First United Methodist Church of Corsicana is where I go and sit in the choir. To understand part of this let's imagine the church building. The street doors enter the main sanctuary from the back on both back sides. That was a poor description. Think of a box where all the people sit. The preacher stands in front and their are doors in the back. The choir sits behind the preacher. Off to the side of the choir, steps down, into a small room where the preacher keeps his robe and other things like that. There is a door leading outside from the small ready room. That door is locked and is never opened.
-----
At the back of the place the outside doors - both - lead to small entry areas which go to the actual outside of the building. A porch, there is a nice porch there to keep the rain off your noggin. The northwest entryway, foyer, has restrooms off to the side. This is a great old church built over a hundred years ago. The windows are beautiful - prolly some photos online.
------
Back in the beginning days of the building the Texas Legislature or Texas Democrats or whatever held their annual meeting in this building. It was known as the flea meeting cause little sand fleas infested the building and were biting all the politicians. The story must be online somewhere. Beats me.
--------
That has nothing to do with today though.
--------
As the service was just getting rolling - I am sitting in choir loft looking out at the congregation, when a lady entered from the back (restroom foyer side). She traveled a few rows and crossed over to speak in the ear of this gentleman. Her entrance was not Stelth - I fault her not though. Both quickly moved into the foyer. Hustle & Bustle. More people came inside and spoke to others. Different people left to the foyer - some returned. Fast forward.
.
The preacher says, "let us pray." ( I paraphrased here - he has a more elegant way of leading into the pastoral prayer than I ) . In the course of our programmed church service, it was time for the prayer. Audience: heads bow and silence. A siren in the not too far distance. Our preacher always pauses before he utters his first prayer words...I imagine it is for the effect. The siren came closer, closer, louder, louder -- BBBBLLLLAAAAAAAHHHHH the air horn goes off. Suddenly right outside the front of the church, no noise, no siren, no loud horn. The prayer began.
.
An appropriate amount of time passed. Through the glass windows in the door, I observed the EMT guys rolling somebody out the front door of the building. The service continues; no break.
.
Editorial: Should the preacher have left his podium and visited the foyer? Should the preacher have continued the service with no break (as he did)? I know that had this happened while I was conducting a concert with my bands, I would have chosen to keep the music going. If I had paused, every little girl in my band would have become too emotional to continue - and it would not have mattered who was sick.
/.
My opinion: he should keep the service going. BUT, had he chosen to go to the back and delayed the service, that would have been okay too. Had he known the identity of the sick person, it would have been a great time for a special prayer. Maybe some usher should have passed him a note during the service. I know there will be those who complain- no matter what. If you like the preacher, he did fine. If you are mad at the preacher, what a great opportunity to fuss again and again.
.
Here is my question: the guy who had the heart attack in the foyer - did he care either way at the time? Nope. I doubt it. Certainly not. One of our congregation is a "real" medical doctor. He was in the foyer. It will be interesting to see the take others make on this. I roll my eyes in anticipation.
--------
That wasn't all. Remember the door in the little room off the choir loft? The service was winding to a close. All of a sudden, there was a knocking at that door. KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK - 5 loud hammerings. The choir members all flinched -- flipping heads around to look at the door. The choir guy nearest the door said, "I'm not opening it." The guy next to me added, "me either." The knock was heard all over the congregation. Seconds passed. No 2nd knock. Who was there? Was it the hand of God? Maybe it was "Death" coming to claim his victim. The knock was strong.
.
I feel certain the preacher continued his sermon. I don't know that. I imagine no member of the choir heard another word from the pulpit - never mind the sound guy didn't have our speakers turned on in the loft. A pregnant pause. One of the ushers climbed out of his pew and exited the back of the sanctuary. I observed his shadow on the stain glass side windows as he walked around the building to the back. What would await his journey? I know that I would have been quite cautious in today's climate.
.
There he found a young man - standing by the door. In his arms a pile of Pizza boxes. The kid says, "Did you know you have a little cat living in your bushes?" Our man, "No, I didn't. I do think you want the entrance door over here." The pizza was being delivered for the a Youth function to be held right after church.
.
The service ended. The choir, isolated in the loft, had no idea what had happened to the person in the foyer - who / what was he/she? etc. We learned later it was a man with a heart attack.
.
And the knock on the door? The preacher was nearing the part of the service where he invites people to join the church. Nearing. What a perfect opportunity to save a soul, I say. Yet, remember, we didn't open the door. Somewhere in the Bible is a passage about someone coming to the door, and he is let in - or was he denied entry? I don't know. One or the other - or maybe both. We were challenged. The choir failed to open the door. Sorta sad if you want to think of it that way. I have always enjoyed a good choir pizza party.
.
My wife reminded me of a popular song, years gone by -- A song that has a knocking and the lyrics:
Open the Door Richard.
Open the Door Richard.
Richard, why don't you open the door.
We had fine music in my youth; nothing like the trash of today.
m3
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Sunday, June 30, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
When it rains, it pours (poor me)
When it rains, it pours. ( helping to create a Poor ).
==============
Thursday and Sunday. We live on a lake governed by Tarrant County water district...TCWD. They have a different name than TCWD. Who really cares? For those from other slots in the country, Tarrant County is Fort Worth and immediate surrounding area. Our lake, Richland-Chambers, is one of their water supplies. Richland Creek and Chambers Creek collide and empty into the Trinity River. Frankly, I don't think that is where the name "Trinity" comes from.
.
We have a water pump, a honkin' big pump, on the dock which pumps water out - as much as we want. Pay an initial fee, all water is more or less free after that - electricity for the big, honkin' pump is another issue. Our Governess Tarrant County goes to Stage ? water restrictions. We can only water our yard on Thursday and Sunday.
.
You think I am doing a whine here. Suppose I am. I have a lake - a dock - free water - "what are you complaining about?" First of all you shouldn't water in the heat of the day - early morning and evening or late at night. Another whine: we don't have a sprinkler system. I have heavy red hoses that I lug all over the year. Usually I can keep 3 or 4 sprinklers running at the same time. Not always though. Water pressure - vs. pumping water up the hill to the top of the yard. Parts of the yard are NEVER watered. It consumes 2 days to water this place by hose. Whine.
.
Today ( for the lacklustered ) is Thursday - watering day. I have a Cors. Swing Orch rehearsal at 6 - the doo wop group - see description whenever I finish my other rant about last week. So I can only water up until may 4:30 or 5 - in order to eat (diabetics should eat regularly) and clean up a bit.
.
I awoke around 7:15 this morning and pulled myself out of bed about 7:35. Without eating my required breakfast (see diabetic note above), I lumbered outside arranging the hoses and sprinklers. Made a trip down to the dock to fire up the "Big, honkin' " water pump. I worked my way back up the hill to discover one sprinkler was doing nothing - nothing mind you - how does that happen? How can that happen? Think China - evil plot.
.
FYI: Last year I went to Home Depot and bought 2 big sprinklers standing on tripod legs and revolving heads. Wonderful - until..... The bottom pipe connecting the tri-pod sprinkler to my 3/4" hose came off in my hand. It screws up into that sprinkler. Broke off. yes it did, broke off leaving a threaded pipe piece up inside of the machine. $37 shot. { say that 3 times: pipe piece, pipe piece, pipe piece } The 2nd sprinkler is leaking in the same location - that pipe is going to break off too. It is just a matter of time. Another $37 shot.
.
Obviously, to me anyway, I need more sprinklers to make it through today and Sunday and future days. Redressed for travel - wind my way to Home Depot buying 3 more sprinklers, one of each kind except the plastic ones which have already failed for me this year. Home. It is apparent that the gentlemen who purchase sprinklers for Home Depot Corporation - these clods have never used a sprinkler for more than 1 day. Or it is what we refer to as planned obsolescents Sprinklers are not a good investment. (obsolescents is not a word - but it is close to what I am looking for - if you know the word, put it in the comments below and I will make a correction.)
.
When it rains it pours.
I walk into the house to an electric smell. The wife had just plugged in our vacuum and smoke poured out. Interesting really. Smoke pours out, I am sad. Water pours out, I am pleased. We moved it to the front yard and tried again. The motor is shot - burned to a crisp...quality smoke / electrical smell though. Get it fixed? Where could we get a $75 vacuum fixed cheaper than buying a new one? Life in 2013. Don't fix it; replace it.
.
So if bad things come in groups of 3, I am waiting. Major water sprinkler problem forcing a trip to town - vacuum cleaner burns up filling house with smoke - what can be next? Meatloaf for lunch???? Something else is hanging over our mansion.
Later.
m
==============
Thursday and Sunday. We live on a lake governed by Tarrant County water district...TCWD. They have a different name than TCWD. Who really cares? For those from other slots in the country, Tarrant County is Fort Worth and immediate surrounding area. Our lake, Richland-Chambers, is one of their water supplies. Richland Creek and Chambers Creek collide and empty into the Trinity River. Frankly, I don't think that is where the name "Trinity" comes from.
.
We have a water pump, a honkin' big pump, on the dock which pumps water out - as much as we want. Pay an initial fee, all water is more or less free after that - electricity for the big, honkin' pump is another issue. Our Governess Tarrant County goes to Stage ? water restrictions. We can only water our yard on Thursday and Sunday.
.
You think I am doing a whine here. Suppose I am. I have a lake - a dock - free water - "what are you complaining about?" First of all you shouldn't water in the heat of the day - early morning and evening or late at night. Another whine: we don't have a sprinkler system. I have heavy red hoses that I lug all over the year. Usually I can keep 3 or 4 sprinklers running at the same time. Not always though. Water pressure - vs. pumping water up the hill to the top of the yard. Parts of the yard are NEVER watered. It consumes 2 days to water this place by hose. Whine.
.
Today ( for the lacklustered ) is Thursday - watering day. I have a Cors. Swing Orch rehearsal at 6 - the doo wop group - see description whenever I finish my other rant about last week. So I can only water up until may 4:30 or 5 - in order to eat (diabetics should eat regularly) and clean up a bit.
.
I awoke around 7:15 this morning and pulled myself out of bed about 7:35. Without eating my required breakfast (see diabetic note above), I lumbered outside arranging the hoses and sprinklers. Made a trip down to the dock to fire up the "Big, honkin' " water pump. I worked my way back up the hill to discover one sprinkler was doing nothing - nothing mind you - how does that happen? How can that happen? Think China - evil plot.
.
FYI: Last year I went to Home Depot and bought 2 big sprinklers standing on tripod legs and revolving heads. Wonderful - until..... The bottom pipe connecting the tri-pod sprinkler to my 3/4" hose came off in my hand. It screws up into that sprinkler. Broke off. yes it did, broke off leaving a threaded pipe piece up inside of the machine. $37 shot. { say that 3 times: pipe piece, pipe piece, pipe piece } The 2nd sprinkler is leaking in the same location - that pipe is going to break off too. It is just a matter of time. Another $37 shot.
.
Obviously, to me anyway, I need more sprinklers to make it through today and Sunday and future days. Redressed for travel - wind my way to Home Depot buying 3 more sprinklers, one of each kind except the plastic ones which have already failed for me this year. Home. It is apparent that the gentlemen who purchase sprinklers for Home Depot Corporation - these clods have never used a sprinkler for more than 1 day. Or it is what we refer to as planned obsolescents Sprinklers are not a good investment. (obsolescents is not a word - but it is close to what I am looking for - if you know the word, put it in the comments below and I will make a correction.)
.
When it rains it pours.
I walk into the house to an electric smell. The wife had just plugged in our vacuum and smoke poured out. Interesting really. Smoke pours out, I am sad. Water pours out, I am pleased. We moved it to the front yard and tried again. The motor is shot - burned to a crisp...quality smoke / electrical smell though. Get it fixed? Where could we get a $75 vacuum fixed cheaper than buying a new one? Life in 2013. Don't fix it; replace it.
.
So if bad things come in groups of 3, I am waiting. Major water sprinkler problem forcing a trip to town - vacuum cleaner burns up filling house with smoke - what can be next? Meatloaf for lunch???? Something else is hanging over our mansion.
Later.
m
newspaper, Tues.
A couple of things caught my eye in yesterday's paper.
.
This is not funny - is sad. I saw where a 14 yr old boy in Lubbock impaled himself on a statue of a bull on the Texas Tech campus. The article said he was playing hide and seek in the pre-dawn hours (what does that mean?) when he stabbed himself and died. 2 adults and 2 other minors were there. AOL news gave a little more info about them trying to jump over the bull horns - but nothing was too clear. I predict, fences will be placed around the bull statues in the near future. You might ask how something like this can happen. Beats me. Young and foolish kids and adults. I'm sure the Lubbock Avalanche Journal has a better story than I.
......
Right under that article was one about a 20 year old guy who committed suicide after he went over to a girl's house (age 19) and shot her and a 17 year old boy. 17 year old boy and 19 year old girl shot and killed in the girl's home by a 20 year old who subsequently went to his home and shot himself. Now THAT was a waste of 3 lives. So stupid.
......
"Wherelse" but Colorado (maybe San Francisco or Seattle) a court ruled that a 6 year old girl was discriminated against by a school because they wouldn't let her use the girl's restroom. Coy Mathis, 6, was the girl. They had offered her the nurse's restroom or the one in the teacher's lounge....not good enough. Your first read of this paragraph should alert you to something is not right here.
.
The paper called her a Transgender girl. She was born a triplet. Her other two siblings were female - she related to females (paper said so) - no where in the article does it mention that she has boy equipment, not female equipment. Here is my take. A crazy parent decided to raise a boy as a girl messing with the child's brain. Consequently she thinks she should be a girl and should use the girl's restroom.
.
She was embarrassed when the teacher put her in the line with the boys. I quote: "Not even my teachers know I am a girl." That poor kid will be traumatized for the rest of HIS life cause HE has a crazy parent - mother. I noticed that nothing was mentioned about HIS father in the article. Crazy mother, my opinion. Go forward 12 years, what senior boy is going to take this GUY to the prom? When HE starts shaving, will HE want to be a cheerleader or a twirler? Can you see many more law suits in the future? There is so much wrong with this - Child protective service should interfere I think - one of the few times I find them to be of use.
.
THE KID IS ONLY 6 - THE MOM IS CRAZY !!!! (Maybe she will sue me for slander).
I'll try to get back on track tomorrow. m
.
This is not funny - is sad. I saw where a 14 yr old boy in Lubbock impaled himself on a statue of a bull on the Texas Tech campus. The article said he was playing hide and seek in the pre-dawn hours (what does that mean?) when he stabbed himself and died. 2 adults and 2 other minors were there. AOL news gave a little more info about them trying to jump over the bull horns - but nothing was too clear. I predict, fences will be placed around the bull statues in the near future. You might ask how something like this can happen. Beats me. Young and foolish kids and adults. I'm sure the Lubbock Avalanche Journal has a better story than I.
......
Right under that article was one about a 20 year old guy who committed suicide after he went over to a girl's house (age 19) and shot her and a 17 year old boy. 17 year old boy and 19 year old girl shot and killed in the girl's home by a 20 year old who subsequently went to his home and shot himself. Now THAT was a waste of 3 lives. So stupid.
......
"Wherelse" but Colorado (maybe San Francisco or Seattle) a court ruled that a 6 year old girl was discriminated against by a school because they wouldn't let her use the girl's restroom. Coy Mathis, 6, was the girl. They had offered her the nurse's restroom or the one in the teacher's lounge....not good enough. Your first read of this paragraph should alert you to something is not right here.
.
The paper called her a Transgender girl. She was born a triplet. Her other two siblings were female - she related to females (paper said so) - no where in the article does it mention that she has boy equipment, not female equipment. Here is my take. A crazy parent decided to raise a boy as a girl messing with the child's brain. Consequently she thinks she should be a girl and should use the girl's restroom.
.
She was embarrassed when the teacher put her in the line with the boys. I quote: "Not even my teachers know I am a girl." That poor kid will be traumatized for the rest of HIS life cause HE has a crazy parent - mother. I noticed that nothing was mentioned about HIS father in the article. Crazy mother, my opinion. Go forward 12 years, what senior boy is going to take this GUY to the prom? When HE starts shaving, will HE want to be a cheerleader or a twirler? Can you see many more law suits in the future? There is so much wrong with this - Child protective service should interfere I think - one of the few times I find them to be of use.
.
THE KID IS ONLY 6 - THE MOM IS CRAZY !!!! (Maybe she will sue me for slander).
I'll try to get back on track tomorrow. m
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Medical and anticipation
as an F Y I - I have not forgotten my blug. Things have been busy around here including: a trip to Louisiana, Laura visiting for a week, a trip to Mission Tejas State Park with both Christine and Laura and 5 dogs and wife, regular church activities, visiting estate sales, yard work, Cors Swing Orch & doo wop rehearsals, computer poker at night, ankle prob, and more. These I am addressing in a very long bloggy that I am creating slow slowly slowest. Stay tuned. Coming soon.
.
Right now, this moment, I am waiting my turn in the shower room. I have an appointment with a foot doctor at 10:30. As a diabetic we are suppose to see feet guys once a year; it has been almost 2. My left ankle started hurting one day for no reason. I cannot remember stepping in a hole, twisting it, or whatever. One morning about 8 a.m., the spouse/wife said she was going walking. Would I like to go. Of course the answer is always No. I don't like to go walking. But, it is good for me, so I agreed, quickly changing into my walking shoes and appropriate clothing.
.
I stepped out on the front drive and started down the street. It lasted maybe 4 steps and my ankle had pain. Usually it is my knees or hips that have some pain, not the ankle. I walked through the pain and the one mile up and down our hills and valleys. The ankle has been hurting since.
.
Not being completely stupid, I contacted my real doctor - general type, diabetic adviser, and overall generally a nice guy - his brother is a band director up in the H E B area between Dallas and Ft. Worth. I enjoy, if indeed you can enjoy, my visits to the doctor. Dr. Merrill did the X-Ray game on the ankle. Nothing. No breaks or tears or anything. Yet the ankle is swollen, and I do have pain. He said it was not gout. Apparently gout is common for my age - or why would it have even come up. If I understood his instructions, we would let the ankle run its course. He offered to show me the X-Ray but said I would only be scared by seeing the age-appropriate heel spurs. No argument there. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing in my world. Not knowing is often a better plan.
.
That was a month ago ... still swollen ... still pain. I am going to go see a foot and ankle type doctor this morning. We will get a 2nd opinion. I have visions of all sorts of problems. Or, he may tell me to go buy some better shoes or socks or even wrap the ankle with a band aid. I did trim my toe nails to make the experience go better. I betcha he sees some God-Awful toe nails and toes in his biz. That would not be a job for me.
=============
Stay connected in the near future for my trip stone and child visit stone and all other exciting projects from my block. Time to go. Wife just proclaimed it to be my time in the shower room. Later. M
.
Right now, this moment, I am waiting my turn in the shower room. I have an appointment with a foot doctor at 10:30. As a diabetic we are suppose to see feet guys once a year; it has been almost 2. My left ankle started hurting one day for no reason. I cannot remember stepping in a hole, twisting it, or whatever. One morning about 8 a.m., the spouse/wife said she was going walking. Would I like to go. Of course the answer is always No. I don't like to go walking. But, it is good for me, so I agreed, quickly changing into my walking shoes and appropriate clothing.
.
I stepped out on the front drive and started down the street. It lasted maybe 4 steps and my ankle had pain. Usually it is my knees or hips that have some pain, not the ankle. I walked through the pain and the one mile up and down our hills and valleys. The ankle has been hurting since.
.
Not being completely stupid, I contacted my real doctor - general type, diabetic adviser, and overall generally a nice guy - his brother is a band director up in the H E B area between Dallas and Ft. Worth. I enjoy, if indeed you can enjoy, my visits to the doctor. Dr. Merrill did the X-Ray game on the ankle. Nothing. No breaks or tears or anything. Yet the ankle is swollen, and I do have pain. He said it was not gout. Apparently gout is common for my age - or why would it have even come up. If I understood his instructions, we would let the ankle run its course. He offered to show me the X-Ray but said I would only be scared by seeing the age-appropriate heel spurs. No argument there. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing in my world. Not knowing is often a better plan.
.
That was a month ago ... still swollen ... still pain. I am going to go see a foot and ankle type doctor this morning. We will get a 2nd opinion. I have visions of all sorts of problems. Or, he may tell me to go buy some better shoes or socks or even wrap the ankle with a band aid. I did trim my toe nails to make the experience go better. I betcha he sees some God-Awful toe nails and toes in his biz. That would not be a job for me.
=============
Stay connected in the near future for my trip stone and child visit stone and all other exciting projects from my block. Time to go. Wife just proclaimed it to be my time in the shower room. Later. M
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
wine addition to yesterday's entry
Wait Wait
Yesterday's blog bit talked about our trip to Ok City for the
dance. If you remember, it started out as a bit about wine. I left the best
part out because I had vowed to stop after 15 minutes.
.
Here it is.
.
One evening staying in Marshall's bachelor pad that trip, he
decided he was going to introduce us to the finer things in life - namely -
wine. Friends were over. He dug out some glasses and dug out his wine.
Pouring liberally he filled the glasses for Jim and me.
.
Naturally, Jim had no problem drinking that vile stuff. Marshall
swore to me that it was a sweet wine and was really good. So, coming down off
my high horse, I gave the glass a try. That stuff was terrible. It made the
inside of my mouth shrivel. I do believe Jim finished off my
portion.
.
Marshall = the great wine educator = did introduce us to the
finest wine.
You may wonder the brand - how I can remember this bit so many
years past, I just don't know.
He fed us Mogen David red wine. It was a very pretty bottle with
the little basket woven around the base. I leave you with this - Want to
introduce a high school prude to the joys of wine? Don't buy the sweet Mogen
David variety with the cute basket. Won't work.
That's it.
m
Monday, June 10, 2013
Wine - no make that pizza & Ok City
This is a 15 minute written blug. I am turning the water off in 15, thus, the end here.
.
Dallas Paper had a feature article about wine. Now, the wife and I are non-drinkers, not necessarily because we hate drunks. We just never got into it. When I was a junior in H.S., brother Jim (a senior) and I went to visit brother Marshall in Okla City over the Christmas break. Marshall had a New Year's eve dance job and had booked Jim with the band. String Bass. He did okay thumping the thing, but trombone was his real instrument.
.
Uncle Junior and Aunt Mary (maybe somebody else - can't remember) took me to the dance. It was in a ballroom on one of the top floors of a hotel downtown OK City .... I think. That was a long time ago and I was in a daze. The dance was fun. Jr. bussed Mary at Midnight - the first time I had seen that tradition carried out. I think Jim had a great time - and Marshall always had a great time.
.
I can still remember them playing Star Dust. Marshall took off on the first 3 note pickups, he wasn't just loud, he was obnoxiously loud on those three. It sure got everyone's attention in the entire room. The crowd didn't care. They jumped up and started dancing. This was when dancing was not just "slow-makeout" dancing and wiggling of today ( can't spell gyrations with confidence). These people knew the dance steps. Fun night.
.
A couple of milestones that trip. #1 Dad let us take the car and drive to Okla city by ourselves. We drove, bought gas, the whole shootin' match - and didn't get lost once. Marshall was the band director in a small squirrely school southeast of the City. If I had a map, i could tell you the name. We toured the school and met some of the kids. They were country as country can be. The school was one of those old 3 story red brick monstrosities, typical of the day.
.
#2 Marshall took us to a pizza joint. Levelland didn't have pizza at this time. It was a brand new experience to us. First thing after ordering, they put a cloth bib on each of us, tied it right on, around the neck. They brought out piles of spaghetti and pizza. I know this will make ME sound country. We had never eaten spaghetti, much less pizza. Marshall, being the suave type, taught us how to roll the spaghetti up on our forks using a big spoon.
.
And the pizza was really good. It did not taste like what I get today. Pizza had a different flavor than now. Maybe this is what they call New York Pizza or Chicago Pizza. I don't know; I live in small town Texas. It was different.
.
Over the following couple of years, my mom learned to make pizza - and spaghetti - she had a recipe for making the dough. . . mashed it out and decorated it with something. Who can remember? It was good too. I do not remember when the first pizza joint came to Levelland. It was probably a Pizza Hut. Beats me. But enough of that, I got off course.
.
On to the wine review...they write the dumbest things about ....wait....alarm went off. Bluggy ends. Time to turn off the water. Wine will come another day.
m
p.s. p.s. one night driving back to Marshall's "pad" in his friends Jeep station wagon with snow tires ..... the tires made a sound on the pavement - it was a particular note - a pitch, if you will. Marshall & his friends would speed up and slow down tuning the tire notes with their ears. As a budding musician, i was impressed. The one thing they didn't do was play a song with the tire notes. That would have been even more impressive to me.
.
Dallas Paper had a feature article about wine. Now, the wife and I are non-drinkers, not necessarily because we hate drunks. We just never got into it. When I was a junior in H.S., brother Jim (a senior) and I went to visit brother Marshall in Okla City over the Christmas break. Marshall had a New Year's eve dance job and had booked Jim with the band. String Bass. He did okay thumping the thing, but trombone was his real instrument.
.
Uncle Junior and Aunt Mary (maybe somebody else - can't remember) took me to the dance. It was in a ballroom on one of the top floors of a hotel downtown OK City .... I think. That was a long time ago and I was in a daze. The dance was fun. Jr. bussed Mary at Midnight - the first time I had seen that tradition carried out. I think Jim had a great time - and Marshall always had a great time.
.
I can still remember them playing Star Dust. Marshall took off on the first 3 note pickups, he wasn't just loud, he was obnoxiously loud on those three. It sure got everyone's attention in the entire room. The crowd didn't care. They jumped up and started dancing. This was when dancing was not just "slow-makeout" dancing and wiggling of today ( can't spell gyrations with confidence). These people knew the dance steps. Fun night.
.
A couple of milestones that trip. #1 Dad let us take the car and drive to Okla city by ourselves. We drove, bought gas, the whole shootin' match - and didn't get lost once. Marshall was the band director in a small squirrely school southeast of the City. If I had a map, i could tell you the name. We toured the school and met some of the kids. They were country as country can be. The school was one of those old 3 story red brick monstrosities, typical of the day.
.
#2 Marshall took us to a pizza joint. Levelland didn't have pizza at this time. It was a brand new experience to us. First thing after ordering, they put a cloth bib on each of us, tied it right on, around the neck. They brought out piles of spaghetti and pizza. I know this will make ME sound country. We had never eaten spaghetti, much less pizza. Marshall, being the suave type, taught us how to roll the spaghetti up on our forks using a big spoon.
.
And the pizza was really good. It did not taste like what I get today. Pizza had a different flavor than now. Maybe this is what they call New York Pizza or Chicago Pizza. I don't know; I live in small town Texas. It was different.
.
Over the following couple of years, my mom learned to make pizza - and spaghetti - she had a recipe for making the dough. . . mashed it out and decorated it with something. Who can remember? It was good too. I do not remember when the first pizza joint came to Levelland. It was probably a Pizza Hut. Beats me. But enough of that, I got off course.
.
On to the wine review...they write the dumbest things about ....wait....alarm went off. Bluggy ends. Time to turn off the water. Wine will come another day.
m
p.s. p.s. one night driving back to Marshall's "pad" in his friends Jeep station wagon with snow tires ..... the tires made a sound on the pavement - it was a particular note - a pitch, if you will. Marshall & his friends would speed up and slow down tuning the tire notes with their ears. As a budding musician, i was impressed. The one thing they didn't do was play a song with the tire notes. That would have been even more impressive to me.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Oscar and his ...
Dogs have such skills that we do not possessessessessessssss.....................the final extra S(s) were in tribute to Harry Potter's snake skills.
.
Last night in the Pit for "be a good dog" time.... Oscar is walking around with his nose straight in the air smelling. Well, he always smells. He was sniffing, or niffin' as we like to say around here. He faced one direction, nose in the air, and rotated his head back and forth. Then, like a bolt of lightening, he faced a certain direction, went over to the spot and wet where Liesl had just finished. Remember the adage, "Let no good urine spot go unmarked."
.
That is off subject (just like the Harry P was).
.
My Oscar is a ball boy. He will run after the ball for as long as you choose to throw. I have a particular ball that is is soft, about the size of a baseball, use to have a squeaker, can be thrown and caught without pain to the throwee or the catchee. Oscar loves these balls. This month we have been using a blue ball; I guess the green one is just not "right" for today's catching.
.
I found a ball that Bruno likes. It is about 1 1/2" across, with squeaker - advertised by Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund - go to that site and enjoy. I found them on another pet store site at a greatly reduced price, but bought my first six from Crusoe. You get 6 in a package: red, orange, blue, pink, green, and a purplish color I think. Bruno takes one and just chews on it like a piece of gum. The squeakers die early. Doesn't bother the boys, they will still chew and chew. A split will appear. Doesn't bother the boys.
.
Oscar and Bruno seem to choose a small colored ball of the day. For some reason they will both want the same ball. My theory is that Bruno puts his spit on one and Oscar, being a jealous little monster, goes after that ball. I can throw the big blue ball down the hill for Oscar and the small colored ball for Bruno. Bruno will lumber down the hill as fast as he can go, grabs the ball, returns to the porch and isolates away from me. Oscar will bring the ball back for another throw.
..
Midnight last, the boys were asleep and I was getting ready to go to bed. I yelled "Pit" and all 5 dogs made for the back pit door except Oscar. He was rooting around the pillows and blankets. I picked up a pink ball and threw it to him. He smelled it briefly and continued his search. I dug too. Under one pillow was the orange ball. I held it carefully between my fingers as he sniffed and snatched. Yes, it was the Orange ball that was needed. He can't think straight unless he has a ball in his mouth.
.
Coming back in (I hold the ball till he finishes his biz outside), he stops and turns looking into my eyes. I pulled the orange ball out and away we went. Bruno ran inside then froze, he turned and looked at me with those big ole green eyes, luckily I had the pink ball which I tossed. Snatching the pink, Bruno scurried off to his pillow - happily - I might add.
.
Today's color of the day. I just don't know yet. They will tell me when the time comes. And, it will come. Trust me.
m
p.s.
.
Last night in the Pit for "be a good dog" time.... Oscar is walking around with his nose straight in the air smelling. Well, he always smells. He was sniffing, or niffin' as we like to say around here. He faced one direction, nose in the air, and rotated his head back and forth. Then, like a bolt of lightening, he faced a certain direction, went over to the spot and wet where Liesl had just finished. Remember the adage, "Let no good urine spot go unmarked."
.
That is off subject (just like the Harry P was).
.
My Oscar is a ball boy. He will run after the ball for as long as you choose to throw. I have a particular ball that is is soft, about the size of a baseball, use to have a squeaker, can be thrown and caught without pain to the throwee or the catchee. Oscar loves these balls. This month we have been using a blue ball; I guess the green one is just not "right" for today's catching.
.
I found a ball that Bruno likes. It is about 1 1/2" across, with squeaker - advertised by Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund - go to that site and enjoy. I found them on another pet store site at a greatly reduced price, but bought my first six from Crusoe. You get 6 in a package: red, orange, blue, pink, green, and a purplish color I think. Bruno takes one and just chews on it like a piece of gum. The squeakers die early. Doesn't bother the boys, they will still chew and chew. A split will appear. Doesn't bother the boys.
.
Oscar and Bruno seem to choose a small colored ball of the day. For some reason they will both want the same ball. My theory is that Bruno puts his spit on one and Oscar, being a jealous little monster, goes after that ball. I can throw the big blue ball down the hill for Oscar and the small colored ball for Bruno. Bruno will lumber down the hill as fast as he can go, grabs the ball, returns to the porch and isolates away from me. Oscar will bring the ball back for another throw.
..
Midnight last, the boys were asleep and I was getting ready to go to bed. I yelled "Pit" and all 5 dogs made for the back pit door except Oscar. He was rooting around the pillows and blankets. I picked up a pink ball and threw it to him. He smelled it briefly and continued his search. I dug too. Under one pillow was the orange ball. I held it carefully between my fingers as he sniffed and snatched. Yes, it was the Orange ball that was needed. He can't think straight unless he has a ball in his mouth.
.
Coming back in (I hold the ball till he finishes his biz outside), he stops and turns looking into my eyes. I pulled the orange ball out and away we went. Bruno ran inside then froze, he turned and looked at me with those big ole green eyes, luckily I had the pink ball which I tossed. Snatching the pink, Bruno scurried off to his pillow - happily - I might add.
.
Today's color of the day. I just don't know yet. They will tell me when the time comes. And, it will come. Trust me.
m
p.s.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Untitled ramblings
it has been a while since I typed herein -- I have a few subjects to cover -- so I don't have a major title. You can make up your own appropriate title. By the numbers ...
.
1. My smart phone is too smart sometimes. This past week, all of a sudden, it put all of my Facebook contacts on my phone contact list. My wife had sent me a text. Naturally, I was driving when the notice came through. I read her message and was going to send back a one-liner response. Hit "contacts" and there they were...name after name after name. My phone contact list suddenly had around 400 names, all in a line. I almost crashed into the car in front of me.
.
But, I waited and found a parking lot to re-open the contact list. There they were. Over 400 names listed alphabetically. Almost all had the little F for Facebook sign. I can tell you right here and now, it made me mad. I've been worrying of late because I don't like to get mad anymore.
.
This is an example of why technology new stuff and I have problems. Nowhere in my phone or Facebook directions is anything about cleaning out this contact list. I started at the top. I tried to delete the 1st Facebook name and the phone said, "Y'all caint do dat - you can't delete a read-only listing - but you can hide it in contacts." I hit the "go for it" button and the name went somewhere. I never could find where it was hidden, not that I truly care.
.
It was gone. Name #2 = same results. I had only 368 more names to delete one at a time. Some of you at this point are rolling your eyes and calling me a moron. like = "all ya gotta do to erase them thar names is to ......" Well, Friend. you are not here to show me how, and I truly don't know the process. I went digging in the settings. no hints there. I clicked on Facebook and it had links to things like Sync. (whatever that may be) And, in bold print, it tells me that Sync isn't working right now.
.
I didn't have a clue. I sent a text to son Roger and daughter Christine. Roger actually works around computers and Christine has a Galaxy phone - not my model, but a Galaxy. She didn't reply. Roger finally did. His quick answer: "delete the Facebook App." I have done it. Facebook is not on my phone. The names all went away. "AWAY AWAY," I tell you, quote the Raven nevermore. Two more related paragraphs follow.
.
I took a photo today with my camera phone and was going to post it on Facebook. Nope, can't. Facebook is not on my phone. Guess I will find a different way someday...when I care.
.
Listening to Kim Komando on radio. She had a guest who ended up telling a story about his iPhone and Sync and - well it sounded a bit like my horror. How did he solve it? he deleted Facebook off his iPhone. I quote: " I took off Facebook. I don't trust Facebook anyway."
So there. I'm sure one of you will send a better solution. Maybe not. I never did like Facebook that much anyway.
=============
2. My other Mad this week is at State Farm. They are still hassling me about my replaced septic system. I have a previous post about this subject. It is so stupid. Some pencil pusher wants me to prove that I had the septic tank replaced. State Farm wouldn't and didn't pay anything to get it replaced. They told me that the septic is not covered with my insurance policy. They even lied and said they had been out here and inspected it. NOT. My septic is in my backyard, fenced, and under lock and key. They were bluffing. Looks like I am going to change my insurance company. I don't like this type of stupid pressure when it has absolutely nothing to do with my policy. Jerks.
=============
3. Learned something today while driving and listening to the radio. As you may know, most weekend radio shows are devoted to selling you something. Entertainment is at a minimum. I bumped into a radio show today about Real Estate. They had their lawyer there who was talking about general subjects. Example: if you don't have a will, the govt. will probably decide who gets your stuff no matter how little that stuff is - it is not your decision. If you leave a wife (or husband) behind, that spouse will only get 1/2 of your stuff - the rest will be doled out to your children or other heirs. She could be left in trouble. It won't be your choice or hers.
.
The other thing I learned had to do with Texas Common Law - that is common law marriage - which is now called Informal Marriage. I think I can explain. Let's say you are single and start shacking up with someone. At some point you put yourself out to be married to each other, then, by Texas law, you are married. An example. The two of you make a trip together and check into a motel. To make things easier, you sign in as a married couple (Mr. and Mrs. John Doe). According to this guy, you guys are now married in Texas. -- I would see a lawyer if you have done this and check out my story.
.
The lawyer says that if you SAY you are married IN TEXAS and live together or (woo-woo) together and in any manner you proclaim marriage -- you are married. And in Texas, the only way you can clean this up is by going to the Divorce court. Yep, you cannot just split and say hi-dee-ho. You have to go get a Divorce. Good luck on that.
.
He told a story of a young guy who came into his office. The guy had been shacked up with this girl three years ago. They split. All of a sudden the young guy is being sued for divorce by her. It seems that after splitting, the guy had gone to Houston and lucked into some oil dealings - he made a LOT of money. Now, the ex-girl friend wants part of it in the divorce. See the prob? Lawyer's solution: he asked the guy if he had ever lived with any other girl before. He had. 2 years before, there had been another AND this girl was still friends with the client.
.
Solution: the guy had the 1st shack up ex-girl friend file for a divorce proving he was already married when he was shacking up with the 2nd girl -- didja follow that? Once this was done, the bad ex-girl friend's divorce case was thrown out. At the end of the divorces, the good, friend ex-girl friend, drove off in a new Jaguar, happily divorced legally. The bad, not-friend, ex-girl friend got nothing. So here is the crux of the bit. If you shack up with some person, you had better watch what you say and do or - in Texas - you may be married - and, you will have to get a divorce to end it all.
.
I asked my car radio a question, but it didn't answer. If he were married to the 1st girl when he was shacked up with the 2nd girl, did that make him a bigamist? Could he go to jail for bigamy? Maybe that is a question better left alone.
.
I know a guy who lived with this girl for over a year. It was all fine till he found her messing around with others. They split. This girl won't talk to him, and he still has some anger issues with her. They may be married in the eyes of Texas law. Or not. I don't know. What cha think?
.
Closing for the night - I plan to add some more of this nonsense in the near future.
m
.
1. My smart phone is too smart sometimes. This past week, all of a sudden, it put all of my Facebook contacts on my phone contact list. My wife had sent me a text. Naturally, I was driving when the notice came through. I read her message and was going to send back a one-liner response. Hit "contacts" and there they were...name after name after name. My phone contact list suddenly had around 400 names, all in a line. I almost crashed into the car in front of me.
.
But, I waited and found a parking lot to re-open the contact list. There they were. Over 400 names listed alphabetically. Almost all had the little F for Facebook sign. I can tell you right here and now, it made me mad. I've been worrying of late because I don't like to get mad anymore.
.
This is an example of why technology new stuff and I have problems. Nowhere in my phone or Facebook directions is anything about cleaning out this contact list. I started at the top. I tried to delete the 1st Facebook name and the phone said, "Y'all caint do dat - you can't delete a read-only listing - but you can hide it in contacts." I hit the "go for it" button and the name went somewhere. I never could find where it was hidden, not that I truly care.
.
It was gone. Name #2 = same results. I had only 368 more names to delete one at a time. Some of you at this point are rolling your eyes and calling me a moron. like = "all ya gotta do to erase them thar names is to ......" Well, Friend. you are not here to show me how, and I truly don't know the process. I went digging in the settings. no hints there. I clicked on Facebook and it had links to things like Sync. (whatever that may be) And, in bold print, it tells me that Sync isn't working right now.
.
I didn't have a clue. I sent a text to son Roger and daughter Christine. Roger actually works around computers and Christine has a Galaxy phone - not my model, but a Galaxy. She didn't reply. Roger finally did. His quick answer: "delete the Facebook App." I have done it. Facebook is not on my phone. The names all went away. "AWAY AWAY," I tell you, quote the Raven nevermore. Two more related paragraphs follow.
.
I took a photo today with my camera phone and was going to post it on Facebook. Nope, can't. Facebook is not on my phone. Guess I will find a different way someday...when I care.
.
Listening to Kim Komando on radio. She had a guest who ended up telling a story about his iPhone and Sync and - well it sounded a bit like my horror. How did he solve it? he deleted Facebook off his iPhone. I quote: " I took off Facebook. I don't trust Facebook anyway."
So there. I'm sure one of you will send a better solution. Maybe not. I never did like Facebook that much anyway.
=============
2. My other Mad this week is at State Farm. They are still hassling me about my replaced septic system. I have a previous post about this subject. It is so stupid. Some pencil pusher wants me to prove that I had the septic tank replaced. State Farm wouldn't and didn't pay anything to get it replaced. They told me that the septic is not covered with my insurance policy. They even lied and said they had been out here and inspected it. NOT. My septic is in my backyard, fenced, and under lock and key. They were bluffing. Looks like I am going to change my insurance company. I don't like this type of stupid pressure when it has absolutely nothing to do with my policy. Jerks.
=============
3. Learned something today while driving and listening to the radio. As you may know, most weekend radio shows are devoted to selling you something. Entertainment is at a minimum. I bumped into a radio show today about Real Estate. They had their lawyer there who was talking about general subjects. Example: if you don't have a will, the govt. will probably decide who gets your stuff no matter how little that stuff is - it is not your decision. If you leave a wife (or husband) behind, that spouse will only get 1/2 of your stuff - the rest will be doled out to your children or other heirs. She could be left in trouble. It won't be your choice or hers.
.
The other thing I learned had to do with Texas Common Law - that is common law marriage - which is now called Informal Marriage. I think I can explain. Let's say you are single and start shacking up with someone. At some point you put yourself out to be married to each other, then, by Texas law, you are married. An example. The two of you make a trip together and check into a motel. To make things easier, you sign in as a married couple (Mr. and Mrs. John Doe). According to this guy, you guys are now married in Texas. -- I would see a lawyer if you have done this and check out my story.
.
The lawyer says that if you SAY you are married IN TEXAS and live together or (woo-woo) together and in any manner you proclaim marriage -- you are married. And in Texas, the only way you can clean this up is by going to the Divorce court. Yep, you cannot just split and say hi-dee-ho. You have to go get a Divorce. Good luck on that.
.
He told a story of a young guy who came into his office. The guy had been shacked up with this girl three years ago. They split. All of a sudden the young guy is being sued for divorce by her. It seems that after splitting, the guy had gone to Houston and lucked into some oil dealings - he made a LOT of money. Now, the ex-girl friend wants part of it in the divorce. See the prob? Lawyer's solution: he asked the guy if he had ever lived with any other girl before. He had. 2 years before, there had been another AND this girl was still friends with the client.
.
Solution: the guy had the 1st shack up ex-girl friend file for a divorce proving he was already married when he was shacking up with the 2nd girl -- didja follow that? Once this was done, the bad ex-girl friend's divorce case was thrown out. At the end of the divorces, the good, friend ex-girl friend, drove off in a new Jaguar, happily divorced legally. The bad, not-friend, ex-girl friend got nothing. So here is the crux of the bit. If you shack up with some person, you had better watch what you say and do or - in Texas - you may be married - and, you will have to get a divorce to end it all.
.
I asked my car radio a question, but it didn't answer. If he were married to the 1st girl when he was shacked up with the 2nd girl, did that make him a bigamist? Could he go to jail for bigamy? Maybe that is a question better left alone.
.
I know a guy who lived with this girl for over a year. It was all fine till he found her messing around with others. They split. This girl won't talk to him, and he still has some anger issues with her. They may be married in the eyes of Texas law. Or not. I don't know. What cha think?
.
Closing for the night - I plan to add some more of this nonsense in the near future.
m
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