The Gratitude Campaign

Thanks to John S. for sharing this video about showing gratitude to our servicemen. Click on the link to watch and pass it along to others as we celebrate Memorial Day.

http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/index.php?c=pages&m=watch_short_video

Coffee, Bagels and Family Information

A great photo of Harold sailing at Key West  :)

Corridor at Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas

Famous Key West sunset

You never know what you might learn at Sam's. This morning, Harold and I learned that our son, Paul, was enroute to Ocean City! He had spent the night at a friend's, then they decided to get up early and drive to the beach. Stopped by my folks at 5:30 this morning (knowing my parents would be awake) and asked them to let us know where they were headed. Harold and I had stupid expressions on our faces.....

Then people discussed crazy things their grandmothers said to them.

If  Dorothy said she didn't have anything to do, her granny said

 "Take off your stocking and pee in your shoe".

Her granny also said "Pick up a horse turd and run"  if you said you needed some fun.

Harold's Gram told him to "Pat yourself on the ass and yell hooray" when he said he was bored. She was also famous for saying "I'll give you something to cry about".

If your family has a crazy saying, please commeny below and tell us about it.

Doug H. said he always learns something new when he comes to Sam's.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend everyone!

Relay for Life and Hon Fest

Bill T's trashy alligator

Glenn wants us to check out the American Cancer Society Catonsville Relay for Life at http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=24963 . It will be held on June 12, 2010. We can participate by walking and/or by giving a donation.

The Sam's crowd had talked about this event last year but only after it was too late. It is June 12/June 13 this year. I suggest we get a group. Get costumes. And go as a Sam's field trip to Hon Fest. What do you think? Tacky enough for our crowd?

Alicia

Happy Earth Day!

another beautiful butterfly

Hi everyone, it is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. And here is a green hint for you. Bring your travel mug to Sam's when buying coffee. Not only do you save using a paper cup, you save some cash too. Coffee in a

travel mug will only cost you 99 cents! So do something good for your planet today.

Steel Drum Concert at Catonsville High Tomorrow

Join me Friday night, April 16, at Catonsville High School to see the Steel Drum Band and the world-famous Ken "Professor" Philmore play.  See you at 7 pm.....you won't even see the Pro's hands move when he plays. I think the cost is $10 per adult.

News from Glenn

Sue's photo from the Butterfly Enclosure at The Museum of Natural History...free on Tuesdays

We are asking local schools, churches and businesses to help us with advertising our annual Basket Bingo Fundraiser. If you can add the following information to your bulletins, communication emails, or newsletters as a community event, we would greatly appreciate your support.
St. Agnes Hospital Cancer Center is hosting a Basket Bingo featuring filled Longaberger Baskets and Vera Bradley Bags on Friday, April 23, 2010 at St. Mark’s Roman Catholic Church at 27 Melvin Avenue, Catonsville, MD. Doors open at 6:30 and games begin at 7:30pm.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door and include one (1) book of cards with 20 games. Reserve tickets in advance by calling 410-368-2603. Cash or Checks only (with checks payable to St. Marks Catholic Church).
Additional raffles and door prizes, three (3) specials and King Tut sold separately.
All proceeds support The Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, St. Mark’s Scholarship Fund & the Ribbons of Comfort.

YARDSALE

TANGLEWOOD COMMUNITY

SATURDAY MAY 8

9AM-1PM

RAIN DATE SATURDAY MAY 15

 

I wanted to make sure that anyone with a desire to help was aware of the tragedy we recently had in Catonsville. Jessica Moran Lombardini, wife of The Candlelight Inn co-owner Christian Lombardini, died on April 6 at the age of 27. She had just given birth on March 29 to their first child, a son named Gianni Franco, when she subsequently developed complications and was admitted to the University of Maryland Hospital. The exact details are not clear, but she passed away a short time later. A trust fund to benefit their newborn son has been set up at Wachovia Bank at 582 Frederick Road in Catonsville. Christian and his brother Marc, who took over the Candlelight when their father Franco passed away, have been long-time supporters of local causes and solid and reliable business people and advocates in the community. Jessica was not only Christian's wife but the restaurant's banquet manager. I know all of your hearts and thoughts will go out to Christian and baby Gianni in this tragic time.

They're Back!!!!

• After several days' absence, the familiar blue napkins are back at Sam's, much to the delight of one of our regulars. Bon appetit!
• Gladys made it in yesterday after falling last week and sustaining a lumbar fracture. She is in quite a bit of pain, but came in without a walker ubder her own power, and managed to laugh with us.
• The Cluster Map for this blog showing readers has been automatically archived and reset. I was rather sad to see the dots removed from six continents and reset to just two dots now. I truly enjoyed seeing all those dots representing unknown visitors. We have had over 32,000 readers to date.
• Don is back from his trip to Florida with his family. It was so quiet while he was away.
• Bill T. told his oldest son that another son (previously unknown to the family) would be attending his grandfather's funeral. In perpetuating this prank, he introduced me as this long-lost child's mother at the funeral home! I think Bill should be prepared for paybacks in the near future.

Here is an adorable Easter photo of Alicia's twin nieces, wearing fire helmets (their favorites) and searching for eggs in the backyard. Alicia reported that after their visit (and potty training), she found a line of Easter stickers in the bathroom.

And for the weirdly curious, here is a photo of my brisket scar, caused by accidentally pouring gravy on my leg as I removed a roasting pan from the oven. It now appears in the shape of an "S", so my Sam's friends have dubbed it "Susan's Super Sexy Seder Sauce Scar".  Can't wait to invite all of you over to dinner soon!

Arrangements for Bill Tucker's Dad

Bill Tucker's Dad passed away last week in Florida. Bill and his brothers had five good days with their Dad before he died, for which they are really grateful.  We are glad to have Bill back in our midst, we missed his laughter. You were in out thoughts and prayers. The arrangements are as follows:

William Tucker
Viewing at MacNabb's Funeral Home
Frederick Road at Wade Avenue
Friday, April 2, 2010
Viewing from 3-5 pm and 7-9 pm
Funeral Saturday morning at MacNabb's

Everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's Day

Stimulus Money Suggestions from John S.

THIS ONE WILL MAKE YOU THINK…..BEFORE YOU SPEND MONEY.

Sometime this year, we taxpayers will probably again receive another 'Economic Stimulus' payment.
This is indeed a very exciting program, and I'll explain it by

Using a Q & A format:

Q. What is an 'Economic Stimulus' payment?
A. It is money that the federal government will send to taxpayers.

Q. Where will the government get this money?
A. From taxpayers.

Q. So the government is giving me back my own money?
A. Only a smidgen of it.

Q. What is the purpose of this payment?
A. The plan is for you to use the money to purchase a High-definition TV set, thus stimulating the economy.

Q. But isn't that stimulating the economy of China?
A. Shut up.

Below is some helpful advice on how to best help the U.S. Economy by Spending your stimulus check wisely:

* If you spend the stimulus money at Wal-Mart, the money will Go to China or Sri Lanka.

* If you spend it on gasoline, your money will go to the Arabs.

* If you purchase a computer, it will go to India, Taiwan or China.

* If you purchase fruit and vegetables, it will go to Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala ..

* If you buy an efficient car, it will go to Japan or Korea.

* If you purchase useless stuff, it will go to Taiwan.

* If you pay your credit cards off, or buy stock, it will go To management bonuses and they will hide it offshore.

Instead, keep the money in America by:
1) Spending it at yard sales, or
2) Going to ball games, or
3) Spending it on prostitutes, or
4) Beer or
5) Tattoos.
(These are the only American businesses still operating in the U.S.)

Conclusion:
Go to a ball game with a tattooed prostitute that you met at a yard Sale and drink beer all day!

No need to thank me, I'm just glad I could be of help

The Great Catonsville Cow Flop 2010

Type: Causes - Fundraiser

Date: Sunday, April 11, 2010

Time: 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Location: Christian Temple

Street: 5820 Edmondson Ave

City/Town: Catonsville, MD  21228

On April 11, 2010 The Friends of Troop 306 is putting on

The Great Catonsville Cow Flop 2010

The event is taking place at Christian Temple on Edmondson Ave in Catonsville. The event is a fundraiser for the Boy Scout's High Adventure trip to Northern Tier taking place in June.

What happens is people purchase a 1x1 square foot “plot” and there are 2000 of these plots sold

On the day of the event a newly fed cow is brought to the field and is allowed to roam around until it poops……………… yes I am 100% serious!

Anyway, if it poops on your plot you win $1500. There will be celebrity judges making the final call.

Tickets are being sold for $10 each. Tickets can be purchased from Troop 306 parents. Also, tickets will be sold at the Catonsville 7-11 on Frederick Road (outside the Beltway) on March 20 and at the 7-11 on Edmondson Ave (the Junction) on March 27.

Tell all of your friends!!!! It's going to be a fun day!!!!

Get your tickets from Jeff S........and yes, this is another blog post full of BS!

Bill called to say that his Dad's health has taken a turn for the worse. He and his two brothers are leaving this evening to drive down to Florida  to be with him.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bill and his family. Hope your trip is safe.

Bill also wanted to remind everyone that his wife, Janice, has $5 tickets for the all-you-can-eat benefit breakfast at Applebee's. It will be held this Saturday from 8-10 am, proceeds go to the Ravens Roost. You can email me if you need Janice's phone number.

I am attending a class this week, so I hope to see everyone on Sunday.  Stay well!

And I corrected an error.....Jeff plunged into the Atlantic, not the Bay.  Brrrr either way, Jeff! Thanks for your contribution to the Special Olympics program.

Welcome Back, Gladys!

Glenn can get tickets for CCBC's Women's Expo this weekend. You can check out the agenda at http://www.womensexpomd.com/.  (Hey Glenn, I read this link as "women sexpo md"...... I blame too many breakfasts with Donnie!) Tickets benefit Glenn's fundraising as well.

Also this weekend, the Flapjack Fundraiser Breakfast will be held from 8-10 am at Applebee's, 6505 Baltimore National Pike. A $5 donation is requested and all benefits go to Ravens Roost #88. Janice, Bill T's wife, is a member.

Alicia is spending the week sailing around the Bahamas with her family. Sounds great, send pictures!

Jeff was snowed out from the Deep Creek Lake Polar Bear Plunge, but he plunged anyway  in the  Atlantic Ocean to raise money for the Special Olympics.

Glenn reminds us of  Baltimore County's hazardous waste collection day, April 11, 2010. 

Good luck to Pat R. who is in Fort Lauderdale, FL, considering a condo purchase.

This Too Shall Pass

Video filmed in one continuous take, this is pretty amazing.

Updated Arrangements for Jacque

Although I had called the funeral home for times, today's Sunpapers listed different viewing times for Jacque tomorrow. Please see his obituary below:

TITTSWORTH , Jacque On February 26th, Jacque "Jack" Tittsworth of Catonsville; Beloved husband of Gladys Tittsworth; loving father of Robert Tittsworth (Pat), Jacqueline Mosberg (Bob) and Cindy Durgin (Larry); cherished grandfather of Mike, Rob, Heather, Jennifer, Katie, Beth and Robin; great-grandfather of Zac, Sarah, Stephen, Cole and Ava.


Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the STERLING ASHTON SCHWAB WITZKE FUNERAL HOME OF CATONSVILLE, INC., 1630 Edmondson Avenue on Tuesday, March 2nd from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. where a funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 2nd at 10 A.M. followed by interment in Crestlawn Memorial Gardens. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Maryland S.P.C.A.; 3300 Falls Road, Baltimore, MD 21211 or online at www.mdspca.org.

Arrangements for Jacque

 

The viewing for Jacque will be held on Tuesday, March 2, from 3-5 pm and 7-9 pm.

The funeral service will be held at Witzke's at 10 am on Wednesday morning.

Witzke's Funeral Home of Catonsville

1630 Edmondson Avenue

Catonsville, MD 21228-4999

(410) 744-8600

 

I was thankful to hear that several of  Jacque's bagel buddies visited him at home this week.

All of us are thinking of you, Gladys, and your family.

Farewell to A Good Friend

I am so sorry to report that our dear friend, Jacque, passed away last night at home after his illness. Jacque was a very kind, gentle man with a uniquely funny sense of humor. He didn't say much, but when he joined in, his remarks were often hilarious and to the point. Details of the arrangements will be posted as soon as possible. I keep reflecting that Sam's was the last place in the community that Jacque visited before his final hospitalization. It comforts me to know that he was surrounded by our bagel family when he needed us most. We send our love and prayers to Gladys and her family, and look forward to laughing again one day soon over a cup of coffee. Come back to Sam's soon, where the therapy is free!

Cards may be sent to:  Mrs. Gladys Tittsworth

12 A Maple Avenue

Catonsville, MD 21228

Reluctance
by Robert Frost

Out through the fields and the woods

And over the walls I have wended;

I have climbed the hills of view

And looked at the world and descended;

I have come by the highway home,

And lo, it is ended.

The leaves are all dead on the ground,

Save those that the oak is keeping

To ravel them one by one

And let them go scraping and creeping

Out over the crusted snow,

When others are sleeping.

And the dead leaves lie huddled and still,

No longer blown hither and thither;

The last lone aster is gone;

The flowers of the witch-hazel wither;

The heart is still aching to seek,

But the feet question 'Whither?'

Ah, when to the heart of man

Was it ever less than a treason

To go with the drift of things,

To yield with a grace to reason,

And bow and accept the end

Of a love or a season?

Another Two Feet of Snow??!!!??

And as Glenn's friend suggested, all those dirty mounds of snow deserve a new term....."snirt".

Jacque is home, but Gladys herself was not feeling well today. Prayers welcome.

Baltimore, Snowiest City in the USA

Once again Baltimore is on top and leads the nation's cities in snowfall this season. In the middle of February, that is beyond impressive!

Here is just a sampling of big cities: There are more, but Baltimore is still on top!

1.Baltimore: 79.9" (See the timelapse video of Blizzard #1)
2.Syracuse, NY 76.1"
3.Washington (Dulles) 72.8"
4.Philadelphia: 72.1"
5.Rochester, NY: 63.9"
6.Buffalo: 63.9"
7.Pittsburgh: 58.6"
8.Des Moines: 52.6"
9.Bangor, ME: 52.1
10.Binghamton, NY 51.6"
11.Chicago: 45.1
12.Omaha, NE: 44.9
13.Denver: 41.1"
14.Cleveland: 39.4"
15.Minneapolis: 38.1"
16.Green Bay: 34.2"
17.Milwaukee: 30.8"
18.Boston: 30.1
19.Detroit: 27.5"
20.Kansas City: 27.4"
21.New York City: 25.5"

Mardi Gras Is Over

Yes, snow, please stop!

• Bill W. said the almanac predicts the BIGGEST storm yet in early March, about 40 inches. Folks almost threw coffee and napkins at him.
• Gladys is driving by herself to Gilchrist to see Jacque. She is making arrangements to bring him home. Meanwhile, the hospital called her to schedule radiation treatments.......don't know how she is handling all of this, but she sounds well.
• Schools reopen 2 hours late today, but there are few shoveled walks. Just too deep and nowhere to put all of the snow. Be safe, everyone.