The Santa Maria

The Santa Maria,
In Better Days

Over the 4th of July holiday season my son’s family had the chance to visit my wife and me in the Columbus area.  My son is looking at cities that may be good for his family after his retirement from the navy.  Since my son has served on several Navy ships in his twenty years of active duty, I thought it may be interesting to show him the Santa Maria.   His reaction to the similarities of this ship of the past, as well as some of the differences of the ship, I thought would be neat to see.  On the tour were my son, my wife, my daughter-in-law, and my grandson of thirteen.  We read the flyer and paid the fee to go onboard to hear the tour information from the historical guide.  The ship on its own tells the story of a life in a different age.  It screams of history from the way the ship was built to the lives of the men on the ship.  The guide was so interested in getting done with the tour that he did not show any respect for the ship, sailors, or the people that were there to learn and experience the Santa Maria, Christopher Columbus, and their places in history. As a local real estate agent, I try to promote Columbus and its places of interest.  I do this because I believe promoting Columbus to any persons considering moving here shows our pride in our community.  Now generally the beauty of Columbus speaks for itself, and so not much help is needed from its residents. 
My son and his family were very impressed with the park system, the bike and running paths, and even The Ohio State campus was impressive to my grandson for his higher education.  The tour of the Santa Maria was such a disappointment that it overshadowed any strides I may have made, in my hopes of bringing my son’s family to the Columbus area.  Please look into changes in the tour. The way it is handled, the way it is maintained, even the way its personnel act and handle themselves needs a total makeover.  I understand the mayor has been trying to make the downtown a place to gather and take pride. This part of the downtown needs a lot of improvement.  Also, may I suggest that when you make a repair to the ship, please do it so the ship stays authentic with regard to its historical place!
I must admit that this is one place that I will not be sending those persons that are relocating to our city. 
What a disappointment!!
This was an e-mail that I sent on July 7th 2011 to Linda Ketcham, director in charge of the Santa Maria and its promotion to the Columbus area. The picture that was taken early in the ship’s life needs to be the same ship that people see each time they visit her.   It was one of the ships which was home to Christopher Columbus and his crew while he crossed the Atlantic.  This spring will be twenty months since I visited the ship with my son’s family.  I look forward to seeing the improvements that have been made by Ms Ketcham’s team.  I did receive a response from Ms Ketcham shortly after I sent her the letter and was not impressed with her answers to my questions. 
 Taken from Ms. Ketchams response: “Our park is the only park on the east side waterfront that has not been redone:  Partly because of expense to the city, (the dredging alone is over half a million) and partly because the city is not sure what they want to do with us. They discussed moving the ship but that is also cost prohibited. We are (the park) in worse shape than usual due to flooding this spring and summer. The entire park was under water (water up to the handle of our storage shed and about three steps up the walkway to the upper park.) The ship was closed 12 days this year because of the flooding. Until the city decides to spend money on the park and the dock in front of the visitor center our hands are tied. The city owns the ship but the Santa Maria board runs the ship and provides for its funding.”



Figure 1A family Gathering Area



Figure 3 Falling apart

Figure 2 The lower area Closed

Figure 5 The whole park needs to be closed

  

I took a quick visit the other day to see what the area looked like now. 

I believe I may have expected too much!  Is it possible some persons have great plans that are great for this city, but they don’t bother to see what it takes to keep the project at its peak performance?

Changes are Good?

I must have been in first or second grade when my father added a bathroom to our two bedroom home in Peoria.  The home was small, to say the least, especially since there was my father, mother, myself and then my three sisters.  There was a front room, kitchen with mud room and of course the two bedrooms.  My being the odd ball I slept in the mud room.  I really don’t remember using the outhouse there at the house.  But I must have, since I lived there.  That was a good change; I’m very glad somebody figured that out.  Changes are good?

One of my mother’s favorite Sunday activities was for the family to take a drive to down town Peoria and window shop.  There was nothing opened so we would walk the main streets looking into the shop windows.  Carson Pierre Scott and Wards were always her favorites.  Looking at the furniture and the dresses in the windows made her happy; we all had a good time.  Then after church in the evening we would go by the A & W for a root beer.   When the big box stores opened up, I think it was Kmart first; there was no need any more to window shop.  Today, all stores are open, even on holidays making shopping a 24/7 activity.  Maybe that change is better, maybe not.  Being able to get what you want when you want, is not all bad, I think!  Changes are good?

Over the years there have been many changes, some personal and some on a global scale.  I have been married now over 40 years.  Life has been sweet, with an attractive, smart wife, two kids, boy and girl of course.  My wife and I are somewhat successful; we are still working on it at least.  I do enjoy a trip now and again, sometimes to the beach and sometimes to an area like Las Vegas to enjoy the atmosphere.   I have been there a couple times, accompanying Pat during a business trip.  The golf is great and seeing Boulder Dam is very interesting.  Gambling is not my thing.  I think Pat and I have worked too hard for what we have to take one spin and lose it, that is not fun for me.  I do understand there are those that like going to Nevada for gambling.  That is there way.  I believe the State of Ohio is trying to make it easier for them to gamble here.  First the lottery was put in effect a few years back for the benefit of the schools.  Now, they are placing gambling casinos in three different areas of the state, is this for the schools as well? Why only three, wouldn’t more be better for the competition?  Changes are good, right?

I have a suggestion for the powers that control the states finance!  Instead of adding more and more programs to be paid by the state (citizens), stop and see where the money is coming from first.  I’m afraid that if the politicians keep up the spending they may try to bring legalized prostitution to Ohio, just think of all the women that would put back to work.  Plus all the good and happiness that would be spread when that starts.  Changes are good, right?

Swimmers

Lying on the operating table thinking about all the things that could go wrong, I kept telling myself, relax!  This is the best thing for both her and me. The studies all say this is the best way to control unwanted little ones.

 In 1977 this is not a simple operation.  I hate the hospital; this day will help to ingrain that more and more.  There are three of us waiting for the same procedure.  Lucky me, I’m first!  The gown does nothing to cover my body.  Please change these cover ups to give the wearer some sense of decency. 

I am wheeled into the room by a lady who says, “This will be ok, no problem, we just need to get you prepared.”  Wait a minute I am here, I am prepared! Bring on the doctor and get it done!  She has me hop up on the operating table and lie back.  I might as well be naked; the gown is just a crutch.  “Place your feet in these stirrups,” Excuse me!  Now let me set the scene for you:

1.    I am nearly naked.

2.    I’m in an operating room.

3.    My legs are in women’s stirrups.

4.    The door to the room is looking straight up my gown.

5.    There is a young girl in the room.

6.    I’m cold and shivering.

I don’t care that she is a nurse.   “I need to shave the area and get you ready for the doctor.”  If you a man and you are breathing, plus you’re in your mid 20s and a lady takes warm soapy water and starts to wash your privates, you know what happens.  I don’t care that you’re cold and concerned about what the doctor is going to do, it happens!  Now the next thing I’m about to explain will floor you, it did me.  Remember this is the late seventies.  A vasectomy then was a new thing. 

The door to the operating room opens, in walks eight student nurses.  Help!  I am not a guy that likes to be the center of attention about anything, this cannot be happening.  The nurse running the show starts to explain to each one of them as the doctor comes in, what is going to happen. She says, “Now gather round so you can get a good view of this. Don’t be shy.”  Remember the problem that I was struggling with only moments before with the girl washing me?  No more! 

Without a word from the doctor he takes the scalpel and cuts the left side of the sac.  “Wait a minute” were my only words.  If I could have gotten up off that table then the doctor would have been on the floor.  Lucky for him the nurses each took a place around me held me down.  I feel my stomach being torn from the inside out, when he reaches in and pulls.   This happens a second time to the other side of my manhood.  No numbing, no putting me to sleep, didn’t even buy me dinner first. 

I guess you could say I’m like a lady giving birth; the pain is not as sharp after these years.  Now I have recommended this to several of my friends and even my son, never telling them the story first, of course, they probably wouldn’t have it done to themselves. 

Today Chris my son called me to say “Dad, we are going to have a baby.”  My first words were, “But you were cut.”  Surprise, Surprise, it grew back together.  He recommended to me that I needed to be checked.  Me, go through that again?  Are you kidding?

The Revolt

It must have been about 3 A.M. when I woke from a deep sleep, cold and shivering.  I reached for the comforter thinking I could ignore the pressure on my bladder if only I could warm from the cold.  The house was cool as always, one of the measures we had put in place to save money.  Lying there, I thought that wasn’t the smartest thing to do, but still it didn’t help now.  I reached for the cover once again but to my disappointment it wasn’t where it should be.  I looked over in the darkness; Pat was there, covered just about like me.  A sheet and light blanket, but where was the heavy comforter?   I stretched out to the maximum; unable to go further, I was restrained by my own breathing.  I’m one of those people who snore so loud that I could wake myself from the deepest sleep.  So I wear a CPAC mask.  The mask is confining because of the hose that runs back to the machine.  So I was reaching as far as I could, restrained down by my hose and unable to reach the extra cover.  Did Pat kick the extra cover off?  I wouldn’t think so; I had it pulled up under my chin as I feel asleep.  Where is it now?  Gremlins, I guess!  Laying my mask on the table beside the bed, I reached on down, finally able to find the cover at the foot of the bed.  Settling back into my place on the bed I pulled the cover up, making sure Pat got her share, because I’m sure she must be cool also.  Yes, that helps!  Reaching over and replacing my mask. Breathe! Breathe! Relax! Crap, now I do have to go.  Pushing the covers out of the way and to the bathroom I accomplish my task. 

I’m back now. Sleep-that would be nice.  A cold bed! I took too long in the bathroom.  First lie back in the bed and find the covers. What happened?  The gremlins again, I guess.  Pat must have not wanted them on her while I was gone. That would be much more logical.  Sleep, I need more sleep.  Better put on the mask and try to relax. Reaching over to find the device in the dark, I find it has come apart.  Now that’s just too much for one night.

Pat getting up, said, “You want the light on?”  “Sure! Maybe that will help!” I’m not getting it done with the light anyway.

Seems like when one item revolts other must follow.  Check for yourself.  I’m not saying things happen in 3’s like deaths.  It’s just that when inanimate items go bad, they pile on. 

Our First Time

Not without my own washer and dryer!

My in-laws were living in Muscatine, Iowa, at the time when John heard of a piece of land for sale in Mapleton, Illinois.  They were coming back to their farm home that Pat and I were renting in Pekin, Illinois, and wanted their home back and us out. 

        For sale, 2 acres, a 3 bedroom home with a full basement.  This is a mobile home that is set permanent on a foundation, $9500. 

        Pat and I had looked at a couple places, but I’d say they were just an afternoon of adventure or just something to do.  I thought that this may be just what we needed to start our family.  We had been married for about two years, and I thought it was time to have children.  At the age of 20, working in the foundry at Caterpillar Tractor Company in Mapleton, this could be the perfect location.  It was far enough away from both of our families that we could really be out on our own. 

        Thankfully they let us purchase the place on a “Contract for Deed” without anything down and only $95.00 a month.   

        I have often wondered why people decide to buy a home.  My reason was, I wanted a child and Pat said that she wanted our own home and a washer and dryer first, before having kids.  Crazy reasoning I know, but that was how we thought back in 1972. 

        We were back in Mapleton a few months back and went over to see if our first place was still there.  Yes, the person that owned it now had put a large fence around the place so you could not see the trailer anymore. Also there was a cow skull and horns above the gate drive.  Scary! 

        That was our first time.  Are you ready to jump into the role of home owner? I would love to know your reasons!

The Complete Family

Pat and I recently have an addition to our family.  No, Pat didn’t tell me 9 months ago that we would be expecting.  The stork did not fly in and drop a baby down the chimney.  Thankfully, Laura and Chris have not moved back to our home, Ha, Ha!  

We have been blessed to have John, Pat’s dad, come to stay with us for a time.   I have seen TV shows like “The Walton’s,” where there are families blending together.   In the setting of that show, the 40’s and 50’s, parents would have children at home, a wife and husband, then grandma and grandpa living in the same household was a common thing.  I know that there are several families at church that I attend, where a parent has now joined the home of a son or daughter.  I am happy to say we now have joined those families.  What a pleasure this is to have him come to stay with us for as long as he will have us. 

I know that we are intruding in on his life and privacy but it’s time we fulfilled that Godly based commandment.  A simple request Jesus made to his brother, John, “See your mother.”

A few years back Pat and I began preparing for this honor, when we purchased our one level home.  We worked on the home and got it so that it has our own personal stamp. 

When my mother was faced with a similar need, my sister Sharon went to live in the same home.  I think Sharon received the benefit of mom’s knowledge and patience in handling that challenge.  Hopefully, Pat and I can gain the same from John, as he encourages us to grow and develop as a stronger family.  The first thing that I have learned from John, even with the problems of age, at times not being able to remember the day, where he is, or whether or not his is ill.  He does still remember how and why we talk to God.

The Modern Christmas

I think I have been called a “Scrooge," the “Grinch” or just cheap by about everyone I know.  It has been a running joke in the family that Pop Pop just does not like Christmas.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  I love the concept, or let’s say I love the thought of Christmas.  I grew up hearing the story by Charles Dickens, The Christmas Carol.  It is still one of my favorite stories of all time; I still try to catch the original version on the TV each year about now.  The other Christmas poem that I remember well begins like this;

Twas the night before Christmas,

when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

This poem by Clement Clarke Moore published in 1844 has become a fixture and portrait of the perfect family Christmas.

I remember when growing up my parents tried to make sure each of us kids had several presents under the Christmas tree to make sure we were just like all the other kids.  One year my mother tried so hard!  One of my presents was a new belt to hold up my pants.  I must have needed the belt, but give me a break!  This is pressure that is not needed for a family trying to put healthy food and warm clothes on their family.  Do I sound bitter?  Sorry, I don’t mean to.  We were one of the happiest and well fed families that I knew.  My father worked each day at a job that paid well for a man that did not get his high school diploma until I was in seventh or eighth grade.  His factory job for the time fulfilled all our needs.  At Christmas he would take a part time job to make sure we had enough.   I remember him selling shoes for Carson Pier Scott in Peoria and my mother working for a dry cleaners to give us extras.  Were times different?  Maybe, I’m sure there are families today that do the same to make their families come up to the “norm”. 

Today the normal family is more like the TV show with Chevy Chase and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.  Clark Griswold tries to make the perfect family holiday for all his family, including both sets of parents and the dim witted cousin Eddie with his dysfunctional family and dog.  The home and the tree is the ultimate of what can be attained by an over achieving Santa.  I have never tried to do this at my home and it would probably give Pat a heart attack should she come home and find I attempted to do so.  A few weeks back I was listening to Christmas music on my CD in my truck and had forgotten it was still playing when we got in to go somewhere.  It started playing and I believe if we would have been somewhere other than my garage, she would have thought it was someone else’s truck. 

This holiday is supposed to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the giving of him presents by the wise men and kings.  We have lost that concept today.  Some of us celebrate his birth, life, death and resurrection in our lives each day.

If you must invite your relatives and friends over and enjoy seeing all of the children playing and how they have grown, then do so.  A little note here, I was at Panera’s for lunch Sunday before my open house.  I was minding my own business and a couple about my age sat at the table beside me and started eating and going over their Christmas list.  Like many others, they were comparing what they had gotten and what they had left to get from their list.  When they finished that part of the conversation the next topic was what they planned on doing with those that were visiting from out of town.  Were they going to stay at their home or a hotel, maybe at another in-town relative’s home?  These were all valid questions that needed to be addressed.  What was troubling to me was a comment made and seconded by the spouse.  Whatever we do, I just don’t want to spend much time with “this couple”.  Wow, to dislike someone that much that they could not spend a couple days with them is sad.  I know of some relatives that haven’t spoken in years because of a small or big conflict.  What happened to the saying “what would Jesus do.”  Especially on his supposed day, I give you the American Baby Boomer Couple. 

If you still want a special day fine, I believe it is time for this holiday to change dramatically.  It has run its course like the Post Office and the local library.  Don’t get me started on those two agencies.  I will, at a later date write my feeling on them.     Decorate your homes and interior of the house to your heart’s content; put enough lights and decorations on there to be seen from the International Space Station.   Presents should be stopped at the age of 18 or maybe 16 when you get your driver’s license. Make this a holiday for only intimate family to celebrate.  Traveling this time of year in the North and Central part of the county is a hazard.   Thanksgiving is a more logical holiday to do family celebrations. Spend time with your children and teach them the true meaning of the holiday.  Keep gift giving to a minimum in the family.  This is the time of the year when you should give of yourself to others.  One of my presents to myself each year is to reevaluate if I am doing all I can for those I love and consider close. 

 Try to slow down a little.  The holiday should be more a look into yourself and a glow that generates from a love you should have for others.