Gadgets

I recently spent time in the hospital and while there, took note of all the little gadgets used by the doctors and nurses. Electronic gadgets attached to tubes, machines and switches, constantly measuring, counting and recording.

I adapted quickly to the nurse's routine, and was given a labor saving device resembling a TV remote with nine rows of three buttons that allowed the patient to control a myriad of things just by pressing a button. A transceiver permitted talking and listening thru the same small slotted area at the top of the device.

When I pressed the button, which turned the TV on and off, it didn't work. I pressed the button for the nurse and I heard a voice asking me how they could help. I replied that I couldn't get the TV turned on and would like someone to help me.

In a moment or two, a nurse came and replaced the device with another which was in good working order and I settled down with the TV running in the background while I read a book. I was able to listen for any news alerts and still concentrate on my paperback mystery in the genre of an Agatha Christie.

Not long after I started reading, my phone rang. I picked up the device and was going to press the answer button, but before I could, the caller hung up. I glanced thru the rows of buttons to see which one to press for answering the phone and didn't see one. There were several buttons that could have served , but I was unsure and pressed the nurse's button and asked how to answer the phone. She said to just pick it up.

I replied that I had done that but didn't see which button to press for answering a phone call. She repeated the instruction to just pick it up. I asked her to please send a nurse to show me. In a moment two nurses came and I held the device up so they could see that I WAS HOLDING IT. I laughed with them when they pointed to the phone sitting on the seat of the the chair next to me. I had been trying to answer the phone with the nurse's call gadget.

The comedian Wanda Sykes does a routine where she thinks she's lost her cell phone. She tells her friend to hold for a second while she looks in her purse. But when she can't locate it, her friend tells her to call back when she's found it.

On occasion I have clicked a TV channel on my house phone, or started pressing the numbers of a TV remote when I wanted to make a phone call. I'm certain there are lots of stories like these making the rounds, similar to stories 'computer support' published a few years ago when 'help calls' from new computer owners circled the globe. [no, that's not a coffee holder, that's a DVD player]

Wanda Sykes: Lost cell phone routine

Circuses

As I follow the Circus series on PBS, I am reminded of the excitement my brothers and sisters and I experienced when the circus came to town. The air became electric with anticipation when we discovered a circus unloading in the pasture at the bottom of the hill behind out house.


Jumbo the Elephant

I don't remember advanced billing or notification of a circus coming to town, although there might have been. Our first inkling of such an event came because Mom and the neighbors were standing in a group in the back yard, using binoculars to watch activity in a field below. When it was determined the hustle and bustle indicated the arrival of a circus, Mickey, Charles and Elbert thought they might get a free ticket to the circus if they helped the circus unload or carried water for the elephants. Mickey was about 8 years old, Charles 7 and Elbert 6 and they went racing down the path to the field where the circus wagons were. They actually did get jobs although from the description of what they had done indicated they might have been given busy work to keep them out of he way.


Barnum 3 Ring Circus

Townspeople were treated to the blare of a calliope as gaily decorated elephants with pretty girl riders paraded downtown promoting afternoon and evening performances.

I remember moseying along the midway with Adeline taking in all the sights and sounds of side show barkers inviting the public to come witness the wold's most exotic phenomena. Some of the enticing acts on improvised stages would last only long enough to gather a large crowd then disappear inside the side show tent while those in the crowd lined up to buy tickets to see the promised titillating view of the extraordinary and forbidden. Since Adeline and I never had the money for the side shows, I assume those who bought tickets got their money's worth.



Circus Horse Act

Main performances of the circus always exceeded one's expectations. The famous Three Ring Circuses were alive with breathtaking and daring feats of wire walking, trapeze acts and men being shot from canons. Dog acts, horse acts, jugglers, and clowns were everywhere. Animal trainers entered cages with ferocious wild lions and tigers while trick riders circled the big top on horses and elephants. Beautiful girls would swing from ropes while holding their life line in their mouths.

Circuses were always on the move. They came one day and left the next, but strange animals, calliope music, acts of bravery and daring do and the satiety of color stayed in one's mind long after departure.

Circus Trapeze Act

November

November is the birth month of my brother Richard, the 23rd of the month to be exact. He was born at home when we lived on Bliss Blvd, in Iowa Falls, Iowa, I always think of him in relation to Thanksgiving and often wonder if Mom and Dad thought of his birth as a special Thanksgiving present to the family.

Several days after Richard's birth, when Dr. Wray asked what name he should put on the birth certificate, Grandma A, who was in the room, quickly piped up and said there would be no Johns in the family. Her comment took Mom by surprise.. The first three boys, had family names from Dad's side of the family and they planned to name the baby John after her father.  Dad was at the office and unable to discuss the matter, but Mom, ever ready to handle a crises, thought of the honorable character in the novel she was reading and promptly said the name would be Richard Lee. We usually called him Dick in those growing up years.

Being the oldest child in the family, I remember my younger siblings from their earliest years. By the time Richard came along, Adeline and I were both experienced in minor ways of helping Mom and we often changed wet diapers, including Richard's.

One afternoon when I came home from school, I sensed something was wrong the moment I opened the front door. There was a medicinal odor and Dad quickly came to the door and told me to be very quiet and to make certain when the other kids came from school, they too had to be very quiet. He said Dick had had an accident early that morning and the Dr was still in the bedroom with him and Mom.

Richard had gotten his arm caught in the wringer of the washing machine as it was running. When Mom had gone upstairs to gather the bed linens for laundering, Richard had managed to climb up on a chair to see the machine and that's when the accident occurred. When Mom heard the screams she came running and was horrified to see what had happened.

Fortunately the soft tissues of the underarm were injured but not the muscles. Richard was sedated and his arm and shoulder carefully bandaged but it would be a long time before he was well enough to be allowed out of bed. A number of days passed before we children were allowed to go in to see him, and when he was allowed out of bed, he had to learn to walk all over again. All of us took turns walking with him as he recuperated. Dick was a handsome baby with blond hair and as he grew, he and Charles resembled each other in their good looks and personality.

I have many wonderful memories of my childhood with all my brothers and sisters, but as the years passed and husbands and wives joined the family, work and careers took us in different directions. The family ranged from Los Angeles to San Francisco, New York and Philadelphia, Tucson and Mexico City, Florida and Kentucky and all points between.  Wars like WWII, Korea, and Vietnam came and went. One by one we grieved for lost family members as our numbers diminished. Age and health problems kept the few of us remaining isolated from each other with less and less contact as the months passed.

You can imagine my surprise when I got a phone call while in the hospital a few days after surgery for a broken hip, to hear Richards voice asking how I was! That phone call came when I was just beginning to realize the enormity of my accident and on the verge of feeling sorry for myself. I was even more surprised when Richard continued phoning me every evening and sharing his experience of having hip replacement, not once but three times!!!

Richard will never know how he kept my spirits up and how thankful I was to hear his voice encouraging and prompting me to do the rehabilitation exercises. I don't think he knew how I looked forward to his phone calls in the evening when hours drag the most between supper and bedtime. During those 4 weeks in the hospital, and three weeks in the rehab center, he was my only visitor except when my son was able to visit every 2 or 3 days. Even after I went home, he phoned several times a week to see how I was.

I call him Richard but in my fondest memories I think of him as Dick and wish I could find the words to let him know how much I love him and how grateful that he got bunched in with my siblings. He has enriched my life. His thoughtfulness when I need a kind word the most, has earned him a place in heaven with the angels.

bandage rolls

Thanksgiving

Our annual day of thanksgiving has universally come to mean a day of feasting on turkey with all the trimmings. The traditional menu is roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing or sage dressing, mashed potatoes and giblet gravy, cranberry sauce, candied yams, a selection of vegetables such as peas and carrots, green beans, squash, various relishes, fruit salad, hot rolls and a choice of several pies, the most popular being Pumpkin, Apple, Mince, Pecan and Chocolate Meringue. Apple cider is often served.

In homes across America the women who prepare these holiday dinners give a great deal of time and thought in planning and cooking these turkey dinners which is similar to the dinners served on Christmas day. The difference being the gifts given and received on Christmas while on Thanksgiving, football games dominate.

It is not the custom in the states to carve fruits and vegetables, although attractive arrangements of foods being serving on a plate are made more appetizing using color, shape and design. The craft of carving fruits and vegetables started in China then found it's way to Thailand. Japan also developed an art form called, Mukimono which is the carving of vegetables such as daikon, carrot and eggplant into shapes of flowers, twists and fans and served as garnishes.

The intermingling of cultures has brought the art of carving fruits and vegetables to the U S and many chefs are learning and demonstrating the techniques. There are excellent videos on the internet showcasing Thai women creating flowers and birds using only a sharp paring knife. Other vegetables can be carved too, like a potato or turnip into a white rose, a squash into a vase holding tulips, watermelons into beautiful flowers or an apple slice into a leaf, is an amazing achievement and done with great dexterity.

Because the craft is so appealing to the eye, and relative easy to learn, requiring only a sharp paring knife and lots of practice, I have a hunch that in years to come, holiday dinner tables will be decorated with fruit and vegetable carvings.

10 Examples of Carved Vegetables

10 Examples of Carved Vegetables

California Bound by Loretta

[Editor's Note: This story was written by Loretta]

Well, mom didn’t get her wish to stay and live in Iowa. Dad convinced her the grass was greener in California, so we packed up the 1949 Plymouth car and trailer. The only one who refused to pack and was holding out was Louise, my older sister. The last hour before we left, mom finally talked her into it.

Now remember in the 50s, speeds on the highway weren’t super sonic. Off we went, at turtle speed, down the road. After a few hours of just setting with no radio in the car we were getting restless. Dad decided to serenade us with old songs and had us sing along on some of the tunes we knew. Today, to interest kids, we watch for license plates from different states, but in those days, Burma Shave signs were the ticket. Nothing lasted for long. Around lunch time, mom had brought the makings for sandwiches. Dad drove while mom made and distributed them.

Dad drove through the night while we slept. By mid morning, he had to stop. We found a town in Nebraska with a park. Dad took mom to the store and bought more food; then headed back to the park. He spread a blanket under a tree and out like a light he went. We played while he slept. By late afternoon he woke up, ate and off we went again.

Dad used to smoke in those days, so when he’d light up, Louise got on the floor boards, covered herself up with a blanket and lit up as well. Blowing her smoke through the holes in the bottom of the car. We of course kept our mouths shut, sticking together with threats from her.

The second night, dad had to stop at a motel. We had the treat of taking a bath and sleeping in a bed. By morning we were on the road again. When we made it to Wyoming, we saw Little America. Mom went to the souvenir store and looked around while Dad gassed up and then, onward we went.

By now, we had started to reach the mountain range which had rocks that over hung along the roads and signs like “Beware of falling rock”. Dad told us that “Falling Rock” was an Indian and to keep a look out for him, 'cause he was a bad one. I think he had us looking all day for him. Anything to keep us quiet. Later we found out he was joking about it.

As California loomed closer, the car started rebelling: it kept heating up but we actually made it to Pomona, California. Uncle Chester rescued us when our car finally gave out. We stayed at their house until mom and dad rented a house.

Now wasn’t that an exciting journey? It took me 48 years to leave California and make a home in Arizona.

Watch for Falling Rock

Teal Segments

Teal Segments by Marion 2010

Molly and Tenbrooks

There are many songs about horses and horse races such as Camp Town Races, but the one about Molly and Tenbrooks, arranged by Bill Monroe as a vehicle for Earl Scrubbs and his banjo in 1937 has become one of the most popular. First published in1947, but not recorded until later, it was in his concert repertoire and in radio broadcasts.

The song tells of a race between a Kentucky thoroughbred, Ten Broeck, and Molly McCarty, a California based mare. The song is called Molly and Tenbrooks, but is also called, Run Molly Run. There are many versions, some have Molly winning the race and others Tenbrooks. New verses are constantly being added, changed around and new threads started.


Ten Broeck Grave Marker

Records show that the race was on the 4th of July at Churchill Downs in 1878. The purse was for $5000 a side for a three-heat race, all heats to be four miles each. If either horse was distanced in a heat, the other horse was to be declared automatically the winner. Ten Broeck won the race and was ridden by William Walker, an ex-slave who said it was the best race he ever rode. Unlike the verses in the song, Molly McCarty did not die and won many races after this one and produced several foals.

The race between Molly McCarty and Ten Broeck was the last four mile race in American turf history.

Lyrics to Molly and Tenbrooks

Run oh Molly run, run oh Molly run

Ten-Brooks gonna beat you to the bright and shining sun

To the bright and shining sun oh Lord

To the bright and shining sun

Ten-Brooks was a big bay horse, he wore a shaggy mane

He run all 'round Memphis, and he beat the Memphis train

Beat the Memphis train oh Lord

Beat the Memphis train

Ten-Brooks said to Molly, what makes your head so red

Running in the hot sun with a fever in my head

Fever in my head oh Lord

Fever in my head

Molly said to Ten-Brooks you're looking mighty squirrel

Ten-Brooks said to Molly I'm leaving this old world

Leaving this old world oh Lord

Leaving this old world

Out in California where Molly done as she pleased

She come back to old Kentucky, got beat with all ease

Beat with all ease oh Lord

Beat with all ease

The women's all a-laughing, the children all a-crying

Men all a-hollering old Ten-Brooks a- flying

Old Ten-Brooks a- flying oh Lord

Old Ten-Brooks a- flying



Kiper, Kiper, you're not riding right

Molly's a beating old Ten-Brooks clear out of sight

Clear out of sigh oh Lord

Clear out of sight

Kiper, Kiper, Kiper my son

Give old Ten-Brooks the bridle and let old Ten-Brooks run

Let old Ten-Brooks run oh Lord

Let old Ten-Brooks run

Go and catch old Ten-Brooks and hitch him in the shade

We're gonna bury old Molly in a coffin ready made

In a coffin ready made oh Lord

In a coffin ready made

The Stanley Brothers @1948 rendition of Molly and Tenbrooks

Golden Rings

Golden Rings by Marion 2010



Of Transoms and Traverses Part 2 of 2 by KimB

[Editor's Note: This story was written by KimB]

Pátzcuaro is a beautiful town and has many unique features. Things have undoubtedly changed in the 45+ years since I was there, but I remember the beautiful flower boxes that were everywhere. The city has historical significance but at my age I didn't really pay much attention. The country side is a contrast of hills surrounding the huge lake. Everywhere you look there is something different to be seen.

During the day, Mom painted. She painted everything and anything she could. She would pick a location and I would help shuttle her easel, paints and canvases to the location. Then I would go off to play with some local children or explore on my own until evening when I helped her pack up her gear for the night.

After everything was safely stored we would go to the town for dinner at any of several restaurants. Always a high-light for me. More often than not, our dorm friends would come along and we would have a great gathering for dinner. Singing, conversation and stories would be passed around the table. There was no television or even radio so our entertainment was whatever we could make up ourselves.

There was one movie house in town but it was only open a few days a week and had one showing per evening. One fortunate thing for me was that I loved the movies and almost always the movies were American ones with Spanish sub-titles. I didn't have to struggle with the language when I went to the movies and Mom and I went often, even if we had seen the movie many many times. For everyone, the movies were very cheap entertainment and regardless of what was showing, they were extremely popular and the tiny theaters would fill up in no time at all.

One evening, we met up with a dorm friend for dinner. He was at the end of his monthly budget and could not afford to eat at the normal restaurants we attended. He convinced us to try one of the semi-permanent street restaurants in the Plaza. These restaurants where just slightly better than the ubiquitous street vendors, in that they had a permanent overhang, kitchen and benches. But they didn't quite qualify under Rule 1. Our friend however vouched for the safety of the cuisine and we settled down for a very nice dinner.

I knew that night a new movie was opening up at the theater; a spy story called “Doctor No” with a hero “007”. I'd heard about it from my friends and was anxious to see this film. After dinner, I asked if we could go to the movies and Mom and our friend agreed. We went to the movie house to check it out. There were still tickets but the show got out at 8:35pm. We would have to hustle to get back to the dorms before the gatekeeper locked the gates but that was ample time to get there. Tickets were purchased. popcorn acquired and we settled down for a wonderful time.

If you are wanting something to run on-time, do not go to Mexico or anywhere else for that matter. The only thing that ever runs on-time are British trains. No where else does anything run on-time, and that movie was no exception. It did not get out at 8:35pm, it ended at 8:55pm! There was only 5 minutes to get to the gate! We ran to the gate like we were all doing a sub-4 minute mile!

Alas, the gates where locked when we arrived. Our dorms where only 50 feet in front of us but there was a very high chain-link fence between us and our comfy beds. We called out to see if the gatekeeper was still nearby but there was no answer. Our friend said there was only one thing left to do: Climb The Fence. It was easy he said, the fence is sturdy and will not break. Just climb up and over and all would be well. He climbed the fence to show us how. After a few misgivings, Mom and I started up the fence. Things were OK until Mom got near the top when she got stuck.  She couldn't go up and she couldn't go down and there she was, hanging 10 feet off the ground. She was just stuck on the fence. Things started to go downhill in a hurry after that.

I clambered down the fence and our friend nearly vaulted over it to rescue Mom. There was a fair bit of yelling and panicked conversation as instructions were passed over and between them: move your foot here, move your hand there, grab that link etc. I was milling down below acting like I was some kind of safety net in case she fell off. It seemed like Mom was never gonna get off the fence!

Just then, the gatekeeper came running around the corner, attracted no doubt by the commotion and our frantic cries and panicked voices. He quickly opened the gates and came to assist in the rescue. It wasn't easy. By this time, Mom was very tired and had lost the energy to move along the fence. The two men, tried to heave her over the fence but the Rock of Gibraltar would have been easier to move. A lot of pushing and shoving continued until at last she was freed and able to climb down the fence on her own. We thanked our rescuers: the gatekeeper for getting up to open the gate for us and our friend for standing by when things were looking glum. Then, sedately as if nothing had happened, Mom walked thru the gates to to our dorm.

Needless to say, after that, no matter what was happening, at 8:45 pm we turned into pumpkins and ran for the dorms!