Category Archives: General

Picking Trouble

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Marty Ryan

George Powers was a neighbor.  He lived on the southern end of our block, two houses away.  Johanna Scanlon lived between us. George’s property contained a small orchard.  He had a pear tree, a peach tree, a couple of different … Continue reading →

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It’s a Swede*

Posted on September 8, 2021 by Marty Ryan

When I was a teenager, before I could drive, I ran errands on Saturdays for a shut-in just a few houses up the street from us.  Swede Chamberlain [his first name was Lester; Swede was a nickname] was a tall, … Continue reading →

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Teen Curfews Can Be Comical

Posted on August 31, 2021 by Marty Ryan

A recent blog was focused on how us Vail, Iowa, kids got our exercise during the day.  We didn’t stop there; we also exercised at night.  Nighttime exercise was more vigorous than daytime exercise. The town of Vail hired nightwatchmen … Continue reading →

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Your Attention, Please . . .

Posted on August 9, 2021 by Marty Ryan

Last week, it seems like it took me forever to read a New York Times article about whether I might have adult ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).  I had trouble focusing. My spouse, with whom I associate ADD, would interrupt … Continue reading →

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Exercise Can Be Exhilarating

Posted on July 15, 2021 by Marty Ryan

As we get older, exercise becomes more difficult.  I long for the days when I could ride my bicycle down the hill all the way to Homer’s, have a couple beers, and throw the bike in the back of someone’s … Continue reading →

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What’s That?

Posted on June 17, 2021 by Marty Ryan

Several years ago, I underwent a hearing test at the VA Central Iowa Health Care Center, better known as the VA Hospital and Clinics.  The results of the test determined that my hearing was normal.  I know that’s a crock … Continue reading →

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