How looking back maybe just got easier...

   My first car was a four door 1964 Plymouth Valiant. It was light blue with big old white wall tires. I don't remember too much else about the car, only that power windows had not been invented yet and that if I went through a puddle of water, the car would stop. It seems as though there was a design flaw, that being the placement of the alternator in the engine was near the bottom of the engine block, too close to the road and when it got wet, the car would shut down. OK. Before someone else says it...it was a fair weather car.

   And who can forget that a gallon of gas was just 31 cents.

   Despite the little quirks, the car got me back and forth to college in West Virginia for several years, out on dates to Fair Lawn, N.J and most of the time, on time to summer jobs, except when it was raining of course. It served its purpose.

   Fast forward to 2016. I recently bought a new car, at least new to me. It is just a bit over a year old with low mileage and is nothing like that 1964 blue Valiant. Yes, it has power windows and I don't think it will stop running in the rain. Tucked somewhere inside the radio, I guess, is something called 'Bluetooth' that allows me to talk on my cell phone without it leaving my pocket. I don't even have to dial a number. I push a little green button on the steering wheel and this voice asks me what number I want to call. Cool!

   Heated seats are nice, especially in colder climates and rear hatches on SUV's that pop open with the touch of the key are great when your arms are full of grocery bags. But what I really like is the backup camera.

   Now I am not getting any younger and one of the things I am finding is that my mobility is not quite what it use to be. I can still swing a golf club or throw a tennis ball for the dog. I can still look in the rear view mirror or turn my head to the left or right when I am ready to back the car out of the garage or from one of those tiny parking spaces at the mall. But what I have found is that the backup camera really does help, with an additional view, although it does take a bit of getting use to.

   Put the car in 'R' and a picture immediately appears on a screen in the dashboard. Now, the first time I did this, the car salesperson was standing immediately behind the car, his face just inches away from the camera. He laughed and I screamed. He is pretty scary to look at, even in the camera.

   But after some practice, the camera has become a helpful driving tool. In the garage, I start the car, shift it into reverse, after I have opened the garage door of course, and I get a full picture of my driveway and the neighbor’s house across the street. I sure won't back into his house now, not that I ever did.

   With some degree of ease and feeling a bit more aware of those things going on around me, I now slip in and out of parking places at the grocery store, the local Dunkin Donuts and Walmart. I still adjust the rear view mirror, and look behind me to the left and the right before stepping on the gas, but the camera does add another level of safety.

   There have been a lot of changes in cars and trucks since my first 1964 Plymouth Valiant. Power window, heated seats, backup cameras are only a few of the innovations designed to make the journey through life a bit easier, more comfortable and safer.

   We know that sometimes when we drive, we need to back up in order to move forward and get to where we want to go. Life in general is like that also. That backup camera inside the car gives us, not only a picture of where we have been, but also where we need to go before moving forward.

   The same holds true for life outside the car. While we don't have our own electronic backup camera, we probably have something just as good. I think we call it 'life's experiences', lessons and memories. It may not be quite like what we see on the screen of the backup camera on the dashboard of the car, the things we remember can often remind us of what's behind us, where we have been and where we are may be headed.

   And as for that new backup camera? Already I wonder how I have managed to get along without it for so long. 

                                         

Almost as bad and scary as a junk drawer, or maybe even worse...

   Several years ago I wrote a blog about 'junk drawers', places we have in our homes where we put stuff, things we don't use any more but also don't want to throw away for whatever reason. Often my reason for not throwing something away is very simple. Who knows when I may need an extra 'this' or a 'red or blue that'. And over the years, as in my case, the drawer fills up and every once and a while, say 8-10 years, it's time to clean it out and start again.

   I recently had a 'junk drawer' experience, but with a bit of a twist. Actually it was a somewhat scary twist because I didn't know what I might find or in this case, what someone else might find.

   A few weeks ago I bought a new car. More correct, for me it is a newer car. It was in good condition, low mileage, a nice color and appeared to be well maintained. I usually don't buy brand new cars any more. The depreciation one suffers after driving out of the showroom can be a bear. I'll let someone else take the hit.

   To make a long story short, I didn't have the opportunity to clean out all the storage areas of the car I was trading in, so... one of the service people at the auto dealer said he would do it for me.

   Jokingly I said to him...”If you find that $100 bill I dropped under the seat, I'll split it with you.” He laughed. I laughed. And then... fear gripped my body. What would he find tuck away in all those little storage compartment, the glove box, the consoles between the seats, under the seats, in the trunk and oh yes, those catch-all areas on each of the doors. Did you know there are four of those? Lots of space for junk.

   Now don't get me wrong. I usually try to keep my vehicles clean, both inside and out. You won't find coffee cups or soda cans rolling around the floor. I have one of those little trash containers on the floor to collect the Dunkin Donuts coffee cups and napkins. But, like the 'junk drawer' at home, things sometimes will find their way into the console along with the extra CD’s or the glove box or stuffed in the corner of the trunk.

   But what was really scary in this case was that someone else was going to clean out the car, a car that contained “my stuff.” What would he think. Those items in the car, were they a reflection of the type of person I am, how neat or messy I am? Was there anything really important tucked away in the glove box or under the seat?

   (For those reading this who do not know what a glove box is, it's a storage compartment traditionally in the dashboard on the passenger side. I can actually remember my grandmother putting her gloves in the glove box before leaving the garage. She always carried a pair of white gloves with her. Yes. A different time and different generation.)

   Yesterday Chris  called from the car dealership. He had finished cleaning out the car and I could come over to pick up the two boxes of items I had left in the car. Two boxes.? That much?

   Needless to say, I did not delay and rushed right over, if for no other reason than curiosity. What had he actually found?

    There was the car registration, the insurance card, the E Z Pass, a pretty significant number of CD's, 6 very stale granola bars, all kinds of chewing gum, several key chains, and several of those small packages of tissues, most opened and half used.

   There were probably a dozen or so pens and pencils, a couple dozen business cards, pads of paper, three travel blankets, the pet seat cover for the back seat for Lucky, two ice scrapers, and several umbrellas. I think you get the picture.

    There was about $4  worth of change. But much to Chris' disappointment, no $100 dollar bill!

    There were no year old sandwiches or half eaten hamburgers, moldy cupcakes, beer cans, bloody shirts or weapons. Bloody shirts? Weapons? Yes. According to Chris, I might be surprised by what people leave in their trade-ins. Knives appear to be the current weapon of choice.

    As I began sorting through the boxes, for reassurance Chris told me the things in my car were pretty normal. Thank goodness. In this case, normal is OK with me.

   With two full boxes and a couple of blankets, should I have car trouble in the middle of winter, it was a good time to start fresh, so with the exception of the CD's, some of the chewing gum, a flash light, a few pens and the one umbrella that worked, the rest of the items got tossed in the trash can. How many half opened packages of Kleenex does one really need.

   But before I left the car dealership, Chris reminded me that in my new car there was additional storage space under the rear cargo area, just in case I needed some extra room. He laughed. I said “thanks” and off I went to enjoy my new ride.

   Now I am sure it was my imagination, but the car seemed lighter than the other one. But then again why wouldn't it. I had just cleaned out all the “junk drawers.”

The circus is coming, the circus is coming....

   I try to stay away from writing about politics. It is something I don't really know too much about. But every once and a while I just feel the urge to vent, to share a comment or two to show my political ignorance or express one of my narrow minded opinions, knowing that many who read this may disagree with me. But isn't that what makes this country great? (And Donald thought that statement was his original idea.)

   As of the date of writing this week's blog, there are 283 days until election day and, to be honest, I am not sure I am going to make it without throwing the television remote or a coffee cup at the TV or ripping the radio out of the car.

   For just one day I would like to turn on the evening news and not hear about the candidates or the primaries. For just one day I would like a break from the name calling, the character bashing, and the sometimes stupid and idiotic comments. Oh wait. I wasn't talking about the candidates. I was referring to the media coverage and some of the news reporters.

   And then there are the candidates themselves, of course, people who believe they are able and qualified to lead a nation. 
   The truth is you can’t take classes in college to become President of the United States or go to workshops on “How to be the  President”. It takes more training than spending a week or two in an internship program to gain the skills necessary to be the leader of one of the greatest nations in the world  and yet there are many who feel themselves qualified to aspire to the highest elected position in the land.

   I was born in 1946. In 1948, Harry Truman was elected President. True. Many said he couldn't do the job. Some were right.  But since then there have been 16 Presidential elections and each who served faced a variety of challenges in a rapidly changing world. None had gone to college for the sole purpose of becoming President and my guess... that not too long after taking office, many discovered just how challenging the responsibilities were and how ill prepared they actually were for the job. Does LBJ sound familiar?

   I am really not sure if some of those currently running for office have a true understanding of what is required. Just because you have been a Governor or a member of the Congress does not necessarily make you qualified to be President. 
   Yes, the President does have a great deal of power, influence and control, but there is one thing we now know sure though. It will cost a great deal of money to get elected in 2016 and the billions and billions of dollars that will be spent over the next 283 day will be staggering. It almost seems that becoming President of the United States has become a rich man's (or woman's) game. And... we all know what lots of money has the potential to do! I think it's called the Golden Rule, you know, he who has the gold......

   This coming Monday seems to be a pretty important day. Personally, I really don't understand why the opinions of the people in Iowa are more important than here in Maine. Iowa is probably a very nice place to visit, although I would not want to live there. Is there an ocean close by? Is the seafood in the restaurants fresh? 
   Why are they first in this entire process? And because different States use different methods to select candidates to attend the nominating conventions, does the system accurately reflect the wishes of those who will eventually vote, or in many cases who decide not to vote for whatever reason.
   The first election that had meaning for me while I was still in school was 1960. The social studies teacher had made an assignment, to write an essay. The title was..."What if a Catholic President?" Remember, Kennedy was a Catholic and a Catholic had never been elected President before. Would his decisions and leadership be influenced by the Pope in Rome. OMG!
   Imagine. A Catholic President!
   And then there was the election of 2008. A President of the United States, a person of color. This still is not well accepted by many in different regions of the country and one of the reasons why some are so angry with government. 
   Who knows what may be next? Could it be a woman, or someone of Jewish faith?
   And what is the 'natural born citizen' controversy. I know what it says in the Constitution. I have read it. But...I can be the son born to American citizens, but because my parents are vacationing in Aruba or Canada or, God forbid, Pennsylvania, at the time of my birth.....Nope not going to go there. 
    Can someone please tell me just how the Republican Party of today is anything like that of the Lincoln Presidency in 1860's. It all goes back to those damn immigrants of the 1860's coming to America or the freeing of the slaves in the South. 
   And yes it's nice to be reminded that socialism in America is alive and well again.What a crime it would be to have an affordable healthcare system for everyone, not just the rich.
    With all due respect,  U.S. Presidential elections are important. It is part of what makes the democratic process work and it is not my intent to mock or criticize the system. If that were my intent, I would take off my shirt, hop on the back of a horse and join Vladimir Putin on a photo shoot.  But when the election is treated like a circus coming to town, when the only way to get elected is by bashing your opponents and spending billions of dollars while thousands of children in the U.S. go hungry each day or women are viewed as second class citizens when it comes to salary and income, it's no wonder the average voter feels left out of the process. 
   The good news, there are only 283 days until election day 2016. The bad news, the campaign for the election of 2020 begins November 9, 2016.

Is it 2016 or 1620...

   We are just several days into the new year, 2016 that is, but there is something haunting about the year for me. As it is sometimes said, “curiosity killed the cat", and I needed to get a good night's sleep and put my curiosity to rest. Not wanting to become a dead cat,  I decided to take a quick look back to the year 1620. Google searches make that so easy these days. Obviously 1620 was well before my time so I was going to have to rely on the writers and historians of the time for the details and events and as I read through the list of dates and events, I was somewhat surprised by what I found and maybe had forgotten.

   There is an old expression... “what goes around comes around...” and while 1620 is nearly 400 years ago now, some of the issues and events of the day were, in some form or another, not that much different than those of 2016. After all, this is an election year. It almost feels as though the fears and concerns of life in 1620 gets replayed at each of the current Presidential debate, regardless of political party affiliation.

   For example, there were peace treaties being negotiated with the Roman Empire, an empire that once ruled the world.  A new religious migration was taking place in the French North America (Canada) and women were being arrested and tried in court for witchcraft.

   As countries struggled in wars against each other to grow, expand their territory and capture a piece of the world action, it forced family members, bothers and brothers, fathers and sons to go into battle against each other.

   In an effort to escape the turmoil and bloodshed taking place worldwide, a small group of immigrants set sail on September 15^th 1620 from Plymouth, England in search for a new land, a new place to call home, and after spending nearly 2 months at sea, the Mayflower, with 102 pilgrims aboard ship spotted the tip of what we now call Cape Cod. These were immigrants to the new world. And for the next 400 years people from all over the world would come to America in search of  the "American dream."

   In early December, the passengers on board eventually landed at a place they later named Plymouth Rock. But before the day was over, Myles Standish and 18 of the early settlers  were attacked by 30 Native Americans, the attack later becoming known as the First Encounter. And as immigrants from Europe and other parts of the world continued to arrive in the new land searching for a better and friendly place to settle, those attacks and encounters would continue. Sound familiar?

   Irony is often defined as a state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects. The irony for me are the dates of 1620 and 2016. In reality, they probably have little in common, except for the numbers 16 and 20. Put in a perspective of time, they are nearly 400 years apart. And yet, the events and attitudes in 1620 seem to have some similarities to 2016. Do some attitudes never change? Do we continue to fight the things we fear most? Were we not all immigrants, pilgrims, to a new life and a new land at one time or another? 
   Oh! One other thing. In early May of 1620, a new invention, the merry-go-round, was first seen at a country fair. Gives new understanding to the expression of "what goes around, comes around." Wouldn't you agree?

Every so often...

   Every so often, every once and a while, a book, television show, movie or song will grab my attention, taking me beyond just the entertainment value and causing me to stop and listen, I mean really listen, and think about the message. Why this particular song or story? Why now? Why should I pay attention. What's going on?

   While traveling to see family and friends recently and very tired of listening to Christmas carol after Christmas carol on the local radio stations, I changed the station to find something different and more entertaining on my recently acquired Sirius XM radio (3 month introductory free trial) and after listening to a few relatively unknown artists and almost ready to change the station again, 7 Years, a song sung by Lukas Graham caught my attention. Its tune and words were somewhat haunting to me. By far it was not from a Top 20 list nor have the world recognition of something sung by Adele. But the words and melody have  remained in my thoughts and after listening to the song several time I often find myself reflecting back to being 7 years old... if I can remember back that far.

   Like all good 70 year olds, I did a Google search of Lukas Graham and I am still not sure who he is. But I do like the song.
   I am sure there are many obscure writers and musicians out there who write and create some wonderful and meaningful songs and stories each day. For whatever reason, not everyone can be or do they need to be a James Taylor or some other famous writer and composer. They just need insight. Sometimes the best  comes from someone relative unknown  and when we least expect it.

   Below are the lyric to 7 Years. I hope you will take the time to read them. And it you would like to hear the words with the music, I have attempted to include a link to the  song too. Just copy and paste (I think). Hope you enjoy...

7 Years

sung by Lukas Graham

   "Once I was seven years old, my mamma told me... go make yourself some friends or you'll be lonely. Once I was seven years old.

   It was a big big world, but we thought we were bigger. Pushing each other to the limits, we won't learn them quicker. 

   By eleven smoking herb and drinking burning liquor. Never rich. So we were out to make that steady figure.

   Once I was eleven years old, my daddy told me... go get yourself a wife or you'll be lonely.

   Once I was eleven years old. I always had that dream like my daddy before me. So I started writing songs, I started writing stories, something about the glory, just always seemed to bore me cause only those I really love will ever really know me.

   Once I was twenty years old, my story got told before the morning sun, when life was lonely.

   Once I was twenty years old. I only see my goals, I don't believe in failure cause I know the smallest voices, they can make it major. I got my boys with me at least those in favor. And if we don't lead before I leave, I hope I'll see you later.

   Once I was 20 years old, my story got told. I was writing about everything I saw before me. Once I was 20 years old.

   Soon we'll be 30 years old, and our songs have been sold. We've traveled around the world and we're still roaming. Soon we'll be 30 years old.

   I'm still learning about life. My woman brought children for me so I can sing them all my songs and I can tell them stories. Most of my boys are with me. Some are still out seeking glory. And some I had to leave behind. My brother... I'm still sorry

   Soon I'll be 60 years old, my daddy got 61. Remember life and then your life becomes a better one. I made the man so happy when I wrote a letter once

   I hope my children come and visit, once or twice a month. Soon I'll be 60 years old. Will I think the world is cold or will I have a lot of children who can bore me. Soon I'll be 60 years old. Soon I'll be 60 years old. Will I think the world is cold or will I have a lot of children who can bore me. Soon I'll be 60 years old.

   Once I was seven years old, my mama told me... Go make yourself some friends or you'll be lonely. Once I was seven years old.

   Once I was seven years old....”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jErJimwom94

http://genius.com/Lukas-graham-7-years-lyrics

'Tis the season, as they say...

   It has been several weeks since I put up a post. It's not that there has been nothing to talk about. Quite the contrary. There has been lots to talk about; Paris, San Bernardino, air planes blown out of the skies, numerous terror threats. Truthfully for me, the list is somewhat frightening.

   And we surely can not ignore those 'insightful' political debates, where we learn how, if elected, each candidate would solve the world's problems and bring order back to a planet that currently seems to be spinning out of control. Can these people really be serious?

   Of course, not to be outdone by the national and international news, events and the latest happenings coming out of Augusta don't paint a very constructive and hopeful picture for the upcoming legislative session. Impeachment! Really? I am not a big fan of the current Governor - I suspect he might be on Santa's naughty list. but don't we have more pressing issues at hand?

   It is, however, the holiday season and regardless of one's faith and beliefs, for me it still serves as a time to take a step back and reflect, not on the issues that I cannot control, but those that I can.

   Now...it's at this point that I might put together my Christmas wish list.

   I don't need new underwear, as may be suggested on some television commercials. So anyone thinking about that as a gift for me, take the 20% Kohl's discount card and buy something for yourself, or better yet, buy a sweater or winter coat and donate it to the Salvation Army or local shelter. The last thing I need is new underwear, a tie, or one of those $89 dress shirts. And, I recently upgraded my cell phone and bought a new sweatshirt, so I'm all set there too. Now, if I could just learn to text! :) 

   So what does someone who will be turning 70 years old this coming year really have on his Christmas list?

   A few holiday cookies would be nice, but not too many. I really don't need the sugar.

    I think my list looks very different today when compared to lists of years past. It's not about wanting 'things' anymore. New golf clubs? No. But having the energy and taking the time to get out and walk more, even if it's just around the block with Lucky, our dog, is a gift I can give to myself.

   I worry about the future, not for me, but for future generations, my children and grandchildren and their families. Will they be living in a world where, based upon decisions made today and tomorrow, decisions based upon today's fears and anger, it will limit their ability to have the hopes and dreams we once had for our world?

   So on my Christmas list, I want to have an open door so they can at least  come home and enjoy the safety and comfort of 'family' and friends, both today and in the future.

   On my list, I want a another list, a list of the lessons I have learned about life. Now, I am old and with age comes perspective, the ability to look back at all the dumb and stupid things I did and the lessons learned from those. If I can share some of those lessons with others, helping them to avoid mistakes similar to the ones I made....OK. I am not talking about buying a Ford instead of a Chevy. I am talking about the really important stuff in life!

   My list is not going to include the age old platitude of 'peace on earth and goodwill to men (and women)'. But for just one day, it would really be nice to turn on the television or radio and not hear the reports of the number of people killed in a shootout, the carpet bombing to see if the sand glows in the desert or the insults and name calling being shared on the political stage. Unfortunately, the reports will continue as long as we listen.

   But here is a solution, at least for me.  I find that I have a much better day it I don't turn on the television first in the morning, in fact, maybe not at all that day and instead retreat to my workshop, mow the lawn or fire up the outdoor pizza oven, cook up a few brick oven pizzas and share with friends. (Is the bread dough ready yet?)

   Now, I know there are some out there who will criticize me, claiming that by avoiding the news and all the 'talking' heads I am putting my head in the sand. But for just one day, is that a bad thing? And by the way, the pizza is really good.

   Growing up in the 1950's, my Christmas list of toys and clothes was long and probably expensive. Did I get everything I hoped for? Of course not. And the response from my parents? “Well, there is always next year”!

   My list is very different today and I know I will not get everything that I hope for. If not, as my parents often said...at least  I do hope there will be a next year.

Oh, just  one more thing....Can I have just a bit more Eggnog..... please?

                                        Happy Holidays

                     

Lucky goes to Walmart...

   He has been working hard for the past five plus years. Perhaps I should say “we have. He has learned to heel, come, sit, front and many other behaviors dogs often learn to do. In addition to the more traditional commands and behaviors, he has learned a few tricks and a few dog rally stunts too.

   He loves to ride in the car and I think deep down inside he would probably like to learn to drive, but his legs are to short to reach the peddles and his paws slip off the steering wheel. It might help if I put wooden blocks on the gas and brake peddles and he had thumbs, but I think he is content to sit and look out the window, watching the world pass by, keeping a watchful lookout for the next Dunkin Donuts shop or just falling asleep on the back seat. (Did you know that many Dunkin Donuts shops will often give your dog a munchkin at no charge? Please, no chocolate ones.)

   He enjoys taking walks and going to the park. Often there are other dogs there and it's playtime. The exercise is great, for both him and me.

   Unfortunately on a recent walk Lucky learned one of life's harsh lessons though. Not all dogs are friendly and while he may have wanted to greet, sniff and play, the other dog had other thoughts and ideas. Kinda sounds like life as a human being too, doesn't it!

   Lucky likes to visit Grandma and at first we were somewhat reluctant and cautious about taking him there. My mother lives in an assisted living facility with lots of older folks, many with canes, wheelchairs and  most a bit unstable on their feet. But he seems to know that as soon as we park the car and walk toward the door, it requires a different, more calm and subdued behavior. A quick walk around the parking lot to get rid of some of the energy and he is ready. Most of the residents love and admire him and he soaks in all the attention and he has heard many stories about their favorite pets.

   Lucky is very friendly and eager to meet people and there are times it is a challenge to make sure he doesn't show his enthusiasm for meeting strangers by jumping and other “friendly” dog behaviors. Often we will sit on the bench in front of the local grocery store as people come and go. Many people walk right by and just as they ignore him, Lucky does the same to them, he ignores them. He may look, but then goes back to sniffing the pavement and sidewalk.

   On the other hand, he seems to sense who should get his attention, and as if he is able to determine who are dog lovers,  he waits to see if they come over to say “hello.” Once he decides they are OK, he begins to wag his tail. I am curious how he  knows who may or may not show him some attention. Perhaps it is the high pitched sound of..."what a handsome dog."

   Several months ago we were shopping at the local Walmart. It was a bit warm and while Donna shopped, I walked Lucky around the parking lot, getting him out of the hot car. We stood close to the front doors, out of the direct sun, watching people rush in and rush out of the store, and similar to the experience in town, some folks would stop and say “hello,” often followed by a pat on the head while others would walk right by us (that is a  pat on Lucky's head, not mine).

   While we waited outside a Walmart employee, the security person, came outside and invited us inside. Really? I didn't know. The only restriction...we had to stay away from the meat aisle.

   With a tight leash, I made myself as comfortable as I could on the benches near the checkout lanes. It was amazing to watch Lucky and the customers. Yes, it was busy with people coming and going, shopping carts all over the place and the checkout lanes packed with people. I think that helped keep him occupied and maybe a bit confused. This was something new for him. And for good behavior there were treats and verbal rewards. And probably it didn't hurt that near the exit was a Dunkin Donuts shop too.

   Since then we have continued to visit the Walmart store and he has developed a few fans, both customers and employees. Hew was even offered a Walmart credit card by one of the cashiers

   The other day we walked (heeled) the aisle with the Christmas trees and holiday decorations before returning to the front of the store. He really liked the colored lights on the trees. So did the 2 year old in the shopping cart.

   Lucky's behavior is still not always perfect. He will sometimes bark when someone he does not recognize walks by the house. He continues to protect us from being kidnapped by the mailman. And he needs to be reminded  not to take napkins off laps at mealtime.

   But it is fun to watch the smiles he puts on the faces of people as he wags his tail or sits patiently with paw raised to shake hands. And who can resist those big brown eyes?

   What's that, Lucky? You want what? You want your own......Facebook page?