Someone special

The tall man being Baptized is my Grandpa Haynes.Lee Anderson Haynes.I only knew him for a short time but quickly I learned to love him.Even at 3 years of age I knew he was a

special person.In his younger years the story goes that Grandpa was a bootlegger/moonshiner in the wilds of Alabama in what is now called the Talledega National Forest.Stories of him coming home on a wagon with croker sacks of money have been told.Another story is that one night he came home and had been shot in the mouth.A few days later while at the breakfast table the bullet fell out I'm told.How and why he had been shot I never heard.A farmer in his later years.I remember he had a small farm with cows,hogs,chickens and an old mule named Grey John.He never met a stranger I've heard always joking and teasing people.One person he didn't like and why I don't know was President Roosevelt.Peaches and cream sitting around the breakfast table I fondly remember.Sitting on the back porch with him and my aunts and uncles hearing him talk while Grandma Haynes churned butter is a memory that is so precious to me.I never had the pleasure of meeting Grandpa Smith he died when my Mom was just 5 years old.Grandpa Haynes always made me feel special and to me he was special.

All things considered

I can't sleep so I will write.My brain is in high gear tonight running at warp speed.There are times I just have the need to put something into words.Nothing in particular is bothering me so that's not the problem.All sorts of things are being thought about.A little sadness has crept into the picture and it's not me that's the focus of it.The feeling of fear and anxiety someone else is going through is on my mind tonight.I don't know them well at all just a speaking acquaintance but what they are going through must be terrifying.All things considered I am lucky.Why things have to be this way is not understood at times.Truly I believe God is in control and everything is His will.A purpose for everything even if it's not understood or the results are not what we want.I don't question God's reasoning He is in charge.I read in the Bible that one day everything will be understood.

Things that just don't sound right

Strange things.Laying here in bed looking out the big window I see in the royal blue sky the crescent moon and the bright light of the planet Venus.Today thoughts of strange things that have happened here in LaGrange/Troup County Georgia have been on my mind.Things that just don't sound right.Years ago a man committed suicide.Least that is what the corner said but the strange thing the gun supposedly used was never found.There was a little riff between Police and the corner over that one.And this one is just not only strange but just plain off the wall a man with a 357 magnum pistol here shot down an Army helicopter flying over him back in the 70's.Seems he shot through the underside of the helicopter hitting the pilot forcing a crash landing.Then there is the story of the light in the woods.Up Highway 27 near the Troup/Heard county line at Blueberry Hill out in the woods people started seeing a light in the trees.I was a little kid at that time and my folks loaded up the old 55 Pontiac Cheftain station wagon with my cousins and off we went looking for the light on a dark summer night.Parking on side of the road there was quite a crowd there also to view this phenomena.Well as luck would be nothing was seen but we did have the pleasure of meeting a man who said he was the keeper of the light and it had asked him for a drink of water please.Least the light or what ever was polite.

Chattahoochee

The Chattahoochee river.I remember seeing the river so low that you could walk across it on the rocks.I've seen it over run it's banks and flood West Point ,Georgia back in the 1960's.The river runs about 430 miles and you can float on it from Columbus ,Ga to the Gulf of Mexico.The name Chattahoochee is an Indian name meaning flowering rocks.The Indians also cursed the river saying it would take many a man's life.My Uncle Arnold had a cabin on the river and as a little boy Daddy,Arnold and me spent the night there once.It was a one room rustic cabin built high up on rocks because it was only a few feet from the river bank.I was introduced to that delicacy called fried frog legs that night.Watching them dance around the frying pan I choose to have a hot dog instead.Back in the 1970's the river was dammed up here creating Lake West Point.It was for flood control.The Army Corps of Engineers over see the dam.You can still drive up Highway 27 to Franklin,Ga and still see the river run free.And yes the Indians where good at their curse on the Chattahoochee.Since the river was dammed up nearly a hundred or more people have lost their lives here on it.

Embarrassing condition

Senior moments.Sheesh I have had two episodes lately.The latest was today I forgot where my hat was and as you probably guessed it was already on my head.The other day I was listening to music on the computer and for some reason I noticed nothing was being heard.I checked the volume on the computer settings but every thing looked good.Desperate I was thinking of running a complete diagnostic check.Then crazy me noticed by chance that the reason nothing was being heard was that I had taken off my headphones.Seems I'm not alone.Telling others about this little episode of senior moments they admitted they also suffer from this embarrassing condition.

That place,you know

Boy I feel queasy.Hate this feeling.Lunch did not look great to me.For supper I just ate a baked potato.I did load it up with butter,sour cream,salt and pepper.It is so hot today.Muggy.AC is on but still hot in here.Maybe a steady cooling rain would make me feel better least cool things off some.Enough on that subject.What I had planned on writing about was a day or so ago someone made the comment that I sounded like I was from you know up there,yep that place,the North.Rest assured I'm not.Born and raised right here in LaGrange,Ga America's greatest little city,the place of elms and roses.You know maybe it's possible I do sound a little like you know,that place,the North.I have a honest excuse for it.For almost seven years I lived in the same house with you know ,people from,yep that place,the North.Yes we did have a communication problem in the beginning but it worked it's way out.I started talking like them,you know,people from,yep the North and they adapted well and sound like born Southerners now.I have to be on guard not to slip into my old way of talking,saying words like winder(window)doe(door)flo(floor)cheer(chair).Yep,if you had told me that I would end up talking like,you know,that place,yep the North,I would have told youse guys that youse was wrong in a NY miniute.

Let your fingers do the walking

Everything in one box.That is what my computer is to me.A way to communicate with people with email or instant messenger,no need for newspapers printed on paper anymore they are read online.Who needs a TV.I listen to everything that's on radio with the computer these days.We are truly in the digital age.I remember back in the 1970's hearing about something called email.How could that be I wondered.Now people even date by computer,shop online,is there a need for stores anymore.I heard of a thing called video phone years ago it never caught on but today I guess that cams on computers has taken that to another level.Do your banking and pay your bills online.No need for a stamp or automobile now.Let your fingers do the walking like the old yellow page commercial use to say.The computer has changed our life style.I just hope it's for the best.

You almost won

Congratulations you almost won.I got that letter once.A store downtown LaGrange was giving away a bike for Christmas.I registered and really forgot all about it.A letter came in the mail for me.Noticing who it was from my memory was jogged and thinking to myself this is good news.With childish excitement the letter was opened.I won a bike kept running through my mind.Well you know how it goes.The letter was informing me I almost won the bike.Still to this day often I think of that little disappointment in life.

Everything has a purpose

Rainy day here in West Central Georgia.It's ok with me kinda suits me today.Even with the dark clouds and rain the little solar powered butterfly in the window is happy and just dances up a storm.Got to be a moral to that and maybe in a minute it will come to me.Birds sitting on power lines seem to be enjoying the rain.It's not hard rain just a little more steady than a drizzle.Everything has a purpose and this rain is needed.Folks with gardens are happy with all the rain of the past few days I bet.I should be also cause I have tomatoes in the waiting from people who have gardens.White loaf bread,mayo,sliced home grown tangy tomato,salt and pepper.Tomato sandwich.So simple and hard to mess up and delicious.

Closest thing to Gods love

It's a rainy night in Georgia.Back in bed after a long day just looking out the big window watching traffic on Highway 29.Supper was excellent.Country fried steak,scalloped potatoes,green beans,cucumber salad and apple pie with hot coffee to round it out.Tomorrow is Mothers Day 2012.Thoughts of Momma have flashed into my head off and on all day.I keep remembering when as a little boy how on Saturdays we would go shopping downtown,she would always have her hair done and afterwards we would eat at the Plantation on Bull Street or at the soda fountain at Holmes Drug Store on Main.Or the time when I was sick with some type of virus and she got down on the bathroom floor with me,holding me,crying with me as I threw up.Momma I guess was the only person I'm 100% sure of that loved me.That was something never doubted and guess taken for granted.Someone said once that a Mothers love is the closest thing to Gods love that we will ever have here on earth.So true.

My name is

All my life it seems people have had trouble pronouncing my name.Most of the time when I'm asked what my name is I just spell it.My name is Haynes.Most call or spell it Hays,Haines or Hanes.The y is silent so guess it is a easy name to mispronounce.Never have I took offense by being called the wrong name and rarely do I correct anyone when it's mispronounced.Why the name is spelled like it is I have no idea.So just call me anything I answer to many names.

Fun on $1.25

Fun on $1.25.Every week that was my allowance or mad money as Momma called it.It was for chores I did around the house.I would take that $1.25 and go to Buy Wise Drug's in Newnan,Georgia where I lived as a kid and buy a model car,the kind that where 1/24 scale plastic that you had to put togather.AMC,Revell where the most popular brands to buy.Testors glue and paint where the only items needed for assembly.It took patience and a steady hand putting those models togather but it was such an enjoyment.If I had been smart they would have been saved.

Creepy crawler

I have no idea what to write about.No earth shattering news to report.Everything is just so so lately.Well that's not quite right.I think,maybe it was,yes I'm sure I seen a little baby creepy crawler the other day at the rock water fountain.A snake.Lizards are over populated at the water fountain but this snake is a first for me.Brown,tiny, I first mistaken it for a worm.But it crawled like a snake and best I could tell it had a tongue that flickered in and out.It crawled or squirmed right towards me.Never did I feel threaten by little no shoulders.Now as I'm writing this I have this thought.Where there is a baby creepy crawler there must be a Momma creepy crawler.So on my next outing to the wilds of the water fountain my eyes will be keen on the lookout for more creepy crawlers.

Strange goings on

Strange goings on on Highway 219 north between Troup and Heard Country.Looking on the internet as far back as 1938 people where noticing things out of the normal.Lights in the sky,things in the sky.I remember a story about a family's car being invaded by a strange light inside with them.The road has a stretch of land that is nothing but swamp.I have to admit it must be a spooky place at night in dead darkness.Not many homes on that road that I remember.I read that years ago maybe in the 1950's a military helicopter crashed in that neck of the woods.I personally remember back in the 1990's a military jet exploded killing the pilot while supposedly chasing some type of aircraft in the area.Least that is what witnesses said I can't prove or disapprove any of this.I know for a fact once when driving back down 219 from Heard County up in the sky I seen a silver round object moving at a fast clip. Wasn't like any plane I ever seen before.Strange thing was I watched an object just like it hovering above downtown LaGrange a few days before.So maybe nothing strange is going on but there sure are lots that hasn't been explained about Highway 219.

Adapt

Adapt to the situation.Be like chameleon lizard.Life gives you lemons............One's outlook on life can be your own.Make it good or make bad.Your choice be happy or miserable.I'm not saying everything that happens you have to like but the way it's handled can be controlled.Just try looking at the good in every thing not only the bad.Believe me that makes life more bearable and interesting.

Hell on earth

Never have I worried much about myself.Seems I have done alot of worrying but it was always about others.Lately I have this fear.Momma wasn't much older than me when she started having memory problems.Alzheimer's or dementia was the final diagnosis.Lord I have prayed don't let me end up that way.It is one of the saddest things in the world to lose your mind I think.That thought is stuck in the back of my brain.I see people with dementia daily.Their constant walking or repeated questions over and over and it breaks my heart.These once most likely vibrant people reduced to not more than a shell of a the person they use to be.I know how their families feel.Mental anguish has to be hell on earth.

Danger Will Robinson

Well we had some excitement this evening at the old home place.It was around 8pm when Wille and me had our Braves baseball game interrupted by the sound of sirens.They stopped close by Willie I said.He seen them first,firemen running into the building,and there was smoke.Fire alarms blasting and strobe lights flashing we where whisked away to a safer spot.It was the fastest wheelchair ride I ever had.Least this time I was still dressed and not like during the tornado warning and off to the hall we went waiting the all clear signal.Seems an electrical outlet in a room had caught fire being the culprit for our evening excitement and the idea for this story.All is good,everyone safe,and now I'm snug in bed writing this story.As the robot from lost in space always said danger Will Robinson danger!

A milestone

A milestone.As I write this after just waking up,my eyes still fuzzy it's a milestone of sorts.I noticed in the stats for this blog it is post number 402.I started this blog about 2 years ago not knowing what would become of it.I found out that it's an enjoyment putting into words how things are going for me.Therapy maybe you could call it.I just hope others enjoy reading it as I do writing it.The stats show what post are being read most,what country people are from but rest assured it doesn't show who's reading it so your privacy is well protected.People from the United States are the biggest readers of this blog but here is a shocker for me in second place is Russia with the most readers.Now I say this with honesty and sincerity thank you all who read and take an interest in my blog.I hope you have as much fun reading it as I do putting into words little snippets of my life.

Just shoot me

Just shoot me.My wisdom tooth is acting up and it's painful.I still have my lower wisdom teeth and they act up at times.My jaw is so sore just eating is a hassle.The ear ache is the worst part.There is an old saying that half your life is over when wisdom teeth are pulled.Two at 18 where pulled so I should be dead already,at 36 so just another old saying that doesn't mean anything.This to will pass in a few days but have mercy on me.Just shoot me.

I had to laugh

I just lost my work.Pushed the wrong button.Dang hate that when it happens.I will start over.I smell honeysuckle and I like it.Fire flys will be peppering the night sky around June.I'm just laying here listening to 80's music watching traffic on busy Highway 29 out the big window.A hot day and the AC was turned on and whew a muggy night also.The planet Venus will be visible soon and it will be shining bright.Twilight now.Someone asked me a few minutes ago if I was ok.Sure I said.She gave me that smile and look My Dad would when he knew I wasn't being honest.Look me in the eyes he would say and I would spill the beans every time.I had to laugh.

Sweet talking

Sweet talking for food.Once I was pretty good at it. When I was living alone and doing my own cooking I would plan out these big meals.By the time I had the cornbread and big white butterbeans or pintos cooked that will be enough I said.Never was a full course meal cooked.Here comes in the sweet talking part.I found out that women like for men to eat(that is the only thing I really know about women) and it didn't take much convincing to get them to bring a cake,meatloaf or salmon and biscuits if ya acted pitiful enough.I wasn't to proud to act pitiful for a good home cooked meatloaf.I think cooking or baking one as some call it isn't all that hard.It's just getting my hands all gooey mixing it up that killed the need for it.Anyway I have been sweet talking again and have put my order in for some home cooked big white butterbeans and some greasy cornbread.Don't forget the onion please.

Worlds top killer

The most dangerous creature in the world.It kills more humans than any other.Nope it's not the lion.Not poisonous snakes.Not a shark.We all have had encounters with this killer before in our life.Bet you have even been attacked by a few.Can you name this creature?Ok a hint.In the summer time they are noticed more.They fly.They are aggravating pest.Ok give up?Mosquitoes.Yep those blood sucking skeeters.They kill more humans than any other creature with the virus they carry.

I never picked cotton

I have been blessed enough to never pick cotton.Fact is I've only seen 1 cotton field in my life and it was a small one that looked liked someone just grew it for looks.Different story for my parents and their generation.I know Momma talked of King Cotton can't remember if Daddy did.Momma said cotton was their cash crop.They had a working farm back up in the country.The whole family worked in the fields from the smallest on up.The cotton crop was sold and the cash from it was used to buy what ever they didn't grow.The Government payed them not to grow cotton at one time I guess because the market was flooded with it and prices where low.My generation is so spoiled most of us didn't have to grow what we ate.Farmers I hear are a dying breed of people because of the economy and big corporations buying up small farms.Like someone once said at your next meal thank a farmer for the food we are going to eat.

BBQ

Fresh cut grass.One of my favorite aromas.It's right up there with the smell of wood smoke and BBQ.Just riding past a BBQ joint smelling that wood smoke is enough to make my mouth water.BBQ is an acquired taste I have heard.I acquired my taste for it in the 1960's.Melears BBQ in Union City,Ga.One of those all you can eat places.I never could get past 1 plate that was enough for me.Shredded pork BBQed to perfection,toast, Brunswick stew,sweet pickles and Wise potato chips.And those glasses of sweet tea.They where huge the size of what I can't describe.Me and Mom could not help but to giggle at the size of those glasses first time we ate there.Every time we passed Melears I had to stop.Someone told me that they had closed their doors.That's a shame a great place to eat and full of memories.

Fanner 44's

I seen this on the Internet and it brought back memories.I had a pair of these when I was a kid.They are Fanner 44's with holsters.The unique thing about these cap pistols where they had plastic bullets that looked like the real thing and they would shoot just like real shells.They were heavy just like a real pistol and extra good quality of workmanship for a toy.Stupid me I traded them for a Monopoly game after years of having them.The point of this story is how things have changed from the 50's till now.Back then little boys had play guns and army and cowboys was a a way to have fun.There was always a good guy and a bad guy in our games.Now in this age parents shy away from letting their kids be kids and use their imagination.

Found my t shirt

I found my t shirt.I like cornbread and buttermilk.Sometimes I almost crave buttermilk and cornbread.My mouth waters thinking about cornbread and buttermilk.Us po folks down here in Georgia where raised on cornbread and buttermilk.Big pan of cornbread cooked(baked)for dinner(lunch) and what was left you had for supper(dinner)with buttermilk or what we call sweetmilk.Most folks just use buttermilk for cooking but to me a tall cold glass of refreshing buttermilk just hits the spot on a hot humid Georgia day.I know some who say they gag at the thought of drinking buttermilk.Maybe drinking buttermilk is an acquired taste like BBQ.So sit back my friend prop your feet up and have a big bowl of cornbread and buttermilk with me.Enjoy!

Dark Shadows

They are making a movie out of a favorite TV show of mine.Dark Shadows.When I was a schoolboy each day I would rush home to watch that show.Yes I was hooked on a soap opera.But it was a different type of soap opera not the kissy kiss mushy type that Ladies like.It was about vampires,ghost and all sorts of other creepy going ons.When the wind was howling the other night my mind flashed back to that time.I thought of cold windy weather in my bedroom with the gas heater on sitting in my chair watching a black and white TV.The ice cream truck would come around about dark each day and one of my favorite meals was bought off it.Hot dog and potato chips and a coke in a cup with lots of ice.The smell of the propane that truck cooked with came back to me.Funny how memories stay with us and a certain whatever brings them all back.Generally they are all good memories.

Pretty birds

What to write about.I have no idea.I could write about the bird feeder out side the bedroom window.It is a pleasure just watching those little birds fly and flutter around the feeder.I have seen turtledoves and cardinals both male and female on the feeder.Never seen them eat the birdseed they just seem to be using the post as a resting spot during their daily travels.Small birds I think they are some type of finches use the feeder mostly.They are brown which I guess are the female and the males must be the ones with red heads and chest.Lately a small bird that is light gray with a black head has shown up.Very pretty.They all are and a relaxing way to spend spare time watching them feed.

The big 60

I was surprised and delighted this morning by a dear friend.A birthday card and balloon wishing me happy birthday on the big 60.The card was signed by the members of the Church I belong to.There is one teeny weeny small problem.Right day but a few months early.But that is no problem.I will just celebrate my big 60 birthday everyday for a couple of months.

Go fly a kite

The wind did howl yesterday here in west central Ga.Great day for kite flying if ya had one.Gust around 30mph.It has been years since I flew a kite.Kites where 10 cents at the store plus what ever a roll of string cost and tail made from scrap cloth and you had fun that would keep you busy for hours.Do kids still fly kites I wonder because it has been years since I've seen one in the sky.March was always called kite flying season.Windy days where almost always guaranteed.I wonder if kite flying is another thing that has been replaced by all the new fangled things kids have to keep them busy these days.

Time is now

I had a thought this morning.Every once in a while that happens.Laying here before sunrise looking out the window at the still dark sky it hit me.I thought it must be awful and almost in a way cruel to live to be old I mean very very old like 100 or more.I thought about all your family who would have passed on leaving you behind to mourn them.Friends you never would see or talk with again.My Uncle Eugene once said that death is man's best friend. At the time I didn't think much about it but he might be right.Without family and friends life must be a hard lonesome road to hoe.Maybe it is time this very day to tell those you love how much you do.Time to clear up problems with people you have differences with.Live your life in love loving everyone and stop all the strife in your life.No one is guaranteed of seeing the sun set today so live it to the best of your abilities.Don't wait till that last breath wishing you had done this or said that. So in closing,if you are having a problem with someone don't dally go now,pick up that phone tell them how much they mean to you.

Hooked

On the radio.It has been a habit of mine since my early years.Seems at Christmas or my birthday for a present I always got a transistor radio.Listening to baseball games or the fights was popular and fun.My teen years where spent at night listening to WLS in Chicago to music.On my bike,don't laugh and yes I was a nerd,to the handle bars a transistor radio was taped so I had music on the go.I might add that on my bike balloons where tied to the spokes ,sounded like a motorcycle,yep not only was I an nerd but a geek also.Then later on as I got older and working a radio was always company at work.Talk shows I got hooked on.Jim White in St Louis.I listened to him every night.Radio preachers .Jimmy Swaggert,Lester Rolof.For the past few years I have been hooked on Coast to Coast AM.Art Bell.No more tiny transistor radios now it's all high tech.Satellite radio and streaming audio from radio stations on the Internet with crystal clear no fading reception.

Do you remember?

Things about LaGrange do you remember when?Remember when the fountain on the square had colored water.The Spinning Wheel dairy on Main and their neon sign.LaGrange Theater on Main.The drive in on Airport Road.Hanson's and The Big Oak and Little Oak.When Officer Don and the Popeye Club came to town.The pig pen.A man named John F. Kennedy came to town.Those plastic flutes we learned to play in school and the big concert every year at the auditorium.Dancing around the May Pole.Hillside movie theater.The pool.On Callaway's birthday the mill ponds where opened for fishing and the workers got the day off.Commerce Avenue was 2 lanes.Roses department store.The Chicken Treat on Commerce.Those 3 wheel Harleys the police used.Christmas tree at City County Hospital.The Bargain Basement.Buster Brown shoes.Sliding down the hill on a snowy day at the monument.Taps on your shoes.The Beacon.When there was no traffic light at the hospital.The funeral homes had ambulances.Day McDonalds opened on Commerce.Burger Chef.These are just a few that come to mind and I wish you would leave comments on those that you remember!

Yearn for the old days

Years ago TV was called your window on the world.Television shrunk the world and made it smaller.Before TV Momma said they where told of an invention like radio but you could see it.I am a child of the TV age.Saturday mornings as a kid I would be up bright and early before anyone else sitting on the floor in my PJ's with a bowl of cornflakes watching the Indian test pattern waiting for another day of broadcast excellence.Programs like My Friend Flicka,Sky King,Hop Along Cassidy on and on.Saturday nights at 10 pm standing in front of the TV with my cap pistol and holster on I would try my best to out draw Matt Dillion.Sunday night was the best.After a long day of Church,those great Sunday dinners and visiting kinfolks time to settle down.My favorite programs would come on.My Favorite Martian,Disney's Wonderful World of Color and Bonanza.Back in those days,late 50's things where so much simpler.One TV in the house and it was black and white.Families watched it togather instead of like now where everyone has a TV with cable and 500 channels in their own room.Now in my old age I can honestly say TV doesn't interest me much anymore.Maybe I yearn for the old days the way it was.

Gary goes fishing

This is my friend Gary.He went fishing Monday for the first time ever.Now Gary is hooked on fishing just like he hooked this fish.He told me today of his plans and that plan is buying a rod and reel and all the fishing gear needed of his very own.There is one catch,Gary still refuses to put the worm on his own hook.

Checkers chili dogs and a bag of chips

Today was better.Spirits are lifted.Spent most of the day outside but in the shade not sun.I just turn red and start peeling off because I burn easy. Made it back to bed and feels good just stretching out and relaxing.Looking out the big window next to my bed I see dark clouds and the wind is acting up so guess maybe a thunder boomer is possible.So as this is being written all is good with me and wish all the world could say the same.What could make it a perfect evening would be maybe a couple of Checkers chili dogs and a bag of potato chips.See doesn't take much to please me.

Could be worse

Oh boy what a day.Could be worse I know.For some reason I don't know why I'm feeling sad.Maybe it was the rainy weather who knows.I will go sit in the sun tomorrow that always seems to help.Quiet meditation and fresh air just time to think.Time to air out the old brain.Just remember love everyone your enemies the most.Treat people like you want to be treated.The golden rule.Like Annie sings about the sun will come out tomorrow.

Long lost twins?

The woman on the left is Cathy Baker of He Haw fame.She was the lady who introduced everyone.Now the woman on the right is my Mom.People that knew Momma when she was a kid said these two women could pass as twins.I can see the resemblance but I will let you make up your own mind.

Home grown maters

Home grown tomatoes.These store bought maters have no taste but homegrown maters are something to wish for.Take loaf bread,mayo,salt and pepper slice a mater and you have some delicious simple eating.People have started their gardens and I ain't to proud to beg and have asked already for some handouts when the maters get ready.This story started out about Lewis Grizzard Great American.Looking on the Internet for photos of him I seen this pic of the maters and well the story just took another direction.I miss reading Lewis Grizzard's little stories in the Atlanta Journal every day.I have read a few of his books,really they where Mom's she loved his stories like me.Titles like"don't bend over in the garden granny cause them taters have eyes"and Elivs is dead and I don't feel well myself".He was born up the road from here in Moreland,Ga. just a small spot in the road.He often talked of his failed marriages and his beloved dog Catfish.Once in an Atlanta cafe he heard some people at the next table laugh and complain about food,people and everything else from the South.Turning around this is what he told them"If Ya Don't Like Dixie!Delta Is Ready When You Are!"Well said Lewis Grizzard Great American.Like someone told me once nothing last forever but his stories will.

Nightmare

It was a nightmare.Shortly after my Mom died I was dreaming.It was hot summer time August.I dreamed I was at the graveyard but I could not find Momma's and Daddy's grave.I searched all over to the point of exhaustion.I was panicking.Running where I don't remember I ended up at some type of house.In the house there where people,men in suits.Who they where I know not.They led me into a room,a dark room.Then I seen it! Two caskets.Smiling,pointing towards the closed caskets they started to open one.I freaked out and ran away.I did not want to see.Then I woke up shaking I was freezing so cold that I had to go outside and stand in the sun just to warm up.I told someone about this nightmare and they said it meant that my folks where not there,their souls had moved on.

Something stupid

One night back at the old home place I did something really stupid.I'm always doing something not to bright but this was something else.Laying in bed half asleep I heard some type of commotion outside.It was someone walking down the street just a cussing.Who he was fussing with I didn't see.A car slowly drove pass him and stopped in front of the house next door.The guy walking really picked up his fussing and cussing then and stated making all kinds of threats to the folks in the car.Then it happened.Just as the guy walking made it in front of the house 3 guys jumped out of the car and started shooting.Their guns where blazing fire and with each shot they jumped into the air like it was a cartoon,animated it was all in slow motion.The guy walking then ran,where I have no idea and disappeared.Now this is the stupid part.I just stood there in the door and didn't even think to duck,run or get out of the way.The shots had to come my direction but where they landed is a mystery.The guy walking was not shot,the house wasn't hit,I wasn't either.Where did the bullets go I have wondered.Either the shots where blanks or God was watching over us all that night.

Sign of the times

This must be the Easter cold snap just a week late.Past few mornings it has been cool and the days not as warm.The wind was howling the other night and you know what I liked hearing it and watching the trees sway with the wind.I will be honest weather,stormy weather has never bothered me.Back in 95 when Hurricane Opal came through LaGrange the wind was howling,trees breaking and power poles snapping like tooth picks and I just rolled over in bed and went to sleep.LaGrange has had a earthquake in the past few years strong enough to knock pictures off walls I heard but me yep was sleeping right through it.I have always enjoyed watching a good thunderstorm with that vivid lighting and thunder so loud it shakes the house.When I was working alone at the water plant storms where not so much fun.The river pump would almost every time knock off and that meant bells and lights flashing at the plant.One person on a shift all alone trying to run up and down 3 flights of stairs turning switches,switching pumps,bells ringing it did get hectic for a few minutes.Then outside at 100 foot water towers turning valves with lightning popping all around you at times it was a bit scary I will say.The weather has changed everyone will agree on that.Sign of the times I think.It has always been a much talked about subject but still in this year of 2012 there is not much that can be done about it.

Pondering

Things to ponder.I have some free time and a way to spend it is needed.So I will ponder.To those not familiar with ponder it means to think.Another form of day dreaming.Or maybe just a way to waste time.I ponder a lot.Always been a good ponderer.I read once that normal people we only use a small part of our brains.Something like 10% or less.Just ponder what we could do if the other 90% was put to use.I think the brain is really just a living electrical generator. Seen where electrodes where hooked to a mans brain and the electrical energy from it was used to power a toy train.Sometimes I wish the brain had an off on switch.Times I have been dead tired but the brain was running full speed.That makes sleeping hard sometimes.Yep the brain is nothing but a super computer.At times they need to be rebooted so they will work right.See I am pondering.I'm good at it.

Kelly Clarkson - The Trouble With Love Is

The warning

Outside yesterday I noticed a crow chasing a hawk in the sky.Maybe the crow was protecting it's young or space.The hawk for the most part just ignored the crow and went on it's merry way.The crow was determined.Another thing seen recently was a bluejay and an hawk almost having a mid air collision.The bluejay I swear turned around and gave chase.They have no fear it seems and will fight anything.Across the road there is a wooded area.Something broke the quietness of the day with several loud hoops.All I could think of was it must have been an owl.Once at the old home place on the back porch late at night with Sam and Pee Wee the cats I noticed they had become very quite and where staring at something.Then I seen it.It was an large owl sitting on the neighbors clothes line staring towards us.For a long time it just stayed not making a sound looking at me and the cats.Then with ruffling of it's wings it flew off.I never mentioned it to anyone.Reason was the next day My Dad was going into the hospital for lung surgery.I have heard that owls can be bad omens.I think maybe this one was or maybe it was there to warn me of things to come.

Phony and hypocrite

One of those days.I feel like a phony and a hypocrite.At times I think I'm so unworthy of Jesus's love,understanding and forgiveness.All I am is a sinner.Each day I start new,asking for forgiveness.So on this Easter morning,the day my Lord and Savior rose from the tomb after dying for our,my,sins I can only say thank you Lord for your love and forgiveness.

I wish

Today is Good Friday.Time to plant your garden if you are going to have one.Daddy always planted his on this day.In my old age I wish I had payed more attention to things Daddy did like farming,mechanical things,etc.At the time it seemed so boring.He tried teaching me how to use tools but I was all thumbs not having the knack for such.My brain would always wander.I just wasn't interested.Daddy would have a problem at work with a piece of machinery and many times the answer to it would come to him and even if it was the middle of night he would get dressed and go fix it.I think the word for that is dedication.It sure was hard watching Daddy get sick and die.Always a big strong man he went down to nothing.I had a dream of him shortly after he died.I was driving,driving it seems like an endless trip,I was gave out and troubled,then the first person I seen in my dream was Daddy,standing on the side of the road leaning against his old Ford truck.He was smiling and oh so young,he looked liked he was in the prime of his life and all was good with him.I like to think maybe it was his way of telling me all was ok and to start enjoying my life and quit the mourning.

I will try

Be more assertive.People have been telling me that for as long that I can remember.Maybe it's not my nature.I'm layed back and tend to go with the flow even if it's not in my best interest.I know it's an disadvantage,like the old saying the wheel that squeaks loudest gets the grease.As a kid I was so shy till the point of being pathetic.It held me back in so many ways but I have overcome that bad trait.Maybe it was my upbringing.Till I was 5 years old being isolated in the country all my friends where dogs and farm animals.My social life was lacking to put it mildly.I have read that a child's personality is formed by the time they reach 5 years old.I think mine was so that statement might be true.I have never been one to ask for help always doing the best I could on my own.Someone told me I have to much foolish pride and they where right about that.That is one thing I have overcome.So I will work on my assertiveness now and try to fix that problem.

A good day

It has been a good day here in West Central Georgia.The day started off early for me because I slept extra good last night going to sleep right after supper.Around 3ish I guess thunder,lighting and heavy rain woke me up.By sun up it was gone but a cloudy day.A hot day also only 78 degrees now but humidity must be up.The big window next to my bed is open and it feels nice.Still not ready for the AC to be on.For the past few nights I have slept like a baby.No pain in my hip or knee.It’s not bad pain just enough to aggravate you when trying to sleep.Maybe those pain patches have finally started to work.What ever the reason I’m sure thankful for the good sleep.I played it lazy today which is not hard for me to do.I’m sorta an expert at that.

Sharp pointed brick to the head

The story of the sharp pointed brick to my head.As a kid I had made a tent out of an old blanket of Momma's.I was bad about swiping her sheets to make tents but this time it was an old patch quilt if my memory is right.I don't know how many times I was almost killed in our own backyard on Juniper Street.Caves where dug in the alley behind the house and it's a wonder a cave in didn't happen.Riding my bike in the the back yard I did not see the clothes line and it caught me at neck level knocking me off the bike along with my breath.Thought I was dieing.Another time I slid off a barn on my belly hitting the ground hard again knocking the breath out of me.On Murphy Avenue riding a friend's bike wearing a football helmet,don't ask why,the chain came off the bike at full speed,being 7 years old and not very bright I had time enough to think I had 2 choices,hit the car stopped in the road or go through a barb wire fence.I chose the car.The bike as destroyed and I landed on the trunk of the car against the rear window.People inside the car,high school kids where screaming he's dead,he's dead!No I'm not I manged to say.The football helmet saved my life most likely.I came through that ordeal with just a chipped front tooth.Now back to the sharp pointed brick to my head.I had made the tent and for some reason a brick was placed on top of one of the tent poles.Inside the tent on a Sunday morn before leaving for Church at Bethel, Alabama or as some folks know it as Graham, Alabama for 3rd Sunday in May,Decoration day,the brick,the sharp pointed brick fell and hit me in the head.Like the old saying I was bleeding like a stuck pig.No doctor was needed least I wasn't taken to the ER,just some old timey home doctoring.Momma reach into the fireplace and got some sut,black sut and doctored my bleeding head.Being a tow head with a flattop haircut,in my Sunday best off to Church we went,bleeding with black sut all over my head.So that is the story of the sharp pointed brick to my head.Now when I do foolish things I have a genuine excuse to blame it on.A sharp pointed brick to my head.

Click

Click on the photos to make them larger!

Before and after

My Smith side 1st cousins before and after.A few years sure makes a lot of difference but they are still a fine looking bunch of cousins.

Aunts and Uncles

My Smith side Aunts and Uncles and their spouses in this 1963 photo.Only 3 in this photo are alive today.

Hit in the head with a brick

I like watching clouds. Day or night they are an amusement for me.See when you are simple like me it doesn't take much to entertain yourself.Making out faces or animals in the clouds is a way to pass time.Then again that being hit in the head with a brick thing as a boy might be kicking in.One day I will write about that incident.

Amazing sight in the sky

Last night laying in bed I noticed a large bright light in the western sky.My first thought was it might be an aircraft of some type.But it was not moving.Leaning back a little more in the bed I seen the crescent moon.What I was seeing is what they call a conjunction.The Moon,Jupiter and Venus.It was a very interesting sight and another amazing creation of God.

Good news!

Yea!Some good news,news that I like.Seems one of my favorite snack foods is really good for you. Good for you as fruits and vegetables.And that snack food is........POPCORN.Don't add the butter but shoot I can live without that.Also seems chocolate is good for you so bring on the Hershey bars.Now if I could just find a study that agrees with me that those fried to a perfection crispy delicious golden brown crinkle cut french fries are really good for you!

Deleted

Dear John letters have been replaced.They are old fashion so 1990's.Now there is Facebook,My Space and all of those other things called social mediums.They have replaced those awkward moments of telling someone in person how you really feel about them.Now with just the push of a button you can delete someone from your life.I think it's kinda like the CB radio craze of the 70's.You can create who ever you want to be on Facebook etc,just like on the CB everyone was a truck driver or some other alter ego person.Someone who wasn't really you at all.I have been deleted a few times and I have deleted some.The deleter and the deletee.It did hurt a bit to be deleted and sometimes it was a shock.So these days I still have a Facebook page but it's mainly to stay in touch with family members.So for all of you who have been deleted relax it does get better with time.You will survive.

Carolina Liar - Show Me What I'm Looking For (+ lyrics)

I had a vistor

I had a visitor yesterday.My cousin stopped by and brought her friend along.Her friend I haven't seen in over 50 years.I did not recognize him but me and him have a bit of a history.We all lived on Juniper Street in LaGrange.I was 8 years old he was 14 at the time.He always bullied me.Always chasing me and by luck I was always faster.I grew tired of being bullied.This is what my Daddy told me to do.Get a big stick,go sit on the hood of the car,wait for him,and knock him off his bike.I did,got me a big stick,sat on the hood of the car,waited for him.Sure enough here he came riding down the street on his bike just a cussing me.When he rode by without stopping I took a big swing and down he went.You know what?Daddy was right he never gave me anymore problems after that.Now here is the other part of the story.Yesterday we talked and laughed about that incident.We both could not remember what we where always fighting about.As he was leaving I shook his hand then we hugged each other's neck.I think we will be good friends from now on.

Angels sent from Heaven

Angels sent from Heaven.I have a few that I know of.All my life I've had this feeling someone was watching over me taking care of me when I got foolish.Here at Twin Fountains I have a whole bunch of Angels sent from Heaven.They are there to help when needed most.I always take time to let them know how much I appreciate them and to thank them for all they do.Kinda like the movie It's A wonderful Life,Angels are here to help and guide us.Maybe it just a simple kind word or understanding your feelings at the moment that is being like an Angel.So my friend I bet you are an Angel to someone and in a million zillion years you would never have guessed.To all my Angels,those seen and those just felt,thank you for watching over me.

Emails from the dead

I read with interest about some people getting emails from their dead friend.

Seems the emails where about things only they would know about.

Was it really emails from beyond or a cruel joke?

Who knows but it's something to think about.Death it seems is now gone high tech.Just a simple haunting wont do in the year 2012.

Wonder what the internet is like on the other side.Bet it's more dependable than some of us get that are alive and earth bound.

So they are passing out puters when we enter the Pearly Gates.

But in all fairness the article did go on to say that there is a service that you can use that will send emails after your death to your friends.Seems if the company doesn't hear from you in a certain length of time they will presume you have passed on and will send out emails that you wrote before your demise to those you choose.

Kinda gives that old AOL message you got mail a whole different meaning.

A Southern thing

Krystals.It's a Southern thing.If you know what Whitecastle is about you know what a Krystal is.Small hamburger,thin slice of meat,mustard, onions and a pickle.My first encounter with a Krystal was in the early 60's.I was spending a week in Macon,Georgia with Aunt Gladys and Uncle Leon.It was 1963 I was 10 years old.Aunt Gladys and me where downtown.We went into this cafe and she asked how many hamburgers I wanted.1will be fine I answered.I remembered she said only 1 is not enough for a growing boy.Again I said 1 will be fine.Well to my surprise it was a Krystal.And nope 1 was not enough.So that was the start of a love affair with those little burgers that till this very day I often crave.Some can eat a sack full but me after 3 or 4 with those wonderful fries is enough.LaGrange finally got a Krystal in the 1990's.I was there opening day.It was so crowded you could not find a parking spot.I read in the paper the LaGrange Krystal had one of the biggest opening days in Krystal history.I am not alone it seems.Again,Krystal,it's a Southern thing.

Hulu

Hulu do you Hulu?If you don't know about Hulu check it out sometime.It's an online TV, movies sight where you can watch new and old TV programs and movies.Lately I have been enjoying programs from my childhood.Adam 12,Dragnet,Sea Hunt and Highway Patrol and more old timey but great TV series from my youth.I have been accused of living in the past.Maybe that is so but you know what that is ok with me.Maybe the 50's and 60's where a simpler time.More innocent.That doesn't hurt anyone at all and maybe that is whats needed today.There is so much bad in the world at times and maybe a break from it all is a good thing.

Bucket list

There is a movie named Bucket List.Bucket list is things you want to do before you die.In the movie these two guys with cancer draw up a list their bucket list and do it.I guess maybe we all have a bucket list of things to be done before the end of our life.This is something we all could give serious thought about.Two things on mine I will share are slow dancing and learning to ride a motorcycle.Simple things but for some reason I never tried them before.So time might be short so get started on your bucket list.

Leprechauun

I was just visited by a leprechaun.Today is going to be a good day I think.

Watching nature

Yesterday was a good day.I spent a few hours outside in the warm sun.Sitting under the gazebo by one of the water fountains here it was a quiet time for reflection and deep thoughts.Not really no deep thoughts on my part.I just enjoyed the sunshine and the smells of early spring.Out of the corner of my eye I thought something was seen moving.It was a bluetailed lizard.I did a web search on them and they will bite and can be toxic to your pet and they can grow back their tails if cut or bitten off.They where darting in and out of the rocks on the water fountain.They look like little snakes with feet but for some reason I'm not afraid of them like snakes.They where sunning their self on the rocks and I thought to myself they had everything they needed.Rocks for shelter water to drink and flying insects for food.I kept noticing a little bird was hanging around on the rafters of the gazebo.A friend I thought then it came to me.Birdie was watching the lizards.Yes it was a good day.Spring,warm weather and nature to keep me company.

Walk in the light

Lord you know my heart.I'm trying so hard but at times it's a struggle.I was at a church service awhile back.The preacher opened up his Bible to John.Walk in the light he talked about.That means so much to me.I opened my Bible the next day and that scripture was staring me in the face.Walk in the light.That is what I will do.God give me the strength and faith to do your will.

Star gazing

Grass cutting season is here in west Georgia.The smell of fresh cut grass is one of my favorite things.It means warm weather is on it's way.I'm lucky I have a large picture window next to my bed.It's facing busy highway 29.I raise the blind up and there is a great view of the traffic,trees and the sky.At night I can see the stars.Star gazing has always been a fun thing for me.Camping out when I was a kid just laying out in the open watching the night sky.When I worked the afternoon shift at the water plant often on warm summer evenings I would spend most of my time outside just enjoying the sky that God had made for us.Often at home one of the things I enjoyed was laying out on the sundeck in a hammock at night watching the sky.I always told people I was watching for the Mother ship to come by and pick me up.Thinking back I hope they didn't take that comment to serious.It is a joke people.Anyway star gazing is free and you need no special tools just eyesight and maybe sometimes an imagination.

Two more

Two more photos of Momma that Doris sent me.Again I never seen these before.Momma is the girl on the left.I use to get into trouble when playing in the ditch behind Aunt Lema's house and there is Momma at a ditch or something!If anyone knows who the girl with Momma is let me know.

Oh my gosh!

Oh my gosh!These are photos of my Momma that my Dear cousin Doris just sent me.I have never seen them before.Yes she was a country girl!Look at those overalls.

Lishe Martha Whitley Smith

This is Grandma Smith.Lishe Martha Whitley Smith.A lot of people called her Lishe.To me she was just Grandma.She had 13 kids.11 lived and 2 twin boys died at birth.Grandpa died young,38 or 40 years old,which is right I don't know.Grandma never remarried and raised those kids herself.Her hair was always worn in a bun.Once she was combing her hair and I had never seen it before but her hair touched the floor.It was never cut till she was older and was bed ridden.At times it was just me and her at home and she made sure all the doors where locked day and night but let the sun go down and she would check all the closets and have me look under the bed.Just in case.I remember her wearing long dresses always an apron on and sweater summer or winter.For some reason she always had this sad look to her like she was worried about something.She was the wife of a Baptist preacher and story is there where always a house full of preachers.Sad but true she and the kids would wait till company had ate before they did.That is the way it was done back in those days.Story is that right after Grandpa had died she said he came back to see her.He was standing at the fireplace smiling.After that she never worried.If that was a dream or she really saw him who knows.

Old man Joe

This is a photo of my Grandpa and Grandma Smith,back row standing.

Think at the time they had no children.

Sitting in front is Joseph Smith and his wife Lonie,my Great Grandparents.

Joseph was called old man Joe I have heard and was obsessed with money.For the times I think it was said he was well off if not wealthy.He did give each of his children land for a farm.

Way story goes old man Joe had problems,what exactly I don't know.

He had made a statement while sitting at the supper table that one day he would be burnt like the piece of meat he was eating.Not long after he had said that it has been told he had a bad cold or flu and had rubbed some type of ointment all over his body and was last seen standing in front of the blazing fireplace wrapped in a blanket.The house caught fire.

My Grandpa John raced from the fields when he noticed the house burning.Jumping over something laying outside that he could not identify at the time to enter the house.As you might have guessed it was old man Joe.

Because of the statement he had made about being burnt like the meat he had been eating people thought maybe he had committed suicide.For years I have thought about this and what happened.There is no way to prove really what happened my opinion is that it was an accident.

Often I have thought if old man Joe wanted to end his life there are ways of doing it that would be more peaceful.

I should know better

I should know better.A grown man nearly 60 years old.At times I tend to overdo things.Like enjoying a certain food and not having good enough sense or foresight to stop.That was the case yesterday.Here at Twin Fountains it was chili day.A party.I had 3 bowls with crackers and it was delicious.I'm going to regret this talking to myself as I ate.But in the long run a little discomfort was worth that great chili.Now next week is National Pound Cake day.Yep there will be a party.I like pound cake.Maybe I will use a little self control this time.But chances are that I will overdo it again.

Siren blasting

Late Friday night early Saturday morning we where waken by the sound of the tornado siren blasting.The wind was howling with vivid flashes of lighting and booming thunder.One by one the staff woke us up and into our wheelchairs those of us that don't walk went.Into a hall that separates wings here at Twin Fountains we waited for the all clear phone call.People where lined up against the walls in chairs and wheelchairs.Amazing Grace and Jesus loves me where sung.Some where praying and I said a silent prayer myself.A little after 1am came the all clear call and off we went back to bed.Myself had a little trouble falling back to sleep.The howling wind pacified me into a deep sleep.

Nice looking people if I may say

My Smith side cousins.This is not all of them.Thanks to Gail for this photo.It was taken at her Mom's my aunt Pauline's 80 birthday party.left to right they are Doris,Janice,Judy,Lynn,Belinda,Gail,Kay and Cecil.

Like a lamb

March came in like a lamb here.It's to warm for this early.In the 70's here in Georgia today.Tornado weather that what it is.

Love

Love.Is it really possible.Only in fairy tales I was told.Nothing last for ever someone said.Maybe it does work for some.I wish words would come to me to help explain what I really feel on the subject.We all want and I think need that feeling of being loved.Someone we can trust.Someone who is there when you get so low your head bumps the ground.Someone who shares the good and the bad in life.Your right hand.Well I have been there a few times in my life.I guard my heart these days.For you that love works I congratulate you.

Spooky van

I have a friend who has a Dodge van.I think it’s  at the least spooky.Every time I have been in that vehicle I get depressed.Bad vibes,karma call it what you want but something is not kosher with it.Once someone seen a black dark figure ,angry figure sitting next to me in the van.All I felt was depressed.I was thinking ,my friend bought the van used and maybe something bad happened in it.Often I have thought maybe it was used as a corners transport vehicle and had seen all sorts of gruesome things.What ever is going on something is just not right with that Dodge.

The wind howled

The wind howled last night.It reminded me of a man with a deep voice moaning.Today I was awaken by the flash of lighting and rolling thunder.Rain is still here but won't complain.It will be needed soon.Lately Georgia has suffered through year after year of drought conditions so every drop from the Heavens is needed and be thankful for it.Really I like this type of weather.It gives me a peaceful easy feeling.

John the Baptist

My hair and beard are gray and long.I was told by a Lady here on the staff my new name from now on will be John the Baptist.Strange because the other day a preacher was visiting a roommate.We introduced ourselves but he miss understood me or me him cause all he was saying over and over was are you John the Baptist.No I said I’m just John.It bothered me some after he left it was that strange.That was on a Sunday.The following Friday I was Baptized.So if John the Baptist is my new nickname I will proudly take it.

A new person

Back in Georgia.Back in LaGrange.It’s home.A lot of things have changed in the last couple of years for me.I just got Baptized.February 10 2012.Peaceful is how I can describe my attitude now.On a hot July night 2004 at 3am sitting at my computer I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior.Over the years maybe I have swayed from him at times and I lost that peaceful feeling.Now I have it back and want to keep it.The Baptism was done in a round about way.Not being able to walk anymore there was a problem.But people here at the nursing home found a way.So last Friday I was loaded onto a bus in my wheelchair.Several people I now call dear friends went with me .Off to the hospital we went.There they have a large whirlpool type bath that you can be lowered down into.So with the staff from Twin Fountains and a room full of joyous hospital staff I was lowered and immerse into the water and baptized by my preacher.I did shed tears from such an out pouring of love.While I was being dressed they where singing in the next room and giving praise unto the Lord.You a member of a large family now a Lady told me.I feel as I really am.I won’t mention everyone's names that brought all this together.For you I’m so thankful.

New window new view

Hi everyone.This is an update on my life.I’m living at a nursing home now since January 12th.Guess what all is good with me.There is a lot to keep you busy here plus the staff is excellent and I’m making friends.The food is excellent.A super nice room here also.I’m so thankful for Twin Fountains Home.Feeling good and in good sprits.More later.With love John.

Grits would be nice

Saturday and it’s raining.That is ok because I like the rain plus it’s not so cold today .I’m comfortable.Still got the electric heater running .It is a big help.I will just stay in bed.Another neat trick is taking the clamp on light that is on my bed and using it as a hand warmer.The 40 watt bulb doesn’t get all that hot but excellent for warming you quick.A nice hot steaming cup of coffee would hit the spot right now.What for breakfast that would be good that I’m not supposed to eat.Start out with 3 baked to perfection biscuits.6 strips of thick sliced bacon.2 eggs fried.Big bowl of grits with lots of butter,salt and pepper.Hash browns fried till they are golden.Big glass of ice cold OJ and more coffee.That should take care of it this morning.Really right now I would settle for the grits.

Simple man

Simple man.Like the song by Lynard Sknard.That’s what I like to think of myself as.Doesn’t take much to keep me happy.Reached a point in my life were I don’t care to impress folks.Take me as I am.Like me or not.I’m not easily impressed these days.What some are excited about I’m not.

Sleepless night

Can’t sleep.Might as well stay up till I can’t hold my eyes open.12:30 am.Saturday already.Don’t know what’s wrong with me tonight.Not sick or hurting but something is not right.Wish I had a big foam cup full of coffee.Lately I have been adding sweetener to my coffee.At times some cream.l always had my coffee black.I use to dislike McDonalds coffee cause it tasted burnt to me but now I think it’s a good cup of coffee.The heater is on in the bedroom.Bear the cat is laying in front of it.I keep getting rushes of sadness.Washing over me like the ocean waves.Might be something going on in my body.Maybe sugar is high but sticking me with those lancets hurts.Fingers do get sore.So not going to use the glucose meter.Bet that is what's going on because my mouth is dry as cotton and I’m so thirsty.I feel shaky also.Getting cooler to me.I’m not overly worried about anything.Concerned yes but worried no.I will put everything in Jesus’s hand and let him take care of it all.I do feel like a hypocrite at times.I don’t think at times I’m a very good person.No I haven’t murdered anyone or robbed a bank. It’s just I don’t act Christ like 100% of   the time.That bothers me.Better being hot or cold the Bible said.Lukewarm he will spew you out.I think lukewarm describes me at times.Oh well.I know Jesus died for my sins and he rose from the dead.I was  reading.At the last supper when it was over Jesus went out and fell to his face praying.He did not not want to die.But he had to for us and to wash away our sins.Often I picture Jesus in my mind and all he went through for people like me.At times I feel so unworthy of his love.I  hear the sound of the train whistle.I like that so think I will try sleep and just listen to it and the humming of the heater.

Sad

One of those days.Song will hit me and sad I get.Just because by Ray Charles did it this time.I used to never be this way.Now I’m so emotional about some things.Bam out of nowhere I feel like crying.Male PMS maybe.Could be my sugar acting up it will make us men folk get emotional.At Momma’s funeral back in 2003 I was doing ok till.Till that one song was sung.Amazing Grace.Maybe why it hit me so hard was Momma loved that song.Even though she didn’t remember who I was or where she was she could still sing that song.I’m not ashamed of being emotional now.It is me.I will be ok.

Ray Charles - Just Because

Dead folks in my dreams

I dream.Sometimes a connection between what is dreamed and my life can be seen.Other times it’s completely off the wall and all I can say is hmm where that come from.The dreams I have mostly are of my dead family members.Every once in awhile a living person will show up with them and I ask myself why is so and so here because everyone else in the dream is dead.I don’t mind the dead visiting me in my dreams.They are family.Let me explain something.They talk to me but not with their mouths.It’s like telepathic communication.They talk I listen.Sometimes back at the old place there would be a room full of people in my dream.Nothing scary fact is it was very peaceful and nice seeing them again.Like a family reunion but everyone is dead.Maybe all this has to do with me being hit in the head with a brick as a young boy.I don’t know and really don’t worry about it.So I will never say to you see ya in my dreams.You would be dead.

Honest person

Little white lies.We have all done it.Sometimes it the easy way out rather than being honest.I want to stop it myself.Maybe instead of saying anything a smile instead of the little lie.Little lies can add up.I’m really trying to be more honest.Some things have changed in my old age some things remain the same but just for me my own benefit I’m going to try being a more honest person.And this no lie.

Smokey Joe’s, Jacobs and Pete the ice cream man

Smokey Joe’s,Jacobs and Pete the ice cream man.

Not many reading this will know what those three are so I shall explain.

Smokey Joe’s was a hamburger joint located up the street from Grandma Smith’s house,so was Jacobs which was an old time grocery store.

Smokey’s place sit on the side of a steep hill and had stairs that would terrify me if I had to walk them today.He served only hamburgers.What I remember the most there was always a huge jar of dill pickles on the counter.Not the little ones but large pickles.

.Now comes in the Jacobs part of the story.Grandma was always sending one of us grand kids to the store for something.I can still see inside with my mind what the store look liked.Wooden floors and the employees all wore those long white aprons.Anyway Grandma would always say what ever change is left over is yours.Back in those days a penny would buy candy or a cookie.

Sometimes there would be enough change left over to walk next door to  Smokey Joe’s and buy a hamburger and a big dill pickle.

Now for Pete the ice cream man.He would always be at shift changing time at Kex mill across the street in the summer time.If I was lucky I would walk down where the folks where waiting for shift change and my Uncle Eugene would buy me a Popsicle.A banana or coconut where the prize flavors.

Smith cousins do you remember this?

Bet you do.

Spirits in the house

This is an old house.Many people have lived and died here I imagine.A description of the house.It looks like a old time farm house.12 foot ceilings 8 foot high windows.One night I was in bed and awaken by someone calling my name.Someone said John one time.It sure sounded Like Momma.This has happened two other times in my life once when I was a small boy and an another time since I’ve been an adult.Momma always said never answer them and I don’t.Another night I woke to the sound of a woman singing what I would call a lullaby like a Mother would sing to a baby.Soon as I woke it stopped.Laying here in bed about 10 pm I heard someone praying. I thought someone in the next room was praying.They asked me if I was praying answering I said no,thought it was you I said.We both agreed it was like a chant maybe like Indians would chant.It was in a language not understood.Alone in the house with the sun shinning brightly I heard the backdoor open,sounds of footsteps and a woman calling someone named Clare.Walking right pass  the room I was in but nothing seen.Around supper time I have noticed the smell of pipe tobacco.It was like some one had finished supper and now enjoying a smoke.At times in the kitchen people have heard old time baseball games on what must have been a radio.It was like maybe someone from the past was sitting at the table listening to a game.One night I was awaken by the feeling of something in the room with me.I could not see it but felt like it was something evil and it scared me.I started praying help me Jesus over and over.It left.Since that night nothing has been heard.So maybe what ever it was or who ever has found peace and moved on.

Cold day

A cold day in Alabama.The temp is some where between 16 and 23 degrees.All depends where you look.Really doesn’t make much difference cold is cold.I’m fairly comfortable just my typing hand feels froze.Yes I am a one hand one finger typist.I took typing in high school for three days.It was so boring so changed it to wood shop.Took me a whole year to build a gun rack.I think maybe sticking out typing would been the better choice.Sure would come in handy these days.