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.

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.

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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!