Ward: Through the years there's been much to learn

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September 18, 2012

Ward: Through the years there's been much to learn

Bill Ward Rushville Republican The Rushville Republican Tue Sep 18, 2012, 11:42 AM EDT

RUSHVILLE — People, myself included, like to hearken back to the good old days and I'll bet your right there with us. I enjoy history always have and have learned a lot from history and my history. I made mistakes and learned from them. I did stupid things as everyone does and again learned from them. If nothing else I learned one does not touch a hot skillet on the stove without a hot pad. You don't go on a binge drinking evening, the next day will be miserable, if you make it that long. I learned you study hard for a test in college, they don't just give you anything there. I also found out that falling from a tree does indeed hurt when you hit the ground.

In my personal history I have learned numerous things that are absolutely worthless. I can, or maybe I should say could, strip an M1 rifle down and put it back together blind folded. Now isn't that just a wonderful ability to have? It is not advisable to hand onto an antenna while transmitting with a radio that has a high frequency. I just love to do push ups in a phone booth. In fact I love phone booths seeing as how few are remaining around. I know how to clean greasy messy pots and pans, thank you Uncle Sam. You really need to be careful with a screw driver in an electrical outlet, the outlet can bite back.

It is inadvisable to try and drive without lights after dark. Just because you think you can do something does not necessarily mean that you really can. Yes lightening does strike twice and it can zap humans.

Forgetting the water hose running outside and allowing it to run all night can be a fiscal disaster. I have found I really don't need all those things I thought I did when I was 35. It is fun to have children and grand children. They can take care of you in your old age. Newspapers are fun even today, and I really enjoy writing for the Republican. Things really do change with time and time does pass faster as you age.

When you get older and retired you find that the only way you know what day of the week it is by what your pills box says on the lid at breakfast. When you're older a good night is one with only two times to the bath room. And yes Ethan and Aaron when grandpa gets older he does tend to want to talk more and longer. He has a lot less time left than he has already used. Yes my parents did whip me when I did things I should have done. And yes Mr. Seller's office did have a paddle with holes in it hanging off the wall. But I never remember anyone actually getting hit with it, but boy was it ever a deterrent.

You can live without a cell phone, I pad, and smart phone, television, cars and many other items that I used to think were indispensable. I really did enjoy actually ordering a car with only the accessories on it I wanted not what the dealer wanted me to buy. And we didn't get concerned over waiting up to 6 weeks for the car to be built. I remember the first Ford Mustang's were widely advertised as selling for $1,750 and we thought that was way over priced. I fondly remember Louie the Greeks soda fountain and the Peppermint Lounge behind the old Boys Club both teen age hang outs. I really remember the lady who ran the Peppermint Lounge for the Boys Club, forget her name but will never forget her. That lady ruled with an iron hand and meant everything she said.

I remember my first bicycle was a Schwinn Shadow and Dad bought it from our cousin for $25 new. That was the only bike I ever owned and had it right up to the time I was old enough to drive. I could get my drivers license right at 16 and did not have to have any of the requirements that the youngsters do today. I learned to drive and got my license in California and believe me that in itself was an adventure. We didn't have driver education, our parents took care of that.

Yep, I did a lot of foolish things and I learned a lot from them. I learned respect for my elders, discipline, a family is important, voting is mandatory, friends are priceless and I really do enjoy writing things that in truth are meaningless, like this article. Yes old friends I did a lot learned a lot and now want to live a lot. Enjoy what you have and don't worry about what maybe coming up. I found what ever it is it can wait.

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