Like a lot of Christian homeschool dads, I enjoy Todd Wilson's Familyman newsletter. I always like busting chops with Todd each year at our CHEO convention. I'm always amazed how his lovely wife (also named Debbie) puts up with him! We like sitting in on his sessions and enjoy a few laughs and his realistic approach to homeschooling and Christian family life. We're happy that this year he's making the jump to keynoter. Our whole family enjoys his comic books and we have his calendar hanging on our kitchen wall, and his "hero" sticker stuck to our microwave. We're all big Todd groupies around here -- at least we were!!!
However, in his latest e-letter, our pal Todd crossed the line by taking a swipe at Cleveland. He wrote:
Maybe it was traveling in the Cleveland Triangle a few nights ago that threw off my what-really-matters equilibrium, but for a little while, it was touch and go.
You see, a couple of years ago while RVing through the fair city of Cleveland, our RV caught fire. It didn't burn to the ground … but it could have. After some clever ingenuity, we were able to get back on the road. Then, the next year we were traveling down the same stretch of the Ohio turnpike (within a mile or two of the fire incident location) when the infamous wild turkey appeared out of nowhere and crashed THROUGH our windshield.
So you can see why I get a little spooked traveling anywhere near … THE TRIANGLE. In fact, right before we pulled out of the driveway the other day, my son Ben (13), who rode shotgun with me asked, "So where we going?"
"Cleveland," I answered as calmly as I could.
A second of silence preceded his eerie response, "That's a bad omen."
Hey Todd, I hate to break it to you but there's no "Cleveland Triangle"!!! It ain't our fault that your junky RV broke down in our town! Next time stay on top of that maintenance schedule before driving through! We just had the Igarashis here yesterday (in their well-maintained van) and they made it in and out with no problem! And that also goes for the Suarezes! Besides, if you'da called me up for help, your family would have seen what a helpful, hospitable bunch we are here in Cleveland! Just ask Geoff Ig!
Also, you might see a turkey when you look in the mirror, but you won't see 'em here in the concrete canyons of Cleveland! Maybe in Ohio, but not Cleveland! We have raccoons and possums and other various assorted sundry roadkill, but nothing such as you describe. We're real sorry about your near-tragic encounter, but please be sure your little homescholars aren't getting the wrong impression!
(BTW, did you know that Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey as our national bird? If he'd've had his way, there would be a turkey on the back of the quarter, the NFL would include the Philadelphia Turkeys, and the highest rank in Boy Scouting would be Turkey Scout. And we'd all go into the holidays a lot thinner after a nice eagle dinner for Thanksgiving!)
Anyway Todd, just for that, you are now obliged to join the growing list of homeschool celebrities and visit our house or at least let us buy you dinner on your next trip through Cleveland. If you have time, we can show you our world-class museums, our beautiful parkland and our fine zoo (very near our house). We gotta bury this curse! In the meantime...you know that you 'da dad!
If the dad in your house is not currently reading Todd Wilson's Familyman Weekly newsletter, you can sign up at www.familymanweb.com.)
So you guys comin' to Coie's party or not?
I cant wait to hear about it Todd takes you up on your offer!
Now, about Jimmy Stewart...You're right, Hollyweird sure needs him now! How cool that you all developed a relationship with him. When I was 10 (YEEEEEEARS AGO! I believe I'm older than you), my family loaded up our camper and we covered 18 western states in 41 days. One of our favorite stops was 3 days in Cody, WY. At that time, it was an itty-bitty tourist town owned by Bill Cody III. He and my dad developed a friendship and they kept in touch until his death 10 or 12 years ago. For quite a while, he was the International rep for Daisy Air Rifle BB guns and if he was traveling through the Dayton area we would always meet him somewhere. He was a great and honorable man - it brings tears to my eyes to think of him.
Yep, Pilgrim, I knew that John Wayne's real name was Marion. Another tid-bit about my daddy - he was born in Portsmouth, Ohio where Roy Rogers was from. He was another "hero" of mine (yes - you can say it: my heroes have always been cowboys! There's NOTHING like a good western!). FYI...Roy's real name was "Lenoard Sly." Doesn't exactly sound like someone who should wear a white hat, now does it?! :-)
Blessings from the OTHER side of the state, Kim Wolf<><
Of course, you also have my corporate office there too.....