Christmas Lights

The whole family and many friends jumped on Ollie the Trolley and toured Omaha's neighborhoods to see Christmas decorations.  Many houses are decorated by professionals these days, but you still see some obvious DIY creations. My favorite is the one pictured above.  I call it the "Griswold House" because it reminded me of Clark Griswold's DIY …

Directional Sign

I love signs.  I especially like signs that have double meanings in their text or in their surroundings. This sign, painted on the side of a building, was directing people to the front door of the reception office.  Nothing special about it.  But, with the man walking in front of the sign, the sign came …

Random Thoughts

Even a four-year old has random thoughts.   Four year olds generally just ask lots of questions, but once in a while they surprise you with a statement that makes you wonder what goes on in that little head.   Out of the blue, my grandson starts talking about "girl babies." He says, "Girl babies …

Limericks

Do you like limericks?  I find them light-hearted, humorous and refreshing.  I've tried writing a few in my time, but found they're not as easy to write as they are to read; its difficult to find three rhyming words that can be used in the same context.   I marvel at people creative enough to …

Dumb Questions

The person who said, "There is no such thing as a dumb question" is one of three things:  1) naive, 2) over-the-top politically correct, or 3) a bachelor.  "Are you asleep?" has to be one of the dumbest questions EV ver. Let me set the stage for you.  I'm an early-to-bed-early-to-rise person, so I'm always …

Honest Trucker

Admittedly, this photo will not win any photo contests.  C'mon, I was buzzing down the interstate at 80 mph in western Wyoming when I came upon this truck.  Not the best shooting conditions, so cut me some slack.  When I realized what the sign was telling me, I was already even with the truck and …

Groucho Lives!

There is still hope that my favorite prop might be picked up by one of my grandchildren.Thought for the Day:  Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.       Victor Hugo

Double Vision

Last week, I was giving my three year old grandson a horse back ride when a strange thing happened.  The "horse" got spooked, threw its rider, and conked his head on the furniture. I don't think I lost consciousness, but when I opened my eyes I was seeing double. Whooaa, Nellie! Thought for the Day: …

Sun Worship

The last month of oppressive heat and especially the last four days being over 100 degrees reminded my of this chap getting an early start on his sun tan back in February.  But, wait, there's more to this story than just a pretty picture. When I came upon this scene, I was struck by the …

Soooo Big!

You know the game that mothers play with their infant:  She holds the little tyke's hands while he faces her and asks, "How big is James?".   Then, while raising the baby's hands high above his head, she answers her own question in a high pitched voice, "Soooo Big".  Sometimes the baby laughs and sometimes …

Day after Father’s Day

Yeah, I know, I'm a day late with  Father's Day.  I had a wonderful day yesterday, made special  by my three kids and seven grand kids.  Like my wife said, "Did you ever think you would have grand kids, let alone seven?"   Wow!  But, I digress. All day yesterday I sort of had an …

Secret Stash

I always like to have a backup plan.  You know, like a spare tire if you get a flat, an alternate route if the bridge is out, a spare case of beer just in case, etc.   I even have a backup plan for a Wall Street crash, a secret stash of financial security. This …

Rattlesnakes Only!

I was in Arizona during the recent GOP Presidential debates, their primary is tomorrow.  This sign was in a sparsely populated area where few people would ever see it.  I thought the sign would be more effective if it was posted at the entrance to the halls of Congress in Washington, DC. Thought for the …

TP Hanging

Ben Franklin felt it unwise to discuss religion or politics with friends, that these two volatile subjects could result in dissolved friendships.  This confirms that toilet paper wasn't available in the late 1700's, otherwise Ben would have included toilet paper as another avoidable topic of friendly conversation.   (Geez, I'm not exactly sure when toilet …

Mother Goose

I'm almost certain this is Mother Goose.  She wasn't wearing a shawl, grandma glasses and a dowdy old hat.  Of course not, she was probably incognito.  She wasn't reciting "Hey Diddle Diddle" or "Hickory Dickory Dock"; that would call too much attention to herself.  But, I know it was her, it had to be.  Why? …

Bananas — Wonder of the World

I love bananas.  I love bananas raw; I love bananas on my cereal.   I like banana bread, banana creme pie, bananas foster, banana splits, banana pudding, banana yogurt, I even like watching monkeys eat bananas ... oh, but I digress. Bananas are a small miracle when you think about it.  I buy bananas 2-3 times …

Old School

I remember these ... well, I don't remember using one, and I've never seen a picture of me in one, but I remember seeing them around the neighborhood when I was a kid.  I suppose they came in other colors too, but blue is the only color I remember.   Maybe only boys used them. …

Christmas Aversions

Is there something about Christmas that you loathe, something you really can't stand, something you would rather do without?  Not the obvious things that are unanimously disliked, but tolerated, because "tis the season",  like:  the commercialism, the  music that plays 24/7 on every station and starts around Labor Day, the pushing and shoving at the …

Deluxe Wagon

This must have been the best wagon Ev-ver ... top-of-the-line, deluxe model, probably the cadillac of all kids' wagons ever made.  Check this out: a super durable, solid hardwood box with weather-resistant finish, solid steel wheels with rubber tires for quiet comfortable rides, steel axles with ball bearings for friction-free motion, and a hardwood handle …

PLAN AHEAd

During my recent trip through New England, I strolled through a few country cemeteries, and was amazed at the age and condition of the tombstones.   New Hampshire is called the "Granite State", Vermont is known for its marble and slate is also quite abundant, so its no wonder that New England tombstones are made …