The Loaded and the Loopy

On Saturday we made one of our fall trips to Happy Valley to watch Penn State in a game, or maybe I should say a scrimmage, with Eastern Illinois University. And we were just two of the approximately 104,000 who gathered there that day. It has been our experience that even when the game is lousy, like this one, there is always fun to be had. The events on this trip ranged from the spectacular to the loaded and even to the loopy. Spectacular describes the beautiful trees, changing to a spectrum of colors, that we were able to enjoy, especially on the afternoon drive home. I love this time of the year. This time we had a new experience at Penn State. We had a reserved parking spot on the macadam near the stadium. This area is reserved for those who have money. Many of these season ticket holders who are also large donors, have six to eight permanent reserved parking spaces. And they need that many to park their huge, and I mean huge, buses and motor homes. We sat there and watched these folks pull in, park and setup for tailgating like you wouldn't believe. First, since the lot was on a slight incline, they all had special blocks designed to level their vehicles. One near us, parked, balanced, then automatically lowered four leveling devices, before expanding the sides. Their kids were in bunk beds and when the sides expanded, they looked out the windows. In this case the owner spent another hour or more unpacking tables, chairs, grills, food and drinks for a massive tailgate. It was amazing and I couldn't begin to guess how much money was invested in this excursion. And with all the drinks that were displayed, I imagine that the loaded were really loaded until the afternoon was over. Then came the loopy. As we entered the statement we saw folks in unbelievable clothing and hats. We found our seats and, just before game time, the lady next to Dianne finally showed up. She quickly pulled out the ingredients for a sub sandwich which she probably illegally smuggled into the stadium. She unwrapped individual packages of tomatoes, then onions, followed by peppers, and finally the mayonnaise. One could smell the ingredients seats away. Now if you've ever been to Penn State, you realize how close together the seats are - sometimes you need to inhale and exhale together. Dianne could have easily leaned down and taken a big bite of the sub. That wouldn't have been any more rude than making and eating the sandwich in that confined area. Maybe Dianne should have at least sneezed while she was making it. Then, throughout the game, whenever music was played, this lady, probably in her fifties, would jive and shake in her seat, fortunately without even hitting Dianne in the ribs. However the bench did shake. We had a few other older ladies in the area who stood and danced every time the music was played. Loopy is one way to describe their performances. Then we watched the student section as they tossed girls up in the area, to the time of the music, every time Penn State scored. Even the wave was special. The students would start it at normal speed and then when it had circled the stadium they would change it to a very, very slow speed for the next round. Finally, the third round was done in ultra high speed. And of course there was the great Blue Band and the Nittany Lion with their special performances. Even if you aren't a football fan, there is always plenty of entertainment for everyone. And, too soon, the game neared its end and we headed for home. We did that to beat all the traffic, as well as to avoid all the loaded who would get loaded and probably loopy with their post game tailgate. PSU football is a unique experience.

Home

Today is a day that I faced with very mixed emotions. It is the day that I settled on the sale of my parents' home. They built it in the early 1950's and lived there until the Lord took them to their new home - heaven. My parents moved frequently in the early days of their married lives. In fact, I think I lived in nine different locations until we moved to the home that they built in Lititz when I was in fourth grade. Even as a child I realized how nice it was to finally have a place that was really home. No longer were there fears of moving, going to new schools, and forming new friendships. And so, until I was married, that was my home. Since we were married, we lived in just four different locations and we have been in our present location since 1969 - forty years! I guess there are advantages to moving frequently - such as downsizing all the junk you collect. But there are certainly advantages to more permanent places to call home. We built many great memories in the home that I sold today, but life moves on, and so must we. And nothing can take away from those memories. But I thank God for His leading in the sale of this home. Since the death of our parents, life has been filled with stressful events for Dianne and I. We've spent most of our time the past nine months trying to settle two estates. I now have a new appreciation for executors of estates. The biggest hurdle was cleaning out my dad's house and selling it. We tried for several months to find a family buyer so we could keep the house in the family. But that wasn't to be the Lord's will. Finally, the end of August, we prayerfully placed it on the market. Despite its great location, we were concerned that it might be hard to sell. The housing market has been depressed - a buyer's market - and many homes in Lititz have been on sale for months. Dad's house will need plenty of cosmetic work on the inside - carpets, painting, wallpapering, etc. We did a good bit of work on the outside to increase its curb appeal. Then we placed it on the market. It was listed on a Friday and we continued to pray. Early Wednesday morning I received a call from our real estate agent who told me that we had a signed agreement with a down payment of $2,000. And after some negotiations, inspections, and final repairs, today we settled. Should I have expected any different after turning it over to the Lord? He had it all under control, despite my concerns. And as we approached settlement, I was reminded over and over that these buildings we call home are really temporary. Even our lives are like tents as we take our brief journey on this earth. Our real home is being prepared for us in heaven. Jesus said that He was going to prepare a home for us. And if He said that, He will do it. Today I have been thinking of some old choruses. "Home sweet home! Home sweet home! Where we'll never roam! I see the light of my mansion so bright, my home sweet home!" and "Heaven is a wonderful place, Filled with Glory and Grace, I want to see my Savior's face Heaven is a wonderful, Heaven is glorious, Heaven is a wonderful place." And so while I signed away the house in Lititz, I realize that it is just a house, not really home. My real home is ahead. So where is your real home today?

Reality Sets In

With the sale of my parent's home only days away, my mind has been flooded with many memories. I've realized again the great heritage that I have and how the Lord directed my parents and my family through many difficult times. This weekend we visited New Cumberland where I lived twice when my father

(PICTURE - my dad (coat) teaching trig at New Cumberland - our first house is in the background.)

taught math and coached basketball and football there. We drove past the house where we lived the first time there, when I was probably two or three. It was right across from what was then New Cumberland High School (now a middle school). I remember things about that time from pictures, stories that I heard, and actually some experiences that I do remember. For example, I do remember visiting the high school and actually attending some basketball games there. I remember how the neighborhood looked, with the alley next to our house - and it hasn't changed. We moved back there again after the war was over and my dad returned to teaching math and coaching. This time I had a brother and we have many pictures of us taken together at our home on Eutaw Ave. This house and neighborhood also hasn't changed in over 60 years - the lot next door where we used to play is still empty. I remember so much more about this time in New Cumberland. I remember walking several blocks to see my dad coach football - the field was crowded this weekend with midget football games. I remember walking downtown to take the bus to Harrisburg to shop, to go to church, and even to see my dad work at nights at the railroad depot there. I remember special visits from my aunt and uncle. I remember our neighbors who were our landlords. Years later I came to realize that my parents couldn't afford a car in those days so dad walked to school and even took the bus to shop for our groceries. I didn't realize until years later how poor we really were in those days. Recently dad told me how he'd take the bus and even the train to scout football games. I started first grade there. That building is no longer standing. We had a garden in another part of town and had to walk there to take care of it. The head football coach had a large field behind his house and every year he planted and harvested tomatoes in that field. I remember visiting there and watching my dad ride on a rig to help plant the tomatoes and later to pick them. As a first grader such things left lasting memories. Those were different times, tough times. So driving around New Cumberland brought back many of these special memories. But then as I left town it dawned on me that those family members who shared those memories are no longer here - my mother, my dad, my brother. Oh how I wish that I could ask them more questions about those days. Oh how I wish that I could take Terry back and show him those places where he was a toddler. Then it really dawned on me that none of my family remains who shared our experiences in Sunbury, Selinsgrove, Wilmington, New Cumberland, Elizabethtown, or Lancaster. Reality is setting in. Maybe I really am an orphan. Kendy and I, and our spouses, share the memories of Lititz, but come Friday all we will have left are the memories. And the memories are special and can't be taken away. God has been so good to us and as my parents set the example of trusting God and giving all to Him, even when they really had nothing in worldly possessions, God honored them. They never complained, they kept working very hard, and they trusted God fully. And so, when the house they dedicated to the Lord changes hands on Friday, we will still have the memories of the lives of faithfulness to the Lord that they modeled for us. And that is worth everything.

Perks Of Being A Senior

Do you realize that birthdays are good for you? The more that you have, the longer you live. Most folks don't really look forward to getting older, but there are many perks for being a senior, in addition to all those discounts that many stores and restaurants give. One of the best hidden perks is the annual Senior Saints Retreat at Pinebrook Bible Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. We have just returned from the 2009 retreat and this special event is always one of the highlights of our year. Great speakers - this year Pastor Brooke Solberg spoke and was excellent. Great concert - pianist Bryan Popin was featured this year and he was tremendous. Great food - all you can eat including a special banquet and an ice cream social. Great activities - including an afternoon train ride, indoor swimming, shopping, hikes, and yes, even time for naps. Great fellowship and great fun. In fact, the program has been so well received that next year they will expand it to an extra day and move it to a few weeks later when the Poconos should be at the peak of their fall colors (October 18 - 21). It really is a great time. Now there are many other less serious perks of being a senior. (1) Kidnappers are not very interested in you. (2) People no longer view you as a hypochondriac. (3) Things you buy now won't wear out. (4) You can eat supper at 4 pm. (5) You can quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room. (6) Your joints are more accurate than the National Weather Service. (7) Your new best friend is the pharmacist. (8) Your idea of weight lifting is standing up. (9) Your eyes won't get much worse. (10) Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either. Three cheers for seniors!

Where Have All The Marching Bands Gone?

On Friday night we went to a local high school football game involving my grandson's school vs. the school where I spent 39 years. I had two major surprises. First our football team is really very good - a vast improvement over most of the football teams when I was there. Second, sadly our band was very bad. I remember the years when our band numbered 60 - 70 musicians and they sounded great. This year's band has about 25 musicians plus about ten in the pit. They probably had about ten brass instruments and you could barely hear them when they played. It was sad, especially from a school that is Quad A and one of the largest in the area. What has happened? First, the new block schedule has prevented some students from being in the band because they must select it as a course - it is no longer optional or available during an activity period. But I think the main reason is that high school bands have changed their emphasis. Now they are all about competitions and winning awards. Instead of playing stirring marches, they have intricate shows which feature fancy routines, flashy costumes and flags, and special music written for these competitions. And to pull this off, it requires many hours in band camps, summer practices, practices in the evenings and long competitions plus football games almost every weekend. it takes a major time commitment and most kids today have other things to do but spend all their free time practicing and drilling. Band has to become their life. And this is becoming true at many schools. And their parents are almost like a cult. they travel together, they raise funds together, they tail gate together, and to them winning the competitions becomes their first priority in life. So gone are the days when a high school band is big, with a full sound, and the main purpose is to stir up the crowd and cheer on the football team. If you want that, you need to go to Penn State where the Blue Band sirs up the crowd and presents a simple, but exciting, halftime show. The members work hard, but for a much different purpose. Now while I was disappointed by the one band, my grandson's band sounded excellent and they had a good show, although none of the fans recognized their music or fully understood the purpose of their show. But they sounded great (especially the kettle drums). And they did win their first competition on Saturday night. But my age is showing - give me music like "Stars and Stripes Forever" or even "On Wisconsin". But then today's kids, band directors, and their parents probably don't even know these numbers.

Listen to it here! LISTEN

Waiting ... waiting ... waiting

Do you like to wait? I don't! And yet a large part of our lives is spent waiting. Who hasn't had to stand in a long line waiting to check out in a store, especially a grocery store? Who hasn't waited in traffic, especially when you are in a hurry. I will often drive miles out of the way to avoid construction sites or other traffic problems because I hate to wait. And what parent hasn't stayed up at night waiting for their child to come home, especially when there is a storm or snow? At times we wait for the mail or a returned telephone call or for our car to be serviced. Some times we wait in excitement and anticipation - like waiting for a visit from someone special, a vacation, a birthday, or a holiday such as Christmas. Like many students and teachers, I often felt that I just couldn't wait for the weekend, or better yet, the summer. I remember as a college student waiting for a visit from my family or a chance to go home for a visit. Then there is the excitement of waiting for a new purchase to arrive - a car, some furniture, or maybe a new computer. Some times waiting can be much more serious. Students wait for test scores, grades, or college acceptance (or rejection). Many nights I've sat with a sick child or loved one just waiting for sunrise. In times like this, it seems like morning will never come. Sometimes we wait to see if we will be given a job, or in times like this, whether our job will be eliminated. It must be very hard to wait for a loved one to return who is in the service and many parents and family members must do this. It is so hard to wait when a loved one goes through surgery. Or, how about the waiting for results from the doctor? We've been waiting for the results of Dianne's annual biopsy and PTL they came back yesterday with no sign of cancer. We've also been experiencing waiting to see if my father's house would sell so we could begin to settle his estate. A month ago we put it on the market and in less than a week we had a signed agreement. But there were many hurdles to be crossed before settlement, and we waited, and waited. Yesterday we received a call telling us that all obstacles had been met and settlement was set for October 9. PTL! So waiting is a major part of our life - from minor inconveniences to anticipation to events filled with stress. In 1975 my father suddenly had his job eliminated at RCA. Dad never complained and went out and found some temporary jobs and finally a new career. At that time I bought him a plaque which now hangs in my bedroom. "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31. Dad had learned and demonstrated the reality of that verse - a lesson I wish his son had learned a little better. Waiting can bring us stress and weariness (I admit it often does for me) or it can give us the opportunity to experience the strength and peace which only the Lord can provide. The choice is really ours.

An Emotional Roller Coaster Day

I looked forward to yesterday for many weeks. Yesterday was my 50th high school reunion. During the past months we have spent much time in Lititz clearing my dad's house and preparing it for sale. And as we've done this so many good memories have flooded my mind. While most of these memories have involved my family and my experiences in Lititz, many of them have been about my experiences in the Warwick schools and my friends and classmates. So I was really eager to renew friendships and share memories. In the morning, on the way to participate in tours of the school buildings, I had to stop at the homestead to do a few repairs. While walking through the home, probably for one of the last times, my emotions took over. It will be hard, after almost 60 years, to vacate this property - but it must be done. Life moves on. Then I met many of my classmates and we first toured the new elementary school that recently replaced the building where I had attended grades 4 - 9. It is a beautiful modern building. Then it was off to the high school. Our class moved into the high school when it was new, as sophomores, in 1956. It has gone through several major additions and renovations since then and it was even hard to recognize what we had known 50 years ago. Both of these tours were extra special to me since my son Ken had done all the heating and air conditioning engineering for both of them. I was so proud to share that with my classmates. However, near the end of the high school tour, I left the group and wandered by myself to the athletic area where my brother Terry had worked as athletic director for so many years. I looked at the trophy cases and saw pictures of him as a star athlete there in the early sixties. Then I went to his old office and my emotions hit a low. It just didn't seem right that he was no longer there. Even as I write this blog, the tears flow. I miss him so much. I don't understand God's ways, but I rest in the fact that His ways are always right. Terry had a profound impact on the athletic facilities and programs at Warwick. That evening we went to the reunion dinner and had a very special time with classmates, many of whom I haven't seen in 50 years. I had been class president for our last two years in high school so I had worked closely with many of these folks. And we had a great class. We renewed friendships with those who came from as far always as North Carolina, Texas, and California, as well as those from New York and various parts of Pennsylvania. We shared stories of difficult challenges that we have faced at this point in life as well as the many blessings and successes that we have experienced. Unlike some previous reunions, this one was well attended and there was time to share instead of the usual dancing and drinking. It was a great time and it was hard to leave when it was over. And it was emotionally uplifting to hear that many thought that I haven't changed, especially since everyone else had - they all looked so old! I guess an indication that we are really aging is the fact that they are thinking of holding the 55th reunion during the day because a growing number of our class no longer like to travel at night. Oh yes, the joys of getting older. It was a great day even with the highs and lows of my emotions. And I am already looking forward to the 55th. And I thank the Lord for the good friends, the good memories, and the health to be able to participate in the 50th. God has been good to me!

Gone (At Least For Now)!

Time Marches On

Yesterday was Grandparents Day. Some grandparents did special things like have a picture of them and their grandchildren placed in the newspaper. The Lancaster Sunday News had a special edition with many pages of such pictures. We didn't do that. I am not normally one to carry around pictures and show them to everyone and brag about how gifted and wonderful they are. But that doesn't mean that I'm not very proud of them and I do tell them that and try to encourage them. This week, for the very first time, all seven of them will now be in school, in grades 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, K, and preschool. Time marches on and they are growing up so fast. Two weeks ago we went to see Zachary who has joined the Hempfield band and is playing in their pit as a tympani player. He actually can play more than seven different instruments. We prayed for Josh as he tried out for the Warwick golf team and our prayers were answered and he is now on the team. He also regularly plays piano offertories in our church. We went to see Taylor play soccer yesterday for the Penn Manor travel team. Noah is an excellent french horn and piano player while Chloe plays the violin and piano. Lexie and Brodie are just starting school and they are creative and full of energy. All of our grandchildren are avid readers - most of them reading way beyond their grade levels - and they are excellent students. So we do have so much to be thankful for. God has been good to us. But, despite all of this, we pray for them daily. I pray that they might develop a passion for the Lord and serving Him. I pray that they might understand that living a life for Christ is the most important thing. I even pray that the Lord will prepare Godly spouses for them. I also write notes to encourage them to use their gifts for the Lord. For you see, the most important things I can do as their grandfather is to set an example with a life that shows God's faithfulness and cover them with prayer each day of their lives. Grandparents can have a special influence in the lives of their children. Mine had a major impact on my life and my parents and in-laws had an eternal impact on the lives of my boys. Fortunate indeed are children who have godly grandparents who know how to pray and encourage. Steve Chapman fasts for his children each Wednesday and he has written a song about his prayer called "Wednesday's Prayer". I have the words hanging above my desk and I pray them almost daily. You can find the words on my website at "Wednesday's Prayer". And, after taking them before God's throne in prayer, I must leave them in the Lord's hands and allow His Spirit to do the work that I can't do. I guess that I could go around showing their pictures to everyone, but the picture I most desire to see and show is the picture of all seven of them, with all of their parents, standing with Dianne and me, on the golden streets of Heaven. That will be glory for me!

RAIN, RAIN, PLEASE GO AWAY!

No it really isn't "Rain, rain, go away, Barry wants to play today!" But that would be a great idea. We recently decided to have all of our sidewalks and concrete steps replaced. We had part of this done several years ago and the job was terrible - but that is another story. In addition to what was done several years ago, the original steps at our side doors have sunk and rain water runs against our house and often into our basement. It all needs to be replaced. Even though we signed a contract, we were expecting that the cement work would be done later in the Fall. So we were shocked when we came home on Tuesday morning to find the workmen tearing out the old cement. They took it all out that day so all we can use now is our back door. Then, on Wednesday, they poured the footers for our front landing and steps. So far so good. But then it began to rain. When we came home from Awana at about 10 pm, we found all the trenches around the house filled with water. The big pit out front was also filling up and, thanks to the new footers, the water was building up against our foundation. So I spent the next hour, in pouring rain and mud, trying to cover things up. Using some old pieces of plywood, some other boards, and two tarps I was finally able to get the front and side pits "covered". Then I spent another 30 minutes digging trenches to help the water drain off the covering and away from the pits. Fun, fun, fun! Not! Then, Thursday morning the rain stopped and the sun came out. PTL. Midday the masons came, took off my protective cover and added the block - but not filling in around the new foundation. They "threw" my tarps and wood over the hole once again, but did not nothing to assure that water would drain away. Then, guess what? The real rain came and for the past 16 hours it has been pouring. Right now our rain gauge says almost 4 inches has fallen. So back out in the rain and mud - that has been my evening and morning and the end isn't yet in sight. Maybe I should build an ark! Our sump pump has been running in the basement and PTL, we don't yet have water yet in the front of the basement where it won't drain to the sump pump. So we keep "shoveling" water that won't drain off the tarps before it heads to our basement, praying that the rain will soon stop. So maybe it should be "rain, rain go away, Barry wants to rest today!'" But then there is also the problem that we hold tickets to tomorrow's Penn State - Syracuse game. Will the rain stop? Dare we leave home? Will the grass parking lots be open? Will it rain throughout the game? I guess we could always stay home and watch it on TV. So stay tuned. Keep dry!

What Are The "Zips"?

That is today's trrivia question for you. Please note, it is "zips", not "zits"! And you won't find the answer in the dictionary and will have trouble finding it on the Internet.. Let me give you some background before I give you the answer, even though I know that you can hardly wait for the answer. Yesterday Dianne and I headed to Happy Valley, also known as State College, to see the opening Penn State football game. We used to get to most of the home games, but as it has gotten more expensive and good seats are harder to get, we've only gone to a few the last couple of years. But since we have not been able to take a non-working vacation for several years, we will try to get there a few times this Fall as part of a series of "one-day vacations". Yesterday we left at 4:45 in the morning to get a good parking place. We were part of a crowd of about 104,000 who attended. Even if you aren't a football fan, a Penn State game is something special. First there is the tailgating which is impossible to describe. Thousands of dollars are spent for vans, buses and huge motor homes and the spreads of food and decorations are incredible. Then there is the spectacular pregame show headed by the drum majorette who does his flip and split, in the center of the field, to the cheers of thousands. The Blue Band then does its rousing performance which builds up to the entrance of the team, and the crowd goes wild. If that isn't enough, the crowd breaks into its chant, "We Are, Penn State!". Then, of course, there is a football game with one of the best teams in the country led by Joe Paterno. And during the game there are all sorts of things going on all around the stadium - the wave, the Nittany Lion's antics, the student cheers, the cheerleaders with their amazing flips and pyramids, groups of musicians playing, and so much more. Even a person who isn't a football fan can find things to watch. The atmosphere, especially for big games, is electric. Yesterday was not a big game and Penn State won handily, 31-7. But the weather was great and the atmosphere exciting. Now what does that have to do with the original question. Well yesterday the Penn State Nittany Lions played the Akron, yes you guessed it, Zips. Now they did play like "Zits" but they were the "Zips". So here is your answer. The University of Akron's athletic teams are known as the "Zips," originally short for "Zippers," overshoes that were nationally popular in the 1920s and 1930s, and the zipper—an invention from Akron (Judson). The university's mascot is "Zippy," a kangaroo. Zippy is one of only eight female college mascots in the United States. Zippy won the title of Capital One National Mascot of the Year in 2007. So there you have it and that is today's story. Next week it's back again to see Penn State and Syracuse play.

The Bills Go On

Being an executor of an estate can be very frustrating, if you allow it to be. It's much easier if you have a good sense of humor. It has been interesting to see how all of my dad's junk mail has managed to be changed to my address. Every day my mailbox is filled with pleas for his money. If they include a stamped envelope for a reply, they get a reply from me that says "He is deceased, please take his name off your mailing address or change his address - to Heaven". It doesn't seem to work - the Republican Party is the worst at not purging their lists. Until we cut off his telephone, we continually found recorded messages from groups begging for money or offering him "free" services. I've continued to get medical bills for things already paid - I imagine some people just pay them again to try and stop the bills. However, the most interesting bill came last week - a bill rejected by his insurance for a charge of $75 ,for an EKG in a doctor's office in Lititz, on November of 2008 - for Aletha Kauffman! Now my mother has been dead for about 16 years but somebody is billing her for an EKG last year. Interesting. I couldn't just ignore this but nobody will admit it is their mistake. I also had trouble stopping dad's Juno bill and had to talk to several levels of management before getting that stopped - good record keeping and notes do help. Quite often there is a new development to brighten the day. But I guess I'm not alone. Here is a copy of an actual telephone conversation that I understand somebody had over a similar situation. A lady died this past January, and the bank billed her for February & March for their annual service charges on her credit card, and then added late fees & interest on the monthly charge. The balance had been $0.00, now it's somewhere around $60.00. A family member placed a call to the bank: Family Member: "I'm calling to tell you that she died in January." Bank: "The account was never closed and the late fees & charges still apply." Family Member: "Maybe you should turn it over to collections." Bank: "Since it is two months past due, it already has been." Family Member: "So, what will they do when they find out she is dead?" Bank: "Either report her account to the frauds division or report her to the credit bureau; maybe both!" Family Member: "Do you think God will be mad at her?" Bank: "Excuse me?" Family Member: "Did you just get what I was telling you . . . the part about her being dead?" Bank: "Sir, you'll have to speak to my supervisor" Supervisor gets on the phone. Family Member: "I'm calling to tell you she died in January." Bank: "The account was never closed and the late fees & charges still apply." Family Member: "You mean you want to collect from her estate?" Bank: (stammer) "Are you her lawyer?" Family Member: "No, I'm her great nephew." (lawyer info given) Bank: "Could you fax us a certificate of death?" Family Member: "Sure." (the fax number is given) After they get the fax ... Bank: "Our system just isn't setup for death. I don't know what more I can do to help." Family Member: "Well, if you figure it out, great! If not, you could just keep billing her. I don't think she will care." Bank: "Well, the late fees & charges do still apply." Family Member: "Would you like her new billing address?" Bank: "That might help." Family Member: "Odessa Memorial Cemetery, Highway 129, Plot Number 69." Bank: "Sir, that's a cemetery!" Family Member: "What do you do with dead people on your planet?" So there you are. Some of the "joys" of being an executor!

Blessings in Challenges

It is just about a year now since our lives were changed by several challenges which the Lord allowed us to face. Now I will readily admit that the past year has been filled with much stress and weariness. But when we stand back and look at things, we realize that many folks are facing much more difficult challenges. My aunt had a stroke and she and my uncle have had to move to assisted living. Three other of my aunts are in nursing homes. Friends of ours are dealing with Parkinson's and another is probably in the final stage of cancer. Another friend has just been diagnosed with cancer and another is waiting for a biopsy. Several of our friends have recently become widows or widowers. And there are more. Now those are challenges that are much more difficult than ours. As we sit back and review the past year and our three family deaths, we see God's special leadings in our times of stress. We remember how the illnesses provided us with special times to spend with our fathers that we might not normally have had. And my dad's death provided more times than usual for us to spend with my brother before the Lord took him home. These final times together were special. The deaths of our fathers were both in the winter but happened at times when family and friends were able to attend the services. My father-in-law's funeral came during a break in some bad snowy weather that prevented us from actually getting to his grave site. But we were able to get within 50 yards of the grave because it was so close to the church parking lot. PTL, neither of our fathers suffered long, although Dianne's dad was in a nursing home for ten days. Both deaths came quickly with little suffering. My brother's death was preceded with much pain and discomfort, but God seemed to give him a special peace and comfort throughout it. Thankfully, my father was extremely organized and although it still took months to go through all the conference, church and personal records that he had, his organization made a probable very difficult job so much easier. Fortunately, Dianne's dad had downsized previously and since his wife received almost all of his possessions, we did not have all the problems of separating and disposing possessions that we've had with my father's house. And the very most important blessing is that all three are now in heaven. And that is where our fathers really wanted to be - with the Lord and with their wives. So while we've been stressed out at times, we realize how good the Lord has really been to us through this yearlong process. We've also learned a new empathy for those who must settle estates - we never realized how long and stressful this process is. We've learned more about the law than I ever wanted to know. We are still trying to straighten out some problems with Dianne's dad's estate, but we believe that the end of that process is nearing. Today my dad's house went on the market and if that is sold we will be able to at least see the end of the process of settling his trust. We are praying that even in this bad real estate market that the Lord has a buyer in the near future. Then we can think about moving on with life. So we take a deep breath and thank the Lord for his blessings and leading, even in this time of stress. God is good, all the time!

A Few Updates

This has been a very busy week and I've not had time to add to my blog. But I thought I should share a few updates for those who have been praying. We've spent considerable time this week making arrangements to put my dad's house in Lititz on the market. We still have cleaning and other prep work to do, but it should be on the market in a few days. We've also had to hire some folks to do some work on the house to increase its appeal in this tight market. It has a very great location and is well built, but it will take many cosmetic changes on the inside. It has been harder than I ever thought to prepare to sell. The house has so many memories. Sometimes we laugh, and many times we cry. But we pray that a nice family needs a great house and purchases it very quickly. Then there is update on my surgery. The surgeon took the cast off on Wednesday, gave me a small brace to wear, and said that I should take it easy for four more weeks. I started therapy on Friday. I am able to write again, PTL! I am also able to take a shower again without holding my hand up and away from the spray. That is great. Now, I guess I can also shave. But, I haven't yet made a decision. Have you voted in my poll (found to the right on this page)? Please do so and help me out. One reader wanted to first see what I would look like as an Amish man or a Hillbilly. Above you can see what I might look like as a hill billy. My Amish things were in the wash. LOL Then the other interesting thing this week has been all the storms and rain that we've had this week. In fact the other night there was a tornado warning with the radar showing that the storm, with classic rotations, was passing over Millersville and right over where we live. So we headed to the basement and "enjoyed" the togetherness for about 15 minutes in our small bathroom there. We've had tornados before within a mile of our house so we don't take these warnings lightly. PTL, the storm passed over us and we had no damage except for one small limb that came down. It was one of those experiences where you know that you have absolutely no control over what is happening and all you can do is take precautions and trust the Lord. Well, that is a quick update for today. I have many more things to share but will do that next week as I find a few "spare" moments ... hopefully.

Should I Or Shouldn't I?

It began when I had surgery on July 7. I suddenly realized that there were many things I now couldn't do, such as write, drive, cut meat, and shave. So I left my beard grow. When I went back for my checkup I was surprised to get a hard cast so I still couldn't shave. When I went to my barber he offered to shave off my growing fuzz but I told him that my wife wanted me to let it grow. He suggested that I humor her for a few weeks and when I would come back for my next appointment he would shave it off. That sounded like a plan. But then I began to get by the fuzz stage and got through the expected embarrassment of going to church and even leading singing at Pinebrook. I began to notice how many other "old men" had beards and I no longer felt out of place. I even began to receive some complements. Actually this is not the first time that I had a beard. Back in the 1980's I had a full, but brown, beard. Some of my family members disliked it. I then reduced it to a mustache which I had when I won the Presidential Award and met the President. But it finally came off and I have shaved ever since that time ... until now. But now I will soon face another decision. I don't know when my cast will come off - it might be as soon as Wednesday or it might be a few more weeks. Then, when I can shave again, what do I do? Part of me wants to shave it off and part of me wants to keep it on. Maybe, with my growing white beard, I will be taken for Santa Claus in a few months. Maybe it will help keep me warm when the snow and wind and cold weather hit this winter. So what do I do? Help me out - vote on the poll on my public blog or add a comment or send me an e-mail. Let me know what you think.

My Personal Favorite

I love good piano music. I wish that I could play, but like many others, I gave up taking lessons too soon and now I regret that. I've heard many professionals play and I have a few that I could listen to over and over again. But I have an amateur who is my favorite. I've worked with her for almost 50 years. Thousands of times over those years she has played while I have led music. Many times I've listened as she has played solos and offertories. But my favorite times are the private concerts that I get throughout the day as she practices or as she just sits and plays whatever comes to her mind. Now I admit that I am very prejudiced, but why shouldn't I be. God has given her a special gift. First, God has given her a special touch that is very soothing. He has given her the ability to play solos and also to accompany others, something that many musicians can't do. Even though she doesn't know all her chords and music theory, she has a special ability to add difficult and pleasing chords. A year ago when she accompanied a well-known trumpet soloist at Pinebrook, this world traveler remarked that he doesn't have a single accompanist who can add the beautiful chords that Dianne adds when she plays. God has also given her a special gift, the gift to play numbers without music and to transpose in her mind and play it in any key. Tell her what note it starts on and she can start there and play it in that key. A few times at the Sr. Saints Retreat, during a prelude, I have sat near her and randomly continued to suggest hymn titles to her. She would then play a brief interlude and go into that hymn without any music. Few people realize it when we do this, but it really is fun for the two of us. And she loves to spend time at the piano and that love shows in her music. Now, once again, I admit that I am very prejudiced and I know there are many outstanding amateur pianists around who have much more training than my wife - we have some in our church. However, last Sunday night she was forced to fill in with me when at the last minute we had to unexpectedly lead some hymns at Pinebrook since the pianist and song leader were delayed. She also did a brief prelude, without any music or practice. In the audience, waiting to do a piano concert later in the evening, was Don Wyrtzen, one of the most famous composers and pianists for years in Gospel music. He has traveled around the world giving concerts and is a professor of music. After his concert he came to Dianne and said how much he really enjoyed her playing. She thanked him and said that he was very kind. He promptly replied that he wasn't just being kind and that he was serious. He told her he would never make such a complement unless it was really deserved. And I believe he was sincere about that. He was also surprised to learn that she wasn't the full-time summer pianist at Pinebrook. So at least two professionals join me in recognizing that God has given her a special gift that she uses for Him. And I am blessed to benefit from this special gift almost daily. Now I know that she will be embarrassed when she reads this blog. But, I must say, thank you dear and thank you God.

Strange Feelings

On Friday we went to my dad's house to continue to work on it to get ready to try and sell it. When we walked in I happened to notice that his kitchen clock had stopped. The battery had gone bad and it read 6:44. Slowly I began to realize that it was Friday and exactly six months ago, on a Friday morning, I found my dad in his bedroom at about 7 am. We believed that the Lord had called him home about 6:45, just before we arrived that morning. Now I need to tell you that this event gave me a strange feeling. When I told my sister a little later that morning, I said, not seriously, do you think dad is trying to tell us something. She quickly answered that maybe he was asking why we hadn't yet sold the house. She might be right. But that event seemed to set the day which was filled with feelings I hadn't had before. I guess the realization that we are now trying to sell the house brought a flood of memories throughout the day as we worked there. I was in the primary grades when we built the house and I remember it well. I can picture the many stages of the house being constructed. I remember falling from the first floor to the basement before the steps were built - we often joked about what effect the fall had on me. I remember how we had to pick up buckets of rocks from the fill which later became our yard. Oh how we hated that job. As I walked through the house, every room, from the attic to the cellar holds special memories of many good years growing up there. I recall the many traditions and the large family gatherings as our family expanded and the kids grew. For 58 years that house and my family have been part of my life. It will be harder than I ever realized to walk away from there for the last time. Part of me says sell it quickly so our life can get back to normal - it's all I can do to take care of one property but two is a stretch. But another part of me almost hopes it never sells. But being realistic, it is time to sell - quickly, I hope. Mother and dad and Terry are no longer there and it is time to get on with life. So I thank the Lord for a great heritage that does include a great warm home, in a special neighborhood, in a great town. Memories, memories, memories. But as I said, it is now time to move on, even if it is hard to do.

Thumbing It

In the last few weeks I've been asked the same two questions many, many times. The first is, "Did you have carpal tunnel surgery?" They seems to be the popular surgery of this decade. Now I don't want to downplay that surgery, since all surgery is serious, but mine was much more involved than that and I now am into the fourth week with a cast, with many more weeks yet to go. The second question is, "How did you injure your thumb joint?" To that I am somewhat embarrassed to answer that I really don't know but it most have happened quite a while ago. Now I am deciding that maybe I need to have another answer, so I am considering saying that it is an old college injury. I injured it by doing too much "thumbing it" or hitchhiking. Yes, I did a considerable amount of hitchhiking back in the days when it was safe. I started early in high school when I traveled between Lititz and Allentown (Mizpah Grove). The biggest challenge was getting through Reading, but usually the destination signs I carried enabled me to get rides through there. Only once, on a trip back to Lititz ,did I get stuck and I reluctantly had to call home. I wasn't ready to walk through Reading with my suitcase. I did get to the bus station only to realize that there weren't any connections available to Lancaster. My dad did make the trip to pick me up, but he wasn't too happy with me. Most of my hitchhiking came during my first few years at college, between Selinsgrove and Lititz. The main problem there was getting through Harrisburg. Many times I had to walk across the bridge over the Susquehanna River, to Steelton – I guess I was in better shape then. I seldom had much difficulty getting rides. It was a different time then and businessmen readily picked up hikers. I met some very nice folks and had some interesting conversations. The only time I ever had a potential problem was when a truckload of folks who looked liked gypsies wanted to let me ride in the back of their truck with several of them. I politely told them that they weren't going far enough my way and refused their offer. Thank the Lord they accepted my decision. I still wonder why my parents allowed me to do this, but as I said, it was an accepted safer practice then. And maybe they were glad that I would get home so often. I often wonder how many miles my thumb secured my transportation. And maybe that is the secret to how my thumb became disjointed. Well at least it makes a better story than just saying that I don't know. Then, again, maybe it was just during one of those senior moments.