Catonsville 4th of July

Better late than never, the 4th of July photos are finally posted. When I was younger, I thought that every town had a parade and fireworks, and every family had a special picnic. Now I appreciate how lucky we are to live here in Catonsville. My parents have hosted 4th of July for as long as I can remember, and I'd like to thank them for all of their hard work to keep this tradition alive. Many of the folks below have attended our picnic for 40 or more years. This year the cooler weather and the showers kept us all in the garage for dinner. As a result, we all mingled and it was an especially relaxing evening.

Bill T., Pat and Doug also had celebrations at their homes. Bill even shared his pit beef with us.

This year's flag cake

Arthur, Ed, Jim and Matthew

Jim, Eva and Dorothy

Ann, Joan and Betty Jane

Beth, Rori, and Carl

Katelyn and Harold

Donna and Naomi

Paul and Larry

Joe, Doris, Jean and Alicia

John with his bride - so glad you made it to the USA!

Roy, Kibby and Matt

Casey with his spoon glasses - too much Rolling Rock!

Julia, Sarah, Katelyn and Casey

Pop, Jean, and Paul

Asking for Prayers

Every now and then health issues seem to crop up for many cherished people in our lives simultaneously. Some are truly in crisis, some are moving toward recovery, and some have passed on. All will benefit from thoughts and prayers. We can not take our lives for granted. I pray that each of us enjoy the blessings, bagels, friends and family that surround us daily.

• Helen, mother of Lynn and Sharon, sister of Betty Jane, passed away the last week of June after a long illness.
• Margaret, mother of Denise and Nirmal, passed away last week after a two-week hospitalization.
• Our Sam's buddy, Gene, is still having chronic health concerns. Come back soon!
• Ann, Harold's mother, is recuperating from a nasty fall and is returning home tonight after several nights in Johns Hopkins Hospital.
• An old friend, Barry, is returning home tomorrow after surgery and weeks of rehab. You can read his wonderful recollections in his blog at http://barryw.blogspot.com/
• My childhood BFF, Jim, is having outpatient surgery this Wednesday and will be recuperating at home for three weeks. His insightful blog is at http://notbymyself.blogspot.com/
• My friend and co-worker, Dorothy, just got the terrible news that her sister-in-law, Jean, was struck by a car driven by a 90 year old. Jean was crossing a hospital parking lot in her walker enroute to a medical appointment when she was literally run down. Jean is in a coma with a crushed skull, broken jaw and fractured spine among other injuries.
• Prayers go out to everyone reading this.

Happy 18th Birthday, Paul!

• Welcome back! As I predicted, lawn chairs had already appeared on Frederick Road for the 4th of July parade by our return on June 29th. Heard that Gladys didn't put chairs out on Thursday, June 26th, and missed getting her traditional spot.
• Get well wishes go out to Gene who has been ill. Come back soon and feel better.
• Bill T. was delighted to purchase Charlie's truck from Patty, with the promise of free hauling whenever she needs it.
• Hope Andrea is enjoying her new job at Howard Bank. She is missed.
• Have reports that Peggy is visiting from Florida, and will be here for the holiday. She has already been to Sam's several times.
• We had beautiful weather on our cruise, but it could have been longer. I was just starting to relax! Sarah misses the food and the ability to eat whatever and whenever she wants. Unfortunately, she (and her 2 new friends from the ship) became ill on Monday night and threw up for hours. She is feeling a bit better this morning.
• Here are some of the stupid questions that the cruise director says he has been asked: "Does the ship generate its own electricity?" (No, they have a giant extension cord from port) "Do these steps go up or down?" (Both) "Does this elevator take me to the front of the boat?" (No, it's an elevator, not a transporter) "Do the toilets have fresh water or sea water in them?" (Does it matter?) "What do you do with the ice sculptures after they melt?" (Use the water in the toilets!) and his favorite, "Can I take a picture of the ship as it leaves the port?" (Difficult to do when you are on board the ship)
• FYI, the captain stated that the ship, Mariner of the Seas, takes on 500,000 gallons of fuel every 2 weeks. Guess the cost of cruising won't be getting cheaper any time soon!
• Looking forward to seeing all of my friends at Sam's soon. I missed everyone.

Paul tried out a JetSki

Paul turned 18 at sea on June 22nd

Discovered Gladys has a nice place on St. Thomas

Our ship, Mariner of the Seas, at St. Maartan's

Went swimming in Magan's Bay, St. Thomas, ranked one of the world's top ten beaches

On the mountaintop at St. Thomas

Sarah relaxes on Coco Cay in the Bahamas

Welcome, Arthur

Congratulations to Dimitri on the birth of his son, Arthur. The European pronunciation if his name is lovely, Ar-TUR.

New blog readers in Auckland, New Zealand; Sydney, Australia; Perth, Australia; Adelaide, Australia; Manama, Bahrain; Stockholm, Sweden; Barcelona, Spain; Hamburg, Germany; Paris, France; Lincoln, England; Leeds, England; London, England; Dublin, Ireland; Bayamon, Puerto Rico; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Portland, OR; Tacoma, WA; Huntington Beach, CA; Berkeley, CA; South Bend, IN; Winter Park, FL; Latrobe, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Copake, NY; Schenectady, NY; Wilmington, MA; and Fairfield, OH.


You can purchase tee shirts for 4th of July at Opie's and other locations around town. Proceeds benefit the parade and fireworks. Below is the schedule for 4th of July events.

9:30 am Children's Games & Races(High School Grounds - Valley Road Parking Lot)

11:00 am Christian Temple Concert
5820 Edmondson Ave.
Call 410-747-2041 for more information

3:00 pm 62nd Annual Parade Frederick Rd. (starts at Montrose Ave ends at Bloomsbury)
Come join us. We sit at the end of the route on Bloomsbury in front of the old telephone building.


6:30 pm Catonsville High School Pre- Fireworks Musical Salute

9:00 pm Color Guard Tribute

9:15 pm FIREWORKS DISPLAY at the High School
(Rain Date Saturday July 5th)

Happy Birthday to Gladys

The Bagel Bunch sings to Gladys

Andrea's last week

Gladys celebrated her birthday today. Best wishes! I wanted to find a miniature rocking chair for her but had no luck. She was celebrating with her family later today. Gladys got teased because she mentioned that she had moved Jack's rocking chair from the porch into the bedroom. She claimed it was so he could sit comfortably to put his shoes on. However, Jack missed and fell, sending one of the rockers through the wall. Poor Gladys was teased with other people's version of the incident. (see previous post, "If the chairs are rocking, don't come knocking").

Speaking of rocking chairs, the Little Sisters of the Poor is having a fund raiser this Saturday from 10 t0 2 where one sponsors people to ......rock. We have encouraged Glayds and Jack to volunteer given their rocking chair expertise!

Bill had fake amputated fingers to scare the ladies. It worked! He also told a story of showing his neighbor his Speedo by pulling his boxers down. Unfortunately, the suit had dry rot and had disintegrated, exposing Bill from the back. Most of us thought this was even scarier!

Andrea has her last week of work, All of Sam's regulars wish her the best.

I will be away for the next two weekends, so be good. This means I will probably miss the running of the chairs for the 4th of July parade, alas. Stay safe and have some laughs for me!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all the dads, Grandfathers, and uncles out there! We had a very nice luncheon with all the men in our lives.

I was surprised to learn that Scott thought Alicia was our daughter. I guess Alicia is even more surprised to think that she has traded in her wonderful parents!

Discounted Brains

Another submission from Tom in Las Vegas. Thanks!


The relatives gathered in the waiting room, where their family member lay gravely ill.Finally, the doctor came in looking tired and somber."I'm afraid I'm the bearer of bad news," he said as he surveyed the worried faces."The only hope left for your loved one at this time is a brain transplant.It's an experimental procedure, very risky but it is the only hope.Insurance will cover the procedure, but you will have to pay for the brain yourselves.The family members sat silent as they absorbed the news.

After a great length of time, someone asked, "Well, how much does a brain cost?"The doctor quickly responded, "$5,000 for a male brain, and $200 for a female brain."The moment turned awkward.Men in the room tried not to smile, avoiding eye contact with the women, but some actually smirked.

A man unable to control his curiosity, blurted out the question everyone wanted to ask,"Why is the male brain so much more?"The doctor smiled at the childish innocence and explained to the entire group,"It's just standard pricing procedure.We have to mark down the price of the female brains, because they've actually been used."

Patapsco Natural Art

• I was reading my friend Jim's blog ( see http://notbymyself.blogspot.com/) and he had photographs of artistically placed rocks in the Patapsco River. Check his blog to see an additional surprise. Sarah and I had been hiking in the state park in April and we also found several of these creations in smaller streams throughout the park. I'd like the artist to know we appreciate his/her/their work.

• I have been reading another friend's blog regularly at http://barryw.blogspot.com/. Barry has had a recurrence of melanoma and is battling some daunting health challenges. He is currently in a rehab facility in Florida. Despite these worries, Barry has posted some wonderful stories of his childhood here in Baltimore. You will be touched by his memories and by his courage. If you check out his blog, leave a comment of encouragement or a memory of your own to make him smile.

Upstream from the stone art

Sarah holds the GPS over one of the creations

Last Day of School

I have to admit that after years of working a traditional school schedule, I am programmed to expect a break at this time of the year. So I will be thinking of the kids at home after a half day starting their summer vacation, maybe enjoying a swim through the generosity of their friend, Rosa, and I will be wishing I was with them.

Sarah and neighbor , Nick, at the Honor Roll reception

Sarah won music and English awards at school

Sick Leave Excuses

Tom in Las Vegas (who would now chuckle at us for complaining about temperatures in the 90's) shared this article from Career Builders in case any of you need a day off.

“Employers are placing a greater emphasis on work/life balance, offering more opportunities for employees to recharge and return to the office more productive,” Haefner says.

So the next time you call in sick — whether you have the flu or a desire to stay in your pajamas until noon — you can decide if you want to tell the truth or a little white lie. If you choose the latter, here are some of the most unusual excuses bosses revealed.

1. At her sister’s wedding, an employee chipped her tooth on a mint julep, bent over to spit it out, hit her head on a keg and was knocked unconscious.

2. While at a circus, a tiger urinated on the employee’s ear, causing an ear infection.

3. An employee’s dog wasn’t feeling well, so the employee tasted the dog’s food and then got sick.

4. “Someone put LSD in my salad.”

5. An employee’s roommate locked all his clothes in a shed for spite.

6. “Stuck on an island – canoe floated away.”

7. An employee was upset because his favorite "American Idol" contestant was voted off.

8. “I didn’t think I had to come in if I had time in my vacation bank. I thought I could take it whenever I wanted.”

9. An employee said he wasn’t feeling well and wanted to rest up for the company’s holiday party that night.

10. A groundhog bit the employee’s car tire, causing it to go flat.

Sad News

(photo courtesy of http://whatsgoingoncatonsville.blogspot.com/)

Remember all of the blue bows on Frederick Road store fronts reminding us to pray for baby Jeremy Morse? Sadly, little Jeremy lost his fight for life yesterday. Dr. Ben Carson performed neurosurgery to attempt to stop bleeding in his brain, but the damage was too severe. Please keep Amy and Scott and their family in your prayers. You can read more about Jeremy and write a note of support to the family at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jeremymorse. His story has touched more than 75,000 people around the world, most of whom only knew Jeremy from the Internet.

Happy Birthday, Pat!

Another reason to celebrate! Sam's folks were happy to celebrate Pat's birthday and to see the beautiful addition to her home. Everyone enjoyed good food and company. Hope you celebrate many more, and thanks for the kind invitation!

Frederick Road Fridays

The Greater Catonsville Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a series of outdoor events this summer. These free events are called Frederick Road Fridays and will kick off Friday June 13, 2008 from 5:30pm- 7:30pm at Egges Lane and Frederick Rd. (Next door to the Santa House).

There will be live musical entertainment and fun for the entire family.The retail shops along Frederick Rd have been asked stay open later on these evenings and have promotions, such as sidewalk sales. Some of the local restaurants will be offering specials on these evenings, so plan on staying around after the music stops! Jennings will be hosting the "BEER GARDEN"

Frederick Road Fridays - 2008 Schedule
Friday June 13, 2008 5:30 -7:30 pm"The Al Reisinger Band” (featuring Lynn Alonso)Band members: (Dr.) Al Reisinger (mandolin and lead guitar); Jeff Pecore (guitar); (Dr.) Lynn Alonso (vocals and guitar)

June 27 -Automatic Slim
July 11 –Blue Streak

Congratulations!

Andrea has accepted a position at Howard Bank (this is the same bank where Jeff's wife works). While we will miss seeing her at Sam's, this is a wonderful opportunity for her. She is excited about learning some new skills. Her last day at Sam's will be June 20th.

My Hero by Glenn

THINGS THAT ARE DIFFICULT TO SAY WHEN DRUNK:

1. Innovative

2. Preliminary

3. Proliferation

4. Cinnamon

THINGS THAT ARE VERY DIFFICULT TO SAY WHEN DRUNK:

1. Specificity

2. Anti-constitutionalistically

3. Passive-aggressive disorder

4. Transubstantiate

THINGS THAT ARE DOWNRIGHT IMPOSSIBLE TO SAY WHEN DRUNK:

1. No thanks, I'm married.

2. Nope, no more booze for me!

3. Sorry, but you're not really my type.

4. Taco Bell? No thanks, I'm not hungry.

5. Good evening, officer. Isn't it lovely out tonight?

6. Oh, I couldn't! No one wants to hear me sing karaoke.

7. I'm not interested in fighting you.

8. Thank you, but I won't make any attempt to dance, I have no coordination. I'd hate to look like a fool!

9. Where is the nearest bathroom? I refuse to pee in this parking lot or on the side of the road.

10. I must be going home now, as I have to work in the morning.

Nothing Important

Spring view at College Park Campus

• Tom in Vegas wanted us to know about a new Homeland Security Bill. Things will be different now and Internet surfing, as you know it, will be tracked by what the FBI calls a 'non-intrusive method.' The FBI says you will hardly notice anything different. For a demonstration, click on this link :users.chartertn.net/tonytemplin/FBI_eyes/
  

• Patty had a huge tree removed from her front yard on Monday. It was so large it involved a crane. Paul and Jean, Bill T. and others wandered by to watch all of the excitement. Construction work ranks high on the bagel crowd's "Things to Watch" list.


• Bagel prices are going up due to the increase in flour, etc. Transportation costs have also added to the increases in many of our purchases.


• Don's new granddaughter is named "Channon", joining siblings Chase and Cheney.


• New blog statistics - you know I like them! With the addition of Santiago, Chile, this week, we have reached every continent with the exception of Antarctica! Other new readers in the following countries: 50% United States ; 14.51% Unknown ; 2.52% Germany ; 1.89% United Kingdom ; 1.26% Spain; 0.95% Australia ; 0.63% Ireland; 0.63% Virgin Islands, U.S. 0.63% Bermuda; 0.63% Finland; 0.63% Netherlands ; 0.63% New Zealand; 0.63% Sweden ; 0.32% Canada ; 0.32% Slovakia ; and 0.32% Virgin Islands. We also have new readers in Alaska, Ohio, Alabama, Massachusetts and Michigan.


• I was tempted to put some chairs out this early on Frederick Road for the 4th of July Parade and see if I could provoke others into doing the same. My observation is that once one chair appears, many follow.


• Gene asked Paul if his hand was in a cast for giving someone the middle finger, That would make a better story, but he just tripped. He was feeling better today.


• Harold's cell phone stopped working, so we now have AT and T's version of the Blackberry phone thanks to a 2-for-1 offer. I knew I was in trouble when it came with an instruction DVD. It does everything, GPS navigation, calendar, voice notes, email, Internet searches, videos, photos, etc. The only thing that it doesn't do easily is let you answer the phone when it rings. It notifies me for so many reasons, only one of which is an actual phone call. Now I understand why some readers never turn their phones on unless it is an emergency!


• Saw the latest Indiana Jones movie. while the first movie in the series is still my favorite, this was a very enjoyable film. The famous score by John Williams alone brings back many memories.
  
• Enjoy the beautiful weather!

First Sunday in June

• Big crowd this morning at Sam's. Pat's home construction project has finally been completed and signed off. Pat said she will invite all of us over to see the results one weekend when her daughter and son-in-law are away.
• Dr. Mike was making plans to have Alicia take him and his family sailing around the Inner Harbor in July.
• Talk of Senior Week reminded Jack of the time he ran away from home as a teen to work at the ocean back in the 1940's. They worked for 75 cents an hour and all the fruit they could eat. One day, Jack and his friend were sitting in rocking chairs on a hotel porch (again with the rocking chairs) when a detective hired by Jack's mom sat between them. The detective showed Jack's friend his photo and asked if he knew him. Of course, the friend said "no". The detective never noticed Jack was sitting next to him, maybe because he had bleached his hair blond.
• Congratulations to Don on the birth of his new grandchild, everyone is doing well. (I forgot to ask what the baby's name is, I know it begins with "Ch" .) However, Don reports that 2 year old Cheney is not taking kindly to this newest addition.
• Everyone recalled taking their driver's ed test or teaching someone else to drive. Poor Gladys had to take her test with a broken clutch on the streets of Baltimore. She made it up the hill after stopping at the sign, but missed parallel parking by two inches. Bill said his grandmother was asked, "If you are approaching a railroad crossing and a train is coming, who crosses?" She answered, "Whoever gets there first", and had to wait 60 days before taking the test again. Alicia and her twin sister were getting permits in the State of New York. The computer system crashed between the time that her sister got a permit, right before Alicia's turn. Her mom waited 8 hours for the system to work and for Alicia to get her permit, knowing she couldn't go home with only one 16-year-old twin able to drive. Her mother noted that it did not take that long to give birth to them! Sue recalled that her mom didn't say a lot, but she hit the imaginary brake so often Sue nicknamed her "Thumper". Bill said that after having his son sit in the front seat and watch traffic as if he were driving for a week, his son decided to wait until he turned 18. Many thanks to all of the parents who attempt this nerve-wracking job!

Catonsville High Steel Drum Band opens the Lurman Woodland Theater Concert Series

Paul and Nick head off to Senior Week "downy ocean". Prayers welcome.

Pat presented Doug with his personal plastic knife.

While in Chicago, this place made me think of Don. I wonder why.......

Paul's Graduation 2008!

Once again, we celebrated a special milestone as Paul accepted his diploma from Catonsville High School. Everyone in the family was so proud of him!

Balloons from Miss Dorothy

with Mimi and Pop

with Mom and Dad

with Sarah

With Pop and Bubbie

with Aunt Beth

Long Time, No Post

As you can tell from the photos below, it has been a hectic - but fun - week!

Tuesday, May 27......... Spanish tall ship at the Inner Harbor

Tuesday, May 27..... Jean with Andre Rieu('s bus) at his wonderful concert

Monday, May 26... Memorial day cookout with Beth, Linda, and Ginger the dog

Sat., May 24..... Riding the miniature steam engines at the Leakin Park Herb Festival

Friday, May 23..... Paul gets his first softcrab sandwich at Snyder's.

New treehouses at Longwood Gardens

Thursday, May 22..... Bus trip to Longwood gardens

Interesting sign in Katelyn's Chinatown neighborhood

Wednesday, May 21..... Graduates John and Katelyn pose at the Millenium Cloud, aka the Bean

Happy 21st Birthday, Katelyn!

We went out for drinks after midnight with JC to celebrate Katelyn's 21st birthday.

I think this is one of the few times I have been out after midnight since she was born at 2 am! She has to be out of her dorm room this morning, so we will be moving the last of her belongings to her Chinatown townhouse and maybe shopping.

Cool and windy here, I needed long pants and a coat to walk around the city. It was a temperature drop of over 20 degrees from Saturday. Chicago has many beautiful parks and architecture, so it is really fun to explore. I put my hotel's coordinates into my GPS so I can always find my way back.....but the tall buidings interfere with satellite reception.