Many moons ago when I was still a
young lad all boys were hoping to own a Red Rider air rifle. This rifle had a lever that when activated
stored some air. Then when the trigger
was pulled the stored air propelled a tiny lead ball (BB). What a thrilling Christmas I had that year when
I found a “Red Rider” under the tree.
Couldn’t wait to celebrate my good fortune outside with my friends. Many shots were fired with my friends to
demonstrate my glorious present. Before
leaving the house my mother, as all mothers do, gave me my safety instructions
and let me know what would happen if I didn’t follow them.
These rifles had a storage tube to
hold a substantial quantity of BBs, so we were able take shot after shot at
targets we mentally created. Eventually
all the rifle was firing was little blasts of air. Now with the rifle empty we
reverted to the land of make believe aiming at imaginary villains and even our
playmates. One of our playmates was a
boy we called “Billy Boy”. During my
assault with the empty rifle I took aim at Billy Boy and shot right at his
belly. We were all impressed with his
outstanding acting job after being shot with air. Unfortunately he continued to
cry out and rub his belly. We had him
lift his shirt and we discovered the wound, a tiny black and blue type of spot
where a BB had hit him. We then realized
that not all the BBs had been used up in our war games.
In a short while Billy appeared
back to normal so the “gang” dispersed and I in severe anguish ran upstairs to
put my Red Rider safely away. I don’t
remember if it was the same day or the day after when my mother confronted me
and asked for my rifle. I was astounded
to hear that she knew the whole sordid story of my Billy Boy attack. Well, it was goodbye rifle. I found out later that old man McCarthy from
across the street saw the whole thing and made sure he told my mother
everything. I have no recollection how
long my punishment sans rifle was for, but I did finally get it back. This
event took place over 75 years ago but became one of legendary family
stories.
My son, Bill Jr, recently became a
member of the Bristol Elks Club. While
at the club another member approached him saying that his name was familiar
because years ago he knew a Bill Wisk.
Well you know where this is going, the other member was the “Billy Boy”
himself. My son was impressed that Billy
Boy, after all these years, still remembered the event and Billy Boy was even
more impressed that my son also knew all about it. Now tell me that it’s not a
very small world.
Here's a recipe for a tasty soup that requires almost no cooking at all.......just a can opener, knife and spoon:
Here's a recipe for a tasty soup that requires almost no cooking at all.......just a can opener, knife and spoon:
Quick & Easy
Minestrone Soup
2
cans (14-1/2 oz each) chicken broth
2
cans (14-1/2 oz each) stewed tomatoes untrained, coarsely chopped
2
cups or 19 oz can cooked kidney beans, drained
1
package (16 oz) frozen mixed vegetables
1/4
cup pasta of your choice (penne, elbows, orzo) uncooked
1
teaspoon dried basil leaves
1
teaspoon garlic powder
A
few dashes of Worcestershire sauce
Salt
and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a large sauce pan. Bring to boil on medium-high heat. Reduce to low and simmer 20 minutes or until
pasta is tender. The addition of some kielbasa or cooked chicken would add to
the flavor of this quick and easily prepared soup. Makes 8 to 9 one cup servings
