Love Cruikshank, Love notes

Be honest now, have you seen many changes, or felt greatly changed in any way since Jan. 1? I always want to, always hope that my many faults and shortcomings will someway fade into the land of no return.

Someway, though, there is little to give hope for reform. The only small thing so far that seems to me a hope for the better is that there is a law now against teenagers talking on their cell phones while driving.

Why, though, is the rule confined to teenagers? Has none of the law makers responsible for it ever ridden with an adult who carried on a spirited telephone conversation while speeding down the entrance into the Twin Cities?

And, this, too, with a large road map spread out covering that steering wheel while she tried to figure where we were going. Meanwhile, I, teeth clenched, eyes tightly closed, asked myself why we were going anywhere.

Not mine the spirit of adventure. Given my druthers, I prefer to curl up in my little bed and read a good book.

I enjoyed the holidays as I had not expected to. I am ambivalent about New Year’s Eve. I remember a group of us gathering around a piano and singing, ending with &8220;Auld Lang Syne.&8221; We were not celebrating the New Year in January though, but in October. Because by January a number of the group would be in the islands close to Japan and some of them would not be coming back.

Caught a brief glance on a newscast the other night. It showed President George Bush being questioned as to his reaction to those who wanted the war to end, particularly his reaction to mothers who grieved for children fallen in action.

Drawing his eyebrows very close together as an indication of deep thought, he finally said, &8220;Well, I suppose there are some afflicted with anguish by the loss of a child.&8221;

Ah, well, it’s good that our president is so determined to establish democracy in Iraq, since we are not sure how long we may have it here.

Heard a discussion on a biography of Mark Twain, Sunday and was particularly struck by his comment on our interference in some foreign country.

&8220;I do not think,&8221; said Twain, &8220;that the eagle’s talons should ever be planted in foreign soil.&8221;

When I was still working full-time at the Tribune office I used to have such a let-down feeling after the holidays. I celebrated them more fervently then than I do now. There were days of baking and candy-making, cards and gifts to distribute, parties to attend.

When it was all over it seemed so all over. Helping me over my holiday doldrums was an extremely wise woman by the name of Ruth Johnson, a bookkeeper in the business office. Knowing I was a bit depressed she would always remind me that in a short time vacation schedules would be out.

&8220;When you start planning a vacation,&8221; she’d say, &8220;It will make you forget all about Christmas trees and such.&8221;

When my vacation was over, she reversed her argument. &8220;Well, sure. Your vacation is over. But in no time at all the winter holidays will be coming along. And you know how much fun they are.

You’ll forget all about vacation when you start getting materials together for fruit cakes. You know how much fun you have making those.”

Back in those days women were not encouraged to reach for the executive positions. It’s too bad. Beautifully tactful and more than competent, Ruth could have kept any business running smoothly and had fun doing it.

I never knew what her political leanings were. I have a feeling, though, that if she had run for office I’d have voted for her.

(Love Cruikshank is an Albert Lea resident. Her column runs Thursday.)