January 2001                                                        The Megaphone                                                                    Page 2

  I'm a little reluctant to share one of my hobbies, but at the same time, proud of it.

  In July of 1999, my Grandma (Mom's mother) got to the place where the doctor would not let her live on her own anymore. She was completely petrified of having to live in a nursing home, after so many years of living very independently. This was when she was 90 years old, and had lived on her own almost 20 years after Papaw died.

  Three of us decided we could alternate and care for her. I spent quite a lot of time alone with my Grandma. One of her many hobbies included crocheting. One day we sat watching TV together as she worked with her yarn, as you almost never caught her with "idle hands." I thought to myself that it would be pretty neat to be able to, basically, make a blanket, plus, give her a feeling of usefulness. So I asked her to teach me. Her excitement to share this with me was so sweet. And so we began.

   It took me a little over a month, but I had made a single stitch, hit-and-miss afghan. It didn't come out too bad, either, if I do say so myself! This wasn't just for me, but was something for her, something she could pass down to me . . . a skill. The joy she felt knowing I was interested enough in something she did and that I wanted her to teach me.  I continued this hobby up until she passed away, and we spent many an hour passing the time listening to TV, talking, and crocheting. I think I actually made 6 or 7 afghans and gave a couple away as gifts, even sold one!

   Since she's been gone, though, I haven't picked it back up, which is a shame, because it is such a relaxing pastime, and I learned to really enjoy it. I know it's not a very "masculine" hobby, but don't knock it 'till you've tried it, huh? The important thing was I made my Grandma very happy. That's what was important. She always came alive when anyone needed her to do something for them.

  I also collect . . . doesn't everybody? I have a collection of "Beatles" memorabilia, and I did collect Mickey Mouse and Disney for awhile. I really enjoy fishing and going to the lakes, and I also enjoy photography, reading, and music. Oh, and being on my 'puter!!

  There you have it . . . PS: Does sleeping count as a hobby?  LOL!

Take care, all!

"Brewski"
Bruce Richardson ' 79
Elwood, IN

   Some things never change. Weather reports in the SW continue much today as they always have.

   One autumn the Indians asked their Chief if the winter was going to be cold. Not really having an answer, the chief replied that the winter was going to be cold and that the members of the village were to collect wood to be prepared.

   Being a good leader, he called the National Weather Service and asked, "Is this winter to be cold?"

   The man on the phone responded, "This winter was going to be quite cold indeed."

   So the Chief went back to speed up his people to collect even more wood to be prepared. A week later he called the National Weather Service again, "Is it going to be a very cold winter?"

  "Yes," the man replied, "it's going to be a very cold winter."

   So the Chief goes back to his people and orders them to go and find every scrap of wood they can find.

  Two weeks later he calls the National Weather Service again: "Are you absolutely sure, that the winter is going to be very cold?"

   "Absolutely" the man replies, "the Indians are collecting wood like crazy!"