I was Wrong

Yesterday I was wrong. I had read a news article and the date was for last year . In 2010 President Obama did not go to Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial day. I was under the impression that it was going to be this year. I was incensed. There is no other way to put it. I went to work and railed against this decision  to vacation in Chicago. I ranted and raved. Outrageous behaviour ! How could any sitting President possibly not attend those ceremonies. He is the commander in chief ! I went on and on. Being a rather staunch Republican I was doubly mad.
When I got home after work I decided to do a little research. The first thing I discovered was that not only had the President attended the ceremonies,he had hosted a breakfast at the White house for veterans wives and families. Further reading showed that he was not the first President that had missed ceremonies on Memorial day. To my utter chagrin, Reagan and both Bushs' had as well. I was speechless and feeling rather contrite. I stand corrected ! Had I paid attention to what I was reading and the dates more closely I would not be in this position.
I was wrong. Now I have to go to work and admit that I had the facts all wrong. I feel I must tell the truth. As much as I hate it,it is only the right thing to do. Oh,I'll try to put a spin on it. I'll make some joke about needing new glasses. I'll try to not look foolish. But the bottom line is, I'm wrong. I'll blame it on the internet.
I hate being wrong. I really hate being wrong when the facts were right in front of me and I didn't see them.
I am glad the President was at Arlington yesterday. I feel strongly that he should be there. He is the Commander and Chief and as such owes his loyalty to the armed forces, as much as they owe loyalty to him.
In the future I will remember to check my dates and facts a little more closely.

Memorial Day

I have been thinking about what I would write about for this day. Tracing my family roots back I can honestly say we have had participants in every war or conflict this nation has been in. I have not discovered anyone however that was killed in action. To the best of my knowledge we always returned home. I am grateful for that. The lord surely has protected my ancestors, as well as my nation.
Memorial day,formerly known as Decoration Day,is to remember those fallen veterans. Today we tend to group all Veterans together, but that was not the intent. The day was intended to remember those killed in action.
 Decoration Day began shortly after the Civil War. Families of those lost in that great struggle went to the cemetery and decorated the grave. Speeches were made and picnic lunches were eaten. It was an all day affair. The day was spent in remembrance.
 In modern times this has been reduced to placing an American flag on the graves of all veterans. Some places the Veterans associations go to the cemeteries and render a 21 gun salute followed by the playing of taps. In others little is done. Most places have a parade. Now the day is a happy occasion filled with picnics and music concerts. I expect the tone was a lot different when the setting was in the cemetery. Surely,it was a reminder of the purpose of the day.
In 1967 the Government officially changed the name to Memorial Day, as well as making the holiday always fall on last Monday in May. Some veterans opposed this change. Some felt it was wrong to change the date because the original date was chosen because no major battle had been fought on that day. Many felt it was disrespectful to change the date to make it more convenient. There is a bill afoot to have the date and name restored. In December of 2000 a National Day of Remembrance bill was passed that asks for all citizens to pause at 3PM on Memorial day and observe a minute of silence for those fallen.
The Grand Army of the Republic was one of the first veterans groups formed. It was composed of members of the Union Army. Formed in 1866 and dissolved in 1956 when the last survivor of that war passed away.
My 2nd Great Grandfather was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. I wonder what his thoughts would be. It was that group that petitioned the Government for the holiday, as well as Widows pensions. Think of them as the precursor to the Veterans of Foreign War or The American Legion.
Did you get your poppy ? Do you know why we wear poppies for Memorial Day ? The poppy came from a line in a poem written by Moina Michael:
" We cherish too,the poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
it seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies ! "
It is only right that we should remember our fallen soldiers. No matter the method we use, the important thing is to, remember. Not to remember only those we knew personally, or that were our ancestors, but to remember all that sacrificed their life so we may live in freedom.
So take time today to reflect upon those that paid the ultimate price. It is only right !
May they Rest in Peace knowing their sacrifice was not in vain, nor forgotten.



James B Terry
14 Apr 1843---17 Jan 1917
Civil War 127th N.Y. Volunteers



"Beach People"

Yesterday I spoke briefly of  Memorial Day and how it has become the beginning of the " season." The season of traffic. All those people heading to the beach. I call them," the beach people." I'm annoyed by the beach people. I'm not sure where they all come from, but I can tell where they are going. Cars,mini-vans and trucks festooned with umbrellas,bicycles,coolers,surf boards,boogie boards and some pulling trailers. Heading to the beach ! Do not impede their progress toward the beach ! The beach people will run you off the road or run over top of you to achieve their objective. Like an invading army,despite casulties or any other impediment, the beach people will press on.
These people come from all walks of life. Young or Old makes no difference. Rich or poor. They all share one common goal; to reach the beach. It must be reached as soon as possible too. One must rush there to take full advantage of every possible minute. To even miss one wave rolling in ,could be a diaster. I must,must get there first.
Yesterday,I made the mistake of going to the local Dunkin' Donuts. Failing to heed my own advice and against my better judgement I went forth. Ahh, the traffic isn't too bad. Made it to the donut shop,no problem. Then,like a swarm of locusts,the beach people swept into the shop. The unmistakable sound of flip flops on the tile floor and that determined look on their faces sent a chill down my spine. My first thought was, protect the grand daughter. I quickly stepped between her and the oncoming crowd. Before I could act any further, the orders for coffee and donuts were being shouted out. As I looked at that crowd of people dressed in shorts,tank tops,various pieces of beach apparel and the ever present sun glasses I knew I should just surrender.
It is something I've noticed about the beach people. Even though most do not know each other or have any other connection, they travel in packs. On the highway they will be in huge packs. In rest areas, or little shops along the way,they will decend in packs. They can disappear as quickly as they arrive too.Another common trait is rudeness. They will push and shove to get to the front of any line. If you are not dressed in the uniform of the Beach People ,you are the enemy. You are to be ignored as inconsequential and nothing more than an impediment to progress. Beach People insist on being served first,irregardless,and there needs are to be satisfied ; pronto !
I did ,last year,join this migration to the beach. It was only for a day but for that day I was a Beach Person. But like any new recruit I was inexperienced. I didn't get served first and didn't get the best possible parking spot. I didn't have an umbrella or even the coolest sunglasses. To put it simply, I was a Beach Person, but a nerdy one. My legs and chest are very white. Farmers tans are not cool !
Well.I've always thought of man as a land based animal anyway. Swimming is just not my forte. Fishing and clamming are. I enjoy the water,more being on top of it than  in it. I don't care much for crowds either. When I do go to the beach I don't want to be crowded. Sitting there in cutoff shorts and no shirt I feel like it should be a little private.
So,I'll try to remember my own advive and stay put on the weekends. Get my donuts early. I'll start going the back way more often and do a little sightseeing along the way. Unlike the beach, the store will still be there if I arrive ten minutes later.

Memorial Day

In different areas of the country Memorial day means different things. There will be parades in almost every town. Not Greensboro,however. We have a parade for the opening of the Little League season but not for Memorial day. I tried,unsuccessfully,to muster a group of veterans who would be willing to march,in uniform, in any local parades. Not even one response ! A sad commentary as far as I am concerned. I did go to the local cemetery to place flags on friends of mine. I was pleased to see numerous flags.
When I was a small child it wasn't Memorial day. It was Decoration day. In 1967 the name was officially changed to Memorial day. This day is a tradition that dates back to just after the Civil War. A day to remember those that fell on the battlefield. Every year it seems like it becomes more about parties,vacations and the beach than about its' original intent.
In my original hometown Memorial day was always celebrated with a parade. The veterans definitely were marching ! They do in every parade. The kids were always invited to decorate your bicycle and join the parade. Red,White and Blue streamers would be interlaced in the spokes and flags taped to the handlebars. Uncle Sam was everywhere. When Old Glory was carried down the street, the men would come to attention and salute as she passed by. Women and children held their hand over their heart. Memorial Day also signaled the start of the "season." The season of tourists,weekend residents,and crowds. Crowded at the store,crowded at the beach,crowded at the restaurants,just plain crowded. It is a love/hate relationship.Love the economic boom that comes with the crowd,but wish the crowd would just go away. The "season" lasted until Labor Day. It is not that way anymore,all things change, it is almost all year round now.
Here in Greensboro,Memorial Day marks the beginning of traffic season. Few will stop here but many will pass through. They are heading to the beach ! Rehobeth Beach in Delaware and Ocean City in Maryland. The two main arteries are Route 50 and 404. Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings,forget about it. The cars go by in a steady stream. Any plans for travel are to be scheduled around this. To leave Greensboro and go anywhere where their is shopping,ie: Walmart,Lowes,the Mall, you pretty much have to travel on one of those roads. You can avoid them if you are knowledgeable of the back roads but it will take you a considerably longer time. It will last until Labor Day.
Memorial Day used to be a day of Patriotism and remembrance. Now,that is only the excuse used to begin the summer season. All things evolve over time. Attitudes change. I'm sure we will see it swing back more to its' former intent in years to come. To me,Memorial Day means placing those flags and remembering our veterans !

A Marriage

Eleven years ago today my son married. I couldn't have known how much this would change my life. To be honest about it ,I never gave it a thought. It was something I always expected would happen. Just a part of life. Naturally I hoped he would make a good choice. Well,he did. I would like to say it was my counsel and guidance that brought him to that decision, but probably not. One can only hope to be a positive influence in their lives.
This wonderful girl has given me two of the best Grand kids anyone could ask for. They are the joy of my life. She,herself,has always been a joy and pleasure. She fit into the family like a finger in a glove. She accepted us,just as we are, as readily as we accepted her. She is industrious and giving. Two qualities I particulary admire. My son has indeed made an excellent choice. Although to be truthful it did have to be a mutual agreement. His bargaining skills must have been outstanding.
The past eleven years have gone by so quickly. We have witnessed the birth of two grand children, been on numerous vacations together, ate, laughed and loved. My deepest wish is that they are as happy together as I am that they are. There is no greater happiness than a loving wife. Hate the word spouse ! Sounds like some kinda offshoot of something. Just sayin'. I'm looking forward to many more years together. Maria,can stay with Kevin if she wants too.



Kevin and Maria
27 May 2000



Fan weather

The last few days have been hot and humid. Summer is fast approaching. I have been enjoying having the windows open. Love the fresh air and hearing the birds sing. With the hot and humid conditions during the day and early evening, window fans are appropriate. Later,I will bring out the window air conditioning units. It is a necessary task and one I don't like doing. Also don't like the accompanying electric bill.
I also have a pedestal type fan. It oscillates and moves quite a bit of air. It is running even as I type this mornings' blog. The sound that it makes is the subject of my blog. That low droning sound,almost a moan.
The pitch rising and falling every so slightly as it goes through its' cycle. The first time I heard this sound was in 1971. I had joined the Navy and went to Fort Hamilton in New York City for my entrance examination. It was August and hot ! The induction center was not air conditioned and huge pedestal fans were everywhere.
As with all things Military it was,hurry up and wait ! Several hundred applicants sitting in a huge room with those big fans running and no one saying much. I guess we were all nervous about what the day would bring.
There were two groups of people; those of us that volunteered and those that were drafted. We weren't separated but you could tell by attitude who was who. After receiving our instructions for the day we began the process of induction.
On the tiled floor of the induction center there were arrows. You were to follow these arrows from station to station. At each station was a Doctor that would check specific things. The check itself was very quick,the wait was long. The time you spent waiting in line was accented by that ever constant drone of those fans. The air was thick and carried the smell of a couple hundred young men sweating. Not a pleasant way to spend the day. Monotonous is the only word that fits the bill.
Later,as my Navy career continued I would hear those fans. My first ship had no air conditioning. Fans. I worked in the engine room,no air conditioning,fans. Over the course of twenty years I was in a lot of places and there were those fans. They were a constant. Lying awake in my bunk with thoughts of home the sound of those fans were like a soundtrack. A background noise barely even noticed,until it stopped. Then.the silence was deafening.
Soon the fan weather will pass. The air conditioners go into the windows. The fans return to the attic. It is just part of the cycle. All things happen in cycles. I'll enjoy the fan while I can still bear the relative heat and humidity. I've become soft,or is it that I've got the choice,to turn on that a/c ?
Still,whenever I hear the sound of a fan I am taken back. Like an old song can transport you to another time and place, the sound of a fan takes me back. Back to my days in the military. Back to standing in line and just waiting. Back to lonely nights at sea. It is a sound both comforting and lonely.

A " Hovernaut "

It was January 1988. I was in the Navy stationed at Textron Marine Systems in Louisiana. Assigned to the Landing Craft Air Cushioned program. These craft,that ride on a cushion of air,where new to the Navy at that time. I was there to assist in overseeing their construction. A few prototypes had been built and tested. Now they were to go into full production. I attended the maintenance course and received training in all the systems.
It was an exciting time. I lived in Slidell,La. about fifteen minutes from the plant. It was also a short drive to New Orleans. Was there for two Mardi Gras. It was quite different from anything I had done before. Going to the production facility daily as a supervisor. The civilians that worked there and did the actual construction treated me that way too. It was flattering and secretly amusing. I had no real authority other than to report my observations. I could make suggestions,but only to the Commander I worked for. I made friends among the workers and enjoyed my time with them.
After the first craft I was directly involved in seeing built was finished it was time for  sea trials. Sea trials are were you take the vessel out and test its' performance. You put it through its' paces. That is an exciting few days. Naturally you start out easy. In the end you will have a 60 ton tank loaded aboard that vessel and doing forty knots across the bay. These craft can clear a five foot vertical obstacle and continue on. Over water and land. The craft performed very well. It passed its' trials and was sent to the fleet.
I did get the chance to ride in this craft. I did,if only for a moment or two,get to be the pilot. That is what they call the man that operates this craft. That is because it is very close to flying,only at a altitude of approx five feet. Turns are very tricky to make. Side slip is a big factor. It requires three people to operate the craft. The pilot,the engineer and the radar operator. A commander may or may not be present in the cabin during ops.
Those of us fortunate enough to have this experience are called, " Hovernauts " I have my certificate proving this hanging on my wall. I don't know if the Navy has continued this issuing of " Hovernaut " certificates.
Mine would be one of the earlier ones issued. It was issued at the factory by a factory representative.
It is just one of those things that is,pretty cool.
It is a reminder of some very good times. It also makes an excellent conversation piece. It was a new technology at the time. It is old hat now. I can always say that I was there in the beginning. Now that is ,cool.

Reflecting

I awoke this morning to a calliope of birds singing.In the distance,as an accent ,I could hear the lone cry of an owl.
There was a time when I didn't want to be awake at five in the morning. When you are younger you have a tendency to sleep in. This is, of course, because you have  a tendency to stay up !
In the days before electric lights and television I'm sure more people went to bed early and got up early. I'm betting it wasn't always because chores had to be done either. In the summer months the coolness of the morning is refreshing.
I woke up, and lying there listening to this I thought how lucky I am to be able to hear all this. I still live in a place where it is rural enough and quiet enough ( at least early in the morning) to enjoy it. I spent many months at sea when I was in the Navy and the only bird I ever heard was the squawk of a seagull. Not my favorite bird. My father was fond of saying, " you're like a seagull,you don't do anything but eat, *hit and squawk ! Still,I confess,their sound did make me homesick on occasion.
In the news these last few weeks I have seen and heard about earthquakes,tornadoes,floods and eminent nuclear disaster. The number of lives affected is staggering. Those persons unfortunate enough to be in these areas don't enjoy the morning like I do. A majority of them don't even have a bed anymore.
This morning, as I lay there, I chided myself for feeling a little sorry for myself. My truck needs repair and the corn on my toe hurts. Wah ! Given the situation others are in, I'm not doing too bad. The birds are singing and it is going to be a wonderful day. I have my health,including my hearing, and people around me who love me. I've got a roof over my head and food in the pantry. Not a bad deal !

Daddys' Cup

Sitting on the shelf,collecting dust and all but forgotten is my fathers cup. No,not his favorite coffee cup but his baby cup. Hanging on the side is his baby spoon. Peter Rabbit is on the handle of the spoon. The old,original Peter Rabbit. I was given these items by my mother. My father left this mortal world in 1990 at the age of 66. Too soon for the mortals that knew and loved him, but right on schedule with Gods' plan.
Occasionally I will stop and look at it. I can't help but think what hopes and dreams were attached to that cup. His mother,my grandmother,died the day after his birth. Complications from childbirth being listed as the cause of death. Her mother and father raised him. Why his father remarried a year later and did not take him to live with him I do not know. This was never spoken about and never questioned. His father passed away just five years later. He once told me he didn't really remember his father. Given he was only five at the time, it is not surprising.
Although little is known about the cup or spoon I like to speculate about them. His name is engraved upon the cup so I'm thinking it was a gift after his birth. With his mother passing the next day it does make one wonder.  I wonder if the cup came from his father. Perhaps he purchased this cup and had his sons'  name engraved upon it. Austin. That is the name on it and my fathers true name. Everyone knew him as Ben and that is the name he used. I have been told this name came from a close friend of my Grand fathers. The man was Austin Bennett. Searching old census records I have found a man named Austin Bennett that did live in Greenport,where my grand father lived, at the same time and on the same street.  As to the spoon I'm thinking my Great Aunt Mildred may have been responsible for that. Of course, as I said,it is all speculation and conjecture on my part. The story is lost to time.
My father has an older brother. His name is Elwood,after his father. I have only met this man two or three times in my life. Uncle Elwood went to live with his great Aunt Mildred in Chicago when he was about fifteen.The rumor being he was in some kinda trouble and Great Grandma couldn't deal with it. Some accounts say he was a bit unruly. He lives in Florida and to the best of my knowledge is alive and well. I have tried communicating with him on several occasions. He was cordial, but not receptive to talking too much about the past. Like a lot of brothers his relationship with my father was tenuous at best. My father also had two half brothers. Both are gone now.
Often when I look at that cup and spoon, I wonder. To my father, was it a sad reminder of what could have been ? Or was it a cup of hope for the future ? These thoughts and questions never entered my mind until I got older and these items came into my possesion.My father seldom ,if ever,spoke of these things. He may have to my mother, but never to me. I was away, in the Navy, at the end of his life.That is a regret I live with. I had opportunities, but never used them. Hence the regret.
One day I will give this cup and spoon to one of the grand children. I will have to wait to see their personalities develop. I want to make an accurate judgement as to which one will be the keeper. I'm sure my own father would be surprised to know that I turned out to be the keeper of the past. I wasn't exactly what you would have called," settled " during his lifetime. His cup and spoon are treasured mementos to me. Funny thing is, I have very little that belonged to him. I have his old photographs and his medals from the War. A few other trinkets that were his. You do have a tendency to take things for granted. I sure wish I had spoken more with him about the past and saved a few more things. I try to keep that in mind and squirrel things away for others to discover after I'm gone.
 My father was cremated . His ashes were placed between the graves of his mother and father. That is what he wanted. The 23rd pslam was read,also his wish. I was indeed fortunate to have him as a father and a friend.
My cup runneth over.

We made it !

Well it would seem the world will keep on turning after all. Despite predictions to the contrary the rapture did not occur at six o'clock last night. What a relief. I was standing in line to attend my grand daughters dance recital. Would have hated to miss that. Now I guess we have little to worry about except 2012,the next end date. Glad I didn't go out and charge a bunch of stuff !
I am always amused by things like this. I am more amused that there are people who will believe it. Call me a skeptic but I think only one man knows the answer and he ain't telling. I do know this so called prophet or preacher is a rich man. Owns a string of radio stations.
I do wonder why people like him make such ridiculous predictions ? Here it is the 22 of May and you got egg all over your face. Why would you put yourself in that position ? Obviously he was making a lot of money so why not just keep that going ? If I owned a thriving business I'm not telling my customers I'm going out of business ! Doesn't make a lot of sense to me. This guy made this prediction before. He must be a glutton for punishment.
I can only surmise he wanted his fifteen minute of fame. That is the only explanation I can think of. He spent a few million dollars on advertising his " belief " that the world would end. He did get his name out there. He was mentioned on the morning news. I don't think many will remember him, except for those unfortunate to have given him their money. And worse still,those unfortunate souls that actually believed this charlatan.
I can't help but wonder why he would choose this path. If I had millions to spend and wanted to be remembered I'm sure I could think of something better. Maybe build a homeless shelter or provide free health care for underprivileged children. Build a monument to the Veterans or something. Choosing to be the person that successfully predicts the end of the world is pointless. If you are correct, nobody will know it ! Duh. What is the point if I can't say, " I told you so. "
He certainly isn't the first and most assuredly will not be the last to make a prediction. Still I wonder why ?
I just can't see the logic in it. Did he really believe that ? I doubt it. Then again, I'm a skeptic by nature.
If it sounds to good to be true,it probably isn't. If someone claims to be able to predict the future, I'll just wait and see. If I'm wrong you can tell me, " I told you so ! " So, nah,nah,nah. And I hate a " I told you so."

The Evening News

Was a time when the family watched the evening news together. This was a time before the internet, before satellite television and even before cable ! I know, because I was there! We only had two channels to choose from. Channel three or channel eight. The evening news came on at six o'clock,on channel three and channel eight. There was no such thing as local news. Local news was the business of Newspaper and radio. A M radio. The news reported some bad stuff, much like they do today. The news was tempered a bit more though. You didn't hear about rape,child molesters and other deviant behaviours. At least not in a direct sense. It may have been hinted at, but never spoken right out.
We were encouraged to stay abreast of current events. To watch the evening news and read the newspaper. We discussed things that were taking place in the world.I don't recall the news being all negative as it seems to be today. Celebrities and important politicians weren't dragged through the mud as much for there indiscretions. The news is reported a bit differently now. You hear about everything and they are explicit about it. There is local news, national news and world news. You can watch news for several hours non stop. I don't because they just repeat themselves over and over. I get most of my news here on the computer now.
All of this was brought to mind when Katie Couric left the news.Wasn't she being touted as the next big news anchor ? In all fairness, they were some big shoes to fill. I was one that never really cared for her. I don't think being a news anchor was as important to her as,say, Walter Cronkite. I could sense that somehow. Seems to me the news,as I remember it,ended with Walter Cronkite and David Brinkley. Harry Reasoner is close but not the same.Peter Jennings was close. When Walter Cronkite reported the news it was important. His opinion was important. His integrity was untouchable. David Brinkley spoke with authority. You believed him,completely. Dan Rather is worthy of note.
Cronkite and Brinkley didn't just report the news,they explained the news. They left you feeling informed. The news now,leaves me either confused or infuriated. Even as a kid growing up, I would think about what Walter ( Mr. Cronkite) had said about the news. I think now we may be suffering from information overload and a little afraid to state our opinions. Cronkite and Brinkley wouldn't hesitate to include their personal observations or opinions. We have to be more politically correct now.

Walter Cronkite said it all at the end of every broadcast, " and that's the way it is "

Explaining the Situation

Almost always I write my blog in the morning. I get my coffee and spell out what I'm thinking about. It may be something I was thinking about last night or two weeks ago. I never know what I'm going to say until my fingers hit the keyboard. This morning I tried unsuccessfully to write something. Twice I started on a thought and twice failed to make my point. This happens occasionally. The thought is not fully hatched.
Sometimes the thought needs little explanation. I can express it in a sentence or two. They are good thoughts but difficult to write about. I don't want to just ramble on.
It does bother me when I can't seem to get it in gear. I try to write something each day. I feel obligated somehow. There is no reasonable explanation for that. I'm sure I don't have millions of readers awaiting my every word. I'm fortunate to have a couple of views each day.
Since starting this blog writing I have only missed a post on two occasions. Once when I just had nothing and once when I was ill. I hope to compile these posts in a book form and would not like too many missing pages. Shouldn't really matter though,given the title. Random Thoughts and Memories don't come in order,duh.
The first thought I attempted to write about this morning is not completely hatched. I'll have to stew that one. The second however,I think is one of those that needs little explanation. " All things in Moderation." I'm not sure who said it or when but it is good sound advice. I'm thinking more of us need to practice that. Including myself ! A little less running of the mouth and a little more thinking. Hmmm,I'll have to write about that. LOL

Getting to Know

A fellow blogger wrote of exploring her new surroundings. She says she has been in her new home for five years and it is time to get out and about. I thank her for that as it has lit a fire under my butt. I have been here in Greensboro,Md for over twenty years now and barely know the names of the streets. I have been just coming and going the same old way. I know where to go to go fishing or for a picnic. I know where all the basic necessities for every day life can be found.
Those of you that have read some of my previous blogs know I bemoan the fact that I don't live in my hometown anymore. I go on about what a close knit little community we had. How everyone knows everyone else. I write about the many little pleasures I enjoyed while,"home." Well,  a few weeks ago I came to the conclusion that I an now "home." See "From Away" and "Finding Home" in my previous blogs. Now my friend,who is obviously very wise,has suggested getting out and about.
I took a small step in that direction just last night. Camera in hand, I took a stroll around town. You do see a lot more walking than riding. I have in mind a photo essay of Greensboro. The past few weeks I have enjoyed seeing pictures,mostly older ones,of my original hometown and have in mind share my new hometown. I have so few pictures of home. That's because like most people you just take it for granted. It's there and always will be,so you think. Well,times change and so do towns. I have seen small changes in Greensboro since living here. The addition of a second stop light was a big deal. Seen a few stores close or move. And of course new developments spring up. Although,thankfully,the housing market and economic downturn slowed that up. Plus,my son is now one of the town Commissioners. Guess.I should know a little more about this place.
I'm from away and that is uncomfortable. I have virtually no history here. Twenty years is not history. I don't know many people here on a personal level. Know lots of casual acquaintances. I never was much of a social butterfly type. I live right across the street from the Historical society headquarters. I'm thinking I'll attend their next meeting and test the waters so to speak. I will continue with my photo essay project. The weather is nice and it is a time for exploration. I'd better get to know Greensboro a little better. I'm going to be here a very long time. Not just the rest of my life, but a long time. You should get to know your neighbors !

What ?

The question of whether or not Barack Obama was born a United States citizen is still being questioned. The white house has released a copy of his birth certificate. I recently received some correspondence calling into question whether the certificate is genuine or not. Two major points were mentioned. 1) His race is listed as African-American. Ok, but that term wasn't used in Hawaii on birth certificates until much later, after his birth. Prior to that he would have been referred to as a Negro. 2) The hospital named on the birth certificate didn't exist at the time of his birth. Much later, two hospitals merged to form the hospital named on that birth certificate. This second discrepancy is easily verified by googling the name of the hospital.
Now, all this I find interesting not so much because I am not a supporter of Barack Obama, but rather that there should be a question at all. I recently went to renew my commercial drivers license. I carried a hazmat(hazardous materials) endorsement on this license. I was informed that in order to renew that endorsement I would be subject to a background check by the FBI. What, I'm retired from the Navy and held a secret clearance for about ten years of the time. No matter. Also proof of citizenship was required. IE; a birth certificate or certified copy of one.My identification card from the U.S.Navy is not proof of citizenship. And at least two forms of identification. The cost would be one hundred fifty dollars and take at least six weeks.
That is what I find interesting. You have to go through all that to drive a truck carrying hazmat but you can be elected President of the United States without it ? Hazardous materials can be anything from whiteout to bombs. I can understand the need to check out who is authorized to transport them. But I really don't think terrorists care if they get a ticket for driving illegally,just sayin'. How can there be any question about his credentials ? He has access to every secret we as a nation have. He is the commander in chief of the armed forces. Does not someone,somewhere have to check his bona-fides ? Incredible.
Should not this question have been settled prior to his taking office ? I don't get it. If I want to get a job many employers are demanding my birth certificate,high school transcripts and letters of recommendations. They are doing background checks. I have to prove everything. I can't renew,note the word renew,an endorsement on my drivers license without this proof, but he can be elected Leader of the Free World !
I'm not saying this because I don't support his political views. That is not the point here. I just can't help but find it incredible that this question wasn't asked earlier. Is there not a policy that says you must verify his credentials ? We all know you must be a natural born citizen of this country to be the president. Don't you have to prove it ?  Just Sayin' I think you should have to prove it BEFORE you take office.

Duarcd, a proposal

While working at the grocery store I was speaking with a fellow employee. She is a young lady about 22 years old. I graduated high school before her parents were even born. I was telling her that I had worked in a grocery store when I was in high school as well. I related how we all wore white shirts and a tie. She couldn't believe it. A shirt and tie ? Absolutely I replied. Our pants,or slacks if you prefer,could be blue jeans as long as the were clean and free of holes. We called them dungarees. The stockers were all men and the cashiers generally ladies. Now, a man might man the register in a time of need, but never ever did I see a lady stocking the shelves.
Telling this tale to her brought back some memories. I remember when most people went to work dressed appropiately for their occupation. Seems like now,anything goes. At the store where I work the one girl showed up with jeans that had more holes in them than Swiss cheese. I understand it is a fashion statement but sometimes it is wiser to be quiet. Restaurant help might be wearing shorts and a tee shirt. You see this everywhere. The bank seems like the last bastion of civil attire. Oh,a few of the large department stores issue polo shirts and aprons in an attempt to look professional,but for the most part it is a free for all.
I'm wondering how this came to be. I'm quite sure it wasn't the employers idea. I'm positive they would rather their employees dress neatly and present a profession approach. Somewhere along the line it fell off the track. The employee started dictating what he or she could wear and their conditions of employment.
I was told to wear a shirt and tie. I wanted the job,I complied. As long as the conditions of employment were clearly stated I don't see the problem. Maybe that is because I spent twenty years in the Navy and am used to following the rules. Maybe,that is why I stayed twenty years in the Navy,because I could follow rules.
I have touched upon this in some of my previous blogs. The story,"clothes make the man" comes to mind. There is a lot of truth in that however. Two men are standing side by side, one is wearing a pair of dress slacks and a nicely pressed shirt,the other is in dirty jeans and a tee shirt. Which one would you approach to ask directions ? I've noticed this phenomena myself. If I'm wearing my khaki slacks and a polo shirt I often get addressed as,Sir. If I'm wearing my greasy blue jeans and an old shirt after working on my truck I usually get, hey or what's up man?
I'm thinking we need a national, dress up and act civilized day. Duacd. For just one day we could revert back to the good old days. Remember when the milk man wore white ? The man at the service station wore a cap and a uniform. Remember when the Police wore uniforms instead of swat gear ! School teachers didn't wear shorts or sandals to teach back in my day. The only place you saw tee shirts were on the clothesline or the playground during skins and shirts games. Folks attending a funeral didn't look like they were going to a party.
I'm thinking a little more formality would be a good thing. We have gone too far the other direction. A little of "Clothes make the Man " I'm thinking these young people are getting confused. They don't know if they are getting dressed for work or the beach, half the time. I know,I know I'm an old fart that doesn't know anything. But then that's why I write a blog. To just say what I'm thinking about. Put in my two cents worth.
Nowadays more like two dollars I suppose. Anyway I think I'll propose a" Duacd " day. Let's all Dress Up And Act Civilized if only for a day.

Keeping the Past

While writing this blog it has brought back memories that were hidden deep inside the folds of my brain. Funny, how the older you get ,the more folds you get in your skin too. But,that's not what I was thinking about. I was thinking that is a good thing to write these memories and thoughts down. You know,they say you are never really gone as long as someone remembers you. I figure this may help in that memory.
Growing up the only Grandparents I knew where my fathers grandfather and my mothers mother. All the others had passed. I heard stories about those that had passed but that was all. The living grandparents I have my own stories to tell about. Being rather young when these grandparents left us, I wish I had talked more with them about their lives and memories. They didn't write much down.
Each of us has a story to tell. Wisdom,or lack thereof,to pass along. I find your own children tend to not hear your stories as much as the grand kids. Maybe that is because they are tired of hearing them. Maybe it is because they are so busy with their lives. Whatever the case the grandchildren are the keepers of the past. It is in them that your story will be told. The best part being you can be selective in telling the story,having a say in future retelling, as it where. When the grandchildren are old enough to have kids of their own that is when you are either remembered or not. The story they tell and the pictures they paint of you to their children are your legacy. I like the idea that I might embellish that legacy,if only just a little bit.
I have heard stories of my grandparents,the ones that were already gone,but they never had the chance to refute any of those tales. That doesn't seem fair. The grand parents that I knew often told a different tale or version than the one Mom or dad told. Two sides to every story.
I'm not trying to fool myself into thinking I have any special wisdom or knowledge that needs to be preserved. I do think it would be extremely cool if I had blogs written by my grandparents. Their youth is my olden days ! I'm quite certain they would speak of things I know nothing about but very commonplace to them. Much as I may mention a CD but will the great grand kids know what that is ? There are children right now that have never seen a record and know nothing about them.
I think we all want to be remembered. That is why we mark our graves,is it not ? And I think you should leave a marker. A mark that you existed. I'm hoping to have these blogs of mine printed in a volume and bound. There are companies that offer this service at a reasonable price. I hope that this volume will be retained by someone and passed down to succeeding generations. By doing so I would be kept alive and I also would have a say in my legacy. Opinions could be formed about me based on my own words. Now,that is cool. The pen is a double edged sword. I can only hope the words I write express what it is I'm trying to say. Maybe one day a great  great grandchild will read my words. Now,how cool is that !

A good piece of string

The other day I was preparing to set up the kids swimming pool. It is one of those Insta-Set pools that you see so many off. You know, the blue ones with an inflatable ring around the top. They are filtered and must be maintained like any other pool because the volume of water is significant.
The most important step is to ensure the ground is level where the pool will be sitting. If the water is not equal throughout the pool it will collapse on the low side. I know, that happened last year ! I learned my lesson and took my time this year. To check the ground for level I used the old tried and true method of a string and a line level. No fancy tripod mounted apparatus shooting out laser beams. The method worked well one hundred years ago and still works today. Taking my time ,I carefully removed ground as needed to make a nice level surface. That being accomplished, I began to wind up the string I had been using. While doing this I was reminded of the ball of string my Great Grandfather always kept.
Thinking back upon it my Grandmother had a spool of that white cotton string also. My Great Grandfather,as I said,had a ball of string. Every time he got a piece of string from some package or another he would add it to the ball. Conversely, whenever he needed a piece he had some readily available. I remembered asking him about this when I was young. He just simply said," you never know when you are going to need a piece of string." He went on to tell me to not waste anything. He probably used the old cliche,waste not,want not. Gramp was big on cliches.
Now,my Grandmother did other peoples laundry for a living. When the clothes were washed,ironed and folded properly she would wrap them in brown paper. You just know she tied those bundles shut with that white cotton string. She had to buy her string as she used far more than she could collect.
So, I was thinking about all this when it occurred to me that the reason they did this was they had no tape. Oh,by the time I was around tape was available alright, scotch tape was patented in 1930 but seemed like an unnecessary expense to my Grandparents. Packages and bundles were easily tied shut. Having used string and rope a lot they all knew a variety of knots. Yup,they could tie a package up and the string would stay tight,no problem. Most everyone saved that string when removing it too. Like an early form of recycling. I knew one lady that saved tin foil. She carefully spread it out flat. Tin foil was expensive, she would say. Well,it was,when it was first produced.
Yeah,there is nothing like a good piece of string. I usually keep a ball of it handy. Might need it to tie up some plants and level something. You just never know. Remember playing that game with string ? What was it called ? The one were you had the string in your fingers and made Jacobs ladder and other patterns. Two people were needed for some patterns and others you did not. A good piece of string and two cans makes a handy telephone for club houses and such. Need string to make a bow too. Get a string long enough and you can fly a kite. Like  Gramp said ,you just never know when you are going to need a good piece of string.

A Reminder

The other day there was an interruption in service on the website I use to write this blog. Although the website and its services are free I was still upset. I somehow felt deprived. What do you mean it's not available ?
How am I supposed to write my blog ? Someone needs to look into this. I was on Facebook chatting with fellow bloggers about this issue too. I think most felt the way I did.
It was like not having my morning coffee. I was grumpy. Now what I am supposed to do ? The site posted they would be down for about an hour for maintenance. Some hour ! Sure glad they're not sending out the emergency responders. Could be awhile before help arrives.
Now that it back up and running and I have calmed down,like a junkie getting his fix,I am taking a different look. The phrase,looking a gift horse in the mouth,comes to mind. I pay nothing for the service they provide. I really should have no expectation of service at all. It is a gift from the cyber world. Instead of complaining I should have been more patient and understanding. The advertisers that pay for the site have a right to be upset. I did not. It just got me to thinking how quickly we can all take things for granted. I am guilty of that infraction,A lot.
I'm thinking that is one thing in the modern world that we need to re-evaluate. Expectations. We are a bit spoiled now a days. We expect all our technology to work all the time. When things don't go as expected we tend to complain and get upset. A few of us will try to remedy whatever the problem is but the majority of us will just complain. Stupid cell phone ! Why doesn't it work 300 feet underground while I'm exploring caves ! I might miss an important call. If the air conditioner breaks it is a crisis. And OMG a favorite website is experiencing problems. We are getting too used to having everything our way,right away.
I'm guilty as charged. I will try not to have such lofty expectations in the future. A free service that I should just be grateful for and all I did was complain. Well, it did upset my day. My routine was interrupted and I was lost there for a minute or two. Maybe they should have been more considerate of us users. After all we are the reason they have a job at all. I should have been mad. I was justified.
Truthfully though it did remind me to not take things for granted. We all need these little reminders every now and then.

Conventional Wisdom (bonac style)

After writing yesterdays blog concerning scalloping with Dad I got to thinking. I remember asking my father why he didn't buy property on the beach. I thought it would be ideal. Could have the boat right out front and all. He told me there was a time when you could have bought all the beach front property you wanted for next to nothing. In fact,he knew a man that did just that. Bought acres of it in a tax sale. Lots of people thought the man was a fool.
This remark naturally piqued my interest. I wanted to know why. Dad smiled a little and said,because no one wants to live on the beach. Or at least those of us with common sense don't. If you live at the beach you would have the constant breeze off the water. Not bad in the summer but mighty chilly in the winter months. Not many trees to block that breeze now, is there ? Sand everywhere. Gets tracked into the house all the time too. Can't grow grass in beach sand you know. Storms come in and the last place you want to be is at the beach. Erosion changes the coastline too. Might have a front yard today but in a few years that might be gone. No,the best place is a little inland. The beach is a good place to picnic but I wouldn't want to live there.
Those remarks stuck with me to this day. Makes sense to me and it is just being practical. Seems to me a lot of the older folks were a bit more practical than we are today. Of course from their perspective the beach would always be there and be accessible to them. Back home where I raised their is a document called the Donagan Patent that guaranteed residents access to the beaches. After all many made their living fishing and clamming and working the water in one way or another. Its' primary purpose wasn't recreational like it is now.
Yup,only rich folks who didn't know any better built houses up on the sand dunes. Still do. Now I guess they do it as a status thing. Still not very practical. As Dad would have said," it's alright if you don't mind watching your money float away."

Scalloping

It was just about daylight. The air was cold and crisp. We loaded the dredges and the burlap sacks in that sixteen foot open boat. It took a few extra pulls on that motor to get her fired up. Undoing the bow line we were off. We were headed for hands creek. About one hundred or a hundred fifty yards offshore we drop the dredges for our first pass of the day.
I was sixteen and going out with Dad to dredge for scallops. I usually didn't go with him as I would be in school. You know, you can only scallop in a month with an " R " in it. At least that is the way it used to be. It would be the last time I went but I didn't know that at the time. There was a light chop on the water and it was overcast. Pretty much a typical day in February. We were both hoping for some good hauls so we could get back in early. You were allowed fifteen bushel and Dad wasn't leaving without them.
We reached the end of our first pass and it was time to haul in the dredges. We were pulling two. Grabbing the line I began to pull. You say you are hauling in the dredge but the reality is you are pulling the boat to the dredge. Hand over hand until the line is straight down and you can see the steel dredge breaking the surface.
Grabbing the top of that dredge where the line is attached and leveraging it over the gunwale onto the culling board. Emptying the net onto the cull board you are never quite sure what will be in there. Crabs,fish,beer cans,peri-winkles,assorted trash and with luck the prize; scallops.
I wore heavy waterproof gloves. These of course made it difficult to work as they are clumsy things. And, believe me,your hands are still cold ! Quickly culling through the stuff on the board and placing the prized scallops in a basket you throw the trash back overboard. Then pull up the second dredge and repeat the process. Once both dredges are back aboard and set it is time to make another pass. Putting the dredge over the side and being careful not to step in the bite of the line you set one then the other. For you landlubbers that may not know, the "bite" of the line is any loop made while it is being paid out or retrieved. If you put your foot (or hand) in that bite there is a good chance you are going with it. That line will "bite" on and just pull you overboard. In a sixteen foot open boat this can happen very quickly. Wearing waders and heavy clothing you don't float so good either. That is just one of the many hazards.
Each scallop that you get has to be checked for size. That being done you can empty your basket into the burlap sack. Each sack will hold one bushel. Another pass done and repeat the process. It gets mighty cold out there. Dad always brought along coffee. I didn't drink coffee at the time but had a soda. Mom had packed our lunches in those little brown paper bags. Same one I took to school. A sandwich, some crackers and a banana would be typical fare. We ate that during one of our passes.
It took most of the day to get our quota. We hadn't found the mother lode but we got'em. Now back to the dock. We put the boat on the trailer and head home. Once we get there it is time to open. The women normally did the opening. The men hauled those burlap sacks into the scallop house and dumped the contents on the table. The shells and guts went into 55 gallon drums underneath the table. As they filled the men would empty them. Soon the bowls where the girls were putting the scallops would begin to fill up. We would empty those bowls into the hydrator drawer in the refrigerator. After all was open ,the buyer would come and weigh those rascals. Settling up, the day was done.
That would have been the winter of 69. Dad got sick after that year and never went scalloping again. I joined the Navy after high school. Never got to go scalloping again either. I hear things have all changed now. The scallops are all but gone from the bay. It was hard work and what I remember most,COLD ! My father really enjoyed that work. The open water and no one telling you what to do or how to do it. Freedom and a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. A man made his living on his own terms. I didn't appreciate that at the time. Guess that is why they say hindsight is twenty twenty. We didn't have any deep meaningful discussion that day. I didn't learn any great life lesson. No special bond was created with my Dad. It was just two men in a boat: scalloping.

It's my Favorite

Favorite things. We all have them. They are those things that for some unexplainable reason we develop an affinity for. Take my current coffee cup for instance. More properly,coffee mug,but my favorite one. The fact that my Grandson gave it to me is pleasant but not what makes it my favorite. I like the weight of it and the handle. I have others very similar, but not quite the same. My wife has the identical mug,except hers says I Love Grandma,and it isn't exactly the same either.
A certain photograph can be a favorite. I have one taken of my Grandson climbing up a slide. It's my favorite. I probably have several hundred pictures of him but that one is my favorite. A certain pair of jeans or a shirt. I wonder why some become favorites and others do not. Just what is it about these objects ?
One would think Wrangler jeans are Wrangler jeans. I always buy the same size and style. Tee shirts are pretty much tee shirts,aren't they ? Yet ,they are not. Are there memories attached to these items on a subliminal level ?
Now things like food I can understand. Everyone has there own sense of taste. Things like movies and comedy I can understand. The style of clothing I understand. That is not the type of things I'm talking about.
Some people have a lot of favorites. I do not. I have a few things that are my favorite things and I tend to keep them. Others change favorites like I change my socks. I don't understand that but then I don't have too.
Now,picking an all time favorite of anything is a challenge. Favorite things do change over the years so I think you would have to quantify that. Say,what was your favorite thing in High School or when you were in your thirties. I'm thinking if you were honest with yourself you would be surprised how much has changed over the years.

For right now one of my favorite things is having coffee out of my favorite mug. Also got a favorite coffee pot. It's an automatic drip type but doesn't have a carafe. You just put your cup under the spout and push. Out comes that delicious brew. Folgers is my favorite.

"Nun Ya "

I hear a lot of people demanding to see the pictures of Bin Laden. I hear a lot of people wanting to know all the details. I hear a lot of people wanting to have every little detail of this operation explained in detail. I hear a lot of people wanting to second guess and analyze. Well,I have one thing to say about that:" nun ya ! "
"Nun ya " business is what I say. All you need to know is that the world is less one terrorist. The means or method of his dispatch is not important. What is important is that he is gone.
There are a lot of things in this world that you don't need to know. There are a lot of things in this world that I don't need to know. If we all focused on what was important and pertinent to ourselves we all would be better off. One person can not know it all and shouldn't try to pretend like they do. This usually results in your looking like a fool. Mind your own business !
In my opinion, there is a little too much transparency. Some things are best left alone. Like my mom says,if you don't have anything nice to say,don't say anything at all. There are secrets,deal with it ! Each of us, as individuals, have secrets. Secrets are not inherently wrong. There are occasions when secrets are necessary,even vital. We do not have any reason to feel like we should be told everything. Some things are just;" nun ya "
In the case of Bin Laden it is enough to know he is dead ! The rest of the deal is " nun ya." I for one don't care how,when or why. He has met his fate. I am not in a position to judge or demand photographic evidence. The president has announced that he is dead. Proof enough for me. Any information we may have gathered as a result of this action is also," nun ya." Unless you are the next one to go out on black ops with the special forces, it is just "nun ya." Got It !

Small steps and milestones

Another milestone was reached yesterday. My Grandson,who is ten,rode his bicycle from his house to mine;alone ! That's right,alone. Earlier in the day his Grandmother had taken him to the fishing derby here in town. It is an annual event for kids from 6 to 16. Following that he went home and his parents had purchased him a new bicycle. He had out grown the old one. Then he was allowed to ride this bike to Grandma's house.
I heard a knocking on the door and when I answered it,there he was. Imagine my surprise. I was greeted with," Hi Grandpa." Just as nonchalant as if this happened every day. He showed me his new bicycle and then off he went. I was pleased and somewhat saddened at the same time. He is growing up. I remember taking the training wheels off his bike. I remember watching him pedal in front of his house. " You can go from stop sign to stop sign" and watch out for cars ! " Stay where I can see you !" And now he is pedaling around the corner and out of sight.
I am pleased that he is responsible enough to be allowed to do this. That he has grown enough to know the way home and around town. He is becoming independent ! Just like it was with my own children it is difficult to realize that he is not dependant upon you for everything. Small steps and milestones. I think gaining this Independence is a major milestone. I know it was for me. Almost like getting your drivers license. I'll worry for a while about this freedom. Worry that he doesn't get hurt,worry that he acts responsible, and worry that he may not want to hang with Grandpa anymore. After all, he has wheels now !
It's not that I didn't see this coming. We have allowed him to ride ahead of us coming and going from school. We allowed him to take an alternate road,out of sight,as long as he returned to the original path in a minute or two. I knew this day would come but not this soon. I know I sound like an old doting Grandfather. Guess I am. He has been with us since his birth and I've watched him grow. Grandma has watched him all these years too. Seen him almost every day. We were both present when he took his first steps. I'm pretty sure we bought him his first bicycle. Now the question is,will he ride toward us or away ? Isn't that what we all ask ourselves with our children or grandchildren? Well,he is on the road to Independence ! I'm pleased.

On the Road

A change in Attitude

I was wondering when we went to the world of, " you owe Me." I see and hear that phrase everyday now. I see the attitude. I just don't quite understand that mentality. I was taught God helps those who help themselves. Now it seems like, let me see how I can help myself to every free program I can find !
I see a lack of pride in people that I find very unbecoming. Should you have an actual need for assistance that is what these programs were intended for. But,having that need does not entitle you to act arrogant or exercise bad judgement. I especially get annoyed with those that are getting benefits and demand more.
But this "you owe me " attitude extends beyond that. There are those in certain professions that have this attitude as well. You know the type and what I'm talking about. I should get this or that because ,"you owe me." Minorities often times have this same attitude. Even some of the illegal immigrants are adopting this.
Well,in my humble opinion I owe nothing. You must earn everything. If you want my respect,earn it. If you want me to be courteous to you,be courteous to me. The errors of the past have nothing to do with me. I do not owe you for that. Likewise,you do not owe me anything. I expect nothing. The things I have done in my life I did for money (pay) or because that was my choice. You certainly don't owe me for that.
Where the concept of the Government owing me comes from I'll never understand. The Government owes me nothing. Yes,taxes must be paid but that money is for the functioning of the Government. How it turned into a handout for every freeloader in town is beyond me. The same people complaining about Government running their lives are the ones demanding the handouts ! Can't have your cake and eat it too.
There is one exception. I " owe " it to society as a whole to conduct myself in an appropriate fashion. To be civil and act with respect and courtesy towards others. I have no right to expect others to provide for my welfare. No one ,owes me anything. Whatever I am given is a gift. I should accept it with gratitude. This is true in life as well.
 Unfortunately it is becoming all to popular to be "proud" to be on public assistance programs. The " you owe me " attitude. If people are not taught/made to provide for themselves a good deal will not. A sense of pride must be instilled in a person. To continually reward them for bad behaviours by increasing their "allowance" does little to foster that. All things change in time. I'm hoping for a change in attitude. But,I'm not holding my breath !

Going to the Beach

It was in the summer of 1966. My mother had a Chrysler convertible and we were going to the beach. The top was down and us kids were in the back seat. No seatbelts and no booster seats just the open road and the wind blowing in our faces. The radio,which had a rear speaker,was turned up loud ! I distinctly remember the "Crykles" singing their new hit record, Red Rubber Ball. " I know you're not the only starfish in the sea " and ending with ,"the morning sun is shining like a red rubber ball." Mom drove a little faster as we bounced up and down in those seats singing away. It is one of those memories that just sticks in your head.
I remember the car,the road,the song playing,my sister singing with me and all in vivid detail. It must be like those Savants you see on television sometimes. How they remember and "see" whatever it is.
I would have been 13 years old then. That was 44 years ago! I can't say for sure I remember other things from that summer. Doesn't seem like anything extraordinary happened that year. Thinking back though I believe that may have been the last summer for regular beach going with Mom. At 14, I was allowed to ride my bike just about anywhere I wanted to go,as long as I was home in time for supper. I had other interests in mind by then too. Oh,I probably went a time or two with Mom but not much. My sister would have been 16 and driving her own car by 1967.
I couldn't tell you another song that group ever did. To be honest the only way I knew who sang it was I looked it up. So it wasn't that it was a favorite group of mine. We went to the beach a lot with Mom back then. In the early afternoon after the housework was done she would load us up and drive down to the bay.
Some of the other Mothers in town would be there with there broods as well. We usually stayed for a couple hours or so.

Mom and I at Sammis Beach (circa 1958)

Why that song and that time is embedded in my mind I can't be sure. I'm thinking it may be divine intervention. God does work in mysterious ways. Maybe this is his way of giving me comfort when I need it. Sometimes when I am feeling a little low I do remember things like that and it does cheer me up. That explanation is as good as any,don't you think ?

Blank Paper

It was time to change the sale items signs at the grocery store. As I took down the first one from the front window I was reminded of something. Looking at the blank side of that poster I remembered what a thrill it would have been, as a child, to have that piece of paper. Wow, a big piece of paper to draw or color on ! Would have kept me occupied for quite a while. That got me to thinking about all the other things we did as children that cost very little, or nothing ,but provided hours of entertainment.
I remember putting a button on a string and criss crossing the string. Pulling the string in and out accordion fashion the button would twirl very fast and make a noise. Would do that for quite a while. Hands going in and out and then,turning real fast,up and down. Lots of fun. Getting the large cans from Mom,you know the ones juice came in, and tying them to your feet. Walking around on them like mini-stilts. A large cardboard box could be a number of things depending upon the season. Might be a fort or a boat. For a short time anyway, they worked great as sleds,till the bottom got wet and ripped out. Loved a big box. Playing marbles and pick up sticks. Don't see many kids doing either of those activities much anymore.
I remember making kites with newspaper and sticks we found in the woods. Made great pirate hats from newspaper too. Hopscotch,mostly a girl thing though,but when bored enough I would play. Playing with trucks and cars. Crawled many miles in the dirt making roads and using that construction set I got for Christmas. A big stick could be entertaining too. Spear,walking stick or pole vaulting were all possible with a good stick. Fought off many a highwayman with a good stick ! A good length of rope was a real cool thing to have. Just don't let Mom know you have it,she will take it away. Always worried you would hang yourself,or somebody else. You could do a lot with a rope.
Wouldn't it be nice if we could stay so excited about things ? A big piece of paper or a button on a string !
Children just love these things and get so much enjoyment from them. If we all could only remain so carefree. I love that look that comes over kids faces when they are excited about something. A look of almost disbelief in their eyes. Look at the size of that box ! And I can play with it ! It's empty,that's so cool !
Then they grow older and the wonder disappears. They start looking to see what is in the box. After a while they just throw the box away. A blank piece of paper,no matter the size,is just a blank piece of paper. When we were young that blank piece of paper,especially the big ones,contained a whole other world for us. A world just waiting for us to draw it !

Out There

Ever notice how much noisier the spring and summer are? If you have central air conditioning you may not have. I use window units and so a good portion of the time I just have open windows. Let me tell you it's a noisy place out there.
When I first get up in the morning I,along with most of the world,need to make a trip to the necessary room.
This is when I hear the birds chirping away and calling to one another. I often wonder what it is they are talking about this early in the morning. It is still dark out.
This morning it is raining. The rain is a noisy thing too. Whether it is just a steady drip or a regular downpour I can hear it. You don't hear it when it snows. Even if you are outside,snow makes no sound. Rain however can be a comforting sound or a distraction. I like it pretty quiet when I'm writing this blog,like to hear my own thoughts,and the rain is distracting me. Stupid rain.
I live in town so I hear all that noise as well. The fire/ambulance whistle going off. Then the sirens of the engines. Wednesday morning the trash man comes,usually about 5am.Early in the morning an occasional car passing by. These are the people that commute a good distance to work. Yup,gottem' here in Greensboro too,commuters.
When the weather gets hotter you will hear the tree frogs.They can make a big racket. Crickets too. When I was a kid we used to hear the Whip-or-Wills but we don't have them here in Greensboro. I was afraid of that sound when I was young,for no particular reason,and today I find that I miss it. Sometime I hear a woodpecker. You would think they would get a headache and quit but they don't. Bothers me when I have a headache though. Tap-Tap-Tap it's incessant.
Yes it is a noisy place out there in the spring and summer months. That's why bears hibernate in the winter ! Only time they can get a decent nights sleep. What with lawn mowers going and the birds a chirpin' it's up and at'em. I suppose that is why they say the world comes alive in the spring. Everything waking up.
I'm thinking it wasn't as noticeable a hundred years ago though. Before central air and such. Windows open,or the cave door whichever is the case,you became more accustomed to the noises of the environment. Prior to cars I'll bet you could hear a horse coming a mile away. The winter must have been really quiet. That's why the song " Silent Night " applies too.
I do like it much better when the windows are open. I'm not much of a fan of air conditioning. When it gets hot and humid to the point of discomfort I will make concessions. Modern man is so weak. Spoiled is what we are. At least for now the windows are open and a fan will do. I can hear all the activity outside and it makes me want to join in. There is a lot happening out there.

A change in routine

Summer is rapidly approaching. Summer to me is not necessarily calender summer but a change in routine.
The school year ends and the kids are now" full time." That's summer. The grand daughters ballet classes are over for this season and we have the recital to attend. Baseball has started.
Our daily schedule becomes different. It stays light outside longer and I stay up later as a result. We will be engaging in different activities. Fishing and crabbing, Barbecues and picnics. Trips to the park. Camping.
The kids will go to church camp for a week. During that time we get a Little lost. No kids ! Hooray,well it is a little boring without them and I miss them.
I'm hearing we may go to Virginia beach this year for a short family vacation. I'm not involved in the planning,my daughter in law does that, I just go and enjoy. I am always glad for summer because we do get to spend more time with the kids. Oh,yeah, our own kids as well. Summer affords us the opportunity to get together in the early evening for a quick grilling session.
I'll have to get the window a/c units down from the attic. Clean them up and put 'em in the windows. As the temperature rises so does the electric bill. That's summer. Fold up those heavy blankets and put them away.
The carnivals will be cranking up. Ours is usually in July in conjunction with the fireworks. Don't get any more summer than that.
I noticed that a pizza place in a neighboring town now has tables on the sidewalk. That's a summer thing that is starting to catch on more every year. Soon the weekend traffic to the beach will kick in full gear. Then I'll adjust my schedule for any travel around that. Friday afternoon and Sunday evenings; stay home! Beach traffic, where everyone is in a hurry. Must get there as fast as possible,the ocean is going away. The prevalent attitude is, I'm going to the beach,even if it kills me or someone else. That's summer.
The grass needs to be cut and the weed eating done.Fresh mulch and prepare the garden. Clean the gutters and wash the siding. Need to put weed killer in the gaps between the stepping stones. Oh, and the pool. Have to get the pool ready.
I'm really looking forward to fall. The best time of the year. Except for raking leaves and putting all the summer stuff away again. Winter glorious winter. Indoors where it is warm and cozy. Christmas. Jack frost nipping at your nose. Then it snows ! Well there is always the spring !

Time to digest

Just a quick thought or two about the big news today. Osama Bin Laden is dead! It has been ten years but he finally met his fate. Dead and buried at sea. He was certainly deserving of this fate. His terrorist activities sealed his fate. The thousands of lives that were lost as a direct result of his influence is immeasurable.
It is hard to understand why it took so long to track down one man. Given the technology we have today and the amount of reward monies being offered it was nothing short of amazing. He did have a lot of money and loyal followers. I certainly hope the fighting over his money and followers leads to the total collapse of Al-Quida.
It is a bit strange however,to see the way it is being presented on the news. Phrases like, a momentous occasion and a terrific accomplishment. Crowds are gathering and spontaneous celebrations being held. Has Americas blood lust been satisfied ? A rather strange thing given the liberal attitudes prevalent today. It is apparently politically correct to applaud this action. Even the President had a swagger in his step as he announced this.
I must say that even in this, we,The United States,buried this terrorist within the prescribed time required by his religion. Whether it was to avoid offending others of this religion or just a final humanitarian act is not the point. The fact remains he has been eliminated.
The final question remains? How will history view this? Fifty or a hundred years from now will this be in our history books? Will we teach our children our actions were righteous or will this be forgotten ?
I couldn't be happier that this terrorist has been eliminated. It had to be done. Given the opportunity I would have done it myself. God Bless America.
If we profess to be a Christian Nation and adhere to Christian principle this is difficult to reconcile. God does work in mysterious ways and indeed he has a plan. One can only pray that this action is a part of the plan.
The only way I can reconcile this is to defer to the Old Testament. An Eye for an Eye and A tooth for a tooth.
I will finish by saying I found myself confused. I'm satisfied justice has been served. The confusion lies in the way I feel about it.It is one of those occasions that will require time to fully digest.

The Archives

I have a box where I store my old pictures,papers and other memorabilia. All the stuff that some call junk. Collectively I call it, "the archives." Whenever I get something I want to save I place it in the archives.
I'm no different than most of us and a lot of my stuff was in different locations. It just got set down somewhere or put in a box. A few years back I started making an effort to place all this stuff in the one box.
Occasionally I still  run across a paper or photograph I had placed somewhere and add that to the collection.
Yesterday it occurred to me that some of this stuff should be out where others can see it. What is the point of having things if no one can see them ? So I got the "archives" out and assembled my fathers medals from WW2. I placed them in a shadow box and hung them on the wall. He kept them for forty five years. I don't recall ever seeing them. After he passed on Mom gave them to me. I have had them for over ten years now and have looked at them occasionally. My wife has seen them but few others have. Time to put them on display. I do have some other items setting about that belonged to him or other members of the family. It is a comfort and a reminder. It is comforting to know the items are still here. It is a reminder to enjoy the things you do have and not worry about what you don't.
Too often I think we get involved in getting new stuff and fail to appreciate our own past. Old certificates from school days are tucked away and forgotten.Pull them out and take a look. Remember what a great feeling it was when you received that ? Other items saved and then forgotten about. What a shame.
I have begun adding these items to our decor. It is getting to feel a lot more like home every day.