Tag: This That and Other Stuff

This That & Other Stuff

Bob Neuman For all fathers of daughters, here is a Valentine for your memory book, beautifully written by a local author, Brandon Schnabel. See if this rings a few bells. A Father’s Wish “May my daughter always know love is contagious. “Tradition tells us to embrace Valentine’s Day with chocolate, candy, cards and gifts. But…

This, That and Other Stuff

Thanking our SunBird veterans Bob Neuman Veterans Day is an official United States public holiday, observed annually to honor our military. The armistice that ended World War I was signed at 11:00 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. At that very time, SunBird residents will file into the ballroom to…

This, That and Other stuff

Whoever said work was fun? Bob Neuman Whoever said work was fun? When we were growing up, the thought of having our own money by doing part-time jobs was appealing. My experiences proved it was not always lucrative or much fun. I was quite young, and a neighbor wanted her fish pond cleaned out. I…

This, That and Other Stuff

  Bob Neuman As we grow older, we have less choice for our transportation. Many from SunBird spend time at their other home but are not sure of hard driving for three or four days. So that leaves airlines. Years ago, flights were leisurely and enjoyable and affordable tickets were possible. First thing we did…

This, That and Other Stuff

  Bob Neuman How would it be without your car? As we age, the thought of giving it up because of our driving ability is something we dread. Besides being inconvenient, it is another step toward the end. No one in SunBird was alive when the automobile did not exist. With horses, our ancestors did…

This, That and Other Stuff

  Bob Neuman In the ancient but great poem “The Odyssey” by the Greek author Homer, Odysseus has fought in the Trojan war and is attempting to return to his home in Ithaca. However, the gods are against him and send numerous evils to stop him. The Sirens, a group of lovely ladies, sit on…

This, That and Other Stuff

Bob Neuman Piano player Fats Waller is known for the silly song, “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter.” I doubt anyone would, but if so, would he mail it? Do you even remember the last time you picked up your pen and wrote a letter? This seems to be a lost…

This, That and Other Stuff

  Bob Neuman The title of a book by Thomas Wolfe is You Can’t Go Home Again. Hogwash! We do each time we leave SunBird to go watch our grandchild graduate or marry. I recently completed a visit in October to my Indiana roots where my three gregarious daughters live in different towns. Landing in…

This, That and Other Stuff

Bob Neuman With another Christmas so near, our thoughts turn to the birth of Christ, shopping, family and great dinners. Every family has its own way of celebrating. Maybe it would be well to take a solitary mind trip to reflect as the following gentleman did. Remembering Christmas The hardwood creaks as he walks the…

This That and Other Stuff

Dale Huffman and wife Jean

Bob Neuman Recently, an elderly man pushing a grocery cart came toward me. He was having difficulty with it, was limping and appeared very weary and sad. His cap said “World War II Veteran.” As he approached, I tried to see the other items on it. They included a Purple Heart medal and a row…