Kansas Prairie Archives for October 2003

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Friday, October 31, 2003

THIS ISN'T HARD TO FIGURE OUT

Here's something to think about.

Most people who've lived in one place for a number of years have done so because they like where they live. We think our town is the very best place in the world to live. I think that and I believe many others who live here would agree.

Some individuals are trying to convince others they are mistaken not to love our town just as much as we do and more than the one they have chosen to live in. We love it so why shouldn't you?, they ask.

The thing is, as the people who have researched these issues for years maintain, everyone thinks the town they live in is the best, better than ours, better than yours, better than any other. We who live here think that. The people in Lindsborg think their community is best. The people in Geneseo, Wilson, Hollyrood and Lorraine think theirs are the best communities in which to live. We are all possessive of the towns in which we live. People don't change loyalties easily and they are not inclined to relocate without good reason....especially if they are employed.

Some of the people at the prison have worked there ten years and commuted from elsewhere...Salina or wherever. The same goes with the employees at Cashco. Some of them have been commuting for 20 years, many of them to and from Salina every single work day. When they built the Maico plant, how many of those new employees chose to relocate and live here?

We have people living here who commute to Salina every single day...not just the husband or wife, but both commute. It would be easier for them if they moved to Salina, but they don't choose to do that. I assume they could afford to buy a house and live there and save on the cost of commuting, which is significant, but they choose to live here instead. Now don't you think if these people were unhappy commuting to work every day, they would have moved closer to their work years ago? Just because we choose to live here, that doesn't mean it will be the choice of others. I don't think this is a complex issue to understand.

People aren't going to be lured with free land, free hookups or free anything else. Certainly they don't want to leave where they are unless the situation here is a whole lot better or other reasons come into play. There are plenty of houses in town already on the market...too many, in fact, according to the people trying to sell their homes. Those who chose to come here and live are able to find housing. Anyone who has lived here long enough to have observed this will tell you this is so.

I can almost guarandamntee you that if a new plant came here tomorrow and we had "affordable" housing for all of them, a large percentage of them, maybe most of them, would choose to live somewhere other than here. That choice has nothing to do with housing. It has to do with preferences...personal preferences.

There is more to this thought and who to target to move here, but that involves economic development which this isn't. This is housing, pure and simple. Economic development is an entirely different concept. I wonder how many times I've said this? Fortunately, I'm not the only one who believes this is true.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 03:33 PM CST [Link]

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN ARE COOKING AGAIN

Tuesday ....November 4th....the Ellsworth United Methodist Women will conduct their annual soup supper and bazaar in the church basement. The bazaar starts at 2:30 p.m. The soup supper begins at 4:30 p.m. There will be a free will offering.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 11:34 AM CST [Link]

FLU SHOTS

Just a reminder: it is recommended by health authorities an it seems a good idea to get a flu shot.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 11:30 AM CST [Link]

WORLD-RECORD PUMPKIN

The new world record for heaviest pumpkin was set this month in Oregon: 1,385 pounds.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 11:26 AM CST [Link]

PORCELAIN DUST

A cloud of porcelain dust has settled in our house. It has infiltrated everything.. a layer of it coats everything, it's in the closets and drawers. I don't know that we'll ever get rid of it. Most of it seemed to have happened yesterday. They are doing the cutting/sawing outside so I don't know what happened. The area they are working in is shut off from the rest of the house. I suppose "someone" turned on the heat yesterday and the dust was sucked through the house. It's going to be a real bear to get rid of it.

It appears take today and Monday to finish cutting and putting the tile in place and that mess will conclude. Then we start with the epoxy. Does anyone out there have any tips about working with epoxy?

Posted by Peg Britton @ 07:11 AM CST [Link]

CARDINALS WIN OVER BEARCATS

The Bearcats played well last night, and it was a good game, but they just couldn't squeak out a win to end their season on a positive note. The cold weather (I'd like to think that was the reason) kept many fans away. Or maybe they forgot it was one of those unusual Thursday night games to allow for Halloween tonight. The Bearcats lost 26 to 6, or something close to that. I forget.

It appeared I was "overdressed" last night...an unusual occurrence if read the way most would interpret it...but in this case I had on so many clothes I could hardly walk....but I didn't get cold. I layered and layered and topped it all with my North Sea jacket plus the ugliest black down jacket you ever cast your eyes on. But I wasn't cold! I was ugly all over and warm. It was football weather, the way I like it, and stimulating.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 06:57 AM CST [Link]

Thursday, October 30, 2003

STUFF!

I wandered around last night trying to get a glimpse of the aurora borealis but had no luck. I probably should have driven east on old 40 to the "big hill". Maybe I could have seen something from there. Fatigue set in so I just came in and looked at one of the pictures of same that my friend Pedrito sent me from Yellowknife many years ago. There are very good pictures on the web too...they are really fascinating.

The tile work is progressing so well that we've had to move everything out of the bathroom altogether. My tooth brush and I have been relocated.

"If we are all thinking alike, no one is thinking." Bill Walton. That's a good thing to always remember. There is always a point or respect in which things...people...differ. I've never figured out why people get so angry if everyone doesn't agree with them.

The last football game is tonight. I wish the boys could have had a better season as they tried hard to win games. I've known years when they didn't put out much effort, but these kids seem to really want to win. And, as one of the coaches told me, if they weren't in such good shape, their losses would have been greater. I think there is some very good talent coming up from the Middle School so evidence of that should surface in a couple of years. Maybe we can look forward to winning some games. We could use some "beef" and speed.

Meantime....we can look forward to basketball season. With grandsons on two different teams, I'll be on the road a lot.

If you haven't been to Wilson lately, you could have a nice outing by going over there and browsing around. Check out Made from Scratch, La Shiro’s Boutique, Wilson Family foods for great home-smoked bacon, hams and meats to take home, Das Borell Haus B & B, Sincerely Yours Gifts and Sportsman’s Lodge, Ollie’s Antiques, the Opera House Museum, the old jail and water tower, Czech Cottages (Dave Criswell's straw bale construction), Kansas Originals, the Smoky Hill Winery and, of course, The Midland Hotel. You can check on my website splash page and find our more about most of those things. I like Wilson...it's a nice place and many of their residents have done a lot to make it that way.

Remember you can eat at Castle Rock Bed and Breakfast. Just make reservations. It's a nice place to go and they treat you well.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 03:53 PM CST [Link]

A NOTE FROM KAY HUNTER GRONEMAN

It always pleases me when people who grew up in Ellsworth discover my website and find it is a way to stay in touch. Today I received a nice note from Sam Weinhold and this one from Kay. Tell Laverna her daughter says "hi" :)

Peg,
I know you won't remember me, but I do remember you. And you may know my mom, Laverna Hunter. I happened upon your web site a few months ago and just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy it, and your blogs. It kind of keeps me up with stuff going on in Ellsworth, in addition to the info I get from my mom.

I live in Kansas City now, have for nearly 30 years. My husband Tom is retiring as Register of Deeds for Wyandotte County, actually tomorrow, after 28 years. I graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1967, I think (it's been a long time ago and the memory goes), and I also went to high school with Dane, although I think he was a few years younger than me.

Anyway, I just wanted to tell you what a cool web site you have. It is absolutely wonderful. Take care and tell my mom hi if you ever see her.

Kay (Hunter) Groneman

Posted by Peg Britton @ 01:41 PM CST [Link]

MESSAGE FROM KRIS THOMPSON REGARDING OPERATION IRAQI PENCIL BOX

From his mother, Cindy McAtee:

Kris called today. We haven't talked to him for three weeks, so we were so excited when the phone rang at 4:30 a.m! The call was frustrating to us both, as we were cut off several times. We didn't have time to finish our conversation with a goodbye or an "I love you!" He said he was dusty and dirty, as the wind had been blowing constantly the last two days. He has been involved in a few more combat missions. Camp Speicher, the post on which he's stationed, has been attacked a few times lately, but luckily no one was hurt. They arrested some involved in the attacks, but have not found all responsible. The soldiers are looking forward to moving home, but it will be a long process with all the equipment, gear, etc. that has to be transported. He received two packages so far for Operation Iraqi Pencil Box. When I told him Lew and I had mailed 12 more and had even more supplies to pack up at home, he couldn't believe it! The two packages he received, have already been taken to the schools. The kids, parents, and teachers at KMS and EES have been more than generous.

I sent him 24 little stockings, a tree, ornaments, and Christmas lights. He received those and loved it. He will put the Christmas lights in the palm tree behind the barracks! I also sent him a KU blanket and pillow. Of course, his guys have given him plenty of grief over those gifts, but he loves them! He heard on TV the score of the last game KU played against KSU. He didn't know the quarterback was hurt and wouldn't be returning. How disappointing! Again, thank you for your support and prayers. Love, Cindy

Posted by Peg Britton @ 01:36 PM CST [Link]

Wednesday, October 29, 2003

YEAH NICK!

Nick Slechta continues to bring in new members to the Chamber of Commerce. He's doing a fantastic job.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 05:19 PM CST [Link]

WILSON CHAMBER BREAKFAST NOTIFICATION

The Wilson Chamber breakfast is November 5th at Al's Bar and Grill. John Thaement, President of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, will be the speaker. John will discuss farm and food policy, its impact on rural Kansas and national economy. Doors open at 7:30 for those who want to have breakfast. John will speak at 8.

These are always good gatherings...and it's fun to visit and stay current with our neighbors to the west.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 05:15 PM CST [Link]

AURORA BOREALIS

There are some indicators afloat that because of the solar storm it may make it worth while for us to stray outside tonight between 11 and 12 P.M. as we have a slight change of viewing the northern lights.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 03:42 PM CST [Link]

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE PERFORMANCE LAST NIGHT IN THE PAC

The vocal music department concert consisting of middle and high school students was excellent once again. Not only that, the place was packed with patrons who were there not only to see their children perform, but were there because the reputation of the music department is close to legendary. We are always guaranteed a very pleasant evening of good music. (The elementary school has a concert next week, so try to attend.)

There were only a handful of empty seats on the aisles, those being available since everyone was asked to scrunch to the center. It takes a lot of cooperation among teachers and students to stage a concert of that outstanding quality. Certainly, it was near perfection for students of that age group. Unlike large schools where they weed out the poorest singers, our school programs include anyone who wants to participate whether it be music, athletics or forensics, etc. That is one of the best aspects for students who attend small, community schools. They are treated as individuals and don’t fall between the cracks.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 12:43 PM CST [Link]

YEAH, YEAH!

The boxes of tile lay at the ready and the glue can is open. Yeah! Soon we will have our shower rebuilt and it will look so nice when it is finished. And it won't fall apart during the rest of my life time. Materials have improved a lot to insure waterproofing. I love technology!

Kenny, Delmar, Ralph and Harold (along with Chick and Clarence) cut every board and pounded every nail in this house with care. It is as much theirs as mine. They do everything as if they were doing it for their own homes, and that process is important to me. With them pounding and sawing, I never have to worry.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 10:59 AM CST [Link]

SUSAN CROWE

Anyone who has heard her will remember the voice and presence of Susan Crowe. She was here a few years ago and gave concerts at the PAC. She was accompanied by John Reichman, whose mother grew up here, and Linda Kidder. She and Heather Bishop returned for a concert at the Abilene County Club.

Since that time Susan has worked on the music for a new CD and it has just been released by Festival Distribution in Vancouver. I ordered a stack of them for my family and am compiling a list of others who live here who also want a copy of "Book of Days". Let me know and I'll order for you at $16.00 each.

If you live elsewhere, or prefer to order your own, call this toll free number: 1.800.633.8282. Paul Norton may answer the phone and you'll find him delightful.

Susan's new CD is magnificent....same wonderful voice and haunting, searching lyrics. John acompanies her again on some of the numbers and there are three other female vocalists who also are found on some of the numbers. It's a beautiful, professional recording.

The part I like best is that a little tiny bit of it, the instrumental into to Love's Pure Gold, was created here under our roof when she and Heather were here for a week.

Each recording that is sold helps Susan enormously. She is a professional musician whose entire source of income comes from concerts and recordings. It takes a great deal of time to put together a CD of this caliber and I realized that after seeing each note being born.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 09:03 AM CST [Link]

WOMEN ACHIEVING EQUALITY

A heart-warming story of the advances of women in achieving equality throughout the world ....

Barbara Walters of 60 Minutes (USA) did a story on gender roles in Kabul several years before the Afghan conflict. She noted that women customarily walked about ten paces behind their husbands.

She returned to Kabul recently and observed that the men now walked several paces behind their wives. Ms Walters approached one of the Afghani women and said. "This is marvellous. Can you tell the free world just what enabled women to achieve this reversal of roles?"

"Land mines," said the woman.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 08:29 AM CST [Link]

A THOUGHT FOR READERS:

We have millions of young families living in poverty paying hundreds of dollars a year out of their little bit of earned income to provide Medicare benefits to seniors. We have young families of modest means paying as much as $800 a month to provided medical insurance for their families. Yet, our political leadership is fearful of raising Medicare Part B insurance premiums from $58.50 a month to $81.90 a month on seniors with annual incomes in the range of $80,000 to $100,000. They fear a senior backlash. I just cannot believe that seniors are that selfish. If someone is looking for a sad commentary on our economic and political priorities, I would nominate this one. See Wall Street Journal, 10/28/03, page A2.

Jerry Marsh

Posted by Peg Britton @ 08:23 AM CST [Link]

Tuesday, October 28, 2003

HOUSE PASSES IMPROVED FUNDING FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

This week, according to Congressman Jerry Moran,the House passed legislation that reauthorizes and expands the Economic Development Administration. It also creates three new programs to provide additional grant funding to small communities in Kansas and across the nation. Finding new ways to improve economic development and keep our rural economies energized is essential to maintaining our small communities and our way of life.

This week, he sponsored legislation to help level the playing field for American manufacturers who struggle to compete against unfairly priced imports from China. The legislation, H.R. 3058, would impose tariffs on Chinese imports if the Treasury Department finds that illegal currency manipulation has been taking place.

Some economists estimate that the Chinese currency, the yuan, is undervalued against the dollar by as much as 40 percent. Essentially, this amounts to a 40 percent discount on all Chinese exports to the U.S. and a 40 percent tariff on all U.S. exports to China, including agriculture products. In addition, China imposes import tariffs averaging about 15 percent on U.S. goods.

This legislation would direct the Secretary of the Treasury Department to analyze and report to Congress whether China is manipulating its currency to gain a trade advantage. If the Secretary determines that China is undervaluing the yuan, the Department is required to levy tariffs equal to the percentage of manipulation found.

The artificially valued yuan has allowed Chinese products to be sold in the U.S. for well below the cost of production, hurting our manufacturers and agriculture producers and costing Kansans jobs. If we're serious about participating in a global trading system that helps, not hurts, American workers and farmers, we need to ensure that our trading partners do not manipulate their currencies to gain an unfair trade advantage.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 10:49 AM CST [Link]

YEAH!

The tile is in, the Kohl's brothers and Harold are here and we're moving ahead. Yeah. Maybe we'll be able to shower indoors sometime this winter. I'm back to my 6 am rise and shine schedule. The "rise" part isn't difficult as I'm usually up by then anyway. But the "shine" part is another matter. The only part of retirement that has come my way, that I've noticed, is that I don't have to rush around in the morning and get ready for the day. Now, absent curtains and drapes, I need to be ready to greet the guys by 7 am. Oh well...it won't last forever and it will be really nice when the project is finished. We'll have a shower that will last through the rest of this century.

My "patient" is doing much better. He's more ambulatory today and even went down to get the mail and some eggs. We had eggs, but I forgot and left them on the counter before we went on a hurried doctor run to Salina. In our absence, Jack managed to get them down on the kitchen floor and make a scrambled egg dinner for himself. He should have a beautiful coat in a few days. That Jack! If he could put a message on the answering machine to let everyone know this is his house, he would.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 10:41 AM CST [Link]

Monday, October 27, 2003

HI TO JANIS

My friend Janis is down by the big water with Lyman and Lucy. Gulf Shores I think. She took a new laptop that Lyman bought, but the email connection isn't working all that well. Ah...that sounds familiar. Janis has a good blog that I always enjoy. Have fun, my friend.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 09:17 PM CST [Link]

RUSSELL 21, ELLSWORTH 6

It was a beautiful evening, the crowd was nice and friendly, the game was good even though the Bearcats lost. I heard the sound of "Whooper" " Whooper" " Whooper", and grinned. There was a player out there built a little like a whooping crane.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 09:00 PM CST [Link]

ANOTHER NICE DAY...BUT THE WEATHER IS GOING TO CHANGE

The drive to Salina today was another nice one. Everything is beginning to change for the cold weather that will come. The cattle all seem to have been moved from the high country to the rangeland bordering Old 40.

It looks like the State Highway Department has been at it again creating more ugliness along the highway. They've cleared a patch of grassland and installed a huge propane tank that is first-class ugly. They seem to have an endless supply of money devoted to ruining the Kansas landscape.

The Vanier lake is almost dry, but a small flock of teal managed to find it for a stop-over on their way south.

The triticale is growing faster than the wheat.

Since there are so many of them, the wild turkeys are becoming domesticated, friendly little critters. Please don't bring me one.

Something is in the wind to the west of us. A nice change may happen soon.

Thank goodness for good doctors and hospitals. We are very fortunate indeed to have good coverage on both fronts.

Sunday Kyle West and Drew Britton will recieve their awards at their Eagle Scout Court of Honor. They are the first young men in a long time to become Eagle Scouts from Troop 84. I couldn't be more proud. It says a lot about the character of these two young men.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 05:20 PM CST [Link]

KICKOFF TIME FOR THE JV'S

Tonight is the last game for the Bearcat JV's. Kickoff time is 6:00 on their own field. I'm going to see The Whooper play. I hope the team ends the season with a good game.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 05:06 PM CST [Link]

ELLSWORTH COUNTY INDEPENDENT/REPORTER

Last week at the Kansas Press Associaiton Awards Ceremony, Linda Denning and Barb Holm retrieved from the Kansas Press Association officials about every award that could be won. They won all the major awards in each field and won the Sweepsakes Award, indicating they are the best of the best.

We're fortunate to have such an outstanding newspaper in our community. Pick up and read a sampling of other weekly papers across the state and you'll see what I mean.

Congratulations Barb and Linda.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 07:11 AM CST [Link]

Sunday, October 26, 2003

GOLF HUMOR

A man was playing golf with a friend and went to the restroom. When he came out he sighed audibly and his friend said to him, "Feel better?"

"Yeah," he said, "it's the only place on the whole course where nobody tells me how to improve my stance or change my grip!"

Posted by Peg Britton @ 11:24 AM CST [Link]

CLOCKS

I think we're supposed to reset clocks tonight. You better check with someone who cares more about it than I do, just to make sure I have the right day/night. As long as the sun remembers to come up, that's about all that matters to me.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 08:28 AM CST [Link]

COMMANDING OFFICERS QUARTERS GATHERING

The "gathering" to benefit the Ellsworth Historical Society last evening at the Commanding Officers Quarters was very, very nice. The members of the Society who work so hard for that organization really have things in order; they work together just beautifully and put on the best functions imaginable.

Recently, it was the anniversary celebration and rededication for the Old Jail they hosted...and the reception following. It was outstanding.

Last night it was a soup supper that they hosted. The tables were decorated with fall arrangements and looked very nice. They had colorful baskets of corn bread muffins, bread and crackers on each table, along with relishes and all the things you'd want with soup. There was a choice between hearty vegetable or ham and beans. There were seconds if you wanted. The bowls were large and the servings very generous. The eating utensils were wrapped in large napkins and tied with a ribbon of fall colors. It was beautifully done.

The homemade pies, cakes cookies and other sweets filled a large table. I think I ended up with Deneen Shively's pineapple-coconut pie, but I'm not sure. I heard rumors as I circled the pie table that it was outstanding...and it was.

Anyway, Karen and I went and thoroughly enjoyed sitting and visiting with the Fultons, Widdows and others. Adolph Vopat was there from Wilson and told us about the successful Amazing 100 Mile bus tour that I blogged earlier. There was a steady stream of people coming and going out of the "old fort" and it was wonderful. I'm so glad we went.

Georgia Smith, the new secretary at the Museum, is adding a lot of positive touches along with husband, Joel, who is ever present and helpful.

I bought ham and beans and cherry pie home to my patient who was really down and out yesterday following an early morning trip we made to the ER in Salina. After a night of TLC, he's feeling much better this morning. We've decided there is not one thing that is good about getting old, so far as we can tell. We both commented that "only yesterday" we were young newly weds...and what the heck happened? Where did those years go? All 52 of them.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 08:10 AM CST [Link]

MAN SURVIVES PLUNGE OVER CANADA'S NIAGARA FALLS

TORONTO (Reuters) - A "smiling" man survived a 50-meter (150-foot) plunge over the fast-flowing Niagara Falls, and police said on Tuesday that the unusual case was still under investigation.

The man, who has not been identified, is believed to be the first person to survive a drop over the falls without any life jacket or flotation device.

Dare devils have braved the drop in barrels and boats -- a now-illegal practice that leads to heavy fines.

"The man went over on the Canadian side, right at the brink of Horseshoe Falls," said Inspector Paul Forcier, of Niagara Parks police.

He said the man's name might be released later on Tuesday.

Eyewitnesses told local media that the man appeared to climb over a wrought iron barrier on Monday afternoon to reach the falls.

"He walked over to where we were standing and he jumped and slid down on his backside and went over the brink," the Globe and Mail newspaper quoted eyewitness Lynda Satelmajer as saying. "It was really freaky, actually. He was smiling."

The paper said the man disappeared under the water for about four minutes, before reemerging 100 meters downstream. He declined the offer of help from a Maid of the Mist tour boat and swam to shore, the Globe and Mail said.

Witnesses were amazed to see the man had not died.

"We figured that's what it would be, it would be a body, because we figured it was no way anybody could survive," Terry McMullen, who was vacationing with his wife, told CNN television.

The man, who could face a fine of C$10,000 ($7,500) for breaking regulations, was handcuffed and taken to hospital with minor injuries.

The Horseshoe Falls straddle the Canadian-United States border between Ontario and New York State. They are slightly lower than the American Falls, which are on the U.S. side of the border, but the volume of water is higher.

Large rocks line the base of the falls, and the man also avoided dangers like strong currents and a vicious undertow.

A local tourist Web site estimates that more than 2.3 million liters (600,000 gallons) of water flows over the American and Canadian falls each second.

The city of Niagara Falls describes itself as the honeymoon capital of the world, and the falls attract more than 10 million tourists a year.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 07:34 AM CST [Link]

Friday, October 24, 2003

THINGS TO REMEMBER

October 29th – Flu shots are available from 1:00 – 5: 00 p.m. in the conference room at the Ellsworth County Health Department, 1603 Aylward.

October 29th – The women of the Episcopal Church will be serving coffee from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the Episcopal Parish Hall. Everyone is welcome.

October 31st 5:00 p.m. – Ellsworth Kiwanis’ annual Halloween Parade for pre-schoolers through 5th grade. The children will be parading down Douglas Avenue to the Citizen’s State Bank corner, then west to the City Hall for judging.

October 31st – The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be located at the Presbyterian Fellowship Hall from 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

November 4th – The Ellsworth United Methodist Women will conduct their annual soup supper and bazaar in the church basement. The bazaar starts at 2:30 p.m. The soup supper begins at 4:30 p.m. There will be a free will offering.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 10:53 PM CST [Link]

INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS

I wonder if the people who think they are "so right" about the XXX Arcade... and taking the tag numbers of truckers and turning them in to their owners.... fully understand the meaning of the word "retaliation"? Retribution? Tit for Tat? Revenge? Do they understand what the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents??

Posted by Peg Britton @ 10:50 PM CST [Link]

HOWDY! COME JOIN US SATURDAY

Hitch up the team or just walk over to the Commanding Officers Quarters in Kanopolis and enjoy a good hot bowl of soup with all the little extras. Then top it off with some desert of your choice. And enjoy some good old fashion visiting with someone you haven't seen for a spell. Best way to spend an hour or more of time this Saturday evening.

See ya there.

P.S. 4:30 till it's all gone. They have carry outs too.

Kathy and Art Kohls

Posted by Peg Britton @ 10:41 PM CST [Link]

LAST BEARCAT GAME OF THE REGULAR SEASON

The bearcats end their regular season with a game against Russell this evening. I have all my cold weather/wind gear under my arm ready to go. It seems the season just started, but of course it may not feel that way to the players. They were well-conditioned, tried hard, did their best and wished for a lot of speedy, bulky guys to move into our school district. That just didn't happen. Maybe next year will be better. I know we have a lot of good talent moving up from the Middle School. Our day is coming. We just need to be patient.

Ooppsss P.S. The last game is Thursday here against Hoisington.

Our team lost tonight 49 or thereabouts to nothing. It's hard to lose by that much. It was football weather, finally, and cold enough for heavy coats and blankets. It was a nice brisk night to be out watching the game.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 04:53 PM CST [Link]

Thursday, October 23, 2003

SOMEONE 'SIDES ME WENT OVER NIAGARA FALLS

You remember the spoof I have in the section of my website called "About Peg" ? Where I claim to have gone over Niagara Falls in a barrel and didn't even get wet? You'd be surprised at the people who believed that...and that is incredible because of the obvious absurdity of it. One look at those falls and you wonder at how anyone could even survive in the swirling water long enough to even reach the falls...barrel or no barrel. It is as treacherous as anything imaginable.

Well, the other day, a man actually did go over the falls...and survived the plunge. I find that incredible and wonder how he managed to do it.

Here's the story:

"Man Survives Historic Plunge Over Niagara

Tuesday October 21, 2003 5:31 AM

NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario (AP) - A man survived a plunge over Niagara Falls with only the clothes on his back, witnesses said, the first person known to have done it and lived.

Witnesses described seeing the man float by Monday in the swift Niagara River, go headfirst over the churning 180-foot waterfall and then pull himself out of the water onto rocks below.

``He just looked calm. He just was gliding by so fast. I was in shock really that I saw a person go by,'' Brenda McMullen told WIVB-TV in Buffalo.

Water rushes over the falls at a rate of 150,000 gallons per second.

``I saw him disappear over the edge of the falls,'' McMullen's husband, Terry McMullen, said. The Columbus, Ohio, tourists snapped photographs afterward, showing the man dressed in street clothes, apparently lying on the shoreline at the base of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

Only one other person known to have survived a plunge over the Canadian falls without a barrel or other contraption: a 7-year-old boy wearing a life preserver who had been thrown into the water in a 1960 boating accident.

No one has ever survived a trip over the narrower and rockier American falls.

Video shown by the Buffalo television station showed officers walking from the scene with a shirtless man in handcuffs and a blanket covering his face.

``At this point, there does not appear to be any evidence of foul play,'' the Niagara Parks Police said in written statement.

Officers would not release the man's name nor would they comment on why the man went over the Falls.

About a dozen daredevils have taken the plunge in barrels or other protective chambers since 1901. About half have survived.

Suicides are not uncommon at Niagara Falls, although police on both sides of the border are reluctant to give numbers.

Parks Police said emergency crews responded to a report of a man going over the Canadian falls around 12:45 p.m. Rescuers descended the gorge in a tourist elevator to an observation deck and reached him from there.

He was taken to Greater Niagara General Hospital for medical treatment, said police. Hospital spokeswoman Marilyn Bellows said the man was in stable condition, according to the Canadian Press. "

Posted by Peg Britton @ 07:40 PM CST [Link]

Wednesday, October 22, 2003

WIND PRODUCED ENERGY

One of these days I'm going on a rant about this subject. I think it's a bad thing for Kansas and Kansans...with the possible exception of a handful of landowners. I just want everyone to know what these wind powered generators are all about, what they do to the land, to our landscape and who the benefactors are. I know I have a small audience, but maybe word will spread if I help it along.

And we need to talk about pig farms and feed lots too. Salvage yards. Landfills. And then there are the folks who want to talk about adult arcades. We all have our special interests and we really need to understand we have to be tolerant of our diversities and listen to one another.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 04:33 PM CST [Link]

HOSPITAL FOOD...I'VE BLOGGED THIS BEFORE

You may find it strange, but I really like hospital food they serve in Salina. When I think of it, and the hour is right, I go the hospital to eat, especially if I'm in an errand mode and by myself. You can eat in their cafeterias, get good home-cooked food rather quickly and move on about your business. It's convenient and inexpensive. There are plenty of options for food and everyone thinks you're there visiting a patient and that's nice, of course.

They have a large salad bar, big sandwiches to go and many hot items. During the past two days for the noon meal, they've had choices of beef stroganoff over rice or mashed potatoes, real turkey breast with mashed potatoes, dressing and gravy, stuffed green peppers, an assortment of veggies, roasted chicken, meat loaf, grilled sandwiches, all kinds of desserts, drinks, etc. I usually have a good meal for under $4.00. You can't beat that for good food.

The reason I've been there recently, is that my ex-daughter-in-law fell Sunday while hiking in Lincoln County. She tripped and fell backwards down a steep 7 foot embankment. She didn't think she was really hurt, but by Monday morning she realized the injuries were more serious than first thought. It was determined she fractured vertebrae, had bulging compressed disks and bone fragments were interfering with her spinal column. Think paralysis.

After we waited all day yesterday for her number to come up for surgery, she finally was operated on last night with the last stitch going in about 10:30. The surgeon inserted two rods and four screws and pieced her back together. It went very well, so he said. She'll be fine, but back surgery is very painful and oftentimes the recuperative period is long. Unlike something like gall bladder surgery where everyone reacts about the same, back surgery is different and each patient responds differently.

One thing happened yesterday morning that mystifies me, as many hospital procedures do. They had her on a morphine drip for pain. She needed it. The nurse came in and said they would have to discontinue that for 1 1/2 hours so she would not be under the influence of pain killers when she signed a release for surgery...one they forgot earlier to have her sign. It was to cover emergency blood transfusions should they be required. So, if they'd forgotten to have her sign it and she needed blood during surgery they are going to do what??? Bring her around to sign the paper or what...the alternative? Geez.

Well, with all the hoopla now, she had to sign the release form just in case they might need to do a transfusion...but she couldn't be on the drip when she signed the permit. Now mind you, she was as lucid as anyone but they were going to let her struggle for 1 1/2 hours writhing in pain and THEN have her sign it. Does that make sense?

So I asked if I could sign it as I figured Julie could add me to her list of people to get around the privacy issues and I could sign off on the transfusions. How simple that was. You'd think someone who does that all the time might have thought of it. I think they are so wrapped up in red tape sometimes no one can think.

Those new privacy forms we've all been required to fill out are a pain. I just want to say "tell anyone who asks whatever they want to know!" I forgot to put Brit on one form and had to go back and start over. Sometimes I think the pendulum swings way too far to the right.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 04:19 PM CST [Link]

DERAILMENT

Speaking of train tracks, as I was, I wonder why they haven't cleaned up the derailed cars from the accident last week...or maybe the week before. The empty coal cars and wheels are still sitting there by the tracks. The cranes and work crews vanished after the first couple days. Usually, they clean those derailments quickly. Leaving them as they are for all to see doesn't do a lot to boost confidence for rail safety.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 03:06 PM CST [Link]

A MUCH NEEDED MINI VACATION

Tomorrow Linda is heading out for the eastern part of the state to attend a Kansas Press Association meeting of some kind. It's either that or a KPA board of directors meeting. That's all business.

Once those meetings are over, she's taking a whole week off from work, her first in the five years she has been here. She deserves much more than that, but owning a newspaper is very much like owning a dairy herd or a restaurant...you never can get away from them.

I remember Frank and Bert McAtee never got away from their restaurant. Once they tried to go to Indiana to visit a son, were gone one day and got a call to come home. That's just the way those particular businesses are. Linda needs to put her cell phone on the train tracks.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 03:01 PM CST [Link]

GOVERNOR'S COLUMN:

“As I have traveled the state in recent months, I have talked about my commitment to public service and my commitment to improving our communities. I encourage each of you to get involved on Saturday, October 25th for Make a Difference Day. It is a day to help others--neighbors helping neighbors. Join millions across the country as we make a difference in our communities.” To read more of Governor Sebelius’ column on Make a Difference Day, go to Our Gov.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 02:17 PM CST [Link]

Monday, October 20, 2003

CRAIG PETERSON

This morning the Salina Journal ran an obituary for Craig Petersen, L.C. "Pete" and Betty's son. Craig died Friday night in Wichita. He had a heart attack at home watching the World Series game. He was engaged to be married soon, and his son and daughter-in-law just had a baby, his first grand child, who he never got to see. This is another very tragic death. His memorial in on Wednesday in Wichita. Craig graduated from EHS and lived in Kanopolis in his younger years. Pete and Betty moved to Wichita several years ago to be nearer their children.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 08:00 PM CST [Link]

HAYS CITY AMERICA

If you have never had the warm bread pudding with rum sauce at the Corner Garden Restaurant in Hays, and you like bread pudding, you'll love theirs. It isn't often I get to Hays, particularly at lunch time, but today was a winner.

I tagged along with Ally who had an appointment with her periodontist, a breed as scarce as hen's teeth in central Kansas. There is one in Hays, one in Manhattan and the others are farther away than that. It seems it's a good field for those who like making lots of money and having captive patients. I doubt they are ever “on call” so why aren’t there more of them? Salina could use one…and a dermatologist.

Since she hadn't eaten at the Corner Garden Restaurant, and it meets all my qualifications for home-owned, slow food restaurants, we went there. It only seats 40, but the menu is nice and the people who work there welcome you as if you were entering their home. It seems like that and they appreciate your business. Today they had sausage and sauerkraut soup (a winner with both of us) ...and they had their famous bread pudding. Everything they make is from scratch, a tad different from regular fare and very good. It's all reasonably priced. If you haven't tried it, you might want to stop by sometime.

We also stopped by C.S. Post to poke around. I really like that shop and always find a little something to bring home. Usually that isn't the case when I go shopping, but that store is unusual. Jack got a new collar and Brit has a new bottle of some nice hand washing suds. Both of my guys like their gifts. Going there is like going to the city and strolling into a unique shop.

Ally hadn't seen all the development around Wilson Lake so we meandered down all the roads and checked out all the houses. Some are quite nice. We went further north to Becky Thaemert's Stone Cottage Farm. She constantly works on restoration.

We dropped into Kansas Originals to look around and visit with a friend who volunteers there.

It was a nice leisurely drive to see the countryside filled with golden-leafed Cottonwood trees. I took several pictures on the Scenic By-way to add to my website.

But...the best thing of all was spending the day with my daughter. We travel well together and I always enjoy my trips with her. We just don't have enough of them.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 06:48 PM CST [Link]

THE JUDGE RULES....

Kobe Bryant has to stand trial, as well he should. He must stand trial on a charge of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old resort worker clearing the way for a celebrity trial the likes of which hasn't been seen since O.J. Simpson. Enough is enough.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 05:52 PM CST [Link]

THIS IS THE KIND OF SERVICE YOU GET FROM NICK SLECHTA AT THE CHAMBER OFFICE

An elderly couple came to the Chamber office. The gentleman asked Nick if he had any coffee. Nick said that he didn't but that he thought he could locate a cup for him.

Nick flew out the front door, long legs churning, with his Styrofoam cup in hand to Paden’s Restaurant, but the coffee wasn't on the burner yet. Then he went next door to Kelly Headley's beauty shop. No coffee brewing there yet. She recommended the barber shop across the street...no luck there either. Then he went to the Post Rock Rural Water District office where he was sure to complete his mission. He struck out again, but they said they would put some on. At this point Nick said he'd check with the Senior Center where he found a steaming pot of coffee. Finally...SUCCESS!. He hurried back to his office just in time to greet the couple coming out the door. The man was delighted to get the cup of coffee and Nick was pleased he could comply with the man's wishes.

Now, that is Nick Slechta's way of doing things. He has a long history of good deeds and is doing a terrific job recruiting new Chamber members and providing people with information they want. He's just what the Chamber needs.

Notice from Nick of coming events:

October 20 - Chamber Board of Directors monthly meeting, 7:00 p.m. Chamber office.

October 27 - Amazing 100 miles – An Autumn Adventure, Friday, October 24th. Starts at 8:00 at the Midland Hotel, breakfast buffet. They will depart Wilson at 10:00, arriving in Ellsworth at 10:20 to visit the Ellsworth Antique Mall, Espresso Shop and the underground tunnel. Depart Ellsworth at 11:20 to complete their tour which ends in Wilson at 5:40 p.m. For more information on the tour call the office today, Monday, 472-4071.

October 31 – The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be at the Presbyterian Fellowship Hall from 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

October 31- Ellsworth Kiwanis is sponsoring the annual Halloween Parade for pre-schoolers through 5th grade. The little spooks and trick-or-treaters will be parading down Douglas to the CSB corner then to the City Hall for judging. Start time at Ellsworth Elementary is 5:00 p.m.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 05:45 PM CST [Link]

Sunday, October 19, 2003

STRAWBALE HOMES RENAISSANCE

My Louisiana friend, Janis Gore, asked about some of the qualities of strawbale construction so I figured maybe others might want to know as well. Strawbale constructed homes have been around longer than we have and now they are making a renaissance.

My first encounter with one method of strawbale construction (there are many) was in New Mexico many years ago. A friend of my daughter's was in the business and he gave us a grand tour of several homes he was building by that method. It was so new to me at the time that I hadn't yet had time to weave through the thought processes to get where I needed to be to fully accept the ingenuity and practicality of the construction. Actually, he was working with a broken leg after falling through a ceiling and I was stuck in motion with that thought.

Q: What is a strawbale home?
A: Strawbale construction really is just building walls out of compressed strawbales and plastering over them. With the thick coat of plaster, both inside and out, you achieve super insulation with natural materials that are non-toxic and extremely fire-resistant. This method of construction can reduce your energy bills by 50% to 90%. Also, the houses become very personal as much of the construction can be done by anyone as even children help with the plastering. It's like a barn raising.

Q: How sturdy is this construction and how can a home made of straw be fire-resistant?
A: Strawbale houses are sturdy and can go through hurricanes and tornadoes. Even if it starts smoldering, it isn't going to kill you like foam or particle board. It's far superior to a wood-frame structure because it lacks oxygen to support combustion. Some homes are plastered both inside and outside, adobe-style, so you can understand how fire resistant they become.

Q: What is a "truth window"?
A: Once you plaster over all the straw there is no way to show people it is a house of straw. So, oftentimes they will install a truth window in a wall so that, when opened, reveals the straw in the walls. Of course, the walls are as thick as a bale of straw, much thicker than standard construction.

Q: What about the roof?
A: This is one place where you never want to neglect your roof maintenance. You need a good roof that sheds water away from the house.

Q: Why hasn't this form of construction "caught on"?
A: Code departments have not been brought up to speed. Financing and insurance go right along with that. Mostly, it's a lack of having the correct information.

The strawbale constructed houses in Wilson are not plastered on the inside. The interior finishes are standard sheet rock. Each one of the units has a "safe room" which is really unique and provides peace of mind for those who live in areas of high wind velocity. These rooms are a part of, but are independant from the rest of the construction....stand alone, interior, steel-lined tornado resistant rooms that are anchored to the foundation.

If you want to learn more about strawbale construction, you can check out Catherine Wanek's "The New Strawbale Home" (Gibbs Smith, $39.95).

Or, you can go over to Wilson and tap into Dave Criswell's vast storehouse of knowledge. Todd Hanzlicek is the contractor and Larry Ptacek is doing the utility work on the homes so they can also provide answers to your questions. This is just another example of the many unique things that happen in Wilson...which is one of my favorite communities in Kansas. Wilson is a community of people who collectively promote the town and make things happen. Good people. Good town.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 09:30 AM CST [Link]

Saturday, October 18, 2003

JUMPING BACK

October 26th at 2:00 a.m. is the time we're supposed to set our clocks back an hour. I figure a few days on either side works for me.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 08:19 PM CST [Link]

THIS IS WHAT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS ALL ABOUT

Today I leisurely drove to Wilson, enjoying the beautiful day and scenery along the way. I did what a lot of people do and it was a classic example of Wilson Economic Development.

I went by to see Dave Criswell's straw duplexes and visited with one of the residents of the complex. She moved from Dorrance to Wilson. Although I can't remember the exact numbers, she has 3 or 4 children, 10 or so grandchildren, and I thought she said 22 great-grandchildren. As they live in central Kansas, they used to visit her in Dorrance. Now they visit her in Wilson and bring their resources with them. They buy groceries and gas in Wilson and spend money elsewhere in town. One single person made a lot of difference in this instance....Dorrance lost that revenue it was accustomed to while Wilson benefited. That's economic development.

On October 24th, the Amazing 100 Miles bus tour, led by Marilyn Helmer of Lincoln, will start its journey at the Midland Hotel where the group will be eating breakfast, and some will have spent the previous night. They are then going to Dave Criswell's strawbale housing project and will visit one of the resident's home that I saw today. It is quite nice and a very good showpiece of the construction. They will also visit Ollie's Antiques, Sincerely Yours and the Opera House. They will all be spending money in those places. It is encouraged that they do.

Dave told me that he has people stopping by his strawbale house construction site all the time. Some come off the highway (that would be Interstate 70) as they've heard about it from others. But, he says, when they do stop by, they almost always go to the Midland to eat, shop downtown and buy gas.

Today I bought an armload of bacon at Wilson Family Foods. I'm a frequent customer there.

Dave and I also had an excellent lunch at the Midland. I had the Midland sandwich that wasn't on the menu...and it should be. It was as good as anything I've had....thinly sliced ham that had been grilled or pan fried to bring out the flavor...with sliced turkey breast and swiss cheese...a mound of it on sour dough and grilled. It came with a special sauce for the sandwich and their usual house salad which is hard to beat. They have a wonderful raspberry vinaigrette salad dressing. It could not have been any better. Dave had a flame-broiled bacon cheese burger that looked really great. It was huge. It was a very good lunch. There were a dozen or so other people having lunch too. I'm glad to see the traffic in there.

So, that's what economic development is about...one step at a time, one visitor at a time. One new resident at a time. I'd think the people in Wilson would really want to back Dave in his efforts to get the third unit built. The state money is there so it's a use it or lose it to someone else type of situation. I'd think they'd grab at the opportunity to snap up the tax credits...and maybe they have.

Every new person who moves to town is a plus for Wilson, or any community. Without new residents, all we are doing is rearranging the deck chairs on the Titantic...getting ready to sink.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 03:32 PM CST [Link]

MAKING HUMMINGBIRDS

A lady found a humming bird nest and got pictures all the way from the egg laying operation until the birds flew the nest. Took 24 days from birth to flight. They are very good pictures and would be good to show children. Click Right Here

Posted by Peg Britton @ 10:36 AM CST [Link]

MORE ON DEUS MISEREATUR NOBIS THAN YOU WANTED TO KNOW

DEUSMISEREATURNOBIS is three Latin words DEUS MISEREATUR NOBIS. The translated phrase is "May God Have Mercy On Us." This phrase is from St. Albans Psalter, Page 197. The St. Albans Psalter is a 12th century manuscript featuring the tale of a chaste liaison between one of Britain's early feminists and a monk. The rarely-viewed St Albans Psalter partly recounts the story of Christina of Markyate and her admirer, Abbot Geoffrey, in medieval times.

For details go here.

Scott Blades
Wichita, KS
Kansas Explorer #3032

Posted by Peg Britton @ 08:09 AM CST [Link]

WHEATFIELD BAKERY IN LAWRENCE

A trip east from here yesterday afforded a stop at the Wheatfield Bakery in Lawrence, one of my favorite haunts in Kansas. They make the best sour dough bread imaginable for people like me who, because of it, can't imagine cracking the Atkin's Diet book.

I came home with two large grocery sacks full of it...one of almost every variety they bake...Kalamata Olive, Cinnamon Raisin, Whole grain, Challa, Walnut Raisin, White Walnut....and two huge 3 pound loves to share with grandsons. I'm ready for winter, snow, confinement...as there are seven loaves in the freezer just waiting for another round of beef stew or veggie soup. It's a great combination.

I thought Thom Leonard was still the master baker in charge there, but I learned he hadn't been there for at least three years. He's teaching the sour dough/brick oven baking trade and travels a lot, so the nice young man who packed up my bread told me. I was one of Thom's best customers when he had a similar bakery in Salina and I really hated to see him leave. The owners of the bakery made every effort to find another baker but were unsuccessful. It's an art form.

The Kansas Press Associations 140th Anniversary celebration was yesterday in Topeka and since I was invited to that, I went! It was great and I saw several old friends I hadn't visited with in some time. Buzz Merritt and the Gov. had interesting remarks to make....and the hors d'oeuvre were exceptional. It was a good afternoon.

The Bearcats lost their homecoming game last night, but they played their hearts out. I know it's hard for them to lose when they try so hard.

Wilson calls today. I love Wilson...and the people who live there. That is a wonderful community and they have so much going for them. I'll also tour the straw bale constructed duplexes and have lunch with Dave. My freezer is calling for more bacon so I'll stop in and see Marlin and chat while he slices mine off at #10. At least that is the plan right now.

OH...one other thing. I met a lady yesterday who has done a great deal of research on wind energy and who supports my beliefs on how damaging this could be for Kansas. If she follows through, she said she would send me a lot of the material she has so that I...or she...can blog it for your information. She is also aware of the latest German research on the subject which is more extensive than ours and they are junking the whole program. I have another soap box I want to stand on.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 07:39 AM CST [Link]

Thursday, October 16, 2003

THAT LITTLE SHED THINGY ON OLD 40 WEST OF AUGUSTINE'S

Everytime I pass by that new shed thingy with the two delapidated cars and old bbq grills standing there by the fence line in that beautiful vast expanse of wheat, I wonder what is going on. I've been further puzzled by the recent addition of a delapidated mobile home.

Well, my friend Marvin filled me in today on what he knows about it. It seems that patch of ground is owned by Steve Heath who is related somehow to Charlie Heath, if I have it right, and the ground is farmed by Joe Kjer, a previous state representative.

There may be an effort afoot to expand Charlie Health's auto dump...er, salvage yard... into that area. Charlie has another one on down the road on the north loop around Salina. You know where I mean.

Well, the presence of those unsightly things would lead one to believe there might be some truth to the rumor. There may be some litigation pending, as well, which is in some way relates to the mobile home. I'm sure the story will unfold in time.

P.S. Apparently this land extends to the brick house on the north side of the highway right by Augustines. Directly in front of it is a triangular piece of land that supposedly is the site the sight of the salvage yard. Then it extends west to the shed thingy. I can imagine the people who own the brick house are in a state of apoplexy.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 03:53 PM CST [Link]

AUTUMN ADVENTURES BUS TOUR

One of the best things I have done in recent years is take many of the Amazing 100 Miles bus tours arranged by Marilyn Hellmer of Lincoln. There are few places they go now where I haven't already been or I'd go again.

There is one scheduled for October 24th starting at the Midland Hotel in Wilson with a breakfast buffet and tour of the building. Some of the tour members will be staying at the Midland the night before. Rooms start at $59.00. While in Wilson, they will tour the Opera House and Ollie's Treasures, Sincerely Yours, Czech Cottages, etc.

They will come to Ellsworth to tour the Antique Mall Underground, and probably the upstairs too. There will be time for coffee at the Roehrman's Espresso Shop.

The next stop will be the AmericInn in Russell, Fossil Station Mesquite Grill for lunch then it's on to Natoma, the only tour stop I haven't made. They will visit the Natoma Church, Little Town Treasures, Times Past, the Thrift Shop and Cafe.

Heading back this way they will stop at Beckie Thaemert's Stone Cottage Farm B & B, Antique Shop, and Hunter's Quarters in the Grain Bin.

The last stop before returning to Wilson will be Granny Mae's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch near Dorrance.

The tour starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 5:40 p.m. The cost is $45 but the breakfast buffet at the Midland is extra.

You can check out the details of the tour and make reservations by calling Marilyn at 785.524.5133.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 06:41 AM CST [Link]

GOOD MORNING TO 216.148.246 IN BAGHDAD

Good morning to my reader in Baghdad. It's always nice to see your footprints on my blog. Thank you for the work you are doing.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 06:21 AM CST [Link]

3RD ANNUAL SOUP SUPPER FOR THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

If you haven't been in the Commanding Officers quarters at the Fort, October 25th will give you an opportunity to see it. Homemade soups, breads and pies will be served from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. That's on Saturday so try to go if you can.

The proceeds from the supper will go to the society-owned Commanding Officers Quarters and they could use our support. These are the same people who worked so hard to save what they could of the old jail and have it designated as a Kansas Historical Ruin. If you haven't been by to see it yet, you will quickly notice the difference their work has made with that structure. They are trying their hardest to save other buildings that provide our history before they become ruins.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 06:09 AM CST [Link]

KIRK ZOELLNER...VISIONS FROM A SMALL TOWN

One of my favorite parts of my website, is my Author's Page. I have a new addition to it in the form of an essay written by Kirk Zoellner. You might want to peruse it when you have the time.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 06:02 AM CST [Link]

FLU SHOTS

Just a reminder. It's time to get a flu shot. They are available from the County Health Department across the entire county. Just check the INDY for times and places.

We get ours in November. They only last so many months and the incidence of flu right now is negligible. We want ours to kick in when we really need it.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 05:57 AM CST [Link]

Wednesday, October 15, 2003

RAMBLINGS

No order of events here.

This morning I called Festival Distribution, Inc. in Canada that handles Susan Crowe's and John Reischman's music. (Toll free call: 800.633.8282) I talked with Paul Norton who was delightful. Each of them has a new CD. Susan's is "Book of Days" and John's is "Field Guide". I have all their music and was very happy when Susan told me a couple weeks ago that she had finished Book of Days. When she and Heather Bishop were here a year ago for a concert in Abilene, they spent a week with us and that was a lot of fun. Susan was working on Book then. The house was filled with music and laughter. Anyway, as Paul and I were visiting, I asked if Linda Kidder had recorded anything new...like she has yet to record "Over the Rainbow" for me! He said he was seeing her tonight so we reconnected again. That's always good. Many of you will recall that Susan, John and Linda performed a very memorable concert in the PAC several years ago.

Eating too much at the Mongolian BBQ in Salina is a given. Usually it just strikes me as too much food, but it was nice this evening. There were lots of steamed crab legs with drawn butter, stuffed mussels, and that seafood casserole I like. Their hot and sour soup is always good. After that, I'm about ready to quit...but I continued. It was easy to make a few additional selections then hit the fruit bar.

Today was a perfect day to visit the zoo...so I did. One of my architect friends and I have been friends since we were old enough to walk and as since we always have things of mutual interest to talk about, we headed to the zoo to walk the walk. We talked to the workers putting the finishing touches on the bobcat exhibit. Like all the other exhibits, it was being done with a lot of class. In the center of the exhibit is a "thing" resembling a miniature water tower. Well, like the top of one...a cylinder with a pointy top. I asked what it was, since I couldn't figure out what it was. They said it was for the children and that there is a tunnel under it that extends outside the fence. Kids can climb through the tunnel and stick their heads right up there in the center of the play area for the cats. How clever and how much fun that must be for kids to be so close to the cats yet so safe.

I also got rid of three large garbage bags full of paper towel and toilet tissue rolls that I collect for the animals at the zoo. They use them to fill with food to challenge the animals.

I hadn't seen the Sundowner West mobile home park in years so we drove through that. It was a lot larger than I had remembered. We stopped in the new service station and convenience store by the highway to look around and walked around the old Outpost Restaurant and peered in the windows. We just explored the area and it was fun.

I came home tonight to find the youngest and tallest grandson on my computer. It seems his printer ran out of ink and he needed to get a paper printed for school tomorrow. We visited awhile and I always like that. He's a great conversationalist.

I thought I missed West Wing, one of the few TV shows I watch. I really like that one and I learned it was preempted by a baseball game. Great! I missed the baseball game and still have a chance to see West Wing. What a propicious turn of events.

Tomorrow I have a meeting after lunch that will last most of the afternoon. About the same time, Brit and I have an old friend coming from Liberal to spend the night. She comes every year about this time so we have a lot of talking to do. Friday I head to Topeka for a meeting and a little gathering the Gov. is having. Saturday, I'm going to Wilson to have lunch with a friend and see his straw constructed duplexes. So goes my week...

The biggest event of all transpires Nov. 2nd when my middle grandson has his Eagle Scout Award Ceremony. He's been waiting for Kyle West to finish all his requirements so they could go through the ceremony together. I am one very proud grandma. That is a huge accomplishment and I am very proud of both of these young men.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 10:31 PM CST [Link]

THE IRRATIONALIST EXPLAINS DEUS MISEREATOR NOBIS

Heffernan O'Connor's sometimes mordant, sometimes witty thoughts on food, politics, writing, and other miscellany turns to Latin to help out this Kansas Prairie gal. Many thanks to him.

You can take a look at his website, The Irrationalist as he translates the answer to the question posed by the people in Osage City.

And there are many other interesting things to read on his blog. I think you'll enjoy paying him a visit.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 04:42 PM CST [Link]

Tuesday, October 14, 2003

DEUSMISEREATURNOBIS

An interesting headstone in the Osage City cemetery has just one big name across it...

DEUSMISEREATURNOBIS. That's all. Nothing else. Nada.

Does anyone know what this might mean? It has the people in those parts puzzled.

The best I can come up with is "two miserable Greek noblemen are interred here." (smile)

I'm sure one of you can come up with the right answer. Sorry...no rewards have been suggested.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 10:47 PM CST [Link]

NOW I'M A USED CAR DEALER!

One of my friends who lives in the country has a vehicle to sell and thought I might know someone who might want to buy it. Actually, I've seen the car several times and it looks pretty good...real good, in fact.

She describes it like this: "It is a good used 4x4, a white 1994 Bravada in excellent condition w/73,000 miles on it."

If you are interested in seeing it, give me a call or drop me an e-mail and I'll tell you how to get ahold of the person who has possession of the car. It might be just the car you are looking for.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 07:03 PM CST [Link]

I HAVE A SUGGESTION

There is one thing I really appreciate from friends and that is a notice when they change servers and email addresses. It's simple to copy and paste the new one in an address book.

A close friend of mine (you can probably guess who!) is forever complaining because she "didn't get that mail". Well, I have suggested when she changed her address, which happens frequently, she ought to let people know. Maybe it would be a good idea to just mass mail everyone, I said, since this is what most people do.

Well, the other day when I heard the same complaint, I reminded her that she can't get mail from people if they don't have her correct address and she hadn't let people know of the change since she went with classicnet. Right, she says.

Digging deeper, I learned she didn't have an address book. Egads! I have 531 listings in my address book and even though I have it backed up in several places, it gives me nightmares to think what a state I'd be in if I lost it.

I guess this was brought to mind as I just sent out a little Happy Everything greeting and a dozen of them came back.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 08:46 AM CST [Link]

THE SACK

I wonder what The Sack has been doing lately? It hasn't written for a long time and we need to know what it has been up to, don't you think? Where ever you are, come out of hiding, Sack.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 08:04 AM CST [Link]

Monday, October 13, 2003

THE HOMECOMING GAME FRIDAY MATCHES ELLSWORTH AND ELLINWOOD

Pre-game homecoming festivities begin at 6:30 with the game following. Homecoming candidates are:
Anna Slomka, Jeanette Bender, Dana Peters, Katie Wicks, Jason Manes, Brenden Ptacek, Brandon Rohr, Charlie Parsons and Micah Steinike.

Support the Bearcats, the football team and marching band, and attend the game and homecoming festivities, if you can.

P.S. Don't forget the parade and pep rally down town in the afternoon. That is always fun!

Posted by Peg Britton @ 09:07 PM CST [Link]

CONVERSATIONS AROUND HERE ARE LUDICROUS

That's right! Conversations in this house are ludicrous. Brit, who is nearly stone-deaf, talks to Jack, our Aussie, who can hear but can't talk back. He speaks in long sentences and would like to believe our silly dog understands. It goes like this:

"Jack, would you like to go down to the post office with me and then through the drive-in bank to get a cookie from Megan?" Jack jumps for joy!!! Message understood.

Meantime, Brit is pulling his keys out of his pocket (without realizing there is a connection here since he can't hear the jingle) and Jack gets really excited as he knows that jingle means a ride in the car is the next order of business...and he's raring to go. They go everywhere together. I'm not sure who drives.

Then when Brit wants him to "sit"....he goes on with another long sentence with the word "sit" sandwiched in there someplace and of course Jack wouldn't learn how to sit in a hundred years with the variety of commands he gets like that. He's not as bright as Brit gives him credit for. He can't understand why he minds me so well. Ha. Why waste words.

I talk to Brit and he can't hear me. He talks to me and I can hear but it does little good as he can't hear what I say back to him. Then Jack barks and neither one of us can hear. It's good to have guests come take part in all of this. They leave very confused. We really can't do anything about it.

When I ask him what "kind" of pizza he wants he answers "6:30", I know we've miscommunicated on our order for pizza.

It's no fun losing your hearing. I wonder about all these kids who have sound systems in their cars that are so loud they make my bones ache as they drive by on the highway. They all risk the chance of being hearing-impaired as they grow older.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 02:51 PM CST [Link]

NEED SIGNAGE?

The Luminous Neon Art and Sign Systems plant in Hutchinson is a significant contributor to their local economy. Luminous Neon has seven offices in Kansas and offers everything from sign design and manufacturing to installation and repair. They have over 70 years of experience in fabrication, installation and service of all types of signs for all types of business and employ over 80 people.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 01:54 PM CST [Link]

NEW LOWER AIR FARES FROM SALINA ANNOUNCED

On Thursday, Jerry Moran joined Salina-area officials to announce a lower fare structure for Kansans traveling from central Kansas. Mesa Air Group has lowered fares by as much as 40 percent for scheduled air service from the Salina Municipal Airport to the Kansas City International Airport. Mesa Air Group's Air Midwest, operating as U.S. Airways Express, provides three weekday flights and multiple weekend flights from Salina to KCI.

This is good news for people in central Kansas as it helps make air travel to Kansas City more affordable. This will help business travelers and other passengers to travel in and out of the area, and it provides an important contribution to the local economy.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 01:49 PM CST [Link]

THE KLOPMAN DIAMOND

A businessman boarded a plane to find, sitting next to him, an elegant woman wearing the largest, most stunning diamond ring he had ever seen.

He asked her about it.

"This is the Klopman diamond," she said. "It is beautiful, but there is a terrible curse that goes with it."

"What's the curse?" the man asked.

"Mr. Klopman."

Posted by Peg Britton @ 09:22 AM CST [Link]

COMMUNITY COFFEE (RED BAG)

For many years now, Brit and I have been hooked on Community Coffee. It goes back maybe thirty years to the days my brother and his wife lived in Shreveport and introduced us to Community Coffee and Johnson's sausage from Eunice. I remember with fondness our breakfasts together centered around these two Louisana items and our family "Baker eggs"....eggs scrambled with diced dill pickles in them. (Hey...they're really good!)

Brit, who is the coffee-maker in our home, forewarned me this morning that we were down to our last bag of coffee. We buy it by the case as it's simpler that way. I've been in the Community system so long that when I call, it takes maybe 15 seconds to order more.

In fact, we are drinking some right now and I'll bet my friend, Janis Gore, in Vadalia Louisiana is doing exactly the same thing. People from Louisana know their coffee and good food.

We prefer their "Dark Roast", which is their original coffee, roasted to a deep, dark color. "Enjoy rich aroma, full body and a strong, intense flavor", they say. It comes in a red bag and is also known as Paquet Rouge®. Their Red Bag is known regionally as the State Coffee of Louisiana.

If you order 10 packages at at time, as we do, they give you a 50-cent discount per package.

I think when we first started ordering, they had the medium, blend and dark roast and some with chickory, which we don't care for very much. Now they have a wide range of coffee choices from all over the world, a coffee club, flavored coffees, seasonal coffee, a sampler and tea. It's a matter of what you prefer, but their products are very good and consistent.

We've tried some of the others, but when we get up in the morning, we like strong, full-bodied, robust coffee that is embodied in the Red Bag.

I know...you Pepsi drinkers are squirming!

Posted by Peg Britton @ 08:52 AM CST [Link]

KANGAROO OR KANGURU

I was just reading how the Australian word "kangaroo" came into use in our language.

According to the Australian National Dictionary Centre: "In 1770, when Captain Cook was forced to make repairs to the Endeavour in north Queensland, he and his party saw a number of large marsupials. From the local Aborigines Cook elicited kangaroo or kanguru as the name of one of the animals. This was in the Guugu Yimidhirr language of Cooktown. The Aborigines gave the name for a species of kangaroo - the large black or grey kangaroo Macropus robustus. Cook mistakenly thought that this was a general or generic term for all kangaroos (and even wallabies), and this is how the word came into English."

I love the way the word "kanguru" appears to be pronounced. Kang guru....It sounds so much more "Aussie".

Posted by Peg Britton @ 07:59 AM CST [Link]

Sunday, October 12, 2003

130TH ANNIVERSARY AND REDEDICATION CEREMONY

Sheriff C.B.Whitney wasn't to be seen yesterday but Sheriff Tracy Ploutz was in attendance along with many other modern day law enforcement officers. They and many of the town's folk and visitors gathered in front of the old jail to celebrate its 130th anniversary and rededication ceremony.

Sheriff C. B. Whitney who was appointed to office on July 21st, 1871 was present when the jail was built...back when it also had a roof. A silhouette of Whitney stands in front of the ruin. Today the building stands as a ruin, a beautiful one at that, even though it lacks a lid. Thanks to the efforts of Pat Svaty and Judy Toman, and their many hours of work, the 1873 jail is listed on the Kansas Historical Register.

Nick Slechta was very instrumental in providing leadership, dedication and enthusiastic work towards the achievement of their fund drive goal.

"The Ellsworth County Jail of 1873 is associated with events that made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of Ellsworth County history. Though now a ruin, it symbolizes the coming of law and order to the Old West," according to their program.

Jim Gray was the master of ceremonies. Darrell Wilson of the Kansas Sheriff's Association was a speaker representing law enforcement officers. Other speakers were Dennis Katzenmeier who portrayed the life of Ira E. Lloyd; Kimberly Qualls, marketing manager of Kansas Tourism; Lawton Nuss, Kansas Supreme Court Judge, and Pat Bender, president of the Ellsworth County Historical Society.

Also on stage was Karma Aylward, who along with the late Francis Wilson, purchased the jail from Charles Garrett and presented it to the Historical Society. Karma, 95 years old, has devoted much of her life preserving the history of Ellsworth County as a life long member of the historical society.

After the ceremony those gathered at the ceremony went to the Senior Citizens Center for refreshments and entertainment.

It was a gala event and well-attended. All the members of the Historical Society have worked very hard to make this possible. They all deserve our thanks.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 05:47 PM CST [Link]

BOYS CAME TO VISIT

Yesterday afternoon some of my favorite kids came to visit who included my grandson Tyler..a Deming, Buchholtz, Goddard and Montague. They are the same ones who once spent their summers in our woods building forts, tree houses and hovels. They would devote hours gathering natural materials...logs, bark and vines...necessary for their construction needs. Frequently they would arrive early in the morning and stay until sundown...with frequent trips inside for food and drink. Some of their projects were pretty ingenious and they held up under the ravages of the elements until school started and their interests would turn to athletics and other more important things.

Yesterday they were busy in my kitchen fixing nachos, the proper way Brit fixes them. They filled one pan and baked it, then another...and another. They were pretty full of hot peppers and cheddar cheese by the time they headed to their homes for dinner. And the neat thing is, Tyler and Ross did the dishes and cleaned the kitchen without being asked. They both love this house and I love it that they care for things around here. It's a pleasure to have kids around who also clean up after themselves.

They were going to crash on our family room floor for the night, but as it turned out, they'd done just that at Tyler's the previous night and the parents wisely thought better of a repeating a sleepless night. They are good kids...and have a great time together...and are building a lot of wonderful memories together.

I think that is something that separates country kids from city kids, at least in part. They have the freedom to do things in a small town...like the hours they spend in our yard while the parents know someone is keeping an eye out for them. Maybe it would be better to say they can be happy doing things like that...creating their own fun that doesn't require uniforms and referees or trips across town to be entertained. They gather together and go from house to house or down town, and spend hours talking to one another...building memories that will last them a lifetime.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 03:06 PM CST [Link]

I'VE REACHED A POINT WHERE I SHOULD PROBABLY REFRAIN FROM COMMENT

Today is such a beautiful day...particularly compared to the windy, cold, wet weather of yesterday. Linda and I went to Wilson to have fried chicken buffet at Made from Scratch. They were having a mixed buffet at the Midland as well.

Some of our friends went to the Midland for dinner last night.

I know they are all trying.

The end.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 02:42 PM CST [Link]

Thursday, October 9, 2003

MARCI PENNER'S GERMAN BEAN AND SAUSAGE SOUP

It seemed just the right time to stir up a kettle of Marci's favorite soup. With houseguests arriving today, I find it convenient to have a few things ready to go to meet the cry of empty stomachs.

German Bean and Sausage Soup

2 slices bacon
1/2 c. chopped onion
1 cup sliced carrots
1 c. cubed, peeled potatoes
1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp. marjoram leaves
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 c. water
1 1/2 c. thinly sliced smoked bratwurst or Polish sausage (kielbasa)
16 oz. can green beans, UNDRAINED
16 oz. can Great Northern beans or white beans UNDRAINED

Cook bacon until crisp; drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. set aside.
Saute onion in reserved drippings until tender. Add carrots, potato, parsley, marjoram, pepper and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer about 20 minutes.

Add bratwurst, beans and reserved bacon. Heat thoroughly.

She also recommends a big loaf of warm, crusty bread and butter at the side. You can use your imagination for other things that would enhance the soup.

I've made this several times and everyone always enjoys it. I don't follow the "amounts" at all since I hate to measure stuff. (That's why I'm lousy at making desserts.) I also add garlic, chicken stock and leave the skins on new potatoes. Don't pay any attention to that. Marci doesn't put them in hers and she knows what she is doing. I usually try to restrain myself and make the recipe as given the first time. After that I extrapolate at will.

When making this, I throw enough in it for a big batch... 3 to 4 times her recipe. I just judge amounts from preference, experience and taste. It works for me and the way I cook.

Lastly, I should add...I'm sure Marci would want others to know that she isn't taking credit for this recipe...she didn't hover over the stove with a lot of ingredients at hand and dream up this concoction. It probably came from someone related to or friends of friends of her Section 27 German Mennonite family. She probably grew up eating this soup. I remember a recipe by the person who fed it to me or passed it on to me as being very good. That's why I call it her soup. So, no matter where it came from, to me, this is Marci's German Bean and Sausage Soup...and it is good. I just sampled my latest batch and it is terrific, even if I do say so myself.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 10:43 AM CST [Link]

BUFFALO STEW

You can purchase tickets at the Mall and Drovers for the chuck wagon feed tomorrow night at the Cow Camp. Jim says the folks from Glasco stir up a great batch of food and tomorrow night they'll be serving a hearty meal off their famous chuck wagon.

You'll get a big plate of buffalo stew, salad, biscuits, cobbler and tea or coffee for $6.50. There are 100 tickets for sale and after that the kettle will be empty. There can't be more than 98 tickets left as I bought two last night. Serving time is set at 7:00 p.m.

A hand tied quilt is being offered in a raffle as a fund raiser for the National Drovers Hall of Fame. For $5.00 you can get six tickets. I'll be hawking those so bring a fiver for the cause.

Following the feed the re-enactors will start with their tales. My friend, Renee, is coming from Sterling with her camp chair and we'll plop ourselves by the camp fire and listen as long as we can hang in. Jim says the tales get better and better and are the best in the wee hours of Saturday. I've never lasted that long. I think you have to be a real cowboy for that.

Which reminds me. If you aren't a member of the COWBOY SOCIETY it would be a great show of support if you'd join. It only costs $18.00 and some change. I'm member #1224....and very proud of it.

The Cow Camp will be an interesting place this weekend. Do stop out and show your support for all their efforts in bringing living history to Ellsworth. We're very fortunate to have this in our community....with many thanks to Linda Kohls and Jim Gray.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 08:48 AM CST [Link]

Wednesday, October 8, 2003

NAKED ISN'T GOOD IN KANSAS

Sam Weinhold sent me this article that appeared in the Seattle Times about the ball of twine at Cawker City. Cher Heller Olson is the aunt of one of Sam's college buddies. Olson, a retired art teacher and the town's new head of tourism, has created an art walk on the prairie. More than 40 colorful "masterpieces" hang in windows downtown, beckoning tourists to do more than just gawk at the ball, which turned 50 this year.

This is a good read and offers yet another twist on that old ball of twine. It also displays a very creative mind....and I like that.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 09:47 PM CST [Link]

YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THESE EVENTS

The annual Fall Roundup of cowboys and cowgirls begins tomorrow night (Thursday) at the Cow Camp south of the river bridge. The spurs will be jingling as you watch tents being pitched and fires flaming under large pots of coffee.

Friday there will be activities galore at the Cow Camp. The school children will come visit the reenactors and learn of early Ellsworth and Kansas history. Living history displays will capture your imagination. Friday night about 7 p.m., the Sorell Chuck wagon from Glasco will be serving buffalo stew, biscuits, Black Jack peach cobbler, salad and tea or coffee for $6.50. Buy your ticket early as they are preparing to serve only 100. Tickets are available at Drovers or the Antique Mall.

Take your chair and gather around the campfire after dinner to listen to the re-enactors weave their tales about life in the old west. Usually this goes on until the wee hours of Saturday morning.

There will be a gunfight competition beginning at 9:30 Saturday morning. Take your earplugs. Saturday afternoon high tea will be served in the Rec building. A cowboy ball will be held there Sat. evening.

The event not to miss Saturday is the Ellsworth County Historical Society rededication and 130th anniversary celebration of its 1873 jail at 1:00 p.m. You know where the old, old jail is...just south of old jail and north of the fire station. There will be a reception at the Ellsworth Senior Citizens Center following the rededication.

Saturday morning the volunteer fire department will host its annual soup lunch at the fire department. After the dedication of the old jail, rides on fire trucks will be offered to young and old alike. You'll need your ear plugs for this as well.

Sunday the cowboys will conduct a church service on the rec center grounds at 9:00 a.m. At 11:00 a.m. the Cowtown Committee will sponsor a soup lunch in the high school commons. Then at 2:00 p.m., Steve Bowman performs in the PAC. Tickets are $5.00.

I'm sure I haven't remembered all the activities. Just be out and about and follow the crowd. You don't want to miss anything that's going on this weekend. It will be a great opportunity to visit with old friends.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 02:11 PM CST [Link]

EHS SCHEDULE CHANGES

Ellsworth High School athletic event schedules have been changed following the death of high school senior, Sara Goddard.

Homecoming ceremonies have been postponed one week to Oct. 17th when the Bearcats play Ellinwood. Sara was a queen candidate.

The volleyball squad was scheduled to play Tuesday at home against Beloit. That has been reset to Monday Oct. 13th. Sara was a member and captain of the Lady Bearcat volleyball team.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 01:40 PM CST [Link]

SARAH GODDARD'S FUNERAL IS THIS MORNING AT 10:00 AT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. THE CHURCH IS SURROUNDED BY CARS WHILE THE SCHOOL PARKING LOT IS VITUALLY EMPTY. IT IS A VERY SAD TIME FOR THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 08:46 AM CST [Link]

Sunday, October 5, 2003

SARA GODDARD

"The president of Fellowship Club, Mildred Hedrick, just called to let us know that due to the death of Sara Goddard, an Ellsworth High School senior, the homecoming football game has been postponed this coming Friday night, October 10th. For that reason the annual pre-homecoming soup supper at Immanuel Lutheran Church has also been postponed until the time that the game is re-scheduled. Please share this information with everyone you possibly can. Keep Johnnie and Karen Goddard and their family in your prayers at this difficult time in their lives.
Thank you.
Don & Sharon Urbanek
Don & Marilyn Dumler
Advertising committee for the soup supper"

Sara Goddard was one of our best and brightest. Words can't describe a loss of this kind. pb

Posted by Peg Britton @ 02:13 PM CST [Link]

Saturday, October 4, 2003

NO APPLE FESTIVAL FOR US

I hate to even begin telling this story, and it’s only a small part of the day. We were rejected! We couldn't get into an apple festival. We drove all the way to Ft. Riley just to be turned away at the gate. How bad or dumb on our part is that, I ask?

I could tell we might be in trouble as we approached the gate at Ft. Riley. The road spikes weren't in our lane of traffic, which was encouraging, but there were multiple concrete barricades with big Xs on the front and car paint on the edges that we had to weave in and around. I suspect if you'd have a beer, you'd never make it.

We got to the gate, guarded by all manner of soldiers, nice and polite ones. Big guys. Big guns. We were told if we wanted to go to the Apple Festival we would need a pass. "A pass for an apple festival?" we asked incredulously.

It sounded like a simple thing. The guard said, "Go straight ahead and turn 'right there'", as he pointed it out to us, "then go back over the road spikes and take a left. Get your pass, and then come back here."

I thought we'd be asked to “print our full names, last name first, first name last and sign our signatures” on some official looking paper, they would write down our license plate number, stare at us a little, and then they’d issue our pass. I don’t know what was going through Linda’s mind. Whatever it was, we weren't even close.

The first thing he wanted was our IDs. I produced my driver’s license right away as, luckily, I had stuck it in my pocket even though I wasn't driving. That was too simple.

Linda fumbled for her ID and before she could produce it, the guard said, "I need your vehicle registration, proof of insurance and personal ID". Then he looked at me and I was waiting for him to ask me to prove I wasn't born on a cold bed of sand or give some explanation why I’d ride in a car that looked as if a dozen goats had just exploded in it.

We stripped that car looking for her vehicle registration. We finally found one for last year and he said that wouldn't do and he should issue us a citation.

"Wait", we both screamed in unison. And we started to tear the car apart again. I started with the headliners and she continued with her purse and glove compartment. She finally produced a receipt for her registration, which was current...and on it, it said she had provided proof of insurance.

Not good enough, he said. Now he’s beginning to view us like we were terrorists…and of course, we couldn’t argue. Anyone could tell that. We continued our search. By this time he suggested Linda call her agent who could verify her insurance. Sure, right... on Saturday we're going to find an insurance agent in his office? If I'd known, Brit and I would have arranged such a signal. How were we to know?

Finally growing impatient, he asked us nicely to "clear the area". We drove down the road a couple of miles by the river which looked liked a good place to get mugged. We started the search all over again. Amidst blue air, we just gave up. I know where those things are in MY car, but we weren't in MY car. “Don’t you have some press credentials”, I asked? “I never need them”, she said, “but I do have a steno pad. Do you think it will work to show him that?” Ha!

We have a friend, Michael Boss, who was speaking about Kansas riverboats at 4:00. Riverboats came up the Smoky as far as Solomon. There is a lot of history associated with them. Michael has painted some very authentic canvasses depicting these journeys. There were other speakers talking about riverboats and we wanted to hear them. Linda was going to get information for a riverboat story, the apples were a sideline. Now, she'll have to get the information some other way.

We’ll never hear the end of this from Mike. There was nothing in the flyer we saw about the festivities that said we’d have to go through all that at the gate. Of course, I will admit, most people have all that at the ready when they drive their car out of the driveway.

When I told Brit he looked at me like that guard did. "Did you think you were just going to waltz into a military fort and pick apples?” he asked. Well...yeah...I did, it was an apple festival with thousands of people showing up for it. How dangerous can apple festival goers be and why did they have it on the Fort in the first place?

On the way home I bought a good, crusty loaf of homemade bread for Brit. He loves it. I put it on the kitchen counter…toward the back. I just got home from the music festival at the high school and there was one little corner of the bread left. Jack ate the whole dang thing. That dog has been taking high jump lessons from my grandsons.

It has been a most unusual day. Not bad, not really good either. Nothing we’d planned happened and all this stuff we didn’t plan did happen. But the weather was near perfect and the scenery was lovely….we always take the back roads and poke around as we go. It’s the very best way to see Kansas.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 10:35 PM CST [Link]

Friday, October 3, 2003

I NEED TO BRUSH UP ON MY MATH SKILLS

The city is in the planning stage of investing a lot of money in several projects....the fire station, two offices at city hall, the new street east of town, 'fixing up' the golf course club house, an extension of Post Rock water, extension of the city shops, airport hangers ....and I'm wondering...where are we going to find almost a million dollars for these projects? Maybe my math skills are deficient. Maybe they think we don't worry about how we'll pay for this. Every other city is broke and I'm wondering why we aren't. It would be nice to have these improvements, but I'm wondering about them and what it will do to our mill levy. Maybe we have enough saved back from previous years to pay for all of this. That seems very unlikely to me.

Here are the projects and their estimated costs:

Remodling of the city clerk and treasurer's offices estimated at $105,000
City shop addition estimated at $100,000
6 additional fire station bays estimated at $95,000
Pro shop improvements at golf course estimated at $105,000
Airport hanger improvements estimated at $50,000
New street (KDOT $1,300,000) our share $300.000
Post Rock extention estimated at $70.000 to $90,000

The City Council approved the go-ahead to get estimates on the above projects. Individually they haven't yet been approved. The one at the top of my list, is at the bottom of the above list...and that would be to do something about the Post Rock water extension. I'd like to see that resolved.

The "old club house" at the golf course does need something done to it. It was in bad shape 20 years ago.

I don't know why we didn't remodel the city offices when we remodled the city building several years ago. I'm sure someone has the answer to that.

I'm sure we're already committed to the $300,000 portion of the street project. That is a bargain for us and will be an improvement we need.

I haven't sat in on discussions about these projects. I don't have answers and I don't even have very good questions. They are having another city council meeting on Monday to revisit these issues.

If you read what was said at the council meeting in last weeks INDY, I think you'll find that Don Panzer moved to scale back these projects and he could not get a second from any of the other members. It makes me wonder.

We haven't heard about mill levy rates from the school district or the county. If we get these up too high, I'm not sure how many people are going to want to move here just based on the fact this is just a nice place to live. People balk at raising taxes ....or so I've noticed. People look at the tax base before they move. We'll see, won't we?

Posted by Peg Britton @ 03:35 PM CST [Link]

REMEMBER THE "MAKE A DIFFERENCE MONTH" AT LA PRAIRIE?

It was in June, I believe, when I suggested that we shop at La Prairie during the month and spend $5.00 on a purchase. It wasn't a lot to ask of anyone as most of us have occasion to need a small gift for someone now and then. And, it did make a difference in her business. It raised her totals enough that she knew exactly how it impacted her business. It meant a lot to her.

Shopping at home does make a difference. We take it for granted that our stores will always be there for our convenience, but sometimes we don't think what it would be like without them. We'd miss them. I'd miss each and every one of them. So...I hope this shows what a purchase here and there means to our local merchants. They appreciate your patronage and we all need to shop at home as much as we possibly can.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 01:18 PM CST [Link]

EHS FOOTBALL TONIGHT AT HILLSBORO, 7:00.

Monday night the junior varsity team will play Hillsboro here at 6:00 p.m. We're getting toward the end of the season of regularly scheduled games. The district, regionals and sub-state games start the first of next month.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 01:08 PM CST [Link]

BUSY DAY TODAY

Blogging may take a back seat to a lot of other things that are going on this weekend, next weekend and in between. I'll just have to see.

Today I have a lot of catching up to do before spending the day at Ft. Riley tomorrow. We'll leave early and get home late. I passed along my invitation to the affair and then it got lost, so the list of events escapes me. I know there will be lots of talk about Kansas river boats, which is one of the main reasons we are going. Mike Boss of Hill City, friend and riverboat artist, will speak at 4:00. And there is an apple fest...and I suppose there will be food all over the place. (Smile!) It should be a lot of fun and ....'exhausticating'! I must remember to take a chair as I'm sure I'll need it.

Today is 'errand day'...lots of small things I've put off need tending to...and household chores. Tonight I"m going to Russell for dinner at a friend's house. She's making a beef roast that includes apricots, prunes, brandy and a bottle of dark beer. It sounds heavenly. I like fruit in almost anything and the beer will round out the flavors of the meat and fruit. I must go find a nice bottle of good wine that goes along with this and take it to her. Then we're going to the Russell community theater. I'm looking forward to a very nice evening with friends.

Sunday will be a day of preparation, too, as I may be gone for a few days next week. I have a friend who has had surgery, actually she got cut off at the knees, and may need my motherly attention to get well. Dontcha know how that is with mothers? I'm leaving early Monday to spend the day with her, and will stay longer if she either wants or needs me to linger. I'm looking forward to spending time with a good friend.

I have a house guest/re-enactor coming on Thursday to participate in Jim Gray's Fall Round Up. The Round Up is something I always look forward to. Seeing the re-enactors in their 1880s clothing, walking the streets of Ellsworth just takes me back to the time when my grandparents and great-grandparents strolled the streets of Ellsworth in similar clothing. It's a good time for memory making.

More later, as time allows.

What are all those survey flags for at the east end of town? They look like we're going to put in a nice, new winding road. I guess I missed notice of that.

P.S. The flags mark an area for a new street that will extend from north of Jeff Holm's business on the highway to the golf course. It does indeed wind. KDOT is doing it, so I heard, and the city is benefitting from that with a minimum amount of cost. Don't quote me on it...I just heard it sideways.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 08:23 AM CST [Link]

Thursday, October 2, 2003

A WEEK FROM TODAY THE TOWN'S GONNA GO WILD WITH ACTIVITY

The first sign of what will follow during the weekend will begin on Thursday the 9th when the wagon train of cowboys and cowgirls arrives in town. Most will come a more modern way on wheels, but a few will arrive on trusty steeds. They'll be heading out to the Cow Camp with their tents and campers, the Ira E. Lloyd and Castle Rock Bed and Breakfasts and the motel. Calamity Jane, or whatever persona she assumes this year, is coming here to stay.

After that, there will be evidence of police officers, fire trucks with screaming sirens loaded with screaming kids, dedications, music, food and more food, fundraisers and programs of all kinds.

Friday there will be events for the grade school students at the Cow Camp. The re-enactors will be there with all their early history paraphernalia. It will be a step back in time and a learning experience for all.

The centerpiece of the weekend will be the rededication and 130th anniversary celebration of the 1873 jail which is owned by the Ellsworth County Historical Society. That event starts at 1:00 on Friday and will offer special recognition of Ellsworth County law enforcement personnel. Re-enactors will be there to lend flavor to the period when the jail was first constructed. There will be a stream of dignitaries and a reception for all following the ceremony at the Senior Center. The jail was placed on the Rigister of Kansas Historic places in May of this year.

There will be an annual soup supper from 11:00 until 1:00 p.m. at the fire department. Truck rides will follow the dedication.

The re-enactors will be at the Cow Camp, in all their regalia, to entertain and educate the school children and others with living history demonstrations on Friday and again on Saturday. There will be a high tea at the Rec Center at 2:00 Saturday and a cowboy ball will be held there that evening.

Sunday will feature a cowboy church service followed by a soup lunch at the H.S. Commons. Musician Steve Bowman will perform a concert at 2:00 at the PAC. Tickets for the concert are $5.00.

It's going to be a great weekend of activities...with a lot of thought, planning and hard work on the part of many to make this weekend possible for the rest of us. Let us support it with our attendance and donations. Events such as these bring visitors to our city and help our economy. Encourage others to attend and be there if you can!

Posted by Peg Britton @ 04:49 PM CST [Link]

COMING EVENTS VIA NICK SLECHTA, CHAMBER DIRECTOR:

Volunteer of the Week: Bev Connally
Extra Mile Award: Citizens State Bank and Trust
Good Neighbor Award: Sharon Lindenmeyer

October 4 – St. Bernards Church is hosting its annual Fall Celebration. Games and other activities begin at 5:00 and operate until 8:00 p.m. Dinner will be served from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. The meal will consist of BBQ pork roast, dressing, cole slaw, baked beans, relish, bun, dessert and drinks. Bingo will follow the dinner at 7:00 p.m.

October 9 – Homecoming for the Ellsworth-Kanopolis-Geneseo football game. Let’s be supportive of these future leaders especially their downtown afternoon activities!

October 9-12 – The Annual Cow Camp is set to receive its visitors as early as Thursday evening to take part in the traditional Cowboy hospitality. Activities too numerous to cover in the update will follow each day across the river. For more information on the entire weekend contact Jim Gray at Drovers Mercantile. 472-4244.

October 11 – The Ellsworth County Historical Society will be hosting the 130th Anniversary and Rededication of the 1873 Ellsworth County Jail. Ceremonies start at 1:00 p.m. followed by a reception at the Senior Citizens Center. Everyone in the community is encouraged to wear “period dress” for that day. (Could be a big hoot for our downtown businesses as well as the many visitors). Be sure to tune in to Kansas Live on Wednesday, 8th, as Pat Bender, Pat Svaty and Jim Gray let the listeners know what is being planned that weekend in wild, wooly Ellsworth.

This weekend is also the Ellsworth Knights of Columbus tootsie roll project. The receipts will go to Mosaic/Bethpage as they have for the last several years. I know you will be generous individually and as a business community.

October 12 – The Cowtown Committee is sponsoring a soup luncheon, Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 1 p.m. A concert featuring Steve Bowman will be held at the PAC at 2:00 p.m. The committee would appreciate any pies that can be donated for this fundraiser for the 2004 Cowtown Festival.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 02:56 PM CST [Link]

HOW TO MANAGE YOUR OWN HEALTH CARE…AND HOW THINGS CAN GO DOWNHILL FAST

This happened to a daughter-in-law of a friend of mine who is a nurse. It didn’t happen here although it did happen in Kansas.

The daughter-in-law became pregnant after two years of trying. There was excitement in the household.

Last Friday she went for her first sonogram and learned there were twins, the second set in the family.

Alas, there were no heart beats and they were half the size they should have been for their gestational age of 16 weeks.

She was advised to get a second opinion.

Last Monday there was a second sonogram which determined that the fetuses were indeed dead. She was scheduled for a routine D and C the next day…Tuesday.

Tuesday, the husband was in the waiting room for what was to be a 20 minute, low-risk procedure. Two and a half hours later, the doctor arrived for the first time to tell him there had been complications’.

The complications that were created during the D and C were: lacerated vaginal wall, punctured uterus, damaged ovary, nicked artery and some how they sucked a portion of the small bowel into the uterus thinking it was a fetal head. They continued to suck.

They finally discovered it was bowel they were sucking out and they were in deep trouble at this point.

They called in a surgeon who removed her ovary, resected her bowl, and closed all the holes they had punctured in her vaginal wall and sutured the nick in the artery.

This procedure occurred in a free-standing surgical facility (NOT in Salina or our immediate area). The original doctor told the husband not to inform his wife, but that he would tell her. It was six hours before he bothered to let her know what had happened…during which time, she anguished. She was very upset.

Now, because of this, she will have to have a C-section should she get pregnant again, which is more expensive and more dangerous.

She remains in the hospital.

I guess the moral to this story is to check very carefully who you let do your simple procedures as there are none in medicine. Everything has its risks…but this is outrageous.

A lawsuit is pending.

Now we know why malpractice insurance costs are so high.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 02:23 PM CST [Link]

BAND DAY IS SATURDAY...THERE WILL BE A PARADE OF BANDS DOWNTOWN AND MUSIC GALORE ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD. ATTEND IF YOU ARE ABLE...IT WILL BE FUN.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 01:53 PM CST [Link]

THE BEAT GOES ON...

The drum section is out there again this morning, sounding better than before. They will be impressive at the next home game which will be Belleville on the 10th. It's homecoming so expect some very good marching music that night along with the other festivities.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 09:05 AM CST [Link]

OBSERVATIONS ON THE WAY TO SALINA

As we pass the fields west of Brookville, Brit says, "Look, the wheat is already coming up."

"It isn't wheat, it's tritacale."

"It's wheat."

"No it isn't. It's not wheat. It resembles wheat but it's tritacale. Marvin Schneider said so. Remember? They put cattle in it in the spring and all you see is their spine."

"Whatever!"

"We go through this every year!"

The blue sewer pipe is neatly stacked in that "vacant lot" by the highway in Brookville. It appears they are going to get that sewer afterall.

What is that little shed they have erected by the side of the road just west of Augustine's? Usually there are a couple of cars parked there, but I never see anyone. Suppose that's just the lid of a tunnel that goes to NORAD or China or some place like that? Beats me what it is. Maybe Marvin Schneider knows. Help!

Posted by Peg Britton @ 09:00 AM CST [Link]

FAMILY GATHERING

Martinelli's was Tyler's choice for his 15th birthday dinner last night. As usual, he was starved. That's where you go if you love pasta and are starved.

He thought he could get around the large order of shrimp and pasta, but after eating two loaves of bread dipped in olive oil and vinegar before his pasta arrived, he was hard-pressed to eat half of it. I know what he's having for dinner tonight. The full portions of anything are made for a family of twelve. I got a 1/4 order of chopped salad as a meal and it was too much.

The waitress, upon learning Rod and Tyler shared the same birth date, incredulously, asked if they were twins. Tyler grinned. At 27, Rod now anticipates getting carded. She said she was a twin, but you could see the shades lowering over the other concept.

My favorite granddaughter, the java princess, couldn't be there, and we called to remind her of that. She and her dad are going to Austin for the game Saturday...Texas and K-State. Rod is going with a group of his friends. The rest of the family will watch it on TV....except me. I'll be at Ft. Riley attending the festivities there.

Today would be a good day to spend at the zoo. I may do that.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 08:36 AM CST [Link]

Wednesday, October 1, 2003

ROMAN ARRANGEMENTS...ARE THEY SIMILAR TO OUR OWN?

This may be interesting for you to post on your blog. Be sure to read the whole thing though, and not just the quote...it may be confusing if you don't read my little analysis at the end. Jesse Mannine

A quote from a liberated nation about the nation that freed them:

"There was a nation in the world, which, at its own expense, with its own labor, and at its own risk, waged wars for the liberty of others. And this was performed, not merely for continguous states, or near neighbors, or for countries that made parts of the same continent; but they even crossed the seas for the purpose, that no unlawful power should subsist on the face of the whole earth; but that justice, right, and law should every where have sovereign sway"

This is supposedly what the newly liberated Iraqi people are saying about the United States. But this passage is actually over 2000 years old, being written by Titus Livius Livy about the Greek cities and their Roman liberators in the Second Macedonian War in 197 BC. Titus Quinctius Flamininus was a Roman consul at the time and in command of the army that defeated Phillip V at Cynoscephalae, and soon after his victory, he attended the Isthmian games at Corinth and proclaimed Greek freedom.

Though the Greeks were initially awestruck and incredibly joyous, they soon began to resent the extensive Roman involvement in their local affairs. The Romans insisted that Greek freedom depended on the maintenance of peace through Roman arrangements. In time, Greece came under the total domination of the Roman Republic and then the Empire.This is an interesting historical parallel to our own government and military's involvement in Iraq. Because of Middle-Eastern countries' constant clashes of interest (much like the Greek city states of the 2nd Century BC), it's interesting to wonder whether the US Government will eventually adopt the same policy of the ancient Romans.

Posted by Peg Britton @ 03:18 PM CST [Link]