Merry Christmas

Left us in 2014

On Wednesday this week as I was doing the morning dishes, one of my designated tasks by the Mrs., the TV had “Today” on and they were highlighting the past year’s happenings. One of the sub-segments was recognition of those who left this world. A name that made me reflect on the past was Casey Kasem. Casey Kasem died on June 15, 2014.#

Casey Kasem was born April 27, 1932 in Detroit, MI. His birth name was Kemal Amen Kasem. Casey was an actor, producer and DJ who for decades was the original host of “America’s Top 40.” It was for that show that the reflection to the past stimulated this aging brain of mine. I find it amazing how our thought process, works, mine anyway. It can go from one simple introduction of thought and follow a path to include history, geography and individual experiences.

The year was 1965, I was in the Marine Corps stationed at the Marine Barracks, Earle, Colts Neck, NJ. # This base was a Naval Ammunition Depot and I was a young Sergeant working as a supervisor for a guard platoon. The month was November and most of my thoughts were to my pending marriage to my girlfriend in a few weeks. We ultimately would elope to Fall River, MA and begin what is now a 49 year marriage.

USS Massachusetts BB-59

On the night of November 9, I was in the Guard Bunker with 1/3 of the guard shift deployed to various areas of responsibility. It was a clear night, Sometime close to 5:30 that evening one of our marines in a guard tower opposite the Guard Bunker called, asked for me and I remember him saying, “Sarge, New York City is gone.” After some further conversation I decided to make the trek across the street to what was then Tower one. After arriving at the top I gazed to the northeast, there was no New York City. At least there were no lights to where New York City was.

The Wiki account of the power outage.# 

Darkness prevails in the Northeast.

I can tell you today that one of the songs I was listening to was, “Do you believe in Magic” by “The Lovin Spoonful.” It’s certainly amazing how those things stay hidden and then resurrect themselves. I’m guessing my Thalamus gathered a bunch of stuff for distribution in it’s day. Either Casey or Cousin Brucie Morrow# was the DJ on the radio, which one I don’t remember.The top 100 of 1965.#

Shortly after this memorable event our wedding took place in Fall River, we acquired an apartment in Audubon, NJ, Mary Ages worked as a new Nurse at the “Cooper Hosp”# in Camden, NJ# and we began our life together.

Eventually I would go off to Japan in 1967 and once again Casey Kasem would bring the nostalgic songs of the past by way of Armed Forces Radio. We all looked forward to the weeks “Top 40”. 1967 Top 100.#

This old man and Marine of the past will always remember Casey Kasem. Rest in peace Casey.

Songs shall always bring about reminders as I close my eyes and search way back there to remember.

Sam, Zed, Mia and Anna on the Road

Let The Journey Begin

The Oklahoma crew departed Saturday 12/19 for Frenchglen, OR by way of Colorado, Utah and Idaho. The Davies crew will wake up Christmas morning at Roaring Springs Ranch with the bulk of the Davies family. I’m sure some cattle wi be near by blowing steam out of their nostrals in the cold high desert air. 

On their way to Castle Rock, CO the kids stopped at Black Mesa State Park, Oklahoama. The highest point within the state is located in the park, (4,975 ft.). http://www.summitpost.org/black-mesa/151933  While in Castle Rock they would stay with Eric and Melissa Bringhurst. The Bringhurst family were a sponsor family for Zed while he was a student at the Air Force Academy.

The next night would find the travelers in Vernal, Utah with The great grandpa and grandma Davies.

Welcome to Utah

Great grandparents Davies

While in Vernal the kids got to show off for their great grandparents.

Welcome to Wyoming

Flaming Gorge Dam

Welcome to Idaho

Great Grandfather Douglas

Business Class

Sam and Zed heading to Jordan Valley, OR for a
Basketball featuring his brothers Scott and Jeff.

Cadet Noah Sternat, USAFA

Rather than head out with the rest of the Cadet Wing and go home for the semester break, Noah hung around with the rest of the Drum & Bugle Corps and made the trek to Boise for the Potato Bowl. Air Force beat Western Michigan 38 - 24 in Boise. With the win I’m sure Noah felt better of the delay in returning home after six months away. 

Noah, have a wonderful Christmas with the family.

Where in the World?

Jeff with Canberra, Australia Firefighters

Jeff made it home from Australia safely has recovered from Jet Lag and is now back in the office 

in DC for a few days prior to time off for the Holidays.

Merry Christmas all from Kathryn

Krause House Neighborhood Bonfire

The Krause family

Nancy Krause is a former work associate of my daughter Kathryn from their days with Mamsi Health Care insurance company. Over the years we have shared sleeping quarters for their families' treks to the Eastern Shore for the Sea Gull Century and our families' visits to DC for Marathons and Cancer walks. 

Each year the Gaithersburg, MD neighborhood where the Krause family lives, has a community wide Bonfire and Feed to collect toys and donations for Montgomery County children in need. Last Sunday I went to BWI to retrieve my granddaughter Abby on her way home from Mississippi State and we met Kathryn at the Krause house for the event. We would spend the night, have a few glass' of “Worthy” and catch up on time gone by. It was a wonderful night, with old and dear friends. Thanks guys for your hospitality.

A Worthy cause for sure.

Breakfast in Bethesda 

For those of you who don’t know, from 1990 thru 2000 our home was a Bed & Breakfast. One of our early guests was the van Wagenberg family. Frans and Amal and their two children Frans and Maria Helena frequented our home often through the years. The family became more than customers as we watched their children grow. The beach and ocean at Assateague were a main attraction to the family as well as relatives in the area. On numerous occasions we and our family have been their guests when in the DC area.

I had called our Bethesda connection Sunday evening and talked my way into a breakfast for Monday morning on the way back home. Ms. Amal and her sister Nora, (A special Love of mine) always make one feel like a King or Queen when dining with them. This morning was to be no exception. Abby and I would not go away hungry.

After breakfast and great conversation catching up on the kids, Maria is a Lawyer working in international trade and Frans is a Resident Doctor in Thoracic Surgery Amal took Abby and I to a few Bakeries and a tour of Bethesda’s wonderful shopping district. As is the custom when visiting this home, one always leaves with enough food to sustain life should we break down and be stranded on the way home for several days. Thank you Amal for your friendship and generosity.

Amal, Abby and Lee at the Bakery

Christmas in Ireland

My wife Mary Agnes is of Irish decent, Hagany being the maternal family name. We have a wonderful family of friends, the Oleary’s, whose man of the house Edmond is from Kilkenney, IE.  Mary Agnes and Ed’s mother Rita bacame close when Rita visited a few years back. At the moment the O'Leary’s are in Ireland celebrating Christmas with Ed’s family. There are others whom we know that are quite Irish also. This being the case, as well a having Christmas just around the corner, I shall speak of Christmas in Ireland.

The O'Leary family in London visiting Ed's brother and family prior to returning to Kilkenny for Christmas celebrations..

IRISH CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS 

Ireland, like most countries, has a number of Christmas traditions that are all of its own. Many of these customs have their root in the time when the Gaelic culture and religion of the country were being supressed and it is perhaps because of that they have survived into modern times.

THE CANDLE IN THE WINDOW

The placing of a lighted candle in the window of a house on Christmas eve is still practised today. It has a number of purposes but primarily it was an symbol of welcome to Mary and Joseph as they travelled looking for shelter. 

The candle also indicated a safe place for priests to perform mass as, during Penal Times this was not allowed. 

A further element of the tradition is that the candle should be lit by the youngest member of the household and only be extinguished by a girl bearing the name 'Mary'. 

THE LADEN TABLE 

After evening meal on Christmas eve the kitchen table was again set and on it were placed a loaf of bread filled with caraway seeds and raisins, a pitcher of milk and a large lit candle. The door to the house was left unlatched so that Mary and Joseph, or any wandering traveller, could avail of the welcome.

THE WREN BOY PROCESSION

During Penal Times there was once a plot in a vilage against the local soldiers. They were surrounded and were about to be ambushed when a group of wrens pecked on their drums and awakened the soldiers. The plot failed and the wren became known as 'The Devil's bird'. 

On St. Stephens day a procession takes place where a pole with a holly bush is carried from house to house and families dress up in old clothes and with blackened faces. In olden times an actual wren would be killed and placed on top of the pole. 

This custom has to a large degree disappeared but the tradition of visiting from house to house on St. Stephens Day has survived and is very much part of Christmas. 

DECORATIONS: 

The placing of a ring of Holly on doors originated in Ireland as Holly was one of the main plants that flourished at Christmas time and which gave the poor ample means with which to decorate their dwellings.

All decorations are traditionally taken down on Little Christmas (January 6th.) and it is considered to be bad luck to take them down beforehand. 

TRADITIONAL GAELIC SALUTATION 

The Gaelic greeting for 'Merry Christmas' is:

'Nollaig Shona Duit'

......which is pronounced as 'null-ig hun-a dit'. 

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

Irish Christmas Traditions - An article provided by The Information about Ireland Site. 

(C) Copyright http://www.ireland-information.com reproduced with permission.

The Romspert Family Christmas

Aunt Barb holding court.

Once again the Romspert Family Christmas took place, as has been the custom for over 20 years. As is always the norm, Aunt Barbara went overboard and was more than generous to all. Thank you Aunt Barb. Not one of the 42 members of the clan, some not related but considered family left hungry or wanting for drink.

St. Joseph was once again in attendance and the customary shot of Old Overholt was consumed as a toast to our dearly departed, Willis Clarence being the first to leave the rest behind. Each year the statue is passed on to a new guardian for safe keeping. Matt Rossi, don't forget the statue or bottle of Rye next year. We must also thank Joe Gilbert for instituting this tradition over 20 years ago.

A new highlight this year was the appearance of the Holiday Chip and Dales. God bless those boys.

L to R - Jeff, Ron, Gary, David and Joseph

To All;

This shall be my Christmas card to all of you. We are well and thankful for what God has provided for us and we wish you all Peace and Love from our home to yours. There is food in the Fridg and clean sheets on the beds, if your traveling in the area come rest ye heads.   

     

Lee and Mary Agnes

Getting Close to Christmas

Earning Money

ON Saturday, December 6, 2014 there was a a fund raising breakfast at the Allen, Community Hall. The menu consisted of Scrambled Eggs, Pancakes,Sausage, Scrapple, Fruit Cup, OJ, Coffee and toast. All proceeds were to go to the Allen Historical Society.

The existing Historical Society site.

I sometimes wonder how many people come through the Community Hall doors to nourish in any given year. Besides the Historical Society, The Asbury Allen Church, Lions Club, Fire Department and its Auxiliary regularly dine for one function or another. 

Lately it has been with sadness that post funeral gatherings have been feeding mourners who have paid their respects to the family of the deceased. Volunteers and the food they prepare are choreographed through the Internet by missives from one source or another. How this was accomplished in years gone by is beyond me.

Only one person listening, no NSA.

I was there early for the feed on this day. I sat with a local farmer and his wife and conversation at the table covered the silting in of our local waterways. We are a farming community surrounded by waterways which spill into the Chesapeake Bay. Every two years at election time, various theories on how to clean the bay become platforms for the candidates on both sides of the bay.

As different folks wander by, the conversation invariably changes to “how you been,” “what’s new,” did you hear,” “good food huh.” A village coming together, greeting folks they haven’t seen in a few weeks or months, catching up on the goings on. To carry the greetings further, once finished eating, a trip to the kitchen often takes place to thank the regulars who are always there with aprons on bringing the meal together. Should you attend one of these functions enough, you’ll see that certain individuals keep the same tasks from gathering to gathering. Personally I think I'd get tired of doing the dishes.

We have been fortunate to live here for the past 26 years, we shall always be “come heres” in the eyes of the “born here's.”  We shall forever be thankful that we did come here and have felt like we always belonged here. Thank you Allen.

After breakfast Santa made an appearance and had Christmas Photos taken with children. And yes, I said “Christmas”. Got a problem with that, get over it. Thanks Rick for a whole lot over many years.

Many in the community were going to a fund raising Spaghetti Dinner at a Salisbury church. Every weekend one can find a meal of choice here on the Eastern Shore. From fish, crabs, beef, pork or burgers and hot dogs, you can almost always find a meal of choice. We have but to check the papers to find which church or civic organization is serving what, where and when. And did I mention, “you cant beat the price.”

Up the River to Salisbury

It has been the custom for the weekend following Thanksgiving for “The Wicomico Yacht Club” to gather it’s boat owners for a Christmas parade of lights up the river. One boat routinely has Santa aboard to deliver the collected “Toys for Tots” that the Yacht Club conducts each year. 

Just a nice story from Tumblr

This is what the holiday season should be all about.

An anonymous couple walked up to the customer service counter Thursday at the Toys”R”Us on Cambridge Road in Woburn and secretly paid off the lay aways of eight unsuspecting customers in line.

Secret Santa Pays off Bills in Woburn, MA

Tiffany Nelson-Boyd, a mother of two young children, was one of those customers.

"She said, ‘Your secret Santa took care of it,’" Nelson-Boyd said, remembering what the customer service rep telling her when she finally got to the front of the line. "I said, ‘What are you talking about?’ And she pointed to the couple and said, ‘They’re your secret Santa.’"

Nelson-Boyd, who has spent years trying to catch up on medical bills after a long and costly battle with cancer, broke down. She says she cried, and hugged the couple as tightly as she could.

"I wish I could hug them again and say, ‘Thank you’ over and over and over again,’" she told News Center 5’s Liam Martin in an exclusive interview Friday. "Because I will never, for the rest of my life, forget that. That’s a lesson I will teach my children — that you put someone else ahead of yourself, especially this time of year."

She said she hopes this helps make this Christmas particularly special for her family — her husband, a 4-year-old boy and a 7-month-old girl.

"Those two angels that provided a nice Christmas morning for us makes it that much more special," she said.

The couple paid the lay aways of seven other customers, including a couple who had a sizable baby registry set up at the store.

In total, the anonymous donors spent $1,200, according to a Toys”R”Us spokesman.

Wordsmith

I'm a subscriber to Wordsmith and am including the word for the day of 12/9. It's the picture that led me to include this. Notice there is no Rooster in the Klatsch gathered around the table, a definite affront to " The Rooster."

Should you ever wish to increase your vocabulary Wordsmith is an excellent source. Only five words a week gathered around a universal theme.

klatsch    

No Rooster at this Klatsch

MEANING:

noun: A casual gathering of people for conversation, etc.

ETYMOLOGY:

From German Klatsch (gossip). Earliest documented use: 1953. Also see kaffeeklatsch.

USAGE:

"An employee entertained a group of about four other store employees. I stood nearby, looking around and wondering if I'd have to break up their klatsch."
Smokepole Questions Bring Out Hot Air; SHOT Business (New York); Oct/Nov 2012.

See more usage examples of klatsch in Vocabulary.com's dictionary.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

Who overcomes by force hath overcome but half his foe. -John Milton, poet (1608-1674) 


Where in the World?

As I mentioned in the last edition, Jeff is now in Canberra, Australia.

U.S. Chancery, Canberra

This has got to be a step up from Nigeria. Safe trip my friend, see you Christmas eve. Just as a side note, Jeff mentioned on Facebook that he was in an attic (I'm guessing pulling fiber) and was dealing with Possum Poo. They are just leaving a little holiday greeting for you Jeff. Why not call it some of the mystique of the job.

ARMY - NAVY WEEKEND

Last but certainly not the least is once agin a football game.

This is Army - Navy weekend with much going on in the town of Baltimore, MD. The events of the weekend culminate on Saturday, 13 December at M&T Bank Stadium with their annual Football game.

The spirit of the game really begins as the new members of the two service academy's begin their four year journey in July of any given year. At each academy knowledge of their school and branch of service is gained through a book. At West Point that book is "Bugle Notes."  At Annapolis the study guide for knowledge is "Reef Points." Besides the material inside these study guides, the number of days until Navy beats Army or Army beats Navy on the gridiron is quickly learned. For this posting coming from your scribe here at 'The Rooster," "Sir there is one day until Navy Beats Army."

The below listed site captures Spirit Videos produced by the two academies.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2014/12/11/army-vs-navy-football-spirit-videos-the-good-the-bad-and-the-hilarious/

This year the only thing on the line is pride between these two schools. The U.S. Air Force Academy has already captured the Commander in Chief's Trophy, having beaten both West Point and Annapolis.

This link will take you to the Official Press Release for the weekend events. http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Press-Release-Army-Navy-Game-Presented-By-USAA-Schedule-Of-Events/58f4eed8-e6cc-4394-9d1e-54cdf402c4db

Enjoy the game.

Bringing a smile to my readers.

Have a wonderful week, get that shopping done early and please, don't stress out!

December 5, 2014

Congratulations to the Davies family in Frenchglen, Oregon

Burns airs it out for 49-0 Class 2A football title win over Heppner this past Saturday: 

Meeting in the trenches.

HERMISTON – Burns scored on its first five possessions and ran away with the Class 2A state football title, thumping Heppner 49-0 Saturday at Kennison Field.

Burns completed an undefeated 13-0 season with the win behind a dynamic offense and smothering defense.

Burns allowed just 32 rushing yards and 98 yards of total offense. The Hilanders gained 507 yards of total offense, which included 237 passing yards from senior quarterback Austin Feist.

Feist, who completed just one pass in nine attempts in the semifinal last week playing in strong winds, connected on 10 of 16 throws and four touchdowns.

“We worked our butts off all year to get this,” Feist said. “We’ve got a great group of guys that puts in the hard work day in and day out, and Coach Graham always has us prepared.”

Burns coach Terry Graham wanted to throw the football last week against Regis, but the wind played too much of a part and they couldn’t. Even through moderate to heavy snowfall during the game, Graham was confident his team could move the ball through the air – and they certainly did.

“I didn’t think it would be like this against Heppner,” Graham said. “I figured we’d go up and down the field with them. We’ve been able to play the game we have wanted to most of the year, but this is a tribute to how hard out players worked. It’s not easy to get here.”

Heppner came into the game with a potent offense of its own, but just couldn’t get in sync due to Burns’ fast and aggressive defense. Heppner quarterback Kaden Clark was intercepted twice, and leading rusher Brian Rill had two carries for 19 yards.

The championship is the first football title in school history for the Hilanders, who dropped down from Class 3A this year. 

Burns running back Jeff Davies had an outstanding game on the ground with 188 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown, but the big damage was done with the forward pass.

“We felt like we could throw all year long,” Graham said. “We run the ball so dang well, sometimes we don’t even get a chance to throw. What a great win.”

Heppner ended the season 12-1, but with a bulk of the roster returning for them, the Mustangs could make another run through the 2A playoffs next season. 

“Hats off the Heppner, they are a great team,” Graham said. “What Coach (Greg) Grant has done there has been great.”

Stacy and Jeff Davies

Thanksgiving

We welcomed 27 family and friends to the house for Thanksgiving this year. Our Annex, a garage spruced up a bit with a full bath and heat served as the dining room. Each year we put our name on the table and chair list at the Allen Fire Co No. 15 and gather up a work party to load and set up the seating. This year we extend our thanks to Scott and Thomas Moore, Jeff and Abby Berthiaume for their gift of labor. Although I was there to get in the way, I’m not a whole lot of help any longer in the lifting segment of preparation.

All set and ready for the visitors.

Thanks to the Lord, lets eat.

n attendance this year were Lee and Ree Fiddler, Kathryn, Jeff and Abby Berthiaume, Sarah, Rachael, Tommy Palmer and Sarah’s escort Scott Moore, and his son and daughter Thomas and Samantha, up for a visit from Americus, GA. Barbara, Carolyn, Joe and Tera Romspert and Barbara’s escort Mike Gelsenan came from Lewes, DE.. Gary, Colleen and Erin Bifferato were here from Elkton, MD. Ron, Kate, Sarah, Beth and Megan Krajewski and Sarah Moore, also from Lewes, DE were here. Our very good friends Chuck and Jan Wojciechowski from 4 miles down the road, formally of Ohio were here with their wonderful Brussel Sprouts and Beans for 18. Of course this year the Beans were made for 27 with very few leftovers.

The Main course revolved around Turkey and Ham. Kathryn made what I shall describe as the best dang Sausage Stuffing I’ve ever had. There were 20 pounds of Mashed Potatoes along with Sweet Potatoes and Turnips. Green Beans and onions and Carrots were there along with the customary Cranberries, rolls and butter. Mac and Cheese complemented the meal also.All of the above could be moistened in a scrumptious Turkey Gravy.

The desert table held Pumpkin, Shoo Fly, Cherry and Berry pies to be joined by an Apple Cake and Tiramisu. No one left hungry and the leftovers were distributed as everyone headed home. A great meal, a great gathering of friends and family and another Thanksgiving to remember.

The Wojos  

These guys will greet you when you arrive at the Wojciechowski's.

Chuck and Jan Wojciechowski moved to Maryland 13 years ago from Bratenahl, Ohio. They have a unique waterfront property on the Wicomico River. Chuck and Jan have turned their 13 acres into sculpted paths with sitting areas, bridges and eye catching eclectic displays of smile stimulating items throughout any walk about their property. They are rightfully proud of their property and welcome anyone interested to tour their little piece of enhanced nature. 

Should you want for a walk with nature in a special setting, stop in for a visit with Chuck, Jan and their Terrier Emily. You will leave knowing you were welcomed with prideful warmth to their bit of natures setting.

It’s always a treat to go to their home over the Christmas holidays and stand in awe looking at their Christmas tree and decorations in their family room. Coming into this room from the cold outside one is always warmed by a fire in their wood burning stove. It’s a wonderful inviting space.

Where in the World?

Jeff as been home this week and will head out on Sunday to Canberra, Australia. If he's lucky he may get back home in time for Santa's arrival.

http://canberra.usembassy.gov

On Thursday of this week several of these holes were observed. Thanks to our former resident Danielle Nagele, a Risk Communication Specialist with NOAA who set me straight on what this was. Danielle has an extensive background in Meteorology.

The Sky Above Us

A Fallstreak Hole.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fallstreak_hole

I bid you all a good evening. Get that shopping done early, be safe and Semper Fi from the Land of Pleasant Living.