When I Wasn’t Old
Two party phone line. Mom did not like it. Another thing she didn’t like were snakes, but I did. When I was around age 8 or 9 I had forgot I left a live garter snake in my pant’s pocket. The next time she washed clothes she found a very dead and smelly pet snake.
I remember I went through a stage where I wasn’t nice to my parents. Finally, they had it! Time for a physical lesson. My dad took a paddle from our ping-pong table and told me this was going to hurt him more then me. Four or five whacks on the rump really hurt, but the end result adjusted my temperament for the good! No, I did not do that course of action with our kids.
I remember in my younger days my mom had a clothes wringer/washer. It was nothing like they are today. No dryer and she dried our clothes outside. Wonder what she did in the winter?
My dad built quite a model railroad in our basement. One place was close to the downstairs bathroom and if the train went to fast it would tip over inside a tunnel. He eventually put a hole in the wall so he could get to the overturned Lionel.
Oh, and one thing we had which was illegal, was a “one armed bandit.” It was fun pulling down on the chrome arm to see if I could win. Never did!
Do any of you remember seeing, for the first time, Russia’s “Sputnik?” I think the entire neighborhood came outside to see it as it flew pass in the sky. “All this when I wasn’t old!”
Kitty Cat for Dinner
From our daughter in Lockport comes this event last week. DeeDee is a cat lover and when at night she had a stray cat that wanted inside. She brought the cat inside. Well, guess what? They have security cameras and waiting outside, there sat a fox “and” a bobcat hoping for a feline dinner. A few years ago, they had a coyote in their backyard.
They don’t live out in the country, but there are woods nearby. Felix, the cat, was either very smart, or one very lucky, whiney stray cat.
Bishop Hill Restaurants
One thing I haven’t mention at this Swedish hamlet are the really great eating places. They are: The Filling Station, PL Johnson’s, The Colony Inn, H. Wyatt Bakery and Karns Kafe. Really, they are all excellent.
One of my favorites, Karns Kafe, have great sandwiches, and awesome milk shakes. The Henry County Historical Museum will close on October 31 and will reopen in the spring.
Chris Thurman
He works for the Colona Police Dept and is a good neighbor. He likes to read this column. I now have 6 people who read this column! My goal is to get 8 new readers for 2025. Lorna and our kids say they read Dan D Outdoors. Ha! Of course, when I quiz them about any certain article, they always change the subject.
Sweet Peas
We think this restaurant has “the” best spare ribs. We always end up getting a “doggy bag” so there is enough for another meal the next day.
We ate their last Friday and happen to see Mike & Brenda DeKezel. They were going to the GHS football game. That’s good so the other couple can explain the game to those two Belgians. We were just about to leave when Megan H. showed up for work. She wasn’t our server so I didn’t have to give her a 50% tip she always expects from us. All kidding aside, if you haven’t tried Sweet Peas, do so.
‘Da Bears
As of this writing they are 4-2. They have a bye week with their next game on October 27th. The NFC North Division looks to be really good. If the Bears can’t go all the way I hope the Vikings can.
Fishy Humor
I went fishing just for the halibut. 2) I whale always love fishing. 3) Oh, my cod, I caught a big one. 4) It’s o-fish-al, I’m addicted to fishing. 5) I told a fish joke, but if floundered.
Quote of the Week
“We have it in our power to begin the world over again.”
Thomas Paine