As I Recall: Now you know the rest of my story

Although I missed the opportunity to enjoy first run broadcasts of most radio programs from the so called "golden age," I was counted among the listeners of at least two notable presentations. In the mid 1970's, CBS radio conducted what proved to be a successful revival of radio drama, somewhat reminiscent of its long running "Suspense" series, with the hour-long CBS Radio Mystery Theater which aired each weeknight for 8 years. The other program perhaps should be subdivided into two segments, although both were hosted by the same gentlemen, the late Paul Harvey: "Paul Harvey News And Comment," and "The Rest Of The Story." The "News And Comment" aired two original programs weekdays, in the morning and at noon, and a noon broadcast on Saturdays. I especially looked forward to the Christmas Eve or Christmas Day broadcast, in which he related what he termed "a modern-day parable" entitled "The Man And The Birds," which chronicles how a good man who had never been a believer was transformed in his acceptance of the Jesus story. To this day, just my remembrance of the final nine words "And he sank to his knees in the snow" causes a lump in my throat and brings tears to my eyes. Paul's other program, "The Rest Of The Story," consisted of true stories, many of which had likely been forgotten by the general public. These stories were based on a variety of subjects with some key element of the story (most often the name of some well-known person) not revealed until the conclusion in which Paul intoned in his distinctive manner a variation on the tag line, "And now you know... the rest of the story." While the following quote seems to be associated frequently with Peter Sellers, sometimes I could envision Lucille Ball, in her wacky, naive Lucy character replying "I didn't know that." As I was reviewing topics referenced in my previous articles, I realized that in some instances I have mentioned something that I intended to do or attempt, but I have never followed up to disclose the outcome. For those readers who have been on the edge of their seats with eager anticipation to discover the results, as well as for those who have long since forgotten or perhaps do not care [and my optimistic hope is that the latter categories comprise a very small number!] I do hereby share my personal "rest of the story." Most recently I shared that I was still awaiting the arrival of my passport, for which I had made application and payment the day before my wife did the same, yet her passport had already arrived. With relief, I had the much-anticipated envelope waiting for me this past Monday afternoon [which will be two Mondays ago by the time this article is published]. Therefore, at this time, to the best of my knowledge, the travel plans which we made, but hinged on having updated passports, will unfold as anticipated originally. I remain perplexed, though, that the check that I had remitted for the expedited service did not clear for several days after my receipt, whereas the check for my wife's passport had cleared prior to the arrival of her document. That aspect of this "adventure" may forever remain a mystery. My inability to locate eggnog immediately after Christmas [primarily for the benefit of my 3-year-old grandson, but also in part for his Pop Pop as well as my daughter] led me to an Amazon search, by which I found an eggnog powder mix. After experimenting with the ratio of mix to lactose free milk, and adding a pinch of nutmeg, I was able to produce a drink which came reasonably close to what we had obtained in cartons from the grocery store. Pleasing a 3-year-old who can have periodically discriminating taste buds is indeed an accomplishment. Another Amazon search was for a product for which I wanted to lay claim as my original idea... I wanted to, but that would not be accurate. In any case, I found yellow ketchup, which as one would deduce logically [right Mr. Spock?] is produced from yellow tomatoes. My receipt of an Amazon gift card was my justification for paying a price greater than I would have imagined remitting for any condiment. Now, without further ado, for the product review: The ketchup does have a good flavor, with a nice "twang" so to speak, and were it not for what I feel is a considerable price differential, I would be glad to adopt it as my "official ketchup." However, with all due respect to those who created and produced this product of my imagination, I think I will be just as content to stick with Heinz. Now you have a bit less to "ketchup on." [Pun intended, of course!] ••• Mike Baker is a local author.