Happy Father's Day on Sunday, and Happy Flag Day on Saturday. Also, with all this excitement, we have the Rendezvous on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and train rides (with dads riding free) at the Nevada State Railroad Museum on Saturday and Sunday. Soooo, kill two birds with one stone, and take dear old dad out for a free ride on the train, and then to the Rendezvous and see "how it was" when he was a kid (just kidding). No excuse not to have a good time spending time with Dad.
---
Now, just for dad, from Connie Lord: "A husband and wife went shopping and he picks up a case of Budweiser and puts it in their cart. 'What are you doing?' asks the wife. 'It's on sale, $10 for 24 cans,' he replies. 'We can't afford that. Put it back,' she demands. A few aisles later, the woman picks up a jar of $20 face cream and adds it to the cart. 'What do you think you are doing?' the husband asks. 'It's my face cream. It makes me look beautiful.' The husband looks at her and retorts, 'So does the Bud, and it's half the price.'"
---
The Hillary and Obama saga has come to a close, with Senator Clinton asking her supporters to back her opponent in November. She was gracious and firm in her belief that we should not have four more years of Bush policies.
---
We are firm in our belief that we should not have to endure more long campaigns that stretch from two years ago to ad nauseam. When will Congress address THAT problem? Probably never. They will just go on asking things like, "Why does the chicken cross the road? (forget that we're in a war; the price of gas is going up, up, up; the economy is in the tank, etc.") You know ... "important stuff."
---
So, in lieu of five more months of yak, yak, yak, let's get their opinions of why a chicken DOES cross the road (courtesy of Molly Sanders). "According to Barack Obama: The chicken crossed the road because it was time for a change. The chicken wanted change." "Per John McCain: My friends, that chicken crossed the road because he recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the chickens on the other side of the road." "As for Hillary: When I was first lady, I personally helped that little chicken to cross the road, and that experience made me uniquely qualified ..." "George W. Bush: The chicken is either for us or against us." "Pat Buchanan: To steal the job of a decent, hard-working American." "Bill Clinton: I did not cross the road with that chicken. What is your definition of chicken?" And, finally, "Al Gore: I invented the chicken." (We're chickening out here).
---
As you know, Carolyn's mom, Ann "Ma" Tate, was in Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center last week. Carolyn wanted to tell you all the following: "My mom is a unique individual who required special care. The nurses, CNA's, doctors and staff there were the most caring, patient and understanding people I have ever had taking care of my Mom. I can't say enough to show my appreciation." While her mom is doing better, she is now being cared for in Evergreen. Today is also her 87th birthday. So we wish her the best, along with all our other birthday people: Don Rudin, Rudy Schmid, Dixie Prather and Ed Jesse. Many happy returns to all.
---
We also have good news about Christina Wyatt's brother, Owen Brolsma, who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates this week. He and his family are mighty excited. Congratulations. Also, congrats to Jennifer Smith for graduating from Douglas High, and to Matt Tillitt for doing the same from CHS. On to glory ... wheeeee! Don't forget the Sertoma Golf Tournament June 22 (885-7579 or 882-2603 for entries or details) ... it helps local children with hearing/speech, cancer and diabetes problems. A really good time for a great cause.
---
Mike Curcio, aka "Wyatt Earp," will be at the Gold Hill Hotel next Tuesday, June 17. There's dinner available, too, if you like, along with the show. Call 847-0111 for times and reservations. You'll feel like you're back in the OK Corral.
---
Eugene Paslov had a very thoughtful letter to the editor in the Appeal June 6. It talked about taxes, fiscal responsibility, the public welfare, and the possibility of positive change. He even mentions people working together. What a concept. Definitely food for thought.
---
Vernon Manke waxed poetic this week with this one (paraphrased for length): "I was shocked, confused, bewildered, as I entered Heaven's door. Not by all it's beauty, but by all it had in store. Thieves, liars and sinners were sitting all around, the bully kid from seventh grade, the man next door who frowned. Herb (I thought he'd rot in hell), was sitting on a cloud, looking reasonably well. I nudged God and asked him, 'What's your take on all these sinners here, did you make a mistake? And why are they so somber ... please give me just a clue.' 'Hush, my lad, they're all quite stunned ... at the shock of seeing YOU.'"
---
Vernon also came up with this one: "Two little old ladies were sitting on a bench at a flower show. One leaned over and said, 'Life is so boring, we never have fun anymore. Why for $5 I'd take off all my clothes and streak through the place.' 'You're on,' cried the other as she whipped out a five dollar bill. The first old lady took off her clothes and, completely naked, streaked (well, as fast as a little, old lady could) through the flowers. Waiting outside, her friend soon heard whistles and applause as the naked old lady came through the exit surrounded by a cheering crowd. 'What happened?' asked her waiting friend. 'I won first prize as the Best Dried Arrangement.'" And, in answer to your many questions, it WASN'T us ... but we think it might have been at the Pony Express Pavilion. Right.
---
For those of you who barbeque and use recyclable propane tanks, BE SURE to check the valve for blue, green or blue/green stains around the valve area. The National Propane Gas Association has warned that unscrupulous people have used the tanks to make anhydrous ammonia for meth-lab use, and, when returned to the retailer for exchange, the valve can be damaged and the propane might explode. Go to www.truthorfiction.com for the whole story (type in "propane tanks"), and immediately call the Fire Department if you see the discoloration on the valve. They will help you.
- Carolyn Tate and Maizie Harris Jesse are longtime Carson City residents. They can be reached by e-mail at carolynandmaizie@yahoo.com.