Homage to Paul and Margery Zeller

PawPaw Festival, September 19-20, 2009 in Albany, Ohio

















Summer's last hurrah? Nope... just two wild and crazy guys named Sam and Maddy.


It all started several months ago when Maddy came across an article in an Ohio Magazine regarding the upcoming 11th annual PawPaw Festival... a what festival? Never heard of a pawpaw? Neither had she so, ever the detective, the curiosity got the best of her.

The pawpaw is the fruit of a tree that is native to the Ohio area and it is tropical tasting and somewhat perishable, so it doesn't usually make it to market. But a festival? We had to go. So, go we did.





It's not the prettiest fruit - or tree, but it tastes pretty good - sort of a creamy texture with the flavor a cross between a banana and a mango. The outer green skin is not eaten and the inside pulp is a buttery color. They even make beer out of it: Maddy's not a beer drinker, but she had to taste it.

Yep, it tastes like beer.

Not being a beer drinker... it wasn't the highlight of the day for her, but at least she can say she tried it. Sam only had a sip since he's not supposed to have any alcohol because it is too drying for his mouth now that the radiologist destroyed all his salivary glands - he wasn't impressed either. At least he doesn't have to feel bad about missing out on less-than-delicious tasting pawpaw beer ;)




The festival was held at Lake Snowden, a beautiful recreation and education park owned and operated by Hocking College. It offers camping, fishing, picnic and swimming, boating, equine camp and trails. Now, in case you are wondering, we did none of the aforementioned activities, but it was a beautiful day and we enjoyed the scenery. Here's a link if you want to learn more: http://www.lakesnowden.com/camping



We stayed in Athens, Ohio which is most famous for Ohio University. It's a quaint college town with a sort of a 60's flair... lots of laid back 20-30 somethings.



You might be wondering about the title of the post "Homage to Paul and Margery Zeller". Well, they are sort of an inspiration to us. Paul and Margery have been "Living their Dream" self-described "baby boomers privileged to enjoy our dream of early retirement while traveling full-time in our RV." Check out their fantastic blog: http://here4now.typepad.com/here4now/

Cancer and I'm sure other life-threatening illnesses or situations transforms you. It makes you think of life from a new perspective. Some of it really sucks, but what we have now is a greater joy of living. All the same life problems and pains are still there, but the heart is strengthened and there is a new found pleasure in the mundane.

Tomorrow morning, September 21st, Sam will have a PET/CT Scan - it's been a year now since his treatments were completed. We are praying for a clean scan. It will be a while before we get the results... so stay tuned.

Other Things to Pray About: G-20 protesters (that they will not be violent) and for the safety of the men and women who protect and defend our city and country.

God Bless.

P.S. Just in case you decide to check-out the PawPaw Festival next year, here's a link to get you started: http://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/

We Must Never Forget

What follows is the entry for September 11th from a devotional that Sam and I are reading entitled "Springs in the Valley". We started the new year reading another devotional by the same author, L.B. Cowman, entitled "Streams in the Desert" which we have benefited from greatly... today's entry is uncanny considering how we have come to regard the anniversary of that beautiful morning marred by madmen.

The amazing thing about this entry is that it was published in 1939.


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I do not fight with merely human weapons. No, the weapons with which I war are not weapons of mere flesh and blood, but, in the strength of the Lord, they are mighty enough to raze all strongholds of our foes. I can batter down bulwarks of human reason; I can scale every crag-fortress that towers up bidding defiance to the true knowledge of God. I can make each rebel purpose my prisoner of war and bow it into submission to Messiah. (2Cor. 10:4-5 Way's trans.)

He said not,
"Thou shalt not be
Tempested;
Thou shalt not be
Travailed;
Thou shalt not be
Afflicted";
But he said,
"Thou shalt not be
Overcome!"
attributed to: Julian of Norwick, a.d. 1373

We are not here to be overcome, but we are to rise unvanquished after every knockout blow, and laugh the laugh of faith - not fear.

Tempested on the sea of life;
Travailed sore, amid earth's strife;
Afflicted often, and sore dismayed;
Look up, faint heart, be not afraid,
Thou salt not be overcome!

God's ways are far beyond our ken;
His thoughts are not the thoughts of men;
And He knoweth what is best for you.
Hope on, my friend, He will bear you through,
Thou shalt not be overcome!

Though "The reason why" we cannot see,
Our Father knows - 'tis enough that we
But trust His love, when our eyes are dim.
Look up! Hold fast! though the fight is grim,
We shall not be overcome!
written by: Mary E. Thompson

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Did you know that in 1939:
Germany and the Soviet Union attacked Poland and Britain, France, India, Australia and new Zealand declared war on Germany on September 3rd , the United States decided to remain neutral but did begin rearming for war , which helped end the great depression. The United States also hosted the Worlds Fair in New York early in the year. Also after speaking to the physicist Albert Einstein president Roosevelt initiated the Americas A-Bomb programme. Continuing drought conditions in the North Eastern US causing mass crop failure and hardship.

How Much things cost in 1939
Average Cost of new house $3,800.00
Average wages per year $1,730.00
Cost of a gallon of Gas 10 cents
Average Cost for house rent $28.00 per month
A loaf of Bread 8 cents
A LB of Hamburger Meat 14 cents
Average Price for new car $700.00
Toaster $16.00

Some things do change, but the potential for evil will always be with us.

Hug a loved one and tell them you love them.

A Conversation on the Street

I ran out at lunchtime to grab a bite to eat (with a detour to Macy’s, of course) and on the way back to work, I saw an act of kindness that made me feel good about Pittsburghers. There was a woman in front of me at a crosswalk who was slight of build, using a cane like the type people who are sight-challenged would use.

Standing next to her was a young male in this late twenties/early thirties who asked her if she needed help and she said, “No, I think I’m alright. If I need to, I’ll grab your arm. I can see somewhat but am not steady on my feet.” We all moved with the light change and as he turned to walk in a different direction I was then next to her. I remarked to her, “Pittsburghers are nice, huh?”

She said, “Pittsburgh’s my home-town and I love it. I was living elsewhere and had to move back here 22 years ago after I was in a hit and run accident, but I have been so blessed by God, especially by people here.” I said, “I know recovering from a physical trial can be challenging but there are so many blessing that come with that experience.”

“God is so good,” she said. “I agree, in good times and bad,” I replied. “That’s so true. God bless you,” she said as we parted ways. “God bless you as well,” I replied.

The genuineness was in her eyes. You could see through to her soul. She had the peace that passes all understanding. It was a beautiful reminder of the lesson we learned through Sam’s cancer experience – abundant and lasting peace comes when you trust God for everything.

I think we all resist painful experiences because we like comfort. But, oh the blessings you can receive when your world is shaken by trials if you only will trust and wait.