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As I’m writing this column, I’m soaking up the sun in Florida. This means that I am not in Three Rivers studying in my office. Therefore, I am out of touch with the heartbeat of my hometown. I won’t be filling you in on any local happenings, but I am including things of interest that I might be enjoying while visiting the Sunshine State. I’ve also included some interesting tidbits that I’m hoping you’ll find interesting. Please read on.
There have been plenty of jokes about Florida drivers. They drive too slow and never seem to know where they are going. I have yet to witness any such thing. Everyone seems to be in a bit of a hurry, so you must always be alert. Pedestrians have the right of way at all crosswalks. Another reason to be alert. On Anna Maria Island you’ll find plenty of golf carts, bicycles and motor scooters, so driving defensively is a must.
We usually go out for dinner around 6:30 PM. I was under the impression that most Floridians had dinner at 4 PM. You know, being able to get the “Early Bird Special”. This might be the case in one of the gated communities, but not where we are staying. The average wait time is perhaps thirty minutes. Duffy’s Tavern is one of our favorite places. Fantastic burgers and the coldest beer this side of Heaven. They were busy, but the service and prices were hard to beat.
The Community Action Agency Carol Shippy Center, 1000 East Broadway, in Three Rivers will host a “Walk for Warmth” this coming Saturday, February 29. To be a part of this very worthwhile experience, be at the center by 9:30 AM. The walk will go until 10:30 AM.
With elections coming up later this year, we are hearing a lot about patriotism. The feeling about this hasn’t changed much over the years. I’d like to share a quote from Adlai E. Stevenson. If you remember, he ran for president at the same time Dwight D. Eisenhower ran. Stevenson lost, but his words are worth repeating:
“What do we mean by patriotism in the context of our times? I venture to suggest that we mean is a sense of national responsibility which will enable America to remain master of her power – to walk with it in serenity and wisdom with self-respect and
with the respect of all mankind; a patriotism that puts country ahead of self; a patriotism which is not short frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.”
Everyday we hear words and their definitions that didn’t exist fifty or sixty years ago. They might have existed, but weren’t heard much, or not at all. I’m thinking of words like “Gluten” or “Gluten-Free”. I know several people who depend on Gluten-Free products. How did they ever get by before Gluten-Free foods were available? Another word is “Lactose”. Almost half of milk’s calories are attributed to the sugar found in milk, lactose. A molecule of lactose is made up of one molecule of glucose and one of galactose. The word takes its name from the Latin word for milk, lac. You just don’t find information like this in The New York Times.
A couple of quotes from author Randy Pausch:
— “Too many people go through life complaining about their problems. I’ve always believed that if you took one-tenth the energy yu put into complaining and applied it to solving the problem, you’d be surprised by how well things can work out.”
— “Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other.”
See you Out and About!
Submitted by Norm Stutesman
