Thursday Morning

• We had a good turn-out on Thursday morning for the Catonsville Times reporter, Kevin, and photographer, Sarah. They were both very professional and kind. It will be interesting to see what they gleaned from our conversation. The article is scheduled to apear in the paper next week.
  
• I missed part of the conversation when I discovered that I had a flat tire. Thanks to everyone who helped get the first tire off and put on the temporary tire. Thanks also to Mom and Dad who got the car to Mr. Tire for me just before the rains began.


• Can't believe I missed taking a photo of Kevin and Sarah.....must have gotten off track with the flat tire adventure.


• Saw Jeff coming into Sam's as we were all leaving. I told Jeff that he had missed being interviewed. He said he hadn't missed it, he was having lunch with Sarah the photographer!
  

The Foster gang and friends on Sunday

Foster Gang and Friends

Don shares another theory of how the world works.

Laura and Don trade some verbal barbs.

Jo and Dave drop by.

Dimitri brings Laura a mysterious box from the back room.

It's a small world: Sharon, Pat and Kathy.

Sharon and Kathy are sisters. Sharon and Pat used to be next-door neighbors. Kathy's and Sue's kids played in a quartet together in school and are good friends. All meet accidentally at Sam's.

Don says goodbye to "his gal" on the way to Florida for several weeks.

He took the auto train down to visit with his in-laws on Thursday.

(Sing this to the tune of Frere Jacques:)

Don is gone,

Don is gone,

For two weeks.

For two weeks,

Maybe we will miss him,

Maybe we will miss him,

Maybe not,

Maybe not.

Grant Park Photos

Katelyn sent some of her pictures from Grant Park , Chicago on election night. She is still feeling jazzed from being part of the crowd of thousands that witnessed history. I can't wait to join her in Chicago next week and hear all about it in person.

Veterans Day Salute

Hi Sue,
I suggest you should add a post to the blog about Veterans Day. I know that Paul and Jack are veterans and I am sure some of the other Sam's regulars are as well. Plus a wish or prayer for those that we love that are still fighting for the USA may they come home safe to have years to enjoy bagels and friends.
Alicia

Great idea, Alicia. I know that Bill T. also served in Viet Nam. This editorial appeared on the official VFW website today.

Thanks to our Veterans Every War Has an End: Upholding Veterans Day

An Editorial by VFW National Commander Glen Gardner

Remembering America’s warriors is often an afterthought for many Americans. It’s about time Nov. 11 is paid its proper respect.Veterans Day, once a widely celebrated holiday, is increasingly forgotten by many Americans. One need only look at the poor turnouts at ceremonies on Nov. 11. With the percentage of citizens who have worn a uniform rapidly declining, appreciation for the sacrifices made by veterans is correspondingly diminishing.To help counter this trend, VFW has long promoted Veterans Day as an opportunity to educate the public as to the meaning of this significant time each November. This task can best be accomplished by explaining the five “Ws.”

Who. As a nation, we remember all Americans who served on active duty in the armed forces. While those who died always remain prominent in our memories, they have a special time of mourning reserved for Memorial Day. Veterans Day is an opportunity to publicly commemorate the contributions of living veterans.

What. Collective as well as individual contributions to the nation’s defense are what we are remembering. The outcome of any given military campaign is irrelevant here—it’s the sacrifices made at the behest of the country that are important.

Where. Across the land, the grounds of virtually every state capitol and county courthouse host monuments, memorials and plaques honoring those who served. They date back as far as the American Revolution and are as recent as the Iraq War. But paying homage to veterans need not necessarily be in a public place. Every private home also should serve this purpose when appropriate.

When. For some Americans, remembering veterans is a daily act. But as a nation, it is essential that we preserve the integrity of Nov. 11 as that one extra-special day for the American people as a whole to pause in silence or demonstrate public recognition.

Why. Remembering gives true meaning to sacrifice and service. Millions of Americans’ lives were forever altered because they donned a uniform to protect the freedoms and rights we take for granted. We owe an eternal debt of gratitude to them. And acknowledging Veterans Day is the time that debt comes due. It’s our way of keeping faith.

All of this is particularly relevant now, with the nation at war in Afghanistan and Iraq. Nearly 4,800 Americans have been killed in the two war zones to date. Approximately 1.7 million tours have been logged so far with 600,000 individuals having served there. About 325,000 of them have used VA benefits and services. Many, present as well as past, have displayed exceptional courage on the battlefield, as this month’s issue clearly illustrates.The 23.8 million veterans living in America deserve the recognition. It is often forgotten that legislative battles were waged over this day and its earlier version called Armistice Day in 1926, 1938, 1954 and throughout the 1970s. Let’s not take its value for granted.

Catonsville Times Reporter at Sam's

Mystery under table shot of someone's ripped pants??????

Hi everyone,

Kevin from the Catonsville Times will be at Sam's this Thursday morning, November 13th, between 8 and 9 am. He wants to talk with all of the regulars. He is bringing a photographer too! Please try and arrange your schedules to make this special occasion, especially the weekend regulars.

An Intriguing Email

Hi,
My name is Kevin Rector, and I'm a reporter at the Catonsville Times.

I came across the blog and thought it - and your group of friends at the shop - would make an interesting story for the paper.

I was hoping to get in touch with Sue, and then maybe visit the bagel shop and meet some of the folks who make up your seemingly tight knit group over there.

Best,

Kevin Rector
The Catonsville Times