Friday Fiction: by Manamana

Mike Delivers Christmas

It was 1 AM on the day before Christmas. Mike the mailman was delayed on his regular run from Cleveland, Ohio to Chambersburg, Pa., and if Mike was only hauling ordinary freight it might be a different story. Mike was worried that he would be late getting this load of mail delivered on time. He knew that in order for the mail, which contained many Christmas presents for Chambersburg families, to get delivered before Christmas he would have to be there before 6AM.

Things were not looking good as there was already a delay in getting his truck loaded, leaving him only enough time to get there without any further delays.

Photo from Pinterest

As Mike was finally getting into his loaded big rig, a light snow began to fall. No worries, as long as the turnpike weather was good he would be on time. Mike was not so lucky. As he crossed over the Ohio state line into Pennsylvania the snow was really starting to get heavy. Mike's truck had good tires and a heavy load to help with the traction so he still wasn't too worried.

A few hours later Mike was going through Bedford and the snow was getting heavier and heavier. Soon it was snowing so hard that he could barely see the road and he had to reduce his speed. The more miles he went the slower he had to go so that he could still see to stay on the road. Mike was down to 20MPH and he knew that if by some miracle things didn't get better, the Christmas presents were not going to get delivered in time for Christmas.

Straining his eyes to see he noticed a dull red light up ahead. What in the world? Why, it was Santa with Rudolph leading the team of reindeer. Mike pulled up along side of Santa and told him what was going on. Santa told Mike not to worry, just follow him into Chambersburg.

Following Santa all the way, they finally made it into the west side of town and the snow was letting up. Mike looked down to check his time and when he looked up, Santa was gone. Had Santa really been there? Or were Mike's eyes playing tricks on him from straining to see thru the snow?

Mike pulled into the dock at Chambersburg and all the carriers were there to help unload into their LLVs. The Christmas mail was delivered on time! It was a Christmas miracle!

Thank you Manamana for this fun story for Christmas in July! 💓💚

Saturday Stories: Cheerleaders at Work, chapter 1

So folks, instead of Friday Fiction, we are doing Saturday Stories. If you want, you can write a story for me and the rest of us. Please include the title of your story as well. Please remember that I will do this on Saturdays if on Fridays Friday Fiction is late. Thank you, The Author, Sophie      

Photo courtesy of Kerry Dainton Photography and WASHS Cheerleading

                                         

Chapter 1

Practice

Stephani and her pal, Shawna, were driving from Catsville, Minnesota to Milkovue, Wisconsin to get to cheerleading practice. They first cheered a cheer that went like this "Hey, hey, what do ya say, take that ball away" (clap clap repeat all) "whooooooooooooooo let's go Goretti!"

Then they did a stunt called a piggie-back stunt where the flyer gets in the stunt and does a high V and then a side cheerer will get the flyer in a piggie-back ride. Then, they cheered some more.

Then they drove back to Catsville. They had a very fun day. Learning new cheers is SO MUCH fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sophie Chats With... Ed Rosek (Part 2)

Editor's Note: This is the second part of Sophie's interview with Ed Rosek. To learn more about his first job, his books, and his artistic inspirations, please check out Part 1!

What was it like to fight fires and save people from fires when you were a firefighter?

That's a very powerful question. And it deserves a strong (and probably long) answer, with a little history of how I got to be a firefighter.

Firefighting is a very dynamic, dangerous, and rewarding profession. I never really thought about it as a career I'd wanted, but my friend Jim, a firefighter with the Las Vegas Fire Department, kept telling me to apply for the job. I was a construction worker at the time and since I already had a good job, I put off applying to be a firefighter. However, a few years later after working for 10 years as a construction worker, I was ready to do something else. Jim had to tell me that the Las Vegas Fire Department was hiring again, so I jumped at the chance. I told him I'd apply this time and looked forward to being a firefighter. He was hesitant. He told me: "Well, be patient. It's a very competitive job and thousands of applications will be received for the thirteen new positions. Many are already firefighters and EMTs from other states. You may have to apply a few times before landing a job." "No problem," I told him, "I'll be in 1st place when the testing is done”. He just smiled and said, “That’s good :-) Confidence is good!” I could tell from his look that while he didn’t believe me, he was happy that I was applying.

The testing process was extremely hard and I was shocked and caught off guard at how much time and effort is put into the hiring process for these hard to get jobs. First, there was a written test of 100 complex questions, some of which I had no idea how to answer. My confidence began to weaken. Six hundred people took the test that day, then six hundred the next day, and six hundred more on the last day. 1,800 applicants! My confidence was on shaky ground . . . ugh.

The next test was the physical agility test–a test of strength and endurance at the Fire Department training center. It looked like an obstacle course. An observer walks you through the course to familiarize you with it. It didn’t look too scary, and I was confident that I could do pretty well, as I was in good physical condition . . . My turn! The observer hit the time clock and I pushed hard, going as fast as I could. He followed me with his clipboard and time clock. I had to wear a firefighting air tank which added 30 pounds to carry. I pulled some heavy fire hose for 100 feet, drug a 200 pound dummy across the lot, then piled a bunch of rolled fire hose, moved it twenty feet away, and brought it back again. By now I was sweating, and my legs were weak. Come back, confidence, I need you to stay strong! The observer said to me, "You’re doing well. Keep going!" I pushed on, the air-pack weighing heavily on my back. Next was the fifty foot ladder climb to the 5th floor of the training tower. My legs were shaking as I climbed the ladder. Everything five stories below looked small and a long fall away. Yikes . . . this is dangerous! I thought. I reached the top of the ladder and stepped out onto the top of the fire training tower–Ah, finally the last part of the course . . . An easy walk down ten flights of stairs, out the training tower door and my time stops. Except, by the second or third flight of stairs, my legs were rubber–weakened by all the dragging, carrying and climbing. I didn’t know if I could make it down. Halfway, I started to get dizzy and almost stopped, but pushed through and finally hit the bottom, out the door and back into the daylight and the waiting Paramedics, who were there to check my vitals and make sure I was ok.

That was an amazing physical test, and it took all I had in me to finish. I wasn’t sure how well I'd done time wise, but I'd made it down! Many applicants couldn’t finish the physical agility test!

Two days later I took on the third part of the process;  a question and answer oral board with three city personnel : A fire paramedic, a fire captain, and a Human Resource employee. I felt confident, as Jim had grilled me from a list of standard questions they always ask. I was ready to go . . . until they asked that first question:

“Tell us a little about yourself.”

I froze! I wasn’t ready for that.

“I uh . . . I’m . . . uh, I uh, well . . . well, uh . . .” Oh boy, I lost it. I leaned forward and dropped my head in my hands on the table between us, knowing that I’d blown it. This is it, game over. I’m done! I sat up quickly and ripped off my suit jacket and blurted out, “Can I take my jacket off?” They all had huge shocked eyes.

Oh Lord, what have I done here, what a mess I’ve made of this, I thought as I tried to compose myself. Then I did something that might have helped me. I said: “I’m sorry, I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I’ve never worked harder for anything in my life!”

Well, the Human Resource lady stopped the process and told the recorder; another lady who was recording the entire interview, to turn off the recorder. “Would you like to start over?” she asked.

“Yes, I would, if that's all right?” I responded.

She told the recorder to start again, and one by one, the interviewers asked their questions. I did my best to answer. Afterwards I put my jacket back on and the Human Resource lady walked me to the door.

I spoke to her: “Wow, I really blew that didn’t I?” To which she responded: “Actually you did very well.”

I was confused. Did I do well or not? I wasn’t sure. Where did I stand? Did I have a chance for one of the firefighter positions . . . or had I blown it?

A week later I found out: My written test was an 88, which was a lot less than I'd hoped for. Then I saw the physical agility results: My registered time was seven minutes and twenty seconds . . . I had the fastest time of all the participants! Then the Oral board . . . I was afraid to look . . . 93! The highest score of all!

In the end, when all the test scores were finalized, I think I was more shocked than Jim, whom I'd told I would end up first. Well, I had the highest final score of all the applicants with a 95! I WAS in 1st place!

So, needless to say, I got one of the positions. That was a huge blessing for me.

Ok, that was a long story, but now I’m going to actually answer your question: What was it like to fight fires and save people?

I really didn’t realize how dynamic, and exciting fire fighting was until I became a firefighter. The job entailed fighting fires, yes, but that was actually the smaller percentage of the routine work. As an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), I responded to many more sick and injured people, car accidents, and other mishaps, than fighting fires. But you asked about fighting fires, so . . .

Fighting fires is frightening! It’s dangerous, it’s scary, and exhilarating all at the same time. Over 26 years of my career I’ve fought hundreds of fires; from trash can fires to car fires, semi-truck fires, house fires, hotel fires, plane fires and wildland fires. They are all different and all have a different sense of urgency. The house and hotel fires with people involved are the most urgent of course. I have rescued people from burning houses and hotel fires, but sadly, that’s not how they always end. Tragically, we can’t always save the people trapped in a fire, but when we do pull someone to safety from a burning building, it’s a great relief for all, and an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment for us firefighters. I loved that the most.

One last thing. Here’s a short story you might enjoy:

One time, we responded to a building on fire that was full of all kinds of animals. There were dogs, cats, snakes, geese, a duck, and even a tarantula! I was assigned to search and rescue in the building while other firefighters fought the fire. My partner Joe and I pulled out some dogs and cats. I went back into the dark smoke, barely able to see, and made my way to the garage where I found a cage with a duck in it. The duck had forced its head and neck out of the cage, trying to escape the smoke, I suspect. It was hanging there limply, so I forced open the cage, pulled the lifeless animal out, and put it inside my “turnout” coat (part of my fire resistant fire gear), and headed outside. There were many neighbors, onlookers and news crews, watching the events as they happened. I didn’t want to be in the mass of people, so I headed off to one of the Fire/Rescue ambulances nearby. I pulled out an oxygen bottle and used a nasal cannula (a clear plastic hose for delivering oxygen–usually for humans), and held the tube close to the duck's little beak holes. Little did I know, somebody had noticed me helping the duck, and I was suddenly surrounded by a throng of people and had a news camera thrust right next to my face! Well, slowly but surely, the poor duck regained his health, and I left it with the relieved and grateful owner.

A few days later, I was called into a meeting with fire station 1 personnel. I was surprised when the house captain called me up to receive an award. He handed me a very nice certificate. It read: “This is to certify that Firefighter Edward Rosek has successfully resuscitated a duck!”

I looked up at the twenty some firefighters, medics, EMT’s and Captains attending. They were all smiling . . . and then everyone broke into laughter. I laughed, too. It WAS pretty funny, but you know . . . I really did save a duck!

After all of the different places you’ve lived, what brought you to south central Pennsylvania?

I was born in Anchorage, Alaska, in 1956. It's one of the most beautiful places in the world! It will always be my beloved home. I lived in Alaska until I was 28 years old. Then, in 1984, I moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. My mother had moved there in 1976, and after visiting her many times, I decided to move there to get away from the long cold winters of Alaska. Las Vegas is a remarkable city and it was just what I wanted since it's almost always sunny there. On the other hand, it's also very hot . . . like the surface of the sun! I ended up here in the east because this is where Lara (my fiance´) is from–Maryland, near Washington D.C., to be exact. That's where she grew up. She lived her whole life there until we met and she joined me in Las Vegas for a few years. She has children, grandchildren, brothers, a sister, and father who all live here in the east. She wanted to move back east to be closer to them since Las Vegas is thousands of miles away. I had lived in Las Vegas for 35 years, so once again, I was ready for a new adventure. I agreed to move with her to the East, so she could be closer to her family.

We stayed with her sister and brother-in-law in Maryland while we looked for a place nearby to live. After many views of apartments, houses and townhouses to rent we settled on a place at Penn National Golf Course . . . making us your new next door neighbors! We chose this place because of the easy drive to family in both directions–north and south. It's also a very easy lifestyle with lots of farmland, kind people and two small towns within an easy 15 minute drive–and(huge bonus), it's on a golf course! It's perfect.

What do you like best about south central Pennsylvania?

That's kind of a tough question. I'm still finding new things to love all the time! So far, I love the weather. It's not too hot like Las Vegas, and it's not too cold like Alaska. Pennsylvania weather is like Baby Bear in the story of Goldilocks and the three bears. Everything is just right! Other things I'm beginning to like about this area: It's green! Very green–everywhere. Las Vegas, being a desert, is very brown and, well . . . desert-y. It's dusty and not very green. We also love that there is a state park only ten minutes drive away, so we can go camping there. That's nice. But ultimately, I might not have found what I like best about central Pennsylvania, because there is so much more to see, and explore.

There are a few more things on the list that are at the top. We have some very nice neighbors to the south of us. They are kind and friendly people and easy to converse with. They also have two adorable daughters who are the friendliest kids in the neighborhood. Both of the daughters are sweet, outgoing, intelligent and brave. They love to talk to their neighbors, and are very well mannered, with excellent verbal skills. They may be the nicest in all of Pennsylvania! I also hear that they are the greatest golf ball collectors in . . . well, maybe . . . the whole world!

Thank you so much Mr. Ed! I have a great time chatting with you too!

😊

Sophie Chats With... Ed Rosek (Part 1)

Ed Rosek, 64, is a new resident of Fayetteville, Pa., having moved there from Las Vegas, Nevada. He was born in Alaska and graduated from East Anchorage High School. He later studied art at Clark County  (Nevada) Community College.

Ed has experience working for parks and railroads, as a firefighter, and as a writer and graphic designer, among other things.

Fun fact: Ed has seven books and audiobooks published, but he didn't start writing books until he was 60 years old -- just four years ago!

What was your first job?

Centennial Park

My first job was working at Centennial Camper Park in Anchorage, Alaska. It was during my school summer vacation, and I was 14 years old at the time. I worked alone, out of the historic log cabin office. I earned $2.71 an hour. My job was to welcome visitors to the campground, and assign them campsites throughout the park, as well as collect the fees. It cost just six dollars a night to camp back in 1970! 

My other duties included cleaning the campsites by sweeping and raking leaves, picking up pieces of trash, and making sure the campsite, picnic tables, and fire pits were ready for the next campers. I also had to clean the restrooms, including washing the floors and showers . . . ICK! Hair in the drains! Blech! That was horrible; even worse than cleaning the toilets. Although, I would say, overall, it was a fantastic job for a kid my age, and I loved it! I worked by myself and I was my own boss. That is, until a month later, when the new park manager showed up to take over. 

You see, I alone was assigned to the park to keep it running until his arrival. I thought I’d be the only one there . . . forever! But no, they had to send in an adult to take over. So, I was forced to work hard-labor by the new tyrant . . . I mean, the new boss. It was horrible! He made me do lots of not-so-fun jobs, like digging post holes, picking & shoveling, sawing firewood, and more. It was miserable. I liked it better when I was the boss. I could just sit there picking my nose and watching porcupines if I wanted to. Never did though.

I worked there for three summer seasons and made enough money to buy my first car; a 1968 Pontiac GTO. I have to say, I learned a lot from my first job:

I learned how to work hard even though I didn’t like it. I learned that hard work makes you a better person, whom people can rely on. And ultimately, I learned that just because a boss makes you do hard work, it doesn’t make him or her a tyrant, it makes them a good boss for the company, and makes a good worker out of you!

I learned a lot during those three summers, and the wonderful memories will stay with me forever!

What is your most recent book? What is it about?

I actually have two recent books; one that is published, and another, which is still in the editing stage.

The one that is unfinished, is called Sister Witches - the call for help. This book is the second in the Sister Witches series. The first one is just called Sister Witches. Sister Witches - the call for help is only unfinished because it needs to be edited first, which takes a long time and a lot of tedious work. It has to be perfect! 

The story, as the title suggests, is about three sisters, who are witches. Bellony is the youngest. Sister Araxa is the middle one, and Scarafina is the eldest. All three sisters are kind, loving people, who have some special powers: They can cast magical spells–though, only good spells–no bad or horrible spells, only for good! 

In the beginning of the book, the sisters receive a “batmail” from their Uncle Vladicus, who’s having a hard time in his up-country mansion. It seems that evil spirits have invaded and are spooking the guests and staff at Rocking House Mansion. Uncle Vladicus Barclay knows his nieces have special powers, and he needs all of them now. Throughout the book, the three sisters will make you laugh at their antics and the funny foods they eat, like a tarantula popsicle, roasted bat, and lizard gizzard stew! You’ll also meet many unique characters in the story, like Revacula the Evil, and Miss Pettifen Chancy, the housekeeper. It’s a war of good versus evil in the possessed mansion, and the fight is fierce! Especially when the evil takes the form of a "Serpentipede"; a cross between a blue viper snake and a poisonous centipede! 

It’s a little scary, and a little funny, but mostly, it's a story about the supreme importance and love of family, and how crucial it is that family stick together to help one another during trying times. After all, family and love ARE the most important! 

This book will be appropriate for ages 6 to adult, and will also be available as an audiobook.

The most recent book, and audiobook, that Lara and I created and published, is Buddy Bat & Kennedy Cat, a fun Halloween story for kids, about two creatures that go out on Halloween night to find a friend. They're from different worlds: He’s a bat who lives in a cave, and she’s a cat who lives in a house in the nearby town. Both are very lonely, and hope that while observing the Halloween festivities and watching the neighborhood kids trick-or-treating, they will find a friend. They do, indeed, meet each other while watching the trick-or-treaters, and become the friends they’ve both been looking for!

The book is a combination of storytelling and rhymes, with Lara wonderfully narrating the characters in the audiobook format. There's also a secret message hidden in Kennedy Cat's necklace that can be discovered by checking each picture of her in the book in order. I created the artwork for the book and the characters are adorable, if I do say so myself!

This book is appropriate for kids 4 and up.

From where do you draw your inspiration for your stories and artwork?

Ever since I was a kid in school, where I did well in art classes, I've loved creating my own artworks and get a great feeling of accomplishment from the things I create. I think it’s my natural instinct to do that. The inspiration comes from my own life experiences as well as things I see in the world, including other's artworks, designs in cities, towns and buildings, and natural and beautiful places, like Alaska–my favorite!  I love to use a lot of bright, vivid colors in my art. Here's a few of the artistic things I've

tried: I’ve made custom soap, painted oil on canvas, and designed and created furniture. I even built my own custom home! I've carved and whittled wood. I also enjoy burning artistic designs into wood. And now, I'm writing books. That's one of my very favorite things to do. That gives me the opportunity to create more graphic art. I incorporate character art and graphic designs into my written books, as well creating the artwork for our audiobook covers. I also love photography. The photo possibilities are endless.

Inspiration is everywhere . . . Just let your mind wander . . .  and it will come!

Thank you so much, Mr. Ed, for being such an exciting interview and your very interesting answers! Readers, please make sure you check out Part 2!