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“All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Two days ago some restrictions were lifted concerning the Covid pandemic. This doesn’t mean we should all go out mask-free and hug everyone we meet. I will continue to wear a mask, wash my hands as often as a heart surgeon, maintain social distancing and be very selective when it comes to where I go and who I see. I’m mostly looking forward to going out for breakfast. I’m just hoping that the other patrons can read and perhaps notice the sign on the door that reads, “MASKS REQUIRED UPON ENTERING”. I’m also hoping that the business owners will strictly enforce these rules.
I’ve never done any sky diving, or even jumped out of an airplane with a parachute. Sky diving is a very popular sport, and I’m sure once you’ve jumped, you’ll want to do it again. I’ve wondered why there are some parachutists who yell “Geronimo!” as they step out of the airplane. Perhaps it has something to do with the time you should allow yourself before pulling the ripcord. Rocky Evans, if you’re out there, you might want to shed some light on this. Rocky was born to skydive and he’s very good at what he loves to do.
Believe it or not, this expression does go back to the time of Geronimo, the great Native American leader, who is first credited with its use. Legend has it that while being pursued by the U.S. Cavalry near Medicine Bluffs, Oklahoma, the Apache chief was trapped at the edge of a cliff. Rather than surrender, he leapped off the cliff on horseback, yelling out his name, “Geronimo!” to taunt the troops. He survived this jump and rode away to a short-lived freedom. He was eventually captured and died while a prisoner at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in 1909.
During World War II the paratroopers in the 82nd Airborne Division, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, having heard of the legend, began shouting “Geronimo!” as they jumped from their planes. Imagine, if you will, what it would have been like if a different Native American chief had ridden his horse off a cliff. Parachutists might be shouting “Crazy Horse” today when they jump out of a plane. I’m thinking they might be half right. You might want to hold on to this bit of information just in case there is a lag in the conversation at some social gathering, now that we can socialize.
A few true facts to ponder:
When everything is coming your way, you’re in the wrong lane.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.
If at first you don’t succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried.
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking.
One final comment regarding the lifting of some restrictions. When you finally visit a “local” eatery and are able to dine in, make sure to thank the owners for opening their doors for you. It might be a good idea to over-tip the waitstaff a little. The chances are they have not worked for quite some time and the extra money would definitely help. I never thought I’d appreciate having a breakfast that didn’t come in a plastic container.
“Early to bed, early to rise was meant for those old fashioned guys who don’t use Burma Shave.”
See you Out and About!
Submitted by Norm Stutesman
