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

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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.

Quitting smoking

Have you made any New Year resolutions ? I don’t make them cause they are never kept.One thing I have done is quit smoking.5 years now.Cold turkey.Ran out of smokes one day and just gave it up.It was not easy but really not very hard.I can now smell a smoke from across the street.I never smelled them before I guess because I grew up in a house of smokers.I am not one of those hypocrites about it.I know a smoke and coffee have gotten me through some rough times in my life.So I better than anyone know the need for smoking.I will be honest every once in awhile I think how nice a smoke would be.A little Hav A Tampa cigar with a cup of McDonalds coffee,black please no sugar,but I will stick it out.

Foul up a good thing

New Years day classic meal.Here for supper there was blackeye peas,collards and cornbread.I not sure about it bringing good luck or anything but it sure taste good.I like collards and turnip greens.Raised on food like that.Got to have some cornbread with your vegetables that rounds it out.Some say I’m set in my ways,wont try anything new but I just know what I like and why foul up a good thing.

My email

Hi everyone.If you would like to contact me my email is johnleehaynes@yahoo.com

Gail Janice and me

When I was a small boy going to my cousin Gail's house was always fun.We are the same age and as kids we played great together.Cowboys,Indians,riding bikes,climbing trees yep Gail  was a tom boy.Her Mom Pauline would take us to Grants Park where the zoo was.My favorite place to go was the airport.Back then you just drove up to the fence and watched the big planes.They lived in Jonesboro yep Clayton County where gone with the wind took place in the movie.There is a Tara Blouvard there but no real Tara.We got along good for cousins.I remember one thing though.Gail and our other cousin Janice would let me play as long it was just me and the other.But get them two togather it was no way hosea they would shut the door in my face and I would end up sitting on Grandma’s porch steps alone.Janice told me something a few years ago.Grandma had an apple tree.Janice asked if I remembered being payed 25 cents to pick up apples.I do remember picking up apples .But being payed was something I never heard about.So I’m thinking some sort  of conspiracy about the apple picking up was going on and maybe further investigation is needed.

Po kids

Gladys,Daddy,Fred and J.D.Daddy said they were so poor when in bed at night they could look up and see the stars,look down and see the chickens under the house..He was the baby boy of the family,Ruby his sister was the baby of the group.He had 3 other sisters,Myrtle,Gertrude and Eula.Once he told me how he felt when at school in his lunch pail all he had was sorghum syrup and cold cornbread and the other kids had sandwiches using sliced bread.On Christmas they got an orange and apple.He would save the peelings for later.A habit I have.They all got one pair of shoes each year and if they wore out they went barefooted. 

141 am New Years eve morning

141 am New Years eve morning Roanoke,Alabama.I can’t sleep.Out comes the computer and I will write a bit.What to write about that makes sense not figured out yet.Tried sleeping but it didn’t work well.Just turned the electric heater on .A little bit chilly plus the sound of it running I like.The glow of it in a dark room is nice.Let your imagination kick in and pretend it’s the glow of a camp fire with that  aroma of burning wood.Now I hungry.The old camp out staple would hit the spot right now.A can of Armour chili with beans some soda crackers and for drink how about a real Coke.Need something sweet to make this the perfect camp out meal.Let me think for a second.Ok after much thought,for the sweet thing of the meal how about Bit O Honey.Zagnut or Clark bar .Sugar Daddys or Babies?Shoot a lot of that old type candy is not around any more.While on the subject throw in the fire a few potatoes and let the hot coals bake them to perfection.Wish I had not started on this subject ,it’s making me really hungry.Ok,guess that’s enough.It is now 203 am New Years eve Roanoke,Alabama.

A fine looking couple

Ada Dicy Smith Haynes and Harold Winford Haynes.My parents.They met at Ideal Cleaners on Greenville Street in LaGrange,Georgia where Momma worked as a cashier.I was an only child.That’s not an easy job.Brothers and sisters I always wanted.Still I wish for them. For you that have siblings consider yourself blessed.

Just another memory

I miss my home.Every time I hear a train whistle I’m wishing I was there.Thought it would be ok giving up the old place but lately I dream of it wanting to be back.Back where my life was.Back where my memories are.Back to where the people I loved lived.It’s gone, just another memory.

I do try

Ok I’m not perfect.Lot of things I do are regretted and make me feel guilty.My conscious has always kept me in check about things.Sometimes things are thought through and sometimes they are done on a whim.Better thinking through things before acting on them believe me.Saves a lot of trouble.The Bible said if you think about it you are just as guilty as doing it.I’m in trouble.Some things never acted on but sure thought about.We are all sinners and fall short the Bible said.I know that is my case.The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.All I can do is ask forgiveness for my sins and try to live more Christ like but I know sooner or later I will mess up big time again.

The Timex

The Timex.When I was a little boy my folks often had to work nights.This meant I had to stay with relatives . I was always treated nice by everyone but it was very lonely.Often I would put my Timex watch up against my ear listening to the tick tick tick.The soothing sound was a comfort to me. Today in my old age I think a Timex is still need.

Let me complain

Things with my health are getting worse.Not complaining here it’s something to write about when nothing else comes into my mind Let me be honest guess I am complaining. Maybe it will help someone out there going through this part of their life.I don’t think I have gave up completely yet.There is still life in me.My brain is still working even if I do have senior moments from time to time.My body is wearing out wasting away from the Kulgleburg Welander Syndrome elcrapo thing and being diabetic doesn’t help at all.I’m not walking anymore.The bed is where I stay mostly.Thank God for this adjustable bed it has been a blessing from God.My power chair has also been a blessing and the patient lift has made things so much easier.After last December 2010 when I ended up in the hospital really was the start of it all going down hill.It just knocked me down and I guess giving up seemed like the easy thing to do. For a long time sitting up was impossible I have heard people say the room is spinning Well when sitting up whew boy it was like a carnival ride.Nausea every time and a few times I thought I would just lay down in the floor and die,it was that bad. I have to depend on people now for just about everything.I hate being a burden.I know what the future holds.Several times I have made up my mind about going to a nursing home.I don’t really want to go but sooner or later I have to give it serious thinking.Some pain now when being moved.My knee on the right leg seems to be frozen and it doesn’t want to bend.Maybe I’m being a big baby but it hurts.That is one reason I don’t use the power wheelchair as much.Hurts just sitting in it with the knee problem.My hips I’m sure have been knocked out of place from all the falls I taken over the years.Some pain at times with them.I use to never worry about this but everything just started happening so quick.I could walk and take care of myself and having to have others help does take away from my pride or ego call it what you want.Some say everything has been planned out from the start for each of our life.I really don’t know.All I know is it sure gets hard at times just keeping going on.

First cup of the day

That first cup of coffee of the day is the best. After that none quite taste as good. I have heard people say your taste changes as you get older.I know for a fact our hearing,sight and a few other things change with age so stands to reason our taste does also.If I make it to June 24^th 2012 I will be 60 years old.Being old does have it’s advantages.We get senior citizen discounts at fast food places and on Tuesdays we old folks get 10% discount at the grocery store on the stuff we buy that doesn’t taste like it did in our younger days .

After midnight

After midnight and I’m tired but can’t sleep.Raining heavy and the sound of it beating down on the roof is soothing.The rain is bringing cooler weather.I feel it in my bones.I must have dozed off for a few minutes because I woke up to the sound of me snoring.A few times I’ve awaken to me talking to someone.That is a strange feeling.Who was it I wonder.Other than the rain nothing is heard in the house.This clamp on lamp I’m using on the bed is wonderful.A big improvement over the little battery powered light.The computer is always close by incase the need to write strikes me.Sleepy now plus pain in my hip wont stop so think I’ll call it a night.

Reading the Bible

I read the Bible.The more reading the more I understand.Not saying everything is understood but it’s starting to make sense now.I was raised Baptist.Maybe I have different view points on the Bible than you.One thing I’m not clear on 100% is death.More than once the Bible calls it sleep.I know some say when we die we are judged at that time on our life and what we have done.The result being Heaven or Hell.The Bible said that Jesus will come back with his angels and the dead in Christ will rise first into the sky with him,then everyone else will follow with the angels doing the judging.The rapture.Some don’t believe in it.I believe in the rapture myself.It is never mentioned by that word in the Bible.So maybe when we die it’s just a deep sleep and our souls will be judged at the rapture.Jesus and the disciples raised people from the dead.If their souls where in Heaven why would they be brought back.Lazarus was raised from the dead.His sisters said he has been dead 4 days and he stinketh but Jesus brought him back to life.And when Jesus was crucified there where long dead Saints seen walking around.People say they have had near death experiences.They see a bright light.A Holy being.Family members that have passed on.I’m not saying what's right and what's not cause I don’t know.This a subject for deep thought in those quite moments.One day we shall all know the answer.Your comments on this subject as all my other post are most welcomed.I would like to know your viewpoint and insight.

Blustery day

The Crows have been noisy for the past few days.Awaken by their caw caw sounds two days now.Maybe they know something.It looks blustery outside.Low dark clouds and very windy.Rain day and night for several days straight. I think it’s going to blow something in.Maybe a big winter storm.Snow.It’s the day after this was wrote.Guess what?I was wrong.Today there is not a cloud in the sky,sunny no wind.But it’s cold least to me.

Hawks

I have noticed a lot of hawks lately.They just fly around in circles getting higher and higher like little sailplanes.They are quite an enjoyment to me. I seen the most amazing thing.A flock of smaller birds diving and dogging  a hawk.The smaller birds reminded me of a kaleidoscope as they changed patterns in the sky trying to out maneuver the hawk. From my window I watch birds of all kinds.Red birds,male and female.I think there was a love triangle going on between  birds.Two females fighting over the male is what it looked like.The male chose one and where the other female went I don’t know.The result was 1 baby Red bird.Bluejays are fun to watch.They will fight anything including themselves.They even chase the hawks.Crows are plentiful and a pleasure to watch and listen to with their caw caw sound.But the most pleasurable bird of them all in my opinion is the Mocking bird.Their beautiful singing has lullabied me to peaceful sleep many a summers night.So I am a bird watcher and most of all bird listener.

Coming storm

April 27th 2011 I was awaken by the sound of the tornado siren blasting away.It was after 10pm.Rain,thunder and lighting.Laying here in bed I thought of England during WW2.Nightly air raids and those sirens going off.How terrifying it must have been.Reflecting on my life and thinking there is a very good chance of a tornado oddly enough I was at peace with it all.Not scared but just numb to it all.That Friday night 35 people died in Alabama.

Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes.Sorry I don’t like them.Any snake for that matter.Dead or live doesn’t make any difference.Living in Standing Rock,Alabama as a boy of 4 years old I had an encounter with a rattler.The front yard was all sand.Walking down the tall steps of the house reaching the bottom step coiled up ready to strike was a snake,a rattler.If it frightened me I cant recall but it terrified my folks.In quick order the snake was dealt extreme prejudice.They killed it with a hoe.Maybe my fear of snakes was inherited from my parents.Momma’s sister Lema was bitten by a rattler and almost died.Once  Daddy took me hunting.We were leaning up against a tree.It was fall and the ground was covered with leaves.From a distance I seen something moving through the leaves.It was a snake,it’s tongue flickering heading straight for us.Daddy I see a snake.That’s all it took.He out ran me back to the car.And he was the one with a gun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Momma I had a dream

Momma I had a dream. I want to call Momma thinking to myself. Dialing the phone, over and over I could not remember your number. Then I realized that you were no longer here.You had gone to a better place.A place with no tears or fears.Momma I wanted to talk to you so much but am so happy that your suffering has ended.

Harold Winford Haynes

A young Harold Winford Haynes,my Daddy.I guess this was taken when he was about 18 just before he was drafted into the army during WW2.He was living in Macon,Georgia at the time.How most of the family ended up in Macon someone who knows will have to tell me someday.Story is Daddy knew he was going to be drafted so he left Macon to stay with his sister Myrtle who lived in Roanoke,Alabama.His draft notice was there before he was.Least that is what he told me.

Something

What can I write about today?Something that is important.Something that will help mankind.Something that will feed the hungry,clothed the naked,heal the sick.Something that will bring joy and peace to this fast spinning rock in space we call Earth.Something that will give hope to those who feel hopeless.Something that will for a brief moment will make you laugh forgetting all your woes.Something that will give you peace in your life.Something that will make us all hug each other loving sincerely.At the moment I have no answer but will give this idea much thought.It will be something to do.

3rd Sunday in May

This photo from the 1960’s was taken at Uncle Bill’s after Memorial Day at Bethel East Baptist church in Randolph County Alabama. It’s called 3^rd Sunday in May by some. Grandma Smith is the tall woman in the center. From left to right are the oldest to youngest of her kids.Walter,Bill,Arnold,Joe,Lema,Pauline,Ada(my Momma)Eugene and Bobby.There were 13 kids in all,twin boys died at birth,Flora Bell died at 5 and Lois died at 18.Grandpa Smith was the preacher at the old Bethel East church.Momma said they went to church in a wagon.They put her behind the pulpit as Grandpa preached giving her a sack of biscuits to keep her quite.She was only 5 when Grandpa died.Bill was the preacher later on at the new Bethel East.The church has a cemetery where most of Momma’s people are buried.Grandma never remarried after Grandpa died raising the kids herself.

Sally Lugene Brewster Haynes

A young Sally Lugene Brewster Haynes on the right.My Grandma.Who the other Lady is I have no idea.I know nothing of the Brewster side of my family.I hope I’m telling the story correct here,once Daddy,Momma and me went somewhere in Alabama to visit some of Daddy’s kin.A ferry was used to cross the river.It was like a raft that held one vehicle at a time pulled across the river by ropes or cables.What the people there where named I cant remember but it was Daddy’s uncle we visted.His name was Tom.Spending the night the hoot owls terrified me.Talk about country this was it.They all carried guns even the ladies had pistol and holster on when they were out side.Being a small boy this fascinated me.This is amazing to me but when I was 14 Daddy and me went to a family member’s funeral up in the same part of Alabama.It was Grandma’s Stepdad.I had never heard of him before that day.Daddy called him Grandpa Dunn and he lived to be a 100.Some older Lady at the funeral walked up to Daddy saying she had not seen him since he was a baby but recognized him.You were always the handsomest thing she told him and with a glare looked at me and said you don’t look anything like him.Maybe it was because all the Haynes’s had dark skin and hair with brown eyes.Story is that Grandma was Cherokee Indian,this I cant prove but it’s the story.I guess with my blue eyes light completion and hair I did stick out amongst them.Grandma always lived with us.Grandpa Haynes died when I was 3 years old.I was 10 when Grandma Haynes died.

Desperado

April of 2011 I moved from my home of 33 years in LaGrange, Georgia to a bordering state.

The grass had grown at the old home place. Neighbors complained to LaGrange city code enforcement .

I got a call from an officer named Rick explaining the problem. I told him it would be taken care of and it was.Another phone call and another. They were finding all sorts of problems.

 Officer Rick said his boss was pushing the matter.He said a warrant for my arrest was possible but I was out of state and his jurisdiction.

I had visions of the LPD,TSO,GSP,GBI,FBI,DEA,DOD,CIA and all of those other 3 letter agencies hiding behind the Welcome to Georgia sign just waiting for my arrival back to my home state.Black unmarked helicopters in the sky hovering above the stateline,swat teams camouflaged in the bushes, satellites beaming back
info on my where abouts,the Coast Guard out in force in case I tried to enter Georgia by boat down the river.

It took me 59 years to become a desperado, 59 years of obeying the law,being a good citizen and tax payer.

 Then the dreaded C word was brought up.COMDEEMING.

By this time I was worried.

Of all the things going on in my life this was something not needed.I was thinking of selling the house.But right now I could not afford the repairs needed.So thinking it over I did this.Calling my uncle I asked if he would be interested in the house.I wasn’t going to sell him the house but give it to him.He agreed. So I handed over the deed to my uncle and he started having work done to the house at once.

Everyone was now happy, neighbors and most important the city of LaGrange.My uncle was getting offers to buy the house and people wanting to rent it.

Then Officer Rick’s boss stopped by and did everything but cuss my uncle out telling him how hard he was going to make things for him.Even Officer Rick was shocked and said his boss was out of line.

Work continued and now get this!

After a day of painting my uncle arrived at the house and found the electrical service from the pole to the house had been cut.

Calling the city he was told that this was the first step in condemning a house.Shocked he started making phone calls.He was getting the run around.Then he talked to some lady with the city and she explained it was a mistake,seems they had got the address mixed up! The city would be right out to reconnect the electrical wires she said.

Now are you sitting down!

 A sign placed by the city of LaGrange, a large sign, saying that they where taking action to condemn the house was placed in the front yard.

Another call to the city of LaGrange.

Guess what ?

No one knew anything about it! My uncle and I received summons to appear in court. The offers he had gotten to buy the house disappeared. So he did the best thing he took an offer from a guy to buy the house just to cover his cost outlay. So that ended the fiasco on ……. Street.

 It was gone from our lives.

 Now get this.

 I was talking to my uncle recently. Seems my aunt who has a house she doesn’t live in had a visitor.Her grandson was cutting the grass and noticed the front door open.Guess who had invited his self in?It was our old friend from the city of LaGrange, Officer Rick’s boss.

 He wanted permission to enter the house! Why ask he was already in the house.

So this ex resident of LaGrange,Georgia is thinking that maybe,just maybe things with the city of LaGrange are not like they should be.I was born in the old City County Hospital.My parents are buried at Shadowlawn Cemetery.Most of my family still live in LaGrange.No matter where I live LaGrange will be home if only in my heart.I have been told you can’t fight city hall.

But I still can voice my opinion on how it’s being operated.

WE DO WEE

Recently I spent a night in Wedowee,Alabama.WE DO WEE some call it.Wedowee is a small nice place.It was a warm April day.In the car I started feeling a bit sick.That was putting it mildly.My eyes went blurry,head felt like it was in a vise,cold clammy sweat,and my left arm and neck where hurting,then nausea.I didn’t say anything till we got to the house.Fact I never made it inside.The ambulance was called.Wedowee was where the hospital was.The guy taking x rays of my chest asked if I had ever been there before and I answered that I didn’t even know Wedowee had a hospital. All they could find was my blood pressure was low, white blood cell count was low and I had some type of infection.So I was admitted to the hospital. At 5am time for more blood test.I was awake and hungry .7am breakfast arrived.Biscuit,scrambled eggs,a strip of real bacon,grits and coffee and OJ.Noon came around and so did lunch.You would not believe it but it was cornbread,turnip greens,mac and cheese,a slice of ham,iced sweet tea and vanilla ice cream for desert.While eating the Doctor stuck his head in the door seen I was busy and said he would be back in a few.Lunch was great. Doctor was in asking all the routine questions.A nurse came in and more ekg’s were done.Seems they found my heartbeat not normal but I already knew that there was a little problem with my ticker.Ok you can go home if you feel like it he said.I was ready.There is one thing.I was looking forward to supper.After a great breakfast and lunch I could only imagine what supper would have been.So there you have it my night in Wedowee or as some call it WE DO WEE.

Us three

This is the only photo of Momma,Daddy and me I have of us together.It was Christmas 1961.I was 9.

Pretty girls

Pretty girls out for a stroll.Momma is on the right side of the photo.Just guessing,they must have been  teens.Her sister Pauline is the second from left.Story goes about way Momma got her name is Grandpa was at the store and Ada Noles who ran the store asked what the new baby was named.Just kidding he said Ada.Well Ada Noles started gathering up things for the baby.After all that they could not change her name.Years after Ada Noles would buy Momma dolls,clothes and other things for Christmas and birthdays.

Thinking of Grandpa

This is a photo of Lee Anderson Haynes.My Grandpa,pictured with 2 of his coon dogs at his home in Alabama.I was 3 when he died but memories of him are  cemented in my brain.He was tall,slim,white headed always wearing long sleeve white shirts and brogan type shoes.He liked peaches and cream,talking and laughing,hunting with his dogs.Never met a stranger someone said of him.My memory starts at his farm in Roanoke,Alabama.My job was to gather the eggs every morning and help slop the hogs in the evening.After all these years I still miss him,love him.If I make it to the other side hope he is one of the first I meet.

Georgia on my mind

Georgia is my home.

 Georgia is in my heart.

Born there,raised there it’s home.

Every time I hear Ray Charles’s version of Georgia on my mind it tugs a bit at my heart.

When I die maybe if my wishes are carried out I will be cremated and scattered around a few of my favorite places in Georgia.

Some over on the coast of Georgia where the Atlantic Ocean is.

Up in the mountains on a beautiful fall day when the leaves are busting with color an ash or two.

A bit under a grove of tall green Pine trees where I can hear the singing of wind blowing through them on a warm summers day.

Sprinkle some over Atlanta because I always liked the big town.

East Newnan leave a few also.Lots of memories there.

Down around LaGrange where home was for so long.

What ashes that are left take to the top of Stone Mountain leave a bit there so I will have a good view of the eastern sky where I will be waiting for the return of Jesus.

Happy Birthday

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

Back from the dead

Back from the land of the dead.

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

Some background info.

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


Diabetic ketoacidosis was what the diagnose was.



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

Queasy

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

Conbread

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

Buttermilk

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

Do the right thing

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

Grocery store parking lots

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

Oz

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

Old is now new

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

Shadows on the wall

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

Old red truck

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

Remember?

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

It is sad

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

Give them strength

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

All we had was our imagination

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

I know nothing

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

Santa knows

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

No white Christmas

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

Space race

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

Son of lint heads

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

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

Cotton mills,carpet mills,etc.

Textiles.

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

A word just as derogatory as the N word.

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

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

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

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

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

The owners did do alot for the workers.

To be fair.

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

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

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

They are heroes in my eyes.