View From The Bridge

“VIEW from the BRIDGE”
By Muncie
12/28/11

2012
Happy New Year, to all of you, readers of the River Press and View from the Bridge. If I had my way, you would all be healthy, wealthy, and wise. Let us all make resolutions that stick around all year long…not for just a few days. May we make resolutions to see and be with our families and friends more often? May all differences be resolved because time is easing away so very quickly? Make a resolution to keep your resolutions. Be happy.

A CHRISTMAS VETERANS STORY
I have heard stories like this before, however it has never happened to us. On Christmas Day, we went to the movie theatre to see “War Horse.” We arrived for the 2:00 p.m. showing early in anticipation of a large crowd although my daughter purchased our tickets the day before. We settled my Sweetheart, Wally, into a seat and returned to the lobby for some refreshments. Our son, Randy, purchased a tub of popcorn and two large sodas for quite a hefty sum of change Upon payment, the clerk said that it was taken care of by a man who said he wanted to thank a Veteran. I did have the opportunity to say thank you as he sat two rows behind us. I did not learn any more about him except that I know he showed his gratitude for Veterans through us. I have a feeling that he is in the Armed Forces and understands what the Veterans did for our country.

C.C.P.A.
I am so looking forward to January and the two events that will be presented by the Chouteau County Performing Arts Committee. On Wednesday, January 11th at 7:00 p.m. at FORT BENTON AGRICULTURAL CENTER, the Vigilante Theatre’s “Adventure on the Western Stage” will thoroughly entertain you. I capitalized Fort Benton Agricultural Center because that is a change of location. There are light repairs on at the Fort Benton Elementary Auditorium that negates the Vigilantes from performing there.

This performance is part of your season’s ticket. If you have not yet used your “Buddy Ticket,” this is a great show to introduce a new Fort Bentonite or a friend to C.C.P.A. I hope that you realize what a great deal you have with your season’s ticket. You have had four shows already with four more scheduled. Your season’s ticket cost you $40.00 so with my math it figures to $5.00 a show. What a deal! See you there.

GEESE
Geese, geese, and more geese. In fact, hundreds and thousands of geese are visiting Fort Benton. The proximity of the water and feeding fields bring them to our area. Randy came over one day last week to take us for a ride to see the corn field on the right, after you come through the underpass into town There were thousands of geese feeding. There were huge areas covered with black geese. Another source told me that thousands of geese flew over our town. I missed that. It never ceases to amaze me with this thought. God must have had a great time creating the creatures of this earth. There are countless species of these creatures and they are all so different. Colors and shapes on creatures must have been fun too.

Then we see a very small part of the universe the last few nights when we could see the stars. What a spectacular show it was driving to Loma on Friday evening and driving home from Great Falls on Sunday evening. It really makes one feel insignificant in size.

Years ago, I went to a Solarium. When the lights went out and the stars appeared on the ceiling, everyone gasped at the sight. I remember so clearly the speaker saying, “You can see this show every night of the year.” (Well, almost every night of the year.) How many times have you taken advantage of that show? Have you ever slept outside under the stars? I would love to hear your stories.

DAYS GET LONGER
I follow these days carefully because one of my favorite days of the year is when they began getting longer. These past few weeks I have kept a log of the rising and setting of the sun. I found that the date of the day that the days began getting longer is December the 22nd, (the Solstice day.) On December the 21st , the sun rose at 8:10 a.m. and set at 4:35 p.m. On December the 22nd the sun rose at 8:10 a.m. but set at 4:36 p.m. Therefore from my research, I have concluded that, December the 22nd is the day I should celebrate. Next year I’ll keep a closer watch and have a party. You are invited, if you remind me.

PARAPROSODIANS
“I used to be indecisive, now I’m not so sure.” Mine for this week is: “To meet your Waterloo, but not in a small town because word gets around faster than lightning.” I know you have been busy with the holidays and all, but I need some help here. Surely, you readers can come up with some clever ones. I want to hear from you.

SO LONG FOR NOW
One of our best Christmas presents was a call from grandson, Dash, in Afganistan. He was on a satellite phone and sounded like he was just next door. He knows that we are grateful that he is at our back. He said that it is a God forsaken land. It is not a beautiful desert like in Arizona, but is ugly in comparison. There is nothing there and it has not changed in 2,000 years. Again, let us count our blessing.

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR TROOPS. GOD BLESS EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING.