April 24, 2013: Goodbye Uncle Fred. See you real soon.

My wife’s Uncle Fred passed away last night. Fred was a good man. He raised his family and loved them in the heart of Georgia. Fred had been sick for a while and this was not a surprise but it doesn’t make it easier. What does make it easier is that he had a relationship with Jesus Christ that will go on with him throughout eternity. God bless the family, Fred doesn’t need our prayers any more, he went home.

Today is Secretary’s Day. Our secretary at Louisa Middle School is Teresa Parsons. Teresa makes it happen, she keeps us all in line and makes sure that things are in order. Everyone needs a Teresa. When you get to Walt Disney World and you check in at your resort, thank your cast member that checks you in. Every cast member is like your personal secretary for your WDW vacation. Use them but don’t abuse them.

April 24, 1833, Jacob Evert and George Dulty received a patent for a soda fountain. Back in the day you have to jerk the handle of a soda fountain just right to mix the soda water and the syrup that sweetened it. Those young men who pulled the handle on the fountain became known as soda jerks. Although you should never be a jerk, being a soda jerk is okay. To celebrate the soda fountain, go to Club Cool at EPCOT or Beaches & Cream over on the Boardwalk. Stay thirsty, my friend.

If there is a challenge, Americans will find a way to meet it. If there is no challenge we will make one up. In 1908, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Murdock became the first people to travel across the United States by automobile. The Murdocks left Los Angeles in a Packard and arrives in New York City, thirty-two days, five hours and twenty-five minutes later. It’s a shame that we don’t have a Cars Land in WDW (hint, hint) but since we don’t, let’s enjoy The Tomorrowland Speedway or if you’re really serious about driving, enjoy the Richard Petty Driving Experience.

Quickies:

1923: Colonel Jacob Schick patents the Schick shaver. Go to Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom and have a close shave with the Yeti.

1945: Albert B. “Happy” Chandler is named the second commissioner of baseball. Chandler was the Governor of Kentucky and, when I attended UK from 1978 to 1982, it was reassuring to hear him sing “My Old Kentucky Home” before the football games. Sounds like time to eat at Casey’s to me.

1942: Barbra Streisand was born in Brooklyn, New York. I don’t have to explain who she is; she is truly someone who needs no introduction. In 2009, Barbra was one of 15 artists who recorded songs for an album titled, “Wishes ~ Walt Disney Presents,” to raise money for The Make a Wish Foundation (Barbra recorded “Some Day My Prince Will Come”). You’ve got to love her... she’s like butter. Take someone to Walt Disney World, it’s so much fun to make someone’s wishes come true.

Remember, your best excuse is always: waiting for your wishes to come true.