A Sense of Humor and All That Life Stuff

      It was as a last resignation only that I decided to go to Big Apple Bagels yesterday and again, I was glad I did. Two kids, two friends wanted to meet there with a grand parent and the ladies. I said no this time per a punishment. But at a last minute and as spontaneous as I am, I said get dressed, we're going to Big Apple Bagels.
     On this day I met a new lady. Oh they are all so nice! I'm glad I stayed for  a few reasons. I was reminded no matter how different we are, where we come from, how we've grown up and what our parents were like, it's up to us to become who we are to a certain point. Other than that due to genetics, sometimes we don't have a choice. Yet again in most ways as people, people who live, work, love our families, strive to fight for a decent life and live as free as possible, we are alike.
     Our accents may be different, our skin color different and our faith, but we all want the same things. We want a peaceful life, not a peaceful existence, but one filled with laughter, love a little extra here and there. We ask for little most of the time, yet we find it hard to get a job in these times, and we need medical care, yet we find that also difficult to pay for. But its a family who bonds together and friends who bond together who seem to make it better in this life. When I say friends, I mean real friends.
    The kind of friends who know when you re down will listen, who know when you're broke to offer you a gas card, a gift certificate for groceries, clothes, and yes, of course if they can afford it. But how many have had friends who draw a line? I'm your friend, but don't ask to borrow ten or a hundred, and yes that can and does ruin friendship, so don't borrow, but be a friend and give it. You never know when you might lose the security of a usual income, a late model car, not able to pay the rent or mortgage.
    As a friend know your limits, but be gentle and kind about what you can and can't do. If you can't help, find someone who can. Don't let a friend walk away feeling hopeless, you never know when you'll be walking in their shoes.
    

The Next Time You Visit a Restaurant

      I love to eat out as much as anyone, maybe more. but also more and more I pay attention to the little square inspection signs and the license. Have you ever noticed one out of date. They're supposed to be in full view of the consumers, anyway just a thought on that.
      Now, not to turn your stomach, but feel under the tables. Remember when you were a kid? How many times did you stick gum under a table, chair, bathroom wall or anyplace you though would be fun to do it, even on or under a chair. If you can feel a wad of gum under the table top, then you know how often and how well the tables get cleaned.
      When you take that much needed trip to the rest room, check the corners for dirt and the outside of the bowl. Sounds like a ewwww or yuck or gross thing. Yes it is, but again, you know how well they clean. You're paying for a decent meal in a clean environment, so isn't it time you get what you pay for?

What does it take to be a Babe?

       I don't know, for sure not me. I got out of bed this morning and caught my foot in a sheet and fell flat on my face. I was just about standing straight up and slipped backwards when my other foot slipped on a slipper. Now you know how it is when you first get out of bed, you just have to go to the bathroom so bad, you almost run. Let me tell you, I no longer had to run, so I am not a Babe.
      Out to the kitchen, put a pot of coffee on and smelled the fresh coffee just waiting for my nice blue mug. Pouring it I walked to the living and a kid left his small pack with strings just peeking out enough to catch my big toe, over the laundry basket of his filled with books, coffee everywhere and I crushed the basket. Not a Babe.
       I pushed my self off the floor, went to get a wash cloth to clean the coffee up and back to the kitchen for another cup. While out there I thought to get the empty plastic containers off the counter and dump them in the bin. I opened the door and there stood a man. Face to face I screamed and he screamed and I almost made it to the bathroom-again. I didn't expect this visitor so early for repairs. Yup, not a babe.
        I knew I should just go back to bed, but I was afraid what would happen if I got up again. Hope you laughed. This is a figment of my imagination.
       

MaryJane's, A good Time had by all...

   Wednesday seems the day for a larger group to eat at Maryjane's. Nothing replaces Fun, Food and friends having fantastic times. Of course I wouldn't really know but can only guess. When the "advertiser" young man came over my house to get a head count ie ask if I was going to which I said a firm no, I was surprised when he just said okay and left. After all of the advertising he did a few days before I thought for sure he'd ask or say more, but maybe even he can only take so much. That I definitely understand.
   Since I knew I was going to have to make a last minute appointment for a kid who said he wanted one, I knew breakfast would be out. So I thought while having to do a few kid errands and one for me, we would get lunch out. We stopped at a great deli a few doors down from a Pharmacy on George st. and Country club road. The deli is on George st in a mini strip mall. The owners sell delicious and fresh Italian lunch meats, as well as many others, all kinds of salads and I am very sorry I didn't get their card to mention the deli. They also make omelets and I have had them too on occasion.
   However today we ended not staying, not that I didn't want to. It was certainly good enough for me, but it just didn't work out. Some days will be like this. So Mary Jane ladies I know you all had  a great time. School will be starting soon and I will be off to Isaac's on White street once a week, and working out four days a week. Lots of housework to be done, painting and repairs coming up.
   A last thought. Christmas will be in a blink of an eye. Remember American craft workers. I have decided this year, no electronics, no batteries and buying as much American as possible. With gift cards, that's very possible. Gift cards for gas, groceries, book stores, clothes (AMERICAN MADE) look on line first. Be practical. Kids will ask for everything. What makes them entitled? Give because you want to, but don't break your budget after all you work hard for your money. If you have children who truly appreciate what you do, say, and all that good stuff, fine, but if you have kids who feel you owe them, ask why? Sure they're entitled. To education, clothes, food, medical, shelter and to be protected.
    Yup, a long last thought. They are not entitled to anything else. Take a good look at who you are buying for. Why are you doing that? Then they only expect more, talk to you like crap, treat you disrespectfully and what happens when they don't get what they think you owe them-they give you attitude, not gratitude. I heard a couple of kids a few days ago talking to adults in a real nasty voice saying this, I know you got money, why can't you buy me...and it went on and on. Maybe first they should learn to speak English well, then learn to appreciate being cared for, then earn a buck or two. These kids had on one hundred dollar sneakers, and more brand name clothes made in China. Maybe they should live in China or where ever they want mom and dad to buy their brand name clothes from. Good Night all.

A Good Old Fashioned Invitation, MAry Jane's & a Kid

       Mary Janes' if you think you need to or should have newspaper advertisements, think again. There is a local kid, and no I don't mean local as in mentally deficient, no offense to those who are (I understand that) but this Kid is your own personal newspaper.
         Late this afternoon good ol' Craig walks in, baseball hat sits atop his thick blondish yet stylish lump of hair, serious looking blue eyes, and smacking his hand into the palm of his baseball glove and says, well are you coming to Mary Jane's when we go next week? Before I could utter a breath, he goes on with, you'll really like it there, I mean really like it. I said, Craig I do, I've been there before. (he gave me breathing room for about two seconds) and as I was about to say something else, he responded with, no, I mean you will honestly really like it. You'll have more fun than before, and this is a bigger group but more of the same group, (yes it was the York County Babes he was talking about) and they laugh more.
          Then he asked me if I would go back to Big Apple Bagel and I said yes, yet somehow I still hesitate because I am one who hates to, and I mean, hates to butt into a group of friends who may have had their own seating, want to talk things only you talk about with best friends, people you've known a long, long time, not outsiders. Remember that movie? Okay so I get off track. But you get what I mean. Maybe one of these long time friends had plans to chat about who knows what but it was personal, and here comes that person again. I know I felt like that. Except I would think here comes that blankety blank person again, who asked her along. Kind of like fleas.
      Maybe I sound a bit harsh, but isn't it better I say it than someone else? To be a bit more honest, if a newbie walked in, I hope and think I'd behave exactly as the York County Babes did on my first meeting at Big Apple. Now I have a chance to go to Mary Jane's. Sounds Good. I have been to Mary Jane's before and each and every time with kids. Not only was the food delish, but the service and waitresses personalities was of a class to make any outsider feel welcome.
        Mary Jane's, Here I come-maybe.

North Codorus Firemen, Firehall, Volunteers

      Well I know what you think, what has this to do with York county babes. Don't ya think firemen are babes too? I do. You should see some of these guys. Some people think small town couldn't possible have male babes, well just check them out and by the way these guys come in all sizes and ages, single and married, tall and not so tall, per your perspective.
          Now to get serious. This Saturday August 4th, the fire hall is having a chicken Bar B Q, located on Stoverstown road in North Codorus Township, they are offering a nice meal as well as just chicken. I don't know the prices, but it's always well worth it to support any volunteer fire department.
            These guys who have families and work a full time day job find time to also volunteer as firemen. They train the same as a paid firefighter and they work as hard as a paid firefighter. But they don't get paid. As I bring a young guy to volunteer, I am learning more and more about the fire company, the trucks and the people in this town. Thank you firemen! SO Saturday's restaurant is at the Fire hall. Be there or be square!

Airport Restaurant in Thomasville is open!!!

     Okay Okay and okay!!! I was wrong. It appears I better check those things out for myself. It also appears it was or still is only closed for vacation, and I can't wait to go back there. It's a peaceful kind of restaurant, family oriented, vacationers stopping by, and of course the view is great. To sit and chat while watching planes take off and land is just too cool. Remember when?
    When what you ask? When it was so easy to walk into an airport anywhere in the country, sit and eat or walk up to the glass and almost eye to eye see the pilot land and stop right in front of the glass. I do. It was JFK in New York. I remember what seemed like a big rubber nose appearing as if it would hit me smack in the face. The noise from a big jet ,landing and then steps opening, doors opening and people filing out, smiles and thanks for a smooth ride.
     I watched and couldn't wait for my first plane trip. Anxiety, anticipation and nervousness all at once settled in. But I had someone with me who said, just get a drink, you'll be fine. Sure that's all I needed. Anyway, back to the local news.
     Thomasville Restaurant, I am very happy you are not, not, not closed!!     and :)

The Airport Babes -- Thomasville, Pa.

      Well this morning we had a visitor, That great kid Craig who comes to give restaurant, political, college or sports news. Yes he knows it all, at his tender teen, very tender at that, years. He informed us that the Airport restaurant in Thomasville is closed. My guess is for construction as the last time I was there a lot was happening in that area.
       My past experiences with the Airport Restaurant as you travel west on Rt.30 and sits on the left side of the road, was great. It was always great. I may appear as if saying great is an exaggeration but it's one of those things you have to use perspective with. Maybe on a particular day the food is off, but the service makes up for it and to me that equals great. If one I wake up moody, but walk into The Airport restaurant in Thomasville, a man greets me with a smile and how are ya, that just changed how my day started, and not because he was a man, although...
      There are also days when you might have a snotty kid or two, but going into the Airport restaurant, the atmosphere, the smiles and people who freely offer them allow me to forget...oh yeah, that I have a couple of snotty kids with me. See how easy it is. But and finally I have to add, I love the food, the coffee, and the waitress. It is always a pleasure and something I look forward to. Thank you Airport Babes, oh yes, you too Craig:)

Piggy, a Kids Best Friend

     Tonight my home was fortuneate to have a guest stay over. The more kids the happier a home is. In the previous story I told you about a boy who invited me out to eat with a group of ladies.
       He is the boy who is staying over. He is silly, smart, happy, lovable, very opinionated, honest, extremely loyal, loves him family to the enth degree and a best friend to those who need him. Here is his best friend. He told me his grandmother gave this to him as a baby and he loves it, loves it, loves it. When he came in, he rubbed it against his face, smiled and said, would you believe this was pink one time? Yes I would. It just goes to show you, love can rub off!

Who Are The York County Babes?

   
         No they don't own or live in a bakery, nor do they eat at Kringle's Bakery. But they do eat where they want and with whom they share meals, breakfast, bagels or tea or coffee, it is a good time for all.
          Today I had the privilege of going out for bagels with these ladies. One at a time they drifted in as they could make it according to what ever time they have. Sometimes the unexpected is just as nice or better than what is or who is expected as I found out.

        I was invited by a thirteen year-old boy who asked me about having breakfast with his grandmother and a few ladies. As hesitant as I was, not wanting to be part of any kind of a group and preferring to remain as I am, I agreed, after all he is friends with a boy who lives with me. I thought to myself, one time won't hurt. I'll go, get it done and never again. Kind of the way we feel about going to the dentist.

      Today I was lucky. The choice was Big APPLE Bagels, on Haines road across from K-mart in York. Prices are fair, coffee is great and the bagels, almost as good as New York Bagels. Yes I am prejudiced as I am a New Yorker. No matter where we come from we compare and nothing is ever as good. Still and all, Big Apple Bagels, are delicious with a  choice of many kinds of cream cheeses or lox. They also make egg sandwiches with meat toppings and salads. You just can't go wrong.
      Now about the ladies. We all had stories to share, even me who was prepared to sit quiet, listen and leave. I was also just going to get coffee only, but the atmosphere, yes it's all about the atmosphere, which was familiar. I've been to Big Apple Bagels many times in the past years, but stopped about two years ago. Now here I was anxious to once again try my favorite. The child who was with me listened as I stated earlier, oh I hope they have honey oat today. Silly sometimes, the way we think, but there they were, sitting and waiting for me to say as I used to, Honey oat please, lightly toasted with veggie cream cheese. I felt the taste before it was ready. When I was there before a person behind the counter would call out, honey oat!
      But to my surprise, the lady whose grandson invited me suddenly came walking over tray in hand with two bagels on it. One was mine and the other for the child. 
      It was then we started with small chit chat. Cecelia or C, her nick name (excuse me if I wrong) and two of the boys and myself sat and talked about the surroundings. I noticed other people looking our way as Ceil commented they used to all sit at one table, but the people kept growing and the tables stayed the same, so they broke into small groups. Now here I sat as if I'd always been here with this lady. She made me feel welcome and then Pat came in. She wore a big welcoming smile. Pat greeted myself and this new child as if we weren't as new as we were.
       Some time later another woman joined in, Jane, also friendly and outgoing. They all had one thing in common, a statement, and that was, "we sure do laugh a lot." Not long after Jane's daughter walked in, having come from working out, and again a big smile. As I sat at one end of the table I could hear Pam laughing with one of the boys and again that statement settled in, "we sure do laugh a lot." I loved being back at Big Apple Bagels.
    Yes, they are the Babes of York County. They eat out several times a week, not all and not the same ladies. By the way in case you're wondering, these ladies are ageless, from very young to not as young, but always , yes always, laughing.
     Monday, Pinera Bread. I'll let ya know.