On The Fly

In this episode, Tucson in Motion . . . Welcome back to On the Fly! What comes to mind when you think of Tucson, AZ? Do you envision the iconic Western movies filmed in Old Tucson, where cowboy legends came to life? Classics like  Rio Bravo , starring John Wayne; the hilarious  The Three Amigos,  featuring Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, and Martin Short; or the unforgettable  Gunfight at the O.K. Corral,  with Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas, all brought their stories to life against Tucson’s rugged landscapes. Old Tucson Studios set the stage for these cinematic treasures, which became synonymous with the Western genre. During our stay from December 14 to 21, 2024, Robert and Orasa Weldon's incredible hospitality gave us the fantastic opportunity to experience Tucson like never before. For years, while working at GIA, I visited Tucson to attend the annual Gem & Mineral Show, which attracts enthusiasts from around the globe each February.  However, the city...

In this episode, A Scent of Nostalgia: Old Spice . . .   Empty! Here’s an odd question: Is there a particular scent that instantly transports you back to childhood? For me, it's the unmistakable aroma of Old Spice Aftershave . It was my dad's go-to, or perhaps the only affordable option at Kroger when Mom did the grocery shopping. T his got me thinking; I wonder when Dad started using Old Spice? I distinctly recall the opaque white glass bottle from the 1960s on his shaving shelf. The front featured a sailing ship illustration;  the   " Old Spice "   branding was in red script below it . The bottle's tapered shape narrowed toward the top, culminating in a small aperture secured with a gray stopper. Did you know that Old Spice has a fascinating history? It all started in 1937 when the Shulton Company, founded by William Lightfoot Schultz, introduced a unique fragrance. Interestingly, this original product was meant for women! Inspired by his mother's deligh...

In this episode, Everything I Need to Know About Christmas–I Learned From a Little Golden Book. We are thrilled to present this year's (2024) annual Christmas episode for kids! The story has it: back in 2020, when we first launched On the Fly , one of Santa's helpers whispered a fantastic idea into our ear on Thanksgiving Day. “Wouldn’t it be fun to share children's books by sending an audio file to your nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends so they can enjoy the story with their little ones?” So we did, and here’s the list of books and stories organized chronologically. Feel free to click the links and listen again, or maybe for the first time. Twas the Night Before Christmas Christmas Eve-Day How the Grinch Stole Christmas Frosty the Snowman The Story of Rudolph The 1939–Original Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer Tracking Santa Santa’s Toy Shop My listening friends, choosing the right story has always been challenging, but the journey has been rewarding. It's our wish t...

In this episode, Respect for the Hunt . . . As the first light of dawn softly painted the sky shades of orange, Ronnie (Ron) and Rodger, two brothers, left their houses. On his way out of town, Rodger stopped at Casey’s to get his morning drink while Ron grabbed a cup of coffee and quickly dictated a text. “I’ll meet you at the gate.” The arrival of deer hunting season stirred excitement in their hearts, filling them with a sense of purpose and connection to nature. “My deep freeze is getting low; we must bag a big one this year.” It's still dark in California. I’m checking the weather app (15 degrees) to see their weather this early morning, so I texted them. “Are you guys in the woods this morning? It looks pretty cold there.” Ron’s response, "Perfect weather, if the snots not flowing, I’m not going!"–Not exactly something you’d find in a Carl Sandburg poem. I chuckled, thinking . . . we have a comedian in the family. “Do you guys have snow?” “No, Snow.” Yes, I underst...

Oh, a Turkey Trot, a funny sight, A morning stroll, a pure delight. Six forty-five is the time to start, So let’s all run (walk) with all our hearts. While others Turkey hunt today a foolish plight, We’ll run and jog with pure delight. No need for guns, no need for gear, Just happy feet and holiday cheer. New York City is a bustling place, A different trot, a different pace. With Macy’s Parade, a colorful sight, The city’s bright a morning light. But here in Vista, we’ll run our own, A festive race, a joyful tone. So lace up shoes, and let’s all go, To run and walk, row by row. A Turkey Trot, a thankful sight, A perfect way to welcome daylight. Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you have a fantastic day filled with joy and togetherness! I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening, see you in the next episode.

In this episode, Unexpected Encounter . . . Life presents peculiar twists that make us ponder the universe’s mysteries. Last week, I found an unexpected book :  Another Lousy Day in Paradise ,  A 1996 fly fishing journal by the inspiring humorist and author John Gierach.  It may seem strange for a random book selection to inspire such reflection but stay with me. I’ve always been a bookworm, often buying more than I can read—ask my wife. This book had been gathering dust on my shelf for over 28 years. As I delved into Gierach’s witty and insightful writing, I was captivated by his unique perspective on life, fly fishing, and the outdoors. In 1992, while living in Manhattan, I stumbled into a shop on 5th Avenue called The Urban Angler . I purchased my first fly rod, an Orvis eight-and-a-half foot, three-ounce, five-weight beauty! I remember thinking Dad would say, “Why the hell would you buy a fishing rod in New York City?” “Because I want to learn to Flyfish.” “In New Yo...

In this episode - How the Grinch Stole Christmas . . . by Dr. Seuss Did you know that the Grinch first appeared as a 33-line illustrated poem by  Theodore Geisel - “Dr. Seuss" titled "The Hoobub and the Grinch?” Originally published in the May 1955 edition of Redbook magazine? Dr. Seuss began work on How the Grinch Stole Christmas! a couple of years later, in early 1957. This children’s classic was first published as a book by  Random House  on October 12, 1957, and at approximately the same time in an issue of  Redbook . Based on a 2007 online poll, the  National Education Association  listed this book as one of its "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children”. “Maybe - Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas . . . perhaps . . . means a little bit more!” Stay safe this Christmas season. Feel free to share this Podcast with family and friends; your joy may grow three sizes today. Merry Christmas! I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for lis...

In this episode, Poetry’s Magic . . . As autumn's crisp air ushers in the holiday season, I'm drawn into the magical realm of words. The soothing rhythm of poetry, the delight of children's stories, and the possibilities of this year's children's podcast create a joyful symphony. Recently, I have been exploring the classic works of great literary figures from my library. With his earthy poetry, Carl Sandburg paints such vivid pictures of the American landscape that you can almost feel the breeze. Dr. Seuss , the master of whimsy, joyfully transports us to fantastical worlds brimming with colorful creatures. And let’s not forget Edgar Albert Guest , who beautifully captures the essence of everyday life, making it feel extraordinary: simple yet profound reflections on love, hope, and friendship. You may have noticed recently that I've been adding poetry to my On the Fly blog posts to brighten things up. It’s been a delightful and rewarding journey, and I've ...

In this episode, Father’s Moonlit Walk . . . by: Patrick Ball The moonlit night, a silent scene, A tranquil hour, serene and keen. I sit alone, a cup held tight, Lost in the past, a fading light. November's chill–crisp, cold air, A gentle breeze, a solemn prayer. I think of Dad, a man of grace, A loving heart, and a smiling face. We’d wander the woods, a father's pride, A loyal hound, by our side— the forest's depths, a mystic sight, A starry sky, a beacon bright. Through fields of gold, we’d make our way, A rustic path, a golden ray. The hound would bay, a mournful sound, A treetop chase, on hallowed ground. A simple joy, a treasured sight, A father's love, a guiding light. A memory's warmth, a gentle hand, A timeless bond across the land. . . . Welcome back to On the Fly. This rambling was triggered by a fleeting thought while driving home from work the other night. The sun was setting over the Pacific Ocean as we drove South on the 5 Freeway, just entering the ...

In this episode, The Man Behind the Fence . . . The crisp morning air invigorated me as I exited the Ford dealership. At 7:00 a.m., my service representative, Jim, assured me my truck would be ready in about two hours. With the sun shining brightly and the temperature a cool 49 degrees, I decided to stroll through the quaint Vista Village downtown area. The only signs of life away from the main street intersections were the ducks playing in the park's stream, service trucks tending to the area, and litter collectors. The peacefulness of the morning was interrupted only by the gentle hum of an occasional passing car. The aroma of freshly baked goods drifted through the air, drawing me to Danny's Donuts, founded in 1973. From the walk-up window, I ordered a cup of coffee and a blueberry cake donut, a classic combination that never fails to satisfy me. As I found a cozy spot in a slightly wobbly chair on the outdoor patio, a young man with a beard and cheerful yet somber demeanor...