Apologies for not blogging since December. I'm very busy in retirement (what's wrong with that statement?). Anyway, after a long-term sub assignment in the Special Needs class I love so much, Geri and I packed up the Prius, with her Kayak on the roof, dog Pepper in the back, and headed for Florida at the end of January. The average temperature in the month there was 75 degrees. Sorry guys if you were in the Mid-Atlantic during that time.
We left at the end of February at 7:30am, temperature at 68 degrees and reached North Carolina 10 hours later, temperature 43 degrees. This did not bode well for the Mid-Atlantic. We arrived home with excellent tans the next day...39 degrees!
Two days later I started my college softball schedule with a double-header at Coppin State University vs Connecticut Central University. Connecticut was traveling south in order to get better weather at the start of their season (haha). At the 4pm game time it was 38 degrees and we were playing a double-header. It got colder and colder and the ladies couldn't feel their fingers after a while. Neither could the umpires. Thank goodness for UnderArmour because I had four layers of that miracle fabric on and was still shaking during the 2nd game. At least behind the plate I had some extra layers on with all the safety equipment we wear. At the conclusion of that event it was 29 degrees and the 2nd game (wouldn't you know it) was a blowout, 8-run rule, but it took us 1 1/2 hours to get to the 5th inning. I never saw a group of college players run for the locker room as fast as they did.
Most of the other D1 games I did were fairly uneventful until I got to the April 13 assignment at the University of Delaware. Their conference pays a pretty good fee for games so the gas and tolls I paid didn't seem to matter much. However, during the morning hours it started to rain and continued raining the entire time I traveled to their stadium. They insisted on playing (their choice) so we started the game in the rain, which began its destruction of the field in short time. We stopped the game 6 times so the maintenance people could apply Turface to the field (drying compound) but to no avail. We finally called the game after over an hour of this mess when one pitcher proceeded to fling several fastballs at batters heads...uncontrollably! On the way back to Towson it stopped raining (after 8 hours). I received a call from Delaware's Conference Office that we would only be paid for one game because we "didn't hang around to see if a 2nd game could be played". Can you believe that?
Then there was the Ivy League assignment at Penn vs Princeton. I got lost in Philadelphia with the directions I was given and arrived at the site 20 minutes before game time. We were supposed to have a 3-man crew but there were only 2 of us. Somehow we made them happy. On the way home I was traveling behind a cement truck who proceeded to throw pebbles on my wife's Prius. It cost $50 to get the window repaired. Another momentous day.
I have to tell you about a game I had the other day which put a cap on this season. I do some high school games once in a while because I enjoy working with young players starting out. The game featured two private school girls' teams that shall go unnamed. I arrived at the field 50 minutes prior to game time, no one was there. 30 minutes prior to the game the visitors showed up. 20 minutes prior to gametime the home team began "sauntering" in. Their coach came up to me and stated that they were having a terrible season and that the girls were losing interest (they were 0-11). Therefore he was going to play the game with modified rules. It would be a 5-inning game with a maximum of 5 runs allowed by each team each inning. I tried to start the game on time but one of the home team players only had one shoe so we had to wait because they only had 9 players. We finally started. One pitcher was throwing a perfect 10-foot arc (it wasn't slow-pitch...it was fast pitch!). The other pitcher was an Eastern European exchange student and she couldn't understand the strike zone. At one point a girl at bat asked for "time-out" because she heard someone sneeze on the bench and she wanted to say "Bless You". We finally got to the fifth inning after 1 1/2 hours and the home team scored a run to break a tie. They were ecstatic because it was their first win. They screamed and jumped on each other in a pile. However the other coach wanted to protest the game because we stopped it at the 5th inning (his team was 1-11). Apparently he didn't pay attention to the "modified" rules stated in the pre-game conference.
Its lovely being retired and involving myself in all these joyous occasions!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Sunday, December 19, 2010
KRUSCIKI !!!
Doesn't everyone know what KRUSCIKI are? Polish Bow Ties! My wife Geri had this tradition for as many years as she can remember that family would gather around the kitchen at Stella's house and make these KRUSCIKIs. She wanted to continue the tradition so she invited some family and some non-Pollack friends to make, and learn how to make these Christmas treats.
There was flour everywhere and Chrisco Oil boiling in the big fry pan. Many, many eggs were cracked and dough rolled. Not my favorite treat in my low cholesterol diet. However, I will eat one just to test it's authenticity. My kids used to call these treats "Crushed Chickens". So if you're all good boys and girls maybe Geri will invite you here next year to be among the chefs.
There was flour everywhere and Chrisco Oil boiling in the big fry pan. Many, many eggs were cracked and dough rolled. Not my favorite treat in my low cholesterol diet. However, I will eat one just to test it's authenticity. My kids used to call these treats "Crushed Chickens". So if you're all good boys and girls maybe Geri will invite you here next year to be among the chefs.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Dressing Up
What's the big deal about dressing up?
For many years, while at my job in Education I wore a tie to work. Here's a quote by Lin Yutang, "I have a hankering to go back to the Orient and discard my necktie. Neckties strangle clear thinking." I always wanted to wear one of those Tuxedo T-Shirts to a formal affair just to see what kind of reaction I'd get. How come when the rules say "Black Tie Optional" all men look virtually the same and women won't be caught dead in gowns that look alike! And it ain't really OPTIONAL guys, is it? Big deal, some guys wear different colored bow ties and cummerbunds...how exciting! Some of my friends know I don't relish dressing up even though I appreciate others dressing up because it makes them feel good. My wife looks terrific dressed up.
Who makes the rules anyhow? Would it really bother anyone if Brian Williams wore an open-collared sport-shirt with no tie on the NBC Evening news? He probably wouldn't since I guess he needs someplace to spend the 12-million- dollar salary he makes for reading a 30-minute newscast (minus commercial time)... by the way, how come all the commercials on his newscasts involve medicines for older people? And how come when he goes on his phony trips abroad to "report from the front" he wears his correspondent's Khaki shirts with buttons on the pockets? Why doesn't he wear one of his many Brooks Brothers suits on the front lines? Mark Twain said, "Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.". Maybe if you're partially dressed someone might pay attention to you. Must be why someone told me a long time ago if you feel nervous about public speaking make believe everyone in the audience is naked.
I keep seeing these science fiction flicks of the future where people are all wearing one-piece jump suits. I hope I live that long. If that happens in my lifetime I will no longer have to order my clothes from Haband online!
For many years, while at my job in Education I wore a tie to work. Here's a quote by Lin Yutang, "I have a hankering to go back to the Orient and discard my necktie. Neckties strangle clear thinking." I always wanted to wear one of those Tuxedo T-Shirts to a formal affair just to see what kind of reaction I'd get. How come when the rules say "Black Tie Optional" all men look virtually the same and women won't be caught dead in gowns that look alike! And it ain't really OPTIONAL guys, is it? Big deal, some guys wear different colored bow ties and cummerbunds...how exciting! Some of my friends know I don't relish dressing up even though I appreciate others dressing up because it makes them feel good. My wife looks terrific dressed up.
Who makes the rules anyhow? Would it really bother anyone if Brian Williams wore an open-collared sport-shirt with no tie on the NBC Evening news? He probably wouldn't since I guess he needs someplace to spend the 12-million- dollar salary he makes for reading a 30-minute newscast (minus commercial time)... by the way, how come all the commercials on his newscasts involve medicines for older people? And how come when he goes on his phony trips abroad to "report from the front" he wears his correspondent's Khaki shirts with buttons on the pockets? Why doesn't he wear one of his many Brooks Brothers suits on the front lines? Mark Twain said, "Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.". Maybe if you're partially dressed someone might pay attention to you. Must be why someone told me a long time ago if you feel nervous about public speaking make believe everyone in the audience is naked.
I keep seeing these science fiction flicks of the future where people are all wearing one-piece jump suits. I hope I live that long. If that happens in my lifetime I will no longer have to order my clothes from Haband online!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Halloween 2010
Went to a terrific Halloween party at the Plum's of Kingsville last night. Great house in the wilds of Baltimore County near the Harford County border. Host was dressed as Caesar, hostess as Cleopatra. Geri's creative juices were flowing so she dressed as an accident victim with crutch, blood all over, facial scars, and bandages. She had me dressed as a sleazy lawyer with my hair and moustashe blackened, dark suit, and a briefcase with $100 dollar bills hanging out. I passed out cards with my firm's names on them I.e. Skinnum, Alive, and Runn...Chasum, Screwum, and Craponum ...Dewey, Cheatum, and Howe, etc. My name for the evening was Rip M. Off.
Some other interesting costumes were: a guy in a box dressed as an NFL Replay, a woman in a box painted with bricks whose husband came as a bricklayer (only if he got lucky once a month), several guys in drag (not sure of their persuasions cause I didn't see female companions), several Phantoms of the Operas....boring!
One woman came in as a Flapper with lots of beads and a well exposed sternum area. She partied and danced around the house for an hour or so and then left. No one knew who she was or if she came with anyone. The host told me he didn't care and that she would be invited to all his future parties, weddings, retirement events, bar Mitzvahs, etc.... if he could find out who she was!
Our friend Judy came as a nurse, her husband Chris as a Surgeon. Unfortunately she tripped on a bad spot near the bar and injured her leg. I immediately gave her my card and started interviewing witnesses, preparing for a liability suit. Her husband, costumed as a doctor, didn't help a bit because he was dressed as a Gynecologist!
We had fun!!
Some other interesting costumes were: a guy in a box dressed as an NFL Replay, a woman in a box painted with bricks whose husband came as a bricklayer (only if he got lucky once a month), several guys in drag (not sure of their persuasions cause I didn't see female companions), several Phantoms of the Operas....boring!
One woman came in as a Flapper with lots of beads and a well exposed sternum area. She partied and danced around the house for an hour or so and then left. No one knew who she was or if she came with anyone. The host told me he didn't care and that she would be invited to all his future parties, weddings, retirement events, bar Mitzvahs, etc.... if he could find out who she was!
Our friend Judy came as a nurse, her husband Chris as a Surgeon. Unfortunately she tripped on a bad spot near the bar and injured her leg. I immediately gave her my card and started interviewing witnesses, preparing for a liability suit. Her husband, costumed as a doctor, didn't help a bit because he was dressed as a Gynecologist!
We had fun!!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Shame On You Baltimore City Schools!
I retired in 2004 after 34 years of teaching in the Baltimore City Public Schools. I must have inherited a good work ethic from my parents because I rarely was out sick even after some pretty dicey medical issues.
That being said, I have a perfect right to criticize what I believe to be a lack of organization, expertise, helpfulness, and common sense in the halls of the administration of the BCPS.
Most recently, Penny, a friend of mine, decided to apply for a new teaching assignment in another county of Maryland after teaching in Baltimore City for a few years. There is a window of opportunity that makes life a bit easier for teachers trying to transfer from the City to other counties. The process becomes much easier when completed by July 15. After July 15 it becomes more difficult, especially when one has to deal with the employees of the Human Relations Department (Personnel) in the City Schools.
My friend Penny received an offer to teach in a neighboring county and needed to resign from Baltimore City. The July 15th date had passed so there was concern whether Baltimore City would assist as energetically. The answer was clear shortly after the "magic" date passed. Her resignation was taken to the Human Relations Department in the City and accepted. Penny was given a signed form which indicated that she was terminated "without prejudice". This form was taken to the neighboring county personnel officer who told her they needed an "official" letter on Baltimore City stationary confirming the resignation. The Human Relations officer in the City told her he did not have the authority to produce such a letter and referred her to his supervisor. His supervisor told her that he could not produce such a letter and referred her back to the Human Relations Officer. Penny told the neighboring county personal officer about this and he told her to get the name and/or email address of the Human Relations officer in the City so he could contact him and work on this Catch 22.
Penny was then directed to the Records Office in the City Schools, perhaps they could write the letter. She followed this request to that office with multiple emails to everyone in the Human Relations Department of the City Schools she could think of. She received a reply from some upper-level administrator who said that the letter was no problem and that she would take care of it right away.
I sent an email to a friend of mine who worked in that same Personnel Office in the City for many years. He was so frustrated with the operation of that office that he left about 5 years ago and took a similar job in a neighboring county. His reply to me, after I told him about all this nonsense was "they haven't changed their ways since I left...in fact it's gotten worse!"
If I had any thought about NOT retiring in 2004 from the City Schools it was only for a brief fleeting moment. Is it any wonder that good teachers are leaving there in droves?
That being said, I have a perfect right to criticize what I believe to be a lack of organization, expertise, helpfulness, and common sense in the halls of the administration of the BCPS.
Most recently, Penny, a friend of mine, decided to apply for a new teaching assignment in another county of Maryland after teaching in Baltimore City for a few years. There is a window of opportunity that makes life a bit easier for teachers trying to transfer from the City to other counties. The process becomes much easier when completed by July 15. After July 15 it becomes more difficult, especially when one has to deal with the employees of the Human Relations Department (Personnel) in the City Schools.
My friend Penny received an offer to teach in a neighboring county and needed to resign from Baltimore City. The July 15th date had passed so there was concern whether Baltimore City would assist as energetically. The answer was clear shortly after the "magic" date passed. Her resignation was taken to the Human Relations Department in the City and accepted. Penny was given a signed form which indicated that she was terminated "without prejudice". This form was taken to the neighboring county personnel officer who told her they needed an "official" letter on Baltimore City stationary confirming the resignation. The Human Relations officer in the City told her he did not have the authority to produce such a letter and referred her to his supervisor. His supervisor told her that he could not produce such a letter and referred her back to the Human Relations Officer. Penny told the neighboring county personal officer about this and he told her to get the name and/or email address of the Human Relations officer in the City so he could contact him and work on this Catch 22.
Penny was then directed to the Records Office in the City Schools, perhaps they could write the letter. She followed this request to that office with multiple emails to everyone in the Human Relations Department of the City Schools she could think of. She received a reply from some upper-level administrator who said that the letter was no problem and that she would take care of it right away.
I sent an email to a friend of mine who worked in that same Personnel Office in the City for many years. He was so frustrated with the operation of that office that he left about 5 years ago and took a similar job in a neighboring county. His reply to me, after I told him about all this nonsense was "they haven't changed their ways since I left...in fact it's gotten worse!"
If I had any thought about NOT retiring in 2004 from the City Schools it was only for a brief fleeting moment. Is it any wonder that good teachers are leaving there in droves?
Saturday, July 24, 2010
So you Want To Own A Timeshare
A few years back while strolling on the streets of Chareston SC my wife Geri and I were accosted by a rather decent looking young man carrying a clipboard and winning smile. We were touched by his good nature and apparent generosity. He was offering us a free meal and night's stay in Charleston. All we had to do was agree to be kidnapped for two hours and listen to a talk on a "chance of a lifetime."
Well we couldn't take him up on the night's stay because we were on our way to Florida but we agreed to catch him on the flip side. My wife and I both knew what was ahead of us so we reinforced our positions that we were NOT going to purchase a Timeshare no matter what was offered!
On the way back from Florida we arrived in Charleston assured in the strength of our convictions. Two hours later we owned a Timeshare in Charleston SC! We made the salespeople very happy. We were pleased that they were pleased.
Anyway we've used the "banking" option a couple of times for very nice vacations, one in Florida and one in Tahoe. It'll take us a few years to catch up with what we paid for the "Prime" week they gave us out of the goodness of their hearts, but we have plans for some nice trips to come.
By the way.....because of the present economic conditions they're selling Timeshares for pennies on the dollar. Owners can't afford the annual "maintenance" fees. They should change the name to annual "contributions" because all the collections from 52 weeks of owners in one unit sure ain't going to the "maintenance" of the unit.
So as we leave Lake Tahoe after a terrific week of unbelievable weather I leave you with this thought...if a guy with a clipboard walks up to you and offers a free meal, and he's not involved in Voter Regustration....WALK AWAY!! You can buy Timeshares on EBay real cheap!
Well we couldn't take him up on the night's stay because we were on our way to Florida but we agreed to catch him on the flip side. My wife and I both knew what was ahead of us so we reinforced our positions that we were NOT going to purchase a Timeshare no matter what was offered!
On the way back from Florida we arrived in Charleston assured in the strength of our convictions. Two hours later we owned a Timeshare in Charleston SC! We made the salespeople very happy. We were pleased that they were pleased.
Anyway we've used the "banking" option a couple of times for very nice vacations, one in Florida and one in Tahoe. It'll take us a few years to catch up with what we paid for the "Prime" week they gave us out of the goodness of their hearts, but we have plans for some nice trips to come.
By the way.....because of the present economic conditions they're selling Timeshares for pennies on the dollar. Owners can't afford the annual "maintenance" fees. They should change the name to annual "contributions" because all the collections from 52 weeks of owners in one unit sure ain't going to the "maintenance" of the unit.
So as we leave Lake Tahoe after a terrific week of unbelievable weather I leave you with this thought...if a guy with a clipboard walks up to you and offers a free meal, and he's not involved in Voter Regustration....WALK AWAY!! You can buy Timeshares on EBay real cheap!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
One Down, One To Go!
Well, my older son Michael got hitched to a beautiful girl over the weekend. Nancy and Michael wanted it as informal as possible so they did the deed at our house under a fantastically decorated arbor in our backyard. The "quick" service was conducted by our good friend Chris Kahl, a retired judge who loves to perform at wedding ceremonies just for the free food and liquor! It was a small crowd because that's the way the newlyweds wanted it. It was scheduled for 4pm in hopes that our backyard would be in the shade by about 4:30 or so but the sun, and my neighbor's tree across the street did not cooperate, so the actual ceremony didn't take place until 5pm.
At the end of the ceremony Michael stepped on the (Jewish) traditional wine cup to indicate that the marriage would last as long as the broken glass...forever. Unfortunately he didn't sleep very well the night before and had to stomp down on it three times until his heel could find the cup!
The reception the next day was at Centennial Park in Howard County where the dress of the day was shorts and sandals. Everyone was appreciative since it was hotter that a Southwest Baltimore City Street in mid-July! The caterer was "This Swine's For You". They had a full pig presentation, pit beef, pit turkey, and lots of accessories. The pig did not speak as he was pre-occupied trying to survive the end of a 10-hour smoking in the pit. The food was terrific and the liquor was...well, you know how the liquor was.
Adam, Michael's brother, did his thing as Best Man, and told a few funny stories about Michael when they were growing up. He also brought a few tears to everyone's eyes when he confirmed how much in love he knew Nancy and Michael were from the time they first met.
So it was a busy weekend, and on Monday the newlyweds are off to an island in the Mediterranean. If they ever come back its off to Carney to move into their new house. Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate the festivities Friday and Saturday.
At the end of the ceremony Michael stepped on the (Jewish) traditional wine cup to indicate that the marriage would last as long as the broken glass...forever. Unfortunately he didn't sleep very well the night before and had to stomp down on it three times until his heel could find the cup!
The reception the next day was at Centennial Park in Howard County where the dress of the day was shorts and sandals. Everyone was appreciative since it was hotter that a Southwest Baltimore City Street in mid-July! The caterer was "This Swine's For You". They had a full pig presentation, pit beef, pit turkey, and lots of accessories. The pig did not speak as he was pre-occupied trying to survive the end of a 10-hour smoking in the pit. The food was terrific and the liquor was...well, you know how the liquor was.
Adam, Michael's brother, did his thing as Best Man, and told a few funny stories about Michael when they were growing up. He also brought a few tears to everyone's eyes when he confirmed how much in love he knew Nancy and Michael were from the time they first met.
So it was a busy weekend, and on Monday the newlyweds are off to an island in the Mediterranean. If they ever come back its off to Carney to move into their new house. Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate the festivities Friday and Saturday.
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