tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39605441811818661412024-03-15T01:41:48.718-07:00Another day in CatasauquaA blog about everyday life in the great Borough of Catasauqua. My insights to life and living in a small town.BAMwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05147799270709049858noreply@blogger.comBlogger217125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960544181181866141.post-47784737610996359992023-06-18T14:10:00.003-07:002023-06-18T14:10:46.360-07:00Happy Father's Day<p>For many, many years I did not celebrate this day. Yes, I did with my ex-husband and son. Plus today I called my son to wish him Happy Father's Day, a special one with a baby on the way. I had a grandfather I celebrated and Pop-pop my Step-Father but never a Father. </p><p>You see, my mom and dad were divorced when I was 4 months old. My grandmother thought it best that I had no contact with him. Let me tell you, she was so wrong. I met my paternal grandparents once, they came to my grandmother's house, they seemed so nice and brought me a giant stuffed rabbit, but I remember hearing her tell them to never come again. And they didn't. </p><p>When I around 17ish my Aunt Anne, my Father's step sister mentioned where my dad was living. I thought here it is, the opportunity to contact my father. Visions of uniting were in my dreams. The man would take me in his arms and call me daughter. I wrote a letter, in it I gave him options. One my phone number to call me. Two, write me back. OR three, if he did not want further contact from me, just put the letter in the self addressed stamped envelope and mail it back to me, at least I would know he got it. I would respect his wishes and never contact him again.</p><p>Well, I am guessing you know what happened. The letter came back in my self-addressed stamped envelope. No comments, no hello daughter. No, I love you. </p><p>But I still love the man who donated his sperm even though I will never know what he thought about me. He passed away December 5, 2022. I didn't know until a few months ago when I googled him. I did this periodically. I was sad that no one let me know, but then who would. Does anyone in his family even know I exist.<br /></p><p>All I know about him is what I read in the obituary:</p><p><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #444444; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Luther was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather. As a long-time member of the Paradise Hunting and Fishing Club in Weatherly, Luther was known for his love of hunting and fishing. He enjoyed the opportunities to pass he love for the outdoors onto his children and grandchildren.</span></p><p>An amazing father. </p><p>It looks like I have half-siblings, but I guess I will never meet them. I wasn't even mention in the obit, although my twin brothers, who died, were. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixmjZpi7N4_ShfRafvbhICpYWd6bzsQOhFAStOec1ZHQX_VxQk5e6kb3aXZw1JFVORkYvlwUBFsheoxqDJ5Frmb6tC-x0Atpsm6tI7vP1JEDHsvI4mus-LIufHr6eWjPjdLRqeT3VwyUvgF2tIGd8_oeEbX1qxnm45eWxDkLOstZMYjW5Gqvn3-R5_w/s220/Luther.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="170" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixmjZpi7N4_ShfRafvbhICpYWd6bzsQOhFAStOec1ZHQX_VxQk5e6kb3aXZw1JFVORkYvlwUBFsheoxqDJ5Frmb6tC-x0Atpsm6tI7vP1JEDHsvI4mus-LIufHr6eWjPjdLRqeT3VwyUvgF2tIGd8_oeEbX1qxnm45eWxDkLOstZMYjW5Gqvn3-R5_w/s1600/Luther.jpeg" width="170" /></a></div>I don't write this blog out of hate, I write it out of love. Love for the father I never knew, but also as a message to those fathers out there. The ones that leave and never ever have contact with there children again. You leave a hole. You leave a hole so deep in a child that you could not possibly understand.<p></p><p>I would have been happy with a birthday card or a phone call. One I love you in the last 64 years would of sufficed. </p><p>As usual I don't really celebrate this day: but let me say this -to my dad in heaven, happy father's day.</p><p>And to my heavenly Father, thank you for always be there.</p><p>and that's another day in Catasauqua<br /></p>BAMwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05147799270709049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960544181181866141.post-70617250254233038022021-09-19T19:22:00.000-07:002021-09-19T19:23:01.894-07:00Getting Back to Normal<p> Ever day is a new day and with each new day comes a little more normalcy in our lives. Today was the First Day of Sunday School again. Of all the things that I missed the most during Covid was my Church family, especially the children. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8WCpUQauOb0/YUfvy0LKbSI/AAAAAAAACjE/JSFy68_9rUkd0Mfxn60xFBAD_7lTub3-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1008/ss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8WCpUQauOb0/YUfvy0LKbSI/AAAAAAAACjE/JSFy68_9rUkd0Mfxn60xFBAD_7lTub3-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/ss.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Tammy, bff and co-teacher and I are blessed with a great group of children. They are smart, even when I think they aren't paying attention, they are. They are funny, they do and say the funniest things, I am always laughing with the. They are our future leaders and I don't mind leaving the world to them.<p></p><p>The most popular spot in our room is the hot chocolate corner and of course, the marshmallows. We had all kinds of marshmallows. Big ones, small ones, flavored ones and the kind that are in marshmallow cereals. I seen them wear marshmallows on their head, spear them with coffee stirrers and finally put them in their hot chocolate. </p><p>I learn, as I teach them and I have been learning for over 30 years. All the children that have come through have blessed me in some way. When I see some of the ones that I had years ago now married with children I realize how old I am. But you know what, the new ones keep me young. They give me energy that I usually don't have and let me tell you, covid had sucked a lot of my energy away. Even though I worked every day, nighttime was mundane. Come home, eat and sleep - repeat. </p><p>When I cleaned the room last week I found a lot of spider webs, one daddy longlegger, which Linus tells me is the most poisonous spider but is unable to bite humans with its fangs, and the world's most hardest marshmallows that ever existed. Along with out dated snacks, candy that was 2 years old and some other outdated items. </p><p>Today is was only Linus and I. We did the lesson about Deborah and Barak, talked about what we can do for others in the church. Talked about the food bank, the church carillons and daddy longleggers. Being it was only the two of us, we were done early so we threw yarn balls around and then did some origami, unsuccessfully. But I was never happier. </p><p>Yes, maybe we are taking baby steps to becoming normal and some things may be never normal again, but for today is was at Salem UCC Sunday School, and that's another day in Catasauqua.<br /></p><p><br /></p>BAMwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05147799270709049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960544181181866141.post-63810244173713010732021-05-30T13:39:00.001-07:002021-05-30T13:40:41.679-07:00Let's have some Cheese with you Wine, oh wait that gets delivered on a Tractor Trailer<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> It's a rainy day, a soggy Memorial Day weekend. I can't help but read Facebook and one of the Catty pages is really getting bogged down with whining about noise and tractor trailers. Especially Fed Ex tractor trailers. But we need to face one big fact - none of use could live without tractor trailers, they bring us our food, our clothes, our medicine and basically everything. Unless you live your life on a farm, raise animals, butcher them, and grow all your food you rely on tractors trailers.</span></p><ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Of the 1.9 million semi-trucks that operate in the U.S., one-third of them are registered in California, Florida and Texas.</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In 2015, commercial trucks traveled an estimated 279.8 billion miles collectively.</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A typical semi-truck diesel engine weighs 3,000 pounds.</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="font-size: medium;">70 percent of American goods are transported via semi-trucks</span></li></ul><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">During Covid we even relied more on Fed Ex and Amazon. Let's face - some of us didn't go out to shop and we had everything delivered. </span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I worked for Fed Ex (for a whole week) and do you know what that truck was full of - everything. Chewy.com; medical supplies, rugs, furniture, box after box after box going somewhere around the United States. It gets from place to place by tractor trailer. </span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Yes I know that the tractors trailers are big and our streets are small - I live on Howertown Road, I hear it all, trucks being the quietest. Motorcycles and loud cars don't bother me like they bother my mom, who has to say OY every time they go by. </span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdu22Zi-YA0/YLP3eaLi7YI/AAAAAAAACZg/lCDg4SSjKUAuOlXOwaNQMtnowXL9k7rxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1000/truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="1000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdu22Zi-YA0/YLP3eaLi7YI/AAAAAAAACZg/lCDg4SSjKUAuOlXOwaNQMtnowXL9k7rxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/truck.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I lived at 2nd and Mulberry Streets growing up and I am old enough to remember the noise from the Brewery. And lets talk about the airport, I could hear planes start up and roar overhead. They are much quieter now. Oh, and what older Catasauquan cannot remember the banging from the Phoenix Forge.</span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Oh our poor ancestors. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif;">Historically, manufacturing was Catasauqua's principal industry, and, in 1839, it was the location of the first manufactured </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthracite_iron" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0645ad; font-family: sans-serif; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Anthracite iron">anthracite iron</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif;"> in the nation.</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">. Betcha that was a nuisance at the time. </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Let's face it, there always something to gripe about, but I love Catasauqua, the small town charm, it might not be the best place to live but it surely is not the worse. I love the trees, the parks, and yes I to will miss the pool this year but it is what it is. We have Skelly on Race Street that makes me smile and we have a lot going for us and that's what we should be happy about. </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You can complain if you wish, but the next time you have get a box from Amazon, or Zulily or anything for that matter, remember it probably was on a tractor trailer at sometime. and that's another day in Catasauqua<br /></span></span></div>BAMwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05147799270709049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960544181181866141.post-58831587730787316422020-12-27T11:07:00.001-08:002020-12-27T11:07:46.816-08:00The New Normal<p> Let me just state that I don't like the new normal. The normal means for me working 24/7 - and I don't like it. When I was a little girl and I played "secretary" I sat behind my desk and my toy typewrite and pretended to work. And I pretended to work 9 to 5 with a lunch hour and breaks. Boy, was I a dreamer. </p><p>I have a different title now and I am not sure the term secretary in used anymore, you more of a personal assistant or administrative assistant. Although we do have the Secretary of State, etc., which mean something different. </p><p>When Covid hit - working from home became the new normal for a lot of people. I hate working from home. I hear the tv, the dog wants to sit on my lap and everyone talks to me. While at work I hear music, the dog is at home and everyone still talks to me; but usually about work. The fact is almost everyone I deal with is working from home which means everyone now has a different timetable they are working. We have the early birds, the after lunch bunch, they hey I just start moving at 3 and the night owls. I just want to work 8:30 am to 5 pm with some sort of break at lunch, but that just doesn't happen anymore. Because they work, they think I work; and when someone decides they have a question on a Sunday afternoon they call. </p><p>Guess what people, I food shop, go to the drug store, take a nap and cook. I clean my house, go to church and see my family. I do laundry, I like to read (although it has been forever) and crochet (same for crochet) and in the summer -- garden (which went to hell this summer). </p><p>Maybe I am just to old for this, I come from a whole different generation than everyone else I work with. I still can remember when I rested on a Sunday. </p><p>Speaking of rest, I need a nap. I will say this, my Company is very good to me. Although I think they sometimes live in that perfect world I dream about when they say enjoy your time off. There is not a time I am truly off - I would have to go completely off the grid with no computer and phone. I need to learn to camp or something. To completely unplug, how nice that would be for just even a day.</p><p>Well, I am done whining for now. Occasionally it happens, LOL, but that's Another day in Catasauqua.</p>BAMwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05147799270709049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960544181181866141.post-8654153308805351142020-12-23T18:16:00.001-08:002020-12-23T18:17:55.152-08:00Christmas Spirit 2020<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-POLrJNRo6Hw/X-P50VMxvmI/AAAAAAAACVE/qtqKRhPg884uK_NK9LGt93pVC-48fRkvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s676/spirirt.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-POLrJNRo6Hw/X-P50VMxvmI/AAAAAAAACVE/qtqKRhPg884uK_NK9LGt93pVC-48fRkvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/spirirt.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> I don't get much time anymore to write this blog, but I felt the need to write about Christmas Spirit, or the acute lack thereof, this year. It is peculiar times; Covid has cause isolation even in a crowd. Our masks cover not just our mouth and nose, but our smiles. Social distancing has caused the absents of hugs and kisses, (Thank you Emmy for not following that and giving me a big, meaningful hug today),<p></p><p>Some people are even spending the time alone at this holiday, maybe for the first time. A holiday that circles around family. From the story of a baby, born to a virgin mother and a earthly father who raise Him in love, Everyone visits that baby, shepherds, wisemen and if the song is right, a little drummer boy. That family is why we celebrate with our families and love ones. That is why we share gifts at the holiday as a symbol of love to each other, sometimes even as a symbol of hope as did the gifts of the Magi, of frankincense, myrrh and gold, gifts for a future king.</p><p>When I have gone shopping this past week the spirit that is usually there every year that you could catch in a strangers smile as they held the door, or talking with people in a long line at the store while you wait to check out, is missing. You can't talk unless you shout, people can't understand you because the mask muffles your voice. Handshakes and hugs don't exist and there is a sadness about that. But what even makes me worry is that this will be an ongoing way of existence. </p><p>All stories from a Peanuts Christmas to Twas the Night before Christmas revolves around people and family. Will the future Santa wear a Hazmat suit and use hand sanitizer, think of all the cross contamination that man causes. </p><p>How will Hallmark Christmas movies ever find love is a social distance society. How will Snoopy kiss Lucy through a mask, oh the inhumanity of it all.</p><p>Well, I have no answers, only questions and I can only hope and pray that the future will be better. That the Christmas Spirit will return, that hugs will come back. </p><p>Until then, I wish you peace, love and hope this Christmas, and that's another day in Catasauqua</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>BAMwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05147799270709049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960544181181866141.post-52402137415876540402020-05-25T07:25:00.001-07:002020-05-25T07:25:08.939-07:00Memorial Day 2020<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oVk-rdUCfHs/XsvTnEEtO1I/AAAAAAAACQo/5BLjhJ299Q46XKzlg4TBYkbjNZ-mgJOGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/memorial-day-mgn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oVk-rdUCfHs/XsvTnEEtO1I/AAAAAAAACQo/5BLjhJ299Q46XKzlg4TBYkbjNZ-mgJOGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/memorial-day-mgn.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>Memorial Day</b> is a United States federal holiday which occurs every year on the final Monday of May.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-1"></sup> Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-2"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day#cite_note-2"> </a></sup>Formerly known as <b>Decoration Day</b>,(my grandmother called it this) it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-3"></sup>. It typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end.<br />
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The preferred name for the holiday gradually changed from "Decoration Day" to "Memorial Day", which was first used in 1882<sup>. </sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GoddardZon2008_33-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day#cite_note-GoddardZon2008-33"></a></sup> It did not become more common until after World War II, and was not declared the official name by Federal law until 1967.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Axelrod2007_34-0"></sup> On June 28, 1968, the Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved four holidays, including Memorial Day, from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order to create a convenient three-day weekend. (Thank you Congress I love a three day weekend) The change moved Memorial Day from its traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May. The law took effect at the federal level in 1971.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Public_Law_90-363_35-1"></sup> After some initial confusion and unwillingness to comply, all 50 states adopted Congress' change of date within a few years. (whew)<br />
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Memorial Day 2020 will soon not be forgotten, for in Catasauqua we are still in the RED Zone of the Covid 19 Quarantine. So gatherings, parties and picnics are not a good idea unless it is with your family that you been stuck with for the last 146 days - yes it has been that long. <br />
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Yesterday I ventured to Lowe's, which is apparently the gathering place for the world - I haven't seen so many people since this all began. I got some fertilizer and tomato plants, and apparently an impossible to open propane tank replacement, which is going to mean a return trip to people central to either find someone bigger and stronger than me or get a new tank. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sGNK6MyN8oI/XsvTnDqL-eI/AAAAAAAACQs/qm0I_i6CL-IOrG2vx1YWY8vwplXby1LvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/memorial%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sGNK6MyN8oI/XsvTnDqL-eI/AAAAAAAACQs/qm0I_i6CL-IOrG2vx1YWY8vwplXby1LvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/memorial%2B2.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bshGDQrfBxI/XsvTnKn8OSI/AAAAAAAACQk/dyj74xgTY1kgAX32KEi6Mm0CUBgB9Pt8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/memoria1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bshGDQrfBxI/XsvTnKn8OSI/AAAAAAAACQk/dyj74xgTY1kgAX32KEi6Mm0CUBgB9Pt8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/memoria1.jpg" width="150" /></a>So today we will have grilled (hopefully) chicken and potato salad and pretend for the day that this is normal.. I don't like the phrase the new normal, I don't want this to be our new normal As I sit here and write I see things around me that represent my normal, a bingo dapper, bills, and paper work. My new normal has hand sanitizer, gloves and masks to my right.<br />
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Somethings from the Covid Crisis I keep just because they make me smile. Notes from my bff Cathy.<br />
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Yes, today is Memorial Day, a day to remember the fallen in Armed Forces, who secured our freedom and liberty. Today that is what I will remember. <br />
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and tomorrow, well, that's Another Day in Catasauqua<br />
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<br />BAMwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05147799270709049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960544181181866141.post-77072441910601300022020-03-16T11:13:00.000-07:002020-03-16T11:14:43.692-07:00A case of CoronaA case of Corona means something different today - more like a virus than a good time. In an effort to keep Catasauquians updated, I am posting any cancellations, or virus updates for our area on my Facebook page.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8prmbZmM_8/Xm_A-rZoz1I/AAAAAAAACOE/NCkP2quodroFs_t71-tvXO3XYXP084ndwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Corona-Beer-Coronavirus-survey-poll-americans-drinking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="807" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8prmbZmM_8/Xm_A-rZoz1I/AAAAAAAACOE/NCkP2quodroFs_t71-tvXO3XYXP084ndwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Corona-Beer-Coronavirus-survey-poll-americans-drinking.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
So what are you suppose to do at home as this virus sweeps the nation.<br />
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Yesterday I said to Parke, we should play cards - some gin rummy or Uno - we use to have fun doing that. But as computers and iphones and Amazon prime filled our time we got away from that. What have you gotten away from that you might like to try again? Board games, cards, baking, crafts? I crochet and I saw on Facebook a meme that said Crocheters have been in training for this. So true, I have enough yarn at home to complete dozens of projects.<br />
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If you want to use your iphone or computer, learn a new skill like belly dancing, a foreign language or learn to whistle through your fingers. Here is a great article - 50 Amazing Skills you can learn on YouTube<br />
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<a href="https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/572087/learn-skills-on-youtube">https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/572087/learn-skills-on-youtube</a><br />
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The thing I miss the most is Church, the singing, the prayers and the people. They are all like my family and to be without them makes me feel like a piece of my life is missing.<br />
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I am lucky to have people at home with me, if you know someone who doesn't it is<br />
time to reach out to them in a phone call! Check on them, see how they are handling the situation. Let someone know you care.<br />
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Meanwhile at my house I won't consider it a crisis until my mom has no where to go every morning. So far her and her friends have been meeting at the buffet. So it's not a real crisis until my Mama stays home.<br />
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and that is another day in Catasauqua.BAMwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05147799270709049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960544181181866141.post-68402668224109862422019-12-30T12:19:00.000-08:002019-12-30T12:19:46.371-08:00The Paradox of EvilYou know, I don't like to post, to often, my personal opinions on anything. I prefer telling something historical or an event in and around Catasauqua. But today I am troubled. <br />
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Yesterday there was another senseless shooting in a church, not to mention a stabbing at a Rabbi's house. And what bothers me the most is the fact that the shooter in the church was shot dead by security. I know the security guy was doing his job, he saved countless lives, but he took a life in a place where rule number six is Thou shall not kill.<br />
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The volunteer security member was a former reserve deputy sheriff who is a firearm instructor. So my question is, why not just wound him. <br />
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When did we become as aggressive of a society as the evil we so often point out.<br />
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The paradox of evil. What's the answer - I have none. <br />
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<span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">Romans 12:19 </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Beloved, </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28249A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28249A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">never avenge yourselves, but leave it</span><span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-ESV-28249a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-ESV-28249a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A19&version=ESV#fen-ESV-28249a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> to the wrath of God, for it is written, </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28249B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28249B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">“Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”</span><br />
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Matthew 5: 38-39 <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Corbel, Verdana, sans-serif;">You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Corbel, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Are those the answer, turning the cheek, or leaving the gunman go. No, it would of caused more deaths. Did God put the security team in the right place at the right time - to protect his people.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Corbel, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I don't know - but in searching the scriptures for an answer I came up with the next one. For some reason this struck a chord. In the ever increasing evil that seems to plague us as a society, we need to look for the source, we need to find answers. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Corbel, Verdana, sans-serif;">Ephesians 6:12 - For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Corbel, Verdana, sans-serif;">and unfortunately, that's another day in Catasauqua.</span>BAMwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05147799270709049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960544181181866141.post-44312378805468588362018-12-09T17:13:00.000-08:002018-12-09T17:13:57.712-08:00To Feel The Love<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FWm3n6TP2lU/XA279ufV8vI/AAAAAAAACHw/tToohN-UP_4D36SrCp90xK-X8Z78w_72QCLcBGAs/s1600/us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="370" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FWm3n6TP2lU/XA279ufV8vI/AAAAAAAACHw/tToohN-UP_4D36SrCp90xK-X8Z78w_72QCLcBGAs/s200/us.jpg" width="200" /></a>The last two weeks have been crazy to say the least. Two weeks ago I got a call about a new job with another Title Company. If you know me, you know that I have worked at the same place for the last 39 years. And, to get a new job was exciting, scary and sad all at the same time. <br />
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I hadn't want to really look for a new job, I liked mine, but I was only working part time due to the fact we were laid off part time, and unemployment was a joke. I tried to cut our expenses where I could but sooner or later I knew I wouldn't be able to keep up with the bills. <br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MtAF7CKXIJg/XA27_owUfdI/AAAAAAAACH4/DnB4cXPOvzcDOK7p_WzYHEIEPEcdQdGNQCLcBGAs/s1600/us2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="870" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MtAF7CKXIJg/XA27_owUfdI/AAAAAAAACH4/DnB4cXPOvzcDOK7p_WzYHEIEPEcdQdGNQCLcBGAs/s320/us2.jpg" width="320" /></a>I tried working part time at night for Fed Ex but besides finding out why everything is broken when it is delivered it was too hard for me to do and way to dangerous for an old lady. I applied to a lot of jobs on line and then I got the call for an interview about a month ago for another Title Company doing more or less the same thing I am doing now. And when the call came that I got the job, well it was kind of sad at work. We all teared up because we now knew that the three of us would soon be down to two. <br />
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I spent the next two weeks packing up 39 years of accumulated stuff. Christmas stuff, stuffed animals, food stuff and how many coffee mugs can a girl have stuff. All of which ended up in my dining room. The last day was difficult, but not as bad as I thought it would be. Presents that I did not expect, a lunch which was delicious and good byes that were heartfelt and heartbreaking. <br />
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Not only had I worked with Annette all those 39 years, Barb came along 19 years ago and became a BFF easily. How do you leave them? Well, one thing is that I will visit often. Thankfully it is close by. I didn't feel the emptiness until a few minutes ago when I was putting Christmas cookies away. I didn't pack any for the girls for tomorrow. It felt like I had a hole in the stomach and I got a lump in my throat. Instead I will take some to them later this week.<br />
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Now just when I thought it couldn't get anymore emotional, yesterday proved to be even more so. <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iJonKn2OWCk/XA27-tkOGZI/AAAAAAAACH0/JjnAEKe5hSgX6XP0aJmnR9TzHN3SWLdxACLcBGAs/s1600/me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iJonKn2OWCk/XA27-tkOGZI/AAAAAAAACH0/JjnAEKe5hSgX6XP0aJmnR9TzHN3SWLdxACLcBGAs/s320/me.jpg" width="240" /></a>Saturday we had a Santa's breakfast at our church. So much fun, so much food. It was a great time. At the end when the helpers got a chance to sit down I was eating with another BFF of mine, Cathy. My mom was sitting next to me and then suddenly there seemed to be a lot of people around. I just figured they were talking, but the next thing I knew there was a present. Gail, a wonderful women from my church had a gift for me. Now, I don't like to be singled out, so at first I thought what could this be, why am I getting a present? Well, to my surprise it was a painting that Gail did of me. Me, as Super Stewardship Woman. Me, with blue wig askew, cape flying and crazy tights. In that moment I felt like my heart would just pop out of my chest with love.<br />
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So, that's been my week. I don't know what tomorrow holds, but whatever it is I know one thing for certain, I am loved. And I don't go through this world alone. I have so many dear friends. So many BFF's that I feel blessed. More blessed than one human being should be.<br />
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It has been a rough couple of months but I am looking forward to new adventures, new friends and new challenges.<br />
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And that is Another day in Catasauqua<br />
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BAMwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05147799270709049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960544181181866141.post-74496881122320995402018-11-25T13:48:00.000-08:002018-11-25T13:48:01.068-08:00It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lPfOFpG0ewU/W_sX657xJbI/AAAAAAAACHM/sQPosK459fAI8W8SNgRBTgSYdu9KOxQMACLcBGAs/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lPfOFpG0ewU/W_sX657xJbI/AAAAAAAACHM/sQPosK459fAI8W8SNgRBTgSYdu9KOxQMACLcBGAs/s320/unnamed.jpg" width="320" /></a>I just finished decorating for Christmas and I decided to take Blade for a walk, when I noticed that the neighborhood is also decorated for Christmas. <br />
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I had just thought that my house was looking a little under-lit probably because I lost my mugo pine this summer so one less shrub to decorate. All my older stuff had broken, deer, angel and candy canes. They only last so long. I was toying with the idea of buying some lighted character or characters for the lawn to spice it up a bit. When what to wandering eyes I should see, but the Hallmark Pickup Truck carrying a Christmas tree. Yes, and it is adorable. Then I came across a shark and a NARWHAL! The narwhal was so cute. Now I am all excited to go out a look for something for my lawn.<br />
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You have to love Catasauqua and North Catasauqua, we know how to light the Christmas night. I know when I use to walk Pete at night at Christmas time it was almost as bright as day. So, I guess I will have to do the same with Blade, take a night walk, and some pictures for here, so I can share them with you. I hope that one house in North Catasauqua still has the chimes that play songs, it was my favorite last year. This year who knows what is out there. I am excited to find out.<br />
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and that's another day in Catasauqua<br />
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<br />BAMwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05147799270709049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960544181181866141.post-38190235614492672372018-07-12T05:57:00.000-07:002018-07-12T05:57:02.773-07:00When I was a Little Girl, I Kept a Dragon in a JarWhen I was very little,<br />
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I thought I kept a dragon in a jar. Every so often I would let him out to fly around and then I would scoop him back up and place him into the jar again. My dragon's name was Puff, of course, the song by Peter, Paul and Mary was popular at that time, I was about 6 years old. <br />
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Puff was an actual puff, you know the puff that is bigger that a dandelion puff, the way the seeds of a plant spread. Anyway, when I was a child I caught one of these big puffs (thinking it was a dragon, hey I didn't know what a dragon was suppose to look like, don't judge me) and that was what I kept in my jar. It was truly magical, I had it in the jar for days and I would let him out to fly and I would run around the yard with him. I sang to him (Puff the Magic Dragon lived by the see and frolicked in the Autumn mist with a girl called Beverleeeee, sorry I am a creative singer) I tried to feed him. but he didn't eat anything. But like my grandfather taught me, you can't keep creatures in a jar really long, they will die. So eventually I left him fly away. I truly loved Puff, I told him all my secrets, well at least the secrets of a 6 year old girl.<br />
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So why am I tell you this, well, this morning on my way to work suddenly there was a puff on my car window. It plopped right directly in front of me, like it was looking at me, then it swirled across my window, just like a little dance and I smiled and all the memories of Puff, my dragon, came rushing back to me. I even had tears thinking about it. Isn't it amazing how little things can make you happy.<br />
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In this world, as a grown-up, it seems like it takes a lot to make us happy. Everything seems so technical and we are skeptical of everyone and everything. But, then I thought about it, isn't the simple things still what make us truly happy. Think about it. A baby being born, love, a smile and even a fart makes us laugh. (Yes, Barbara I am thinking about you!).<br />
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Today I am thankful for that magical puff, the one I met today, and the one that played with a lonely little girl back in 1963. Heck, maybe it was the same Puff.<br />
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May you find still find pleasure in the simplest of things. Don't let life get so busy and complicated that you miss it. <br />
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Smile, because, that's another day in Catasauqua.<br />
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BAMwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05147799270709049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960544181181866141.post-84471983944912828792018-06-14T07:56:00.001-07:002018-06-14T07:56:16.651-07:00Oh Say Can You SeeYou know, all this controversy with the Star-Spangled Banner and the Philadelphia Eagles and the President got me thinking. Where did it all start.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">We all know that Francis Scott Keys wrote the lyrics come from "Defence of Fort M'Henry",</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> a poem</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> written on September 14, 1814, by the then 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Scott_Key" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080;" title="Francis Scott Key">Francis Scott Key</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">and observed that the fort's</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> smaller "storm flag" continued to fly, but once the shell and rocket</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">barrage had stopped, he would not know how the battle had turned out until dawn. On the morning of September 14, the storm flag had been lowered and the larger flag had been raised.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">During the bombardment, HMS Terror and the HMS Meteor provided some of the "bombs bursting in air".</span></div>
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<a class="image" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Star_Spangled_Banner_Flag_on_display_at_the_Smithsonian%27s_National_Museum_of_History_and_Technology,_around_1964.jpg" style="background: none; color: #0b0080;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" class="thumbimage" data-file-height="768" data-file-width="578" height="226" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/Star_Spangled_Banner_Flag_on_display_at_the_Smithsonian%27s_National_Museum_of_History_and_Technology%2C_around_1964.jpg/170px-Star_Spangled_Banner_Flag_on_display_at_the_Smithsonian%27s_National_Museum_of_History_and_Technology%2C_around_1964.jpg" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/Star_Spangled_Banner_Flag_on_display_at_the_Smithsonian%27s_National_Museum_of_History_and_Technology%2C_around_1964.jpg/255px-Star_Spangled_Banner_Flag_on_display_at_the_Smithsonian%27s_National_Museum_of_History_and_Technology%2C_around_1964.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/Star_Spangled_Banner_Flag_on_display_at_the_Smithsonian%27s_National_Museum_of_History_and_Technology%2C_around_1964.jpg/340px-Star_Spangled_Banner_Flag_on_display_at_the_Smithsonian%27s_National_Museum_of_History_and_Technology%2C_around_1964.jpg 2x" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid rgb(200, 204, 209); vertical-align: middle;" width="170" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The 15-star, 15-stripe "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star-Spangled_Banner_(flag)" style="background: none; color: #0b0080;" title="Star-Spangled Banner (flag)">Star-Spangled Banner</a>" that inspired the poem</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Key was inspired by the U.S. victory and the sight of the large U.S. Flag </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">flying triumphantly above the fort. This flag, with fifteen stars and fifteen stripes, had been made by Mary Young Pickersgill</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">together with other workers in her home on Baltimore's Pratt Street. The flag later came to be known as the Star-Spangled Banner</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">and is today on display in the National Museum of American History, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> a treasure of the Smithsonian Institution. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The song gained popularity throughout the 19th century and bands played it during public events, such as July 4th celebrations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A plaque displayed at Fort Meade, South Dakota, claims that the idea of making "The Star Spangled Banner" the national anthem began on their parade ground in 1892. Colonel Caleb Carlton, Post Commander, established the tradition that the song be played "at retreat and at the close of parades and concerts." Carlton explained the custom to Governor Sheldon of South Dakota who "promised me that he would try to have the custom established among the state militia." Carlton wrote that after a similar discussion, Secretary of War, Daniel E. Lamont issued an order that it "be played at every Army post every evening at retreat."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In 1899, the U.S. Navy officially adopted "The Star-Spangled Banner".<span style="white-space: nowrap;"> </span> In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson ordered that "The Star-Spangled Banner" be played at military and other appropriate occasions. The playing of the song two years later during the 7th inning stretch of Game One of the 1918 World Series and thereafter during each game of the series is often cited as the first instance that the anthem was played at a baseball game. There is a great story here - (From the History Channel ) "</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.005em; word-spacing: 0.08em;">Yet even though the event featured two teams at the top of their games, the crowd was somber that day,</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.005em; word-spacing: 0.08em;"> </span><a href="http://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/6957582/the-history-national-anthem-sports-espn-magazine" style="border: 0px; box-shadow: black 0px -1px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: inherit; color: #181818; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: 0.005em; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; transition: 0.3s ease-out, 0.2s ease-out; vertical-align: baseline; word-spacing: 0.08em;" target="_blank">writes</a><span style="color: black; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.005em; word-spacing: 0.08em;"> </span><em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.005em; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-spacing: 0.08em;">ESPN The Magazine</em><span style="color: black; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.005em; word-spacing: 0.08em;">. Since entering the Great War a year and a half ago, more than 100,000 U.S. soldiers had died. And just a day before the game, a bomb had exploded in Chicago, (the city in which the game was held), killing four people and injuring dozens more. In addition, the U.S. government had recently announced that it would begin drafting major league baseball players.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.005em; word-spacing: 0.08em;">All this sat heavy on the shoulders of both the players and the smaller-than-usual crowd of fans that day. But during the seventh-inning stretch, the U.S. Navy band began to play the Star-Spangled Banner; and something changed.</span><br />
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As the song began, Red Sox infielder Fred Thomas—who was in the Navy and had been granted furlough to play in the World Series—<a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/ct-wrigley-field-national-anthem-20170703-story.html" style="border: 0px; box-shadow: black 0px -1px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: inherit; color: #181818; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; transition: 0.3s ease-out, 0.2s ease-out; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">immediately</a> turned toward the American flag and gave it a military salute, <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/ct-wrigley-field-national-anthem-20170703-story.html" style="border: 0px; box-shadow: black 0px -1px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: inherit; color: #181818; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; transition: 0.3s ease-out, 0.2s ease-out; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">according</a> to the <em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Chicago Tribune</em>. Other players turned to the flag with hands over hearts, and the already-standing crowd began to sing. At the song’s conclusion, the previously quiet fans erupted in thunderous applause. At the time, the <em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">New York Times </em><a href="http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9406E6DA1439E13ABC4E53DFBF668383609EDE" style="border: 0px; box-shadow: black 0px -1px 0px 0px inset; box-sizing: inherit; color: #181818; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; transition: 0.3s ease-out, 0.2s ease-out; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">reported</a> that it “marked the highest point of the day’s enthusiasm.” The song would be played at each of the Series’ remaining games, to increasingly rapturous response. And patriotism played a part right from the start, as the Red Sox gave free tickets to wounded veterans and honored them during the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner before the start of the decisive Game 6."</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">President Hoover signed the bill on March 4, 1931, officially adopting "The Star-Spangled Banner" as the national anthem of the United States of America.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now here is an interesting FACT - When the U.S. national anthem was first recognized by law in 1931, there was no prescription as to behavior during its playing. It wasn't until 1942 saluting and taking ones hat off came into play.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-61" style="line-height: 1; white-space: nowrap;"></sup></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since 1998, federal law (viz., the United States Code 36 U.S.C states that during a rendition of the national anthem, when the flag is displayed, all present including those in uniform should stand at attention; Non-military service individuals should face the flag with the right hand over the heart; Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present and not in uniform may render the military salute; military service persons not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note. The law further provides that when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed. Military law requires all vehicles on the installation to stop when the song is played and all individuals outside to stand at attention and face the direction of the music and either salute, in uniform, or place the right hand over the heart, if out of uniform. The law was amended in 2008, and since allows military veterans to salute out of uniform, as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The text of 36 U.S.C. is <b>suggestive and not regulatory</b> in nature. <b><u>Failure to follow the suggestions is not a violation of the law</u></b>. This behavioral requirement for the national anthem is subject to the same First Amendment controversies that surround the Pledge of Allegiance. For example, Jehovah's Witnesses do not sing the national anthem, though they are taught that standing is an "ethical decision" that individual believers must make based on their "conscience."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-67" style="line-height: 1; white-space: nowrap;"></sup></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All this hooting and hollering lately about the Star Spangled Banner and the NFL seems to me to be up to the individual and shouldn't even be dictated by the NFL it is suggested and not regulatory to stand. It says you should stand and not you have to stand. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes, we do it out of respect for what the flag stands for in the song. But even the song has been debated. It is hard to sing. The music for the our National Anthem was written by John Stafford Smith, who was from England. The tune was from "<b>The Anacreontic Song</b>" was the official song of the Anacreontic Society in England. The Anacreontic<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anacreontic_Society" style="background-image: none; color: #0b0080;" title="Anacreontic Society"> Society</a> was a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gentlemen%27s_club" style="background-image: none; color: #0b0080;" title="Gentlemen's club">gentlemen's club</a> of the kind that was popular in London in the late eighteenth century. The Society was dedicated to the ancient Greek poet <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anacreon" style="background-image: none; color: #0b0080;" title="Anacreon">Anacreon</a>, who was renowned for his drinking songs and odes to love. Its members, who consisted mainly of wealthy men of high social rank, would meet on Wednesday evenings to combine musical appreciation with eating and drinking. LOL - I don't know why this makes me laugh, it just does. Because the tune of the Star Spangled Banner is from a drinking song! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But it all boils down to this - It is a National Anthem, no matter how it got there. It stands freedom. The flag flies for a country "which is the land of the free and the home of the brave" . It stands for liberty and justice for all. You know, I think our Country has forgotten this. The flag isn't to be worship, it's not an idol, it is a symbol. I don't think we are the people we use to be. We are slowly loosing our freedoms. We are being told more and more how to act, who to like and what to be. We are loosing our voice in government. We are a people divided and that's not good. That is not what America is. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For me, I stand and put my hand over my heart at baseballs games. I even stand at home. And patriotic songs make shed a tear. I love America, but I am worried as to where we are headed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For me...this is another day in Catasauqua.</span><br />
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BAMwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05147799270709049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960544181181866141.post-48448258034668089652018-05-31T06:07:00.001-07:002018-06-01T05:14:04.826-07:00The Loss of a Firefighter Made Me Think<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dtf9FMbKVzo/Ww_v-jF4RhI/AAAAAAAABxw/QZdtkTy6ji8NFhC5C2cFnfhKfrWnjT_qACLcBGAs/s1600/Erik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="958" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dtf9FMbKVzo/Ww_v-jF4RhI/AAAAAAAABxw/QZdtkTy6ji8NFhC5C2cFnfhKfrWnjT_qACLcBGAs/s320/Erik.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My Mom always has the WFMZ news on in the morning. As I passed through the living room this morning they were talking about bringing home the body of Erik Hirner. <span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">Erik was an 11 year veteran of the Reading Fire Department and a life member of the Charotin Hose Company in North Catasauqua. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">Erik lived in North Catasauqua and was only 38 </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">when he departed this life from <span style="font-size: 18px;">injuries sustained when his motorcycle collided with an SUV. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Today a procession will bring him home and to the Funeral home in Northampton for a viewing Sunday and Memorial Service Monday. This is a sad time for all Firefighters and his family and friends; and I am sure that so many are asking why. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">This morning I thought about that on my drive in. I don't know why; but I do know that we should live our life everyday to the fullest that we are able, because we don't know when our time is up. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">Now, I don't mean that we should live recklessly or party like it is our last. I always had this dumb way of thinking, if I died tomorrow, how long would the line at my funeral be and how long would my obituary be. I know it sounds lame but I want to be more than 3 lines that say....Beverly Werner of Catasauqua died peacefully in her sleep leaving behind a son, 3 grandchildren, her partner and her dog. No, I want it to say Past President of Consistory, choir member, Sunday School Teacher and occasional Blogger. I want it to go on and on. I want people to miss me who didn't even know me personally but knew me as "that nice lady who smiled" "the lady who always said Thank you kind sir" when the door was hold open for her. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lately this world has been filled with a lot of hate. Social media, which for me, was a way to see what was happening with friends and family has turned into a playground for adults insulting each other's politics. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "droid" serif , serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "droid" serif , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">Twitter has turned into a weapon. We have the freedom of speech but lets not turn it into the freedom to be stupid. Where is the love, where did it go. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "droid" serif , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">As we mourn the loss of this young man, let it help us not to ask <b>why</b> but to ask <b>how</b> we can be better.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "droid" serif , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">and that's another tear in another day in Catasauqua.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 28px; max-width: 100%;"><i>Firefighter Erik Hirner </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px; max-width: 100%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Departing Reading Hospital </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px; max-width: 100%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">through the city approximate time 1pm - 2pm</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px; max-width: 100%;"><u><span style="font-weight: bolder;">VIEWING</span></u></span><br />
<em><span style="font-size: 18px; max-width: 100%;">Sund</span></em><em><span style="font-size: 18px; max-width: 100%;">ay,</span></em><em><span style="font-size: 18px; max-width: 100%;"> June 3rd from 6 PM - 8 PM<br />Schisler Funeral Home<br />2119 Washington Ave<br />Northhampton, PA 18067</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px; max-width: 100%;"><u><span style="font-weight: bolder;">MEMORIAL SERVICE</span></u></span></div>
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<em><span style="max-width: 100%;"><em><span style="font-size: 18px; max-width: 100%;">Monday,</span></em></span><em><span style="font-size: 18px; max-width: 100%;"> June 4th at 11 AM<br />A viewing will be held prior to the service</span></em></em></div>
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<em><em><span style="font-size: 18px; max-width: 100%;">Schisler Funeral Home<br />2119 Washington Ave<br />Northhampton, PA 18067</span></em></em></div>
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BAMwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05147799270709049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960544181181866141.post-24916013846300185302017-11-30T07:43:00.000-08:002017-11-30T07:43:06.371-08:00Spirits of the Past<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zP3oNCTxLXo/WiAmgyN8OJI/AAAAAAAABo4/NahcO79uivAnU09DjoayVhvlvMi6HMJTQCLcBGAs/s1600/cardinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="564" height="252" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zP3oNCTxLXo/WiAmgyN8OJI/AAAAAAAABo4/NahcO79uivAnU09DjoayVhvlvMi6HMJTQCLcBGAs/s320/cardinal.jpg" width="320" /></a>Yesterday morning I spotted a cardinal in some bushes in the alley behind my house. I saw it while on my morning walk with Blade, my dog. I didn't think much of it yesterday, but this morning the cardinal was now squawking at me. Let me add, it was REALLY squawking, so much it caught my attention right away. They say cardinals are angels. They say a cardinal is a representative of a loved one who has passed. When you see one, it means they are visiting you. <span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "\\30D2ラギノ角ゴPro W3", "Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro", "\\30E1イリオ", Meiryo, "MS Pゴシック", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.2px;"></span><br />
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I immediately thought of a friend of mine - Miriam - she loved cardinals, she passed a few years ago and then of thought of Shirley, another friend who passed a little over a year ago and suddenly I had a hole in heart from the loss of several friends over the years.<br />
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It's inevitable, as we get older, we start to loose friends and family.<br />
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As I continued walking, I was really sad, but then I thought of all the good things these friends brought to my life and I became filled with love; and suddenly the hole in my heart was filled. <br />
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Death happens, it will happen to me one day. But this morning I realized that life is full of love. Loving memories, love of friends and family, the love of my dog and I would say the cat, but cats, I not so sure about. The world doesn't need love, it has it - you just have to recognize it and share what you have with everyone else. So that one day, when you depart this life to go on to the next one that you don't leave holes, but instead you leave love.<br />
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and with that it is another day in Catasauqua.BAMwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05147799270709049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960544181181866141.post-26450809168139190932017-07-05T07:05:00.000-07:002017-07-05T07:06:44.665-07:00The Fourth in Catasauqua-Huzzah!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Declaring our Independence!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It seems that every year I write a post about the 4th of July in Catasauqua, and that is because BFF, Cathy and I always go to the George Taylor home for the festivities and the reading of the Declaration of Independence. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cathy and I were pleased to see that more and more people are attending the presentation. This year it was an<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">“interactive” reading of America’s Declaration of Independence – complete with patriots, loyalists, and muskets. Huzzah! </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original desk of David Thomas</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The first couple of years Cathy and I went it was lightly attended, now you better get there early to get a good spot to watch; oh, and listen to </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Gettysburg’s Antebellum Marine Band!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jean in the Garden</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Got to love the strains of the Patriotic music along with people strolling about in costume. If you visit the George Taylor home at some later date, check out the garden that is taken care of by another BFF, Jean. It is beautiful.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cathy and I did something also different this year and so did the Historic Catasauqua Preservation Association, they celebrated the Froth of July with a exhibition of breweries, bottles and beer at the Beiry House Museum located at 8 Race Street in Catasauqua. (Thanks Ben for showing off your collection)</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Heads up (that was a beer pun) if you ever get the opportunity to tour through the Beiry house do it, it is beautiful! The house is decorated with original pieces. Along with the art work of local artist, Bob LeFevre of the homes and businesses of Catasauqua. He collection is breath taking, along with other artists, the whole museum is a great experience.</span></span><br />
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A visit to the upstairs is a must, but do not be alarmed by the headless women they are only mannequins (yes Cathy!)</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "open sans" , "georgia" , serif;">Oh - and get this - The Biery House is available for special occasions. Affordable elegance for small gatherings - such as - Birthday - Showers and special occasions. And here is what I want to do - but I might be too old, Fancy Dress-Up Tea Parties for the birthday girl!!! Call 610-264-9716 for information.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "open sans" , "georgia" , serif;">I would like to end with this from the Declaration of Independence - </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">("He"-is King George, just in case you didn't know there for a moment)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">and that's Another day in Catasauqua ........</span></div>
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<br />BAMwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05147799270709049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960544181181866141.post-84535274396614965142017-04-25T11:57:00.000-07:002017-04-25T11:57:09.537-07:00The Real Housewives of CatasauquaLast week the ladies of "Keep me in Stitches", which is a crochet and knitting group at the Catasauqua Public Library, were having a conversation when one thing led to another in my mind, what would a Real Housewives of Catasauqua show be like?<div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SS71cxBzA4U/WP-batHW0II/AAAAAAAABf4/uDR3Jl5MNLcAJcHwFCE5Pl4K9nxmTdIKwCLcB/s1600/house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="89" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SS71cxBzA4U/WP-batHW0II/AAAAAAAABf4/uDR3Jl5MNLcAJcHwFCE5Pl4K9nxmTdIKwCLcB/s320/house.jpg" width="320" /></a>We were talking about Dancing with the Stars and Erika Jayne. Someone asked who she was. I said I think she is from one of those Housewives shows; which led to the above question as to what would a Real Housewives of Catasauqua show be like? (We had some answers that actually kept us in stitches)</div>
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Who would star in the "The Real Housewives of Catasauqua"? </div>
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I found an article that explained the casting of the show as follows:<br /></div>
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1) There is no such think as too much personality.</div>
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2) A sense of humor is a must.</div>
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3) Friends of the housewives are preferred.</div>
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4) A willingness to be open is essential.</div>
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5) You don't have to be a wife (that is just too funny)</div>
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It seems that BRAVO has redefined the term"housewife", being that most of the women on these shows have probably not done any actual domestic chores. </div>
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Think of what our women could do in Catasauqua - they could brunch at the new Bridge Street Restaurant. They could visit an Art Exhibit at Gallery 415 or take swing lessons at The Gas House Dance Hall. THINK of all the possibilities!!!! They could even drink too much at the Auquasat Lounge and enter rehab which is conveniently located across the street at the Malvern Institute. Do you notice how I managed to do all that in basically a two block radius - imagine the infinite scenarios involving the whole town! Maybe we could even include North Catasauqua in the show. </div>
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So, I ask you, fellow Catasauqians, who would star in The Real Housewives of Catasauqua?</div>
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and with that .. it's another day in Catasauqua.</div>
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BAMwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05147799270709049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960544181181866141.post-20603085585989688992017-02-11T13:47:00.000-08:002017-02-11T13:48:58.208-08:00What a weekend in CatasauquaMy weekend started last night as usual - food shopping. But, when we came home my mom had said "there was a man here to see me." What man, what was his name; my mother, of course, did not ask. The gentleman did, however, show up after 8 o'clock and what a fantastic story. He tracked me down, by this blog! It was kind of exciting hearing the man say to Parke, "I am a looking for Beverly Werner, she writes a blog called "Another Day in Catasauqua" ooooooo! That's me!!! "I am a private detective." ooooo! That's not me! "Don't worry you are not in trouble" Okay - it's me then.<br />
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It was very interesting -we talked about a 2014 story that I wrote - I just happened to take a picture that helped him in a case he was working on, unfortunately I could not be of more help to him, but it was still the most exciting thing that has happened to me lately.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xpj68Lj999E/WJ-FcFsWlsI/AAAAAAAABeM/BG7DJUcukeUj3Cr-dlQMAG6Z_DBzY8a3gCLcB/s1600/dessert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xpj68Lj999E/WJ-FcFsWlsI/AAAAAAAABeM/BG7DJUcukeUj3Cr-dlQMAG6Z_DBzY8a3gCLcB/s320/dessert.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sweets</td></tr>
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Then this morning it was to church for a fundraiser called Soup, Salad and Sweets. My laughs started with my BFF, Tammy, who had Hallmark hair. If you watch as many Hallmark movies as Tammy, Cathy or I do, you know what I mean. It is that kind of hair you have when you meet Mr. Right, but of course, you dislike each other at first, perhaps you met in a fender bender in the parking lot or you spilled soup all over him, but by the end of the movie or this blog whichever happens first, you kiss and inevitably live happily ever after.<br />
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But, maybe the best laughs came later with the arrival of BFF's Jaime and Rami. You see, they have been remodeling their bathroom and Rami's new pride and perhaps joy is the bidet. Yes, a bidet, which has a heated seat and lights up in the dark; which I may try in the future. If I do, watch for my blog, "Another bidet in Catasauqua" it is sure to be one that captivates your imagination.<br />
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Of course, Rami, who is eating for two can't understand the complaints of pregnant women, since he is not experiencing any morning sickness and I heard laughter coming from the table, since he was surrounded by women.<br />
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You know what--<br />
isn't that a great thing. To sit with friends, to make new friends and to eat great desserts (okay threw that one in because I ate some of the best desserts today) and to laugh. I feel so happy today I just had to share it with you, my readers.<br />
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Yup this is my weekend so far, who knows it isn't over yet, maybe some more craziness will happen. BUT that's the great thing, you never know what is going to happen next, Hallmark hair, baby daddy's (Dale and Rami) and bidets, you know what I call that ........Another day in Catasauqua.BAMwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05147799270709049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960544181181866141.post-71364922488336623472017-01-16T07:53:00.000-08:002017-01-16T07:53:25.764-08:00He had a Dream, I am Not sure What I am havingAs I start to write this blog post I can't even think of a title for it. Which is unusual. But the fact is, as I look at the next four years, I don't know what to expect.<br />
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On my drive into work this morning I was reflecting on the fact that today is Martin Luther King. Jr. Day. Martin Luther King Jr., was a great man and a great speaker. Today his words spoke even louder to me than they ever did.<br />
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As our nations embarks on a new political era, I could not help but think that if we are scared by what one man can do, can't we, the American people stand united and stay united instead of being divided by hate.<br />
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"Love is the only force capable of transforming an an enemy into a friend" is just one quote of MLK that comes to mind. He talked greatly of love and how love can drive the hate away. "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."<br />
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In looking back to our founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson said; "When the people fear the government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is Liberty." Here is where I think the problem lies, does the government fear us. I think not. Are they working for us or for themselves? Thomas Jefferson also said "Experience hath shown, that even under the best forms of government, those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny." Are President-Elect Trump's threats, warnings and tweets just the tip of a iceberg that I pray doesn't meltdown into more hate and more division in this nation?<br />
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James Madison said "If tyranny and oppression come to this land, it will be under the guise of fighting a foreign enemy." Hmmm, makes you wonder if that is ISIS? Ronald Reagan said "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall." Trump says build one. History is funny that way. It makes me wonder in 50 years how our next 4 years will read. Maybe there are enough checks and balances out there in our government that nothing terrible will happen and it will read as a small chapter of some successes and some losses and our biggest problem was which reality star we were electing into office next.<br />
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For me at this time I prefer to think of this quote by MLK - "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."<br />
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I prefer to agree with Dr. King when he said "I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality...I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word."<br />
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Maybe it is not by accident that we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day before the inauguration.<br />
Let it help us not take a giant step back when it comes to equality, let's not let hatred take the forefront and be what America is about. Let's not fear but love. Let's join hands and remember we can make a difference. <br />
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I leave you with this quote of Ben Franklin's - "It is the first responsibility of ever citizen to question authority."<br />
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and with that... it's another day in Catasauqua.<br />
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BAMwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05147799270709049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960544181181866141.post-19183958749212119872016-12-07T12:25:00.000-08:002016-12-07T12:25:39.532-08:00"It's a Wonderful Life"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A long time friend, (better than saying old) gave me a gift last night. Brenda gave me a little wooden sign with stars that said "It's a wonderful Life". When I got home last night I hung it in the living room, when I got up this morning it was the first thing I saw when I came downstairs. My first thought was, it is a wonderful life, even though my stomach was upset from all the different food I ate last night at a Christmas party, my mom was talking about something and I was running a tad late; all I could think about was all the great friends and family that I have. I am blessed.<br />
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It is so easy at this time of the year to get disgusted with people, with shopping and with crowds. The shopping takes precedence over what the holiday is all about, LOVE. The gift of a baby, Jesus was God's love coming down to us. He sent Jesus to guide us and show us love. To help others, to give love away. Simply, to love.<br />
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I have another friend, I will keep her name of out this, she knows who she is, who told me she had an issue with a family member. She was very upset, so upset she did NOT want to do anything. She did not want to attend anything, go anywhere or help with anything. She sat, but she prayed, and she wrote in her journal. Then she prayed more and wrote more. I thought, how strong this woman was. She might not of thought so at that moment, but she was. She didn't fly off the handle, like I might have, or got sick with worry - she was turning over her problems to someone much bigger who is there to handle our problems. And the answer is always the same, love. If someone has done something that you <br />
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are upset about you need to love them anyway. You need to love yourself, even if you think you can't. <br />
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Now before I get too preachy let's just talk about how wonderful life is. Sometimes we might not think that but it is. I love living in Catasauqua, it's not Bedford Falls, but it is a nice small town and you know what - the world would not be a better place without you in it. Clarence showed George Bailey just that. George did not have enough love for himself, but soon found out that everyone in town loved him and helped him in his time of need.<br />
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I am lucky, I have a house, food, family and friends. What I lack in money, I make up in love. So, if you see me and I am not smiling, remind me to smile. If you come across someone suffering from PHS (Pre-Holiday Syndrome) flash them a smile, give them patience and add a little love. <br />
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Everyone is dealing with something, remember that and remember, it is a wonderful life....and that's another day in Catasauqua.BAMwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05147799270709049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960544181181866141.post-24687876674356164572016-11-29T10:24:00.000-08:002016-11-29T10:24:48.316-08:00A Stitch in Time saves Nine - Nine What?When I started to write today's blog I decided to use the old saying a stitch in time saves nine and then I realized that I didn't have the foggiest idea what then meant. Nine what and how do you stitch time. So I did what anyone would do - I googled. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qq8lSX8aPFs/WD3HW-E_DxI/AAAAAAAABdY/94MTrqLdwdk0KkuQcBAcewd3P3tnD3lxQCLcB/s1600/knit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qq8lSX8aPFs/WD3HW-E_DxI/AAAAAAAABdY/94MTrqLdwdk0KkuQcBAcewd3P3tnD3lxQCLcB/s320/knit.JPG" width="240" /></a>If you say it slightly different it makes a tad more sense - one stitch in the nick of time will save you nine stitches later. It is an incentive to not be lazy. If you have a small rip - stitch is now, if not it will lead to more work later.<br />
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Whew, now that I got that out of the way let me tell you about my new hobbies, which I learned at the CATASAUQUA PUBLIC LIBRARY. <br />
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Crocheting and knitting. Yes, and I learned it at the public library. The Catasauqua Public Library is not the old dreary library that you might remember from your youth. Although I didn't mind it so much when I was a kid, I loved to read and the place was full of new adventures, love stories and information. <br />
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The library has a new head librarian who has been implementing new programs and activities, like our group called Keep Me in Stitches. I never thought that I would get the opportunity to learn crocheting or knitting and now I can do both.<br />
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The best part though of the whole time together, which is Monday nights at 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM is the friendship. It is the quickest hour and one-half in my life. Sitting, talking and learning is so much fun.<br />
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Last week as I sat there working on a scarf for my mom (don't tell her) I listened to all kinds of talk. Some of it was just Catty gossip, there were stories, the who is seeing who and a little history all thrown in to the mix. I stopped and said that I felt like this was a book I once read. Women sitting around talking, knitting and crocheting, I am thinking the next thing to do would be to solve a mystery, or be involved in a love story or maybe a little magic. <br />
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Yes, the library is a great place and in case you haven't been there for a long time they now have computers, internet, a children's room, story time and even visits from everyone including Snow White to wildlife. <br />
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So if you find yourself in the vicinity of Third and Bridge Streets in Catasauqua, stop in and check out the library. If you do it on a Monday evening chances are you will find me at a table knitting a sweater, or knot (pun intended); and that's another day in Catasauqua.<br />
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BAMwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05147799270709049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960544181181866141.post-92053843389273259362016-07-18T11:07:00.001-07:002016-07-20T06:44:24.864-07:00Tour de Fence<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xqKWEcpHkKY/V4z0u6djTCI/AAAAAAAABc4/BsiR-J3jCeYzv2ZZz3d1ZsYTKF2dQf-PwCEw/s1600/Ben%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xqKWEcpHkKY/V4z0u6djTCI/AAAAAAAABc4/BsiR-J3jCeYzv2ZZz3d1ZsYTKF2dQf-PwCEw/s320/Ben%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a>I have said this many times, my favorite part of my drive home is coming up Pine Street. Pine Street with all it trees, is a seasonal spectacle of color. Even in the winter the street is postcard picture perfect. <br />
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One day, not long ago something caught my eye on my drive up Pine Street, it was a bicycle, actually it was a few bicycles, in row. I later learned that this work of art was the brain child of one, Ben Ferenchak who lives at the corner of Fifth and Pine Streets. Later I found the Tour de Fence Facebook page and I learned why Ben built the bike fence. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xEYSfn94YX8/V4z0wIoGE3I/AAAAAAAABc4/TfthP5pZ7ZEWRVwzWXaw8fG-eTCaHKDUQCEw/s1600/Ben%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xEYSfn94YX8/V4z0wIoGE3I/AAAAAAAABc4/TfthP5pZ7ZEWRVwzWXaw8fG-eTCaHKDUQCEw/s200/Ben%2B1.jpg" width="150" /></a>Ben road in 5 Pennsylvania Perimeter Ride Against Cancer, including his first 1000 mile ride in 1983. In 2008 Ben road from Pennsylvania to Florida to raise $10,000.00 for Autism Speaks. I am sure there are a lot more rides and fundraisers that I don't know about. <br />
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Also, let us not forget Ben organized the Mother of All Class Reunions in 2014 - that was the best class reunion ever!<br />
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An illness has sidelined Ben from riding in these long bike rides, but it hasn't stopped him from raising money for the American Cancer Society. You see, this artistic endeavor of Ben's fence is to help raise money for the Pennsylvania Perimeter Ride Against Cancer. <br />
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Tour de Fence is a tribute art exhibit made from old bikes that is a memorial to those who have lost their battle to cancer, and also honors those fighting cancer and those who have survived cancer.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FznRb_BBsOU/V4z0y2nwcmI/AAAAAAAABc4/BnTSuNPHcAI06pAzzP_yIoVi0yURf5XLACEw/s1600/Ben%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FznRb_BBsOU/V4z0y2nwcmI/AAAAAAAABc4/BnTSuNPHcAI06pAzzP_yIoVi0yURf5XLACEw/s320/Ben%2B3.jpg" width="320" /></a>I asked Ben how he got the idea, not why but how does one think of using bikes for a fence. He told me it started with one bike, Joe Galm's. Joe's wife called Ben and wanted Ben to find a home for Joe's bike. If you remember Joe, an elementary teacher in the Catasauqua Middle School, he was a tall man, so was his bike, it wasn't easy to find someone who could use the bike, so that's when Ben came up the idea, Joe's bike was the first brick in the de Fence; and what a fence it is. <br />
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On this Saturday, July 23, 2016, at 1:00 PM there will be a Dedication of Tour de Fence and Block Party at the corner of Fifth and Pine Streets in Catasauqua. There will be live music supplied by Tavern Tan, food, games, Basket Raffle, & 50/50. There will be Attic Treasures, a bake sale, prayer booth and more. I don't know about you - but I plan on being there. <br />
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Cancer has probably touched your life, if not personally I am sure you know a family member or friend who either is gone because of it or is fighting it or has had victory over it. I hope so many people come out this Saturday that is causes a traffic jam. (I don't care I am in walking distance)<br />
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If you can't make it and want to donate - here is the site<br />
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http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/CommunityFundraisingPages/CFPCY16EC?px=42886374&pg=personal&fr_id=77601<br />
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Ben's goal is $10,000.00 he is almost half way there, let's make it happen!!!!<br />
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You know, times like this, events like this, make me proud to live in Catasauqua. The Morning Call tomorrow will have an article from Bill White on Tour de Fence. Tour de Fence has been on WFMZ<br />
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and in the Catty Press. Each time I pass the fence now I get a little choked up, I lost my grandfather to lung cancer, and friend of mine to breast cancer. It is time to start celebrating victories instead of mourning loss.<br />
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So DONATE, or just COME ON OUT Saturday to TOUR DE FENCE and celebrate and I can promises you it won't be just ......Another day in Catasauqua, it will be special.<br />
<br />BAMwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05147799270709049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960544181181866141.post-44344756729105777392016-07-05T08:17:00.000-07:002016-07-05T08:18:50.280-07:00A Patriot-ical Weekend in Catasauqua<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Militia men just hanging</td></tr>
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What a weekend in Catasauqua. The J4 Celebration started Friday night with a free concert in the Park, unfortunately, I did not attend. It was called "I am too darn tired to get off the sofa night" at my house. I really wanted to see the Monkee's tribute band, but walking down to the park that night was not in the cards.<br />
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On Saturday I did a lot of work on around the house. I cleaned, finished a patio I have been working on and even shaved the cat (let's talk fun). </div>
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Speaking of Church that is how I got the word Patriot-ical. Our Pastor, Pastor Mike, was on vacation this past Sunday so John Lutte filled it. I asked John if he could do something patriot-ical, if you know me, you know I mix my words up-a lot. That was a combination of patriotic and historical, and John <b>did</b> deliver just that but with an added dose of spirit. Such interesting facts about the signers of the Declaration of Independence.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The reading of the Declaration</td></tr>
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Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.</div>
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Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.</div>
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Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.</div>
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They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they?</div>
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Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured. Wow. Something I never even thought about.</div>
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We did go to the Catty Park for some lunch. Had a really good cheese steak and some fries, which I shared with the BF, Parke. There were not a lot of vendors, which was a bit of a disappointment, but it was a beautiful day so it was still enjoyable. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antebellum Marine Band</td></tr>
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Sunday night was the FIREWORKS and as always they do not disappoint. They were spectacular. There was a concert first but I sit with family (Actually it is more my daughter-in-law's family then mine but I feel like I am part of it) on the grass on the visitors side so we really can't hear it well. But that means we can gab, eat and laugh. As always I had a great time and it is fun to see the grandchildren and their cousins. (and yes Rami - it is always good to see you)</div>
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Then Monday, off to JULY 4th at the George Taylor Home. This is a bit of tradition for BFF Cathy and I. We go every year (when it is not raining) to hear the reading of the Declaration of Independence and to hear the patriotic music of the Antebellum Marine Band. This year, however, was even more special with a re-enactment of the reading by the Bachmann Players and the Northampton County Militia. I loved it - it was so exciting!!! BFF Cathy got to yell HUZZAH and she was so excited about it. I mean, really, when else can you yell that? (Oh now I keep thinking of places I can yell that at, darn)</div>
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So, another J4 has passed and I look forward to the next one. Catty might small but it is rich in history. I love seeing friends, I love patriotic music and yeah, I love another day in Catasauqua.</div>
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BAMwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05147799270709049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960544181181866141.post-81807824877352207572016-06-15T05:38:00.000-07:002016-06-15T05:40:09.746-07:00The Catasauqua WPA Projects - Catasauqua Pool and PlaygroundAs promised this is the second blog I am reprinting in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the Playground. Originally blogged on June 3, 2011 - My Grandfather, George Temos worked on the pool area when he worked for the WPA, along with my bff's Judy CB and Cathy's fathers. Let me just say this, I love Catty, it is rich in history and there is a story everywhere you look. From the history to now. Don't believe me - drive up Pine Street rich in history, but then look at Ben Ferenchak's house and see Tour de Fence - history in the making. So - here you go -<br />
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When funds became available to the Borough of Catasauqua they first changed the channel followed by the Catasauqua Creek and enclosed the creek bed with limestone walls. With the creek now flowing along the eastern edge of the playground, planners now had enough area (255 feet by 410 feet) to build an athletic field. Catasauqua resident L. James Boucher, plant manager of Atlas Cement Company brought crews from the cement company who surveyed and leveled the ground and they erected the chain link fence that surrounded the area.<br />
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On October 1, 1932 the field was dedicated as Thomas Field. The Catasauqua Drum and Bugle Corps led a procession of teachers, school directors and students from the High School to the field. The following resolution was read:<br />
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"The newly built athletic field of the Catasauqua Playground be known and distinguished as the Thomas Athletic Field in honor of William R. Thomas Jr. and in memory of Millie Milson Thomas in recognition of their distinguished service to the youth of our Borough in aiding the playground movement"<br />
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The second WPA playground project was the swimming pool and bathhouse. Depression unemployment relief contributed largely to the construction. The cost of labor (WPA workers, my grandfather was one) and materials was $75,000.00.<br />
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The area fenced in was 90 by 300 feet, the pool measured 60 by 220 feet and was from six inches to nine feet deep. It was constructed of concrete and could accomodate 1500 people. When filled it held 588,000 gallons of water.<br />
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The water was pumped from artesian wells by pumps in the brick pumphouse.<br />
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The bathhouse was of wood construction and the wood came from Oregon via the Panama Canal. (I thought this was cool).<br />
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The pool opened for swimming in 1935 but the official grand opening of the pool and bathhouse was July 11, 1936. Six life guards were on hand, Bud Winters, Jack Morgan (WHO was also a WPA worker and my good friend, Cathy Reiter's Dad!!) Sis Lynch, Ray Guzynski, Bill Mullins and Tony Imhof who handled the crowd of 1500 bathers!!! Entrance to the pool that day was free and the weather was perfect....however, a thunderstorm late in the day postponed a formal program which was to include aquatic skills, fancy swimming and diving.<br />
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In 1938 WPA workmen built four tennis courts and leveled and area for rollerskating in summer and ice skating in winter (that area is now the parking lot for the pool).<br />
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New playground equipment was also installed with WPA funds. These included a slide, two sets of swings for younger children, a small merry-go-round, a set of large swings for adults, two thirty foot chutes (?) and one ocean wave (ok, someone please tell me what that is?)<br />
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Generally, the playground provides an area for fun, play and relaxation and wow, what an area of history in Catty and that's.......Another day in Catasauqua.BAMwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05147799270709049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960544181181866141.post-1937670639685241092016-06-13T08:19:00.000-07:002016-06-13T08:19:06.446-07:00The Catasauqua Playground Celebrating 100 Years!!Since this weekend was the 100th year celebration for the Catasauqua Playground I wanted to re-publish two blogs I wrote back in 2011 - I was laid off at the time and spent some time researching the history of Catasauqua. On Friday night I was down at the park to hear the Large Flowerheads. Deb Mellish did give a little of the park history - so it made me look back - please enjoy this blog from June 2, 2011 -<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L1pJt8Ya9LA/V17OqArGXNI/AAAAAAAABbc/cUUHuvLzQt8Z4wVb2rR9ERhqJypkEHvqwCLcB/s1600/CatasauquaMunicipalPark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L1pJt8Ya9LA/V17OqArGXNI/AAAAAAAABbc/cUUHuvLzQt8Z4wVb2rR9ERhqJypkEHvqwCLcB/s200/CatasauquaMunicipalPark.jpg" width="200" /></a>So, I just rediscovered a great place in Catasauqua and that is the Catasauqua Public Library. Got myself a new Library card, haven't seen my old one for over 25 years probably. But, I wanted to do research on the Catty Swimming Pool and couldn't find the information online so it was off to the Library. I must say I will be stopping in more often they have a lot of James Patterson books, who I love to read and since I am not working and I am almost through the books I had piled to read, it will be a great place to go.<br />
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Anyway, I found what I wanted and so much more. Here we go. John and Lesher Yeager sold 15.728 acres of land for $3,145.60 to the newly formed Catasauqua Park and Playground Association, with the stipulation that the area remain as a playground for 30 years. In 1921 the Association bought the area known as "the Dips". Bascom and Sieger Construction was hired in to do the work of building a playground and on July 3, 1916 the playground opened with 2 basketball courts, 4 tennis courts, 2 volley ball courts and a band shell.<br />
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A hand dug lake which was dammed below Bridge Street was built. The lake was 600 feet by 100 feet and was 5 to 6 feet deep.<br />
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During the post war years the park and playground where the hub of the community.<br />
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The only disappointment was the lake, the water was good for a couple of years, but then it began to drain. It became muddy after rains, it developed sink holes and eventually turned into a marsh, which kids loved to muck through.<br />
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There was a park curfew at 9:00 PM, the whistle from the water works would blow and it was time to go.<br />
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Improvement came to the Catasauqua playground in in the form of funds from the WPA Program (Works Projects Administration) and the Borough used these funds to develop the playground.<br />
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The <b>Works Progress Administration</b> (renamed during 1939 as the <b>Work Projects Administration</b>; <b>WPA</b>) was the largest and most ambitious New Deal Agency<a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Deal_agency" title="New Deal agency"></a>, employing millions of unskilled workers to carry out public works projects,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Works_Progress_Administration#cite_note-0"></a></sup> including the construction of public buildings and roads, and operated large arts, drama, media, and literacy projects. It fed children and redistributed food, clothing, and housing. Almost every community in the United States had a park, bridge or school constructed by the agency, which especially benefited rural and Western areas<br />
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There are TWO (we all know<em></em> the pool was one, but what was the other?) great projects that were built by the WPA at the playground, and I will discuss them in my next blog and with that...... it's another day in Catasauqua.BAMwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05147799270709049858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960544181181866141.post-49772894027951162722016-05-28T12:42:00.000-07:002016-05-28T12:42:16.240-07:00Seeing the Solar Impulse <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VeRBIgfwbUo/V0nwV21eRjI/AAAAAAAABbA/Hal36NdNAbEkotZLU5ZKmJXPFctSVp1IgCLcB/s1600/planea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VeRBIgfwbUo/V0nwV21eRjI/AAAAAAAABbA/Hal36NdNAbEkotZLU5ZKmJXPFctSVp1IgCLcB/s200/planea.JPG" width="200" /></a>On Wednesday night after choir we all came outside to go home, when Rusty looked up and said there is the plane. Sure enough overhead was the Solar Impulse, eerily quiet and large. What a wingspan. The wings are so long that when the plane lands people on bikes hook up to the wings to bring it down safely. <br />
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If you saw it overhead on Wednesday you know it flies slow - 30 mph. It glides gently overhead making me thing of gliders, but no glider ever attempted a trip around the world solely on solar power. YES, flying completely clean using only the power of the sun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0mjk5Mt-lYM/V0nwZ-RPyAI/AAAAAAAABbE/uvtNQ-XUZCcUjxIy3ntrURm30nx7juO_gCLcB/s1600/planeb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0mjk5Mt-lYM/V0nwZ-RPyAI/AAAAAAAABbE/uvtNQ-XUZCcUjxIy3ntrURm30nx7juO_gCLcB/s200/planeb.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tail Section</td></tr>
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The vision of two pilots Bertrand Piccard, psychiatrist and explorer with his avant-gardist
vision, and André Borschberg, engineer and entrepreneur with his
managerial experience fly the solar impulse. <br />
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The airplane is a <span>flying laboratory full of clean technologies</span>. It took
12 years of research and development, to develop an
aircraft powered by dozens of environmentally friendly products and
processes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-afjtJl3W0/V0nvVtalOiI/AAAAAAAABa4/PzKFdX5jAywiz45IR7_az1EyB3_8QnqJgCKgB/s1600/plane5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="108" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-afjtJl3W0/V0nvVtalOiI/AAAAAAAABa4/PzKFdX5jAywiz45IR7_az1EyB3_8QnqJgCKgB/s400/plane5.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic shot from tail to right wing</td></tr>
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It took 5 days to fly from Japan to Hawaii, 5 days & nights, 1 pilot. Yup, and I saw the cockpit - it is small. I read that the pilots use meditation techniques and yoga on the plane to endure so long. Of course I wondered how they went potty, their suits are designed on the same basis as astronauts, so that answered that.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4xOX-XRsmN4/V0nvL7vBUOI/AAAAAAAABa4/SXRPMI5aV_EUItUtsqIZixikAhoxSvJpwCKgB/s1600/plane.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4xOX-XRsmN4/V0nvL7vBUOI/AAAAAAAABa4/SXRPMI5aV_EUItUtsqIZixikAhoxSvJpwCKgB/s200/plane.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fb8_EPU0ZiQ/V0nvOLQR24I/AAAAAAAABa4/wvVt9s6wARQ7M-tEhZmQcE6OXk5ltdybACKgB/s1600/plane2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fb8_EPU0ZiQ/V0nvOLQR24I/AAAAAAAABa4/wvVt9s6wARQ7M-tEhZmQcE6OXk5ltdybACKgB/s200/plane2.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Energy efficient engines</td></tr>
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With a speed of 30 mph Parke wondered how they take off. So we asked. They told us it takes of at 30 mph with no help and that it is a short takeoff. WOW. We were told that the majority of the weight of the plane comes from the energy dense batteries. The whole top of the plane is covered with solar panels and it has 4 energy efficient electric motors that do the flying.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3mk52iA9mA/V0nvv4kRf0I/AAAAAAAABa0/4blzNs9RJCY1iPR0cVkosE6UBTZKcydJwCKgB/s1600/Iron%2Bpigs%2B2016%2B015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3mk52iA9mA/V0nvv4kRf0I/AAAAAAAABa0/4blzNs9RJCY1iPR0cVkosE6UBTZKcydJwCKgB/s320/Iron%2Bpigs%2B2016%2B015.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cockpit</td></tr>
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I guess what astounds me most is that it is here - right in Catasauqua's backyard. How cool is that. This plane took off from Abu Dhabi. It has made 13 flights so far and has been in the air for 384 hours and 50 minutes. Granted it is not the fastest, but just think of what kinds of doors this opens. I don't know about you but I find this so exciting!!! <br />
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Kudos for the airport for being ready to handle the crowd seeing the plane. Tickets were available on line to see it. Ticket were free. Luckily I saw an article on the Morning Call site of Facebook and immediately booked our tickets. Our time was from 1 to 2pm, and I was truly in awe of it, Parke was not. I am not sure why, but he did take some of these pictures and he wants photo credit.<br />
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The next piece of history will be when the Solar Impulse does a fly over NYC and then it's next flight will be across the Atlantic Ocean, they told me this would take another 5 days. WOW again. <br />
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Safe flight Solar Impulse, thanks for including us in a piece of history and that's....another day in Catasauqua.<br />
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BAMwerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05147799270709049858noreply@blogger.com0