IT'S A VERY SMALL WORLD

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:

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