A Postman's View of Corning,NY

My welcome Back!!

2016-10-22T14:41:00.001-07:00

It has been quite some time. Got a little busy with other things. I will try and post on a weekly basis about this and that in the area and more funny stories.

Knowing your neighbor!

2013-12-03T09:42:00.000-08:00

Do any of you remember growing up and the mailman would deliver the wrong letter to your house. Instead, it belonged to old Mrs. Johnson across the street or Mr. Smith next door. You would more then likely go to there house and hand deliver the piece of mail to that person, and usually strike up a conversation if they were home. If they weren't home you would leave it in their box .The next day Mrs Johnson would thank you several times or bring you a batch of warm homemade cookies.

It was because you knew these people. Your neighbors, people you see every day and not afraid to say hi or lend a hand to help them out. I remember as a kid, I would run around the neighborhood and I knew everyone. It's not that way any more. The postal worker gets yelled at, gets a call at the office, or the mail gets written on in bold letters saying "WRONG ADDRESS"!!! I know we make our mistakes and I or we apologize.

The other day I was delivering near dark and it was hard to see. I had put a letter in an apartment slot. I get to the end of the apartments and finish. A customer comes to me and said I had dropped this letter in his slot and it should have been put in next door. So, you come all the way down to me to give me the letter, when you could have easily put it in the slot right next to you. Even if I wasn't a mailman and I lived there, I would have put it in the slot next door or even knocked and handed them the letter. Not waste my energy to find the mailman.

So the next time something like this happens to you. Knock on that persons door, say hi and introduce yourself.. Explain to them what had happened. Get to know your neighbors, you never know when you might need them. By no means is it any reason for me to make a mistake, but, it does happen.

The photos are from the 2013 Corning parade of lights

If I don't post before Christmas. Have a safe and joyous Holiday!!!!

Mom didn't raise a dummy!!

2013-10-21T17:37:00.001-07:00

When I was stationed in Whidbey Island, WA we had to go through a week long security guard training.When we were done we had to guard the aircraft on our watch. It wasn't too serious of a training but, more of a common sense training to be alert on our duties.

On the last day of training we were asked one at a time to come up front and face the trainer. He handed us a light weight pine billy club. Which is our weapon of choice when we were on duty. The instructor was pretending to be an intruder to steal an aircraft and he was holding a fake pistol in his hand. One at a time he would call us up and asked us to show him what we would do if we were approached. Each time a person came up they would try and attack or try and take the pistol from the trainer. each time the trainer would say nice try pretend to shoot his pistol and say " BANG! YOUR DEAD!!" "You have a pine stick I have a pistol!" Mind you my friend Jack and I were the only Marines in the group of trainees. The rest were sailors. No offense but, they weren't trained the way we were. So. Jack and I were snickering as each person got shot and killed.

Well the trainer heard us and called me on it. He says "OK!! Since you think this is funny. You go ahead and show the class what to do. So, I wanted to make it clear that he was a person with a large pistol that would and possibly kill me! He says "right". I have a pine billy club to defend myself and he says "right". I look at my club and then his pistol. I take the club SSLLOOWWLLY put it out in front of me kneel down, place the club on the floor and then stand, do an about face and walk away with my hands in the air. At this point there was a slight hesitation and silence in the room, then laughter. The instructor said I was the first person to ever do that without being told to never fight back when all you have is a club.

This is one thing I grew up with was common sense. I see the situation and decide do I have a chance to take this person. NO!! Do I play it safe by dropping my weapon and take the chance of a quart marshal for leaving my post?? YES!!!. Knowing that I stayed alive, PRICELESS!!!

Wineglass Marathon

2013-10-09T04:14:00.003-07:00

Well! I was able to get to the 32nd annual Wineglass marathon. I sat on the Bridge St. Bridge and I took over 2800 pictures. I had a great time. Hearing some runners asking how far, some moans, pain in their faces, breathlessness to getting sick.
I was also blessed to get shots of families running or even walking together. Family members and friends that finished going back to help the ones still running. I was able to see some run I haven't seen in 30 years to friends and customers. Some stopped to pose for me,give me a thumbs up and smile as they run, walk or crawl by.
All in all it was a great day. The weather was a little too warm and hard on the runners. One runner started wheezing as she ran by and stopped a few feet from me. She had a panic look on her face. She told me she has never felt that way before. To me it sounded like an Asthma attack. But, she could have been getting the cold that's going around that has the same affects. I talked her through it and she went on running.

Some day I hope to run at least one half marathon. I walk many miles and carry a heavy pack. But my breathing sucks. I just need to get out there and start trotting. Even if it's just a little a day!

Congratulations to all the runners.

P.S.

Here is the link to the gallery of picture I have uploaded so far.

http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-PTWNG

How did you know who I was??

2013-09-26T18:39:00.000-07:00

Clock Tower Center-way Park

A casual ride

I do have a pretty good memory when it comes to the delivery of the mail. If I am delivering and have gotten a change of address, I remember the names of who moved. So, I don't put your mail in the box. If I see you every day and you reach into your box. I am assuming your the person I put mail in the box for( I am sometimes off on that one). I also get the customers that have their names on the boxes. I might get a letter that doesn't match the names on the box. If I have never seen the name before I would try it. If it shows up in the box the next day that person isn't there.

A pup and his owner

enjoying the sun

Now, I also get reminded daily by some customers of who they are. They tell me their name and that they live at this or that address.(almost weekly). Let's just call the person I am talking about today "Bob".(there are more like him but, he made me laugh!) Every time I would get to the box this gentleman would say " Hi my name is Bob and I live here. Do you have any mail for me?" Most of the time he didn't. So, this routine has been going on for about 6 months.

posing for the camera

Now I know "Bob", which box is his and also know not to put mail in his box that's not his.( Even though the boxes aren't labeled!) Today I am walking down "Bobs" street. He is waiting by his box as I come around. There is a package in my satchel with "Bobs" name on it. Now as I stated before. I now know "Bob"! I take the package, scan it and hand it to "Bob". He looks at the package to see the name on it, he then looks at me and says " How did you know who I was???" I just said "lucky guess" and smiled!

posing for another photographer

starting of Autumn

It has been pretty nice weather this week and Fall is on it's way. You can probably tell by the leaves in my pictures. I have a feeling we are in for a harsh winter. Mark my words and we will look back to this blog to see if I was right!(It's just a feeling!!)

Stopping the mail.

2013-09-19T19:16:00.001-07:00

     Yes!!! I know it's been a while. And again between grandkids, work and taking pictures I have thinned my time out! I'm trying to get more organized and keep this blog going.
      The photos on this post are from my shoot I did at https://www.facebook.com/happyglass88?rf=169721426375315. I had the privilege to shoot the making of the Wineglass Marathon medallions for 2013.

     As for my funny of the day:

I was delivering to my last group of apartments and a woman was unlocking her door. I handed her a piece of mail addressed to her apartment. She looked at it and asked if she could give it back to me. I said it's just a current resident piece of mail. She then asked how she could stop getting this mail at her residence. I told her to either write to the sender or get the number. She then asked if there was a way to stop all her "junk" mail. I said there was an address or number to call to stop all advertisement mail but, I don't have it. She then asked if she called the post office if they would have the number. ( why would we have an address or number to stop delivery??) I said you could try. Then she asks if she could block her mail slot to stop me from putting mail in her apartment. ( she really doesn't want delivery does she??) She kept asking questions in ways to stop the mail and I told her. By this time I had gone to the end of the complex and was heading back to her, I was in full uniform and carrying my satchel and she asks. " Do you work for the post office here???" ( No I just wear a US Postal uniform carrying mail and put mail in boxes and slots for the fun!!)
I had finally got past her and made it to the main office and I asked the manager who the person was I had been talking to. I find out that she is from Canada and comes down about once a month. Now I get all her questioning. Up there they are lucky to get mail 3 days a week, if at all!! Let alone see a mailman!! This is why when I am on Market Street and I run in to Canadians they want a picture of me with them. I am an extinct figure up there!!

I am glad I have a job that is secure for now. Not sure for how long but, hoping till I retire!!

A few funny things this week.

2013-08-07T17:49:00.001-07:00

I was in one of my businesses the other day. I decided to take a comfort stop. I opened the bathroom door and I heard this strange vibrating noise over the sink. At first I didn't see anything, Then, I realized that the large 4ft x 4ft mirror was falling toward me. I caught it in time and pushed it back in place. If it didn't make the noise it did I would have had it on my head. I went back out in the hall and a man in the next room said it happened to him earlier. OK!!! He said maybe He should call someone to fix it." That would be great!" I said. What I wanted to say was "Don't you think it would have been wise to call someone before it happened again???" I could just picture the mirror landing on my head. It would be more then 7 years bad luck!!

That same day I was farther down the street getting ready to cross. I notice this couple on the other side waiting to cross. She had a small camera in her hand. Which, I thought she was taking a picture of the clock tower. When we passed each other she yelled toward me and says " I take your picture!!!" It made me laugh out loud and took the memory of the large mirror falling toward me away. At least for a few minutes.

Yesterday I was turning into the YMCA. It was changed to a one way a few months ago. So, I get upset when people are coming toward you the wrong way. This time I felt I should do something about it. As I entered that day a large truck was going out the wrong way. I decided to block her a little and point to the sign to show her she was in the wrong. I motioned her to turn around and showed her my index finger stating "ONE WAY" as I moved my lips. She proceeded to get by me and all I heard was " A_ _ H_ _ _!!. I figure I did the right thing and hoped she learned her lesson. I was feeling proud of my actions., giving my self a high five and smiling!!! Until, I got to the entrance of the building on the other side. There at the exit area the electric company was blocking the street!!! OOOPPPPSSS!!!!!!

The race fans are headed into town this week. So, things should get interesting. I will keep you posted!!

I still get missed!

2013-05-19T12:59:00.000-07:00

When I go on vacations or take a few days off I do get missed. Yes, I know it's hard to believe. I deliver this route almost 95% of the time and seeing a new carrier in my place throws you guys a curve ball. Just the other day I was delivering to one of my new customers after I got back from vacation and when I walked in I was talking to her and sorting out her letters. She in turn says "you are missed when your gone" I asked her why and she says that anyone else that delivered while I was off didn't say a word when they came in. I told her after being on the street so long you don't hesitate to say something as long as I'm working and moving. Where the subs are more concerned with getting the mail right. I also have my shortcuts and what the customer expects of me, my subs don't. So, the next time I am off don't hesitate to say something to the sub first.

I have been delivering mail in the Gaffer District( Market and Bridge street businesses) for over 10 yrs. now. When I first started I delivered by address# and business name. As time went by I learned your first and last names. But, still after 10 yrs I don't know every one's name and to me I am "Mailman"," Postman" "Mail guy" Etc. Which, I don't mind at all. A lot of you have let me into your lives, not afraid to tell a life story, happy, sad or funny. I have cried with you, laughed with you. We have jokingly swore at each other and called each other names out of fun, as long as customers aren't around to here us.

To some of you have become my friends not my customers and that's the way I like it.

Relaxing Day!

2013-05-16T18:29:00.002-07:00

I have been busy the last few weeks with my new grandson I couldn't ask for a better baby. He eats, pees, poops and sleeps all night. I also have a granddaughter due in July. So, life is going to get busier. I will on the other hand get more baby picture practice. Because these photos will be priceless.

I also have been busy taking pictures at a barrel race rodeo on the River Road in Corning. My great niece is a rider and I told her I would come out to take a "few" pictures. The few pictures turned out to be over a 1,000 and I was able to get 600 good to great shots. I have more shows to go to so that will keep me busy over the summer

Today I decided to skip eating lunch . I brought my camera and sat down on one of the benches on the street. I call them the " Husband Benches" because, most of the time the husbands, boyfriends Etc. are sitting at them outside the major stores waiting for the spouses to shop.

I got quite a few photos of people going by and there were a lot due to the weather. As I sat down one of my friends I see daily wheeled up in his chair and chatted with me as I shot pictures.

We talked about daily stuff and happenings.

The approaching Glass Fest (more pictures)

Tourists( I think I saw 4 different busses today) to how nice the weather was.

Finally my time was up to go back to work and finish my day.

Tomorrow is another day!

I was hit by a bus!!!

2013-04-20T05:31:00.000-07:00

     Gotcha!! It wasn't a bus!! But, got you to look. I did though get hit by a teenager on a bicycle!!
     I was delivering my last house of the day, when I walked out onto the sidewalk and as I did a teen on his mountain bike slammed into me. He had to of been going at least 15- 20 mph. I was able to turn just in time to miss my special parts between my legs. His brake scraped my right thigh and his tire hit my inside left thigh. I got knocked back onto to my bottom and he then finished by running over my right ankle and left shin.
     when I hit the concrete I was already yelling at the kid " ARE YOU THAT F_ING STUPID RIDING YOUR BIKE THAT FAST ON THE SIDE WALK!!!"" GET ON THE STREET!!" He then asks if I am all right. I looked at him and say "NO!! YOU HIT ME WITH YOUR BIKE!!" At that moment he decides to leave me there on the street. The barber from the shop comes out to see if I'm OK, a few seconds later another customer pulls up and a few seconds later three police cars pull up coming from another call. I gave the police my statement as another officer went to find the kid. Turns out the "kid" was only 14. No charges! I ended up finishing my route and was sore for a few days.It just shows some kids have no common sense or respect.
     A few days later my wife and I were driving through Arbys' and a group of people were on the cross walk. I stopped to let them pass. Two boys were wrestling with each other with their backs to us. To get their attention that I was there I honked my horn, since they were throwing each other around. I didn't want them to fall in front of me as I started to move. I got by them to pull up to the drive thru and as I looked into my mirror the boys both shot double birds at me. Again, no respect!

What are you doing??

2013-04-09T04:32:00.000-07:00

It has been nice the last few days. Temps in the high 60's to 70's. I was able to don the shorts and sun hat. I still get asked " what are you doing with a camera? Shouldn't you be working?" But, I am getting more smiles at the camera. Now that it is nicer, I will be in Center way Square for my lunch break, "Working" with my camera.

As for being asked what I am doing?! I have been asked that by many people even when it is obvious. I had a neighbor come out one day while I was on the roof . I had a hammer in one hand and a shingle in the other. He looks up and says" what are you doing? " I looked down and say with a smile " I am about to paint the ceiling! Do you want to help? " Since he didn't like my answer, he proceeded to ask how long it would take to get rid of the debris around my house from the old shingles. I looked down and said with a smile " if you start loading it into the truck while I finish the ceiling it would get done quickly!" Apparently not a good answer. He went inside his home and I finished painting the ceiling. .

Well, short and sweet today! I figured my short story was good enough for today. Enjoy the day and be safe.

Happy Easter!!

2013-03-31T08:24:00.000-07:00

Well, spring weather was around for a day. I was able to get out and enjoy my lunch break yesterday, walking around and taking pictures.

The bridge is getting done and people are out and about getting ready for Easter Sunday. Some of the pictures are from last weeks nice weather also.

It's good to see Dewey Storm getting around. There is a big benefit for him at the end of April to cover hospital and travel costs for his cancer treatment. I hope everyone can make it. Check out the posters on Market Street for date and times. I will be donating some pictures for the silent auctions.

As for Kathleen Richardson not seeing any robins yet, I did!! There were a dozen or so out on my walk to work the other day. Chirpping like crazy as if spring is out there somewhere or saying "who's idea was it to come back here??!!"
I will be getting some pictures around for Glass Fest here in Corning. I was meaning to do it last year but, had no time. I might not put a lot out only to have them not sell. But, I also have a site on Smugmug.com to purchase other prints I have done. The page needs some work so bare with me.
<a href="http://choicephoto.smugmug.com/Photography/Choicephotos/27320324_m3dqgx#!i=2296329752&k=Q7gcLTN&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="http://choicephoto.smugmug.com/Photography/Choicephotos/i-Q7gcLTN/0/M/5-M.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>

I hope everyone has a Happy Easter and enjoy some time with family and friends!!!

Spring Fever!!

2013-03-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back. I don't like to take pictures on my breaks in the winter. Too harsh on me and the camera. I got a chance to take some Market Steet pics the last couple days. I am finding out how camera shy people are. Even, if it is the mailman taking their picture.
I also have noticed how weird some people get in general. I was delivering to the Social Security office the other day. A young man around 20 was talking to the guard when I walked in. He was saying he wanted to sign up to the military and since this was a government office he was ready to enlist. He wanted to talk to someone so he could sign up and that they would take him. He said he really wanted to go in the service. I had walked past him to the door I go to to be let in and I got to be part of the conversation. He says " let me talk to him. He has a uniform on, he can sign me up. The guard asked him what he wanted and if it had to do with Social Security. If he didn't he needed to leave. He says "OK! I understand and I'm sorry. You guys have a nice day." As he was walking out the door he says " Hale Hitler" Nice!!!!

The other night I was taking my sons friend home and there were police just a few houses down. I found out today that a man had walked into a residence and started yelling at the man inside. The stranger then left and went to the next house pounding on the door and threatened that person. By the time police came he tried to break in four houses. They finally catch the guy and the judge releases him and he does it again the next day.

There has to be something in the air. Must be spring fever!!

Common sense.

2013-01-17T18:21:00.004-08:00

Some people just don't have any common sense. I was delivering to city hall the other day and they have been remodeling the whole building to make more office space. At the bottom of the stairs there is a sign that says the elevators are out of service. If you need assistance please contact someone. Common sense right??? Wrong!! As I was coming out of the the courts temporary office upstairs I have to pass by the elevator that has a "LARGE" yellow strip of safety tape across it.( and you know there is one downstairs too) An elderly woman comes out of the elevator and ducks under the tape like it was a normal thing to do. I just keep going and laughing to myself.

I always remembered growing up that if I thought something was going to hurt me, my common sense would stop me or if I needed to do something a safe way as not to get hurt my common sense would tell me how to do it safer.Apparently some people don't think before they do!! I also did learn some things the hard way. But, common sense told me not to do it again. One of my nephews who was around 5 yrs old at the time decided to urinate behind his house. I here him scream several different times. I come running to him and he is crying at the time. He said every time he would pee in the bushes he got a big shock. I looked around expecting bees or something, instead he was urinating on the electric fence. Me on the other hand one shock would have been enough common sense to tell me not to do it again!!!!

Lost Keys!!

2013-01-06T12:10:00.001-08:00

> Well, the new year is here and I am almost at my half way mark of my 4 year plan. I have done my photography for almost 2 years and if I get a retirement deal in less then 2 years, my photo business should take over. I have gotten enough encouragement to keep going. I want to start selling more matted prints this year and also set up booths at art shows in the area. Let me know what you are looking for by posting on my blog! I have just signed up to Smug Mug to sell my pictures. I should have a link for you in the next week or so. I need time to upload pictures and set pricing.

Now for my story!!

Over the years I have misplaced, lost or locked my keys in my mail truck. Most of the time I ended up lying them down in the back and shutting the door. So, I had to call the office and have them bring out another set to unlock the truck.

One day I was getting ready to start the truck and drive off , the keys still in hand, I was reaching for my seat belt, the keys flew out of my hand and into the snow. Luckily I saw where they landed and dug for them.

I also have lost them in storm drains several times and was able to fish them out with a coat hanger. But, some were a lost cause due to water being in the drain.

The funniest time I had lost them was when I had just finished taking a comfort stop. I went to look for my keys and could not find them. I went back up to the bathroom and searched, with no luck!. I finally called the supervisor and he brought out another set. Well, after about an hour or so I was getting an uncomfortable pain in my hip and I thought it was my scanner clip pushing in. I went to reach and adjust my scanner when, I felt my keys in my waist behind my scanner clip. I realized I always put my keys on my finger to carry so, I know where they are! When I was leaving the bathroom I had finished tucking in my shirt and the key slid off my finger and into my waist. I couldn't stop laughing at myself. If all else fails and you can't find your keys! LOOK IN YOUR PANTS!!

Breakdown

2012-12-24T17:15:00.001-08:00

I know it's been a while since my last post! Work days have been long and tiring and busy getting ready for Christmas. So, I decided to show some of the window displays on Market Street for this post.

As for a story I will have to tell another road trip one.

Ann and I were getting ready to head back to North Carolina, she had been sick, so I had her lie in the back seat on the way down. Our first piece of bad luck was when I went to shut the door and Ann's fingers were in the door. She at the same time is already queasy. We headed out and got as far as the top of Williamsport, when all of a sudden a large turkey buzzard flew in front of me. I hit the thing head on and it rolls over the top of the car, at that moment Ann wakes up and asked what it was. I told her and she says " the way our luck is going the car is going to break down!" WELL!! We got to the bottom of the hill and the car went quiet and it wouldn't start. We walked about two miles to a store and called a tow truck. Then we had to call Ann's parents to come get us. We get back to New York and I have to call the base to tell them I am going to be delayed getting back. Ann's parents let us borrow thier extra car to get back until ours got fixed. When it did get fixed it ended up being the timing belt and all 12 valves were bent. A $900 repair! After having the car for another year, we decided to trade it in when we got out of the service. I was heading back to town to trade it in for our newer car I decided to pass a car, I ended up burning out a cylinder and had to take a lower trade in for it. A saying Ann and I always use is "ONLY US!"

I want to wish everyone A Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year!!

Another road trip. (painful on my part)

2012-12-02T04:41:00.000-08:00

We still had the Mazda when we transferred to Cherry Point,NC. I still didn't find the overheating problem and I was changing plug wires every few weeks. On our trip home to NY the wires were arching and shorting to the engine. We pulled over so I could fix the wires to get home. I grabbed my pliers, opened the hood and started moving the wires. Since I couldn't see if it worked while it was running and I didn't want to keep getting in and out of the car, I asked Ann to start the car when I said "OK". As I was moving the wires around I was talking to myself. I was swearing and cussing due to the cold. I wasn't talking loud enough for anyone to here me. ( at least I thought) I then proceeded to grab one of the wires I knew was shorting out, with my un-coated metal pliers and said "OK" to myself very quietly. (so I thought). At that moment the engine turned on,a surge of electricity and current shot through my hand, down my arm to where my most valuable parts were leaning into the metal bumper! I screamed with a stuttering voice"TTTUURRN OOFFF THE CCCCAAR!!" several times. After the car turned off I dropped to my knees in pain. Ann yelled from the car to see if I was OK and she knew she was in trouble. I came to the car door and it was locked, I asked her to open the door and she said "NO" beacause, I was going to hit her. (the pliers in my hand did look threatening) I asked her why she turned on the car. She said I said "OK". As I'm holding my precious parts in hand she starts to laugh. Now, It's cold out and I wanted to get going, she would not let me in the car till I calmed down. So, after about five minutes or so, I was let back in the car, but all the way home Ann couldn't stop laughing and also couldn't wait to tell everyone at home.

I do enjoy telling these stories, it brings back a lot of memories and makes me laugh. If you think back through your past, you too have the same type of story to tell and probably just as funny.

Our second car and thankful for kind people.

2012-11-22T06:19:00.002-08:00

     I finally traded in the green Fiesta. we ended up with a Mazda GLC,a nice little car. This car made it from TN to NY twice. The second trip was the funniest. We had made it to Knoxville,TN, when the car started overheating. We pulled into a motel and I got out to see the problem. When I lifted the hood I was was expecting just the radiator to be low on water. What I saw was the radiator hose on fire. I ran into the motel to get the extinguisher to put it out. OOPS!! I forget to let Ann know the car was on fire. So, I calmly ran back out to the car, opened her door and said "you might want to get out". Ann asks"why?". I then proceeded to tell her "because the car is on fire!" I ended up getting the fire out and removed the hose. ( the whole time Ann is yelling at me because,I didn't tell her the car was on fire first!) WHAT??
     The nicest thing that did turn out was when we got a hold of a parts store. At first the man said he didn't have that hose in stock and it would have to be ordered. I told him we didn't have time or the money to wait. It was almost closing time and he went ahead and called to his other store across town(30 miles). They said they had one and they would stay open until we got there. The owner drove me across the city to get that hose and help me get it back on. ( which he didn't have to do.) I thanked him and he says "anything for a fellow serviceman." We stayed the night at the motel and finished our trip.
     I am very thankfull for people like that. Ann and I are the same way. I have given people money without asking it back.( I know where you live) I would give the coat or shirt off my back if you needed it. I just expect the same generosity if I need it. Even one of my landlords didn't want us to pay him for three months until I got back to work and I made sure I paid him right away.

Sunday walk about.

2012-11-18T12:53:00.000-08:00

I went out this morning and shot some pictures. It was pretty cold at first but, warmed up. It keeps me in practice and it's what I enjoy doing. The pictures are from the bottom of denmark Hill and from the dike behind World Kitchen.

Our first car.

2012-11-17T16:08:00.000-08:00

I am going to tell funny stories randomly from now on. They will range from my early days to now. It all depends on what I can remember. LOL
When Ann and I got married we went back to Memphis two days later, we had no car for at least a month. We walked everywhere or borrowed a car when we needed groceries. One of my friends came to me and and asked if we wanted to buy his car. He was leaving and needed the money. It was a mint green 1979 Ford Fiesta. It was rough looking and ran rough and he was only asking $300. I gave him the the money. There was a ten speed bike in the back and asked him about it. He says "you can have it, just in case the car breaks down" Now I was worried! The car got us from point A to point B and back for at least two months, ran only on three cylinders and it was ugly. We always kept the bike in the back "just in case". About a month after owning the car, someone broke into that wonderful car and stole the bicycle. The funny thing was,the keys were in the car. The bandit broke into the passenger side not knowing the driver side was unlocked. Unless, he saw the keys and figured the bike was a better deal!!

Fallen Soilder

2012-11-14T03:46:00.001-08:00

I was going about my morning yesterday when I was turning toward my next delivery, I noticed cones blocking my entrance. I went ahead and went to my next delivery, when it dawned on me that they were setting up for Spc. Ryan Jayne's return home. This kind of return wasn't a happy one. He was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. A large flag was draped over Pulteney Street between two fire trucks. As I drove across the bridge, I saw people lining up near the fire dept.. There were businesses on Tioga Ave coming out to bring him home all with flags big and small. When I reached the library I was sorting out the mail in the back, I looked up and at that moment the Hearst went by. I stopped what I was doing and had a moment of silence for him.( he deserves the respect) I then realized how close to home it was. He was my daughters age and she went to school with him.( a little to close for me) My deepest respects and sympathy to his family.

I'm a veteran!

2012-11-11T13:24:00.000-08:00

I served in the marine Corp from Nov 85 to Nov 89 for 3 years 11 months and 27 days. Sounds like a strange number doesn't it. It's because it was the Thanksgiving weekend and I was allowed to leave early due to that. I enjoyed the time I was in. traveling the states to different schools for training. I got married six months into the service, that was a challenge all in its own. I flew home home on a Friday, got married Saturday and flew back to Memphis on Monday with my new wife. The money was scarce but, we enjoyed each others company. After 6 more months in Memphis I was stationed in Washington state for more training. Ann had to stay in NY for that period, she came to visit while I was there. We got stationed in Cherry Point,NC. when I got there to check in I was told I would be shipping out in November on the USS Kennedy for 6 months. It wasn't an easy departure for Ann and I. She told me I wasn't allowed to leave. I told her to talk to the man with the gold leafs on his collar and he might let me stay. She declined. I toured the Mediterranean visiting many ports and seeing the sites. It was tough at times, I missed my family and my wife. I think I sent a letter or card every day and tried to phone when possible. By the time we left the service and I say we because, Ann was my support and she stayed by my side. If she didn't support me she would have left a long time ago.

We had great time while I served, making the best of it. The day we left was pretty funny and scary. There was a major snow storm from Virgina north. We left late afternoon with moving van and car in tow. By the time we hit Virginia and DC it was snowing hard. Ann being 7 months pregnant meant we had to stop a lot. We got to noreth of Harrisburg and Ann says "Don't you remember the last time in this area we had to stop for an accident for almost 2 hours??" Within a few minutes I noticed brake lights in the distance. Again, an accident, this one was 4 hours long. During our wait Ann had to go to the bathroom. I told her since she opened her mouth about the accident and it came true she can go outside.( She declined.) I then took out my last soda from the cooler and pointed to it and said "there you go!" Mind you we made it home safe. (24hrs later)

We had some funny trips like that throughout our days in the service and I wouldn't take any back. I will put more road trip stories up on another day.

Good News!! WOW!!

2012-11-09T14:23:00.000-08:00

I had just gave away my oldest daughter to a great guy over the summer. Our other daughter told us a few weeks after that she was expecting. She will be leaving for Texas next week to get married to her boyfriend. But, as of last night we were informed that my oldest is also expecting. I have gained 2 sons and will be getting 2 grandchildren to boot. Not a bad deal! I am very proud of both my girls.

So, on a funny note, I have been telling people that after two weddings the only gifts I will be able to afford will be A HUG, A HANDSHAKE or just some ATTITUDE! There will be a lot to go around!

I got some candid shots in today, a few known faces and a few unknowns. The ones I do know like to smile or "HAM IT UP"

Road Rage( no funny stuff)

2012-11-08T03:59:00.000-08:00

I get to see a lot of unsafe driving habits while working. I have been cut off numerous times. I will be at a stop sign getting ready to turn and another car will go right through a stop sign and I get the dirty look. I am stopping for pedestrians at the cross walks and cars are going around me almost hitting the pedestrian or when I'm waiting for a car to parallel park or pulling out, cars will go around me. Again , I get a horn or a gesture from the person doing the illegal act. The big difference of you doing those unsafe acts is that if I cause an accident by not following the rules I get fired. you on the other hand get a ticket and go to work the next day. Unless, you seriously hurt someone due to your unsafe driving.

The scariest time was when I was almost to the end of the street to turn left and there was only room for me due to cars on both sides picking up school kids, when a large truck turns into me, stopping short of hitting head on. The driver yells at me to back up. In my defense I am not to back up unless It is safe to. If I did back up I would have to go at least fifty yards to turn around and the parents and children are walking all around.. He only needed ten feet to back up. I shook my head no to him and he proceeds to slam his truck in reverse and drive toward the school without looking. He then speeds down the alley next to the school. If he had waited 2 seconds I would have been out of his way. I could have been "nice" and backed up. But, to do that I would have to to put my truck into park, turn the engine off, get out and walk around my truck to make sure it was clear of people, get back into my truck, start the engine and honk my horn several times. Then proceed to back up SSSLLOOWWLLYY while honking my horn. Try to be safe!

2012-11-02T14:31:00.002-07:00

I had taken so many pictures this week so, I thought I would throw some more up today. After dropping my son off to school and taking my wife to work, I went and took shots of market street window displays.

I got a shot of Mark, the window cleaner that keeps the windows clear for viewing. I took a picture of Ernie our local display coordinator last week working on the Connor's display. If you make it during the Holiday season the windows are a sight seeing trip by themselves.