On The Fly

🎄 In this episode, Believing Is Seeing . . . It's December, we bustle, we wrap, and we dash. We sort life into boxes— myths  here,  to-dos  in a stash. We whisper of Santa (adult code: “Not Real”), but hold on one minute—let’s rethink this whole deal. For the stories we cherish, the movies we stream, hold more truth in their sparkle than we grown-ups may deem. So hop in this sleigh and hold on real tight— We’re chasing down Santa by the glow of his light! Scott Calvin once landed in the North Pole’s cold air, with elves, cocoa, and snow everywhere. He squinted and frowned—“This just  cannot  be so!” (Like thinking tangled lights will detangle if we  blow .) Then Judy the Elf gave a cocoa so steaming,  and said something simple . . . yet surprisingly gleaming: Seeing’s not believing—no, that’s not the key. "Believing is seeing!"   Just trust, and  you’ll  see!” Kids don’t need a map or a satellite screen to know Santa’s workshop is her...

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 - Little Golden Books . . .   Experience the magic of Christmas this season with our audio rendition of "Santa’s Toy Shop" (circa 1950). This delightful tale, inspired by the Little Golden Book and illustrated by Walt Disney Studios, takes you on a journey to the North Pole, where Santa Claus and his merry elves work tirelessly to prepare for the holiday season and create toys for children worldwide. Readers get a glimpse of the magical toy-making process as the elves work diligently to craft gifts for children. Each toy is made with care and imagination, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of Santa's workshop. Amidst the cheerful chaos of preparing for Christmas, the story highlights the joy of giving and the spirit of generosity that defines the holiday season. As Santa and his team work tirelessly to ensure every child receives that special gift, the book captures the warmth and wonder of Christmas. A little background - George Duplaix created ...

In this episode - Santas Address – Update . . . Can you feel the holiday spirit in the air? It's all around us! You can see it in the numerous Christmas specials in our inboxes, the stores that have been twinkling with decorations since September, and the jolly old man, Santa, who's popping up in TV commercials everywhere. Speaking of Santa, don't forget to address this year's letter correctly as you prepare your wish list. But first, let's take a trip down memory lane and learn some fascinating history together. Did you know children have been sending letters to Santa for longer than the United States Postal Service (USPS) has existed to deliver them? However, today, they’re far more likely to get a response if you include the correct address. In early America, children’s holiday wish lists were often written out and left by the fireplace or burned in hearths, with the belief that the ashes would rise through the chimney and out to the holiday helper himself. Today...

In this episode - Santa’s Address . . . Christmas gift-giving may be over for this year, and Santa has retired for his long winter’s nap, but the spirit of the Holiday lingers far into the New Year. So, next year as your children (or you) prepare your wish list for Santa, be sure to address your letter as follows, but first, a little history. Did you know children have been sending letters to Santa for longer than the United States Postal Service (USPS) has existed to deliver them? Though today, they’re far more likely to get a response if you include the correct address. In early America, children’s holiday wish lists were often written out and left by the fireplace or burned in hearths, with the belief that the ashes would rise through the chimney and out to the holiday helper himself. Today, there’s no fireplace necessary — just a stamp — since the United States Postal Service gave Santa Claus his address: 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888. After the creation of the Postal Service in ...

In this episode - Christmas 2014 . . . Has it been eight years already? With Christmas quickly approaching, I’m reminded that 2014 was about re-inventing myself; I’d asked Santa for a new electric guitar, and I began dreaming. Why a guitar? Allow me to set the stage for you. Bradley University, Saturday night, 1977, Peoria, Illinois, the rock band Boston had just released their first album the previous year titled “Boston.” I wore that album out, playing it repeatedly. When Boston played on stage that night, it was magic. We were there! I fell in love with the idea of playing guitar. “It’s more than a feeling; when I hear that old song they used to play (more than a feeling), I begin dreaming.” Why wait? I thought, do something! Everything I’d read kept encouraging me; dare to dream, re-invent yourself go back to what you loved as a child. It’s never too late to learn something new. So, I did. Every morning I began practicing on my old acoustic guitar. At first basic chords, man, was t...

In this episode - The Story of Rudolph . . . “If I live to be 100, I’ll never be able to forget that BIG snowstorm a couple of years ago. You might not believe it, but the world almost missed Christmas.” Since 1964 children of all ages have cherished the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer as told by Burl Ives (alias Sam the talking snowman) in the animated feature produced by Rankin/Bass. “Rudolph, could it be that some of you are not acquainted with the story of Rudolph? Well, pull up an ice block and lend an ear.” Narration from the Little Golden Book . But don’t take my word for it; go to YouTube and watch Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer FULL MOVIE 1080P HD again for the first time. “Ready, Rudolph?” “Ready, Santa.” “Ok Rudolph, full power . . . Up-Up-Up and away! I’m Patrick Ball; Merry Christmas. See you in the next episode.

In this episode - A 5G Christmas . . . Eureka! Did you know, that YouTube still archives the Norelco  Santa commercials for all to enjoy during the Christmas season!  What? Who cares? Face it; there's comfort in cherished memories that make the holidays special. Was it that long ago? I remember when you could turn on the TV and catch Santa cruising down the snow-covered slopes riding his triple-head  Norelco  electric shaver. Ha, ha, before your time? No problem, just say, "Hey Siri, show me Norelco Santa commercials on  YouTube . How can you help but notice, that this year, the commercials are all about 5G! "Black Friday is better with our 5G phones."  Thanksgiving is now a memory, and  Yes , "Christmas - is - just around the corner." During my kid days - just around the corner - meant Main Street, and our local stores on the square – Ben Franklins, Marshall's, Coxs Corner, and of course, there was Santa Land.  Walmart, no such animal. We would ...

In this episode  Twas the Night Before Christmas . . .  by Clement Clarke Moore Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature  was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads. And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap. When out on the roof, there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window, I flew like a flash, tore open the shutter, and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow gave the luster of midday to objects below, when what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles, ...

I’ve found the Norelco commercials for this Christmas season! Why do I even look? I’m asking myself. Well, there’s a certain comfort in cherished memories that make the Holidays special. What are your treasured memories? It was only yesterday . . . Santa cruising down the snow-filled slopes on his triple-head Norelco electric shaver. Before your time? No problem they're on YouTube - of course. Now Santa is selling you a luxury sports car (A red BMW ). Have you noticed how fast time flies as you get up in years? We’re already into December, and yes , “Christmas - is - just around the corner.” As a youngster I was convinced - just around the corner - meant Main Street; Marshall’s Hardware - Santa Land. My brothers and I would take a walk to town to see all the holiday decorations and toys we wanted Santa to bring. Day-and-Palin’s was the only Christmas tree lot that I can remember in Cuba, Illinois. Waiting for Christmas, seemed like an eternity. The toys hav...

  Twas’ a month before Christmas, with bargains galore. Customers were scurrying, expecting to score, Load-n-Go’s, combo kits, and holiday yard decor. Santa was visiting, with kiddies, at that. Little did they know, the most fun they would have, was to visit Tool Rental, to Pressure Wash their Cat ® . We start the morning, with contractors my friend, Vince pounding the computer, it has no end. The register, it’s finicky, let's not pretend. Call I.T. help? “No, call Jim instead.” The alarm goes off, oh - what a racket, a contractor barks out, “I need that bracket.” A line starts to form, patience is nill’. “I want a jackhammer, that suits the bill.” “Rent me a Hilti. Serve me first, I'll do more than blabber. Your VOC score will fall off the ladder.” Bob slips in, and checks repairs. Get them done early, and no annoying errors. With Amber and Jeff all dressed in red, Joe customer enters with a cap on his head. “I have a repair,” th...

I’ve found the Norelco commercials for this Christmas season! It seems like yesterday, Santa cruising down the snow-filled slopes on his triple-head Norelco electric shaver. Before your time? No problem they’re on YouTube - of course. Now Santa is selling you a luxury sports car (A red BMW ). Have you noticed how fast time flies as you get up in years? We’re already into November, Thanksgiving in just two days! And yes , “Christmas - is - just around the corner.” Do you have this years tree? If not, you can order your fresh Christmas Tree Online and have it delivered to your home. Shopping Online is not just one day anymore. Deep discount sales start one-week before Thanksgiving. A ccording to  Foursquare , the check-in app turned location intelligence company,  Black Friday crowds are expected to decrease by 3.5 percent compared to last year. And once again REI is closed for Black Friday. I salute them. Do you think others will eventually follow sui...