Veteran’s “Fly-in” Breakfast this Saturday, a poem for Mom
By Chuck Wiser, I write the words to share what my eyes see and my heart feels, pictured is his mother
With the opening theme of this weeks Wrambling being my theme as I approach my eighth decade, I couldn’t remember how or what is attributed to that “…Makes the world go round” phrase so again I consulted Dr. Google for its sage advice. I have heard the phrase in terms of “Music” and “Love,” but according to Google the most common phrase is “Money makes the world go round.” That may not be the most romantic terminology but it is probably more “black and white” logical.
I’m a big fan of Mike Baldwin both from radio and prose, and read his words nearly every time they are posted. His age dependent issues are pretty much in control these days so I will try not to step on his toes writing wise as I relate some of the same issues.
Several years ago during a doctor’s office visit I was told that “arthritis is present in nearly your entire bodies structural system.” Another doctor, more recently said: “Your body is an “arthritis machine.” Most recently, meaning yesterday, I was told that my body had lost 70% of something or other that prevents the effects of Vertigo and/or “Light Headedness.” Oddly enough, I have answered the nurses opening appointment session question; “have you fallen recently?” with a resounding: “NO, fortunately.” I then follow that with the comment that “I have certainly come close a few times.” My still somewhat present athletic prowess and agility, although waning, has saved me a few times. I have to arise from sleeping by slowly swinging my feet around so I can plant them as I sit for a few seconds on the edge of the bed before I stand. Due to severe “vertigo” I sometimes have to lean against the door frame to “stabilize” before continuing my walking.
I hi-lighted stabilize as that was one of my favorite words included on my Wiser’s Vocabulary list. The “Wiser Definition of “stabilize” is to “ride your horse into a stable.” As I prepared to write todays Wrambling, I wondered if I could find a poem to use that I have yet to share with you. Instead of that, I may use my old standby vocabulary list. I have a couple of hours to decide as it usually takes at least that long for one of these articles to be written, proofed, corrected and submitted to owner/editor Andrew Harris for his publication, typically in a Thursday issue of the Wellsville Sun.
Carrying on with the aging issue already addressed to start this piece, my wife has been trying to get me to realize that, in her words, “You can’t do what you used to do anymore.” I guess it’s not for lack of trying. Preparatory to yesterdays lawn mowing, the day before, I proceeded to use the “weed whacker” to go around the entire 2/3 acre plot, trimming weeds and grass adjacent to anything that I would ultimately mow around. It took nearly all day and my back throbbed, my joints ached, and a beer tasted great. Yesterday prior to using the riding mower I “cut in” the areas adjacent to those same obstacles with a gas-powered push mower to cut the grass closer, to give access so you can mow with a riding mower. I then commenced, and finished, mowing.
This week we officially opened our Sun-Bird Room to facilitate frequent viewing of the Orioles and Red Breasted Grosbeaks that have blessed us with their presence since their April 27th arrival. The chattering and chirping fills our ears with what our eyes can see.
I got yelled at by the birds yesterday. If you’ve never been “yelled at” by two Grosbeaks whose access to the Sunflower feeders has been interrupted by your presence filling the Jelly bowls for the Orioles, you have missed something. Chattering, approaching a “screeching level” resulted from one such intrusion yesterday. Our Grosbeaks and Orioles appear to have been domesticated somewhat by their hosts at their winter lodging as they will come within mere feet of us when we are replenishing a jelly cup or orange. Many people feed not only grape jelly to the Orioles, but also orange halves and orange marmalade. The Grosbeaks are content with the Sunflower seeds although every now and then they too will taste the jelly. I’m not sure why, but the Orioles generally shun the oranges, and even the marmalade until they start feeding their young. At that time it is common to see an Oriole fly away with chunks of orange rind hanging from their beak.
Pardon me while I sidetrack to a “brief” message. Many, many years ago I discovered a J.C. Penney clothing item that I purchased in a small quantity. I liked them so well that I stocked up with another few to give me color choices. When I say “many, many years ago” I’m talking probably close to 40 or more years ago. I refer to what was then known as the Buffalo Brand of men’s underwear. They were (and “were” is the appropriate tense of the term as the very last pair is now in the trash) a very comfortable fit. They were a cross between a “brief’ and a “boxer” style without the baggy legs. I have been down to that last pair until the elastic waist band separated from the cloth material and the rip finally sealed their demise. I have searched (Google again) and that product is extinct. BJ’s has a similar style, but they are nowhere near as comfortable, and are not available in “colors” and only produced as black or grey.
The saga of the Community Bank NA Debit card issue has finally, or nearly finally, come to conclusion, at least on my end of the debacle. I received a copy of a letter that has been sent out by the bank to investigate the fraudulent use of my card. Additionally, I have received a refund from the bank in the full amount of that which was “stolen” from my checking account. The only caveat is that the refund is subject to confirmation that there was indeed a fraudulent use of my card. It won’t be hard to establish however as I am not, and do not go by, “Mr. Phillips of Lakewood Colorado.”
A big reach out and THANK YOU to Community Bank NA.
As long as I’m talking about purchasing transactions I want to vent over an irritating aspect of making online purchases. I Know…I must not have “learned my lesson.” When an ordered item has been received, you immediately also get an email notification from the sender/seller asking you to evaluate or rate your purchase. For “crying out loud,” you haven’t even taken it out of the package yet 😉.
Here’s another “shout out” to area Wildlife Photographer Dan Jordan. Dan has expanded his aviary photographic splendor as he frequently posts fabulous “action shots” of the Orioles, a fairly recent addition to his sightings, and if like me, his “sighing” over the splendor that we are blessed by and with in our area. I sense that if we didn’t have the anticipation and reward of the presence of the “migratory” aviary additions to our area every Spring, and, if they were around “year-round,” the excitement would not be there. Need to brighten your day? Go out in the sunshine if present or stand in the shelter if it’s raining and drink in the beauty that surrounds you.
This weekend marks another area event sponsored by the Allegany County Veterans Association. Here is a link to their site and instructions on how to register. https://www.alleganyco.gov/event/fly-in-breakfast-at-wellsville-airport/
In honor of this Sunday being Mother’s Day I would like to share a writing of mine honoring mine.
If you have any comments, questions or concerns email me at IM.Wiserdad@gmail.com
