Darke County Ohio Senior Scribes

Our Ohio Boy, Boehner, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! Words show up in my mind. They form themselves into columns. I never really noticed until I read Forbes magazine. Then it "clicked." I've written about Ozymandias. I've most recently written about the "Mirror." Forbes Magazine credits John Boehner with "blindsiding" Obama. While Obama was strutting around "Ozymandias style" about having forced Republicans to raise the tax rates on "the wealthiest Americans... read more

Groundhog Day, By Lois Wilson
Once again Senior Scribe Poet Laureate Lois Wilson is on top of the season with her insightful look at the important events of the day. This time it’s the groundhog’s annual prediction… more bad weather or is spring on the way? Wilson's completed set - four volumes - of published poetry is now available and is offered as a fundraiser for the Senior Scribes Scholarship Fund. Enjoy great poetry and help... read more

When Children were Children… We actually talk to one another, By Sharon Hopper
Someone once said out of children come some of the world’s best ideas. I was talking to an old friend of mine the other day and she noted that when we were kids we did not have the phones we have today and I do remember that one of the things that everyone in my day wanted was a phone without a chord attached. I am sure someone from my childhood invented the cordless phone. However I could be wrong. Maybe it was years later, but I know we would have surely ... read more

Introducing Billy… ALLERGY, By Delbert Blickenstaff
I got along just fine after my operation. I can walk anywhere I want to but Dad says no T-ball yet. We have another problem though. Emily is about a year and a half now and recently she has been having trouble with her breathing. She coughs and makes a wheezing noise, and Mom says that it happens when she is around Nelly. I don’t think it’s Nelly’s fault because I’m around Nelly all the time and I don’t have any... read more

Darke County Senior Scribe… The snow arrives… then it’s gone, By Lois Wilson
Once again Senior Scribe Poet Laureate Lois Wilson is on top of the season with her insightful look at the important events of the day. This time it’s snow. Wilson offers three poems, each addressing a different look at the recent snowfall. The accuracy of predictions, the splendor of the ice spears, and finally, the inevitable thaw. Wilson's completed set - four volumes - of published poetry is now available and is offered as a... read more

President, Senior Scribes… I’ll Help, By Delbert Blickenstaff
“Ken honey, I think that we should talk about starting our family. We’re in our mid-twenties and we’ve been married over two years. I think now would be a good time.” “OK Pat, I’m willing to consider it, but we have to realize that it would completely change our lifestyle. And I think we both enjoy what we’re doing now.” “You’re right, but I often wonder what it would be like to hear the patter of little feet.” “I can show you.” “Who said that... read more

Musings of a Senior Scribe… Falling for the Mirror Image, By Mona Lease
Hi all!! Mirror, mirror on the wall - Who's the fairest (brokest?) of them all? In my last column, I wrote to Sharon Hopper about how we got to where we are, as a people, in what is supposed to be the greatest nation on the face of the Earth, our USA. Now, we'll look at what I believe to be the underlying cause. I mean no disrespect to anyone. It probably started with the surgery to remove excess eye skin on those stricken with Down Syndrome - the missing gene stuff we... read more

When Children Were Children… Fashion was not part of the curriculum, By Sharon Hopper
Baby it’s Cold Outside---is an understatement this week. I was looking at the children outside and was absolutely astonished at how poorly they are dressed for this weather. One can certainly tell that they are inside kids. No scarfs, No boots, No leggings, No gloves. Just a coat and open head and maybe a stylish type boot that is not geared for cold. I swear when I was a kid and one weighed 60 lbs, he weighed 80 lbs. with all the gear we used to wear. But that... read more

Introducing Billy… APPENDECTOMY, By Delbert Blickenstaff
The next day was Sunday and I didn’t feel any better. I was able to get up and move around a little, but I sure didn’t feel like going to church. Dad stayed home with me while the rest of the family went to church. Nelly was glad that I stayed home. Generally I felt a little better and I walked around a little but I noticed that I had to bend over a little because it still hurt. In the afternoon Grandma and Grandpa came over... read more

President, Senior Scribes… Costa Rica, By Delbert Blickenstaff
On September 6, 1991 Wilbur (Red) Long, Martha, Louise and I planted trees in a reforestation program at the University of Peace in Costa Rica. Red had planted thousands of trees on his farm on Boyer Road here in Darke County. I think that the prospect of planting trees on foreign soil convinced him to go on this Elderhostel trip. While at the University we heard lectures about past presidents of Costa Rica. The most famous was Oscar Arias Sanchez, who won the... read more

When Children were Children... Growing in the face of danger, By Sharon Hopper
Wow! It is winter once more and everyone seems to be shut up in the house. Doing what? I remember where I grew up we had winter. Snow and Ice. Not man made ice but real ice on a pond that could by any stretch be a bit dangerous. In order for us to enjoy the ice a few parents would go on the ice first to “check it” for us kids. After the all clear was given those with skates would proceed to do their thing. Sometimes that meant... read more

Musings of a Senior Scribe… Open Letter to Sharon Hopper, By Mona Lease
Hi, Sharon! I rarely read my fellow CNO authors' columns "on time." It's usually two or three weeks later. I like to see with whom I am "in sync." Something about your last column grabbed my attention. We, as a people, have traded every thing there is to trade -love, friendship, morals, heritage, birthrights, truth, justice, standards, property, our blood-semen-ova, children (abortion, porn, trafficking, etc.), the American Flag, honor... read more

Introducing Billy… BELLY PAIN, By Delbert Blickenstaff
On Saturday morning I woke up with pain in my belly. I felt sick to my stomach but I didn’t throw up. I had never felt like this before. I told Mom and Dad that I was too sick to eat breakfast. Dad is a doctor so he tried to figure out what was wrong with me. Dad told me to try to relax on my bed and he pressed on my belly a little in different areas. He kept asking me if it hurt when he poked me. Everything hurt a little but... read more

What’s God Got to Do with It… It's About Time! By Nancy Livingston　
A new year is upon us! Hmmm... I wonder if I'll refer to the new year as, "Two Thousand and Thirteen", or "Twenty Thirteen" ? And how is it that each year goes faster for me than the year before? Yet, here we are in the year 2013! Time is an amazing thing! We manage time. We waste time. We spend time. We save time. We wish time would come. We wish time would pass. Time flies. Time drags on. We schedule our entire lives around time, believing we... read more

Musings of a Senior Scribe… Some Trivia, Some Truth, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! Listen children to a story - That was written long ago - 'Bout a kingdom on a mountain - And the valley folk below. - On the mountain was a treasure - Buried deep beneath the stone - And the valley people swore they'd have it for their very own. - ...So the people of the valley - Sent a message up the hill - Asking for the buried treasure - Tons of gold for which they'd kill. -Came an answer from the kingdom - "With our brothers... read more

When Children Were Children… Paying the price for our neglect, By Sharon Hopper
I apologize for the absence of my articles the past couple weeks, but after the horrible thing that happened in Sandy Hook School it has been a rather thought provoking time and a time of great reflection on days gone by. What has happened to us as a people that we have so many monsters running loose out there to harm just about anyone. And because they usually commit suicide after such an act, we will probably never... read more

Introducing Billy… CARLOS, By Delbert Blickenstaff
Now I know what to spend my allowance on - a new baseball glove. I’m tired of using Henry’s old beat up glove. It’s about time to start T-ball again and this year I’m going to hit a home run. I know my arms are stronger than last year. Mom said that I could invite Carlos to stay over night with me next Friday. She asked me what Carlos would like for supper. I said “How about sloppy Joes,” but I think he will eat almost anything... read more

Darke County Senior Scribe… What a way to end 2012, By Delbert Blickenstaff, M.D.
I am the proverbial fly on the wall, and if you want to know what really happened at the celebration of Louise Blickenstaff’s 90th birthday, listen up. I saw and heard everything. The party started with a fried chicken dinner for about 25 members of the immediate family. The main meal was prepared by chef extraordinaire Mike Randolph and his crew at the Brethren Retirement Community. Family members also brought salads and a delicious chocolate cake. The Minnesota... read more

Musings of a Senior Scribe… Snow Blind, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I trust everyone made it through the blizzard! It surely was fun figuring where to put all the snow, huh? Seems like that's when all the "stuff" happens - just to try your patience. It looked like there were two snow plows every block and a half or so, aside from the professional ones. I called a plower and I would be 15th on the list? HOW? I was at an impromptu gathering. The conversation turned to money - there's a surprise!! I've been listening to... read more

Introducing Billy… DR. KELLER, By Delbert Blickenstaff
Grandpa did teach me a little song in Spanish and here it is: Frey Philipe, Frey Philipe, Duermes tu, Duermes tu, Toca la Compana, Toca la Compana, Tan, Tan, Tan, Tan, Tan, Tan. It is easy to sing and it didn’t take me long to learn it. Grandpa said it might be a lullaby that a mother would sing to her little boy Philip. I’m going to sing it for Carlos and see what he says. By the way, I found out that Carlos has the same last name as some of the baseball... read more

Darke County Senior Scribe… Who Gave The Shoes? By Delbert Blickenstaff
Louise and I were in the This and That Shop at the Brethren Retirement Community (BRC) on December 5th. Louise had selected some nice blouses from the collection of donated items. I was looking at the small amount of men’s clothing when I noticed a pair of new white shoes. I examined them carefully. I could tell that they were new because they were still tied together and still had tissue paper stuffed inside. But they were size 13. (I wear size 9.) The price... read more

Radios and Telephones, By Abraham Lincoln
During the War Years, a radio was as rare as a telephone. Very few people had radios or telephones in their homes. We had an old radio my dad got during the Depression but it wasn’t much to look at. I remember hearing President Roosevelt talking about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Later I listened to Joe Louis in his fights when he knocked out people in the first round. We did not have a telephone. Sometimes, my mother would give-out Freda and Joe... read more

Musings of a Senior Scribe… A Bay of Pigs and Chromosome 21, By Mona Lease
Hi, all. Castro led an armed revolt and overthrew Cuban dictator Batista. The USA did not trust Castro and his relationship with Soviet Union leader, Khrushchev. Eisenhower's administration planned to train Cuban exiles and invade their homeland. They counted on the support of civilians and military living there. The plan was to overthrow the communist supporters and implement a government that was friendly to the USA. Always something in it for the leader... read more

When Children Were Children… The thought that counts, By Sharon Hopper
Remember in one the earlier articles I mentioned that we were given about $10.00 to do our Christmas shopping with and that was in addition to the two or three that we saved from our allowance that was about fifty cents a week. I remember that because dad always gave me $3.00 on Sunday night and that was my lunch for a week and my allowance. Well I was remembering my Christmas shopping. This particular year was special in my memory because my.... read more

Introducing Billy...Terrible Shooting, By Delbert Blickenstaff, M.D.
Did you hear about the man who killed all those children? I’ll bet you did because all the TV people are talking about it. I don’t pay much attention to what’s on TV, unless there is a story about animals, but everyone is talking about this story. And asking questions. Like why did he do it? And why didn’t his parents stop him? Just think, some of those children were my age. They will never get to learn anymore in school. And never have any more birthdays. And what... read more

Brethren Heritage Tour, By Delbert Blickenstaff, M.D.
Other people have traveled the world much more that we have, but the trips which we have been privileged to take have given us a view of the world that we would not have had otherwise. The Brethren Heritage Tour is a good example. On July 11, 1983 Louise and others waded in the Eder River in Schwarzenau, Germany. We were part of a group of 48 Church of the Brethren members on a heritage tour. The Eder River is significant because that is where Alexander... read more

Washing Diapers, By Abraham Lincoln
Patty, my wife of 56 years, used to wash diapers by hand until we got an old Maytag wringer washing machine. She still had to dump the poop off the diapers and rinse them out using cold water from the kitchen pump. She stored them in a bucket of water. On washday, or when she was running out of diapers, she would pick them up and put them in the washing machine. The water was heated using a heater that you dropped... read more

An Old Crock Pot, An Old Friend, and a New, Wiser Woman, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I've been working with Mary Ellen - yup, straight out of the Blue Ridge Mountains - Cowboys don't cry/Heroes don't lie/Good always wins again & again/Love is a sweet dream. Trouble comes in bunches and she "runs." In her past, an old friend had been telling her to come down off "the mountain".- you can't keep "blindly believing" - you're gonna get hurt. You need to "watch and wait." - make them earn your... read more

When Children Were Children… My most memorable Christmases, By Sharon Hopper
I want to deviate from my usual tales about When Children were Children for the next couple weeks to tell you about my most memorable Christmases. I think at this time it is important to reflect and pass on the real meaning of Christmas. When I was about 27 or 28 we were very poor. I had a friend whose husband was a music teacher and in those days teachers did not make the money of today. Christmas was coming and neither of us had a dollar to... read more

Introducing Billy… BIRTHDAY, By Delbert Bickenstaff
My sixth birthday was the best ever! Mom and Dad gave me a new bike and is it ever a beauty. It’s bigger than my old one. I’m being careful to ride it only in the driveway because I don’t want to wreck it. After all the snow is gone I’ll ride it in the street. We did go to a high class restaurant for my birthday dinner. Dad picked the place. The waiters sang Happy Birthday to me and gave me a cake with candles on it. Then... read more

Darke County Senior Scribe… ARE WE CRAZY? By Delbert Blickenstaff
Concussion is defined as “a jarring injury to the brain resulting in a disturbance of cerebral function.” Football coaches are very aware of the dangers of concussions in their players, and they try to get the best head gear to protect them. The refs are very hard on players who cause head injuries. Why is it then that while we try to prevent concussions in one sport, we applaud and reward participants in another sport who are best at causing concussions? I’m talking about... read more

When Children Were Children… Santa’s letter written backwards, By Sharon Hopper
Well by golly we are still looking at the coming Holiday Season. Pretty soon school will be out and the children will be hunting for something to do. Now this is the time that my mom would give us our Christmas shopping money and she would take us to town. Naturally it was the dime store. Woolworth or Ben Franklin. I had a smaller brother and I would take his hand and we would shop for all the people we had to shop for. That was mom, dad, sister, brother... read more

Fencerows, © 2012 Fencerows By Abraham Lincoln. All rights reserved.
When I was a boy, sagging fences of rusted wire crisscrossed the countryside. Old cedar and locust fence post, burdened with vines, stood askew at regular intervals like rows of weary soldiers. Fencerows separated fields so farm animals could not get into the fields and eat the crops. Some fences were like new but others were old, broken down, and rusty. The rusty wire fence was overgrown with weeds, raspberry... read more

Musings of a Senior Scribe… Vanity Goes To Market, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! As usual, I have questions. So here goes - On November 30, 2012, the New York Stock Exchange concluded business thusly: (1) Bank of America (2) Advanced Micro Devices (3) Ford Motor Company (4) Sprint Nextel (5) Nokia (6) Yum Brands, Inc. [food for Kentucky Fried, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut] (7) Citi Group (8) Pfizer, Inc [human/animal small molecule vaccines] (9) ATT (10) Teva... read more

When Children Were Children … A celebration of life, By Sharon Hopper
The excitement of the season. Bells are ringing outside the stores and Christmas tree lights are blazing all over the neighborhoods. The city parks are decorated with scenes of Christmas, and in our town we had a small train ride for a nickel that we could ride all over the park to see the lights and displays. It truly was a grand time in my childhood memories. If It snowed and it usually did we would pile in the car and go for a drive to see all the ... read more

Introducing Billy… Spanish, By Delbert Blickenstaff
On my next birthday I will be six years old. That will be great! My birthday comes at a bad time, though. December 28 – between Christmas and New Year. Everyone is excited about Christmas presents and parties, and my birthday doesn’t get much attention. June 28 would be much better. Dad and Mom always buy me a nice present though. Also our family goes somewhere for dinner and this time I get to... read more

Child Art… Art of Adolescents and Adults, By Lois E. Wilson, Senior Scribe
It is hoped that the positive approach of parents and teachers to the creative efforts of both visual and non-visualchildren have helped children keep a positive attitude toward their art as the stage of critical awareness is reached. If so, they are more likely to continue the study of art when it is an elective. In adolescence, imaginative activity changes from uncontrolled to controlled. At some time, the child will think that the final product... read more

Darke County Senior Scribes… Our Carnegie Hall Trip, By Delbert Blickenstaff
We could see Times Square looking out our window on the 19th. floor of the Crown Plaza Hotel on 49th. and Broadway. We were there to prepare for a concert in Carnegie Hall. As a former member of the Manchester College A Cappella Choir I was invited to join the 2001 Choir, and about six other choirs from across the country, to present a concert. I decided that I wouldn’t get another invitation to sing in Carnegie Hall, so I accepted... read more

Musings of a Senior Scribe… An Old Diary, An Old Calendar, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! There's a 100 year old diary a WWI soldier kept. In a pocket of his uniform, it traveled with him on long, cold, wet marches through France. In pencil, he meticulously recorded the activity - marches, drills, rests, food, no food, forages into turnip fields to eat, stolen food from "KP", being able to eat at a table (some French people "hosted" the troops with a hot meal & bath before continuing the war), and the occasional baseball game - Red Team vs Blue Team... read more

Introducing Billy… Emily, By Delbert Blickenstaff
You’ve heard me talk a lot about Nelly, our yellow lab. That’s because I spend a lot of time with her. I think she likes be better than the rest of the family. I know she can’t talk but I think she understands some of the words I say to her. She likes to sit beside my chair at the dinner table. Maybe that’s because I let her lick my plate when I finish eating, if Dad isn’t watching. I haven’t said much about Emily, my baby... read more

Child Art… Pseudorealistic Stage (11 to 13 years), By Lois E. Wilson, Senior Scribe
Children enter a stage in which they have developed enough intelligence to tackle most problems, but in their reactions, they are still children. They know the uses of a pencil but will pretend it is an airplane and make motor sounds as they move it through the air. An adult doing the same would be considered strange. To adults, a pencil is just a pencil. The child’s imaginative activity is unconscious but changing to critical awareness. It is... read more

When Children were Children … Monopoly would last for days, By Sharon Hopper
I was just thinking today about the things we did in the winter to entertain ourselves because of the long dark evenings. Today every child seems intent on video games, texting, and playing with apps whatever they are, or reading a book on a device. I started to remember what took up the time. And ironically I was surprised at the intricate, mind work, and co-ordination that was involved in our pastimes. We were personally... read more

Bubble Net Feeding, By Delbert Blickenstaff, M.D.
Off the coast of Alaska the Humpback whales have an amazing feeding technique called bubble net feeding. It works like this. The matriarch whale in a group that usually numbers eight to ten whales makes the bubble net. She does this by swimming in a circle below a school of fish blowing out a constant stream of bubbles. As these bubbles rise to the surface they form a net that catches many small fish. While she is doing this... read more

Introducing Billy… A B C ‘ S, By Delbert Blickenstaff
Kindergarten is fun. We have already learned our ABC’s. We learned them by singing a song that sounds like “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” A B C D E F G H I J K LMNOP Q R S T U V W (doubleU)X Y Z Now I’ve said my ABC’s Tell me what you think of me. I can’t wait ‘till we learn how to write them. I’ve already told you about Nelly, our smart yellow lab. Well, yesterday she did something strange. Dad... read more

Darke County Senior Scribe… Thanksgiving Football time, By Lois Wilson
Once again Senior Scribe Poet Laureate Lois Wilson is on top of the season with her insightful look at the important events of the day. The game of the year is over with more Thanksgiving football yet to come. If you are a football fan (or the spouse of one), you can’t help but identify with her concise, to-the-point prose… Wilson's completed set - four volumes - of published poetry is now available and is offered as a fundraiser for the Senior Scribes Scholarship Fund... read more

Child Art… The Dawning Realism (9 to 11 years)
By Lois E. Wilson, Senior Scribe, Former Art Education Instructor, Miami University - The significance of this stage of development lies in children discovering social independence; they see that they can do more in a group of peers than alone. Most commonly, it is a same sex group. Girls may choose dressing up and parties; boys may prefer playing war, secret codes and rules for their groups. Cooperation with adults can decrease as children exert social... read more

Darke County Senior Scribes… O S C E, By Delbert Blickenstaff, M.D.
The late Dr. Robert T. Blickenstaff helped develop the Objectively Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) at Indiana University School of Medicine. Robert, my twin brother, was a research chemist with a PhD from Purdue U. His contribution to the OSCE program was in training his actor friends to be standardized patients. The medical doctors who were in charge of the testing program for medical students developed the scenarios... read more

Put it on the Bill © by Abraham Lincoln
There was a time, not that long ago, when you walked into your grocery story with a note. The note contained a list of items you needed. My mother usually gave me a note and told me to go to Boyer’s or to Pinkerton’s store to get the things on the note. Sometimes she also gave me money to pay for the items but more often than not, she would say, “Tell them to put it on the bill.” The “bill” was a sales receipt book all.... read more

Musings of a Senior Scribe… My Three Friends, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! For the last 10 months, the hype concerning Medicaid, mandatory insurance, and the like have escalated to dizzying degrees. So, consider this. Last March, I got "the call." " Betty Grable is in ICU. We took her there last night. We've been there all night..E.R., regular room, and finally to ICU. She is very ill. If you want to see her; you better go - today. If you don't feel you can drive, we'll come and get you." "Yeah, come and... read more

When Children Were Children … The true art of gifting, By Sharon Hopper
Oh Oh! First day of shopping for the Christmas season. Golly when I was a kid there were no such stores like Walmart, Target, K Mart and the like. But we had F.W. Woolworth and Ben Franklin dime stores. I always wondered why they were called dime stores, because even in my younger years the cost of everything was more than a dime other than candy or gum. And the term Black Friday was not in anyone’s vocabulary. It was the Christmas season and.... read more

Introducing Billy… Swimming, By Delbert Blickenstaff
Did you ever do a cannon ball off the diving board? That’s my favorite dive. Henry and I had to learn to swim before we were allowed to go in the deep end of the pool. Mom got us swimming lessons at the Y and the first thing we had to learn was to breathe out with our faces in the water. Then we learned to swim underwater. Henry can go all the way across the pool, but I can go about half way underwater. Next year... read more

Child Art… The Schematic Stage (7 to 9 years)
By Lois E. Wilson, Senior Scribe, Former Art Education Instructor, Miami University
After a long search for a way to depict people and environment, children create their own form concept or schema for these. Their human schema contains all the knowledge they emotionally connect with the thought people and this they repeat again and again unless an intentional experience influences them to change their ... read more

Dogs I have known, By Delbert Blickenstaff
Rosie is a two pound Chihuahua who comes to church almost every Sunday in the arms of her owners. Occasionally she wears a new sweater. I don’t know what she thinks of the sermons, but she seems to appreciate the music. Rosie’s owners have also brought their big black Poodle. This dog is trained to respond to hand signals instead of vocal commands, and she gets to visit nursing homes to show off her skills. Duchess was a Kerry Blue Terrier... read more

Musings of a Senior Scribe… The Visitor or Girls Around The World, by Mona Lease
Hi, all! From 10/06 - 10/25, John and Lana Johnston again opened their hearts and home to the Weirheim,Germany/Noblesville, Indiana Foreign Exchange Student Program. Now, I realize that this is roughly 100 miles west of Darke County. I'll probably bounce past and present on you but - Germany and all the cultures "over there" are remarkable to me. I am in awe of the way they handle problems. Take drinking... read more

When Children Were Children … A Day of Family, Love, Feasting & Playing, By Sharon Hopper
Oh Boy! It is almost Thanksgiving and I am so excited. I remember some very interesting Thanksgivings when I was a child. We always had a big dinner with lots of family around and of course that meant cousins to play with. My aunt and uncle lived on several farms as my uncle was often a worker for the owner and that meant we could play in the barns. Sometimes we went to Grandma’s house but I loved the farmhouse a lot more. While the women were finishing the... read more

Introducing Billy… NELLY, By Delbert Blickenstaff
We did go to the Fair again and we had a great time. Dad took the whole family. Henry and I got to pick a ride to go on and we tried to keep our arms up without holding on. It was fun. I especially liked the horse show and the llama show. I wish we lived on a farm so we could have some big animals. I would help take care of them. We have a dog at home, a yellow lab. We got her when she was a puppy about six months old... read more

Child Art… First Representational Drawings, By Lois E. Wilson, Senior Scribe
Four to seven years - Children when they scribble may intend to depict something but do not have the ability to execute this intent. When their drawings in the slightest manner start to show intent, the child has achieved a relationship with external reality. This is more important than the quality of their drawings. Children pull from their circular scribbles a circle which may become a head or wheel; from their back and forth scribbles, lines... read more

Farms Talk, By Delbert Blickenstaff, M.D.
What? You never heard a farm talk? Where have you been all your life? New York City? Of course you have to listen very carefully because we don’t make a lot of noise when we talk, like some people do. Let me tell you about my latest renter. I know, he uses the term owner. But let me tell you something. Nobody owns me. He owns the right to live here for a while, but nobody owns me. Anyway, a couple named Doc and Lou, and... read more

Thanks and Hugs, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I know this is somewhat of a reprint, but; I felt I should tweak it a little, given the feelings I've encountered since our recent "re-election." My brain screams down the "track" two weeks ahead of time, picking up passengers (thoughts) along the way. My body zigs and zags, sometimes ahead, sometimes behind. Sometimes they meet in a crescendo of insight. Normally; it's a quiet knowing deep within - a belief that refuses to... read more

Building with Logs, © By Abraham Lincoln
Schools were built close to a branch or creek for the convenience of having water at hand for the use of the scholars. Building a schoolhouse or a log cabin for a home required lots of helping hands. The weather could stop building for several days so it was smart to be under roof earlier than the rainy season and before cold weather set in. People came from all around on the appointed day with their tools — axes, crosscut... read more

Introducing Billy… Big Brother, By Delbert Blickenstaff
I’m older now than I was when I wrote my first story. I didn’t really write it but I told Grandpa what I wanted to say and he wrote it down. I know lots of words but I like to learn new ones. Like sawhorse. That’s two words put together. I heard Dad say that he was going to get a sawhorse and cut some boards. Now how can a saw be a horse? Or a horse a saw? I asked Grandpa and he explained it to me. He’s very helpful... read more

Controlled Scribbling… Scribbling: It’s Important for a Child, Part II
By Lois E. Wilson, Senior Scribe, Former Art Education Instructor, Miami University
During the second stage, controlled scribbling, children show more motor control over their marks. This indicates they are developing coordination between hand and eye which is reflected in their other activities such as eating and dressing. The child scribbles enthusiastically in repeated up and down, back and forth, or circular patterns... read more

Darke County Senior Scribes… Mask & Lyre Club, By Delbert Blickenstaff, M.D.
Mark was a 16 year old Junior at Plymouth H. S. Both of his parents were in the teaching profession, his dad being Principal at Warsaw H. S. This suited Mark just fine because it saved him from being teased by his classmates. Music was Mark’s favorite subject and he used his fine baritone voice in the H. S. Chorus and in a male quartet. His present goal was to be admitted to the Mask & Lyre Club. Mark was the only one of the... read more

Musings of a Senior Scribe… Thanks and Hugs, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! My mind screams down the track, two weeks ahead, of time picking up passengers (thoughts) along the way. My body zigs and zags; sometimes ahead, sometimes behind. Sometimes they meet in a crescendo of understanding. Normally; it's just a quiet knowing deep within - a belief that refuses to be bought or sold. Today was one of those days. Veteran's Day is here. Growing up, my Maternal Grandmother referred to it as Armistice Day. She explained... read more

Baling Hay, © By Abraham Lincoln
When I was growing up, I never got an allowance. My father was supposed to send my mother $3.00 a week for alimony, but there were weeks when we didn’t get any money from him. We always grew vegetables in the garden and that was our source of food in the winter and summer. We ate canned green beans from under the bed. Under beds is where most of the neighbors stored their cans of vegetables from the garden. We didn’t have money to buy a can... read more

When Children Were Children … Girls looked like girls and boys were gentlemen, By Sharon Hopper
In my youth not only were children free to exercise their daydreams, but you could certainly tell girls from boys. It was so simple. We had play pants for outdoor recreation, but in school and all other functions girls wore skirts or dresses and boys wore pants; mostly jeans, but clean up was a pair of casual pants and a front button down shirt. Now I have to honestly say that this was a nice idea but at times it could be rather awkward. I remember the day of the circle skirt of... read more

Introducing Billy... Out of the mouths of babes, By Delbert Blickenstaff
I’m five and a half years old, going on six. I don’t know how many days there are in a year, but I think a year lasts from one birthday to the next. Want to hear me count up to ten. Onetwothreeforfivesixseveneightnineten. See? I don’t think I need to count higher than ten cause I won’t need more than ten of anything. Like bikes. Where would you put ten bikes? The garage is already full. Or ten boots? Or ten baby... read more

Random Scribbling… Scribbling: It’s Important for a Child, Part 1
By Lois E. Wilson, Senior Scribe and Former Art Education Instructor, Miami University
When young children pick up a crayon or pencil and make their first marks on paper, it is an exciting time. Scribbling is more than fun; it is an important activity for their perceptual and motor growth. It contributes to their creative development just as babbling does to speech development. Children from all cultures scribble. The way... read more

What to do? By Delbert Blickenstaff
(Updated to correct error) Now what am I going to do? I need to leave now in order to get to Versailles in time for office hours. And here I am boxed in by an emergency vehicle. The date might have been May 21, 1968. The entrance to the ER was on the east side of Wayne Hospital, and my assigned parking space was next to the ER entrance. The emergence vehicle was parked directly behind me so I couldn’t get out. No one... read more

Feather Ticks, By Abraham Lincoln
Sometimes when I woke up, there was snow on my quilt. It blew under the window and settled on the window sill and on my bed covers. My bedroom was on the west side of the house, under a tin roof. Rain on that roof was so nice to hear—I still long for that sound (I hope Heaven has tin roofs). My bed was an iron frame with wire springs holding up a latticework of wires. A mattress was laid on top of this and that was my... read more

Musings of a Senior Scribe… An Indiana Indian Pow-Wow, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! For those of you who really know me - you'll know that Boredom is my constant companion. Saturday 10/13 found me headed for Winchester, Indiana's SilverTowne. I passed a sign half a block before that read - "All Nations Pow-Wow." My "antenna" was up and scanning - Flags, tepees, campfires - Yup - this "will work." With my business concluded, I went to the Pow-Wow. As I entered the grounds I heard - "Ya.ya... read more

Darke County Senior Scribes… When Children were Children - We were expected to succeed
By Sharon Hopper - The year was 1951. Summer. The Republican Convention had just convened. Boy was it different in those days. We had no television or mainstream media like today. People actually had to read and think about their decisions. Or hear the commentators on the radio. Radio? It was the main source of entertainment in our home. I can still see my dad and mom sitting by the radio listening to the speeches from the Republican Convention Floor... read more

M O N T E R E Y B A Y, By Delbert Blickenstaff
“The dolphin carries a loving affection….of man he is not afraid, neither avoids him as a stranger; but of himself meets their ships, plays and disports himself and performs a thousand frisks and gambols before them.” Pliny the Younger, AD 61 – 113 - Thus were we introduced to some of the marine animals in Monterey Bay in 1993. We joined a group of seniors on an Elderhostel program called the Monterey Bay Dolphin and... read more

Musings of a Senior Scribe… The Earl and the Bored Kiddies, By Mona Lease
I was talking to my Mom the other day. We were discussing (OK - maybe leave off the "dis") the fact that television has nothing - OK; little, to offer. I personally view Netflix. She prefers cable. We reminisced about the "good ole shows." I could not remember the name of my all time favorite show. Then the phone line went dead. I redialed and the line was busy. I went to the computer and finally found my show. It was Jack... read more

The Big City © By Abraham Lincoln
There are lots of places to eat in Brookville, Ohio — not to be confused with Brookville, Indiana with the big lake. Our biggest lake is in Golden Gate Park and while you wouldn't want to go skinny-dipping there with big snapping turtles, it is nice to sit and look. The place to go downtown for a meal or a cup of coffee is Market Street Cafe. Then for the big sandwiches, give O'Riley's across from the icehouse, a try. You can locate... read more

Darke County Senior Scribes… When Children were Children - A dual birthday celebration
By Sharon Hopper, Here it is fall and I was just thinking the other day about the trip we made every single fall about the time of my birthday, which is in the beginning of October. My grandmother’s birthday was the day after mine so we always had a family outing for the occasion. Now I am not so sure how children today would view this outing, but in my day it was a grand day and it happened every year. First we would go to my grandmother’s house and have a dinner... read more

Darke County Senior Scribes… Dissent, Detection & Other Political Stuff, Poems by Lois Wilson
The Senior Scribes Poet Laureate Lois Wilson is at it again. It seems she has a poem or two (or three or four) for just about every occasion. She doesn’t come across as a political person to those who know her, but her thoughts about the process are about as “right on” as you can get. Enjoy. Don’t forget that our Senior Scribes are prolific writers. Lois has published a series of poems, starting with “Slices of Wry” and “As... read more

Grandma’s House, By Delbert Blickenstaff, M.D.
When all of us cousins gathered at Grandma Butterbaugh’s house in 1930 it was a mad house. My twin brother Robert and I and our cousin Evelyn were the oldest. Two or three more cousins were added each year, so we had a mob. Our Aunt Lucille was only four years older than we were, and she functioned as our leader. One day we decided that we wanted to take a ride in a Model T touring car which was parked in... read more

Global Warming, © By Abraham Lincoln
Global Warming is here but this winter, for me, has been a cold one — like a lot of people: I can’t get warm. Our government is making new climate zone maps so people will be able to plant in their zone sooner rather than later. The planting shifts will make the 21st Century a hot one. The last time they changed the planting zone maps was in 1990 — that’s how fast our climate is changing... read more

Musings of a Senior Scribe… High Dollar Hobby provides Jobs, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! Today we're looking at the media hype concerning Ann Romney and the "horse problem and pain killer" solution. Here are a few facts: Around here, some everyday costs are: Lime is $9.00 a 50# bag, $95.00 - $125.00 a trip for the vet to come to you and administer regular vaccinations for one horse, for a 1/2 year, $100.00 - $150 for the farrier; (the guy who cleans hooves, trims them; they're like fingernails) for a set of shoes (4 shoes), $150 a month for feed... read more

When Children were Children ... We were free to be children, not prisoners By Sharon Hopper
I guess I grew up In a time where children had some freedom. Oh I do not mean free from rules and obligations, like school. What I am talking about is the freedom to play in a neighborhood without the fear of being stolen or worse. Our parents were far more trusting of the human condition than parents are today and with good reason. However, that freedom allowed us to have fun in ways that only free spirited kids can have. Like “Kick the Can”: a game where one... read more

What to Do? By Delbert Blickenstaff, M.D.
Now what am I going to do? I need to leave now in order to get to Versailles in time for office hours. And here I am boxed in by an emergency vehicle. The date might have been May 21, 1968. The entrance to the ER was on the east side of Wayne Hospital, and my assigned parking space was next to the ER entrance. The emergence vehicle was parked directly behind me so I couldn’t get out. No one was in the vehicle and I assumed that the EMT people were in the... read more

The Over 60 Crowd for Men
Author unknown, sent by a CNO reader - Q: Where can men over the age of 60 find younger women who are interested in them? A: Try a bookstore under fiction. Q: What can a man do while his wife is going through menopause? A: Keep busy. If you're handy with tools, you can finish the basement. When you're done you'll have a place to live. Q: How can you increase the heart rate of your 60-plus year old husband? A: Tell him you're pregnant... read more

Smoking © By Abraham Lincoln
Smoking. We've heard a lot on the subject over the years. The first thing I can remember ever trying to smoke, was crunched up dead grape leaves back in 1944, when I was ten years old. It didn't kill me but I didn't get addicted either. My next try at smoking actually involved a theft. We were letting a married couple live with us. She was the grocer's daughter and he was in the Navy, a Seabee, just back from Guam... read more

Musings of a Senior Scribe… The Tail and The Fleas, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I've been reading the hype about Obama and Romney. I've read the hype about Mandel and Brown. And my opinion is: You act like everything depends on these men. On the abortion issue - How about telling the boys and girls to wait until they are mature and stable enough to handle the consequences of having sex, "proving their love, "getting it on" or whatever phrase you care to use. I mentored a girl/woman a few years ago... read more

When Children were Children... Halloween pranks elicited discipline, not the law, By Sharon Hopper
I have to look back a long way to find all these stories, but I remember a happy childhood, without the word stress or any of these other new fangled diseases being mentioned. This time of year especially brings forth memories of Halloween pranks that we did. And believe it or not we were not even arrested or tagged as delinquent children from dysfunctional homes. I lived in a beach front area where most of the people lived year... read more

Darke County Senior Scribes… TWERPY, By Delbert Blickenstaff, M.D.
Hey, you scrawny little twerp. What do you think you’re doing? Standing out there on stage with Marilyn and showing off. Don’t you remember that I’m the dominant twin? I was born first and weighed the most. And I’m smarter than you are. At least I think I am. That’s why I gave you the name “Twerpy.” Actually we’re both scrawny little twerps, but I reserved that name for you. I don’t understand why Miss Graham... read more

Sleeping Accommodations... © By Abraham Lincoln
The bed I slept in was iron, rusted here and there; but some chipped, white, paint remained. Instead of a set of box springs and a mattress we had a set of flat springs that hooked into the iron bed rails and if you sank down, almost to the floor, then the springs were worn out. Between the mattress and springs mom would add one or more layers of newspapers to keep the cold air from seeping up through the mattress... read more

Old Dogs, Children, and Two Boost Cell Phones, By Mona Lease
I woke up Sept. 20th with Tom T. Hall singing "Old Dogs, Children, and Watermelon Wine" in my head. Lots of unusual stuff goes on inside my head - this was most unusual. In 2009, I started Doula training. Doula is old Greek for "She who helps." It mostly relates to childbirth now. They are licensed, but Ohio declines that. I had to go to Marion, Indiana. Life altering events hindered me from completing that. A Doula works... read more

Darke County Senior Scribes… Meet Bill & Joan Blaine, By Delbert Blickenstaff, M.D.
William (Bill) Blaine and Joan are world travelers. They have visited 41 foreign countries, mostly as a result of their involvement with The Friendship Force International. Bill and Joan became active members of the Dayton chapter in 1990. The purpose of the organization is to foster friendship between peoples of different cultures. “A World of Friends is a World of Peace” is the motto of The Friendship Force. Details of exactly how... read more

An Old Dog and An Old Leather Jacket, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! Didja ever have one of those days when everything just "fell into place?" Sat. 9/15 saw me dealing with my 6 year old Lab. In, out, up, down, and all around. Sigh, yip, arf, and sad, googly eyes. I'm not much better. I bought a Harley leather jacket a long time ago. I had thoughts of "breaking it in" with a first time wearing on a Harley - say maybe Signature Series. That didn't happen either. Then I remembered the Burn Dog Poker... read more

Darke County Senior Scribes… Hi Dad, By Delbert Blickenstaff, M.D.
Wow! Here I am on my way to perform the most important task of my life. I’ve been in cold storage for several months and I’m glad to be thawed out and on my way. You see I’m part of specimen #1 produced by donor #00700 in an IVF program. There are millions of other sperms also on their way to find that special ovum, and I’m going to win the race. Let me tell you about my producer, #00700. His name is Bill and he grew up... read more

Musings of a Senior Scribe… The Answer, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I left you with the question - In the movie The Wizard of Oz - "Who said the Wizard was a wizard?" Answer - "The Munchkins." Critical Thinking - With their limited understanding (we all have "limited" understanding), the Munchkins reasoned that only someone with exceptional mental capabilities could "fall from the sky - from another world." They could not do that. In the end, the Wizard explains that he can not get home... read more

From Monet to Taize, By Delbert Blickenstaff, M.D.
The French Impressionist Claude Monet is famous for his paintings of his Japanese gardens. We got to visit his home in Giverny, France on May 13, 2000 when we joined a group from Bethany Seminary. The tour was organized by Nancy Faus, retired Bethany professor, and our destination was Taize (pronounced Tayzay.) Nancy had conducted previous tours to Taize so she knew her way around France. We arrived in... read more

Poetry for Simple Enjoyment, Part 3, By Hope Louise Edwards Wills
This is the third in a series of poems by Hope Wills. They have been sent to County News Online by Senior Scribe Marianne Clark. Marianne said Hope writes about experiences that have been important or interesting in her life… her goal? Simple reading enjoyment. As with the others, we enjoyed them. We think you’ll like them, too. Don’t forget that Marianne’s Book, Yogi Boy Cox and Friends, is still available for interested... read more

What Happened? By Mona Lease
A couple of friends and I were relaxing at our Darke Co. Fish and Game Club. As twilight fell, we started in with our "war stories." As usual, that started my brain rambling. There was a time (Gee, I feel old) when a guy put his "mark" on his car or truck. Where ever it was, you'd know, Joe's ride. It could be anything - racing slicks, center caps, the rear end up maybe an inch or two, everything perfectly waxed, "all chromed... read more

El Paso to Ciudad Juarez, By Delbert Blickenstaff, M.D.
Rachel Zerkle crossed the bridge spanning the Rio Grande River from El Paso, Texas, to Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, several times a week. It took her 45 minutes to walk from Annunciation House in El Paso to Casa Peregrina in Cuidad Juarez where she worked as a volunteer caring for homeless women and children. Rachel is our granddaughter and we arrived in El Paso to visit her on April 1, 2001. She had graduated from... read more

Fall © By Abraham Lincoln
When tree leaves begin to change color and fall; it is fall. Fall brings back memories of great tepee-like piles of leaves burning along curbs. When you see pumpkins rotting on vines in weedy fields and choke on smoke from burning leaves; it’s fall. Fall is when spent flowers take on a startling change in their appearance. What was a beautiful, purple cone flower, that fed the world of honeybees... read more

Once in a Blue Moon, By Mona Leise
For those of you who wanted to read my writings again - THANK YOU. I'm still stunned. Thanks for your encouragement. A number of us are going through "life-changing" events. And yes, Deb; I agree. We need to stand together. We are all we've got. It's interesting - all of us are close to the same age... 50 - 56. We all grew up with the same moral teachings. I've only encountered women with the life-changing events. As we... read more

Remarkable People, By Abraham Lincoln
People — some 'remarkable people' have crossed my path over the years. My mother kept us alive when all hope must have vanished. My wife, these last 50 years, has been a calming influence on my life. I think of the dogs I have called my own, by personal name, who have kept my blood pressure low. Miss Beatrice Brown, my country schoolteacher who taught generations of kids in the small village where I lived. The Army set... read more

E R… By Delbert Blickenstaff, M.D.
I was an intern at Providence Hospital in Portland, OR, in 1956. The Emergency Room, ER, was fairly active because we got most of the skiing and other accidents from Mt. Hood. I was on duty one Saturday when some high school students came in with their injured friend. They had been climbing on Mt. Hood, which is a relatively easy climb, when a girl fell and pulled several others down on top of her. They had been tied together... read more

“What a Ride” By Phyllis Mong
When you are in your mature age aren’t you’re supposed to take it kinda easy? No Way! A great opportunity came along when my son from Rhode Island came for a visit. He came home a few days earlier than planned to attend a special event. The event was with the American Huey 369, an organization stationed in Peru, Indiana, that was appearing in a Veterans celebration at Fort Jennings, Ohio... read more

C O S T A R I C A, By Delbert Blickenstaff, M.D.
On September 6, 1991 Wilbur (Red) Long, Martha, Louise and I planted trees in a reforestation program at the University of Peace in Costa Rica. Red had planted thousands of trees on his farm on Boyer Road here in Darke County. I think that the prospect of planting trees on foreign soil convinced him to go on this Elderhostel trip. While at the University we heard lectures about past presidents of Costa Rica. The most famous... read more

From Abraham Lincoln… When dandelions bloomed
© By Abraham Lincoln - Heat and humidity was summer. Cold and ice was winter. We opened the windows when it was hot and sticky and closed them when it was raining or cold and windy. I suppose air conditioning was when the windows were open and the lace curtains flapped outside in the breeze. Most families felt lucky to have a roof over their heads and to have survived The Great Depression. If it was hot outside it was... read more

Brethren Retirement Community... Meet Jim Fourman, By Delbert Blickenstaff
It’s good that the price of gasoline was only 21 cents a gallon in 1950. Otherwise Jim would not have been able to make his frequent trips (almost weekly) from Dayton to North Manchester, Indiana to see his sweetie, Donna Olinger. Donna was a Freshman at Manchester College and they had met at the home of her roommate, Beverly Bright, near Vandalia. Jim remembers that he proposed in a canoe on the Old River ... read more

John Hanes’ Horse Barn, By Abraham Lincoln
This barn housed race horses. I never saw them race but when I was small John still had a horse or two in this barn. Gordon, Ohio, where this barn is still located, and where I was born, was a bustling village of a hundred or two families between 1848, when the village was platted, and 1860. There was a man, south of town, who did have a race track built for horse races and no doubt John Hanes raced his horses there... read more

Not My Doctor, By Delbert Blickenstaff
Bob arrived ten minutes early for his appointment with Dr. Madison. He was anxious to find answers to questions about his symptom of vomiting at 2 AM. That’s why he asked his family physician to refer him to a specialist, a gastroenterologist. As Bob sat in the waiting room, thumbing through a back issue of National Geographic, he reviewed his medical history: coronary artery bypass surgery, total right knee replacement, and... read more

Big, Fat, Yellow Pencils, By Abraham Lincoln
I can still remember the big, fat, yellow pencil I took to school that first day when I became a first grader at Gordon school. It was a big one and Miss Beatrice Brown had to sharpen it with her pen knife as the two pencil sharpeners mounted on opposite walls of the school house had no holes to sharpen big, fat, yellow pencils. I can remember that I also had some problems learning how to draw letters or draw the numbers... read more

Dayton Business Journal... Baby Boomers present plenty of opportunities for innovation
Commentary by Mike Mitchell - The needs of the aging Baby Boomer generation will create significant opportunities for innovation. Unlike their parents, boomers will not slip quietly away into old age. Instead, they will reshape what growing old looks like and in the process define the new needs of the elderly. The roar which boomers have made at each stage of their lives is about to rock the world of innovation as they roll into retirement and beyond. Nowhere... read more

Senior Scribes... Poetry for Simple Enjoyment, Part 2… By Hope Louise Edwards Wills
About a month ago, County News Online published a series of poems by Hope Wills. You can see them here. Five more poems have been submitted for your “Simple Enjoyment” by Senior Scribe Marianne Clark. In one poem, The Way West, Hope writes about one of the notable experiences of her life... “When we got to Saint Louis this rhyme was born. It’s strange but I didn’t see highways and all the tourist trappings of today. I saw... read more

Darke County Senior Scribes… Lois Wilson pays tribute to Independence Day
The Senior Scribes Poet Laureate Lois Wilson usually has something to say about our holidays, changes of season and any other event worthy of notice. Independence Day is no different. Below are two poems designed specifically for this day... also, don’t forget she has published two of a series of books of her poems. Click on the above banner for details. THE FOURTH OF JULY By Lois Wilson ... read more

Darke County Senior Scribes… Heat Wave, By Lois Wilson
Heat advisories have been issued. Restrictions on burning have been issued. Darke County Senior Scribes Poet Laureate Lois Wilson first published these in The Early Bird in 2010... she acknowledges, however, that the current heat wave is a little heftier than the one that occurred then. Be sure to check CNO Books for offerings from her and other Senior Scribes writers... read more

Senior Scribes... That “Special Dog’s Story” now available to readers
Proceeds to benefit CNO and the Senior Scribes Scholarship Fund - After decades of having his story told to grandchildren and friends, Yogi Boy Cox has achieved immortality through a new book... “Yogi Boy Cox and Friends,” by Senior Scribe Marianne Cox Clark. It’s sale will benefit young people seeking scholarships through the Senor Scribes Scholarship Fund. All proceeds will be turned over to... read more

Senior Scribes... Poetry for Simple Enjoyment, By Hope Louise Edwards Wills
Hope Wills lives in Adrian, Mich., formerly of Union City, Ohio. She’s an avid reader and loves to write. Hope is the librarian at the highrise where she currently lives, as well as previously at the highrise she writes about in many of her poems. Hope is married and her children have families of their own... she has written about some of her grandchildren. This poetry series has been submitted, with the author’s permission, by... read more

Senior Scribes... Lois Wilson’s Springtime
Once again, Senior Scribe Poet Laureate Lois Wilson offers her thoughts on a changing season... It’s springtime. She has published the first two of a planned series of four or five. The third will be available soon. Wilson is offering these booklets to anyone who is willing to help in the Darke County Senior Scribes’ endeavor to provide scholarships to Darke County youth. The Scribes is a not for profit organization dedicated... read more

Darke County Senior Scribes... Poet Laurate Lois Wilson: Thoughts for Easter
Recently County News Online posted a release from the Darke County Senior Scribes that local poet Lois Wilson has published her first of four books of verse, “Slices of Wry.” This first in the series is available for a $10 donation to the Senior Scribes Scholarship Fund. The booklets are currently available and anyone interested may contact a Scribe member or email Lois at loiswilson@darkecountyseniors... read more

Darke County Senior Scribes... March Moon, Slothful Winter, By Beverly Hughes
This has been a strange winter. Senior Scribes poet Bev Hughes offers her take on the March moon of winters past and the unusually mild winter of 2012. Bev’s articles appear in County News Online and the Early Bird Newspaper. Senior Scribes is a group of adults with a common purpose... we love to write. New members are always welcome. Drop a line to CNO if you’d like more information... read more

Darke County Senior Scribes... St. Patrick’s Day... Irish Cream, By Lois Wilson
From Darke County’s Senior Scribes Poet Laureate, a poetic missive about an Irish tradition... Irish Cream. Lois is a published author who plays poetically with everything from politics and the weather to our cherished holidays, often with wit and humor. Word has it she’s working on a new book... we’ll let you know when it becomes reality. MIXED DRINK - Irish farmer Sean O’Shea - Was seen in town every day... read more

Senior Scribes Scholarship Fund… Annual Scholarship Request
All previous scholarship winners and all Darke County Schools should submit their applications for scholarships in accordance with the instructions available on the Senior Scribes Website. Go to darkecountyseniors.us. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Al Bliss at 937-548-5687 or email at abliss@woh.rr.com. Last year, the Senior Scribes Scholarship Fund awarded $5,500... read more

Darke County Senior Scribes... An Ode to March, By Lois Wilson
Darke County’s Senior Scribes Poet Laureate turns her thoughts to March, the month of mixed weather messages. This year, as in any year, March could bring anything from a taste of the summer to come, thunder storms and tornados or the heaviest snowfall of the year. About the only thing we can count on is wind... INFATUATION - March swirls in on wings of wind— Blows an air on the budded bough... read more

Darke County Senior Scribes... To be 8 again! Submitted, Author Unknown
A man was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching his wife, who was looking at herself in the mirror. Since her birthday was not far off he asked what she’d like to have for her birthday. ‘I’d like to be eight again,’ she replied, still looking in the mirror. On the morning of her Birthday, he arose early, made her a nice big bowl of Coco Pops, and then took her to Adventure World theme park. What a day! He put her on every ride in... read more

What are we allowing ourselves to become? By Sharon Hopper
It seems like every day we hear more and more about the cruelty of people on the Internet, Facebook, Twitter, and all public media. It seems to me in this day of fast communication and instant messaging that we need to learn to be far more compassionate and credible in everything we say and do. The cruelty in school is bad enough, but to put it in writing on public media for everyone to see is absolutely unforgivable. It is true that... read more

Senior Scribes... “Puns for my Friends with Higher IQs”
From a friend... be forewarned, it’s slightly off-color. Still game? Get ready to groan. Those who jump off a bridge in Paris are in Seine. A man’s home is his castle, in a manor of speaking. Dijon vu - the same mustard as before.
Practice safe eating - always use condiments. Shotgun wedding - A case of wife or death. A man needs a mistress just to break the monogamy. A hangover is the wrath of grapes. Dancing cheek-to... read more

Senior Scribes... Poetry with a Heart... for Valentine’s Day, By Lois Wilson
Our Senior Scribes ‘Poet Laureate’ has a word or two to say about just about every special occasion. The day set aside each year for lovers is no different. Here, she gives you three completely different approaches to the traditional Valentine’s Day observance. County News Online is pleased to offer you the following: HAVE A HEART - On other occasions, I like any card, Even comical ones picked in a rush... read more

Darke County Senior Scribes... The Basic Rules for Clothesline
(If you don’t even know what clotheslines are, better skip this.) Author unknown - submitted by Dan Harless
1. You had to hang the socks by the toes ... NOT the top. - 2. You hung pants by the BOTTOM/cuffs ... NOT the waistbands. - 3. You had to WASH the clothesline(s) before hanging any clothes walk the entire length of each line with a damp cloth around the lines. - 4. You had to hang the clothes in a certain order, and always... read more

Darke County Senior Scribes... Poetry for the Undecided, By Lois Wilson
“I noticed these four candidates had short names that could be interlocked,” Senior Scribes Poet Laureate Lois Wilson said. “So many voters are still undecided… so I created a yard sign for them.” Wilson put her talents to work and created a few verses that millions of voters could probably read and say… “That’s me!” PUTTING IT TOGETHER - Sometimes when we’ve heard all the candidates, And we still like none... read more

Senior Scribes... A Message for the Groundhog, By Lois Wilson
It is Feb. 2 and we’re about to find out if Mr. Groundhog in Punxsutawney is going to see his shadow and return to his burrow - signifying six more weeks of winter - or find a cloudy day and leave his burrow... signifying spring is almost here. County News Online’s ‘Poet Laureate’ Lois Wilson has her own idea about when spring is coming... she shares it with you here: SHADOW INSURANCE... read more

Senior Scribes... Are you smarter than a 60 year old?
Written by “who knows?” Editor: I had fun with this. Only missed two. This is a test for us “older kids.” Remember the Lone Ranger, The Twist, Satchmo, Red Skelton? If you do, then you’re a prime target for the quiz. Enjoy. 01. After the Lone Ranger saved the day and rode off into the sunset, the grateful citizens would ask, Who was that masked man? Invariably, someone would answer, I don’t know, but he left this behind. What... read more

Darke County Senior Scribes... Poems for the Season, By Lois Wilson
The Darke County Senior Scribes’ Premier Poet Lois Wilson has attacked the season in her usual tongue-in-cheek manner, first taking on how we address problems with “At Last,” then leading into the symptoms of “Presidential Fever.” As we all know our president has a lot of problems to address. Our next leader will have 10 options... which one will be followed? Then we get Wilson’s take on New Years Resolutions, followed by the... read more


		1911 This will boggle your mind, I know it did mine! The year is 1911 - One hundred years ago. What a difference a century makes! Here are some statistics for the Year 1911: The average life expectancy for men was 47 years ... read more

		Along Life's Way "Degree to Disagree", "A Guiding Light", "Out of Sorts" are Lois Wilson's latest "Along Life's Way" offerings ... read more

		Vitamin F Unknown Author ~ Submitted by Wavelene Denniston Why do I have a variety of friends who are all so different in character? How can I get along with them all? I think that each one helps to bring out a "different" part of me. With one of them I am polite. ... read more

Citizens answer the call… plus a little irreverence
A collection of Poems from Lois Wilson
Editor: With her usual play on words and poetic form, Lois Wilson offers us a collection of four, from patriotic to slightly irreverent… Grateful Allegiance, Mirror! Mirror!, Have a Seat and my favorite, written in 1966, The Committee.
Enjoy.... read more

Senior Scribes... Places I have been, Submitted by Larry Nelson
Anonymous - I have been in many places, but I’ve never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can’t go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone. I’ve also never been in cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.
I have however been in Sane. They don’t have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends and family. I would like to go to Conclusions, but you... read more

Senior Scribes... Baby Boomer Test
(Have a paper and pencil handy to record your answers... Your mind isn’t as sharp as it once was!) So they say! The individual who sent it to me got 16 out of the 20. The note below indicates the average is 12. I guess I’m either weird, a TV junkie in my youth or really old. I got all 20… Bob Robinson, editor and Senior Scribe. This is NOT a pushover test. It’s a Baby Boomer era test! There are 20 questions... read more

Senior Scribes... Biblical Humor
It doesn’t hurt to have a little Biblical humor to start the day... Q.. What kind of man was Boaz before he married Ruth? A.. Ruthless. Q.. What do they call pastors in Germany? A.. German Shepherds. Q.. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible? A.. Noah He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation. Q.. Who was the greatest female financier in the Bible? A.. Pharaoh’s... read more

The New American Christmas, Author Unknown
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is... read more

Poetry by Lois Wilson
Editor: Lois Wilson is one of Darke County’s shining stars in the field of poetry. Local readers have been entertained for years by her short, insightful and often humorous stanzas. She has been a member of the Senior Scribes since its inception as Senior Advocates when I was the editor of the Daily Advocate. County News Online is pleased to offer three brief approaches to our daily living, beginning with... read more

Are you a pumpkin? Submitted by Nadera Williams
Unknown Author - An “Object Lesson” from the Senior Scribes... A woman was asked by a coworker, ‘What is it like to be a Christian?’ The coworker replied, ‘It is like being a pumpkin.’ God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed... read more

Koinonia Christen Sentrum... 92-Year-Old Preacher
While watching a little TV on Sunday instead of going to church, I watched a church in Atlanta honoring one of its senior pastors who had been retired many years. He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age. After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the applause quieted down, he rose from his high back chair and walked... read more

Senior Humor 101, From Karen Brooks, Author Unknown
I very quietly confided to my best friend that I was having an affair. She turned to me and asked, ‘Are you having it catered’? And that, my friend, is the definition of ‘OLD’! Just before the funeral services, the undertaker came up to the very elderly widow and asked, ‘How old was your husband? ‘98,’ she replied: ‘Two years older than me’ ‘So you’re 96,’ the undertaker commented... read more

When I’m an Old Lady, From Diane Rhoades, Author Unknown
When I’m an old lady, I’ll live with each kid, And bring so much happiness ... just as they did. I want to pay back all the joy they’ve provided. Returning each deed! Oh, they’ll be so excited! When I’m an old lady and live with my kids. I’ll write on the walls with reds, whites and blues, And I’ll bounce on the furniture wearing my shoes. I’ll drink from the carton and then leave it out. I’ll stuff all the toilets and oh, how they’ll shout... read more

A Herd of Cows, A Flock of Chickens, From Sharon Hopper – author unknown
The English language has some wonderfully anthropomorphic collective nouns for the various groups of animals. We are all familiar with a Herd of cows, a Flock of chickens, a School of fish and a Gaggle of geese. Less widely known is a Pride of lions, a Murder of crows (as well as their cousins the rooks and ravens), an Exaltation of doves and, presumably because they look so wise, a... read more

A Dog’s Purpose? From a 6-year-old... Author unknown – submitted by Barbara Rolfe, Boise, Idaho
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their... read more

Interesting Definitions... Compliments of Dan Harless, author unknown
ADULT - A person who has stopped growing at both ends and is now growing in the middle. BEAUTY PARLOR - A place where women curl up and dye. CHICKENS - The only animals you eat before they are born and after they are dead. COMMITTEE - A body that keeps minutes and wastes... read more

Huffington Post... ‘Web Cam 101 For Seniors’ Turns Oregon Oldsters Into YouTube Celebrities - 9/14/11 - A couple from northwestern Oregon who are Internet newbies have found themselves the unwitting subjects of an instant viral video, thanks to a little help from a grandkid. Bruce Huffman, 86, and his wife, Esther, 79, of the Hillside Retirement Community in McMinnville, recently purchased their first laptop computer –- an aqua colored beauty with a built-in webcam. Late last month, the... read more

Gold Nuggets, Submitted by Wavelene Denniston... Author Unknown
Someone has written these beautiful words. Must read and try to understand the deep meaning of it. They are like the ten commandments to follow in life all the time. 1. Prayer is not a “spare wheel” that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a “steering wheel” that directs the right path throughout. 2. So why a Car’s WINDSHIELD is so large and the Rear view Mirror is so small? Because our PAST... read more

The Grey Headed Brigade, Submitted by Al Bliss, Author unknown
They like to refer to us as senior citizens, old fogies, geezers, and in some cases dinosaurs. Some of us are “baby boomers” getting ready to retire. Others have been retired for some time. We walk a little slower these days and our eyes and hearing are not what they once were. We have worked hard, raised our children, worshiped our God and grown old together. Yes, we are the ones some... read more

Wasn’t this us? From Phyllis Mong, Senior Scribe
A Walk down Memory Lane for those who have a sentimental heart! A little house with three bedrooms, one bathroom and one car on the street. A mower that you had to push to make the grass look neat. In the kitchen on the wall we only had one phone, And no need for recording things, someone was always home. We only had a living room where we would congregate, Unless it was at mealtime in the kitchen where we ate... read more

Midday Dawn, a Poem by Lois Wilson
Damp, dismal, Dreary day. Abysmal Gloomy gray... read more

Clear Vision, a Poem by Lois Wilson
Everyone knows As each life goes, There are the throes, Of pains and woes... read more

Mom’s Empty Chair... From Dan Harless, Author Unknown
A woman’s daughter had asked the local minister to come and pray with her mother. When the minister arrived, he found the woman lying in bed with her head propped up on two pillows. An empty chair sat beside her bed. The minister assumed that the woman had been informed of his visit... ‘I guess you were expecting me, he said. ‘No, who are you?’ said the mother. The minister told her his name and then... read more

My job search, Submitted by Phyllis Mong, Author Unknown
“This is quite clever. I wonder who thinks of all this stuff.” 1. My first job was working in an Orange Juice factory, but I got canned. Couldn’t concentrate. 2. Then I worked in the woods as a Lumberjack, but just couldn’t hack it, so they gave me the axe. 3. After that, I tried being a Tailor, but wasn’t suited for it -- mainly because it was a sew-sew job. 4. Next, I tried working in a Muffler Factory, but that was too exhausting. 5. Then, tried being a Chef - figured it would add... read more

Senior Scribes... Free Range Chicken Capitol, From Lyn Bliss
This was posted on Facebook by a friend of mine (the Recorder in Geauga County). Her comment was... “Folks... Geauga County is a unique place to live... things happen here that you would not believe... but this Burton Village post is a must read. We haven’t had this much controversy since the “flap over pancakes” on the water tower.” I would love to hear about the “flap over pancakes” on the... read more

Senior Scribes... Seniors at Starbucks, From Dan Harless
A group of seniors were sitting around talking about all their ailments. “My arms have gotten so weak I can hardly lift this cup of coffee,” said one. “Yes, I know,” said another. “My cataracts are so bad; I can’t even see my coffee.” “I couldn’t even mark an “X” at election time, my hands are so crippled,” volunteered a third. “What? Speak up! What? I can’t hear you!” “I can’t turn my head because of the arthritis... read more

Two Groans for your Reading Pleasure
My Dog Mace - From Dan Harless - A mechanic who worked out of his home had a dog named Mace. Mace had a bad habit of eating all the grass on the mechanic’s lawn, so the mechanic had to keep Mace inside. The grass eventually became overgrown. One day the mechanic was working on a car in the backyard and dropped his wrench, losing it in the tall grass. He couldn’t find it for the... read more

Senior Scribes... Retirement Perspectives: Take Your Pick!!!
From Barbara Rolfe, Boise, Idaho - author unknown - You can retire to Phoenix , Arizona where... 1. You are willing to park 3 blocks away because you found shade. 2. You’ve experienced condensation on your hiney from the hot water in the toilet bowl. 3. You can drive for 4 hours in one direction and never leave town. 4. You have over 100 recipes for Mexican food. 5. You know that “dry heat” is comparable to what hits you in the face when you open your... read more

Happy Birthday, Doc!! By Bob Robinson
From the Senior Scribes of Darke County - Well… he’s still alive and kicking, and he assured me that his water-logged ears have been drained by now. He hasn’t said much about his experience yet, but maybe one of these days he’ll take a few minutes to write about it. So who am I talking about? Delbert Blickenstaff, M.D. Retired. The Family Healthcare icon turned 90 years old on July 3. The... read more

From Lyn Bliss... Texting Shortcut Tips for Seniors
I thought you might need help texting your friends. After all, the kids have all their little codes... like BFF, ROFL, etc. So here are the texting short cuts for seniors (and did you notice how big the font size is?). For those of you that are not seniors, or close to it, you will still enjoy these... read more

A burned biscuit, Submitted by Al Greiner ~ Author unknown
When I was a kid, my Mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my Mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my Mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don’t remember what I... read more

Carefree Connection Tours... Second Year Anniversary... Seniors Welcome
Seniors welcome... in celebrating Greenville’s Carefree Connection Bus Tours 2nd year anniversary! Family owned and operated by Flory sisters, Angela and Shelly! Jump on board with us for an adventurous trip! Enjoy a full day of traveling and seeing new and exciting places with no parking worries, no gas fees, no miles on your car, no scheduling worries and ALL hassle-free! Sit back... read more

He sent her roses, Submitted by Kay Seiler, Greenville, Author unknown
The person who did this was Jack Benny (unverified).... Please read this - it is absolutely beautiful..... Each year he sent her roses, And the note would always say, I love you even more this year, Than last year on this day. My love for you will always grow, With every passing year.’ She knew this was the last time That the roses would appear. She thought, he ordered roses In advance before this day... read more

History Lesson on Your Social Security Card, Submitted by Kay Seiler
Not Verified - Just in case some of you young whippersnappers (& some older ones) didn’t know this. It’s easy to check out, if you don’t believe it. Be sure and show it to your family and friends. They need a little history lesson on what’s what and it doesn’t matter whether you are Democrat or Republican. Facts are Facts. Social Security Cards up until the 1980s expressly stated the number and card were not to be used for identification purposes. Franklin Roosevelt, a Democrat... read more

Crabby Old Man
A classic - When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a nursing home in Moosomin, Saskatchewan , it was believed that he had nothing left of any value. Later, when the nurses were going through his meagre possessions, they found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital. One nurse took her copy to... read more

OLD PERSON PRIDE - Author unknown, Submitted by Barbara Rolfe, Boise, Idaho
I’m passing this on as I did not want to be the only old person receiving it. Actually, it’s not a bad thing to be called, as you will see. Old People are easy to spot at sporting events; during the playing of the National Anthem. Old People remove their caps and stand at attention and sing without embarrassment. They know the words and believe in them. Old People remember World War II, Pearl Harbor , Guadalcanal , Normandy and Hitler. They remember the Atomic Age, the Korean... read more

God Made You, From Ginger Wittwer, Bend, Oregon
A little girl was sitting on her grandfather’s lap as he read her a bedtime story. From time to time, she would take her eyes off the book and reach up to touch his wrinkled cheek. She was alternately stroking her own cheek, then his again. Finally she spoke up, “Grandpa, did God make you?”... read more

Dear Bo$$ From Dan Harless
One day an employee sends a letter to her boss asking for an increase in her salary !!! Dear Bo$$ In thi$ life, we all need $omething mo$t de$perately. I think you $hould be under$tanding of the need$ of u$ worker$ who have given $o much $upport including $weat and $ervice to your company. I am $ure you will gue$$ what I mean and re$pond $oon... read more

Author unknown... Murphey’s Other 15 Laws
Submitted by Ginger Wittwer, Bend, Oregon 1. Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak. 2. A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well. 3. He, who laughs last, thinks slowest. 4. A day without sunshine is like, well... Night. 5. Change is inevitable, except from a vending... read more

A fun fact for each of our United States
Interesting, but unverified. Author unknown~submitted by Kay Seiler, Greenville - FACTS THAT YOU PROBABLY DON’T KNOW. ALABAMA - Was the first place to have 9-1-1, started in 1968. ALASKA - One out of every 64 people has a pilot’s license. ARIZONA - Is the only state in the continental U.S. that doesn’t follow Daylight Savings Time. ARKANSAS - Has the only active diamond mine in the U.S... read more

5 lessons about the way we treat people, Author unknown
6.20.11 - Submitted by Pat Turner, Gibsonburg, Ohio - 1. First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady. During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one: “What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?” Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50’s, but how would I know her name?... read more

From Dan Harless, Bye - - Bye - - - Things are going to be changing - -
Whether these changes are good or bad depends in part on how we adapt to them. But, ready or not, here they come! 1. The Post Office. Get ready to imagine a world without the post office. They are so deeply in financial trouble that there is probably no way to sustain it long term. Email, Fed Ex, and UPS have just about wiped out the minimum revenue needed to keep the post office alive... read more

From Linda Brenner, Author Unknown... Getting old
“Be kind and enjoy today, there may not be tomorrow.” A couple in their nineties are both having problems remembering things. During a checkup, the doctor tells them that they’re physically okay, but they might want to start writing things down to help them remember... Later that night, while watching TV, the old man gets up from his chair. ‘Want anything while I’m in the kitchen?’ he asks. ‘Will you get me a bowl of ice cream?’... read more

Mollie Breno, By Delbert Blickenstaff, Senior Scribe
Mollie was born in England in 1922. Her family lived in London in a museum area, and as a child she often played in museums. When Mollie was 17 years old her family’s home was bombed by the Germans. She joined the British Army and was stationed at Winchester, where she did office work. Molly met an American soldier at a dance. His name was Paul Breno, and they were married in 1947. They had four... read more

Two Poems by Author Lois Wilson, Greenville, Ohio... read more

From Judy Bolin, Columbus, Ohio... The Clothes Line
My wife was after me for a clothes dryer for Christmas. I got her the best one I could find and she has been mad with me ever since. My goodness what kind did you get her? The best clothes line they had. One that wouldn’t rust, with a large bag of clothes pins. You just can’t make some women happy. REMEMBER THE BASIC RULES FOR CLOTHES LINES? Remember? You have to be a certain age to appreciate this. I can hear my mother now... THE BASIC RULES... read more

Auditor, Judge guests of Senior Scribes at Recent Meeting
Heartland Director of Admissions Amy Farmer explains information regarding Medicare/Medicaid to Senior Scribes at their recent regular monthly meeting held at Heartland of Greenville. Also present at the meeting were Darke County... read more

The Final Years... Retiring from Greenville Fire Department and moving on to new horizons
By Robert Rhoades, Senior Scribe - It’s sort of hard to tell when I started thinking about doing something else. Having spent 25 years of my life, which seemed like an eternity, at one job was a pretty big task I thought. But I could tell that my body was starting to fight back. It seemed that I was having an expansion in my mid section which was not welcomed at all. I was... read more

40 years of Card Playing, By Lyn Bliss, Senior Scribe
“Laughter is the best medicine and we do lots of that!” said Libby Koch about the afternoons the group spends playing cards and socializing. For more than 40 years, the group has been playing cards every Wednesday afternoon at the Greenville VFW. There are three members of the original group still playing. Ramona Amore is the youngest of the group at 82. Oldest is Lova... read more

Senior Scribes meet at Heartland
Senior Scribes enjoyed a great breakfast courtesy of Heartland of Greenville and its admissions director, Amy Farmer, Thursday morning. Farmer told the group she’d completed, so far, 22 hours of education in Medicare at the state level, with more coming, and offered her services as an advisor to the group, plus any other senior citizens in need of advice on the program... read more

Hog Log, By Lyn Bliss, Senior Scribe
He is usually named Phil, this hog... read more

Two feet of snow, By Phyllis Mong, Senior Scribe
I plan ahead for the incoming weather. Try to get a few grocery supplies in the house, even some potato chips, cookies, ice-cream ─ you know, the comfort food that adds calories (which I don't need). But, so comforting! Just in case the power goes off and the stove and microwave are powerless, the night before the storm advisory, I fill two large thermos bottles with very hot water that I may use... read more

The Early Days, By Bob Rhoades
January 31, 2011 - My first day as a firefighter was July 2, 1967. We’ll call it the early days. I heard stories about the iron firemen, real smoke eaters, guys with leather skin and lungs to match. I’m not sure how much of that was true, but I do know that breathing a lot of that into your lungs hurt a lot after the fact, like someone was sitting on your chest. A lot of us “new guys” decided... read more

Senior Scribes Meets at Family Health
Senior Scribes met recently at Family Health for their regular monthly meeting. Left to right: Lyn Bliss, Delbert Blickenstaff, Al Bliss, Marianne Clark, Bill Stevens, Phyllis Mong, Jan Boyer and Al Greiner. The next regular meeting will be at 10 a.m. February 24…location to be announced... read more

Senior Scribes host Spring Fling by Lyn Bliss, Senior Scribe
Lighthouse Christian Center was the setting for the Senior Scribes’ Scholarship Fund’s Spring Fling, with a western flair. The Fling was held as a fundraiser for the Senior Scribes’ Scholarship Program. Earlier this year, the Scholarship Fund awarded $4,000 in scholarships to Darke County youth.  Rockin’ Robin provided the music for the evening... read more

A good laugh, even if you're NOT over 60! When I bought my Blackberry I thought about the 30-year business I ran with 1800 employees, all without a cell phone that plays music, takes videos, pictures and communicates with Facebook and Twitter. I signed up under duress for Twitter and Facebook, so my seven kids, their spouses, 13 grandkids and 2 great grand kids could communicate with me in the modern way. I figured I could handle something as simple as Twitter with only... read more

And then it is Winter You know, time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years.   It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went.
I know that I lived them all... read more

Strictly American, By Ross Princiotto - Apple Pie: It is said that nothing is more American as Apple Pie. Where did the phrase start? Perhaps it started in our New England Colonies. There apples are found at any meal. Yes, apple pie with a slice of cheese is so good, of course, for breakfast. All kinds of pies were made with tarts or fritters. Check this saying out. “An apple pie without the cheese is a kiss without the squeeze”... read more

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