tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57156295340233242842024-03-19T12:24:48.180-07:00Randys Ravings Randys Ravings -- random ravings, anecdotes & advice by Randal "Hoss" Caldwellrandysravings.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773797573178267662noreply@blogger.comBlogger589125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715629534023324284.post-88509146704060494512019-09-05T14:36:00.000-07:002019-09-05T14:36:14.052-07:00Something New!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yes, we will give a ride in a Hot Rod, or Motorcycle, for the 40-50 PTSD suffering Veterans & First Responders, 55% of First Responders are Veterans. We search for the ones that say, "I need no help; I can suck it up!" They can not suck it up, and are blindsided and die to relieve the pain!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We have started already to seek more donors so we can give PTSD suffering Veterans & First Responders laptop computers to write down the memories that gave them PTSD! Lance Corporal Robert Quinn, the first Vietnam Veteran we work with gets the first laptop. We will make sure they have talk to type software, like Robert he has trouble typing. We will continue to talk to other groups that are fighting the same problems we are.<br />
<br />
There is a donate button on lloydsrides.org We are a 501c3 Pa Registered non-profit. Help us Stop the untimely deaths. Thank you for your help. lloydsrides@gmail.com</div>
randysravingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13124902780008021902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715629534023324284.post-67855061674334809572019-07-28T17:28:00.003-07:002019-07-28T17:28:35.068-07:00TV 27 ABC Harrisburg,Pa.See what ABC tv 27 says about lloydsrides.org <br />
<br />
https://www.abc27.com/community/hometown-hero/lloyds-rides-needs-support-to-help-veterans/randysravingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13124902780008021902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715629534023324284.post-85959880699860804062019-06-02T05:13:00.000-07:002019-06-02T05:13:33.111-07:00Yes, I am a MANIAC!!<div style="text-align: justify;">
All my life I fought for the UNDERDOG! People picked on, told their life is worthless, told them they should quit. Mary told me many times, to give up <span id="goog_1763992608"></span><span id="goog_1763992609"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a>on my Crusade to Stop the 50 Veterans and First Responders that commit Suicide every 24 hours. Most First Responders are Veterans. They must serve. In battle, saving our Freedoms, saving our Lives, from everyday accidents, being there when we need them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first year I was setting up lloydsrides.org Mary had to loan me the $750.00 to start the paperwork. She said "Do not ask for any more money for your Charity EVER!!" About six months later a rebate check arrived from our medical insurance, $148.00. It came in my name. Mary said sign this, you can put the money in your Charity, but no MORE! You know she did the same again, each time "this is the last."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My underdogs now are the 50 that die every 24 hours. Female, Male, Black, White, any background, any nationality. PTSD cares not how rich you are, how good you are, how many lives you saved, or how many family members will miss you. GOD gave me a big mouth, Lloyd my Father gave me the genes to Never, Ever QUIT. Everyone I run into, the first question I ask is are you a Veteran? If yes, I give them info about my Ministry. If not a Veteran, do you want to help a PTSD suffering person? After our Meet-up breakfast last week I asked a lady with a cane like myself. She is a Veteran, but not PTSD damaged, she has brain Cancer, not operational. We hugged when I gave her the info. I work about 90 hours every week with no thought of pay. That hug was worth $1,000,000 to her, and of course me. Yes, I was 6' 2" about 250 lbs, very muscular, when I was young, but I always teared up easily. I got in my van and cried for that lady. She was over 70 too. She knew her time was shrinking, but she said to me, keep up the great work, and Never, Ever QUIT!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Randy "Hoss" Caldwell is my name. UNDERDOG MANIAC is my title. In the TV show Bonanza, Hoss was a mountain name for a very big mountain man that had a very big heart. Little did I know that the Police Officer that called me Hoss, that the name would follow me 55 years so far. And yes, Mary my wife of 47 years knows to put HOSS in my obituary or 95% of the Susquehanna Valley will not know it is me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
randysravingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13124902780008021902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715629534023324284.post-39209042586857971362019-05-25T05:06:00.000-07:002020-01-16T16:13:09.047-08:00Ryder Greenblatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13954232355069481951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715629534023324284.post-23381189884247091152019-05-09T11:26:00.002-07:002019-08-06T12:26:28.517-07:00LNP letter to editor, thanks for editorialThis is a letter to the editor that I wrote to LNP News (Lancaster Letters) for publishing an article by Blaine T. Shahan.<br />
<br />
I Detest Any Unnecessary DEATH!! Thank you, Blaine T. Shahan for putting lloydsrides.org in your editorial. We will Stop PTSD Suicides by Veterans, 22+ and First Responders 20+ every 24 hours, with many others helping.<br />
<br />
Annie Ginder please e-mail me, at lloydsrides@gmail.com We must talk! I am not a Veteran, high blood pressure kept me out. Some poor soul died in my place in Vietnam or is slowly dying from agent-orange poisoning now.<br />
<br />
The death toll is rising, we are FAILING! When I talk to people about donating to Stop Suicides, they say "you are doing a wonderful job, but I cannot afford anything right now". Veterans fought for our freedoms, just like Police, Fire Personnel, Ambulance Personnel and others we are reaching out to.<br />
<br />
Mary and I will soon be 71, fixed income, BUT the last five years we donated over $4,000 to Stop PTSD Suicides. We did without so someone suffering could get help. Thank you Laura Knowles for interviewing Annie Ginder.<br />
<br />
WriteFace and Lloyd's Rides are saving lives. WriteFace will grow. Lloyd's Rides is set up to grant multi-Chapters in all 50 states, worldwide next. Help US two fighting now. I fight 10AM to 10PM Every Day, Every Week! It is now 7:30 PM Sunday.<br />
<br />
Death takes no time off, Neither do WE; WE Never, Ever QUIT; till the tally is 0000 deaths everyday!<br />
<br />
Randy "Hoss" Caldwell a bald, handicapable, overall clad old Knight with tarnished armor. Every time a PTSD person is saved, my tarnished armor is renewed.<br />
<br />
See the editorial here:<br />
<a href="https://lancasteronline.com/opinion/editorials/we-must-stem-crisis-of-veterans-committing-suicide-opinion/article_067bc962-67aa-11e9-bf4c-b39e6aefea86.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://lancasteronline.com/opinion/editorials/we-must-stem-crisis-of-veterans-committing-suicide-opinion/article_067bc962-67aa-11e9-bf4c-b39e6aefea86.html</a>randysravingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13124902780008021902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715629534023324284.post-77044435627129651542019-05-09T04:04:00.001-07:002019-05-09T04:04:03.109-07:00Update: Lloyd's Rides Raffle Prizes for 2019<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">(newest prizes listed at the top)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">One Ticket $2.00 each ticket. 14 tickets for $5.00 just sign name and phone number, on stub, put stub in jar. Drawings will be at Last Show of season, Manheim Square Cruise-in. You need not be there to get prize, but those that attend the drawing get to pick their prize. Drawing one hour before end of show.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Gargano's Pasta Pizza Deli - At the square East Petersburg, PA</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">$25.00 Gift Certificate donated by Joe Gargano</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">garganospizza.com since 1978, phone: 717-569-8102</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Two Motorcycle Custom Painted Helmets donated by Rose Antique car & motorcycle painting Manheim, Pa.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">High Octane Rides, Steve 717-665-9609. Steve is old school, no computer or answering machine.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Landis Wash & Lube - 746 South Broad Street - Lititz, PA</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Car Wash, Oil Changes & Detailing Services</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Gift Certificate for: one Full Service Oil Change. Fluids Check, Tire Pressure Check & 4 Exterior Car Washes</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Gift Card $20.00</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Gift Card $20.00</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Gift Card $20.00</li>
</ul>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">VR Shinecon Virtual Reality Glasses | value $149 | Donors: Randy & Mary</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">HP 12c Platinum Calculator with case & Booklet | value $80 | Donors: Randy & Mary</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Craftsman pliers, 7-in Diagonal; 6-3/4 Arch Joint; 8" long, long nose pliers, Lifetime guarantee value $36 | Donors: Randy & Mary</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Tactical Flashlight | value $32 | Donors: Randy & Mary</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Woodland Creek 2 - Super Bright LED zoom Flashlights, one small, one large Camouflage barrels, adjustable light patterns | value $48 | Donors: Randy & Mary</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">A&M Pizza - 39 Market Square - Manheim, PA 17545 Second year donor value $20 | Donor: A&M (Jose)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Two Cousins Pizza (Manheim) 171 Doe Run Rd. - Manheim, PA 17545 (expires 3/14/20) value $20</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Knight & Day Diner - 3140Lititz Pk. - Lititz, PA 17543 | value $30</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">www. bombergers.com - Hardware & Ace Rents | value $20 | Donor: Dori</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">www. bombergers.com - Hardware & Ace Rents | value $20 | Donor: Dori</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Check this page every week, more prizes coming. Max. 2 prizes per person at drawing time!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715629534023324284.post-26256136000694143872019-04-17T11:33:00.000-07:002019-04-17T11:33:51.898-07:00More Prizes for the Lloyd's Rides 2019 RaffleLandis Wash & Lube - 746 South Broad Street-Lititz,PA<br />
Car Wash, Oil Changes & Detailing Services<br />
<br />
1.Gift Certificate for: one Full Service Oil Change. Fluids Check, Tire Pressure Check & 4 Exterior Car Washes<br />
2. Gift Card $20.00<br />
3. Gift Card $20.00<br />
4. Gift Card $20.00<br />
<br />
Thank you, Tim & Ami Landis - www.landiswashandlube.comrandysravings.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773797573178267662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715629534023324284.post-18960369853261095102019-04-15T10:59:00.000-07:002019-04-15T10:59:01.089-07:00Lloyd's Rides 2019 RaffleVagabonds Lancaster, PA E Pete show is the first one I attended 3 years ago. It starts the season. I set up for free for my Charity, they like saving the lives of Veterans and First Responders.<br />
<br />
2019 Raffle starts at E Pete Show, May 4, 2019.<br />
<br />
One Ticket $2.00 each ticket. 14 tickets for $5.00 just sign name and phone number, on stub, put stub in jar.<br />
<br />
Last Show of season, Manheim Square Cruise-in. You need not be there to get prize, but those that attend the drawing get to pick their prize. Drawing one hour before end of show.<br />
<br />
1. VR Shinecon Virtual Reality Glasses | value $149 | Donors: Randy & Mary<br />
<br />
2. HP 12c Platinum Calculator with case & Booklet | value $80 | Donors: Randy & Mary<br />
<br />
3. Craftsman pliers, 7-in Diagonal; 6-3/4 Arch Joint; 8" long, long nose pliers, Lifetime guarantee value $36 | Donors: Randy & Mary<br />
<br />
4. Tactical Flashlight | value $32 | Donors: Randy & Mary<br />
<br />
5. Woodland Creek 2- Super Bright LED zoom Flashlights, one small, one large Camouflage barrels, adjustable light patterns | value $48 | Donors: Randy & Mary<br />
<br />
6. A&M Pizza - 39 Market Square - Manheim, PA 17545 Second year donor<br />
value $20 | Donor: A&M (Jose)<br />
<br />
7. Two Cousins Pizza (Manheim) 171 Doe Run Rd. - Manheim, PA 17545 (expires 3/14/20 )<br />
value $20<br />
<br />
8. Knight & Day Diner - 3140Lititz Pk. - Lititz, PA 17543 | value $30<br />
<br />
9. www. bombergers.com - Hardware & Ace Rents | value $20 | Donor: Dori<br />
<br />
10. www. bombergers.com - Hardware & Ace Rents | value $20 | Donor: Dori<br />
<br />
Check this page every week, more prizes coming. Max. 2 prizes per person at drawing time!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715629534023324284.post-74916431520667343802019-04-10T17:41:00.000-07:002019-04-10T17:41:50.868-07:00Lies!!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have lied a lot in my almost 71 years on this planet. It started when I was 8 years old. The lady next door was a widow. Her husband died, I don't remember him. He died of TB. Laura Schopf was a fantastic painter. Her husband painted all the ads for Armstrong Flooring advertisements. They would take a picture of the new flooring, he would paint a portrait that went into a magazine. When Dick my older brother started full-time work, and got a girlfriend, I got Mrs. Schopf 's yard mowing and snow shoveling duties. Every time I mowed the yard or shoveled snow she paid me. Mom watched out for Mrs. Schopf. She told her to pay me 50 cents for cutting grass or shoveling snow. I would help her for free, but she insisted she pay me something. Later on she had money problems. One time she came out while I was shoveling the steps and small porch at the back door. She handed me one dime. It was the first AH HA moment for me, at age 12. More would come. Mrs. Schopf said I have little money this month, I am Sorry. I told her, she gave Mom many pictures, do not worry! I did not really lie, I needed the money too. I realized all people have problems. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finally she got the ok from the bank to not pay in, they would give her money every month while she still owned the property. She could pull out the money she had invested in the house since her Husband died, and live like everyone else. My younger brother Mike took over the grass & snow work, when I started working full time. When I had my own Electrical Business I was down at Mom's fixing something electric. She asked me to go over to Mrs. Schopf's, she wanted a grab handle on her tub, she got some prices, but they were too high for her to pay. I went over and looked at it. I had my service truck there, I went to my truck, I had 2 flanges left from a job. I had 1/2 inch water pipe from a job, just the right length. I put it together, and fastened it for her. She was grateful, she asked how much do I owe you. I told her nothing, she felt hurt I would not take $10.00. I told her the family rate was $1.00 per job. I wrote a bill for $1.00. I told her if someone pays at least a dollar, my insurance will cover me if anything happens. That lie will he used a lot, Later!!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mrs. Schopf fell about 10 years after I installed the railing. Mom called her every day. Sometimes afternoon or right before bedtime. Several times she did not answer, I guess her hearing was not too good. In her late 80's. When Mon could not reach her the next morning, she called the Manheim Township Police. They broke in, found her in the bathroom, naked on the floor. She died 2 days later in the hospital, laying naked in a house, even heated is terrible. At least I knew I gave her 10 years before she died. I did a lot of dumb things in my life. Every once in a while I do a good deed? The older I get, the more good deeds I do. We just spent $10,000 for a new shower stall ledge that is only 1/2 inches high. Mary is preparing for me to be in a wheel chair. Of course I will have a Harley Davidson three wheel power chair with 100 horsepower. HEY, I can DREAM!!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the 15 years I was in business I got a lot of calls from widow's in Manheim. The lie was I had brand new light bulbs left over from a job, I already got paid for the bulbs. My install bill was $ 5.00 per hour. Regular jobs were $25.00 hour. Every widow job was no more than 1 hour, it doesn't matter how long it was.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They are right, tough guys with a big heart do settle down when needed. Dan Blocker was Hoss on the tv show Bonanza. His birth name on the show was Eric. Hoss was mountain man slang for a Big Man with a BIG HEART. Mary knows if she does not put HOSS in my obituary, 9/10 of the Susquehanna Valley will not know Randy Caldwell is Hoss.</div>
randysravings.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773797573178267662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715629534023324284.post-43488365902724493732019-04-04T01:36:00.003-07:002019-04-04T01:36:49.938-07:00Like Father, Like Son!!<div style="text-align: justify;">
In November 2002, to not get rearended and squashed between a pickup and another car, I gunned my bike, and accelerated into the middle lane just over a small hill. The truck I was told, stopped about 2 feet from the back end of the car I was behind. They would have killed me. When I swerved to get in the middle lane, then hit the brakes to stop, my bike high sided and threw me off. The police report said I was 30 feet from the bike, luckily enough people stopped so no one ran over me. I hit on my left side. I hit a glancing blow with the left side of my helmet. Photo of my helmet in pages back several pages. It was a glanching blow. That is the only reason I did not break my neck. My left shoulder hit next, then my left knee. There is a 4 square inch hole in the left side of my helmet. When my brain smashed into my skull, it damaged my short term memory. Also I have inner ear damage, when my eyes are closed, I cannot control if I am standing straight. The jerk that caused the accident left. Never caught. The next day when I was awake, I forgive them. They panicked and left, thinking I was dead. I beat death again!! Eight days later I rode the iron horse again, and still do. If it does not kill you, it makes you tougher, life is not easy, only the strong survive.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Three years ago we adopted Sophie, Beagle-Collie, for : lloydsrides.org : One and one half years ago we adopted Buddy Hollie, a shitzu. Yes, he lets us presents on the carpet, that is why they are called a shitzu! Last Tuesday we noticed buddy was tilting his head, and his eyes kept moving left and right. He had trouble walking with his back legs. His back end would wobble, and he would fall hind end first. Mary and I married 47 years. We both 70, fixed income. But this is a family member. We saw the Doctor twice. Close to $400. Buddy had a mini-stroke in his inner ear. That is same problem I have. I had my left shoulder and left knee replaced from the accident. I had to pay what my insurance co-pay did not pay. I got nothing for my damage, never found the jerk. I am now on medication to help with my balance. I take more meds to supply more blood for the damaged short memory left brain damage.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If I held a grudge, it would hurt me, not the jerk. That person must live with severely damaging and almost killing another person and running away, it has changed my life. Yes, it made more happy with my life. I survived again. My 4 grandchildren have their BAA-BAA to SPOIL them ROTTEN! Mary still has me to yell at when I do something dumb. My computer Queen has to answer my dumb questions. My medicine for short term memory helps, it takes a couple minutes of thinking, but about 75% of the time I can remember what I wanted. The medicine for balance helps slowly. The other week at Church I picked up a cup full of coffee off the counter, lost my balance and spilled it all over the counter. They cleaned it up. I have not got a coffee in the last 3 weeks, there!!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Like Father, LIKE daughter and sons. Our 3 kids are all working in great places. Our Daughter works helping paraplegic patients in their homes. Our second born, our son, just got his Doctorate for child Autism, he works from home, for an Autism think tank. Our last born, a son, works at UCLA Ronald Reagan Hospital in Los Angeles in the Clergy Department. Last Christmas he face-timed with Mary on Christmas Day. Mary asked him what they did do Christmas Day. It was 10 degrees here. He said June-Bug his beagle and he were at the beach, but it was 80 degrees, they did not stay long. Mary told me I was right, Jeff and June-Bug will not move back to Pennsylvania, it never snows, or rains in southern California like the song says.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am sorry if I made any grammar mistakes. I am manic- depressive, have ADHD and several other weird diseases. Mary is going to donate my body to science when I die. She was a Charge Registered Nurse 52 years. She said with my weird brain, studying why I have all these things might make finding something to help others that they may not have to deal with what my brain does. My mind goes 100,000,000 miles per second.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mary was delivering babies when we got married in 1972. 1 1/2 years ago she quit as night Charge RN at a retirement home. An RN must pronounce people dead, call the funeral home, do the paper work and help load the cadaver in the gray Astro van. We bought a gray Astro Van in 2010 from the local Chevy dealer. When we did the paper work I saw it was traded by Buch Funeral Home, Manheim. I told Mary who had it. The first thing she said, I put a lot of dead people in this van. Luckily she did not have a problem with a van used for the person's second to last ride. She puts up with me, THAT is more scary for her. LOL</div>
randysravings.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773797573178267662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715629534023324284.post-18594807861465371382019-02-09T00:17:00.002-08:002019-02-09T00:17:48.640-08:00Horsepower College 2<div style="text-align: justify;">
More horsepower is great, demanding,adrenaline inducing,and a killer. I always thought someone was stealing my horsepower. I had to keep tapping the gas pedal to make sure it is still there. Yes, I am an adrenaline junkie! I am 70, I still like driving fast. But I try hard to stay to stay what the speed sign says. In spring I was caught for 5 miles over the speed limit going down hill. $151.00 fine, no points. Now I use the brake going down hills, staying legal.<br />
<br />
My motorcycle is harder to stay at the speed limit. I feel 18, and nothing can hurt me again. Then I remember laying in the middle lane of Route 501, in and out of consciousness. I looked in the face of an angel that was holding my head between her knees. I asked is this a dream? She said no hun, you will realize it is not a dream tomorrow when the pain killers were off. Yes I really remember the next day when the pain killers wore off. It hurt to breathe!</div>
randysravings.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773797573178267662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715629534023324284.post-49125249324085183232019-02-01T00:35:00.001-08:002019-02-01T00:35:10.457-08:00Bouncer Hoss<div style="text-align: justify;">
Where Manheim Pike and Fruitville Pike meet is an old mansion that was for years a place where males from 6 to 16 years old were placed instead of jail. They went to Manheim Township schools and had to be at the mansion if not at school or work. When I was in 6th grade we had two boys that lived there.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Right before I turned 21, it was changed over to a night club called Little Caesars Night Club. They got live bands every night. Mostly from New York and New Jersey. As soon as I was 21, I started going there.<br />
<br />
Nate was the bouncer at The Old Colony Inn when I saw him for the first time. He soon was the Head Bouncer at Little Caesars. I started attending Little Caesars because it was a straight run down Fruitville Pk, about 1 mile to my house. Less chance of cops and getting arrested for drunk driving.<br />
<br />
Nate knew me as Hoss, like everyone else. One night he was not feeling good and asked me to take his place for a while. I said sure. Nate said when I filled in for him I'd get whatever drink I want for free.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
I took shifts about 1/2 hours for every time I was in the Club. Nate was a ladies' man. He would meet the customers, single ladies of course.<br />
<br />
One night Nate was back, but asked me to stay on for a few minutes, lots of people coming in. I said no problem. My racing mechanic, Bob's younger sister was in line for a check of her driving license. It has your birth date on it. She was on Nate's line. She looked at me, when she came to Nate, I said, she is my little sister, she is OK. She was really my racing mechanic Bob's little sister. I knew she was only 2 months from her 21st birthday.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another time I was checking cards, an older lady and her son came in. She said, do you have your drivers license, he just turned 21. He had it, he stepped aside, and his mom said do I need to show my drivers license, I said yes, such a pretty young lady as you cannot be 21. She reached in her pocket book and showed me her license. She was 42. She gave me a hug, and said thank you young man.<br />
<br />
Nate had just came back and heard what was going on. He said, she will be back many times, we both laughed.</div>
randysravings.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773797573178267662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715629534023324284.post-47536059802733405292018-12-16T12:47:00.003-08:002018-12-17T02:05:56.657-08:00Failure!!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am 70, I have failed thousands of times! A wiser man than I once said, "Either I win, or I learn!" I have felt that way all my life. Thomas Edison failed a LOT while inventing the electric light bulb. I remember a cartoon of Tom Edison looking out the window of his laboratory, on the second floor. and the pile of failures higher than his second floor window. His assistant came in the door and said something like, "No luck yet, Mr. Edison?" His assistant knew he would never,ever quit! His mother needed an operation to save her life and the kerosene lights did not give enough light to operate at night.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My first crusade was bringing troubled teens to Christ about 28 years ago. I was the maintenance department at Oasis Youth Services in Manheim, PA. It was started by Manheim Churches. Many people asked why I was helping Pastor Jim. They said a lot of teen hoods hung out there. DOH! Those same people think why should we help kids not get into a life of crime. It is way cheaper to train teens than to wait until they commit big crimes and put them in jail. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Mary and I took our three kids to whatever program they wanted to get in. Girl or Boy Scouts, soccer, baseball, basketball. I pulled the kids every year for Manheim parades, for 15 years. I used my service truck. I was an electrical contractor. Burned out 3 clutches over the years. We took the kids to scout camp when the astronauts were there. We camped in the woods, it was 100 degrees in the shade. We help the grandchildren too. Mary is now helping our granddaughter learn parallel parking so she can get her driving license. The second granddaughter will be there in about 2 years. The 8 year old grandson, we get a break for 8 years. LOL</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Failure is a great humbler. The first wheelie I did with my first motorcycle, I started on my bicycle at 12 years of age, I was arrested on my Honda 90 for disorderly conduct on a motorcycle. $35 fine. McDonald's was a hangout, and everyone loved to drive under the golden arches. I did a giant wheelie thru the golden arches.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I failed with Mary, I was too pushy because I told her we would get married and have three kids. She freaked out and broke up with me. Eight months later she came back. I know I grow on people. Like a bad rash, I am hard to get rid of. May 20, 2019 we celebrate 47 years of wedded bliss. Change that to Mary putting up with me!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mary and I both told our kids they can be anything they want. Laura born 1973, works with paraplegic individuals, she followed Mary into nursing. Tim born 1979, is a Doctor of Childhood Sociology, Autism, for a big firm near Philly. He works out of his home. Jeff born 1983 works at LA Ronald Reagan Hospital, in the Clergy Department. Jeff is Jeffery Lloyd Caldwell, named after my Father, Lloyd Sylvester Caldwell. I am so glad Lloyd got to hold his Grandson/namesake before he died in 1983. He had high blood pressure all his life.<br />
<br />
I have it too. Mary got me on blood pressure pills in 1973. I am jealous of the people who die slowly and can visit their families as they are dying, can say goodbye, and I LOVE YOU. Lloyd had the main blood vessel that feeds the brain stem explode at 9:00 PM on a snowy night. About 3 weeks before he died I hugged him, picked him off the floor and said I LOVE YOU. When we got to the hospital his brain stem had already died. The emergency room Doctor remembered me from one of my failures on the motorcycle. He said the man you know as your father is gone. How long do you want his body to suffer? The brain stem is the man you know and loved, now he is gone. My mom Edith was in no shape to decide, we 3 brothers said let him go in peace.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
I am 6'2" , I was strong physically all my life. All my life I teared up at sad movies and TV. I was terribly mad at GOD for taking Lloyd. He was the first family person I lost. I did not talk to GOD for six months. My greatest failure. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If your kids fail, recite to them "I win or I learn". They will realize life is a learning experience, and learn to no matter how often they fail, as long as they are still breathing, they have another chance to try; NO, MAKE THAT DO!!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
My motto for lloydsrides.org is "I will never, ever, never quit until the tally is Every 24 hrs 0 PTSD Suicides!! Our brave heroes must not die by their own hands." SEE <a href="http://lloydsrides.org/" target="_blank">lloydsrides.org</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
randysravings.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773797573178267662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715629534023324284.post-80629588363558678842018-12-11T02:01:00.004-08:002018-12-11T02:01:32.169-08:00Fly Over?There was a road behind Millersville College that if you hit the first peak around 60 miles per hour, you would fly to the second hill, jumping about 60 feet. All the local bikers knew about the thrill of jumping there. Weekends the police would hide during the daytime to catch us. At night it was easy to jump and get away.<br />
<br />
I mentioned to a group of fellow bikers about jumping about 4 or 5 in the morning. Only one officer was cruising that late. There were no houses close so if we jumped and took off it was easy to not get caught. We worked out a plan. I was best at jumping, if you pulled up on the handle bars you got higher. I always pulled up when I would pull wheelies, you got more straight up.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We would go at first light.The guys said about 5 guys would take pictures. Both sides of the jump and landing spot. I of course, my bi-polar brain always going a million miles a second, said, "How about one guy lying in the low spot in the middle and snapping a picture as I jump over him". They said a big YES!!<br />
<br />
We used two more guys to watch any cars getting in the way, or if I crashed they would prevent me or the guy lying on his back in the middle of the road from getting run over. Now I had an inkling of what Evil Knievel felt before his many over 100 foot leaps.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finally THE Saturday morning arrived. Bob tuned up the "Quarter Hawg" so it ran good. I prayed GOD let me do this and live. I did not know HE had many better uses of my talents later in life. We stayed up all night, caffeine and nicotine kept us going. About 10 bikers converged on the road. A couple rode around checking for the nightly patrol. No cruisers within several miles, it was a go. I do not remember who was there, but the volunteer that would lie in the road, I told him to take lots of pictures.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He laid down on the road, the side bikers took position in the middle of where I would fly. In Glen Moore Circle was a hill with a manhole cover. You must hit about 50 miles per hour and you would fly about 30 feet, the hill went down the other side, it was a hard landing, and fork dampers and good shocks were years away.<br />
<br />
That is why Evel Knievel crashed so much. But like a dedicated biker he kept jumping. I think he had 7 or 8 crashes over nearly 300 jumps. But the misses are very painful. I was 18, nothing can happen to me??</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The lookouts signal was GO, I revved the tac to 10,000 RPMS, and dumped the clutch, my tires screamed. We glued the tires to the rims, soft rubber gave good traction, but slid the tire about 1/8 of an inch each takeoff if tire not glued. Yes in 1966 there were only tube tires. The tire moved and pulled the valve stem out. A flat at 80 MPH meant instant road rash.<br />
<br />
I did not look at the speedometer, I knew how fast I was going by the tac as I went thru 1st, 2nd,then 3rd gear. I figure I was going over 60 MPH, Evel did well over 100 MPH, and his takeoff ramp threw him VERY high. I saw the last guy standing at the takeoff point. He would point at the guy on his back when to start hitting the button. His camera would take multiple pictures.<br />
<br />
The guys on the sides started taking pictures when I took off. I remember the feeling on takeoff. Yes, I am an adrenaline freak! I do not remember flying, but the landing was hard. There was only about 3 inches of rebound in bikes then! I do not know what happened to the pictures. Maybe some old guy somewhere is telling his great grand children, this is Hoss, a real dare devil. This is the worst life risking stunt I did so far.<br />
<br />
Please do not tell Mary, she would say, I believe it. Almost 47 years nothing I did or do stuns her. Lloyd, my dad, raced the train to the crossing, the train ripped the tire and back bumper off his model T. That same model T they used to drive across the iced river in York,. Whoever did not break the ice and fall in, car and driver won. Guess where I got my craziness from??</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yes, GOD had better plans for me. Marry Mary, have 3 great kids, we lost one at 2 months in the womb. Help all three with education and 2 get houses, so far. I think of all idiot stuff I did. THANK YOU GOD!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
randysravings.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773797573178267662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715629534023324284.post-49854421126126939912018-12-05T04:05:00.000-08:002019-02-27T15:25:39.356-08:00It's a Man's World??<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since the beginning of recorded history, females have been placed as second class citizens in history by the dominant males. We men are larger, stronger, and (smarter) than females. (Smarter)?? We think so. Yes, we are larger, stronger, but far from smarter. We men start wars, take what we feel is ours, whether it is ours or not. Most terrible criminals are men, remember females have 1/2 of the male in their makeup. Some females have more male than female in them and are as bad as us men.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mary my wife of almost 47 years has been the boss of me since we decided to get married in 1972. Because of her controlling our money, getting pregnant 4 times, she wanted 4 kids, but we lost one in the second month and making good judgments we have had a great life together. I always took no crap off any man. Like the song, the bad guys knew me and left me alone. But the females I never said a bad word to. We are not rich, but live comfortable because Mary keeps the finances, and makes all the decisions.<br />
<br />
We give a lot of money all our life to help others. Our donations lifetime about $20,000. We helped our 3 children get good learning, getting their own house, and getting great jobs. Mary went to Nursing School before we met. I learned Electrical work, classes and on the job. I always made more money than Mary until about 2000. She finally started getting the good wages ladies deserved, because there was a shortage of Nurses.<br />
<br />
When I retired, 10 years ago, Mary was making about 30% more per hour than I was. Did I feel threatened, NO! She continued working till she was 69 years of age. January 2018 she quit working all together, 52 years as an RN charge nurse.<br />
<br />
In 1972 when we married she was delivering babies. 2018 when she retired at the retirement home she pronounced people dead and helped load them in the silver Astro van from the undertaker. The same van we bought from the Chevy dealer as a used van!<br />
<br />
I worked 2 jobs when younger for 15 years. Mary worked 2 or 3 jobs when we needed it. Our 3 kids started working, Laura at 14, Tim at 16, Jeff at 16. Now Laura followed Mary into Nursing, she helps para-pleasic bound people in their homes. Tim will be a Doctor of childhood autism soon. He works from home, and teaches the parents and teachers how to deal with the autism children. Doctor Tim. Jeff works in California at UCLA Ronald Reagan Hospital in Los Angeles. He is working toward teaching the new Pastors in the Clergy department. Doctor Jeff? People tell me I must be smart and passed it to my kids. I answer, luckily they got the great genes from Mary for smartness! The ability to never, ever give up comes from me!!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Many years ago, Randy, I don't remember his last name, why I remember his first name, I don't know LOL. Wrote and sang a song condemning short people, and people were up in arms. If you really listened to the lyrics, the last stanza, it finished with, short people are just like you and me!! He is sarcastic like me. I hope you understand this RANT!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
randysravings was Marcy's idea. She knew me about six months, said I need a place to blow off steam. Another very smart lady. Thank you Marcy! When Mary can't stand me any more, she says get your motorcycle and ride, she knows that is my release.<br />
<br />
Bob got me a sign that reads, "you never see a motorcycle in front of a shrinks office", because I go to the motorcycle cruise ins for lloydsrides.org I heard on a TV show if you kiss your significant other on the lips everyday you two will live longer. If we two have no colds, we kiss every morning. We deserve a longer life than 70 years. Thanks to Mary I have a great chance of living a lot more years.</div>
randysravings.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773797573178267662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715629534023324284.post-60598495998012618312018-12-04T18:46:00.002-08:002019-02-09T00:15:56.850-08:00Carl & me!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I met Carl thru some guys I knew at the Lititz Twin Kiss. He raced cars, circle track. We both were under 21 years of age. We both liked beer. We were friends immediately. We were both daredevils! We should not have run around together. Two males desiring kicks and alcohol. The first time I picked Carl up at his parents farm, we were going to get beer. He said his dad was a part time cop in Manheim, but don't worry his dad could not smell. The line of first defense is the cop smelling beer on your breath. When Carl opened the passenger's door to hop in, several empty beer cans fell out. Luckily his dad was not around.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The second time I picked him up, his license was suspended for a long time, it was on the bike. He really dug two wheeled motoring. We ran the loop route a while. About 1:00 AM We was returning thru Manheim to drop him off. We took a shortcut thru a corn field. My bike just fit between the corn plants. They were above our heads. I came out of the cornfield about 200 yards of road before the all night gas station. I blasted thru the island of gas pumps about 60MPH, hit the back brake, spun around and did a wheelie back beside the pumps. We got off, the old man just stood by the door stunned! I finally hit my kill switch. Now he came out. He said I rode cycle like I was crazy. I did not argue the point! Many others said the same thing. He said he was not coming out till I shut off the motor. With my no baffle mufflers he could hear me coming a half mile away. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
More later!!</div>
randysravings.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773797573178267662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715629534023324284.post-4441677119920467902018-12-02T11:33:00.001-08:002018-12-02T11:33:09.153-08:00April Fool's Nite!<div style="text-align: justify;">
The people who lived along the Lancaster Loop Route hated us loopers. They gave the police a hard time because they could not stop us. Whenever the police could arrest us for something they were happy. Drag racing in the city bounds was the <i>coup de grace</i>! It meant jail time.<br />
<br />
I never raced till after 2:00 AM and not on weekends, Just one block, to about 60 miles per hour. As I was geared super low in my car and cycle I could beat everyone I raced.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
When you came to Liberty cross street on Prince Street, there was a gas station on the right, the other side of Liberty Street. The police would park a box truck at the parking lot big enough to hide a Police cruiser behind it. Stopping at the light to get ready to race we could not see the cruiser till we were laying rubber under full power. Then they would have us.<br />
<br />
A biker friend stopped at the place we gathered and said the man is in his nest! We all knew what that meant. I said anyone want to join me for an April Fool's joke? I explained what I had in mind. One guy volunteered to be my henchman.<br />
<br />
We went on a slow run on the loop. It was about two hours since we had checked for the trap. They did not know we were already there when they set up their trap. We went past the loop cut over, the alley where later Kathy that summer slid down my broken sissy bar. We went two more blocks so we came out on Prince Street at Liberty Street. We started revving our engines and shouted trash talk like "I will blow your doors off". That's hard to do on a motorcycle. Young & Dumb Moment!!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When the light turned green, we lowered the RPM's and pulled into the intersection like a normal ride. The cruiser was already pulling out to bust us. We waved to the officers and laughed.<br />
<br />
They pulled us over just in case our paperwork was not right. Both Officers said, I guess you guys think you are smart. We both said, smart enough to not race in front of a Police Officer! They told us GET OUT tonight! We DID!!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Score one for the loopers, zero for the Officers. But my time was coming!!</div>
randysravings.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773797573178267662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715629534023324284.post-88411119363860667702018-12-01T11:40:00.000-08:002018-12-02T11:47:02.432-08:00Another Kathy Story<div style="text-align: justify;">
After Kathy and her sister Barb patched my left leg from the accident that Kathy & I survived, I healed. Barb's husband Butch was 23 years old. If he had been caught with me he would be arrested for giving alcohol to a minor.<br />
<br />
Kathy had Mike's 1964 Ford convertible. He worked second shift. He did not have his license either. We rode around with the top down. Kathy was driving, Barb & daughter Donna 2 years old up front. Butch & I were in back. There were no child seats then.<br />
<br />
We stopped and Butch and I went into Helen Weaver's bar. I went in with bikers a lot. They knew me. I was 19, but they did not ask for my driver's license. It was suspended. I had nothing with my age on it. We drank about 4 or 5 beers. When the girls came back we heard the horn and left. We piled in the back seat again.<br />
<br />
We drove around a bit, Butch wanted a sub, so we headed for Speed's parking lot. Kathy stopped, Barb got out, so did I. Kathy did not put the car in park. Her foot slipped off the brake, She hit the gas, with the front wheels turned. Butch was thrown out under the front wheel, his lower leg two bones broke. I helped him back into the car and told them not to mention me with Butch. I did not want him to go to jail because I was with him drinking.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
I flagged down a friend, said I needed a ride home. The next day the police showed up where I worked. They took me in the board room and questioned me about the accident. They figured we were drinking. They knew I was under legal drinking age. They said where did you get beer, from Butch? I said no, Helen Weaver's bar. Everyone knew they serve anyone who comes in. They let me go. That was all I heard about the incident. Another learning experience. Another colorful part of my past. I visited Barb and Butch every two or three days to see if they needed anything<br />
<br />
I found Barb and Jane on December 1, 2018. Kathy died years ago. Lung cancer from cigarettes.</div>
randysravings.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773797573178267662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715629534023324284.post-61846200557892977832018-11-30T11:44:00.000-08:002018-12-02T11:46:37.840-08:00Jesse<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jesse was a 6'4" body building rugged male. He had a beard, with scruffy hair. He was one of the bad guys in town but he knew me so he left us guys alone. Another song lyric! I would see him walking and take him where he needed to go. I never saw him driving. I guess he had no car or license. I would see him in bars, and he always yelled, "Hi, Hoss!" Being under drinking age having a regular greet you, any place would let me drink, and remember me any time I went in.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I picked him up two or three times a week. He never went out of town, at least not with me. One very hot Saturday night I went to the sub shop on Prince & Liberty Street for supper at 11 PM. Liberty Street was one way then. My passenger side door was on the curb side. The top was up, and the A/C on.<br />
<br />
I heard Jesse yell, "HOSS" really loud. I saw him in my passenger side mirror. He was limping with his right leg, not bending at the knee. He jumped in, not bending his knee. He pulled a double shotgun out of his pants leg. Now his knee would bend. He said he was in a fight, and might have shot someone, it was too dark to see if he hit them.<br />
<br />
I could see myself in prison for being the getaway driver. I liked Jesse as a friend I could give rides to. I drove out of town, and dropped him at a friend's house. As he got out, he said, "Hoss, I will never forget you were there when I needed you most".<br />
<br />
I was afraid to be in town for about four days. That was the longest time I did not appear on the loop. I never saw Jesse after that. The next day I checked the paper and TV news. There was no mention of gun shots, or someone hit by gunfire. I also was waiting for the police to be at my door with hand cuffs. For 50 years I have wondered if Jesse was really in a fight, or just scared someone (besides me).</div>
randysravings.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773797573178267662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715629534023324284.post-80115948679377626582018-11-29T11:53:00.000-08:002018-12-02T11:53:27.986-08:00Putting LADIES in their places!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I heard on a news show that in India they are trying to stop ladies from holding important offices. I say their PLACE should be everywhere.<br />
<br />
My wife Mary has been in charge of our family since we decided to get married. I smoked four packs of cigarettes daily, drank a lot of alcohol every day and never went to the doctor. Mary slowly changed my life. I am bull headed, but she is breaking that habit too, 46 years so far. I quit nicotine by our 4th year of marriage. Alcohol by our 25th year of marriage. Nicotine was way harder to quit than alcohol. It is very addictive. These new vap smokes ought to be outlawed!! One vap I am told has as much nicotine as a carton of regular cigarettes. Nicotine is VERY addictive.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If WOMEN ran our world, I am sure there would be less killing of innocent victims. Old men start wars, young men die in them. Woman are equal to men as far as fighting wars, and dying in them. Women should be equal in every aspect of life, I believe. As you read my Ravings, I talk a lot about Marcy. She got me started, and named this blog RandysRavings. She knew I like to talk.<br />
<br />
Having this sounding board has helped me cope with life's hard teachings. Yes, the world's happenings are not fair. Good people, young children, innocents of every age are given a bad hand in life, many times dying too soon. We ask WHY?<br />
<br />
As an electrician for 52 years, I know much about electricity. I was involved in building cars and motorcycles, drag racing for eight years. I can explain most anything about how to increase horsepower and traction. Why ladies must take a back seat in life, is beyond my thinking. My ladies take the FRONT seat in my life. Wife, daughter, 3 granddaughters, 1 daughter-in-law, they run things.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you are a young man in search of a Mrs. be sure and hook up with a Lady that takes no crap from you or any other male. If I kept the finances we would be in terrible money shape. Because of Mary we live in a nice house, have enough money for a great life. We do not blow money on stuff we do not need. Since we decided to marry I gave her my check every Friday. Its been that way since 1972.<br />
<br />
We help local people, our kids, Mary's younger sister, and several needy causes. We are not rich in money, but we are very rich in helping others. Mary snips coupons every day. If we won Publishers Clearing House's ten million dollars contest, she, every week would still be cutting out coupons. And many more times what she would save would still go to Charities.<br />
<br />
We both grew up with not as much as we would have wished for. Mom took care of the money. We did not starve, our families owned their houses, had clothes that fit and were clean, and LOVE from mom and dad. Back then parents did not hug and kiss kids. We did to our kids and grandchildren, even though when young they wiped the kisses off!! LOL <br />
<br />
YES, I believe in putting LADIES in their place. That PLACE is wherever they want to be!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
President of the USA</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Queens of Industry</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Corporation Presidents</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Congress or House of Representatives</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Doctors</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
and especially in The Armed Forces, doing what ever job they want!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
I told all my kids they can be whatever they want! Our Daughter followed Mary in nursing, she goes to peoples homes that need 24 hour care. Our first son, getting his Doctorate in Child Psychology, Autism Specialist. Our second son, with his Masters of Divinity, works at UCLA Ronald Reagan Hospital in the Clergy Department. His second year there.<br />
<br />
I'm afraid he will not want to come home to Lancaster, PA to the cold, ice, and snow. Last Christmas he called us about 4 PM Christmas day and Mary said, "What did you do?". He took his beagle to the beach, it was 75 degrees. Here in PA it was 31 degrees!! Brrrr!!</div>
randysravings.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773797573178267662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715629534023324284.post-19358991432165716202018-11-22T22:12:00.002-08:002018-11-23T15:52:03.293-08:00My Miniature Baseball Bat<div style="text-align: justify;">
My Father Lloyd had a beloved Boston Bull Dog, Bossey. I was about seven or eight years old when our cub Scout pack went to a ball game. I think it was at Harrisburg, PA.<br />
<br />
We enjoyed the action of seeing the game from the bleachers for the first time. None of the men in our families were sports minded. It was a very big deal for me. I had a few dollars for food and souvenirs. I gave up the food, and bought a miniature baseball bat that had the name of the team on it. I was amazed, in grade school the only game we played was kick ball. We knew nothing of baseball.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I got home I proudly showed everyone my new prized possession. I thought baseball was something new, and I was the first one to see it. It was about twelve inches long. Tapered, at the thick end and thinner where your hands grasp the bat. A mushroom like cap at the end. A mind blowing discovery for my young mind. I took it everywhere so I could show everyone the fantastic prize I had bought. I was telling people I had a bat for a great new game. I knew this game would be a big deal someday.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bossey was laying on the floor near me. I played with him a lot. We were great friends. He played with me, but mostly slept with Dad. He liked to lick faces, shoot gas, and just be a good friend.<br />
<br />
I was swinging my bat like the baseball players I saw at the game. I spun around, and pretended I was running to first base. The bar left my hand, and flew toward Bossey, and hit him on his forehead. He made no sound, just dropped to the floor. He got up, and staggered a little bit, and went to Dad on the couch. Dad rubbed his head, and everyone in the room burst out laughing. Including my little brother Mike. He was about 2 1/2 years old.<br />
<br />
We all left the room, except daddy. We went to the kitchen for ice cream. I got a lecture about being careful with toys. Daddy was watching Mike. About ten minutes later Daddy came out to the kitchen. He told mom to get some ice and put it in a dishrag. He had a big bump on the back of his head. My cherished miniature baseball bat disappeared. I was told it was too dangerous for Mike and I to play with it.<br />
<br />
I wondered for years what happened to my bat. One time we had company and my mom told the story of what happened to my bat. Daddy was the only one who was not laughing. I did not think it was funny either, I missed my bat!!</div>
randysravingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13124902780008021902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715629534023324284.post-65532579929007096732018-11-15T07:20:00.000-08:002018-11-16T07:21:37.943-08:00Danger is my business.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yes, I took a lot of chances in my life. I am an adrenaline junkie. No drug you put in your body is better than adrenaline, to us. I believe that is why I stayed away from hard drugs. Sometimes you must take chances. The donor letter I send out has a link to my 15 minutes of fame on YouTube.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://youtu.be/AofBV0HOtFg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/AofBV0HOtFg</a><br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/LEy6tWWniwg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/LEy6tWWniwg</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.townlively.com/local-resident-launches-lloyds-rides" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.townlively.com/local-resident-launches-lloyds-rides</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Town Lively one on the front page of the Manheim edition of the Merchandiser got us a $500 donation from a Manheim couple. The biggest donation to date. I want people to see me. I need the publicity to get more donations to Stop PTSD Suicides in Veterans and First Responders.<br />
<br />
If playing the clown brings in more donations, I will do it. If walking around the cruise-in's with a cop cam on my chest to record people telling me about the work on their hot rod, next year I start filming. I will send the video to Marcy, and she will edit it and post it.<br />
<br />
I get no kicks from spending at least ten hours every day pounding this keyboard. In summer, out in the hot sun, being careful so that I do not get dehydrated and collapse. Four hours walking I struggle thru.<br />
<br />
When I am ready to quit, I remember the poor souls that took my place in Vietnam. I enlisted in the Navy Reserve before Christmas, my senior year. My blood pressure kept me out. That is what killed Lloyd, he was 76. I am 70 now, and have been on blood pressure medicine since 1974.<br />
<br />
My Registered Nurse since May 20, 1972 keeps me alive. She's a KEEPER! Marcy, another Gorgeous lady, checks everything I write. She makes me look like I know what I an doing. Mary is my spell checker when she is home. When she is gone, Marcy catches my mistakes. Thank you GORGEOUS ladies for keeping me alive, and catching all my mistakes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I do not take many chances now. I am tired of being in the hospital, and recuperating at home. Having my own RN is great, but it still hurts to heal. Mary cuts me no slack, she knows I must get up no matter how much it hurts. Movement means quicker healing. Yes, I have had 4 bad concussions. But with a FATHER and SON to watch over me is great. I just don't try THEIR patience like I did when I was young. Pain is a great teacher. You certainly remember the painful lessons better.</div>
randysravings.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773797573178267662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715629534023324284.post-65334985022460082762018-11-14T07:10:00.000-08:002018-11-16T07:11:02.983-08:00Jesus Christ Superstar<div style="text-align: justify;">
I grew up attending St. Andrew's United Church of Christ, Lime and New streets in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Mom saw us kids got there every Sunday. This is where I met another Randy. Later he lived across the street from Lancaster County's Dead Man's Curve.<br />
<br />
We attended dances and white elephant sales, though there were no animals there. We had father and son suppers. My dad worked at night, but a kind gentleman was dad to about 8 of us that were alone. He owned a construction company, and his name was Miles Ament, I believe.<br />
<br />
I heard the Bible stories, I knew them by heart. I learned the 23rd Psalm by heart. It was Grandma's Hess's favorite. I even recited it in Sunday school adult class upstairs. In my early teens I helped my older brother Richard on the audio visual crew. When he was drafted in 1959, I took it over. I started the sound systems, checked mikes, and set up equipment where needed every Sunday. Later when I was 16, I set up a projector at a big hotel near our house. I had to leave, it was about kids on drugs, adults only. Someone else brought the equipment back to Church.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Mary and I married on May 20, 1972. In 1973 Jesus Christ Superstar came out. When I saw it, this movie changed my life. I knew what took place the last three days of Jesus Christ's life, but it did not burn in my soul till I saw the movie. Hearing a teacher read the story, even reading it yourself, is nothing like seeing what took place, and seeing it on the big screen.<br />
<br />
Mary and I were married, ready to raise kids, being a family, and seeing what Jesus Christ suffered through to save us, it really sank in. The local radio station played the whole album a lot. There was a call in hour on WGAL 1390 AM, that was a way to sound off about what you want. It played a lot of local rock and roll. One night everyone that called in was raving about J.C.Superstar. About half way through the hour show, a gentleman called in with a Dutchified accent. Meaning he was Mennonite, or Amish. He said it is blasphemy, Jesus was not a Superstar, someone in sweaty socks, he was Lord!!<br />
<br />
I was always told GOD sent Jesus to earth to learn what being a human being was like. My Jesus would sweat, get dirty, have pains and sore muscles when he overworked them. If he fell he would feel pain, he would feel hunger, go to the toilet like everyone else. He was a male human being. When they whipped him, he felt pain. When two of the twelve betrayed him, he felt loss. But unlike everyone else he knew what he must do.<br />
<br />
I ask GOD and Jesus Christ for guidance every day. That night so many kids like me called in with the same feelings I had, they had to answer calls for an extra hour that night.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Thankfully Lloyd found his way to Jesus Christ before he died. It was GOD leading him. He lived a good Christian life. His reward for the life he lived was joining St. Andrew's church. He was saved. His good works were noticed by GOD and his Son.<br />
<br />
I am 70, my time is I hope not too soon to leave. I have a lot more work to do with Lloyd. I have made mistakes in my life. I have helped a lot of people. My work at Oasis Youth Services Charity and <a href="http://lloydsrides.org/" target="_blank">lloydsrides.org</a> my own Charity now. I, like Marcy, do not seek that pat on the back.<br />
<br />
I have a lot of titanium and stainless steel holding me together. I was an electrical contractor, got thousands of shocks. Spent a large part of my life up ladders, walking across 10 inch wide cement block walls. Taking chances.<br />
<br />
When I started in 1966, there were no laws about harnesses to keep us from falling. Now my son-in-law Rich a construction painter, when he goes over six foot high in a cherry picker he must hook his harness to the basket. I worry about Rich, our daughter Laura, their 3 kids if Rich gets hurt and cannot work. I am glad I have a GREAT FRIEND from above to talk to. After all HE watched over me for 70 plus years! You have time to change your life, do it! NOW!</div>
randysravings.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773797573178267662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715629534023324284.post-14607255657672983132018-11-12T14:13:00.000-08:002018-11-16T06:37:05.722-08:00Bike naming; 4 min. not cool!<div style="text-align: justify;">
My super hawk was "The Quarter Hawg" Quarter mile racer. Old Harleys were called Hawgs. I stole HAWG from the Harley boys. You wanted to wear the name on your gas tank. We were very proud of our creations. The two cycle bikes were called smokers because you mixed the oil with the gas. A two cycle motor had a power stroke every other stroke. A four cycle motor has 1 power stroke every fourth stroke. Yes, two strokes made twice as much horsepower as four stroke bikes, they polluted the air, burning oil with the gas. They sounded different too. They were sold till the EPA banned two cycle motors sold in the USA. If you mixed the oil with the gas wrong, the engine could freeze up. I mentioned that in another story. When oil injection was used, controlled metering of oil was great, as long as you did not forget to fill the oil tank.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Uncle Mitch, another friend, had "Good Vibrations" painted on his tank. At idle, there wer little vibrations on the handle bars of his Ducati, but when you revved the gas, it shook bad. Harley Davidson's Sportster ran great, but shook very bad. The motor was not balanced, and not rubber mounted. Most Bikes that were not Japanese were known as shakers My bike vibrated some, but was balanced, and not rubber mounted either. The rear light was rubber mounted. I told you my license plate story on a different page. We were TOUGH, we need no stinking rubber mounted anything!! After about 2 or 4 hundred mile days we were feeling great. You believe that don't you. Remember we cannot be hurt!! Now you know why I am so sarcastic today, Heck I was sarcastic as long as I can remember.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ed's BSA was Bugger Stopped Again. Not exactly right, you can imagine what I mean. Norton, Matchless, and all the English bikes were lymie bikes. Their electrics were prone to failure when it rained and they got wet. Across Prince Street from Helen Weaver's bar, Sunday mornings there were several lymie bikes sitting. The owners kicked, and kicked, and finally accepted a ride home. A 650 or 750 lymie high compression bike is hard to kick when you are loaded with antifreeze. Alcohol, if you don't speak biker language.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One time my Quarter Hawg let me down. I was at a bar, had 3 beers, went out to my bike right outside the main entrance. I had to show off for several young ladies standing right behind my bike talking. I pulled the foot pad out, and put my right foot on the pad. I stood up, my one foot on the starter pad, and put all my weight on the right leg. They were spring loaded to return back in when you moved your foot. NO PROBLEMO right, EXCEPT I did not pull the pad all the way out. It swiveled in from my foot movement, the wrong way. My foot dropped to the asphalt, I lost my balance, my right foot went under my bike. My kickstand was on the left side and I pulled the bike over on me.<br />
<br />
Luckily three bikers were coming in. They lifted my bike off my leg. No rips in my jeans, no blood gushing out. Nothing broken, bones at least. My body saved my Iron Horse from road rash, just my leg. HEY I saved my baby! Don't tell anyone I was not COOL for 4 minutes!! That day I remember well. Disgrace is hard to forget. LOL</div>
randysravings.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773797573178267662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715629534023324284.post-13623707685379823152018-11-11T06:27:00.000-08:002018-11-16T06:29:09.715-08:00Drive Carefully!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I mentioned before I am bi-polar, my mind going a mile a second. I don't know if that helps me to keep my eyes scanning both sides of the highway and straight ahead or not. There were a lot of children hurt and I believe five killed within 1 month. The flashing lights of a school bus should jolt any oncoming vehicle to stop. I also warned my kids to not stand on the edge of the road so they could be the first in line for the bus. One morning when it was really foggy I saw a lot of kids standing right up to the road line, any vehicle just over too far to the right would hit them. I guess parents do not think of that and warn their children. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I worry a lot, my mom did too. She must have been bi-polar too. When I raced bikes and cars being bi-polar was a great help. When the light turned green I was always ahead of the racer beside me. You see a lot of people, phone to ear driving. I have noticed a lot of tractor- trailer drivers holding a phone to their ear. 90,000 pounds of terror traveling without two eyes on what's ahead. I think that is why we were rear-ended by a loaded tractor-trailer, and pushed the back of our Toyota Sienna in 24 inches. Had the grandchildren been in the back seats they would not have survived. He had a high front bumper, hit us above our rear bumper, on the sheet metal. That should be illegal, his bumper should be low enough for all car & van bumpers.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Including myself, I never use phone or text while driving we must change our attitude what is important. NOT the call or text, changing the radio station, that is what killed Motorcycle Dave's brother Danny, or turning your head and yelling at the kids. For us guys, not eyeballing the hot looking girl, either walking or riding in the car beside us. When I was young I had two accidents because of not paying attention to what was ahead of me, from age 16 to 18. Yes I have learned my lessons, and it cost me a lot of money.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My granddaughter is going for her drivers test the end on November 2018. She will be 19 in January. I think it is good the kids wait to get their drivers license. Another granddaughter will be sixteen, one year away. Today the driving tests are tougher than 50 years ago. The kids waiting 2 years have better grown-up attitudes. I am glad my accidents were not serious, no one hurt. I can offer a lot of wisdom now that I am 70. But at 16 or 18, I would not have accepted the wisdom either. At 16 or 18, nothing can happen to us?? I have said that a lot, but it is what the young mind thinks. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I did not find out I was bi-polar till I was 50 years old. Medicine has helped me a lot. I am on the smallest dose possible. I still have bouts of depression and manic behavior, but now I know why. If you see yourself in my writing, get checked out. Please. Do not suffer 50 years like I did.</div>
randysravings.orghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06773797573178267662noreply@blogger.com0