The Clash of Seasons

Posted on October 27, 2016 by annetbell

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On Monday, I went with Judy and Eileen north a couple of hours to the Vermont Country Store. It was a clear, warm day as we left Troy. The further we drove , we noticed  what my husband calls, “the four-letter “S” Word . . . . .  SNOW.

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Just a dusting but undeniable!    Oh well, I guess it is time!   Why, you might ask, do we live up here in the frozen tundra of the US?   Good question !

Past

Vrest and Ellen Orton opened The Vermont Country Store in Weston, Vermont, in 1946. They were inspired by childhood memories of Vrest’s father’s general store in North Calais, Vermont, which opened in 1897. The Weston store was the first restored rural general store in the nation. “I can still recall my father’s store, where most of the men came in the evenings to wait for the horse-drawn stage that brought the mail from Montpelier, thirteen miles away,” Vrest Orton said. “The store was warm and cozy. It smelled of harness, coffee, smoky kerosene lamps, tobacco, and sugar maple wood burning in the big stove.”

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Wall of creams and remedies for head to toe!

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Table after table of “Retro Toy Joy!”

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Who doesn’t remember and love the penny candies even  if you have to pay  today’s prices!

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 And who doesn’t love Vermont Cheddar Cheese?  There is a serve yourself, as much as you want  tasting room  filled with dips, sauces, cheese, cookies and jams and preserves with little bite-size  crackers .  Nice of them to cut small bite-sizes to help us avoid calories from all those delicious Vermont products.

It was a fun day with friends and  memories of days gone by.  I was able to find some stocking stuffers , taste some Vermont cheese and condiments while  avoiding the snow. That may end later today as there is a rumor that snow is on the way!

Though  there are still colorful  leaves on the trees, once it begins SNOW always prevails!

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Hero. . . . . Heroes

Posted on October 26, 2016 by annetbell

Cadet Tom Surdyke died on June 30,2016.  He willingly gave his life to save a swimmer in distress off the beach of Long Island.  The distressed swimmer lived because of Tom’s unselfish act.  Tom gave his life in service for others.

6 young graduates or cadets  have died since June 2, 2016 .  Watch to the end to see their names.  For me, this video epitomizes the spirit  and mission of West Point. 

 

The images and music were created and produced by the Corps of Cadets as a memorial for these young heroes.

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”  John 15:13″ 

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Football Weekend at West Point

Posted on October 25, 2016 by annetbell

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Last weekend I was  visiting a graduate, now retired , LtC Karen Ward. I was invited to spend the Saturday helping with the Rotary Club selling food to benefit the suffering the  people of Haiti.  I got to pop in several times see some of the game, the corps, and the mules.

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The security was very tight.  I had to send the  information on my license , a week in advance for screening . The Corps of Cadets sit together and civilians are not allowed to get close. Karen said, “Imagine the celebration by terrorists if they  took  out a huge group of future Army officers!” MP’s were walking around with very serious looking machine guns.

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Such spectacular color  even in  this late season.

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On football Saturdays, there is a parade but though one was schedule, the rain prevented it. I am sure the cadets were not disappointed but the parents who were visiting for Parent’s Weekend were.  I guess, though, nothing disappoints them  because of the time they spend their children.

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These are Plebes, or first year cadets who along with academics, leadership classes, and military science  have lots of  physical activity. I heard recently that in just a few years, 70 % of the eligible men and women will not be able to pass the physical fitness and weight requirements for the army.

The video below is  so much fun to see in person.  The helicopters didn’t fly on Saturday, either,  due to the inclement  weather.   Such a surprise  for first time visitors to see the ball be parachuted from a helicopter  to  start the game.  It is a  thrill no matter how many times you see it!

 

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Indian Drum Music

Posted on October 20, 2016 by annetbell

A) DRUMS OF INDIA


Tabla
Pakhawaj
Mridagam
Khol

Dholak
Dholki
Dhol
Tavil

Damru
Madal
Naal
Kanjira

Indian Tasha Drum
Ghatam
Nagara
Duff
 

 

Music and dance are a huge part of India and of Indian people. Just see any Bollywood film!   I saw this group perform last night at the Troy Music Hall with its world famous acoustics.  The expressive musicians showed their delight at the sound in the hall with happy smiles.

The audience, which was strongly Indian, experienced the tranquilizing sound of various   Indian drums from diverse ends of India featuring these classical percussionists.

An amazing fact is that there is no written music.  They know each others’ instruments  and after hours and hours of practicing, they know each  others’ playing The whole evening is a total jam session.   They are constantly communicating by looking at each other and counting  for rhythm with an unique clapping. While featuring the different drums,   they would alternate the melody and rhythm.  Pretty special and unusual.

The Sitar musician was trained by the world famous  Ravi Shanker.

I shared with my friend how totally Indian this all is. . . . the music welling up inside them and the total creativity of the process.

A few hours of a taste of India and memory of that incredible place.

 

 

 

 

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POLIO TO PARATROOPER

Posted on October 18, 2016 by annetbell

See this image

Polio to Paratrooper Paperback – August 27, 2016

by Anne Archer Tullidge (Author), Anne Tullidge Bell (Afterword), Christian Bell (Foreword)
 Books are  available on Amazon as well as on Kindle

See all formats and editions

  • Paperback
    $11.99

 

George Bowler Tullidge III was an ordinary “All-American” boy who chose to serve his country as a member of the 82nd Airborne, 507th PIR during WWII. George jumped in the early morning hours of June 6th as part of Operation Overlord. He was to find himself engaged in battle with German forces around La Fier Bridge near St. Mere Eglise, France. George was wounded during the battle, died a few days later and was awarded the Bronze Star for Bravery. This is his story as told through eyes of his grieving mother, supplemented with many letters from George as well as his comrades. Among his possessions that day was a booklet his mama had given to him prior to his leaving for basic training. In that booklet were words of encouragement that she had borrowed from many sources including the Bible. After George’s death, his mama published that booklet as “A Paratrooper’s Faith”. This booklet is still being published today, by George’s sister and distributed to all who ask. The proceeds from the sale of Polio to Paratrooper will be donated to organizations that support our armed forces.

This book was originally written for each member of our family for George’s story and life to live on.   Now, I am the last member of the immediate family. My son, Christian, loved hearing about his uncle George from his Oma. This has been a dream of his, to publish this story, similar to many other brave men who went to war. We hope that this book will inspire, comfort, educated, and  thank our heroes from the Greatest Generation  !

We also have a website  where you can ask for a free copy of A Paratrooper’s Faith .

http://www.AParatroopersFaith.org

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Volleyball Player Steps Up

Posted on October 17, 2016 by annetbell

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This is Marina Garcia who unexpectedly stepped up to sing the national anthem when the sound system failed before her volleyball game.  She is an inspiration and leader.

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Color in the Park

Posted on October 15, 2016 by annetbell

 

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This is one of the colorful autumn  days for which   Upstate New York is known. I took it on my walk around the park a day or two ago.  Today is similar with clear blue sunny sky  with blazing colorful  trees. One difference is that  we had our first frost last night and the morning air is 37 F.  Oh well, the moderate temperatures  can’t last forever.  Today , we are finally going apple picking as the long 6 weeks of David’s painful back has finally  cleared up.

It will be a satisfying Saturday !

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Bob Dylan

Posted on October 13, 2016 by annetbell

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Bob Dylan wins Nobel Prize for Literature!   What  unexpected news breaking this morning.  The gravely voiced troubadour and philosopher  wrote and performed as the conscious of the 60’s. He was influenced and inspired by the legendary  folk singer, Woodie Guthrie.   His favorite themes were pro-civil rights justice and anti- war, specifically anti-Vietnam war of the   60s and 70s.   Today at 75 years of age, he is still a voice for causes of justice and especially for the those of us who were touched by his words and voice.  He is still  touring and performing almost nightly.

 

 

“Blowing in the Wind,” and “Times They Are a-Changing” are two of my favorites.

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Beggars, Monkeys, Rickshaws, and Indian Generosity

Posted on October 12, 2016 by annetbell

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This is one of my favorite posts.  I have continually  been touched by the kind, gentle, generous spirit I experienced over and over in India!  ( published first March 2013) 

From day one in India , we have had a love/hate relationship with the rickshaw/tuk-tuk.  It is cheap transportation…$0.20 for one way to Cept University. The most expensive rides have been $2.00 and  we are still alive after 45 days.  Cheap, safe? What is the hate side of the story?  Well it scary, that’s what.  Rickshaws going in all directions. Yes, the wrong way. Cars are on the left side (thank you British) and  rickshaws squirm in and out and sometimes on the wrong side of the wrong side traffic! It is a lot like Mario Cars video game but it is real. I told David I would never criticize his driving again…a promise I hope I can keep. I mostly close my eyes and pray. Not a bad idea in any circumstance. Please watch the video on YouTube of crazy rickshaws in Varanasi. There was no footage taken in Ahmedabad, and Varanasi was the worst, crazy traffic I have seen. Here is the best of the worst! Notice auto as well as man pulled rickshaws. In Ahmedabad, there are none  of the people-powered ones. They are a throwback to ages ago, yes from the British.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98prHZuTYPI (Crazy Rickshaw Ride in Varanasi India)

Now I want to tell you four short tales of rickshaws and drivers, along their daily drives on the roads of India.

The first tale was weeks ago, shortly after we arrived.  A strike was called for drivers to protest for 72 hours because of  the rise in fuel prices.  This  price rise would increase the minimum  they had to  charge and theoretically they would have less business. I was going with a visiting Canadian professor to NID, National Institute of Design.  We noticed there were fewer rickshaws, and fewer who would stop, and NID is way across the city. Finally, a young man stopped for us. We entered and he said, he would have to take us by a back route to avoid the strikers. He said he was saving money for college, warming the hearts of two visiting teachers.  As we reached our destination, and exited to pay the driver, suddenly three thugs ran up as we stood  right there paying and started pounding on the small rickshaw driver.  Skye, her student, and I started yelling, “Stop, stop,” and after a few moments they ran off as quickly as they had appeared. The driver was badly shaken but not badly hurt. As we entered the grounds, we looked back to see him sitting with his head on the wheel, not driving away.

One morning, I was catching a rickshaw on my own.  A beggar women approached and started patting me as she pulled on my sleeve. This is quite distressing to me and what she  wants. But everyone says not to give them money because it goes to someone they are begging for. This seems to be true because we have given beggars food left over from dinner that we had parceled for them, and after taking the food, they still ask for money.  The driver said something to the old woman and she moved up next to him. He took a coin from his pocket and gave it to her. It reminded me of the “poor widow’s mite offering” from the Gospels and how that pleased God.

The third tale happened one night David and I were returning from dinner. We had gone to Souk for some hummus. The ride was uneventful and we got out to pay when the driver replied to David’s inquiry of the price, “No charge Uncle, welcome to India!” We were very touched at his gift to us, given from the goodness of his heart… caring for strangers.

The last story happened just a few days ago. We had arrived at the end of our lane and David was paying. The driver said, “No, too much,” and returned 10 rupees to David.  He had inadvertently given the driver 30 rupees instead of the requested 20.

If you watched the video, you saw images of the poverty in India. Many of these drivers work for someone else, while some have their own rickshaw.  Gas is $6.00 a gallon. They are squeaking by, I imagine. There is a rising middle class as evidenced by the TV commercials, but these drivers are not part of it. Blessings for these four men who were kind beyond the call of duty, honest, caring, and friendly to a woman from far, far away.

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I took this picture of the huge male monkey resting on a scooter in front of the Jain Temple in our neighborhood!  The monkeys’ erratic behavior kept us always on the look-out for unexpected photos!

This  Is Incredible India !  TIII

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What Do You Do with Dirt and Trash of One Billion People?

Posted on October 11, 2016 by annetbell
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Mountain of trash in Mumbai, India
 Originally Posted on February 9, 2013by

In almost six weeks, we  have seen no trash trucks, no recycling bins to be emptied, but endless sweeping , everywhere.  The trash  must go somewhere and that is into piles along the sides of the road. In the mornings, the piles have turned to ashes because the homeless burn the piles for warmth against the chilly desert night. Mumbai allows no burning of the trash piles, consequently the piles are higher there because, of course, they do have sweeping.  Feral dogs and cattle scavenge for morsels deep inside the trash.

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Houses along our unpaved lane, deep in the heart of Ahmedabad, are surprisingly upper middle class. In the  morning, each house has two sweepers and a boy to wipe the  steps and tiles with a rather dirty wet cloth. The pile from each house is swept out onto the lane by women using  these ancient handmade brooms. As far as I know, there are  no social programs in India.  No unemployment insurance, medicare or  medicaid or Social Security. Here there are assistants for every job, and much of it seems to be “make work” for the poor. I have no idea how much the pay is, but many people are paid or fed to complete a task that could be accomplished by many less workers. I read that the wealthy don’t hire a driver or a cook but they hire “servants” who do every job needed by the family.  It seems whole families can be hired by an affluent family .  The poverty slams you in  the face , Nothing like I have seen, except  in Egypt, many years ago. At this moment in time, the lucky ones here from the 1.000,000.000  population have,at least , a sweeping job.

ImageThe women in the picture were sweeping at the Indian Institute of Management, a very beautiful complex designed by Louis Kahn. I tried to take a picture of the woman on the left sweeping, but she insisted that she stand next to her friend. Many Indians love to have their pictures taken and then want to see themselves in the camera. So far no one has asked for a “tip” for taking a picture.

UPDATE FROM 2015

When  we returned  with another group in 2015, we were able  to see some progress in the trash problem in Amdavad.  There were  now cans and bins in strategic places around the city. But another step was necesaary. . . the cans were overflowing and need to be emptied.  More trash trucks  were necessary, though we did see some recycling  on the small trucks and carts with separation of various items.  There are lots of Dialit people, whom Ghandi called “Chidren of God” who gladly would sort trash and help keep the streets cleaner for little money to buy food. 

I did have a picture of a blue bin outside the hostel which was always full to overflowing, but can’t find it. One morning , we were on the way to school and as we walked out the gate there was a horrible smell of burning plastic which of course is not safe for breathing.  Someone had gotten impatient and want to burn trash as they used to do on the streets at night for warmth.  Indians are good problem solvers and entrepreneurs and I have no doubt that  during the two years that have passed since  we were last in India, that things are improving in the trash removal area! 

  

This Is Incredible India !

 

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