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

The special section Leave a Legacy  and Health Care give senior & boomer readers valuable tools for donating to charity or checking the scope of medical services, and medicare insurance supplements that are available in today’s rapidly changing marketplace.

Some readers will enjoy the story on WWII entitled Bombs over Brookingsthat tells the story of Japanese seaplanes that bombed in the Brookings area with fire bombs.  Another area of interest is the Friendship page that gives readers a chance to meet new friends for social or romantic reasons.

One of the most read items is the Calendar Page that shows where to go and what to do not only for seniors but also for families or seniors with grand kids.  All in all this months issue is fun, informative and exciting.

Upcoming November and December  issues will feature autumn and seasonal holiday themes with stories of hearth and home, and more on retirement living with a special section on senior and boomer apartments, retirement and assisted living opportunities.

The paper is available in Senior Centers, public libraries, retirement apartments, churches, golf clubs and restaurants through out Western Oregon State and all along 1-5 corridor.

I was recently asked by a senior, who said “Your aren’t going to take my paper away are you? You are still going to give us a paper to read each month, right?”

 The past year has been a wretched one in the news and print industry.  We are very fortunate as The NW Senor & Boomer News, is sailing along, robust and offering a solid base for over age 50 folks that want a single forum for places to go, things to do and fun stuff to read about.  We have excellent high energy issues each month with niche items that are solid value and of great interest to the boomer and senior reader. 

 In the upcoming issues we have Health Care that deals with Medicare news and information on purchasing supplements.  It displays a value based grid for comparison of various plans and editorial features that a senior or one planning retirement can use for on the spot comparison before changing plans or for confirming the great plan they already have in use.  The market changes and we offer one of the few guides that seniors can obtain nearby and keep in printed form to refer back to.

We have a Retirement Living Section that assists seniors and boomers who are shopping for a retirement villa or assisted place for the folks. It aids them in a quick reference guide that is in your hand, portable and easy to read and use.

Families have used it for years as a solid base for shopping for a new home or retirement place.  It features independent apartments, condos, luxury apartment living in hotel type units that have full dining and total luxury amenities as well as more affordable living choices for everyone in the market.

 Soon the holidays will be coming and The Holiday gift guide will be presented with loads of great gift ideas.   So yes The NW Senior & Boomer News is still going strong, with good advertising base that continues to support us as they have for many years.

 Be sure to tell your friends in business to continue to support the “news that seniors and boomers love to read!  And “It is where we give you more bang for your senior marketing buck!”  Call Frank at 503-408-8402 for more information.

 From personal experience and recent complaints from friends it takes up to 6 months to get specialist appointments.   The real truth is that if we do not have enough new graduates from medical school, nursing school, and from the various medical technical schools we will not need to worry about our insurance coverage or premiums as we won’t have access.

 Unless we have the needed medical infrastructure and neighborhood urgent care clinics with qualified medical professionals, we may all go wanting within five to seven years.

 Please talk to your legislators, doctors, medical professionals and community leaders to push for more slots and subsidized educational help for academically qualified folks to care for our seniors and families and citizens in the coming era.

 Please help us push for the real first steps and a call to action!

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”

An old shoe – an old person, usually some very kind or nice person with lots of character. Usually used as a fond expression.

An old soul – Used to describe a person with kind terms and referring to their wit, knowledge, or wisdom. IE noble, wise and very deep in personal character.  Could be an older or even younger person.

Bad apple – used to describe a person or an apple.

Collar Ad – used to describe a good looking man, as in out of a fashion magazine or catalogue of the 30s 40s or 50s.

Cool Cucumber – used to describe a person who was steady under fire or in extremely dangerous or threatening situations. “He was a cool cucumber!”

Dog Breath -usually used to depict a persons breath. In most cases about a boss or male, but sometimes even used to describe a female. Seldom used to describe the dog.

Faster than scat – indicating a very fast action, before the digital age. As in…
“She did the dishes faster than scat.”  Not sure what scat was or how fast, but that is the saying we heard many times.

Get up and go – used to describe an older person with a lot of energy. Usually for seniors that seemed to be very active beyond their years.  “That old guy has a lot of get up and go!”

Hot as a pistol – used to describe a person who was admired for looking good, or for some sales accomplishment or rapid advancement in faster than normal time. Also used to depict a gangster of the 30s. ( Hollywood romanticized the gangland folk and sold a lot of tickets to the movies with phrases like this.)

Turn down the covers – What Grandma would say just before turning out the lights and saying the bedtime prayers with the little children.

Rule number one. Be clear and concise in your language usage. Get to the point with the ad copy and use clear and precise descriptions and reference points in stories and articles.  Make certain your facts are correct. If you write stories, try to get the basic facts of the story in the first two paragraphs, and do a summation in the last paragraph.  Use solid facts and make sure you keep a record of your sources, time, etc. so you are covered for any challenges to accuracy.  Seniors do not like or subscribe to the new “creative non- fiction accounts” in some stories of the day where facts are distorted to suit the writers political bent or focus.  The mature reader wants to make determinations. They were taught to think and want to do it on a personal basis.   They want to think for themselves. They can get upset if they think a writer or reporter is playing light and easy with the facts, or messing with important elements of a story.

So in advertising and in editorial the same rules apply. Be honest, be factual, be genuine and make sure you have documented accurate sources.  Also it is good to quote reputable sources and research in ads, stories, and non fiction accounts. In clearly defined fiction anything goes and facts are not as relevant.

Rule number two – It’s easy. Don’t make demands in advertising like;
VOTE Jones – Rather say Please vote for SAM JONES!  Ask permission, don’t be rude!

In editorial content or public relations releases, be careful not to talk down to the mature reader.  I have had seniors complain to me that articles they read gave them the impression they were dumb, or to far gone to understand and were written in a third grade style.  Most seniors have read all their lives and are used to college level text and prose.  Again they look for accuracy, and to make their own assumptions when reading.  Mature adults are sensitive and don’t like being told what to do. They want to be respected.  Some feel like younger folks ignore them or patronize them. So be very careful not to let any bias slip into your copy.

Rule number three – Listen, listen, listen. The best way to win a reader, client,
or person on a first person interview is to ask good questions and listen.  Do not go in with preconceived ideas or assumptions. This is a grand way to get great quotes, and more varied response, and actually learn a lot you did not know in some instances.  Good luck on your next story or ad program.

If you are a girl it may be if you are ready for lip stick or if you want a new video game or new skirt or shoes?

Once adulthood slips into your life it is amazing how fast you become a mom or dad or even as a single adult you get a home, job and responsibilities.   Then whoosh! All of a sudden you are looking at retirement.  The calendar whips by and bingo! You are the older generation.

Now of course you just surprised yourself by getting older! You didn’t plan it. No one ever told you it would go so fast.  You still remember when you would be bored to death in the 40’s or fifties when they would roll up the sidewalks in town at 6 o’clock and every one you knew was in bed by 9pm or earlier because they had to get up at 4:30 or five am.

The kids and grand kids dated, married, had kids and didn’t ask you! They just called and told you that you were grand parents.  Wow!

Now you try skipping and it is ok except you can’t do it as long, and the neighbors look at you funny!  Your wife will probably tell you to “knock it off!” and the dog will bark at you.   Your husband might say don’t be silly or if he is still young at heart he might start skipping with you!  Have fun!

The important point here is that we don’t grow old in our mind. We don’t think of ourselves as old until possibly the last days of our life or if we get really sick.  Otherwise the only thing that happens is we are surprised by getting older. We are surprised when we can’t get up on the roof or carry as much stuff as far as we used to.  We try to cover up but deep down we know we are feeling our age a bit.

It is all good, but know this young folks. You too will be older before you know it so live well and do good things for others. Then when you get older you will have wonderful memories of joyous times and good friends.  It almost always will come back to you in blessings!

How do I know this stuff? I have lived it and want to share with the younger generation. No one ever told me this stuff.  I think they wanted me to get the joke later.  Older does have it’s advantages, but you have to make sure you keep a good attitude and forgive all others no matter what.  That is a very healthy thing for your own peace of mind and so you can stay a kid all your life!

Seniors Spend Money:

They spend more on travel and recreation

They buy 80% of all luxury travel

They spend more on health and personal care products

They spend more per capita in the grocery store

They eat out an average of 3 times each week

They buy 43% of all new cars

They take 72% of all RV trips in the country

They spend more on quality children’s clothing for their grandchildren then the children’s parents

Seniors are your most loyal “lifetime customers”.  If you want more senior and boomer customers or clients please call for information on cost effective advertising programs.  Let one of our experienced representatives assist you today 1-877-357-2430.