tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35570911235101321792024-03-15T21:10:26.072-04:00The Last WordGeorge Stockwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993500467805360831noreply@blogger.comBlogger1468125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3557091123510132179.post-58471324689313728812024-03-09T11:14:00.000-05:002024-03-09T11:14:45.886-05:00A Night At the Hospital<p> In the slightly over 81 years that I've been around I've been hospitalized overnight just three times. The first time was when I was 13 and it was to get my tonsils out. The second time was in 2008. I was in the hospital 4 days following kidney surgery. The third time was this past Thursday-1 day ago. </p><p>I had gone to my kidney doctor Thursday afternoon to discuss lab work. In the course of his exam he noted a swelling of my right leg. He was very concerned that I may have a blood clot so he sent me to the hospital right from his office. I got to the emergency room at about 4:30. By the time I actually got in to see someone and get examined and various tests evaluated it was 10 P.M. at which time it was determined that I had cellulitis. Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that if caught early enough can be treated by oral antibiotics. In my case my entire right leg was infected so they decided to admit me and give me a strong dose of antibiotics. </p><p>I was not thrilled at the idea of being hospitalized to say the least. My last experience in the hospital was not a happy one. The nurses were nice enough but I found a lot to be lacking. For example there were many times when I laid there in need of getting my dressings changed because the old ones were sopping wet and getting all over the sheets. Also, when I did ask the nurses for medications I should have gotten they would tell me they'd check on it and that would be the last I'd hear of it. There were other things too but you get the idea.</p><p>I am happy to report that this time around most things went much more smoothly. I had a great nurse and assistant nurse who checked on me frequently and generally followed up on things. The only issue I had was confusion over what medications I was taking. I gave my list of daily medications to practically every person who examined me and yet when it came time for me to take them they couldn't quite get it straight. I never got my daily meds on Thursday. I did however get most of them Friday morning. I say most of them because there was one in particular I didn't get at all. No one could explain why. So that's an area they need to work on. But all in all this time around went much better than my last experience. </p><p>Nevertheless, with any luck at all, that will be the last time I need to spend the night or nights in a hospital. <br /></p><p><br /></p>George Stockwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993500467805360831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3557091123510132179.post-16084925693288395252024-03-01T10:45:00.000-05:002024-03-01T10:45:08.711-05:00Hello March<p><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">About the Month of March</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> <br />
<br />
March is the 3rd month of the year and has 31 days. <br />
Full Moon-March 25th<br />
Season (Northern Hemisphere): Spring <br />
<br />
<b>Holidays</b> <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/read_across_america_day.php"><span style="color: blue;">Read Across America Day (Dr. Seuss Birthday</span></a>)<br />
<a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/saint_patricks_day.php"><span style="color: blue;">Saint Patrick's Day</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/pi_day.php"><span style="color: blue;">Pi Day</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/daylight_saving_day.php"><span style="color: blue;">Daylight Saving Day</span></a> <br />
Women's History Month<br />
National Nutrition Month<br />
American Red Cross Month<br />
Fire Prevention Month </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Symbols of March</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p>
<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Birthstone: aquamarine and
bloodstone</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Flower: daffodil</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Zodiac signs: Pisces and Aries</span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">History:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> <br />
<br />
The name March comes from the <a href="https://www.ducksters.com/history/ancient_roman_gods_mythology.php"><span style="color: blue;">Roman god of war</span></a>, Mars. For many years, March,
being the start of spring, was also the start of the New Year. Much of Europe
used March as the start of the year. Britain used March 25th as the beginning
of the New Year until 1752. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Interesting Facts about March</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p>
<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">It is the first month of Spring
which begins between March 19-21.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">In the Southern Hemisphere, March
is the same as September in the Northern Hemisphere.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Each year March and June end on
the same day of the week.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">It is the time of year when
animals start to wake up from hibernation.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/sports/college_basketball.php"><span style="color: blue;">March Madness</span></a> is a basketball tournament
played by the NCAA.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/easter.php"><span style="color: blue;">Easter</span></a> is sometimes celebrated in March.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjG_o5IvF91rr05AcfNn9yvUAtrtzAQpS6RE98bS8WWiPPI6jVaJeM58hRRhyphenhyphen2zHH4EHqVYnSEDKuEifzFT_5_qu9vbqcuLYVsjRzMAQQViiTUcyAb1fpRRPGFJy9DYlaNQwabVjHAAiTBb-1u1vcOwg6YESGCw2aupf2yJ398end-CtOf6NK7tItNroES/s1446/Screenshot%202024-02-28%20at%203.15.12%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1322" data-original-width="1446" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjG_o5IvF91rr05AcfNn9yvUAtrtzAQpS6RE98bS8WWiPPI6jVaJeM58hRRhyphenhyphen2zHH4EHqVYnSEDKuEifzFT_5_qu9vbqcuLYVsjRzMAQQViiTUcyAb1fpRRPGFJy9DYlaNQwabVjHAAiTBb-1u1vcOwg6YESGCw2aupf2yJ398end-CtOf6NK7tItNroES/w617-h564/Screenshot%202024-02-28%20at%203.15.12%20PM.png" width="617" /></a></div><br /> <br /></span></li></ul>
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{margin-bottom:0in;}</style></p>George Stockwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993500467805360831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3557091123510132179.post-52334434186997058402024-02-21T11:54:00.002-05:002024-02-21T11:54:14.959-05:00End of the road<p>For those of you who have been following my web site, georgeswebpage.com, your next visit there will see the notice I have posted below. It is self explanatory so I won't elaborate further only to say this blog spot that you're reading now will remain active so I look forward to your visits. </p><p>Thank you for your loyalty to my web site. Much of what you saw there will be transferred to this web site but not all of it. Many of the pictures on my web site have been there a very long time so it's time to retire them and replace them with others. </p><p>See you soon. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8h3jSujrl0HbRy3XFIXuVxbABkPAvaNXKyx2Pc_jwJE-S7_1VqA2jvba13wxW85y3RDbBleqNSxlqoHxQZeoNJpNCRFD9QSYOHu1JOpQYpsThEIcqUrP4G05t0PMOzGDsqaEKVHWD8ZQM_QytT98ihuqE_g9d_odfUG-rJaRfp1mOBF3pJWjuvoDcv7W/s1782/Screenshot%202024-02-20%20at%2010.41.59%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1606" data-original-width="1782" height="569" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8h3jSujrl0HbRy3XFIXuVxbABkPAvaNXKyx2Pc_jwJE-S7_1VqA2jvba13wxW85y3RDbBleqNSxlqoHxQZeoNJpNCRFD9QSYOHu1JOpQYpsThEIcqUrP4G05t0PMOzGDsqaEKVHWD8ZQM_QytT98ihuqE_g9d_odfUG-rJaRfp1mOBF3pJWjuvoDcv7W/w632-h569/Screenshot%202024-02-20%20at%2010.41.59%20AM.png" width="632" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>George Stockwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993500467805360831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3557091123510132179.post-68005025029078622322024-02-06T15:20:00.004-05:002024-02-06T15:20:39.166-05:00Story 46: What would you want to be famous for?<p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal">As promised here's another example of the kinds of questions I'm sent by Storyworth. I almost rejected this one but decided I'd give it a whirl. I hope you like it. I'm almost done with Volume II of the book. I have 4 more stories to go to total 50.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Story 46: What would you want to be famous for?<br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Interesting question this week. Quite frankly I am not in
the least bit interested in being famous-or infamous-for anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just not comfortable in the limelight. So
why did I decide to take this question? Well, as Andy Warhol is said to have
quoted, everyone gets 15 minutes of fame so if that’s the case I might as well
choose what it’s going to be for, right? </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have no athletic skills so I wouldn’t be a famous sports
figure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t sing or act so that’s
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m certainly not a politician so
you’ll never be reading or hearing about a Senator or President Stockwell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if I could wiggle my nose and presto I
was one of those things, I still wouldn’t want it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess when all is said and done the one
thing I’d most want to be famous for is my philanthropy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone like Andrew Carnegie or Warren Buffett
or Bill Gates. I would like to be known for using my vast fortune to make the
world a better place for others. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is no shortage of ways to spend millions upon millions
of dollars for the betterment of humanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I would start right here in the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about it. Just in the area of health
care alone you could wipe out a fortune.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are so many people who can’t afford the care they need in spite of
the government’s insistence that there is a safety net in place to care for
those who can’t afford effective health insurance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about the many times you hear about
someone who needs a certain medicine or an operation but can’t afford them so
they go without. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So that’s where I would start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing is I wouldn’t want my fortune
to be the result of harmful acts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
example when Alfred Nobel invented dynamite it was intended to be for use in
the mining industry but it wasn’t long before others figured out you could also
use it to make weapons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then there
are those who used ruthless business practices to the detriment of others to
amass their fortunes but later decided to use their money for good causes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need my fortune to be the result of
intelligent investing or something like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So there you have it-philanthropy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just remember to spell my name correctly when
they put the monument of me next to the Lincoln Memorial. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
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month of the year and has 28 or 29 days. The 29th day is every 4 years during
leap year. <br />
<br />
Season (Northern Hemisphere): Winter <br />
Full moon-Feb 24th</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><br />
<b>Holidays</b> <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/chinese_new_year.php"><span style="color: blue;">Chinese New Year</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/national_freedom_day.php"><span style="color: blue;">National Freedom Day</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/groundhog_day.php"><span style="color: blue;">Groundhog Day</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/valentines_day.php"><span style="color: blue;">Valentine's Day</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.ducksters.com/biography/uspresidents/president_fun_facts.php"><span style="color: blue;">President's Day</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/mardi_gras.php"><span style="color: blue;">Mardi Gras</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/ash_wednesday.php"><span style="color: blue;">Ash Wednesday</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/black_history_month.php"><span style="color: blue;">Black History Month</span></a><br />
American Heart Month<br />
Chocolate Lover's Month<br />
<a href="https://www.ducksters.com/animals/birds.php"><span style="color: blue;">National
Bird Feeding Month</span></a><br />
National Dental Month <br />
<br />
<b>Symbols of February:</b> </span></p>
<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Birthstone: Amethyst</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Flower: Primrose</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Zodiac signs: Aquarius and Pisces</span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">History:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> <br />
<br />
February was added to the Roman calendar in 713 BC. The length of the month
changed over time and, at one time, it had as few as 23 days. When Julius
Caesar remade the Roman calendar, the month was assigned 28 days during normal
years and 29 days during leap years which occurred every four years. <br />
<br />
<b>Interesting Facts about February</b> </span></p>
<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">It is the shortest month of the
year.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The Welsh call February "y
mis bach" which means "little month".</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">It is the third month of winter.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">In the Southern Hemisphere
February is a summer month the equivalent of August.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The month is named for the Latin
word februum which means purification.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Together with January, it was the
last of the months added to the Roman calendar.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The largest American sporting
event of the year, the Super Bowl, is held in February.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The Saxon term for the month,
Sol-monath, means "cake month". This is because they offered
cakes to the gods during this month.</span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2fvDvk-WYHyY4W60XIsskDRp6DF1F7aJHpe1gRTGcTY4ACfUS84ZU5yniRay0LHCKpTZrlbnuVJH8cMe015FEOO9EYn0rt7zONxVMqlGx75_zYXXe40FTDfo7aDF4jejF5H0A3_MQBICzxHJ_262OO1cmlxxYN8y3-mf5Np8XsrwS5dsmt2QJBsHAe4x/s1450/Screenshot%202024-01-28%20at%2011.45.06%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1450" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2fvDvk-WYHyY4W60XIsskDRp6DF1F7aJHpe1gRTGcTY4ACfUS84ZU5yniRay0LHCKpTZrlbnuVJH8cMe015FEOO9EYn0rt7zONxVMqlGx75_zYXXe40FTDfo7aDF4jejF5H0A3_MQBICzxHJ_262OO1cmlxxYN8y3-mf5Np8XsrwS5dsmt2QJBsHAe4x/w619-h454/Screenshot%202024-01-28%20at%2011.45.06%20AM.png" width="619" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
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{margin-bottom:0in;}</style></p>George Stockwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993500467805360831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3557091123510132179.post-30203615515614417672024-01-22T09:03:00.003-05:002024-01-22T09:03:47.935-05:00Story 45: Coming up<p>I just finished story number 44 of Volume Two. Tomorrow morning (Monday, Jan. 22, 2024) I will receive the question for story number 45 of my book. I probably won't like the question or I will probably have received it when I did Volume One of my book so I've chosen a new question. Here it is: Story 45: What's your idea of a perfect day?</p><p>I have 5 stories/questions/chapters to go at which time I'll begin the time consuming process of editing all 50. I usually edit them as I go along but I often miss something so I need to do it again.</p><p>At this point you're probably wondering what in the world I'm talking about. Well, let me explain. Two years ago my son and daughter-in-law got me a Christmas gift in the form of a subscription to a service called Storyworth. What they do is send you a question every week about some aspect of your life. The written answer to that question becomes a chapter in what is ultimately a book. After 52 weeks and after all the editing is done you get to pick out a cover design and a couple of weeks later you get your book.</p><p>After answering 52 questions about yourself, you actually end up with an autobiography. It's a fun process and it really makes you think about your life. </p><p>If you like to write and if you're looking for an interesting activity this may be for you. Log on to Storyworth.com and check it out. </p><p>Here's a picture of Volume One of my book.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFD0XyZs4cHP8MVpIYnP7WVloHiGM5bGm04_bcbgQnZO6fXPFCwSN5TmxfoclzxduJGebLtvciEF9xF3Og28yCD5vJ1ROsQFRqx6Nu5maDk5azU37jFP55RAtcG9G2W5JNWIhkxW7KavwxRNt99_x0zt_h9hyithVAIDMzpyH5Ani8SwoWI3_6u5temnkL/s4032/IMG_1557.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFD0XyZs4cHP8MVpIYnP7WVloHiGM5bGm04_bcbgQnZO6fXPFCwSN5TmxfoclzxduJGebLtvciEF9xF3Og28yCD5vJ1ROsQFRqx6Nu5maDk5azU37jFP55RAtcG9G2W5JNWIhkxW7KavwxRNt99_x0zt_h9hyithVAIDMzpyH5Ani8SwoWI3_6u5temnkL/w460-h614/IMG_1557.jpeg" width="460" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> <br /></p>George Stockwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993500467805360831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3557091123510132179.post-4426870592643581642024-01-11T19:52:00.001-05:002024-01-11T19:52:10.707-05:00End of Year Report<p>I like to keep track of things. I don't know why. It's just one of those many weird things I do. For example I keep track of how much fuel oil and propane we use every year and I keep track of how much fuel our cars use. I do that last one mostly because by doing that I discovered a certain gas station was stealing our credit card information and I was able to stop it. </p><p>Another thing I keep track of is all the books I read through out the year. Strange, isn't it? I mean who cares how many books you've read? No one, but I do anyway. So here's my end of year report on the books I've read. The total is 31. They are all fiction. I have to admit. I'm not big on non fiction. That's not to say I've never read non fiction but I just prefer fiction-especially historical fictional.</p><p>So for my favorite book of 2023 the honors go to The Parisians by Marius Gabriel. It is a World War Two era novel about people struggling to survive the Nazi occupation of Paris. Like many of the books I've read about World War Two, it focuses on the hardships of civilians as opposed to those of the soldiers. </p><p>Now it's 2024 and I'm just finishing a book I started toward the end of 2023 so I have to pick my next book. I'm not sure what it's going to be so stay tuned. <br /></p>George Stockwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993500467805360831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3557091123510132179.post-65343613228540613402023-12-31T08:58:00.007-05:002023-12-31T08:58:40.246-05:00Hello January & Mercifully 2024!<p> Good bye and good riddance to 2023. It has been a generally miserable year. Yeah, yeah, it could have been worse. After all here I am sitting here writing this but still it could have been a heck of a lot better. The weather stunk, there were numerous health issues with my wife and myself and it closed out with family disruptions. So my expectations for 2024 are quite high. Don't let me down!</p><p>Here're the usual tidbits about the new month of January. </p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">January is the 1st
month of the year and has 31 days. <br />
<br />
Season (Northern Hemisphere): Winter <br />
<br />
<b>Holidays</b> <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/new_years_day.php"><span style="color: blue;">New Years Day</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.ducksters.com/biography/martin_luther_king_jr.php"><span style="color: blue;">Martin Luther King Jr. Day</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/australia_day.php"><span style="color: blue;">Australia Day</span></a> <br />
National Book Month<br />
National Thank You Month<br />
National Eye Care Month<br />
National Volunteer Blood Donor Month<br />
National Soup Month <br />
<br />
<b>Symbols of January:</b> </span></p>
<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Birthstone: Garnet</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Flower: Carnation</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Zodiac signs: Capricorn and
Aquarius</span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">History:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> <br />
<br />
January was named after the Roman god Janus. Janus is also the Roman word for
door. The god Janus had two faces which allowed him to look forwards into the
coming year and backwards into the past year. <br />
<br />
The original Roman calendar only had 10 months. January and February were not
included, but were added later. <br />
<br />
<b>January in Other Languages</b> </span></p>
<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Chinese (Mandarin) - yiyuè</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Danish - januar </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Italian - gennaio </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Latin - Ianuarius </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">French - janvier </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Spanish - enero </span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Historical Names:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p>
<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Roman: Januarius</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Saxon: Giuli</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Germanic: Schnee-mond (Snow
month)</span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Interesting Facts about January</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></p>
<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">On average, it is the coldest
month of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">It is the second month of winter.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">In the Southern Hemisphere
January is a summer month the equivalent of July.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Sometimes the <a href="https://www.ducksters.com/history/middle_ages/anglo_saxons.php"><span style="color: blue;">Saxons</span></a> called January the wolf month because
hungry wolves would come into their towns searching for food this time of
year.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">For a long period of European
history, the start of the New Year occurred in March. <br /></span></li></ul>
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{margin-bottom:0in;}</style> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRA8UM1ycCElkTe79rlUmNgu1Y27AZDle_0Kzjcjx3xRAa5F5VfA1pyWInvfJmD96jXlwfkoKQDnAIXq6WtN3zmlkTlKf8pgf6FS1quEdDYDO4iXfN5mb8K8jO3MB3RggvCzVNVB-WaI9fMKfedCny1fo1W7I6YFjB8mlXdGpNcfMLZLv4Fpu3VYdzc_dq/s1444/Screenshot%202023-12-31%20at%208.38.36%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1444" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRA8UM1ycCElkTe79rlUmNgu1Y27AZDle_0Kzjcjx3xRAa5F5VfA1pyWInvfJmD96jXlwfkoKQDnAIXq6WtN3zmlkTlKf8pgf6FS1quEdDYDO4iXfN5mb8K8jO3MB3RggvCzVNVB-WaI9fMKfedCny1fo1W7I6YFjB8mlXdGpNcfMLZLv4Fpu3VYdzc_dq/w694-h471/Screenshot%202023-12-31%20at%208.38.36%20AM.png" width="694" /></a></div><br />George Stockwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993500467805360831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3557091123510132179.post-41923693974903112112023-12-14T08:47:00.005-05:002023-12-14T08:55:59.234-05:00A Sad Day<p> Today is the 11th anniversary of the Sandy Hook School shooting tragedy. Twenty one children and six adult staff members were killed. When I got the news of this horrific event I was in the waiting room of my kidney doctor's office. A nurse came in and said to me "didn't you teach at Sandy Hook?" I replied I did. She told me to go to the outer waiting room and look at the TV. </p><p>That happened at about 9:30 in the morning so events were unfolding. I went ahead with my appointment and rushed home after too watch events unfold on TV. It ended up being the worst day of my life and I'm 80.</p><p>What's been done since then to address the issue of gun violence? Nothing. It is this country's greatest failure. Is there cause for optimism over the coming year or two? None. Not as long as we have a House of Representatives controlled by republicans. </p><p>So onward we go, into the future, proudly wearing our guns on our belts. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70wsU5UWA9eKvMGCpJWtBI_I-ORRqM4Q3sp-ljp7IMqGZSMYmQ0jvvnUqaSszNmscPsTrKl8rfNmfzx5cKLviOaDU8OwHqQD-YUr7sx4aeCbMMKAd1GP3tfU7TExY_3vJ0Xx1jT5rrRryGLIW_NQHqtpu-gn27f2gtZCuiVq3-2J6zgaJEeF6boPYCVhi/s850/319556495_537592614938731_5762433016058932996_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="850" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70wsU5UWA9eKvMGCpJWtBI_I-ORRqM4Q3sp-ljp7IMqGZSMYmQ0jvvnUqaSszNmscPsTrKl8rfNmfzx5cKLviOaDU8OwHqQD-YUr7sx4aeCbMMKAd1GP3tfU7TExY_3vJ0Xx1jT5rrRryGLIW_NQHqtpu-gn27f2gtZCuiVq3-2J6zgaJEeF6boPYCVhi/w666-h247/319556495_537592614938731_5762433016058932996_n.jpg" width="666" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>George Stockwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993500467805360831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3557091123510132179.post-22082625829918499362023-12-01T08:40:00.000-05:002023-12-01T08:40:05.411-05:00Welcome December<p>About December</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">About
the Month of December</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<br />
<br />
December is the 12th month of the year and has 31 days. <br />
<br />
Season (Northern Hemisphere): Winter <br />
<br />
<b>Holidays</b> <br />
<br />
</span><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/history/world_war_ii/pearl_harbor_attack.php"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pearl
Harbor Day</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/hanukkah.php"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hanukkah</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/christmas.php"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christmas</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/boxing_day.php"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Boxing Day</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/kwanzaa.php"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kwanzaa</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br />
</span><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/kidsbooks/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Read a New Book Month</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Human Rights Month<br />
Calendar Awareness Month<br />
National Handwashing Awareness Week<br />
National Fruit Cake Month <br />
<br />
<b>Symbols of December</b> </span></p>
<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Birthstone: Turquoise, zircon, or
tanzanite</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Flower: Narcissus or Holly</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Zodiac signs: Sagittarius or
Capricorn</span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">History:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br />
<br />
December was originally the tenth month of the year in the Roman calendar. It
gets its name from the Latin word "decem" which means tenth. However,
when the Romans added January and February to the calendar, it became the
twelfth month. They still kept the name, though. <br />
<br />
<b>December in Other Languages</b> </span></p>
<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chinese (Mandarin) - shí'èryuè </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Danish - december </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">French - décembre </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Italian - dicembre</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Latin - December </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Spanish - diciembre <br /></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Historical
Names:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span></p>
<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Roman: December</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Saxon: Giuli</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Germanic: Heil-mond (Holy month)</span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Interesting
Facts about December</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span></p>
<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is the first month of winter
and the last month of the year.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">National Cookie Day is December
4th. Other snacks celebrated this month include pie, cotton candy,
chocolate brownies (mmm!), cocoa, and cupcakes.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">December often marks the beginning
of rain, snow, and cold weather.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the United States the month is
associated with Christmas. There are Christmas decorations, sales,
musicals, and parties. Many people spend their time Christmas shopping.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A lot of people have days off
around Christmas and before New Year's Eve.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">December in the Northern
Hemisphere is similar to June in the Southern Hemisphere.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The first day of Winter is on
either December 21 or 22. This is the shortest day of the year and the
longest night. It is called the Winter or Southern solstice in the
Northern Hemisphere.</span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLxCZig9WGPDFeT_NoX5w2mipRoHoGYk3wc0k8OXYcbxwzkYdxWI8FZzW_C2SpaB-tkEaRV5UWrozGKuqulBBbMaIIFevkdsjAsIJYaaI5R8SvOQnBUNBTiyFnvVUDb6vrWUJo54TLgobHAFUvMJgZl7BbUUhniuVwITRCNmEtVDhNygLna66fXWW-uYy/s726/dec2023.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="726" height="567" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLxCZig9WGPDFeT_NoX5w2mipRoHoGYk3wc0k8OXYcbxwzkYdxWI8FZzW_C2SpaB-tkEaRV5UWrozGKuqulBBbMaIIFevkdsjAsIJYaaI5R8SvOQnBUNBTiyFnvVUDb6vrWUJo54TLgobHAFUvMJgZl7BbUUhniuVwITRCNmEtVDhNygLna66fXWW-uYy/w646-h567/dec2023.png" width="646" /></a></div> <br /><p></p>
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{margin-bottom:0in;}</style></p>George Stockwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993500467805360831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3557091123510132179.post-63216305949066107412023-11-23T09:01:00.001-05:002023-11-23T09:01:25.355-05:00November 23, 2023<p>Today is Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving to one and all. It marks the 57th Thanksgiving that my wife, Sandi, and I have been together. </p><p>It is also noteworthy for two other sad reasons. First it was 60 years ago yesterday that President Kennedy was assassinated. On that day I was working at my desk at the Bridgeport Brass Co. Arlene, our secretary, came in with tears streaming down her face announcing the news.</p><p>Finally it has been 49 years ago today that Sandi's brother Ricky was killed in a hunting accident surrounded by mysterious circumstances. No one came forward to admit it and nothing more was ever found out about it. </p><p>Good bye for now.<br /></p>George Stockwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993500467805360831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3557091123510132179.post-62515130991913620192023-11-13T09:08:00.002-05:002023-11-13T09:08:23.153-05:00<p>I was just sitting here looking over my calendar on my computer and I discovered that the first two weeks of November have been marked by:</p><p><b>Three</b> visits to a vascular surgeon</p><p><b>Two</b> visits to a blood lab</p><p>A visit to an eye doctor</p><p>A visit to my primary care MD</p><p>A visit to an infusion center</p><p>A visit to my kidney doctor</p><p>That's a total of nine medically related appointments in 14 days. On top of that I'm on so many medications I have to keep a paper listing them in my wallet so every time I'm asked what meds I'm on I pull it out and read from it. </p><p> It's not that I'm critically sick or falling apart. It's just that I need to stay on top of things or I will be falling apart. Such is life at 80 years old. </p><p>Of course, I'm not alone in this constant battle to stay somewhat fit. Many of my friends are fighting the same fight. And the fact is I will never be totally free of some sort of medical issue. That's just the way it is. </p><p>So what should a person do to deal with this? Simple. Just keep going. What else can you do? The alternative is not very pleasant so it all goes down to my life motto: keep calm and carry on. And to anyone else who is dealing with the same issues, I would give you the same advice. <br /></p><p><br /></p>George Stockwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993500467805360831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3557091123510132179.post-79495036254189865992023-11-01T09:13:00.000-04:002023-11-01T09:13:01.604-04:00Hello, November<p> About November</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <b><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Holidays</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/veterans_day.php"><span style="color: blue;">Veterans Day</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/world_diabetes_day.php"><span style="color: blue;">World Diabetes Day</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/thanksgiving_day.php"><span style="color: blue;">Thanksgiving</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.ducksters.com/history/native_americans.php"><span style="color: blue;">American Indian Heritage Month</span></a><br />
Good Nutrition Month<br />
Aviation Month<br />
American Diabetes Awareness Month<br />
<a href="https://www.ducksters.com/hobbies/stampcollecting.php"><span style="color: blue;">National Stamp Collecting Month</span></a><br />
National Peanut Butter Lover's Month <br />
<br />
<b>Symbols of November</b> </span></p>
<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Birthstone: Topaz and citrine</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Flower: Chrysanthemum</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Zodiac signs: Scorpio and Sagittarius</span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">History:</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br />
<br />
In the original Roman calendar, November was the ninth month of the year. It
got its name from the Latin word "novem" which means nine. However,
it became the eleventh month when the Romans added in January and February to
the start of the year. <br />
<br />
Throughout much of history, November has often been thought of as a somber
month because it signaled the start of winter. People would spend the month
storing up their harvest and preparing their food and homes in order to survive
the winter.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Interesting Facts
about November</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is the last month of the Fall season.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">November in the Northern Hemisphere is similar to May
in the Southern Hemisphere.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/history/us_government_voting.php"><span style="color: blue;">Elections</span></a> are held in the United States on
the Tuesday after the first Monday in November.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The third Thursday of November is the Great American
Smokeout. Smokers are encouraged by the American Cancer Society to stop
smoking on this day.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some Christian churches celebrate All Saint's Day on
the first day of November and All Souls Day on the 2nd.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">American football is the main sport watched in the
United States during this month.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Most, if not all, of the leaves have fallen off the
trees by the end of November.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMKGjDPPj-UbH_E2B1hKyGxEcUPRBikODrIz2ljypENbdIzjqzb1K-VvYry30-cEacEbomYsz9U2LXifMAw_FeChy3n3OZbBaJPoDX1o9rWKEY30I4jC3nU9mExbtLEQrhO4PVJxXKLO6JCUvhwDwKKLizyMeDQ-ROkWSPabKcQWY5mlF7Ln8N1rslSV1/s724/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-29%20at%2011.55.44%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="724" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMKGjDPPj-UbH_E2B1hKyGxEcUPRBikODrIz2ljypENbdIzjqzb1K-VvYry30-cEacEbomYsz9U2LXifMAw_FeChy3n3OZbBaJPoDX1o9rWKEY30I4jC3nU9mExbtLEQrhO4PVJxXKLO6JCUvhwDwKKLizyMeDQ-ROkWSPabKcQWY5mlF7Ln8N1rslSV1/w608-h486/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-29%20at%2011.55.44%20AM.png" width="608" /></a></div><br /> </span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span></p>
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{margin-bottom:0in;}</style></p>George Stockwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993500467805360831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3557091123510132179.post-2516920295163543022023-10-23T09:57:00.001-04:002023-10-23T09:57:39.423-04:00<p> Here's another sample from Volume Two, A Brief History.</p><p><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Story
30: </span><a href="https://mr.postman.storyworth.com/c/eJx0kMEKnDAQhp8m3rKYzBj14KFQfA2ZJBOVVbONs5V9-7JeCoXeBuaD7___OARyWPFgXO867BD6ahlS8hZbwx6wpRqDgS5aQOgjudC0ploH11iIBK0P1iND0zUMzjXdFCNZmlwXEmAinXqPGtF6Ta13OhoXU01ta_paYf3Kp-x0PE7J5XPlIssj5L3ahkXkdSr4oeyo7Hhd1z-IsuP75KLsOHMuM-tTcnhevG3Kjjeq7Biz_uS3Xug3a9KJ9nX76J13z-V-XOu5fI-o5yzCh5asn0e-tGcRLgpux7RGBT-dCc4kChYImm-DDoGNNVUZ5r9urMNCRbg8DpbqzjGt8b9jVTL8evMpaz7-BAAA__9uZn6k"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -.1pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do you have a family
member you wish you'd gotten to know better?</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -.1pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Yes…and no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How’s
that for a nice clear answer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were
five people in my immediate family. There were my parents, two sisters and
little, old me. My parents stayed together until their mutual deaths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My father died first at the age of 72.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother died four years later at the age of
76.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother was 10 months older than
my father. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In addition to my parents I had a sister 8 years older than
me and one two years younger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My older
sister left home at the age of 19 when I was 11.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While she was home I knew her about as well
as an eleven year old little brother could know a big sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I know my younger sister quite well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were in some of the same social circles in
high school and later when we both married and had families our parents’ house
became a weekly gathering place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even to
this day my younger sister and her second husband don’t live far from us and we
see them from time to time but email on a more regular basis so we are in
frequent touch.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My relationship with my older sister was much more
complicated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She passed away at the age
of 69.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was 61 but I hadn’t seen her in
at least 20 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In thinking back
there were several long periods of time between contacts with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I mentioned she left home when I was
11.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t see her again for any
length of time for the next 10 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then when I got drafted and stationed in North Carolina we reconnected
and there were several weekends when I traveled to Virginia to visit with her
and her family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I got discharged I
didn’t see her again until I got married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That was a couple of years later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then there was another very long period of time when I didn’t see
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so it went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I would of course hear about her through her daughters and
my sister but there was never any direct contact between the two of us. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I’ve never really been able to explain why this
happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We simply didn’t reach out to
each other much. That’s all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of our
interactions were somewhat conflict ridden so that didn’t help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really believe there was a sibling rivalry
thing going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My sister was 8 when I
was born so all attention turned to me and that seemed to be the case going
forward-especially where my mother was concerned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I can’t say I’ve really been bothered by it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To use a very overused saying it is what it
is.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are others outside my immediate family that I would
have been interested in knowing better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My mother’s parents for example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have no recollection of them whatever. They passed away before I was
born or at least when I was a baby. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There’s also my mother’s brother Manly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got my middle name from him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was very close to my mother but when he
returned from World War II he stayed around for a while then went to California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He severed all contact from his whole family
back east.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did connect with his son,
my cousin, some years later but he was not forthcoming with information.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Here again I don’t lay awake nights thinking about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s simply part of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I do get curious from time to time when
we have family discussions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other than my
sister and uncle there are no other family members who are mysteries to me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">First picture: My sister Judy's high school grad picture.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Second Picture: A collage of my Uncle Manlio.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Third Picture: My maternal grandfather with Judy.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsv5lYeQIKG7b7dgjp6hoce_4YDrXvFI1eRuP6FFzvsyzF36NNBKlH2XVVfQNySQf_f7EwU_RCsNUV624MPBhJjGhhZO7WspxrgVHcq-uFu33z1-S27RxuSBcSPDbjAzj-kYQV2mUHnYmiSpGQF06xSC_hS9otW1X_sgvezFavmC4fKqhCVlmJpXlFVlUF/s2946/judyhsb&w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2946" data-original-width="2400" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsv5lYeQIKG7b7dgjp6hoce_4YDrXvFI1eRuP6FFzvsyzF36NNBKlH2XVVfQNySQf_f7EwU_RCsNUV624MPBhJjGhhZO7WspxrgVHcq-uFu33z1-S27RxuSBcSPDbjAzj-kYQV2mUHnYmiSpGQF06xSC_hS9otW1X_sgvezFavmC4fKqhCVlmJpXlFVlUF/w430-h528/judyhsb&w.jpg" width="430" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODSwuyvOkV0_dpJJFnyQdcHrYhesDtsdCjppiApyIQbUjbG3Xe3N80SfzAVMKIQX53B8XK5pTBU5PEuwEXz35ZO9qUls7kEc_qW9dS71GazfZrBl8OTLt6gBNGlrg-G3rl9vaDzupQaWg292E68YMKp5l9Q4qqfMcrvzQncy11nwKi8UUTsiItfu_BF3v/s2828/more%20pics%20of%20manley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2828" data-original-width="1816" height="637" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODSwuyvOkV0_dpJJFnyQdcHrYhesDtsdCjppiApyIQbUjbG3Xe3N80SfzAVMKIQX53B8XK5pTBU5PEuwEXz35ZO9qUls7kEc_qW9dS71GazfZrBl8OTLt6gBNGlrg-G3rl9vaDzupQaWg292E68YMKp5l9Q4qqfMcrvzQncy11nwKi8UUTsiItfu_BF3v/w409-h637/more%20pics%20of%20manley.jpg" width="409" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMX4uYg6sVq0zR7teIWmB9RSLegbMaXhiSl5JtcSoeBOoICPLnC0F3GzU99f0tOwnVRNMdB_ouHz1D9lTZBk78xDxVs5msqKZE4TzEawD_zsSmPauHCtvK1V29lko75mJK5Q6zyGaXSqDV0Nbzw9BwRHZqakUxBcMk1AviJ03rfxLUyHGcuBosp8VzycjD/s2856/assorted8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2856" data-original-width="2204" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMX4uYg6sVq0zR7teIWmB9RSLegbMaXhiSl5JtcSoeBOoICPLnC0F3GzU99f0tOwnVRNMdB_ouHz1D9lTZBk78xDxVs5msqKZE4TzEawD_zsSmPauHCtvK1V29lko75mJK5Q6zyGaXSqDV0Nbzw9BwRHZqakUxBcMk1AviJ03rfxLUyHGcuBosp8VzycjD/w347-h450/assorted8.jpg" width="347" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>George Stockwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993500467805360831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3557091123510132179.post-55592553560260791842023-10-12T09:40:00.005-04:002023-10-12T09:40:46.984-04:00Happy birthdays<p> Note: birthdays plural. October is a big month for birthdays. My wife Sandi's is the 4th and our grandson Cole's is the 11th. This year is especially big for Cole as he turns 16. He sent me a text showing him proudly displaying his learner's permit so we have a new driver in the family. </p><p>Where does the time go? It seems like just yesterday he was following me around the yard with his toy plastic wheel barrow, picking up little twigs and generally helping me around the yard. And he's not even the oldest. There are two others older than him. </p><p>Funny how they all age so quickly and we kind of stay the same, isn't it?</p><p>Happy birthday. Cole is 16. Sandi isn't! <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ta0PtgvJIJXVXmwh02ixc1lE_ZYVIHWZsJVsRT-9KOAHqdbpyt_G41-v9b0P5SaH-G9Clyv_l1lFeZ8HzBvSSUA9areQwRBVzmBJDXqVyaGYHAeSlfEShfismY3fQAORnAOkMBntuFvM4dZsGzXrAtUajOX3FqWWTifXVtvdbYdKG8AGrkdYKnEEhPHc/s640/z51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="640" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ta0PtgvJIJXVXmwh02ixc1lE_ZYVIHWZsJVsRT-9KOAHqdbpyt_G41-v9b0P5SaH-G9Clyv_l1lFeZ8HzBvSSUA9areQwRBVzmBJDXqVyaGYHAeSlfEShfismY3fQAORnAOkMBntuFvM4dZsGzXrAtUajOX3FqWWTifXVtvdbYdKG8AGrkdYKnEEhPHc/w571-h446/z51.jpg" width="571" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>George Stockwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993500467805360831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3557091123510132179.post-56892147954210774732023-10-06T11:52:00.000-04:002023-10-06T11:52:11.834-04:00Story 29; Vol. II, My Stories<p>I thought you would find the latest story to Volume Two of My Stories interesting. When you have settled on a motto for yourself, leave it in the comments section. Thanks.</p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal">Story 29: What would you consider your motto?<br /><br />This week’s question is interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask most people what their motto is and they
would probably say they don’t really have one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But in my view whether or not you realize it everyone has a motto. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A motto is like an abbreviated philosophy of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a reflection of your basic personality
and character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example consider the following three
potential mottos: “Live everyday like it’s your last”; “Be the change you wish
to see in the world”; “One day at a time”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Each one of these mottos represents a different way to approach life
whether it be above all else, have a good time all the way to make a plan to
change the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My personal motto is very much a reflection of my particular
way of handling things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is <b><i>Keep Calm</i></b>
<b><i>and Carry On</i></b>. The keep calm part is definitely me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t fly off the handle when life hits a
brick wall-and believe me-at 80 years old I’ve hit more than a few brick
walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The second part is also like me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I interpret Carry On to mean analyze the
situation and handle it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When life
throws a monkey wrench into the works, figure out what needs to be done to work
things out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But sometimes life’s little wrenches don’t
have a solution. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carry on, that’s what.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Curling up into a ball of despair is not going to solve anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have to confess I did not invent the Keep Calm and Carry
On motto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As far as I can determine it originated
during world war II by England’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ministry of Information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To me
that makes sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sentiment of Keep
Calm is very British.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re not an
excitable group of people like, say, the Italians who become very animated and
emotional during crises situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given
the fact I’m part English and part Italian my temperament could have gone
either way but in thinking back to my childhood it was my Italian mother who
tended to keep calm when things went south and my English father was the one
who flew off the handle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go figure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My family has always been a little weird. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In order to help you, dear reader, decide on a motto that
suits you, here’s a list of potential mottos<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I put together for your consideration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just think about the kind of person you are and choose one-or make up
one of your own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a motto out there
for everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">2. Live every day like it's your last.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">3. Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">4. Be the change you wish to see in the world.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">5. Let go of who you think you're supposed to be and embrace
who you are.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">6. If you are not obsessed with your life, change it.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">7. Set some goals, then demolish them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">8. A ship at harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are
for.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">9. Take small steps every day.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">10. If you're tired of starting over, stop giving up.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">11. Be a rainbow in someone else's cloud.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">12. Don't sweat the small stuff</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">13. Will this matter a year from now? </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">14. Always remember to fall asleep with a dream and wake up
with a purpose.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">15. If you are not wiling to risk the unusual, you will have
to settle for the ordinary.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">16. Always find a reason to laugh.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">17. What's meant to be will always find a way. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">18. If you can't stop thinking about it, don't stop working
for it.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">19. Life is a one time offer, use it well.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">20. Life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">21. We have tomorrows for a reason. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">22. Your soul knows when it's on to something.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">23. Eat healthy, sleep well, breathe deeply, enjoy life.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">24. Some of the best things in life are mistakes.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">25. Everything in life that matters requires risk.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">26. Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">27. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">28. Always believe that something wonderful is about to
happen.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">29. If for a while the harder you try the harder it gets,
take heart. So it has been for the best people who ever lived.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">30. Be happy with what you have while working for what you
want. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">31. Be who you needed when you were younger.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">32. A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for
anything.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">33. If you love something, set it free. If it comes back,
it's yours. If it doesn't, it never was.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">34. Nothing will make you feel better except doing the work.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">35. What you choose to focus on becomes your reality. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And if none of these do it for you then here’s my advice
<b><i>DON’T WORRY. BE HAPPY</i></b>!</p>
<p><style>@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</style> <br /></p>George Stockwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993500467805360831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3557091123510132179.post-15042634898357863902023-09-29T09:10:00.001-04:002023-09-29T09:10:14.995-04:00Hello, October<p> <span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">About October</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Holidays</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">
<br />
<br data-pw-in-article="true" />
<a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/yom_kippur.php">Yom Kippur</a><br />
<a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/columbus_day.php">Columbus Day</a><br />
<a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/child_health_day.php">Child Health
Day</a><br />
<a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/halloween.php">Halloween</a> <br />
National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sep 15 through Oct 15)<br data-pw-in-article="true" />
Italian American Heritage Month<br data-pw-in-article="true" />
Polish American Heritage Month<br data-pw-in-article="true" />
National Breast Cancer Month<br data-pw-in-article="true" />
National Pizza Month<br data-pw-in-article="true" />
National Dessert Month</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Country Music Month<br data-pw-in-article="true" />
National Book Fair Month</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Symbols of October</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">
</span></p>
<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Birthstone:
Opal and pink tourmaline</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Flower:
Calendula </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Zodiac
signs: Libra and Scorpio</span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">History:</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <br />
<br data-pw-in-article="true" />
October was originally the eighth month of the Roman calendar. It comes from
the Latin word "octo" meaning eight. Later, it became the 10th month
when January and February were added to the Calendar. <br data-pw-in-article="true" />
<br data-pw-in-article="true" />
The <a href="https://www.ducksters.com/history/middle_ages/anglo_saxons.php">Saxons</a>
called the month Wintirfyllith because it had the first full moon of the winter
season.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Interesting Facts about
October</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></p>
<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It
is the second Autumn month.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">National
Fire Prevention Week falls during the week of October 9 each year. It
commemorates the <a href="https://www.ducksters.com/history/us_1800s/great_chicago_fire.php">Great
Chicago Fire</a> of 1871.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">October
in the Northern Hemisphere is similar to April in the Southern Hemisphere.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The
leaves of trees often begin to change their colors during this month.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The
World Series for Major League Baseball generally takes place during
October. </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The
NBA, National Basketball League, and the NHL, National Hockey League, both
begin their seasons in October.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">There
are many health observances that have October as their national month.
These include Healthy Lungs, Breast Cancer, Lupus, Spina Bifida,
Blindness, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The
United Kingdom celebrates the 21st as Apple Day.</span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTRIe22DpbxnTGmQd73LL3jmBjT_Rh6Qgxkn6fKtiqSwlmSektJenXtZlutvx7WIxOPFTLQ4jgf4qhxDmVdX7WW3p9VQIAzZ-D4Nij0KCA1d5Bd6OPieqy3NbC9TFtzKQCuLcOhWr04Yx1I16QgwReE2-tWjmYj8f1oCKfyJTSrNQABtbs7i8cKLgqBzZ/s719/octcal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="719" height="545" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTRIe22DpbxnTGmQd73LL3jmBjT_Rh6Qgxkn6fKtiqSwlmSektJenXtZlutvx7WIxOPFTLQ4jgf4qhxDmVdX7WW3p9VQIAzZ-D4Nij0KCA1d5Bd6OPieqy3NbC9TFtzKQCuLcOhWr04Yx1I16QgwReE2-tWjmYj8f1oCKfyJTSrNQABtbs7i8cKLgqBzZ/w627-h545/octcal.jpg" width="627" /></a></div><br /><p><style>@font-face
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{margin-bottom:0in;}</style></p>George Stockwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993500467805360831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3557091123510132179.post-72993608087193802352023-09-26T09:28:00.000-04:002023-09-26T09:28:36.990-04:00Here's some free advice<p> Here is story number 27 of the second volume of my book. I thought it would be appropriate to include it here.</p><p>The story title is "What advice from my parents do I wish I had followed?"<br /></p><p> This week’s question is a tough one and the answer is going
to be short. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact I almost changed it
to something else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reason is because
first being 80 years old I have a lot of years to look back on and second in
thinking back on all of those years I come to the realization that there simply
wasn’t all that much advice from my parents to think about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parents weren’t really advice givers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life was not easy for us growing up so
everyone had their hands full just dealing with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There really weren’t any occasions when my
parents sat me down and dispensed advice nor did they in any other way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I was kind of free wheeling it and
learning as I went. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> Oh sure, there were the usual platitudes like don’t smoke or
do drugs, get an education, be nice, yada, yada, yada.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I don’t honestly recall any specific
piece of advice they might have given me much less did I follow it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides, you know what they say about
hindsight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s always 20/20. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The fact is giving advice is generally a fruitless
gesture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If someone asks for it, that’s
one thing but let’s face it, how many people ask for it outside of a lawyer’s
office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe this holds true with
children as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t just simply
sit down and start unloading your valuable advice on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most kids are going to learn life’s lessons
in one of two ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either they’ll learn
them the hard way which is to say they’ll make mistakes or they’ll learn them
by seeing how their parents model decision making and then they’ll copy them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The latter of the two is pretty much how we handled it as
our two children were growing up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
wife and I tried to model behaviors that would lead to good results or we would
tell our kids stories of times when we were growing up when we wished we had
done something or when we were glad we had done something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From that point on the lessons of life tend
to sink in as kids become adults.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sometimes problems occur when our children learn the wrong
lesson or simply don’t learn from it and they make poor choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What will sometimes happen then is parents
blame themselves for their children’s mistakes or problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s very unfortunate because it’s often
not the parents’ fault.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The simple fact
is grown children are going to make mistakes-sometimes big ones-in spite of
their parents-not because of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
wife and I, as usual, learned that lesson the hard way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact the lesson is never ending. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So what’s the take away to all of this (here it comes, more
advice!)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simple. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Save your advice. Don’t worry. Be happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Easier said than done, isn’t it? </p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>George Stockwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993500467805360831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3557091123510132179.post-74648153436880316932023-09-10T11:45:00.004-04:002023-09-10T11:45:55.284-04:00What makes a good coach?<p> There must be some kind of law in coaching that goes something like this: The closer you get to a player's face and the louder you scream the better that player's performance will be. I'm sure this is the mantra of many coaches because I see it all the time the most recent being this past weekend at my grandson's football game. I'm happy to report it was not his coach who was doing the screaming-although he's been known to do so-but the opposing team's coach.</p><p>Frankly I find this coaching style stupid, counterproductive and in many instances downright cruel. As far as I'm concerned there's absolutely nothing to be gained from humiliating a kid in front of a bunch of spectators. To the contrary there is actually a lot to lose. </p><p>I've done a little coaching back in the day. My daughter played girls softball for 5 years and I coached her team the whole time. We did very well-not because I'm a particularly good coach but because I had good players. Sure, they made mistakes but they knew immediately what they did and next time they tried to improve without me berating them. </p><p>Why do parents tolerate such poor coaching habits? I guess many of them think their child's coaches know what they're doing so they say nothing. The fact is while many coaches no the mechanics and techniques of a given sport very well they don't necessarily know how to impart that knowledge on to players. In other words they're lousy teachers. Good coaches are good teachers. It's hard finding a person who has that combination of knowledge of a sport and teaching ability. <br /></p>George Stockwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993500467805360831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3557091123510132179.post-84868196915482439732023-08-30T11:48:00.000-04:002023-08-30T11:48:08.656-04:00Hello, September<p> <span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;">About
the Month of September</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Holidays</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br />
<br />
</span><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/labor_day.php"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Labor Day</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/grandparents_day.php"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Grandparents Day</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/patriot_day.php"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Patriot Day</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/constitution_day.php"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Constitution Day and Week</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/rosh_hashanah.php"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Rosh Hashanah</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/talk_like_a_pirate_day.php"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Talk Like a Pirate Day</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sep 15 through Oct 15)<br />
National Potato Month<br />
National Chicken Month<br />
National Piano Month<br />
National Biscuit Month <br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Symbols of September</span> </span></p>
<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Birthstone: Sapphire</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Flower: Aster</span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">History:</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<br />
<br />
September was the seventh month of the original Roman calendar. This is where
it got its name which means seventh. Later, when January and February were
added to the calendar it became the ninth month. <br />
<br />
When the British changed from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar in
1752, they needed to adjust some days to get the seasons aligned with the
months. They took 11 days from the month of September jumping directly from
September 3rd to the 14th. Now it's as if the days between September 3 and 13
during 1752 never happened in British history.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Interesting Facts about September</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is the first month of the
Autumn or Fall season.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/history/us_constitution.php"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Constitution Week</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> takes place
during the month of September.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">September in the Northern
Hemisphere is similar to March in the Southern Hemisphere.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">American college and professional
football begins during the month of September.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many kids begin the school year
during this month.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Teacher's Day is celebrated in
India on September 5.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The </span><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/history/middle_ages/anglo_saxons.php"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Anglo-Saxons</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> also called
this month Gerst Monath meaning barley month. This is because they would
harvest their barley crops during this month.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">September is often associated with
fire because it was the month of the Roman god Vulcan. Vulcan was the
Roman god of fire and the forge. <br /></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNt5D6dUlqSE2j5FBCJbfGVOMfqJ9CxEEJSxyFr4OtA3bEn-Eg5YK7ykzUe5vWaFUt8zNTP3cTompuFTy0veXj6tbUf_y2ZiAmKsIBCpb7rK7Ae9D7vGJ7ZtA6PuL5c8KOkSGJH96PNkWQc7_bxkMSmWahgZONX-Fq-up3BVO5NUtsmG4Z_SbazPuRXfoq/s722/sept.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="722" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNt5D6dUlqSE2j5FBCJbfGVOMfqJ9CxEEJSxyFr4OtA3bEn-Eg5YK7ykzUe5vWaFUt8zNTP3cTompuFTy0veXj6tbUf_y2ZiAmKsIBCpb7rK7Ae9D7vGJ7ZtA6PuL5c8KOkSGJH96PNkWQc7_bxkMSmWahgZONX-Fq-up3BVO5NUtsmG4Z_SbazPuRXfoq/w637-h528/sept.jpg" width="637" /></a></div><br /> <br /></span></li></ul>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Full Moon: August 1st</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Holidays</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <br />
<br />
</span><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/friendship_day.php"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Friendship Day</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br />
</span><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/raksha_bandhan.php"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Raksha Bandhan</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br />
</span><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/womens_equality_day.php"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Women's Equality Day</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br />
National Catfish Month</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Harvest Month<br />
National Water Quality Month<br />
Peach Month<br />
National Immunization Awareness Month<br />
Get Ready for Kindergarten Month <br />
<br />
<b>Symbols of August</b> </span></p>
<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Birthstone:
Agate or onyx</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Flower:
Gladiolus or poppy</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Zodiac
signs: Leo and Virgo</span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">History:</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <br />
<br />
In the original Roman calendar the month of August was called Sextilis. This
was because it was the sixth month of the year. Later, after January and February
were added to the calendar, it became the eighth month of the year. At the time
the month had 29 days. When Julius Caesar created the Julian calendar in 45 BC,
two days were added giving the month 31 days. The month was later renamed
Augustus in honor of the first emperor of Rome, </span><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/history/ancient_rome_emperors.php"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Caesar Augustus</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Interesting Facts about
August</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></p>
<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It
is the last of the summer months.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The
Islamic holiday of Ramadan runs from July 19 to August 18 in 2012.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">August
in the Northern Hemisphere is similar to February in the Southern
Hemisphere.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Augustus
renamed the month of Sextilis because many of his greatest triumphs
occurred during this month.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">August
is a month of summer vacation and holiday for many children around the
world.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Many
cultures call this month the harvest month or the time of harvest.</span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7JPPRdG-M240w_KTenuOe-ibNSJVwgpDqOY1zOWnu3xD_HJO5Y_ObtAG49xxMWbpmxa2nOQN7TDrLEQWlj7clffEL2yq3Kkfm0AKN7p6GbSaDo2C8Jitijm7qBHVVEBxGMDJnEkAqqP0l_vurGGu89X5QnJYi1V4RlPgh8B50kssgxCCao7doODryDHo/s721/augcal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="721" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7JPPRdG-M240w_KTenuOe-ibNSJVwgpDqOY1zOWnu3xD_HJO5Y_ObtAG49xxMWbpmxa2nOQN7TDrLEQWlj7clffEL2yq3Kkfm0AKN7p6GbSaDo2C8Jitijm7qBHVVEBxGMDJnEkAqqP0l_vurGGu89X5QnJYi1V4RlPgh8B50kssgxCCao7doODryDHo/w669-h470/augcal.jpg" width="669" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
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{margin-bottom:0in;}</style></p>George Stockwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993500467805360831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3557091123510132179.post-60185514098126500922023-07-19T11:21:00.004-04:002023-07-19T11:21:54.504-04:00 Doldrums of summer<p> These are the doldrums of summer. It's too hot to do anything strenuous outside so we're basically confined to indoor spaces. I don't even like going for walks in hot, humid weather. So how do I fill the days, you ask? Well, I'm still volunteering one day a week and I still have my weekly story to write for Volume II of my personal history. I also read quite a bit or I busy myself with photography tasks. If that isn't enough I have Sudoku and word jumble puzzles I print out from the e-edition of my newspaper every morning. Then there's the daily Wordle puzzle I do every morning.</p><p>Added to that list are a number of small, routine chores that need to be done around the house regardless of the weather. </p><p>There's always something. Nature even has a way of adding to my list as you can see below. We went for a long time without any problems with bears and our bird feeders until about a week ago. The two pictures taken by my trail cam that I posted below show you what happened. I managed to straighten out the pole and then I started taking the feeder in at night and putting it out during the day thinking the bears wouldn't come around when there was evidence of human activity. Wrong! One morning two days ago I left the house at 9:30 and returned at 10:30. Within that hour the feeder got hit again so that's it for feeding the birds until cold weather returns.</p><p>My next post probably won't be for a while unless something comes up. Check back later.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAMn2M8_lYPEgZpBPntfi5xhA0HnRf02wuPagjRBKbZwhSO6M2thvYxh4NjNDRbj1RNKVHhrR92A3M0mJUsFwlws_xFIbJapheWa59zKd1_sh7YJaPkv_v3PGwWrysmsMPXQeN93AWnXOjuo1omGYCbNtScRnNG_i8mewSxwOVSrNQv2RIHQn6bmNsnF2/s1702/bear1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1702" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAMn2M8_lYPEgZpBPntfi5xhA0HnRf02wuPagjRBKbZwhSO6M2thvYxh4NjNDRbj1RNKVHhrR92A3M0mJUsFwlws_xFIbJapheWa59zKd1_sh7YJaPkv_v3PGwWrysmsMPXQeN93AWnXOjuo1omGYCbNtScRnNG_i8mewSxwOVSrNQv2RIHQn6bmNsnF2/w385-h207/bear1.jpg" width="385" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQ8SOb31U_E3hyb415-fxxaeJvPr_5CkCN_LIT59SDitBlxD7MvxvndH1xnCdja2LoHeYajoELLZ9w9Jm_UkfzoqBjnW9PKLPF6Gglm3-JLkXbx_DDXsk8dzoQQLaMP8L217I-AUKoikLELRMafAZsK037R9WXkdnljc1dSU5ycGo1s_TQs1dQz_T2RNT/s1584/bear2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1584" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQ8SOb31U_E3hyb415-fxxaeJvPr_5CkCN_LIT59SDitBlxD7MvxvndH1xnCdja2LoHeYajoELLZ9w9Jm_UkfzoqBjnW9PKLPF6Gglm3-JLkXbx_DDXsk8dzoQQLaMP8L217I-AUKoikLELRMafAZsK037R9WXkdnljc1dSU5ycGo1s_TQs1dQz_T2RNT/w387-h209/bear2.jpg" width="387" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEosjkH3om-c6zqJ6wkRRP8HAmpHol7pRF7WLdWTyNjygXJeFenO9Atnx4Z096HApJtBcPqdyBJOwgeA55AczPgDmAanJS3qQWSNGNFjSOguJw7q1SSDsVsb1156ifAQFfvboWxX8OPkwPuO5wqL4eCxwpABB99TuLF1Ym_u0l4lSaB-mdupyXFyfUG7d/s4032/IMG-1313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEosjkH3om-c6zqJ6wkRRP8HAmpHol7pRF7WLdWTyNjygXJeFenO9Atnx4Z096HApJtBcPqdyBJOwgeA55AczPgDmAanJS3qQWSNGNFjSOguJw7q1SSDsVsb1156ifAQFfvboWxX8OPkwPuO5wqL4eCxwpABB99TuLF1Ym_u0l4lSaB-mdupyXFyfUG7d/w341-h454/IMG-1313.jpg" width="341" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>George Stockwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993500467805360831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3557091123510132179.post-27117285558675302922023-07-08T15:33:00.005-04:002023-07-08T15:33:28.619-04:00A trip to St. John in U.S. Virgin Islands<p> I haven't posted anything here since July 23rd. These past several weeks have been extremely busy. I've had cataract surgery, follow up doctor's appointments, other doctor's appointments and most recently a week long trip to St. John Virgin Island.</p><p>So here I am, back again, with some observations about the Caribbean island of St. John. First of all if you're planning a trip there you need to know it does not have an airport so you're going to have to fly into St. Thomas first. Then you get a private boat charter or a ferry to St. John. It's not a long ride but it's a hassle considering you have to manage all your luggage.</p><p>The other thing about St. John is its geography. It's extremely hilly and rather short on beaches. I would recommend you stay somewhere like Weston Resorts where they have their own beach. Also, try to avoid driving since they drive on the left and the roads are steep, narrow and there are numerous hairpin turns.</p><p>When all is said and done, it quite frankly is not one of my favorite islands. It certainly doesn't lend itself to exploring by foot or just taking walks. Fortunately we stayed at a beautiful villa with a great group of friends so it ended up being a fairly decent trip. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsC8xpRRF6BwFQJl64qZ7thsIYQBV9iqXg0XCoXSW2yf2qn2sK5Id9bVhOYHEF4kn_cnBdO4umPPNy7cRMS4bk0lHG9A617w_WhWFF-ZEMuLNvjRxW46Dk8OoxH2aSHaa_f0YamGzBJgKOXD1oUci-deGJ7qwTPY7trAiuIeqp1JBjuk7noCTXI-Q6tu0C/s4032/IMG_1225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="829" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsC8xpRRF6BwFQJl64qZ7thsIYQBV9iqXg0XCoXSW2yf2qn2sK5Id9bVhOYHEF4kn_cnBdO4umPPNy7cRMS4bk0lHG9A617w_WhWFF-ZEMuLNvjRxW46Dk8OoxH2aSHaa_f0YamGzBJgKOXD1oUci-deGJ7qwTPY7trAiuIeqp1JBjuk7noCTXI-Q6tu0C/w622-h829/IMG_1225.jpg" width="622" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>George Stockwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993500467805360831noreply@blogger.com1