By Frank Ryan

 I live near the government seat

Where big guns speak and speak

And they do say, and they do swear

So earnestly, so mightily

And that’s for sure

Yes that is for sure.

I live down by the sea

Where gray ships sail

And all can see

But we don’t build ships

No more, no more

And that’s’ for sure.

I live in forests tall

Where green needles shine

But they don’t say timber

No more, no more.

I live aside the steel mill

Where once was industry

The families that lived there

All gone you see

All gone, all gone

And that is sad.

I live beside the railyard

Where trains do come and go

And you can all see

The trains are gone

All gone, all gone

Few trains you will see.

I live down by the mall

Where shoppers look and see

And they buy, and buy

So eagerly, so eagerly

That’s for sure

And that’s for sure.

By Grandpa Gildersnickle

Americans have enjoyed the turkey as a bird of feast for centuries and since the time of our first settlers. Here are some facts you may not know. As we near Thanksgiving and the Holidays you might enjoy passing on some little bits of knowledge about the turkey.

The turkey is a splendid bird in its wild state. There are many areas of the United States where the wild turkeys are prevalent and where they are hunted in season. The turkey is of the family of Galiformes and the order of Melegridadae. The two most prevalent wild varieties are the North American Turkey, which is found in the continental U.S. and the Oscillated Turkey which is found in the lowlands of tropical Yucatan Peninsula and in adjacent portions of Guatemala.

The turkeys you see packaged in the stores are descendants of the wild turkeys. They are hybrids. They have been bred for our use and as a dinner item. They are raised on turkey farms. There are several turkey farms in SW Washington State. Large commercial operations are located in the Southern United States as well.

Wild turkeys are known for their intelligence. They are very cunning in the wild even to this day. They eat nuts, seeds, grasses, wild fruits and insects. They roost high in trees.

They are known for their unique gobbling sounds and for their noble strutting which is almost dance-like.

In the colonial days and at the time America was formed, it is said that Benjamin Franklin one of our most famous founding fathers wanted to have the turkey as our national bird rather than the American Eagle. So just think… it could have been the Grand American Turkey!

So now children we now have a poem for you enjoy. It is about this grand turkey bird!

(Grandpa Gildersnickle is also known as Frank Ryan)

The Tiptoe Turkey

By Frank F. Ryan 1992

Oodle Oodle Oodle said the turkey his head zipped fore and back,

his feathers spread so splendidly as he crept along on solid track.

Behold the wondrous turkey!

“Oodle, Oodle, Oodle” said the proud bird one fine day.

And lo, I watched him very cautiously as he went up on his jaded way.

Admire that tiptoe turkey

The proud bird I did espy, was big and strong and fair.

Strutting, gobbling so very modestly, I in awestruck wonder there.

Gobble, gobble, gobble

I thought the turkey, stupid and dull, just a dinner bird merely for fine food fare.

only to be eaten and regarded without a single care

Don’ get caught in yonder snare. See that turkey there?

Now my great- grandpa hunted this bird, with snare, musket ball, and trap.
He, stalk until he saw one, then his musket would loudly rap.

Look out! You tiptoe turkey

Ah ha! The cunning turkey, outsmarted poor old grandpa

He’d shoot and shoot his giant gun through out most every draw

Fly high, you tiptoe turkey.

Then Gramps would finally get a prize, a beautiful feathered fowl.

A solid 18 pounds or so, oh my Gramps would shout a howl.

A tasty tiptoe turkey dinner.

Now as you munch your celery, and eat red cranberry gel.

Remember the tiptoe turkey,

Remember him and well.  Admire the tiptoe turkey

If eagles had switched places and turkeys were on seals n’ flags,

we’d now be eating eagle dinner on turkey we would gag.

Cheer the wondrous turkey!

Behold the tiptoe turkey for thankful we should be.

Remember this US bird American nobility.

Oodle, Oodle, Oodle.

Sing the turkey song now, recall the fowl so grand

admire the lurking turkey, three cheers strike up the band.

the turkey our forest friend

Turkey we will not forget you, proud feathered be-speckled guard

this last word we give you  Oh turkey, You’re our best ‘pard.

Oodle, oodle, oodle, dear children, don’t forget your friend

eat your turkey, and put your pajamas on. Soon the sandman will descend.

. Original Copyright 1992 Lewis Co. News

Richard was a special man
with lots of human ways,
a good provider, a loving dad,
he thrived in the modern worldly maze.
Miss that Richard, yes I do!
As a dad who loved his kids,
Rich was kind to all.
He invested over time in stocks and land
yet kept a humble drawl.
He dropped his chin and looked at you
with raised brow and ‘you don’t say”

A loving wife he was blest to have
a girl of style and flair.
Shirley could always
pull a last minute meal out from pure thin air.
Rich, She’s still your crown and glory.
A thrifty guy our Richard,
he made the pennies squeak

He kept his dollars in a line,
and always made them speak
Rich always spoke kindly of others
was quick to lend a hand.

He ate lunch at Cosco every week
and smoked the thrifty brand.
Richard, your thrift is legend

Richard shared his wealth
with both friend and foe.
He hardly ever groused
when he let a dollar go.
And we all now go …HO HO HO!

In the sixties, our families took
last minute car trips without a care.
Once we hit the Pot Holes and heard
the most awesome guy a snoring there
What great and healthy fun we used to have.

A pipe-fitter in the Navy Yard
a craftsman, Rich was the best
bent the pipe and tinkered hard
his John Deere shamed the rest.

Keep on a plowin’ Richard.

A football fan who loved the Huskies,
under Donald James.
Loyal Richard saw or listened to most
every single game.
Richard the Huskies will always remind us of you!

To backyard tables and old barns
we used to go for sales, I guess
With a contest set to see
who would get the most for less

Richard your victory snicker will not be lost.
Rich was “Snortin Norton,
when TV Honeymooners we would view
I was “Franklin Fireplace”
A lot of teasing we would do

We shot the hoops & played monopoly
Rich and I saw two UFO’s.
We always were the best of friends and that’s the
way it goes!

Now Richard rests with angels
He met the Lords final levy
He glides up in the heavens, and got a better deal
and drives a brand new Chevy!
Richard God bless and keep you always… and we will see you soon! Amen.

Frank Ryan
503-408-8402 – fx 503-408-9006
NW Senior & Boomer News
ffmlryan@yahoo.com

http://www.franksseniornews.com/

He rides the Grand
And Golden Gnu,
Amazing, fast and
Nimble too.
Gallop Gnu gallop!

The gold crowned beast
With giant stride,
zipping, bobbing from
side to side.
Grand Gnu glide.

Hat of leather with
Floppy straps.
Geezer wears such
Natty hats!
Sly Geezer sly!

Ages spent learning
To ride.
Patience, practice,
puts soul in strife.
Grow Geezer grow.

He rode, he sweat and
put soul in strife.
Learning the Gnu
Improved his life.
Think Geezer think!

And now the two
enjoined, entwined
With wisdom bless
all human kind.
Beautiful Golden Gnu

If you see the Geezer
And the Gnu
Hug the Geezer and he’ll
Bless you!
Love others, forgive and go!

Do a random act of kindness today!

“Anyone can be a geezer it just takes practice”