I Surrender!

Our "nice" yard

I'm giving up.  It is a losing battle.  They're back, in record numbers.  I'm not talking about the cicadas whose noise can drive you mad.  I'm talking about their foes, the cicada killers.  They come to kill the cicadas and drag them to amazing tunnels which they have dug where the bodies are stored to fertilize their eggs.  Until four years ago I had never heard of this insect.  But now I know more about them than I ever wanted to know.  They have been appearing in our yard now abut the beginning of each August for several years.  This year they have probably already dug about 60 new holes in what was once a nice looking backyard.  And this year they have expanded their damage to other parts of our lawn and it is beginning to look like a battlefield.  I have contacted lawn specialists who tell me there is nothing that I can do but put up with them.  I have tried hitting them with plastic bats and even an electrified tennis racket.  But all that I have accomplished is maybe improving my swing and definitely getting tired.  I have tried closing their tunnels and all that has produced is a yard full of patched holes.  Hopefully we will have a good spring and the grass will grow back again, at least in in some of the areas.  Then we may have a nice looking lawn again, until next August.  They are remarkable creatures and fortunately they don't sting.  We have dodged each other when I am using my riding mower, but they are quick and generally avoid me, unless they are caught entering or exiting one of their tunnels.   Then I often win.  They are interesting to watch, especially when they capture a cicada and carry it to their tunnel.  But why couldn't they share this pleasure with one of our neighbors.  To the best of my knowledge, we are the only ones being hit annually, at least in our immediate neighborhood.  Probably it is the number of trees on our property which provide good hunting grounds for the killers.  If you've never seen one, go do an internet search and learn much more about one of God's most unusual creations.  The Scripture says that "all things work together for good".  Does that include cicda killers?  So far the only good thing I've seen coming out of our experiences with them is that it has given me material for another blog.

Killer at work

Entering a tunnel

Tunnel entrance

Change, Change, Change!

A few days ago a steam shovel appeared in the lot across from our house.  The next day it was used to knock down the large white barn and workshop which had been there since before we moved in.  Next came the surveyor and posts appeared all over the lot.  Next came the bull dozer.  Soon the workmen will arrive and before we know it four or five new houses will be squeezed into what used to be a nice open field.  Then, probably by next year, the new tenants - most likely college students - will begin to move in and life here will never be the same.  Our former neighbor and owner of the land would turn over in his grave if he knew what was happening to his property since his death. Change - you can't avoid it - all you can do is learn to adjust to it.

A few weeks ago I went for my haircut only to be told that my barber for over 40 years had just signed a lease for his barber shop and he plans to retire September 1.  I knew someday this would happen, but why not a few years from now?  Change, everywhere.  
     We've gone through it with our medical services.  When our wonderful family doctor was forced to retire with heart issues it was a major adjustment for us. He was like a member of our family and had taken such good care of us. Later we found another family doctor - this time a young man - but suddenly he had to close his practice because he was diagnosed with cancer and then later he passed away.  A year ago Dianne's favorite gastro specialist who had cared for her for over 20 years told us that he was unexpectedly moving into administration.  Change, change, change.

I know very little about repairing cars and for almost 20 years we had a local garage man who was so helpful, honest and reasonable.  We trusted him completely and he took such good care of us.  Then he retired and we have never found anyone since then like him. It was almost like a part of us had died. For 40 years we purchased every one of our cars from a friend of mine who owned a car dealership.  We would tell him what we needed and he would find it for us.  We never dickered over the price because he was fair right from the start.  A few years ago he sold the dealership.  Now I am ready to purchase again and have nobody I can trust to deal with.  And I shouldn't forget Pete who has done all of our additions and repairs to our house over the years.  He is preparing to retire and is now doing some work for the government, so he is no longer available for jobs.  Change, change, change.

Over the years we have also faced the loss of loved ones and friends.  Now you expect that parents and grandparents will pass on.  But you don't expect siblings and good friends who are the same age as you to be taken home.  And I really, really miss them.  These changes are almost the toughest to deal with, except for the fact that you know that someday you will be reunited with them.  But it is change.

When I think of all the changes we face I often think of the line from the hymn "Abide With Me".   "Change and decay in all around I see, oh Thou who changest not, abide with me."  What truth there is in that line.  And what a thrill to know that our faith is strong and secure because we serve one who doesn't change.  "Yesterday, today, forever, Jesus is the same.  All may change, but Jesus never.  Glory to His Name!"  Yes, glory to His Name!

Being A Care-giver

     I feel so sorry for spouses who must serve for a long period of time as the care giver for their mate.  The burden of doing this day by day while watching your mate in pain and becoming more dependent is a very heavy one.  But the vows we take when we get married say ... "in sickness and health".  We just hope that it is always in health.  My wife has lovingly cared for me several times following surgeries but in those cases we knew healing would soon come.  But still, I often told her that I was so sorry that she had to take care of me.  And I thanked her for doing it.  Recently the tables were turned and I had to care for her after surgery and I smiled as she then would say, "I'm so sorry that you must do this for me." 
     Now most would not consider her hernia surgery as being major surgery, and in one sense is wasn't.  Actually, major surgery is when it is being done to you.  One of our doctors told us that anytime you are being cut open it is major.  I admit that I was very apprehensive because my wife has anemia, ulcerative colitis, heart and blood pressure problems.  But I learned numerous lessons going through this brief care giving experience.  I learned that there can be so much anxiety when you are sitting in the waiting room waiting for the surgery to be over and you don't know what is happening. It would have been nice to have someone to talk to, making the time go faster. But thankfully the Lord was with me. But when the operation went past the expected hour I began to think of all sorts of things.  When I was finally told that the doctor was coming out to talk to me and I then waited for another 15 minutes for this to happen, my imagination began to run wild once again.  Eventually the doctor assured me that she would be out soon and that she was fine. But I didn't expect "soon" to be another hour.  I was relieved when I finally was allowed to be with her in the recovery room.  However, I did have a tough time watching her in pain and enduring the shakes which they said was from the anesthesia.

The first night or two at home can also be long nights.  At times you feel so helpless and you think morning light will never come.  I am not a good cook but I was prepared with things that I could heat in the microwave or easily prepare on the stove.  I didn't think I would need any help with food.  But when a friend brought soup and a cooked meal for us, I was so thankful and relieved.  I learned how nice it must be to get meals from friends when you are busy caring for your patient.  That meal was certainly welcome and a major help.  I did handle the food for several days and learned some important lessons.  I learned that when you drop a container of ice cubes, the cubes will slide to every corner of the kitchen.  And when you drop a container of macaroni salad, it never drops the way it was held, and it isn't much fun cleaning macaroni salad off the kitchen floor.  But we survived.

I also learned how much the patient appreciates cards and personal notes - my wife did receive a few of those.  You also appreciate hearing from folks who prayed for you and want to know how you are doing.  Besides family members, I think my wife had two such calls and three e-mails.  And a few inquired about her at church on Sunday. We had asked over 100 folks to pray for her and I am sure a number of them did.  But it was nice to hear that a few actually remembered and followed up their prayers with some sort of contact.  I learned how much personal contact is appreciated by not only the patient but also by the care giver who is often weary with a load of unfamiliar duties and often a little lonely without personal contacts from others.  Being confined to home is hard on both.

But I guess the biggest lesson that I learned, once again, is that God is good and in control.  He is always present. And, unlike humans, he never forgets us or forsakes us. He knows our needs.  He provides wisdom, strength and peace when we need it.  And while I hope that neither of us ever have to serve as longtime caregivers for each other, I am confident that if we ever must, then He will be there to help us even if we are alone.  He is a faithful Father.

Faithfulness

Faithfulness is defined as being loyal, constant, and steadfast.   Does this word really mean much anymore in today's world?  In many marriages it doesn't.  Spouses are unfaithful to each other and divorce is now common.  What about in the workplace?   Employers are finding it much more difficult to hire folks who are reliable and can be trusted.  Many just don't show up on time for work or call in sick whenever it is convenient for them to do so.  When I was teaching I was often amazed at the many who acted like their sick days were personal days and used them all, whenever they wanted to, even when they weren't sick at all. How about in the community?  Many service groups are folding because they no longer can find members who are reliable and faithful.  Ambulance associations and fire companies are reorganizing for the same reason. How about in the church?  How many can be counted on to be there every Sunday, except maybe for an annual vacation or sickness?  It doesn't take much today to have folks miss services regularly, whenever they just don't feel like coming. People take more vacations today than they probably need because they can afford to financially.  And many find it convenient to hop around to another church every couple of years.  
     Growing up our family was in church every time the doors were open for a service but that is very uncommon today.  Boats, golf, athletic events, dining out or sleeping in seem to be more convenient for many.  And what about ministry in the local church?  Churches are finding it more difficult to find reliable volunteers who can be counted on.  Now this might be too extreme, but my grandfather, a pastor for over 60 years, was often criticized because he didn't want to take vacation.  Now he never had a problem having guest speakers fill his pulpit, but he just felt that it was his responsibility to be available to care for his congregation.  And he did care for them with over 1,000 visits every year. 
      Getting more personal, what about faithfulness in our spiritual walk?  Are Christians faithful to vital spiritual disciplines such as prayer and Bible reading?  I must admit that I was much more faithful when I was working and had a daily routine.  I used to have a regular prayer time when I got to my desk at work.  Now I do pray more often, throughout the day, but my more lengthy prayer times are often during the hours when I can't fall asleep at night.  But while we may struggle with faithfulness, our example should be the Lord who has always been faithful to His children - through the ages, season by season, day by day, moment by moment.  He was faithful in carrying out God's plan for our redemption. He is the same, yesterday, today and forever.  Great is His faithfulness!

Bong! Bong! Bong!

Grandpa Wolf checking
his clock in Sunbury

When my father and father-in-law passed away, we inherited their two grandfather clocks.  The first was one that was actually built from a kit by my father-in-law.  He wanted Dianne, his older child, to have it and today it is proudly displayed in our living room.  It is a good looking clock with a nice sound.  The second clock has much more history to it.  About 1950 the congregation of my grandfather's church in Bethlehem honored him for his years of ministry with a special "This Is Your Life" program.  I recall being part of that service.  As a gift they presented him with a grandfather clock.  I recall seeing and hearing it in their parsonages in Bethlehem, Harrisburg, Sunbury and Ephrata.  Upon his death it went to my father and  was in his living room for many years.  Then upon dad's death it became ours.  It shows the wear of many years of use and moving, but I am told that its mechanism is far superior to those made today.  
     Now when we began to have some trouble with both clocks we found a man in Columbia who repairs clocks and has a good reputation.  Since I didn't know then how to properly dismantle the clocks, he had to come to our home, disassemble the clocks and then take them to his store for cleaning and repair.  Unfortunately, they had not been cleaned for many years and it cost us about $600 to have this done.  But they then worked like new.  But a few months ago we began to have trouble with the older one.  It stopped striking the hour or it wouldn't stop chiming. This time I was able to take it apart myself and take it to Columbia for repair.  It took three trips to finally get it working properly.  But I had many hours to observe the mechanism work.  It was fascinating to see all that had to happen to make it strike properly.  It has all sorts of gears and levers that must work together.  If one pin doesn't connect properly, the clock doesn't work.  I marvel at the engineering every time I look at it.  I marvel thinking about the person who constructed all the parts and placed them in the proper locations.  And every time it chimes properly I now understand how many things had to happen together, in sequence, to keep time and chime at the appropriate times.  I've learned more about this clock than I ever expected to know. Now I would never try to fix it or adjust it myself, because I could easily create additional problems.  
     But my experience with this clock has given me a greater appreciation of what the Creator of the universe has done.  I think of how the planets and stars move according to precise patterns and how the seasons and even day and night always happen on schedule.  And I think of the human body with all of its many parts and how they function together.  I recently have had some eye problems and they have taken all sorts of pictures of my eyes.  It is incredible to see all that makes up just the eye and all that happens to allow us to see.  How can anyone doubt that there is a Creator?  Could one take all the parts that make up one of my clocks, put them in a bag, shake the bag and then pour out a completed mechanism?  Impossible, no matter how many times you would try to do this. But essentially that is how many feel that the universe and our earth were formed.  For me, I'll believe the scriptures ... "In the beginning God created the heaven and earth"!  Amazing!  Indescribable!

Righting and Rithmetic

Technology is having a tremendous impact upon education today.  Many students today have their own computers, smart phones and scientific calculators.  Word processing and keyboarding is taught in most schools.  Internet access in classrooms is common.  Typewriters, encyclopedias, slide rules, overhead projectors, blackboards and many other tools are becoming ancient history.  But the biggest challenge for educators is not just  learning to use these new tools, but deciding what topics no longer need to be taught.  For example, in mathematics, how much time should be devoted to teaching fractions, especially arithmetic operations with them?  Where are they used today?  When is the last time you had to divide two fractions?  What about long division?  Teachers used to spend weeks trying to teach this process and once again I ask, where is it needed today?  And if it is needed who doesn't just reach for a calculator to do the division.  Now some things are obvious.  Decades ago we stopped teaching using logs to do calculations and we eliminated slide rules.  Do you even know what a slide rule is?  This took about a month out of an algebra course.  
     But here is an even tougher question.  How much time should schools devote to teaching basic arithmetic - number facts and operations?  Now I know that there are still very many uses for doing calculations, but how often do you reach for your calculator rather than doing the arithmetic in your head or on paper?   And if you are any kind of sales clerk, your cash register will do it all for you - and much faster and accurately.  But if you don't teach it you are condemned by much of the public for not teaching basics.  And some would argue what will you do if the power goes out and you can't use your calculator  ... or maybe we should add if the sun doesn't shine and you can't use your solar powered calculator. Yes, I have actually heard such comments. So are you beginning to see the dilemma that educators are facing today?  
     Now let me add some more.  Should we quit teaching cursive?  After all, who writes using cursive anymore?  We've gotten rid of typewriters.  I do have an old one but can't get ribbons for it even if I wanted to use it.  We've replaced them with computers and word processors and they are so much more convenient and efficient to use.  But then if you don't teach cursive, how will folks be able to sign their checks?  Of course a growing feature of the electronic age doesn't require checks anymore - transactions can be done through your computer or smart phone.  And if you don't teach cursive, how will you be able to read the writings of our grandparents or historical documents?  And how important is that?  Oh yes, and while we are at it, how much time should be spent teaching spelling?  How many of us now rely on spell checkers?  
     Now I don't have the answers, especially as technology explodes.  My intent is just to raise some questions and share some of the practical curricular problems that educators are facing today.  And maybe there is little that we will agree about on this topic ... except maybe the elimination of typewriters ... and of course the slide rule.  (This blog was written on my computer, sent through the internet and spell checked, hopefully.)

One Of The 30%

Several days ago I read two articles that really surprised me.  The first was a report on a poll from Gallup that showed only 32% of Americans put together a budget each month to track income and expenditures and that just 30% have a long-term financial plan laying out savings and investment goals.  It also said that only about a quarter of those with a high school diploma or less say they live on a written budget.  I guess to borrow a line from our puppet Spacecat, those results just "blow my mind".  How do people live without following a written budget or financial plan? The poll also asked those who didn't maintain a budget why they skip it.  The most frequent response is that they spend it all anyhow.  So I guess the majority of folks live paycheck to paycheck, without a plan.  No wonder most are deep in debt with little hope of ever digging out.  I would also be in deep trouble if I didn't have a written monthly plan that I attempt to follow.  Of course, most Americans appear to follow the example of our government leaders who are leading us into bankruptcy with their uncontrolled spending and lack of planning or discipline.  The second article that surprised me is very similar.  Two-thirds of adult Americans are estimated to be without a will. Many people mistakenly assume if they die, their spouses will automatically inherit everything. That's simply not the case.  It's shocking how many people don't take the time to write a will to make sure their families are taken care of when they die. Not only does the state get to make this decision, but family fights could tie up your estate in probate court causing expenses and delays;   When you die intestate, meaning without a will, your estate will be divided according to the laws of the state in which you reside. The state will decide how your property is to be distributed. Most states generally distribute estates according to the following rules, with some variations:  1.  If you have no children, your spouse will receive your property.  2.  Your spouse receives half your property, if you leave one child or children of one deceased child.   3. Your spouse receives one-third of your property if you leave two or more children, or one child and descendants of one or more deceased children.  If you are not married and have no children living or deceased, your property will generally be distributed to the following people, in this order:   1. Your parents   2. Your brothers and sisters or, if they are not alive, their children    3. Your grandparents or, if they are not alive, their children (i.e., your uncles and aunts)   4.  The children of your deceased spouse    5.  Any relatives of your deceased spouse   6.  The state of your legal residence.    Of course, if you don't live on a budget, maybe there won't be anything left when you die, so why worry about a will!   I guess I feel strongly about the fact that as a child of God, all that I have belongs to Him.  And, because of that, I need to be a good steward of what He allows me to have.  And doing that requires me to plan wisely and honor Him not only with my money, but with my actions and decisions.  But then that is just the opinion of an old, retired math educator who has a will and has always lived on a written monthly budget.  I guess I am just one of the 33%.

The Corn Wagon

Recently we dropped by the famous Corn Wagon located on route 741 near New Danville.  It is about 10 minutes from our house. This farm market has become a favorite shopping place for vegetable bargain hunters from all around.  In fact, we have friends from Northumberland County who annually make the trip just to purchase corn.  From spring to fall the Brenneman family sells fresh produce, straight from their fields.  You can purchase home grown Asparagus,  Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower Eggplants, Green Beans , Hot Peppers (jalapeño & cayenne), Peaches, Peppers, Red Beets, Romanesco, Tomatoes, Turnips and Zucchini in season.  But the most popular crop is sweet corn, white and bi-color varieties.  Not only is it fresh, but you can't beat the prices.  Earlier this week the white corn was 13 ears for $3.00.  The day we were there it had dropped to 13 for $2.50.  And from the looks of the bountiful corn crops in Lancaster County - beautiful fields of corn for miles and miles - the price will soon drop to 13 for $2.00 and possibly even lower.  When we arrived there were probably 25 - 30 customers waiting.  Two large wagons had already been emptied and another wagon was on its way.  In a few minutes the next wagon, straight from the fields, rolled in and the crowd pushed and shoved to start grabbing the newly picked ears.  My wife was almost knocked over by one anxious shopper.  We bagged 26 ears, escaped to pay for it and then head home.  
     Everything is on the honor system and I imagine that many of these buyers cheat the Brennemans by taking more than they pay for.  That is sad, but a fact of life in today's society.  Some roadside stand owners in the county have had to install cameras and other security devices to catch thieves. Not much honor today. Many of those caught are tourists but there are some dishonest locals as well.  After our purchase we headed home to freeze the corn. Besides fresh corn on the cob, the next best thing is frozen corn right off the cob during the winter .  When we saw how nice the corn was I decided to go back to get another 26 ears.  A new wagon of fresh corn had arrived just before I got there so I again was able to quickly choose what I wanted.  Incidentally, a crowd was again there filling up their bags.  
     It seems that every time we pass by their location, there are loads of people waiting to buy.  And why not?  Fresh produce, right out of the field, at a great price.  We had just seen corn at our local grocery store - five ears for $3.99.  It was already husked and nicely cleaned, but doing that is just part of the enjoyment of the season in God's Country, Lancaster County.  And was the store bought corn fresh?  Probably a few days ago.  I'll gladly take my $10 purchase rather than the store bought for about $40!  And this winter I will enjoy it, down to the very last kernel.  If you've never been there, make it a point someday to visit the Corn Wagon.  It is an experience.

Keep Cool!

This excessive hear this past week has made me think about the old days, BC that is.  Now that wasn't a mistake. I'm old but I really didn't experience the years Before Christ.  I am talking about the years Before air Conditioning.  Now I am old enough to remember those days and some how we survived them.  I remember the long nights when as a youngster I used to take my pillow and sprawl on the floor in front of the open screen door to our side porch, just hoping to catch a breeze.  I recall trips in our car when all the windows were open in order to attempt to cool off.  And I am sure that I've also forgotten many days and nights of agony trying to survive the heat.  How did we do it?  When we were married one of the first things that we purchased was a window fan and for many years we used that fan to try to pull in cool breezes from windows throughout the house.  My father never lived in a home that had central air.  In his later years he finally did buy a window unit for his bedroom and one for his dining room.  And using those and a fan he survived into his 90's.  
     Growing up I don't remember homes having central air but I guess there were some - those who could afford this luxury.  I guess it might have been the early 1980's when we could finally afford a window unit for our bedroom.  Then in the early 1990's we finally arrived and had central air installed. About a decade later we had problems with the unit and had to replace it with one that was supposed to be more energy efficient and better for the environment.  It uses puron and unfortunately puron doesn't seem to cool like the previous ingredients.  We have it set at 73 and 73 with puron is not nearly as cool as it was at 73 before.  But it is still great.  
     Now my worst experience living without ac came in the months of August, September, May and June for about 30 years of teaching.  Our math classrooms were located on the third level of a building with a flat roof. My classroom and my office were usually on the east side - the sun side.  There was almost no cross ventilation.  It would be 90 when we arrived in the morning and it just never cooled off.  I wanted the district to install big ventilation fans, but they never did.  A service club did buy box fans for each of our math classrooms, but there wasn't much more than hot air to move around.  I don't know how any student learned anything during those months.  It was very exhausting for all of us. Today I don't think parents would even allow their kids to work in such conditions - but we did. I almost felt like I was in heaven when they finally built our new building and we had ac.  
     Now I do not remember when they first began to put ac in automobiles, but that was a luxury and only available to those who were "rich".  Open car windows were the only solution for many years for the rest of us.  I don't remember when we first could afford a car with ac, but it certainly wasn't until after many years of marriage.  Now I can't seem to drive anywhere in the summer without having the ac shooting out cold air.  In fact, the ac is broken in our Intrepid, so what do we do?  We just let it sit when the weather is hot.  I never thought that we would ever reach the place in life where we could even make such a choice.  PTL, we've come a long way.  
     I realized how "spoiled" I had become when we went to Pinebrook a few weeks ago.  For many years we stayed there without ac and survived with a big fan.  However, several years ago they finally installed ac.  But this time ours wasn't working.  I didn't know if I could even stay there without the ac I've learned to depend upon.  But finally they found a hole in the line and fortunately it was quickly repaired.  Have I become that spoiled?  I began to think that this must be the case.  But then, yesterday when the real temperature was about 98 and the humidity made it feel like 105, I went out to get the mail.  And I was shocked to see a young man quickly jogging past our house, with his ear phones on, not even breaking a sweat.  That answered my question.  Yes I am spoiled, but I am also old!  Keep cool!

Follow The Instructions

I admit that I continually get upset at people who can't follow instructions.  Maybe that is a result of teaching for 39 years. On the other hand, I guess not following instructions actually goes the whole way back to Adam and Eve.  And that can sometimes get you into real problems. There was a man who owned a giant gorilla and he'd never left it on its own. But eventually he had to take a trip, so he left his gorilla in the care of his next-door neighbor. He explained to his neighbor that all he had to do was feed his gorilla three bananas a day at three, six, and nine o'clock. But he was never ever to touch its fur.   So the next day the man came and gave the gorilla a banana and looked at it for a while thinking, "Why can't I touch its fur? Nothing seems to be wrong with it."  Every day he came in and sized up the gorilla for a little  while longer as he still couldn't understand. About a week later, he'd worked himself into a frenzy and decided that he was going to touch the gorilla. He passed it the banana and very gently brushed the back of his hand against its fur. Suddenly the gorilla went "ape" and started to violently jump around. Then it turned and began to running towards the man who, in turn, ran through the front door, over the lawn, across the street, into a sports car, and drove off. In the rear view mirror, he could see the gorilla in another sports car, driving right behind him and motioning for him to pull over. He drove for two hours until the engine began to splutter and the car just stopped. He jumped out and began to run down the street, over a brick wall, into someone's front garden, and up an apple tree. He turned around to find the gorilla right behind him beating its chest.  The man jumped down and ran back into the street screaming, until it became dark and he thought he'd lost the gorilla. The man ran into an alleyway then, suddenly, he saw a giant shadow coming down the street ahead. It was the gorilla! This time there was no escape. As the gorilla neared him, the man began to feel faint. The giant beast came face to face with him, slowly raised its mighty hand and said, "Tag! You're it!"

Where Have Good Manners Gone?

Yesterday I had a major surprise.  We were at Pinebrook waiting for the dining hall to open.  Outside the entrance door are two benches.  As usual they were filled with children and teens who were also waiting to eat.  It was hot and a number of us "old folks" were standing. Almost never do one of these younger folks think to offer a seat to the older ones who would really like to sit. Of course, neither do the young adults who often camp there.  Either they have never been taught good manners or they just don't have any respect for seniors.  But to my surprise, one young lady kindly offered us her seat.  And what made it extra surprising was that she was crippled and on crutches and had every reason to be seated.  We could not take her seat and I kindly thanked her for her thoughtfulness and good manners.  And, of course, when the doors opened, all the children and teens ran to be the first in the dining hall, nearly running over those of us who were waiting.  But this is no different than what I have observed and experienced elsewhere, although it is very disappointing that those most likely from Christian homes would be this rude.  A few days ago when I was walking at Park City, a young girl came around the corner – on the wrong side of the hall – and almost bumped into me.  Of course she was busy texting on her phone.  She actually refused to get out of my way and I was forced to move.  I "thanked her" for her "good manners".  I don't think she had any idea of what I was saying to her.  Seldom do the teens at Park City get out of the way of seniors who are walking.  Seldom do they allow seniors to go through the entrance doors before them.  And, of course, they must always use the automatic doors – I guess the others are too hard for them to open. Do they have no respect for older adults?  At church I often get disappointed during our coffee and conversation time.  I get my coffee and try to walk out of the area only to be bumped and pushed by children who are running to get their drinks and treats.  Sometimes my coffee has spilled.  Have they never been taught good manners?  Do their parents know how they are acting?  Do their parents even care?  Now I admit that I am getting old.  And I know that I am having more problems getting around and with my balance.  But I'm not really looking for special favors.  What I would like to see is some good manners and respect for older people – especially for those older than I am.  But maybe that, too, is a thing of the past.  But, thankfully, there are still a few members of the younger generation, such as the crippled girl at Pinebrook, who still model good manners, thoughtfulness and respect.

Construction Ahead

Our elected officials in Harrisburg did get a Pennsylvania budget passed and once again it was done in time and without any new taxes.  I will give them credit for that.  However, they failed to do anything to solve or help reduce the state's major pension crisis.  That debt is continuing to tear down the economy of the state and especially schools.  But as Nero fiddled while the city burnt, once again our elected officials did nothing but pass the problem on to the future.  And they also did nothing about a critical transportation bill which would have eased the problem of  our crumbling bridges and roads throughout the state.  But that solution, while desperately needed, would have hit us in our pocket books.  So once again they took the easy way out ... they did nothing.  However, despite their inaction, some road repairs are being made this summer.  In fact, I think all of them must be on roads that I travel.  In the last month, on routes 999 and 741, from Central Manor to Columbia Ave., there have been six construction zones, all with one way traffic.  And generally the lines of traffic have been very long. It is very hard to understand how the flaggers determine when to stop a line and when to allow the other a turn. Maybe because they must stand outside in this hot weather they want motorists to be frustrated and uncomfortable as well. I have been learning many new alternate routes, including going through some neighborhoods that I haven't visited in years.  The big challenge is knowing when they are actually working and stopping traffic and when they are just sitting there on their "extended" breaks.  For example, on 741 it appears that the crews show up at 8 am and then sit around or prepare for the work until about 10 am.  Then they begin to hold up traffic.  And even on days that they don't work, the signs are still posted about one-lane traffic ahead.  So do you gamble and continue on that route, or do you quickly seek an alternate route?  That all adds some spice to summer driving.  We also ran into the joy of road construction when we were in Milwaukee.  And, unfortunately, the GPS in our rented car wasn't ready for it.  While driving to the airport at 4 in the morning we were unable to access the roads to the airport because the GPS didn't recognize the construction and didn't get us in the proper lane.  So, in the early, dark morning hours, without a map, we drove around country roads - with the GPS "recalculating" - and finally we arrived at the airport.  But while road construction is needed and is very expensive, Penndot finds interesting ways to spend our money.  They recently installed a new large exit sign on 222 incorrectly spelling Ephrata - EPHARTA.  I understand that it will cost about $1,000 to correct the spelling.  Since spelling seems to be a lost art, I wonder if their spell-check didn't catch this one.  But my favorite construction story is what we saw today on Manor St.  In fact it so distracted me that I almost ran the red light!  One sign proclaimed an end of construction zone while a second sign right next to it proclaimed construction ahead with one-lane of traffic. The second one was correct. I guess they couldn't make up their mind that day or maybe they bill by the number of signs they post.  

To Retire Or Not To Retire

Everybody looks forward to retirement.  I recently heard that 70% of today's employees are unhappy with their present jobs.  Many are hoping that soon they can quit and enjoy the "leisurely days" of retirement.  But will they really ever be able to do so?  That is an interesting question.  Few companies are now offering defined pension plans.  The futures of social security and medicare are very uncertain.  Most folks have not saved nearly enough to retire.  And the growing question is how can a retiree handle exploding medical costs?  Whenever I hear of somebody planning to retire I would like to ask them how they will handle their  medical bills.  Fidelity Investments recently conducted some polls and they found that over half of those considering retirement felt that $50,000 would be enough to cover their medical needs.  Fidelity estimates that a couple of 65 year olds retiring in 2013 will need at least $220,000 to cover their medical insurances and bills.  The good news is that this is an 8% drop in the previous year's estimate of $240,000.  Now if medicare survives, it does provide some relief for those who purchase A and B and a D plan.  But that will only cover about 66% of one's costs and does not include over the counter purchases, dental, hearing and vision costs.  Nor does it cover long-term care needs which could wipe out one's savings.  And medical bills are rapidly increasing and will continue to do so.  Dianne recently had her annual colonoscopy and her bill was $3,294.  I had a biopsy and my bill was $6,613.  I had two cataract surgeries and my total bills for those were $18,153.  Now medicare wrote off about half of these costs. But that means that a non-medicare patient probably will be billed more for the doctors to regain these medicare write offs.  Medicare took care of 80% of the remainder of these charges and our gap policy and personal savings took care of the rest.  In addition, because of special physical needs that we have, for the first five months of this year are medicines have cost us $5,460.  And to help with those costs our insurances for the first six months of this year have cost us $4,176. With those costs and other bills we have shelled out $8,332 in medical bills for the first six months of this year.  That is a chunk of money for anyone, retired or not.  Now I am not sharing this to gain any pity.  Far from it. I am just sharing the facts.  I thank the Lord for relatively good health and for the resources to pay the bills.  If we would have had problems with hospitalizations and major surgeries and maybe even nursing home care, it would be much worse.  And those things do become more common the older you become.  So I think Fidelity's estimate of $220,000 is not too high.  And I warn any of you who are nearing retirement to make sure that you have counted the costs.  Retirement is great when you are healthy and can pay the bills.  But it is a real challenge when the cost of everything continue to rise and your income doesn't.  Of course Obama care will take care of all of these medical concerns.  It will probably do that by eliminating surgeries and refusing adequate care for those who are over 70.  So more seniors will just pass on more quickly with less care and less expense.  And, of course, euthanasia will most likely be the next step.  But then we seniors should probably better be able to more fully agree with Paul's comments, "For to me to live is Christ, but to die is gain".  

Liberty Or Not

For about 50 years I have had my auto insurance with Liberty Mutual and I have never had any problems at all.  Now I've not had any traffic tickets and very few claims during that time, so other than paying my bill, I've not had to deal with them very much.  Now as many of you may know, last January a lady went through a red light and hit us.  She admitted it was her fault but unfortunately I didn't have any witnesses or a police report.  And then she decided to lie to her insurance company and claim that I went through the light.  So for months our companies each claimed the other was guilty.  Finally it went to binding arbitration and the arbitrator couldn't assign guilt - so I guess we are both guilty.  So we are out $500.  My main gripe, other than that I don't think they really represented me in the early negotiations, is that I had to make all the contacts with them to find out what was happening.  Then a few months ago we had a seat belt accident with Dianne being injured.  No auto claims were involved but I was forced to go through Liberty Mutual because it happened in the car.  Her claims were paid and their customer service was very helpful.  But they are still showing both cases as being open and that is causing me problems.  That leads to the main problem.  When I received my bill for the coming year I was disappointed that it again went up 12%, even though I was not charged with the accidents.  I talked to AAA and they quoted the very same insurance for about $700 less, but they couldn't write a policy because my two claims were still shown as open.  I then contacted the company that has my homeowners policy and they couldn't give me a quote since the claims were still open.  So I called Liberty Mutual and told them that I was thinking about leaving them.  I sent them an email asking several questions but I never got a response.  So I finally called the office and found that suddenly they were able to give me the very same policy for $500 less. The agent told me that she had met with her manager and since I was a long time customer they would give me this break.  Amazing!  Why couldn't they have offered that to me originally instead of bilking me out of another $500 if I had just renewed without any questions.  So I thanked them and told them that I would stay with them given the new quote.  Actually I have no choice until they decide to close the two claims.  Since I had only 17 days until my policy would lapse, they said they would immediately put the papers in the mail for me to sign. Twelve days later they still hadn't shown up.  So when we got home from vacation I called them.  My agent was on vacation but another one said she would take care of it. She also offered me a new way to pay for it monthly without additional cost.  I hadn't been made aware of that option. Four days later I received the application to sign.  But as I was reviewing it, I realized that it was not the same as my previous policy.  There were two differences, the major of which was that they had dropped the collision on my 2009 Toyota completely.  I would have had no coverage at all had I caused an accident or had a repeat of the January situation. That was a major change.  I called the agent and she said that they had made a mistake and it would now cost me $98 more to get the same coverage I have had.  Now I am only saving $400 which is $300 more than AAA's quote.  How could the agent and her manager have made that mistake?  Was it really a mistake or a way to bring the price down so I would stay with them?  What if I wouldn't have caught it?  Why must I pay for their mistake?  I have asked those questions in letters which I have sent to their regional and national offices.  But I really don't expect any answers or changes. It will be interesting to see if they do respond or stand behind their original quote.  Stay tuned. But buyer beware.  Never sign without reading the details.  Can you trust any business today?  I guess for the time being I have no choice but to stay with them since nobody else will deal with me until they close my two claims and that should have been done a month ago.  And since my old policy ended on June 23, I need coverage now. So by their delays and possible deception I have had no choice but to renew.  But as I mentioned I did learn that when you have your charge deducted automatically each month from your checking account, there is no additional fee.  So I will do that and that will give me the chance to cancel their coverage whenever I want to and not lose any money waiting for a refund.  And that is a plan!  If you have an agent or a company that you trust and can recommend, please let me know.  I haven't shopped for auto insurance for about 50 years so it may be a new but necessary adventure.

Birthday Cards

Many old traditions are becoming a thing of the past.  One of those is the giving of birthday cards.  There are probably several reasons for this decline.  First is the cost of buying and sending cards.  A nice card can now cost nearly $5 plus postage. The second is because folks just don't care about others like they used to or they are just too busy to remember.  This year on my birthday I received three cards from relatives and six from others.  They were really appreciated, especially since a couple came from folks who surprised me. This year I did miss receiving a humorous card from my best friend, Jim, who passed away over a year ago. Last year I did receive one, two months after his death.  He had picked it out for me months before that. Now some folks have gone to sending electronic cards. I admit that we often use these to congratulate folks on their anniversary. They usually are free, cost nothing to send, and can be very attractive.  And while they are better than receiving nothing at all, they just aren't quite the same as receiving one in the "snail" mail, especially if it includes a personal comment  But they at least show some kindness from the one who took time to e-mail it.  For many years we - or I should say my wife - have made it a point to send birthday cards not only to our relatives but also to most of our friends, especially those from church.  It takes much time and it does cost us some money to do this, but we send out several dozen each month.  We really do it as a ministry of encouragement and friendship.  And quite often we receive very positive feedback of sincere appreciation for the cards, even from teens who often don't express appreciation. And many look forward to this card since they receive so few, especially from non family members.  Recently a mother and father in our church came to thank us not only for their cards, but especially for those sent to their children.  Now my conclusion is that in the rush of this technological world people need friends who really care and take time to show it.  And they sincerely appreciate those who do care and demonstrate it, even if it is with something small like the giving of a birthday card That can be money very well spent.

Integrity

Somebody recently sent me a story about integrity, something which seems to be missing in today's society.  I pass it on to you for your review.  A successful businessman knew it was time to choose a successor to lead his business. Instead of appointing one of his directors, or one of his children, he decided to call the company's young executives together. He said, "It is time for me to choose the next CEO. I have decided to select one of you."   The young executives were shocked, but the CEO continued. "I am going to give each of you a SEED today - a very special SEED. Plant the seed, water it, and one year from today bring what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will judge the plants you bring, and choose our next CEO."  One of the leaders, Jim, excitedly told his wife about the plan. She helped him get a pot, soil and compost, and he planted his seed. Every day, he watered it and watched to see if it had grown. Soon some of the other executives began talking about their seeds and the plants beginning to grow. Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. Weeks went by, but still nothing. Everyone else was talking about their plants, but Jim had no growth and felt like a failure. Six months passed, but still nothing in Jim's pot. He concluded he had killed his seed, but said nothing to his colleagues.  He continued watering and fertilizing the soil - he desperately wanted his seed to grow. When the year ended, the young executives were instructed to bring their plants to the CEO for inspection. Jim told his wife he refused to take an empty pot to his workplace, but she urged him to be honest about what had happened. It was going to be Jim's most embarrassing moment, but he knew his wife was right.   Jim took his empty pot to the boardroom. When he arrived, the variety of plants the other executives had grown amazed him. They were beautiful - in many shapes and sizes. When Jim put his empty pot on the floor, many of his colleagues laughed. When the CEO arrived, Jim attempted to conceal himself in back.   "My, what wonderful plants, trees and flowers you have grown," said the CEO. "Today one of you will be appointed the next CEO!" Then the CEO noticed Jim. He invited Jim to the front - with his empty pot.  Jim was terrified. "The CEO knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me fired!" When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked what had happened to his seed. Jim explained despite his best efforts, nothing had grown. The CEO turned to the group and asked everyone to sit down, except Jim. He then looked at Jim and announced, "Behold your next Chief Executive Officer! His name is Jim!"   Then the CEO explained: "One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back in a year. But I gave you all boiled seeds; it was not possible for them to grow. All of you, except Jim, have brought healthy plants and flowers. When you found the seed would not grow, you substituted a different one. Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive Officer!"  It is said: If you plant honesty, you will reap trust. If you plant goodness, you will reap friends. If you plant humility, you will reap greatness. If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment. If you plant hard work, you will reap success. If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation. If you plant faith, you will reap a harvest. So be careful what you plant now: it will determine what you will reap later.  "The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out" (Proverbs 10:9).  "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity" (Proverbs 11:3)

Through The Clouds

Recently we took a trip by air and the experience served as an interesting object lesson to me.  On previous trips I've experienced all sorts of weather.  Sometimes it was beautiful and clear and you could clearly see the ground.  Sometimes we've flown above the clouds where the sun shines brightly.  Sometimes we've briefly flown through clouds and storms.  But on this last trip it seemed like we flew through clouds almost the entire trip.  Sometimes it was a little bumpy, but really not that bad.  But as I sat looking out of my window I was amazed again at how the plane could be flown without the pilot being able to see where we were going.  How did he know what direction to fly?  How did he know another plane wasn't headed in our path?  The answer is simple - radar.  Radar is an amazing invention.  Among many other applications, pilots can place their faith in radar and guide us through the clouds, darkness, and storms to a safe destination.  And as I thought about that I realized that this is a good example of the life of a Christian.  Daily we travel through unknown circumstances and clouds.  Sometimes the sailing is calm, other times life can be quite bumpy.  We can't always see what is ahead or what tomorrow may hold.  But we put our faith in One who is more powerful, reliable and faithful than even the best radar device that man has.  We know He knows not only our today's but also our tomorrow's.  And our need is to trust Him to guide us through whatever is ahead.  When I was growing up there was a chorus which we sang quite often, especially in prayer meetings. "My Lord knows the way through the wilderness, all I have to do is follow.  My Lord knows the way through the wilderness, all I have to do is follow.  Strength for today is mine always, and all that I need for tomorrow.  My Lord knows the way through the wilderness, all I have to do is follow."  And whether it be the wilderness or the hidden tomorrow, He does know the way.  And He does provide the strength and all that we need for tomorrow.  Maybe at times we just need to be reminded of this truth.  And as the radar led our plane safely to our destination, so the Lord will lead us to the destination He has promised us.

View From The Mirror

Do you enjoy watching people?  I think it is interesting to sit in a shopping mall or another similar area and just watch the people pass by.  You see some interesting sights when you take the time to watch.  Recently I have been watching people in another situation - using the rear view mirror in my car.  Now I don't do that when I am driving, only when I am stopped at a traffic light.  And I have seen some interesting things.  The most common sight is watching folks talk on their cell phones.  What in the world did people do before cell phones?  And why must they use them when driving?  And even though it is illegal, I often see folks - especially young drivers - tenting.  Accidents waiting to happen.  Then there are those who are using their mirrors to fix their hair or their make-up - generally women.  However, I once even saw a man shaving.  I guess some drivers just don't get up early enough to get ready before they leave home.  And of course there are the musicians, bouncing and swaying along to their music.  Sometimes you even see their hands clapping and swaying.  And, of course, there are those who are enjoying some food - sometimes drinking (I hope not alcohol) and sometimes chewing on a sandwich or a snack.  And then there are those who are in the midst of a conversation with another rider or correcting their children.  It is interesting what you can see through your rear view mirror.  But often there are those who are just sitting there calmly or maybe even impatiently, waiting for the light to turn.  Sometimes their faces are blank or maybe have a smile or maybe they look grumpy.  I thought about this recently when a car was following me from Millersville towards Park City.  Every time we stopped the driver behind me looked so grumpy and sad.  I couldn't help but wonder if that was her normal expression, if she was just tired, or if she had a real problem.  Then she pulled into the LGH Health Campus and it went through my mind that maybe she was late for work or maybe she was going there for some serious tests.  Maybe her face was really reflecting her fears or worries.  I will never know.  But then the thought came to my mind that maybe a good simple ministry would be to pray for her as well as for other folks who I view in the rear view mirror.  Then the words of Steve Green's famous song came to my mind.  "Everyday they pass me by, I can see it in their eyes. Empty people filled with care, Headed who knows where?  On they go through private pain, Living fear to fear. Laughter hides their silent cries, Only Jesus hears. People need the Lord, people need the Lord. At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door. People need the Lord, people need the Lord. When will we realize, people need the Lord?"   What a profound truth which has given me a new motivation for using my rear view mirror while I am waiting for the traffic light to change.  Maybe you want to join me in this new rear view mirror ministry.