Squeaking of the staff's shoes

Had my shower and someone brought me a hot fresh made cup of coffee.Just laying here reflecting on life in general.Nothing outstanding is going on at the old folks home tonight.Real quiet as a matter of fact.

This coffee is great Ms W thank you.The flu bug is making it's rounds here.Lot of residents and staff have been hit with it and it's no fun they say.Knock on wood don't want to jinx it but so far I'm ok I think.

Strange but I have noticed that ambulances seem to come around before or after meal time.A few folks have been taken out lately.The flu I guess.Mr B 95 years old,one of my roomies has it I think.He seemed to be struggling with breathing this morn and was given a breathing treatment and is doing much better it seems.

Really it's to quiet around here tonight.The only thing heard is the squeaking of the staff's shoes on the waxed hard floors and the TV in the mall area.

Guess this will do it for tonight.

Baby buffalos

I was watching the local TV station this morning.They have a call in folksy type program.I learned something.

Someone called in and was wanting a couple of baby buffalo.At first I thought this was a joke or put on because right before this Forrest Gump or someone pretending to be him called in.Forrest had a pretty good joke to tell.Seems his Uncle has been charged with murder.Forrest's Uncle told the judge he didn't mean to kill the man.Seems he took sandpaper and rubbed it all over the guy.I just wanted to rough him up a bit Forrest's Uncle said.

Ok back to the buffalo story.The man wanted a couple of baby buffalo to use for herding his cows.Seems they can do a good job and wear down the 200 or 300 hundred cows real easy.Can't use grown buffalo cause they are bigger than a horse.What happens to the baby buffalo when they grow up I don't know.A few years ago I did see one in a pasture here but last time by there it was gone.

Buffalo burgers maybe?

Junk-a-holic

I like junk food.It's not a popular thing to admit these days when folks are trying to live a healthy lifestyle.

As this is being wrote I'm snacking on those delicious fried,salty tater chips.Bet cha can't eat just 1 as the old commercial use to say.I never could and I did try.Someone the other day was talking about the old candy of our youth that's not around any more.Black Cows,Sugar Daddies and Sugar Babies.I loved those Clark Bars and Zag Nuts and Chunky Bars.

Maybe Daddy was right when I guzzled down those 16 bottles of Co Colas.You gonna get sugar diabetes he preached.My one goal in life was when grown up and working was to buy a whole wooden case of little Cokes.That would be so neat I thought.By time I got grown and working other things where found to spend money on.

Yes I'm a junk-a-holic.Can't pass a Krystal without my mouth watering thinking of those little square burgers with onions,pickle and mustard.So more power to the healthy eaters of the world I admire you for your will power.

Just one good thing that can come of this.It means more Snicker Bars for me and the other junk-a-holics of the world.

Little catfish...

I have an idea.Yes even me has one every so often.Here at Twin Fountains Home there are 2 water fountains hence the name Twin Fountains.They are separated by the walkway entrance to the building.

Now for my great idea.Stock the little water fountains with little catfish and give each resident a little fishing pole.

Think of all the pleasure it would bring.Warm sunny spring day out at the little fishing hole.Little catfish swimming around.Me with my little cane pole with a little worm as bait.I can't think of any thing better to do on an afternoon in spring.

At one time the story goes the fountains where stocked with Goldfish.Reason for removing them I don't know.

All we need would be our pole,bait,RC colas and can of potted meat and soda crackers.Now doesn't that sound like a grand idea?

Chubby boy

Did you ever find money never know about? Makes you happy huh?Well I haven't found any spendoodle but maybe the next best thing.

I was weighed today and guess what?It's magic but seems I'm down to my normal weight of 157 pounds.Well the Doctor did tell me a few years ago lose about 5 pounds because of that BMI thing(body mass index).Never did get down to 150 pounds yes I gained a few.Last month when I was weighed while on the Hoyer lift,in kilograms x 2.2 it seemed my weight had sky rocketed up to what I won't say.A mistake maybe was made maybe and shocked is putting it mildly.

Yes I was accepting the fact all my snacking had finally caught up with me.I eat good and snacks don't hurt my feelings at all.My new nick name is now Chubby Checker(Ms Jewel calls me that)or just Chubby boy as I refer to my self.The other night one of the CNA's brought us a late snack,mine was cranberry juice,Lay's tater chips the real kind salt added and fried,half a peanut butter sandwich and a bag of those 100 calorie per serving chocolate chip cookies.It worked and I fell asleep fast.

So this is my idea.Since I don't weigh as much as I thought now I can keep on snacking.If you pass by the ole home place why not drop off a few Big Macs and a large fries.

Chubby boy thanks you in advance.

Chili party 2013

I went.I saw.I ate.I survived.

Chili party 2013!

Not native of here

I just seen a whooping crane land in an old dead tree across the road.The other day when I was sitting out at the veranda(fancy name for the shed)a flock of these strange looking birds where flying around and around in circles above my head.

I wonder if they are staying at the lake or just passing thru.For the life of me I don't think they are native of here.

Strange but I use to notice sea gulls at of all places Walmart's parking lots.Maybe they like it there because of all the near by fast food places and the easy meals they could get.

What ever the reason I'm glad they stopped by.They can share the old dead tree with the Red Tail hawks and the Black crows.

A dreaded disease

Cellphoneitis.Yes that dreaded condition that's is sweeping the known universe.I see undiagnosed people daily walking around not knowing the ailment that they have.

The signs are easy to spot.Arm bent at elbow stuck up to their ear.Seamless unawareness of their surroundings.Some are even risking lives of innocent people with this dreaded disease of cellphoneitis.They drive their cars and trucks unaware of the dangers it causes.

It now starts early.Children are now being infected with cellphoneitis.It is a uncontrollable thing they have.

There is a underlying condition that comes with cellphoneitis.Textphogie.This may be a form of incurable cellphoneitis that is sweeping through our young.

At this time there is no know cure for cellphoneitis or related diseases such as textphogie.Scientists are working hard as we speak trying to fine a cure.

Strange goings on

Sitting out at the veranda,gazebo or just the covered sitting area outside,take your pick was super nice today.A bit windy but with the sun shining on ya it felt really nice.

I noticed a few odd things that got me thinking.Birds.Several large flocks of what kind I don't know where noticed.Several of the flocks where headed north it seemed.Another large flock of a different kind just circled over head for a few minutes and headed towards the west.

What is going on here I wondered.Tonight is supposed to turn really colder I hear.Is that the reason the birds are on the move? I've always have heard animals sense when something is going to happen with nature,things like earthquakes and big storms.Could that explain there actions?Maybe it's just time for them to be on the move.Most likely that is the answer.

I will just have to wait and see I guess.But if any major things with nature happen soon remember you read about it here first.

Football, food and Bigfoot

Yesterday there was a Atlanta Falcons football party here.The game was watched on the big screen and I for one sure enjoyed myself.

A room full of nice happy cheering people and some good food was had.Now that food just let me say it was great.Poor boy sandwiches as I call them,chicken wings,cup cakes and for liquid refreshment punch.

As usual I overdid the eating thing.I had 2 sandwiches,6 hot wings,chips on and on plus I brought 2 more sandwiches back to my room for later.

I was so full supper was skipped.My coffee and cookies where enough.Needles to say I went to bed early and slept good.

Now for the other part of the story.

That food was just the right combo to cause me to dream.Last night I dreamed of being back at the old home place.This is the weird part.Looking out my front door I noticed something at my neighbor's house.Of all things it was Bigfoot,you know that giant hairy guy that people argue over if he is real or not.Well seems Bigfoot is real cause I seen him.He was darting in and out between my neighbor's house.Bigfoot was gathering flowers one at a time,those pretty little yellow Johnny Quill's I call them and was snacking on them.

Over and over I tried warning my neighbor that Bigfoot was in his yard but he could not understand me.My dream was starting to turn into a nightmare and I was sure glad I woke up at 345 am.

Again I know why I dream these poetic things.It's the food.Well not the food,the amount I ate.

So that is my story of football,food and Bigfoot.Every word is the truth.

Jake and Ralph

Tale of the two headed possum
Jake and Ralph be their names
Having two heads their claim to fame
Jake and Ralph they so awesome

One eats while the other drinks
One sleeps while the other on watch out
They got it down pat
Jake he whispers Ralph he shouts

Jake gets mad Ralph gets sad
Sometimes hard to believe they had same Dad
Jake and Ralph got a sister named Sue
Just one head but Sue is blue

Sue so friendly and happy
Think I do know why
Sue who is blue
She had a different Pappy

Big boy spoon

I found my big boy spoon.Thursday 230 pm TFH dining room it will be used.

The annual homemade chili party will take place.I'm ready and well prepared.

No sissy little store bought plastic spoons for me.I'm a big league chili eater and have my own big boy spoon.

Just like professional pool players,they have their own custom made pool sticks well I have a big boy spoon that was made just for me.

I come to eat not play.Last year I ate 3 bowls of that delicious chili.More could have been ate but I was beginning to get carried away and a bit hoggish.

There is still time for me to round up a big boy bowl to go with my big boy spoon.Why waste time with those little dainty bowls and sissy spoons.

Pass the hot sauce and crackers time to eat.

Amazing

I watched in awe as the evening sky changed from a deep blue,red,purple to a midnight black.God is certainly in control of this world.Man in all his wisdom could not create such a sight.

Whispering pines.I just stared out the window watching them sway gently with the wind.

People moving,busy doing things people do caught my eye also.Each one so different from the next but all connected with each other by the love of Jesus Christ.

It's amazing.

Snow was a no show

There is an old saying.A watched pot never boils.Yesterday here in LaGrange it almost snowed.Well there was talk of it anyway.

Thursday was rainy,cold,windy and snow was on the way.Least that was what was to happen.If any fell I didn't see it.All I can say snow was the big topic yesterday.

Some wanted snow,some didn't and others just didn't care one way or another.I've thought this out.Snow never shows up when predicted here.It just slips up on us.

But the real reason I think snow was a no show is like that old watched pot that never boils,it was just talked about way to much and we jinxed it.

Did I mention...

Today it happened.Those big white butter beans promised showed up.Big slice of cornbread and a onion.Some cornbread and onion left to snack on tonight.

I have been promised some spaghetti by another friend.Did I mention that life is good?

Sanitized analyzed poked and stuck

It all started about 5 am this morning.My annual checkup.Today I've been sanitized,analyzed,poked and stuck and it's just ended with my shower a few minutes ago.

My veins are small and drawing blood takes several pokes.I get it done in my hand cause the veins are bigger there.It gonna bruise.Always does.

Hope everything turns out ok so I won't have to redo it all.

Hope for me yet

I have been promised some big white butter beans,cornbread and a big onion.I hope my hopes are not getting pumped up for nothing.Sure would be good right now.

I have gotten my breakfast menu changed.No more sausage patties,grits,biscuits or pancakes,waffles or french toast.From now on cereal with boiled eggs and bacon.

I have to start somewhere trying to loose some weight.Maybe I over did snacking during the holidays.

But that homemade chili sure was good yesterday.So spicy it made my face tingle and head sweat.I did pass up the baked potato.Maybe there is some hope for me yet.

Peanuts

Boiled peanuts
I like alot
Add water salt
Cook in pot

Green peanuts also
Pull from ground
Springtime they around
Get'em in town

Parched peanuts yummy
They so good
Us southern boys
Fill our tummy

Peanuts that raw
In them shells
They great snacking
Exercise for jaw

Peanuts in can
Salty and crunchy
Many mixed types
I'm big fan

Peanuts in coke
A southern thang
Done in LaGrange
It's no joke

Peturbed

That ole full moon.Was it shinning last night?Why I'm asking is because for awhile it got wild and woolly around the ole home place.

Seems some where perturbed putting it mildly.

Gooney bird

Gooney bird my name
My only claim to fame
Of that name never was I ashamed
I grew up and got tamed

Now I never hear
That word so dear
Yes it's been many a year
Just the thought brings a tear

All this made up
Just drinking coffee from my cup
From a saucer once I did sup
Rather have a mint julep

This could go on for ever
But I have better endeavors
I have an idea that so clever
Stop this silliness and do something better

If only in my memories

Sunday morning and I was awaken by Ms S serenading us all with home home on the range.Home.That is on my mind today.I want to go.Back to my childhood where all seemed good.

Back to a simpler time.Back when nothing seemed impossible.A time where I believed in and trusted people.

That little 7 year old boy running up and down Juniper Street with his best friend Lassie is still me if only in my memories.

I'm sorry

Once in the South there was a thing called segregation.It was wrong and for it I'm sorry.As a small boy living in Roanoke,Alabama the high light of my day was when the Lady who helped my Grandma came over.A black Lady.

Often I stayed with her at her home and I loved it.She had a house full of children and that meant there was someone to play with.

Long walks we took on those red dirt back roads.I remember the smell of those dusty roads after a summer rain.

At times I was given a spoon and old stocking and the white clay on those hill banks where gathered and now I know where used as medicine and for vitamins.I remember tasting that clay.

At 5 years old we moved back to LaGrange.I remember waking up on Saturday mornings to the smell of Spic and Span and pine oil.Momma was cleaning house.Just me and her would always go downtown.That was the day she would have here hair done at JC Penney which was on Main Street at the time.

After that we always had lunch at the Plantation Cafe or at Holmes Drug Store.I was old enough to notice things.

At all the stores I noticed separate rest rooms for men and women.But something confused me.

At a downtown 5 and 10 store I was thirsty.There where 2 water fountains.Momma I asked which one is for the boys and which one is for the girls?

Rest rooms where separate so water fountains had to be also in my innocence I thought.Not so.

It seems so shocking now but one fountain was for whites and the other was for blacks.

Thank God things are improving.

Long haul

Someone asked me not long ago if I leave here where would I go.My answer was simple.When I leave here my next stop will be ShadowLawn.

I'm here for the long haul!

Suicidal Girl Makes an Unforgettable Video Everyone Should See - TheGodVine

The staff

The staff.God bless each and everyone of you.You are now my extended family and I love you each and everyone is my Brother and Sister.

I have met some of the most wonderful caring people ever right here at TFH.Those long hours and that stress you are under all I can say you are loved and appreciated.Honestly I have never found a problem with any of the staff here.

Without you where would we be.

To be continued...

Let it all hangout

Once there was a song,LET IT ALL HANG OUT,that's what I'm going to do in the next few post.All is true maybe not comfortable but true.

People at TFH are here for a variety of reasons I guess.We are called residents not patients for starts.TFH is called I found out by looking it up on the Internet a retirement home and assisted living home.

Some residents are here because they have no place else to go.Maybe I fit in that category.Others are here because their families can't give them the care needed.Some I figure are here because their families can't or don't want to deal with it.

Some forgive me are what I call throw aways.No hope,no place else for them.

It hurts watching elderly people homesick for their family that never come around.I'm blessed in a way because I have really no family,2 elderly aunts and cousins and no visit are no problem for me.But thank you when you do.Guess I got what I always knew would happen,alone by myself and I'm ok with it.

More to come.

A long night it was

Snuff please mam...snuff please mam that was what the elderly lady repeated over and over.If she got the snuff I don't know.

Things you hear around here.Some make you laugh and others break your heart.There is Ms.S who suffers from dementia and almost every night causes a ruckus wanting to fight or just drive the nurses and cna's wacky. A shot usually calms her down.

Then there are the zombies,forgive me for calling them that but that is what they remind me of.They constantly walk the floor with that blank look on their face.

Saturday January 12th marks my 1 year anniversary of being here.It was on a Wednesday afternoon about 5 pm I was transported from the hospital by ambulance to TFH a day that matched the way I was feeling.A gloomy gray cloudy day that look liked it would snow at any moment.

Wheeled into the building on a gurney down to room 31.My spirits peaked a bit when I seen my bed was next to a big window which faces a busy highway and across the street I could see trees.

After being evaluated by an nurse and cna I had supper which was chicken pot pie ,broccoli and a roll.I settled in for the night and a long night it was.

More to follow.

Mary Lee

Mary Lee is on the loose.Seen it on the news this morning.She is down in Jax Beach,Florida.Now Mary Lee is someone you don't mess with.She is a big mean eating machine.

Weighting in at 3500 pounds and 16 feet long Mary Lee is a big girl.Tracked all the way from Cape Cod she likes the southeastern coast for some reason and makes from Florida to North Carolina her home.

Mary Lee is if you haven't guessed is a great white shark.She is being tracked at Jax Beach getting close as 200 yards from the beach.

Just a reminder,do you remember that movie Jaws?

Happy birthday

Happy Birthday Momma!

On my way Jack

Ever had that feeling something needs to be done?Came to me like a flash of lightning just a few minutes ago.

What I need to do is find an old beat up 4 door dark blue white walled tired no hub capped 60 Lincoln Continetial convertible with suicide doors and take a little trip.

A road trip to end all road trips.Go west old man I'm thinking.Out there where the deer and antelope play.To the Nevada dessert where the rabbits have been nuked so much with those bomb test of the 1950's they grow to the size of Volkswagens.

Pack my bags I'm serious.Couple t shirts and jeans and flip flops all the clothing needed.Stop by the store and fill a thermos with strong hot coffee a pack of those little Hav-A-Tampa cigars and I'm on my way Jack.







.

I had a choice

I broke the unforgivable sin of a southern boy yesterday.I had a choice but what was done was no one's doing but my own.

My dear departed kin folks are rolling in their graves I bet.No one to blame on this one but myself.

Yesterday,New Years,I had a choice.That choice was what to have for dinner(lunch to you folks north of Hogansville,Ga).That choice was the old traditional meal of black eyed peas and collards,fish sandwich and fries or vegetable soup and grilled cheese sandwich.

I choose the later,soup and sandwich.Yes brothers and sisters that was what was chosen.

In all my 60 years of being a connoisseur of fine southern food never have I ever turned down black eyed peas and collards.I have no excuse for my sin.

There is only one way to make a remince for this unforgivable act.Yes friends that trip must be taken.That trip down to Montgomery,Alabama by Greyhound bus to steps of the State Capital where I shall hug that old stature of Jeff Davis and retake my oath of being a homegrown born and bred southern boy whose Momma raise him better than this and promises next time if given that choice will chose black eyed peas and collards.

Amen Brother Ben

Relaxation Music - 1 Hour Meditation Candle

I do mean it

If you are reading this it means we made it to 2013.I'm so glad the holidays are over.

Tired of smiling when I don't feel like smiling telling everyone Merry Christmas and so on.Maybe I can go back to just being my natural grouchy self.

We all put on airs or a little show I think.Saying,doing things really that our heart is not into.Mainly just because it's expected of us.Like saying I love you.It's automatic to say it back when someone does it to you.It just pops out like a little jack in the box without much thought.I'm so guilty of that one.

It's dishonest saying all those nice sweet things we really don't mean.I have only one thing to say this morning.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! And really I do mean it.

Next on my list

What the whole wide world needs is a couple of fried spam sandwiches.Add your choice of mustard or mayo on white loaf bread add some tater chips and most of the world would be happy and at peace.

This world peace stuff is easy to figure out.Politicians,Kings and Queens can't seem to do it so why not a few fried spam sandwiches.

Works for me.Never have I caused injury or insult to anyone while eating a spam sandwich.My hands are busy stuffing my face and the thought of World War never enters my mind.

Now that I fixed world peace what should be next on my list?

The pond kept us seperated

The mill pond kept us separated.Talking about East Newnan,Georgia.It was a mill village where my formative years where spent.

Moved there in 1962 when I was 10 years old.Most of you have heard of being from the wrong side of the railroad tracks but here it was which side of the mill pond you lived that decided a lot of things.

For some reason the two sides didn't
 socialize much.We all went to the same little school and where friends but that is where it all stopped.

Side I lived on wasn't that great but compared to the other side we where doing good.The other side was Elvis with black leather jackets and combed back slick hair.I lived on the Beatles side of the pond where long hair was common.

Why things where that way  I don't know.Everyone's folks worked in the same cotton mill and as mentioned all the kids went to the same school.

All the kids fished in that pond.Couple of the brave ones even swam in it.Loaded with cotton mouths and trash didn't stop anyone.

This is a picture of me and my folks when we lived there,sometime in the 60's shows the mill smokestack in the background.On summer nights with my bedroom window open I could hear the soft rumble of the mill machinery running and the hypnotizing sound of crickets and bull frogs down at the pond.

Yes that mill pond kept us separated but in a way made sure we where all connected in a strange way.

Just a sign

Looked at my hands
What did I see
Broken up lines
Just a sign I've been here long time

Around my eyes
I did noticed
Crows feet
Just a sign life not got me beat

My hair thin and gray
Say what you want it's ok
Just not that vain
Just a sign my heart can stand the pain

Love not needed

Love not needed
Money either
Just give me a plate of this
My life be pure bliss

Black eyed peas
Collard greens
Big slice of cornbread
You know what I mean

Glass of sweet iced tea
White rice on the side
Homegrown tomato
What a meal should be

Eat what you can

2012 coming to an end
New Year here soon
Hope your best year ever
For you no gloom and doom

Yes we are getting older
But as they say
We are getting better
Even if a slouch in our shoulders

So on New Years day
Do this old custom
Collards and black eye peas we have
Maybe some potato salad just a dab

Cornbread and pot liker
Please save me some
Banana pudding would be great
Eat what you can rest I'll take

Deviled eggs I like
Make a dozen or so
All that fancy food
Is just a no no

Down home cooking
What we need
Like our Momma's made
Make enough all us you feed

Don't need turkey
No more ham
What I want
Is some fried spam

Safe and happy
2013
All that I did eat
Now time for my nappy

That little 4 letter word

That little 4 letter word.Secretly we all want it,to hear it spoken.Even the most upright citizen you know thinks about it I bet.You do and so do I.

It makes us happy in our heart.The old folks still remember it and wish for it.

Have you guessed that word yet? What do you think it is? Think hard.You can do it.

The reason I got on this subject I heard someone mention it this morning.It does happen every so often.Just hearing that word brightened up my day.

Have you guessed the word yet? Give in?Well so I don't have to drag this out all day that word is....







SNOW

$10 salads

WooHoo.Salad day for me.Supper time come on and get here quick.That's the way I keep up with the days of the week by the food I eat.

Now these are those $10 salads I call them.Once in my life I had the pleasure of eating a $10 salad at O'Charleys.It was loaded.Fried chicken fingers,onions,two types of lettuce,pecans,oranges and something I never had before.Crumbled up blue cheese.I fell in love with that blue cheese.

Few years ago  a local hamburger joint had a special on blue cheese burgers.I tried one and was disappointed to put it mildly.Maybe they used a different blue cheese than that salad had.

My mouth waters thinking of that salad.But the one for supper will be just as good I know.Maybe I should go on a diet of salad everyday because I'm putting on pounds easy now in my old age.

Naw! Not going to that extreme.I'd rather be fat and happy than skinny and miserable.

Love and miss you

Happy Birthday Daddy.Love and miss you!

Don't you believe me....

Dang! Just lost what I was writing.It was a masterpiece.....don't you believe me? For your benefit I will start all over.I have nothing better to do.

Listening to Lynrd Skynrd as this is being wrote.The subject is things I like and believe in.

Buttermilk and cornbread.CoColas and moonpies.Grits when ever they are served.Green peanuts,raw peanuts,boiled peanuts,yes I like peanuts.

Blue jeans and white t shirts.Shoes are an option.Old dogs,pickup trucks and old folks.Miss my dogs,cats and Jim,monkey,best friend.

Know God lives. And I respected Momma and Daddy.People who can walk the walk and talk the talk.Someone who can lay down their life for another.I like and respect.

Believe in life after death.Some things scare me.Some things don't.That golden rule.

Women,good country cooking and a great cup of coffee,not necessarily in that order.

I could go on but why.Try putting down in print things you like and believe in.You can learn a lot about yourself.

Daddy's Olds Super 88

This is the view from the windshield of a 1954 Oldsmobile Super 88.My Daddy had one back in the mid 1960's.Black and white with those wide gangster whitewall tires,4 doors and fender skirts.

Can't remember if it had factory AC or not but it did have natural well sorta AC.The back floorboard was rusted out.Riding down the road I would lay in the back seat and with my pockets of my jeans filled with rocks I would drop them through the rusted out floorboard watching them bounce as the road passed by.

Often on the road when Daddy would pass cars(he did have a heavy foot)put it in super Daddy I would say.On the steering column it was marked R D N 1 2 S for super,the passing gear.

Times where different then.No seat belts,steel dashes,and it was common for kids to stand up in the seats and ride or lay down on the rear shelf at the back window and sleep while on a trip

When Daddy got his 1960 Dodge(the car I learned to drive with) 4 door baby blue in color with push button  transmission he kept the Olds.I was about 14 at the time and one day I made the mistake of swiping the keys of the Olds.The backyard driveway was gravel and I was digging it up in the Olds till I woke Daddy up who worked the 3rd shift at the time.It was an memorable day for me because I got my last whipping I remember that time,outside in full view of the neighbors.

Yep back then cars where special,the times where special and I sure wish I had Daddy's 1954 Oldsmobile Super 88.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Georgia winters day

On a Georgia winters day
Wind is blowing
Sky is gray
The pines do sway

Wishing and dreaming

Every Christmas Eve for years I would think to myself about how great it could be if Santy could find it in his heart to bring me a spanking new Ford F150.

Silly me would wake up Christmas morn rush to the window wishing in the driveway there it would be.

Guess what?

It hasn't happened yet in all these years of wishing and dreaming.I think a new plan is needed.From now on on Christmas Eve I'm going to start,wishing and dreaming for a spanking new maroon hemi Dodge pickup truck.

Maybe I just been wishing and dreaming in the wrong direction.

Merry Christmas

Christmas Day
Santa found his way
Through all this fog
I left him egg nog

Rudolph was fine
Guiding the sled
Now Santa and the crew
Can go to bed

To one and all
I must say
From my heart

Merry Christmas enjoy the day

Uncle Bobby

Bobby Smith

3 days ago | 206 views | 0  | 0  |  | 

Mr. Bobby Smith, 83, of LaGrange passed away Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at his home.

Mr. Smith was born August 17, 1929 in Randolph County, son of the John T. and Martha L. Whitley Smith. He retired form the Tredegar (formerly Visqueen) in 1993. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and served in the Korean War on the USS Albany. He also was an active member of the Elm City Lodge Mason, Parker F & AM # 142, Shriners Yarrab Temple of Atlanta, and the VFW Post #4629.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Pamela and Steven Dial, of Roswell, a daughter, Alicia Smith, of Villa Rica; a sister, Lema Flournoy, of LaGrange; sisters-in law, Evelyn Grizzard and Alice Bell; , both of LaGrange; a brother-in-law, Frank Reese and his wife Mary, also of LaGrange; and a large extended family of many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Betty Ann Smith; sisters, Ada Haynes and Pauline Smith; brothers, Walter Smith, William Smith, Arnold Smith, Howard Smith, and Eugene Smith.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 Saturday at Shadowlawn Cemeter. The family will receive friends at 12:00 PM Saturday at Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home. Following the graveside service, the family will be at the home of Mr. Smith at 234 East Lane Circle. Flowers will be accepted.

Condolences may be expressed at www.hunterallenmyhand.com

Read more: LaGrange News - Bobby Smith 

Southern snow

A Southern snow
This what you need to know
First thing you do
Go to the stoe

Buy milk and bread
For those days ahead
That's all you'll need
Everyone you can feed

Don't try to drive
The way we do it
Will give you hives
You'll be risking lives

Just stay home
You won't be alone
It will be so much fun
Just you and your hun

Life sinking in

I woke up sad this morning.Can't say exactly why.Maybe it's the holidays.Like Daddy always said glad to see Christmas come glad to see Christmas go.Me also.

2012 seen a lot of changes for me.99.9% of the time I'm upbeat which is a whole lot better than what the past was for me.

Most of the time I'm just numb to things around me.Bad things take awhile to sink in.Maybe that is what's wrong,life is sinking in.

Just a ploy

Bake some biscuits
Fry some strick o lean
How bout some taters
Slice up a red ripe mater

Don't worry about cholesterol
Never mine your heart
Getting hungry I do bet
Don't you fret

Dozen eggs fried
Shredded cheese in your grits
Hot coffee in a mug
Nothing did I forget

It's Christmas time
Live a little
Worrying is just a ploy
To take away your joy

Just maybe

Just how cold was it?Well my grits wouldn't melt the butter this morning.That is cold believe me for this neck of the woods.Temperature was 26 degrees when I woke up.

I know what some of you are saying 26 shoot that's a heat wave here but you have to remember I'm a born and bred Georgia Boy and not use to cold weather.If the temp drops below 60 turn the heat on and where is my coat.

Talking with other old fellas like me we reminisce about days of old and how things where once.Sooner of later the topic of weather will come up.We talk of days as kids seeing ice sickles hanging from the roof of the house.Don't remember seeing those in a while.Talk always gets around to how the weather has changed.

Might be something to that global warming thing.Past few years winters have sure been mild down here in Dixie.


Just between me you and the fence post I would dearly love seeing some snow.It's cold enough,rain is on the way,do you think just maybe......

Know any vampires?

Do you know any vampires? Not the blood sucking kind but vampires that by just walking into a room can suck the life out of you with their drama,gloominess,and stinky attitude.

In my life I have met a few.They can take any situation and ruin it for others.All they do is gripe and complain nothing is ever good enough for these vampires.They find fault and blame with everyone not realizing it just might be them that is the problem.

Help us all we are surrounded !

Tears from Heaven

Tears from Heaven
Friday they fell
Only God can understand
Why on Earth so much Hell

Careful what you call me

Careful what you call me.You could be one also.Momma always said some people have to cut you down to make themself look bigger.

Words are so cheap.Take the word redneck.The word has many orgins.From the hills of West Virgina where striking miners wore red bandannas around their neck to moonshiners in Pennsylvania wearing red bandannas to protest the Government's infringement on their rights.Down in Dixie where hard working farmers out in the blazing hot sun growing food for their families.

Redneck.I have been called one.Not for all those things mentioned above but because of the way I talk,act,dress.Now it's a word you use for anyone you don't like and look down on.Someone who you think is not as good and moral as you think you are.

So the moral of this story is judge not least ye be judged.

If I die today

If I die today

Don't mourn for me
Think of it as a homecoming
With my friends and family

If I die today
Don't be sad
Just be happy
For the life I had

If I die today
Don't you cry
It's something we all must do
That thing is to die

If I die today
I want you to know
Nothing will change
My love for you will continue to grow

Kept my promise

Looking at people I wonder what is really going on in their mind.I see and hear things that bother me.People in pain and misery crying out for help.

My Momma was one.For years she was in mental anguish.She had what's called dementia.For over 7 years I watched her slip away from the real world.I hated when the sun would set.There is a thing called sun downing that people with dementia suffer from.They become agitated,restless and can be violent.There where times she would not sleep for what seemed like days.I was so tired.


I will say the only person to help was my Aunt Lema.She would stay over sometimes just so I could sleep a little bit.She would come over everyday and help Momma in the shower.I could do everything else but that part I just did not feel comfortable doing.I say to the world Aunt Lema thank you.

Momma would cry at night for her Momma and Papa.She was a little girl again.She didn't even remember who I was anymore.I was just that man to her.

Then that day came.I guess she just forgot how to swallow.I just broke down because I knew that was the end.

A week in the hospital then off to hospice.She lingered on 3 weeks.Staying at her side only leaving to change clothes and shower. Sunday,July 23,2003 about 6 pm while holding her hand with my head laying on her bed I felt Momma squeeze my hand as if she knew it was me and took her last breath

I had promised myself I would keep Momma home.That I did.For all those years I was her caregiver.I have said before doing that might be the only decent thing in my life I ever did.I had kept my promise.

Little red wagon

Standing Rock,Alabama Christmas morning 1956.I was 4 years old and woke up sitting in my little red wagon where Daddy had sat me.

I always wanted one Daddy said over and over.Guess he got one and was reliving his childhood through me.

Coming up they where so poor.Look up at the ceiling of their bedroom and see the stars,look down at the floor and watch the chickens under the house.

For Daddy Christmas was oranges,apples and if lucky those chocolate candy drops.He said they would eat the fruit but save the peelings for later.

Just ain't Christmas without my Daddy around.1991 Christmas morning Daddy went to the hospital for the last time.

Merry Christmas Daddy.Love and miss you !

Keep your hands to yourself

This just ain't right.Lately I've been watching a lot of football on TV.Something bothers me.I have noticed watching pro games,college,and high school football there is a new troubling trend.

When a player does something good or outstanding play this happens.They all start skipping around like..like ..little girls.Maybe it's just me but that just don't seem right.

Sure they are happy and excited but skipping around like little 6 year old girls playing hop scotch? I always thought that fad of a few years ago of how do I put this....behind slapping well was a little to much.Keep your hands to yourself is the new rule of this century.

Now while I have done got myself in trouble with football players(come on now it's all in jest) I might as well insult the fans of football.

Every other sport that is played outside,baseball,golf,soccer and Nascar,on and on,when it rains or starts snowing or the ground is froze solid they STOP THE GAME!

Not football and what gets me are the fans they will sit out in that weather and won't budge.

Ok I know the bounds have been over stepped I'm sorry but again it's just something I have noticed.

In closing I have only one things to say.Go Falcons! If the Falcons win on Sunday Pappa Johns pizza orders are half price on Monday.

And I bet you thought I wasn't a football fan.

Super nice Ladies

As I sit here writing this ok laying in bed writing this I'm counting my blessings.It has been a good week.Let me touch on some of the highlights.

One evening this week I was watching TV and someone came up behind me and asked(are you hungry).now there is always room for something to eat that is tasty.Sure I said,starving.

A few moments later this special person brought me a cup of homemade deer chili made from the deer she had shot herself.I say nothing like a woman who can gather the food then bring it home and cook it.It was as Goldilocks said just right.Not to hot,not to spicy just right.

Friday a super nice Lady surprised me with a large cup of that wonderful McDonald's coffee.

Now this evening,again as I watched TV someone sat down beside me and said(I made deviled eggs do you want some).You know my answer,sure thank you please yes I would love some.

A few days ago this super nice Lady asked was there anything I needed.Half way kidding I said yes,4 Krystals,2 corndogs and 2 chili pups and a large fry would be nice.To my surprise she said I'm on the way would there be anything else?Oh my it was hard to turn it down but I said just kidding.I would dearly love those Krystals but the last time I had them my sugar went sky high.

To all those super nice Ladies,my friends, thank you so much.

Smoking rabbit tobacco and zip guns

Smoking rabbit tobacco and zip guns.Here goes another childhood tale that's true.There was always a gang of us kids who played together on Juniper Street .Back  then kids went out side and played without worry

Always there were older kids who knew how to do the finer things kids do.Things like making acorn pipes and smoking rabbit tobacco in them.Those large acorns that would leave a knot on your head if they hit you when falling out of the Oak tree.Bore the acorn out till it was just a shell,small hole in the side,insert a hollow piece of straw and you had a working pipe.All needed now was rabbit tobacco which you could find plenty of in the woods.Lot of kids learned how to smoke that way.

Now zip guns.Cut out a pistol from thrown away wood,add strips of rubber from an old bike inner tube,the rest I will keep secret in case impressionable minds are reading.But they did work.Luckily only berries from a China Berry tree were used as ammo.

China Berries made good ammo for homemade sling shots also.Find a Y shape stick,again bike inner tube,the patch off your Levi jeans and you have your self a fine little weapon for those sling shot fights.

About the most stupid thing I remember doing is making our own gas like helium,take a large small neck glass jug,cut strips of tin foil,add Red Devil lye and use it to inflate balloons.They fly just like you had used helium.

It's a wonder most of those Juniper Street kids made it to adulthood.

Who cried the most

7 years old and I wanted to be a big boy and go to summer camp for 2 weeks.Not really, the real reason was my best friend Paul and his brother where going so thought I would tag along.Camp Viola in Mountville,Ga the oldest settlement in Troup County according to the sign.

I should have know better.Never had I been away from my folks before.They left me on the steps of the court house with all those other kids waiting on the bus to take us to the camp.

It was cool and fun sleeping in that big long barrack type building with open screened in windows.One side for boys the other for girls.Till this day I remember that musty smell of wet bathing suits and the smell of Colgate toothpaste and Dial soap.

There where games and hikes and lots of things to keep you busy but after a few days the new wore off and I had my first taste of being homesick.

I didn't know it at the time but my folks must have missed me also because they came to visit me but were told it would only make being homesick worst so I didn't find out about their visit till it was all over.

I did get over being homesick and enjoyed my 2 week stay.But I promised myself never would I leave my folks again.

On the bus bringing us back to where we got on it,the court house steps,there was my Daddy waiting.Who cried the most with joy being reunited was a toss up.

Confused and hurt

I'm confused and maybe a little bit hurt.As most of you might know I have a neuro muscular problem.Long story short I can't walk anymore.It is called Spinal Muscular Atrophy type3 or by another name it's called Kugleberg Welander Syndrome.It's inherited and I have had it all my life.It is a slow progression disease.Enough said about all that.

Now this is the confused and hurt part.People keep saying if I had enough faith God will heal me.Faith I have and I wish people would quit questioning my faith.I don't think God has a plan to heal or cure everyone.Maybe he has a plan for my life just the way I am.I'm perfectly ok with my situation,not mad,angry or full of self pity.Don't get me wrong I do wish things had turned out different.But they didn't so I deal with it.

I just get hurt when people say God will heal me that I know he can do but if not it doesn't mean I'm of little faith.

Maybe I'm wrong but this is the way I see things.

Some called Him a rebel

Someone just asked me if I was a Christian.The answer was a definite yes Mam.Twice this has happened lately.Makes me think.What does a Christian look like?Well maybe I'm being a bit oversensitive about this.But the honest answer is maybe I don't conform to what some call Christian.Maybe my hair gets a little long at times.I do have hair on my face.Kidding and teasing is one of my favorite things to do.I like listening to that old rock n roll music.So maybe I'm not the suit wearing clean cut man sitting on the front row at church every Sunday.

But you know what?I am a follower of Jesus Christ.In my heart I know He died for my sins and was resurrected from the grave.

A little story I read once.A man who Himself didn't conform to the look,talk or actions of others.Some called Him a rebel.

That man is Jesus Christ my Savior.

Sophie Mae

I got a hankering this morning for some Sophie Mae peanut brittle.Family Dollar use to sell it for buck a box.Oh so yummy one of my favorite snacks.

I tried my hand at making homemade peanut brittle once.Momma got a microwave oven for Christmas years ago and it had this microwave cookbook that came along with it.

Shelled peanuts,salt and Cario syrup was all you needed.I had that and I tried my hand at making it.Well putting it mildly that stuff was so hard it was uneatable.Lesson learned if you want peanut brittle it's best just buying it already made.

I tried making fudge once.Another favorite of mine.What I did wrong is a mystery.That stuff would not get hard.I tried putting it in the fridge and still it was like chocolate soup.

So some things like beans and cornbread and fried taters I can cook.But at times it's just best letting someone who knows what they are doing to fix the snacks.

If this sounds like a hint you might be right.Sophie Mae peanut brittle at Family Dollar,ask if you need my address.

No challenge was unthinkable

Shhhh! don't tell.It will be our little secret.Don't laugh ok.I have always had this dream or fantasy about space travel.When I was a kid at night turning the radio on to a static station pretending it was the roar of a rocket ship.I would drift off thinking how great it would be having my own little space craft that I could travel the know universe with.

I am a child of the space age.By this time my generation was to have flying cars like George Jetson.Launching space rockets off from Cape Canaveral was a big deal to people my age.

To this very day those old space movies of the 50's and 60's are sorta like comfort food to me.They bring pleasure and almost bring that bright eyed innocence back into my life.A time when things where possible no challenge was unthinkable.

For the life of me

Town square in my hometown of LaGrange,Georgia.The fountain has been there for long as I can remember.Years ago in the 1920's or 30's this was the sight of the courthouse that burned down.

As a kid it was a favorite sight of mine to ride by at night.Back then it had different colors of light bulbs built into the fountain and the spraying water would change color.

Back in the 1970's the city spent a reported million dollars to square the square.LaGrange College donated the statute of General Lafayette which now sits in the fountain.He was a French general who during the revolutionary war sided with the states and was rumored to have passed near LaGrange one time.This town was named after his chateau in France.

So a little more history of my hometown.But for me I sure enjoyed the colored lights in the fountain better.

For the life of me I can't remember ever stepping foot on the fountain grounds.

Rumor has it

Callaway Clock Tower in LaGrange,Georgia.I have always lived insight of this memorial most of my life.Employees of Callaway mills donated money for this in honor of the man who started Callaway mills.I have heard that the donations where taken out of employees checks whether they wanted to donate or not.

The tower has a clock on each side.For years they were not running but last time I noticed they were keeping time.The tower is located on the highest point I think in the city limits of LaGrange on a large sloping hill.The view from the top of the hill is beautiful,least to me.

On those rare winter days when it snowed the hill was a place where people slid down the slopes on pasteboard boxes.I even partaked in that a few times.

Rumor has it that on Halloween night witches gather in the tall bushes that surround the tower.Might be so I don't know but the police took it serious and at one time years ago where investigating.

So just another little snippet of LaGrange,Georgia where I call home.

Not true friends

Everyone loves a winner.But let that winner make a few slips and where do his friends go?Way life is I reckon.Not everyone will stick with you through the rough times but when all is going good they are there.

Take the Braves baseball team.Years ago when they where playing so bad only a handful of die hard loyal fans would show up for their home games.Milo Hamilton on air announcer for Braves baseball lost his job when he scolded fans for not supporting the Braves when things where going poorly.He was only telling the truth in my book.For the past few years the Braves have been extra good and now everyone claims to be fans from day one.I use this as an example.

Life is like that also.But get old,a little feeble or sick poof where do people run and scatter to?You know we are better off without those types anyway.They are not true friends.

Made my night

I almost got the Christmas spirit last night.Watching the LaGrange Christmas parade on TV it was so so really kinda boring.

Then it happen.I seen the funniest thing.There was a local karate class of kids in the parade marching.A demonstration of karate or kung fu something was gave by two little kids who look to be around 5 years old or that bouts.

Now these little fellas where getting into this kung fu stuff.One of them really got carried away or maybe just mad.He was really bopping the other kid's head and doing those high kicks,twirling and spinning like Bruce Lee.For about a minute it got out of control and the grownup walking in the parade with them had to break it up.

I know.My sense of humor can be on the dark side but it made my night.

Don't want to go back there

Them good old days.Where they really all that good or was it we didn't have anything else to compare with it? Someone was talking about their water well not working like it should this morning.That started a conversation about way things use to be.

Going to the well drawing water.Outhouses out back.Chopping fire wood.Burning coal in the fire place,splinters in your feet from those rough wood porches.

Guess I'm getting sissified or just lazy but I like these modern things.Flip a switch and you get cool air or toasty warm heat..Popping your popcorn in a microwave.TV and computers.Going to the grocery store when you need bacon and such and not having to do the dirty deed of slaughtering the animal for that bacon.Coffee in a Mr Coffee on and on.

Yes those days are just nice to talk about but me for one don't want to go back there.

Gets into your blood

Just give me an old Heathkit HW 16 and a shiny copper 80 meter dipole .Thrown in a Brown Brothers straight key.A handful of crystals.Give me a rainy cold winters night and I could have some fun.

I built one of these radio in the 1970's.Drove to the Heathkit store in Sandy Springs Ga. one Saturday and got the last one they had in stock.

I was in a rush and built the radio in one night.A week project the manual said.Needless to say a few problems where had.Mostly cold solder joints.

My amateur radio call sign is WA4PFG.Since 1976 that was who I was known as on the radio.This was the days before personal computers and cell phones.Back in the dark ages.

Many a Friday night I would rush home from work to play on the radio.Using that dit dah morse code talking with people around the globe was easy.

I don't ham very much these days but like the old saying it gets into your blood.Once a ham always a ham.Long as I don't forget to renew my license every 10 years guess always I will be one.

Giving up their ghost

The trees are giving up their ghost.Leaves almost gone.Things they once hid are now in plain view.From the big window I can see houses across the street.

I keep watching for deer in the woods but so far none have been seen.Hawks and crows are plentiful.Thank goodness for the green pines.Swaying in the wind like giant hands waving at me.

I think the leaves off the trees giving up things they once hid is like our lives.Things we try to hide are always brought into full view sooner or later.

Don't be shy

Hi.What cha doing?I can't sleep.Talk to me for a while.Tell me how your day was.Good,bad or just indifferent?

You do know you can talk to me by using the comment section below each post.It would be a thrill just hearing from you Dear person.Let me know what's on your mind really I'm all ears,literally here.

You could tell me what you think of this silly little blog,just be honest I'm a big boy ,getting bigger everyday  seems I have my appetite back.For awhile food just didn't interest me but now I'm eating my fair share.

Love to know who you are and what's going on in your life.

Don't be shy now!

Mystery solved

Sausage biscuit,scrambled eggs,grits,coffee and OJ for breakfast.Dinner(lunch)BBQ sandwich and with fries,iced sweet tea and coffee.Snack of Cheetos.Meatloaf,collards,cornbread,mac&cheese,potato salad with coffee for supper..

Let me think here for a few seconds.I just might be on to something.

Think I solved the mystery of why my blue jeans feel so much tighter.

Just here to help ya

Being a born and bred Southern Gentleman I find it my civic duty to help others,those from north of Hogansville,Georgia,Yankee territory,to learn to speak proper English.

At times they can't understand what I'm talking about and vicer versa.Today we shall start with the basics.

Let's get this eating thing down pat first ok.There are 3 meals in a 24 hour period.Breakfast,dinner and supper.Dinner equals lunch to those of you north of Hogansville and supper is the night time meal not dinner.Next let's just go ahead and get this outta way quick.That 4 legged,fuzzy thing with a wagging tail and goes bow wow ain't no dog.Repeat after me it's a DAWG and the longer you can draw it out the better.

Next we move along to the most common things you should learn to be understood and to understand.That thing you sit in is not a chair it's a cheer.Example,ain't cha tared sit in the cheer for a bit.Then theres winder you know that thing made of glass that most houses have you look out at.Now we get fancy with details.That thing you lay your head on at night down here in Georgia is called a piller not pillow.Simple huh,your'e doing great so far.Ok to keep things short so you don't lose concentration our last word of the day is fanger.Northerners called or mispronounce it as finger.

Ok that should do it for today.See it ain't hard to properly speak English all you have to do is just try hard and study and in no time you will be speaking Georgian like ya was born here.

What I want !

I don't want a girlfriend.I don't want a wife.What I do want is another good dog.Like that country song said Wish She Loved Me Like My Dog Does.A good dog like Missy pictured here.I miss her just as much as I miss anyone.

There have been several dogs in my life.There was Lassie my first dog Uncle Lavert found for me when I was just a little boy.My protector he was.Yes Lassie was a male but I called him Lassie after the TV program.

Prissy and Bouncer I always had a dog around me it seems.Puppies,nothing compares with them except maybe a kitten or little human baby.They are so precious.

Yep just give me a loving dog to keep me company on this journey through life.

Freddy,Mike and Frankie dropped by

My cousins came by awhile back.Freddy,Mike and Frankie.It sure was good seeing them again.We took a little road trip us four.

I do remember we went to a club of some sorts.What and where it was kinda foggy to me.Best I can remember we where headed to Florida.In all honesty I can't say if we made it or not.I remember something about a hotel room and one of them saying he wanted the giant screen TV on the wall.I kinda remember something about going to a cafe and eating but what I had can't remember.

Guess this would be a good time to fill you in a bit about my cousins.Freddy died of a heart attack when he was about 45.Frankie ,my age died when he was 45 also in a motorcycle accident.Mike was 60 when he died of cancer just a few years ago.I'm now 60.

Yes it was just a dream but it sure was good seeing my cousins again.Come around anytime,we will take another trip.

Getting spooky

This is getting spooky.I wonder what in the world is going on.People keep seeing me places where I ain't.This has been going on all my life.People will swear they see me and honest it wasn't me.

I'm starting to question my sanity.Recently someone said they seen me walking out the door.Well wish it had been me(I'm in a wheelchair)looked just like you they said.

I first noticed this when as a kid people would say seen you at so and so but it wasn't me.It never bothered me till lately and I got to thinking.

A little secret I will share with you.When I was a little boy at night before falling to sleep I could for lack of a better word sorta float around the room if I wanted.If I thought about it I could do it easy.If remembering right this weird feeling would come over me like a vibration all over my body and my ears would start ringing and like I said float above the bed.

I had forgot about that till recently.I know about OBE out of body experiences.Was that what happened to me when I was a little boy?Is that going on now without me trying?I have no memory of it if the later is true.

Huggy kissy type

Not the huggy kissy type.That describes my family on both sides.Saying I love you by my parents was never heard.Guess it was just something I knew that didn't have to be said.

Maybe that is why I have been so stand offish in my life.But most folks know when I like them.If I kid and tease you well that is a sign you're ok in my book.Now if I avoid and ignore you like the purple plague that a good sign that you are not one of my favorite people walking this earth.

The Bible tells me to love all.That I do but as Aunt Pauline said there are some she didn't like.I agree.

I can honestly say none are hated.I just prefer not being around a few folks.

Kudzu

Kudzu.That green vine that will take over the land covering everything in it's sight.Imported from Japan way back when it's purpose was to stop soil erosion.

My Uncle Leon back years ago worked on the CC planting that stuff.I have seen it cover houses,barns,old cars anything that gets in its way.

Most folks now will try anything to rid their property of it.One way,if this is true or not I don't know is to turn hogs loose on it.They will eat roots and all.Try burning kudzu.That don't work it will just come back.

Rumor is kudzu will repel snakes.History I heard is, now this could be made up, during the war of Yankee aggression,the South planned unleashing this terror on to the Northern landscape.

Who really knows.All I can say is,kudzu,about as Southern you can get.

Never learn

Pit cooked BBQ.Pig in the ground.Sure sounds good on this cold fall afternoon.With some good Brunswick stew don't get much better than that.

I have heard that pigs are really intelligent.Smarter than dogs,cats and lot more than a horse.And what do we do? We eat them.Bacon and sausage that honey baked ham on Christmas.On and on.

Even the Bible tells us not to eat the pig.Unclean animal.Jesus cast out demons from a man and caused them to enter pigs who then run off a cliff killing them self


Seems we will never learn.

The urge

I have something to say.What is unknown at the moment.At times something just comes over me and I have this need ,urge or whatever you call it to put something down in words.

Almost like being thirsty and you need that drink of cool water.Or being hungry and what you eat doesn't satisfy.It's not enough what you have wrote.There is a hunger for something better.

I have that need now but what it is I have no idea.It's gnawing at me like a rat chewing it's leg off that is caught in a trap.

Ask and you shall receive

Not to proud to beg for food.It started Tuesday.Half way kidding I started asking people who where going to cook Thanksgiving dinner for some deviled eggs.I got a couple of takers and promise of more to come.

Clean out the fridge cause it's going to be loaded down with those delicious tasty snacking deviled eggs.Also I have been asking for homemade chili.Chances are pretty good I think that will happen soon.

Don't worry I'm not being hoggish cause my plan is to share.If you know anyone who knows how to make a congealed salad let them contact me.That is another Southern delicacy we folks have on holidays down here.I'm also partial to red velvet cake.

Ask and you shall receive is my motto.

Page 10

Live and let let someone said.That's what I'll do with the Jones boys.Somebody will tire of their foolishness and take care of them.

Why ruin my life this life I want here on the mountain with Buddy and Freda doing what I want when I want.Up here I only take orders from God the all mighty.

And far as that war that is going on it's none of my doing.No sign of a war up on this mountain.

I will just live out my life the way I see fit not what some flatlander know it all who doesn't do as he preaches tries to tell me.

Now if you want a war with me that is how you start it.Just try telling me how to live my life.

Yes winter of 1860 is good  for me.Think I'll sit in my rocker by the fire with Buddy and Freda and have a smoke from my pipe and sip on some of that sour mash.

Life as I want it.

Page 9

Whew.Long night and that's putting it mildly.Don't think I slept anymore after those shots where fired at the cabin.A long night on the cold floor for me.

Sun is up and got a fire going coffee is in the pot brewing and Buddy and Freda have been fed.In a few minutes I'm going out and see if any tale tail signs of last nights shooters can be seen.

Fresh snow is covering the ground so any tracks will be easy to see.No trouble was taken in hiding their tracks.Guess they figured I was a dead man and no need in covering them.

Three men's tracks I see leading about a 100 yards off to where they tied their horses.Shells from their rifles I found easy.

Now let's think this over fer a bit.Three men on horseback,shooting at me,in the dark like little rotten scoundrel cowards now who fits that scene?

Those fool Jones brothers.

.

Page 8

Bam!Bam!Bam!


Three shots just ranged out coming through the side of the cabin.Rolling out of my bunk hitting the floor hard I grabbed my rifle.

What was that all about raced through my head.Only the light from the dying fireplace lit the room and I could hear Buddy and Freda barking and growling but could only see outlines of them in the dim light.Hope they are ok,sounds like it though.

It had to be middle of the night my guess would be around 3 am.Laying still I could hear nothing outside the only sound heard was the beating of my racing heart and the hounds with their muffled growls.

No way I'm opening the door this time of night not being able to see who is out there.Someone was trying to kill me and by the grace of God they missed.

I am just fine here on the floor till morning.Then I would do some investigating.

Sunrise sure is taking it's time today.

Page 7

Good to be back at the cabin.Put on a big pot of soup in the old black pot.It's simmering and will be ready soon.Cornbread flitters will finish out supper.Nothing better than food cooked in a fireplace is there.

It's cold tonight outside but toasty in here.Sun is setting,a brilliant orange fills the twilight sky.Buddy and Freda are at their post in front of the fire waiting on their supper.

As said earlier my name is Pete.Just Pete.Never knew my folks I  was raised by strangers who would just take me in cause there was no where else for a boy to go.Guess if a last name was needed I would just pick the name of one of the families who raised me.So just call me Pete.

Rocking in my chair with my pipe in front of the fire sipping on a jug of that sour mash.Good to be alive in this winter of 1860.

You may wonder if I get lonely with no human contact.I can answer honestly no.Get all I need when trading with the flatlanders in town.I see them rush around from hither to yonder worrying about this and that.No way for a man to live in my book.

This war thing going on.I must read my Bible and see what Jesus said about wars and such.Yep that what I will do while soup simmering.

Page 6

After my encounter with the Jones boys I'm just glad to be sitting here under a pine tree smoking my pipe.Buddy and Freda must sense something had been going on cause they are sticking close to me.The Jones boys are no big concern.If push comes to shove I'll do whats necessary with them varmints.

God sure knew what he was doing when He made this old pitiful world.A more beautiful day could not be had.Not a cloud in the deep blue sky,no snow falling,just the wind gently whispering through the pine trees the only sound heard.

Leaning back against the tree smoking my pipe with hounds by my side I think what else does a man need in this world.Least of things I need is to go fight in a war which is no concern of mine.No one has done anything to me except maybe those fool Jones brothers but they are just a pest that all.

I have a rule to live by.Don't mess with me,I won't mess with you.

Page 5

Well the tracks where easy to follow.It's the Jones brothers on horseback.Three of the sorriest low down thieving not fit to kill rats the world has ever known.Their Momma should have done the world a favor and pinched the heads off them boys when they where youngins.

What do they want I ponder.Pete they said(that's my name)we come to inform you that the war has started.Seems shots have been fired at Fort Sumter in South Carolina and the war is on.

We are the homeguard of this county and you have been inducted into the army of the Confederacy.If you don't come along peacefully ,well we gonna take ya.

For a second those words rung in my ears.GONNA TAKE YOU!That was all it took.I raised my Winchester and pulled on the trigger stopping just in time.

Now I'm a lot of things.Some bad some good but of all the animals I hunted and killed never had I took the life of another human.Even these Jones brothers didn't deserve to die today even though killing them would have been better for us all.

With my rifle point blank pointed at them I convinced them it be best to mozzie on back to town and leave me be.

They where persuaded but I knew that wasn't going to be the end of the matter.