Random Thoughts
Sept. 7, 2007, held an unexpected thrill for me. Due to Marian Crofoot and her daughter Pam's thoughtfulness I got to attend the arrival of the train carrying soldiers who were supporting the people fighting in Iraq. What a crowd! Good old American patriotism is still alive! Everyone was shaking hands and patting backs of the visitors, even hugging them.
What memories it brought back. I was taken back to my junior high days when World War I was going on. I lived in El Dorado. The troop trains went right through, crossing Main Street. Everyone would go down to cheer them on. Bill Kaiser was the big enemy then. Sometimes we girls would get an address and then have someone to write to. I can't believe it now, but I knitted mittens, socks, and scarves. The government was just ready to take my father when the war ended. When World War II came along, I was married so I was at it again, helping the war effort.
Brook Astor (Mrs. Astor to you!) and Leona Helmsley, two elderly ladies just recently died. They have both been in the news. Mrs. Astor left a lot of money to some well-deserving charities and Mrs. Helmsley left $5 million to her dog, Trouble. Now it seems that the person she designated as his caretaker refuses. What shall the poor dog do now? I guess he needs a good lawyer.
It seems animals are getting lots of attention now. No dogfights allowed. I fear for the circus, rodeo, and the Spanish bull fights. Some cruelty there.
— NORMA HANNAFORD
