Have you ever wondered how things are made? “How do they do that?” There is a program on TV that really does that.

The other night I watched. It was on how candy canes are made by machine. What an interesting show. It was amazing. They started with a big lump of white candy and right before your eyes, the machine formed it into striped, curved canes, each one perfect. Then I began to wonder how the machine was made.

All evening other items were produced. An umbrella. I never thought about that. Wow! You are caught in the rain. You grab an umbrella from under the front car seat and go merrily on your way.

If you start from the beginning, you make the center post, you bend the wires just so, you cut the material, and it must fit perfectly. Then there is the automatic opener that needs to perform.

You might step into an airplane and all you are thinking about is passing security check. Maybe you wonder if the guy who made the plane, put it together correctly. Are the screws in right? Is every part safe? You might even wonder about the pilot. Is he dependable? Where do you put your trust?

Somebody you don’t know, even those who operate the machinery, has prepared everything you use or eat.

Often you hear of a company recalling some item. Seems like it is too late then. How dare they put it on the market before it is perfect! Just recently, there was a question about plastic, especially baby bottles. Oh, dear.

— Norma Hannaford