THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE_MARCH 2020 by The Corridor Magazine

THE

Priceles

Please T

ake One

MARCH 2020 / VOLUME XIV / Issue VIII

HOME IMPROVEMENT ISSUE

~ Tulsa to Oklahoma City and everywhere in between ~

Advanced care for your heart in a cutting edge facility.

1323 W. 6TH AVE. | STILLWATERMEDICAL.COM THE NEW HOME OF

Expert cardiology care, just minutes away. 405.533.3010

LOOKING FORWARD

Not just a magazine...a part of your life!

Next Month:

APRIL: Sports Edition MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH

Real Estate & Industry Travel Edition

The Bobos by artist Mongo Allen kick off the Home Improvement issue with remodelling work on the Bobos’ home. Four years ago, upon meeting this talented artist, I was intrigued by both his art and his love for assisting our youth with today’s challenges. Pictured is BeKee, Jameo, and Momo along with The Corridor Magazine Publisher, Joe Gooch.

Patriotic Edition Back to School

COVER ART: MONGO ALLEN

Fall Festivals Dining Edition Hunting & Thanksgiving Edition Christmas Edition

Health & Fitness Edition Love Edition Home Improvement Edition

OUR ADVISORY TEAM: PUBLISHER:

Joe Gooch (405) 823-7561

joe.corridor.magazine@gmail.com GRAPHIC DESIGNERS:

Cheryl Payne

cherylpay@gmail.com

Jeree Milligan

oicsolutions@sbcglobal.net ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER

OFFICE: P.O. Box 885 / Cushing, OK 74023

405-823-7561

joe.corridor.magazine@gmail.com We will deliver directly to your home or place of business! Phone or email your order now, or mail to our office Only $45 per year!

FIND US ONLINE AT ISSUU.COM

CUSHING PLUMBING

PLUMBING • HEATING • AIR CONDITIONING

The Corridor Magazine is published by The Corridor, LLC

Kayla Dees

ON THE COVER

FIND US FACEBOOK THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE

Kaylad519@gmail.com EDITORIAL ADVISORY:

Jeree Milligan, Rick Reiley, Diane Brown, Pastor Paul Ragel, Missy Husted, Robbie McCommas and Michelle Brown

©2018. All rights reserved. Reproduction without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. All requests for permission and reprints must be made in writing to The Corridor Magazine, at the above address. Advertising claims and the views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publishers or its affiliates.

Paul Magdeburg, Jr. 106 E. Moses / Cushing / OFFICE: 918-225-3215

CHANDLER MEMORIAL WORKS “We Design Memories”

The ONLY Monument Craftsman in Lincoln County Philip & Kim Beloncik

312 S. Cleveland Ave. / Chandler, OK Phone/FAX: 405-258-0305 www.chandlermemorial.com

DEAN’S

Flooring Center

Sales • Installation • Carpet • Tile • Wood Vinyl • Ceramic • Laminate • Formica Home Decor

818 MANVEL • CHANDLER • 405-258-0535 THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020 3

COVERAGE FOR THE THINGS YOU CARE FOR ■ Coverage you can customize to meet your needs ■ More options, providing you more discounts ■ Contact me for a free coverage review

Dena Floyd Your Local Agent 201 E MAIN ST STE A CUSHING, OK 74023 DFLOYD@FARMERSAGENT.COM https://agents.farmers.com/dfloyd

Call 918.225.0726 today! For Home, Auto, Life and Business.

Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers. com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states.

HOME IMPROVEMENT EDITION 5

EDITORIAL by Joe Gooch

HOME IMPROVEMENT TKO STYLE by Michelle Brown

HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY by Kayla Dees

PAINTING TIPS

THE ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME by Andrea Byers, MOTR/L

MORE HOME IMPROVEMENT TIPS

THE COURSE OF YOUR LIFE BRIDAL FAIR PHOTOS

CHOOSING THE PERFECT COLORS

KIDS ON THE CORRIDOR by Jeree Milligan

PASTOR PAUL’S PASSAGES by Paul Ragle

THE GREAT STROUD EPIDEMIC OF 1944 by the late Danny Beltz

DELILAH’S DILEMMAS by Diane Brown

KING THE WONDER DOG by Joe Gooch

NOTES ON THE CORRIDOR by Rick Reiley

52 RECIPES by Jeree Milligan 54

DINING GUIDE

HOME IMPROVEMENT HEADQUARTERS!

Cushing - 2304 E. Main - (918) 285-5300 www.rootshometown.com

4 THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020

From the EDITOR From gowns to power saws and weddings to construction – Yep! That’s The Corridor Magazine. And without further ado, February and March are probably the two most popular issues. Along with a variety of themes, I want to give you a multitude of looks, such as this month’s cover. Each month I want you to be so intrigued you can’t resist picking up a copy. Since variety is the spice of life, go ahead! Pick it up! Spring is just around the corner, and in this issue you will find fresh ideas for your home.

by JOE GOOCH

Who thought an old pig farmer would produce a local trend? What can I say about “The Course of Your Life” Bridal Fair? We had a gigantic turnout with successful exposure for 30 vendors, a beautiful fashion show, and much anticipation for next year! YES! It’s back and here to stay. Thank you, Crystl and April!

Welcome to the 14th annual Home Improvement issue. My hopes are that it’s both educational, due to all the tips, and helpful if you’re looking for professionals to bring your ideas to life. A few weeks ago I walked into American Welding on East Main Street in Cushing. Wayne, along with two other employees, said, “Look what you started 14 years ago! Now everybody is publishing a magazine.” There on the counter, were four other similar ones. True story. Okay, enough rambling.

WHATEVER YOUR

WHATEVER YOUR COLOR CHOICE FIND US ON

WWW.BROWN-FURNITURE.COM

WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED!

*FINANCING AVAILABLE WITH APPROVED CREDIT THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020 5

Photos by KB PHOTOGRAPHY

Home Improvement

TKO STYLE by MICHELLE BROWN

Home improvement is the subject of The Corridor Magazine this month and I’m excited! At first thought, home improvement signifies kitchen and bathroom remodel, new flooring or even new siding. But did you ever consider dirt work for drainage problems, driveway washouts, concrete slabs and patios as something to include in your home improvement plans? I do. After many years of drainage issues that negatively affected my home’s foundation, I consider dirt work the ultimate of home improvement projects. If you have experienced any such water drainage problems, you are aware of the devastating and expensive foundation issues I am referring to. I remember well when this disaster was discovered at my home. My wish was for a professional, qualified business to come in and totally knock out everything that was needed. Just so happens, there is such a business centered along The Corridor route 6 THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020

The name? TKO. And what does the acronym TKO stand for? Totally Knocking Out your needs! While talking with TKO owner, Glynn Morgan, the magnitude of this company was revealed. TKO is comprised of two separate companies: TKO Equipment Sales & Rental and TKO Construction. On the sales and rental side, one can choose to rent a piece of equipment for a do-it-yourself project. But TKO goes even further than rental equipment. Not only do they have the equipment to totally knock out all your needs, they have operators to run that valuable equipment. I soon realized, after talking with Glynn that it would be more beneficial and timely to have an experienced operator do the job. In some situations, the project can be completed in much less time by an experienced operator to achieve the greatest results. Of course, this all depends on the customer’s needs, and Glynn certainly has the

Shown is one of many pieces of equipment offered by TKO.

knowledge and experience, to help you decide the best course of action. Equipment rental and sales opportunities are basically endless! Does your project require a track hoe excavator, trencher, compactor equipment? Or what about needing lawn and garden equipment or a generator? And the very versatile, and my favorite, piece of equipment – the skid steer with multiple attachments to work all kinds of jobs? These are just some of the valuable pieces of equipment TKO offers for rental or for sale. The second part of TKO is TKO Construction. If need to build a garage, a shop, pads for structures, french drains, landscaping, driveways, footings, brick work, or other large projects such as these, you will want to employ the construction side of TKO. By listening to you, Glynn will be able to help you design and plan. Then his hardworking, talented crew will bring your ideas to life and bring function to your family or business needs. Although TKO originated in 2016, Glynn Morgan brings more than 45 years of construction experience to his company. Glynn remembers being involved in some type of construction all his life. Experience has now turned into expertise. He explained, “Understanding the different types of soils, how to work those soils, and how to operate equipment to maneuver different types soil is vital to this business.” While talking with Glynn, I received quite a construction education. There is a big difference in being an operator of equipment and just operating equipment. And having my own issues with large concrete patios around my home, I learned there is much to consider before pouring concrete, i.e. strength need, additives, design and temperature. But the number one concrete consideration is to include rebar! Glynn’s important advice? Be smart and do it right in the beginning. The financial expense and inconvenience only grows as you find it necessary to repair it later. I agree! Business for TKO is in large demand. Their business has increased due to their competence and skill. Currently you will find TKO on the corner of Main and Little Street in Cushing, but they are expanding just

west of their current location on Main Street. In addition to equipment rental, sales and construction, TKO now offers custom trailer building and repair, sales and rental. Trailers for equipment hauling, utility, and lawn and garden use can be found on their lot on the north side of Main just east of Steer Inn. TKO has capabilities to repair trailer sizes up to semi size at their new location. As I mentioned, the magnitude of this company is huge! TKO’s motto is “We Move The Earth”, and the can do just that for you! This spring when you are in need of home improvement work, don’t let the outside work overwhelm you. Give Glynn Morgan and the crew at TKO a call, and rest assured they will begin Totally Knocking Out whatever you need. n

TKO also offers custom trailers for sale or for rent.

TKO is able to do custom brick work.

TKO’s current location on West Main in Cushing THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020 7

Chandler Therapy & Living Center

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RONDLE HUDSON / 405-258-5122 8 THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020

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1116 N. Lake Ave, Davenport $118,000 622 Lake Ave, Davenport $79,000 100849 S. 3305 Rd, Harrah $45,000 2301 Crooked Oak Court, Shawnee $190,000 901 Woods Terrace, Chandler $160,000 6 Northwood Dr, Shawnee $191,000 1521 N. Minnesota, Shawnee $115,000 E. 15th St, Chandler (15ac.) $60,000 163 Sooner Dr, Stroud $160,000 13111 Old Hwy 99, Seminole $197,500 910551 S. 3410 Rd, Chandler $165,000 1204 S. Lily Ave, Carney $103,618 906 Woods Terrace, Chandler $140,000 104 S. Oak, Chandler $62,000 409 S. Oak, Chandler $55,000

T C A R T N O C DING N PE

500 N. Price, Chandler $124,500 204 Manvel Ave, Chandler $38,000 1116 N. Cedar Dr, Stroud $169,000 S. Memorial, Chandler (43.82ac) $88,000 331931 E. Meadowood, Wellston $100,000 521 E. Grant St, Agra $45,900 331495 E. 890 Rd, Wellston $167,310 905 N. Pottenger, Shawnee $105,000 840999 S. 3410 Rd, Chandler $66,000 338522 E. 930 Rd, Wellston $149,000 1106 E. 18th, Chandler $189,000 903 W. Highland, Tecumseh $110,000 1922 Haynie Lane, Prague $89,900 960603 S. Hwy 18, Chandler $78,000 980311 S. Ramblewood Dr, Wellston $44,900 1707 E. Main St, Shawnee $79,900 920395 S. 3420 Rd, Chandler $194,900 860833 S. 3430 Rd, Chandler $115,000

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THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020 9

HOME IMPROVEMENT D I R E C T O R Y

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING Caldwell Heat & Air Chandler……………………................ ………………405-258-2278 AUCTIONEERS Ball Auction Chandler...................................................................405-258-1511 AUTO DEALERS NEW & USED Crown Auto Bristow......................................................................918-367-3423 Randy Bowen Chevy GMC Chandler...................................................................405-258-0055 BANKS & FINANCING Central Oklahoma Federal Credit Union Davenport.................................................................918-377-2341 University & Community Federal Credit Union Stillwater...................................................................405-743-3328 BUILDINGS-STEEL & PORTABLE Circle K Steel Building Construction Paden.......................................................................405-932-4664 CABINETRY Dove Custom Cabinetry Cushing....................................................................918-225-3232 CONSTRUCTION Allsbrook Restoration & Repair Perkins......................................................................405-269-9310 Diamondback Construction Chandler...................................................................405-258-5122 Mills Construction and Welding Cushing…………………………………................ …..918-225-1833 ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS Starks Electric Cushing....................................................................918-225-1175 FERTILIZER Lincoln County Farm Center Cushing....................................................................405-258-0770 FLOORING Deans Flooring Center Chandler...................................................................405-258-0535 10 THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020

FURNITURE Brown Furniture Chandler...................................................................405-258-1717 Furniture Showcase Stillwater………….................…………………………405-624-3212 Root’s Hometown Furniture & Appliances Cushing…………..................…………………………918-285-5300 Second Chance General Store Chandler...................................................................405-258-5230 HOME DECOR Old Songs Sung Here Cushing....................................................................918-225-3458 INSURANCE Farmers Insurance Cushing....................................................................918-225-0726 State Farm - Kent Clovis Stroud.......................................................................918-962-2552 Thompson’s Insurance Chandler...................................................................405-258-5002 LAWN & GARDEN Lincoln County Farm Center Chandler...................................................................405-258-0770 LUMBER-PAINT-HARDWARE-LIGHTING Cushing Lumber Co Cushing....................................................................918-225-1713 Chandler Hardware Chandler...................................................................405-258-0260 Lincoln County Farm Center Chandler...................................................................405-258-0770 Perkins Builders Supply Perkins......................................................................405-547-2406 Stroud True Value Stroud.......................................................................918-968-3942 Terrell Lumber Prague......................................................................405-567-2251 T.H. Rogers Lumber Bristow.................................................................... 918-367-3359 Thad White Building Supply Paden..................................................................... 405-932-4840

METAL RECYCLING LD’S Salvage Chandler...................................................................405-240-5360 MONUMENTS Chandler Memorial Works Chandler...................................................................405-258-0305 PLUMBING Cushing Plumbing Cushing....................................................................918-225-3215 Linn’s Plumbing Chandler...................................................................405-258-5171 RENTAL TOOLS TKO Construction Cushing....................................................................918-285-3135 Tool Time Chandler...................................................................405-258-5122 REALTORS Premier Realty Stroud, Chandler......................................................405-258-1324 Realty Plus-Remax Chandler……………………….................……………405-258-0857

Tommye Waltman and Associates Cushing.................................................................. 918-225-KEYS Mike Bendele Co.-United Country Chandler...................................................................405-258-0408 STEEL Circle K Steel Paden.......................................................................405-932-4664 STORAGE Diamondback Storage Wellston....................................................................405-356-0840 H & T Storage Chandler...................................................................405-258-5122 TAX SERVICES Chandler Tax Chandler……………………………………………......405-258-0593 R. Joe Remington, CPA Prague…………………………………………….........405-567-0258 OTHERS A to Z Property Management Cushing…………………………………………….......918-225-2937

CHECK WITH THESE PROFESSIONALS FOR YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS! Enjoy your place. Let us take care of those improvement projects for you.

 Tree removal  Brush clearing  Fence row clearing  Pond construction & cleaning  Roads & driveways  Building pads

Call us for a free quote!

(918) 225-1833

www.millsconst.com THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020 11

PAINTING TIPS! by LAUREN FLANAGAN

which is why thery’re popular for trim. They also hold up very well to cleaning.

PREPARE TO PAINT

Proper preparation is one of the most important painting tips and is key in getting a professional looking paint job. MOVE anything out of the room that might get in the way and remove all necessary hardware and fixtures. WIPE DOWN the walls with a solution of water and a little bit of dish soap. This will remove dust and grease. FILL ANY CRACKS with plaster filler and sand down any surfaces that will be painted. Wipe off any excess dust from the sanding with a damp cloth. MAKE SURE you have all the brushes, rollers and paint trays you will need before starting. Having to take a break in the middle of painting to run to the hardware store will be frustrating and slow you down.

TAPE OFF AREAS TO BE PAINTED Choosing a color is the hardest part. What’s most important is to find ont that will create a desired mod and make you happy.

It’s time consuming but it’s worth it. Use painters tape to tape off the trim, ceilings, windows, doors, and any other necessary areas. It will ensure you get a nice straight line and you don’t cross over onto an area you don’t want painted.

USING MORE THAN ONE COLOR

PAINT FROM THE TOP DOWN

CHOOSE A COLOR

If you’re using more than one color in the room, remember these paint tips. If you have a chair rail or wainscoating and you want to paint the top and bottom of the walls different colors, it’s best to use the darker color on the bottom portion and the lighter on top. The light color will dominate and the dark color will have a grounding effect. To accentuate trim, paint it a shade lighter or a shade darker than the walls. The same goes for the ceiling. Painting it a shade darker will make the room feel cozier. Painting it a lighter shade will create an airier feeling.

CHOOSE A FINISH

Once you’ve chosen a paint color and design, you’ll need to decide on a finish. FLAT: Offers a matte finish, which is perfect for covering walls with a little wear and tear because it doesn’t reflect light. Use flat finishes anywhere you want to cover imperfections. SATIN AND EGGSHELL: Popular for walls because they have a very slight shine and are fairly easy to clean. SEMI-GLOSS and GLOSSY: Both are quite shiny,

Always start painting from the highest area to the lowest. Start with the ceiling or top of the walls and work your way down. This way you can catch any drips and it won’t ruin a freshly painted wall.

THIN COATS ARE BETTER THAN THICK

One of the biggest mistakes people make is to put too much paint on the brush. It’s far more effective to put a small amount on the brush roller and use long, even strokes to apply thin coats. It’s tempting to slather on a lot paint in the hopes of not having to do another coat but the end result won’t look as good. Several thin coats will do a better job of covering the wall than one thick coat.

PAINT THE TRIM LAST

There’s some debate on this topic, but quite often the trim can catch some of the spray that comes off of paint rollers. For this reason it’s best to paint the trim last since it will be done with a brush and excess paint won’t get on the walls.

AND MOST OF ALL...HAVE FUN! 12 THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020

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Cushing Lumber Co. “Everything you need for your building needs”

Treated Lumber & Concrete Blocks Windows • Doors • Shingles • Plywood

We Order Custom Sized Windows & Doors 924 East Main Street • Cushing, OK 74023 Monday-Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm / Saturday 8:00am - 12:30pm

YARD: 918-225-1713 • 1-800-256-2437

14 THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020

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918-225-2937 1430 E. Main St. / Suite F / Cushing Bill Parsons, Property Manager Gerald Jolley, Manager EMAIL: a-zpropertymanagement@yahoo.com THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020 15

THE ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME

by ANDREA BYERS MOTR/L

Spring is upon us and it’s time to start thinking about spring cleaning and also looking at ways that we can make our homes energy efficient. It’s good for the Earth and good for our pocket books. There are some simple ways that we can change the way we use energy and make our home run efficiently and effectively.

tubs to toilets. • Replace toilets with low-flow or dual-flush models. • Repair dripping faucets promptly. • Install low-flow showerheads on showers and aerators on faucets. • Install a water softener to minimize mineral deposits and prolong the life of the water heater

OUTDOORS

INDOORS

• Inspect sprinkler systems for leaks. • Collect rainwater to water plants and lawn. • Buy energy-efficient LEDs for exterior light. Bonus: They don’t attract bugs. • Xeriscape. Plant drought-tolerant shrubs and perennials and give them the proper amount of sunlight. • Start a compost pile. Not only does composting recycle kitchen waste, the end product is a nourishing amendment for gardens and planting beds. • Use a manual lawn mower. I use goats. • Leave grass clippings on your yard as mulch. • Reduce the size of your lawn.

WATER USE

• Run full loads of laundry and in the dishwasher. You can also make your own laundry soap with the following ingredients and save hundreds of dollars a year. • Consider adding plumbing to recycle gray water from sinks and

• Consider carpets made from corn fiber or wool. Some carpets release volatile organic compounds, VOCs. • Clean with vinegar and products free of phosphates, chlorine and petroleum distillates. • Install countertops made of bamboo. • Choose countertops made of recycled glass. I found some very attractive ones at the home and garden show in Tulsa last year. They were beautiful. • Consider reclaimed wood flooring. Recycled barn wood is the new fad. • Opt for cork floors. • Use concrete for countertops or floors. I recently viewed a home with matching stained concrete counter tops and floors which was really attractive but also you may want to add floor rugs to cut down on the noise factor. • Buy linoleum made of linseed oil, cork and jute. • Use unbleached paper for paper towels and coffee filters. • Consider milk-based paint.

16 THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020

• Use acrylic paint that gives off low volatile organic compounds.

ROOFING

• Choose a light-colored roof to decrease heat transferred to the attic. • Buy a roof made of “cool” shingles. • Add a durable metal roof. • Purchase rooftop solar shingles to help offset your energy use. • Purchase a rooftop photo-voltaic solar system.

ENERGY USE

Air conditioning and heating account for more than half of the home energy bill. To trim that: • Change filters regularly on the air-conditioning and heating unit. • Adjust the thermostat. Raising the temperature just one degree saves 7 percent to 10 percent on cooling costs. • Install a programmable thermostat. There are several options available at local chain hardware stores. • Choose a more energy-efficient air-conditioning unit. The higher the seasonal energy efficiency, or SEER, rating, the more efficient the unit. Look for a rating of 13 or greater. • Replace the clothes washer, dishwasher, refrigerator and dryer with Energy Star appliances. • Add ceiling fans and portable fans to help circulate the air and cut down on air conditioner use. • Add attic insulation. • Add a ridge vent on the roof to

lower temperatures in the attic. • Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents. • Replace compact fluorescent lights with light-emitting diode, LED, tiny light bulbs that fit into an electrical circuit. They use one-third the energy and last five times longer than CFLs. • Consider a tankless or instantaneous water heater. • Replace an electric water heater with a natural-gas water heater. • Set water heater temperature to 120 degrees. • Install the water heater near the kitchen. • Buy a wind turbine if you’re in a

rural area. • Plant trees on the west, south and east sides to shade the house. • Replace windows with Energy Star ones. • Add solar screens. • Wash laundry in warm or cold water and rinse in cold water. • Clean the dryer’s lint filter after every load.

HOMEMADE LAUNDRY SOAP

1/3 bar Fels Naptha or bar of Ivory (melt a small bit in the microwave to soften 15 -30 seconds then blend in a blender).

½ cup washing soda ½ cup borax powder You will also need a small bucket, about 2 gallon size~ Add 6 cups water and heat it until the soap melts. Add the washing soda and the borax and stir until it is dissolved. Remove from heat. Pour 4 cups hot water into the bucket. Now add your soap mixture and stir. Now add 1 gallon plus 6 cups of water and stir. Let the soap sit for about 24 hours and it will gel. You use ½ cup per load.

Happy Spring, and good luck on all of your energy efficient projects. Celebrating 90 Years! 1930 - 2020

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Emergency # 918-306-1963 / starkselectric@sbcglobal.net THE CORRIDOR THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE / DECEMBER / MARCH 2020 2018 17

Dove Custom Cabinetry Cabinets • Furniture • Woodworking

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320 W Moses Cushing, OK 74023 918-225-3232 18 THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020

359071 US Hwy 62 â&#x20AC;¢ Paden, OK

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Please call one of our friendly sales staff for prices & specials! THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020 19

PHOTOS Where to Use Them

That is the question. I know many times we keep photos on our computers or on our cell phones, but what about all the photos we want to share with others? Turning chaos into a collage of memories with coordinating frames and mats can be a fun project. Choose frames from the same general era, and then paint them all one color. Use matching mats for all the photos to place further emphasis on what’s inside. Once you have framed and matted all the photographs, plot out your arrangement with paper templates. Another idea for wonderful different types of frames is the use of buttons. Look what a little bit of grout and some old buttons will do for framing your best pictures or even a simple clay pot for a plant! These ideas make unique gifts also!

A Beautiful Home...A Beautiful Lawn!

THE MOWING HEIGHT -

There’s a lot more to mowing than just cutting the grass every Saturday. One of the most fundamental steps to a perfect lawn s getting the mowing height right for your type of lawn and for a particular season. Most grasses can survive with a length of 2-3”. This applies for spring and early fall. In the summer, if possible, set it a little higher. Never go below the minimum recommended height except for the last mowing of the season which should be around 1.5” for most turf grasses. Mowing height is important because the length

of the grass blade is the part that absorbs sunshine which the grass blade then miraculously converts into food!

USE A SHARP BLADE -

A dull blade tears at the grass. Take a close look at a grass blade a few days after mowing. If the blade is dull you’ll notice a jagged brown line across the tip of the cut grass. This is a good indication that your blade needs sharpening. The jagged edges caused by a dull mower blade make it more difficult for the grass to fight off pests and disease.

REGULATE WATER INTAKE -

Over-watering your lawn causes more damage than a lack of water.

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Choosing the Perfect Colors… Before you choose colors for your next remodeling project… try to develop an understanding of what you would like to create. As an example….in the kitchen area…do you want a space that empowers you with a sense of energy, or do you want your kitchen to relax and soothe you after a tough day at work? Pick a color because you love it, but also have an understanding of the effects that it produces. By planning objectives ahead of time, you’ll be able to control exactly what you want your kitchen to be. Here are some general guidelines for thinking about your kitchen’s color: Dark tones are cozy and intimate. Neutral earthy tones are soothing and calming and will make your appliances and décor pop. Orange color is often associated with food and can give people an appetite. Bright colors can give you energy. The color yellow has been linked with focus and concentration.

Create an illusion of space by using a light colored shade like white, or captivate your imagination by using other design elements like a glass tile mosaic kitchen backsplash. Use color to your artistic and stylistic advantages to create a space that radiates who you are. As a basic design principle, stick to three or four colors at most. Use at least two - it might look a little strange, overbearing, and dull if absolutely everything in your kitchen is exactly the same color. Make sure that you incorporate at least one neutral shade to balance your bright or bold colors. Choose lighter colors to create a bright and energetic space, or use a combination of light and dark colors. Lighter tones can make a small or medium sized room appear spacious, but that may not even be the effect that you want - you might want your colors to create a comfortable and cozy space.

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1030 E. Cherry St. | Cushing 918.725.1901 THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020 31

32 THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020

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{ DO IT YOURSELF KIND OF GUY { PA S TO R PA U L’ S PA S S A G E S

by Pastor Paul Ragle

WHEN POSSIBLE I’M A

When possible, I am a “do it yourselfer!” I hate paying somebody to do something I can do myself. But each time I suggest to my spouse that I can do a home repair, she looks at me carefully and asks, “Are you sure?” At Christmas I suggested we freshen up our bedroom with new carpet. Connee asked, “Are you sure you can do it?” “You’ve seen me do it before,” I replied. “Yes, but you’re years older than the last time you laid carpet,” she stated emphatically. “Who’s going to pick you up off the floor after you finish? I don’t want you dying just to get new carpet!” “I’ll get it done; you’ll enjoy your bedroom better, sweetheart!” I answered. So off I went to my favorite home improvement store to purchase carpet, carpet pad, and the glue needed. I found a great price on a medium grade carpet. The store clerk brought the roll to his carpet cutter. Cutting the length I asked for, he wrapped it in plastic and rolled my carpet and pad onto a cart. I pushed it to the checkout feeling home improvement proud! New carpet for the bedroom for under $200. Connee seemed impressed when I arrived home with my purchase. “But how are you getting this big roll of carpet into the house?” she wanted to know. “First, we’ve got to clear everything out of the bedroom, dear.” Clearly, moving everything out our bedroom was one of the most difficult tasks of the day. Taking down our king-size bed, finding places to stow all our bedroom furniture for a few hours, and relocating the television. We removed the big mirror from Connee’s dresser and we carried the dressers and night stands into other areas of the house for the day. My twin granddaughters were dying to help, so Mya ran the vacuum in the empty bedroom while Mia helped me find my knee pads and tools. Mia and Mya and my daughter Israel helped me pull up and roll the old carpet into a fairly tight roll. All four of us carried it outside. Armed with flat blade ice scrapers from the garage, we went to get the old dusty carpet padding up. It was so old that we were able to roll it up in sections and carry them outside. We tore the carpet and pad up from the closet floor, saving the old piece of carpet to use as a pattern for the carpet we’d lay back down in the closet. Our voices echoed through the room which was carpet free. We were ready to lay padding. We rolled out foam pad on the garage floor, cutting it to the length. We butted the machine edge up against the tack strip and carefully unrolled the pad until 34 THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020

it met the tack strip on the other wall. Success! Got the length right! “Now!” I directed, “we roll back the carpet about five feet, and apply glue.” The girls were disappointed, but I poured the glue myself and used a piece of cardboard to spread it onto the concrete floor. Great amounts of glue are not required, just enough to keep the padding in place as we stretch the carpet. After I applied a sensible amount of glue, I directed my crew to carefully roll back down the pad. Somehow, the pad seemed to have grown a little. “Not a biggie,” I said, “I can trim it up.” The gluing process went well, but as usual, I managed to get my fingers covered with glue. That stuff is tough to get off! I trimmed the second row of padding to fit inside the tack strips, and it was time to eat lunch, but ready to lay carpet. Once again, my spouse asked, “How are you going to get that huge roll of carpet into the bedroom?” I smiled and disappeared into the garage to retrieve my furniture movers. These two squares of wood with castors have saved my tail many times. With help from my trusty crew, we pulled the carpet off the truck and placed it on the movers. Guiding the carpet roll through the front door was no problem, but moving it into the bedroom from the hallway was more difficult. But once again, success! We cut the plastic wrap off the carpet and carefully butted the end of the roll to the wall away from the bedroom door. At this point, the difficult part of the job began. I own a little plastic tool which is made to insert the edge of the carpet under baseboard trim. Guess who couldn’t find his little tool that day? Instead, using a wide putty knife, I began tucking the end of the carpet under the baseboard trim. Israel and I slowly unrolled the carpet, carefully to keeping it centered. I don’t own a carpet stretcher, but we used several four foot lengths of 1” X 4” to smooth and stretch the carpet. By this time of the day, my knees were screeching from kneeling (even with knee pads on). The twins came back to help stretch the carpet while I tucked the edges under the baseboards. I secured the seam going into the hallway with double-sided tape. We laid padding in the closet and went outside to trace the old carpet onto the piece of carpet I had saved for the closet. I cut it with my carpet knife, and it fit perfectly in the closet. Connee has had to admit that I still can lay carpet. However, once we moved everything back into and set up the bedroom, I was ready for a long nap! The next day I found my plastic inserter tool in the garage.

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THE GREAT

STROUD EPIDEMIC OF 1944

by the late DANNY BELTZ

There are many stories of the Stroud area which are not so documented as to details to the rise to history. We may call them folklore or legend, but they are instructive or entertaining and should not be lost. This story is one of them. The principals are now deceased, and cannot be consulted. I have my recollection from having heard it many times and so I relate these events as told to me. I hope you enjoy it. My dad, Delbert Beltz, came to Stroud in the summer of 1944 to reopen the Stroud Bakery. It had been closed for some years, and he was to open a bakery where there was not one. This was during World War II and bakers could be classified as essential occupations by the draft board. Dad had wanted to enlist, but his invalid mother just couldn’t stand having both her sons in the war, and he had two young children. The draft board had had my dad sell his bakery in Crescent preliminary to being drafted, and then classified him as an essential occupation, and told him to open a bakery. There was a closed bakery in Stroud so he came here. Most paperboys came to the bakery around 5:00 o’clock am to fold their newspapers for delivery. It was warm in the winter and dry if it was rainy, and dad would always trade hot donuts for a newspaper. Dad had been cleaning out some shelves in the storeroom of out of date supplies. He was going to throw out two five pound tins of food coloring, one yellow and one of red. Jack Poskey, paperboy and high school student, asked if he could have them. Dad gave them to him since he was going to throw them away. 42 THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020

Jack took the yellow coloring to the municipal sewage treatment plant and poured it into the open air cesspool, and sewage turned a brilliant yellow! Now in those days the person in charge of the sewage facility was a man generally known as “Roundbale”. He was a true Stroud character. His actual name was Earl Grey, and he received his nickname by being the last employee of the Roundbale Cotton Gin. He lived in a house that was falling down around him, and by his own admission a man who refused to evict a mother possum from under his bed until her babies were raised. His usual lunch was onion and cabbage sandwiches, and his breath was often lethal. He delighted Stroud children because he had a steam boiler in his yard with a railroad engine whistle attached. In good weather he would build a fire underneath it and build up a good head

of steam. In the 1950’s families would go riding around in their cars in the evening, and if you drove by “Roundbale’s” house he would blow the whistle. “Roundbale” on encountering the colorful sewage panicked and rushed downtown to Lloyd Robert’s D-X Service Station. Lloyd was Stroud’s mayor and it was to him that “Roundbale” reported, urging him to collect Dr. Bailey since it was obvious that the town’s citizens were sick. Dr. Bailey refused to go observe. He knew who was sick and who wasn’t and yellow sewage was certainly curious, but was not a medical emergency to him. A few weeks later Jack took the red coloring and emptied it into the cesspool. “Roundbale” aghast again went to Lloyd and together they convinced Dr. Bailey to come see for himself. If there was an epidemic he needed to know. He

took one look at the gloriously red sewage, and explained to the concerned officials that there was certainly a problem, but it was not medical! n

...and thus ended the great STROUD EPIDEMIC of 1944. re

We A

Magazine

T H G EG N I L N

! L A T I DIG

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Delilah’s DILEMMAS

Dooby and Eli were on their way to Washington D.C. in Eli’s Cessna Citation. Delilah was on the Royal Flush Ranch making herself busy with household chores while waiting for a young man, whom she didn’t know, to arrive. Extra help, Eli had said. His name was Steve or Robert, Eli had said. And because Eli and Dooby were going to be gone an undetermined amount of time, and it had been decided that extra help was going to be needed anyway, Eli had made arrangements to hire a kid he knew, or knew about. Given that he wasn’t even certain what the young man’s name was, Delilah suspected it was the latter. The ranch, or those on the ranch, had suffered when Gus and Marietta left. Gus was the quintessential ranch hand. He knew exactly what to do and when to do it, in addition to doing it quickly. Sure, Joel did a fabulous job tending to the livestock. And even though Damon was industrious, he required direction and instruction. And being a teenager on summer break, his employment would be short lived. Not to mention the fact that he only worked four days a week, at Delilah’s insistence. With Dooby’s occupation reconstructing the barn, Joel’s focus solely on animals, Damon’s limitations, and the absence of Marietta’s assistance with household chores, one could hardly argue against the need for additional help. At the present, however, the infinitesimal conundrum of an unknown entity descending upon her, weighed far less on Delilah’s mind than the cockamamie scheme Eli and Dooby were now engaged in. She shook her head as she scrubbed the stove top vigorously. “What were they thinking?” Delilah asked the roll of paper towels and the holder it was in, sitting on the cabinet next to the stove. 44 THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020

DIANE BROWN

“Their plan to see Abigail, and persuade her to divulge her collaborator is deranged.” The buzzer on the dryer announced the end of the cycle. Delilah made one last swipe of the stove, and dropped the rag into the sink of hot soapy water. Moments later, she was pulling clothes from the dryer and placing them on hangers. “There is no way she’s going to tell them anything,” Delilah told the bottle of laundry detergent. “That’s if they’re even allowed to see her.” Delilah gathered the hangered clothes, and trekked up the stairs. “They aren’t thinking this through,” Delilah informed the closet door, as she swung it open, and hung the clothes inside. She stripped the sheets off her bed. Sheets in her arms, she went to the bathroom. Another jolt of anxiety went through her; the fourth pang of paranoia since they had left. It wasn’t that she couldn’t take care of herself and the ranch. She could. It wasn’t that she couldn’t be alone. She actually reveled in her alone time. And with Joel living on the ranch, she was scarcely alone. “So, what are you afraid of?” Delilah asked the reflection in the mirror over the sink. “You’re afraid THEY are going to know

you’re alone, and THEY are going to come after you again,” the reflection said. She gathered the dirty laundry from the hamper , a n d m a d e her way back d o wn th e stairs. It was when she had started the load of whites that she heard, then saw the old, black pickup in the driveway. Instead of stopping at the house, the driver inched his way south to the stable. Delilah put her work boots on, and was out the back door, into the warm, sunny morning, walking briskly to meet the kid. “I think she’s in the house,” Joel was saying, as Delilah neared the stable. As she rounded the corner to enter the building, she ran right, smack dab into the newcomer’s back. She raised her arms, reaching for the stranger’s body, just as he turned to catch her teetering off balance. Delilah gasped. He stood about six feet, two inches tall, with a thin, but well-toned physique. His chestnut hair fell in unkempt waves just below his ears. Long, thick, dark lashes framed the most stunningly hazel, almond-shaped eyes, Delilah had ever seen. “Bedroom eyes,” Delilah mumbled, starring relentlessly up at the man. The man’s bedroom eyes widened, as did Joel’s.

KENT CLOVIS LUTCF / AGENT

“Oh! Dear Lord. Please tell me I did not just say that out loud,” Delilah cried with a wince. “I’ve been talking to myself all morning,” she added quickly, as though that could possibly explain the temporary insanity. She threw her hands up in surrender, and then began waving them. “Crazy person,” she sang in a falsetto voice. “But totally harmless.” She extended her right hand, and with a smile that showed no trace of mania, she introduced herself. “Daniel,” Daniel said, accepting Delilah’s hand with no reservations, and shaking it. He smiled. “You know? I was thinking the same thing about your eyes.” Delilah chuckled. “Yes, but you had the good sense to keep that thought to yourself,” Delilah said. They starred at each other for a long moment. From birth, Delilah had been told how beautiful her blue eyes were, and she suspected this had not been the first time a comment had been made about Daniel’s exquisite eyes, so Delilah f elt t hat D aniel’s r em ar k w a s n o th ing m or e t han t he us ual compliment. “So, you’ve met Joel. Did you meet Damon, too?” Delilah asked. She looked around. “Joel, where’s Damon?” “He’s weeding the flower beds in the front yard,” Joel replied. “Oh!” Delilah exclaimed with surprise. “That’s good.”

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“He’s going to do the flower beds first, then he’s going to weed eat. And then mow the lawn.” “Alright,” Delilah said. “That should keep him busy all day.” “So, where do you want me to start?” Daniel asked. “How much gas is in the tractor?” Delilah asked Joel. She looked at Daniel and smiled. “Tank’s full,” Joel said. “Brush hog attached?” Delilah asked. “Nope,” Joel said. “You know how to operate a tractor, right?” Delilah asked Daniel. “Of course,” he said. “You get to brush hog the north forty,” Delilah said. Delilah, Daniel, and Joel hitched the brush hog to the tractor. Delilah advised the guys that lunch would be served at 12:30, and then she went back to the house. An hour later, while making her bed, Delilah’s cell phone rang. She glanced at the display and sighed heavily. She’d been expecting this call. It was Karon. “Well, I think this idea of theirs is crazy!” Karon said, the instant Delilah said hello. “I mean, seriously,” she continued, scarcely drawing breath. “Do they really think they’re going to get to talk to her? And what about you? Did they give any thought to the danger you might be in? Especially if it was some-

one from the agency who tried killing you. Like that George guy.” “Hi, Karon. Good to hear from you,” Delilah said, sitting down on the bed. “Now I don’t know why you go getting’ all snippy with me,” Karon countered. “I’m on your side.” “Okay, I can’t deny I’ve had those same thoughts,” Delilah confessed. “Their argument is the sooner they get George, the sooner I’ll be safe. And besides, we aren’t sure I was the target. They could’ve been aiming for Blaize.” “Poker,” Karon said. “What?” Delilah said. “We need to play poker,” Karon said. “It’s been three months since we last played.” “Call Odie, and I’ll call Patty,” Delilah said. “We’ll play Saturday, at six.” Delilah ended her call with Karon. She went downstairs, checked her emails, straightened the clutter in the living room, and started preparing lunch. At 12:30 on the nose, the guys came through the back door, washed their hands, and helped Delilah place plates of food on the table. “I’m curious,” Delilah began, passing the potato salad to Daniel. “How is it you know Eli, or vice versa, I guess. I mean, he thought your name was Robert or Steven, and he kept referring to you as a kid.”

258-5002 121 W. 10th • Chandler • IAFR.com/Thompsons 46 THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE / MARCH 2020

“Honest mistake,” Daniel said with a chuckle, spooning the salad onto his plate. “My dad’s name is Robert, and I have a brother named Steve. My brother and I used to work here for Miss Nettie in the summer when we were in high school. The last time I saw Eli I was probably . . . oh, sixteen or seventeen? That was sixteen years ago.” “So, Eli knew your dad?” Delilah asked, assembling her pulled pork sandwich. “No,” Daniel said slowly. “My mother.” He appraised Delilah a long moment with those intense hazel eyes. “Didn’t Eli tell you?” Daniel asked. “Tell me what?” Delilah said. “Maybe I should let Eli tell you,” Daniel said. “The thing is, if he didn’t tell you already, it’s probably not that important.”

WHO IS DANIEL’S MOTHER?

HOW IS SHE CONNECTED TO ELI? THERE ARE