Harvest Time

Just a short reminder that farmers will be picking corn and beans. There will be more farm equipment and semi-trucks on the road. Have patience and slow up. Also, be careful when passing, use your turn signals and be attentive.

September

This word comes from the Latin word, septem, because it was the seventh month of the early Roman calendar. Those of you who raise apples should be ready to harvest the fruits. Apples at the sides and tops of trees usually ripen first because they receive the most sunlight. Pick apples in the morning while it is still cool. Also, store them in a dark, well-ventilated frost-free place like in a garage or shed. Unrelated, but in a month or two we’re going to miss watching some bird species from our upper deck. In past years we noticed hummingbirds set their GPS for South America in September. We have two hummingbird feeders near our chairs. What I get a kick out of is when they will fly close to our face as if to ask, “Just who are you, Mister?”

Acorns

This is something I wondered about? Usually acorns that I see are brown, but I’ve also seen black acorns. Scientists are not exactly sure why some are black? It might have something to do with drought conditions.

Navy Reunion Part 1

By the time you read this we should have returned from my Navy’s ship reunion in Nashville. Love that town! Sadly, it might be our last reunion as we are all getting up there in years. Each year there are less of us old swabbies. Our reunion is held at a different location in our country. Its’ been held in Minnesota, Seattle, Ohio, Vermont, Mississippi, etc. We all served on the USS Independence CVA-62 and every year we tell the same old war stories, but its fun! The “Indy” harbored about 4,500 men and one young lady stowaway. That is a story in itself. Back then women were not allowed to serve on warships. It was an old tradition. The sailors that were responsible for hiding the gal paid dearly. They spent a long time in the brig (jail). Master-at-arms (Navy police) were no pansies and if you screwed up, well, they made sure you learned your lesson. I would join the Navy all over again. That old saying, “Join the Navy and see the World” was sure true for this sailor. Ha! Of course, as time moves on one forgets about some of the “chicken peep” one endured. Next week’s column I will share some Navy tales. One more thing. I have a new program entitled “Navy and Old Ships.” If you have a group of 25 or more, I’d be happy to present the new program. No charge! Let me know at: deboonelr@aol.com

Worse Battle

A hundred and sixty three years ago the worse battle of the Civil War took place. On September 17, 1862, the Blue and Gray fought the Battle of Antietam on the turf of Maryland. It left more than 23 thousand wounded or dead.

Arnie and Martha

A farewell and the very best to these folks on moving to Wichita, KS. Yes, they have a last name, but I gave ‘em privacy (as if that’s bothered me in the pass?).

Sea Humor

What is Moby Dick’s favorite dinner? Fish ‘n Ships.
How was the fish farm robbed? By hook and by crook.
What do you call it when crooks go surfing? A crime wave.
Lastly, why couldn’t the sailors play cards?
Because they were standing on the deck!