Here's Wally!

On Being Old--21--More Cndy

2010-11-29T10:09:00.000-08:00

The other morning a grey pallor from the overcast sky hung over my drive to work. With the temperature in the upper 50’s—a heat wave for November—the light drizzle splattered the windshield of my car causing white streaks and made seeing difficult. The rain [too hard to keep the wipers on full tilt but too strong for the intermittent action] was going to make for a long drive today.

Fortified with a cup of coffee from the E-Z Pantry, I started my thirty-five mile trek to Carpentersville. As I approached the expressway the light rain became a torrential downpour. However, the inclement conditions did not impede the speeders who zipped by me splashing yet more water on my windshield and taxing the efficiency of the wipers. What a fun drive, I thought carefully sipping my coffee.

Before reaching the Ohare Oasis the rain abated, and behold in the western sky appeared the “backal”[the opposite of the frontal] of the storm. Upon reaching my exit the sky turned a brilliant blue, the rain stopped, and the air fresh and clean.

The treetops of the forest preserve spread out before me like undulating and rolling, brown and gold hills.

My first thought—my candy for today. What started out as a gloomy day developed into the bright outlook. Thank heaven for those wonderful pieces of candy. They’re everywhere; we just have to look for them.

Ciao

On Being Old--20 Cape Cod Caper-Day 5

2010-11-21T16:24:00.001-08:00

The final day started with another delicious breakfast buffet. I don’t think I’ll ever learn not to eat so much at a buffet. Later we boarded the bus for the short drive to Quincy Market for some free time—only a couple of hours—before we depart for the airport.

Our first stop was at Faneuil Hall, the Cradle of Liberty.

We walked up to the Great Hall on the second floor. We walked around the room feeling elated to be in the same space once occupied by such notable historical figures as Samuel Adams, Daniel Webster, Jefferson Davis, and Susan B. Anthony.

The National Park Service cooperates with the City of Boston to preserve the building. We were again treated to a most informative talk by one of the rangers.

We rambled around the area. Unfortunately we couldn’t go too far along the Freedom Trail. We wander through the market area and found an ornament for our Christmas tree—we collect ornament from all the areas we visit. At the groups meeting place we were treated to a little reenactment of the British regulars’ changing of the guard.

Our time in the Boston area is over. We met some new friends; we saw new sights; we saw the area where our great nation had its roots. This may have been our first trip to the area, but it will certainly not be our last. As we walk back to the bus, we turn around for one last look at the Quincy Market.

Ciao

On Being Old--19 "D" Day plus Six Weeks

2010-11-21T15:35:00.000-08:00

Things are coming together. The city inspector reviewed the work and gave us his final blessing. Randy, the electrician, installed the light over the stoop by the front door and the new lamppost. Wednesday found the man to put up the tiles over the counters on our doorstep.

The following day the tile man finished up, while the painters started painting the living room. This evening Mark, Dianne, and Al joined us to discuss the building of the stained glass for the shadow boxes for the ends of the island. We’re really getting into the ditty-gritty.

Only one picture today. I’m saving the final pictures for the completed project.

We’re expecting the cabinet hardware in at the end of the month. The new doors will be here about the 8th of December. Rosemary and I have begun the massive clean-up. It was so much easier taking everything down.

Next week is Thanksgiving week, and no one will be traipsing around our house. I wonder if we'll be lonely without all the different people in the house. I guess we can invite some passers-by to keep us company.

So until the final pictures, Ciao.

On Being Old--18 "D" Day plus Five Weeks

2010-11-14T17:08:00.000-08:00

The week started with a problem. We received a phone call from Mark. The man who was to cut the granite for the island wanted us to see the stone. We re-scheduled our plans to meet Mark at the shop. During the drive to 44th and Cermak in the city, we wondered what the problem was.

The shop was typical of a stone cutters—water and stone dust everywhere. We saw one man working on one of our side countertops. Ayalla took us to the slab for our island. “See,” he said. We looked in bewilderment. What was he talking about? “Rub your hand over these spots,” he told us. We felt a slight depression. He then had us look down the length of the slab from the side. Sure enough there were splotches of areas of matte-like finishes in the lustrous slab’s finish. We stewed until Mark came. He said the defects would drive him crazy. We had the same feeling and did not want the stone.

Mark and Rosemary made plans to meet at the store where we first picked out the slab. On the way home we wondered how much time we were going to lose.

The next day while I was at work, Rosemary and Mark picked out a new top, Ayalla dropped off the defective stone and took the new one. He installed the side counter tops.

The following day Rosemary phoned me at work. Her message—they were installing the slab for the island. I couldn’t believe my ears. Ayalla must have worked all night to get back on schedule. Hooray, for the team!

Thursday was incredible. We had painters finishing the kitchen and foyer walls; we had plumbers installing the disposal, connecting the dishwasher, and making sundry connections; Ed and Randy, who I think have been living in our basement, worked on cabinets and various wiring connections for the rest of the day and through Friday.

Saturday morning found Randy at our doorstep ready to hang fixtures, etc.

It has been a hectic week, but much progress has been made. For us still more decisions to be made. Our heads, in a continual spin, kept rotating as we entered the hardware store to select knobs for the cabinets.

Ciao

On Being Old--17 Cape Cod Caper-Afternoon of Day 4

2010-11-10T19:38:00.000-08:00

The first stop this afternoon is in Lexington. Here we drive around the square where the first shots of the Revolutionary War were fired. The monument honors those who were killed in this first skirmish. Lexington is a small town. The bus doesn’t stop here; we travel on to Concord. But first a stop at the ranger station at Minute Man Historical Park where we treated to a wonderful presentation about Paul Revere’s Ride and the subsequent fights along the way.

The main site in Concord is the Rude Bridge where the “shot heard around the world” was fired. The colonists were backed into this area by the regulars, when they heard the shooting and saw the smoke from Lexington. They started to advance on the regulars and a shot was fired. From that point on the war escalated. As you enter the area you first see the monument where the first man was felled.

We crossed the bridge to yet another memorial to the brave farmers of the colony who resisted the British regulars. A most impressive and serene location.

The park ranger pointed out the events of that April 19, 1775, fateful day. These people were very conversant regarding the revolutionary war period. It was a great pleasure to see the enthusiasm of the re-creators of the period. Again we had a pleasant and informative afternoon.

We made it back to Quincy for a wonderful meal with our travelling companions at Anthony’s Pier 4. The meal was fantastic and just the right topper for a great day of sightseeing. The halibut was prepared to perfection. No wonder this restaurant has hosted many presidents, heads of governments and artists.

Ciao

On Being Old--16 "D" Day plus Four Weeks

2010-11-06T17:37:00.000-07:00

The transformation begins. The beginning of the week opened with yet more decisions. We opted for a light stain on the floor, but after seeing a natural finish that required only a coat of polyurethane, we decided to change. Mark recommended leaving the house for the night because of the foul smell associated with the coating. Didn’t need an arm twisting.

My first choice for our over-nighter was the InterContinental in Rosemont—a relatively new hotel. We stopped for a little breakfast and then checked into the hotel. Beautifully appointed and very modern. Our room on the top floor had a great view of downtown Chicago. After relaxing awhile, we faced a decision—can’t get away from them—do we work out or go to a movie. After checking with the concierge regarding the movie schedule, our choice wasn’t difficult…to the movies.

Our schedule was a bit tight, but we opted to walk to the Muvico Theatre—you see we did get in our workout. We chose to see “Secretariat”. A wonderful choice, a very feel good movie. A box of pop corn awaited us at the candy counter—a freebie from the hotel. We settled into the plush seats with no one else in the theater [our own private showing]. Our little date was just what the doctor ordered. We felt great and leisurely strolled back to the hotel.

We wandered around the hotel looking at all the art works before settling down for in the lobby bar for a glass of wine for Rosemary. Not being a drinker, I decided to have a glass of port. Did we mellow out. Had to take the libations back to our room to finish.

After a bit of a nap we went to the Capitol Grill for dinner. Normally we don’t eat much red meat, but today being special, we both chose a small filet preceded by a half dozen oysters and bowl of the best lobster bisque we have ever tasted.

The getaway was what we needed. We are rested and ready to face the dust and dirt of our home.

The cabinetry came in, and Ed and Mike have begun the installation. The room is beginning to look like a kitchen. We are up in the air about a small hutch in the center of the room. Looking at it being semi-finished doesn’t appear to be what we expected. Mark will complete it so we can decide.

The next decision is the shape of the granite top for the island. So we have our homework for the weekend. Anyway, things are really starting to happen—visual happenings.

Ciao

On Being Old--15 Cape Cod Caper-Morning of Day 4

2010-11-05T15:15:00.000-07:00

Our adventure begins today in Boston at a stop along the Freedom Trail. The bus drops us off for a short photo op alongside the Trinity Church. An impressive view of the Trinity Church reflected in the glass wall of the Hancock Building greets us as we depart the bus.

The next stop—the Old North Church—remember, “One if by land, two if by sea.”

Along the way our docent, Fran, informs us of various historical facts. She is a fountain of knowledge.

At the church a guide narrates the events from back in 1775 of Paul Revere’s ride. I’m impressed with the knowledge and informative style of all the lecturers we have encountered.

On our return to the bus with the Old North Church in the background, Fran points out the narrowest house in Boston—only 10 ½ feet wide.

Onward to the Charlestown Ship Yard and the USS Constitution. Upon climbing the ramp from the dock to the ship, one is instantly impressed with the thickness of the ship’s hull and immediately understands the nickname of “Old Ironsides.” The ship is maintained in excellent condition, and the pride of the ship’s personnel is evident in their eyes.

After the shipyard tour we are delivered back to Quincy Market for some free time and lunch. Had a pleasant dining experience at a small pub where we tasted a local brew, Sam Adams, and joked with the waiter about the differences and similarities between Boston and Chicago.

Ciao

On Being Old--14 "D" Day plus Three Weeks

2010-10-31T18:13:00.000-07:00

Once again the visual changes to the room are not dramatic, but I must say it is beginning to look like a room. The dry wall guys did their magic by putting the second layer of patching compound and sanding the walls smooth. Dust is everywhere…the tables…the chairs…the plates…our mouths…

Mark and his wife, Dianne, descended on us with color charts and ideas. Rosemary took the lead because she has the eye. So we selected the colors for the kitchen, foyer, living room, and the kitchen windows. Yet more decisions.

We popped out of our cocoon. The plastic covering all the openings has been removed. The painters put a prime coat on all the walls and the ceiling. What a transformation with only a little color.

The flooring guys finished the installation of the hard wood floors, and it looks terrific. Next comes the staining and sealing. We try some patches of different colored stains, and reach another decision point.

By the end of next week, if all goes well we’ll have our cabinets installed. Really starting to get exciting.

Ciao

On Being Old--13 Cape Cod Caper-Afternoon of Day 3

2010-10-25T18:44:00.000-07:00

After a leisure sail from Martha’s Vineyard we boarded the bus to take to Quincy, Ma with a stop in Plymouth.In the harbor in Plymouth lay moored a replica of the Mayflower. Those original pilgrims had to have been a hardy lot. I can’t imagine bobbing like a cork on the Atlantic Ocean for thirty days.

About a hundred yards from the spot that we viewed the Mayflower was a columned monument that marked the landing place of the pilgrims. Looking down inside this structure was a stone rather than a rock—I expected a large jutting, rocky crag. Apparently people over the years chipped pieces of the rock for a souvenir so that the marker looks more like a dinosaur egg than a “rock”.Once back on the bus our tour rep informed us of a special treat. She asked if anyone ever saw the National Monument to the Forefathers. No one ever heard of such a thing. Not more than a quarter of a mile from the Plymouth Rock the bus turned a corner, and there in a field loomed this enormous edifice. A statue dedicated in 1889 stood in this location for over a hundred years, and I never heard of it.

I walked around the monument not believing what I saw.

The top figure – Faith- symbolizes the virtue which inspired the Pilgrim’s journey to the New World. She holds a Bible in her left hand, right hand uplifted to heaven, her foot on Plymouth Rock, and seems to call to all to trust in a higher power.

Surrounding the central figure are:

Morality—a seated female figure holding in her left hand a book inscribed “God”, in her right the scroll of Revelation.

Education—a draped woman pointing to a book in her lap with figures of Wisdom and Youth in niches on either side of her.

Law—a draped male holding a book. His chair is supported by Justice and Mercy.

Liberty—a helmeted man with a sword in his right arm and a broken chain in his left. On either side of him in niches are representations of Peace and Tyranny, meant to symbolize peace under the protection of liberty, tyranny having been overthrown by its power.

The ride to the Boston Marriott Quincy left me with time to contemplate the achievements of those daring people who braved the hardships to create a new world for themselves and those that followed. They created the opportunity for me and the many others before and after me to live in a world free to pursue dreams without fear of repression. We live in a great nation.

Ciao

On Being Old--12 Cape Cod Caper-Morning of Day 3

2010-10-23T13:34:00.000-07:00

The Cape Cod Caper-Morning of Day 3

Although Martha’s Vineyard is closer to the mainland than Nantucket, our travel time was about the same. The ferry speed was much slower. Our arrival at Oak Bluff was greeted by the only monument to a Confederate soldier in New England. Gingerbread-style cottages lined the coast line like silent sentinels.

The bus ride to Edgartown brought us passed sights such as Lake Tashmoo; the oldest tree—300 plus years old—on the island; and St. Elizabeth Church.

We wandered the quaint streets of Edgartown and found a marvelous restaurant, the Atlantic, on Main Street on the bay. We shared some oysters and supped on Atlantic clam chowder along with a wonderful Ahi tuna sandwich. Fortified with a robust glass of Port, we left our comfortable surroundings for another stroll through the streets. We would have enjoyed more time here, but more experiences await us.

Our bus stopped at the Methodist Campground. Once again the area was dotted with brilliant colored, gingerbread-style cottages. Many of the homes had a theme, such as the Wizard of Oz house.

As we boarded the ferry, we were treated with the panoramic view of the approaching storm over the Nantucket Sound. So until our bus ride later this afternoon to Plymouth on the way to Boston…

On Being Old--11 "D" Day plus Two Weeks

2010-10-22T16:22:00.000-07:00

So, the pace seems to have slowed down a bit. The activity in the house has not been as frantic as at the outset. Work is progressing but is not very evident. The city inspector put his blessing on the electrical work. The following day three different guys appeared to put up the dry wall. The following day they patched all the seams and screw head indentations. Now we can only watch the plaster dry—not too exciting. By the end of next week we anticipate a beehive of activity.
Met with Mark to go over some last minute details about the cabinet installation. More decisions. Our heads are spinning already. Not much more to report. So for now…

Ciao

On Being Old--10 "D" Day plus 10

2010-10-15T15:57:00.000-07:00

The Dimark guys are moving right along. Randy roughed in all the electrical work – there’s a maze of conduit in the substructure. Sure glad Randy knows where all the wires start and end. Ed look likes Dexter in his breathing mask, poncho, and latex gloves as he filled the spaces between the ceiling joists with insulation. This work “ain’t” his favorite. Meanwhile, Robert stood in sleet storm of insulation as he handed the sheets of insulation to Ed. Ah, “ain’t” youth grand!

The plumbers showed up late in the afternoon to do a bit of re-piping so the walls and ceiling could be worked on next week. However, the city inspector never showed up. Won’t be here until Tuesday – what a bummer! As I loo around our town, I don’t see any re-modeling going on, only many fro sales signs – a result of our economy. So, how busy could the inspectors be?

The week ends with some dramatic changes. Walking through our front doorway, you can see all the way out to the backyard. What a difference! We now have a much better perspective of things to come. Really starting to get excited, still in a state of turmoil, but excited.

Ciao

On Being Old--9 "D" Day plus a Week

2010-10-13T18:21:00.000-07:00

The first week blew by, and Rosemary and I are still speaking to one another. It’s amazing to see what creatures of habit one becomes. Small changes in routine cause a tremendous mental commotion. Even taking one’s daily vitamins become somewhat stressful…they’re in a different location…must be taken at a different time. I guess I’ve become somewhat anal.

The dust is everywhere. You can taste it in the air. You can feel it on your clothes. It covers the dishes you dine on. These are small things compared with what our boys put up with in Afghanistan and Iraq. I better stop complaining. Guess that’s why they don’t consider old geezers like me for the military.

A point has been reached where changes are not evident…infrastructure alterations—a new sub-floor or a new electrical panel. The disruption in lifestyle compounded by the lack of apparent changes brings about a mental exhaustion. The guys are doing all the work, and I am getting tired.

No pictures today. Not much to see. Within the next few days we are anticipating some obvious and visual alterations. So, for now…

Ciao

On Bing Old--8 "D" Day Plus 2

2010-10-09T20:15:00.000-07:00

The guys from Dimark have been working hard even though things do not look like anything is being accomplished. All the dry wall has been removed from the walls. After removing the ceiling we now only have the skeletal structure of a kitchen.

Exposure to the attic space revealed a beam spanning the center of the kitchen. Mark informed us the beam could be raised – a minor hitch in the schedule.

Friday found Ed, Robert, and Randy – when he wasn’t working on an electrical condition – on the rock pile better known as the slate floor in our foyer. They pounded and chipped and pried the better part of the day. The mirrors were removed from the wall. We had forgotten about the gold wallpaper that covered all the walls when we bought the house. The place reminded us of a giant Christmas present.

Mark and Robert laid out the position of all the cabinets and the center island on the floor. Things certainly have an odd perspective with the room so bare. Our job for the weekend is to determine the exact position of the island and a focal point picture.

Next week starts the framing of the walls and the raising of the beam.

Ciao

On Being Old--7 Cape Cod Caper Day 2

2010-10-08T20:35:00.000-07:00

Today a high speed, two hour ferry ride whisked our group to Nantucket. The town, a typical tourist area, found only a smattering of people roaming the uneven cobbled-stoned streets, since Labor Day had passed. After a short walk from the pier we discovered a quaint whaling museum. An interesting lecture informed us of the whaling trade that flourished on the island. On the main floor from the ceiling hung a skeletal structure of the most desirous whale of the trade, the sperm whale.

A light rain turned into a torrential downpour forcing us to take shelter in a restaurant where we tried the area’s noted sandwich, “the Lobstah” Roll. After all the hype we did not find the sandwich very appealing. Anyway we waited out the storm.

The afternoon tour took us past sights such as the First Congregational Church; the oldest building on the island– “a salt-box” style [slanted roof]; and an old mill. Before boarding the ferry back to the main land, we had to take a short ice cream cone break.

Upon our return to the main land, the bus awaited to scurry us off to the Chowder House for a lobster dinner. Rosemary and I looked forward to this meal and were sorely disappointed. The whole lobster was cold and water soaked and the mussels near inedible. The efficient and fun staff was not good enough to offset the poor meal.

On a whole today’s experience – especially the people we travelled with – rated as a desirable piece of candy.

Ciao

On Being Old--6 'D' Day

2010-10-06T20:16:00.000-07:00

Today was ‘D’ Day. Mark and his band of merry warriors -- Ed, Mike Robert and Randy – descended on our home. Work began in earnest. Three of the guys started taping plastic on the doors leading from the kitchen, while Randy disconnected the electrical power to the double oven.

Before long our first floor looked like a set from “Dexter”. We felt as though we were breaking through a cocoon as we walked from one room to the another. Mark issued his instructions like a drill sergeant…remove this cabinet…put the refrigerator in the dining room… move the table to the liging room…and so on.

Our desk and cabinets were gone, the stove moved to the garage followed by the gas and electric range. Before long the cabinets on the far wall dropped out of sight leaving the red ceramic tiles like the decimated walls of some castle in Portugal.

After lunch the long cabinet housing Rosemary’s ironing board congregated with the mounting pile of wooden cabinetry in the garage. The linoleum was skinned of the floor. A peek into the kitchen showed the dismantled center island missing its butcher block top.

I took a computer break, but the rat-tat-tatting—like the opening marching scene from the old-time radio production of “Gangbusters”—stirred me to come downstairs. Ed, Mike and Robert on hands and knees pounded flush hundreds of staples that held the old flooring in place.

So the day ended as the men swept the floor clean and put away their tools. A way good-bye and the promise that they would return at 8:00 AM the next morning.

Wow! What a day. Rosemary and I were exhausted, and we only watched the work performed. Just think only fifty-nine more days to go.

Ciao

On Bing Old--5 Cape Cod

2010-10-04T20:03:00.001-07:00

The “Mainestreamers”, the senior group from Maine Township, offered a tour to the Cape Cod area. We’ve never been to this area and decided to go. As the departure date neared, we nervously watched Hurricane Earl move along the East Coast.

Fortunately, Earl moved past Boston and out to the Atlantic Ocean leaving the eastern seaboard sunny extending all the way back to Chicago for our Tuesday departure. The flight was uneventful as all air flights should be.

After a two hour drive from Boston to Hyannis, we stopped at the JFK Memorial at Lewis Bay.

My Rose stopped to smell the roses with Lewis Bay in the background.

Less than a couple of hundred feet from the JFK Memorial stood an impressive Korean War Memorial.

Finally, we settled into our hotel and dined on a fabulous buffet which included a tasty tilapia.

On Being Old--4 Minor League Baseball

2010-10-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

Following sports teams has not been of interest to me for many years. My avidness goes back to the “Hey! Hey!” days of Jack Brickhouse while watching Ernie Banks and Ron Santo. Some of you may ask, “Who are they?” They are the Chicago Cubs of my youth.

Lately I have had the desire to see a minor league baseball game [no smart remarks, since the Cubs have been mimicking the minor leagues this year]. So, I called my cousin Stan about going to a Kane County Cougar’s game. We settled on a Sunday game on 22Aug10. Mikie, Stan’s wife, Stan, Rosemary, and our son Walt went to the game.

The day was brilliantly sunny. Not knowing what to expect, I entered the stadium and was immediately impressed with the professional look of the surroundings. We took our seats, which were alongside the third base dugout, two rows from the field. I reeled at the ticket price – not much more than a hot dog at Wrigley Field.

The game itself was most entertaining, and I enjoyed watching the enthusiasm of these truly “boys of summer”. As an additional perk, some event occurred between innings – someone tossed foam rubber baseballs to the fans; big wheel races for the kids were held from third to first base; singing contests; and of course Myron Noodleman. He cavorted with the ballplayers and roamed the stands carrying on with the crowd around him.

And so I accomplished one of my summer bucket-list activities. Fresh air, sun, family and friends, and entertainment all combined for a most enjoyable piece of candy.

Ciao

On Being Old--3 Before Remodeling Starts

2010-09-29T19:43:00.000-07:00

The past year zipped by too quickly. A yer ago I worried about crossing over the bridge. Well, we filled the time with varied activities. No more depression—no more thinking about being old. So I want to tell you what went on this year. Most likely the events will not be linear. I only want to share the memories with you…in whatever order they pop into my head.

A couple of months ago we decided to remodel our kitchen. Our neighbor had a contractor doing some work for them. It turned out that we used this same contractor six years ago to do some work for us. We called Mark at Dimark to discuss our plans. He was elated to work on our kitchen. He told us he’d been salivating for six years for the opportunity to get his hands on our kitchen.

After a couple of weeks of discussions, Rosemary and I started to pick things out. New appliances—I couldn’t believe how many different types and styles of stoves our made; how many different granites for countertops [is there really that many stone quarries?]; how many different types of tiles; and on it went.

Countertops to cabinets to floors…why not new doors…let’s break through this wall…how about a new chandelier…and so on. Finally last week Mark said, “We start demolition on 06Oct—‘D’ Day.

Here is how we look today. Check back later. Will keep you informed of our progress.

Ciao

On Being Old -- 2

2009-11-18T18:53:00.000-08:00

I surrounded myself with old friends. Their kidding and reminiscing prevented me from thinking about the west side of the mountain. The family ties were strong and talk of being kids swirled around me.

My high school buddies laid it on and never let me get away with a thing – just like the old days.

My radio group came in like the affair was black tie -- some even in tuxes. Naturally being the hams they are, they presented me with a poem and a letter from a fictitious friend extolling the pleasures of being old.

The next group was the neighbors who now kindly look after the old one.

I enjoyed myself no end. How rich I am to have these friends, I thought. The candy was strewn everywhere. I don’t think I’ll have any problems navigating this new phase of my life.
Ciao.

On Being Old -- 1

2009-11-16T20:58:00.000-08:00

Now that I’ve I crossed the bridge I must change my blog. Of course I will still be looking for daily candy. However, I will be including reminiscences of the past, which goes to show there is no expiration date on my candy. Hence the new title of the blog
This first installment comes from the not too distant past. We begin with the event where some of my friends gathered to help this soul across the bridge to the west side of the mountain – my 70th Birthday Party.

My good friend, Norb Weisman, succinctly out lined life’s travels in a poem he wrote and presented to me on this new side of life. I want to share his verse with you.

Rights of Passa

The time has come, the walrus said,

The time to turn the page.

We’re done with ships and sealing wax,

Let’s deal with youth and age.

The young are light, they effervesce,

For them there's no tomorrow.

The time is now, today’s the day,

No thought of what’s to follow.

The years race by on winged feet.

They heap upon each other.

And suddenly, the young are gone.

What happened here? Oh brother!

I didn’t see those years go by.

I was busy having fun.

But suddenly I turn around and look…

My son is twenty-one.

And thirty-one, and thirty-five.

Good Lord, what shall I do?

My mirror tells the horrid truth,

My God, I’m sixty-two.

The end is near, it will arrive.

I know that now and sure as hell,

Just look…

I’m sixty-five.

I guess it’s really not so bad,

The shape I’m in is great.

Why the heck should I complain,

I’m only sixty-eight.

Sixty-eight! I’m sixty-eight!

Did you hear what I said?

The rite of passage fixes in,

My God, I’m almost dead.

Sixty-nine! I’m sixty-nine!

Where is the humor here?

To face the coming echelon

I feel the grip of fear.

At seventy, you’ve had it pal,

And that really isn’t funny!

No matter, how much hair you have,

No matter, how much money.

Your doctor looks at you and smiles,

“Your tests all came out fine.”

That’s very well for him to say,

He’s only thirty-nine.

You look around at all your friends

And that’s what makes you wary.

The ancient ones, they grip your hand,

Good Lord, that’s really scary.

I really don’t know what to do.

Well, why not celebrate?

I can’t turn back the hands of time.

Rose, you pick a date!

I’ll soon surround myself with friends,

Old ones, old and sickly.

And I will romp and play the boy,

My youth will come back quickly.

But still, one item I must have

And things will be just dandy.

My single aphrodisiac,

Just let me have my candy.

***

I needn’t say more. This day I found my first piece of candy

Ciao.

On Getting Old -- 60

2009-10-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

23Oct2009

I’ve reached the bridge today. This last year has passed all too quickly. My fear of this mystical – in my mind – age milestone was, I realize, only psychological but yet all too real.

Looking back I discovered many wonderful things. Fortunately, I began this blog, and it has forced me to look at my world in a different light. I may not have seen the things I did had I not been looking for my daily candy.

Now that I stand on the bridge, I find it solid and comforting. No one knows what lies in store for us on the other side. All I know is that I am a stronger and more content person.

I would like to share some of the important things I found.

Be aware of the things around you. You never know what may be bring you joy and happiness. The candy is every where. It may be as simple as a humming bird or only in your imagination such as the “Lady of the Underpass”.

Food excites the senses. So many good meals provided the candy for the day. Lavish spreads are not necessary. Finding the best hamburger in the city or the savouriness of a hot, cinnamon bun is enough to bring about that daily piece of candy.

Music provided another source for candy, Some music from the likes of the Platters, Bill Doggett or the Flamingos brought back the nostalgia of a simpler time. While the wistful strains of smooth jazz just made you feel good.

Most important of all were the people I encountered along the way. They were the adhesive that held all the other experiences together. The kind words of a nurse or the comforting of a chaplain was enough to turn a sad day bright.

Everyone I spoke with had some words of encouragement to help me. They told me that age was only a number. What was in your heart is what counted.

The most important person of all was my wife, Rosemary. She was always there with a comforting word or an incident to make me laugh. She pushed me when I needed a shove; she hugged me when I needed the care; she was part of every one of the important experiences in my journey to the bridge. She truly was my daily candy.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 59

2009-10-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning on Higgins Rd. while driving to work [yes, I still work part time] I looked at the rearview mirror. Behind me loomed the sky, a brilliant magenta with the early morning sun breaking through. The forest preserve woods exploded in golden browns. A light rain left the air refreshing and clean. From the radio speakers Kurt Elling, a Chicago jazz singer, crooned.

What a wonderful way to start the day, I thought.

Not more than thirty minutes after entering the office, my cell phone rang. Gladys, the nurse at St. Matthew, informed me that my mother had passed away. I told her I would be there as quickly as I could.

The traffic on Rte 25 was incredibly bad. Finally, I turned onto the highway back to the city. Again I faced traffic tie ups. After only a mile of stop and go driving the traffic jam eased up and I drove the rest of the way to the nursing center without a problem.

Along the way my only thoughts were of Mom. I realized her health was declining for the past week or so, but I did not think she would go so fast.

Every little way along the walk in the corridor to Mom’s room a nurse or an aid stopped me for a big hug and a kind word. The hospice people gathered around me in Mom’s room. She lay in bed eyes closed as though she were sleeping without any labored breathing. With a kiss to her cheek, I felt the coolness of her face. Although I anticipated this moment, the occurrence left me empty and sad. The tears welled in my eyes, and I felt them stream down my cheeks.

Finally people left the room so I had some time with Mom alone, probably the last time alone with her. Over the months since she had been at St. Matthew, we were often alone and spoke of the old times -- when she grew up on the near North side of Chicago, her time on the farm in Covert, Michigan, her remembrances of things like the Columbian Exposition and Riverview. No longer will I hear her stories albeit very sketchy due to a failing memory.

I worried about Mom because she was afraid to be alone and afraid to travel to new places. How would she face this ultimate and final trip?

After I returned home I told Rosemary of everything that had happened. I told her how sad I was to start the day with such a happy event and then to have it destroyed with the loss of Mom.

She told me that my mother was telling me she had passed over and everything was fine and beautiful.

I realized my experience occurred about 7:45 AM. Gladys told me she discovered Mom during her rounds at 7:55 AM. Rosemary was absolutely correct. Mom told me she made her cross over and everything was beautiful.

Today the candy was not only bittersweet; it was coated with the pungency of tears. Never the less the candy tasted sweet as ever.

Thanks, Mom.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 58

2009-10-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

The count down continues – only three more days to go. I feel the gravel grating at my shoes as I approach the bridge.

One experience, a week ago, helped me to see that the west side of the mountain can have its rewards. Rosemary and I were privileged to share our friends, Delores and Ernie, special day. The happy couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Approximately 75 people congregated at the Elks Club in Des Plaines to partake in the joyous festivities. Delores beamed while she worked the group, coming to each table to chat with all. Ernie looked the devoted husband as he danced his wife along the floor. One could feel the love exuded by the pair. I’m sure they were as happy today as they were sixty years ago.

So much candy today – all delivered by the elated couple who stood by each other’s side these many years.

Thank you, Delores and Ernie.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 57

2009-10-18T18:03:00.000-07:00

The first of October found us with our friend, Sally, on our way to the initial play of the season at the Goodman Theater. Sally, unable to drive downtown these days, has been going to the theater with us for the past couple of years. She appreciates us taking her and loves the theater as much as we do.

This day we are going to see “Animal Crackers”. The attendant parks our car and we stop at the Corner Bakery for a light repast. We are looking forward to the play which was originally done in 1928.

“Animal Crackers” was a loosely written play to highlight the antics of the Marx Brothers. The curtain opens to a lavish, art deco set that is the home of Mrs. Rittenhouse.

A party is planned for Captain Jeffrey Spaulding, the Groucho character, played by Joey Slotnick. Before too long enter Emanuel Ravelli and the Professor, the Chico and Harpo characters, played by Jonathon Brody and Molly Brennan.

We are transported to another time through the magic of theater. The gags are a little naïve and corny but perfect for the time. Not great theater but a true glimpse of life in 1928.

A wonderful and entertaining evening – a truly enjoyable piece of candy.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 56

2009-10-18T18:00:00.000-07:00

Our neighbors up the block organized a block party for this day. We moved into our home in 1982 and have never had a block party. So we were looking forward to the event.

At 10:30 AM the street was barricaded with traffic horses at both ends of our block. The kids had the entire street to themselves unimpeded by cars.

As dusk descended, the neighbors congregated in front of the hosts’ house. Music blared from loudspeakers. Tables were aligned and stacked with food – crackers with salmon, hummus, “pigs-in-a-blanket”, polish sausage, potato chips, fudge, cupcakes, on and on. Grills emitted smoke scented of hot dogs and hamburgers.

People gathered in groups and talked, moved to new groups and talked more. A couple moved onto the block the same year we did, and for twenty-seven years we never saw them. New acquaintances were made and old ones reinforced.

The children ran and played and ate during the entire evening – more children than our first year at this residence.

As we toted our table and chairs back home, I was amazed that I had never before noticed all the candy around us.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 55

2009-10-18T17:57:00.000-07:00

I’ve been remiss in my postings, but I hope to catch up. You see I’m in the home stretch. The bridge is in sight. On Friday 23Oct I begin the cross to the other side -- my birthday. I will have achieved the big “seven oh”.

The journey and the search for candy has been most interesting. The idea to look for the daily candy has helped me along this psychological trip to old age.

I made a point of talking to people along the way regarding my trek. More than once a conversation turned out to be my candy for the day.

A few of weeks ago I went to the Nessett Center in Des Plaines for my biannual blood test. The time was early morning, 7:30 AM. After being shown to the small room by the young nurse, Mickie, I sat down in the chair and lowered the padded arm support.

I was the first patient of the day for the young nurse. Her smile was infectious. As she prepared the syringe and vials to take my blood samples, we talked of my journey and hunt for candy. She told me not to worry about the big “seven-oh”. After all 70 is only a number.

“But such a big number, when it comes to age,” I said.

She told me about raising her son on her own and the difficulties she faced in today’s world. Her faith in God helped her through the tough times, and she always tried to keep her smile beaming. Keep smiling she told me.

What a treasure to find my candy so early in the day and from one so relatively young.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 54

2009-09-22T17:48:00.000-07:00

Aunt Jennie visited Mom at St. Matthew’s about five weeks ago. She mentioned how well Mom was doing, since she left the hospital.

My Aunt lives in Wisconsin just past the Illinois state line. Mom lived in the same community and was a close friend with my Aunt.

A few weeks ago my cousin, Maryann, called to tell me Aunt Jennie went into the hospital. Before I had the opportunity to visit her, she passed. Another small portion excised from my life.

These little pitfalls are strewn along the path we travel. Only when faced with them do we stop to think about the happy times we experienced along the way.

Our families did not have much, but we shared what we did have. We vacationed together in Fox Lake. I remember my Aunt Jennie removing a large sliver from the bottom of my foot that I got from running on the olden wooden pier.

I remember first seeing a television set in a home at my Aunt’s place. The screen was not much bigger than my hand, and it had a huge magnifying glass in front of it.

I remember spending a night with my cousins at their home on the Southside chasing fireflies in the evening.

I remember graduating from eighth grade and sitting next to my Godparents, Aunt Jennie and Uncle Tony.

Maryann and Geri gave me the honor to do the first reading at Aunt Jennie’s funeral mass. We shall remember you always, dear Godmother.

The candy today is a little salty from the tears but no less tasty.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 53

2009-09-21T12:25:00.000-07:00

Rosemary and I opened a letter from our grandson. Our daughter, Yvonne, had written a little note that Calvin was doing well in school and had a surprise for us.

Well, we opened the folded paper and our candy for the day jumped out at us. Calvin wrote us a note all by himself.

“Happy Grandparent’s Day! Love Calvin”

Our little four year old is starting to write. We were so proud and happy. The note took a prominent place on our bulletin board.

The children grow up so quickly these days. I don’t remember starting to write until I was in first grade – about six years old. Come to think of it, I don’t remember anything from 66 years ago. It’s getting to the point where I don’t remember what I had for lunch.

Anyway, the candy was delicious.

Ciao

On Getting OLd -- 52

2009-09-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

Today’s candy comes from coincidence. Yesterday I listened to an old time radio program called, Chandu, the Magician. This program was a serial of a magician who was trained in the Orient and had special powers. The episode I listened to dealt with Chandu and his cohorts at the Mena House in Giza. How cool, I thought. Rosemary and I stayed there on our tour of Egypt.

That morning at work Krystyna, the owner of the company, mentioned they were going on a cruise and would be stopping in Egypt. They were going to take a side trip to Cairo and wanted to know where we stayed. I told her of the Mena in Giza, which is just outside of Cairo.

Later that evening a friend, Amy, sent me an email asking about our trip to Egypt. She happened to be going with the same tour group – OAT, Overseas Adventure Travels – as we traveled with. Naturally I mentioned the Mena House, since it had been on my mind.

The memories flooded back. After arriving in Egypt on our tour we were taken by van straight to Giza and the Mena House—our first experience in Egypt, and what an experience. The Mena House was once a palace and is located next to the Great Pyramids. From anywhere in the compound one could see the pyramids – a spectacular sight.

The hotel was something out of the Arabian Nights. Beautiful entrance ways from room-to-room like huge carved key holes, appoints of flowers and artifacts lined every wall, and magnificent dining areas.

In the morning we stepped outside and gazed at the great pyramid. At night the pyramids were lit up and looked ethereal. We did not want to leave the hotel, but we knew greater sights awaited us.

What delicious candy today. A serendipitous occurrence that lead to some wonderful memories.

Ciao

On Getting Ols -- 51

2009-09-18T14:45:00.000-07:00

I received an email the other day from my Aunt Doris. She informed me that my cousin, Bobby, was diagnosed with cancer. Bobby and I have not been very close over the years. Usually we met at weddings and lately at funerals.

At the first opportunity I called him. He was at dinner and could not talk very long, but long enough to tell me they—the ominous ‘they’—discovered cancer on his lung. He indicated the cancer was of the large cell type, which is slow growing.

A week later I called him. He was in good spirits. His doctor scheduled him for more tests to determine if the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes or brain. We chatted for quite awhile reminiscing about the old days. We vacationed together. I was the best man at his wedding and was the godfather to his first child. The time passed and I promised to call him about his condition.

Two weeks ago we talked and he was really up. The tests indicated that the cancer had not spread. The course of action was to remove a portion of the lung. He promised to call me after he received information about the upcoming surgery. Bobby was very upbeat and positive.

Two days ago I received a call from Bob. After analyzing the MRI’s, the CAT Scan, and X-Rays, the doctor determined that it was necessary to remove one lung. He was devastated. However, always the optimist he said maybe after they open him up things might appear to be less dire.

Where was today’s candy I wondered? After mulling over our conversations the memories of the past were wonderful. I also looked to his strength and optimism under trying circumstances. After all I was only approaching old age. Surely I can over come this blip in the road. Always—some candy exists.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 50

2009-09-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

St. Matthew chose a perfect day for their Fun Fest. The sun shone beautifully with a nice cooling breeze. Rosemary and I headed to the nursing center about 10:45 AM. Upon entering Mom's room we noticed her abscence. We went to the front lawn where tents were set up. We wandered around unable to find Mom.

Gladys, one of Mom's nurses, led us to where she sat. A tiny tear filled Mom's eye and her voice quavered slightly. "I didn't think anyone was coming to visit me today," she said. Her spirits brightened, when she saw us.

The rest of the afternoon we spent talking, eating hot dogs and ice cream. We listened to the combo play music along with the singer. Mom stayed out for almost two hours before she tired.

Before going back to the room she wanted to see the animals at the small, fenced-in petting area. "Not too close," she warned. Her eyes opened like saucers as she watched the children feed the llama, goats, donkey, pig, and ducks.

A full day for her and she enjoyed every minute. We helped her into bed and kissed her good-bye.

Most delicious candy today -- seeing her brighten up.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 49

2009-09-05T17:59:00.000-07:00

Once a year the Avenues for Independence, a local organization that aids retarded people, hold a fund raising outing at Arlington Park Race Track. We usually invite a friend to join us for the afternoon. This day our friend, Shirley, joined us.

This past Saturday was a glorious day. The weather was perfect. We arrived at the track early to scan the program. We were surprised to find a table reserved for us. After placing bets for the first race we lined up at the buffet table for some food. Spread out before us were bowls of salads, bruschetta, hot plates of chicken, turkey, pasta mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables.

Since I never tasted a turkey dish I didn’t like, I piled my plate with thick slices of roasted turkey with mashed potatoes slathered with gravy. Needless to say the food was terrific.

All afternoon we talked and bet the horses. Every race found us looking out the huge windows cheering our horses to victory. However, only Rosemary found her way back to the betting windows to collect. In the picture showing the horses crossing the finish line, my horse is yet to make it into the scene. For all I know he may still be running.

Today’s candy had some specials tastes. We helped a worthy cause, while at the same time we enjoyed good food and the company of friends. I’m amazed at the fact that so much candy involves good friends and good food.

This trek to 70 isn’t too bad.
Ciao

On Getting Old -- 48

2009-08-31T19:18:00.000-07:00

Mom went into St. Matthew’s Center for Care a few months ago. Prior to her move, the family downsized her belongings from a one bedroom apartment at the Heritage to a studio apartment. Now we were faced with another downsizing. Literally all her belongings had to be disposed.

For a couple of months Rosemary and I lived with all her things in our family room and garage. A woman’s history of nearly 80 years was strewn throughout our house. We rummaged through photographs and clothes, pots and pans, bric-a-brac and jewelry. What a sad series of events.

A decision to conduct a garage sale was made, and we began to sort, label and tag items. Knowing Mom was at the nursing facility made the task all the more difficult.

The eventful day came. All the things were lined up in the garage and driveway. People arrived early and began to sort through everything. My heart twisted as I watched these strangers pawing over my Mother’s stuff, even though I knew we had to do what we did.

Of course, those people who bought and sold items were the first to arrive. But throughout the two days we witnessed people in need pick out those items too expensive for them to buy in the big box stores. And so it went.

Where is today’s candy going to come from, I wondered.

During the lulls we met with people who had stories to tell. The elderly, Polish man sat and talked about his captivity in a POW camp during WWII. He fought with a resistance unit in Poland before his capture. A man hobbled along the tables and then discussed his heart surgery and knee replacement with us. A young lady with her mother was off to college in New York and needed things for her apartment. A retired gentleman who scoured neighborhood sales for old time radios and cameras for his hobby.

So it went from story to story. By the end of the weekend I felt much happier knowing that many of Mom’s things helped people less fortunate than we. At the same time I was able to amass some monies to help defray a little of Mom’s expenses.

I discovered my candy time and again over the course of those two days.
Ciao

On Getting Old -- 47

2009-08-27T21:01:00.001-07:00

During dinner with our friends, Barb and Norb, we were asked to stop at their home during the coming week. Norb is a sculptor who works predominately in wood. He is fantastic. [I don’t really tell him that. It goes to his head, and I’m sure you will keep my little secret.] His home and the outside of his home is strewn with carvings, many of which are gargoyle-type works – both large and small. The place is a fantasy world of carvings.

A week ago Tuesday Rosemary and I paid a visit to our friends. Norb ushered us to his basement lair. He told us to look around. We were invited to take any of his works on display. We couldn’t believe our ears. When it came to his carvings, they were all his babies.

Rosemary and I were like kids in a candy store. Norb went upstairs and left us to our choosing. We selected a whimsical little bird, two busts of some Western dudes, an old man with a club, and a one legged monster with one eye and arm.

Norb informed us that the one legged monster is a fachan – a mythical creature from the Western highlands of Scotland. This fairie has a nasty disposition who is very jealous of the gift of flight and hates all other living things. I guess if you have only one eye, one arm and one leg, you'd be nasty too. This carving has taken a place of prominence among my collections.

In discussing Norb’s generosity he informed us that since he was going into the hospital this coming week for open heart surgery, he wanted to find good homes for his babies in case anything went wrong.

We tried to assure him that his type of surgery is commonplace today. Furthermore, the world is not yet ready to let go of such a kind and loving person as he.

Rosemary and I were honored to be the adoptive parents of Norb’s babies. What a wonderful piece of candy from a wonderful friend.
Ciao

On Getting Old -- 46

2009-08-25T18:26:00.001-07:00

Our adventure today takes us to uptown Chicago. Rosemary and I boarded the bus behind the Penny’s Department store in Golf Mill. Sponsored by the Maine Township we join the other seniors of the Maine Streamers at 10:30 AM for the first leg of our journey – lunch at the Ann Sather restaurant, famous for their gooey Cinnamon buns and their entrée of Swedish meatballs.

Traffic into the city is horrendous. Road work all around slows us interminably. But a phone call [Thank heaven for cell phones. However did we manage when we had to use the smoke signals called party lines?] from our leader assured us prompt attention from the waiter staff after we arrived.

We sat down and were joined by two nice lady Maine Streamers. Our order was taken immediately giving us time to savor the Cinnamon buns shouting at us from the bread basket. A lunch of Swedish meatballs for Rosemary and turkey for me [I can never get enough turkey – my favorite food.] was placed before us post-haste.

The meal exceeded expectations -- flavorful and plenty. The huge meatballs served over a bed of noodles were made with some special seasoning. The turkey, moist and juicy, was [I never tasted turkey I didn’t like] served with dressing alongside smashed potatoes, and all slathered in gravy.

The proficient service put us back on schedule for the next leg of the journey – the Apollo Theatre and “The Million Dollar Quartet”. The tiny theatre provided unobstructed viewing from anywhere in the facility.

We knew we were in for a rousing afternoon when the disembodied voice from the loud speaker ended its pre-performance announcements regarding cell phones, picture taking, etc. with …if you want to unwrap your candy during the show, don’t worry. It won’t be heard over the music.

The play opened with four young men at microphones and backlit, while the narrator, Sam Phillips [played by Brian McCaskill, told the back story and introduced the cast – Carl Perkins[Rob Lyons], Johnny Cash[Lance Guest], Jerry Lee Lewis[Levi Kreis], and Elvis Presley[Eddie Clendening].

The story takes place one afternoon at the Sun Record studio in Memphis in 1956. This day most unexpectedly the four stars, the innovators of Rock and Roll, met at the studio for an impromptu jam session.

The music [the music our group grew up with] was loud, exciting and memorable. The show opened with “Blue Suede Shoes”. We heard “That’s All Right” and “Brown Eyed Handsome Man” and “Sixteen Tons” and “Great Balls of Fire” and on and on.

The four actors were exceedingly talented. The energetic piano playing of Jerry Lee, the fierce guitar playing of Carl Perkins, the dulcet tones of Johnny Cash, and the leg shaking antics of Elvis got the audience cheering and applauding all afternoon.

To say the least we were all transported back to a most lively time in our life, when the aches and pains of aging did not exist.

Once again eating played a prominent role in the daily candy. Once again the candy was multi-layered – food, pleasant conversation, and a trip down memory lane.
Ciao

On Getting Old -- 45

2009-08-23T17:14:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Rosemary instructed me to install a new humming bird feeder in our backyard. Although a little dubious about this adventure I followed her directions. The feeder was placed outside our kitchen window.

Rosemary, ever confident of the attraction of the birds to our feeder, thought she saw a humming bird a week ago at the feeder. She hurried out to replace the sugar water with the hopes of seeing the little beauty again – if in fact she saw it the first time.

A little skeptical of her sighting, I humored her. Then one morning while having breakfast, she shouted out, “Look! He’s back.”

Sure enough the tiny bugger was flitting around our feeder. What a feeling of joy and elation that bird brought to our morning meal. Unfortunately we have yet to see him again, but I shall never doubt my wife’s claims again.

A googling informed us that most likely our visitor was a Ruby throated humming bird.

One of God’s unique creatures provided me with a most pleasurable piece of candy today.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 44

2009-08-16T17:47:00.000-07:00

Some days the path of life is strewn with boulders. After completing my workout – usually do about two miles on the cross trainer and some weight training – I came home to bad news. Rosemary told me that Dennis a friend from high school called about the passing of one of the guys we went to school with.

I called Dennis immediately. He told me that a fellow basketball player, Phil Skilnik, from Gordon Tech. passed away.

About a year ago I met up with Phil at a GT outing at Arlington Park. Before that day I’d not seen Phil in almost fifty years. We chatted about old times. Phil was such a nice guy.

Phil became the president of Gordon Tech. H.S. and had great plans for the future of the school. He wanted to get the alumni more involved. I spoke with Phil a few weeks ago at the annual GT golf outing. He looked terrific.

All the more reason I was so floored when I heard of his demise. Phil came down to breakfast on Friday morning complaining that he wasn’t feeling well. A little while later he dropped dead of a heart attack. Phil was 69 years old.

Rosemary and I paid our respects at his wake and returned home. While reading my emails I discovered my cousin, Bob, was diagnosed with lung cancer. He is just a few months older than I. Another shock for the day.

The day’s events made me think more about the fate we all must face. Our mortality comes to the forefront of our mind. These occurrences do not make finding the daily candy easy.

The candy today comes from the past – from the memories of the good times we shared with our fellow travelers through life – the sight of Phil soaring high to gather a rebound in a basketball game; the day I stood alongside my cousin Bob when he was married.

Today’s candy is not so sweet.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 43

2009-08-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday presented itself as a most busy day. Early in the afternoon our radio group, TWTD Players, performed a radio recreation at Addolorata Villa, a nursing home in Wheeling.

We performed an episode of Henry Aldrich. For you youngsters this show was about the adventures of a teenager. The opening was clearly recognized. Henry’s mother would call out: “Henrry, Henry Aldrich!” And Henry would yell back, “Coming, Mother.” In the old days we kids would gather around the radio when we heard that announcement.

Next we performed a show called “It Pays to be Ignorant”. This program concerned itself with the goings on of three panelists, one dumber than the other. In the picture are shown Harry McNaughton, Lulu McConnel, and Shelton Leonard. The program was hosted by Tom Howard. Audience participants would reach into a dunce hat and read the question, such as “In what season of the year do Autumn leaves fall?”

The panelists would take off into different directions. The show would be full of corny gags, jokes and puns.

Harry: Where do the leaves fall from?
Tom: From trees.
Shelton: What trees?
Tom: Any tree.
Harry: I don’t have any leaves on my shoe trees, Mr. Howard.
Lulu: What are shoe trees, Mr. Howard?
Tom: They’re something you put in shoes to keep them from losing their shape.
Lulu: You mean if I put them on I wouldn’t lose my shape?
Tom: You mean you really want to keep that shape?

They loved us at the nursing home. Of course it is one of the places were we would be considered the youngsters. Anyway, we gave them a little something to laugh and smile about.

After the show we adjourned to our friend’s house for our annual picnic. We discussed the performance along with anything else. The food was plentiful and delicious. Pulled pork sandwiches and roasted chicken. Homemade pork and beans and roasted potatoes accompanied the entrées. What a meal! All topped off with cake, cookies and brownies with ice cream,

Not much difficulty in locating today’s candy. We brought some joy to the lives of others; we filled our inner cravings f0r a touch of the spotlight; we spent a pleasant afternoon talking with friends and eating.

Seems a pattern is developing. So much of my daily candy involves food. Guess there’s nothing wrong with that.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 42

2009-08-14T15:20:00.000-07:00

After lunch Rosemary accompanied me to LifeSource, the local blood donation center. I usually donate two or three times a year. Last May we went to Peru, and as a result I wasn’t able to donate for a year. Finally, today is the day.

A young Indian nurse took all my vitals and ushered me to a lounger in the lab. After swabbing my arm with iodine, she carefully and gently inserted the needle. She was a pro at this maneuver. I pumped the small, foam rubber ball periodically to keep the blood flowing.

I closed my eyes for a short nap – my usual MO. Today I completed the task in less than ten minutes. Oh, well, I’ll have to nap later.

I rested, drank some juice, and ate popcorn. Rosemary was kind enough to drive.

She said we should visit Mom at the nursing home, and then she would take me to dinner at a new restaurant in the city. Mom was in good spirits. We sat in the garden and chatted. Soon Mom got tired. Since it was near her dinner time, we helped her lie down for a little rest before she ate.

We headed for a Lebanese restaurant on Peterson Avenue in the city. Byblos offered Mediterranean cuisine and we both looked forward to the experience.

The establishment is set up banquet style with a small stage area for entertainment. Since we arrived quite early, the place was empty, and we were the only diners.

Joe sat us at a round, copper table [it looked like a big cymbal] in the front window. Rosemary ordered Shawarma – layers of lamb and beef served over rice with tomatoes and onion. I ordered a lentil soup [I love any soup] and a Vegetarian Combo – a sampling of hummus, baba ghannouj, tabouleh, dolma, spinach, and falafel.

We shared our meals to taste everything. And everything was superb. We scooped up the servings with pieces of pita. The hummus and baba ghannoul tasted cool and refreshing on the palate with the hint of chick peas and egg plant in the after taste. The beef and lamb was richly seasoned with hints of curry. I washed down the meal with an oolong tea.

No need for dessert today for I had my daily candies -- the feel-good experience of providing blood for one in need and the delicious experience of a new restaurant.

Can’t get much better!

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 41

2009-08-12T18:42:00.000-07:00

In the spring I turned the soil of our vegetable garden and planted tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. Over the weeks the garden was weeded [I must say usually by Rosemary] and watered and fertilized and staked.

We watched the small plants reach toward the sun. Our nurturing produced healthy, full leafed vines and plants. [Except for one pepper plant that refused to cooperate and died on the vine so to say.]

The tiny golden flowers developed into tiny buds which then turned into small green tomatoes. This fruit grew and ripened until today. A bright red hearty tomato graced the stem of one of the plants. And today we picked the first tomato of the season from our garden.

The prize, cradled gently in my cupped hands, was brought to the kitchen. Without a lot of fanfare the colorful fruit was halved then quartered.

In anticipation the piece was lifted to my mouth. Ahh! Nothing like a home grown tomato.

The sweet juice rolled over the tongue and coated the nearly 10,000 taste detectors in my mouth with a fresh sweetness. Although the weakest of the five senses, my mouth reached a state of hypergensia – an enhanced ability to taste. The fluids excited the taste buds at the upper esophagus and found its way to the stomach.

Who would have thought that a small piece of vegetable could make the daily candy so sweet?

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 40

2009-08-12T17:49:00.001-07:00

Rosemary and I went off to a lunch at the Botanic Garden. After a half hour drive to Glencoe we parked in one of the outer lots. With the weather so beautiful the Garden was pretty well attended.
Merrill Lynch hosted the affair. Lunch was at the Regenstein Center. A simple but tasty lunch was served. Two other couples dined with us. Afterward everyone boarded a tram for a tour around the Garden. Our docent was extremely knowledgeable and kept us amused for the hour long tour.

The grounds are immaculate. We viewed the Japanese gardens, Evening Island with the Carillon Tower. We learned how the Gardens developed into the sprawling acreage of today.

The Garden is open year round with something always happening. What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon – pleasant surroundings, a delightful meal, good conversation, and my loving wife, Rosemary, by my side.

Ah, such sweet candy!

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 37

2009-08-09T17:53:00.000-07:00

I received a call from the St. Matthew’s nursing home this evening. The nurse found Mom on the floor. She fell trying to put on her shoes. Apparently there was nothing evidently wrong with her. A slight bump on the fore head, and Mom complained of her sore shoulder.

The nurse assured me it was not necessary to come to the home. They would watch her closely for the next 72 hours.

Being a little shook up, Rosemary and I decide to go to the Pickwick, the neighborhood diner, for a little something to eat and talk about Mom.

After dinner we went home, and the telephone message machine blinked red. Oh, no, I thought. Something happened to Mom.

I clicked the play button. A tiny voice peeled from the machine. “Hi, Grandpa. This message is for you. Plunk your magic twanger, Froggy. Boing. Hi, ya kids. Hi, ya. Hi, ya.”

“Rosemary,” I called. “You have to hear this!” We both were delighted to hear Calvin’s voice. I think I buoyed up to the ceiling.

I immediately called back. Calvin picked up the receiver and repeated the message. I told him how happy I was to hear from him and that he remembered the opening to Smilin’ Ed’s program.

Let me tell you – from a day where I didn’t think I could find any candy – that phone call made me thank God that I was alive. You never know where your candy will come from. Just keep looking.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 38

2009-08-09T17:48:00.000-07:00

It’s Friday night and the concert in the park is the Brian Patti Big Band: A tribute to Benny Goodman, the King of Swing, on the 100th Anniversary of his birth.

On the way to Hodges Park we stopped for a large [or should I say vente coffee at Starbucks – I will never understand why small, medium, or large is not descriptive enough. Signs of the times?].

Our canvas chairs are unfurled next our friends Mike, Mary, and Nora. The night is perfect – just cool enough to keep the mosquitoes away. The street is cordoned off, and the kids are tossing around Frisbees and red and green neon colored hoops. From the speakers pour “Sing, Sing, Sing”.

Over the strains of “Puttin’ on the Ritz” the conversation with our friends is enjoyable. During the evening we listen to “Stompin’ at the Savoy” and “One O’clock Jump”.

I close my eyes and “Beyond the Seas” takes me back to a simpler, gentler time. Ah, that was music.

The evening ends with the playing of “God Bless America”.

What could be more comforting – beautiful weather, conversation with friends, being surrounded by hundreds of neighbors, children playing, all capped by memory-evoking music of Benny Goodman?

How sweet the candy, candy and more candy!

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 39

2009-08-09T15:44:00.000-07:00

A friend, Danon, sent me an email the other day about an actor’s workshop being held in Evanston. Danon directed the last play that Rosemary and I appeared in. She thought we might be interested in this endeavor.

So Saturday afternoon Rosemary and I sauntered over to the Enigma Café in Evanston. We had no idea what we were getting into.

Mike Braydndick and his wife greeted us. Being a bit early Mike explained what he intended to do. To assess our abilities he had us cold read a section of a play he was writing. I guess he liked what he heard for he warmly welcomed us to the group.

We met Andy and Ben, a couple of talented young actors in the Chicago area. [Of course everyone we meet these days is young.] Later Danon and Gayle joined the group. After everyone gathered, Mike proposed a situation and assigned each of us a role. We spent the rest of the afternoon doing improv.

Mike’s intention is to form an ensemble where actors develop characters in a given situation. He will write a play generated from the ideas developed during the improv.

The play will then be presented at some location. He hopes to extend the development to radio plays.

How’s this day's candy? Not only did we meet a new group of friends, we get to do some acting and character development.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 36

2009-08-08T20:28:00.000-07:00

Friday night was date night. Rosemary won some free passes to the Pickwick Theatre, the local movie house, and she opted to take me. What a gal! The movie showing was “Julie & Julia”.

The movie follows for one year the life of Julie Powell [played by Amy Adams] who is having a rough time completing projects. Knowing she loves to cook, her husband, Eric [played by Chris Messina] talks her into writing a blog about cooking.

Julie, who follows religiously Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking, opts to complete all the recipes in the cookbook within the year and keep the blog going.

Juxtaposed with Julie’s life is Julia Child’s [played by Meryl Streep] life as she learns to cook and write her book. Stanley Tucci [who plays Paul Child] does an excellent job as Julia’s husband. The acting of these two was superb. They complemented each other masterfully. The love between this couple flowed from the screen.

The tenacity and drive of the two women made one want to tackle any task facing them. The movie was delicious, heart-warming, inspiring, and a feel-good one.

I have to rate it with five, yes five, pieces of my daily candy.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 35

2009-08-07T19:43:00.000-07:00

They say parting is sweet sorrow. How true. Our son left for home a couple of days ago. Today our daughter, Yvonne, returned from Michigan with Cal and Emm. They will be leaving for Phoenix tomorrow. We spend the day playing in the backyard – hitting baseballs and catching bugs.

At lunch I tell the boys about some of the radio programs I used to listen to when I was a kid. Don’t know if the concept really struck home with them. They would get a kick out of the opening to Smilin’ Ed’s Show. He would say, “Plunk your magic twanger, Froggy.” SFX: Boing. Then Froggy would appear and say, “Hi ya, kids. Hi, ya. Hi, ya. Hi, ya.”
The boys would roar and say, “Do it again, Grandpa.” And so it would go. The smiles on their faces were better than the memories of the old days listening to the radio.

On our trip to the airport Calvin spotted a playground. “Can we stop, Grandpa? I need to play some more.” How difficult it is to say no.

At the airport we were hugged and kissed. I waved goodbye as they walked off, a tear stinging my eye.

Today’s candy is all too bittersweet.
Ciao

On Getting Old -- 34

2009-08-07T13:39:00.000-07:00

This night we decided to go to the Greek Fest at St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church in Niles. Our friend, Pat, Louann, and Jim, met at our home for the short drive to the church. The evening is a bit chilly, but the thought of the Greek food is warming.

An entrance fee of $2.00, $1.00 for seniors – at least getting old has some benefits – is charged. As we pass through the gate, we are handed a tiny cup of mavrodaphne, a sweet, red dessert wine. A great way to get everyone in the mood for the Greek experience awaiting us.

After a brief tour of the church, we followed the path to the back. As we turned the corner we are blessed with the sight of numerous booths and the heavenly smells of roasting lamb. Fortunately the line to the food tent is not too long.

Entering the tent we are bathed in the scents of roasted souvlaki, Athenian chicken and Bacalao “Plaki” (cod fish). Aluminum trays brimming with moussaka, pastitsio, dalmathes, and spanakopita line the table. Alas, so many decisions to be made.

After a brief discussion with Rosemary, a decision is made regarding the food. We’re going to share entries to get the most of our dining experience. Rosemary orders the pastitsio and I the moussaka. A half order of dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves) and an order of spanakopita complete our menu for the evening.

We wend our way through the growing throngs of people to a table near the bandstand. Our friends follow us with Jim bringing up the rear, a bottle of Retsina in hand. After we find a table, Jim hurries back to the tent where they are roasting the lamb and returns with a plateful.

Our feasting begins. Let me tell you that I have never tasted better moussaka and pastitsio – except for that served by our daughter, Yvonne. I’m not much for lamb, but the lamb we ate that night was extraordinary. I had two helpings. All this food was washed down with Retsina. I cannot believe how much I ate.

After dinner the “Olympian Dancers” graced the stage. The women were dressed in traditional regional (Cretan and Metaxades) attire and the men in the white and black military (Foustanella) tunics. They performed various folk dances and concluded with the men doing the Zorba dance. Fantastic!

Jim said we could not leave before we tried some loukoumathes. I didn’t know where in my stomach I could put anymore food. This dessert – hot, deep-fried puffs slathered in honey and cinnamon – melted in your mouth. I couldn’t stop eating them.

A short ride back to our home for coffee and discussion of the events of the evening rounded off a perfect evening with friends.

My candy for the day – ah so wonderful.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 33

2009-08-05T20:56:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day before our Arizona family leaves for Michigan. What activity does Grandma have lined up for us today? She has been talking to our next door neighbor, and it looks like the Pirates Cove in Elk Grove Village is our next destination. We never heard of the place. Of course not having little ones around the house, we wouldn’t be tuned into such places.

A thirty minute drive and we’re at the entrance. Adults are free, but the children have to pay a fee, a nice switch for a change.

Pirates Cove is an ideal site for little kids. The boys don’t know where to turn to first. There’s a carousel, and slides of all kind. There are trains that will chug you around the park, and there are trains you can crank yourself around the track. How about climbing a rope ladder or scaling a wall. It’s all here and more.

The hot dog stand is calling us. So a brief respite for some nourishment including a Popsicle, and we’re off again.

I tell myself this daily candy sure makes the trek to old age a lot more palatable.
Ciao

On Getting Old -- 32

2009-08-05T20:47:00.000-07:00

I wonder who has been having more fun – Calvin and Emmett or Grandma and Grandpa. Today Rosemary scheduled a trip to the Museum of Science and Industry. Too easily we forget the many places equally entertaining for youngsters and oldsters alike to go in this wonderful city of Chicago.

It has been years since we have been to the Museum, and what more enjoyment than to rekindle the experience with our grandsons.

We arrived at the Museum just about noon and had to fill the tiny tummies before we could begin the adventure. Our little Emmett is an eating machine -- chicken nuggets, fries, fruit and an apple juice to wash it all down. After fortifying ourselves with food we began to walk.

First stop was the farm section. The boys climbed on the tractor and combine. They climbed on the cow and pushed all the buttons they could reach. We watched baby chicks hatch from their shells.

Next came the Idea Factory – an area designed specifically for little kids. Here they shot water cannons, lifted blocks with a small crane, raced cars down an incline, and on and on.

From old time street cars to jet airplanes the boys took it all in.

This path to 70 is lined with delicious candy. Another day with innumerable pieces, too many to count, and we owe it all to two little tykes.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 31

2009-08-03T17:28:00.000-07:00

Mom had not seen her great-grandsons in over a year. She told me that she has been lonely of late. She doesn’t remember things as well as she has. I’ve reminded her during every one of my visits that her Calvin and Emmett were coming to visit. I don’t know how well she remembered.

This morning we all went to St. Matthew’s to visit with Mom. The children walked down the corridor and waved or shouted hello to all the people they passed by. We entered Mom’s room and Calvin and Emmett shouted “Hello, GG.”

Mom came alive as the boys ran up to her and gave her big hugs. We all went into the garden – four generations of us – Mom; Rosemary and I; our sons and daughter, Walt, Chris and Yvonne; and the great-grandsons, Calvin and Emmett.

Mom could not get enough of the boys. We made her day.
‘Cal’ and ‘Emm’ were typical boys running all around -- watching the birds in the aviary, playing Foos Ball in the rec room and bringing joy to all the people at the nursing home.

I could not count all the candy I received today. The happiness spread through all. The only sadness came when we had to leave. The elation drained from Mom’s face. At least she had an hour or two of joy. I hope the images stayed with her. They certainly live with me.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 30

2009-08-03T16:53:00.000-07:00

Our adventures begin. No time to think about the path to 70 with two active grandsons around. Today we went downtown. The kids loved Millennium Park. They were thrilled with Cloud Gate, the ‘Bean’, and romped through the water at Crown Fountain.

Such was the candy for this day. Every where I turned another piece popped up -- their distorted reflections in the surface of the ‘Bean’, their romp through the fountain waters, their excitement about climbing atop the bull sculpture in front of the Cultural Center. How lucky can a grandfather be? No time for reflecting on getting old.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 29

2009-08-02T18:34:00.000-07:00

Our son, Chris, his wife, Yvonne, and our grandsons, Calvin and Emmett, arrived from Phoenix today. We were so excited! The boys are getting so big. Calvin had his fourth birthday before they left Phoenix, so we had to have some presents. Calvin received a doctor’s scrub pajamas with Dr. Calvin embroidered on the pocket. Naturally Emmett had to have a present to open also. He received a Spiderman shirt with “Emmett” printed on it. They were elated and had to change their clothes immediately.

The happiness in their faces was my candy for the day. The innocence of children makes the day’s candy that much sweeter.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 28

2009-08-02T18:31:00.001-07:00

Although only a national holiday since 1941, I’m claiming this day as my official 69th Independence Day celebration. We, as a nation, may have made mistakes in the past, but we live in a land where we are unafraid to express our views; where we are free to chase our dreams; where we can live in harmony if we so choose.

I thank God for being chosen to live in this country. I thank God for those around me who make my journey through life more pleasant. I thank God for those young men who help assure this pleasant life.

Today’s candy cannot be tastier.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 27

2009-07-03T17:22:00.000-07:00

Our good friend and originator of our radio recreation ensemble, Chuck Schaden, called it quits on radio after being on the air for thirty-nine years. Chuck always likes to do things with panache. So he chose thirty-nine years to sign off the air waves in honor of his favorite radio personality, Jack Benny. As you know Jack told everyone that he was thirty-nine years old.

Anticipating a large crowd wanting to be a part of this bit of history, Chuck decided to broadcast his last show from the Morton Grove Civic Center. How right he was. Hundreds of his fans descended on this auditorium to show Chuck how sorely he will be missed.

How honored I have been to be a part of Chuck’s illustrious career. Fourteen years ago I was delighted to be selected to direct his 25th Anniversary show. It was momentous to direct Shirley Bell Cole [the original Little Orphan Annie], Billy Idelson, [Rush Gook on the “Vic and Sade” show], and Fred Foy [the legendary announcer for the Lone Ranger].

Not many radio personalities can claim an on-air program spanning four decades. For a complete bio on Chuck or to purchase a CD of his final program, go to

http://www.nostalgiadigest.com/

Well, needless to say, my daily candy is oh so sweet today. Chuck has a charming way to bring us back to those days. Usually those days were the simpler ones of my youth. His retirement took me back to those days of more recent vintage. I am so happy to be able to call Chuck my friend. Ah, dear Chuck, Those Were The Days! I hope you have many more to look back on.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 26

2009-06-30T17:50:00.000-07:00

This week has been tough for losing people. In Michael Jackson’s heyday I never paid much attention to his music. I was too intent on working my way through the corporate world. Some years later I happened to watch one of his videos – Thriller. I was hooked and became a fan. To coin a phrase from the past, this week the music died.

Also, we at least have imprinted in our minds the Farrah Fawcett poster of 1976. Another icon too early lost.

Although these people make a lasting impression on us, the loss of someone close has a deeper effect. A couple of weeks ago I lost a good friend, Bill Hautop, with whom I played softball and racquetball. An energetic and vibrant man, Bill had a zest for life and was always ready to give a helping hand. Last year we attended his 50th wedding anniversary. Already by this time the ravages of a couple of massive heart attacks took its toll on this man.

All though my march to 70 has been eased by the discovery of my daily candy, this week proved extremely taxing for me. I learned a dear friend, Barbara Pernice, succumbed to widespread cancer. Barb and her husband, Sal, traveled extensively with us in the past. Always trim with and elegantly coiffed, she was a picture of beauty.

Barb had a penchant for using the facilities wherever we went. We kidded her – you must write a book about the W.C.’s [toilets] of Europe. “Well, Barb,” one of us would chide, “Gibraltor can be chapter 72.”

During what turned out to be her final weeks, I had a note on my desk at home to call them for a visit. As time would have it, I kept putting it off because of one thing or another. How bad I feel for not taking the time to see her. Barbara will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her.

Where is my candy for this day? It rests in my mind, it exists in the laughs we had, it is with the pleasurable times we shared. I will never forget her.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 25

2009-06-30T16:48:00.001-07:00

Some days the search for the daily candy is difficult. Today was one of them. Mom has been in a nursing home since the beginning of the month. During that time she has recovered immensely. She will never get back to living by herself, but she has become more aware of her surroundings, and we can carry on decent conversations.

As a family we discussed whether or not we should tell her that she would be staying at St. Matthew’s. We were afraid she would become more depressed. We decided to skirt the topic without outright lying to her.

During a recent visit she began to talk about her apartment. She asked me if she would be going back to her apartment. She kept pressing the issue, and as easy as possible I explained the necessity for her to remain at St. Matthew’s.

Surprising to me, she accepted the course. However, upon further discussion she continued to ask about her things, her ninety plus years of accumulations. Although we went through two downsizings, she still had a substantial amount of things.

I explained that everything was at my house, and we would share things with the family and sell what we could. Her head sagged to her breast. “All my things. What am I going to do?” she pleaded. Consoling her was difficult.

Softly she kept repeating, “My things. My things. What am I going to do?” Tears filled her eyes. Her last grasp to the outside world, to her past, was slipping away from her. Finally she asked me to leave. Before I left she whispered, “Thank you.”

On the way out the building I stopped to see the chaplain. The words I spoke did not easily leave my throat and tears filled my eyes, as I told Pastor Eileen of the conversation with my Mom. She promised to stop in to see Mom later.

My candy today was flavored with the salt of tears and didn’t taste much like candy. However, in retrospect I did help Mom with accepting the new path her life was winding down.

Mom's picture circ 1933
Mom and Dad's Wedding 1936

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 24

2009-06-27T09:04:00.000-07:00

Today it poured rain, wouldn’t you know it. Today is the golf tournament from my old high school, Gordon Tech. Although I’d given up golf fifteen years ago, I agreed to meet with some of the old classmates at dinner.

Deciding not to go, I received a phone call from Danny, a friend from the past. He informed me that although the golfing was cancelled, the dinner was still a go. So I jumped into my car and headed for White Pines, the golf course. Sort of ironic, I thought, to drive to a golf course in driving rain storm.

A mile west of my home the weather cleared and the sun shined brightly. Terrific! Around Ohare Airport Mannheim Road was closed. Aha, I snuck through the rental car area to bypass the trouble spot. At the south end of the airport I decided to get back onto Mannheim. Wrong decision because I stopped at the bottom of the exit ramp unable to proceed.

After half an hour I called one of the guys, Phil – apparently in no pain – who told me the dinner was still on, and there were about ten of the guys who’d wait for me.

Finally I made it to the course where I found ten guys some of whom I had not seen in fifty years sitting around drinking beer – just like the old days. We sat around joking and kidding each other for the next couple of hours.

The end of this week was terrific. A second night with just the guys made the daily candy even sweeter.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 23

2009-06-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

The other day I went to a corn hole tournament sponsored by the St. Paul Men’s Club. What, you ask, is a corn hole tournament? That’s what I asked myself. Preceding the faithful day, e-mail messages flew through cyberspace asking for attendees to bring their boards because there might be a shortage. I scratched my head but looked forward to a night out with the “da guys”.

Pizza and beer flowed freely in the church parking lot, while the boards were set up. Well, the game was actually a bean bag toss. I could do that, I thought. My partner and I did well the first game but we lost the next two – a double elimination.

I stayed the rest of the evening joking with the guys and watched with fascination at the precision with which these men tossed those bean bags the thirty plus feet. A total entertaining evening.

The next day I “googled” corn hole. To my amazement corn holing is a widespread phenomenon and has been popular for a good number of years. I wondered where was I?

Anyway I found multiple pieces of candy this day. A night out with a bunch of guys is very rewarding these days. Seems that many of the get-togethers I go to have a predominance of women – a sign of the age. I compounded my daily pleasure by learning something I never heard of before – happy corn holing to all!

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 22

2009-06-13T19:17:00.000-07:00

We watched a DVD the other night. The movie “Europa” released as “Zentropa” in 1991 won the Prix du Jury at Cannes Film Festival. The Danish director, Lars Von Trier, issued this movie as the final one in his Europa Trilogy – the first in 1984, “The Element of Crime” won a technical award at the Cannes that year. It was followed by “Epidemic” [1987].

We knew we were in for an unusual experience with “Europa”. The opening scene was that of railroad tracks viewed in the headlight of a fast moving train. The voice over was Max Von Sydow slowly counting and claiming “ …on the count of ten you will be in Europa.”

The movie switched from black and white to color. Some scenes were a composite of black and white with color in the background. Leopold Kessler, a young American, returns to post-war Germany [1945] seeking a job from his uncle, a conductor for the Zentropa Rail Line.

The protagonist, Leopold, tries to remain neutral in the dealings with passengers. He is persuaded to attend a party hosted by the owner of the railway and promptly falls in love with the owner’s daughter, Katharina Hartmann.

Kessler’s work on the train brings him in contact with “wehrwolves”.
[An aside—after watching the movie we researched the German werewolf and found they were a last ditch guerrilla organization of irregular German partisans.] This group tricked and coerced Kessler who tried to remain a ‘non-involved’ pacifist.

The journey was a surrealistic dream-like series of events. A most vivid scene involved a Jewish family returning from England to the rural town in Germany they called home. The wife does not want to go back, and the husband pleads with Leo to tell his wife everything is as it was in pre-war Germany. The train pulls away from the station with the family huddled together on a war devastated landscape.

The visions in this movie were haunting like a Kafka induced dream.

Today’s candy was twofold. First we watched a thought provoking movie – secondly, we learned something totally unknown. That of the resistance movement in Germany called the werewolves. So strange that I have lived nearly seventy years, grew up during the war years and never, ever heard the mention of this resistance movement.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 21

2009-06-13T18:11:00.000-07:00

Our church, St. Paul of the Cross, sponsors a dinner for the homeless every Sunday evening from the beginning of autumn through the end of spring. Last Sunday I had the pleasure of greeting the people to the dinner.

Young and old alike attended the dinner. Young couples with their children – oldsters with their canes or walkers. People with the look in their eyes wishing they did not have to come to such a place.

I welcomed them to our parish and the repast they were about to share in. A feeling of warmth spread throughout me for the little I was able to contribute to their lives.

Thanking the Almighty for the path through life I was able to traverse, I savored my candy of today and prayed for those less fortunate than I.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 20

2009-06-09T18:32:00.000-07:00

We belong to a group of old time radio fans. We are The Those Were The Days Radio Players – Northwest Ensemble. First a little history about our group.

Early in 1992 Chuck Schaden announced on his weekly radio program the formation of a group to perform old time radio recreations around the Chicago area. The date was set for a Saturday in February of 1992. This day turned out to be the coldest day of the year about -30F. My wife, Rosemary, and I decided to attend.

We entered the hall and were amazed to see over one hundred people in attendance. Chuck talked about starting a group to perform radio recreations at libraries, women’s clubs, retirement centers, or anyplace we could close a door and hold some people captive to listen to us.

Rosemary and I were contacted later and told that four groups would be formed around the city to provide these services. Since we were involved in running our community theatre, Chuck asked us to lead the Northwest group. The rest is history.

Our group created many visual sound effects to give the audience the impression of attending a radio studio in the ‘40’s. We transcribed old shows like Jack Benny, Fibber McGee and Molly, Lights Out, Inner Sanctum. Our groups is still going strong.

Anyway, Chuck Schaden decided to celebrate his 39th year on air with an Anniversary Broadcast of a Jack Benny impersonator. So on May 3rd our entire group went to the Portage Theater in Chicago to see the show. The program was fascinating.

Besides a wonderful performance by Eddie Carroll as Jack Benny, we met with Chuck and his wife Ellen along with many of the people we have had the pleasure of meeting and/or working over the past seventeen years. The lobby of the Portage was crammed with old time sound effect paraphernalia, and booths hawking posters, etc.

Like so many days along this path of mine, it was filled with piece after piece of candy. My trek toward 70 is certainly becoming most pleasurable.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 19

2009-06-07T18:18:00.000-07:00

The other day I happened to read a column in the Chicago Tribune written by Garrison Keillor. The title of the column intrigued me – “Uplifting gift, from one heart to another.” Little did I know that I would find my candy early that Sunday morning on the printed page.

Mr. Keillor described his experience at a party. He claimed he normally would not attend such functions because of the boring talk of getting old. At this event he met a young lady who sat down at the piano and played the Chopin Prelude No. 2 in A Minor so exquisitely it transformed the entire evening.

Mr. Keillor went on to say…”(the Chopin Prelude) simply is an extravagant gift from the heart of a girl to the hearts of whoever is standing nearby. Life is good, no matter the disappointments—O God, the disappointments. Just square your shoulders and give them your utter best.”

Thank you Mr. Garrison Keillor for the tastiest of my daily candy.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 18

2009-06-07T18:14:00.000-07:00

As you travel the path of old age, you often think of times gone by and of those people who filled those spaces.

At a fiftieth high school class reunion a couple of years ago, I reacquainted myself with some fellow classmen I hadn’t seen for some time. We kept in contact from that time on. One day Danny, one of the guys I kept in contact with, told me of a fellow basketball player, Johnny, who has been living in an assisted-care facility.

Finally, four of the fellow jocks from high school years decided to visit with Johnny. Beside Danny and me, Warren and Phil joined us for the get-together.

Remember, the last time I saw Johnny was fifty years ago. A strapping young man motoring around the BB court like a demon. We entered his tiny apartment and saw this old bald man with a crown of scraggily gray hair sitting on the side of his bed—a walker propped up alongside of him. What happened to that player of fifty years ago I wondered. The weathering of time was not kind to him.

The five of us sat in the bedroom bullshitting of days gone by. Each one trying to top the other with instances funny or important only to us. After an hour we went to lunch at a neighborhood hot dog stand not unlike the ones we frequented those fifty years ago. How sad to see Johnny struggle to climb into the SUV—the man who soared high with a jump shot on the courts of yesteryear.

Another hour of joking and kidding each other at the diner, and it was back to Johnny’s rest home. We all promised to not wait another fifty years to get together again.

I wondered about today’s candy. Was it mine or was it Johnny’s. I know this group of guys added many happy thoughts and remembrances for our friend. After thinking about the afternoon I did come away with my candy—the pleasure of an exciting and memorable afternoon for a lonely friend with a bunch of old foggies.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 17

2009-05-31T17:20:00.000-07:00

The trek to “70” is not easy on many different levels, and the search for the daily candy is strenuous.

We’re facing another difficult situation. My mother, Madeline, achieved her 91st birthday this past January. Wonderful, you might think. Unfortunately, her health has deteriorated rapidly over the past five months. She has been in and out of hospitals and rehab institutions during that time. Mom lay in bed staring at the ceiling wondering where she was.

Two days ago we had to come to grips with the decision of choosing hospice for Mom. The family discussed this matter at length after considering the input from the medical staff. We opted to choose hospice.

Even though Mom expressed the desire to die, signing the piece of paper that committed her to this course of action was extremely taxing. One wonders if you are playing God. Anyway, we moved forward.

Her mouth is constantly parched, and being able to drink nectar-thick fluids is not satisfying. As we were reminiscing about old days, I told her the story of an old friend. His mother-in-law was in failing health and was constantly dry of mouth. This woman took to sipping beer to moisten her mouth. One day his wife was concerned when she saw her mother nearly comatose on the bed. Our friend leaned over and smelled her breath and assured his wife that there was nothing wrong with her mother. She was only drunk.

Well, Mom had a good laugh at the story. Before I left that day I told Mom that I would bring her a Budweiser the next day. She laughed again.

Her laughter was my candy for the day.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 16

2009-05-27T18:15:00.000-07:00

The day was a little overcast but the enthusiasm of the throngs of men, women, and children remained bright. Anticipation filled the air on the Main Street of our community. The parade approached. The Stars and Stripes led the way followed by the old timers – the veterans who fought in the wars. Another Memorial Day, another time to show our thanks for the brave men and women who helped make this day possible for us.

For me a parade is synonymous with excitement. But this parade has a special meaning. It represents the greatness of our nation. I’m proud to see those old-timers with their campaign pins stuck on their hats and vests. Unfortunately that group is a dwindling one. Some of the younger men and women do march but not as many. Hopefully in future years the young people will replace the older ones. These younger men and women deserve our accolades also.

Following the military personnel were the local politicians eager to get their names before us. Then came the vehicles, some older than the people leading the way. And a parade cannot be without the local high school bands. The bulk of the remaining stream consisted of the groups [boy scouts, girl scouts, librarians, the senior center, and on and on] who function in the community. Along the way clowns and people of all sorts toss candy to the crowds. The youngsters along the route scramble for the sweets as if they were nuggets of gold. Little did they know the children were a part of my "candy" for the day.

The parade terminated in front of city hall and the reviewing stand. After the last of the bodies marched by, the vets and politicians congregated in the grassy knoll in the center of town at the Memorial stele for the final service of the day.

My candy for the day filled me not only with happiness but with pride also. God bless this great nation of ours, the United States of America.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 15

2009-05-17T20:11:00.000-07:00

The candy today is bittersweet. We came to the end of our stay with Chris, Yvonne, Calvin and Emmett. The joy and happiness of the past week will live in us forever. The time passed too quickly. But we must return home.

The limo picked us up. Through the open window we wave our goodbyes to Cal and “M”. Showers of kisses are blown to us with tiny hands. A tear fills the eye this soon-to-be old man.

The gentle tug of the baby’s hand, their calls of Grandma and Grandpa, the pleas to be picked up, the races around the house, and on and on – these memories will live within us always.

As swift as these cherished moments flit by, so does our life’s journey. The approach of that 70 and beyond is certainly being sweetened by the memories.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 14

2009-05-17T19:38:00.000-07:00

Today we had another adventure with the grandchildren. Today we went to the zoo.

Our first stop was to feed the ducks. Emmett couldn’t toss the food pellets very far, so before long we had a gaggle [a bunch of ducks isn’t a gaggle, is it] of ducks by the fence. The intense concentration in the baby’s face was worth the admission.

Our next stop, the petting zoo, is Emmett’s favorite. Up close to the animals brings out the wonderment in the children. What goes on in their minds to see these creatures and to touch them?

Later we took a little respite from the walking with a sky ride. Momma Yvonne sat with her boys on the fifteen minute trip over the park. Cal was the old hand on the ride, but Emmett made his first trip at the treetops.

The day was filled with one piece of candy after another. I must remember to keep that child-like inquisitiveness every day of life. We all can learn from the children to reach out each day for those new experiences.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 13

2009-05-16T18:07:00.000-07:00

A beautiful day in Phoenix. We opted to take a hike on a small mountain. Calvin chose to walk up “Dodge Ball Canyon”, our son’s nickname for the more difficult of the two paths up Thunderbird Mountain. Oh well, if Rosemary and I don’t survive, at least we had a couple of good days with the family.

The temperature was ideal, the upper 70’s. The first portion was quite steep with loose rocks. Emmett and I brought up the rear. After a quarter of the way up he couldn’t climb any more. Soo, I carried him. At one point I didn’t think I had to worry about seeing the calendar flip to the 70 year mark. But, I made it up by handing off my precious package to his dad for the last few feet.

We tromped to the top while being spurred on by Calvin. The sky was bright blue, the air was clean, the view exhilarating, and the company wonderful. After that trek I think I’ll make it to the magic 70.

Later that day our oldest son, Uncle Walt, had to go home. At least we were given an extra piece of candy – the sight of him with his two nephews.

Today’s candy was not only enjoyable, being with the family, it was healthy.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 12

2009-05-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

Today our Emmett turned two years old -- a piece of candy in itself. But, the best is yet to come. A call for birthday cake had both of our grandsons running to the table. Spiderman candles adorned the ice cream cake. Emmett’s hands couldn’t wait for the completion of an off-key rendition of “Happy Birthday”.

One candle for Emmett and one for Calvin to lick off the frosting. Emmett dug into his slice of cake with gusto – whipped cream covered his tiny nose. No problem either with shoveling the cake into his tiny mouth.

Little did he realize the gift he gave us on this his second birthday. The cake could not match the sweetness of today’s piece of candy.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 11

2009-05-05T19:18:00.000-07:00

Today we watched Calvin at his tennis lesson. We were amazed at the dexterity he’s developed from last we were with him. He was hitting forehands, backhands, and even overhead shots. Of course his Mom and Dad have helped him along.

The vision brought back memories of Cal’s Dad growing up.

The multiple pieces of candy these days certainly make the path to 70 less bumpy.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 10

2009-05-05T19:13:00.000-07:00

The door to our bedroom at our son and daughter-in-law’s home swung open at 7:00 AM. Framed in the doorway was the silhouette of little Emmett. “Grandpa”, he called out and grabbed my finger. He pulled me out of the room to start playing.

Let me tell you, I have never been tugged so hard in my life. The tugging wasn’t on my fingers. It was on my heart.

The sweetest candy I have had this year.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 9

2009-05-05T18:05:00.000-07:00

We visited our son, Chris, and his wife, Yvonne, in Phoenix. The occasion – the second birthday of our youngest grandson, Emmett. Now let me tell you, for candy to sweeten the way there is nothing like spending time with your grandchildren.

We had not seen the family for five months, and the joy when the oldest, Calvin, opened the door and jumped into our arms with a big smile and a bigger hug lightened our spirits and returned the bounce to our step. Naturally, little Emmett followed his brother’s lead. We nearly crushed the boys with our hugs. [Hugs are good. They are candy in themselves.]

Needless to say we spent the rest of the day following the boys around. We had to see and play with all their new toys.

The wait to see the family was well worth today’s candy.

Ciao

On Getting Old -- 8

2009-05-04T09:24:00.000-07:00

This day’s piece of candy is more like a full box.

We completed all our rehearsals and now await the call for places for the opening of the play, “Murder on the Orient Express” at the community theatre. The adrenaline was so thick you could stir it with a spoon. The cast twittered with anticipation that first step on stage before an audience.

The lights went down, the curtain opened – lights up! There I was, the conductor welcoming each cast member in turn to their place on the train. The show proceeded with pace and energy. Before we knew it, we were taking our bow at the end.

The exhilaration of being on stage gives one a tremendous high. When you’re into the play, you’re in a different world. No longer do you think of your daily problems, no longer do you think of your aches or pains, no longer do you think about that struggle toward seventy years old.

At a party after the performance the cast assembled at a nearby diner and pub to share in the accomplishments of the evening. Eight weeks ago a group of strangers got together for a common goal – to perform in a play. These people of diverse backgrounds melded into a unified team, each complementing the other in a selfless effort.

The layers of candy this day were extra special. Not only did I feel the emotional high of being on stage, I knew the sense of accomplishment of doing a job well, and most of all I met and interacted with people who can now be called friends.

Ciao

On Getting Old - 7

2009-04-19T19:48:00.000-07:00

My wife and I attend a 7:30 AM mass on Easter. We’ve been doing this for years. Attendance was normally low, but the church has been crowded over the last couple of years. Hopefully the trend is towards more people coming back to the church.

Easter morning was quite cold. As we sat in the pew, Rosemary slid closer to me, and we pressed our shoulders together and held hands. Her warmth and support bolstered my spirits. A smile spread over my face.

What better candy can there be early this day.

Ciao

On Getting Old - 6

2009-04-17T20:26:00.000-07:00

Saturday of Holy week was a special day for our family. My Aunt Liz packed a basket with Polish sausage, ham, bread, butter and the eggs we colored the day before. A walk to the church culminated in the blessing of the basket of food and the colored-cellophane wrapped basket of marshmallow eggs and chocolate bunnies given to us kids from Grandma.

We hurried back home with blessed food to prepare for the feast. Twelve noon on Saturday represented the end of Lent for us. A pot of borscht soup simmered on the stove. The food was spread out on the kitchen table, and feasting began.

My little brother, Gus, would be goaded into trying some horseradish on the hard boiled eggs. I can’t remember how many years it took for him to realize that we teased him about the horseradish not being hot.

We have continued the tradition in our family. However, the number of people at our repast has dwindled to only my wife, our son and myself. However, today I found my piece of candy in the aromas and tastes of our Holy Saturday feast.

The wafting scents of Polish sausage and bacon filling the kitchen along with the tastes of pierogis and of hard boiled eggs slathered with horseradish took me back to that gentler time.

Ciao

On Getting Old - 5

2009-04-16T15:13:00.000-07:00

I love to color Easter eggs and this year was no exception. I enjoyed the ritual even more because it was my piece of candy.

How much we are like these eggs. We start off the same – all white, all pure, all alike. A different environment is created as a colored tablet dissolves in a cup. Each egg is gently lowered into its own environment. Depending on how long the egg rests in the solution affects the color. Eggs of blue, green, red, yellow, purple, and orange are obtained with different hues of the various colors. How different is each egg as they rest alongside one another.

As the shell of the egg is cracked, we discover how much alike the eggs are inside.

An apt metaphor for life is this simple process. We must remember that we are all alike as we begin life – a clean pure being. The people and conditions around us affect our outward appearance, but yet under the skin we are all alike.

I hope you enjoyed today’s candy as much as I did.

Ciao

On Getting Old - 4

2009-04-15T14:44:00.000-07:00

We tried out for a part in a community theatre play at Devonshire Cultural Center and got them. It’s been a couple of years since we were on stage. Like falling off a log, we got into the swing easily. After concentrating on memorization and blocking, the next aspect included finding a costume.

My role as a conductor on a train demanded an appropriate costume. Several attempts at raiding my closet yielded nothing suitable, nor did wandering around some resale stores. Finally, I located a shop, the Chicago Costume Store, which the owner indicated he might have something available.

After a trip to the near North side, we located the shop in the DePaul University area. Upon entering, the owner cheerfully greeted us and sent us to the basement where the costumes were kept. Racks were jam packed with costumes of all types. One more outfit on the rack would have exploded the walls. Oversize animal’s heads dangled atop faux furs, Betty Boop peeked from the racks, gladiators and Roman togas hung from metal bars. The area was like traveling through a looking glass.

The young lady greeted us as warmly as the owner did. After explaining my needs to her, she pulled up some computer pictures from the internet and then scurried off to a back room, while we wandered around the stuffed racks and occasionally popped a weird looking hat on our head. Soon she returned with a costume and told us this was the only conductor’s outfit she found.

I donned the wool trousers, vest, and coat. I plopped the hat on my head and was transformed into my character from the Orient Express. The entire suit looked as if it were made for me. I thanked her for her help and for providing me with my candy for the day. Remember to look for your candy wherever you are.
Ciao

On Getting Old - 3

2009-04-14T19:34:00.000-07:00

This day started at a frenetic pace. The daily stint at the health club got us going. Then it was one task after another – grocery shopping, a trek to the health food store, take my 91 year old mother to her doctor’s appointment, and so it went until mid afternoon.

Rosemary, I said, we need a break. We’ve wanted to stop at the new tea shop in town. So, I looked forward to my daily piece of candy--a date with my friend, my confidant, my wife – Rosemary. After forty-two years of marriage we still get a thrill out of going out together, especially when it is unplanned.

We sat at the small counter at Tea Lulu, the new teahouse. Shoulder-to-shoulder we sat mesmerized at the ritual going on before us. We opted to sample some different teas. The young lady carefully measured out four different teas. She placed each measurement into its own little pot, poured in hot water, and set a small timer. Must not steep the tea for more than four minutes we were mildly admonished.

After sipping the mixtures, we were asked if we would like some different teas. Since our taste buds reached max overload, we said no and chosen the first tea we tried, a China Ceylon blended black tea with Bourbon vanilla pieces from Madagascar.

Today turned out to be a great one, I was treated to a second piece of candy.

We mustn’t overlook those pieces of daily candy that are oh so close to us.

Ciao

Getting Old - 2

2009-04-13T15:56:00.000-07:00

Four days into March and the weather is still crappy. The forty-five minute drive was under an overcast sky. Slight drizzle kept the windshield wipers intermittently moving road sludge from one side to the other. The rain couldn’t keep the driving crazies from slipping and sliding all over the road. Even the soft trumpet tones of Till Bronner on the jazz station didn’t lighten the dreariness.

After being cooped up in the office, I walked to the parking lot. The day turned beautiful. Across the street I found my “candy” for the day.

A golden hue from the sun glowed off the rows of remnant cornstalks in the open field. In foreground a huge oak tree spread its dark naked arms like stretching from a long winter’s sleep. At the far end of the field bare treetops formed a black spiny, undulating hillside. Puffs of white, snowy clouds drifted in the high azure sky. A scene worthy of a Monet canvas.

Candy was never sweeter.

Ciao

On Getting Old

2009-04-12T15:32:00.000-07:00

Although I've been think about blogging since the meteorlogical first day of spring, my new blog begins today.

Through the decades since my birth, no particular year has caused me as much mental anguish as this one. In 1960 I looked forward to 21 as did all young people coming of age. At 30 no longer being "trusted" had no meaning. The 40's were busied with trying to establish myself. 50 had no significant meaning, only another marker along the path. Although I did feel I reached the west side of the mountain. 65, the next major milestone, brought semi-retirement with more time to do different things -- travel, write...there was no time to get old.

2009 is not like any of the other years. I am reaching to that marker where my mind tells me old age begins.

I know I am not old. After all my bathroom mirror reflects the image of that rakish, slim man who whispers how well I look. Unfortunately, some time the snap and crackle of the joints obliterates his complements.

I think I may need help passing this up-coming milestone. So I've decided to present my thoughts this year. You need to forgive the ramblings of this soon-to-be old man. I've never blogged before and may not always do things properly.

To sweeten my way along the tenuous path laid out before me in this year, I've decided to present myself and to you also a piece of candy. As Ms. Poppin says, "a little bit of sugar makes the medicine go down". With your help I may pass into that age of oldness without any wrinkles.

Here we go.

My wife, Rosemary, and I drove together to the health center for our workout. The day was cold and grey -- the start of another typical Chicago springtime. The blustery winds swirled, what I hoped to be, only a few flakes of snow. The white, crystalline flecks struggled through the morning stillness. While stopped at a traffic light, one of the flakes gently alit on the front windshield. The sun chose that minute to peek from behind a cloud and illuminate the tiny, starry wonder. The symmetry and uniqueness burst forth. This creation shone like a beacon in a difficult world.

How much are we like this tiny point of light. Each of us different but bringing our own special attribute to light the lives of those around us. Yet we are all the same -- trying to make the journey interesting and beneficia.

Till the next time -- Ciao.