Take two & call me

Yessiree!

Moonrise

The last two nights have been cloudless. My attempts at capturing the moonrise failed because I began to late to take advantage of the reflection on the lake.

Well by golly that wern't gunna happin tonight. No siree! Got shots of a mere reflection of the rising moon on the horizon to the pic on the left. Then the battery quit! I'm lookin out my window as I type this and the cove that I look out on is silver and because there's a wind it seems to be moving. All my effort was to capture this to share. I've seen it many times but thought this time I might be able to show it to others.

But ain't that the way of it sometimes? God chooses you to share with & the best you can do is to tell others of the blessin!

God is Good! Always!

Zipidee!!!!!!!!!!!!

Badgered?

To Blog or not to Blog? That is the question.

whether 'tis nobler to Blog on with pointless tripe,

or to refrain from drivel as silence might,

I ask you.

There's some really intense colors in our foliage this year.

I'll try to get some better shots on site soon. This pic looks down on the lake from the local ski run.

Home again

We returned Wednesday at midnight. Would have been 11:20 but 2 miles from the house we had a flat tire. Just a little exclamation point to the trip.
To tour the Southwest & West in early August is not the smartest thing due to the heat but our trip to Dallas and to Salt Lake were time sensitive due to events and circumstances.
We had an uneventful 2 day trip to Randy's (gotta get used to 'Randy & Pam's) where it was 100 degrees +. Friday eve, Saturday & Sunday morn were spent with some of my favorite folks. Randy & Pam were married at a botanical garden. It was a beautiful setting. Their matching outfits blended with the surroundings.
We left Grapevine Sunday after breakfast with the family and drove strait to Gallup NM. Jacci's cousin had called 30 minutes before we got to Randy & Pam's saying she didn't know if she'd be alive when we arrived. This, of course, Set Jacci on a new agenda and we were in Salt Lake by Monday night. We skipped Carlsbad.
Now Uncle Westy States that Grapevine challenged his navigation abilities due to inexperience. I'll admit that that's is some of it but some was also due to the unfamiliar road configurations. Those folks that built the hyways & byways of Grapevine took miles of on & off ramp just to change roads. You couldn't see where you were going to wind up in relation to were you'd been and weren't sure of what direction you were going after that 2 mile curve.
Well I got ole Unc beat in the navigational nightmare of Salt Lake. After driving for 13 hrs and following Map Quest directions to an address provided by Jacci's cousin we came to an intersection with no motel. Here's a city that the Mormons set up as a perfect grid and numbered every road, no names. Then the Lutherans or some such came to town and threw in the van Winkle express that cuts a meandering swath through a part of town. Then the Baptist & Methodist came and started using names instead of numbers. Then Ike threw a couple of interstates around and through town and folks I wandered that town for 3 hours before finding a roost. Now part of the problem was American Idol was holding auditions and the Inns were full. The first room we found that was 'non smoking' smelled like an ashtray so we moved on finally winding up out at the airport on the west side of the city (Jacci's cousin lived on the east side).
Jacci's cousin is dying but not that day nor the next and not so far. Jacci wound up staying at her cousins and I stayed at the motel. Jacci was trying to help Marylin (guess I should give her a name) settle into Hospice Care. Marylin was more interested in having someone around to manipulate and boss around. On Thursday morning I got a call. "Come get me we're leaving. I've had all I can Take". I thought I'd seen a vision of ole Brigham Young in a chariot of fire pass before me and I was willing to follow him where ever he led as long as it was out of that town. So I threw everything in the car and raced over only to find that I was to sit there till 6 pm waiting on a friend of Marylins to relieve Jacci.
To back up real quick somewhere in Arkansas on Friday it hit 98. It didn't get cooler than that until we were in Colorado the following Friday.
By Friday around 3pm we were visiting my friend from collage that I hadn't seen in 36 years. It was like no time had come between. We only stayed an hour & a half because we were trying to get home by Sunday night. By that night were were 30 some miles into Kansas. Ever been to Kansas? No? Well just skip it!
We got up early planning on driving to Cincinnati Saturday. 23 miles latter that plan was trashed. The Passat puked. Fuel Pump. Thank goodness for cell phones. It was 107 degrees with a 22 mile an hour steady wind. Like walking around in a convection oven. "Dry heat's not as bad as humid heat" my ass! You could have taken a frozen pizza outside and walked around (if you could stand it) for an hour and then eaten it. Brutal! After the two geniuses finally agreed with my diagnosis as to the Passat's problem (it only took them 6 hours) everything in Kansas was closed and wouldn't open til Monday. Towing us to Wichita where there was a VW dealership had been an option the mechanic had mentioned when he picked us up so I asked how much that would cost. " $782" without blinking. So I asked where he proposed to put us up. He really was a nice guy. He loaned us a car (and never charged us for the use) and sent us east on the interstate to the nearest exit with motels. 60 miles away! They talked like it was 'Just over yonder'. Quick word about the town we were in. Grainfield Kansas. One road, 10 buildings. Only 4 of them open for business. The Napa/ mechanic, a small 'Pizza Place', the Bank and a grocery store. The Bank was only open on weekdays and the grocery store closed at noon on Saturday.
So we spent the weekend in Hays Kansas. On Monday morning Jack, our mechanic, called to say there was no pump available in Hays and I'd have to go to Wichita to get one. I'd offered to do that rather than spend another day in Kansas waiting for the pump to be delivered on Tuesday morning. It was an 8 hour round trip. But by 6 pm Monday we were on the road again heading for Hays. By the way our bill for towing and repair was $782. Coincidence? Sometimes we're the answer to anothers prayers. I can hear our mechanic, Jack, praying "Dear lord I need $782 dollars by Tuesday" so he sent Jack us.
We left Hays and were an hour and a half out of Cincinnati by 11 pm. We drove into Cincinnati on Wednesday morning and spent another hour & a half with another friend then headed to Tafton.
Jacci has been saying for years that when we retire she'd like to rent an RV and tour the country. She just got over that.

Zipidee

The beggining

of summer actually is the 4th of July weekend here. So we've a week under our belts and it's not been too bad. On the 4th everyone's up. For the rest of the season it's scattered. Weather wise we're not doing to bad, some heat, some rain, some cool evenings. Sitting in our 'Grotto' is more comfortable this year. We splurged and bought 2 wicker rockers, a two seater settee and a small table. After a hard day coming home and sitting in my rocker with a glass of wine while I grill diner makes my day.

The house is moving forward fast. The kitchen is installed. The beams are up. The three major things left are the wainscoting, the laminate floor in the great room and the drop ceiling in the downstairs.

Jacci & I are planning a Major Roadtrip. We'll leave on Thursday the 24th to be in Grapevine for Randy & Pams wedding. Then on to one of the West families favorite attractions Carlsbad Caverns. Then on to Salt Lake City to visit a cousin of Jacci's. Then East to home with a couple of possible stops that aren't firmed up yet. Jacci's never been West of Mobile so it'll be a real eye opener for her.

I'm so thankful to God that not only my wife, myself and my sons are well but my whole family seems to be blessed.

Zipidee

Once again

I'm made great by the efforts of others. My niece, Leslie, and her husband, Drew, brought Tucker Elise Bowers into this world on June 6th weighing 8 lbs 15 oz. That's 1/2 ounce less than my second son Evan. He's 6'3" now so look out Drew.
So 3 of us 'Kids' are Grandparents. That's hard to get used.
Zipidee

This must be the 'Start of the rainbow' Cause that boat it's on is no 'Pot o Gold' :~)

Prayers answered

aren't always answered the way you thought they'd be.
Our church, Paupack United Methodist, has been going through very tough times for the last 2 years. Being a Methodist church we accept any and all so long as they accept Jesus as their savior. Being the only Protestant Church around we found our our congregation rather heavy with Presbyterians. Nice people but they have a different method of church polity. As Methodist we welcome all but we will not change our methods of administration or mission to suite your denomination no matter how much money you put in the plate. Well as that finally became apparent to them they left. Took their money too. So we're now in a major revival of Methodism but in major financial need.
We, the Administrative Council, have been looking into combining our two services into one. I've been proposing taking parts of the first service, more traditional, parts of the second service, more contemporary, and new forms of worship and creating a new service that might bring more disciples of Christ into our church.
At last nights AdCouncil meeting, which I chair, I found that the vision is mostly mine. The rest are vacillating about committing to a course of action that puts the remainder of 'The Members of Long Standing' at risk of defecting with the Presbyterians. I've pointed out that the children and grandchildren of these fading 'Blue Hairs' don't attend church. Why? 'Cause the present services don't see to their spiritual needs.
Anyway I'd prayed for guidance and I got it. I'll back off. Don't know what the plan is. I never thought it was mine. I've been following the plan that Jesus set before me in the Fall of '75. I've learned not to push the plan but to follow it with a smile on my face and love in my heart. Knowing that all goes as He wishes.
Zipidee

Random blather

Well tomorrow, Saturday, I hope to make my last ever trip to John F. Kennedy International airport. It's only about 2 1/2 hrs away but the intensity and density of the traffic is taxing. From now on ‘Dad’ will pick up travelers at Newark, Philly, Avoca or any of the other area airports but he’s not gonna cross the Hudson again.
The trip is to pick up Evan. Wondering how 4 months in Rome and 2 weeks wandering around Europe has affected his outlook. I can only imagine how much smaller Tafton PA will look now.
The inside of the house is being painted --- by me and a helper. Evans return will increase the crew to 3. I was hoping to have the painting done by the 9th but after 2 days of rolling primer on I can see it taking a few more days :~)
Spring is here. The trees that should have bloomed have, the flowers that mark the occasion are up and the weather has turned wet and chilly. We had a week and a half of our summer preview (mid to high 70’s and sunny) but reality had to raise it’s ugly head. Oh well. Zipidee!

Jus mo stuf

Successfully navigated to JFK Sunday to pick up Brendan & Caitlin. It's only 2 1/2 hours away. The first hour is just normal driving but after that hour it quickly builds to 'Death Race 2000' status. Their flight was on time and 35 min after landing they were dragging their luggage and selves out the 'International Gate' to greet us.

While I drove they recounted their day to day stay in Italy to Jacci. Not hearing well and concentrating on the return 'Death Race 2000' I missed most of it. Including the part where Brendan tells where he proposed and what Caitlin replied. It was 11:30 PM by the time we got home and they'd been up for 24 hrs. So the only conversation we had time for was 'Good Night'!
I learned Monday that he proposed at the Roman Forum and she accepted the proposal.

The sheet rock is being hung in the house and should be ready for taping by Friday. Yahoo!!



Zipidee

Livin

     Sposed to be Spring and looking out at the sunshine with no snow on the ground is nice but with the temp at 28 there's no foolin ya when steppin outside. Brendan and Caitlin are due in tomorrow (Sun.) morning. We're giving them a ride to Paterson N.J. were a friend of ours will pick them up and take them to JFK. Their flight to Rome leaves at 10 PM. We were going to take them all the way to JFK but the offer from Melanie was too good to turn down. specially after our last failed attempt with Evan.

     Hard to imagine that it's 42 degrees warmer only 1000 miles south of here. Heck I saw Cherry Bloosoms in D.C. on the news this AM.

    The house progresses. It's insulated and after I've had a week to add my deadwood and prep work for trim and such I'll turn it over to the Sheetrock crew a week from Monday. Two weeks later I should have it back and be able to paint & trim it.

     Zipidee

Next installment

This picture is of all the students and the teacher at Lisbon Center School. The year is 1957. On the top row 4th from the left is Harold Aldrich 6th fromthe left, same row, is Ray. I'm in the Middle row 4th from the left. Ernie Aldrich is 1st on the Bottom row and Rob is 4th from the left.

Dad worked part time at a gas station just off of the base owned by Dave. It was a Shell Station. Dave lived in the neighboring town of Lisbon Falls. Somehow he or someone there introduced Dad to Mr. Zaymore. Mr. Zaymore was starting a housing sub division in Lisbon Center and needed a surveyor. Dad had never surveyed before but it was only a matter of math and Dad was a wiz at Math. Said he could do your taxes with a carpenters framing square. I believed him. Anyhow Dad decided to buy the first house in the new development. This was the beginning of our adoption by Mr. and Mrs. Zaymore. We spent the summer between my kindergarten and first grade living in the Zaymore House at the mouth of Booth Bay Harbor.
My favorite memory of Booth Bay besides the Blue Berry bushes that ran all the way down to the ocean was a visit by Uncle Cliff, Aunt Evelyn, Dads sister, and their kids Betty & Larry. Dad decided that we should have Lobster for dinner & to show off a little took his brother-in-law and all us kids down to the docks in the harbor to buy some. There was an old Maine lobsterman sitting in his boat with a ‘Lobster For Sale’ sign propped up. Dad asks the price of Lobsters and the old dude states a price for a certain weight cooked & then the price uncooked. Uncooked cost less so he ask for a couple of a certain weight. Ole dude reaches in a tank and pulls out the ugliest green & brown monsters you’d ever seen. Dad say “ No No No! I want two of those nice Red ones”! Ole dude says “Ayup! You wan em cooked”!

There was a short stay in an apartment in Lisbon Falls before we moved into the house. It was on the second floor in a curve on the road to Lisbon Center. Memories here are of taking hands full of maple tree seeds up on our porch and throwing them off. A cloud of helicopters was fun to be under. Another is of Mom taking us shopping on Main Street in Lisbon Falls. Outside of one of the businesses some men were standing, one of them was a midget smoking a cigar. As we passed Sheri asked Mom “Why’s that little boy smoking a cigar?” loud enough to be heard by all.
By the time school was to start the house was finished and we’d moved in and made friends with every kid within shouting distance. Our best friends were Ernie and Harold Aldrich. They lived on the farm that bordered our back yard and the rest of the development. Not really much of a farm. They had a cow and some chickens, a couple of apple trees and a good slice of land that ran all the way down to the river. Mr. Aldrich was a painter/carpenter/ whatever during the six months a year that there wasn’t snow. The rest of the time he was home. This was where I went to the first grade. A six grade, one teacher, one room school. It had once been a two room school but the room upstairs wasn’t used. We walked to school rain, snow or sun. Really wasn’t that far.

There was a fall festival in Lisbon Falls that they called ‘Pioneer Days’. It was strange to be in Northern New England and watch people dress up as Cowboys & Indians with covered wagons and all the extras. They would rope off an area on Main Street and dump sawdust there, then dump nickels, dimes, quarters and a few (I seem to remember the number 5) Silver Dollars in and mix it up. On the big day they let the kids in and you got to keep what you found.

By the time winter hit in Lisbon Center it was our second Maine winter and we were snow survival specialist. We wore LL Bean one piece fleece lined Mukluks back when they were only known in Maine. We spent hours putting on our layers of snow clothing so we could stay outside all day. Sledding, tunneling, snowball fights holding a pee for hours ‘cause if you went in you never got back out, turning blue. Spending the night at Ernie and Harold’s there was no heat upstairs, come to think of it there wasn’t much downstairs. Their mattresses were feather and they had goose down blankets and once you got in bed and screamed through the first few freezing minutes you were warmer than in any bed you’d ever been in. In the morning when you poked your head out you felt like your face would freeze off. Harold would jump out of bed in his underwear and race to the fire downstairs to get dressed but there was no way I was going to do that, his Mom might see me. Anyway Ernie couldn’t do that cause he wore braces. He was one of the unfortunate kids of that time that got Polio. So I put on as much of my clothes as I could under covers and just suffered through the rest then went down with Ernie.
Another family favorite both times in Maine was to go to Bradbury Mountain State Park. There was everything there you could expect in a state park. Swings, teeter-totters, slides, picnic tables, grills, bathrooms and a mountain to climb. The adults would go up the path and we would go up the face of the mountain. A very tame hill in retrospect but in those days it was Everest or something near it. All day was never enough and every time there was another opportunity to discover.
But back to our adoption by the Zaymore’s, they lived in the house next door, the second house finished in the neighborhood. Mrs. Z was always making cookies and having the neighborhood kids in to eat them. She also used to read to as many as would come by. She read Winnie the Pooh to us. I believe there’s still a copy in the family that was given to us by her. This was before Disney got hold of Winnie, there were no Tiger dolls or movies. Her reading to me hooked me on reading. I used to read under my sheet at night with a flashlight after lights out.

Membrin

I've been doin some 'membrin and writin it down. I'm goin to chop out pieces of it as I see fit and post them on this blog. If you are in the narative or there 'bouts and would like to add or correct a point this is your chance. Not that I'll nesessarily use you input but I might who knows.

I started school in Bath Maine. We were close enough that Ray and I walked up the hill every morning together and then at noon I would walk home alone. During Christmas break we moved into Base Housing in Bunswick. It was a three bedroom one story duplex.
I learned a lot in the six months we lived in this house. I learned how wise my father was and not to fight with my brother Ray, at least not where Mom or Dad could see or hear. Mom had had enough of our daily death combat and had turned the problem over to Dad. He brought us together and after a marvelous but forgotten speech about not fighting Yada Yada said “Ok now boys Kiss and make up”. KISS? My brother? A Guy? Now? With everyone watching?? Oh please beat me! Rip out fingernails, anything but that! After we kissed my father informed us that that was how all of our fights would end from then on. We’d go blocks away just to punch each other. I also learned how funny my father was. One day while in a knock down drag out with Ray a few blocks away our younger brother Rob came up and told us that Dad wanted us home NOW! And that he was real mad. We couldn’t think how he would know we were fighting. None of the people in that part of housing knew us. Dads’ habit upon getting home for the day was to kick back on the sofa with a cigarette that he took from a music box dispenser and relax with the paper. My eight year old older brother had put a ‘Load’ in a couple of those cigarettes. I don’t know where an eight year old would get such a thing but I had stood by him as he inserted them into dads’ smokes. A ‘Load’ was a small splinter looking thing that when pushed into the end of the cigarette would explode when the match or hot box reached it blowing the end of the cigarette up and scaring the smoker and anyone else around not in on the gag. When we got home and opened the door Dad was sitting on the couch looking madder than hell. Dad could get that look – easy. His face was black and his hair was standing straight up. After falling on the floor blubbering “I didn’t do it! He did”! “He made me do it”! “I swear I’ll never let him make me do it again” Dad breaks out laughing. The load did surprise him but he took burnt cork and rubbed it on his face to turn the tables. Dad was a funny guy. I also learned how my Dad could overcome almost any obstacle by giving the problem some thought. I needed a bigger bike. The one I had was too small to learn how to ride with, my knees kept hitting the handle bars. So Dad found a big ole bike with the old fashioned curved handle bars and balloon tires for me. But it was a Girls bike! No way Dad! I’m not riding a Girls bike! So he took it to the hanger and had some guy weld a bar across the top. Problem solved. While learning to ride there were several ‘crushing’ moments that made me wish I’d not insisted on that bar.

Zipidee

A Trip to Sequoia

In the summer of ’62 we learned we’d be moving to California. That was the way of it usually. You’d learn of a new posting in the summer and be gone without being able to say farewell to all of your friends. Some that lived on base with you or in the off base neighborhood you lived in with a few other ‘military families’ would let the others know the obvious when school started the next fall, you’d moved. Those that had different posting cycles than you disappeared this way and we all accepted it as normal.
We were in Millington Tennessee, just north of Memphis, where Dad was teaching at the “A” School on base. I’ve no idea what an “A’ School was but I do know there was a “B” School there also because Dad had attended that school at an earlier posting to NAS Millington. We’d lived in Millington three different times. This trip was to be our first West Coast posting. After Maine, Florida, Kansas and Tennessee California sounded promising. Ocean, sunshine, no snow, no tornado's, no hurricanes just one threat --- Earth Quakes! Not a bad trade really.
As we came over the mountains expecting to see sunshine, orange groves and an ocean vista our eyes began burning, tears were flowing, the other trade off came home – Smog. It was something that we became used to and truthfully there were many sunny days but our first few weeks were spent in a brown overcast haze. The base we were moving to was NAS Point Mugu. Yes there was a sign at the base entrance that read “Oh Magoo You’ve Done it Again! With a picture of the cartoon character on it.
We were going to have to wait for six weeks before base housing was available so we were put in a two bedroom hotel room in Oxnard. Then they immediately shipped dad to Long Island N.Y. The new plane, E2A Hawkeye, that he’d be helping to shake down for the last three years of his twenty year career, was at the Grumman factory there. They were supposed to fly it back to California a month later after a shake down cruise but the shake down took three months. The Hawkeye is the little plane with the pancake on top that you see on aircraft carriers in the news.
By the time Dad returned we were settled in Base Housing. Our house backed up to the fence that separated Base Housing from Base Runway. We were at the very east end of the runway. If the Fantom 4F’s, never just one, took off from our end their departure was proceeded by 30 minutes of oscillating blasts of their engines leading up to a final 5 minutes of earth rattling, ear splitting noise before screaming down the runway and into the sky over the ocean. If, on the other hand, the wind direction required they take off from the other end you were spared the 30 minute assault, but were still aware of their activity (it wasn’t that far off) only to have to live at the bottom of there departure. Heading east, into mountains and over residential areas, required they reach certain altitudes quickly. They always chose immediately, strait up, with after burners roaring. It was loud and violent enough to shake you as hard as any tremor did. But it was “in defense of the country” and therefore acceptable.
The house had three bedrooms and two baths. What luxury! These Californians’ knew how to live. Mom & Dad got a room of course and that left a room for my two sisters and a room for me and three brothers. The me and three brothers thing wasn’t working. Dad came up with a solution that like most of his solutions was joined to another solution. Another part of the equation to these solutions was money. Of course it was. He had six children and was in the Navy, even with part time jobs off base it was tight money wise.
His solution. He bought a small camping trailer and parked it in the back yard. My older brother Ray and I used it for a bedroom. We ran an extension cord to the trailer for lights but just threw extra blankets on in the winter. Wait you say this is solution at expense and your right but ---- We could now vacation, why in the Sequoia’s if we wished, and since the trailer sleeps six and two can sleep in the back of the station wagon why there’ll be no tent fee and if need be we can just pull off the road and get a nights sleep without paying for a motel and……Well as you can see it was a very sound economic decision.
At the first chance Dad has for some time off Ray and I have to clear out of the trailer so Mom can stock the trailer for a trip --- to Sequoia National Forrest. Dad has decided that traveling in California really requires air conditioning and has the Ford wagon equipped. Pulling a trailer through the mountains will definitely over tax the cooling system of the car so there’s a bonus to the original solution. The trailer being towed has a large water tank in it for drinking and washing. He taps the tank with a copper line that goes all the way to the front of the car and has small holes in it that spray water onto the radiator. He then taps the tank and brings the line into the rear of the wagon and attaches a bicycle pump. By pumping air into the tank it forces water through the line and onto the overheating cooling system. A beautiful system and a testament to how I think. Certain things were overlooked in the plan, also a part of my genetically formed problem solving process. There was no pressure gauge to let us know when we’d reached a safe amount of pressure in the tank. Actually over pressurizing the tank never entered his mind. Wouldn’t have mine. How much pressure could some kids develop with a bicycle pump anyway? Another overlooked sum in the equation was the weight of that much water but that weight would diminish, it being pumped onto the radiator to offset the weight of the water to…., as we climbed the mountains – all would balance out. Bout half way up with Dad hollering “Pump Harder it’s still overheating” we blew the tank. After the initial roadside investigation, the tank would no longer hold water and the Air Conditioner was just unused weight for the rest of the vacation, we proceeded, with only a few more stops to let the radiator cool, to our vacation amongst some of the oldest living organisms on the planet. Trees that you could, and some did, carve a whole house and stable out of! Looking at the stars at night makes my insignificance apparent, but looking up one of these trees and knowing its age brought home a different humbleness. Saw the Redwood with the road through it, closed to traffic in an a inspired act of conservation, saw a Park Ranger hold a blow torch to a piece of Redwood Bark to exhibit its fire retardant abilities. Always wondered why those attributes aren’t utilized by firemen.
Returning home with one day for Mom to clean out the trailer and it became our bedroom again.

Rain!

Today's rain is the second big rain of the week. Funny how a slight shift in the path of a low pressure system makes such a difference. Had these last two tracked a hundred miles east we'd be buried in snow. So let it RAIN:~) but you'd think it would have washed all of the snow and ice away. It has most of it but not all. 6 inches in Nashville and rain here --- naw there's nothing wrong with the atmosphere.
House project is moving on. The heating contractor should be roughed in by next week then it gets insulated after that Sheetrock. Yahoo! then I can get in & make some money painting & trimming & putting in the kitchen & -------.
Well my big brother got older and you know what that means -- yep I'm gonna have to also. Guess it beats the alternative.
Better go watch more rain fall!
Zipidee

Winter? Hell

We've had cold we've had warm. We've had rain, we've had snow and everything in between. The ice pellets were 5 inches deep once. It was like walking in sand only colder. Right now there's frozen (rock hard) white crap on the gound and our dirt road. The road is so packed and polished it could serve as a bobsled course and sunday night it's suposed to rain again. that'll make the ice slicker, Ye Ha!!!
There are shingles on the house. Did something that rubs my socialist butt the wrong way. Had a company that uses Latinos to put the shingles on. Got nothing against Latinos but they're not locals and I try to hire local. Plus the Latinos don't get enough of the money I paid the company I'm sure. 6 of 'em started at 9:30 on Friday morning and by 5 PM they were done! 51 square of shingles.
Gotta house full of Lees friends tonight and that's good, he rarely brings people over, so Jacci & I are hangin in the upstairs staying out of the way. Brendan might be home next weekend. That'll thrill Lee for his birthday.
Hey I'm Outta here!
Zipidee!

Let the New Year begin!

Been home for two weeks and guess I otta Blog. On my return I found that little or no progress had been made on the house I'm GC ing and 'til day before yesterday nothing at all was being done. That's kept me kinda occupied -- well at least too upset to blog.
But now there's a roof on the house and I can soon look for a very hungry roofer that'll do the job in sub freezing temps.
Our trip Home was terrific. Got to see and spend time with all of my siblings and their offspring. Mom is healthy and still a step ahead of all of us.
Jacci and I spent 2 days in Fort Walton with friends of mine from my college days. Reconnecting after 37 years was easier than I thought it would be. Dec 31st was sunny and, in our book, warm (mid 60's). Jacci got to lay in the sun, walk on the beach and swim in an out door heated pool so it was truly a Florida Vacation for her.
Two days after getting home we had to get Evan to JFK airport in NY. A lose hose on the Passat and $500 later he was on his way to Rome and we were home safe. When he gets to Rome he finds that they (Who They is we don't know) have taken the name Evan to be feminine and assigned him two girls as roommates.
Let see --yer 21-- Limo ride to JFK -- arrive in Rome to find you have 2 girls for roommates --- sounds like a movie script!
We didn't hear from him 'til last Sat and probably won't again 'til tomorrow but it seems they're bouncing him around different apartments trying to figure out what to do.
It's bright and sunny hear today, temps are supposed to get up to freezing but Sunday's high isn't going to get up to 15.
Yessireee! bring it on!
Zipidee DoDah

Nuff already!

First there was an early 5 inch snow. OK I can handle that. Then a 10 inch snow last Thursday and yesterday we wound up with 6 inches of little white frozen BB's. It's like walking in sand. Would rather have had the 18 inches of snow than this crap.
But if it thinks it can snow me in NO WAY! If I have to hire a truck with a plow on it to lead me to the Mason/Dixon I will. I'm on the road by sunset Friday. Dinner Saturday at Moms.
Ya know sometimes you think yer full of blog and you sit down and find out it was just a f......
4 days we're outta here!
Zipidee DoDah

Coming soon

In 18 days I head Home. Home for Christmas! Yippee! Where I close out all the crap and focus on family & friends. Back when the boys were younger the rare trip south for Christmas was usually a logistical nightmare. Getting it there and them there without them knowing it was there took some of the 'close out all the crap' away. Nowadays the secret's out (but not openly spoken of) so I can get in the car and drive.
Which brings up the reason for this particular blog. Not a rant but a justification.
I like driving straight through. It brings up so many memories of Dad. I know that when I get there, safe & sound as Dad always did, Mawmaw & Pawpaw, Mamo & Grandad will be there waiting to tell me how special I am. I like to find an old country station at 4 am while my family sleeps then stop as the sun comes up for coffee and breakfast.
Although the
"Clanton
A great place to visit
A better place to live"

sign has been replaced by a nightmare Peach the site tells me I'm Home and really sets my Christmas in gear.
So counting the days soon to be the minutes!

Zipidee DooDah

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Home Again Home Again Jig-Adee-Jig.
We left for Bob & Wendy's (Jacci's sister) house around 4 PM Wednesday. After a 3 hr white knuckle drive through fog and heavy traffic (0 to 80 to 0 to 80 to....) we arrived safely with plenty of time to chat & relax before bedtime.
Thursday was spent sitting at a table watching Wendy cook and working up a bodacious appetite.
This was our second Thanksgiving in a row that Jacci's family has been able to get together for Thanksgiving. Since Gene separated from Lisa there's no more contention between the women folk. Gene's new girlfriend is way normal and fits in so well.
It was the best Thanksgiving we've had in years.
Just a week before I'd finally found the family information on their Mom's side, Weed & Ellsworth.
Seems their 10th great grandfather, Jonas Weed, came to the Mass Colony in 1630. Just 9 years after the Pilgrims at Plymouth. He moved inland and by 1633 had helped found a town named Weathersfield. Jacci's sisters house is about 20 minutes from Weathersfield.
Their 10th great grandfather Josias Ellsworth Came to Windsor CT in 1646. Windsor is about 20 minutes from where Gene lives.
Interesting that after 10 generations those two gravitated back there. There was no known family connections to the area that they knew of until I presented the info at diner.

Hope everyone ate too much and shared enough and hugged with abandon :~)

Zipidee DoDah