Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Monday, November 03, 2008
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Harry's Visits Birthplace Home
PICTURES -
1. Our first faucet
2. Our first bathroom
3. Our first home facing the Blue Ridge Mountains
On Thursday while driving from Allentown to Syracuse - I decided to visit my very first home. It was a beautiful fall day - sunny and mild - so the one mile jog off Route 309 was a nice place to stop.
In 1948 - I gained the address that would be listed on my passport forever - RFD 1, Andreas, Pennsylvania. While Dad was working in the mines in Coaldale - he attempted his hand at farming for 8 years. The family of 5 bought 10 acres with a house and barn that was planted at the base of the Blue Mountains. From the front door you could look up the northern face of the range to see where the Appalachian Trail passed on the way from Maine to Georgia.
On a cold February night in 1948 - there was a heavy ice storm that made the roads impassable. Supposedly - Dr. Weissner came by horse sled to await the birth of the last remaining "Everhart" name carrier. The doctor arrived before midnight on the fifth - rolled up his coat for a pillow on the sofa and took a nap. At 4:44 AM - they put a piece of ham on a stick out the window and the stork traded it for a baby. The doctor charged $15 - Finishing touches would have been $5 more.
The old plank home had electricity and a hand crank phone. It was heated by a coal fired kitchen range with a register in the ceiling that made the bedroom above the warmest room in the house. Although it was my sisters' bedroom - they chose that to be my place of birth.
The kitchen below had a cold water faucet that Dad ran from the hand pump outside. But if you wanted large amounts of water - you hand pumped it directly outside. On Saturday night when it was bath time - we had to carry many buckets of water to the coal stove to be heated for the bath for Sunday School the next day. Being the youngest - I always was first in line to use the tub. Good thing they didn't throw the baby out with the bath water. We all used the same bath water.
Outside the bedroom window - a few years later - Dad would put up a television antenna that would receive 3 channels from Philadelphia on the other side of the mountain about 70 miles away. I recall seeing Harry Truman on the tube there - along with Howdy Doody - Milton Berle - and others.
We didn't have an indoor toilet - and I was probably one of the few that had a "bathroom" on the other side of the highway. The highway today turns out to be a sparsely used but paved road. I remember asking Santa Claus for a black rubber flashlight to take people to the "two holer" toilet at night.
Things changed when the mines slowed down. Since Dad was working fewer and fewer shifts in his 25 years as a miner - Mom had to take a job in the mill in the thriving metropolis of Tamaqua about 10 miles north of home. For a while in the summers - my 11 year old sister Gail was left in charge of 5 year old me and 8 year old sister Judy. Those two young ladies spoiled me rotten as best they could. Since the closet neighbors were 1/2 mile away - we were on our own. Today - they would probably arrest my parents for child abuse - but things were different then. I would not want it any different. Maybe it is what we were thinking when we "made" Drew walk 1/2 mile to Kindergarten every day. He had perfect attendance.
After spending 6 years in our "country estate" - it was time to move to the big city. With one month in a one-room school with Kutztown State Teachers' College rookie Leah Wertman Fritz - we moved to town and rented a row home with city water and sewer. We could afford cable TV in a couple years. Now instead of cranking a phone you would tell the operator what number you wanted. People would call us with "2384J." The lady operator would often listen in on the phone call to "collect" important information.
So - we only lived in the farm house for 6 years - but it has placed an indelible mark on my life. Sometimes - I feel like escaping to that cocoon of innocence. Life in West Penn township seemed so much simpler then. But sometimes at night - when I hear the train whistle as a freight passes through Tallahassee - it reminds me when Uncle Roy used to blow the whistle as he used to wizz by on the Lehigh New England. His freight passed along the foot of the mountain about 200 yards down in the woods from the front door. The tracks are long gone - but the memories aren't.
It was just the 5 of us against the world at that time. The world was winning. But we didn't know any better. We felt rich.
Joe and Jill Biden at 11AM Today Outside Lulu's Window
Today at 11 AM - Joe and Jill Biden will be speaking on Landis Green at Florida State University. Lulu's office window overlooks Landis Green. Probably the Secret Service would not allow her to have her window open during the event - it would be an excellent "Lee Harvey Oswald" position on the second floor above the crowd.
You can watch today by clicking on "Joe" in the title above to see the event live. We will be watching live from Portugal.
Last night - we watched the FSU at Georgia Tech game live using our computer and slingbox. It was after midnight over here as FSU fumbled on the 3 yard line in the last minute fail to close their come form behind victory.
You can watch today by clicking on "Joe" in the title above to see the event live. We will be watching live from Portugal.
Last night - we watched the FSU at Georgia Tech game live using our computer and slingbox. It was after midnight over here as FSU fumbled on the 3 yard line in the last minute fail to close their come form behind victory.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Greetings From Lisbon Portugal
Pictures -
1. Our hotel and "limo." Maria took us to old downtown Lisbon and then to our hotel.
2. Still in our "sleeping clothes" - we visit Pasteis de Belem.
3. Ross Todd - Maria - Nancy - and another "minister of education" having small yellow matter custard tarts.
We boarded our Lisbon bound plane in Newark at 8 PM last night. Lulu used one of her old tricks. She booked our seats - window and aisle - with a seat between us empty. It worked so we had three seats for the 7 hours flight. Better yet - our row had 110 volt electrical outlets - we were able to use our computers on the plane. That was good because Lulu had to prepare her powerpoint slides for the lecture.
After a short delay - we got out to the end of the runway - and the pilot had to take the plane back to the gate to remove an ill passenger. After a quick turnaround - we were up in sky over Manhattan zooming eastward toward Europe. The flight was uneventful and 7 hours later we buzzing downtown old Lisbon at sunrise. Portugal is 4 hours ahead of Tallahassee so as I write at 1 PM here - it is just turning 9 AM in Eastern Standard Time.
It took a long time to go through customs even though they did not touch our luggage. "bringing in a couple of keys - don't touch my bags if you please - Mr. Customs Man." But as soon as we got through the doors- I saw the sign for Dr. Everhart. Maria from the National Ministry of Education was waiting for us. My visions of a stretch limo vanished as we drove away in a Volkswagen Gold Diesel - but the next stop was more than worth it.
Instead of taking us to the hotel - Maria took us to old downtown Lisbon - to the world famous Pasteis de Belem. The Pasteis are more world famous than Philadelphia Cheesesteaks. The little yellow custard tarts have become a new Everhart favorite.
Even though we were jet-lagged and ready for a little nap - we wanted to be alert to cheer for the Noles against Georgia Tech. We will watch the game live with the slingbox on our computer at 7:30 PM over here.
So now we are free until Monday when Lulu has to give her presentation.
Maria told us that they have been using Lulu's textbook as a source for their model library evaluating program. When they were organizing this conference someone suggested they try to go right to the source and get the author. There is an old saying that you are not an expert until you are 100 miles from home.
How about 3500 miles?
1. Our hotel and "limo." Maria took us to old downtown Lisbon and then to our hotel.
2. Still in our "sleeping clothes" - we visit Pasteis de Belem.
3. Ross Todd - Maria - Nancy - and another "minister of education" having small yellow matter custard tarts.
We boarded our Lisbon bound plane in Newark at 8 PM last night. Lulu used one of her old tricks. She booked our seats - window and aisle - with a seat between us empty. It worked so we had three seats for the 7 hours flight. Better yet - our row had 110 volt electrical outlets - we were able to use our computers on the plane. That was good because Lulu had to prepare her powerpoint slides for the lecture.
After a short delay - we got out to the end of the runway - and the pilot had to take the plane back to the gate to remove an ill passenger. After a quick turnaround - we were up in sky over Manhattan zooming eastward toward Europe. The flight was uneventful and 7 hours later we buzzing downtown old Lisbon at sunrise. Portugal is 4 hours ahead of Tallahassee so as I write at 1 PM here - it is just turning 9 AM in Eastern Standard Time.
It took a long time to go through customs even though they did not touch our luggage. "bringing in a couple of keys - don't touch my bags if you please - Mr. Customs Man." But as soon as we got through the doors- I saw the sign for Dr. Everhart. Maria from the National Ministry of Education was waiting for us. My visions of a stretch limo vanished as we drove away in a Volkswagen Gold Diesel - but the next stop was more than worth it.
Instead of taking us to the hotel - Maria took us to old downtown Lisbon - to the world famous Pasteis de Belem. The Pasteis are more world famous than Philadelphia Cheesesteaks. The little yellow custard tarts have become a new Everhart favorite.
Even though we were jet-lagged and ready for a little nap - we wanted to be alert to cheer for the Noles against Georgia Tech. We will watch the game live with the slingbox on our computer at 7:30 PM over here.
So now we are free until Monday when Lulu has to give her presentation.
Maria told us that they have been using Lulu's textbook as a source for their model library evaluating program. When they were organizing this conference someone suggested they try to go right to the source and get the author. There is an old saying that you are not an expert until you are 100 miles from home.
How about 3500 miles?
Friday, October 31, 2008
On the plane to Portugal
I am writing on the plane as we prepare for lift off.
Small world another guy - Ross Todd - lulu's friend - is also on the
plane going to the conference.
It is 3500 miles to Lisbon. At 500 mph it should take 7 hours.
It still seems like a dreaw doing this.
Lulu will do her stuff Monday. Then we have until Friday to explore.
We can assure that we already voted for Barack.
We will watch the holes game tomorrow with the Slingbox on our computer.
This plane has 110 volt outlets at each seat. Each seat has it's own tv.
We will post again on the other side of the pond.
Sent from Harry's iPhone.
We Stopped to See Jack on the Road to Portugal
Lulu is giving the keynote speech and a workshop in Lisbon, Portugal Monday. Since one of the best flights is from New York City - we decided to take a trip north to see friends and family before we "cross the pond to the continent."
Like every other trip for Tallahassee - you first have to visit Atlanta - so we got the early morning flight from Tallahassee. Next was a quick flight to Allentown, PA - our old hometown airport.
Lulu wanted to see her aunt in Allentown - so we rented a car and drove to see Aunt Ethel and Uncle John. After a quick lunch with them - we drove to Tamaqua and stopped to see Jean Freed - a best friend and another teacher enjoying retirement. After that LUlu wanted to see her Aunt Delores - while I visited Paul Dodson. Paul was my shop teacher and he built our cedar home from a kit in 1973.
Tamaqua - our lifetime home until 2004 - looks the same. Most of the people have to commute out of the area for work. Some still work in the mines - but now machines do the work of thousands of men. The town looks better after a new project to bury all the old overhead wires underground.
Next was a supper at Lulu's old homestead with many family members. Supper went way too fast and pretty soon we had to hop in the rental Jeep for the 3 hour drive to Syracuse. in many places there was snow along the highway in the upper elevations - but we arrived in Syracuse to 32 degrees and dry roads at 10PM.
Today we spent the entire day with Jack - our first grandchild. He is 4 months old now - and just a joy. We have not seen him since he was 2 months old - and it is a whole new ball game. We just had a wonderful family lunch downtown near the Syracuse University campus. Jack was well-behaved the entire time.
In about 2 hours - we will be winging it to the Newark airport where we catch our direct flight to Lisbon, Portugal. We will be flying all night. The Portugal Department of Education will be meeting us at the airport. Imagine that - a limo waiting for us. Lulu has come along way from commuting to Kutztown State College to get her library degree.
Next time I write will be after our arrival Lisbon. After Lulu's presentation on Monday - we will have 6 days to roam around. Just across the Strait of Gibraltar from Portugal is Morocco in Africa. Maybe we can catch a cheap flight to Casablanca.
"Here's looking at you kid."
Like every other trip for Tallahassee - you first have to visit Atlanta - so we got the early morning flight from Tallahassee. Next was a quick flight to Allentown, PA - our old hometown airport.
Lulu wanted to see her aunt in Allentown - so we rented a car and drove to see Aunt Ethel and Uncle John. After a quick lunch with them - we drove to Tamaqua and stopped to see Jean Freed - a best friend and another teacher enjoying retirement. After that LUlu wanted to see her Aunt Delores - while I visited Paul Dodson. Paul was my shop teacher and he built our cedar home from a kit in 1973.
Tamaqua - our lifetime home until 2004 - looks the same. Most of the people have to commute out of the area for work. Some still work in the mines - but now machines do the work of thousands of men. The town looks better after a new project to bury all the old overhead wires underground.
Next was a supper at Lulu's old homestead with many family members. Supper went way too fast and pretty soon we had to hop in the rental Jeep for the 3 hour drive to Syracuse. in many places there was snow along the highway in the upper elevations - but we arrived in Syracuse to 32 degrees and dry roads at 10PM.
Today we spent the entire day with Jack - our first grandchild. He is 4 months old now - and just a joy. We have not seen him since he was 2 months old - and it is a whole new ball game. We just had a wonderful family lunch downtown near the Syracuse University campus. Jack was well-behaved the entire time.
In about 2 hours - we will be winging it to the Newark airport where we catch our direct flight to Lisbon, Portugal. We will be flying all night. The Portugal Department of Education will be meeting us at the airport. Imagine that - a limo waiting for us. Lulu has come along way from commuting to Kutztown State College to get her library degree.
Next time I write will be after our arrival Lisbon. After Lulu's presentation on Monday - we will have 6 days to roam around. Just across the Strait of Gibraltar from Portugal is Morocco in Africa. Maybe we can catch a cheap flight to Casablanca.
"Here's looking at you kid."
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
EPA Gives Tallahassee First Award in Nation for Excellence in Site Reuse
EPA Gives City First Award for Excellence in Site Reuse - History was made again in Cascades Park today as the City of Tallahassee received the "Excellence in Site Reuse" Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Today marked the first time EPA has ever given this award, which recognizes the City's innovative and environmentally sensitive work to remove contaminants from the area so it can be developed into a world-class public park.
Cascades Park, located between Monroe, Gaines and Bloxham streets, and the CSX Railroad, was owned by the State from 1966 to 2004, when an agreement was signed between the City and State to return ownership of the property to the City. The park has not been available for public use for nearly 20 years due to contaminated soils on park properties after contamination was discovered in the late 1980s. In the late 1990s the City and State began work at the site to determine the extent of contamination, and in 2006 the City, now as sole owner of the property, contracted with WRScompass to remove contamination. The clean-up activities removed over 80,000 tons of contaminated soil.
Nancy passes this park on the way to work daily. It is just south of the Capitol - about 3/4 miles from our house.
Cascades Park, located between Monroe, Gaines and Bloxham streets, and the CSX Railroad, was owned by the State from 1966 to 2004, when an agreement was signed between the City and State to return ownership of the property to the City. The park has not been available for public use for nearly 20 years due to contaminated soils on park properties after contamination was discovered in the late 1980s. In the late 1990s the City and State began work at the site to determine the extent of contamination, and in 2006 the City, now as sole owner of the property, contracted with WRScompass to remove contamination. The clean-up activities removed over 80,000 tons of contaminated soil.
Nancy passes this park on the way to work daily. It is just south of the Capitol - about 3/4 miles from our house.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
FSU Beats Virginia Tech 30-20
Lulu and I left the house at 3:00 PM for the game. We decided to take the Vespa Scooter because they let us park it right next to the stadium. It was a beautiful day - about 75 and sunny.
When we got to the stadium there were plenty of tickets for sale. The first pair I saw were on the 30 yard line - Section 35 - Row 11. Since the sun would be at our back - and the guy only wanted $10 each - We took them and went right into the gate and to our seats.
VT was winning 13-10 at the half but FSU opened it up in the third quarter - and held on in the fourth quarter for the 30-20 win. FSU is now back in first place in the Atlantic Division of the ACC. Wake Forest got beaten today and they dropped behind the Noles.
We are going to miss two FSU games while we go to Portugal. Next game we attend will be the Boston College game. Our friends form Daytona Beach - John and Bonnie will be spending the weekend in the barn. We will go to the game with them. Nancy has been invited to sit in the President's Box for this game.
Before the game there was a flyover of 4 giant Chinook helicopters. They were low enough to scare small children.
With the Seminoles winning - a lot of fans are jumping on the bandwagon again. Ticket prices will go up.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Nancy Awarded Another Big Grant - $750,000
Click on the headline for full story and picture.
The Florida State University College of Information, along with its partners--the New York University Research Center for Leadership in Action and local school districts--received a $754,755 research grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
Nancy Everhart, an associate professor in the College of Information, is principal investigator of "Leadership in Action: School Library Media Specialists for the 21st Century: Leaders Educated to Make Difference," funded by the IMLS Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program.
The Florida State University College of Information, along with its partners--the New York University Research Center for Leadership in Action and local school districts--received a $754,755 research grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
Nancy Everhart, an associate professor in the College of Information, is principal investigator of "Leadership in Action: School Library Media Specialists for the 21st Century: Leaders Educated to Make Difference," funded by the IMLS Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Lulu and I Voted This Morning
Today is the first day of voting in Florida. Since Lulu will be doing a presentation in Portugal on Election Day - we wanted to be sure we voted before we left.
Some folks do not like to say who they voted for. I am not sure why. I do know that Barack Obama got two votes today - well I am really sure about one. I am not trying to encourage anyone on how they should vote. We all have our reasons why we select one candidate over another.
I had my mind made up a long time ago. I was against Bush and his war - his wasting our money and kids in a war to enrich Bush - Cheney - and their friends. All of the other bad moves by Bush just re-enforced how I felt. The same Republicans that supported Bush are now behind McCain.
Today - I also voted for almost every women candidate on the ballot. I figured that men have goofed up this country enough. I would have written-in Hillary except that would be like a vote for McCain. It is too important to defeat Bush's policies. He has made such a mess of this country.
Back north I was registered Republican. I was a Republican Committeeman and was also elected to the Board of Education - refusing to cross file - and carrying Republican only behind my name. The Republican Party promised a balanced budget amendment to the Consitution - instead they ended running up the biggest deficits and debts ever.
I believe in living on a cash basis - never spending more than you earn. Neither a borrower nor lender be. Towns - counties - and states do just fine having balanced budgets. Someone once said, "A democracy is doomed once the people realize they can vote themselves a dole from the treasury." We have been living high on the hog and charging the bill to our kids.
The policies of George Bush made me change parties. It seems that McCain and Palin are more of the same. Governor Palin is a popular and pretty lady - but most of her issues are opposite mine.
I find it ironic that we have given President Bush a free pass on all the messes he caused - lying us into a war - letting us be attacked by terrorists - $10 trillion of debt - spending like a drunken sailor - plundering the earth in the name of freedom. Bill Clinton provided surplus budgets - started paying off the debt - and defended allies without sacrificing our kids and cash.
We have lived in Florida and Pennsylvania our entire lives. I like to think I know the people in those states. Neither candidate can win without those two states. I am afraid that many people being polled are saying they will vote for Senator Obama because they are embarrassed that they are racists. This can be enough to change the outcome. I hope I am wrong. Also - most of the polling only questions people on their home phones. Many folks have chosen to carry cell phones instead of having home phones. This makes the polls in my mind - tainted.
So at nine o'clock we walked into the court house across from the Capitol of our great state and voted early.
Most editors enjoy writing the classic, "vote for anybody - just vote." I encourage voters to stay home. That way my vote has more clout. If there were only 3 voters - I would only have to convince one other person to vote my way. If 1000 people vote - I need 500 other people to vote my way - my vote is not as valuable. So - if you want to vote - do it - if not stay home and make my vote count more.
Some folks do not like to say who they voted for. I am not sure why. I do know that Barack Obama got two votes today - well I am really sure about one. I am not trying to encourage anyone on how they should vote. We all have our reasons why we select one candidate over another.
I had my mind made up a long time ago. I was against Bush and his war - his wasting our money and kids in a war to enrich Bush - Cheney - and their friends. All of the other bad moves by Bush just re-enforced how I felt. The same Republicans that supported Bush are now behind McCain.
Today - I also voted for almost every women candidate on the ballot. I figured that men have goofed up this country enough. I would have written-in Hillary except that would be like a vote for McCain. It is too important to defeat Bush's policies. He has made such a mess of this country.
Back north I was registered Republican. I was a Republican Committeeman and was also elected to the Board of Education - refusing to cross file - and carrying Republican only behind my name. The Republican Party promised a balanced budget amendment to the Consitution - instead they ended running up the biggest deficits and debts ever.
I believe in living on a cash basis - never spending more than you earn. Neither a borrower nor lender be. Towns - counties - and states do just fine having balanced budgets. Someone once said, "A democracy is doomed once the people realize they can vote themselves a dole from the treasury." We have been living high on the hog and charging the bill to our kids.
The policies of George Bush made me change parties. It seems that McCain and Palin are more of the same. Governor Palin is a popular and pretty lady - but most of her issues are opposite mine.
I find it ironic that we have given President Bush a free pass on all the messes he caused - lying us into a war - letting us be attacked by terrorists - $10 trillion of debt - spending like a drunken sailor - plundering the earth in the name of freedom. Bill Clinton provided surplus budgets - started paying off the debt - and defended allies without sacrificing our kids and cash.
We have lived in Florida and Pennsylvania our entire lives. I like to think I know the people in those states. Neither candidate can win without those two states. I am afraid that many people being polled are saying they will vote for Senator Obama because they are embarrassed that they are racists. This can be enough to change the outcome. I hope I am wrong. Also - most of the polling only questions people on their home phones. Many folks have chosen to carry cell phones instead of having home phones. This makes the polls in my mind - tainted.
So at nine o'clock we walked into the court house across from the Capitol of our great state and voted early.
Most editors enjoy writing the classic, "vote for anybody - just vote." I encourage voters to stay home. That way my vote has more clout. If there were only 3 voters - I would only have to convince one other person to vote my way. If 1000 people vote - I need 500 other people to vote my way - my vote is not as valuable. So - if you want to vote - do it - if not stay home and make my vote count more.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Email from Nigeria (Portugal) Offers Lulu Opportunity
Lulu got an email last week from a foreign country - not Nigeria - but Portugal. I am sure you have received emails offering you part of a fortune if you just give up your bank account number for a large deposit to launder some money.
Lulu has written a book entitled, "Evaluating the School Library Media Center." It deals with methods for schools to determine that their libraries are doing a good job of serving the school's needs. She has written numerous articles about the subject and travels all over doing presentations and workshops on the topic. I have gotten my nickname - The Trailing Spouse - by carrying her bags to these events.
In order to check the authenticity of the email - she researched the person and department. It all seemed legitimate so she emailed back saying she would do the workshop. She outlined her fees and they quickly replied thanking her for accepting at the last minute.
They also asked if she would deliver the keynote speech - in English of course. It must be really flattering to have an organization think so much of you that they would make this offer from having, "just read your book."
Since Lulu insisted that I come along to carry her bags - she booked two plane tickets through New York City. There is a non-stop flight form Newark to Lisbon. Since we are going to travel - we might as well visit friends and family back home in the Northland. We have never been to Portugal - nor neighboring Spain. We will have 6 days to explore the Iberian Peninsula.
They did not offer us $10,000,000 if we would just give them our bank account number and allow them to transfer hidden wealth out of their country.
Their latest reply, "We are very glad you have accepted to come to Portugal and participate in our Conference/Seminar. Yes, of course, both the keynote and the workshop could be in English. We are trying to have translation."
Right now - we are on the hook for $1600 in plane tickets. I will keep you posted as things progress. Hopefully - we will be enjoying 6 days in Portugal and I won't moaning about buying beers for 12 Euros.
Lulu has written a book entitled, "Evaluating the School Library Media Center." It deals with methods for schools to determine that their libraries are doing a good job of serving the school's needs. She has written numerous articles about the subject and travels all over doing presentations and workshops on the topic. I have gotten my nickname - The Trailing Spouse - by carrying her bags to these events.
In order to check the authenticity of the email - she researched the person and department. It all seemed legitimate so she emailed back saying she would do the workshop. She outlined her fees and they quickly replied thanking her for accepting at the last minute.
They also asked if she would deliver the keynote speech - in English of course. It must be really flattering to have an organization think so much of you that they would make this offer from having, "just read your book."
Since Lulu insisted that I come along to carry her bags - she booked two plane tickets through New York City. There is a non-stop flight form Newark to Lisbon. Since we are going to travel - we might as well visit friends and family back home in the Northland. We have never been to Portugal - nor neighboring Spain. We will have 6 days to explore the Iberian Peninsula.
They did not offer us $10,000,000 if we would just give them our bank account number and allow them to transfer hidden wealth out of their country.
Their latest reply, "We are very glad you have accepted to come to Portugal and participate in our Conference/Seminar. Yes, of course, both the keynote and the workshop could be in English. We are trying to have translation."
Right now - we are on the hook for $1600 in plane tickets. I will keep you posted as things progress. Hopefully - we will be enjoying 6 days in Portugal and I won't moaning about buying beers for 12 Euros.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Trailing Spouse and Noles Survives 5 Inches of Rain and $12 Beers
Lulu and I were already in South Florida for a visit to some of her students. Since we could see the Dolphins Stadium from our hotel window in Hollywood - we stuck around an extra day to cheer on the Noles against rival Miami. It was a beautiful sunny and breezy week - we figured it would be a great night for a game - even if we were playing the dreaded Canes.
After 4 days of beach weather - we woke up to rain pelting on our slanted windows. This was a herbinger of what was to come. We figured it would clear before the 3:30 game time and it did.
Just in case - on the way to the game Lulu insisted we find a dollar store and buy cheap ponchos. She has been right on this before so I paid the two dollars as we waded back into traffic.
As usual - we did not have any tickets - so we drove to the stadium at about 2 PM. I wished we would have walked because parking was $25 at the stadium. Moths flew out of my wallet as I counted out one dollar bills. The parking lot was festive. There were plenty of tailgating Hurricanes and a surprising number of Seminole flags and tents. One forgets that not all FSU fans live in Tallahassee. The banter between fans in orange and fans in garnet was mostly light-hearted.
About 30 minutes before game time - it started to rain hard. This is a very good sign for someone without tickets. Lulu and I walked to the ticket area - and both of us held up two fingers. We looked like refugees for a 60s peace rally. We must have been a sorry sight - because after a while a high school coach with a Hurricanes shirt on walked up and offered us a ticket for free. You had to go through the complimentary ticket line with him. Why not - Lulu went along with him. After a few minutes - a guy with a Noles jersey offered a single ticket for $20. When I told him that Lulu and I drove down from Tallahassee - he gave it to me for free.
Lulu and I rendez-voused - on the "other side." It was like going through the Berlin Wall - the way they frisked you there - separate lines for men and woman. Quite frankly - I would rather being frisked by the cute lady in the next line than the surly guy that did me. I notices there was one area that he did not frisk on old men. Good thing because that it where I stored my 4 bottles of coke. As planned - he did not touch me there. I could have fit a nuclear bomb there - this gives new meaning to "having a package." It was a good thing because beers in the stadium were $12 - more on that later.
We went up to the third level - it was still raining pretty hard as we circled that infinity spiral walkway. Lulu wanted to sit on the 50 yard line on the Noles side - but we got our numbers crossed and came out on the Canes 50. We saw two seats near the rail - it was 7 minutes before game time but we took a chance on those seats staying empty. We lucked out. No one ever came to claim those seats along with the other orange seats 20,000 empty seats in the stadium.
The rain was steady - but we were dry and warm in our thin layers of clear plastic. We smiled at each other smuggly. We were at the "big game" - in great seats - for free - unless you count the parking.
In a moment two skinny young ladies sat next to us. They seemed friendly and innocent enough. One turned out to be the Trojan horse. During the whole game - this 100 pound young lady that sat next to me - stood and screamed for the Canes the entire game. I thought she would tire out quickly. It was not just your regular yell - but a high pitched perfect high C note the whole game. Due to my poor hearing - I am not supposed to be able to hear that frequency. But it was like a miracle cure - I could hear again!
Enter the beers. This young lady half my wieght proceeded to buy and drink several of these giant quart size beers. They must have been medication for her throat because she did not miss a beat or an octave. She was a human siren. The guy on the other side said that she does this every game and it never ends.
At halftime she left - she stayed away through much of the third quarter. I thought she passed out somewhere. But she came back - this time holding two giant cups of confidence. I told her I missed her and asked her how much the beers cost. She said $12 a piece. I told her that two beers would use up my allowance for the week. She said she had to give the vendor $30 for two beers or he wouldn't respect her. My head exploded.
During the second half - FSU was frittering away a 21 point lead. I was convinced that this young lady was single-handedly stealing this game from the Noles.
Some unknown guy came to sit next to "the screamer." You could tell that they had never met before. First - he would high five her with every play. Then it turned to pecks on the cheek. After that - it turned to him pouring a few inches of her beer into his empty cup when she put her drink down. At a dollar an inch- this was highway robbery. Just when I thought she was too drunk to realize - she starting holding her drink. Smart girl - but he left.
Finally - with one minute left and the Canes within 2 points - the heavens opened up. It poured harder than I ever felt before - but we kept dry in our "dry cleaner bag" quality rainwear. The Noles held on.
The parking lot was flooded - we were up to our ankles in the warm sloshing mess. Most Nole fans expected a different ending - and were relieved that the swamp was just water.
The sportscaster after the game said we had 5 inches of rain as I sank into a steaming hot bath at our hotel. We got back without incident even without the aid of traffic cops. Fans had already started turning into a game for the ages. The Seminole slide seemed to start on a rainy Thursday in Louisville - maybe this storm will awaken the dynasty ghosts.
The Seminoles won the game - we drove 10 hours home with smiles on our faces - tomahawk chopping cars all the way up Route US27. We were happy that the Noles hung on for the victory. But whenever I think of that game - I will always wonder where that skinny girl put $72.00 worth of beer. I guess the same place I put my four 25 cent Cokes.
Lulu asked me to remind you that I really made up the part about sneaking Cokes into the stadium - that would be wrong. Fans are obligated to buy their drinks in the stadium to support the Miami Hurricanes - even if beers are $12.00 each.
After 4 days of beach weather - we woke up to rain pelting on our slanted windows. This was a herbinger of what was to come. We figured it would clear before the 3:30 game time and it did.
Just in case - on the way to the game Lulu insisted we find a dollar store and buy cheap ponchos. She has been right on this before so I paid the two dollars as we waded back into traffic.
As usual - we did not have any tickets - so we drove to the stadium at about 2 PM. I wished we would have walked because parking was $25 at the stadium. Moths flew out of my wallet as I counted out one dollar bills. The parking lot was festive. There were plenty of tailgating Hurricanes and a surprising number of Seminole flags and tents. One forgets that not all FSU fans live in Tallahassee. The banter between fans in orange and fans in garnet was mostly light-hearted.
About 30 minutes before game time - it started to rain hard. This is a very good sign for someone without tickets. Lulu and I walked to the ticket area - and both of us held up two fingers. We looked like refugees for a 60s peace rally. We must have been a sorry sight - because after a while a high school coach with a Hurricanes shirt on walked up and offered us a ticket for free. You had to go through the complimentary ticket line with him. Why not - Lulu went along with him. After a few minutes - a guy with a Noles jersey offered a single ticket for $20. When I told him that Lulu and I drove down from Tallahassee - he gave it to me for free.
Lulu and I rendez-voused - on the "other side." It was like going through the Berlin Wall - the way they frisked you there - separate lines for men and woman. Quite frankly - I would rather being frisked by the cute lady in the next line than the surly guy that did me. I notices there was one area that he did not frisk on old men. Good thing because that it where I stored my 4 bottles of coke. As planned - he did not touch me there. I could have fit a nuclear bomb there - this gives new meaning to "having a package." It was a good thing because beers in the stadium were $12 - more on that later.
We went up to the third level - it was still raining pretty hard as we circled that infinity spiral walkway. Lulu wanted to sit on the 50 yard line on the Noles side - but we got our numbers crossed and came out on the Canes 50. We saw two seats near the rail - it was 7 minutes before game time but we took a chance on those seats staying empty. We lucked out. No one ever came to claim those seats along with the other orange seats 20,000 empty seats in the stadium.
The rain was steady - but we were dry and warm in our thin layers of clear plastic. We smiled at each other smuggly. We were at the "big game" - in great seats - for free - unless you count the parking.
In a moment two skinny young ladies sat next to us. They seemed friendly and innocent enough. One turned out to be the Trojan horse. During the whole game - this 100 pound young lady that sat next to me - stood and screamed for the Canes the entire game. I thought she would tire out quickly. It was not just your regular yell - but a high pitched perfect high C note the whole game. Due to my poor hearing - I am not supposed to be able to hear that frequency. But it was like a miracle cure - I could hear again!
Enter the beers. This young lady half my wieght proceeded to buy and drink several of these giant quart size beers. They must have been medication for her throat because she did not miss a beat or an octave. She was a human siren. The guy on the other side said that she does this every game and it never ends.
At halftime she left - she stayed away through much of the third quarter. I thought she passed out somewhere. But she came back - this time holding two giant cups of confidence. I told her I missed her and asked her how much the beers cost. She said $12 a piece. I told her that two beers would use up my allowance for the week. She said she had to give the vendor $30 for two beers or he wouldn't respect her. My head exploded.
During the second half - FSU was frittering away a 21 point lead. I was convinced that this young lady was single-handedly stealing this game from the Noles.
Some unknown guy came to sit next to "the screamer." You could tell that they had never met before. First - he would high five her with every play. Then it turned to pecks on the cheek. After that - it turned to him pouring a few inches of her beer into his empty cup when she put her drink down. At a dollar an inch- this was highway robbery. Just when I thought she was too drunk to realize - she starting holding her drink. Smart girl - but he left.
Finally - with one minute left and the Canes within 2 points - the heavens opened up. It poured harder than I ever felt before - but we kept dry in our "dry cleaner bag" quality rainwear. The Noles held on.
The parking lot was flooded - we were up to our ankles in the warm sloshing mess. Most Nole fans expected a different ending - and were relieved that the swamp was just water.
The sportscaster after the game said we had 5 inches of rain as I sank into a steaming hot bath at our hotel. We got back without incident even without the aid of traffic cops. Fans had already started turning into a game for the ages. The Seminole slide seemed to start on a rainy Thursday in Louisville - maybe this storm will awaken the dynasty ghosts.
The Seminoles won the game - we drove 10 hours home with smiles on our faces - tomahawk chopping cars all the way up Route US27. We were happy that the Noles hung on for the victory. But whenever I think of that game - I will always wonder where that skinny girl put $72.00 worth of beer. I guess the same place I put my four 25 cent Cokes.
Lulu asked me to remind you that I really made up the part about sneaking Cokes into the stadium - that would be wrong. Fans are obligated to buy their drinks in the stadium to support the Miami Hurricanes - even if beers are $12.00 each.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
This Tallahassee Crowd Cheered as Joe Paterno Passed Bobby Bowden
Last week when Joe Paterno passed out Bobby Bowden as the winningest college coach - we attended a big celebration in town. No - we weren't at the home of a local Gator fan - we were at Hobbit Hoagies near Park Avenue where the Northwest Florida Chapter of the Penn State Alumni meet.
Every Saturday - the groups meets to watch the Nittany Lions play football on the television. They have a large loyal membership. When I wrote the article about the weather delay at FSU's opening game - Larry DiPietro wrote to me and invited me to their meeting. We were having house guests - two teachers from West Palm Beach. They are big Penn State fans so we thought they would enjoy the meeting with the PSU Alums and swapping stories.
Check their website at - www.psutally.org
Back when I taught in the Pennsylvania public schools for 33 years - I enjoyed the good natured ribbing from all of the Penn State grads in the faculty room. The ratio was pretty unbearable - about 35 PSU fans to 1 FSU fan - me. Lulu had gotten her doctorate at FSU in 1990 - and we have been staunch Nole fans ever since. Lucky for me - in the 1990's Florida State was hot - and Penn State was not and fans were going through a few years of "fire JoePa - he's too old."
At first -when we entered the bar with our Seminole game shirts on - the locals reminded us that most of the tables were reserved for the Penn State Club. When I reminded them that we were all born and raised in Pennsylvania - and that we were invited by Joey Dee - they let us join in any reindeer games. Anyone transplanted in Tallahassee from Penn's Woods would enjoy listening to the old Pennsylvania dialect as they share a Yuengling or two.
Our two house guests - Matt and Allison - are special to me. Years ago - they were students in my 7th grade Earth and Space Science classes in the coal regions of Pennsylvania. They became friends for life when they wrote to Bobby Bowden and asked for a signed photo for my birthday. Even in 7th grade - they were pretty smart students. Every year they make the 7 hour drive up from the Gold Coast to see a Seminole game and visit their old school marm. Matt got his teaching degree at Penn State University.
Unfortunately they saw a disappointing game where Wake Forest tacked its third loss in a row on FSU. But it was fun seeing them cheer for Joe Paterno and the Nits as the near-sighted old English professor from Brown University became the winningest college coach of all time. And they celebrated in Tallahassee.
Every Saturday - the groups meets to watch the Nittany Lions play football on the television. They have a large loyal membership. When I wrote the article about the weather delay at FSU's opening game - Larry DiPietro wrote to me and invited me to their meeting. We were having house guests - two teachers from West Palm Beach. They are big Penn State fans so we thought they would enjoy the meeting with the PSU Alums and swapping stories.
Check their website at - www.psutally.org
Back when I taught in the Pennsylvania public schools for 33 years - I enjoyed the good natured ribbing from all of the Penn State grads in the faculty room. The ratio was pretty unbearable - about 35 PSU fans to 1 FSU fan - me. Lulu had gotten her doctorate at FSU in 1990 - and we have been staunch Nole fans ever since. Lucky for me - in the 1990's Florida State was hot - and Penn State was not and fans were going through a few years of "fire JoePa - he's too old."
At first -when we entered the bar with our Seminole game shirts on - the locals reminded us that most of the tables were reserved for the Penn State Club. When I reminded them that we were all born and raised in Pennsylvania - and that we were invited by Joey Dee - they let us join in any reindeer games. Anyone transplanted in Tallahassee from Penn's Woods would enjoy listening to the old Pennsylvania dialect as they share a Yuengling or two.
Our two house guests - Matt and Allison - are special to me. Years ago - they were students in my 7th grade Earth and Space Science classes in the coal regions of Pennsylvania. They became friends for life when they wrote to Bobby Bowden and asked for a signed photo for my birthday. Even in 7th grade - they were pretty smart students. Every year they make the 7 hour drive up from the Gold Coast to see a Seminole game and visit their old school marm. Matt got his teaching degree at Penn State University.
Unfortunately they saw a disappointing game where Wake Forest tacked its third loss in a row on FSU. But it was fun seeing them cheer for Joe Paterno and the Nits as the near-sighted old English professor from Brown University became the winningest college coach of all time. And they celebrated in Tallahassee.
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