Herb Swenson was a nut and bolt salesman. Herb was one of those guys that knew everyone in the world. Well, Almost Everyone.That's him right?

When he retired he wanted to move some where that he didn't know anyone. A lot of soul searching revealed that the place would be Sedalia, Missouri.

He retired, moved to Sedalia and bought a nice little house with a picket fence around it...Off on, say Elm Street. After moving there he felt the need to meet some folks.

One morning he took a stroll down towards Main Street. He needed a haircut so he strolled into a barber shop.

As luck would have it a Texan Gentleman had just moved to Sedalia and he didn't know anyone either. Herb and the Texan were watching the TV as they waited to get their hair cut.

Remember, this is back in the 60's. On the TV were Martin Luther King coming over the bridge in Alabama. Herb Swenson mentioned that he knew Martin Luther King, VERY, VERY, WELL. THe Texan said, "Oh, there is no way you know Martin Luther King...Herb says, "Yes, We are very, very, good friends." The Texan bets Herb $25,000.00 that if they went down there Martin wouldn't know him from a hole in the ground. Herb says, "I will take that bet." They head out to the airport and the Texan has his jet ready. They fly to Alabama. They rent a car and find Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King and it is like old home week. Gosh, they are hugging and laughing and talking about old times. THe Texan is upset!!! After a great night of laughter and fun they fly back to Sedalia.

A few weeks later Herb and the Texan are sitting in the barber shop and there is a thing about Harry Truman on the TV. Herb offers, "I know Harry and Bess Truman and we have been good friends for many, many years." The Texan says, "Oh, Herb challenges by saying, "Fire up that jet and we will go to Independence, Missouri." The Texan bets Herb another 25,000.00 that he doesn't know Harry Truman.

The plane flys and they get out to the Truman home and once again it is like old home week. Bess embraces Herb and they are invited in for a home cooked supper. Just a wonderful time and then a quiet flight back to Sedalia.

Several weeks later Herb and the Texan were sitting around the barber shop watching TV. Saddly enough, John Kennedy had been assasinated and the nation was in mourning. Lyndon Johnson had taken over as Commander in Chief. Lady Bird Johnson was saying that they were going to have a Texas Barbeque at there ranch in Texas and many dignitaries were invited. The Texan looks over at Herb and said, "I suppose you know the Johnsons." Herb responds by saying, "Yes, Lyndon and Lady Bird and I have been good friends for many, many, years." The Texan replies by saying, " These are people I know, and there is no way that you will get recognized before me." Herb asks if we need to put any money on this? Texan says, "Herb, I will bet you $50,000.00 that I get in before you. Ok, fire up the jet, fly to Johnson City, TX, rent a car and get out to the Barbeque. Park car and walk towards the entrance. Lo and behold Lady Bird comes running out with Lyndon behind her. They both run right by the Texan and embrace Herb Swenson. Man o Man these people are glad to see each other. The poor Texan was snubbed. After the big Barbeque they fly back to Sedalia.

Later on back at the barber shop, the Texan and Herb were setting around watching the TV. It was close to Easter. THe Texan looks over at Herb and says, "I suppose you know the Pope too."

Herb says, "Of course, the Pope and I have been good friends for many, many years." THe Texan says, "Ah, If we fly to Vatican City the pope will not know you."

Herb says, fire up the jet and I will bet you $100,000.00 that the Pope and I are Very, Very, good friends. The Texan takes the bet, they fly to Rome, rent a car and head for Vatican City and the Easter Morning Services. They get out there and the Texan and Herb meet up with the horrendous crowd for the Easter Morning Ceremony.

Herb tells the Texan that he has to stand in the crowd. Herb points out to the Texan where the balcony is and that the Pope will come out and give his Easter Morning Address. Herb Tells the Texan to watch the balconey and he will see Herb behind the Pope. The Texan asks how that would be. Herb tells him to watch for him waving my one arm in a wide arc, and then you will know I know the Pope very well. The Texan says, "Oh, that's not going to happen."

A while later there was a big poof of smoke and the Pope came out on the balconey and began his address. Lo, and behold right behind the Pope was Herb waving his arms. The Texan looks around him and finds this little kid and says, "Do you know who that is up there." The little kid squints, and looks and says, "I am not sure about the guy with the pointed hat, but the guy waving his arms is HERB SWENSON!!!"

Have a Merry Christmas...

Mark