TD has been in touch with Louise (A.) F., CGHS '64, and she updated him with the names of several folks she knew that have passed that were not on our Memorial. TD added the names there.
Reading many of them brought back a flood of memories.
See if you have the same experience.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Open All Night
I've always been a nightowl. Back in the days we were walking the creaking floors of the old middle building my Friday and Saturday nights would find me awake until 3 A.M. or so, then sleeping in until 11-12 O'Clock.
(And that sleep schedule made Monday mornings mighty difficult.)
But thinkin' about those days dredged a couple stories up from 'way back in the grey matter-
The Greybeard garage was a place to congregate.
A great tool inventory, plenty of available light, Jacks/jackstands, a lift for pulling engines, and a radio for top 40, news, weather, and sports.
Near perfection.
It was perfectly normal to find several teen-aged boys changing a clutch/pressure plate/throwout bearing at 1 A.M. Saturday morning at Greybeard's folk's place. We'd listen to Rock-n-Roll on WIBC until midnight, then when "Dawnbeat" came on we'd try switching over to WLS out of Chicago so we didn't have to listen to the elevator music Dawnbeat offered. Sometimes Dick Biondi would be on WLS... (Remember "Greasy Kid Stuff"?)
Fond memories...
And part of the reason they are fond memories is because IF, in the middle of our mechanic-ing efforts we broke something or found something worn out that we didn't expect, we knew we could call "Hi-Way Parts" and check to see if they had what we needed. Hi-Way Parts was "Open All Night"!
I wish I had a nickel for every muffler and tailpipe I've changed in the wee hours using parts procured from Hi-Way parts...
I could now buy a fine cuppa Joe!
When the wrench-twisting was done and our stomachs were growling, we'd head to the newly opened "White Castle" on Madison Avenue...
Open All Night...
What an interesting place to be at 3 A.M.! It's understatement to say the clientele there at that hour was "diverse".
I can remember standing in line with TPO one morning when he informed me the reason White Castle's burgers were so cheap was because they were made from "lame cows". White Castle got 'em for bottom dollar 'cause no one else wanted 'em!
At the cash register, the name-tag on the gal said "Betty", and beneath that it said "Manager".
From that point on, any time we saw her we referred to her as "Betty Manager". Betty Manager tolerated us with a big smile.
It may have been that same morning that a VERY drunk, mid-twenties black man in front of me started singing...
"La di dah di di... La di dah di die." (Sonny's part from Sonny and Cher's "The Beat Goes On".)
He turned to me and with a mostly-toothy grin and said, "I wrote that!"
"You wrote what?"
"That part of that song. They couldn't figure out what to put in there, so they called me. I told them what to put in there."
So now you can imagine what I think of every time I hear Sonny singing on the radio:
"La di dah di di... La di dah di die"... even these fifty or so years later.
Now...
Echo is knee deep in a Real Estate deal.
Cissy is thinking about going postal at her new/old job.
Rita is overworked and she and Bob need a trip to Alabama.
HF is thinkin' about catching fish.
GB and Sara Jean are headed to L.A. to visit Big Bubba this weekend.
Many of us are looking forward to fine fellowship and an adult beverage while overlooking lovely Lake Eufaula.
It's Friday Forum time.
Tell us...
What's upcoming on your agenda?
(And that sleep schedule made Monday mornings mighty difficult.)
But thinkin' about those days dredged a couple stories up from 'way back in the grey matter-
The Greybeard garage was a place to congregate.
A great tool inventory, plenty of available light, Jacks/jackstands, a lift for pulling engines, and a radio for top 40, news, weather, and sports.
Near perfection.
It was perfectly normal to find several teen-aged boys changing a clutch/pressure plate/throwout bearing at 1 A.M. Saturday morning at Greybeard's folk's place. We'd listen to Rock-n-Roll on WIBC until midnight, then when "Dawnbeat" came on we'd try switching over to WLS out of Chicago so we didn't have to listen to the elevator music Dawnbeat offered. Sometimes Dick Biondi would be on WLS... (Remember "Greasy Kid Stuff"?)
Fond memories...
And part of the reason they are fond memories is because IF, in the middle of our mechanic-ing efforts we broke something or found something worn out that we didn't expect, we knew we could call "Hi-Way Parts" and check to see if they had what we needed. Hi-Way Parts was "Open All Night"!
I wish I had a nickel for every muffler and tailpipe I've changed in the wee hours using parts procured from Hi-Way parts...
I could now buy a fine cuppa Joe!
When the wrench-twisting was done and our stomachs were growling, we'd head to the newly opened "White Castle" on Madison Avenue...
Open All Night...
What an interesting place to be at 3 A.M.! It's understatement to say the clientele there at that hour was "diverse".
I can remember standing in line with TPO one morning when he informed me the reason White Castle's burgers were so cheap was because they were made from "lame cows". White Castle got 'em for bottom dollar 'cause no one else wanted 'em!
At the cash register, the name-tag on the gal said "Betty", and beneath that it said "Manager".
From that point on, any time we saw her we referred to her as "Betty Manager". Betty Manager tolerated us with a big smile.
It may have been that same morning that a VERY drunk, mid-twenties black man in front of me started singing...
"La di dah di di... La di dah di die." (Sonny's part from Sonny and Cher's "The Beat Goes On".)
He turned to me and with a mostly-toothy grin and said, "I wrote that!"
"You wrote what?"
"That part of that song. They couldn't figure out what to put in there, so they called me. I told them what to put in there."
So now you can imagine what I think of every time I hear Sonny singing on the radio:
"La di dah di di... La di dah di die"... even these fifty or so years later.
Now...
Echo is knee deep in a Real Estate deal.
Cissy is thinking about going postal at her new/old job.
Rita is overworked and she and Bob need a trip to Alabama.
HF is thinkin' about catching fish.
GB and Sara Jean are headed to L.A. to visit Big Bubba this weekend.
Many of us are looking forward to fine fellowship and an adult beverage while overlooking lovely Lake Eufaula.
It's Friday Forum time.
Tell us...
What's upcoming on your agenda?
Friday, March 19, 2010
See The Eufaula Alligators!
H&C warn that expecting your GPS to get ya there may getcha in trouble. I've personally come to depend so heavily on "Carmen the Garmin" that I frequently cannot tell you which direction I'm going, (and for a pilot, that's a Cardinal sin!) But GPS leading us astray? I'll wager this is one of those situations where the GPS will do fine until we get onto some of the uncharted two-lane roads down close to the Lake.
SO.... in order for ya to arrive safely and non-frazzled, instructions are provided:
From the South:
Take Hwy 431 North towards Eufaula, AL out of Dothan
From the Headland Hardee’s on 431 go 33.3 miles
Turn Right on Hwy 95 – Go 4 miles
Turn Left on Old River Road (Same as Hwy 97) – Go 4 miles ( Turns in front of Church on Left as you start to go up hill)
Turn Left (stay on 97… hwy 93 goes straight) – Go 2 miles
Englewood entrance located on left side of road
Turn Left on Galaxie Drive
Take First Right on South Galaxie
Go to dead end stop and turn Right on Englewood
5th cabin on left just around the curve (459 Englewood Drive)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From the North:
Take Hwy 431 South to Eufaula, AL
From the Eufaula Wal-Mart located on 431 travel 5.7 miles South
Turn Left on Hwy 95 – Go 4 Miles
Turn Left on Old River Road (Same as Hwy 97) – Go 4 miles ( Turns in front of Church on Left as you start to go up hill)
Turn Left (stay on 97… hwy 93 goes straight) – Go 2 miles
Englewood entrance located on left side of road
Turn Left on Galaxie Drive
Take First Right on South Galaxie
Go to dead end stop and turn Right on Englewood
5th cabin on left just around the curve (459 Englewood Drive)
Don't be confused... use of the term "Cabin" above does not mean we'll be staying in "Cabins".
We'll actually be in tall cotton. We have two full-size, gen-U-WINE homes reserved and we're still looking for schoolmates to fill vacancies. Why not do something out of the ordinary, you "stick in the mud, boring person"? Surprise yourself and everyone else by doing something a little crazy and spontaneous... head to the Deep South for fun, relaxation, and ALLIGATORS!
From previous experience I know the week will start with smiles and hugs and from that point will only improve. And you're gonna risk missing this?
Are you CRAZY?!!
Once again it's Friday open forum time...
Let 'er rip!
SO.... in order for ya to arrive safely and non-frazzled, instructions are provided:
From the South:
Take Hwy 431 North towards Eufaula, AL out of Dothan
From the Headland Hardee’s on 431 go 33.3 miles
Turn Right on Hwy 95 – Go 4 miles
Turn Left on Old River Road (Same as Hwy 97) – Go 4 miles ( Turns in front of Church on Left as you start to go up hill)
Turn Left (stay on 97… hwy 93 goes straight) – Go 2 miles
Englewood entrance located on left side of road
Turn Left on Galaxie Drive
Take First Right on South Galaxie
Go to dead end stop and turn Right on Englewood
5th cabin on left just around the curve (459 Englewood Drive)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From the North:
Take Hwy 431 South to Eufaula, AL
From the Eufaula Wal-Mart located on 431 travel 5.7 miles South
Turn Left on Hwy 95 – Go 4 Miles
Turn Left on Old River Road (Same as Hwy 97) – Go 4 miles ( Turns in front of Church on Left as you start to go up hill)
Turn Left (stay on 97… hwy 93 goes straight) – Go 2 miles
Englewood entrance located on left side of road
Turn Left on Galaxie Drive
Take First Right on South Galaxie
Go to dead end stop and turn Right on Englewood
5th cabin on left just around the curve (459 Englewood Drive)
Don't be confused... use of the term "Cabin" above does not mean we'll be staying in "Cabins".
We'll actually be in tall cotton. We have two full-size, gen-U-WINE homes reserved and we're still looking for schoolmates to fill vacancies. Why not do something out of the ordinary, you "stick in the mud, boring person"? Surprise yourself and everyone else by doing something a little crazy and spontaneous... head to the Deep South for fun, relaxation, and ALLIGATORS!
From previous experience I know the week will start with smiles and hugs and from that point will only improve. And you're gonna risk missing this?
Are you CRAZY?!!
Once again it's Friday open forum time...
Let 'er rip!
Friday, March 12, 2010
ON THE ROAD AGAIN-Tampa, Fl to Greenwood, IN
Hello everyone, Mrs. Hawk here, today is the morning after.....Hawk and I left Tampa yesterday at 9:11 AM and I was driving. We knew there was rain ahead before we got out of Florida, but did not realize how much. Sheets of gray pouring rain made driving 15 to 20 MPH the best we could do. Stopping for gas just before Gainesville, FL when the rain let up a little and being blocked in by a fire truck and an ambulance at the gas station was our first blessing (a lady in the bay next to us had some kind of medical problem and the emergency trucks were there for her). Back on the road, and rain not so bad, but traffic soon came to a stop. As we edged forward slowly, we came upon an accident with 9 cars smashed like coke cans. The cars were scattered for maybe 1/4 mile on either side of 75 North. Only one police car had arrived on the scene, the accident had just happened. Had we not stopped for gas and been blocked in by emergency trucks........
During the rain, I was driving. I kept commenting to Bob the way we were bumping along. I thought it was caused by the heavy rain I was driving through. After the rain slowed down, I could still feel the bump, but reasoned it must be the road.
I missed our exit for 10 West and we had to turn around. At this time the car gave a warning message of "low tire pressure". We stopped, Hawk checked our tires and found a bulge on the left front tire. A steel belt had separated. Using the GPS Hawk found a tire store 1.7 miles away. We got a new tire and were back on the road at 3 PM. It was 6 hours after we left Tampa and we had traveled 175 miles. Our second blessing was not having that tire cause us to crash........
About 5:30PM yesterday, March 11th, and in beautiful sunshine we passed through Chipply, Florida, home of Carol and Harry F. Such a nice town. We had to get to Montgomery, Alabama where our overnight reservations were, or we would have made contact with them. We will see them in 3 weeks in Eufalla and will visit then.
This morning we see again rain ahead for our trip home up 65 North. Looks like the bad storms are now over Atlanta. By God's Grace we will be home to Greenwood tonight.
Peace and love, Mrs. Hawk
During the rain, I was driving. I kept commenting to Bob the way we were bumping along. I thought it was caused by the heavy rain I was driving through. After the rain slowed down, I could still feel the bump, but reasoned it must be the road.
I missed our exit for 10 West and we had to turn around. At this time the car gave a warning message of "low tire pressure". We stopped, Hawk checked our tires and found a bulge on the left front tire. A steel belt had separated. Using the GPS Hawk found a tire store 1.7 miles away. We got a new tire and were back on the road at 3 PM. It was 6 hours after we left Tampa and we had traveled 175 miles. Our second blessing was not having that tire cause us to crash........
About 5:30PM yesterday, March 11th, and in beautiful sunshine we passed through Chipply, Florida, home of Carol and Harry F. Such a nice town. We had to get to Montgomery, Alabama where our overnight reservations were, or we would have made contact with them. We will see them in 3 weeks in Eufalla and will visit then.
This morning we see again rain ahead for our trip home up 65 North. Looks like the bad storms are now over Atlanta. By God's Grace we will be home to Greenwood tonight.
Peace and love, Mrs. Hawk
Thursday, March 11, 2010
vacations
Moribund?
Dormant, maybe, but not moribund (I hope).
Anyhow, I haven't been on in awhile and then I find I'm listed as dormant & moribund.
Ha ha. I don't mind, at least I'm not alone.
I have a little story about Lake Eufaula, it goes like this:
My ex-husband has relatives in Southern Georgia and every year (sometimes twice a year) he and his fishing buddies would take his bass boat and head to Eufaula and stay with his cousins. They caught tons of bass. He would take the video camera and tape the dead fish they caught lying on the picnic tables. A simple picture would suffice, but he had to use the video of dead fish lying there! Then all summer, here in IN, he would go fishing on weekends at Lake Monroe, Patoka Lake, or wherever he heard the fishing was good. He even entered contests.
I was never asked to go to Eufaula, not that I would have anyhow, but it would have been a nice vacation for me and the kids.
Meanwhile, my sister-in-law (she being a single mom of 2) and I, with my 2 kids, would make a yearly trip to Disney World in Orlando. Now, don't you think a husband & wife should take vacations together? Especially when they have kids? In the whole 18 years I was married, I think we took, maybe, 4 or 5 vacations as a family.
I'm not trying to be a downer and I'm sure Eufaula is beautiful; all I saw of it was a video of dead fish lying on a picnic table, but I just had to put my 2 cents worth in. Ha!
I hope you all have a wonderful time, really. But for me Eufaula leaves a bad taste in my mouth and is definitely one of the reasons I am no longer married.
Joker
Dormant, maybe, but not moribund (I hope).
Anyhow, I haven't been on in awhile and then I find I'm listed as dormant & moribund.
Ha ha. I don't mind, at least I'm not alone.
I have a little story about Lake Eufaula, it goes like this:
My ex-husband has relatives in Southern Georgia and every year (sometimes twice a year) he and his fishing buddies would take his bass boat and head to Eufaula and stay with his cousins. They caught tons of bass. He would take the video camera and tape the dead fish they caught lying on the picnic tables. A simple picture would suffice, but he had to use the video of dead fish lying there! Then all summer, here in IN, he would go fishing on weekends at Lake Monroe, Patoka Lake, or wherever he heard the fishing was good. He even entered contests.
I was never asked to go to Eufaula, not that I would have anyhow, but it would have been a nice vacation for me and the kids.
Meanwhile, my sister-in-law (she being a single mom of 2) and I, with my 2 kids, would make a yearly trip to Disney World in Orlando. Now, don't you think a husband & wife should take vacations together? Especially when they have kids? In the whole 18 years I was married, I think we took, maybe, 4 or 5 vacations as a family.
I'm not trying to be a downer and I'm sure Eufaula is beautiful; all I saw of it was a video of dead fish lying on a picnic table, but I just had to put my 2 cents worth in. Ha!
I hope you all have a wonderful time, really. But for me Eufaula leaves a bad taste in my mouth and is definitely one of the reasons I am no longer married.
Joker
Friday, March 05, 2010
It's March!
Well, here we are. Time flies, doesn't it? Buds on trees here look ready to burst. We've had a couple 50+ degree days here when the breeze blowing out of the South made it impossible to deny Spring is just around the corner. Soon the Willows will be green and Dogwoods will be in bloom...
A wonderful time of year.
The countdown to Eufaula has also begun. I've been working 56-hour weeks for what seems to be forever, so I cannot tell you how much I'm looking forward to rising in late morning, pouring a cuppa Joe, sitting in a chair overlooking the lake and visiting with whomever happens to be within arm's reach. If that sounds like good duty to you, we still have plenty of room for you to join us. Get in touch with me, TD, or H&C and we'll add your name to the list. Details are available at links in posts below, so check it out and get the ball rollin'!
Ferdy left a comment at the post immediately below this one about Jim Robinson's Mother. Anyone with more information, please update us.
I'm convinced Sara Jean has a mild case of pneumonia. She's been hacking now for more than two weeks. She feels fine until she climbs stairs or otherwise taxes her body. TD said he has something similar, and the last time I chatted with him he said he believes he's finally on the road to recovery. There's still lots of stuff running around to catch, so take care of yourselves and don't let your immunity get weak. Obviously, we can thank God the predicted Swine Flu pandemic was another false alarm.
Now... it's Friday again. You've got news to share, haven't you?
A wonderful time of year.
The countdown to Eufaula has also begun. I've been working 56-hour weeks for what seems to be forever, so I cannot tell you how much I'm looking forward to rising in late morning, pouring a cuppa Joe, sitting in a chair overlooking the lake and visiting with whomever happens to be within arm's reach. If that sounds like good duty to you, we still have plenty of room for you to join us. Get in touch with me, TD, or H&C and we'll add your name to the list. Details are available at links in posts below, so check it out and get the ball rollin'!
Ferdy left a comment at the post immediately below this one about Jim Robinson's Mother. Anyone with more information, please update us.
I'm convinced Sara Jean has a mild case of pneumonia. She's been hacking now for more than two weeks. She feels fine until she climbs stairs or otherwise taxes her body. TD said he has something similar, and the last time I chatted with him he said he believes he's finally on the road to recovery. There's still lots of stuff running around to catch, so take care of yourselves and don't let your immunity get weak. Obviously, we can thank God the predicted Swine Flu pandemic was another false alarm.
Now... it's Friday again. You've got news to share, haven't you?
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Suzan/Tsunami
Suzan and Ken woke to warning sirens this morning. They have evacuated their home in Ewa Beach and are now at Pearl Harbor. Waves are forecast to hit Hawaii at 11:19 their time, and there is evidence the warnings are valid.
Pray for them.
Her words:
Update:
At 3:30 Eastern time, The Weather Channel is predicting 1-3 foot waves at Oahu within the hour.
Another Update:
Apparently Suzan and Ken are on their way home... a little after 7 P.M. Eastern, major danger is gone.
Pray for them.
Her words:
What do you gather up to take with you in 2 hours time? Important papers, photo albums, food, water, some clothes, and off we go. On MSNBC they mention our town, Ewa Beach. Updates all the time, sirens went off at 6am, waves due to hit at 11 am and for hours there after. No one is taking a chance, be the waves 35 ft or 3 inches. Keep us in your prayers please. I am now sitting at Pearl Harbor hoping for the best.
Update:
At 3:30 Eastern time, The Weather Channel is predicting 1-3 foot waves at Oahu within the hour.
Another Update:
Apparently Suzan and Ken are on their way home... a little after 7 P.M. Eastern, major danger is gone.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Good News/Sad News. (Let's Celebrate Life!)
First, the GOOD news...
Today is Ferdy's birthday... her 39th I believe. (Ferd, I'll let you decide if you want to tell us how many oak-leaf clusters to add!) Trying to lie to our group is not fair though, 'cause we've all watched as mucho water has passed beneath the bridge, right? Still, it's in our mutual interest to keep her secret isn't it?!!
Anyway, HAPPY BIRTHDAY FERDY! Come to Alabama and I'll buy you birthday cake and ice cream!
Now the sad...
As you've read below, O.J. is gone. Shouldn't we hesitate to call that BAD news? He brought us all joy. We were blessed to have him as a teacher and friend. Godspeed O.J. and thank you...
My life is better for having known you.
April is just around the corner. You still have time to make your plans to join us in Eufaula, Alabama for the "Pilgrimage" there.
Those that want to fish, can fish.
Those that want to eat fish... will eat the FRESHEST fish, providing our fisherman have any luck at all.
Those that want to tour BIG antebellum homes can lay their money down and do just that. This is a BEAUTIFUL little Southern town that took my breath away just driving through it!
Those who are like me and just want a few days off the treadmill... will find like minds willing to help spark old memories of school, neighborhood, mutual friends, and shared experiences. Bring your cares and stresses and we'll iron them all out... I promise you'll relax, take a deep breath, feel your blood pressure drop, and be glad you came. This promises to be another of those events that bonds us all together stronger than we ever were "back when". And this time we'll be adding new members to our VK family. You know you want to come, so get off your backside and make it happen! We have great lodging scheduled there starting the week of 5 April I believe...
(Please correct me if I'm wrong, anyone).
This is one of the rental properties we've reserved, and it will sleep 8 in various beds. We had hoped to bring Lucy with us and this unit is pet friendly, so Sara Jean and I will be staying here.
This is the other unit. It has beds to sleep 12 so you can see, we still have lotsa room for more VK's. (Money is not a big deal here folks... if you can make it down and want to come, let me, TD, or H&C know and we'll make it work!)
If you have it, send H&C your deposit check for $200... it's not too late!
I promise... you'll be GLAD you did.
Today is Ferdy's birthday... her 39th I believe. (Ferd, I'll let you decide if you want to tell us how many oak-leaf clusters to add!) Trying to lie to our group is not fair though, 'cause we've all watched as mucho water has passed beneath the bridge, right? Still, it's in our mutual interest to keep her secret isn't it?!!
Anyway, HAPPY BIRTHDAY FERDY! Come to Alabama and I'll buy you birthday cake and ice cream!
Now the sad...
As you've read below, O.J. is gone. Shouldn't we hesitate to call that BAD news? He brought us all joy. We were blessed to have him as a teacher and friend. Godspeed O.J. and thank you...
My life is better for having known you.
April is just around the corner. You still have time to make your plans to join us in Eufaula, Alabama for the "Pilgrimage" there.
Those that want to fish, can fish.
Those that want to eat fish... will eat the FRESHEST fish, providing our fisherman have any luck at all.
Those that want to tour BIG antebellum homes can lay their money down and do just that. This is a BEAUTIFUL little Southern town that took my breath away just driving through it!
Those who are like me and just want a few days off the treadmill... will find like minds willing to help spark old memories of school, neighborhood, mutual friends, and shared experiences. Bring your cares and stresses and we'll iron them all out... I promise you'll relax, take a deep breath, feel your blood pressure drop, and be glad you came. This promises to be another of those events that bonds us all together stronger than we ever were "back when". And this time we'll be adding new members to our VK family. You know you want to come, so get off your backside and make it happen! We have great lodging scheduled there starting the week of 5 April I believe...
(Please correct me if I'm wrong, anyone).
This is one of the rental properties we've reserved, and it will sleep 8 in various beds. We had hoped to bring Lucy with us and this unit is pet friendly, so Sara Jean and I will be staying here.
This is the other unit. It has beds to sleep 12 so you can see, we still have lotsa room for more VK's. (Money is not a big deal here folks... if you can make it down and want to come, let me, TD, or H&C know and we'll make it work!)
If you have it, send H&C your deposit check for $200... it's not too late!
I promise... you'll be GLAD you did.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Another Friend Gone
O.J. Sloop, Friend and Mentor to many - will be missed
O.J. Sloop, 88, died Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010, in Franklin. He was a resident of Bargersville.He is survived by his wife, Lorene (Baker) Sloop.Services are pending at Flinn & Maguire Funeral Home in Franklin. Information: 736-5528
Will have more information as it comes out.
O.J. Sloop, 88, died Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010, in Franklin. He was a resident of Bargersville.He is survived by his wife, Lorene (Baker) Sloop.Services are pending at Flinn & Maguire Funeral Home in Franklin. Information: 736-5528
Will have more information as it comes out.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Bonehead.
She called me at work...
"We have a problem."
"What's wrong?"
"We have no water."
"Uh-oh."
I pay the water bill in person. The water department is right along a route I drive almost daily, so why waste the postage? I pay the bill three or four months in advance so I don't have to do it often.
Most times, the bill comes with green printing indicating I still have a credit balance. This time the bill came in red with a "Disconnect!" warning...
If the bill wasn't paid within 10 days they'd shut our water off.
I extended my hands and fingers in front of me and counted...
When I was done, I figured I had until today to pay the bill.
I counted wrong.
I had until yesterday. Since I've worked straight days... a 12 hour shift for the past week, there was no time to drive past the office and pay the bill.
So I paid it first thing this morning, to include the $25 reconnect fee.
I ran a couple errands, came home, and flushed the toilet...
Having water pressure in the house is a wonderful thing, isn't it?
Anything exciting or irritating, (or both) goin' on in your life?
Surely I'm not the only bonehead in our group!
"We have a problem."
"What's wrong?"
"We have no water."
"Uh-oh."
I pay the water bill in person. The water department is right along a route I drive almost daily, so why waste the postage? I pay the bill three or four months in advance so I don't have to do it often.
Most times, the bill comes with green printing indicating I still have a credit balance. This time the bill came in red with a "Disconnect!" warning...
If the bill wasn't paid within 10 days they'd shut our water off.
I extended my hands and fingers in front of me and counted...
When I was done, I figured I had until today to pay the bill.
I counted wrong.
I had until yesterday. Since I've worked straight days... a 12 hour shift for the past week, there was no time to drive past the office and pay the bill.
So I paid it first thing this morning, to include the $25 reconnect fee.
I ran a couple errands, came home, and flushed the toilet...
Having water pressure in the house is a wonderful thing, isn't it?
Anything exciting or irritating, (or both) goin' on in your life?
Surely I'm not the only bonehead in our group!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Not Just "Missy Cissy"-
Eyes wide open... it's still dark. What time is it?
I raise my head off the pillow to see the face of the alarm clock over the blonde head lying next to me... it's 2:30. Here we go again!
We push the doohickey on top of the thermostat all the way to the left before we go to bed, so the temperature in the house gradually drops to 50 degrees overnight. On top of this we have a floor fan stirring the air to make some white noise, so the wind chill in the bedroom could be even less than 50. At this temperature my 12 pound, furry, "living hot water bottle" finds it most comfortable to burrow beneath the covers and curl up in my crotch. So far she hasn't budged... another indicator that the room is mighty chilly.
Oh well. I'll lie here quietly. The waterbed is heated. My living hot water bottle is in place. I listen to Sara Jean snore... wait, that's a misnomer... HUM. It's actually a comforting sound, not irritating at all. Over the sound of the floor fan I hear the refrigerator motor kick on downstairs... my hearing surprises me sometimes... I'm not deaf to all frequencies quite yet.
We're half a mile from the railroad tracks. I hear the drumming of the big diesel locomotive idling. In the distance I hear the approach of another train. It reaches the crossing and blows the horn and I smile. In the wee hours of the morning the engineers cheat... they're supposed to blow "Loooonnnnnng, loooooonnnnnnng, short, loooooonnnnnng", sustaining the last long toot all the way into the crossing. At this hour, in deference to those living right next to the tracks, most of them pull the rope for their horns about halfway and get a half-volume toot. Sometimes their horns sound more like goats crying out for a mate. After this train passes, the engine I heard idling speeds up, then I hear another half-hearted horn bleating. He was waiting for the other train to pass so the track would be clear. Maybe one was going Northbound and the other South? I can't tell from my listening point, but I bet that was the case.
I gently raise my head and glance at the clock... 3:05.
The alarm to wake me will sound at 5:40... I have a dreaded day shift today. I lie and listen to the wind blowing outside and I'm glad I don't have to work in it. Twenty-five degrees with a 10 knot wind does not make me happy. Lying in bed next to this beauty with a loyal dog helping keep me warm is what makes me happy. The thought of having to get up while it's still dark outside is stressful to me, and is what is causing this insomnia.
Head raised... 3:47.
The last time I raised my head before dropping back into slumber the clock read 4:11. I woke five minutes before the alarm went off and took care of my bathroom needs before waking Sara Jean. She has a big day today and needed to be up early too.
Coffee.
Egg sandwich... yum!
Lunch bucket and thermos in the car, along with other work needs, I'm on the road a little after 6 A.M.. Flying weather this morning will be nice, but the forecast for this afternoon includes rain and snow... normal for this time of year.
At work my mechanic announces he has "phase inspections" to perform on the aircraft, and it will be "out of service" until Noon. We start the tug, attach it to the BK117, and carefully pull it into the hangar. When I finish this post and push "publish" I'll lie down and catch a nap...
Remember, "E.M.S." means "Earn Money Sleeping".
I hope you slept better than I did last night, but if not I hope you can make a little money today while taking a nap!
So let's hear about selling homes, giving away kitties, working out at the Y, doing the same old work for a "new" employer, recovering from the tragic loss last weekend, and anything else that might be happening to our beloved VK's.
I raise my head off the pillow to see the face of the alarm clock over the blonde head lying next to me... it's 2:30. Here we go again!
We push the doohickey on top of the thermostat all the way to the left before we go to bed, so the temperature in the house gradually drops to 50 degrees overnight. On top of this we have a floor fan stirring the air to make some white noise, so the wind chill in the bedroom could be even less than 50. At this temperature my 12 pound, furry, "living hot water bottle" finds it most comfortable to burrow beneath the covers and curl up in my crotch. So far she hasn't budged... another indicator that the room is mighty chilly.
Oh well. I'll lie here quietly. The waterbed is heated. My living hot water bottle is in place. I listen to Sara Jean snore... wait, that's a misnomer... HUM. It's actually a comforting sound, not irritating at all. Over the sound of the floor fan I hear the refrigerator motor kick on downstairs... my hearing surprises me sometimes... I'm not deaf to all frequencies quite yet.
We're half a mile from the railroad tracks. I hear the drumming of the big diesel locomotive idling. In the distance I hear the approach of another train. It reaches the crossing and blows the horn and I smile. In the wee hours of the morning the engineers cheat... they're supposed to blow "Loooonnnnnng, loooooonnnnnnng, short, loooooonnnnnng", sustaining the last long toot all the way into the crossing. At this hour, in deference to those living right next to the tracks, most of them pull the rope for their horns about halfway and get a half-volume toot. Sometimes their horns sound more like goats crying out for a mate. After this train passes, the engine I heard idling speeds up, then I hear another half-hearted horn bleating. He was waiting for the other train to pass so the track would be clear. Maybe one was going Northbound and the other South? I can't tell from my listening point, but I bet that was the case.
I gently raise my head and glance at the clock... 3:05.
The alarm to wake me will sound at 5:40... I have a dreaded day shift today. I lie and listen to the wind blowing outside and I'm glad I don't have to work in it. Twenty-five degrees with a 10 knot wind does not make me happy. Lying in bed next to this beauty with a loyal dog helping keep me warm is what makes me happy. The thought of having to get up while it's still dark outside is stressful to me, and is what is causing this insomnia.
Head raised... 3:47.
The last time I raised my head before dropping back into slumber the clock read 4:11. I woke five minutes before the alarm went off and took care of my bathroom needs before waking Sara Jean. She has a big day today and needed to be up early too.
Coffee.
Egg sandwich... yum!
Lunch bucket and thermos in the car, along with other work needs, I'm on the road a little after 6 A.M.. Flying weather this morning will be nice, but the forecast for this afternoon includes rain and snow... normal for this time of year.
At work my mechanic announces he has "phase inspections" to perform on the aircraft, and it will be "out of service" until Noon. We start the tug, attach it to the BK117, and carefully pull it into the hangar. When I finish this post and push "publish" I'll lie down and catch a nap...
Remember, "E.M.S." means "Earn Money Sleeping".
I hope you slept better than I did last night, but if not I hope you can make a little money today while taking a nap!
So let's hear about selling homes, giving away kitties, working out at the Y, doing the same old work for a "new" employer, recovering from the tragic loss last weekend, and anything else that might be happening to our beloved VK's.
Friday, February 05, 2010
Friday, 5 February 2009
I woke to a cool, gray, rainy day today...
The last two nights have pretty much been non-flyable due to weather. Wednesday night the risk was fog formation. Last night I got to work to find the helicopter already in the hangar...
Ceiling and viz too low to go, and the forecast was bad for the whole evening. Still, hospitals call to see if we can come transport some patient in desperate need and we have to tell 'em NO!
When I hired on for this job, one of the pilots that brought me on board here had a saying-
"Some days it just sucks to need a helicopter transport. Pick your days to get hurt or sick carefully."
The forecast for today and much of tonight is still schmutz. I'm taking my tax information to work with me to start getting it in order, and the neat part about this job is that I'll be paid pretty well while doing that.
I chatted at length via Facebook with Tools yesterday afternoon.
He's still doing well... sounded to be in great spirits. But his Dad is not so good. Tools indicated he could die at any time. The route Tools takes to come home brings him within a few miles of Casa Greybeard, and he has stopped to spend the night here before on his way home. I reminded him we have a perfectly good empty bed downstairs, and cold beer in the 'fridge. It's another of those situations...
I liked and respected his Dad, so naturally you hate to hear he's perilously near the end of his life. But when Tool's shadow darkens our doorway there will be good times and once again great memories will be shared. Again, even the dark clouds have a silver lining.
Echo has her home for sale. DJ has a cat that needs a good home. Hawk and his bride are safely in Florida enjoying weather that I hope is much better than what we're experiencing here at home. And let's see... seems to me something out of the ordinary is happening Sunday, isn't it?
(I get paid well for watching TV too!)
I'm sure I'm forgetting something.
Bring all of us to speed with your news!
The last two nights have pretty much been non-flyable due to weather. Wednesday night the risk was fog formation. Last night I got to work to find the helicopter already in the hangar...
Ceiling and viz too low to go, and the forecast was bad for the whole evening. Still, hospitals call to see if we can come transport some patient in desperate need and we have to tell 'em NO!
When I hired on for this job, one of the pilots that brought me on board here had a saying-
"Some days it just sucks to need a helicopter transport. Pick your days to get hurt or sick carefully."
The forecast for today and much of tonight is still schmutz. I'm taking my tax information to work with me to start getting it in order, and the neat part about this job is that I'll be paid pretty well while doing that.
I chatted at length via Facebook with Tools yesterday afternoon.
He's still doing well... sounded to be in great spirits. But his Dad is not so good. Tools indicated he could die at any time. The route Tools takes to come home brings him within a few miles of Casa Greybeard, and he has stopped to spend the night here before on his way home. I reminded him we have a perfectly good empty bed downstairs, and cold beer in the 'fridge. It's another of those situations...
I liked and respected his Dad, so naturally you hate to hear he's perilously near the end of his life. But when Tool's shadow darkens our doorway there will be good times and once again great memories will be shared. Again, even the dark clouds have a silver lining.
Echo has her home for sale. DJ has a cat that needs a good home. Hawk and his bride are safely in Florida enjoying weather that I hope is much better than what we're experiencing here at home. And let's see... seems to me something out of the ordinary is happening Sunday, isn't it?
(I get paid well for watching TV too!)
I'm sure I'm forgetting something.
Bring all of us to speed with your news!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Madison Ave Memories
Pokin' around again, and once again you benefit from the fact I have a job where I can sit and surf...
A job that makes it nearly impossible to keep that slice of cake from ending up on my tush.
Lucky you. (Lucky me too, I guess.)
I ate there once, and it was a bad experience.
Next time ya see me... ask.
But we all drove by the place for years, and I was wondering if they were still in business...
They're not, but the family has opened another restaurant in Madison, Indiana.
(The review is a good one.)
And... GUESS WHAT?!!
I had an absolutely delightful chat with Carol C. (or Casey B.) this evening.
We talked for a half hour or so and still need some time to catch up.
I invited her to meet with us in Eufaula, so you guys need to join me in the "full court press" here.
Casey, you out there?
A job that makes it nearly impossible to keep that slice of cake from ending up on my tush.
Lucky you. (Lucky me too, I guess.)
I ate there once, and it was a bad experience.
Next time ya see me... ask.
But we all drove by the place for years, and I was wondering if they were still in business...
They're not, but the family has opened another restaurant in Madison, Indiana.
(The review is a good one.)
And... GUESS WHAT?!!
I had an absolutely delightful chat with Carol C. (or Casey B.) this evening.
We talked for a half hour or so and still need some time to catch up.
I invited her to meet with us in Eufaula, so you guys need to join me in the "full court press" here.
Casey, you out there?
Friday, January 22, 2010
How Things Have Changed!
It would normally be on a Summer Friday or Saturday night-
"(Greybeard), check the total for me!"
The old cash register at the "Frostop" had a little door just above the keys that you could lift to expose a window that, when reset the night before, would show the day's total receipts.
"$112.oo"...
And there would be a celebration... business had been wild and we were exhausted from pushing hamburgers, pork tenderloins, and ice-cold root beer out the door, but WOW!
$112.00!
And from that total would be paid rent, insurance, power, gas, supplies to replenish inventory, cleaning supplies, wages, and a maintenance reserve.
Today, $112.00 covers a good meal and tip for two people at a 3-Star restaurant.
How times have changed, huh?
We're still shy a pilot, so I'm still working my tush off... (except the weather has kept us on the ground for three days straight.)
I wish I had good news to share, but in my opinion the best news of the decade happened last Tuesday, and you may not agree with me at all on that issue.
April and the Eufaula pilgrimage will be here before we know it. Remember H&C need your $200-per couple deposit by 28 February or so. YOU ARE PLANNING ON COMING, AREN'T YOU?
(Don't make me come over there to talk to you personally!)
Okay VK's...
Surely one of you has something exciting to share, right?
Click "Post a comment" below and spread your news.
"(Greybeard), check the total for me!"
The old cash register at the "Frostop" had a little door just above the keys that you could lift to expose a window that, when reset the night before, would show the day's total receipts.
"$112.oo"...
And there would be a celebration... business had been wild and we were exhausted from pushing hamburgers, pork tenderloins, and ice-cold root beer out the door, but WOW!
$112.00!
And from that total would be paid rent, insurance, power, gas, supplies to replenish inventory, cleaning supplies, wages, and a maintenance reserve.
Today, $112.00 covers a good meal and tip for two people at a 3-Star restaurant.
How times have changed, huh?
We're still shy a pilot, so I'm still working my tush off... (except the weather has kept us on the ground for three days straight.)
I wish I had good news to share, but in my opinion the best news of the decade happened last Tuesday, and you may not agree with me at all on that issue.
April and the Eufaula pilgrimage will be here before we know it. Remember H&C need your $200-per couple deposit by 28 February or so. YOU ARE PLANNING ON COMING, AREN'T YOU?
(Don't make me come over there to talk to you personally!)
Okay VK's...
Surely one of you has something exciting to share, right?
Click "Post a comment" below and spread your news.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
To Casey (Carol) Bade-
If you are stopping by and visiting here, Casey, PLEASE leave a comment below and let us know!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Friends In Need
I'm tryin' like crazy to think of something lighthearted to say on this Friday Forum.
If you too are watching the National and International news right now you know...
It's hard.
But... "I get by with a little help from my friends".
So, friends... a little HELP, please.
If you too are watching the National and International news right now you know...
It's hard.
But... "I get by with a little help from my friends".
So, friends... a little HELP, please.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Baby Boomers - Feeling your age yet?
Wait until someone asks if you’re still driving. That’ll make you feel it. Well, it’s happened to me. My vision has never been good, only corrected by glasses/contacts. Recently, it seems to have gotten worse. Some cloudiness. My right eye also had acquired a ‘floater’. That happened as I was driving and all of a sudden – I noticed what looked like small raindrops on the windshield. It was a clear day and I knew it wasn’t raining. I covered up my right eye and the ‘raindrops’ disappeared. Arrived at my destination and after a while, I wasn't seeing the spots. But I was left with a ‘floater’. Every time I tried to focus on it, it moved. It was like a ghost. Was I really seeing it? I did a little research and found that this was not unusual for my ‘age’. It happens… I don’t really notice my floater now. It is still there but, No big deal…. By coincidence though, I received a note from the Eye Doctor office saying it was time to come in for a check up. OK – normally, my thinking is “If it is not broke, Don’t fix it.” But, my insurance now covers eye exams and ‘helps’ a little with new glasses – so with some spousal encouragement, I made an appointment. Doc asks if there had been any change in my vision – I told him about the floater, but not about the cloudiness – my floater didn’t seem to be a big deal to him at all. But about half way thru the exam – he stops – steps back and asks if I am still driving at night ….. Well, after getting up off of the floor and sitting back down in the chair, I said “Yes, I am. What’s Up?” Cataracts.. Both eyes – right eye is worse. He set me up with a specialist. Went to him and he confirmed.
Good thing is – they are doing refractive surgery and hope to leave me with monovision. That means I will be able to see distance with the right eye and near with the other. I have been doing this for years with my contacts – just wearing one and it seems to work well. Because of the cataracts, Insurance will pay for most of it and I will not have to wear glasses or contacts. I have not been able to be without one or the other for a long time. BTW, first surgery went well. Back home within 2 hours. Next day follow up - less than 24 hours after - vision in my 'new' eye was almost 20/20. Get the left eye done in two weeks. I did tell the Doctor that I was a little disappointed. I now have dark circles under both eyes and I didn’t think that they were like that before the surgery. He didn’t buy it….
Now - Cinders says I need to get my hearing corrected next. Can your ears get cataracts? After that - What will be next???? I really don't want to think about it...
2010 – Everyone stay healthy and have a great New Year… Hope to see everyone soon.
Good thing is – they are doing refractive surgery and hope to leave me with monovision. That means I will be able to see distance with the right eye and near with the other. I have been doing this for years with my contacts – just wearing one and it seems to work well. Because of the cataracts, Insurance will pay for most of it and I will not have to wear glasses or contacts. I have not been able to be without one or the other for a long time. BTW, first surgery went well. Back home within 2 hours. Next day follow up - less than 24 hours after - vision in my 'new' eye was almost 20/20. Get the left eye done in two weeks. I did tell the Doctor that I was a little disappointed. I now have dark circles under both eyes and I didn’t think that they were like that before the surgery. He didn’t buy it….
Now - Cinders says I need to get my hearing corrected next. Can your ears get cataracts? After that - What will be next???? I really don't want to think about it...
2010 – Everyone stay healthy and have a great New Year… Hope to see everyone soon.
Friday, January 08, 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
2010 !
Here we are...
The beginning of a new year and a new decade.
There's a lot of uncertainty around, but we all know that can lead to opportunity for those that are willing to take the risk and step through that "open door".
I just got back from helping my son move to L.A..
While there I got a call from Carol... she and Tracy were on their way home from Arizona. Bo just wrote to say Clint is driving to Mesa, AZ this week, and that she and her Mom will be headed that way by air. Safe travels to all!
For me, and for at least one other person we all know, 2009 has been unsettled because of workplace changes. Those changes continue for me, producing stress and nudging me toward retirement. I'm now fearful of the economy and the possibility of having to live on a fixed income, so I'm trying to hang on at work until the future is more clear.
Uncertain times are troubling.
It's nice to have friends that have become almost family when stress surrounds you.
Thanks everyone for your caring and concern.
Here's hoping the future is bright for us all!
Now, look into your crystal ball and tell us what you see.
The beginning of a new year and a new decade.
There's a lot of uncertainty around, but we all know that can lead to opportunity for those that are willing to take the risk and step through that "open door".
I just got back from helping my son move to L.A..
While there I got a call from Carol... she and Tracy were on their way home from Arizona. Bo just wrote to say Clint is driving to Mesa, AZ this week, and that she and her Mom will be headed that way by air. Safe travels to all!
For me, and for at least one other person we all know, 2009 has been unsettled because of workplace changes. Those changes continue for me, producing stress and nudging me toward retirement. I'm now fearful of the economy and the possibility of having to live on a fixed income, so I'm trying to hang on at work until the future is more clear.
Uncertain times are troubling.
It's nice to have friends that have become almost family when stress surrounds you.
Thanks everyone for your caring and concern.
Here's hoping the future is bright for us all!
Now, look into your crystal ball and tell us what you see.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
The Kink In Morgantown Road
It's gone... Changed so much I can hardly recognize my old neighborhood when I return.
I know you remember it.
Southbound Morgantown road intersected Smith Valley road and there was a stop sign. Smith Valley and Morgantown roads then joined Westbound for about 100 feet before Morgantown assumed its own identity again and headed South past CGHS, then on in the general direction of Morgantown. Our house was the fifth house on the East side of the road, South of that intersection. I sometimes wonder if the amount of time I spend reflecting on that house... on that neighborhood... is a mental illness. I try to convince myself that what I'm really doing is trying to revert back to a simpler, safer time, when everything seemed clearer... happier.
At this time of year, life would slow down. We'd be out of school for the Christmas break. Those that were traveling to be with family would be cocooned with those loved ones at their destinations. Businesses would close.
I can remember going outside on Christmas Eve and listening to the quiet. It'd be so quiet, you could hear the leafless branches in the trees complaining about being pushed around by the slight wind. A car, almost always headed South on Morgantown, could be heard coming long before you could see it... the sound of its approach louder, and taking longer, than the sound of its retreat. And if we had snow on the ground, the quiet was even more noticeable... the snow acting as a natural insulation and sound dampener.
"You can't go home again"...
Those days are gone, aren't they? We're separated from that place by time, and "progress".
The kink in Morgantown road has been straightened. The stop sign has been replaced with a stop light. The neighborhood has grown, and traffic has increased.
But our memories remain.
I remember the quiet.
And it brings a warm stillness to my heart.
Have a safe, happy Christmas everyone, and thank you for being a part of my life.
For that, and for so much more, I thank our Lord on his birthday.
I know you remember it.
Southbound Morgantown road intersected Smith Valley road and there was a stop sign. Smith Valley and Morgantown roads then joined Westbound for about 100 feet before Morgantown assumed its own identity again and headed South past CGHS, then on in the general direction of Morgantown. Our house was the fifth house on the East side of the road, South of that intersection. I sometimes wonder if the amount of time I spend reflecting on that house... on that neighborhood... is a mental illness. I try to convince myself that what I'm really doing is trying to revert back to a simpler, safer time, when everything seemed clearer... happier.
At this time of year, life would slow down. We'd be out of school for the Christmas break. Those that were traveling to be with family would be cocooned with those loved ones at their destinations. Businesses would close.
I can remember going outside on Christmas Eve and listening to the quiet. It'd be so quiet, you could hear the leafless branches in the trees complaining about being pushed around by the slight wind. A car, almost always headed South on Morgantown, could be heard coming long before you could see it... the sound of its approach louder, and taking longer, than the sound of its retreat. And if we had snow on the ground, the quiet was even more noticeable... the snow acting as a natural insulation and sound dampener.
"You can't go home again"...
Those days are gone, aren't they? We're separated from that place by time, and "progress".
The kink in Morgantown road has been straightened. The stop sign has been replaced with a stop light. The neighborhood has grown, and traffic has increased.
But our memories remain.
I remember the quiet.
And it brings a warm stillness to my heart.
Have a safe, happy Christmas everyone, and thank you for being a part of my life.
For that, and for so much more, I thank our Lord on his birthday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
