November 14, 2026 NV #224
“If you can spend a perfectly useless afternoon in a perfectly useless manner, you have learned how to live.” -Lin Yutang
MOVING ON
DESKTALK: Inspired to act after acquiring a book from my friend Kathy Dickason-Kvach that she has recently published (The title is “North Bass” and I will tell you more about it when I finish reading it. It is available on Amazon.) I need to mention that I have put together several books and placed them in Amazon for publication. The big reason I mention it now is because 1.) I actually did this some years ago, and 2) I want my Texas cousin to know that all the information about his mother’s part of her family he’s been asking me for is readily available for a reasonable price on Amazon.
Please understand that I am not author of either of the books I’ve made available thus far – only the editor. So basically, I only put the books together (i.e. edited them). I may have done some small text alterations here and there – but I did not write anything that might change the meaning or directions of what which was already written.
The one recounting the “History of the Vermilion News” was written by my sister Nancy Alice Tarrant-Emery and is currently only available as an Amazon Kindle book. The other “The Evolution of an American Family – 1545 to 1930” is also available only on Kindle – but I am working to make it available in paperback from Amazon in coming weeks.
I am also working on another (an updated) version of a book I published several years ago titled “Now and Then” in Vermilion, O.” But to be candid, I am an old fell and easily and constantly distracted. (My eyes sometimes give me problems, my hip hurts, and recently my computer often thwarts my efforts.) But other than that…
I have also written a book of poetry that I might set loose on the public someday soon. I’ve been writing it, essentially, all my life.
Then tentative title was “@79”. But I may change it to “My Brain is Leaking” (a more appropriate title). Here’s an example:
A VERY WHEEL APPEAL
THIS APPEAL IS WHEELY REAL: Setting all the cutesy word things aside “we” (meaning the Vermilion History Museum, the Vermilion Historical Society and Main Street Vermilion) have found a Pelton “Runner” Wheel that we intend to purchase for the City of Vermilion to place in one of its many parks. But we have a problem that’s bigger than money at the moment.
While the item pictured has only a 36” inch circumference, it is made of iron and consequently weighs a bit. So, while we will, hopefully, find a way to find the funds for the purchase, the more immediate problem finding a way to transport it to Vermilion – because it’s in Idaho.
If anyone can help us solve our shipping dilemma we would appreciate your help. If you have an answer, please call me (Old Rich Tarrant @ the museum 1-440-967-4555) or call Margaret Wakefield-Worcester or Carolyn Hill, both here in Vermilion).
And “Thanks, a bushel (ahead of time) for your kind assistance.
HOBSON'S CHOICE (AGAIN)
THANK THOMAS HOBSON: I have continued to struggle with my work computer during this last week. It’s kind’a like riding an old bike. You know just how to take each bump in the road to keep it from falling apart.
I finally believe I solved the annoyance by trading it back to the manufacturer (Apple) and leasing a new one (if that’s possible). I just can’t afford a purchase.
This is a situation similar to persons today who want to buy a house – but can’t afford it. So they rent. I doesn’t make economic sense (in the long run), bit it’s a Hobson’s Choice thing.
WHAT'S IN A WORD
VOCABULARY: Learning new words is forever AND ALWAYS a very good thing to do.
NEIGHBORS & FRIENDS
VERMILON’S JAMES DEAN: I think all kids need heroes. That’s what Leon was to me and my buds when we were kids. He never knew it – but we admired his moxie.
He “lived”. He did things others dared not to do: had a ’48 Olds convertible with big engine that could go 200 million mph. Rode a motorcycle down the middle of the Shoreway in Cleveland – traveled – and finally married an airline stewardess.
What’s not to admire? Our lives would never be as exciting as we perceived his to be.
Whether all of those things are true really doesn’t matter – then or now. Kids (and adults) need to dream.
This is A VERY SPECIAL NOTE
NEW: I’ve added a “special section” to the “Past 20 Years” part of the page. You will find there nearly (but not all) every video and audio production I’ve published over the last few years. They’re not arranged as nicely as I want them to be. But SOME are there – and I’ll add to them as time passes.
A.I. - ING
THIS IS FIREFLY: This is a terrible photo celebrating Vermilion’s very first Regatta in 1903. I’ve had it for years, but never knew when or where I’d use it.
The original is gray-scale (of course). It shows a little better in color.
In the meantime I got an email from Adobe advertising a thing called “Firefly”. The ap. lets one make a video from a still shot. They offered a free trial. So I tried it.
Surprise, surprise! It was not until the video was done that I noticed all the folks on the shore beside the boat.
I’ll have more to say about the even itself another time.
THE ROSCOE'S OF MILAN, OHIO PRT. 1 (under the Buckeye Tree)
VERMILION HISTORY THEATRE: Due to all the distractions surrounding me lately I neglected to keep the link to the History Audio/ Video Theatre. So – click on the name above and visit.