A few weeks ago, the US Navy Blue Angels flew past Orange Beach, Alabama, on their way back to Pensacola, Florida, for the first time in their F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft. In 1946, the Blue Angels participated in flight demonstrations around the world, setting new aviation standards.

I’ve been fortunate to see the team at practice sessions in Pensacola; these aircraft scream overhead, right in front of our bleacher seats. I can’t wait for their 2025 season and the transition to the new aircraft. That always gives new meaning to the phrase “up close and personal.”

In a nationally respected newspaper, today, I read that a top political operative used the words: “snarking and barking” to a large crowd recently. In today’s political arena, people tend to say whatever they like, to anyone, anywhere. I’m just old enough to value the benefits of civility; it’s unthinkable to me that I’d use these two words in any conversation. In today’s digital world, anything a person says is memorialized forever. I wonder if the person who used these words in conversation will live to be proud of what they said and did. Somehow, I don’t think so.

Today, I went to CVS for a prescription refill, and I was pleasantly surprised to receive three different vaccinations instead of just one. My local pharmacy, although part of a big national chain, feels more like a warm, friendly neighborhood pharmacy rather than a cold, impersonal store. Maybe it’s because I’ve been a regular customer for quite some time; they often go out of their way to leave me phone messages when my prescriptions are ready.

While I was waiting, several older people arrived to pick up prescriptions. Each one kindly asked the pharmacy technician if there was anything they could take for the virus. Unfortunately, no such drug or vaccine exists yet, but many people are still very worried and hopeful for a breakthrough. I feel fortunate to be protected against three major health risks that I probably won’t encounter, yet I can’t help but feel anxious about the possibility of testing positive for the virus. About three months ago, I took a test and received a negative result; still, I know the result might change in the future. It’s a frightening thought.

Recently, I listened to a wonderful podcast and a clip from This American Life about preschool children and their constant tattling on each other. I didn’t realize this was such a big deal, but when I asked my daughter, who is a preschool teacher, she told me it was a huge part of the class. With the parents’ and preschool staff’s permission, a journalist set up an old red wall phone in the classroom that recorded the children’s voices. He placed a sign over the phone that said “Tattle Phone” and recorded a message that thanked the children for calling and asked them to “Tell the Whole Story” of their complaint. The kids absolutely loved it; the phone was ringing off the hook all day long.

The comments are truly delightful; I especially love two from young girls. One softly asked about a boy: “Who farted in my face?” and quickly added, “And the worst part was he didn’t say he was sorry.” Another girl started with, “Thank you for taking my call. I have to go now,” and about an hour later, called again to say, “I just wanted to say I’m sorry I had to go.” Children are wonderfully honest, unafraid to share what’s on their minds. We can all learn something from these charming stories in “Tales from the Tattle Phone.”

Once again, I have found a vintage (maybe 1950 or so) advertisement that really sends a clear message. If you are looking for refreshment, how can you lose with a product that guarantees “a Fistful of Flavor”. Too bad it’s only available in New York.

A well-known company that rates just about everything just announced a pencil as being the “Cadillac” of pencils. Who knew?

I’ve used Blackwing pencils for many years. Over time, the manufacturer has evolved, and vintage pencils now fetch high prices on eBay. I treasure my collection of around 25 vintage pencils, as well as a few newer ones. Many famous writers, such as Stephen King, use these pencils, so I feel like I’m in great company. Even though I can’t afford the car, these pencils truly bring me happiness.

One of my favorite things to discover is vintage magazine ads. I came across this great ad in the December 19, 1942, issue of The New Yorker Magazine. Since I was born on December 17th, I can imagine she was enjoying more than a few cigarettes that day. I suppose I was quite good at crying during those first days, so I certainly don’t hold it against her for promoting “the best in smoking pleasure.”

Learning about Anne Burrell’s passing and the circumstances around it is genuinely upsetting. Many of us have loved watching her grow through her cooking shows, where she shared her humor, talent, and warmth. I find it hard to understand why there’s so much curiosity about her cause of death—it’s really a personal matter. The media should honor her privacy and allow us all some space and peace during this tough time.