Missive from the Land of Oz

We have returned from Oz and seeing Dorothy and Toto ... well, not exactly ... but we are back in the land of "stick trees." Everything in Kansas is already in bloom, and green is the order of the day ... simply beautiful ... we're glad Carson City is not far behind. A few days in the 80s, and we should be as green as they are. No tornadoes, just lovely weather and wonderful friends.

Terry Ward and the two of us toured Fort Leavenworth (the general's office called and said we could go through the old homestead ... a week late ... oh well, maybe next time). It is a beautiful post ... many of the brick buildings were built in the late 1800s. Much stricter entry than before 9/11 to see the monument to the Buffalo Soldiers, and where Maizie burned the toilet seat (ahhh, the old stories ... wouldn't you like to know). We also cased the U.S. Penitentiary, the military disciplinary barracks and the state pen at Lansing, plus a couple of cemeteries ... nothing but fun.

Ken and Ruth Fraser hosted a lovely cocktail party for 20 of the remaining 24 graduates of the Immaculata class of 1951, then a great party the next night at the High Noon Saloon, where M had the best steak she'd ever tasted. Our friends, Johnny and Annie Johnston were there ... looking good, but still in need of many prayers for the chemo he's going through. M had a blast renewing old acquaintances and introduced Carolyn and Terry to everyone. Carolyn became a "jewel," and Terry a "keeper" (Hmmmm? Apparently, they were on their best behavior).

Also, we went to the University of Kansas in Lawrence, where M received her "gold medal" for going there over 50 years ago. The campus has grown tremendously from the 7,000 students in the "old days," to the more than 30,000 population it has today. Unfortunately, with growth, some of the charm is lost. Needless to say, it was a great time. Even the plane trip was quick (although don't try the "cinnamon" snacks Delta passes out in the morning ... yuck). So many names to mention ... Connie, Bob, John, Virginia ... and many more. We loved all of it and can hardly wait to return for Johnny's "housewarming" soon. Still ... it's good to be home.

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Great congratulations and thanks to Travis McDonald and Wade Bennett for caring enough to get involved and saving those two children's lives in the hot car. And remember, it is the duty of ALL of us to call the police if we see children or pets left in cars as our weather heats up. A closed (or almost closed) car can kill in just a few minutes. Thanks again, guys.

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If you missed the first home games of the WNCC Wildcats, you have another chance to see them at their beautiful new John L. Harvey Field this Friday at 1 p.m. and Saturday at noon, for double-headers against the College of Southern Idaho. Gov. Guinn threw out the first ball, and the Wildcats won both games against the College of Eastern Utah (who, by the way, showed true sportsmanship by applauding everyone who was introduced). Take sunscreen. And don't forget the Charley Kerfeld dinner at the Peppermill tomorrow night to benefit Wildcat athletics (soccer and rodeo, too) ... call 445-3240 for tickets and information. Gooooo, team.

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We hear that our national anthem has been "loosely" translated into Spanish ... does anyone think this will endear the cause of immigrants? After all, we thought it had already been done ... "Jose, can you see?" (yeah, we know we're going to hell in a hand basket).

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And since we're well on our way, we were given the following: "Back in 1912, Hellmann's mayonnaise was manufactured in England. In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz, Mexico, which was to be the next port of call for the great ship after its stop in New York, for the people in Mexico were crazy about mayonnaise. You know the fate of the great ship, and the people were disconsolate over the loss. Their anguish was so great, they declared a national Day of Mourning, which they still observe to this day on May 5th. It is known, of course, as 'Sinko de Mayo.'"

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Now, for the patient who thought the story about Sheriff Furlong calling Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center for his condition was real ... it was a JOKE, m'dear. CTRMC would NEVER give a patient's information over the phone (HIPPA, the privacy act, prohibits that sort of thing). That story has made people laugh and been around for years.

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Since we're going to build a great museum honoring the Chinese east of town, along with the railroad depot, shops, movie theater, etc., has anyone given a thought to urging Jethro to build his hotel-casino there, instead of at the old Wal-Mart? Sort of a "Beverly Hillbillies" meets "Hop Sing?" It would free up the vacant building and parking lot and make a lot of people happy.

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People we like ... Rick Gunn is in Turkey as we speak. He could also use some additional funding, as his euros are running thin. If you like his stories from his bike trip around the world, and would like to help him continue, feel free to send a check to "Richard Gunn, 2776 Somerset Ave., Castro Valley, CA 94546." He would surely appreciate it. Breakdowns and unforeseen problems have taken their toll. Keep pedaling, Rick ... we live vicariously through you.

And M's grandson, Ryan Jesse, has been selected to play in the Sertoma All-Star football game this June. Congrats, Ry ... intercept a few passes while you're there.

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For fun and education, take the kids to C-Hill in the next few days ... the sheep are eating and bleating to make a fire break up there. Very interesting.

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And now, straight from Vern Manke ... some "word meanings" he gathered off the Internet ..."Arbitrator: a cook who leaves Arby's to work at McDonald's. Avoidable: what a bullfighter tries to do, Control: a short, ugly inmate, Eclipse: what a barber does for a living. Parasites: what you see from the top of the Eiffel Tower. Pharmacist: a farm helper. And finally, Relief: what trees do in the spring (hooray!)."

Enjoy the weather ... plant something.

• Carolyn Tate and Maizie Harris Jesse are longtime Carson City residents. Write to them at editor@nevadaappeal.com.