Jean's Birthday and other Fall Fun

Camera-shy Jean in bag with yellow crown and pink lips
Akbar joins the bag gang

The hitchhiker in Bill T's truck

Mike reads Don's shirt

Mike messes up Bill T's hair.....again!

This guy came to Sam's in his pj's and it wasn't even Halloween

Paul's 80th Birthday Celebration

Surprise!

Dr. Mike being himself

jean, Paul, Bill T, Gladys, Jack

Ravens' fans John and Dave

Jean hides behind a balloon

And hides

Doug and Bill

Doug, John and Bill

Paul and Dorothy

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)

One Day Events
The Fall 2009 Household Hazardous Waste collection event will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2009 at the Western Acceptance Facility (WAF) in Halethorpe.

The Spring 2010 Household Hazardous Waste collection event will be held on Sunday, April 11, 2010 at the Baltimore County Resource Recovery Facility (BCRRF) in Cockeysville.
Baltimore County residents may drop off unwanted household chemicals, paints, pesticides, mercury thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs, re-chargeable batteries, ammunition, fireworks and automotive fluids. No trash will be accepted at these events. No commercial or institutional materials will be accepted at these events. For more information contact the Department of Environmental Protection and Resource Management at 410-887-3745.

HHW General InformationHousehold hazardous waste materials include paint thinner, car batteries, polishes, insecticides, mercury thermometers and glues. These materials are too dangerous to be simply poured down the drain or placed into a garbage can. Some, such as gasoline, thinners, lighter fluid or glues and adhesives can catch fire. Others, such as pool chemicals and bleaches, can react violently with other materials to explode or produce toxic gases. Many, such as lawn and garden or agricultural chemicals, can be toxic if inhaled or ingested, and can cause serious medical problems. HHW is accepted at the Eastern Sanitary Landfill Solid Waste Management Facility (ESL) in White Marsh April through November, Monday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

In Jerusalem

My daughter, Katelyn, just returned from a wonderful tour of Israel. Of all the magnificant sights, look what she found in Jerusalem! L'chaim!

Gladys came in and looked great after her first chemotherapy treatment. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Paul did well with his second cataract surgery today.

Bill T. had a great haunted event at a party this weekend. Weather permitting, he will be hosting his own haunted house on Sanford Avenue this Halloween evening. Look for Leatherface lurking in the shadows......

If You Build It, They Will Fly

(Falcon the balloon boy)

• Glenn invites everyone to a Spaghetti Dinner this Saturday Night at St. Agnes School from 6 to 8 pm. Adults are $10 each, families $30.
  
• Happy Belated 80th Birthday to Paul (October 12)
• And Glenn celebrates his birthday on Oct. 19th!
• Also on Monday the 19th, Paul has cataract surgery on his left eye.
• Gladys starts chemotherapy treatments on Wednesday the 21st.
• Happy Belated Anniversary to John and Eileen! (Oct. 11)
• Congratulations to Alicia on the birth of her nephew, John Thomas.
  
• With Halloween around the corner, Bill T. has already been stopped by the cops for having body parts hanging out of his truck........

Medical Updates

Gladys is recovering at home and doing great. She was thrilled when Dr. Mike surprised her by sending a lovely flower arrangement.

Paul had outpatient surgery at Hopkins on Tuesday to replace his pacemaker/battery pack. He did so well, he was back at Sam's the next morning!

I went back to the doctor's yesterday since I was still coughing and extremely tired. Turns out that I have walking pneumonia. I am sure the antibiotics will soon fix me right up.

Hope the rest of you are well!

Happy 55th Anniversary, Jean and Paul

Greetings from lovely Natchez, MS. We have had a very pleasant visit with Dad's Navy buddies. We also had a chance to see some of the antebellum homes in the city.

Cecil, Paul, Bob and Jim share memories

Overlooking the Mississippi River with Louisiana in the distance

One of the outbuildings at Melrose House

A gigantic oak tree at Melrose House

Looking up in the Longwood Home, never completed after the Civil War broke out .

The octagonal Longwood House with onion dome. Only the basement level was finished.

Lacy ironwork at Stanton House; interiors were filmed for "North and South" .
A tour guide in costume.

Update on Gladys

Thanks to Gladys' daughter, Jackie, for calling Patty, who called me. The surgery went very well. Only one lymph node reacted to the dye, and that node was also removed. Remarkably, Gladys will be back home tomorrow! If you would like to send her some wishes, her address is:

Mrs. Gladys Tittsworth

12 A Maple Avenue

Catonsville, MD 21228

My parents and I flew to Jackson, MS and drove down to Natchez for Dad's Navy reunion today. My room overlooks the Mississippi River and the weather is sunny and warm. Thanks to Don for the ride to the airport. It was eventful for me getting out of the house. We lost power around 2 am when a car accident caused power lines to come down on Rolling Road. I have never packed by candlelight before (yes, I know, you non-procrastinators would have packed days ago). Power is still out at home at 6 pm, which I am sure affected the installation of our new floor and the state of food in the freezer.

Doug, were you riding your bike last evening in the dark? Thought I saw you on Frederick Road and later again on S, Rolling. You seemed to be everywhere!

Thinking of You, Gladys!

Doug stopped by give Gladys his good wishes.
The gang (Sorry, Janice, and Bill was taking pictures)
Don tries to steal the money!

Gene and Lois

Paul and Jean

Bob and Jackie surprised Jack with their visit

Sue and Harold

Best wishes and prayers go out to Gladys. She will undergo a masectomy this Thursday, Sept. 24th. I will try to post updates here on the blog about her progress.

We enjoyed a breakfast in Gladys' honor at Mimi's Cafe this morning. The occasion also marked my first day out of the house since getting the H1N1 flu way back on Sept. 9th.

And just for fun, here is a list of blog visitors since April! Crazy, isn't it?

United States (US)
1,525
United Kingdom (GB)
27
Canada (CA)
18
Australia (AU)
14
France (FR)
14
Israel (IL)
9
Germany (DE)
7
Ireland (IE)
4
Mexico (MX)
3
Philippines (PH)
3
Poland (PL)
3
Malaysia (MY)
3
India (IN)
2
Isle of Man (IM)
2
Spain (ES)
2
Chile (CL)
2
Korea, Republic of (KR)
2
Singapore (SG)
2
Indonesia (ID)
2
Romania (RO)
2
Italy (IT)
2
Ukraine (UA)
1
Netherlands (NL)
1
Russian Federation (RU)
1
Denmark (DK)
1
Belgium (BE)
1
Bulgaria (BG)
1
Europe (EU)
1
Switzerland (CH)
1
Croatia (HR)
1
Egypt (EG)
1
Peru (PE)
1
Liberia (LR)
1
Ghana (GH)
1
Bolivia (BO)
1
Brazil (BR)
1
New Zealand (NZ)
1
Argentina (AR)
1
South Africa (ZA)
1
El Salvador (SV)
1
Thailand (TH)
1
Taiwan (TW)
1
Morocco (MA)
1
Portugal (PT)
1
Saudi Arabia (SA)
1
Jamaica (JM)
1
Guatemala (GT)
1
Antigua and Barbuda (AG)
1
Turkey (TR)
1

Broadway Brassy Visits Sam's

Bill and Broadway Brassy

Kara with her Mom, Dorothy

Kara Dustmann, who performs in New York as Broadway Brassy, visited Sam's on Sunday. Bill T. recalled hearing her sing in "Annie Get Your Gun" at Catonsville HS years ago and had never forgotten her voice. (Poor Bill left the show after intermission because he thought it was over!) Kara sang a few lines of Patsy Cline's "Crazy" to Bill and promised to send her old fan a CD.

Prayers go out to Gladys, recently diagnosed with a serious health challenge.

Happy Labor Day!

The question is: What Do Retired People Do All Day?

Working people frequently ask retired people what they do to make their days interesting. Well, for example, the other day my wife and I went into town and went into a shop. We were only in there for about 5 minutes. When we came out, there was a cop writing out a parking ticket. We went up to him and said, 'Come on man, how about giving a senior citizen a break?'

He ignored us and continued writing the ticket. I called him a Nazi turd. He glared at me and started writing another ticket for having worn tires. So my wife called him a ####-head. He finished the second ticket and put it on the windshield with the first. Then he started writing a third ticket. This went on for about 20 minutes. The more we abused him, the more tickets he wrote. Personally, we didn't care. We came into town by bus. We try to have a little fun each day now that we're retired. It's important at our age.

Operation Welcome Home

Glenn reminds us to check the schedule so we can help welcome home our soldiers at BWI Marshall Airport. The link is http://www.operationwelcomehomemd.org/


And from John S.......

God (Help) Bless America !

A DC airport ticket agent offers some examples of 'why' our country is in trouble!

1. I had a New Hampshire Congresswoman (Carol Shea-Porter) ask for an aisle seat so that her hair wouldn't get messed up by being near the window. (On an airplane!)

2.I got a call from a Kansas Congressman's (Moore) staffer (Howard Bauleke), who wanted to go to Capetown. I started to explain the length of the flight and the passport information, and then he interrupted me with, ''I'm not trying to make you look stupid, but Capetown is in Massachusetts .''

Without trying to make him look stupid, I calmly explained, ''Cape Cod is in Massachusetts , Capetown is in Africa ''

his response -- click.

3. A senior Vermont Congressman (Bernie Sanders) called, furious about a Florida package we did. I asked what was wrong with the vacation in Orlando . He said he was expecting an ocean-view room. I tried to explain that's not possible, since Orlando is in the middle of the state. He replied, 'don't lie to me, I looked on the map and Florida is a very thin state.


4. I got a call from a lawmaker's wife (Landra Reid) who asked, ''Is it possible to see England from Canada ?'' I said, ''No.'' She said, ''But they look so close on the map.'' (OMG, again!)

5.An aide for a cabinet member (Janet Napolitano) once called and asked if he could rent a car in Dallas . I pulled up the reservation and noticed he had only a 1-hour layover in Dallas . When I asked him why he wanted to rent a car, he said, ''I heard Dallas was a big airport, and we will need a car to drive between gates to save time.'' (Aghhhh)

6.An Illinois Congresswoman (Jan Schakowsky) called last week.. She needed to know how it was possible that her flight from Detroit left at 8:30 a.m., and got to Chicago at 8:33 a.m. I explained that Michigan was an hour ahead of Illinois , but she couldn't understand the concept of time zones. Finally, I told her the plane went fast, and she bought that.

7. A New York lawmaker, (Jerrold Nadler) called and asked, ''Do airlines put your physical description on your bag so they know whose luggage belongs to whom?'' I said, 'No, why do you ask?' He replied, ''Well, when I checked in with the airline, they put a tag on my luggage that said (FAT), and I'm overweight. I think that's very rude!''
After putting him on hold for a minute, while I looked into it. (I was dying laughing). I came back and explained the city code for Fresno , Ca. is (FAT - Fresno Air Terminal), and the airline was just putting a destination tag on his luggage.

8. A Senator John Kerry aide (Lindsay Ross) called to inquire about a trip package to Hawaii . After going over all the cost info, she asked, ''Would it be cheaper to fly to California and then take the train to Hawaii ?''
9. I just got off the phone with a freshman Congressman, Bobby Bright from Ala who asked, ''How do I know which plane to get on?'' I asked him what exactly he meant, to which he replied, ''I was told my flight number is 823, but none of these planes have numbers on them.''

10. Senator Dianne Feinstein called and said, ''I need to fly to Pepsi-Cola , Florida . Do I have to get on one of those little computer planes?'' I asked if she meant fly to Pensacola , FL on a commuter plane. She said, ''Yeah, whatever, smarty!''
11. Mary Landrieu La. Senator called and had a question about the documents she needed in order to fly to China . After a lengthy discussion about passports, I reminded her that she needed a visa. 'Oh, no I don't. I've been to China many times and never had to have one of those.''

I double checked and sure enough, her stay required a visa. When I told her this she said, ''Look, I've been to China four times and every time they have accepted my American Express!''

12. A New Jersey Congressman (John Adler) called to make reservations, ''I want to go from Chicago to Rhino, New York .'' I was at a loss for words. Finally, I said, ''Are you sure that's the name of the town?'' 'Yes, what flights do you have?'' replied the man.
After some searching, I came back with, ''I'm sorry, sir, I've looked up every airport code in the country and can't find a rhino anywhere." ''The man retorted, ''Oh, don't be silly! Everyone knows where it is. Check your map!''
So I scoured a map of the state of New York and finally offered, ''You don't mean Buffalo , do you?'' The reply? ''Whatever! I knew it was a big animal.'' Now you know why the Government is in the shape that it's in! Could anyone be this DUMB? YES, THEY WALK AMONG US, ARE IN POLITICS, AND THEY CONTINUE TO BREED.

Idiot Sightings

From our friend, John S.

IDIOT SIGHTING:
We had to have the garage door repaired. The Sears repairman told usthat one of our problems was that we did not have a 'large'enoughmotoron the opener. I thought for a minute, and said that we had the largestone Sears made at that time, a 1/2 horsepower. He shook his head andsaid, "Lady, you need a 1/4 horsepower." I responded that 1/2 waslarger than 1/4. He said, "NO, it's not... Four is larger than two..."
We haven't used Sears repair since.

IDIOT SIGHTING:
My daughter and I went through the McDonald's take-out window and I gavethe clerk a $5 bill. Our total was $4.25, so I also handed her aquarter. She said, "You gave me too much money. " I said, "Yes I know,but this way you can just give me a dollar bill back." She sighed andwent to get the manager who asked me to repeat my request. I did so, andhe handed me back the quarter, and said "We're sorry but we cannot dothat kind of thing." The clerk then proceeded to give me back $1 and 75cents in change..
Do not confuse the clerks at McD's.

IDIOT SIGHTING:
I live in a semi rural area. We recently had a new neighbor call thelocal township administrative office to request the removal of the DEERCROSSING sign on our road. The reason: "Too many deer are being hit bycars out here! I don't think this is a good place for them to becrossing anymore."
From Kingman , KS .


IDIOT SIGHTING IN FOOD SERVICE:
My daughter went to a local Taco Bell and ordered a taco. She asked theperson behind the counter for 'minimal lettuce.' He said he was sorry,but they only had iceberg lettuce.
From Kansas City

IDIOT SIGHTING:
I was at the airport, checking in at the gate when an airport employeeasked, "Has anyone put anything in your baggage without your knowledge?"To which I replied, "If it was without my knowledge, how would I know?"He smiled knowingly and nodded, "That's why we ask."
Happened in Birmingham , Ala.

IDIOT SIGHTING:
The stoplight on the corner buzzes when it's safe to cross the street. Iwas crossing with an intellectually challenged coworker of mine. Sheasked if I knew what the buzzer was for. I explained that it signalsblind people when the light is red. Appalled, she responded, "What onearth are blind people doing driving?!"
She was a probation officer in Wichita, KS

IDIOT SIGHTING:
We were having a good-bye luncheon for an old and dear coworker, as shewas leaving the company due to 'downsizing.' Our manager commentedcheerfully, "This is fun. We should do this more often." Not anotherword was spoken. We all just looked at each other with thatdeer-in-the-headlights stare.

This was a lunch at Texas Instruments.

IDIOT SIGHTING:
I work with an individual who plugged her power strip back into itselfand for the sake of her life, couldn't understand why her system wouldnot turn on.

A deputy with the Dallas County Sheriff's office, no less.

IDIOT SIGHTING:
When my husband and I arrived at an automobile dealership to pick up ourcar, we were told the keys had been locked in it. We went to the servicedepartment and found a mechanic working feverishly to unlock the driverside door. As I watched from the passenger side, I instinctively triedthe door handle and discovered that it was unlocked. "Hey," I announcedto the technician, "It's open!" His reply, "I know. I already got thatside.

This was at the Ford dealership in Canton , MS

IDIOT SIGHTINGS:
When I left Hawaii and was transferred to Florida , I still had theHawaiian plates on my car, as my car was shipped from Hawaii . I wasparking somewhere (I can't remember) and a guy asked me "Wow, you drovefrom Hawaii to here?" I looked at him and quickly said "Yep. I took the
Hawaii/San Francisco Bridge". He nodded his head and said, "Cool"!
STAY ALERT! They walk among us... they REPRODUCE.....and they vote!

Why We Go To Sam's

Found these photos in a file and I don't believe that they were ever posted. Some old, some new, but all should bring a smile to your face. Have a good day!

Jack annoys his Dad, Bill , by squeezing his ear. Happy Father's Day to all this Sunday!

Glenn, Doug, Scott, Dana

Lois, Pat, Don, Bill, Mike, Gene

Cheney and Chase with Dad and Grandpa Don

The gang

Grandpa Don with Channon

Mike with his outerwear gift from Don

Paul and Harold

Max on Dave's bike

Max minus a tooth

Donate a Mammogram

Thanks for the info, Glenn!

Please tell ten friends to tell ten friends today!
The Breast Cancer site is having trouble getting enough people to click on their site daily to meet their quota of donating at least one free mammogram a day to an underprivileged woman.
It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on 'donating a mammogram' -- for free (pink window in the middle). This does not cost you a thing. (Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate a mammogram in exchange for advertising.)

Here's the web site! Please pass it along to people you know.

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Info From Glenn

Beginning Level Hatha Yogawith Ann Israel, E-RYT
No prior yoga experience necessary!
ALL ARE WELCOME!
Hatha yoga is perfect for you! Join us as we de-stress and cultivate a renewed sense of spirit and well-being.
This “Drop In” class is available to all: Members, Non-members, Men, Women, and Neighbors!
When? Tuesdays, beginning June 2 from 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Where? The Hunting Hills Clubhouse - the room will be air conditioned
How Much? Members $10/class Non-Members $14/class
How Long? This is an ongoing class throughout the summer, drop in only!

Questions? Contact Ann Israel, Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT) with Yoga Alliance at 410-916- 9450

You will need to bring your own yoga mat!

Plan to arrive a few minutes early on your first night to complete a brief form, so you can start on time.

Thank You

Glenn would like to say thank you to Andy for the money donated to him duirng his illness. Andy and his wife sold brownies and gave the proceeds to Glenn. Glenn's recovery continues, and he no longer has a feeding tube.

Hon Fest 2009

There's a Little Miss Hon Contest too.






This is Mr. Nose of Hampden, loved his crabby hat!














Next year we plan to dress appropriately and get our do's done.















Sunday worship in style.













Hampden was the site of the first electric railway in the USA in 1885.












We posed with Elvis as we planned next year's adventure.
Thanks to Pat and Patty for being good sports and going with me.
Love you, hons!