Happy Birthday

December 27th 1925.Happy Birthday Daddy you will be 85 years old.It sure has been a long time Daddy I love and miss you.

Back from the dead

Back from the land of the dead.

Let me fill you in.Monday afternoon my life was saved.You Dear friend know who you are and I thank you from the deepest part of my heart.

Some background info.

For five days I could not stand the thought of food.I only wanted fluids.Ice water,Gatorade and 7 up.I was throwing up everything even some stuff that wasn't supposed to be there.Talking blood here folks .Felt like a bear had me in a death grip squeezing the life out of me.I was gasping for air.I had to go,go the ER.
Ambulance was called and in a few minutes with siren blasting they drove up.In the ambulance for the short ride to the ER.No pulse,can't find a heart rate the EMT in back with me told the driver.In the ER straight back no waiting and they started working on me.IV's,sticking me with needles,covering me with warm blankets cause my body temp was dropping.Oh those warm blankets where so nice.


Diabetic ketoacidosis was what the diagnose was.



Up to ICU for two days,then a regular room for two more days.Home now and really I feel good,just a bit weak.My friend said I was ready to checkout.I wasn't scared just disappointed.Saturday night before I was crying to myself,this is not fair,heal me or let me go.I was that sick.With all my other problems this wasn't needed.Like everything this to has a reason.I appreciate my Dear friend so much now.I will not be so hardheaded and learn from this.So my friend's,that is how my week is going.Feeling good on the mend and happy for another chance at life.

Queasy

Gee I have always hated this feeling.Queasy,like you are gonna throw up.I think it was the coffee on an empty stomach.Or maybe the virus or flu is still with me.I felt good when I got up but now,sheesh.I feel woozy and have a head ache also.I want to try staying up.Almost three days in bed and that gets old.Oh well will wait and see how this turns out.

Conbread

Cold buttermilk and warm cornbread.Man on man talk about good.Momma would bake cornbread,I still have the old black cast iron skillet,I would cut a slice of cornbread and smother it with mayonnaise.That was a treat and so good.Butter beans, peas,collards any type of vegetable goes good with cornbread.Just take a slice with a onion and that is good.Cornbread and potato salad.Does it get any better?Cornbread not that sweet stuff is a staple for us Southerners.At dinner that is lunch for some a big pan of cornbread would be baked.What was left over would be your supper.Sweet milk or buttermilk and cornbread.First class eating.

Buttermilk

Hi everyone.I have not been on the computer since Wednesday.I had some type of flu or virus or something.Went to bed Wednesday night and stayed there till this morning.Was not hungry at all so two days with out food or drink.I just could not think of food.Queasy I was.I am much better now I am hungry.I want or crave a taco pizza and Oreo cookies.I would love some buttermilk to dunk the cookies in but will settle for coffee.So that is the story from this end.

Do the right thing

Gee.How can people be so cruel to others.War,murder,abuse,on and on.What makes people want to hurt.Hurt someone and live with them self.We are supposed to be master of all domain,over animals but I think humans are the animals sometimes.Can animals murder?I don't know,guess it's possible.I know I am getting on one of those far fetched ideas.I have been dog bit and cat scratched but maybe that was my fault.I have been cruel to others with my words.I have remorse for it.Maybe that is what separates us from the animals.I have had this discussion with people.Would you kill to protect your family?I can't answer that till I'm faced with it.Maybe I would turn and run.Hope not.I like to think I could.I want to.Protect those I love.Could I be brave enough to help a stranger who was in dire need?A life or death situation?At times like that I am smart enough to say wait till faced with it.Just hope if ever in that kind of situation I could do the right thing.

Grocery store parking lots

People are amazing.I liked just sitting in grocery store parking lots waiting on Momma to do her shopping.All the different stories with a person to go along with it.A sniplet of life parking lots can be.I was shocked once.A woman was smoking a little cigar and walking hand hand with another woman.The guy who I could tell was homeless.Wearing all his clothes.Several shirts and pairs of pants asking me when the Liquor store open.She was always around.I never knew her real name but most here in LaGrange know who I am talking about.She pushed her son around in a shopping cart.I never knew the whole story maybe I don't want to know.Buddy can you give me a quarter was what she always asked.Wonder what happened to them?Then there was the interracial couple pushing a baby carriage.From my seat I could see black couples,white couples turn and stare at them.Yep a grocery store parking lot is like a window of the world.You can learn a lot.

Oz

Wizard of Oz.I don't like that movie.Well not so much the movie but one song in it.Somewhere over the rainbow.Here is the story.There was a place here when I was a kid called Hanson's drive in.It was a Sunday evening and that is where Me and my folks where.Momma said when we get home we where going to watch The Wizard of Oz.I knew nothing of the movie.I was 6 years old.Sure enough we watched it.Now why I don't like that song.Everytime I hear it it brings tears to my eyes.I always remember Momma and Daddy and eating hamburgers at Hanson's drive in.Some say that it should be a good memory.Maybe it was but it makes me cry to myself.

Old is now new

Today would be a good time to just sit around the roaring fireplace.Feet propped up and a large hot cocoa in your hands.This house has a fireplace and old chimney still stands.Only thing is it has been covered up with paneling.All the mill houses had fireplaces cause they where built in the 1920's.This is how I figure it.Back years ago when the city started offering natural gas to people I guess it was more popular than keeping the fireplace.So when homes where remodeled the fireplace was covered up.Now a fireplace in all new homes is a must.It is the style.Just like hardwood floors.Use to be carpet in every room now everyone wants hardwood floors.I guess it is true.What ever is old is now new and everyone wants it.

Shadows on the wall

Glimpse of my past maybe.I see shadows on the wall.The fireplace is crackling and the smell of burning wood fills my senses.Staring at the glowing fire I am in deep thought.Trance like I stare.I catch myself doing that.What is it .Is it really a glimpse from my past or am I just daydreaming.It is like being hypnotized by the flickering lights on the wall.It does not scare me.Wish it could be taken further.See what it's all about.Maybe my past or maybe something else.I just want to know.

Old red truck

One of these days I am going to write about Daddy's old truck.I have pictures and will add them to the story.1984 Ford F150 it was called an Explorer back then.Red with a silver top.Georgia Bulldog colors.Silver stripe down the side.It was the only new vehicle he ever bought.His retirement truck he called it.He had this thing about money.He liked spending it and Momma didn't.Many a time he would tell me no need for your Momma to know how much this cost.Best I can remember she did not say anything about his new truck.Maybe she was lost for words.When he died in 1991 the truck only had 27,000 miles on it.He only drove it to work.Maybe to Macon a few times or the big farmers market in Atlanta.The first time it was washed I did it.Leave it with me Daddy I will wash it.He fell for it I just wanted to drive around a bit in his new truck.I did wash it.I was in the bed of the truck and it was all soapy and wet and whoops down I went.Fell hard.This is true.Every time I drove the truck to Alabama something would happen to it.Once it caught on fire with me.Leaves down in the cowl of the truck burst into flames.Made it home but it would not crank so had it pulled in.Water pump went out on one trip.Transmission on another trip.I wrecked the truck twice.First time it was totaled by insurance company.I told them I wanted the truck fixed and they did.Gosh I had it painted solid red and talk about pretty that old truck turned heads.More than once a pretty woman would come up to me and say nice truck !After the second wreck which by the way where not my fault the old truck never did drive quite right but that was ok.It was Daddy's and that was all that mattered.Like I said there is a picture here of it and soon maybe I will add it to this story.Oh I almost forgot the moral of the story.What ever happened to me when driving tho old truck it always got me home.Kinda like Daddy and the old truck where watching out for me.That is what I like to think anyway.

Remember?

Most likely today in history is forgotten.I asked a younger person if they know what December 7th was.Their answer was it's Tuesday.Well guess they where right it is Tuesday.Seems that day that will live in infamy did not.1941 about 7am,Hawaii,Pearl Harbor.Now do you remember?

It is sad

I have no earth shattering news today.A cold day but sun is out.Least there is no snow like some are having.I know,in my old age I'm a fuddle duddle.Don't care for the snow,glad when the Holidays will be over.Yea ! Things back to normal what ever normal is.Snow is like life.It's pretty at first then it melts and is an ugly mess.Piled up on the side of the road mixed with dirt and trash.That is the way alot of us sorry to say will end up.Not piled up on the roadside but put away.Put up out of view,out of sight out of mind sorta.Things are not like they use to be.Families took care of each other.Now if you can't keep up off to the nursing home they send you.It is the best thing for ole so and so,they will be better off ole so and so will.Right.Fool yourself.Say it long enough and you will convince yourself that the right thing was done.A throw away person.Thrown away like a newspaper that is ragged and used up.Like a old pair of shoes.It is sad.

Give them strength

It always frightens me.Always has.I am talking about sirens.Ambulance just went down the street and it means trouble for someone.A man said once that he hated to see the hearse stop at his neighbor's house but glad it didn't stop at his.I could not pronounce siren for the longest,it always came out as sardine.If one of my folks was out away from me and I heard a siren I would almost panic.I just knew it was coming for them.Still when I hear one I automatically pray for who ever it is going for and I pray for their family to give them strength to face whatever comes there way.

All we had was our imagination

I spent Sunday in bed.Nope wasn't sick.Was not mad at anyone.I just had no dire need or reason to do otherwise..I watched some old movies on TV.Some I liked.It was just a day to lay in bed and think.Oh shoot I forgot to think.I sometimes think to much.Keeps me up at nights it does.Thinking about this and that.I know sometimes it's hard to switch off the brain and relax and sleep. My old body can be so tired.To tired to move but the brain won't cooperate and just keeps spinning.Wide awake staring at the ceiling.I can look out my bedroom window and see trees and the sky.With out much trouble I can make out designs,people or things in the tree branches.Same way with clouds.I guess everyone does this.I guess this was the way cavemen entertained them selfs when not hunting or being hunted.I think that is one thing kids of today are missing out on.Imagination.They have computers,cell phones,I pods etc to keep them busy.All we had was our imagination.

I know nothing

I know one thing.I was smarter as a kid than now.I could pick up a leaf and tell you what type of tree it fell off.Take a rock any rock and tell you it's name and history.Same way with birds.Knew all their names.What happened I don't know.Now I know nothing.

Santa knows

When I was a kid living on Juniper Street there was a store called Browns.It was just a neighborhood store.The old CoCola ice box had the coldest Cokes.Always ice in them.The store is still there but I think ownership has changed hands a few times since I was a kid.Walk into the big brick building.On the right hand side.On top of the meat counter.There it was.A Christmas present to die for.In a box,clear front.It was a rife.No not a real rifle but a plastic play army gun.Every time I was in the store I would stop and look.Wow that would be great if Santa brought that I thought.Now this is what I haven't figured out after all these years.How did Santa know I stopped and drooled over that toy.Well I must have been a good little boy that year cause that is what Santa brought me.

No white Christmas

I have never seen a white Christmas.Been close a few times.Have been through cold Christmas morns.But no snow.Why does anyone want a white Christmas any way?If I was a kid warm sunny weather would be ideal for being outside with your toys.Each his own as they say.Maybe this is not right.Memory maybe is getting cloudy.But it does seem like in past years the weather was colder.Don't get me wrong it is cold right now .My fingers are freezing.We had gas space heaters as a kid.We also used coal for the fireplace up in the country.Never did the heaters stay on at night.Those first few steps on an icy cold floor sure got my attention.No carpet back then.Just a bare wood floor most likely painted brown.Or sometimes those linoleum floor coverings.No white Christmases in my past but some cold ones.Maybe there is something to that global warming.Sure could use a little of it now.

Space race

I read where a Russian rocket caring some satellites exploded or crashed in the pacific ocean near Hawaii.GPS satellites I think they where.The article mentioned something about a space race and that got my attention.I am old enough to remember the first space race between Russia and America.Sputnik the Russian satellite caused a big up roar.That tiny little thing way up in the sky sending out it's little beeps sure shook the United States up.I.There are two great movies about all this.One is called October Sky that has the Sputnik story in it.And another is The Right Stuff.Seems rockets,satellite and moon trips aren't as popular as they once where.Watching rockets blast off use to make the news.Now it is just so so news.I don't know which one of the rocket launches it was I can't remember.It was one of the original astronauts.At Southwest Elementary school they marched us all into the auditorium.Sat us down .On stage was a tiny b&w TV.We watched as the space launch took place.Back in those day in was big news and we all took notice.I remember where I was when man landed on the moon for the first time.On the 3rd shift,age 17,July working in the mill.It was exciting and something to be proud of.Sometimes I think that is what our Country needs now.Something everyone can agree on and support.We need another space race.

Son of lint heads

I have lived the majority of my life on what is called a Mill Village.

Always near by me I could lay in bed on summer nights with windows up and hear the clinky clank of the mill.My Momma and Daddy always worked in the mills.

Cotton mills,carpet mills,etc.

Textiles.

Seen them come home from work covered with cotton lint.Hence the word Lint Head.

A word just as derogatory as the N word.

Some took it on them self to look down on us hard working people.Maybe I should have said those hard working people.I never have worked a hard day in my life like Momma and Daddy had to.I was always lucky when it came to jobs.

We lived on the village.In a mill house.You know what the house I live in now is a mill house.It was built in 1925.Sold in the 40's after the war I think.I have been here 32 years this month.

Never was I ashamed to live what some call the wrong side of town.I didn't see it that way.I do know of some who deny living on the village in their youth.Why do that it is nothing to be ashamed of.

We well our parents kept us feed and clothed.They kept the other businesses in town operating by buying their products.At one time mills where the only place for people to work here in LaGrange.

People came from the farms in the country to have jobs.In the 1920's there was a strike here.Some wanted an union.Naturally the mill owners did not want it.I think the National Guard or some private police force was used to quench the strikers.The mill owners fired and turned out some out of their houses who where striking.

The owners did do alot for the workers.

To be fair.

They built schools,libraries,recreation facilities for the workers and their families.Day before I turned 16 I started working in the mill.So all said I guess the mills and mill village will always be a big part of my life and memories.

I think if Momma and Daddy had not moved around so much and stayed at the old Callaway mills they both would have had 50 years each at those mills.The mill a few blocks from the house has just about closed down if it hasn't already. Hillside Plant and at one time was the largest plant in LaGrange.

The village where I live is called Hillside.Yep it is hilly over here.So I am a son of lint heads.It really don't bother me.I know what and who I am.And I am very proud of my folks for working so hard.

They are heroes in my eyes.

I enjoyed that

I have a friend who said his Daddy swears that back in the 1950's he had a beer with Hank Williams at some road side beer joint.That is very possible.My brush with famous people has been very limited.I know a woman said she was stopped at a stoplight in Springfield,Ohio and who do you guess drove up next to her and asked for directions?It was Steven King the writer.Momma seen the train that had FDR's body when it traveled from the Little White House at Warm Springs.Ok this is my brush with famous people.Back in the 60's we where at the watermellon festival in Forest Park,Georgia.The high light of the day was Porter Wagnoer with Speck Green and some unknown woman named Dolly Parton.I did see Jimmy Carter and Rosalyn when he was Governor of the Great State of Georgia.It was at a NASCAR race at what was called Atlanta International Raceway back then.They flew in on a little helicopter piloted by a Georgia State Trouper.This I got a kick out of.One Of the Carter sons tried getting on the helicopter as it was leaving.Just the pilot on board.No matter what that pilot was determined to keep that Carter boy off.The Carter boy fussed and pitched a fit but the pilot flew off without him.You know what I enjoyed that.

Eat a green thing

What for breakfast.I have can peanuts here at computer.I have chocolate chip cookies also.I was thinking laying in bed some nachos would be good.That was my plan.Yesterday this was what I ate.Two tacos,one Mexican pizza and for supper some chili from Wendys.I know junk huh.Today would be a good day for some collards and cornbread and instant mashed potatoes.Instant mashed potatoes are better than homemade plus a whole lot easier and quicker but that is just my thinking.There was a gallon jar of homemade pepper sauce here somewhere.Neighbor gave it to us about 5 years ago.Never been opened.Yikes that stuff might have turned into rocket fuel by now.Bet it has a punch but sure would be good on the collards or turnip greens.My Grandma Smith ate collards.Ended up in the hospital.She was about dead.Doctor told her not to eat that stuff.Feed it to cows not humans he said.He was doctor smart but not country smart.Greens are good for you and taste wonderful.Heard a comedian on TV say his Mom told him to eat a green thing every day.So Think I will take her advice and eat a green thing.

Thank you Susie !

We got cats.We got kittens.Plan was to adopt them out.Well one was.The rest are still here.They just might stay cause I have become attached.Last night it was real late or real early I don't know.My left arm hurts sometimes and it did last night.It woke me up.The pain was bad.From my shoulder down to my fingers it ached.My fingers where numb.Tossing and turning I thought maybe I should wake someone up.I held out it was way to early.This is what happened.The smallest kitten,a black calico who I call Susie got into bed with me.She went under the covers and was laying on my hurting arm.She was so warm and just a purring.You know what?I think that little kitten knew what pain I was having and decided to help.And she did.My pain did go away.Susie little kitten I thank you so much !

Things all southern

Things all Southern.There are many.Grits with butter,swimming in butter with salt and black pepper.Strik-o-lean,delightful.If you don't know what it is it's salty strips of meat,looks like bacon but is what is called fatback,just in strips.Take strik-o-lean,gravy,mustard and cut up onions and you have a meal fit for any country boy.Dip your biscuit in the gravy mustard and onion mix and yum yum.Might be best to soak the meat overnight because it is so salty.CoCola.CoCola it's called not pop or soda.CoCola covers all soft drinks from a to z.Some one may offer you a CoCola but don't be surprised if it's not a coke.Krystals and Crispy Creme doughnuts.If the South had those two items back then I think the Civil War would have ended different.Kudzu.Now that has been called the South's secret weapon but I think it was imported from Japan just for one reason.Stopping soil from being washed away,yep I know there is a word for but I tried spelling it and spellcheck was no help.Red Georgia clay.It will ruin your bluejeans quicker than your Momma can slap you.Officer Don and the Popeye club that crame on in the 50's and 60's from WSB TV.Stone Mountain now that is one big rock.Double Cola.A strong soft drink.Peachtree Street.Every Georgia town has at least one some more and yes it can be confusing.Peanuts in your coke.Shoot there are more many more but my brain and fingers are tired.Till next time !

Simple as they get

I think well I know that dysfunctional fits me to a T.Always,my entire life I felt like something was out of wack.Never fitting in.Never like others.But maybe that not all that bad.Some I'm glad we have nothing in common.How many people in the world are there?God made us all different.That I am happy for.All those billions of people and everyone different with their on way of doing things.Their own opinions.It sure would be boring if everyone was alike.Like what Henry Ford said you could get his cars in any color you wanted long as it was black.What that meant I have no idea.Maybe it was a metaphor.A big word huh.I know people who can say those reader digest words,those 50 cent ones.Who are they trying to impress?Me or themselves.I walked into the lab at the water plant one day.Just me and the first shift operator.Just to make conversation I asked if that was his brief case.The proper word is attache case he said.Ok I said to my self but brief case would have served the purpose as well.No big fancy word was needed.I stutter sometimes.Know some words I can't pronounce correct.I have been know to even get tongue tied so I keep my words simple.Some folks put on airs I think.I hope never anyone thinks that about me.I am as simple as they get.

Just put me in the freezer

Cold this morning.Temp was 27 degrees when I woke up.I am glad that seasons change here.Must be boring having one type of weather year round.Here in Georgia we get all four seasons.Fall is the most beautiful.Never met anyone who doesn't like fall.I know this sounds like the Chamber of Commence brochure but Georgia is a great place to live.Mountains to the north.Atlantic ocean to the east.Flat farm land down in south Georgia.I am a Georgia native.Born here raised here.Even got a grave spot here in LaGrange that is ready for me when I am ready so to speak.I have convinced myself that burial in the ground is not for me.Cremation is the way to go.I know some folks who have chose that route.I just don't like the idea of a six foot hole in the ground,in a metal box,inside a concrete vault.I have been by the graveyard and seen graves just dug filled with water.I know when a body is placed in a grave they take all the care in the world to protect it but it is useless.You will melt away so to speak.So cremation will get the job done quicker.Back to ashes from which we came.Plus it is a lot cheaper.Basic funerals are up in the $1000's of dollar range.I read recently cremation starts at round $1000 or less.I don't want a funeral.Funerals are one of the most stressful situations you can put a family through.Funerals are for the living anyway so I will save people money and stress and bow out easy and quiet.No big deal.Just say yep he is dead,that all she wrote,get it over with .I have one request.Wait till the fourth day after I have died before you cremate me ok.Someone told me that your soul hangs around for that long after you die.Something I don't understand.A golden cord,keeping the body and soul togather.So take no chances wait those four days.Plus this is another reason for no funeral.I never have seen a good looking corpse.I hear people say don't he look good.Don't they look peaceful.They are dead and where sick most likely before they died.Unless the mortician is a wizard they ain't going to look good.Plus I don't want no one looking down at me in that casket and saying that.So when my time comes there will be no funeral,no wake,no sitting up with the dead,none of that stressful stuff.Just put me in the freezer,wait four days and then cremate me.That is how it is and how I want it.

No winner

Have you ever been slapped without a hand being layed on you?I have.Believe me it hurts just as bad .Words or looks hurt.I am trying to make a compassionate effort to put myself into others people shoes .Their feelings.Think before I say something that might be took the wrong way.My joking is often took the wrong way.Got to stop that.The second something leaves my mouth often I have thought that did not come out right.I didn't mean it that way.I be Hatti never would I hurt anyone.I mean their feelings.My actions are not always good.Ok it is a fault I have.I won't pick no more.I don't need a fight.No more.I never win.No one wins.

The Captain,Mr Green Jeans,Bunny Rabbit and me

Saturday mornings.About 6am.In my PJ'S.A bowl of cornflakes and sweet milk.Sitting on the floor in front of the black and white TV.Just me.No one is up.Watching the Indian test pattern waiting for another day of excellent broadcasting to start.So it was as a kid.TV was so important then.Any given day I could ramble off the programs and time they came on.In my innocence I remember wondering if the cowboys on those Saturday morning programs ever had to take a bathroom break.Dancing in front of the TV I didn't know that it was a one way mirror and they could not see me like I could them.Captain Kangaroo,Mr Green Jeans,Bunny Rabbit and Moose.I never could make anything the Captain did with a shoe box and scissors like he did.

Life worth living

I wish that love could be bottled up and dished out when ever you need it.Everyone needs it.Deny all you want but we do.There have been times in my life where even JohnLee has needed love.Someone who really cares.Someone who is our best friend.Lucky are those that find it and keep it.Have you ever noticed a puppy or other small animal who has never been hugged,loved and how they turn out in life?They become suspicious of everyone,they don't trust.They seem so unhappy.Humans turn out the same way I think.So I rank love right up there with food and shelter for us to survive.Oh you can live without but it makes life worth living.

The Dell guy

I could live without it but never would I want to.Computers and the Internet.That is what the subject is.2000 I think was the year I got a puter.Heck I ordered it from the Dell guy on TV.Thank goodness there was a color coded chart showing you how to hook it all up.I am a man and men don't read the instructions.Least I don't.It went togather good,no problems and there it was may computer,sitting on my desk that I have had since I was 10 years old.So that makes the desk 48 years old now.I am getting off track now but that is the way my brain works.I have a few things left from my childhood.I still have my old shotgun,20 gauge Stevens.I have the old desk.Story behind it is my Daddy had a tool box built for him and the man who built it had material left over so he built me a desk.Ok so it is small and my big feet won't fit under it anymore but I like it contrare to what others might think of it.What else do I have?A Levi blue jean jacket I bought in Newnan,Georgia at age 16 when I first started working.I can get it on but no way will it button up on me.I think it shrunk don't you?No.I got fat.O k what was my subject?What was I talking about?Oh yeah computers.I still only know how to turn them on.Click on an icon and off I go on the WWW.My window on the world computers are.I can look up anything.I can and have made friends on the computer.I think really computers are a God sent instrument.They can be used for so much good.Granted there are some bad awful stuff on them but even without computers that evil would still be lurking in man's mind.Good or bad,computers,I am so thankful I took a chance and called the Dell guy and got one.

Rubbing dirt on my clothes

The only pill I take is a low dose aspirin.Most of the time I forget it.The bottle is sitting on the computer so I can be reminded to take it.Let me count.I am suppose to be taking 3 more pills each day but I just gave them up.One for my diabetes ,one for blood pressure and another for cholesterol.Oh I do take over the counter pills for pain every once in a while.Never in my life was I a pill taker.Never was I one to go to the doctor either.When I was a little boy if my Daddy told me to keep my clothes clean we had some where to go after getting home from school I took that to mean you are going to the doctor and that means shots and that means pain.I think going to the doctor was one of my worst fears.Honest it still is.I always afraid they will find something and me personally if I got something that is going to kill me I would rather not know.Just let in slip up on me I say.The doctor sent me to the heart clinic here for what do you call it...a sonogram or something like that.Anyway it is the ultra sound thing they do with your heart.I got a call that an appointment to see a cardiologist had been made for me.Heck I did not go.I do know that my ticker beats way to fast but what ever else is wrong if I don't know about it I won't worry right?Now back to when I was a little boy.Like I said if I thought I was going to be taken to the doctor and I do mean taken no way would I go easy I would run under the house.hide and rub dirt all over my clean clothes.Sometimes that worked other times well.People in my family die of two things.Cancer or heart attacks.Neither is pleasant.So these days I am just letting nature take it's course.I think that our lives have been planned out from second one of our life.What will happen will.Why fight it.Don't get me wrong,like my Daddy said when he was on his death bed everyone wants to live as long as they can.I sure do.I just don't want to suffer a long painful death.Make mine quick please,no time for me to suffer or be scared if all possible.Oh well it is something we all will face someday.I don't even know how I got on this subject.Gee hope I haven't depressed you to much.Ok enough of this thinking.Let's have another cup of coffee.

Ding ding

Good morning everyone.I'm in a mood today.Sheesh.Ever have one of those days when you first open your eyes you just know today will be....I will let you fill in the blanks.I can just pick up on others feelings without a word being said.That is not good most of the time.Some days I just want to stay in bed or least till I can't stand it anymore.Get me one of those little brass bells and go ding ding when I need something.Ding ding bring coffee.Ding ding bring breakfast with grits,hash browns,bacon,biscuits and ding ding keep the coffee coming.Yeah in my dreams huh.But it was a thought anyway.

My name was Johnny

It is getting late here.Sun is setting on whats been a pretty good day.Bit cold to me.Yesterday was warm in the 70's.Sure was glad someone turned the heat on when they got up this morning.Ok this is what is on my mind.My name is John.But forever people who knew me when I was a kid called me Johnny.But that was the name I used for the first part of my life.Even my social security card is signed Johnny.But now I am just John.I am old,sorta mature,well sometimes I am.But to all my friends and family who knew me from way back then you don't have to call me John,Johnny will work just fine.

The cowboys

I was and still am a fan of Cowboys.Movie cowboys.TV cowboys.The Lone Ranger who was sponsored by Colonial bread on TV where I lived.Sugar Foot.The Virginian.Gunsmoke.Never did out draw Matt on those Saturday Nights.Hop Along Cassidy,Gene Autry,Roy Rogers the list could go on.I seen where True Grit has been remade with Jeff Bridges playing John Wayne's part.I would like to see that movie.310 to Yuma the old version and the newer one where excellent.There are so many good cowboy movies and TV programs no room here to mention them all.See the picture above?That is The Cisco Kid.Setting up the story here so bear with me.The Central Georgia State fair is held or was at that time in Macon.Luck be it while visting my Daddy's sisters we always went to the fair.The Cisco Kid was to be there.Oh boy I was excited.I waited and waited but Cisco never showed up.A devastated kid I was.But I got over it and no hard feelings are held against him.But as Pancho said at the end of each program.Ohhhhh Cisco!

The swinging bridge and fat man's squeeze

Vacation at Rock City.I was a boy,just a kid my folks and the Calwells and their kids went to Chattanooga,Tennessee.Riding around the mountain was scary for me.Glad my Daddy was driving.One little slip over the edge you go.Off to Lookout Mountain we went.Rock City.You can travel the country side in the South and see painted on peoples barns See Rock City.Still to this very day you can see it.There was the swinging bridge.Momma forgive me and bless your soul she crawled across the swinging bridge.She was terrified.It was a swinging,high above the tree tops.Even after I had grown up I teased her about that swinging bridge.Now,.there was a cave.It had what was called fat man's squeeze.Me in my young thinking just knew Daddy would not make it through fat man's squeeze.Much to my relief he did.Fat man's squeeze by the way was an opening between 2 walls of the cave.There was Ruby Falls,another cave.But what got my attention was the bears.They had bears and never had I seen real live bears.I remember seeing the Chattanooga Battlefield being a civil war history buff even at that young age it was sacred and amazing ground for me.So this a quick roundup of my trip to Rock City.See seven states form Lookout Mountain they say.

Don't mess with country folk

It was a scene out of the old west.

Daddy was working for a mobile home place delivering and setting up mobile homes.This was in the 1970's.He was going to Sand Mountain,Alabama to pick up a mobile home at the factory.I went along for the ride.What a ride it was it that sawed off truck.It was like a regular 18 wheeler but shorter.

It was a long round trip but that is not the story.

We had barely got out of LaGrange,on US 27 just before Franklin,Georgia when on the right hand side of the road we seen for lack of a better word a posse.There where hundreds of people standing on side of the road facing the woods.

They had rifles,shotguns,pistols any type of weapon they could tote I guess.One lone Georgia State Patrol car was parked on the shoulder of the road.What is wrong?Daddy asked a man.Seems 2 desperadoes had robbed a store near by in Hogansville,Ga and they had been chased into the woods where everyone was waiting.

Waiting with their weapons ready for action.The Trouper was in the woods.Dogs where in the woods also.I never knew if the dogs where to track down the robbers for capture or to drive them out of the woods to face that angry mob of  all ages waiting with their guns.

I think it would have been smarter to surrender to the Trouper and dogs rather then face those people ready to enforce some Southern country justice.

Today is not the day

There are some things I won't write about.Just to personal for the world knowing.Only a very few people have heard my true story and that shall be the way it remains.Maybe someday I will put into words what I am thinking of.It is nothing dark and sinister.I have not murdered any of my wives and buried them under the house.Nothing like that.What I am thinking about was no great sin on my part.Nope I am not a spy for the CIA  Nothing that exciting.Knock on wood it's not about being in prison.I would never make it there.That has always been one of my fears.Prison.The big house.The poky.Slammer.What ever you want to call it has been a life long fear of mine.Oh and I have many fears.Another story for another time.Nope what I am thinking about is really not about any of those things.One of these days when subject matter is short,maybe I will write about what is on my mind.But today is not the day.

The world through a mirror

Watching my life pass me by.I do spend way to much time on this computer.No one has to tell me.Sitting here I can watch traffic go by the house.Watch what ever is going on outside from my little spot on planet Earth.I have a large mirror behind the computer desk and that is my window to the world.Granted everything will be reversed looking at the mirror.But you know,maybe that is not a bad way of looking at the world.

Chicken soup

Chicken soup.What is it about chicken soup.When ever I am feeling sick or down in the dumps,feeling blue or depressed I have found out that chicken soup will always make me feel better.I have heard it called Jewish penicillin and there just might be something to that thought.So if you are having one of those days where you need a little pick me up try chicken soup.Hope it works for you like it does for me.

Blustery day out

Well the tree beside my bedroom window is about bare.Not many leaves are left.I have a good view of the squirrel nest now.It is way up on top of the tree.The limb it's built on is swaying today.It's a blustery day here in LaGrange.Sky is  cloudy,a milky white color.Wind is really whipping around.It is to warm.70 degrees.Yesterday it was rainy and cold and I could not get warm.The weather is ripe for storms today.Crows woke me this morning.It's always a pleasure watching them play.Did not see the squirrels so I guess they are smart enough to know that bad weather could be on the way.Today my old bones are warm compared to yesterday so that is a good thing.

Till the Sun don't rise for me

Life is pretty good at times I think.Sure we all get tired and depressed.But for most of us it does not last.I would hate to go through life never finding anything funny.It sure can take away your problems when you laugh.Me and Momma could get laughing at something till the point of tears.I know of people who never find humor in anything.They are the ones with the long faces,pouting lips and that get away from me attitude.Gee it all my problems,all my shortcomings,all my faults I am so thankful that laughter has been and I hope a part of my life till the sun don't rise for me again.Without laughter life would be so boring.

Hole in my head

Maybe I have told this story,not sure.Living on Juniper Street,age about 8 most likely.My cousins and me made a tent from a bedspread.Why there was a broken pointed brick on top I have no idea.Making a long story short the brick fell and hit me right on top of my head.I bleed like a stuck pig as they say.It was on a Sunday.The day of 3rd Sunday in May or Decoration day up in the country at Bethel.That is homecoming and when people place flowers on the graves of their kin.It was about time for us to leave for the Church.Me my flat top hair,bleeding.No going to the emergency room for me.Momma got a handful of black soot from the fireplace and I guess stopped up the hole in my head.It worked.There I was sitting in church,black soot all over my flat top hair do.For years I had a black spot on my scalp.So for those that ask what is wrong with me,why I am so strange and weird,just blame it on that brick with the pointed end,the hole in my head and a handful of black soot.

In the end

I never have thought of myself as a bad person.I'm no saint but.What year was it let me think.2004 was the year.3am on some July morning.I had hit rock bottom emotionally I think.Momma had died the year before.I had 7 years of being her caretaker.She had Alzheimers and as time goes on the worse they become.I am going to say something .The only help ever I got was from my Aunt Lema and Uncle Eugene.What would I done without those two I don't know.She would be awake for days at a time and I had to stay up with her.But this is not the story.I got off track a bit.Sitting at the computer on that July morning at 3am I just let it all go.I started crying.I did not want to live like I was anymore.This is what happened.I asked for Jesus to forgive me of my sins.I had plenty.There was a peace that came over me.Hard to put into words.I have been saved.Some have questioned my sincerity about this lately.I have slipped plenty of times since that July morning.I never will be a saint.I am a human and make and will make more mistakes.Jesus died for my sins this I know as truth.In the end he will be all I have all I need.

Hoot owls a hooting

Daddy was from Clay County,Alabama.That was where he was born.Story is My Grandpa Haynes had his still in what is now called Talledega National Forrest.Yep that Talledega where the race track is.You Nascar fans know what I'm talking about.Anyway I remember going up there once.Their was Uncle Wiley my Grandpa's brother and Aunt Martha and Aunt Rosie.All Grandpa's sisters and brother..We had to cross a river on the way.I am guessing the Cosa river.No bridge you use a ferry.Not a ferry boat but a little raft looking thing just big enough for a car to fit on.There where cables or ropes I don't remember and it pulled you across from one side to the other.I remember getting stuck on a dirt road in the mud.No paved roads I guess.We stayed at one of Daddy's aunts.Talk about out in the sticks it was.She was out in the garden and was wearing a gun and holster  just like from the cowboy days.I could not sleep that night.I was a very young boy.I heard hoot owls a hooting all night and it terrified me.It was an experience never to be forgotten.Talk about country that was the country.

Sooner or later you will be found out

I have only stole one thing in my life.It was a little knife from a gum ball machine.It was in a fruit bowl on my Uncle's kitchen table.6 years old at the time,walking by the table I seen the little knife and took it.Daddy asked me where I got it.He had this thing of saying look me in the eyes and tell me when he knew I had been up to something.Well I did and the truth came out.I was so ashamed of my sin.I had to take the knife back to my uncle and apologize.That was really embarrassing.Every time I seen him come down our street I would run and hide under the house.You know that was a good life lesson for me.I found out at that early age that you can't hide anything.Sooner or later you will be found out.I never and I mean never stole anything again.I am the most honest person you will ever meet when it comes to others property.If it's not mine I wont touch it.

Resisting was no use

Gee it's a rainy cold day here in west central Georgia.The heat is on now and hope soon it warms the house up.My hands are cold.Maybe a pair of gloves from Santa would help.That reminds me of something.When I was in the 3rd grade I think we all walked to school.Southwest Elementary it was called then.School was several blocks away.One blustery rainy morning before leaving the house for my walk to school Momma made me wrap one of her scarfs around my head.Resisting was no use she made me wear it.Gosh I just knew someone would see me and say something.But I got lucky.Soon as I was out of her view that scarf came off.The day was saved.

Daddy I love you

This is not my favorite time of the year.

Christmas.

Always glad to see it get here.Always glad to see it go.

Daddy went to the hospital for the last time Christmas morning 1991.He had cancer and was...

December 27th was his 66th birthday and we spent it in the hospital with him.Staying night and day.Came New Years and we where still there.

Daddy was coming home.

With help from hospice we kept him home.Momma took care of the day time and I stayed up nights with Daddy.

Thursday January 9th one day after Momma's birthday early that night just me and him.I asked him if he was tired because he had been talking out of his head some.He had been working in the mill.Are you tired Daddy I asked?He just nodded his head yes.Daddy do what you need to do and don't worry about us.Again he nodded his head.I'm sorry he said.Daddy's last words to me.I told him he had nothing to be sorry about.I kissed his forehead and told him I love you.Again he just nodded his head.

After that he went into what I call a coma.About 10 am on January 9,1992 Daddy died.Daddy I miss you.Never thought I could make it without you but everything is okay.

I love you Daddy.

More understanding

It is almost funny .People including myself are quick to tell you what you did wrong.What you did bad.So on and so on.But ,I am guilty of this,never telling you what you do right.Why do we find it so easy to criticize but to praise your good qualities is near to impossible.Sometimes maybe this is so true we humans got a lot of things wrong and backwards.Maybe there is still time to grow and improve.That is what I want to do.Improve,grow and learn to be a better person.More understanding.I want to look at you and see the good things about you.Not look at you and see all your faults.

The Marmalade Reflections of my life lyrics

Listen to the words.This is such a sad song.I wonder what the person who wrote this song was going through at the time?Hope whoever it was things got better for them.

This is for all the lonely people

Like that song by America this is for all the lonely people.Some us will always be lonely I think.In a crowd of thousands we are and can be alone.Why we are like this I don't know.Maybe it's because we don't try hard enough.Maybe it is for some purpose that will be revealed at some unknown time.Maybe then we will understand why this happened to us.Maybe it is of our own choosing.Maybe it is our fears holding us back.Maybe there is a cure for this.A pill from the corner drugstore.That would be wonderful huh.But I am sure the answer and the cure lays inside us.

I am sorry

The Christmas I was 12.I got the gift wanted.My very own Stevens 20 gauge shotgun.Me and Daddy picked it out at a hardware store downtown LaGrange on Bull Street.First time I shot it oh boy did it kick.I had a box of shells Me,Daddy and my Uncle Leon went to a creek and we each took turns shooting it.It was in Macon,Ga where we spent just about every Christmas with Aunt Gladys and Leon.Like every 12 year old I just had to go hunting.So I did.By myself.It was rainy,snowy and cold that day.I went into the woods behind the house.Now to the part I'm not so proud of.No squirrels where seen,so I had to kill something with my shotgun.A poor,helpless not bothering anybody or anything little bird in a tree became my victim.Little bird I have often thought of that day.Please forgive me.

Tis the season...almost

The Christmas season has started.Oh boy.Let me say from the start it is way over done I think.The real reason for the season has long been forgotten.Now it just a commercialized thing.See what they can sell ya.I know,before you call me a heathen or Ebenezer Scrooge, presents,gifts and I want this or I want that is not what it's about.Maybe you still have to have that childlike innocence to really enjoy Christmas.Yep It is Christmas soon.Enjoy and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Live with it

Ok I might be a little sensitive.Maybe a little insecure.What I am talking about is people who are what is the word I am looking for.Those people who can't see the forest for the trees.People who pea perfume or think they do..People who never think they are wrong.People who think the world revolves around them.Mr or Ms number 1.People who would be shocked to put it mildly if they knew how I really felt about them.Oh well to each his own and like Daddy said if they can live with it I can live without it.

Number 200

This is it folks.Number 200.Post number 200.Wow that is a lot then again thinking back it's not that much.Granted all my little stories are short snippets of my life.It is hard when you think about it to write down these things.Heck people might not even read them but it's my life interesting or just plain boring that is the way it is.I have found out one thing.I like doing this.It is fun.So as long it stays fun I guess if able it will continue.Thanks if you are taking time to read these little stories.It is much appreciated.

Put it in super Daddy

The car was old and no air conditioning.But back then no one really minded.AC was not common like it is now.It was unheard of in houses only places like movie houses had it and they advertised it .The car did have one added feature not found on many.I would lay in the back seat of Daddy's old car.On long trips I would carry a bucket of rocks with me.The floorboard in back was rusted out and from my seat I would drop rocks from the car.Daddy liked big cars.Pontiacs,Buicks cars like that.He had a couple of Oldsmobiles wow those where cars.I remember the 54 Olds Super 88.Two tone color,black and white and a 4 door.Daddy would be passing someone on a 2 lane highway and I would say put it in super Daddy.Super was the passing gear.Them old cars had style and seem so nice today compared to all the cars on the road now.At one time you could tell what make and model a car was.Not today they all look the same.

Sneaking into Church

Sneaking into Church after midnight.Did that once.We Boy Scouts where camping out behind East Newnan Elementary school.It was December and snowing and there was sleet.Tents where leaking and boy talk about cold.This is what we did.There was one large military surplus tent.But it was at the church basement where we had our meetings.It was a Friday and that very day there had been a funeral at the church.How do I know? Well the Church was across the street from the School.I had watched the funeral from my class room.Anyway the large tent that we decided was our best choice because the other 2 or 3 man tents where leaking.Yep it was at the Church.It was cold,dark and snowing.A few volunteers where need to make the long hike to the Church and retrieved the tent.I was always not to smart and volunteered.So a few of us Boy Scouts went,by the way we where poor kids and only 1 guy in our troop had an uniform.Getting to the church late that night our only way of getting in was to open a window and go through the sanctuary.Yep you can guess what was on my mind.The funeral from earlier in the day.We got and quickly shagged back to the camp site.There where 20 or more us and we shared that huge tent with a wood burning stove.It was a night to remember.Camping out,the snow,sleet and the Funeral.

Mayo sandwiches

Mayo sandwiches.I really like them.Mustard sandwiches are great also.Try this little delicacy sometime.Take vanilla wafers and spread mayo on them.Yum talk about good.

My chair is demonic !

I wrote about my power chair the other day.It has been acting up.Well it has been worked on by the girls and is doing much better.There is one slight problem.My chair has a mind of it's own.The chair is demonic I think.Sometimes it will not stop when it's supposed to.It will run you down.Be careful around the chair.They have enough power to knock down doors and drive through walls.Do you remember the movie Christine?It was about an old Plymouth Belverdere that was demonic.Well now my wheelchair seems to be the same way.I was asked the other day if I had a name for my chair.No I never thought about naming it.But since it is now demonic it shall now be called Christine.

Another test?

Up the creek as they say.In a pickle.Dire distress.My wagon is loaded and it's heavy.Going down for the third time.What ever you want to call it go ahead.Ok here is the deal.My @#$@^$$^& wheelchair.I hate this thing.But I need it and it's not working.Fish outta water I am.Try sitting all day in this thing.It is painful.I will not complain.Always someone worse off they say.Maybe it's just a test.I say that alot.What is the test and why ?I don't see the humor in all this myself.So if it is another test will I pass or what?Oh well enough of this for now.

A big stick will solve some problems

Ok while on the subject of being picked on or bullied I will tell this all so true story.Again it was an older kid.Every time he seen me he would cuss me or something just as wonderful.I was 7 or 8 years old.This is what Daddy told me what to do.How to fix the situation.He told me to get a big stick.I did.Sit on the hood of the car which was parked on the street.I did.Wait for this guy to come by the house.He did.When he starts cussing me and whatever and when he reaches the car where I am sitting.He was.And did.Knock him off his bike with the big stick.I did.Guess what?Problem solved and that kid never said another word to me or cause any problems.

Out of meaness

Six years old and it hurt.Standing in the back alley behind the house I was picking persimmons from a tree.BAM ! I seen stars.I felt this awful pain in my eye.Some kid who was older,maybe a teen had threw a rock on purpose and smacked me in the eye.I cried and I remember he was saying sorry,sorry.I ran home.To the eye Doctor my folks took me.I had a patch that was worned for awhile and what ever else was done I can't remember.I don't even know now which eye it was.I do remember this guy did not like me for what ever reason is unknown by me.It was close to loosing my eye the Doctor said.Plus my eye which ever one it was would always be weaker.So as I sit here at the computer thinking of that incident I can't help to think and ask why he did that to me.His name I don't remember it makes no difference.I wonder if he ever thought about that time out of meanes he almost blinded me.

I love you

All things considered I am a lucky person.I never had to struggle through this life.Plenty of food a place to sleep and clothes on my back.Blessed I am.I have family.Some living some gone.I never have been a huggy kissy type of person.I am changing in my old age.I was talking to one of my Macon cousins well emailing does anyone talk these days.I told her never had I said it but I love all my cousins.We are blood.Family.Even though we lose contact over the years that will never change.We are family.So to all my cousins out there even if I never told you,I love you all.

We would sleep better

Coffee is wonderful this morning.I am out of ideas about what to write about.I was watching the History channel while in bed.They had a program on about Jesse James.Theories on if he was really shot dead by Bob Ford or was it a conspiracy.Seems the rumor was that someone not Jesse was killed and buried.Maybe Bob Ford was just a fall guy,a patsy or maybe even a Judas.Conspiracies are interesting.Take JFK and Oswald.Was he the lone shooter.Another one that intrigues people is the subject of UFO's.Are they real?Is the government hiding the truth.I just had a thought.Maybe we would be better off not knowing these truths.We would sleep a whole lot better I bet.

47 years ago today

47 years ago where was you?On this date back in 63 it was a Friday,cold and rainy.I remember where I was.It was about 2pm and the school principal Mr Hempfhill came on the speaker system and said this.President Kennedy had been shot and was dead.I was 11 years old at the time.I watched TV all that weekend.I was watching when Lee Harvey Oswald was gunned down by Jack Ruby.I watched the funeral for President Kennedy on TV.I seem to remember that it was declared an national day of mourning.Schools where closed and my folks didn't have to work.Maybe it was for Thanksgiving but we where home.Things where starting to Change for America.

Jim

My best friend Jim.Jim was my best friend.Jim was a Squirrel monkey.I traded a guy I worked with a set of weights for Jim.Seems his wife was terrified of Jim.He had a cage but when me and him where alone I just let him run free.I walked into the kitchen and there he was,his little hands in the flour patting it all over his face.His little hands where like human hands.He would sit on my lap and pat my face.Gosh he was like a little kid and I loved him so.My folks said that Jim would start whistling before I got home each day like he knew I was coming.Often I wonder if he had ESP.Jim died in my arms at the vets.I was 18 but I cried like a baby for Jim.For several days after he died I could hear Jim at night whistling for me.

Living in the past

Living in the past.Guess I do.People keep telling me that.I don't see anything wrong with it.Least I know how it will all end because it is the past and I lived it before.Not like the future where noting is certain and full of doubt.

Cornbread dressing

This is one of my favorite foods and it's easy to make.It is cornbread dressing.First time I made one I was so proud and happy I showed my neighbor what I had done.My recipe is from the package of cornbread mix I use.Martha White.It is simple and serves up a few meals with it.Cold cornbread crumbled up.Tear loaf bread into strips and add to cornbread.A can of chicken broth.Cup of melted butter.Egg.Lots of sauteed onions.Spoon full of black pepper.Mix well.Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until golden brown.Eat and enjoy.Simple and good for people like me who are just cooks who get by.

Thanksgiving,basket ball and the chicken pox

It's almost thanksgiving.My favorite holiday.Why I don't know.The food maybe.Going back in my history,someone said that is where I live,the past but that is ok with me.A few days before thanksgiving,what year I am to lazy to figure up now.It was a night game for East Newnan Elementary girls basketball team.It was at Moreland,Ga down the road from Newnan.Moreland is a famous place.The home of one of my favorite writers.Lewis Grizzard.He was a writer of such books with titles like Granny don't bend over in the garden cause them taters have eyes.He died a few years ago at a real young age.He was having heart surgery and did not make it.Ok back to my story.We school kids rode the bus down for the basketball game.Me I wasn't interested in the game,just a reason to get out of the house was what I liked.I remember they announced that Lester Maddox had been elected governor of the Great State of Georgia at the game,so you can back track with that info and figure out the year.Any way in was near thanksgiving.It was on a Sunday before thanksgiving,laying in my bed at East Newnan,covered up with my electric blanket cause I wasn't feeling that great I awoke with the chicken pox.Man I had a good case of it.So I can remember having chicken pox during the holiday and being teased in school because another student in my class had them also at the same time.I can see her face but for the life of me can't remember her name.So with all this said I hope your thanksgiving is a great time for you and full of memories.

Krystals

Krystals.That is the subject today.Krystals.Unless you are a Southerner chances are you have no idea what they are.No not a girl's name.Not a type of fancy glass.Krystals are one of my favorite things.Ok for you people up north a Krystal is like a Whitecastle burger.I really like those little square,small,hot burgers with mustard and sauteed onions.I remember the first Krystal I ever had.Back in 1962 I was 10 years old.I was spending a week with my Aunt Gladys who lived in Macon,Ga.Downtown we went for something and we stoped at a fast food place.We sat down at a table and she asked how many hamburgers did I want.1 I said.She said she never knew a boy who could just eat 1.Well it was a Krystal.It only takes 4 to fill me up these days with those yummy fries they have.So begins my love affair with Krystals,hate to say love cause that is a misused word,a story for another time but I sure do like them.Maybe Krystals are a comfort food for me.Stuck in my brain is a memory of my first one.Good times,happy times.Back in the 1990's a Krystal opened up here in LaGrange.I was there that day.So was everyone else in town it seemed like.So that is what is on my mind today.Krystals and all the memories they bring back for me.

Lot of Smiths

Momma was a Smith.She told me this joke.A salesman traveling through the countryside noted that every one he met was a Smith.Later that day he found out why.He seen a sign.It read Smith Manufacturing.

I will ponder

I shall ponder this today.Women.Lately I am having a hard time understanding them.Has my beard grown gray,long and shaggy and is reflecting what they say from my brain?I swear they talk in a language that is native to me but in general what is said is a mystery.Oh well ponder I will.

Gun goes bang

Well this computer is getting worse.If I go for awhile you will know the reason.If it was a horse I would shoot it.Yeah that is a good idea.Get my trusty 20 gauge that I got at 12 years old and blow this thing to smitherns.That would be fun plus the old gun goes bang real loud.It does kick.Ok that is the deal from here.So Happy Holidays to all if I don't get back to you.

Wrestle the bear

When I was a small boy I didn't have much sense.Living on Juniper Street I had several mishaps that should have killed a normal kid.The bike wreck,hole in the head from a brick,cave ins from holes dug in the alley,etc.But sitting here I just remember my most outlandish idea I had at age 8.The fair was coming to town and they had a bear.A bear you could wrestle.Me in my childish way had the bright idea that I could wrestle the bear.I'm strong and can wrestle real good I thought to my self.You know that is why kids have parents.Without them no kid would live long enough to do any real damage.

Sorry

Why am I the one that always has to say I am sorry.Heck it ain't fair.I am not the guilty one always.Oppps I am sorry!

It's just a machine.

This is sad.I thought the computer had messed up good.It hung up and would not do anything.So I used the big power button and turned it off.Well to put it mildly it was a pain getting it started again.Fear spread quickly through me.Dang no puter.How will I entertain myself?That is the sad part.I am to dependent on this machine.Bet you are also right?

What I am searching for

People have dreams.Dreams of things they want in this life.Some want fame and fortune,money,big houses and fancy cars.Some dream of love and happiness.World peace and the end of hunger for the righteous ones of us.Me my dream is simple.See that log cabin picture?That is what I want.High up on a mountain surrounded with trees.Overlooking a valley down below.A little one room cabin with a fireplace.A place of peace and satisfaction yes a satisfied mind.That is my dream and what I am searching for.

Chicory coffee

Coffee is bad this morning.It is some off brand instant and it has no taste.Could be worse I guess.Least it's not Chicory.I had a cup of that once.Once and no more.I would just give up coffee if that was all there was.

Hope no one gets hurt

Another good day here in the great state of Georgia.Sun is out for the moment but sure is windy.The leaves are falling good.Those colorful leaves.Seems to be a bad year for acorns.Not many this year.That is a blessing cause they can cause havoc.There is an old Oak tree right at the driveway.Well half of a tree.It was a forked tree but last year in the night it split and half fell.It smashed a car,tore down a section of fence and bent a fence gate.Lucky no one was in the driveway when it fell.Tree is hollow in center of what is left.Still scary on windy days cause I am sure the other half will fall soon.I just hope no one gets hurt.

True words of wisdom

I just heard this on a old movie playing on TV.Man said he did not like a girlfriend who had a husband.He said if she fools him she might fool me.

Alone

People come and go.So do friends.If you get one true friend out of this life I would call you blessed.Your family will die and leave you. You carry their memory in your heart.We come into this world all alone.We go out same way.Alone.I always worked alone.Not by choice.I am not anti social or that weird.It was the job.One man per shift.At times working alone was great.Then something would happen on the job and at those times extra help would have been so nice.Some people can't work alone.That I can understand.Working alone is sorta like solitary confinement.I worked a shift at the water plant alone.Hours where 8pm to 4am.No one was there when I got there.No one was there when I left.It could be months before I seen anyone.I had been there 10 years and had to go to the big office for something and no one there knew me.Oh well like I said alone.Sometimes good.Sometimes bad.

Weird

I am having some weird dreams.Other night I was on a concrete bridge.Narrow walk way.Others kept on walking but I was scared.Turned around and left the bridge.Last night my dream was about someone who I don't really like but there they where in my dream.Oh by the way my dreams are in color.What all these dreams mean I don't want to know.

When the leaves are gone.

I was laying in bed looking at the trees.They are beautiful with their colors.I was thinking how dreadful and gloomy things will look when all the leaves are gone.

Ada

Momma's name was Ada .This is the story how she got that name.Grandpa Smith was at the store that was owned by the Noles.The Lady's name was Ada.They asked Grandpa what the new baby's name was and in jest he said they named it Ada.In fact no name had been picked out for Momma.Well the Lady named Ada started picking out stuff for Momma.This and that.After she had done all that Grandpa and Grandma Smith could not change Momma's name.She would be called Ada after Ada Noles.

No spanking this time

I will tell a little story.I grew up for awhile on the same street as 2 of my 2nd cousins.One was a year or so older one was a year younger.Both boys.Here is the deal.We all would do something.I would get a spanking from my Dad about it.The other 2 would just stand and watch and laugh.They would not be spanked by their parents.I f they ever got one I never seen it.Their Dad would pick up a rock and throw it at them.This stopped one day when we 3 where doing something and sure enough I was going to be spanked by Daddy for it.Of course the other 2 where ready to laugh knowing they would go unscathed.This was at a family thing or just all of them at our house I forget.Well my Momma steped in and said I would not be spanked cause I was the only one who ever got one when we 3 did the same thing.And I did not get spanked that day.Ain't Mommas wonderful !

Pass the nachos please

Nachos.Mexican pizza.Tacos.Oh this food is good.The other night for supper we had homemade tacos with nachos and refried beans and Mexican rice on the side.Talk about good.I tend to eat way more than I should with this type of food.But shoot why not?It's so good.I will leave it to others who are punishing them self by dieting.They are so miserable dieters are.Sure if you are dieting for a health reason I fully understand.But if it's for a vain reason like wanting to look pretty well all I can say is go right ahead and diet.That just leaves more for me to enjoy.Pass the nachos please.

Slow like syrup

Some say I talk funny.I don't think so.I talk like all my kin folk and friends I grew up with talk.It is Southern talk I guess for lack of a better word.I am not as bad with the slang now days.It is only with the older generation that I hear talking like I was raised with.Words like doe for door,flo for floor,winder and cheer,zinc for sink,deef for deaf.I have to be real careful or I will fall back into that natural way of speaking for me.Down here in Georgia we are being told our old way is incorrect and not proper,the way we talk.I can put on a show if I want.Let those words drip out like slow syrup.

Golden rule

Standed.Marooned.I get that way at times.My chair always goes dead when least expected.It is a hassle .But I have been lucky so far.It has only happened in the house or yard so far.I am so thankful for this power chair.If I did not have it where would I be now.It is a blessing.I was falling and the older I got the harder the floor was.I started falling when I was a teen.Back then I could always get back up by myself.That started getting harder to do till the point help was needed.I feel like I am getting weaker.Not complaining or looking for sympathy it is just a fact.I use to go to lenghts hiding the fact something is wrong with me.Like I have said before I did not want this.But I have it so make the best of my life that I can is what I will do.Dang having to ask for help I dread that at times.I feel good.Only pain I have is my left arm,my weak arm it sure gives me fits at times.Getting older is not helping either.I just ask this of able bodied people.When you meet someone who is disabled treat them like you would want to be treated.We have feelings and they can be hurt.Remember the golden rule.Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

OCD with an attitude

It is a lazy sleepy day.I could just lean back in my chair and doze off.The house is warm.Lately I have not got anything done.Is this what old age is about?Doing nothing and not really caring if it gets done?I was such a perfectionist at one time.Every thing had to be so so.I have been called an OCD with an attitude a few times in my life.It is ok I don't mind anymore.Call me what you want and chances are I will just brush it off.Is this just a phase I'm going through or what I have no idea.

I am so thirsty

I am so thirsty.I had a couple of diet drinks and coffee but my mouth feels like cotton.I want some OJ in crushed ice,that sounds so good.I can't have it.It does funny things to my blood sugar.It makes it go up or down one of the other.Last few times I had OJ boy oh boy.I was dizzy and a little wobbly and needed help walking so I don't drink it.Cold chocolate milk that would be good.Nope cant have it either.Ok how about a cold bottle of buttermilk.Cold buttermilk and chocolate chip cookies,the hard type.I really like buttermilk but there is so much salt in it that I'm sure it is bad for one.Gee you know just thinking about being thirsty is not helping.Well for supper it will be spaghetti and a salad but what to drink.I guess a diet drink in ice will do.Cranberry juice on ice is good and I like it plus good for you .I drink the diet version and I can kill a bottle in a day.Oh well this is not helping my thirst at all.

Leaves falling

Leaves falling.Crunching under my feet.Colors of red,gold and brown.Sitting under an old tree.Looking toward the sky.Colbalt blue with puffy white clouds.Only sound heard is the wind whistling and the cry of crows far away.Late afternoon.At dusk.Deer come out to feed and play.Peaceful and restful.No stress.No worries.Reflecting on the past.Memories bring smiles.Like a camera images are burned into my brain.

I was butt dialed

Have you ever been butt dialed by someone?You know.A cell phone in your pocket and it auto dials someone.I just had that happen to me.I answered the phone,car radio is on,hear them changing stations,no words are spoke,car cranks,sounds like they are eating potato chips,find out later it was vinegar and salt meat skins.My first thought was that something was wrong.Did they have a stroke or heart attack and could not speak.For 15 minutes I rode with them.I was shouting their name,whistling trying to get their attention but no use they did not hear me.Then silence and the phone went dead.So i dialed them back.They where dialing me.Then I explain my little trip with them. I was so glad they where ok.It was another of those modern things no one had to worry about 20 years ago.It was just a butt dialed call.

I lived before

Sometimes I get the feeling I have done this,seen this said this before.Yeah I know there is a word for it,the French word but I can't spell it and spell check is no help.But you know what I am talking about.Sometimes the feeling is like being gently slapped up side the head and the feeling comes over you.Other times it's subtle.This happens to me quite often.Someone will say something and I am took back to another time.I don't know if reincarnation is real or not.The bible says there is once to live and once to die so maybe that clears that up.But at times I get a feeling or vision of something that I have been through or lived it before.I just don't know .I'm not smart enough to say one way or the other.It is like glimspes of something ,things that happened before.Almost like watching sniplets on a TV screen of someone's life.Oh well I don't know where to go with this or how to get out of it but it is something to ponder when nothing else is going on.

Peaceful sleep takes over

I was sitting on the front porch yesterday.It was warm and sunny.The air smelled so good.Someone was cutting down a tree close by and the smell of the fresh cut wood was wonderful. I got a whiff of burning leaves.Oh my talk of delightful it was.I can close my eyes and see a big roaring camp fire.The wood crackling as it burns.Warmth from the fire.Can of chili cooking.Soda crackers waiting to be crumbled into a bowl.Wind blowing thru the pines.Swaying back and forth.Cool breeze blowing.Pulling my coat up around my neck.Belly now full.Warmth all over my body.Night sky dark.Stars shimmering.Peaceful sleep takes over.No dreams.

Killing the bear

What in the world can I write about today?Ok I will tell you about my dream last night.It was about me and a huge bear.Maybe a brown bear.Any way it was on the back porch.Not bothering anything or anyone.But why I did this I have no explanation for.I tried to kill the bear.I shot it over and over.It was not working.I felt guilty and remorseful just for trying to hurt the bear.Why did I start this I asked myself.I didn't want to hurt the bear.Then a baby bear a cub shows up on the porch.I let it out the door.I just remember have this dread and guilt of trying to kill the Momma bear.I was glad when I woke up and the dream was over.Do you think it means any thing?Or maybe it was the 3 grilled cheese and peperoni sandwhiches I had for supper with fries?Either way it was a bad feeling.

I am spoiled

A great new invention.They have been around a while but for me I never tried them.What am I talking about you might ask.It is those little coffee bags,you know like tea bags but it's coffee.They are so convenient.Take them any where and have a fresh hot cup of coffee.Add hot water,a bag and there you go.Fresh,hot,delicious coffee.All these things that help make life easy for us where would we be with out them?I always have thought that living back in the cowboy days would be fun.Maybe a couple of days then I am sure I would be bored to death.It is sad to say but I am spoiled.Guess if I had no choice living without them could be done but I'm sure it would really be difficult.

No middle man needed

I never have been what you would call overly religious.I haven't been to church in years.When I was a kid I was made to go,no choice.I do believe Jesus died for my sins.I am a sinner.What got me as a youngster was all the church politics.I seen some things that normal mature people should not have done.In fighting,who is this who is that.Name calling.If they only knew how they affected me and most likely others with impressionable minds.The preacher was behind the pulpit,preaching.This is what he said,if a so and so walked through his yard he would do this and do that.At 14 years old I even knew that was wrong.All the bickering.All the gossip.Least I know I can deal directly with Jesus and don't need a middle man.Like the old song says Jesus loves me this I know because the Bible tells me so.

My last bike

My last bike looked sorta like this one.It was a gold Schwinn,2 speeds,you had to back petal to change gears.Bikes where so much fun.You could travel from sun up to sun set.It meant freedom.We kids had bike races on a little dirt track we made.Everything was done with our bikes being the center of attention.Balloons tied to the spokes made them sound loud like a race car.Smoke bombs and those loud balloons.I remember when the training wheels where took off my first bike and Daddy gave me a shove down that steep hill on Juniper Street.I did ok except hitting a China Berry tree.Least it stopped me.I hit a car on a bike once.It was stopped in the road,my chain had came off,I had 2 choices,hit the car or barb wire fence on my left.Thinking fast I choose the car.I hit it at full speed.Landing on the rear window of the car the people cried out he is dead.No I'm not I said.I did break my front tooth and smashed the bike up.It wasn't even my bike.So that gets me back to the bike pictured here.My last one was like that.When I got my learners permit to drive a car I gave it away.But those days of bikes and summers sure where fun.

Best friend

Lassie.Lassie is on my mind.He was my first dog.Yes he was male but I named him Lassie.Uncle Lavert got me Lassie.Each time I seen my uncle I would ask for a dog.We where living at Standing Rock,Al at the time.Standing Rock had a store and that was all at the time.They have a post office now and that means their on zip code.There was an old deserted building when I lived there that maybe was a store or bank at one time.It has not changed much.It was and is just a spot in the road,on the road to bigger places.I remember some of the people there,not their names just memories of them.Anyway back to Lassie.He was white with a black face.When Lavert brought him to me he ran off and was gone for several days.I just knew never would I see him again.But Lassie did come back.Good thing there where not many houses for him to choose from.We where the best of friends.I had his love and companionship for 6 years.I still see him in my minds eye and I miss him.Lassie my dog,my best friend.

Little heathens

I am not inspired today.Nothing to write about.The kittens are becoming little heathens.They run and sound like elephants.How can something so small be so loud.They have my legs scratched up pretty good.But they are precious.Wish we could keep them all but we can't.

Things of a summer night

It would be so nice I think.Sitting out on a rear deck on a summers eve.The smell of the charcoal burning in the grill.Humming of lawn mowers in the distance.Dogs barking.Kids playing.Just about dusk.Fire flies flying.Smell of honey suckle filling the air.Chimney sweeps diving like acrobats in the sky.Dark now and the sky comes alive with stars,shimmering brightly.These are things of summer.We sure love them.

Things even out

I know food is wrote about a lot here.Like Momma said food is one of life's pleasures.Better eat while you can.I heard some news guy on TV talking about how high prices have gone up and will keep rising on food.Everything is going up except our pay checks.My folks use to buy 4 paper bags of groceries each week for $15 but people where only making $1.25 for minimum wage.Daddy I remember would bring home $5o smackeroos each week.Gas was what 35 cent a gallon.Pack of smokes about that.Daddy walked into a store for a carton of smokes and came back empty handed.He said that for $6 a carton for cigarettes he would just quit smoking.Yep those where the good ole days.Everything was cheap but no one was making any money.So with today's prices and higher wages things just sorta even out I think.

Sometimes I get confused

Sometimes I get confused.I misunderstand or take what people say wrong.I walk on egg shells alot trying to keep peace.Bite my tongue as they say.I need thicker skin or head.At times what is said will hurt my feelings.Other times it will make me mad.I am making a honest try at not upsetting anyone.I do not want to die or have someone die with bad feelings between us.So if I have upset you,made you mad,hurt your feelings please forgive that was never my intention.

Happiness

I have no earth shattering news to share with you today.No fixes for world hunger or homelessness.It's just one of those day where everything so far is going good.I know that could change at any moment but so far so good.It is easy to sit and say I wish this and that.But just being satisfied with what you have is a blessing.Not many people are.What ever they have they see something that is newer,shiner does more than their old what ever.Being materialistic is bad.I want this.I need that.No way to live one's life I think.Never will you be truly happy and free till you can accept who you are and not try fooling yourself thinking if I just had this happiness would be all over me.Sorry to bust your bubble but life don't work that way.

Soup on a cold day

On a day like today a big pot of homemade vegetable soup would be so good.Soup with some cornbread.Soup with a peanut butter sandwich.Soup with a grilled cheese sandwich.Soup with soda crackers.Soup just by it's self.You can't just make a little pot of soup.You add a can of this can of that and before you know it you have enough soup to last a few days or feed one big hungry family.Does anything get as good like soup on a cold day.

Cold

I am cold.My teeth where chattering last night.Socks,sweats,t shirt and a sweater are on .Fixing to put my hoodie on.Where is my toboggan it is needed.I just can't take cold.My muscles get stiff and moving around is difficult.Hot coffee and the sun coming through the window are a blessing.Hard typing with my fingers cold.I hope this is just a little cold snap and not an indication of things to come.Ok update,the heat has been turned on,first time this year.I am getting warm.

It was ok

I have never been a football fan.It just did not interest me.I played it when I was a kid.Nothing organized the kind the neighborhood kids played in someone's yard.I enjoyed that but as far as watching a game in person or on TV it just didn't do anything for me.I like baseball,played little league and some in middle school and that was it.I have been in the past to Braves games at the old Fulton County stadium.Wow That was fun.It was back in the days when Hank Arron was playing.Think I was at a game when he was trying for his 714th homerun so that was way back then.I was watching TV today.The remote wasn't working.A college football game was on.I was to lazy to move over to the TV and change channels.So I watched it.You know what?It was interesting to me.I am old enough to remember the first Super Bowl.I watched it.I remember the first Peach Bowl in Atlanta.I watched it and it was snowing there.Well I guess I could sit and watch a football game now.It seems interesting.I was always a race fan.Going each week to local dirt tracks.Every once in awhile we made it to the big races.I don't enjoy them as much now because going to the races was something me and my Daddy always did to gather.Anyway with all that said that is whats on my mind today.

I am hungry !

I am hungry folks.I think scrambled eggs,grits with butter and salt,bacon,lots of bacon,homemade biscuits some hash browns and fresh coffee would do it for me.Is there anyone who can just stop at one slice of bacon?I always pay for extra when eating out breakfast.6 slices will do it.At one time in my life I was eating out every meal.I gained weight.Then It came to me ,I am slow,that it was cheaper to cook than eat out.I lost weight and saved money.Once place in town just seen my old Ford truck pull through the drive thru and knew what I wanted.I loved their BLT'S and their steak sandwiches combos.They came with the sandwich and fries and sweet tea,iced of course.I like their breakfast,their biscuits,just about everything they had on the menu.Like anything in life they didn't last,they closed but their food was great.I was eating oatmeal everyday and it was good.But there is no substitute for a good hot greasy filling breakfast like I spoke of.

Little 6 ouncers

Hoggie.Poor Boy.Submarine.They might have other names but that is what we are having for supper.With some type of chips and a soda pop.That word soda pop.Soda.Heck down here in Georgia we always called them CoCola.That covered every kind of soft drink that there was.I said to myself as a kid that one day I would buy me a case of CoColas.The little 6 ouncers.I heard a man from Coke on TV say that there was no difference between a 6 ouncer Coke than a 16 ouncer.Maybe it was just me but the little cokes always seemed stronger and better.You can still buy the 6 ouncers in bottles but I hear they sure are pricey.I can remember me and Grandma Haynes trying to figure out how to operate a Coke machine when I was a kid.The price was 6 cent for a bottle.Times and prices sure have changed.

Starting my bucket list

Days are getting shorter.Nights are colder.Thanksgiving is around the corner.This is a good time of the year to be alive.Leaves are changing.Some people burn their leaves.It's against the law but burning leaves sure smell good.I always love a camp fire.Burning wood ahhh a great smell.Best baked potatoes I ever had where some a neighbor man gave us kids for helping him dig them up from his garden.We took them camping and just threw them in the fire letting them cook all night in the hot ashes.I think that will be the first thing I put on my bucket list.Camping out.I would love to do that one more time.

Nap time

I had my siesta.I was just resting my eyes.Taking a nap.What ever you want to call it I did it.Helps a lot.Refreshes the body.Energizes the brain.Cup of coffee is helping also.I go to bed early these days.Late for me now is 10ish.At one time that was about what time I got up.Working the afternoon or midnight shift was right up my alley.It never bothered me.Sleeping in the day time was easy.I wake up without a clock about time the sun rises.I do just lay there for awhile.These cold mornings it is great just to pull the covers over your head and snooze a bit longer.I think I need a hobby.Something to keep me busy.What is that saying idle hands are the Devils workshop or something like that.As a youngster I put model cars togather.I got pretty good at it.Spray painting them some would swear it came out of the box that color.Then I was on the radio every day.Ham radio my callsign is wa4pfg.Then came computers.Time is passing by so fast now maybe I need something to slow time down a bit instead of passing time off faster.

1965 Pontiac GTO

Oh my gosh.Look at the picture.It is a 1965 Pontiac GTO.I had one just like that.Even had redline tires.389 cubic inches,4 barrel,4 speed with a Hurst shifter.I was 16 years old.Working in the cotton mill and going to school.This was the late 60's.These things would pin you against the seat.Talk about fast and fun this was it.I know now that God was watching over me because more than once I should have been killed in that car.Maybe I still have a purpose to fulfill.

Hide your snacks

Well I guess that was breakfast.I had BBQ potato chips and a cup of coffee.I had the chips because they where left here at the computer desk and was easy picking so to speak.Everyone here knows by now don't leave your snacks within my reach.I will steal them in a New York minute.Every time I see the kids with candy I have to have some of it also.Chewing gum is the same way.Alaina had a pizza last night and asked me to hold it while she did something.Sure I will hold it I told her.Take your time I said.I got that look from her saying old man if you...I wasn't even tempted by her pizza.But this is a warning.Come over to the house you better hide your snacks.

They don't have grits

Dog gone did I say something about it being hot not to long ago?Well I have changed my tune folks.It is cold.Cold to me anyway.46 degrees.I am sitting here with my hoodie on,the hood over my head and I feel chilled.The family is planning to go to the big LaGrange/Troup high football game Friday night.I checked the weather forecast,no rain but high for Friday should be 58 with a low of 30.We have talked of holding off long as we can before turning on the heat but shoot I'm ready now.I am a Georgia born and raised man.Rest of them here are from Ohio and think it's funny when I get cold when the temperature drops below 60.But I think they are getting Southernized now.Every one was talking about how cold it was this morning.I have never been north of the Mason/Dixon line but would like to try it just once.Just to see a big snow.They have told me tales of it snowing so much that it covers houses and they have to worry about the roofs caving in.They tell me the temperature drops way below zero up there.And I hear that grits are hard to find up there.Ok that did it.I staying here where it's warmer and we have grits.