If you’re a pro football fan I hope you enjoyed watching the Super Bowl and perhaps even your favorite team came out on top. We’re not fans, but do appreciate the additional business and revenue generated by the event – especially the snack foods, pizza and wings. And then they’re those commercials. I heard it cost 4.5 million dollars for a 30-second slot. Seriously? I hope it was worth it to them. I saw a cute TV ad recently that reminded me of my mom, Lucille Shoemaker. It was a cow and a dunking tank and when the participants tried to win a free burger and ended up in the water themselves, the cow came out announcing to “EAT MORE CHICKEN”. Funny. Mom had a figurine of a chicken on her kitchen table with a sign hanging on its neck that read “EAT MORE BEEF”. Anyway, it did make me chuckle and remind me of her. I miss her very much and it’s hard to believe she’s been gone nine years as she passed away January 25, 2006.
Last Wednesday Ron and I (and Palin, of course) made a trip to Quakertown area to pick up a car for a friend of his. It was minus 2 when we got up and only 6 above when we headed out, but it was very bright and sunny. We talked about how long it had been since we’d been this way – over the Pocono Mt. area – and it’s been forever since we had to hop on the PA Turnpike. The Pike was in horrid condition and it cost us $8.50 to go a bumpy 30 miles. The scenery was nice – they had a little more snow than we had. When we got to the “CoPart” place to pick up the car we could not believe how busy the place was. When he took the paperwork into the office, he was shocked to learn that the gal at the desk knew where we were from when he said “Troy-Alba-Canton” area, as she knew a person that we also knew quite well she deals with in another type of work, from the Canton area. Small world. We waited 2 hours for our car, all the while watching car haulers coming in with “wrecks” and haulers, low-boys and tow dollies rolling out. There were at least 4 Caterpillar fork trucks constantly zipping in and out the “junk yard” area with vehicles headed out to parts unknown.
Ron and I have been married over 33 years and have always enjoyed ba-zillions of hours talking and visiting and you would think we had heard about every topic there ever was. However, Ron is always giving me an education when we travel, telling me about factories, warehouses and places of business, turning the trip into a very interesting time of “schooling”. This trip was no exception. As we came upon a “Great Dane” trailer he told me they were made in Cortland New York and were known at one time as one of the best made trailers on the road. Also, Brockway tractor/trucks were made there as well and that they were bought out of business by Mack Truck. It seems we have many conversations regarding the economy, based on what’s on the road, and what’s in the news as to what stores are expanding, what are closing etc. We feel this area we live in is still a very economically depressed area, with everyone just doing their best to hang on, pay their utilities, buy groceries, buy their medications, and, hold on until spring. Needless to say, it’s very difficult and very depressing at times.
Once again there were certainly more “concerns” than “joys” to talk about at last Sunday’s worship service. There are much flu’s and cold-like sicknesses, plus serious conditions being treated, upcoming MRI’s and biopsies, and folks awaiting results from these tests as well. Prayers are needed desperately.
On February 9, 1870, the U.S. Weather Bureau was established. It was renamed the National Weather Service in 1970. On February 10, 1763, the Treaty of Paris was signed, ending the Seven Years’ War. Most French territory in North American was ceded to Britain. February 11th is known as “National Inventors Day”, on the birth anniversary of inventor Thomas Edison (1847-1931). February 12th, 1809, marks the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, 16th, and probably one of the best known and liked, president of the United States (1861-1865).
Quote by Abraham Lincoln: “As a peacemaker the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough”.
Food for thought: When confronted with a Goliath-sized problem, which way do you respond: “He’s too big to hit,” or like David, “he’s too big to miss”?