelly Rutherford had laid her husband to rest in 2020 due to brain cancer and the thought of kids running around the cemetery, as well as her husband's resting place, leaves Mrs. Rutherford "appalled."  How would you feel if you were Mrs. Rutherford?  Well, on this coming April 8, the day before Easter, Holly Hill Memorial Gardens plans to hold their first Annual Easter Egg Hunt starting in the late morning.  There is to be candy, Easter eggs and an appearance of the Easter Bunny.  All to take place where her dear husband is buried.  The cemetery said that, "Our intention is to bring the community together in a respectful and safe environment for children!"  Well, the event's announcement had elicited apprehension, dismay and even anger from a number of the nearby residents.  One woman wrote that the event is "disrespectful," but did say that her late grandmother, who is buried in the cemetery, alway loved Easter and seeing the kids in their dresses.  "If my kids were still young, I would probably take them just to see how it all played out,"  She also said that she suspects that many children think the cemetery is a "spooky" place and might not be so eager to participate.  So...how would you feel if one of your relatives or good friends were buried in the Holly Hill Memorial Gardens?  Would you be upset?  As far as myself...I would be glad to bring my grandchildren for an Easter egg hunt in the cemetery.  So many children are afraid to enter a cemetery due to what their parents have told them about cemeteries.  Many fear what may happen to them if they enter the cemetery.  They just may have a better outlook about the cemetery if they can see they won't have anything happen to them if they can search for Easter eggs in the cemetery.  I believe they can still be taught to be respectful as they wander through the graveyard and that they don't have to be afraid to walk among the tombstones.  But, I can see where some parents may not want their children to participate.  Only problem with that is the children will fear when and if they have to enter the graveyard when a friend or relative may die.  It's OK to teach them respect, but they can still have respect while searching for Easter candy.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The "And...A Happy Birthday To You" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Reading about the rarest birthdates in the United States.  So, just how popular is your date of birth?  How many people have the same birthday as you do?  Well, I found that according to the "birthday paradox," in a random group of 23 people, there's a 50% chance that at least two people have the same birthday.  And that's the case whether they have one of the rarest birthdays or were born during the most popular birth month.  So which months have the most birthdays or even the least amount of birthdays.  According to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Social Security Administration, the rarest month to be born in is February, making Aquarius the rarest zodiac sign.  This makes logical sense, since February is the shortest month of the year, even with a leap year.  Another factor that makes February a rare birth month: conception would have happened in May, and when the weather is warmer and days are longer, fewer babies tend to be conceived.  So, what are the rarest birthdays?  February babies are special, but which dates are actually the rarest birthdays?  Seems that the rarest birthdays coincide with major holidays, such as Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Christmas Eve.  This is most likely due to the fact that there are fewer inductions and cesarean sections scheduled during the holidays.  The following are the rarest birthdates in the United States and the average number of births on that day each year:

December 25 (6,574 average yearly births)                                                                                          

January 1 (7,792 average yearly births)                                                                                            

December 24. (8,069 average yearly births)                                                                                                

July 4 (8,796 average yearly births)                                                                                                       

January 2 (9,307 average yearly births).                                                                                            

December 26 (9,543 average yearly births)                                                                                        

November 27 ( 9,718 average yearly births)                                                                                      

November 23 (9,883 average yearly births)                                                                                       

November 25 (9,954 average yearly births)                                                                                          

October 31 (9,978 average yearly births)

August is not only the month of long sunny days and back-to-school bonanzas, it's also the most common birth month.  The CDC data shows that July, August, September and October tend to be the most popular birth months in the U.S., making the colder, cozier months the most popular time to conceive.  Now...how about the most common birthdays.  Seems that having one of the rarest birthdays can be pretty neat, but having one of the most common birthdays is also pretty neat.  Just think of all the people across the country who are celebrating alongside you on your birthday.  While August may be the most common birth month and October being the month of babies who tend to live the longest, almost all the most common birthdays happen to be in September.  And, it just so happens that the most common birthdate is on my birthday...September 9 when on average 12,301 people are born annually.  Check out the following list to see if you were born on one of the most popular dates.

September 9 (12,301 average yearly births)

September 19 (12,229 average yearly births)   

September 12 (12,224 average yearly births) 

September 17 (12,148 average yearly births)                                                                    

September 10 (12,144 average yearly births)                                                                            

 July 7 (12,108 average yearly births)                                                                                 

September 20 (12,107 average yearly births)                                                                 

September 15 (12,087 average yearly births)                                                                 

September 16 (12,072 average yearly births)                                                                     

 September 18 (12,055 average yearly births)

Well, hope you found some information that you find interesting.  I certainly did.  I'll make sure to order my birthday cake in plenty of time and pick it up a few days early, since many others will be after a birthday cake also.  And, just in case your date was listed in my story today...Well, Have a Happy Birthday ahead of time!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

 

The "Are You Someone Who Can Sleep On Your Side? Story

It was an ordinary day.  Just finished eating lunch and thought I would lay down for a short nap before getting back to work again.  Doesn't take long to fall asleep for me, but for many other people, they tend to lay awake until its too late to take a nap and they have to get back to work once again.  I recently read an article in my local newspaper that had a headline that read, "Sleeping on your side recommended as best position." Article said that experts say that sleeping on your back can cause airway to become blocked.  Never thought about that when I would lay on my back to take an afternoon nap or even when I went to bed in the evening. Seems that most people spend a third of their ives either asleep or resting.  During sleep, the body recharges and repairs itself.  A good night's sleep often can be determined by what position you are lying in bed.  I tend to be able to sleep do matter what position I lay down when I go to bed.  At times I sleep on my stomach since I had Rea that doing so helps to eep your airway open.  Didn't know that it can put a strain on your spine and neck and that's the last thing I want to do since I have undergone four back surgeries so far.  And...if you sleep on your back that means that your tongue and jaw can fall down and crowd your airway which in turn can make you snore more.  Mayo Clinic experts also say that sleeping on your back is the worst sleeping position, especially if you have sleep apnea.  But, many black-sleepers say they find sleeping on their back to be more comfortable, since they aren't putting weight on their joints.  Well...back-sleepers...beware.  Sleeping on your back means that your tongue and jaw can fall down and crowd your airway.  And many people snore more on their back.  So, what else can you do?  Well, sleeping on your side probably is your best bet.  It does help prevent the airway from collapsing an can reduce snoring.  Sleeping on your side, perhaps with your head slightly elevated as long as that's comfortable, is a good ay to sleep.  Side sleeping is also recommended during pregnancy, especially the last trimester.  Sleeping on the left side is best because it keeps pressure off internal organs and promotes healthy blood flow.  Another reason for pregnant women to sleep on their side is when you are in that third trimester and sleep your back, the uterus is compressing your inferior vena cava.  It's compressing the arterial system.  Sleeping on you side is considered by the Sleep Foundation as the best for people with neck and back pain, especially if you place a small pillow between your knees.  If you don't have that pillow between your knees, the stress of sleeping on the side pulls on your hip and can cause issues.  So, if you haven't been sleeping on your back, you might want to give it a try and see if you an sleep better at night.  Maybe putting a pillow between your knees may help you with sleeping on your side.  Perhaps you will feel better rested in the morning if you give the side sleeping a chance.  Now, I'm really one of the lucky ones, since as soon as I get in bed I'm asleep.  That's why as soon as I pull the covers over me, I make sure I'm on my side.  Next thing I know when I awake is that I'm almost always on my side.  The only bad thing about that is that my wife gets upset that she too can't fall asleep as fast as I can.  And...there's no cure for that except maybe a sleeping pill an hour before bedtime.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.   

The "A Brief Trip Through The Town Known As Lancaster, Pennsylvania"

It was an ordinary day.  Passing through the center of the small town known as Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  Had my camera in the back seat of my car so I decided to snap a few photographs to share with you.  I have lived in Lancaster all my life and after over three-quarters of a century of walking the streets of the city, I know quite a bit about the place.  Decided to park the car and snap a few photos of the downtown area just for the fun of it.  You may have already seen some of my photographs of Lancaster, but I'm sure it won't hurt you to see some of the same things over again.  I've seen the same places over and over again and I'm still OK....that's according to me and not my wife and friends.  Well, anyway, it won't hurt you to see some of the neatest shots of one of our nation's best cities....and that also is according to me.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. 

The first few photos are of the City Hall in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  Lancaster was formed on May 10, 1729 out of Chester County.  It was named for Lancashire in England.  County seat, Lancaster, was chartered a borough in 1742; a city in 1818.  It was the State Capital in 1799-1812.  The County is noted for its rich farmland and ethnic diversity.

The next photograph is of the home and store of Charles Demuth, one of our nations best artists.  Charles was born in Lancaster on November 8, 1883.  He achieved international fame for his precise, modernist paintings including "My Egypt and "I Saw the Figure 5 in Gold."  He traveled in the U.S. and abroad but resided after 1889 in this house.  Here he died in 1935.

Lancaster was famous for its downtown market houses.  The following photographs are of the Eastern Market House on East King Street.

The photographs of the home that follow show where Lancaster's first Mayor, John Passmore lived at one time.  the house was built about 1760.  The photograph with the number on the side of the building was placed on the building in case the home would catch on fire.  It told the firemen where the fire was located.

The final three photos are of one of Lancaster's first banks in town.  Farmer's Trust Company of Lancaster is where my father helped me open my first bank account at the age of 6.  I still deal with the same bank, but today it has the name "Wells Fargo."

The "If Only The Bank Was Still In Operation!" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Attempting to gain entrance into what at one time was the Farmer's Trust Company Of Lancaster which was located at the corner of King and Duke Streets in downtown Lancaster, Pennsyvania.  

Farmer's Bank in Lancaster, Peennylvnia

At one time I had a savings account with the Farmer's Bank.  My dad took me to the bank to open an account when I was 10 years old so I could begin to place money into my own account.  The building was beautiful and had a neat painting on the interior East wall of the bank.  I still remember standing in front of the wall, looking at all the different parts of the painting.  At the very bottom was the title of the painting; "The Vision Of Youth And The Full Strength Of Manhood".  I can still remember standing in front of the huge painting and tying to figure out whom everyone was in the painting and where the painting was made.  

The painting that was on the inside wall of the bank

Dad would take me to the bank with him when he made deposits in his account.  While he stood in line I always stood in front of this neat painting, trying to see something different on every trip to the bank.  I hand't seen the painting for over 60 years so when I tried to enter the bank a few days ago I found that the bank is no longer at that location.  I asked someone who was also looking in the windows of the building if they knew anything about the painting.  They said they didn't remember seeing a painting, but they never looked for one.  The painting was said to have come to Lancaster on July 27, 1825.  The artist, Mr. J. Monroe Hewlett, took as his central theme an historic incident associated with the present location of the bank.  The artist brought into one space the various aspects of the life and history of the community.  

The painting was said to have three levels.  Level one featured William Penn negotiating with the Indians, James Buchanan visiting the bank, General Edward Hand, a surgeon and Revolutionary hero, and Robert Futon, inventor of the steamboat.  Level two featured the Conestoga wagon with a pioneer family.  Level three featured the old State House which stood in Penn Square when Lancaster was the Capitol of the United States for a day.  The Greater Lancaster of the Future is suggested by a magnificent city rising in the distance.  I only wonder if the painting still remains on the wall where the bank used to be located.  I hope to try and find someone that can allow me to enter the old bank to see where the mural once was located.  I shall give it a few tries in hopes of taking another photo to share with you.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  

The "The Founding Of The Lancaster Theological Seminary Story."

It was an ordinary day.  Standing along College Avenue in Lancaster, Pennsylvania taking a few photographs of the Lancaster Theological Seminary which is a seminary of the United Church of Christ in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  It was founded in 1825 by members of the German Reformed Church in the United States to provide theological eduction for prospective clergy and other church leaders.  After a failed attempt to open the school in Frederick, Maryland and another in Harrisburg, Pennsylvnia, the school opened in Carlisle, Pennsylvania on the campus of Dickenson College on March 11, 1825, with a class of five students. Later lectures were held in the "old Reformed Church of Carlisle." At this time the seminary struggled financially and due to the fund raising campaign of James Ross Reily (1788–1884) the seminary was able to relocate to York in 1829. Here attendance averaged between 12 and 25 students.  In 1836–7 the seminary moved again to Mercerburg, Pennsylvania under the charter of Marshall College. Here the work of such celebrated professors as John Williamson Nevin, Friederich Augustus Rauch, and Philip Schaff gave rise to the Mercersburg theology, noted for its historic concerns for worship, sacraments, and Church in its ecumenical expressions.  In 1853 Marshall College moved to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, consolidating with Franklin College to form Franklin and Marshall College. In 1871, the seminary moved to the campus of Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster. While viewed as a temporary arrangement, the present site of the seminary was not purchased until 1893. The buildings were completed and occupied in 1894.  For most of its history (109 of its 168 years), LTS was the sole seminary of the Reformed Church in the United States (German Reformed Church). With the formation of the Evangelical and Reformed Church in 1934, the seminary became one of three seminaries serving that newly united denomination. LTS is currently one of seven seminaries holding full relationship with the UCC, a denomination formed in 1957 by the union of the E&R Church and most of the Congregational Christian Churches. Lancaster Theological Seminary is an official Open and affirming seminary.  A few years ago I had the honor to sing with a few choirs in the Church.  Fantastic sound that was produced in the church.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. 

The "The Long Lost Life Of The Rocky Springs Carousel" Story

It was an ordinary day.  About two weeks ago there appeared a story in my local newspaper's "Lancaster Watchdog" section.  They were once again writing about the efforts to bring new life to the Rocky Springs Park carousel.  And...as usual they were getting nowhere.  The story began by telling about the earthy smell of the wooden rides at Rocky Springs Park some 42 years ago and what can be done to return the wooden Rocky Springs carousel back to life once again.  I can still remember heading to Rocky Springs with my grandfather during summer vacation to ride on many of the rides.  I had many favorites, but I guess my most favorite was the carousel.  The horses seemed to come alive as the huge carousel came up to full speed.  My friends and I all had our favorite horses that we liked to ride and pretended to race against each other as the ride took us around in a circle.  We had such great times riding all the rides until one day the park closed.  When I turned 35 years old, the park in West Lampeter Township on the edge of Lancaster City came back to life.  By that time the only rides that I enjoyed were the roller coaster and the wooden carousel.  Seems that the carousel never lost its charm with all the brightly painted horses and carriages that filled the spinning circle of music.  Then two years later the park closed once again and sent the beautiful carousel first to Michigan and then to Dollywood in Tennessee.  So many fought to bring back the carousel and finally, in 1999, Lancaster City Mayor Charlie Smithgall and a group of supporters successfully reclaimed the carousel.  Only problem is...the carousel hasn't seen the light of day since that time.  Oh! how I would love to hear the organ playing and breathe in the smell of the wooden animals.  But, nothing has happened yet!  Seems that the problem is poor leadership in the Rocky Springs Carousel Association.  The association raised $1.3 million to bring the ride back to Lancaster, but has made little progress since then.  The wooden horses, dogs and roosters have remained in a secret location along with all of the mechanisms that make it go around.  Perhaps some new blood is needed to get that carousel back in service.  There is a Facebook group that has over 2,000 members who share daily pictures, videos and memories of the park.  But...that's as far as it has gone.  The group was reformed in 2020, but that's as far as it has gone.  Seems the goal at present is to find a suitable spot to place the carousel.  Eileen Gregg self-published a book on the carousel in 2022 in hopes of getting enough interest and donations to get the carousel turning once again, but nothing has happened.  Many have lost faith that anything will ever happen to the carousel.  Everyone thought that when Lancaster changed their downtown so they would have space for the carousel, but it never materialized.  Pretty soon I'm going to have to write a letter to someone downtown and tell them I only have so long to be able to see the carousel downtown so they better get with it.  I'm sure that would do the trick!  But, then again, I'm probably the only one who feels that way.  Well, here's hoping that one of my favorite Rocky Springs rides will open soon so I still have a chance to ride on it before I get too old to fly around the outside edges and try and grab the rings from the grasp of the animal holding it.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. 

The "So...Why Did It Take Me So Long to Understand The Meaning Of Woke?" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Reading the "Letters to the editor" column in my local newspaper when I came across a letter that really opened my eyes.  For years I never felt that I understood what the work "woke" really meant.  I finally found an explanation for it!   The explanation in my newspaper came from Mr. Robert Hirsch who was a U.S. Navy Commander (retired) who now lives in nearby Lancaster Township.  He obtained his explanation when he "Googled it".  Now...why didn't I think of that?  Anyway, he begins by saying he hears many Republicans and ultraconservatives using the word "woke" in a disparaging manner, so he did what he always does...Googles it.  He said he found several meanings.  The Merriam-Webster Dictionary states: "The meaning of woke is: aware of and actively attentive to important societal facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social justice)."  Wikipedia states: "In activism and politics, woke means alert to racial prejudice and discrimination."  Lastly, these are two of the definitions on dictionary.com of "woke" as an adjective: (1) "having or marked by an active awareness of systemic injustices and prejudices, especially those involving the treatment of ethnic, racial, or sexual minorities" and (2) "disparaging ... of or relating to a liberal progressive orthodoxy, especially promoting inclusive policies or ideologies that welcome or embrace ethnic, racial, or sexual minorities."  After reading all of these definitions and many others that were similar, it occurred to me that I am definitely "woke."  If someone is not "woke," I believe they are racist and basically uncaring toward others.  I am not only "woke," but darned proud to be.  I hope that someday everyone in our country will be "woke."  Then our country would truly be great.  So feel free to call me "woke," since I consider it a compliment.  Well, Commander Hirsch...I too feel the same as you do!  And...to think that it took me almost 80 years to know exactly what "woke" REALY means.  I'm so glad you took the time to write your letter to the editor and help all who were struggling with the meaning to understand exactly what it means.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  

The "I Try To Hit The Notes As Close As I Can" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Beautiful sunny day on the campus of Woodcrest Villa in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  I had just returned home to my villa after a short choir practice at the auditorium since the choir director had another appointment to keep.  When my wife Carol and I moved to Woodcrest Villa a few months ago I decided to join the choir.  I was a member of St. James Episcopal Church choir for years, but after the director, Mr. Frank McConnell retired I also gave up singing in the choir.  I first joined the St. James boy's choir when I was 8 years old and could read music.  The boy's choir was one of the best known in Lancaster County and had close to two dozen members.  I sang soprano when I first joined, but eventually ended up singing alto when my voice began to get lower.  At about the age of 12,  I left the choir since most all the members were younger and I felt out of place.  My father had been a member for as long as I could remember and when I entered college he talked me into returning to the adult choir which consisted of both men and women from about 16 years old to...well as long as you could stand and walk down the church aisle.  We sang at church services as well as weddings, special programs and even funerals.  When my children became old enough to join the choir, we sang together for a few years.  I eventually left the choir when Mr. McConnell retired.  Family activities demanded so much of my time that I didn't have time to go to choir practices anymore.  Well, it seems that it has come full circle and I thought I would now enjoy singing in the Woodcrest Villa adult choir.  It consists of both men and women who live at Woodcrest Villa homes and apartments.  It looks to be about 30 members strong with both men and women singing soprano, alto, tenor and bass parts.  I have been a member for only a few weeks now, but find I enjoy both the singing and the people who form the choir.  I sing bass with about a half other men.  We haven't performed a concert as of yet, but will do so in the near future.  I'm still learning the music, but find I can handle my part without too much trouble.  And, if I happen to hit a wrong note no one will never know since the pianist covers for us when she plays along.  And, when I look around and see how old everyone else in the auditorium looks, I feel right at home.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.