April 2024
Across a large part of the world, April means spring is just beginning. The days get longer and hotter, and for many of us, it means we can officially say goodbye to winter.
Generous amounts of rain tend to fall in April ushering in the new growth of spring. And of course, we all know the most famous month-themed rhyming couplet, April showers bring May flowers.
There is something so refreshing about a rainy spring day, isn’t there? When the grass starts to get green and the freshness creeps in after the desolate winter? This yearly April phenomenon is referred to as spring renewal. You feel good, we feel good – everyone is just happier!
Beware of the trickster.
April 1st is April Fool’s Day. It’s the day to play mischievous pranks on family and friends (and hopefully get away with it).
On April 14-15 in 2018, a rainfall gauge located at Waipa in Hawaii measured a total rainfall of 49.69 inches in a 24-hour period. That’s well over a meter of rain all in one go. This shattered the record for the most rainfall in a single day in the United States.
Earth Day is an annual event held on April 22nd dedicated to the environmental protection of our planet.
Now here is one of our most interesting April facts. The first ever Earth Day was held on April 22nd,1970. More than 20 million people marched for the environment, and to this day it’s still the largest single-day protest in American history. Looking after the Earth was important then, and it’s even more important now. Let’s do our part to fight for the Earth.
Thought you might like to know,
As the Baby Boomer generation gradually steps into retirement and beyond, they carry with them a wealth of experiences and cultural artifacts that have shaped society for decades. However, intertwined with their legacy are certain quirks and trends that may evoke a chuckle or two from younger generations. From outdated technologies to peculiar habits, there’s a plethora of laughable things that will likely fade away along with the Baby Boomers.
Only 35% of Americans aged 65 and older have a smartphone compared to 97% of adults under age 30. Landline phones will become obsolete.
While cursive handwriting was once a staple in schools, it is no longer being taught in many education systems. With the rise of technology and typing skills becoming more essential, the need for cursive handwriting has diminished.
In the past, writing letters was a common way to stay in touch with loved ones who lived far away. However, with the rise of instant messaging and video calling, handwritten letters have become more of a nostalgic gesture than a practical means of communication.
Baby Boomers grew up with only a few channels to choose from, but with the rise of streaming services and on-demand content, traditional TV viewing is declining. The younger generations spend more time watching video content on their phones than they do watching traditional TV. A survey found that only 52% of millennials have a traditional pay-tv subscription.
Fax machines may have been revolutionary in their time, but they are now considered outdated technology.
The Baby Boomer generation grew up with vinyl records, cassette tapes, and CDs. However, with the rise of streaming services and digital downloads, physical media has become a thing of the past.
With the popularity of GPS and navigation apps on smartphones, paper maps are no longer necessary for finding your way around.
As life expectancy increases and work-life balance becomes more important to younger generations, the idea of retiring at 66 is becoming less common. According to a survey by AARP, only 24% of millennials plan to retire at age 66 or earlier.
Formal dinner parties were once a popular way to socialize and entertain guests. However, with the rise of more casual gatherings and busy lifestyles, formal dinner parties are becoming less common.
With the convenience of digital cameras and smartphones, printing photos has become less common among younger generations. The Baby Boomers may have albums filled with printed photos, but millennials often rely on digital storage and sharing on social media.
While Baby Boomers may prefer to do their banking in person or through traditional methods, younger generations are more likely to use online and mobile banking services.
As more people turn to digital sources for news and information, print newspapers are struggling to stay relevant.
One of the primary reasons for the hatred towards Baby Boomers is their perceived financial success and privilege.
Many Baby Boomers have taken advantage of generous retirement benefits, such as pensions, Ira plans, 401 (K) plans, and Social Security.
The Baby Boomers population has been described as the wealthiest and most privileged in American history, benefitting from a booming economy, job stability, and affordable housing. This has led to resentment from younger generations who feel that Baby Boomers have had it easy compared to them.
And to the younger generations, I say, "Neener, Neener!”
Please check the “Details of Events” page for information on our 58th class reunion. And the other information involving our 59th class reunion cancelation.
A smile can do the following things
• It is contagious and can make us appear more attractive to others.
• It lifts our mood, as well as the moods of those around us.
• It can even lengthen our lives.
• When you smile, your brain releases tiny molecules called neuropeptides to help fight off stress.
• Other neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins come into play too. The endorphins act as a mild pain reliever, while the serotonin is an antidepressant.
• A smile is welcoming and makes you more approachable.
• You can change someone’s day by smiling at them.
• Smiling makes you feel happier and healthier.
A local news station was interviewing an 80-year-old woman on why she had recently got married for the 4th time. They wanted to know her secret for finding love again and again.
The interviewer asked her questions about her life, and about what it felt like to be a bride again at 80. Then he asked her what her new husband did for a living.
“He’s a funeral director,” she answered.
The newsperson was surprised at her answer and wondered who else she had married. He then asked her if she wouldn’t mind telling him a little about her first three husbands and what they did for a living.
She paused for a moment, needing time to reflect on all those years. Her life had been full of exciting moments, especially with three husbands.
After a short time, a smile came to her face and she answered proudly, explaining that she had first married a banker when she was in her 20’s, then a circus ringmaster when in her 40’s, and a preacher when in her 60’s and now – in her 80’s – a funeral director.
The interviewer looked at her, quite astonished, and asked her why she had married four men with such diverse careers.
She smiled and explained, “I married one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready and four to go.”
A man went to a psychiatrist. "Doc," he said, "I've got trouble. Every time I get into bed, I think there's somebody under it. I'm going crazy!"
"Just put yourself in my hands for one year," said the psychiatrist. "Come talk to me three times a week, and we should be able to get rid of those fears."
"How much do you charge?"
"Eighty dollars per visit," replied the doctor.
"I'll think about it," said the man.
Six months later the doctor met the man again on the street. "Why didn't you ever come to see about those fears you were having?" asked the psychiatrist.
"Well eighty bucks a visit three times a week for a year is an awful lot of money! My friend treated me for $10. I was so happy to have saved all that money I went out and bought me a new pickup truck!"
"Is that so?” And how, may I ask, did your friend cure you?"
"He told me to cut the legs off the bed! There's nobody under there now!"
A group of Senior citizens were sitting around talking about their
ailments:
“My arms are so weak I can barely hold a cup of coffee”, said one.
“Yes, I know. My cataracts are so bad I can’t even see my coffee”, replied another.
“I can’t turn my head because of the arthritis in my neck”, said a third, to which several nodded in agreement.
My blood pressure pills make me dizzy,” another went on…
“I guess that’s the price we pay for getting old,” winced an old man as he shook his head.
Then there was a short moment of silence.
“Well, it’s not that bad,” said one woman cheerfully. “Thank God, we can all still drive”!
I WANT TO GO BACK TO THE TIME WHEN…
Decisions were made by going “eeny-meeny-miney-mo.”
Mistakes were corrected by simply exclaiming “do-over!”
“Race issue” meant arguing about who ran the fastest.
Money issues were handled by whoever was the banker in “Monopoly.”
Catching the fireflies could happily occupy an entire evening.
It wasn’t odd to have two or three “best” friends.
Being old referred to anyone over 20.
The net on a tennis court was the perfect height to play volleyball and rules didn’t matter.
The worst thing you could catch from the opposite sex was “cooties”.
It was magic when dad would “remove” his thumb.
It was unbelievable that dodgeball wasn’t an Olympic event.
Having a weapon in school meant being caught with a slingshot.
Nobody was prettier than Mom.
Scrapes and bruises were kissed and made better.
It was a big deal to finally be tall enough to ride the “big people” rides at the amusement park.
A foot of snow was a dream comes true. Abilities were discovered because of a “double-dog-dare.”
Saturday morning cartoons weren’t 30-minute ads for action figures.
No shopping trip was complete unless a new toy was brought home.
“Oly-oly-oxen-all-in-free” made perfect sense.
Spinning around, getting dizzy, and falling down was cause for giggles.
The worst embarrassment was being picked last for a team.
War was a card game.
Water balloons were the ultimate weapon.
Baseball cards in the spokes transformed any bike into a motorcycle.
Taking drugs meant orange-flavored chewable aspirin.
Ice cream was considered a basic food group.
Older siblings were the worst tormentors, but also the fiercest protectors.
If you can remember most or all of these, then you have lived!!!!
Here is the threat we face come November.
"You cannot love America and hate democracy
at the same time.”
Love for America:
o Patriotism often involves a deep affection for one’s country, its history, culture, and values.
o Loving America can manifest in various ways: appreciating its natural beauty, celebrating its achievements, and respecting its diverse population.
Democracy: Democracy is a system where power rests with the people. It allows citizens to take part in decision-making through elections, free speech, and other democratic processes.
o It embodies principles like equality, freedom, and accountability.
Hating democracy seems paradoxical because democracy is a fundamental aspect of America’s identity.
Democracy provides the framework for expressing love for America by allowing citizens to shape its future.
• When individuals undermine democratic institutions or suppress other’s voices, it challenges the very essence of what America stands for.
•
Democracy would be more successful if greater numbers of individuals were educated.
Unfortunately, today we can only believe in half of what we see (AI), nothing of what we hear (bold-faced lies) and we must fact check everything (for factual accuracy).
Not the America that I remember. I’m just saying.
Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you today.
Look for a single moment of joy each day.
Pray for tomorrow.
Cherish your blessings.
And visit with your precious memories often.
Thank you for visiting.
Your Ballard High School Class of 1966 Reunion Committee.