Sleeping in Frank’s Bed

On By scottpetersenIn Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Taliesin WestLeave a comment

[A repeat from May 21, 2017] My first Board meeting of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation was held at Taliesin West in Scottsdale, AZ.  Before leaving home, I asked where I should make reservations to stay.  I was told “don’t worry about it.   Just come to Taliesin.” Soooooo . . . . on a Thursday afternoon – after the flight from Chicago – Donna and I showed up with our luggage at Taliesin West.

After checking in, our host escorted us toward one edge of the compound.  There was a low-lying building that looked quite nice.  Our host keyed open the door and brought us in.  “Welcome to the Sun Cottage.”  It was explained that this was Mr. Wright’s home when he stayed at Taliesin.  Our escort walked us around the premises, handed us a key – and left.

We wandered around the place.  Picking up knick knacks that were probably worth a small fortune.  I checked out the closet.  Mr. Wright (everyone calls him “Mister Wright“) still had clothes hanging on the rack.  From 1959 –  when he died. I pulled a book – FLW’s autobiography – off the shelf and opened it.  It was penned and inscribed “To my darling Olgivanna from your husband Frank Lloyd Wright.”   I thought to myself – this isn’t Kansas, Toto. . . . . That is until we got into bed.  Mr. Wright, who was all of 5′ 8″ tall, had a bed made to his size.  My tootsies hung over the end of the bed.  The next morning, I stepped into a shower which was the size of a tiny phone booth.  My shoulders touched the sides.  And the shower nozzle was positioned at the 5’8″ mark.  You coulda sold seats for the contortions I used to soap down my head. . . .

Shopping Bags

On By scottpetersenIn RecyclingLeave a comment

When you go into Whole Foods or Jewel or Mariano’s – and you bring your shopping cart up to the cash register – the clerk will say “paper or plastic.” Donna and I normally opt for paper. We take the groceries home, put them away and fold the paper bag(s) and save them. The plastic bags we put in recycling.

Lately, however, we’ve been keeping the double paper bags and putting them back in the car. And when we go to Whole Foods, Jewel or Mariano’s, we bring them in and hand them to the clerk – to reuse. Clerk fills them up. And we hoof them out to the car. And repeat. . . . Seriously – these paper bags have a significant life span. And we don’t have to deal with the environmental issues relating to plastics. Plastic bags can normally be recycled but from what I understand, the recycling of plastic isn’t all that efficient. Interestingly, some communities now ban plastic bags. And some stores now charge for each bag!

Over the years, we have also acquired a number of those fabric bags that some places give out as freebies. So we’ve been using those to haul our groceries as well. We keep ’em in the car. We have our own bags, thank you. And everyone wins. So from now on, when the clerk says “paper or plastic” – respond “we have our own bags – thank you.”

Our Words

On By scottpetersenIn Using our words wiselyLeave a comment

“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall the words that go out of my mouth not return – but shall accomplish that which I purpose. . . . “ Isaiah 55:10-13

Did you ever regret something you said? Did you ever NOT say something that you regretted not saying? We’ve all been there. The words that sprinkle or pour from our mouths are often like a farmer who sows seeds in the ground. Hopefully, the seeds will bear fruit. Then again sometimes the seeds fall on rocky ground. Or on concrete. Or in the weeds. And those seeds will wither. And die. But the seeds that fall on fertile ground – will live, grow and bear fruit.

My father – who never finished high school – always told me to “watch your mouth.” His advice was to not say things I would regret. Winston Churchill once said “we are masters of the unsaid words but slaves to those we say.” And then there was Robin Williams who said “No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.”

It would sure be nice if everyone – would use their words with an eye toward making the world a better place. To use our words to build bridges. Not to destroy them . . . .

Riding with Joe Miller

On By scottpetersenIn Camp Napowan, Riding with Joe MillerLeave a comment

(A late summer repeat from 6/4/2013) In my post of January 16, 2013, I wrote about Joe Miller’s Jests — the famous compilation of 247 numbered jokes published in 1739 by John Mottley. Well, there’s another “Joe Miller” that played a role in my life.

Fifty plus years ago, when I worked at Camp Napowan (the Boy Scout Camp in Wild Rose, WI), the chap who owned some of the property was Joe Miller (no relation to the joke book persona). Joe had an ancient olive drab pick up truck that (Scout’s Honor) had no doors. Floor stick shift. And of course there were no seat belts and no handle above the door to grab. His favorite line – while cruising, weaving and wobbling on the back roads of Wild Rose – was “If there’s no one coming around that bend, we’ll see the sun rise tomorrow.” If we were driving with Joe, we’d grab under the glove compartment and hang on for dear life.

Today, there’d be a lot of “tsk tsking.” There would be newspaper articles.  There’d be an “inquiry.” Joe would be criticized. Maybe tossed in the clink. Unsafe vehicle. Endangerment. Et cetera. The usual assortment of money-grubbing plaintiff’s lawyers would sue anyone and everyone to scam a buck.

You should know — I would definitely not want – or allow – my child or grandchild to be one of Joe’s passengers. But looking back on it — I’m privately glad that I rode with Joe Miller . . . . .

The “Today” Show

On By scottpetersenIn Dave Garroway1 Comment

[A repeat from July 13, 2021] In 1957, when I was 10 years old, I began writing letters to famous people — asking for their autographs.  Since I used to watch the “Today” Show on NBC, I decided to write to the anchor – Dave Garroway.  Instead of just writing to ask for an autograph, I explained that I collected stamps (which I did).  Since he probably got a lot of letters from foreign countries, I suggested that instead of throwing out the envelopes (with the stamps) – he should send them to me.   His response is below.  Since I had signed my letter with my middle name – “Scott William Petersen” – the envelope was correctly posted.  But the letter – irritatingly – was addressed to “Dear Mr. Williams.”  

The “Today” show debuted in 1952 with Dave Garroway at the helm with Frank Blair and Jack Lescoulie handling news and sports.  What drew me to watch the “Today” show was the occasional appearance of J. Fred Muggs – a chimpanzee – and his girlfriend Phoebe B. Beebee.  J. Fred Muggs was considered the mascot of the “Today” Show.  Chimps are known to live to 70 years of age with 50 being the norm. J. Fred Muggs died on June 21, 2025, at the age of 73. 

Would you get me a candy bar?

On By scottpetersenIn Would you get me a candy bar?Leave a comment

[A repeat from January 6, 2023] The Court was in recess. The jury had left the room and the judge had gone to his chambers. I stayed at my table – mapping out plans for the next witness. The defendant – William H. – was seated at the defense table with two armed guards behind him. William H. was on trial for the murder of two pharmacists in a small pharmacy at Madison and Halsted in Chicago. William had also murdered some 15 others – one by one by one. All were murder for hire but these others were not of consequence in this trial. My job and that of my partner was to put the killer on death row.

William’s table was perhaps ten feet away. He sat there alone. His two public defenders had left the courtroom and it was just him and me (and the guards). During the course of the 3-1/2 week trial there was occasion when he’d look at me and say “good morning” and ever the polite Boy Scout I would respond “good morning.“

As I sat – pondering the next witness and considering a quick trip to the bathroom – William looked over “Hey Mister State’s Attorney.”

“Yes?”

“You going out to that little food stand in the hall?” [There was a small concession stand outside the courtroom]

“I dunno. I might.”

“If you do, would you get me a candy bar?”

I chewed on this for a bit and responded “sure – what would you like?”

“A Baby Ruth would be great. If you don’t mind.” I looked at the guards who shrugged.

“Sure” and I got up, walked out of the courtroom, went to the bathroom and then to the concession stand. Baby Ruth. And brought it back and set it on his table.

“Thanks” said William as he began to power through the chocolate.

William was convicted of the murders and the jury polled for the death penalty. He sat on death row for about three years until an appeal nullified the sentence. Some years later I got a letter from William. From prison. Saying that one day he wanted to talk to me. I never responded. And yes – I set the alarm system in my house every night. If he ever does stop by, I’m hoping he’ll remember the Baby Ruth. . . . .

The Wolf Within

On By scottpetersenIn The Wolf WithinLeave a comment

An old Cherokee Indian chief was teaching his grandson about life. He said, “A fight is going on inside me.” He told the young boy “it is a fight between two wolves.” “The Dark wolf is very bad. He is anger, envy, greed, arrogance, lies and false pride.” Then he said “The Light wolf is good. He is joy, peace, love, hope, kindness, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you, grandson . . . . and inside of every other person on the face of this earth.”

The grandson thought for a moment and then asked, “Grandfather, which wolf will win?” The old Cherokee smiled and simply said, “The one you feed“.

Every religious faith promotes good – and denounces evil. Even viewing societal norms, the world encourages kindness and rejects the character of the Dark wolf. I like to think that the concepts of good and evil are woven into the fabric of the universe. Yet. . . why does our world seem to flounder in arrogance, violence and conflict? We may not be feeding the Dark wolf – but many people put the Light wolf on a strict diet when it comes to their personal “feelings” of what is right and what is wrong. What is good and what is bad. To me, the Light wolf deserves large helpings of spaghetti carbonara, sausage, heavily-buttered garlic bread, cannoli and perhaps a nice glass of cabernet.

Which wolf do you feed?

A Warning — Some of the Images are Disturbing

On By scottpetersenIn Coming attractions, Culture of ViolenceLeave a comment

[A repeat from August 23, 2023] How often do we hear on the Nightly News the solemn offering “A warning to our viewers – some of the images are disturbing.” As if a little chaos, a dose of gunfire or a squeal of pain will cause great emotional agony to listeners. I’m not sure when this started but it seems to presume that American society is pretty fragile. Yet. . . .

Donna and I went to the movies a few weeks ago and saw “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” It was okay. Not as good as the first. Or second. But the prelude to the main feature was a series of perhaps ten “coming attractions” that . . . maybe I’m being too kind . . . . were little more than blood, gore, slaughter and carnage. On January 3, 2013, I posted on America’s culture of violence. Our numbing acceptance that our young people can watch movies that glorify horror, death, violence and fear.  Our children play (often for hours on end) the most violent, brutal, cruel and bloody video games.   There is the scalding inhumanity of and bloodlust for ultimate fighting and the degrading and debasing reality television shows where manipulation and back-stabbing win.  Hollywood sinks lower.  And lower.  But – hey – don’t you dare try and impose your values on anyone.   Heaven help you (pun intended) if you bring a Bible to school.  

And yet we hear “A warning to our viewers – some of the images are disturbing.” Really?

Freshness Dates

On By scottpetersenIn Freshness datesLeave a comment

[A repeat from June 2, 2016] How did my generation (and those before) ever survive without freshness dates.  Those dates that counsel that food is “best by” or a store must “sell by” or you have to “use by” — a certain date.  How did I live?   I will tell you how . . . .

My father would take a sniff of the carton of milk that had been in the refrigerator since before I was born – and say “it’s okay. Drink it.” And I would.  I remember going to my grandmother’s apartment once.  She made me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.   I took a bite and started chewing.  I looked at the sandwich and then at my grandmother.  Mouth open.  About to heave the whole thing onto the table.  She picked up the peanut butter.  Waved it under her nose.  And made a face.  “It’s rancid” she said [I swear those were her words].  “Okay – spit it out.”  And I did. My cousin Wayne came over to our house one day.  I was perhaps seven or eight.  He went into the frig and pulled out the orange juice.  Poured a glass.  “Ouch!” he said.  “This stuff is baaaadddd.”  My father took a whiff and said “it’s just a little over the hill.”  “Over the hill” as in enough botulism to wipe out the entire State of Pennsylvania.   I’d been drinking it sporadically for the last few weeks.  Or months. 

I’m sure my experience is not unlike many of those reading this post.  We’ve become a nation of wimps.  Allowing the “freshness date” to dictate whether a food is good.  Or not.   What about letting the old sniffer make that determination?  But for the fact that I have granddaughters (who will never know the meaning of the word “rancid” or “over the hill” except as it applies to me), I might be using the “sniff test” to determine what’s good.  And what is. . . . yuck.  Then again . .

Second City

On By scottpetersenIn Monterrey, Second CityLeave a comment

[A repeat from March 12, 2012] In 1938, my father and his friend Bill Swanson took a driving trip to Mexico.  This was an unheard of expedition at the time for two twenty-something guys from Chicago.   Despite numerous car troubles (a Model A Ford), they nearly made it to Mexico City.  At that point, running low on money – and enthusiasm for confronting a chronically ailing car – they chugged back north. 

I have a wonderful vintage film (now on DVD) my father made this trip.  The amazing thing — it is in color.   One of the classic images of my father is him standing next to the famed Obispado in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon.   Built in the late 1780’s, this Church building has served as a barracks, retirement home, fortress and now – a museum.

In the late 1980’s I began traveling to Monterrey on business. I have been there often – visiting two or three times a year. Monterrey has become almost a “second city” for me. I know my way around (though it is challenging) and I enjoy the wonderful restaurants, sites and people.  When there, I normally stay at the Quinta Real, a beautiful hotel in the San Pedro Garza Garcia neighborhood.  I have visited the Obispado — and have a wonderful picture of myself standing in the exact spot where my father stood seventy years before.

I have made good friends in Monterrey – Antonio G. and his family being chief among them.   He and his family have been to my home (for Thanksgiving one year) and Donna and I have been to his.   There are other old friends there.   Monterrey is a great City with wonderful people.  One of these days, I hope to see my second city again . . . . .