Seasons & Generations You Gotta Love Basements TV Commercials-Facts & Funny

Seasons & Generations
North Twin Cities Edition • November, 2014
You Gotta
Gotta Love
Love Basements
Basements
You
A Quarantine
Quarantine Story
Story from
from 1936
1936
A
TV Commercials-Facts
Commercials-Facts &
& Funny
Funny
TV
Photo by James Netz Photography
tbd
• FREE EDITION •
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from the PUBLISHER
IN THIS ISSUE
Publisher’s Page - pg. 3
You Gotta Love Basements - pg. 8
Days of November - pg. 9
Moving Daze - pg. 10
Cooking with Bacon - pg. 11
SNICKERS theme, Family - pg. 12
A Time to be Thankful - pg. 13
TV Commercials - pg. 14
Take a BREAK - pg. 16
OUR ADVERTISERS
Adagio Assisted Living
Active Hearing & Audiology
Dobo’s Bakery & Cafe
Elk River Golf
Foot Solutions
Forever Young Hair Salon
Holiday Inn Express
Log Cabin Homes, LLC
Minnesota Vietnam Vets/Honor Flight
Pullman Place
R&J Tours
Stoney River
Whispering Pines
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included on our website. But, we always
welcome an old-fashioned phone call.
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It’s been said that two things ‘go bad’ in three days, house guests and fish.
We recently had an eleven-day house guest and it didn’t ‘go bad’. And I couldn’t
be happier because it was my foster daughter, who I only was able to locate three
years ago, and hadn’t seen in over 15 years.
She and her twin sister had a rough start in life, but they were eventually adopted
by their mom several years ago. Mom did a good job as my foster daughter, Jill,
turned out nicely. She is smart, she is pretty, she has a positive attitude about life,
and she is wonderful with animals.
Although I only raised her for three years, I like to believe I
helped in bringing her out of her scared shell, along with
the help of our animals.
Beyond anything the books and the training to be a foster
parent taught me about abused and neglected children, the
animals on our ranch were the real initial nurturers...because
she trusted them more than us humans.
Sometime in 1997
She learned to play with the five dogs we had. She
would chase the chickens from the coop. She would help
bottle-feed the baby cows. But, she really learned to
spread her wings when she learned to ride horse.
The Disney movie Pocahontas was the big hit on VHS tapes
at the time, and she watched it over and over. Not only did
she memorize most of the dialog, she would sing along with
the Indian girl....the Indian girl who bravely road a horse.
October, 2014
She fell a few times, but she kept getting back on that horse,
so proudly, with her cowgirl shirt and matching cowgirl boots.
Once she took a head-over-heal tumble off the 4-wheeler. We drove her up to the
house, all scraped and scratched, and scared. But she never cried, because she
wanted to be brave, like Pocahontas.
I’d like to believe that little girl learned some good things from me. But, I think I
learned a lot from her in overcoming obstacles, and staying strong, and getting
back on that horse...and spreading our wings!
It was good to have her back home again, even if for only eleven days.
I Encourage You to Share an Article for Publication
Inspirational Family Stories From and For All Ages
Seasonal Minnesota Events / Lifestyle
Senior’s & Baby Boomer’s Childhood Memories
Laure J. Rauch, Publisher • Rauch & Sister Varied Publications - RSVP
11535 Jonquil Street NW • Coon Rapids • MN • 55433
phone: 612.804.3160 • email: [email protected]
www.SeasonsAndGenerations.com
www.SeasonsAndGenerations.com • (612) 804-3160 • Minneapolis, MN 3
Are we CREATURES of habit?
In 1974, Dale Irby, a P.E. teacher from Richardson, Texas,
discovered he had worn the same outfit in his yearbook photo
two years in a row.
Appearance plays an important role when voting during
elections. Maturity and physical attractiveness of politicians is unconsciously important to voters.
His wife Cathy
dared him to do it
for a third year, and
40 years later he
was still wearing
the same outfit.
Here is a partial
compilation of his
yearbook photos from 1973–2013.
About one-third of adults are devoted breakfast-eaters
who never skip it.
If two people live together for a long time, they start to
look like each other. They grow to look alike partly because of nutrition – shared diets and eating habits – but
much of the effect is simple imitation of facial expressions. Couples who end up looking alike also tend to be
happier!
Women generally apply mascara with an open mouth
and, if we ever attempt to shut it up, we always mess up
and get that mascara stain.
Caregivers
Give yourself a break. Let
your loved one become part of our
family for a day, a week or more.
Respite Care
Evenings • Weekends • Holidays
No Minimum Stay Required
Private pay and accepting long-term
Whispering Pines Assisted Living, Inc.
763.712.8363
www.WPAssistedLiving.com
• 7 locations in Anoka & Andover •
4 www.SeasonsAndGenerations.com • (612) 804-3160 • Minneapolis, MN
Writers and teachers are known for their positions
about punctuation and parts of speech—ever heard two
grammar Nazis get into a heated argument about the
Oxford comma?
Stephen King on writing: A Memoir of the Craft, King
says, “I believe the road to hell is paved by adverbs, and
I will shout it from the rooftops.” King makes a solid case
(that you’ll appreciate if you’re a lexophile) for powerful
writing that’s completely devoid of adverbs.
Adverbs, claims King, rob details and specificity from
the rest of the sentence. “Adverbs were created with the
timid writer in mind,” he says. King is also among the
most prolific contemporary writers whose works regularly
hit the New York Times Best Seller list.
About our cover PHOTO
James Netz has graced
our cover several times
with charming
and impressive wildlife
photos including; ducks,
loons, turkeys and wolves.
I was thinking to myself, “Geez, he’s
lucky.” And ironically the next words
spoken by Jim were “When shooting
wildlife, it’s 50/50 skill and luck.”
I asked Jim about the challenge in
capturing this handsome fox - and I was
surprised by his answer.
Of course, having a quality camera and
a variety of lenses...and patience are
key factors in capturing a great photo.
He explained what happened while
heading to the North Shore for a different project. During a brief stop, he spotted this fox trotting across a parking lot.
In addition to wildlife photography,
James provides other exceptional servises for weddings, graduations, family,
children, pet and commercial portraits.
He quickly changed all his camera
equipment while sitting in the car.
In addition to still shots, he also offers
videography.
Enjoy a few minutes of entertainment
by viewing Jame’s photo gallery on
his website:
www.JamesNetz.com
Fortunately the unmowed grass that
surrounded the lot provided a perfect,
natural-looking back drop for the shot.
James has studios in the Twin Cities
and Hayward, Wisconsin where his wildlife and landscape work is showcased.
You can reach James directly:
phone: 612.508.0940
Email: [email protected]
“You need to know your game, and you
need to know their habbits. And then
you need to put yourself out there.”
We make
feet
happy!
Your Community Club
Spend $30 at lunch
or dinner
Get $10.00 OFF
Restaurant only. Does not include
tax or tip. Limit 1. Expires 11.30.14
18 Holes of Golf
Includes Cart
After 1:00 on weekends
$27.75
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763.441.4111
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www.SeasonsAndGenerations.com • (612) 804-3160 • Minneapolis, MN 5
VOLUNTEER for the MN DNR
Consider becoming a Certified Volunteer
Safety Instructor in Firearms,
Bowhunter Education, Snowmobile,
ATV, or Wildlife Species!
Pass on a love for your sport by teaching youth and adults the
ethics and safety you would expect from those you meet in the
field. During the instructor training, applicants will learn about
policy and procedures, teaching concepts, use of training aids
and youth classroom training techniques.
Safety Instructor, the process begins online: Get started now!
And check out upcoming safety instructor courses.
November 18, 2014, Forest Lake, Anoka County
Snowmobile Safety Instructor Training Class
December 16, 2014, Forest Lake, Anoka County
Hunter Education Firearms Safety Instructor Training Class
January 15, 2015, Princeton, Mille Lacs County
Hunter Education Firearms Safety Instructor Training Class
Check current certified volunteer instructor classes or sign up
for our instructor e-mail list to receive notification of any additional instructor training sessions.
All new instructor applicants and instructors seeking recertification must meet the requirements of being at least 18 years
old and passing a Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA)
background check. All applicants for any of the DNR safety
programs must also complete the forms online and attend a
volunteer instructor training course. There is no fee to attend.
If you are interested in becoming a DNR Certified Volunteer
Always,
Lots of Love!
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Contact information
(651) 296-6157, toll-free (888) 646-6367
Email: [email protected]
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Tubing or parts replacement not
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$500 off
Any set of advanced
hearing aid technology
Not to be combined with any other
offers, discounts or promotions.
Expires December 15, 2014
Better Hearing for Active Living
2680 Snelling Ave
Suite #265
Roseville
651.600.3245
www.ActiveHearing.net
6 www.SeasonsAndGenerations.com • (612) 804-3160 • Minneapolis, MN
In SUPPORT of ourVETERANS
In May of 2004, our nation completed the construction of the
World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. to commemorate
the sacrifices of the “Greatest Generation.” Sadly, because
of their age, financial constraints or health concerns many
of these veterans may not have an opportunity to see their
monument.
Honor Flight Twin Cities, a program within the MN Vietnam
Veterans Charity, offers free flights to World War II Veterans to
see the monuments dedicated to them.
Since inception in May 2005 over 125,000 Veterans from
across the United States have been safely transported as
guests of Honor Flight. The 501c (3) Non-Profit Minnesota
Vietnam Veterans Charity has sponsored these events.
The 13th and 14th Honor Flights for Minnesota and Western
Wisconsin for World War II Veterans is scheduled for Saturday
April 11th and May 16th. WWII Veterans living within a 70-mile
radius of the Minneapolis/St Paul Airport may request an application for Honor Flight.
The Veterans and Guardians on these ONE-DAY Excursions
leave the airport at 6:00 AM and return at 10:20 PM. A Homecoming Party will be waiting for them when they return.
Funds are needed to pay for the charter aircraft, tour bus, hats,
tee-shirts, Honor Flight Pins, meals, a biography book, video
and photos of the Veterans and Guardians during the flight.
Services are provided FREE of charge to WWII Veterans.
They have paid enough for
their services to America. 85
trained Guardians will personally escort the 77 Veterans on
the aircraft and accompany
them throughout the day. The
VA provides 66 Wheelchairs
for the Veterans who have
mobility issues. Guardians donate a $500 Tax Deductible
contribution for the trip.
Room is available for more WWII Veterans for the May 16th
Honor Flight. We intend to have our final WWII Veterans Honor
Flight in April 2016. To get on the waiting list for any future
flights, copy an application from our website and MAIL it to us.
Please contact Jerry Kyser with Honor Flight Twin Cities at:
651-481-8835. 2674 Mackubin Street, Roseville, MN 55113
Websites are www.HonorFlightTwinCities.org and
www.VeteranscarDonations.com. Phone: 937-521-2400
An Attitude of Graditude Brings Opportunity!
Deb Rivard offers 44 years experience and
specializes in consultations
to find the best hair style and color
for your face shape and skin tone.
Deb’s the hairdresser
you’ve been looking for!
She listens with her ears,
not her shears!
SENIOR SPECIAL
PERM &
HAIRCUT
$60
65 years +
With Deb only.
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FALL SPECIAL
$57
24 Hour Care.
Welcome Home!
• Private Rooms & Baths
• Nutritious Meals
• Daily Activities
• Health Evaluations
Please call to schedule a private tour.
Weekly Sets • Wig Cleaning, Styling, Trimming & Reconditioning
763.757.5289
2847 Northdale Blvd. • Coon Rapids
Northdale @ 115th • Next to Kid’s Kuts
www.SeasonsAndGenerations.com • (612) 804-3160 • Minneapolis, MN 7
You GOTTA love BASEMENTS
If you grew up in
the Midwest, you probably
had a basement.
The hide-a-bed down there made the
family sleepover possible. Not to mention when the tornado sirens blew and
we stayed there to ride out the storm.
Basements came in all shapes and
sizes and conditions, some completely
finished with pool table and mini bar,
others with long unused coal rooms, dirt
floors and cellar doors on the outside.
It is where the kids were relegated for
sleeping when we had company. As kids
we slept wherever, mostly on the floor.
Adults got beds. People don’t do that
much anymore. Everyone has a guest
bed or those blow up things. Really
though, kids should sleep on the floor.
It makes you appreciate your own bed
after the family from another state have
been visiting for a week.
Mostly they were finished enough for
teen-agers to hang out in, laundry to be
done, those forgotten Legos and Christmas decorations to be stored in.
Not enough to
host a dinner party,
but perfect for a haunted
house, and the kid’s table
at Thanksgiving.
In the summer it was luxurious down
there. Cool and dark, perfect for wasting
time away in the heat of the day, watching some old movie or reruns that were
on, and pretending that we didn’t have
garden weeding and lawn mowing to do.
We had one TV. It was a 20-inch black
and white. In the summer it lived in the
basement. You could also count on
“State Fair” being on public television
late at night when it was still 80 degrees
outside and the basement family slumber party was on!
Never mind we were scared to go up the
stairs in the dark but there was no bathroom down there. The stairs were open
backed. So in our imaginations if the
giant Ant monster from Scooby-Doo
didn’t get you, some crazy old hermit
with wild grey hair would reach his hand
out and grab your ankle on the way up.
We always ran, sounding like cattle
coming into the barn at milking time.
In the fall it was still tolerable down there
You might need a sweater, but if you
wanted to watch TV well…
Once winter was here to
stay, the poor basement
was abandoned except for
washing clothes.
The TV moved upstairs. And the annual
trip to unearth the Christmas decorations was the highlight of the season.
Then came spring! That’s when things
got exciting again in the basement! As
the snow melted and the rain started,
the transformation began. Plug in the
de-humidifier. Roll up the carpet (it was
that foam backed indoor/outdoor stuff).
I think we got it as a remnant at Sears,
when they still sold stuff like that. The
furniture went up on cement blocks and
we waited for the first flood with shop
vac in hand!
Never to be forgotten the basement was
the unsung hero of many a Midwestern
home, rooms for all seasons. So many
uses - it was truly the place to be!
So get out the card tables, the paper
tablecloths with autumn leaves and
cornucopias on them. Don’t forget the
corn shaped candy dish - It’s time for the
kid’s table – the basement awaits.
Bridget has a husband of
23 years, 3 kids, 2 goldfish, a cat and a dog.
You can follow her daily
antics on her blog,
www.cr8tivemom.blogspot.
Prairie Oaks Memorial Eco Gardens is the first “Green”
cemetery in Minnesota. We are proud of this achievement
and it further solidifies our family’s commitment to leaving a
smaller carbon footprint on the earth as we leave this world.
Our Mission: In three easy steps you can secure your
environmental legacy by choosing the benefits of a green
burial. Prairie Oaks is a land restoration project which will
provide habitat for wildlife and a more diverse ecosystem.
• Less expensive burial option • A way to become
part of a land preservation • A spiritually rewarding
experience for your family members.
8225 Argenta Trail • Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077 • 651-300-9549 • www.MNGreenGraves.com
8 www.SeasonsAndGenerations.com • (612) 804-3160 • Minneapolis, MN
Days of NOVEMBER
Cook Something Bold Day
November 8th
Cook something bold and daring, that
will fill up the house with warm, “homey”
odors. Celebrated in the month of November, as houses are closed up for the
winter, and capture the cooking smells.
We hope you cook up a storm today!
Veterans Day • November 11
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of
the 11th month of 1918 an armistice
between Germany and the Allied
nations came into effect.
exercise, and get into shape. Hikes
are distinguished from walks, in that
they are taken in the woods, mountains, or somewhere in a nature
setting. Hikes not only give you
exercise, they also provide scenic
sites and vistas, that are good for
relaxation of the mind and soul.
Buy Nothing Day (November 28)
Always the day after Thanksgiving
Are you tired of the commercialism
of Christmas, often referred to as
“Black Friday”? Then, this special
day is for you. Buy Nothing Day is
a 24 hour moratorium on holiday
shopping.
It was created as a protest against
the commercialism of this most
cherrished of family holidays.
One year later President Wilson
proclaimed the day should be “filled
with solemn pride in the heroism
of those who died in the country’s
service and with gratitude for the
victory”.
There were plans for parades, and
a brief suspension of business activities at 11am to honor those who
served their country.
Take a Hike Day • November 17th
Hiking is an excellent way to get
Aside from abstaining from shopping, you might want to reflect upon
the true meaning of Christmas. Take
a moment to remember what this
season is really all about.
Square Dancing Day
November 29
Here’s a chance
to get dressed
up, get out and
“Dosey Do” with
your partner.
English, Irish, and Scottish settlers
VeteranscarDonations.com
brought square dancing to the U.S.
As it evolved in the U.S., a caller
was added, to help dancers stay in
step.
Square Dancing is both fun, and
great exercise. Medical sites and
journals speaks to its health benefits
for people of all ages.
Pins & Needles Day • November 27th
Established to commemorate the
opening of the pro-Labor play titled
‘Pins and Needles’ on Broadway in
New York in 1937.
Union members made up the cast.
It ran for 1,108 performances, once
holding the record for longevity.
Over decades of time, people lost
track of the original meaning.
Today, most people look upon Pins
and Needles Day, as a nervous
and anxious day. Its a day of eager
anticipation, as we await an event or
for something to happen.
One could consider that kids are on
pins and needles until Christmas,
wondering if they have been good
enough to receive a visit from Santa.
We hope you have a calm, and
relaxing Pins and Needles Day!
HonorFlightTwinCities.org
Mpls/St.Paul • 651-646-1054 • 612-366-5811
Oronoco, Rochester • 1-888-366-5811
is a Local Charity #824844-2 • Same Day Service, Free Tow
www.SeasonsAndGenerations.com • (612) 804-3160 • Minneapolis, MN 9
Moving DAZE
As we are all getting older,
We’re all making changes
in our life.
One of the BIG ones is
considering selling
the house.
Shirley has kept a journal
of the selling
process thus far, and is
sharing it with us.
Sorting the jewelry came next. Most of
mine was costume jewelry with a few
gold pieces. I took gold chains, pins and
watches to a local jeweler. He gave me
$250.00 for the gold and a gold ring set
with 2 diamonds and a pearl. All other
Chapter 3, Jewelry, Letters & Photographs
gold rings and baubles were given to my
grand nieces whether they wanted them
or not. Antique dealers wouldn’t take my
jewelry but the Salvation Army would.
My mother and her mother saved cards,
letters and photographs. I began sorting
through the letters, some dated in the
1800s. One was from my grandfather
to my grandmother before they were
married in 1907. Another was from my
father to my mother before their 1929
wedding. These I filed in the family
record book for my siblings to enjoy.
Those with no significant information, I
regretfully tossed. I filed the rest by date
for another day of reckoning.
Hundreds of family photographs were
viewed, one by one. Those with no
identification were given to the local
historical society. Identifiable pictures
were sent to friends and relatives. Close
family pictures were boxed to be labeled
for upcoming generations to ponder.
Picture this. While handling all these
priceless old letters and photographs,
my mother was hovering over my right
shoulder judging whether I was making
the correct decision. Mind you, Mom
passed away 22 years ago.
Being my mother’s daughter, I, too,
saved Christmas cards and letters,
some with family pictures. These pictures were sorted by name and returned
to the senders. I received several phone
calls and thank you letters for those
treasures. I did not save those letters.
I’m learning.
What area
should I deal
with next?
To Be
Continued...
Shown here is Shirley happily holding one of
her beautiful hand-made quilts.
Adjustable Bed Bases
Benefits Include:
• Reduced Back & Joint Pain
• Less Snoring
Coming Soon to Ramsey
• Improved Breathing
• More Mobility
• Reduced Swelling
• Reduction of Acid Reflux Symptoms
• Reduction of Bed Sores
Stop by for a visit
to learn more.
Prices start at just $830
622 East Main Street
Anoka
763.323.7533
www.ItsAboutSleep.com
Family Owned & Operated
10 www.SeasonsAndGenerations.com • (612) 804-3160 • Minneapolis, MN
Coming soon to the city of Ramsey. Now accepting reservations.
Call Joy DuBois at 612.615.9936
Prior to our Grand Opening visit us at our Information Center inside
the Lord of Life Campus. 14501 Nowthen Blvd. N.W. Ramsey, MN
or additional information visit www.StoneyRiverRamsey.com
‘Bacon’ has been Roger’s nickname since elementary school. He learned to cook and bake
at an early age from his mom, Eleanor who made the best pies in Morrison County.
COOKING WITH ‘BACO N’
••
Roger aka
‘Bacon’
Fall is here again. My lawn has once again filled up with leaves. I could almost swear that the
neighbors have been blowing their leaves into my yard with the amount of leaves that have
accumulated. But along with the falling of the leaves and the accompanying temperatures comes
the holiday season. This is the time of the year many of us get together with friends and family to
celebrate and reflect upon the past year. Holiday meals eaten this time of the year often include
turkey. One of the best uses for leftover turkey is Turkey Chow Mein.
ow Mein
Turkey (or Chicken) Ch
Whether ordered in a restaurant or
made at home, chow mein is one
of the most popular Chinese foods
all over the world.
Ingredients
3 cups of cooked turkey
and drained
1 cup bean sprouts, rinsed
bite sized pieces
1 red bell pepper, cut into
lf
ms, cleaned and cut in ha
2 cups of fresh mushroo
ces
pie
1 inch
1–2 stalks of celery cut into
d cut into 1 inch pieces
an
d
ele
pe
s,
2 medium carrot
pped
1/2 medium red onion, cho
ced
min
1 clove garlic
e the following:
To prepare the sauce us
1/2 cup of chicken broth
ce
1 tablespoon of oyster sau
ce
sau
soy
of
1 tablespoon
1 tablespoon cornstarch
oil for stir-frying
4 tablespoons vegetable
Salt and pepper to taste
Despite containing a good amount
of iron and selenium, chow mein
can be high in fat and sodium, so,
enjoy it in moderation.
Purchase bean sprouts from a
reputable source, wash them
thoroughly before cooking.
Canned bean sprouts are a
convenient alternative.
Directions:
Clean and prepare all the
vegetables. In a medium
bowl mix together the sau
ingredients, whisking in the
ce
cornstarch last.
Heat a wok or frying pan
over medium-high to hig
h heat. Stir fry the mushr
1 tablespoon of oil. Remo
ooms in
ve from the pan, add 1 tab
lespoon of oil and stir fry
onion and garlic. Add the
the
turkey into the pan. Cook
for a minute, and then ad
other vegetables back into
d the
the pan.
Stir in the bean sprouts.
Add the sauce. Heat to bo
iling, the sauce will thicken
boils. Serve over chow me
as it
in noodles and rice.
Enjoy the Turkey Chow Me
in as it is an excellent bre
ak from the traditional me
served over the holidays.
als
I hope everyone enjoys
the start of the holiday sea
son.
The turkey is one of the most
famous birds in North America.
In fact, Benjamin Franklin wanted
to make the wild turkey, not the
Bald Eagle, the national bird of the
United States!
6 million turkeys are eaten each
Thanksgiving, 22 million on
Christmas and 19 million turkeys
on Easter.
Minnesota farmers raised almost
46 million turkeys in 2012.
White meat has fewer calories and
less fat than dark meat.
Eating turkey does not cause you
to feel sleepy after your Thanksgiving dinner. Carbohydrates in your
Thanksgiving dinner are the likely
cause of your sleepiness.
www.SeasonsAndGenerations.com • (612) 804-3160 • Minneapolis, MN 11
Family
SNICKERS - this month’s theme ________
Family life is a bit like a
runny peach pie –
not perfect,
but who’s complaining?
---Robert Brault
“Families are forever, and I’ve
always wondered if the slogan was
meant as a promise or a threat.”
---Brady Udall
It was Thanksgiving, 1991. My new husband’s large family was invited to arrive
at 1:00, with the turkey to be served at
3:00. Sounded reasonable to me.
“The great advantage of living in a
large family is that early lesson of
life’s essential unfairness.”
---Nancy Mitford
At 10:00am the parents arrived. Over
the years I learned that they would
arrive a few hours early, to “help.” My
mother-in-law would offer to dust or do
our laundry. I feigned being thankful, but
I was horrified by the thought.
“Govern a family as you would cook
a small fish - very gently.”
---Chinese proverb
“My grandmother started walking
five miles a day when she was sixty.
She’s ninety-seven now, and we
don’t know where the heck she is.”
---Ellen de Generes
“I come from a family where gravy is
considered a beverage.”
---Erma Bombeck
“My family is really boring. They
have a coffee table book called
‘Pictures We Took Just to Use Up
the Rest of the Film.”
---Penelope Lombard
“Families are like fudge - mostly
sweet with a few nuts.”
---Author Unknown
“If you don’t believe in
ghosts, you’ve never been
to a family reunion.”
---Ashleigh Brilliant
“The best way to get a family dog
is to beg for a baby brother—and
they’ll settle for a puppy every time.”
---Winston Pendleton
“In the family sandwich, the older
people and the younger ones can
recognize one another as the bread.
Those in the middle are, for a time,
the meat.”
---Anna Quidlen
That Thanksgiving morning, as I stood
in the kitchen, un-showered, still in my
pajamas, and with a buttery hand up a
turkey I almost jumped into the kitchen
sink when the kitchen door flew open
with mom and dad and several bags of
stuff joyfully entered.
I also learned that they didn’t believe in
using the front door, or in knocking first.
I was nervous as I had never prepared a
meal for 12 people. Chaos increased as
more and more family arrived. But the
several bottles of wine that we opened
aided in everyone having a good time.
We finally sat at the table, and agreed
that the food should be passed in clockwise fashion. It only took a few minutes
before someone asked “What’s the
gravy for?” To my horror, I had forgotten
to make mashed potatoes!
“Pour it over your bread” I responded.
Which was a common meal, as a child
in our poor household. I think I started a
new tradition with my new family.
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12 www.SeasonsAndGenerations.com • (612) 804-3160 • Minneapolis, MN
A time to be THANKFUL
It was the winter of 1936.
The weather was snowy and
cold in November.
We lived in the lower part of a duplex.
Signs had been nailed to our door that no
one was to enter our house unless they
planned to stay until the signs were taken
off. We had illnesses that were contagious.
This system was called quarantine.
cough. I was sitting at the table watching
her. Mother looked tired. She said something about having oatmeal for our Thanksgiving dinner. At the time that meant very
little to me because I loved oatmeal.
There was a knock at our door. When we
opened it, my grandfather was standing
there with a bag of groceries in each arm.
He set them inside the door and went back
to the sled for more bags. Tears ran down
my mother’s cheeks as she thanked him.
Grandpa said to me,
“I’m sorry, Smooch. I can’t
kiss you today.
You be a good girl and help
your mother.”
The sickness that my brother, sister and I
had was complicated. We each had come
down with a different disease. I don’t
remember who started with which ailment,
but we had measles, scarlet fever, and
whooping cough. Over the course of time
we ended up sharing all the germs - so we
each had all three maladies.
Mother plucked icicles from the eaves to
keep the food cold. She put some of them
in a rubber glove to place on my brother
and sister to bring down their fever.
A few days before Thanksgiving, mother
was making cookies. I was up and feeling
a little better although I still had whooping
He turned around and pulled the sled
down the walk through the snow. I ran to
the window to look for his car, but it wasn’t
there. I watched him until he and the sled
were out of sight. Grandpa’s eyes didn’t
look well to me and I said, “Mama, Grandpa doesn’t feel good either.”
Still crying, she answered. “I know, I know.”
When talking about the experience many
years later with my grandmother, I learned
that Grandpa also had scarlet fever. He
knew we would be short of food. He left his
sickbed to bring some to us.
His car wouldn’t start, so he walked eight
miles in below zero weather to see that we
were taken care of. I also learned that he
had a sister who died of whooping cough,
and two siblings that died of scarlet fever.
It wasn’t until March that the quarantine
signs were removed by a man with a
badge. Each of us ran out hollering with
joy and turning somersaults to celebrate
freedom.
That night mother made a special meal of
chicken and dumplings, a favorite of ours.
Thinking back, I imagine it was a day of
Thanksgiving for her too. Thankful that her
children were well and she was free from
the confinement. She was only 26 years
old and raising us alone.
I am thankful science has created medicines so children no longer need die from
these diseases. Refrigerators make ice
cubes so we don’t have to depend on
icicles to bring down a fever. I’m especially
thankful that our car is dependable. When
my husband and I take our turn in helping
our children when they have needs, or
get sick, we can ride in comfort instead of
pulling a sled for a long distance.
I’m thankful that Heavenly Father gave me
such a wonderful Mother and Grandparents, and for the memory of their deeds.
You can find more stories and poems
by Bonnie J. Pittsley, from Elk River,
published by Amazon on Kindle.
www.SeasonsAndGenerations.com • (612) 804-3160 • Minneapolis, MN 13
The ENTERTAINMENT of TV COMMERCIALS
Ice cubes in beverage advertisements
are typically made of acrylic so they
won’t melt under hot photography lights
or move around.
Bubbles are made by adding detergent,
and water is added so light will filter
through better.
A York University study revealed that
U.S. pharmaceutical companies
spend twice as much on advertising as
they do on research.
The famous Marlboro Man ads began
in 1955. The cigarette ads included a
variety of masculine figures such as
athletes, and captains, but the rugged
cowboy image was the most marketable. Several men who appeared in
the advertisements later died of lung
cancer, earning the brand the nickname
“Cowboy Killer.”
TV commercials during Super Bowl
XLV in 2011 are estimated to have cost
$3 million for a 30-second spot.
By the time a person in the United
States is 65
years old,
they will
have seen
an estimated
two million
television
commercials.
Though the commercial “1984,” which
launched the Apple Macintosh computer, ran just one time on American
television, during the Super Bowl - it was
the first example of “event marketing,”
or when a promotion deserves as much
coverage as the product itself.
A Kirshenbaum & Bond sidewalk ad in
New York reads, “From here, it looks
like you could use some new underwear.” This type of advertising is termed
“guerilla” or stealth advertising to label a
breed of “edgy” urban advertisements.
Most watches displayed in advertisements are set to
10:10 because the
hands of the watch
frame the watch
brand
name and make
a smiling face.
Soda companies spend an estimated
$492 million in advertising. In contrast,
the Milk Processor Education Program,
which sponsors the “Got Milk” ads,
spent about $67 million.
Advertisers try to create a ‘nag factor” by
bombarding kids with ads encouraging
them to buy certain products in order
to become popular. American children
ages 12-17 will ask a parent for products they have seen an average of nine
times until parents finally give in.
Affordable Bathroom Safety
In 2008, approximately $2.6 billion was
spent on political advertising in the
U.S., the largest ever during a presidential campaign. Obama’s campaign spent
$70 million on ads for the primary and
$240 million for the general election.
McCain’s campaign spent $10 million
for the primary and $126 million for the
general election.
Advertisers use a technique called
“affective
condition,”
which means
they take a
product and
place it next
to other things
consumers feel positively about.
A current example -a detergent ad will
pose their brand with babies, sunshine,
flowers, or other similar items. Showing
their brand with these items makes consumers feel good about the detergent.
A lot of people found dust in their eyes
after sitting through Budweiser’s poetic
tale (commercial) of friends, in its
“Puppy Love” Super Bowl ad.
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14 www.SeasonsAndGenerations.com • (612) 804-3160 • Minneapolis, MN
The PAIN of TV Commercials
How Much has
TV Commercial Length
Grown over the Years?
We all accept commercials as a necessary because they pay for the TV shows
to be produced. But, just how much
commercial time can we take?
In just the past few years, I’ve noticed
that he commercials came so often and
lasted so long that is was almost impossible to maintain a sense of continuity
with the show I was watching.
So, I did a litle research.
1952 - 13 percent of the TV air time was
spent watching commercials (only 4
minutes out of every half hour!)
1961 - 18 percent
1976 - 17 percent
1981 - 18 percent
1990 - 22 percent
1994 - 24 percent
2001 - 30 percent
2008 - 32 percent
2010 - 32 percent
2012 - 33 percent
These percentages are all for top rated,
first airings of shows during prime time.
And to add to the ads - end credits are
reduced to the side to make room for a
side bar ad, station logos are continually
displayed on the screen, and in recent
years, pop up-ads appear on the screen
during the show.
Radio Corporation in 1950. The remote,
called “Lazy Bones”, was connected
to the television by a wire. A wireless
remote control, the “Flashmatic”, was
developed in 1955 by Eugene Polley.
Times have changed, but I still call the
remote “the clicker.”
With all of that, I ‘guestimate’ total
commercial time is crowding 38 percent.
Yep, only 62 percent of the TV view time
is available to watch the show.
The first remote intended to control a
television was developed by Zenith
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www.SeasonsAndGenerations.com • (612) 804-3160 • Minneapolis, MN 15
TAKE A BREAK
Us Minnesotan’s have always proudly accepted our extreme
weather. We are a hearty people. We even try to ‘sell’ it to
visitors from warm-climate states with words of wisdom as:
This month’s theme:
THE WEATHER
If you don’t like this morning’s weather, don’t worry it’ll change
in about 15 minutes.
It’s really not that hot, it’s just the humidity. Have another beer.
You’ll feel cooler, or just won’t care any more.
That was a lot of rain today, but it’s better than snow.
That was only an EF3 tornado, and it was fun playing cards in
the basement, wasn’t it?
Heck, it was only 10” of snow. I’ll get us plowed out and then
we can go ice fishing. We’ll pick up beers and catch some
Walleye for dinner tonight.
We may face harsh weather. But we all still stay here because
it is one of the most beautiful places in the world.
If we brightened your day,
we hope you’ll share with a friend
or subscribe,
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16 www.SeasonsAndGenerations.com • (612) 804-3160 • Minneapolis, MN
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