A WWII War Story

The 301st Bomb Group consisted of four Bomb Squadrons. The Squadrons were the 32nd, 352nd, 353rd and the 419th. Below is a story that appeared as a special in the Stars and Stripes Naples edition. (Special to the Stars and Stripes, Naples edition) A bit of history from the files of the 32nd Bomb Squadron Web page. Read other combat stories on their web page. Just click on their link at the end of this post.

301st Target hit by 301st

15th Army Air Forces in Italy, July 9, 1944
The 301st Bombardment Group, one of the two B-17 Flying Fortress Groups to feel the fury of German fighters and flak in this way, yesterday completed its 301st mission.

Crew members of the Veteran Bombardment Group overseas for two years jubilantly reported that their bombs had smashed directly into the 301st target’s airfield installations at ZWOLFAXING AIRDROME near Vienna, Austria.

Colonel John F. Batjer, Houston, Texas, commanding officer who led the mission, reported the crews had done one of the best jobs of their 23 months of combat from England, Africa and Italy.

The 301st bomb Group, which led both of the first bombing missions against Rome and sank the Italian Heavy Cruiser Trieste, has been cited twice. Once came when it blew up an ammunition convoy entering Bizerte Harbor during the closing phases of the Tunisian campaign and another when it participated in the coordinated attack from England and Italy against Regensburg, Germany. During its two years overseas, the Fortress outfit has destroyed 386 enemy airplanes in aerial battles and probably destroyed 162 others. Enemy targets have been covered during that time with approximately 34,000,000 pounds of high explosives.

The 301st Group was activated February 3, 1942 at Geiger Field, Spokane, Washington and left the States the following July for England. http://www.32ndbombsquadron.com/32ndacts.html

Try Wonder Cures before you call the Doc!

Drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional pain relievers. Did you know that Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns.

Before you head to he drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints. They'll clear up your stuffed nose.

Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix one Tablespoon of horseradish in 1/2 cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a massage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.

Sore Throat?? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take one Tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.

Cure urinary tract infections with alka-seltzer. Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms.

Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly even though the product was never been advertised for this use.

Eliminate puffiness under your eyes..... All you need is a dab of preparation H, carefully rubbed into the skin, avoiding the eyes. The hemorrhoid ointment acts as a vasoconstrictor, relieving the swelling instantly.

Honey remedy for Skin Blemishes.. Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.

Listerine therapy for toenail fungus ... Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.

Easy eyeglass protection ... To prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening, apply a small drop of Maybelline Crystal Clear nail polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them............

Coca-Cola cure for rust... Forget those expensive rust removers. Just saturate an abrasive sponge with Coca Cola and scrub the rust stain. The phosphoric acid in the coke is what gets the job done.

Cleaning liquid that doubles as bug killer If menacing bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can't find the insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground instantly.

Smart splinter remover..... just pour a drop of Elmer's Glue-all over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.

Hunt's tomato paste boil cure ... Cover the boil with Hunt's tomato paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.

Balm for broken blisters ... To disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops of Listerine ... a powerful antiseptic.

Heinz vinegar to heal bruises... Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up the healing process.

Kills fleas instantly. Dawn dishwashing liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog's bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Good-bye fleas Rainy day cure for dog odor ... Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.

Eliminate ear mites ... All it takes is a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cat's ear. Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing.

Vaseline cure for hairballs ... To prevent troublesome hairballs, apply a dollop of Vaseline petroleum jelly to your cat's nose. The cat will lick off the jelly, lubricating any hair in its stomach so it can pass easily through the digestive system.

Quaker Oats for fast pain relief ... It's not for breakfast anymore! Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain.

You don't stop laughing because you grow old, ....you grow old because you stop laughing!

A Big Smile

It costs nothing, but creates much.

It enriches those who receive, without impoverishing those who give.

It happens in a flash and the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.

None are so rich that they can get along without it, and none so poor but become richer with its benefits.

It creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in a business, and is the countersign of friends.

It is rest to the weary, daylight to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad and Nature's best antidote for trouble.

Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed or stolen, for it is something that is no earthly good to anybody till it is given away!

And if in the last-minute rush someone should be too tired to give you a smile, may we ask you to please leave one of yours?

For nobody needs a smile so much as those who have none left to give!

Keith Taylor's Disaster at 18,000 Feet

Lt. Keith Taylor was a co-pilot on a 32nd Bomb Squadron's B-17 bombing of a harbor in Greece in WWII. I was a member of the Squadron and recall the loss of one of our planes on this mission. Keith was a friend and this combat story was personally dictated to me.

ON THE 11TH of January 1944 the 32nd and the 301st Bomb Group were assigned to bomb the Piraeus Harbor in Greece. After our formation was organized and on its way to the target we ran into a weather front of 10/10 clouds. At eighteen thousand feet we entered an overcast. The clouds were very thick and visibility was not much beyond the wingtips, making it almost impossible to see other aircraft in the formation. At this height and with the thickness of the clouds some ice began to form on our wings. I learned later that the trailing squadrons initiated the procedure of flying off course for a couple minutes to obtain some spacing from the lead squadron, which maintained its course.

WE WERE ABOUT TWENTY MINUTES from the target when our plane made a severe movement up and down, and then sideways, before returning to its place in the formation. The whole plane shook and vibrated with a loud noise like an explosion. Our Pilot was Captain William Wofford, and between the two of us we were sure this was the end. Everything that was loose in the cockpit was all over the plane. It threw the bombardier against the Plexiglas nose, knocking his oxygen mask off and then flipping him on his back. We continued on and bombed the target with reported excellent results. After we left the target area, about thirty German Luftwaffe planes swarmed all over our formation. Our plane suffered some minor damage from flak and we lived to fly another day. I'm sure there was someone upstairs looking after us. The 32nd lost aircraft number 42-30466 on this mission and eight airmen were killed and two became prisoners of War.

THE OFFICIAL REPORT reveals the cause of the severe disturbance during the approach: Two 97th Bomb Group B-17s had engine trouble and began to leave the formation. Instead of making a 180-degree right turn, away from the formation, they turned to the left and flew head-on into the 301st formation. One flew below the leader's left wing and the other above and to the right, clipping the vertical stabilizer of Colonel Barthelmess's aircraft, and apparently hitting another 301st bomber before colliding with the lead bomber of the second element. One fortress in the lead element exploded, as did two B-17s in the second element. The P-38 pilots, who were flying low cover (beneath the overcast) for the mission, said they watched B-17 pieces raining from the sky for what seemed like five minutes.

THE COMMANDER'S and two other aircraft went over on their backs, not an ideal position for a fully loaded, iced up B-17. Two of those aircraft recovered at 10,000 feet. Others were not so lucky; the 301st lost five B-17s and their crews on this fateful mission. A navigator from the 419th bailed out and became a prisoner. One of the strangest stories of the war came from this mass accident. The collision severed the tail from one of the 353rd Squadron's bombers, trapping the crew in their positions. However, luck was with the tail gunner, Sgt. James Raley, as the accident had left the tail section with adequate lift and weight distribution to allow it to fall or "flutter" to earth. Raley described the tail spinning around before finally impacting in a clump of pine trees. He was on his thirteenth mission, and did not realize what had happened until the tail came to rest. He opened the bulkhead door to find no aircraft. Raley was the only survivor. There was also a collision that downed a 99th Bomb Group bomber and a P-38 within 40 miles of the Group's disaster. (This "Official Report" information is from "Who Fears", the history of the 301st Veterans Association). For other combat stories of this famous B-17 Bomb Squadron during World WarII click on these links. http://www.32ndbombsquadron.com/ http://www.32ndbombsquadron.com/32ndacts.html

If I had my Life to Live Over

In honor of women's history month and in memory of Erma Brombeck who lost her fight with cancer. Here is an angel sent to watch over you. IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck (written after she found out she was dying from cancer).

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner." There would have been more "I love you's." More "I'm sorry's."

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it ... live it ..and never give it back. Stop sweating the small stuff.

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.

Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

Let's think about what GOD has blessed us with. And what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally, as well as a shot at this and then it's gone. I hope you all have a blessed day. http://www.urlwire.com/news/022103.html

God's Diet Plan!

And God populated the earth with broccoli and cauliflower and spinach and green and yellow vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives.

And Satan created McDonald's. And McDonald's brought forth the 99-cent double-cheeseburger. And Satan said to Man, "You want fries with that?" And Man said, "Super size them." And Man gained pounds.

And God created the healthful yogurt, that woman might keep her figure that man found so fair.

And Satan froze the yogurt, and he brought forth chocolate, nuts and brightly colored sprinkle candy to put on the yogurt. And woman gained pounds.

And God said, "Try my crispy fresh salad."

And Satan brought forth creamy dressings, bacon bits, and shredded cheese. And there was ice cream for dessert. And woman gained pounds.

And God said, "I have sent you heart healthy vegetables and olive oil with which to cook them."

And Satan brought forth chicken-fried steak from Cracker Barrel so big it needed its own platter And Man gained pounds, and his bad cholesterol went through the roof.

And God brought forth running shoes, and Man resolved to lose those extra pounds.

And Satan brought forth cable TV with remote control so Man would not have to toil to change channels between ESPN and ESPN2.. And Man gained pounds.

And God said, "You're running up the score, Devil." And God brought forth the potato, a vegetable naturally low in fat and brimming with nutrition.

And Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep-fat fried them. And he created sour cream dip also. And Man clutched his remote control and ate the potato chips swaddled in cholesterol. And Satan saw and said, "It is good." And Man went into cardiac arrest.

And God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery.....

And Satan created HMOs...

President Franklin Roosevelt's Prayer on June 6, 1944

It is great to once again read the prayer given by President Franklin Roosevelt on the evening of June 6, 1944 in response to the D-day invasion of Hitler's Europe. Our country could come together in this terrible war if the politicians would decide whether they wanted to either win or lose it.

My Fellow Americans:
Last night, when I spoke with you about the fall of Rome, I knew at that moment that troops of the United States and our Allies were crossing the Channel in another and greater operation. It has come to pass with success thus far. And so, in this poignant hour, I ask you to join with me in prayer:

Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity. Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith.

They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces. Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again; and we know that by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph.

They will be sore tried, by night and by day, without rest -- until the victory is won. The darkness will be rent by noise and flame. Men's souls will be shaken with the violences of war.
For these men are lately drawn from the ways of peace. They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate. They fight to let justice arise, and tolerance and goodwill among all Thy people. They yearn but for the end of battle, for their return to the haven of home. Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom.

And for us at home -- fathers, mothers, children, wives, sisters, and brothers of brave men overseas, whose thoughts and prayers are ever with them -- help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice. Many people have urged that I call the nation into a single day of special prayer. But because the road is long and the desire is great, I ask that our people devote themselves in a continuance of prayer. As we rise to each new day, and again when each day is spent, let words of prayer be on our lips, invoking Thy help to our efforts.

Give us strength, too -- strength in our daily tasks, to redouble the contributions we make in the physical and the material support of our armed forces. And let our hearts be stout, to wait out the long travail, to bear sorrows that may come, to impart our courage unto our sons where-soever they may be.

And, O Lord, give us faith. Give us faith in Thee; faith in our sons; faith in each other; faith in our united crusade. Let not the keeness of our spirit ever be dulled. Let not the impacts of temporary events, of temporal matters of but fleeting moment -- let not these deter us in our unconquerable purpose.

With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogances. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister nations into a world unity that will spell a sure peace -- a peace invulnerable to the schemings of unworthy men. And a peace that will let all of men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil.

Thy will be done, Almighty God. Amen.
Franklin D. Roosevelt - June 6, 1944

WH0 AM I?

Here's something I think might ring a bell with you. In fact, if you're like most of us, you might have written what I'm going to tell you. It's about a person who calls their self a nice customer. It goes like this:

I'm a nice customer. You all know me. I'm the one who never complains, no matter what kind of service I get.

I'll go in a restaurant and I'll sit while the waitress gossips with her boy friend and never bothers to look and see if my hamburger is ready to go. Sometimes a party who came in after me gets my hamburger, but I don't say a word or complain when the girl tells me, "Oh. I'm sorry, I'll order another for you." I just wait.

It's the same when I go to a Hair Styling Salon to get my hair cut. I don't complain when the Stylist gets the back of my shirt wet with soapy water and doesn't apologize or when they talk to their co-worker about everything and disregard my explanation of what I wanted. No, I don't throw my weight around. I try to be thoughtful of the other person. And when they leave hair on the back of my neck I'm as polite as can be. I don't think rudeness in return is the answer.

The other day I stopped in at the neighborhood full service gas station. I waited for almost five minutes before the attendant took care of me. And when he did, he spilled gas on my fender and wiped the car windshield with an oily rag. I didn't expect him to thank me for stopping by, and he didn't. Naturally, I didn't complain about the service. Next time I'll drive several miles out of my way to find a new service station.

I never kick. I never nag. I never criticize and I wouldn't dream of making a scene, as I've seen people do in public places. I think that's uncalled for. No, I'm the nice customer. And I'll tell you what else I am.

I'm the customer who never comes back!

That's my way of doing for getting pushed around too much. That's why I take whatever you hand out, because I know I'm not coming back. It's true that this doesn't relieve my feelings right off as telling you what I think of you could, but in the long run it's far more deadly than blowing my top.

In fact, a nice customer like me multiplied by others of my kind can just about ruin a business. There's a lot of nice people in the world, just like me. When we get pushed far enough we go on down the street to another place of business and eat our hamburgers, get our hair cut and buy our goods in places where they're smart enough to hire help who appreciate nice customers.

He laughs best they say who laughs last. I laugh when I see you frantically spending your money on expensive advertising to get me back when you could have had me in the first place for a few kind words and a smile.

I don't care what business you're in. Maybe you live in a different town or maybe I've never heard of you. But if you're going broke or your business is bad, maybe there are enough people like me who do know you. I’M THE CUSTOMER WHO NEVER RETURNS!

COMPETITION

Below is a true story of just how to combat competition from moving in on your business. Of course the secret to a successful business is the word "empathy. "Just make sure you treat your employees and customers the way you would expect to be treated when the shoe is on the other foot.

The owner of a hair salon in a small town enjoyed the serenity of knowing that he was the only salon in town. He was responsible for cutting and styling the hair of just about every resident.

His income allowed him to live comfortably and even send all of his six children to college.

Unfortunately for him, big business came to his town. Right across the street from his busy little hair salon sprang one of those new full service salon franchises.

Immediately the media campaign began; ads in newspapers, magazines and bill boards announced, “EVERYTHING FOR $6.00!. $6.00 haircuts, $6.00 perms, $6.00 manicures, everything $6.00.”

Soon all of his customers, his neighbors began visiting the salon across the street and the man’s business sat empty.

Desperate he hired an expensive consultant.

“I’m finished,” he cried. “It’s impossible for me, little me, to compete with them.”

The consultant squinted his eves at the salon across the street. “Not just yet, not just yet.”

With that the consultant picked up the phone and dialed the town’s only billboard company.

“Yes, on top of our salon in Big letters put this message. WE FIX $6.00 HAIRCUTS.”

George Washington's Proclamation in 1789

I believe that every American and all those who believe in Freedom and God should read Washington's proclamation. I also believe that now is the time for America to stand up and proclaim that we will fight to the end to save this country from tyranny. I look forward to any respone to this Post.

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be. That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the tranquility [sic], union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions -- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually -- to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed -- to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness onto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord. To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us, and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789. George Washington

Rest and Relaxation in London

This post is for those who just won't take life to serious and enjoy a little chuckle from time to time. Just imagine that those who can laugh their way through life can expect to live (8)years longer.

An American soldier, serving in World War II, had just returned from several weeks of intense action on the German front lines. He had finally been granted R&R and was on a train bound for London. The train was very crowded, so the soldier walked the length of the train, looking for an empty seat.

The only unoccupied seat was directly adjacent to a well-dressed middle-aged lady and was being used by her little dog. The war weary soldier asked, "Please, mam, may I sit in that seat?" The English woman looked down her nose at the soldier, sniffed and said, "You Americans are such a rude class of people. Can't you see my little Fifi is using this seat?"

The soldier walked away, determined to find a place to rest, but after another trip down to the end of the train, found himself again facing the woman with the dog.

Again he asked, "Please, lady, may I sit there? I'm very tired."

The English woman wrinkled her nose and snorted, "You Americans! Not only are you rude, you are also arrogant. Imagine!"

The soldier didn't say anything else; he leaned over, picked up the little dog, tossed it out the window of the train and sat down in the empty seat.

The woman shrieked and railed and demanded that someone defend her and chastise the soldier.

An English gentleman sitting across the aisle spoke up, "You know, sir, you Americans do seem to have a penchant for doing the wrong thing. You eat holding your fork in the wrong hand. You drive your autos on the wrong side of the road. And now, sir, you've thrown the wrong bitch out the window."

About your Permanent Wave

I am including some advice and suggestions in this post on how to take care of your new Professional permanent wave.

1. Contrary to some belief permanent waves are not permanent and unless your hair has some natural wave it should have a perm to help support the style.

2. Your experienced professional hairstylist should discuss your hair care problems plus the style and type perm best suited for you and your hair prior to the permanent.

3. You should expect your permanent to relax approximately fifteen percent (15%) after the first shampoo and style. It is always advisable to wait at least twenty four hours before shampooing the new permanent and remember that constant blow drying and stretching with the styling brush or curling iron requires the hair to be conditioned during each shampoo to help it keep its elasticity and sheen.

4. It is wise to let the Stylist do your style within one week after the perm to see that the condition and results are satisfactory. The Stylist and Salon will be glad and happy to correct any permanent that does not perform as you and the stylist agree it should after this service.

5. With the newer Styles of today and the fast pace of our society many people choose to do their own hair. Most Salons will be glad to prescribe the proper P.H. balanced shampoo and conditioners you should use to keep your CROWNING GLORY looking healthy and alive.

Grandma's Apron

This is really nice..... I hope you enjoy it just like I did....

The principle use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, but along with that it served as a holder for removing hot pans from the oven. It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears. From the chicken-coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids. And when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms. Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.

Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron. From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled it carried out the hulls. In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.

When unexpected company drove up the road it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.

When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner. (Dinner is now the evening meal)

It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that "old-time apron" that served so many purposes.

REMEMBER THIS! "Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool. Her granddaughter sets hers on the window sill to thaw."

Duck Hunters in Michigan

This is a story from a radio program. It is a true report of an incident in Michigan. I realise this has nothing to do with hair etc. but thought you might like to hear about how two duck hunters missed the duck!

A guy buys a brand new Lincoln Navigator for $42,500 and has
$560 monthly payments. He and a friend go duck hunting in winter, and of course all the lakes are frozen. These two guys go out on the lake with the guns, the dog, and of course the new vehicle. They drive out onto the lake ice and get ready. Now they want to make some kind of a natural landing area for the ducks, something for the decoys to float on. In order to make a hole large enough to look like something a wandering duck would fly down and land on, it is going to take a little more effort than an ice hole drill.

So, out of the back of the new Navigator comes a stick of dynamite with a short, 40-second fuse. Now these two Rocket Scientists do take into consideration that they want to place the stick of dynamite on the ice at a location far from where they and the new Navigator are standing, because they don't want to take the risk of slipping on the ice when they run from the burning fuse and possibly go up in smoke with the resulting blast. They light the 40-second fuse and throw the dynamite. Remember a couple of paragraphs back when I mentioned the vehicle, the guns and the dog? Let's talk about the dog: A highly trained Black Lab used for RETRIEVING. Especially things thrown by the owner.

You guessed it, the dog takes off at a high rate of doggy speed on the ice and captures the stick of dynamite with the burning 40-second fuse about the time it hits the ice. The two men yells, scream waving their arms and wonder what to do now. The dog, cheered on, keeps coming. One of the guys grabs the shotgun and shoots the dog. The shotgun is loaded with # 8 buckshot, hardly big enough to stop a Black Lab. The dog stops for a moment, slightly confused, but continues on. Another shot and this time the dog, still standing, becomes really confused and of course terrified, thinking these two geniuses have gone insane. The dog takes off to find cover, under the brand new Navigator. ----BOOM!---- Dog and Navigator are blown to bits and sink to the bottom of the lake in a very large hole, leaving the two idiots standing there with this "I can't believe this happened" look on their faces.

The insurance company says that sinking a vehicle in a lake by illegal use of explosives is not covered. He still had yet to make the first of those $560 a month payments! And you thought your day was not going well? Poor dog! :-(

Dirt Road

What's mainly wrong with society today is that too many Dirt Roads have been paved. There's not a problem in America today, crime, drugs, education, divorce, delinquency that wouldn't be remedied, if we just had more Dirt Roads, because Dirt Roads give character. People that live at the end of Dirt Roads learn early on that life is a bumpy ride. That it can jar you right down to your teeth sometimes, but it's worth it, if at the end is home...a loving spouse, happy kids and a dog.

We wouldn't have near the trouble with our educational system if our kids got their exercise walking a Dirt Road with other kids, from whom they learn how to get along. There was less crime in our streets before they were paved. Criminals didn't walk two dusty miles to rob or rape, if they knew they'd be welcomed by 5 barking dogs and a double barrel shotgun. And there were no drive by shootings. Our values were better when our roads were worse!

People did not worship their cars more than their kids, and motorists were more courteous, they didn't tailgate by riding the bumper or the guy in front would choke you with dust & bust your windshield with rocks. Dirt Roads taught patience. Dirt Roads were environmentally friendly, you didn't hop in your car for a quart of milk you walked to the barn for your milk. For your mail, you walked to the mail box.

What if it rained and the Dirt Road got washed out? That was the best part, then you stayed home and had some family time, roasted marshmallows and popped popcorn and pony rode on Daddy's shoulders and learned how to make prettier quilts than anybody. At the end of Dirt Roads, you soon learned that bad words tasted like soap.

Most paved roads lead to trouble, Dirt Roads more likely lead to a fishing creek or a swimming hole. At the end of a Dirt Road, the only time we even locked our car was in August, because if we didn't some neighbor would fill it with too much zucchini.

At the end of a Dirt Road, there was always extra springtime income, from when city dudes would get stuck, you'd have to hitch up a team and pull them out. Usually you got a dollar...always you got a new friend...at the end of a Dirt Road! !

Todays Hairstyles versus the 60's

The ultimate shaped face is of course oval. Just imagine the outline shape of an egg with the small end of the egg as your chin. There are many shapes from pear to apple and then some in between. Then there is the square compared to a rectangular box. This is where the correct hairstyle can improve the look making it resemble the perfect oval shape. For eons the Professionals have relied on the fact that in order to look great one should wear a hairstyle that compliments the face shape.

That being said, as you watch the female news reporters today there is no way they take any of these facts seriously. Being in the Beauty Profession, I some times flip channels because of their hairstyles. Today we are seeing reporters that should be promoting fashion along with news. I realize that some cute little female reporter with an oval face can wear her hairstyle any way and still look beautiful, but then the rest try to copy that hairstyle because at the time hers is long and straight. Maybe some have not looked at this because of the reporters flimsy attire but ask yourself as you flip channels on your television why do they all try to look alike? You would think the CEO’s of the networks would demand that something be done to improve the looks of their female news reporters. In the past the National Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association almost dictated the new annual hairstyles as guides for the season. Even the President’s wives looked forward to promoting their hairstyles.

This article appeared in the Las Vegas Sun on January 14, 1963: Las Vegas will be the hair fashion center of the United States this week and several thousand of the leading hairdressers from all parts of the nation meeting at the Flamingo Hotel for the 43rd annual convention for the National Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association convention visitors are also being accommodated at the Dunes, Tally-ho, Tropicana, Sands and Riviera hotels. This was the preview of the fall and winter hair fashions. One of the new ‘Dandy’ Hair Fashions Forecast was the Fine ‘n’ Dandy Coiffure. It was especially designed for that all-important event in a young lady’s life, her first formal party. Featured is the elegant small head look. Soft bangs of brushed waves and an extra note of interest to the eyes which are further emphasized by the wave crescents at the sides. I realize this is my opinion and I would certainly welcome any different point of view. http://www.hairarchives.com/private/archivesnew.htm

I Wish You Enough!

A friend told me this story the last time she was flying to California. I thought it was very touching and that it would be interesting to those who are or have reached their golden years. Of course it should be interesting to everyone since it is one of those facts of life that many folks face daily. This is just another one of my post that touched me and my hope is that you will also be touched.

At an airport I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments together.

They had announced her plane's departure and standing near the security gate, they hugged and he said, " I love you. I wish you enough."

She said, "Daddy, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Daddy." They kissed him goodbye and she left.

He walked over toward the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say goodbye to someone knowing it would be forever?"

"Yes, I have," I replied. Saying that brought back memories I had of expressing my love and appreciation for all my Dad had done for me. Recognizing that his days were limited, I took the time to tell him face to face how much he meant to me. So I knew what this man was experiencing.

"Forgive me for asking but why is this a forever goodbye?" I asked. " I am old and she lives much too far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is her next trip back will be for my funeral, " he said.

"When you were saying goodbye I heard you say 'I wish you enough." May I ask what that means?"

He began to smile. "That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone." He paused for a moment and looking up as if trying to remember it in detail, he smiled even more.

"When we said 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with enough good things to sustain them," he continued and then turning toward me he shared the following as if he were reciting it from memory.

"I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye."

He then began to sob and walked away. My friends and loved ones, I wish you ENOUGH!!!

God's time Management for you!

Imagine there is a bank that credits your account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day. Every evening the bank deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day. What would you do? Draw out every cent, of course!!!! Each of us has such a bank. Its name is TIME.

Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft. Each day it opens a new account for you. You can deposit into it a morning prayer to Almighty God, praise and worship of Him, joy unspeakable and full of glory, continual prayer all day long—for others and for your own needs, thanksgiving, meal times, and snack times, tithes and offerings of pure love for the Creator of all good things, Bible reading and study, (and don’t forget to add interest—lots and lots of interest,) meditation, and a bed-time prayer as a final deposit along with sweet dreams.

Each night the time bank burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day’s deposits to the fullest, the loss is yours. There is no going back. There is no drawing against “tomorrow”. You must live in the present on today’s deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness, blessings, peace of mind, prosperity, and success! The clock is running.
Make the most of today.

To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who failed a grade; or ask someone who has had a heart attack and missed a year of life; or ask an elderly person in a nursing home.

To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby; or the cancer patient whose doctor just told him, “you have one month left.”

To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper; or ask the single parent who just lost her job and won’t have a pay check for food or rent.

To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet or the African child waiting for an air drop of food, or a wounded soldier waiting to be carried off the battlefield.

To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who missed the train or ask the astronaut counting down to blastoff.

To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who just avoided an accident, or ask a person who fell asleep in bed smoking.

To realize the value of ONE MILLISECOND, ask the person who won a silver medal in the Olympics; or the Lord, Jesus Christ, who will return again in the twinkling of an eye.
Treasure every moment that you have! And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time with you because He invented it—in the beginning.

And remember that time waits for no one. Time marches on. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present!! Hours are such priceless things—each one of them has sixty wings—with which they fly on their unseen track; and not a minute ever comes back.

Friends are very rare jewels, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their heart to us. And if you have a friend who prays with you, you truly are blessed. Show God how much you love Him. Use your gift of time by investing it in Him.

Show your friends how much you care by investing your time in them—love them, pray for them. Show someone who does not know God how much you love them—take time to pray for those who spitefully use you or who persecute you .

And then it's Winter

I thought this was worth posting because it does hit home to all those thinking of retiring and to those who have already reached that thresh hold. It has nothing to do with hair except that at this age for some there is none and for others their appearance including their hair and makeup is very important.

It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all. And I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams. But, here it is:

The winter of my life and it catches me by surprise. How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my life go? And where did my youth go? I remember well ... Seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like. But, here it is ...

My age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be. Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore. It's mandatory! Cause if I don't on my own free will ... I just fall asleep where I sit!

And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things. But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last, this I know, that when it's over - It's over!

Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done and things I should have done. But indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime.

So, if you're not in your winter yet ... Let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life, please do it now! Life goes by quickly. Do what you can today, because you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not! You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life . So, live today, and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember.

"Life is God's gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to God, and those who come after. Make it a fantastic one!"

One's Attitude in Life!

I was struck by this story about one's attitude in life. Some are born with it and others have to cultivate it but as we travel the road of life I believe this 92 year old lady has it right. Her 5 point rules of how to be happy is really your attitude once you reach those golden years. As you can see her attitude toward her well coifed hair and appearance tells you plenty about her attitude. This is her story:

The 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud lady, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with her hair fashionably coifed and makeup perfectly applied, even though she is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary.

After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready.

As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on her window. "I love it," she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.

"Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen the room.... just wait."

"That doesn't have anything to do with it," she replied. "Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged ... it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it ...

"It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away, just for this time in my life.

Old age is like a bank account. My advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories. Thank you for your part in filling my Memory bank. I am still depositing.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less. No one can go back and make a brand new start. Anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.