Expedition Everest Challenge 2008

I have needed to get into shape for a long time for my health, yet I couldn't find the motivation to stick with an exercise program. I found out about this inaugural event at one of my favorite places, Disneyworld. It involved a 5K run, an obstacle course and a scavenger hunt, plus the chance to celebrate in the Animal Kingdom Park after hours. Turns out that the fear of public humiliation is a powerful motivator for me. I began to exercise in earnest. I am so grateful that my friend Jim agreed to go with me so I couldn't chicken out. Each week our time improved on the 5K walk/run. Last year we didn't get to celebrate his 50th birthday in a big way with all of the health challenges facing him. I hoped that this event would be a milestone for both of us, a chance to celebrate our friendship and our healthier selves.

OK, it's actually here. (What have I gotten us into?) After 6 weeks of training, we arrived at the Disney Sports Complex on Friday morning to pick up our racing packets and shirts. After a small snafu (I was registered on a team with myself instead of with Jim), we opened our goody bags. Surprised to find cookies, energy coffee beans, and a watermelon scented electric air freshener. Here we are at Base Camp Fury 242 on Friday morning. Our luggage had finally arrived at 3 am. When it seemed that we had been here a week with all of the constant activity, we would remember that our luggage had only been in town for hours!

Spent Friday afternoon at EPCOT celebrating the Annual Wine and Food Festival. We enjoyed the rides Soarin', the surprising ending at Spaceship Earth, and Mission: SPACE.

Had the most refreshing frozen margaritas ever on a hot day!

A packed crowd celebrated the closing of the unique Adventurer's Club on Friday night. All of Pleasure Island will be closing after this weekend to make room for something new. This is one time I feel that Disney is making the wrong decision.

We gave the Adventurer's toast "Kungaloosh!" and cheer "Hoopla!" in the parlor before the shows in the library. Felt like a real adventurer by night's end.

We sang the Adventurer's Motto several times. Seemed appropriate as we were headed into uncharted territory for Saturday night's race.

The cast of the Adventurer's Club provided many laughs.

Imagine my surprise finding Scott here dressed in a scout uniform and carrying a cow!

After a talk about the race course, we spent Saturday afternoon at Animal Kingdom Park, site of the race. You can see Everest in the background. By now, I am getting very nervous. Had a delicious lunch at the Yak and Yeti Restuarant where our new friend, Gracie, was our waitress. We ended up in Wave 11 of the race, meaning we started last at 7:50 pm (the first runners began at 7 pm). They played very loud music interspersed with Yeti growls and helicopter sound effects while we waited. Firewalks shot up as the race began, and then we were off running around the parking lot in the dark!

Yeah Team Bluffingwildly! We finished! Had medals placed around our necks! Celebrated by riding Expedition Everest and the water rapids rides many times in the dark. The darkness made the rides seem much scarier.

We did what we set out to do. We not only completed the 5K Race, the Obstacle Course (thanks to Jim, he did all the work in record time) and the Scavenger Hunt in 1 hour, 20 minutes....we weren't even last to finish! Our medals and sweaty shirts are shown hanging above. I am really, truly proud of us. I can't even express how this small accomplishment was life-affirming.

Picture us standing here in front of Mickey with our medals at the All Star Sports Resort (the guy taking our photo forgot to push the button). Kungaloosh!

Free Carwash With Bagel

Hi everyone,

Found my long lost camera cable today.......in the camera bag where I thought it was all along. Thanks to St. Anthony, I finally recognized the cable and can finally post a month's worth of photos. Hope you enjoy them!

Is Dimitri onto a new marketing tactic?

Another Sunday crowd

Everyone is glad to see Glenn out and about in August

Doug and Harold discuss the news

Don gets a birthday spanking from Doug

Gladys and Jack talk with Gene, who is recovering well

Can you believe this is where Don carries a photo of his grandson?

Don and Bill solving the world's problems

Did you know Sam's was located on historic Frederick Road?

Glenn, Max, and Doug coloring in July

Dimitri parks so Doug can't get into his car

Joe is recovering from emergency heart bypass surgery

Doug's very bad parking job

The three Bill's

Made You Laugh

Thanks to Harold's sister, Beth, for this one!

A frog goes into a bank and approaches the teller. He can see from her nameplate that her name is Patricia Whack.

"Miss Whack, I'd like to get a $30,000 loan to take a holiday."

Patty looks at the frog in disbelief and asks his name. The frog says his name is Kermit Jagger, his dad is Mick Jagger, and that it's okay, he knows the bank manager.

Patty explains that he will need to secure the loan with some collateral.

The frog says, "Sure. I have this," and produces a tiny porcelain elephant, about an inch tall, bright pink and perfectly formed.

Very confused, Patty explains that she'll have to consult with the bank manager and disappears into a back office.

She finds the manager and says, "There's a frog called Kermit Jagger out there who claims to know you and wants to borrow $30,000, and he wants to use this as collateral."
She holds up the tiny pink elephant. "I mean, what in the world is this?"

(folks, you're gonna luv this)

The bank manager looks back at her and says...
"It's a knickknack, Patty Whack. Give the frog a loan, His old man's a Rolling Stone."

(You're singing it, aren't you? Yeah, I know you are........)

Happy Birthday, Don!

Don turns 65 at midnight and is looking forward to collecting his senior benefits. He was spending today with his daughter, driving to one of his favorite spots, the dump. This is the point where Bill T. always says, "What did the Lone Ranger say to Tonto when he went to the dump?"
*To the dump, to the dump, to the dump, dump, dump" sung to the Lone Ranger's theme song.

Happy Birthday, Don, you are an original.


The following was written by Loretta Laroche (see favorite sites on the right). I always enjoy her positive outlook on life and thought I'd share it here as we enter the autumn season.

The Fabulous Fall Refresh

The fall is my favorite time of year. My body is shedding the bloat from the summer humidity due to the crisper air, and my thoughts have turned towards planting bulbs and making fires in my fireplace.

The landscape is changing bringing us its’ autumn palette of burnt orange, sienna, and rust, and it’s time to get out the bulky sweaters and afghans. Not everyone revels in the changing seasons, but I have always enjoyed the possibilities that each season brings.

As the leaves wither and drop off, and the days become shorter, we should look within ourselves and see what changes we might want to make.

Could this be the time to shed some behaviors that no longer serve you? Perhaps the cooler weather and the darker days will prod you into becoming more introspective.

Could this be a time when you cozy up in your favorite chair, with a wonderful book and a great cup of tea? Maybe as nature begins to silence its growth you could begin to renew yours by meditating, or simply allowing yourself to become more in tune with silence.

How about doing some cooking? Now that the doors are closed more often you have the opportunity to fill the house with wonderful aromas.

Who doesn’t like to walk into a home that smells like a great big pot of chicken soup or an apple pie that is baking away just waiting for you to take that first bite?

Spend some time writing to friends or relatives instead of calling or e-mailing, or consider starting a joy journal. Get physical by raking leaves in your yard or someone else’s, or take a fabulous hike alone or with a group of friends.

There are so many options available to us as we transition through the year. Take advantage of them and embrace the changes. If you don’t you could end up becoming your own groundhog day.

Not Just a Spoonful of Sugar

I had several medical appointments today. While I am fine, I will be giving up caffeine and soda and foods made with white flour. Kind of zapped my motivation for hanging out in a bagel shop so often! During that seemingly endless time spent waiting on the exam table for the doctor, I found an article about laughter being the best medicine for one's health. The researchers found that even ANTICIPATING that something would be funny reduced levels of three stress hormones:

• Cortisol, a major stress hormone, dipped 39%
• Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, dropped 70%
• Dopac, a chemical related to the feel-good chemical dopamine, dropped 38%

So now I still have a reason to stop by and laugh. It's good for my health! And if you are feeling stressed, simply think about these good things......

• Bill T's long list of Snapple trivia questions, thrown into any conversation whether related or not..... do you know how many vocal cords a cat has?
• Doug's torn pants or shaving-creamed ears or lost glasses/wallet/keys.
• Gladys and Jack in their rocking chairs
• Bill W's jokes, jokes, jokes
• Laura's new tricked-out Honda
• Dr. Mike's forays into Internet dating
• Don's boxers and kilts and Speedos, oh my!
• Alicia's flowers from her new beau
• Allison's new apartment
• Jean and Paul's trip to Lexington, KY
• Bill S's trip to Gatlinburg, TN
• Patty wanting to smack Doug and Alicia offering to hold him for her!
• Pat enjoying her renovated home
• Lois and Gene winning big money at Delaware Downs
• Glenn in his LAST WEEK of treatment, he's in the home stretch! Come back soon. It will be good for your recovery to laugh with us. We really do miss you.

Catonsville Arts and Crafts Festival

Hope everyone survived the rain and wind of Tropical Storm Hanna yesterday. We were lucky; most just had some power outages, cable and internet loss, and fallen branches. I am posting live from Sam's this morning and can view the preparations for the festival on a beautiful sunny day. The antique cars are pulling into the parking lot next to Friendly's as I type.

• Dr. Mike has a first date on Tuesday with an Internet connection. He feels that dating is like mining for gold in a muddy stream........hope it pans out!
• Gladys drove by the "Loved Ones" lingerie store and thought of Don. Don is hoping to talk Alonyah on a field trip to a lingerie store one day. One should always have dreams.
• Harold is back in town after three weeks of travel, will be in town for two weeks. He is undergoing security clearance for work, so some of you might be interviewed for the process.
• Patty went to a wedding yesterday for Charlie's granddaughter. Despite the weather, the wedding was reportedly beautiful.
• Bill said he is going to the festival with his wife, but Janice will insist on walking ahead of him. Bill won't be wearing a shirt to show off his tatoos and Janice won't walk with him.
• Glenn, we are sending our thoughts and prayers out to you every day.

September Already

Hi everyone,
I enjoyed my end of summer vacation, but now am back on blog duty. Just a reminder that I will not be posting any political views in this space. There is a plethora of political info on so many other blogs that it isn't needed. The amount of money spent on conventions and campaigns is staggering to me and could be spent on so many more worthwhile causes. I liked Alicia's idea that the candidates fill out an Excel spread sheet where they simply check yes/no on to indicate their positions on each issue, no side-stepping explanations, and we vote for the candidate whose views most closely match our own.

• Glenn has completed four weeks of treatment and has five to go. Glenn, many people are asking about you and keeping you in their prayers. We look forward to seeing you back at Sam's........and when you get here, the price of bagels has gone up!
• Gene had a successful surgery and has one more procedure to go.....Lois reported that everything went well. Gene was in last week, looked thinner but great.
• Welcome back to John, Bosco and Sugar after a long absence! John's wife, Eileen, had knee replacement surgery, then John was felled by some nasty symptoms of Lyme's disease. We were glad to see all of them back, and admired the dogs' new haircuts.
• Jean was sharing a photos and articles of an 80-year old Las Vegas stripper (who coincidentally was featured on an entertainment TV show last night). This prompted talk about elderly strippers, a Sam's nude calendar, walking in high heels.....none of which will be happening soon. However, we may have a reverse fund-raiser in which people donate money so that others keep their clothes on!
• Andrea has been in several times and she reports that her new job at Howard Bank is going well. We still miss her.
• Have a good week!

10,000 Plus Blog Readers

I had not posted for some time, didn't realize it was THIS long until a friend called to see if I was OK. I am fine, just misplaced the camera cable and I was waiting to share another fine photo of Don in his kilt and Doug's badly parked car.

• Some milestones that have been reached in that time.....the blog has over 10,000 hits! I know that isn't much for website, but for our little blog, it's a landmark. New blog readers in Al Kuwayt, Kuwait; Tokyo, Japan; Sydney, Australia; Al Riyad, Saudi Arabia.
• Glenn has completed his first week of treatment, and was still in Sam's yesterday, adding some healthy fruit to his morning bagel. So glad to report that his prognosis is good!
• Gene also returned after his illness, looking thinner but glad to see everyone. He will have one more procedure and then should be back to his daily routine.
• The summer Olympics kicked off in China with a spectacular opening ceremony, and to date Michael Phelps has won 2 gold medals, 2/2 races. Don the swim coach referred to Mr. Phelps as a "good" swimmer. Glad I am not on his swim team if he's that tough!
• Bill T. had some trees cut down, and then Jean and Paul hired the same guy to take out some of their trees. Networking at Sam's continues ......
• Went to a touching memorial service for Barry in the garden of St. John's Church....a sunny, cool, breezy non-humid day in August. Barry must have blessed the weather for his service, which concluded with a rendition of "It's A Wonderful Life". Happy to report that after 5 funerals in 5 weeks, there are no more funerals in my future. Let's keep it that way!
• Greetings to Rosa, Kibby, and Ray vacationing with family on the Isle of Mann and checking in on the blog. Sarah really misses you, so hurry home and have a safe trip!
• If anyone remembers the conversation yesterday at Sam's, please comment about it. I remember laughing but not why!

The News Today

The news today....... I woke this morning to a report on the news about a significant increase in the incidence of melanoma among young women, women who go to tanning salons and lie too long in the summer sun.

The news today.....at work I got the phone call from my friend, Jim, that his great friend, Barry, had just died this morning from melanoma. Barry had a recurrence of symptoms this May, we all thought that he had more time, and this news was shocking, abrupt, and very sad. Barry wrote a blog during these last weeks of his illness. It was filled with memories of his childhood and his family, his coworkers and his friends, and reading it made you smile. Not once did Barry voice complaints or regrets, just delight in everything he had experienced so far. Take some time, read it, and reflect on your own blessings at http://barryw.blogspot.com/.

The news today......after work I was sitting in a waiting room and the television showed reports of an earthquake, 5.4 magnitude, near Los Angeles. "Shook up" seemed to describe the emotions of the day.

The news today.....going to sleep and Primetime had a special on Randy Pausch, the Carnegie Mellon professor, husband and father who recently died from pancreatic cancer and became known for "The Last Lecture". (You can view the lecture at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo). Randy's lecture was about love and joy and living life fully every day.

The news today.....in summary, the best tribute to these two men, the best way to honor their memory, is to follow their examples and enjoy every moment of our lives.

Sunday, Crazy Sunday

• Big crowd at Sam's this morning. Mike came in with his Dad sporting some great sunglasses.
• Gladys remarked to Dr. Mike that he was smiling, so she assumed his new relationship was going well. Jack, Gladys' husband, said he always smiled on Saturday night. When Bill asked whether he smiled because of sex or a hot shower, Jack said "Either" , then admitted he couldn't remember! Jack and Gladys still blush when you mention rocking chairs.....
• Prayers go out to Glenn for his good health.
• There was discussion about friends (not present) who are naturalists (the in name for nudists). While most of us prefer that our friends are not clothing optional, the thought of Don and Bill in Speedos seemed even worse.
• Harold told how one guy tried to pull a scam after a minor car accident when he was a paramedic. The guy told Harold his neck was injured and that he could not move his head at all. When Harold asked how much he could move his head yesterday, the guy said "Like this" and demonstrated full range of motion.
• Honestly, there was much more that I can't remember! Feel free to comment with any of your favorite stories from Sam's.
• Sea Hut reopened this weekend. Prayers to the Yim family as they run their business despite their recent loss. Mr. Jim is surely missed by everyone.
• New blog readers in Malaysia, Korea, Australia, Switzerland, Sweden, France, Spain, England, Iraq, and across the USA. It still surprises me how many folks accidentally stumble upon our little blog. (And it doesn't surprise me when they never return!)
• Have a good week and stay well.

Truth in Advertising (Silly Things)

• OK, I have the TV on while I am posting and I have heard this commercial more than once. Finally realized they were advertising "delicious nut snacks", guess you can figure out what I thought I heard. Would that be impossible in this age of Viagra commercials?
• Ruth and Steve were in Sam's and asked if anyone had jumper cables for someone in need on the parking lot. Ruth said she used to carry jumper cables and motor oil in her car, but no longer had them. Steve said we should ask her what she really used them for! Ruth blushed, causing much speculation.
• Scott had his picture in the Sun earlier this week, sitting on the curb resting after fighting a fire. An anonymous person spotted him, noting that "nobody else has a big head like that". Others concurred.
• John was pictured on the front page of the special sports section of today's Sun, wearing his customary baseball cap and acting the role of super fan.
• Bill W. keeps telling me jokes which I forget before posting. Ask him to tell you a few, you will laugh!
• OK, click on http://www.scrabulous.com/, give yourself a name and a password, and we can play Scrabble online for free. Friends from all over the country can play in the same match, you can control who joins your match. You can also practice against the computer. I am shockaglow, so sign me up as your buddy and we can play.
• On this note, Sarah just reported this gem this from Facebook. "True friends are like butt cheeks; crap may come in between them, but they always get back together again". Good night to my friends :).

How Old Is Your Brain?

Submitted from Jean

Click on http://flashfabrica.com/f_learning/brain/brain.html

Ignore the Chinese.......Here is what you do.

Procedure of Flash Fabrica Game:
1. Click on 'start'
2. Wait for numerals 3, 2, 1 to count down.
3. Several numerals will briefly flash onscreen. Your task is to memorize the number's positions on the screen.
4. The numbers will disappear. Circles will appear in their place. You must click on the circles from the smallest number to the biggest number in order.
4. At the end of game, the computer will tell you how old your brain is. Good luck !!

My brain age was 32 when I played correctly (115 when I clicked on largest to smallest by mistake). And the truth lies somewhere in between!

Catonsville Fire Chief History

This photo dates back to 1960. Both Paul and long-time Catonsville resident, Phil Shubert, are shown. Phil sits next to Gladys each year at the 4th of July parade!

A group of the first firefighters promoted under the merit system. Seen here are: Captain Kolb, Station #8; Lt. Harry Smith, Station #1; Capt. Chas Houck, Fire Academy; Lt. Lawrence Blucher, Station #1; Capt. LeYoy Fink, Station #5; Capt. Emory Leight, Station #10; County Executive Christian Kahl; Capt. Frank Simms, Station #9; Capt. Donald Waman, Station #10; Capt. Phil Shubert, Station #6; Capt. Albert Crussey, Station #2; Lt. William Zacienka, Station #9; Lt. Paul Reincke, Station #4 and also the Fire Chief in the 1980s and early 1990s; Lt. Bernard Klemm, Station #6; Lt. George Serbnese, Station #2; Lt. John Ebert, Station #5; Lt. Daniel Holder, Station #3.

Here's a photo of Paul 25 years ago in his uniform. Chief Paul Reincke, Baltimore County Fire Department; Councilman Norman Lauenstein, 6th District, and Donald Hutchinson, Baltimore County Executive, at the dedication of hose-and-ladder engine # 54. Date: June 6, 1983

Paul was just keeping up the family tradition. Chief Fritz Maisel was my mother's uncle. A 1939 Seagrave 750 gpm pumper, shown with Fire Chief Frederick "Fritz" Maisel standing beside it and assistant Chief Wilbur Kelly behind the wheel. This photo was taken before the truck was assigned to a station. It was subsequently designated Engine #3 of the Catonsville Fire Department. Photo taken in 1939.

Came across this photo of my great-uncle, Fritz Maisel, taken some time in the early 1900's. I had always known him as an older gentleman, both in life and in pictures, so I was surprised to see how much my cousins resemble him. Many of my relatives lived in "Maiseltown", on and around Ingleside Avenue near the Old Salem Lutheran Church. We could visit and walk to several relatives' homes in one block. Fritz Maisel (1889-1967) of Catonsville played professional baseball with the International League Orioles, the New York Yankees and the Saint Louis Browns. Generally a third baseman, he also played second or in the outfield. His record of seventy-two stolen bases with the Yankees stood for years. He was manager of the old Orioles from 1929-1932. He was Baltimore County's fire chief from 1938-1951.

In another "small-world" coincidence, Fritz's son, Bud Maisel and his family, lived on Sanford Avenue for some time across the street from Bill T.

More Very Sad News

Doug just phoned to say that he had stopped by Sea Hut for a sandwich. The restaurant was closing early because owner, Mr. Jim, had just passed away. Jim and his wife, Sue, have worked hard in their restaurant nearly every day since opening Sea Hut over 25 years ago. They never had a vacation together and Jim never took a sick day to my knowledge. Jim suffered a stroke and heart attack last week with no previous symptoms. He was only 55 years old. I can't imagine going to Sea Hut and not seeing Jim behind the bar, sitting at the family table reading the news, chatting with us, or eating a traditional Korean meal. Prayers go out to Sue, Jean, Irving, Kevin, Jennifer, Eddie, and all of their family and friends. Jim will truly be missed.

You may remember that wonderful photos of Jean's wedding were posted here. Click below on "older posts" and continue back to March 9, 2008 to see photos of Jim and his family on that special occasion.

Catonsville Voted One of the Best places to Live

Homemade Playdough Recipe

This morning I made a new batch of playdough for the toddlers I would see in class. My favorite home recipe requires cooking the dough over medium heat. For best results, it needs to be well-kneaded while still warm. My good friends at Sam's helped me knead, despite the fact that other customers thought we were some sort of rehab group (the warm dough IS very soothing and relaxing). Their creativity was evident. Thanks again for your help! Here is my recipe, which can be easily halved.

Place the following in a large sauce pan:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup salt
• 2 cups water (add food coloring as desired)
• 4 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp cream of tartar

Add all ingredients and stir over medium heat until the dough forms a large glob, usually less than 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and let dough cool a bit. Divide dough into several large balls and knead warm dough until a smooth consistency is obtained. Little children like to feel the temperature change from warm to cool.

Store in a plastic sealed container. Dough will easily last for 1 month. Let your inner child's creativity out!

Jean gets creative ....... but any suggestions as to what she created? Even she doesn't know.

Bill, how did you get inspired to make a........bagel?

Toucan Glenn

Kneading the dough.......ahhh, warm playdough

Save Arden

From Catonsville historian, Marsha Wight Wise, via email:

Hi! I read your Sam’s Bagels blog often. Keep up the good work. I love reading about my friends the Titsworths!

I would like to ask you to post something on your blog. As you may be aware there are a group of people trying to save the old Bloede property in Catonsville at the dead end of Forest Avenue, Arden, from the wrecking ball. We are in no way opposed to the PUD but would like to see the developer incorporate Arden in his plans. We have been successful in getting the preliminary Historic Landmark status in January by the Baltimore County Landmarks Preservation Commission.
The Baltimore County Council held a public hearing on July 7th.

The Council will vote on Arden’s final Landmark status on July 29th. We need Catonsville to write Councilman Sam Moxley, and the rest of the Council members, to voice their opinion on the necessity of preserving Arden. We need to urge Councilman Moxley to draft a bill placing Arden into permanent History Landmark status.

To read all about Arden and to see the photos go to our blog at:

http://savearden.blogspot.com/

Obituary for Clyde Lanham

Below are the viewing and funeral arrangements for Clyde, Patty's father-in-law.

Hope that many of the Bagel Bunch will show their support tomorrow. I plan to be there at 4 pm.

LANHAM , Clyde F. On Friday, July 11, 2008 MR. CLYDE FRANKLIN LANHAM beloved husband of the late Minnie (nee D'Annunzio) Lanham; beloved father of Edward Franklin Lanham, Sr. and Margaret Marie Long and the late Charles Joseph Lanham; beloved father-in-law of Patricia Lanham; seven grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, loyal and cherished friends.

Friends may call at the LOUDON PARK FUNERAL HOME, 3620 Wilkens Avenue on Wednesday, July 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, July 17 at the funeral home. Entombment Loudon Park Cemetery. Published in the Baltimore Sun on 7/15/2008

Old Frederick Road Scenes

I found these photos on the Baltimore Public Library's website. Volunteers scan in photos for the Legacy Website . You can see more photos of Baltimore County by scrolling down on the blog, looking on the right for "Favorite Sites" and clicking on Baltimore County Legacy Web. These pictures seem older than 20 years to me!

Frederick Rd 1990....the original Sam's replaced Hardee's restaurant

Frederick Road 1988 Traffic Jam

Monday Morning

• I am tired of writing this, but prayers are again needed. Patty's father-in-law, Clyde Lanham, passed away on Friday night. Patty, you haven't had a break in so long, you are in our prayers.
• Don reported that he has been on playground duty at the swim meets with 2-year old Cheney. He is soon joined by many other little people. Laura, you need to look for him at the playground when you want to go to the pool.
• Bill T. has offered to host a party for the Bagel Bunch at his home. Warning - he has a pool so swimwear may be involved.
• Alicia was sailing in a race this weekend at the harbor. Jean and Paul went down to Ft. McHenry around 6 pm to see her sail in, but didn't see her. Hope you finished the race!
• Dimitri verified that each bagel weighs the same.....some may appear smaller due to different textures and ingredients. He said that the price of flour has gradually increased from $25 per bag to $75 per bag. Yikes! All bagels are baked fresh daily (except for Don's).
• Gladys reports that she hasn't been rocking on her front porch due to dust from ongoing work on her street.
• I saw a broken lawn chair with a trash bag in the middle of Edmondson Avenue yesterday. Seemed to be saying that 4th of July celebrations are over.
• Allison was completing the last 4 hours on Saturday to become an official state park bike volunteer. She will donate 100 hours of her time to the park system over the next year. Congratulations!

There was much discussion about this photo (click on it to enlarge). Don clearly appears to be looking down Laura's blouse instead of at the camera. And Jack appears to be contemplating about getting a tattoo of his own.

Is Doug Andrea's replacement?

The world's oldest bagel on view now at Sam's

The three Bills of Sam's

Paul's 6 foot tall tomato plant......Doug, can you top this?

More Prayers Please

• Just last week, our entire family got together at Sea Hut. We have been eating there since the restuarant opened more than 25 years ago, and are very fond of the Yim family owners. Jean just celebrated her birthday on the 4th of July. We were shocked to learn that Jim had a stroke this past Wednesday and is in Bayview Hospital. He is on a respirator but is able to recognize family members. The family is grateful for all prayers and are seeing improvements daily.
• My other friend, Jim, is recovering from his surgery very well. He has pain (which is to be expected) but is reportedly bored sitting home during a week when the TV movies have been disappointing.
• Dorothy's sister-in-law, Jean, passed away from the injuries sustained from the car accident. Prayers to Dorothy and her family for their loss.
• Gene made it to Sam's for a visit and is awaiting more medical test results

Harold, Jean, Sarah, Paul, Katelyn and Pop at Sea Hut

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.