In the space of a few hours this afternoon, I managed to have two peculiar conversations with strangers.
At the jammed coffee shop, a minister (judging from his clothes) was making small talk with the barista. When she said all she wanted was for her electric power to come back on at home, he quoted the old Melanie song, "I got a brand-new pair of roller skates, you got a brand-new key."
"Oh my gosh," I said. "Remember that song?"
Pleased, he said he often quotes that lyric when he wants to make a metaphorical point. What exactly that point would be, I wasn't sure. Perhaps his parishioners have figured it out.
An hour later, in another line, I was chatting with a wiry, middle-aged guy, and he told me he plans to escape the wintry weather by going to New Orleans for his birthday, Feb. 14.
I asked him if it's ever been a problem having his birthday fall on Valentine's Day.
He thought for a moment. No, he said -- but then again he never considers a birthday properly commemorated unless the celebration goes on for longer than one day.
"Rock and roll, baby," he said with a grin. "Keeps you young."
I'm assuming he meant more than staying up past midnight to watch the Mushroom Drop on New Year's Eve.
Friday, February 7, 2014
Saki story
As I lay in bed Wednesday during the ice storm listening to the cracking of branches, I was reminded of the short story by H. H. Munro (better known as Saki) called "The Wolves of Cernogratz." The Baron and Baroness Gruebel have purchased the old Cernogratz castle in Germany, and during a Christmas dinner party a guest asks if there are any legends that came with the castle. The Baroness says there's a story that whenever anyone dies there, "all the dogs in the village and the wild beasts in the forest howl the night long."
The Baroness is quickly corrected by Amalie, the normally silent and self-effacing old governess, who reveals that she is actually a member of the now-impoverished Cernogratz family. She explains that the wolves and dogs howl only when a member of the Cernogratz family dies, not just anyone, and "as the soul of the dying one left its body a tree would crash down in the park."
The "well-fed, much too-well-dressed" Baroness doesn't believe her story about being a family member and certainly doesn't take kindly to being corrected by an underling. She vows to let the governess go after the busy holiday season, but much to her annoyance Amalie falls critically ill shortly after Christmas.
The wolves gather: "The cry of the wolves rose on the still winter air and floated round the castle walls in long-drawn piercing wails; the old woman lay back on her couch with a look of long-delayed happiness on her face."
Then "a noise of splitting and crashing was heard" as a tree fell in the park.
The Baroness hastily agrees with the prevailing wisdom that it was just the cold that caused the wolves to come out and the tree to crash down, but nonetheless writes in the old woman's obit:
"At Schloss Cernogratz, Amalie von Cernogratz, for many years the valued friend of Baron and Baroness Gruebel."
The Baroness is quickly corrected by Amalie, the normally silent and self-effacing old governess, who reveals that she is actually a member of the now-impoverished Cernogratz family. She explains that the wolves and dogs howl only when a member of the Cernogratz family dies, not just anyone, and "as the soul of the dying one left its body a tree would crash down in the park."
The "well-fed, much too-well-dressed" Baroness doesn't believe her story about being a family member and certainly doesn't take kindly to being corrected by an underling. She vows to let the governess go after the busy holiday season, but much to her annoyance Amalie falls critically ill shortly after Christmas.
The wolves gather: "The cry of the wolves rose on the still winter air and floated round the castle walls in long-drawn piercing wails; the old woman lay back on her couch with a look of long-delayed happiness on her face."
Then "a noise of splitting and crashing was heard" as a tree fell in the park.
The Baroness hastily agrees with the prevailing wisdom that it was just the cold that caused the wolves to come out and the tree to crash down, but nonetheless writes in the old woman's obit:
"At Schloss Cernogratz, Amalie von Cernogratz, for many years the valued friend of Baron and Baroness Gruebel."
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Two wheels
The cold temperatures inhibit all but the hardiest (some would chose other adjectives) bicyclists from going out on the road. On Sunday we had just finished breakfast at Hood's and were off to run errands when I saw a lean bicyclist, wearing non-flashy togs, ahead of us on Route 82 near the elementary school.
"Hey, maybe that's my brother," I commented idly.
Sure enough, it was! Almost every square inch of him was covered, but I saw enough of his face to recognize him (after all, I've known him all his life).
I smiled and waved and got a smile and nod in return.
He later said he always keeps an eye out for my vehicle whenever he is on one of his long, hard-core weekend rides.
"Hey, maybe that's my brother," I commented idly.
Sure enough, it was! Almost every square inch of him was covered, but I saw enough of his face to recognize him (after all, I've known him all his life).
I smiled and waved and got a smile and nod in return.
He later said he always keeps an eye out for my vehicle whenever he is on one of his long, hard-core weekend rides.
Well done, CVS
CVS drugstores have earned themselves a new customer: me. The company announced that by October 1 they will no longer be selling cigarettes at their stores.
Many of you know that nine years ago I lost a beloved friend, a 52-year-old man, to smoking-related lung cancer. Just maybe CVS' gutsy move will dissuade somebody from taking up this addiction -- for an addiction is exactly what it is.
A high-school friend put it well:
"CVS is really to be commended. I am not so fragile that I will smoke again, but a kid or someone who recently quit will reap great rewards from this decision. I smoked heavily for 30 years (because I was stupid). I quit cold turkey 8 years ago. A few weeks ago I was in a CVS waiting in line and I was mesmerized by the panorama of colorful cigarette packs with great logos and deals for buying multiple packs.I instantly spotted "my" brand.
Just standing there daydreaming, in the briefest moment, I was inhaling the best cigarette ever. The Nicotine hit beat any drug I ever tried. The exhale was crystalline. Ahhhhh!
Nobody hates cigarettes more than an ex-smoker."
My friend owns a catering company: "The food and beverage industry harbors tons of smokers. We work intensely to prepare and serve 1 great meal, take a moment,smoke one, and begin the process again. The adrenaline rush is fantastic but the need to repeat the rush is a terrible health problem. My staff has every corporate incentive to quit, so far, I have -0- takers."
Many of you know that nine years ago I lost a beloved friend, a 52-year-old man, to smoking-related lung cancer. Just maybe CVS' gutsy move will dissuade somebody from taking up this addiction -- for an addiction is exactly what it is.
A high-school friend put it well:
"CVS is really to be commended. I am not so fragile that I will smoke again, but a kid or someone who recently quit will reap great rewards from this decision. I smoked heavily for 30 years (because I was stupid). I quit cold turkey 8 years ago. A few weeks ago I was in a CVS waiting in line and I was mesmerized by the panorama of colorful cigarette packs with great logos and deals for buying multiple packs.I instantly spotted "my" brand.
Just standing there daydreaming, in the briefest moment, I was inhaling the best cigarette ever. The Nicotine hit beat any drug I ever tried. The exhale was crystalline. Ahhhhh!
Nobody hates cigarettes more than an ex-smoker."
My friend owns a catering company: "The food and beverage industry harbors tons of smokers. We work intensely to prepare and serve 1 great meal, take a moment,smoke one, and begin the process again. The adrenaline rush is fantastic but the need to repeat the rush is a terrible health problem. My staff has every corporate incentive to quit, so far, I have -0- takers."
Powerless
Scenes from the power outage:
1. A friend who shares his home with five dogs reports that his fridge is defrosting, leaving a puddle of water on the kitchen floor. A cheerful soul, he is looking on the bright side: "Hey, at least there's a puddle that has nothing to do with the dogs for once."
2. A relative spending the winter in warmer climates called Wednesday evening to report that a few sprinkles of rain fell on her outdoor water aerobics class, but the ladies carried on nonetheless.
3. I feel awful for the small business owners who were forced to shut due to the power outage. Not only were many restaurants, hair salons and such hit hard, but a friend who fixes appliances was also affected less directly. Most of his customers called to cancel their appointments: no point in him going out to diagnose a dishwasher or fridge if there's no power at the client's home.
4. Neighborly folks who are back on the grid have taken to social media to help those still out of power, offering showers, Internet access, phone charging, heat and light. "We have electric and lots of fridge and freezer space. We also have 2 open beds, a pull out couch, showers, washer/dryer, food, etc, etc, etc... Consider yourselves INVITED!" said one especially hospitable friend. Patrons seeking juice at the Bayard Taylor Library were filling up every available power strip the library could lay its hands on. I was impressed that the Y's opened their doors to all comers, members or not, who needed a warm place and a shower.
5. Coffee took first priority for many people, and the fact that so many Starbucks and Wawas were closed hit them hard. I heard stories of camping stoves and percolators being pulled out of basement storage and pressed into service. One friend who grinds his own said he was prepared to smash the beans with a hammer if needed.
1. A friend who shares his home with five dogs reports that his fridge is defrosting, leaving a puddle of water on the kitchen floor. A cheerful soul, he is looking on the bright side: "Hey, at least there's a puddle that has nothing to do with the dogs for once."
2. A relative spending the winter in warmer climates called Wednesday evening to report that a few sprinkles of rain fell on her outdoor water aerobics class, but the ladies carried on nonetheless.
3. I feel awful for the small business owners who were forced to shut due to the power outage. Not only were many restaurants, hair salons and such hit hard, but a friend who fixes appliances was also affected less directly. Most of his customers called to cancel their appointments: no point in him going out to diagnose a dishwasher or fridge if there's no power at the client's home.
4. Neighborly folks who are back on the grid have taken to social media to help those still out of power, offering showers, Internet access, phone charging, heat and light. "We have electric and lots of fridge and freezer space. We also have 2 open beds, a pull out couch, showers, washer/dryer, food, etc, etc, etc... Consider yourselves INVITED!" said one especially hospitable friend. Patrons seeking juice at the Bayard Taylor Library were filling up every available power strip the library could lay its hands on. I was impressed that the Y's opened their doors to all comers, members or not, who needed a warm place and a shower.
5. Coffee took first priority for many people, and the fact that so many Starbucks and Wawas were closed hit them hard. I heard stories of camping stoves and percolators being pulled out of basement storage and pressed into service. One friend who grinds his own said he was prepared to smash the beans with a hammer if needed.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Understatement
"Everybody's been busy" was how West Marlborough Supervisor Hugh Lofting described the work of the township road crew in his report at the monthly township meeting on Feb. 4.
He is a master of understatement: with January's harsh winter, the five workers put in 352.5 hours plowing and salting roads and 268.5 hours getting their trucks, graders and other equipment ready and then cleaning it up.
Much of the township meeting was taken up by stories about the adventures the road crew faced during the storms: accidents, detours, late nights, long hours and emergency calls from residents for services big and small.
"I thought you guys were terrific," said Supervisor Bill Wylie. "Thank you very much."
The township supervisors said they are considering replacing one well-used 1993 dump truck with a newer model that West Goshen Township is selling. Road crew chief Hugh Lofting Jr. said the old truck, which has more than 100,000 miles on it, is becoming increasingly less likely to pass inspection.
The township planning commission, which normally meets just before the supervisors do, did not have a February meeting because they had no business to conduct.
He is a master of understatement: with January's harsh winter, the five workers put in 352.5 hours plowing and salting roads and 268.5 hours getting their trucks, graders and other equipment ready and then cleaning it up.
Much of the township meeting was taken up by stories about the adventures the road crew faced during the storms: accidents, detours, late nights, long hours and emergency calls from residents for services big and small.
"I thought you guys were terrific," said Supervisor Bill Wylie. "Thank you very much."
The township supervisors said they are considering replacing one well-used 1993 dump truck with a newer model that West Goshen Township is selling. Road crew chief Hugh Lofting Jr. said the old truck, which has more than 100,000 miles on it, is becoming increasingly less likely to pass inspection.
The township planning commission, which normally meets just before the supervisors do, did not have a February meeting because they had no business to conduct.
Small town, big money
An early-20th-century postcard of Doe Run Village here in West Marlborough showed up on eBay last week and ended up selling for $125! I got out when the bidding went over $45. It's a charming card ("neat old rural view," read the eBay seller's description): it shows two men walking along Route 82 (then a dirt road). Some of the buildings shown are still there today.
I'm told the image comes up occasionally on eBay; let's hope I don't get into the middle of such a fierce bidding war next time!
I'm told the image comes up occasionally on eBay; let's hope I don't get into the middle of such a fierce bidding war next time!
Goodbye Tim
Yesterday I heard about the death of Tim Malloy, a jovial, well-loved, well-dressed fellow from Bryn Mawr who was a popular fixture at tailgate parties at all the polo matches and point-to-point races in our area. He died just a few weeks after his mother did, and he will be missed by his sons, his family, and his many friends. "Heartbroken" is the word I'm hearing frequently.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Honorable
Last week I reported that a friend of mine bought a $100 gift card for The Orchard restaurant as a Christmas present for her son; unfortunately, the place went out of business on Jan. 1, and she wondered how to go about securing a refund. I'm happy to tell you that she phoned this morning and told me she had received a full refund.
Another snow day
I liked the message that superintendent John Sanville posted on the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District's website for Monday, Feb. 3:
"Even though this is our fifth snow day of the year we evaluate conditions as if it is the first storm of the season -- safety comes first -- and today based on the forecast we didn't feel that we could safely transport students or have our campuses ready. The last day of school is now June 13.... I encourage our students to not be afraid to pick up a book today!"
Hear hear! Reading while snowbound: it doesn't get much cozier than that. Though it looks like this heavy snow will be especially good for the manufacture of snowpeople.
"Even though this is our fifth snow day of the year we evaluate conditions as if it is the first storm of the season -- safety comes first -- and today based on the forecast we didn't feel that we could safely transport students or have our campuses ready. The last day of school is now June 13.... I encourage our students to not be afraid to pick up a book today!"
Hear hear! Reading while snowbound: it doesn't get much cozier than that. Though it looks like this heavy snow will be especially good for the manufacture of snowpeople.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Impact
You often read in my column about vehicle crashes at the London Grove intersection; in fact, two signs were recently installed at the township's request in an attempt to regulate traffic at the offset crossroads. On Thursday evening I was coming home and saw a vehicle that had only moments before been in an accident. The driver had been eastbound on Route 926 until he wasn't anymore: he didn't stop for the stop sign and smashed into the road bank on the east side of Newark Road. Another motorist had already stopped, and it didn't look like anyone was hurt.
I drove by the impact site on Sunday and there were still signs of the accident: bare earth and bits of front end, glass, and bumpers scattered about. One of the small trees had a pretty big gash in it.
I drove by the impact site on Sunday and there were still signs of the accident: bare earth and bits of front end, glass, and bumpers scattered about. One of the small trees had a pretty big gash in it.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Slow learners
This Saturday evening we went to a performance by two folksingers we've seen and enjoyed before. It's a casual venue -- more like a house concert -- and the two always encourage the audience to sing along with their old favorites. One of the fellows announced that they'd be trying out a new song, and repeated the lengthy chorus in hopes we would join in.
The second member of the duo shot him an incredulous look and said: "Ain't nobody gonna remember that!"
We managed to get through the first few lines. Maybe we'll improve next time.
The second member of the duo shot him an incredulous look and said: "Ain't nobody gonna remember that!"
We managed to get through the first few lines. Maybe we'll improve next time.
Only just begun
On the front porch of a home in downtown West Grove is a big blue banner proclaiming to passersby that a certain happy couple became engaged in December: "Two hearts, one love," it adds, in red letters. I'm eager to see what they do when the wedding rolls around: more than just a standard announcement in the newspaper, I'll bet!
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