Days of old

Take me back
To those days of old
When people cooked
On a wood stove

Frying with lard
When food tasted good
And it wasn't
Very hard

Biscuits and taters
Gravy to
This kind eating
It will do

Sorghum syrup
Fried fritters
Streak o lean
Ya'll know what I mean

Google this...

I have seen days like this before.Rainy,thunder and lighting.Fact is seen it yesterday all day.

Storms don't scare me to much.When power goes out it's a big hindrance.

Stay away from the door,get back from that screen window put that dog down they draw lighting Daddy would tell me .If dogs draw lighting I don't know.That would be something to Google maybe on a ....rainy day.

I think yesterday was one of the fastest days I've had since being here.Ate breakfast and a full belly and the rainy stormy weather combo put me out like a rock.Slept till lunch time and then took a nap after that.

Think it's just a good day staying here in the bed thinking,meditating,finding a plan for world peace,curing all the sick of the world etc.

Can't fool you huh?Going to take me a nap.

If it was think I would

If it was 1965.If I still had my bicycle.If I still lived at East Newnan.If Jay McMichaels store was still there.If I was 13 again.

Think I would ride that half a block from the old house.Think I would buy a Dr.Pepper in a bottle.Think I would buy a big bag of Frito corn chips.Think I would finish it all off with Zagnut candy bar.Think I would sit down inside the store in one of those old rocking chairs.Think I would just sit there all day and watch the world pass me by.

If it was think I would.

Southern sayings and their definitions

Southern sayings and their definitions.

1.Gaa Lee-Words of astonishment.
2.Reckon-I guess so.
3.Deef-Hard of hearing.
4.Watta go-Few seconds ago.
5.Shzam-Gomer Pyle's word.
6.Foe-You know one two three foe.
7.Cheer-That thang you sit in.
8.Tared-Often misspelled as tired.
9.Winder-Some call them windows.
10.Watch this-Redneck's last words.

Dreams

Weird dreams all night.They where about my folks which I haven't dreamed about in a long time.

Started off with me and Momma at the local Ford dealer.Buying a new truck was why we where there.Running around trying to find brochures on the truck that I wanted with no success.Momma was just sitting in the waiting room not saying anything.

Next it was me and Daddy.I know it was a hospital somewhere.Seems like we walked and walked till I finally asked Daddy what are we doing here.Here for some test he answered.Then he walked outside on the roof of the building and I followed him.

Wow.What a beautiful sight.Mountains that are black in color and so high.I kept asking where are we.I had it in my mind this must be California for some reason.

A short railing was around the roof.Very high up we where.I could only go so far to the edge the height terrified me.But Daddy walked right up to the edge.Stop don't go any closer Daddy I was so scared.Then he just disappeared.I kept calling out for him but no answer.Don't make me crawl out to the ledge Daddy I begged.

That was it.I woke myself up calling Daddy.Hope no one heard me.

In these I was walking and walking very good I might add.

I have to stop having those salads for supper maybe they are the culprit of these dreams.

Should be a law

There should be a law against it..Evening TV and those ads for all that good great wonderful fast food.

Hamburgers,pizza,chicken strips,fries it just pure torture.

And Hardee's is the worse.Those hamburgers and biscuits they advertise make my mouth water.

LaGrange did have a Hardees.But like all good things they left and the closest one is up in Franklin,Georgia.

Tell you what.Swap 2 McDonalds and 1 Burger King for just 1 of those Hardees stores.

Nothing but a good time

I had one of these bikes.My last bike.Schwinn 2 speed kick back ,coppertone color,chrome fenders.

A cool bike and very fast.The Cadillac of bikes they where called.

Me and Daddy went to the hardware store and I picked it out and the bike was put on lay away till Christmas.

It looked so cool and inviting sitting under that aluminum Christmas tree with the rotating colored wheel at the house.I wasn't allowed to take it out till Christmas Eve.I did manage a few sneaked rides in the hall of that old house at East Newnan.

For some reason and I don't know why 10 speed what we called English Racers where not popular.

Every kid had a bike and in the summer time from the time you got up till your Momma said come home you where on your bike.

Balloons tied to the spokes gave your bike the sound of a race car or motorcycle.Smoke bombs strapped to the rear fender made for realistic burnouts.

Back at East Newnan the school baseball field turned into a dirt bike race track in the summers months.So much fun pretending your bike was a race car.How we survived those days it's a wonder.

The day I got my driving learners permit at 15 my bike was never rode again.Fact is I gave it away.Minus the pretty chrome fenders which had been ripped off in all those bike wrecks and races.If my memory serves me right it had been spray painted a shiny black color.

A kid in the 1960's.Nothing but a good time.

This means something

What this means I don't know.

Seems fried chicken,biscuits,mashed potatoes and gravy was what I dreamed of all night.

Like that guy in the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind said when making a mountain out of his mashed potatoes"This Means Something".

Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle all like
Summer time delight
Starlit Georgia night
Fireflies shining bright

1863

Gun shots and gun smoke fill the air.

A hot summer afternoon in a large thicket of pine trees.

And I'm walking right toward it all.

These flashbacks are almost a nightly thing for me now.More than dreams it is so real.

The year is 1863. I'm 17 years old somewhere near Vicksburg,Mississippi.The color of my uniform is Bonnie gray.I carry an Enfield rifle musket.

I am a Confederate solider.My name is Jacob Haynes.

Clay County,Alabama is my home.

I enlisted in the 42nd Alabama Infantry Regiment at Talledega,Alabama.

A musket ball burns it's way into my right leg.Dead and wounded comrades lay around me.

I'm took prisoner and they take off my leg.

Jacob Haynes was my Great Grandfather...

Old mean dog

Old mean dog.Not my friend.Treated that old dog nice.Took it in from the cold and rain and it bit me every chance it got.

Fed it best I could that old mean dog.That old dog was not thankful for anything.

Nothing was good enough for that old mean dog.That old mean dog would bark at me for no reason at all.

Bark bark bark to it's other old mean dog friends about me when I wasn't looking that old mean dog did.

I hope that old mean dog and it's puppies find someone who will be good enough for them.Maybe someone they will be thankful for.

But don't think anyone will be what that old dog wants.

That old mean dog !

Come quick...

Come get me Mr Space person.Bored as can be today.

Fly me away to some exotic locale far far away from the daily grind of my life.

Show me the sights of universes unknown.

Up up way up there in the dark blue sky take me.Zipping along at double triple mach speed.

Mr Space person come quick the day is wasting.

Really?

Man hitches ride in big 18 wheeler in Tennessee.

Off to California they go.

Truck is hauling strawberries.

Driver leaves truck alone with man at weigh station in California.

Man steals truck.

Causes wrecks.

Man wrecks truck.

Man admits guilt.

Man said zombies are chasing him.

Really?

Zombies not chasing him.

We all know zombies just wanted the strawberries.

I can't judge...

I can't judge.I won't.

But this abortion Doctor trial in Pennsylvania has to get everyone's attention.

If you haven't heard the Doctor has been found guilty of murder for killing 3 aborted babies who where born alive.

My God 3 little babies their life's snuffed out.What has this world come to.

I can't judge.I won't.

But I think we all will be judged for this by God.For allowing abortion and not standing up to people who say it is fine to murder babies.

Have mercy on this sick cruel awful world Lord.

Bubble headed bleached blond

Years ago Aunt Gert went to church with her daughter.

Momma what you think about my church she was asked?

Aunt Gertrude answered"they sure are a healthy bunch,they stood the whole service".

I got that same feeling when watching the news lately.Won't name the network but 3 letters,starts with a C ends with an N  will leave the rest to your imagination.

Noticed it first with the coverage of the Boston bombing.Now they have invaded Cleavland covering the story of those missing and found women.

Reporters and cameras satellite trucks doing the news.Adding to the crowd it seems to me.

To be fair it's nothing new.Thinking way back I remember the coverage of JFK being shot.News folks where there on the scene.

Now this really gets me.Hurricanes and reporters.They stand out in the dang storm just to report what is going on.

Dedication or showboating I sometimes wonder.

And have you noticed the local TV news folks?Let some big national story happen and it seems they are hoping for the same in their town.They start seeing boogers behind every tree hoping to have their own sensational news item to report on.

They hunt for doom and gloom reporting it all with a put on face of sympathy.

Someone said once if ya can't make it in the movies be a news reporter.

Bubbled headed bleached blond.

Ok I will shut up now.

Going to Aruba

I have a plan.

When my ship comes in,when I win the lottery.when I strike it rich,when I invent something everyone must have I'm ready.

Going to Aruba.

Yes Aruba that tropical island in the Caribbean.Where the beaches are snow white and the weather is always agreeable.

I will drink coconut milk and eat green boiled bananas.Warm sand between my toes.Just laying in my hammock on the beach letting the balmy trade winds rock me to sleep.

Yes that is my plan.

They are back...

They are back....Hummingbirds !

Eye to the world...

Things I see looking out the big window.People of all sorts doing all sorts of things people do.

Joggers are out in force.Walkers using their fit bugs clicking off the steps.

Trucks of every sort.Trucks delivering milk,ice cream,loaf bread,chips and dips etc.

Trucks delivering cars trucks delivering caskets.Little slice of life passes by the big window.Everything one would want or need.

Birds big and little even deer I see from the window.

Night time brings out the stars moon and the planets and day time the sky is full of shiny high flying airplanes going places.

Funeral possessions with grieving loved ones taking someone for their final ride I have seen from the big wide window.

The big window.My eye to the world.

Signs of summer

I see a Formosa tree.
I smell a Honeysuckle vine.
I hear an ice cream truck.

LDE

LDE.

Long delayed echoes.I have read stories of these strange goings on before but never had I personally heard one.Till that night.

It is said that every type of electromotive energy that has ever been broadcasted is still floating around in the ionosphere.

Old reruns of I love Lucy,Bonanza,the 1963 TV news coverage of  JFK being shot,everything ever put on radio or TV is still out there somewhere.

I got interested in this phenomena years ago.Starting in 1975 I got my amateur radio license,ham radio, and still hold it till this very day.My FCC assigned call sign is WA4PFG.

Reading magazines and listening to talk of old timers this term called LDE would every so often come up.

People swear it to be the Gospel truth of hearing their dead ham friends in conversation even though it had been years since their demise.

I putting it mildly was a skeptic.Never had heard one myself these LDE.

On a cold winters night with a sparkling clear sky I fired up my Kenwood TS 530 S transceiver.My favorite radio antenna to use was what is called a center fed zepp which is 140 feet of number 14 stranded copper wire feed with open line cable like the old fashioned TV lead in cable through a antenna tuner.

Winter is the best time to work the lower bands because there is no summer time noise and static.That's when you work DX"long distance" on 160,80 and 40 meter ham radio bands.

I'm almost entirely what is called a CW operator meaning instead of using my voice to communicate I use Morse code.At that time Morse code was a requirement for getting an amateur radio license.

That mode was easy for me and a pleasure to use.It's a skill.

But for some unknown reason I thought something different would be fun.So hooking up my MC 50 microphone to my 530S tonight I'm trying 75 meter ssb.

Listen before talking is what the considerate ham does.Those that break the un written laws of ham radio are called LIDS short for poor operator. I always prided myself in being considerate to others.

The band was quiet no jibber jabber of nets no one calling CQ no fussing and fighting which is normal for 75 at night.But conditions sounded good.No static just it seemed no one was on the radio.

Long skip I guessed.That's it the band is open for DX.That can happen,your neighbor next door can't be heard but half way around the world people are heard S9.The radio signal just skips around.

Is this frequency being used? I asked.If I had been on CW, QRL? Would have been sent.

Just to be sure I asked if the frequency was in use again.Nothing heard.

Hello CQ hello CQ this is WA4PFG WA4PFG listening for any possible call.

No answer after several times calling CQ.

Well the band must be dead as a doornail.I'm not hearing anybody.Just as I started to switch bands it happened.

WA4PFG WA4PFG this is W4__ W4__ over.

Wow a strong signal.Quickly I answered W4__ w4__ from  WA4PFG thanks for the call OM.

WE exchanged info on all the regular stuff like QTH,name rigs etc.It was a short but real nice QSO.

I have a habit of making out a QSL card as soon as I talk with someone.Just easier than having to fill out a big bunch at once.

W4__ that is an old call sign.This was before the new fangle vanity call system.

I don't seem to see that call anywhere hmm.Did I hear it wrong wondering?

This can't be right.Looking the second time I find the call in the callbook.Right name,location but it is an silent key call.Silent key is what deceased hams are called.

I didn't mention this for awhile.Didn't want people to think I was cracked or pulling a fast one on them.

A few months later again at night on 75 meter phone I overheard a couple of guys talking.They where talking about that same guy I talked with that night W4__. Lately people have been hearing him on the air again.He has been dead for 20 plus years one guy said.

One old timer who was with that group spoke up and said he has heard him more than once.They had been good friends in the old days and he swears it was his voice that people have been hearing.

I have talked to ships at sea,airplanes and exotic locations but this was a first for me and I hope the last.

Seems I had been talking with a ghost !

Calling Momma

Momma I had this dream.

Somewhere I was and all of a sudden the feeling of being so alone came over me.

I need to call Momma.

As I was dialing the phone all the memories of you came rushing back to me.

Tears filled my eyes.

All of the things you taught me.Every time I had a pain or sickness you where always there.

All the laughter.The long talks at night.

Everything.

After several tries of calling you Momma I came back to reality.

You where at peace now.No more tears for you.

Happy Mothers Day Momma !

Ahead of the times

Wow.

Watching an old SCFI space movie.Title is Operation Moonbase.

Circa  1958.

They are talking on cordless phones !

Way ahead of the times.

Winds in the pines

Wind in the pines
Sound I want to hear
Wind in the pines
I hold it so dear

Wind in the pines
So tall and green
Wind in the pines
My eyes do gleam

Wind in the pines
Such a favorite sight
Wind in the pines
To me a real delight

Wind in the pines
Your cones laying on ground
Wind in the pines
I see you all around

Bird

Lone bird just sitting on a wire.Watching over his kingdom or what who knows.

Maybe bird is just resting.Thinking of what ever bird thinks off.

Could be bird is scouting for food.That could be the reason it is breakfast time.

Maybe bird is lonely.That sounds reasonable.Like that song "looking for love in all the wrong places."

What ever bird is doing,thinking I sure hope it all turns out like bird wants.

Blessed

Just outta the shower.Those hot soaking showers are a blessing.

A good supper of meatloaf,cabbage,mashed potatoes,cornbread with iced sweet tea and coffee.

For a snack thinking of some chocolate ice cream a nice Lady here brought me the other day.

The folks here at the home are always bringing me food from home and I truly thank them.

Yesterday a super nice person here brought me 2 homemade chicken and biscuits.It was excellent timing because for lunch yesterday that chicken pot pie was on the menu.

Yes I'm so blessed in so many ways for my friends who I call family here at TFH.

All

Lord you are all I have.

Into that habit...

Spent some time outside today.

Beuatiful !

As Goldilocks  said not to hot not to cold just right.

Done something I've been ignoring lately.Reading my Bible while I  was in a peaceful quiet place.

Got to get back into that habit because it sure made me feel good.

CoCola

Coke,pop,soda pop.Coca Cola.


Down here in the South it's called a CoCola.Soon as I got that typed my spell checker came on.

Yikes ! I got the Yankee version of a spell checker.

Anyway back to the story.CoCola covers every brand of soft drink know to man.Pepsi,Dr. Pepper,RC etc.

CoCola is what Southern folks call them.

It's A Southern thing CoCola.1886 Atlanta,Georgia it all came about.The rest is history.

Almost every town in the South at least had a CoCola bottling plant.

At least once a year Southern school children where treated to tours of a bottling plant.A free coke,pencils and writing tablets with the Coke logo on them where passed out as favors.Then on your birthday watch the mail because Coke would send you a coupon for 2 free CoColas to be redeemed at the store of your choice.

I have a can of party peanuts.All I need is an icy cold 6 ouncer in a glass bottle CoCola.That would make my day.

105 year old Lady

Yay !

This is just wonderful.105 year old Lady sez it was bacon,fried bacon that got her this far in life.

Bacon everyday she said.Bacon every meal would suit her.

She even was treated with a visit from the Oscar Myer Winnermobile.

I bet the people who want to control everything we do and eat are having a hissy fit over this.

Lets celebrate !

Double decker BLT's with tater tots and a big ole CoCola for us all.

Nope

I was just asked if I had a brother?Nope.
Do you have a sister?Nope.

Parents still living?Nope.
Alone in the world?Yep.
But I don't feel alone.

I am

Sinner.Hypocrite.

I was.

Forgiven.Saved.

I am.

Laying low going with the flow

Night.Rain.Cool.

I like it.

Laying here listening to talk radio on the internet.

Cars traveling up down US 29 splashing in the rain.

It's fairly quiet around the old home place tonight.

Wish I could sleep like my roommates.They are snoring soon as their heads hit the pillow.My brain is still in high gear with a mixture of thoughts.

Thoughts of things past.Thoughts of things present.No thoughts of things in future.

Just busy laying low going with the flow.

Hungry for hot buttered biscuits.Gravy and fried taters.

That is a thought for the future because someone has promised to bring me that.

Today was just another ho hum passing of time.Really boring putting it kindly.

Oh well think I will just lean back listen to the rain and radio.

Bye.....

Tis the end my friend. Ain't writing nothing else.All that can be said has been.

It's done and over.

Through with it all.

Quitting while I'm ahead.

Bye......





Till tomorrow.

Started something

1964 so I was 12 maybe 13.Ed Sullivan show.Sunday night.Everyone had heard of the Beatles but this was a first look at them.

The next day at school that was all we could talk about.

You seen half way wannabe Beatle hair cuts.

One guy we thought had one that day after.Nope he said it was a Mr. Spock hairdo.He loved Star Trek.

The Beatles.

They had started something.

Like that idea...

Sunny day bit cool.Perfect day for burgers and dogs on a charcoal grill.

Homemade baked beans some Ruffles have ridges potato chips and cold CoColas from a icy glass bottle.

Doesn't this sound great.

Just something about food cooked on a charcoal grill.That smell,that taste can't be duplicated with those fancy gas grills.Shoot if ya gonna cook with gas just stay inside and use your stove.

Let's go all the way while we dreaming.How about some homemade churned,delicious better than that store bought stuff they call ice cream.Vanilla add some chocolate syrup,peaches or strawberries wow I'm drooling now.That would be so good now be honest you like that idea also right?

Lewis Grizzard

Lewis Grizzard.Great American.

Born and raised up Highway 29 in Moreland,Georgia about 20 miles from here.Southern Gentleman,Son of the South.Newspaper writer,humorist and a man who loved Catfish his dog.

Momma loved his books.I did also.Daily his columns appeared in the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Lewis died a few years ago on the operating table having a heart procedure done.He still lives through his books.On YouTube his concerts are available.

I can't leave without telling one of his stories.

Listening to his little step kids talking in the bathroom one day he overheard them say.Little girl 5 asked her brother 4 if he knew any dirty words.I know one the little boy said.Little girl said she also knew one.What is your word the little girl asked?Her brother spoke up and said ass!What is your word he asked his sister?I know damm she answered!

The little girl told her little brother that they should use those words at the breakfast table and see what their Momma would say.

Lewis said he could have stopped it right there but he was intrigued.

At the morning breakfast table the children's Momma ask the little girl what she wanted for breakfast sweetie?

The little girl answered"Momma I think I will have some of those damm Cheerios"

Well Momma back handed that little girl knocking her out of her chair sending her sliding across the room banging her head against a large flower pot.

Lewis said he was shocked and in awe at what had just happened!

Now the Momma turning to her little son asked him sternly"just what do you want for breakfast son"?

The little boy thought for a few seconds and said"you can bet your sweet ass Momma I don't want any of those damm Cheerios".

Tired of it all

I have a friend who told me the other day they where ready to just give up.

Tired of it all. Tired of being in a chair.Tired of being here.Tired of the food.

Today their sugar dropped on them.Sweating,queasy almost on the verge of passing out.

That scared them and pulled them back to reality.

Maybe they where not all that tired of living yet they said.

It is easy to just give up.Hanging in there when you got so many strikes against you well that takes courage.

We are the way we are.For some purpose,what I have no idea there is a reason for my friend's suffering.

God has a plan for them.A purpose.

God has a purpose for us all I think.

Maybe even me.

The return

This is not the land of the midnight sun.So why is it burning brightly at 1 am in the morning?

Wait I don't think it's the sun at all.So bright.Hurts my eyes .It's like being awaken by a bright flashlight being shined into your eyes.

What is this light hanging up in the sky? That sound.Blasting.Loud.

The sound of trumpets.Whistling of wings like a flock of large birds.

Gabriel's trumpets blowing announcing the return...

Gangs

Gangs.

Think about.Don't we all belong to some sort of gang?

Members of a family.They act up do wrong but don't mess with them,a gang.

People who work in the same profession and stick up for each other whether wrong or right,a gang.

Maybe we are just like the Bloods and Crips and the South Side Head Knockers,a gang.

Some just take it to another level.

Just knew it would happen...

Yesssssssss!

I knew one day this would happen.

Today in a just released study by the American Medical Society it has been declared that taters,fried taters are proven to be good for your health.

Sliced or diced taters fried up crispy brown when combined with homemade buttermilk biscuits have tremendous health benefits.

They are suggesting that grown healthy males are not getting the daily required dosage of taters,fried and buttermilk biscuits.

At a minimum one serving of taters,fried taters and buttermilk biscuits,homemade biscuits should be taken for good health and a long life.

In a related study the AMS revealed that no man should be served broccoli,cooked carrots,any meat boiled,broiled or baked,deep fried meats such as burgers pork chops and T bone steaks only is suggested and cauliflower and anything turkey should be banned and declared not suitable for human consumption.

Yep if you just out live all those know it all experts all will be good.

On your way back...

The fire truck lights on siren screaming woke me up around 7 am today.

Gee whiz really I'm beginning to think they are making a biscuit run .

Several times a week this happens.Same time each trip.

It don't bother me.

Would be nice if they would drop me off a couple sausage biscuits and a large coffee on their way back.

Hoky dory

And how are you doing?

I'm just hoky dory myself.Back in bed.Just had my shower.Just thinking.

Looking out the window I see black clouds moving fast from the north.

Nothing has inspired me today.Nothing to write about.No thoughts.No nothing.

Just hoky dory.

Maybe something will inspire me later.

If not so what!

Maxwell

Maxwell the Geico insurance pig.

One cool dude.

I almost feel guilty eating my bacon at breakfast each morning.

Cuckoo's nest

Not only did I fly over the cuckoo's nest I landed.

The things you hear around here.

Sounds of Ms S up the hall screaming like bloody murder. She is quiet now so I guess she has been medicated.Some days this goes on all day and sometimes all night.

Mr N I heard him hollering out also.Sometimes he sounds like an old fashioned hell fire preacher in the pulpit when he gets started.

Then there are those that constantly ask where they are.One little lady just rides around in her wheelchair saying help me help me over and over.Her Daughter's name is get this Rhonda.At times I'm a smartbutt and on my Facebook page I posted a YouTube video of the Beach Boys singing Help Me Rhonda.Yep I know I'm a bad man.

Lord this atmosphere has to have an effect on us.Take me on to my Heavenly home Oh Lord before I reach that stage in my life.

Good in da hood

As Tattoo of Fantasy Island would say"THE PLANE THE PLANE" today I can say "THE BEANS THE BEANS"are here.

Yes my Dear friends,pinto beans,cornbread and a hot onion are on my way.Someone here at the home is going to save my day.They have a boatload of pintos they brought for lunch,more than a normal person could eat.

So I shall benefit from the excess of pintos.

Life it's all good in da hood !

It just was...

 I'm awake now going on 1 am May 1st.What woke me up who knows.

Good enough.Soon as getting into bed off to sleep I went.

I was staring out the window at the setting sun.Pink and blue sky.Pretty.Another day in the life of me had passed I was thinking.

Strange it was those thoughts.Nothing was bad nothing was extraordinary good.It just was if that makes sense.

I did get that feeling of not really being that important in the scheme of life.This old world would keep on spinning with or without me.

Maybe I got this life thing finally figured out.I realized each life was like a speck of space dust zipping across the night sky.Reaching that fiery conclusion and poof we are just a memory.

If so lucky.

Excites me

It still excites me.Shiny copper #14 stranded wire,new RG8/x coax or 450 ohm ladder line,the smell of melted silver solder.

The makings of hours of fun.Ham radio dipole antenna.

468/2 is the formula for a half wave antenna.

I know.I should stop right?My nerdness and geekness is showing.

Hail it did...

Talk about bad weather LaGrange had it last Sunday.

About 3 pm the sky opened up and drenched us with heavy rain,blustery wind and hail.

I have always heard a tornado sounds like a  freight train and that is what I heard.

The wind just sounded strange and it got my attention.In here in my room the hail was bouncing off the big window like giants had spit guns and where taking target practice.

The Dogwood tree out front had all of it's blooms ripped off by the hail.There was so much hail it looked like snow on the ground.Several windows were cracked by the hail.

I wasn't scared or frightened just concerned that they would load us up and send us to the hall but the tornado siren never came on that I know of.

LaGrange got lucky again it seems.

And I got lucky,didn't have to take that trip to the hallway to wait out the storm.

That's your folks...

Talking with my friend today.Teasing each other we do it's lots of fun.

I say this part only to set up the story.My friend is black I'm white.

Just talking I asked him what he thought about George Jones who died Friday.That's your folks kind of music he said.I had to run with this.

My folks G...? You know what I mean he answered.Now G... are you saying you see me as a white man? I thought me and you where Brothers in Christ.

I asked him what he thought about Waylon,Willie,Pasty Cline etc.Again trying to back track on his "YOUR FOLKS KIND OF MUSIC" .

I told him Al Green,James Brown,Rick James etc is the music I grew up on but teasing him I said I never thought of it as "YOUR FOLKS MUSIC".

This lead to both of us agreeing that we both had the same color of blood in our veins.Red.

Honestly I see no color of skin.Doesn't matter.Red,white,black or yellow it doesn't matter.

We all have the same Creator and Savior.

God and Jesus Christ His son.

But between you me and the fence post gotta watch out for those Alien Greys !

The promise

I have been promised homemade biscuits and gravy.
I have been promised hamburger steak with onion gravy with crinkle cut fries and Texas toast for my birthday.
I have been promised a meat loaf.
I have been promised ice cream.
I have been promised a fish plate with all the trimmings,fries,hush puppies,slaw.
I promise to enjoy.
I promise I will remind you over and over of your promise.
I promise.

Sitting at the little table

Sitting at the little table.As a kid it seems that's where the kids ended up.Or the steps.Maybe even on the ground.

The big table was for grownups and where they did the grown talk and stuff.

If there is an official cut off time for sitting at the little table I don't know.

All I remember was if there was a Family gathering of some sort and you where still considered a kid off to the little table with your food they sent you.

In my old age while sitting at the big table now I can only look and sympathize with the kids at the little table.

Hang in there little man/little lady.Your turn will come.

Wow !

Wow !

That was the last word of a guy in Texas who was being put to death by lethal injection for the crime of capitol murder and rape.

He did thank the warden.Before all this he asked the witness he hope no one held any negative feelings toward him.

18 when all this took place.His accomplice was executed last year.

The Father,Stepmother,Stepbrother of the man shotgunned down attended also the woman he raped and shot was there.Another Lady who was shot and raped did not attend.

The Father of the handicapped man murdered said he died to easy.He just went to sleep.The Lady said she had expected an apology which never came.

Only word that comes to my mind about this sad situation for all involved is...

Wow !

Brought tears to my eyes

Let me start this day by saying God is great.Something was done this morning that brought tears to my eyes.

My roommate's name is Mr.Burton.August 17th he will be 96 years old.His mind is so sharp and if I should be so blessed to making that far in life hope my thinking would be so clear.

Mr.Burton is blind.Has been for several years.Completely blind.He is also paralyzed from a stroke he suffered several years ago.

Often during the night or day Mr.B will ask what time is it? It is mine and our other roommate Willie's pleasure to answer his questions about time,what the weather looks like etc.

Mr.B has a talking watch but about a year ago it stopped working.Everyone thought it was ruined because it got wet in the shower.It was just put away in Mr.B's drawer and forgot about.

Yesterday the maintenance man Charles noticed it and took it home and changed the battery.It works.Now Mr.B knows the time and if it's day or night.

A blessing!

Mr.B is so happy.Charles is blessed.And that kind generous act of Christian love brought tears to my eyes.

We all are so blessed having a Father in Heaven who knows our every need.

Night train

Ready for that night train
Ride it all night
Ride it till morning come
Ride it till no more pain

Ready for that night train
Ready to be took away
Ride it through the times
Ride it till break of day

Youse guys up there...

I'm just a small town person.Big crowds make me nervous.

Listening to a radio station in NYC it gave me this idea.They where giving traffic reports.Best way to get here there everywhere.

I swear it sounded like another language they where speaking.Like Houston to the space shuttle type of talk.Take GWB to the LIE or the Holland Tunnel would be your best choice.Wreck at this and that street,boulevard or avenue.

If the traffic reports got me this confused just think how driving in all that traffic would confuse a country bumpkin like me.

Born and bred here in small town LaGrange,Georgia,Troup County,USA is confusing enough but my Braves baseball hat is off to youse guys up in NYC.

Night time

I could easily slip away to where ever our minds and souls go when sleeping tonight.It would be no big struggle.

The big window is open and cool fresh air is seeping in.The night sky is black no stars seen.The smell of rain somewhere fills my senses.

Leaning back on the bed in a pitch dark room with headphones on the world around me is shut out.The troubles of others and the world pass me by tonight.

This is my time.Night time.Time to think.Or not if I so choose.

Burning bridges

Burning bridges
Forgetting past
Some things
Never last

Duel in the sky...

Duel in the sky.Laying here in my comfy electrified bed looking out the big window something catches my eye.

7 large hawks being chased by 1 lone small bird.

I can only guess why this aerial duel is taking place.Maybe the hawks are raiding the nest taking the young spring babies of the smaller bird.

Maybe it's a game of chase,you are it,a bird version of tag.

What ever the reason for this game I fear it's one of life and death.

Got his story

January 28 1986.Florida.Cape Canaveral.

The weather is cold.

The space shuttle Challenger sits on the launch pad ready for take off.

A crew of 7 waits aboard.

At 11:38 am 73 seconds into the flight.......

Most know the story.

At that time I had a 10 foot satellite dish in my backyard.

My favorite thing to watch was behind the scene news broadcast.

One network which will remain nameless for a few reasons was broadcasting.The "A-Team" was on the air.

The anchor who was the network's nightly news anchor was speaking off camera microphone still open.

Launch of Challenger had been delayed because of ice on the fuel tanks.

When will this "turkey fly" the well known news anchor remarked.Behind the scenes there was talk of problems the shuttle was facing on this very cold day in Florida.

What was said next I still remember so well.Someone said it could blow up.

"Now that would be a story" Mr. Anchorman replied.

It did blow up.7 people died.Their families lost loved ones.The nation mourned.

But Mr. Anchorman got his story.

Translator needed...

Not to old for learning things.

For all my years today I learned something.Chimney Swifts.Those little birds we see during spring and summer flying in groups sometimes diving and darting in the evening sky I've been mispronouncing their name.

Swifts not sweeps as I called them.

My hearing suffers I guess.Maybe all my life.Lots of words I mispronounce because they are heard wrong.

20 years old before I realized my uncle's name was Lavert not Bert.

Pomegranate the fruit I thought it was called plum grannies.

The list of words are many that are mispronounced.I can translate if needed.

624

Twice lately on the Georgia cash 3 lottery drawing the number has been 624.

First time I seen that saying to myself that will never happen again.

624 is my birthday.

Maybe I should buy a ticket?

The Lord works in mysterious ways.

Sometimes it just takes a 2 by 4 upside the head to get our attention.

More than deserved

Feeling more blessed than this old sinner deserves.

A dilemma

They are switching it around.

Mondays and Fridays are fish day here at the old folks home.Supper time on those 2 days expect fish of some sort.

It started last Friday at lunch.Fish instead of beef&mac or baked spaghetti which really is quite good.But thanks to a nice CNA I had my regular Friday pizza plus kept the fries and hush puppies from the fish plate.

I gambled on supper by ordering a salad and guess what the offering for supper was? Ground chuck pattie with gravy and mashed potatoes.This is one of my favorite meals here.

Now for my dilemma.

Friday for supper should I order a salad or take the bluff and go with the offering they have?

Decisions decisions.

Day we all dreaded

The EBS is now on all broadcast networks,radio and TV even text messages on cell phones.

EBS is the Emergency Broadcast System.This is not a test.

It has finally happened.The day we all dreaded.

The President is now speaking to the nation.I'm sure the leaders in every civilized nation of the world are taking to the air waves.

My fellow Americans...

Today September 25th at 7:53 am Daylight Savings Time radar installations at Military bases and Civilian locations noticed an oddity on their screens.

My fellows Americans I will not sugar coat these findings.Honesty is the best advice at this time.

An invasion is interment .

An invasion from who what or where we cannot say at this time.

Please remain calm...

Rest assured our top experts and Military personnel have the situation monitored and as I speak are working out details which will be revealed at a later time.

This I can say.At this time there is no reason for panic or fear.Who or what these invaders are we have no indications they are hostile.But...We must remain cautious and be aware of our surroundings.

Again I say DO NOT PANIC.That will lead to mistakes and accidents which we should avoid at all cost.The welfare of our citizens,friends and families is our main objective at this time.

If you notice anything no matter how small out of the ordinary you are requested to contact your Civilian authorities,911,do not take any drastic measures into your own hands.

My I suggest if a fortified shelter such as a storm bunker, if avavilabe please take advantage of these offerings.If I may suggest if a weapon is accessible please use common sense but it should be taken with you.

Again at this time we are not positive of the invaders intentions.

Please stay tuned for.....

A steady 1000hz tone that nerve racking tone I dread is all I can hear from the TV.

Without notice the President was cut off.

This is a bad sign...

The streets are full of people milling about looking up into the skies searching for what no one knows just searching for what is coming our way.

The same question is repeated over and over"what is this about?".Everyone is confused and panic is starting to seep in whether we admit it or not people are scared.

Invaders.From where?What do they want?

Trying to hide my growing fear from everyone but I think it's not going to be an easy thing to hide.

I'm scared.For the first time in my life really scared.

Still no new news since the President speaking over the EBS went unexpectedly off the air.No one has any idea if the invasion has taken place or worse maybe the invasion is over.

Could we be under some Alien control now?Has the very basic core of civilization been wiped out?

Wait.Aliens?No mention of Aliens was mentioned by the President in his address.We just assumed Alien invaders.

Invaders could mean something entirely different.

It could mean an invasion from some nuke capable crazy dictator led country.

Now the confusion is growing.Least an Alien from another galaxy would be recognized easily.But what if they are human?Looking just like me or you?

The invaders could be standing right next to you,me and not be recognized.

I wish we had some official information instead of just guessing.

That annoying scary 1000hz tone on the TV has stopped.The screen goes blank.And these words are spoken.

PLEASE STAND BY...

It's the President of The United States of America.

Finally maybe news of what is going on.

My fellow Americans I speak to you concerning our grave situation from an secure and unnamed location.

Still no news or confirmation of who the invaders are or where they are from.They have been lost on all radar tracking.

We presume they have landed but where is undetermined at this time.

Rest assured your Government is working timely on this matter.

That is all I have to report at this time.

God bless us all and God bless America.

Goodnight!

Well that wasn't much help was it.

I'm starting to believe that saying(it's not what the Government tells you that should cause worry it's what they don't tell).

Maybe that is it.If they told what they knew maybe it would cause widespread panic and chaos.

What!


What is this?I hear screaming of jet engines.Looking I see them.Dozens of low flying fighter jets.



One after another and another zipping by at incredible speeds as if chasing something.Something I can't see.


Day 2 September 26th 7:22 am.Location La Grange,Georgia.


Still no news.Just an ordinary day .What is going on?Where are the invaders.

Far as we know this could just been a dream a bad nightmare.

But the rumbling of trucks,tanks and troops outside my window say different.It's hasn't been said as official but we are now under Marshall Law.

In the sky helicopters and planes and jets of all kind.This is serious.They must be the National Guard.

Off and on I hear those terrifying tornado sirens.Guess they are for more than just bad weather.It reminds me of those old movies of WW2 when England was being bombed.

Waiting is not easy.Neighbors are standing lining the street watching the troops pass by hollering out questions that go unanswered.

Booom!!!

Loud explosions rock the ground.The concussion from the blast are felt,knocking me to the ground.For what seems like minutes I'm deaf.

Something,what I don't know, has started.

Gun shots ring out.So this is what a war is like.Right in the middle of it I'm taking cover.Who are they shooting at?

Then I see it.

Something I wish that wasn't there.Big somethings.Hooping and hollering like wild uncivilized creatures.

Yes I recognize them.I've seen them once before long ago.

My long lost Haynes kin folks from over in Alabama,the ones from up in Clay County coming over for a visit.

The humanity of it all!

Sheep yes

Listening to the news and they where talking about those 2 guys accused of the Boston bombings.Something was said that made me think.

One of them was brain washed.

Really think about it ain't we all brain washed?

We hear 1 point of view all our life.This is the way it is.Our side is right everyone else is wrong.

No room for compromise.

Brain washed maybe.

Sheep yes.

Sunday morning

Heat is on and it feels great.Last thing I remember it was 11pm last night and next thing it was after 7am.So I slept like the dead.

Waiting on coffee and breakfast.

Skeeter

Skeeter on my window
Trying to get in
If it does
We ain't gonna be friends

Skeeter will bite
It will sting
Gonna smash that skeeter
Yaw know what I mean

Worry

All those things worried about what good did it do?

It changed nothing.Just wasted time.

But don't we all do it.Worry.

Ever since I was big enough to worry I have done it.Maybe it all started in the first grade.This that something was going to happened.If it did or not what was worse,the misery of worrying about something happening or the actual thing happening.

High tech redneck

High tech redneck
What I am
Love buttered biscuits
Homemade strawberry jam

Got my puter
Cell phone to
High tech redneck
Without them what I do

GPS finds my way
Ipad in pocket
 Just in case
Of a boring day

High tech redneck
It is true
So without us
What would you do

Bad men

This just ain't right.Watching a John Wayne movie good wins over bad again.Well sorta.

The poor Indians are always portrayed as the bad people,heathens.

Guess what? We,the white man invaded their land,stole it,wiped out their families.

And they are the bad men? Why do I speak of this? Woman on the right in this photo is Sally Lugene Brewster Haynes.

Grandma Haynes.

Cherokee Indian.

Awake

Hello world I'm here.Awake,bright eyed and bushy tailed.Well awake anyway 1 out of 3 ain't bad.

About a hour from breakfast and really not all that hungry.Maybe I snacked over my limit last night.

Clear and cooler.Temp sure has dropped after that rain of yesterday.

Ok leaning back waiting for the day watching CNN.

Time

Time moves so slow.

Come on sleep find me quick.

Robot Monster

Why I like those old black&white SciFi and horror movies from the 1950's I don't know.

It's been told that the worst movie of all time was Plan Nine From Outer Space.

The first time I seen it around 10 years old,alone,all by my self it scared me.I had to leave the room.

Seen it a few times since and why it scared me I don't know.

But there is another movie which I think should beat that one for title of worst movie ever.

Robot Monster.Talk about made on a budget look at the monster in the photo.It's a man in a gorilla suit wearing a diving helmet.

But you know I still watch them and really enjoy those old campy movies.

Good in da hood...

I don't think the room improvements being made down here in 31 have been mentioned.


Got a few minutes sit down and I will tell all.


First but not least a new paint job,dark purple and new green shag carpet has been installed.

Next we have a lighted 1970's type revolving disco ball installed in the center of the mirrored ceiling.

But we the residents of room 31 are most pleased and excited of the newly installed Jacuzzi/Hot tub.

Like I say "all is good in the hood".

I wonder

Windy day.Cloudy.Sprinkling rain.

There is a wind speed indicator right outside my window.

It's the iron bird feeder pole.When that thing starts shaking moving around you know it's a windy day.

While on the subject of wind.I have noticed in recent years it's windy every day.Whats going on with that I wonder?

Always something to ponder.

Thank you!

Another milestone yesterday.

And you the people who take time out of your busy life to read this silly blog made it possible.

For the first time since this blog was started 3 years ago the views for 1 day topped 100 plus.

Gosh that thrilled me that people are taking the time reading whats going on in my life.

Thank you!

Wait and see

Awake.Slept good.Feel good.Waiting on breakfast and I hope hot cup of coffee.

Friday's are a favorite of mine mainly because of the food.Pizza at lunch and not sure if I will go with a salad for supper or not.Getting kinda gorged out on them.

But between the fish and salad maybe the salad will be the best choice.

I liked the Long John's Silver type of Friday fish we did have here.Hush puppies,fries and cole slaw was ok.But lately the fish offering has been baked catfish and I just can't stomach that stuff.Monday I ordered a salad and just between me you and the fence post it wasn't very good.

Oh well wait and see I guess.

The quietness was deafening

Dead quiet.That's room 31 tonight.The only sound heard is the soft rumble of the AC unit.

My roommates,there are 3 of us,are unusually quiet tonight.They must be asleep.

I know this quietness must be enjoyed and I do.

No loud music on the radio.No moaning and groaning like the Angel of death is visiting room 31.No all night ramblings of the other roommie who is 95 God love him.

The door is closed and the nightly sounds I can't hear.A blessing.

I had already leaned back in my bed thinking I would just try to go to sleep early but the quietness was deafening.

Laying here looking out the window at the black clouds rolling in I knew this was something and had to write about it.

It won't last long I bet !

Crazy

No! It can't be.Maybe it is.

Just thinking maybe I am crazy.

I've sure made some crazy choices in my life.

Big deal

Please do this
Choose words carefully
You never know
What they show

How you feel
It's no excuse
To many it's
A big deal

Silent gas attacks

Old man goes to the Doctor.
Old man:Doc I have a problem.
Doctor:What is that?
Old man:I have been having silent gas attacks lately.
Old man:I've had 3 since you came into room.
Old man:What can you do about it Doc?
Doctor:First thing we are going to do is check your hearing.

Waiting

3 am.
Wide awake.
Foot feels like it's in a vise.
Roommate moaning like death has hold of him.
Other roomie unusually quite tonight.
Sleep come on.
Waiting.