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My First NAPA Visitor
Recently Jon McGrew combined business with pleasure visiting his father in Pittsburgh, PA, and a trip to Harold’s Olde Printery to pick-up a scoring/die-cutting job I had done for him.
After arriving, and some idle chit-chat, we had a nice lunch at Roberto’s Restaurant in Greater Downtown Pennsboro (Pop. 1282). Then back to the shop where I showed Jon around. Jon took pictures and all that good stuff. All in all a very nice visit.
Our Cats
My wife Gloria and I have two cats. Oliver North (Ollie) a male 15 years old, and Ebony, a female, 13 years old. Ollie was a gift from my son and his family. They visited us when we still resided in Martinsburg, WV. He indicated it was a stray probably about 12 weeks old.
The Senate hearings involving Oliver North and the Iran Contra scandal were being held at that time; hence the name Oliver North. Two years later on another visit, they brought another kitten. This was a birthday present. Other than two little white spots on her belly is coal black; hence the name Ebony.
These cats are normal in most ways. The older one seemed to look after the younger. They would cat-haul like most cats, and were your cute, rule the house, destructive, normal cats.
In preparation for our trip to the Cincinnati Convention this past July, we were planning as to what to do with our cats. Normally, the neighbor would look in on them, and see that they were fed. Gloria didn’t want to inconvenience them this time, so we set out a self feeding 2 litre bottle of water, and a self feeding canister of dry food. Then put out extra food and water, just in case one was accidentally spilled.
My print shop is located in one half of a two car garage. It was decided to leave the door between the shop and garage open. There is a swinging cat door in the garage door, so the cats could come and go as they pleased. That was the plan.
On arriving home, after a fine week at the Convention, I noticed the cat door broken in half. Now this door is made of tough vinyl, and would not be easy to break. I opened the door with the remote, not knowing what to expect. The cats weren’t there.
Gloria and I proceeded to gather luggage and take it into the house. I noticed all the cat food had been eaten. Ebony then appeared out of nowhere and was very happy to see us. About an hour later, after searching for Ollie, we spotted him on the top case of type between the slanted top of my old 24 case double wooden type cabinet. Obviously he had hidden there from something. Who broke the cat door? What kind of animal chased them? Who ate their food? We will probably never know.
Epilogue
Gloria and I had a great time at the Convention, thanx to the splendid efforts of Gigi and Bill Volkart, but we will certainly have to plan better accommodations for our cats on our next trip.
Just for Laughs
I have terrible luck. When I sprained an ankle, my doctor gave me a note explaining why I couldn’t go in to work. They fired me anyway, because they don’t accept lame excuses.
My daughter asked me if all fairy tales begin with “Once upon a time.” I explained that most of them do, but sometimes they begin, “If I’m elected.”
I have a friend who keeps track of the latest fads. He tells me this year boomerangs are coming back.
This year I’m bringing mistletoe with me to the airport. That way I can kiss my luggage good-bye.
Despite the cost of living, have you noticed how popular it remains?
Three Wise Women would have…
Asked directions, Arrived on time, Helped deliver the baby, Cleaned the stable, Made a casserole, Brought practical gifts, and There would be Peace on Earth.
Wishing Everyone A Very Happy Holiday Season
Colophon
impressions by hal is printed for the enjoyment of NAPA members. 10 pt. Modern, 10 pt. Garamond and 8 pt. Bodoni were used for this publication. The editor Harold L. Shive, Pennsboro, WV 26415