Two Phone Calls, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! The following will sound sad at times. And at times - sappy
and sentimental. But - it's all true. She called me crying. I knew
before she told me. I had spoken to her two days before that. She had
held the phone up to her husband's ear. I said hi. I heard bub, bub,
bub. He was heavily dosed with morphine for the cancer pain. She had
been telling me that she wanted one last good-bye...one last hug...one
last kiss... read
more |
Amidst the
Chaos? By Mona Lease
I am amazed at what I hear now that I've been keeping my mouth shut -
well, more shut than I ever have! The following amuses me. I find so
much irony in it. And - a healthy dose of humor. I've heard all my life
that Catholics "have it wrong." I've watched the news as Jewish people
were killed because "they were inferior" or as Hitler put it - "life
worthy of life." He and those who were close to him "had it right - the
true religion, etc... read
more |
Pacts and
Promises, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I am submitting the following to you - to read - to reflect.
I used bing on my laptop and typed in "signatures of the Geneva
Convention." The following is from "Wikipedia - the free encyclopedia."
The Geneva Convention was adopted in 1864 - in Geneva, Switzerland - a
neutral country. It was revised in 1906, 1929, and again in 1949 -
after we "learned a few more things." This treaty is forever linked to
the... read
more |
"That Day"
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! Saint Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day, Feast of Saint
Valentine; whatever you call it - we celebrate it every February 14th.
It is celebrated around the world and in most countries - it is not a
holiday. The holiday began as a liturgical celebration for early
Christian saints named Valentinus. Many stories surround this holiday.
One of the stories is: A Saint Valentine of Rome was thrown into prison
for... read
more |
Mrs. Campolo,
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! With so many jobs being lost, I thought now might be a good
time to submit this to you. I've had it for a few years. I never realty
thought there would be a use for it. Still, throwing it in the trash
seemed wrong. Off the top, it shows how big words and "labels" strung
together, can be misleading. For you parents out there - this one's for
you. To you Moms - rethink being "just a housewife"... read
more |
Name-ly Speaking,
By Mona Lease
As I write this - we just relived the whole Nazi-Germany experience.
Saturday and Sunday January - 17th and 18th - the computer scrolled the
old headlines across my home page. Certain tv stations were filled with
it. Down in his FuhrerBunker - some 28 feet below a garden - Adolph
Hitler took up residence. The date was January 16,1945. Russia was
coming with mustard gas bombs. It is reported... read
more |
Old Fart Pride,
From a CNO reader
I'm passing this on as I did not want to be the only Old Fart receiving
it. Actually, it's not a bad thing to be called, as you will see. Old
Farts are easy to spot at sporting events; during the playing of the
National Anthem. Old Farts remove their caps and stand at attention and
sing without embarrassment. They know the words and believe in them.
Old Farts remember World War II, Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal... read
more |
Virginia's
Knowledge, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! It had been a while and I was beginning to wonder if I would
see Virginia. And just like that - she surprised me with a short visit.
She asked me if I had thought about last week's column - about Elle. OK
- no disrespect, Virginia but, - Duh - I wrote it. Then I remembered
Virginia's ways. ..think harder. OK - I don't get it. She told me to
think backwards - what?!! OK - Elle died - I spoke with Elle five
days... read
more |
Elle,
By Mona Lease
Hi, all! Before I continue - I want to say that I do not write these
columns by myself. They are a collection of thoughts and ideas you
readers have shared with me. And I write them in an effort to make this
column worth your time to read - that you might find a tidbit to help
you gain more perspective. Also - maybe you will find someone else has
made it through a situation that you are now encountering. Lastly... read
more |
New Year/New
Hope, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I hand write these columns to keep a written record for
myself. When I wrote 2015 - I was shocked. 2015 already?! I thought
about our last year...2014. I spoke with a girl's Mom - we had just
been camping. It has not been five months already - has it? There have
been so many changes...changes in our home - Darke County. Changes in
our Government - our country. And, it is in that capacity I write... read
more |
A Yuletide
Blessing? By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I hope you all had a safe, happy and healthy Yuletide! Now
for some exciting stuff - I believe. On the front page of the Daily
Advocate - Monday - 12/22 - the headline read - "Commissioners, Judge
clash over budget." This is a money issue, again...nothing new.
Money is wanted for the Adult Probation Program for 2015. But what is
new is this - Commissioner Mike Stegall is quoted as saying... read
more |
Darke
County Senior Scribe… Merry
Christmas, 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 Christmas. Wilson offers two poems and a puzzle, each
addressing a different look at Christmas and the holiday season. The
accuracy of predictions, the splendor of the ice spears, and finally,
the inevitable thaw. Wilson's completed set - five volumes... read
more |
Christ - mas?
By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I submitted a letter to the editor of the Early Bird - which
got me to thinking - as usual. I did some more research past that
letter. See how you think and feel. People have been running around
like Mad Hatters - readying for Christmas. One woman has denied herself
and delivered trees, food, clothes, dishes, bedding, tvs, - you name
it. She sounds and looks very tired. Others swiped credit cards... read
more |
Depression,
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I've been meaning to write this column and other subjects
seemed more important - more in tune with the calendar. I've been
speaking to people lately and hearing about their depression. They say
it is the holidays...then again - in July it was something else. Before
I continue I need to state that I am not speaking of depression over
the loss of something...a job, house, etc....or a loved one... read
more |
My Take On It,
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! The following has a heavy psychological slant to it. Take
your time with this...study on it. A Priest's wife and their two
teenage daughters went to Spain. The three of them went to a topless
beach. When the congregation found out about it - they were outraged.
They sputtered - they gasped...of all the gall! One old man said they
were getting upset over nothing. After a couple of weeks it would be no
big deal. Think about that... read
more |
What in the
World is Happening? By Sharon Hopper
These past few months everybody seems to be demonstrating about
something and the troublesome part of all this unrest is supposedly a
race issue. Well I have a different opinion. I think the troublesome
part is complete disregard for the law. It seems to me that the more
the law is administered, the more people want to demonstrate, destroy
property that is not even theirs to destroy, and are willing to go to
jail... read
more |
Cleaver
Knowledge, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! This column has been floating around in my head for a
while now. Follow me - if you dare. Was it in the '60's that we -
as a people - told June Cleaver to drop the pearls - she could be more
- "deserved" to be more than just Mrs. Ward Cleaver...that she could
have her "dream" (some women did not know they had a dream and were
told to get one!). June was told that little Beaver would be ok
without... read
more |
Open Letter to
My Niece, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! Niece: I am so pleased you are expecting your first
"bundle of joy!" I know you have many thoughts right now. I know you
have wanted this for a long time. I wanted to share some of the wisdom
given to me. If you set boundaries early in life - like when they are
up and walking - you will save yourself a lot of headaches in the
future. Raising kiddies is like a savings account: When you tell the
kiddie you love... read
more |
Old Words,
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! He kept a daily diary. He wrote of breaking camp to go get
turnips from a field they had passed earlier that day on a march. He
wrote it all in pencil. He wrote of not holding much hope that he would
make it back to US soil alive. He wrote letters to his family "back
home." He wrote of constant drilling to keep their skills sharp - of
grabbing his gas mask "just in time." He wrote of boarding... read
more |
Co-Incidents,
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I was waiting until after the election to voice my views.
Mostly, I wanted to see the prevailing thought processes. I claim no
political party and am not swayed by money or the promises of it. I
vote for whomever is requesting and requiring the truth. In this case
it is John Boehner. He requests the truth as to why four American
soldiers were left in the Syrian desert to die when they had requested
aid - namely Benghazi... read
more |
Think,
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! Before I start this - you need to remember this is how I see
this. So - the other day I had a young man call me. He wants to vote in
favor of legalizing marijuana. Aside from the fact that if marijuana is
legal, therefore you won't need to plant it in some unsuspecting
farmer's field..here is my problem. Why all the fuss? Why all the
banter about legalization.."It's better for you than cigarettes, etc.?"
Why all the drama... read
more |
Heroin And A
Banquet, By Mona Lease
Hi all!! I read some time ago that BamBam was arrested for heroin
trafficking. His parents had divorced earlier in his life. He really
did not like his step-Dad. BamBam was the smartest of the bunch - not
that the others were daft - just that he had common sense beyond his
years...as well as book smarts. He played with my son when they were
young. He was the one to tell my son to not get "out of sorts" when I
said I'd have to... read
more |
Up In Arms?
By Mona Lease
Hi,
all. Last week was a study in mechanical errors - computer, ipad, cell
phone, etc. The last half of my column never made it to my editor. I
believe this is important so, I am resubmitting this. The following is
a lot of information in a short space. With the rampant heroin usage -
why are all firearms for sale and personally owned - not under lock and
key? Given the right circumstances - a BB gun can kill. It's not the
ammunition - it's the... read
more |
Up In Arms?
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! The following is a lot of information in a short space. With
the rampant heroin usage - why are all firearms for sale and owned not
under lock and key? Given the right circumstances - a BB can kill. It's
not the ammunition - it,so the power behind the ammunition that causes
the problem. And - just like a pool game - the angle is everything. A
Daisy BB gun - no pump action - exit end of the barrel flush on the
metal casing of the outside... read
more |
Attention
Seniors… Beware of Sharks! By Donna Kemp
A feeding frenzy is about to begin. No, I am not talking about
real sharks. I am referring to the Medicare Annual Enrollment
Period (AEP). The Annual Enrollment Period is the time of year,
set aside by Medicare, during which Medicare beneficiaries can enroll
in or change their Medicare Advantage or Prescription drug plans.
The AEP runs from October 15 to December 7, although insurance
companies and agents can begin... read
more |
"Fight the Good Fight" By Mona
Lease
Hi, all!! I've heard the phrase "Fight the Good Fight." And I started
wondering - what is the "good fight" - exactly? I do not believe it is
a physical fight. But - is this fight about our lives - you know - laws
and rules like - everyone having to buy health insurance...that does
not cover much - that we need to violate our constitution - our rights
and beliefs - that we have to provide health insurance (anti-abortion
meds, etc.) for our employees... read
more |
Keepers,
By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I had an unprecedented response - all positive - to last
week's column. so - I dug a little deeper. Someone asked about the "Am
I my brother's keeper" comment. In that comment's context - I Googled
this - Genesis 4:9 of the Bible - (It's a Wesley Snipes movie, too!)
Cain had killed Abel (his brother) over the fact that the Lord had
looked favorably on Abel's sacrifice and not his (Cain's) - I guess
there is always going to be someone... read
more |
Sex or Love?
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I had a conversation with a girl I've been mentoring. She had
"been with a guy" - yes, you read it rightly. She wanted to know why it
was different - why she had experienced things she had not before known
existed. Aside from the fact that they are not married (and for
purposes of this column's credibility, I will state that you should be
married before "being with someone" of the opposite sex.) - I said -
The difference is... read
more |
Money talks,
ice cream sings, From a CNO reader
One day I had lunch with some friends. Jim, a short, balding golfer
type about 80 years old, came along with them---all in all, a pleasant
bunch. When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches,
and soups, except for Jim who said, "Ice Cream, please. Two scoops,
chocolate. I wasn't sure my ears heard right, and the others were
aghast. "Along with heated apple pie," Jim added, completely
unabashed... read
more |
Those Little
Kitties, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I normally would not think too much about this but - I've had
three people speak to me about a cat problem - one died on a reader's
property and two more are sick and losing weight. These are all roughly
three blocks from each other - as the crow flies. I did see the kitten
that died - before the death - running and jumping. And after the death
- just dead...no bloody fur or marks to indicate a hit by a car, fight,
etc. So I did some checking... read
more |
Just When Ya
Think, By Mona Lease
There's nothing new under the sun; you find out it's true! Hi, all! I
was nosing around the Fair thinking there was nothing new...same old
oil and sugar. You know - deep fried pickles, twinkies, oreos, ice
cream and sugary funnel cakes, elephant ears, etc. Then I heard Asian
music?! I followed it to the Morris Elephant Encounter at the south end
of the Fairgrounds. Hailing from Florida - Bill and Cindy Morris own
the Encounter. While this is not "new under... read
more |
Celebrating No.
88, Sent by a CNO reader
A lady goes to the bar on a cruise ship and orders a Scotch with two
drops of water. As the bartender gives her the drink she says: 'I'm on
this cruise to celebrate my 88th birthday and it's today.' The
bartender says 'Well, since it's your birthday, I'll buy you a drink.
In fact, this one is on me.' As the woman finishes her drink the woman
to her right says 'I would like to buy you a drink, too.' The old woman
says 'Thank you. Bartender, I want a Scotch with... read
more |
Icon Friends?
By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I'm always amazed at how these columns form themselves and
from where they originate. At the Fair, I was casually visiting a
specialty clothing tent. In the street in front of the tent, a Father
was telling his daughter he did not bring her to the Fair to argue with
her. They entered the same tent as I and immediately the daughter
started demanding her Father buy her this dress, this handbag, etc. He
asked if she needed it and she got louder. With... read
more |
Skip a Rope,
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! When I was in elementary school, we had a list of four or
five sentences. You had to put a number (1-4, in this case.) at the
beginning of each sentence to list the order of priority. So it would
be: You have one cleaning cloth you have to reuse. You need to do the
dishes, clean the refrigerator, clean the toilet, and hand mop the
floor. You may rinse out the cloth. Where do you start and end? Good
Luck!! I sat at a campgrounds last Saturday watching a large... read
more |
From The Bears?
By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I've had this column in my head for years, now. So, consider
this: Some 25 years ago I taught my son to read. We started with the
"Berenstein Bears" - a gift from a paternal aunt of my son's. It worked
best if he read a paragraph, I read one, and we continued that way -
even Jr. High Literature Class. It was a time we shared in the dead of
winter - a book and hot chocolate. One Berenstein book (in a series),
had to do with brother and sister bear screaming... read
more |
Of Beads and
Baubles, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I've read that the kiddies need to be protected - that there
is an "age of accountability" - that the accountability is a
different age for everyone. I've read that working to get "ahead" is a
good thing - it's the reason behind it all that matters. But - are we
protecting the kiddies from what they really need? I've been mentoring
a couple of people who do not know each other - that I know...and they
have the same story. Behind the scenes is a lot of... read
more |
Reflections,
By Sharon Hopper
Yesterday my husband and I decided to go to The Gathering here in
Greenville at the Garst Museum. To say the least we were both very
impressed and awed at the information that was presented to the people
who attended. It amazed me that there was so much variety of goods and
information presented. If you liked shopping there was plenty to choose
from. If you liked historical artifacts there was an abundance on
display with knowledgeable persons to help you... read
more |
Senior Smiles… Smart Kid -
Student who obtained 0% on an exam
From a CNO reader - I would have given him 100%! Each answer is
absolutely grammatically correct, and funny too. The teacher had no
sense of humor. Q1.. In which battle did Napoleon die? A .. his last
battle. Q2.. Where was the Declaration of Independence signed? A .. at
the bottom of the page. Q3.. River Ravi flows in which state? A ..
liquid. Q4.. What is the main reason for divorce? A .. marriage... read
more |
Culture Shock!
By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I had heard the rumors. Her Dad had told me face to face, that
he had heard she was leaving - she had not told him, though. He said he
did not believe it. I called Rannie the other day. She said - "Uh, Mona
- I'm in Vegas." What? So - how is Vegas? She laughed, sighed, and
gasped - "there's just no real words I know to describe it all." She's
met people from countries she never knew existed. - met movie people on
the street! Out there, they stamp your... read
more |
Do You Remember?
By Sharon Hopper
At the Summer Concert in the park last Sunday night (July13) the main
circus theme was played and upon listening to that piece of music many
many memories came flooding back from my childhood. I lived in a town
where the big B circus came every year or so and it was a holiday of
sorts. The big B stands for Barnum & Bailey Ringling Bros. Circus.
The Greatest Show on Earth. My grandfather was a great fan of the
circus and on circus day... read
more |
Idle Talk?
By Mona Lease
Hi, all! Many things amuse me - in a "do they know what they are really
doing" sort of way. With all of the court action and what to do with
the people who have broken the law - I'll elaborate. Monday, July 14th;
headlines on the Greenville Daily Advocate said that Jason Hunt, 21 -
"21" - was indicted for aggravated burglary - a first degree felony. He
held a gun to a woman's head (his girlfriend), demanded she go with
him, and threatened all else there. The paper... read
more |
Just a Thought,
By Sharon Hopper
I have been thinking again. Wow that can lead to some trouble. Wonder
what people did in the old days to keep ahead of the weather we were
having January 6 2014. They could not just listen to the weather
forecast and run to the grocery store for bread and milk and a few
comfort foods. They certainly did not have electric and just turn on a
switch and it would get warm in the house. And the roads were not
opened within hours of a snowstorm or plowed drifting... read
more |
How Hurt Is Mad?
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!!! I've been sitting on this one for awhile, now. I've spoken
with a few people and they agree with me - so, if I am wrong - I am not
alone. I've watched a "family" for the last 10 or 11 years. The
Grandmother is about 50, I'd say. She has custody of her two
grandkiddies - her daughter has no real responsibility on a daily
basis...and is now pregnant with the third kiddie and living with
another man. The Grandmother is not married to the daughter's Daddy... read
more |
What Place?
By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I was speaking to a friend the other day when a child's voice
from an extension in another room started asking me what I meant by
what I had said. Realizing it was her grandchild, I told my friend I'd
let her tend to the kiddie and hung up the phone. The grandchild is 10.
Pondering as I cleaned up my mid-morning snack mess, questions and
thoughts took their turn at the forefront of my mind. The one that kept
appearing was "A place for everything and... read
more |
Senior
Scribes… Don't Mess with Old
People, From a Senior Scribe
The Old Timer's Hospital Stay... I am a sick old man. I was sick and in
the hospital. There was one nurse that just drove me crazy. Every time
she came in, she would talk to me like I was a little child. She would
say in a patronizing tone of voice, 'And how are we doing this
morning', Or 'Are we ready for a bath', or 'Are we hungry?' I had had
enough of this particular nurse. One day, at breakfast, I took the
apple juice off the tray and put it in my bed side stand... read
more |
Back in
Time… Evening on watch was
exciting because of ghosts, By Al Bliss
During my first three months at Fire Control School, I would, based on
a schedule for watch standers, be assigned a two hour watch in the
building. The school had been built sometime in the Second World War.
It was a two story building classically in the shape of H. The watch
station was on the first floor in the middle of the H. One other
descriptive note is that the building was cleaned after school in the
evening, so... read
more |
Back in
Time… First Navy Tour: School in
Washington DC, By Al Bliss
The first and surprising information about my almost a year in
Washington DC was the title of the School. “FIRE CONTROL”
technician was added later after the school year actually started. As
one of two boot camp lowlifes selected to go immediately after boot
camp leave to a training facility, I selected this unit because it was
in Washington DC where the ratio of women to men was extremely
favorable. I did wonder why it took sooo long to control a fire
but... read
more |
Real "Girl Talk"
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! OK - this is for the girls - ladies - women. From last week's
column - we don't get "off the hook" either. As much as it seems to go
"against the grain" - we're gonna need to do some "guy stuff" with our
guy. I do this stuff, too. I spoke to my Editor some time ago - he said
to "write it." The words finally assembled themselves. On our household
level - we're gonna have to get into each other's world...which means
we're going to have to sit through a few... read
more |
The trains in Greenville’s history,
By Bob Rhoades
In addition to the Lincoln Funeral Train moving through Darke County,
lots of other trains moved people to and from the Greenville Area over
time, especially during WWII. I have no knowledge of how many, if
any troop trains left from Greenville Station on Front St., but do
remember one train in particular after the war. Two months after my
arrival on Feb. 3, 1945, my father, 1st Lt. Eugene F. Rhoades... read
more |
"Fixin' It"
By Mona Lease
Hi, all! This column is geared to you guys - sorry - maybe. Don't feel
too badly - my son heard all this in his childhood up to 17. Since I've
been listening to a few women talk daily - I figured now might be the
perfect time. If you come home from a hard day at work; all you want to
do is bathe, eat, & vegetate in front of the TV, computer, etc. and
your wife (girlfriend, etc.) is upset with that - it is probably not
your fault. This doesn't mean you're "off the hook"... read
more |
Trip in
Time…Wonsan Harbor North Korea,
By Al Bliss
Wonsan Harbor is located on the East coast of Korea and a location
actively concentrated on during the Korea War by the US Navy. The
Maddox DD731 was frequently there because our ship was the home for the
Squadron Commander, Captain Buckley who was in charge of removing
Macarthur from the Philippines on his PT BOAT. Our Captain, Commander
Hanna, and Captain Buckley would routinely man the bridge when the
North Koreans shot at... read
more |
Trip in
Time… Class year on water tower,
By Al Bliss
After, I think, the last football game in our junior year, Rusty
Sweeney and I had a great idea that was to put our class numbers (date)
up on the water tower next to the football field. After many many years
it still seems that the climb up to the walkway around the water tower
was just a little more than I anticipated. Climbing was hampered for
each of us having a bucket a white paint, carrying a brush with an... read
more |
Trip in
Time… The Ice Machine,
By Al Bliss
This was a project taken seriously by me but a joke to others because
the ICE MACHINE WAS OLDER THAN DIRT. It was summer and hotter than a
frying pan everywhere except the few spaces on the Marlboro that had
miraculously found a working air conditioner. It seemed logical to get
the ICE MACHINE in operation so that everyone could have
something cold. The process was very simple: energize the thing, it was
about six feet tall, three plus... read
more |
That's Just The
Way She Is, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! This column has been playing in my head for a while
now...words came and went until they have gelled. So,consider this - A
few people have agreed with me - so if I am on the wrong track - I'm
not alone. A while back, a girlfriend of mine was found dead. With full
confidence that if she were here, she would want me to write this -
I'll continue. Gracie was a lesbian - not from the start, though. I
knew her before that. We played together on... read
more |
But What
About-----? By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I was speaking with a woman the other day. We were on the
phone - I could tell she was only half listening to me. I asked her if
she was busy. She said she was only partly listening to the TV and just
doing a crossword puzzle. I thought about our conversation - that's one
thing - the TV is two - and the puzzle is three!? Multitasking
immediately entered my mind. My mind took a veer I am not sure I wanted
it to go. But, consider this... read
more |
The Moral of
the Story Is? By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I read a story a very long time ago - seems there was a guy
who wanted to destroy another guy's work - his "family" - as it were.
The guy looked at the "family" from all angles. Should he just walk up
to the man and see if he could trick him? - maybe tell a few lies or
something? No - the man knew the rules. He'd never listen. The man and
his wife were happy - blast it all. Wait - the wife!! He watched her
for awhile - then he picked a piece of fruit off... read
more |
Darke County Senior Scribe… Remembering
our heroes, By Lois Wilson
Once again Senior Scribe Poet Laureate Lois Wilson offers her
insightful look at the important events of the day. This time it’s
Memorial Day. Wilson offers two poems, each addressing a different look
at how we remember our heroes… and what they did for us. 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... read
more |
Where Did They
Go? By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I've been watching a piece of property for the last few years
or so, now. It sets in a very small village - no gas stations, no
business at all - of any kind. A major highway runs through a small
section of it. The realtor worked two interested buyers against each
other and raised the buying price every so often until neither party
bought it. Some time back, it finally sold. Now the new owner has torn
down the house and all of the trees - all of them!! The new... read
more |
A Warning?
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I was speaking to a family friend yesterday. As we spoke
further, an unsettling thought swirled through my mind. We spoke of our
current President - how he got elected - twice...We dissected what
promises were offered - and not upheld. We looked at how the whole
Benghazi Tragedy happened. We traced backwards to our current
President's campaign - remember? Remember the girls following him from
one "Whistlestop Campaign" to the next... read
more |
Angels of Mercy,
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! With everything that's been going on - you all watch the news
- I thought I'd dedicate this column to all of you "Angels of Mercy"
disguised as Mothers - the ones that keep it all together and flowing -
schedules, Dr. appointments, nutrition, education, vacation, laundry,
dirty floors, dishes, toilets and the like. Here's to you… When God
Created Mothers: When God created Mothers, He was into His sixth day of
"overtime" when the Angel appeared... read
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I Know Why,
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I remember the day so vividly - I can still feel the summer
air and smell the hot asphalt. Bogey told me he just wanted a woman to
share coffee with him - maybe a movie or a drive through the park. I
told him he'd find her - it's a big world. He sighed and said he hoped
so - he was not too sure. He landed in a Senior Living Complex. The
next time I saw him - he had a huge smile on his face. He was having
surgery. Yes readers, you read it rightly. The smile... read
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Senior
Sillies… Something for seniors
to keep those "aging" grey cells active! From a CNO reader
1. Johnny's mother had three children. The first child was named April.
The second child was named May. What was the third child's name? 2.
There is a clerk at the butcher shop, he is five feet ten inches tall
and he wears size 13 sneakers. What does he weigh? 3. Before Mt.
Everest was discovered, what was the highest mountain in the world? 4.
How much dirt is there in a hole that measures two feet by three feet
by four feet... read
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Another Apology,
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I owe an apology to Company 7 Barbecue/1001 S. Main
St./Englewood, Ohio. I'm getting practice at saying "I'm sorry!" I've
written to you all concerning a woman I know who was caught in a Meth
Lab Bust. She got her kiddie back and had another one in the meantime.
She said she was returning to the "pot-smoking scene" the day she was
holding her "Freedom Papers" in her hand from the courts. She told me
she's returned to it - earlier than the papers... read
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May 16… Wear
Purple for Peace Day, From a CNO reader
You'd think that this day originated in protest of a particular war or
conflict. Or, perhaps it should have been conceived by the UN, or
another peacemaking or peace-keeping group. Our extensive research
found no evidence supporting the origin of this holiday stemming from
these sources. Rather, we found this day to be a stellar event. It
seems some of you out there fear that aliens from outer space consider
earthlings to be too hostile (you've got that right)... read
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Eclectic,
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! Eclectic is defined as "deriving ideas, style, or taste from
a broad and diverse range of sources. Now the definition does not fit
exactly. But, see if you find any common ideas from the following. I
thought they were disjointed thoughts. But, maybe they are not as
disjointed as I thought. They are all from conversations I've had with
people - who do not know each other. This one puzzles and troubles me
the most. I actually saw all of this. The ad... read
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"She"
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I normally do not write columns "ver-batim" - word-for-word
when people talk to me. But, this one just made so much sense - I wrote
it the way it was said. "Mona, you need to write this. Whether anyone
listens or not." She told me she'd "been there." There are so many
nuances to this that I can not possibly look at them all. She told me
she could not be sorry enough for her bad decisions. And they rarely
had to do with alcohol or drugs! They were born of... read
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"Imperfections"
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! My dog is roughly 10 and a half years old. She has "hot
spots." The skin will turn red - she'll itch and dig - the hair falls
out sometimes - it's a chore, to be sure. Her owner could not care for
her. I got her when she was a year old. The hot spots came in the last
3 years. She has been a joy to me through it all. You know - aside from
the fact that she physically can not lie to me - I do not think she
would if she could - she asks little of me. She only wants... read
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Starts With "R",
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I've been listening to people talk about the "Police Beat." I
hear how they do not like it - at all...it's too "blow-by-blow." You
faithful readers (thanks, again!) know how my mind works. From my
readings of the "author" of the Police Beat - he has always shown you a
path and given you the first step or two. You get to do the "math" - if
you like. On this particular one - I'll do the math. Remember reading
about the kid (25?) who took off... read
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Only One Way, By Mona
Lease
Hi, all! I've turned this over in my mind for some time now. And there
is only one way to say this… only one way to look at it. And that is to
look at the truth of it. Concerning the drug problem - here's how to
make a dent (a huge one) in it: Common drug scenario - "Jiles, man you
really came through for us this time!! Just when we thought there was
no heroin (pills, pot, crack, cocaine, etc.), you went to Bubba. Man, I
know you don't like him at all. (See how Jiles is... read
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Hmm!
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! This could only be in my mind! But - I thought I'd share this
idea with you. I was speaking to a girlfriend the other day. Our
conversation turned to this: Have you ever noticed that (by and large)
- almost by some cosmic (higher-up?) design - people from other
countries (cultures?) are living and working here? Before I continue
on, I'll put a parameter on this..There are good people and bad people
in every culture (color,sex,etc.). And another parameter is... read
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People and Money,
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! He was a very young man for the job. He was inexperienced.
But, he had a smile. He wore the right clothes - white shirt and black
suit. He had a petite, lovely wife. She smiled, was poised, and spoke
of the children. I'm speaking of John F. Kennedy - or, am I? He had the
right family connections. He had political backers who knew their
places - mostly silent ones. He came on strong - always with that charm
and smile. A few good things seemed to happen... read
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Probably Just Me,
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! Maybe it's just me - it probably is - just me. But - everyone
- well; most people, agree that "everything is made in China." And that
China is our enemy...that China owns us." But - I think we are paying
China to be our enemy - to own us!! And here's how I come to that
conclusion. Every year "'long 'bout school time" (August) - China ships
stuff over here to us - to be "in style" when the kiddies return to
school for another year of learnin'. Granted - someone... read
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The Ride,
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! How many of you remember going to the Fair and riding the
biggest, tallest ride there - The SkyDiver? It sat catty-corner
from the Speed Office on the south end of the Fairgrounds. From the
top-most car you could see all the way up to the Grand Stand! Remember
the anticipation - how your heart beat faster? You were on the ride -
it moved and stopped to load more people - "Come on" - "Hurry it up,
already!" Then it started - slowly at first and picked... read
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Lexophile: Love
this stuff!, From a CNO reader
"Lexophile" is a word used to describe those that love using words in
rather unique ways, such as "you can tune a piano, but you can't tuna
fish", or "to write with a broken pencil is pointless." A competition
to see who can come up with the best one is held every year. This
year's winning submission is posted at the very end. When fish are in
schools, they sometimes take debate. A thief who stole a calendar got
twelve months... read
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Answering the
Call, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! There has been so much to write about - I wanted to take a few
sentences to tell you the following before I stat the column - or maybe
it is the column - in a way. Friday, January 31, 2014 - on
CountyNewsOnline - a headline read - "Boehner Hosts Ohio Job Creators
at the State of the Union." I had sent an e.mail to John's DC
Office - to his secretary. That was last December - before Christmas. I
sent it "From Darke County." I made a few phone calls to... read
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Valentines Day
verse for CNO readers, 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 its Valentines Day. Wilson offers four different thoughts
about the annual tribute to romance. 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 a local... read
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Getting to Know
Hope, From Senior Scribe Marianne Clark
Another assortment of odds and ends from Marianne’s poet friend out
west. I found the first one most amusing… I believe you will as well.
They are all worth a read; I can identify with her perspective in the
Clothes Horse. Editor. HERE COMES HOPE - I get up in the morning a
shower to take. And sometimes I’m only half awake. Then the scented
body wash starts a war with the shampoo, But I let them battle wouldn’t
you? After... read
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A Time For
Everything, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! This column is sort of a "part two." I did not mean it that
way - it just turned out that way. I knew last week about a gross child
abuse situation in our county. Now that it made the headlines in a
local paper - I will speak. I have spoken with a number of powerful
people and organizations locally. I have asked them to start telling
the kiddies and our young people to "Just Say No" to sex. They are told
to say that to drugs. Imagine my surprise and... read
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Jammin' Me,
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! Buy this insurance! If you are happy where you are; you can
stay there! Now I have health insurance with a $2,000 deductible - for
one person My new insurance does not cover half of what the new
policy does. (True Darke County story). We (the city) need to improve
the street. It needs widened. We're taking some of your property for
the sidewalk (oh, and you get to sweep it, wash it, shovel snow off of
it, and if someone falls and breaks a... read
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Watchin' the
Money, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I've been listening to the conversations lately. It seems very
few people are truly happy. "More money" is what I hear. "If I
had more money I could do this, that or, the other." I've watched "more
money" appear - then another "problem" occurs - sickness sometimes.
Usually something breaks. Somehow, the "needful broken object" is a
television or computer. Now and again, it's a vehicle or appliance. For
all the "needful" of the telly or computer - I've... read
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How long is
winter? By Sharon Hopper
This has already been the longest year I can ever remember and it is
only January. The 18th of January to be specific. Already we have had
more snow that has kept us housebound than in many a year. We have had
a rainstorm that closed our road for two days. And we have had the
coldest temperatures in a century and there seems to be no relief
according to the forecast. My electric meter has been spinning for days
and I am very thankful for that and my pipes... read
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A-maze-ing!!
By Mona Lease
Hi, all! "Betty Grable was always into drugs. She deserved to
die." "Hugh Heffner bandied about with girls young enough to be
his granddaughters. He'll probably get a disease. (He can afford it,
though.)" "Those girls are gold diggers. They should get a real
job like the rest of us." "He's had six DUIs so far. And I heard
he was into drugs....lock up your stuff. "Those people" steal to get
their drugs" "I won't go to his funeral - he's a child
molester." "She won't listen... read
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For My Shipmate
Jim Pope, By Al Bliss
The other day, I thought of my old shipmate and friend Jim Pope and
considered only proper to share some of the unique times and
experiences that we had together. In 1951, when I reported to Fire
Control Class A school in Washington D.C. at the old Anacostia Naval
Base, I met this guy named Pope. He was in the class ahead of me, so we
were not in class together, but he did possess the most unusual
walk/stride... read
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Is It Really
True? By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I trust you all survived our little "Arctic Blast!" As I
write this, it is 9 degrees at the Versailles Airport. And it seems so
much warmer now that the wind has mostly settled and we're on the plus
side of zero - kinda hard to believe! I'd like to take credit for the
following, but; I can't. Red Skelton (one of my all-time personal
favorites) of Vincennes, Indiana; credits a teacher of his - a Mr.
Lasser... read
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Just a Thought,
By Sharon Hopper
I have been thinking again. Wow that can lead to some trouble. Wonder
what people did in the old days to keep ahead of the weather we are
having January 6 2014. They could not just listen to the weather
forcast and run to the grocery store for bread and milk and a few
comfort foods. They certainly did not have electric and just turn on a
switch and it would get warm in the house. And the roads were not
opened within hours of a snowstorm or plowed drifting snow... read
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The Magi,
By Mona Lease
Hi, all! As usual - my brain started thinking "out of the box." With
Christmas and it's usual display of the Manger Scene (Bees to whomever
stole the Baby Jesus from the Greenville display!) and the Three Wise
Men - I did a little checking and a lot of thinking. First - I could
not find anywhere that there were 3 Wise Men - only "some Wise Men" or
"The Wise Men." Perhaps three came from the gifts they brought -
gold... read
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Prosperity: A
happy rewarding life, By Sharon Hopper
I have been thinking about time. Does it go to fast or does it go to
slow. I think it depends on what one is doing and what one wants to do.
If you are doing things that you truly enjoy then time seems to go by
fast. By the same token if you are doing something or nothing that is
productive then time seems to inch by slower and slower. Since I have
retired time seems to drag a good bit of the time. However, I really
don’t seem to... read
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Our "Lady
Liberty",
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I've been thinking lately - with all of the bad hype about
the current president, the senators, and such - Why are people still
coming here (the USA) to live? Why do they risk crossing the Mexican
Border to get here? And that got me to thinking of the Statue of
Liberty. So - with Wikipedia's help (God bless that public funded
site!), I found - The Statue of Liberty is really "Liberty Enlightening
the World." The French gave... read
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Darke County Senior Scribe… Come - Let Us Reason,
By Mona Lease
Hi, all! So - I've been doing some research. In the state of Ohio - you
do not have to have auto insurance. You need to prove financial
responsibility. Land you own is not listed..however you can use
"assets." And the usual bond stuff is listed. But; suppose you have a
lot of acreage - 100's of it. And it's prime, producing land. (In Darke
County, six months ago, a stream between two fields, with trees around
the stream; sold for a reported $300,000. The stream... read
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A
Christmas Holiday Offering, By Hope Louise Edwards Wills
TIME TO EAT By Hope Louise Edwards Wills Gary Goat was thinking, “It’s
almost Christmas, my, oh my. The farmer’s wife will make an apple
cinnamon pie. Snicker doodles, Gingerbread and then my favorite thing
for goodness sake, A three layered cream filled, chocolate cake.” Harry
Hound came by and said,” Gary, what are you thinking about? It must be
food, I have no doubt.” “Yes,” said Gary, “It’s the Christmas season,
And that gives me a very good... read
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Darke County Senior Scribe…Open Letters By
Mona Lease
Hi, all!! Open Letter to a Daughter In-Law: You do not have to call me
Mom or Ma'am. You can if you wish; but it is not necessary You see - I
was once like you - young - in love - and the world was full of hope
and promise. And, in many ways it still is full of promise. I have age
on my side. I've learned a few things the hard way. I've learned not to
take anything or anyone for granted. I've learned that people can and
will let you down - whether they mean to or... read
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Musings of a Senior Scribe…A Time For...,
By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I've been reading, from various sources, about the insurance
problems. And, it's curious to me - we are all saying the same thing.
There are people who have said that they had a "near death experience."
They survived and are going to spend this "new lease on life" doing
worthwhile things - in some cases this has to do with advocating for
the upholding of our constitutional rights - again theright to buy or
not buy insurance. Much blood was ... read
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A
Holiday Offering, By Hope Louise Edwards Wills
READY FOR FALL IN THE FARMHOUSE Summer was winding down. It was almost
fall. Fall on the farm was never dull. The farmhouse was in a real
tizzy. Fruits and veggies to can kept Fannie Farmer slightly dizzy.
Some things would be frozen as well, Warm peach pie was a favorite of
the Farmer in the Dell. On a cold winter night he would ask, oh so
nice, For just another little slice. Fannie thought blueberry crunch
cake was just right For a cold winter... read
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Musings of a Senior Scibe…To Tell The Truth,
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I have a girlfriend from the hills of Kentucky. Whenever she
had something she just had to say; she'd say it was "on her tongue" and
it had to come off her tongue. Awhile back I wrote about the 14 year
old girl and her 13 year old boyfriend - they had a spat - he gave her
a beautiful bracelet - they swore their undying love for each other -
life was good - he gave her a ring - life was great. Two weeks ago she
sent me a text - they were through - she's single..."I'm... read
more |
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