What do you mean: I'm getting older?

Monday was Admiral Grace Hopper's (1906-1992) birthday. She was a hero of mine and stands today as a role model that we can all learn from.

Before I get to my point, let me tell you a little about this amazing woman and Naval Officer. She joined the Naval reserve in 1942. In 1955 she applied for transfer to the regular navy and her request was disapproved due to her age. She reported in an interview that this was the first time she was ever told she was to old for anything.

The future RDML retired from the Naval Reserve in 1966 only to be recalled to active duty. She was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1970. In 1983 she gained the attention of National Leaders and was appointed a Commodore in the Navy. This rank was later renamed Rear Admiral (Lower Half) (RDML). Admiral Hopper retired from the Navy that she loved for the final time at the age of 79. She did not volunteer for retirement.

Grace Hopper was part of the team that developed the machine language COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language). She is also responsible for the term "Bug" in a program that is not properly working.

Admiral Hopper died in 1992 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Anyone who uses a computer should know the name "Grace Hopper". She is one of the reasons we have the computers we do today.

I had the privilege of meeting Grace Hopper when I was stationed at the Pentagon shortly after she was elevated to "Flag" rank. (That's promoted to Rear Admiral for those of you who don't speak Navy.) She had a direct speaking style and was not intimidated by rank or position. A phrase she loved to use was "It is easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission."

What she was talking about was being a leader. She was always a leader. at the age of nearly 80 she was still serving our Navy and the Nation, leading and inspiring those she encountered. She inspired everyone she came in contact with regardless of rank. Seaman to Admiral; PVT to General, it didn't matter. She would tell it like it was and do it with a smile or a stern look if need be.

This all leads me to my point today. Many of you know that I will have to go into the hospital again for surgery on my vocal cord. This time the surgery is very invasive. I will have to spend the night in the hospital and the whole thing doesn't sound very pleasant if you take the doctor at her word.

Because of this news, since Monday, I've been feeling kind of "old" and sorry for myself. I've got to tell you, that stops here and now. If people like Grace Hopper can keep going until the age of 85, there is certainly no way I am going to let something like a surgery keep me down.

I don't like feeling down. I try to remain upbeat most of the time but, at heart I am a serious person. I have always taken my responsibilities seriously and I have worked very hard to take my health seriously in the last year. But, for some reason I let this news get to me.

I found a cure for those blues. Yesterday I spent the afternoon with my little granddaughter. She spent time sitting next to me and having fun with the rest of our family. I am not going to be a grumpy old person. That  is not how I want my little granddaughter to remember me.

As Always...


Don't forget to donate to Toys for Tots.

Some things should not "fade" into history.

This past Saturday was the Anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Even 72 years later, the date: December 7, should be a National Day of Remembrance. I'm sure it won't happen because it is not politically correct.

3 generations removed from the infamous day, school children are hardly taught the date and it's significance in school. It is indeed sad. Our status as a "Super Power" was brought about by our entry into the second "Great War."

The importance of learning modern history can not be overstated in my opinion. I truly do believe that those who fail to learn from history are indeed doomed to repeat it. History is a roadmap to our future. Ignore it at our peril.

The world's greatest generation is more quickly disappearing. Old age is finally catching up to those heroes who gave so much to civilization so that we may feast at that table we call freedom and prosperity.

Yes I say prosperity along with our freedom because even with the country's economy in as poor shape as it is, we are indeed still a land of plenty. I know, I looked in my fridge and freezer today. We will not be going hungry any time soon.

World War II not only pulled this country out of the Great Depression but, thrust the United States on to the world stage to make it a world power.

But, the cost has been great. Those aboard the great battleship Arizona remain as a testament to the American Spirit which was awakened on that fateful morning in 1941. Their memory and sacrifice does not deserve to fade into history.

Those entombed aboard Arizona remind us that wether we have worn the uniform of this Nation or not, we are all heirs to the sacrifice of blood which forged this country.

I am in no way saying that war should be glorified or celebrated. On the contrary, those who served prior to the attack of December 7th held out hope that war would not come. War was the last thing they wanted. But, if was to come, they were willing to stand on the front lines and do the fighting.

There was a draft in those days. There is not a draft now. We have an all volunteer military force. The lessons of history and especially of December 7th are even more important today.

As Always...


Don't forget to donate to Toys for Tots.

Sometimes the day just seems to go to...

Did you ever have a day when you just felt like getting your blanket and your puppy and saying "To Heck"* with it all?

Well, the other day seemed like that to me. I don't ask for a lot out of life. No fighting or drama from my family. Get the bills paid. Have a nice hot meal at the end of a day. Finally, give me just a little bit of space in the house that is mine.

I just ask that I have a little corner of the table where I can keep my laptop and my papers and things. No one touch them, please. That's all I want. I've always had this rule. My stuff. Leave it alone! If you want something, just ask. I got stars for sharing in Kindergarden many years ago. I do know how to share.

When I was at the Naval Hospital Friday, I got a print-out of my pending appointments. On Saturday, I went to enter them into my tablet so as not to forget them. I went over to my corner of the table where I knew I had put the paper print-out and what do I find? The print-outs are gone!

How can this be? The important papers were with my things in my area of the room. They were placed in their proper place. After all, the one thing I know how to do is put things where they belong! I always put things away. I always put things back where I got them. But, a search of the entire house, including the trash in the kitchen gave me a negative result. My lists of appointments were gone.

Let me explain something. I am not permitted to get angry or upset. It's not a medical issue. My family will not allow it. If I do get angry or upset, I am asked why am I being such a jerk?*  So, after going into my room and calming down, I come up with a plan.

Just as I am calm, people start to come in the room to ask me if I am OK. I'd be fine if everyone would just leave me alone for 10 minutes. 10 minutes of peace is all I ask. But, of course, I can't get a corner of a table to myself so why would I get 10 minutes of peace and quiet.

Now my wife and daughter are both mad at me because I am being a "Jerk".* Finally, I come out of my room after realizing that I no longer have either a security blanket or a warm puppy to hold and make me feel better. My wife and daughter both ask if I am "better." I inform them that I have a plan and leave things at that.

My plan was to call the clinic where I knew I had my first appointment as soon as they opened and ask them what time my appointment was. After the first appointment I would go to the second clinic and ask what time that appointment was scheduled. I knew that one was in the morning and the other; in the afternoon. At worst, I would look like I can't keep my appointments squared away. Oh, well. My ego will survive.

Promptly at 0632 (They open at 0630. I figure I'd let the receptionist get settled in.) I call to verify my first appointment. We exchange greetings and I identify myself. I explain my problem and tell the kind woman on the other end of the phone who I have my appointment with. She informs me that my appointment was cancelled because my provider has just called in sick!

I guess they were going to wait for a more reasonable hour to call and inform me or have me come in at the appointed time and wait forever like a walk-in. I asked if it would be better to just reschedule the appointment.

Yay! With a sigh of relief the receptionist  tells me, that would be a better idea.  So, I have a new appointment for Friday. It's a good thing that I know all my Physical Therapy exercises and can do them at home. I can't get any more clinic time without this re-evaluation.

I'll call for the time of my second appointment of the day after 0800. I know the appointment is in the afternoon. I wasn't looking forward to going out into the frozen tundra that is outside anyway. It should be a little warmer later.

So, my friends; there is a point to all of this. As you can glean from the above, it turned out well that I had to call this morning. Otherwise, as I write this, I would have been cooling my heels in an uncomfortable waiting room in the Naval Hospital.  What seemed to be a calamity, turned out to be a fortunate circumstance.

Next time, I imagine I should not get so angry that someone had gotten into my things. I'm sure there was no malice in the action of throwing away the print-outs. The problem was solved and it all turned out fine in the end.

But, I still wouldn't mind a nice warm puppy to hug for Christmas. I've got a new blanket!

As Always...

Don't forget to donate to Toys for Tots. It only takes a moment.

*  Language cleaned up for this blog. Feel free to insert expletives as appropriate.

Just getting through the busy day with a smile...

It's early Saturday morning and as promised, I'm writing a blog post to make up for the one I missed yesterday. I was listening to music but, I can't listen to music and write at the same time. I get distracted and don't write. I love music.

I can't sing any more I used to sing all the time but, since the heart surgery, I've had this vocal cord problem and so, singing sounds like a frog meeting an alligator. Ugly, right? That's what my singing is: Ugly. It makes me kind of sad. I hear a familiar tune and want to sing along. I try and some kind of horrid noise comes out. I stop and hope no one heard me. It's frustrating after singing my entire life. Ah, well...

Yesterday, while at the Naval Hospital; we gave out a little bit of Christmas goodies. My youngest daughter had made Christmas Sugar cookies, decorated with colored icing and sugar. They looked professionally done to me and reminded me of the cookies you would find in an old fashioned bakery.

Every year, during the holidays, my daughter bakes. We could never eat all the goodies that she makes, although we might try. I certainly can't. My blood sugar goes up just thinking about them. So, we give them to some of the dedicated Hospital Corpsmen and Doctors at the local Naval Hospital. It seems the least we can do for these truly good people. The have after all, saved my life more than once or twice.

We got off the elevator on the second deck of the hospital and were right by the Quarterdeck watch. The young Seaman Apprentice at the desk saw the container of cookies I was carrying and his eyes lit up. So, I stopped and asked him if he would like a Cookie. He happily took one. When we entered the Quarterdeck Office, it had about 10 people in it. They seemed to be sitting around fixing their breakfast in the microwave. More happy faces as they received fresh cookies. I just love this!

Then, it was off to the Cardiology Clinic. These amazing people really had a hand in saving my life and I will be forever grateful. I am a regular patient at that clinic so, I am recognized. When we walked in with cookies, one of the Corpsmen actually stood up and gave a little clap and said "Oh, Goody!" For just a second she was a kid with a Christmas Treat. I will never have problems getting an appointment with my Cardiologist again. The Sailors really enjoyed their unexpected surprise and we were happy to provide.

There is just never enough we can do to thank the dedicated folks at the Naval Hospital for what they have done for me. What they do for our active service personnel can never be measured.

Another group of selfless people I wanted to mention are the U. S. Marine Corps Reservists who administer and are the face of "Toys for Tots." Established in 1947, this holiday charity has become as familiar as the Santa with a bell on street corners and outside department stores.

It's a simple concept. Place a New, in the box toy in the collection box. The Marines will do the rest! The gift will be wrapped and distributed to a child for Christmas. It's a simple idea that works. We've all see the commercials that tug at our heart strings. Tug no more. Just drop a gift in the box. You will make a child very happy.

I was so busy yesterday but, in spite of being busy, I was able to have some fun . Best of all, we brightened some people's day. I always like that. When we were finished giving away cookies, my daughter said to me that I seemed to have fun. You bet I did! Any day I can do something for our folks in uniform is a good day.

Now, if I can just carry that through to the rest of the year.

As Always...

What to buy? What to buy?

With the biggest holiday for many of us fast approaching, it's time to get those Christmas presents purchased. If you are like me, it's not a task that you relish.

Normally, I don't mind shopping. It's a good excuse to get out of the house and I like looking around, especially at electronic gadgets. However, during Christmas, things become more difficult.

As people on the street generally have a pleasant attitude with a cheery "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" on their lips; inside the stores, it's a much different environment. The usually cheery person has transformed into this hybrid; part human, part shopping machine and part murderous beast. It can be scary to watch and even more frightening to interact with. People are in the stores grabbing and shoving, pushing and swearing; just to get to a box of batteries or some other inconsequential item in a particular store. It's not like you can't get batteries in nearly every store in the country.

I was on a "quest" for a particular product for one of my sons. He had specifically asked for this. It was the only thing he wanted. I looked the item up on line and found the price to be way to expensive. However, I checked further and found that the item in question could be purchased locally at a significant savings and I would not have to pay shipping. I began my trek through the stores suggested on the web page. This alone was an adventure. I discovered something very interesting. Customer Service is no longer available in a store unless you beg.

It is nearly impossible to get assistance from anyone in a store without making a scene.  I walked into a major retailer and before I even got started I saw the perfect example of the lack of service. A woman was having trouble with the self checkout station. When she asked the clerk who was standing at the podium (with the sole purpose of helping customers) for help: did the employee walk over and assist the customer? Why, of course not! Why would an employee of a retail store assist a customer? She hollered across the 25 feet to the woman, instructing her what to do. The older woman was absolutely perplexed. The employee did not move! It's a good thing she didn't work for me.

When I go into a store these days, I feel like I am disturbing the sales people. Well, I'd feel like I was disturbing them, if I could find one. It amazes me that these huge stores stay in business.

Several years ago, I was in the market for two computers. I wanted a new desktop for family's use and a laptop for me. You would think that a customer looking for two computers would be treated well, especially in a store that was on the verge of going down the drain. (I read the business news regularly). My treatment in this particular store illustrated exactly why they were loosing business.

My friend and I went in and asked about purchasing two computers. Rather than walking us over to the relevant section of the store, the employee, who moments before had been talking to a friend on his personal phone, waved his arms and said: "Computers over there."

Fortunately, "over there" was also in the direction of a competing electronics retailer. I informed the manager of the store that we would not be making a 1,500 dollar purchase at his store and why. I received no apology for the poor service. The manager made no effort to keep us in the store and sell us anything.

We went down the block and made our computer purchase at the other store. FYI, the first store (and it's entire chain) is now out of business. No surprise.

Customer service is important. If you don't get the service you want, go to another store. If I wanted no customer service and wanted to do all the work myself, I'd order on-line.

I don't usually order on-line. I like to see what I am buying. I want to see it and touch it. I want to read the labels and ask a human questions. I don't like to pay shipping.

I have found items on line that I liked. I found good prices too. I decide to buy. I head to the check-out page. The shipping cost is more than the cost of the item! Unless it's something I really need and can't get any place else, it's no sale from me.

I do like free shipping. If the shipping is free, I may be convinced to buy on-line. But, shopping on-line for me, not really fun.

So, grab your list for holiday gifts and go out and brave the world of shopping. Don't expect any service. Be prepared to do battle. Most of all, have fun. When you are finished, come have a cup of coffee or hot chocolate with me. You'll need to relax.

Don't forget to drop an unwrapped, in the box gift in the United States Marine Corps "Toys for Tots" box. 
Remember our deployed troops of all branches.

As Always...

Let it snow...(Just a little bit)

I grew up in Northern New Jersey. Being from the Northeast meant certain things. One of the things we loved the most as children was snow. A snow day was the most wonderful day imaginable. We didn't get that many.

It showed regularly in New Jersey but, the town was ready for real snowfall. It had to be a very serious snow storm to give us a snow day off from school. Believe me, you have not lived until you have ridden in a school bus as it virtually slid down a mountain to get you to school. There was no problem being awake for the first class of the day. You had already been terrified.

But, getting to school was a problem for grown-ups to deal with. We children lived for the snow. I always loved how our front lawn looked after a night of good heavy snow. The trees looked so pretty and the lawns looked pristine. I would hate when kids would walk across the beautiful untouched lawn and ruin the beauty of it's smoothness.

There was always the fun part of a good snowfall but, I'll get to that later. Before any fun could be had, we had chores to do. The main one being to shovel the large driveway. Our driveway could fit two cars side by side and honestly, 4 cars could fit comfortably in the space. 2 would be in front of the garages and two right behind those. It was a good bit of real estate for children to shovel.

My older brother and I were assigned to perform this task. Being small, my brother would bully me into doing the whole job. He'd get away with it too! I never did figure out how he managed to get away with making me shovel the entire driveway. Well, I think I eventually figured out that it was because my mother just got tired of hearing me cry so, she would say just be quiet and go do it! I suppose I did it to myself.

One day, after a particularly heavy snowfall, I had been complaining about having to shovel the whole driveway and I guess I was getting rather loud. I was only a little kid and didn't really have any concept that others lived in the neighborhood. Suddenly, our neighbor whom I adored, stuck her head out of her door and hollered across the street to me. "Robert Dennis! I have been listening to you cry all morning. You could have shoveled that entire driveway 4 times by now."

Well, let me tell you; I was flabbergasted. This was just unfair. As I tried to tell Mrs. Collins this, she informed me that my brother was indeed a bully and it is NOT at all fair however, it is even more unfair that she has to listen to me cry all morning about it. Furthermore, my crying is not getting the driveway shoveled out.

I learned my lesson. I shoveled out the driveway and as I came into the house, the phone rang. My Mom answered. After a quick conversation, Momma hung up the phone and said: "Robert Dennis. Go over to Mrs. Collins' house. She wants to see you." Now as any child knows, when an adult uses both your first and middle name, it means only one thing. You are in trouble.

I trudged over to our neighbor's home, across the street. As I arrived at the front door, it opened and Mrs. Collins was there, smiling at me. She invited me in and asked me to take off my coat, hat and mittens. We went into her kitchen and she had hot chocolate and a grilled cheese sandwich for me. I wasn't in trouble at all. I got a "special" lunch just because I finally learned that it was better to just suck it up sometimes, even when it's unfair.

You know, that's a good lesson to learn, especially for an 8 year old.

After the chores were done, we got to use our sleds. We lived on a hill so we had some great sledding. Mickey got to go off skiing. I wasn't allowed but, I had a wonderful time sledding. We would finally come home, soaked to the skin. As we took off our wet cloths, we would have chattering teeth yet we would tell Mom that we were not cold at all. Momma would just laugh as she hustled me off to a warm bath. Yes indeed, I did love snow days.

I live in Hampton Roads, Virginia now. It doesn't snow much here. Some years we get no snow at all. When we do get even a light snowfall, most people act like the world is coming to an end. It's kind of comical.

Last year, we had a couple of good snows, nothing major but enough to cover the grass. During one snowfall, my youngest daughter and I were at the mall when it really started. We started for home. My daughter had never driven in any snow before. I told her to avoid the brake and slow and steady wins the race. When we were nearly home, we came upon a car with two girls in it, pulled to the side of the road. I asked if they needed any help. They informed me that there was something wrong with their tires. The car keeps sliding all over the road. Shaking our heads, my daughter and I continued on our way.

So, I don't want a major snow storm. Just enough snow to cover the lawns and make the trees pretty is all I ask. I'm not allowed to shovel snow any longer but, my two sons will make sure it gets cleaned off the walk.

As always...

It's December!!!

November has said it's goodbyes to us and as we fondly remember the Thanksgiving feast, it's time to think about December and all that it brings.

In our house, the day after Thanksgiving is time to put the Christmas tree up. As you can imagine, after 32 years of marriage, we do have a fine eclectic assortment of ornaments to adorn the family Christmas tree. Imagine my delight when I found the above Eagle, Globe and Anchor on the tree, this morning.  For some reason, I had forgotten that we had this particular ornament.

I am particularly moved by this decoration because the Marine Corps holds such an important place on our family and in the families of so many of my friends. This ornament reminds us to hold a special place in our hearts for not only the Marines but for all who serve.

As I looked over my Facebook page this morning, I noticed something that always warms my soul. I have a friend who just adores her Granddaughter. This is a sentiment that I can fully understand. I am also the grandparent of a little girl and my Granddaughter holds a very special and honored place in my heart.

It always makes me smile when I read about this particular friend when she talks of her granddaughter. I'll tell you this; this child has the ability to melt the Grinch's heart. She has a smile that lights up a room and eyes that sparkle in a way that is difficult to describe. Best of all, her Grandmother is called "Grammie!"

Of course my friend is a terrific Grandmother. Her name is Grammie! My mother was called Grammie by my children and she was a wonderful Grandmother. This must be why my friend is so great.

Seriously though, being a grandparent is the most rewarding position to be in. Before my granddaughter was born, other friends who had grandchildren told me that being a grandparent was unlike anything else in the world. they were right.

Like most people, I had two sets of grandparents. I had an American set (on my mother's side) and a Portuguese set.  I have wonderful, but much different memories of both sets. The most glaring was that my Portuguese grandparents spoke no english.

Since my father's family lived in Lisbon, if they came to visit during the Holidays, it was always a "production." We children would usually be uprooted from our rooms to make space for visitors. Quite a bit of space was needed. I had my grandparents, 2 sets of Uncles and Aunts with 2 to 3 cousins. The number of cousins depended on when in the past the visit came. My youngest Portuguese cousin was born quite a bit after my two older ones.

My two older cousins were wonderful. The oldest was my age. and her younger sister was just slightly younger. I never knew exactly how old she was but, we always had fun. They learned english in school and hanging out with their American cousins was a good excuse for them to practice. I remember that the girls would constantly apologize for their poor english and we American children would apologize for our abysmal Portuguese. It must have been fun to watch us. Strangely, I remember much more of the language now that I don't need to use it than I did when I was young.

I remember my maternal grandmother well. She was a quiet woman with a sweet smile. I couldn't figure out how she always knew we were arriving at her apartment. But, there she would be, at the end of the hall with that smile; each time we got off the elevator. Of course, years later, I realized that the call bottom alerted her to our presence when we gained entrance to the building. I think that being a child and thinking it was Grandma's magic was infinitely more fun.

But, now the circle has come all the way round and I am the Grandfather. I like this position. I hope that I am as good a Granddad (Nono) as I have had in my life and as my children still have in my wife's Dad.

Let the wrapping of gifts begin!

As always...