Classic

 

 

Some words just seem to have a soothing nature about them and I think the word classic is one of them. Classic is a timeless and non inflammatory way to speak of things that hearken to the past. Just try to label something as old or traditional and watch yourself spiral downward into the abyss of being put out to pasture. Classic seems a safer way to go.

Some of us remember the case of Coca Cola. After making an attempt to freshen its image with the introduction of a new and improved Coke, a backwash of outrage forced the company to turn its ship around midstream and reintroduce the old favorite. Wisely, the company did not call their product “Old Coke”; rather, they used the moniker “Coke Classic.” Once again all was well in the land of Sodaville.

Clothing also seems to rely on the adjective classic. Suits, tailored shirts, basic blue jeans and turtleneck sweaters have a timeless nature about them. Certainly, garish colors, pumpkin decals and wide lapels can catapult an outfit out of the classic status, but, for the most part, some clothing pieces will always be deemed classic and therefore, stylish. I prefer to call most of my clothing classic and not face the truth that the stuff is just plain old.

Over the past few years I have been on a quest for traditional recipes from my youth. Meatloaf is one example. After experimenting with numerous variations involving spices, meat combinations, sauces and bacon slices, I found myself longing for just plain classic meatloaf with catsup on the side. Exotic, no. Comforting, yes. Add a spoonful or two of mashed potatoes and peace reigneth at my dinner table.

Novels with the classic label are also found on many must read lists. Each year I try to read a classic novel or two just to see what all the hype is about. Sometimes I am pleasantly surprised and other times, not so much. East of Eden by John Steinbeck delighted me with its biblical analogies and lush prose. Eight hundred pages into Anna Karenina, however, and I was ready to meet the same demise as the angst ridden Anna. I gutted it out and made it to the final page and decided something was lost in the Russian to English translation. I guess I’m more of a Tom Sawyer kind of reader. I’ll leave the epic international dramas for other library patrons.

No doubt, I have entered the age zone of somewhere beyond young and middle aged. I, of course, would like to claim the title of classic, rather than just plain old. My wrinkles and arthritic shoulder are telling me otherwise. Maybe, like the classics, getting old is an acquired taste and should be celebrated in small doses. And, if it’s like meatloaf, a little catsup goes a long way.

 

 

 

 

Here is my Classic Meatloaf recipe. Great for cold fall evenings when it’s time to put on a little fat for the winter.

1 ½ pound ground beef

¾ c. old fashioned Quaker Oats
¾ c. chopped onion
½ c. catsup
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp. garlic powder
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper

Combine ingredients and put into loaf pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes at 350 degrees.

 

Call of Duty

 

 

My generation lost an icon last month. His name was Neil Armstrong and he was the first man to step foot on the moon. I vividly recall that warm day in July of 1969 when the radio reported that Mr. Armstrong had indeed reached that beautiful orb in the sky. I remember looking up at the moon that evening and trying to picture men walking about on something that seemed so far away and out of reach for mere earthlings. It was a moment I will never forget.

I am also impressed by the character of Mr. Armstrong. Despite his star-studded accomplishments, he seemed to prefer to stay under the radar if possible. He graciously interacted with his curious and adoring fans but maintained a humble demeanor. During one of his television interviews he stated, “Our lives should not be about one moment of fireworks. Rather, our lives should be based on the on-going ledger of daily living.” Another reporter wrote that despite Neil’s somewhat shy nature, he always “did his duty.”

Over the years I have been blessed to cross paths with folks who have answered the call of duty. Not the kind of duty filled with fanfare and marching off to regions unknown. Rather, the quiet, under the radar, I’m-here-to-serve kind of duty.

The council members of my childhood church come to mind.  Many of these men spent warm, sultry afternoons in classrooms, trying to teach lessons of faith and catechism to a rather tepid audience. The council members had day (and into the night) jobs. Yet, they took the time to stop what they were doing so they could honor their commitment to the youth of the church. Most of the elders had no background in teaching or pedagogical techniques. They answered the call of duty and did their best for us. I wish I had been more appreciative at the time. I am now filled with gratitude for their service.

I am also grateful for the men who stood at my uncle’s graveside this past summer. Despite it being a desperately hot and steamy day, a group of elderly veterans helped my family bury my uncle with a sense of military pride. My guess is that many of the men were suffering from aches and pains of their own. And yet, they answered the call to honor a fellow serviceman. My heart was thankful that morning for their humble commitment.

The moms and dads of the students at the school I attended as a youngster also come to mind. Our school was privately supported, which translated into countless hours of planning and working fundraisers, completing building projects, mowing lawns and on top of it all, writing out  tuition checks. Most of us didn’t have lake homes to help us create memories. What we did have were role models of folks who believed in faith based education and were willing to do whatever it took to make it happen.  

It is quite unlikely that any of us will accomplish something as great as stepping on the moon. It is very likely, however, that we will be given opportunities to serve others. May we all graciously answer our call to duty.

Houston, the Eagle has landed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kitty Cam

A recent news report shared the findings of critter cams placed around the necks of 50 domestic cats. Apparently, our little kitty friends are participating in perilous behaviors, unbeknownst to their owners. According to the report, free roaming felines participate in at least one risky behavior per week. The behaviors include eating and drinking foreign substances, crawling into small spaces, crossing busy roads and encountering other critters. Well, duh. They are cats. The shocking part of this report is that people are surprised by the results. Anyone who has owned a cat knows that cats set their own convoluted agendas and are only too happy to traipse through hill and dale when given a chance. The study also brought light to the fact that cats are predators and that the little “gifts” they bring home to their owners represent just a fourth of the carnage that they are participating in when they are prowling out and about in the neighborhood. For Pete’s sake, what do people think cats are doing with their nine lives? Licking the feet of their masters? Fat chance on that one unless your toes are bathed in eau de mousie. Cats are programmed to stalk and hunt. Take that away and you might have to check into Kitty Prozac for the remainder of their days.

Another result of the study is that cats can be unfaithful to their owners. Apparently, several of the cats studied were eating and sleeping at a variety of households. Which means that the “Have You Seen My Kitty” posters placed on light poles in hopes of locating a stray feline are really just a desperate attempt to locate a traitorous kitty who is enjoying a change from her usual Little Friskies in a blue bowl. Little kitty cat knows that she will return to a hero’s welcome when the time comes and maybe even a tuna treat or two as her joyful owner heaps love upon the prodigal Fluffy.

All this kitty cam voyeurism makes me wonder what would happen if someone secretly hooked us up with a people cam. Here are a few things that would probably be revealed in my cam footage.

1) The chocolate I eat in public is only a fourth of the chocolate I eat on my own. The location of my cache would also be disclosed. A lock and key might have to be used in the future.

2) Sometimes I park in spaces that are too small for me. My depth perception is weak and it is best if I park in a spot that is a kilometer or two away from the nearest vehicle.

3) I willingly interact with strange critters. They are called middle schoolers.

4) I indulge my need for variety in my diet by eating out occasionally. Sometimes food just tastes better when you’re out of the house.

For the most part, I think my cam footage would be a real snoozer. I also know that if I went missing, there would probably not be any “Have You Seen This Woman” posters on the light poles. I think my husband would just set out a little bowl of chocolate on the doorstep and hope for the best.