It was great to hear from so many about last week’s column, “A Politically Balanced Upbringing.” I always enjoy hearing stories about my Father, but thank you to all that reached out about my Grandfather, Pappy Maietta.

Through my conversations, I even uncovered some old photos of the Newberry Diner and Lycoming Sales and Leasing. Both businesses my Grandfather owned, the latter was a car and truck dealership. My Pappy Maietta even obtained a Certified Tucker dealership, which is a story for another day.

There were two commonly asked questions that I’d like to share. The first one was, what was my Mom’s name? Somehow, I didn’t mention her by her first name last week. It is Elaine. The second one was a little more intriguing. How did my Grandfather and Father get along? That answer is easy and complicated at the same time. They got along great. My Grandfather was always there during my childhood days to give my Father a hand, no matter what. However, when my parents separated, that obviously changed their relationship. My Pappy Maietta would often ask, how’s your Father doing? And my Father would ask the same question in reverse. But remember, it was a different time, and my Grandfather was a strong-willed Italian Catholic, divorce was not an option. My Father and Grandfather were very similar in many ways; both had great business minds and a love for cars and racing. As well as owning and operating trucking companies.

If you missed last week’s column or anything that appears in the Webb Weekly, it can be found at webbweekly.com. If anybody has pictures of Newberry during my Pappy Maietta’s days, I would love to see them.

Moving right along, I’ve had several requests for no politics this week. I think everybody is just tired of hearing about what’s going on in Washington and beyond. So, there will be none, zero, nada, nil, no political talk per request. Also, I’m going to kill my first word. I will no longer use poppycock; I never really liked that word anyway. We all know the word it replaces — a tip of my Webb Weekly cap to Sarah for reaching out to me about this.

I will now use Bullshihtzu in its place. That’s a funny word that will hopefully bring a smile to your face when you read it and get my point across.

It’s a great time of year to get out into Penn’s Woods, especially when we get a little snow cover. With the forest and fields barren during the winter months, it provides much more visibility. The critters and birds that live up in the trees are much more easily spotted. I recently saw a raccoon up in a tree at my house that never would have been spotted without the snow providing his outline. I am amazed by the number of hawks, bald eagles, and cardinals I have seen lately. That snow-covered background makes everything pop, especially the white-tailed deer and turkey.

It’s a great time of year to take a ride up to Benezette and take a look at the elk herd. Our State can be very proud of our Roosevelt Elk population. The big bulls are in the process of dropping their antlers. While we’re on the subject of antlers, the Pennsylvania deer hunting season is winding up this weekend; please don’t forget to get your buck registered in the Webb Weekly Uncle Ron’s Monster Buck Contest.

Remember, just by entering, you are registered for the random drawing of a Remington rifle and all the trimmings courtesy of Sauers Trading. Our first prize for the top monster is a beautiful shoulder mount courtesy of Dana Poust and Poust Taxidermy. Second through fourth prizes are venison processing gift certificates to Thompson’s in Jersey Shore.

Whether it’s hiking, biking or bird and wildlife watching take advantage of the Winter season, it presents great photo opportunities. Besides, we really haven’t had the weather for winter outdoor activities. However, snow can be found a short distance away, pack it up, and go enjoy a weekend in the great white just a little more North.

If you want to get out and about but don’t want to be outside, take in a local high school sporting event. Have a hot dog, shake some hands, and have a conversation — this is so much better than just sitting at home in front of the TV or computer.

For those of you that winter just isn’t your cup of tea, I’ve got good news. Pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training in 20 days. Local high school and college Spring sports teams
have already started getting ready for the season. And most importantly, we now have 47 more minutes of daylight than we did the 1st day of 2020. Before you know it, it will be St. Patrick’s Day.

Please make the most of every day here on God’s Green Earth, even when the cold winds blow. Without the change of the season, just think how boring things would be.

God Bless America.