....back on the Trail with John Henry and Jack Long.....

                    After over an hour digging and yankin' at Grover, who was buried up to his neck by some Comanches who didn't care for him & Edmond Pierce passing though their land...would of taken a lot less time if this big old Negro was a bit smaller. Then out of the blue he came up with his 10 inch Bowie Knife,  that he some how concealed from those Indians. Henry was just a soon get down the trail, but now with Grover free we had an extra hand when we found some work. Grover didn't have much to say on the subject, since this was the second time we saved his big Black Ass.....

        We packed up the next day and headed South, our original route before we got distracted with Grover. But none the less we were still in good shape. Now coming to a river bed to water the horses, out of the blue Grover declares he has to go after Pierce so that he can get the money and some important belongings that he got away with. This set me back a bit, along with Henry coming up quick behind him ready to put him face down with the fishes. I got Henry calmed down, along with myself who was wondering how he thought it all right to leave on his own, when we just agreed that he would stay on until the next job was done. 
       Grover was no dummy, even along with his mishaps that weren't all together his fault. It just might of been our fault for getting him out of those jams. But all things considered you couldn't help liking the guy, after all his six foot six inch frame that took up a large door way, I gave him a chance to explain why we should let him out of our sights, which to tell ya the truth, he could be a mile down the trail and we could still see him. 
      Well he made us a counter offer. If we came with him, he could make it worth our trouble, not liking to use that term right here, but how much 'trouble' could we get into with a guy as big as Horse standing up.
       He preceded to explain the reason that he even wondered why he got back with Pierce. When we got him out of that jam in that one horse town of Cody Wyoming. He said he headed back east, but not to get in touch with Pierce, but to make sure his family was all right, with the word of some War might take place, mostly in the South. He said he was about half way there, when he came upon a Wagon Train, heading West with the hoard of good intentioned Easterners trying to fine a new life.
       Of course he told us he had no intentions of hooking up with them, until he got to the last wagon, and who should he have seen but Mr. Edmond Pierce himself! He couldn't believe his eyes! 
       After settling in for the night , Piece had a chance to explain to Grover how he decided to join this set of Wagons on their next trip West. He told them that the Ship building business hadn't gone on to his expectations, and when another wealthy Englishman offered to buy the business. He took that as a sign for new adventures, with no knowledge of course of how the Shipping business would flourish in the coming years.
        
       Now Pierce was telling Grover of the Idea that Gold had been discovered out West, and that there was still time to get in on the spoils. He offered Grover a chance in a life time to go with him, and be not just his protection, but would split everything fifty-fifty, no matter who discovered it first.
      Pierce enticed him with  a large nugget that the man that bought his business and gave to him as part payment.The man told him that there was much more to be had, And he had gotten enough to come back and start something that he always has loved growing up on the coast of England.
       Edmond continued to explain to Grover that they could be rich, and told him he would give him an advance worthy of his help. Grover said he would sleep on it, and let him know in the morning.
      The next morning came and the rest is the fact  that he took his offer, and also taking that handsome advance that Pierce convinced him that he would keep it safe. That was the last time that Grover had laid his eyes on such a large  amount of money, and now wants us to go with him to get back what is rightfully his! 

      I looked right at him straight in the eyes, Grover nodded, I did back to him, and then at Henry to get an O.K. Henry just dropped his head, shook it once then mumbled something like  'oh, what the Hell' and turn and mounted Butter Cup, started out, turned around and yelled back 'well are ya coming or not...?!!'

     All in all, it didn't sound like such a bad deal since we were looking for work as well...and how much trouble could we get into going West with the three of us well seasoned to trouble as it were.....

     





 
       
      

...Back on the Trail out West with Henry & Jack, up to their neck with Grover...and more...

   

          I should clarify that as Grover being up to his neck, buried in the sand from some Comanche's that didn't take to him or his boss, Edmond Pierce , who were traveling to California, from Boston where Pierce owned a ship building company. Grover, a quite large black man, worked for him, but left on his own to discover on his own what the West might bring him since the south was out of the question. Jack and Henry had saved him once before from a dubious situation in a small town they stumbled upon while making their way back to Colorado for more work. Now they find him in another situation, brought on by him hooking back up with Pierce on his quest for fortune and fame. 
      They got as far as a little North of Colorado, in the foothills of Wyoming when they were attacked by a tribe of Comanche's, taking all their supplies and then burying Grover up to his neck, since they have never seen such a Black man, and were superstitious and didn't think it wise to kill him quickly. Edmond Pierce, for some reason was able to escape through their confusion with dealing with Grover.

      Coming through the thicket, trying to find a good place to camp for the night, Henry and I spotted something we never expected to ever see in our lifetimes. there was a head in the ground! Coming closer we could see it was Grover! We had last seen him after we were able to get him away from what could have been a terrible  mess between him and  angry mob. The next day we headed South, and at a split in the trail, Grover bid us farewell, saying he was heading back East. 
      Now here we are saving his ass again, which certainly would have ended in his death. I began digging around his neck slowly at first, then thought better to go a little faster just to make sure he'd be able to live through this. Henry took care of the horse's, and began to get started making camp. Soon he had some coffee, and settled in on an old stump to watch the progress with me and Grover. I didn't say any thing, knowing he just doesn't like to get envoled  in any other situations that don't directly concern him. I was fine with that even if Grover found it particularly peculiar.
      
     I think it brought him back to when he and his family were making the trip out here, and the time they got to the Mississippi where they had made camp and Henry went out for some food and returned with a young girl, who he had just saved from a horrible encounter with four Mountain men. They had just killed her young husband, when Henry spotted them in the firelight. Henry waited his chance when they got separated, he then eliminated the problem, which led him no choice but to bring the girl back with him to camp. His parents surprised at his return with what was suppose to be a hunt for food, instead arrives with her and some food from what she and her husband had.
    The next day with all of what happened, behind them, and a fresh start to go upstream to the Barge that would take them across the River and start the journey West.

       Once they got to the other side, everything seemed like it was back to normal, under the circumstances. The girl was named Lilly, and was from Connecticut. Her and her husband both dreamed of a better life out West, after hearing about it from families that had relatives that made the trip. They were the lucky ones, so it didn't sound so bad when they told of the open Prairies, just begging to have a large ranch built there, for a large family and all the livestock that you could handle.
      Lilly soon fit in helping out and what had happened soon became a distant memory. Henry was quite content with their new 'Family'. He was about the same age as Lilly, so they got along well.  
      It wasn't too long before they came upon the Great Plains Desert. They had to make the choice of when and who should cross it. At times only part of the Party would go, but that was when it was with a Wagon Train. This was as far as Henry's father made it when he first went out to scout what the journey would entail. They made camp, good enough for a long stay, hoping for a sign to lead them further. It came the next day, when a small Wagon Train pulled up to their camp, and asked....'How far ya all going..?'


      We'll see next time how far and how well they'll make it over the roughest part of their trip and find out what is in store for them.


 
      

....Why Lizards, and how there became part of my Life...

                
         I've been here in Florida now for the past ten years, and it still amazes me of how some things are so different here. The obvious of course is the weather, then there's the flat landscape& the roads that crisscross it since it's so much easier to do with this type of landscape. 
       Why then is it so hard to get a Rail System build on this near perfect setting....? Also why is there not a system in place, where solar energy is the dominate source  ALL the electricity in this..the 'Sunshine State'...?!  Well I think we all know the answer to that one. But I'm not here to discuss politics, not even after the disastrous results of this last election, where anything over 50% is not the majority  and we have to have more than 60% to win over the amendment. Again I'm not here to discuss politics, especially when I haven't registers yet...as an Independent. Surely not a Republican .  So no I didn't Vote, but would have been even more pissed off if I did..so I can't win for trying. 
        I just finished an article that went over the fact that 'things' happen for a reason, good or bad, so I'm going to suggest that not only Florida will come out of this mess, someday...but those Fat-cat Republicans will meet their justified ends.

      Now as I was saying before I got rudely interrupted by Politics, I was going to mention how it came to be the title of my blog..watchinglizardsonthewall.blogspot.com  Well before I moved here I lived at a house where I had my own room & access to the outer back porch. I had my desk set up facing the brick wall that was the surface for the outside wall of the house. Well before I knew it there were these friendly little Lizards crawling all over it and around the whole surrounding area. It gave me quite pause to stop and observe them in their natural habitat. It also gave me the time to think things over in my head. Some just silly thoughts and some serious revelations......I decided to try and capture both in writing them down..! 
       ........... A blog was born.........
  
     This is an article I found in the paper today, and thought I should share it with everyone so that maybe it would help in understanding my role here in my new home.....then again I know most of you know me well enough to understand how I got a little more.......  'Off the Wall'.................

        Faced with competition from an invading species, a type of Lizards in Florida took just 20 generations...about 15 years...to evolve feet better to climb trees, a new studies says.
     Biologists have long believed that evolution could occur rapidly among some species facing sudden, intense competition. In 1995, as part of an unrelated study, researchers introduced a foreign species of brown anole Lizards to three islands off the coast of Florida that were already green anole Lizards. Were know to move to higher perches after an invasion of brown ones.
     To test the rapid-evolution theory, researchers returned to the island 15 years later and examined the feet of the green Lizards......which had as predicted, relocated to higher perches. they had found that the Lizards had developed larger and stickier toe pads, a characteristic not shared by green Lizards on nearby island that had not been populated with brown Lizards.
       The ability to evolve rapidly could be a boon to species threatened with climate change, suggested the researchers, who published their study in the journal 'Science'. Other species that have shown an ability to do so include Darwin's finches in the Galapagos islands, which evolved smaller beaks just 22 years after the arrival of a competitive species, according to a Princeton study from 2006.
                        ..article by Douglas Quenqua,  New York Times...

 

.....still adding a few things from my past Journal....

 

                            Sometimes it's good to wonder and dream
                   to drift and escape....
                   but time has it being out of the real world,
                   can distress you...
                   even more greatly when you return....

                                                   Friday, November 30th 1973

          Well I thought that things would clear up after I talked with Dave, and they have! But what Hell broke loose doing it. I still can't believe that I was at the Apartment, trying to harm Meri, or at least making a good show of it. The events leading up to it that evening, were many.
         First, I had too much to drink and smoke...we both did...Dave and I...then after leaving the apartments, we dropped in on Meri at a party at Cathy's. Some surprise...! I met all of Meri's friends, and thought things were going well, Meri was a little pissed...we started to get heavy into the conversation, as the rest of the night dragged on until it was time to go, and we were 'flying' high.
         I had to wait at the apartment, as soon as they drove in and
went upstairs, it wasn't me who took over my body, because I new he wasn't going to stay, I didn't even give him a chance to leave!
         The rest is past and over, but as I feel everything happens to find the true meaning, as this did to release the other person in side of me , called Jealousy....
         
         It is now a new day and I have already talked to Meri this morning...I feel good as I hope she does too, with the past left behind and a bright future ahead of us......

                                               Tuesday, December 18th 1973

        I am running out of time and my mind is filled with things that I can't get done right away, at least I have a place where I can work. But now it is a cold place where other things must be done. One thing that I must do is to try and  write Meri.....
       Things seem to be confusing now with all this unfinished business before Christmas, and finances are low....I must stop and write Meri....

                                                Monday, December 24th 1973
      
         Can a man, or a women, become  a part of fantasy and still keep his well being of life in the back of his head so that he doesn't loose reality completely! Even to a point of drifting back and forth not knowing the middle or even which side is the 'Real' or which may be the 'Dream'...?!

                                               Tuesday, January 3rd 1974

         Things are happening too fast! I only hope that I'll be able to withstand anymore grim responsibility. The pressure sometimes gets unbearable and I do break down almost at any moment! But today is bright and clear, with hopes that this is the sign for well being. I did Pray to Him last night, this might be his answer to me...I can only hope.
        Yesterday Dad had his operation, and the Doctors said it looks bad. He said he'd know by Thursday morning....so I think I will leave this until then.....

                                               Wednesday, January 31st 1974

       Tomorrow is the first of February and I have past January right  by! I guess it is because the month fell short of my high expectations that I had hoped it would bring when I was in December. But now with a new month, and a breath of Spring, I may now bring back some of January on these pages when I am able to sit quietly and warm.....

                                                Friday, June 2nd 1974

       It has past into June, and not a mention of the past six months.
I hope to bring back some of those months later on, but for now, within two weeks,  the future and on, are more unreal and stimulating than what brought me as far down as possible in those past six months.
       What will this new 'Freedom' bring me, if I can even call it that, for I am using the term freely lately, and that I am justified in doing so! I do need it so bad, that it almost puts my thinking process to such a strain, that the 'new real life', is more scary than the 'old'....

            
        As many of you might have gathered, this was from my personal journal from the time I was getting a divorce, while also finding out that my father had Cancer. That last entry was a month or so after he died on April 24th 1974. From which I took  that date and circumstances, and used it to have my 1st Warren Woods Music Festival on May 24th 1975......and dedicated it to him, along with the Cancer Society...hence the name - 'Alive in '75 Lake Country Green..'  The ones that followed were all on the 24th of that month that they were on...August, then.. July the following year.
              
   
                      
    

.....a T.V. review...

         I was about to put this on the front 'News Page' on fb, under the 'What's on Your Mind' ...but decided I'd keep it around for a bit.
        So I was having my morning coffee, and doing my morning routine, reading the daily paper, and listening to some good 'ole classics. When I came across the article about Mama June's new guy friend she's been seeing while separated from her husband. I first heard about it on T.V. last night while watching a unique entertainment trash show. Then when I saw it in the paper, I thought to myself....self...is this really necessary ? Well apparently it is since the man she's dating is a convicted child molester!
     Well don't ya know they canceled the 'Honey Boo Boo Show'...really..?!! After an agonizing four years about hearing of this show, and of course never watched it....that's  what it took to get this piece of trash off the air...?!!
     On a similar  note, why is the 'Biggest Loser' still on..?!! I can't understand how people can watch Blobber bounce around for an hour.  O.K. you're probable saying to yourself : " hey you're kinda on the heavy side.."  Well yes, but I'd rather say: " large frame", or "heavy-set",and/or, 'Big "Boned"....but these people.?! I'm not trying  to knock them, but is it really worth a prime time show on National T.V...?!!  Well yes, I would love to shed some pounds, but I would not display it T.V.......O.K....on fb, yes, but that's another story.
     Speaking of another Story, the 'Two Broke Girls'..really..?!!
How did that make it another season....and using Kim Kardasian for better ratings..?!!
    Last but not least, 'Two and a Half Men'...I think we can all give a sigh of relief that it's finally gonna be put out of it's misery at the end of this season. Yes Charlie Sheen was the one holding that show together. You can still see him on MOR Ch. 9 at night, and doing what he does best  : 'Anger Management'....

      Just something to get off my ...'Large'.....Chest, let me know what you think...
    

...Just keeping the Record straight....

               I'm writing this post after some time has past, as it has become clear that in the month or so there have been struggles with both physical and mental pain. Although dealing with my Sciatica, has no where been the same as the hurt of losing loved ones. 
        I am now compelled to add posts from the past Journals that I had  written in the '70's, so that I may have time to over come the sadness that recently was brought into my life.

          ....November 3rd 1973.......
    
      I have finally gotten to the point of organization, a complete month of disorientation and situations of disbelief have now brought me to a point in my life where someday I will revisit and make more studies of my past life formations....for now though, time will have to be reconciled and hopefully in that it should take my mind and all that is around it will fit better into a more complete operation, which will run smoothly forever.

         .....November 8th 1973.......

     This relation reflects Octobers enormous change upon the Lifestyle of my family...the closest..myself will be discussed first, others will fit in with their necessary roles.
     My time is not right for continuing my writing, I will therefore delay once more my personal writings.....

         .....November 18th 1973.....

    Sunday..?..a day of rest..?  Not to be this one, I'm scared and nervous, the results will come in time.
    Today is for God, whom I believe, not in the religious sense, but as a 'Watcher' of individuals, and a guiding hand, so that we can Pray today and may Peace and happiness come from it.

        .....November 20th 1973.....

     "Stick to mainstream, leave sensationalism to others displayability to handle responsibility. Older individuals could open doors of major opportunities. Maintain steady pace...Capricorn, and Cancer persons could figure Prominently"
             ...Taurus...April 20th....May 20th....

       There is one more thing I have to copy for today and for today only. This song came down on me so hard, I couldn't help but cry and laugh with full force. At the same time I would like to have it here so that I will remember both the deep past, present and near future....it's from Cat Stevens, 'Father and Son'.......

     'It's not time to make a change, just relax take it easy, you're still young, that's your fault there's so much you have to know.
     Find a girl settle down, if you want you can marry, look at me I am old, but I'm happy.
     I was once like you are now, and I know that it's not easy to be calm when you've found something going on. But take your time think a lot why think of everything you've got, for you will still be here tomorrow, but you're dreams may not

     How can I explain, 'cause when I do he turns away again, it's always been the same 'ol story. From the moment I could talk, I was ordered to listen, now there's a way and I know that I have to go away...I know I have to go....

    It's not time to make a change, just sit down take it slowly, you're still young, that's your fault, there's so much you have to go through. Find a girl, settle down, if you want you can marry. Look at me I am old, but I'm happy.

   All the times that I have cried keeping all the things inside, it's hard, but it's harder to ignore it. If they were right I'd agree, but it's them they know not me, now there's a way and I know I have to go away...I know I have to go....

    This was from Cat Stevens, album 'Tea for the Tillerman', and was most fitting for me today, and always.....

    
        .....November 23rd 1973........

 
   Work seems to come easier now after my Thanksgiving with Meri. I still have fear for the future, but if feelings like this could happen every once and awhile, I would be grateful.

   My next picture is in the work, only hoping for mild enjoyment in the finished product.....

       ......November 27th 1973......


    Another long weekend with an explosive tale. My thoughts have been clarified Monday night, but to no avail. Today I start again, only thinking of Meri, and why she couldn't receive my calls. 
    No matter now, fore I will soon talk to her and hopefully regain my trust in her.

    Dave is now in close range, and I will depend greatly on our upcoming talk, Thursday night. Then I will write more fully on him, detailing a more complete understanding of the whole situation. Maybe then I will be able to let my free thoughts wander onto my life, as I see it in the near future.

    How can life be full without complete knowledge of what is happening around us....we must grasp every minute, and hold on tight until we know every detail of what has happened, and what will happen if we let go.


        .....Time is now floating, as I am now floating..
              endless and without fast. Why then can't 
              this time can't be slowed down, or sped up?
              My time as I see it can no longer be of an even level,
              so I must discard all thoughts of time, and believe
              in the ultimate movement of life.
             To me there can be no time, just the movement of life,
              on a day by day sequence  where you react naturally, 
              to each given circumstance.....

            
 


         

....

Ending the 'Summer on a good Time...

      After a year of contemplation, it all fell together on that week I try to reserve for going back to my home state and places I grew up in and grew to love even more now that I've been away for about ten years. It's almost like time stood still, and just waited for me to get there to celebrate not just my life but so many others that I knew from the past and now so many of them that have Pasted.

     They say you can't go home again, but thanks to so many of my dear friends, they have made it possible to do so. It was four years ago when a close friend of mine, Wayne...'Crash'... Carlson told me that he and another friend, Roy.....'Roy Boy', or 'RB'..Cheney were talking at a memorial for another good friend, Steve....'Rude-Man'...Rudus. 
    It came to them that it seemed a shame to have to meet under these conditions just to see people they don't normally run into. So 'Crash' thought it a good idea to  have a party just for the Hell-of-it.
    He contacted me here in Florida to run the idea past me, and with great anticipation, I agreed that it sounded like a plan. Unfortunately I still was in no position to make the trip back for that year. The party went off in a most successful manner, most familiar only in those parts of that Country.
    
     The following year, I was gratefully surprised when a good friend that I had met here, Don...'Cigar'...Mader , seemed to take to the idea of going up North, initially to retrieve the belonging that I couldn't fit on my trip down here. 
     Not only did we drive back, but to my delight Don had never been to New England! I guess it must have made an impression, since he was willing to go back the next year, and the next. Making it possible for me to help in the 'Reunion Parties'. Also to show him around, and join many of my friends for a night out....and every night out after!

     We, with the biggest help of all from Lewis...'Uncle Lew'....Cheney, had managed the food, which for the first three, was a roasted Pig, were able to have this party. The last one the Pig was missing, and so wasn't Crash. The Pig was replaced with some pork roasts, but there was no replacing Crash. To everyone dismay he was rehabilitating from surgery on his leg.

      Now we are on the fifth one of these, what I now call...R.T.M  Party....meaning, 'Reunion-Tribute-Memorial Party'. in memory of all those fine friends that have pasted on, and will not be forgotten.
    For this coming year, I'm throwing into the mix another reunion of sorts. It'll be mine and Tom Barry's, 40th anniversary of the Warren Woods parties we threw back in the 70's. I am planning to have it at the Bantam Community Field, since the 'Woods' got too damn expensive...and besides, back then, they didn't want 'those types' coming into their Town. Ha..! Their town, my family helped settle it back in the 1700's!
    In any case, I am still looking at that possibility , after all we have a year or so to get it straight. I've already talked with Marty & Mark of the Regulators, and of course Jerry, who's been good enough to set up some sound the pasts years, just in case someone would play. 

    I want to thank all those who made it and those who wanted to but had previous engagements. This is for all to share with thoughts of so many friends that we miss everyday, and would like to get in touch with the ones that are here to get to see, since all our lives have changed so much, it just isn't that easy to keep in touch. I hope this will give you all an opportunity to get together with those you love, and miss seeing over the years. Those years are going by faster and faster, it's time to slow down and smell the flowers, and/or any thing else that comes to mind that might remind you of all the good times had by all..............

        .....when it seems too lonely to carry on...
             and only the past seems far beyond....
             let your inner voice yell to you that
             you may continue, and that you may respond....
             be good to your self and others....
             so that all is not lost or gone......  

                                   ...the dates for next year will be....8/15/15....


                              .....Peace-out, and Love to all....

....Hangin' out with the Boys in their Journey out West....

                       
                     We last left Jack Long & John Henry at a cross-roads in and around Mid-West in South Wyoming, setting their sights on the next job that might suit them at that time. Just getting back from a horrendous job that could have landed them in Jail or worse! But as we learn more about these two, that would be a somewhat normal experience.....

            We were at a junction, both in the present state of mind and also in our lives, to just what we should be doing. Right now we have to decide which road to take in order to make a living out here. Henry wasn't much help, since he was more of a loner than I and could care less what or which way to go, as long as he got paid and didn't get shot. So most of the time I was the one to chose. 
         As we traveled down a more well beaten trail, I could feel something just wasn't right. I just wanted to head out and find a group of wild horses to wrangle or a heard of cattle to bring to an Auction.
        Lucky that we got an early start, the afternoon Sun was starting to shine full, and the heat from it really wasn't what we needed now. We picked up the pace a bit just to get further down the trail to try and decide which way to go...it was going to be East toward Oklahoma, to see about some cattle, or Southwest for another group of horses, that a couple big Ranchers would put a nice size bid on at Auction.
        My thoughts  favored the horses, they tend to be cleaner and not as much trouble. They also brought more at Auction in lesser numbers, then the cattle, where the dust and dirt always flew, and would have to make an extra cut in pay so that the other wranglers got a decent payday. The Horses, we usually could handle ourselves, with maybe one extra man to cover ourselves in the open Range.

      Now the Sun gave us some relief by going behind some clouds, good in one way, but were we in for an afternoon storm..? We worked our way though a patch of trees and bushes, before it opened up to an open area of sand and tumble weeds. This was not a good sign. We had to continue in hopes of finding a better place to camp, I wasn't about to back track to that thicket, which would have given us some relief, and besides it was still too early by our standards to make camp.
      We worked our way over the sandy hillside, staying on the knoll so that we could see both sides, keeping one eye out for a better way, and the other out for Indians. There were some friendly ones but also hostile's that didn't like people from the other 'World' invading their land. As an Eastern Indian, like Henry, we could honor that belief, but as a hard wrangling Cowboy, trying to etch-out some kind of life out here, well now that was a different story. 
     
     Soon we made it to what appeared to be a spot where some have passed before. It didn't take long to notice that it did have some type of campsite not long ago. As we made our way over, I could make out a slight groan, that only a weak and desperate human could make. Henry heard it too, and motioned me over to an open spot, subject to all of Natures elements. There, only a few feet away was what looked like a head with no body visible. As we approched on foot, being skeptical of what the Hell it could have been but not a human head. Henry got close enough to exclaim that it was some Black guy. Well it wasn't just any Black guy, it was Grover, the man we pretty much saved his ass back in that small town.
    When he finally came to his senses, and had to concentrate on what was happening, he gave out a loud roar. Only a man like that could have survived being buried up to his head, left to die by a tribe of hostile Comanches. The story goes that this tribe of Indians believed that the Black man, since they don't see too many out there, had special powers, that couldn't not be controlled. So in stead of killing them they leave them to die on their own, thinking that the Great Spirit they posses does not come after them.

    Needless to say Grover was overwhelmed that we got there in time. He didn't have much more time. The top of his head was raw from the Sun, and his eyes could barely stay open. Maybe that Indian Folk Lore had some truth to it.
     After a time where we had to pitch camp and tend to Grover, he told us that after we saw him the time in that small town, where we saved hi the first time, he headed back east where he ran into his old boss Edmond Pierce, the ship magnet from Boston. He was talked into joining him and his Wagon Train, going out West, to try another venture that his brother in-law told him about in California.
     They got this far when they got ambushed by those Indians, and before he knew it Pierce had gotten away, leaving him behind. 

  
   
     

....Can You Clearly See...?

          I am going to post a poem that I wrote back in the '70's. It is one among many that I have written in hopes of sharing what Nature means to me, having grown up along side a River.

                                       Can You Clearly See

                        Rocks in the water, a bend in the Stream,
                a flow which enters the River.....
                Can you Clearly see, a home is there for many,
                along the Banks and within the Rushing Water....

                Can one Clearly see, two Snakes winding along side,
                one of which is Swimming, the other just to glide.

                We can Clearly see that it makes it's way 
                through the Valleys, beneath the towering Hills;
                a passage for all  to Venture,
                but in numbers, it may Kill...!

                The water has become Muddy, 
                from what we are not sure, but with some help
                and understanding we can make it Pure....

                Can man Defy Nature, of which an animal cannot afford,
                or shall we Stop, Look & Listen....
                something we should have done before.

                The River is our Home, for many it shall be,
                a place for life & happiness....
                that now you can Clearly see....!

   

.....more Museings from my Auntie.....

                 As I have done in the past, I've added the Writings of my Aunt, who was born on the same day as myself in May. She was the youngest girl out of five sister's and four brothers, my father being the youngest of them all. Aunt Connie would always try and get my dad in trouble, as they were the ones who played together the most. 
        Now her next sister older, was my Aunt Rachel. She too was close to Connie. This next entry is from Connie, telling a few things about Rachel as they grew up in the 1930's.....

        She was a sickly kid, at one time Mama was worried, afraid of T. B. Here are things that I remember of Rachel and things we did together.

      In Warren we walked from Above All to the one room  center School on dirt roads and barefoot. We ate our lunches together and played games with other kids. At 4:00 P.M. we walked home again on a dirt road a mile and a half with the rest of our family. The boys usually racing ahead. One Winter's day we were let out early and she said she knew a short cut, through the woods and over stone walls. It was the longest 'short cut' I've ever taken! I was seven and the snow was three feet deep. She had to come back and help me, and decided the short cut wasn't such a good idea.
    
     One time she Becky [ another sister] and I were fooling on the stairs and she fell knocking the breath out of her....so there was quite a commotion as to who pushed her. She blamed Becky, but I think it was all of us....since those steps were steep and narrow.

     She and I were home from school one spring day and Mama couldn't find Nate [my father] who was about five at the time. We ran through the fields calling his name, and finally to the pond, but no sight of him. We were sweating, breathless and frightened. At that time the mailman came and we were going to ask him for help, when Nate came out of the new little garage being built. He went there there and crawled behind some lumber and fell asleep. The Model T woke him and he came out rubbing his eyes oblivious to what was going on.

     Rachel and I picked wild strawberries together, and huckleberries. She would practice teaching when the weather confined us, when she wasn't reading. She taught me how to print my name and write it, also taught us the Alphabet. I couldn't wait to learn to read, and once I learned a few words, I drove her nuts by continually asking what this and that word was. She certainly helped me in High School so I could understand Algebra enough to get a passing grade. She graduated from Washington High that year as Salutatorian just two points less than the Valedictorian!

    The first two years of Busing was in a long truck like they used to peddle vegetables, with flaps on the sides to keep out the snow and rain. On good days they were rolled up. No door on the back just open. In the Winter our feet got so cold, we had Chilbains when we finally got to school. Rachel had to wear High Top old ladies shoes, and how she hated them. I had to wear boys shoes, I was rough on shoes. We had lunches in the same pail, usually plain bread and butter, or cheese or dried beef. Sometimes mother would give us a custard cup and a spoon. Rachel and Harley [my uncle next up from my father] got into a fight once and he kicked the dinner pail over which broke the cup and we had soggy sandwiches! 
   In High School, she helped me with my Algebra homework...I just couldn't understand how it worked! Then she went to Danbury normal school, then after becoming a teacher, taught her first two years in Brookfield. 
   On a class trip to Washington D.C. she bought me a new outfit to wear. Our father brought us to church and mother made us go to Vacation Bible School, probably just to get rid of us. I think we went two years.
   Rachel worked summers at Lake Waramaug State Park selling ice cream, etc. One evening while Pa was on vacation..he was the first Park Ranger in the State...we took the State Truck and drove to Ruths, our other sister. The brakes gave out, but she held it in the road! Another time we went up Rabbit Hill road and down Couch road, she hit a boulder by the side of the narrow road, which knocked the truck out of line. So when we got home, he had thought Harley had done it. [ poor Harley got blamed for everything, my mother blamed him for taking the Dandlaline Wine that I had taken from the 'cold cellar' when I was about thirteen]

       Rachel taught years in Warren, then went to Sharon and taught at the Center School forth grade. There she met George Stone. He lived in Port Chester and she and I would go there and visit him.
    
       We went to the Radio City Music Hall one time. Another time driving to Port Chester in November for Thanksgiving  dinner, she was going pretty fast, there were ice patches on the road, she hit one and the car turned right around with its rear against the a post, damaging the gas tank. We did have enough to get back to Danbury and left the car to be fixed, and grabbeda train back to Port Chester.

    In the summer we would walk around the three mile triangle in an afternoon...one time we found George Clarke hanging from a church window, dead...!
   We went horse back riding together, alto she didn't like it as much as I did. One time she was on a little black Mare, rode it to the watering trough and when the Mare had her drink, whirled around made it back into the barn knocking Rachel off into the drop, ruining her new light colored jacket. Once we rode up the hill to Jack corner Road heading for Warren, the horses were galloping, Rachel was ahead of me, her left stirrup broke and she tumbled into a pool of water near Bill Smalley's house. They brought us in until she could get over the shock, then we returned home, she probably walked.

    In 1935 or '36 we took a trip thru Vermont, New Hampshire and a ferry across Lake Champlain. Cabins a dollar per night. Went Lake Ticonderoga and didn't even go in. Saw Lake George and came home. Think we were only gone three days, so I think mother was too happy to see us back so soon.
    We went to Cape Cod, to Maine and to Ottawa...at different times of course...After she was married, she would often have us down for a big dinner. When Linda [ Connie's oldest daughter] was born she and two other teachers came to see me in the Hospital and what a pleasant surprise it was.

    When Harley was confined to a Home in new Britain/Hartford, they took me to see him several times.
    One year she went on a trip with Andy [ next brother up from Harley] I think they got as far as Texas.

    Rachel was operated on for cancer, and two years later July 6th 2001 she just went to sleep Tom, her son, was with her and taking care of her. She didn't know what she would ever had done without him.

    I miss going to see her, although I didn't go that often but I missed the phone calls and just knowing I had a sister that I could relate to.


      I'm writing this on the birthday of one of my sister's who passed away down in Miami in 1995, she was just 49. We all have families we look up to in hopes of them being there for us, I would like to think  that just the fact that they are in our thoughts brings some relief......just as my Aunt said at the end,   " I miss going to see her ...I miss the phone calls...and just knowing I had a sister that I could relate to..."

       .....Peace and love to all.............
     
      

Pleading the Fifth....

        
          Having made it this far at this point in time, having a week that took a little longer than expected, I came across what now seems to be a day where I can take in what seems to be most relevant to the circumstances that took place.
     First of all I had the distinct experience to get a procedure done on my back in hopes of relieving some of the pain that I have to endure with my Sciatica problem. At times before that I always thought maybe a 'Fifth' would be the cure-all. Not at all the case, I would have to go through with the Epidural  shots recommended, since any operation was not recommended, and was find with me.
    After having that procedure done, I soon found myself in a better mental state, if not physical, for the time being. I was able to function for a few days without much pain, but still skeptical of any long term benefits. Sure enough I did have a recurrence with a substantial amount of pain.
    
    Now at the same time I found on my computer this young Cheerleader, who for reasons beyond my belief, thought it was just fine to go to Africa and kill large wild game, some of which was protected. I took it upon my self to declare her the dumbest, most disrespectful Bitch on the planet! Going to the sites that had shown her actions...the first was Channel 10, CBS. Then got on her fb site, where she proclaimed justification of her actions. All of which just did not fit in the realm of the goodness of society that is trying to protect these wonderful, magnificent beast of beauty. 
    In the period of 'ranting' all over fb trying to find supporters, I did come across one I didn't know & now 'friended' so that we could get more of the word out. Eventually, fb did make my post available, and I finally heard back from others their displeasure in the cheerleaders actions. By the end of the day, I had found out that her site was taken down from fb, but on the out-set, she did get the show on T.V. which I'm sure was a matter of greedy executives looking for the big bucks!
    
     Out of all this, my pain seems less consequential, and my beliefs are still intact, although a small victory, I do believe that Karma has prevailed......

 

....following up on the 'Elevens'...

                 This is something that I would like to add to the number 'Eleven', that has quite a impact, not just on my life and birthday, but for other relative circumstances. I found a card that I've had for some years now, and would like to share what it explains about
that particular number in numerology. 

                         If born on the Eleventh: Inspiration


      You have the incredible ability to help others connect with their sense of wonder and zest for life. Your passion for living and personal vitality inspires everyone to open to their creativity.  Within you dwells a rushing river of energy waiting to be tapped and harnessed. You are a dynamo of creativity! A powerful emotional drive motivates you to consummate your visions and desires. It may be expressed through dreams, adventures or breakthroughs at the work place. Creative thinking, intimacy and nurturing are also avenues through which you may express yourself.

       This much raw, primal energy can feel as though it has a life of it's own. It does! Use your power instead of stifling it. Be original. It only takes one person to activate change. You might not fit society's pictures, but not to worry. Yours is the master number of inspiration.

       CAREER: Educator, writer, performing artist, religious or spiritual leader, composer, philosopher, counselor.

         CHALLENGES: You may doubt yourself or feel insecure because you are an original thinker. You are delightfully different. When feelings out of balance, ask ' Am I following my dreams and visions ?' Don't worry about how others may perceive you; you are ahead of the pack...they'll catch up!

       Now most of all...Beauty, nature and spiritual ideals are very important to you. Remember to ride the wave of creativity and lust for life as far as possible. Others surely will be inspired by your example.

        I'm not sure how many of you believe in this sort of thing, but for me most of it seems to be Spot on, if not for me than my wonderful and talented Granddaughter, Marley Love, whose birthday is January Eleventh! 
        The number itself has many truths behind it, as we all can testify with certain dates. I have many going through my head, but for now, I'm not sure where this card came from, but I do profess that it being in my hands now, only amplifies all that it has said.

      Now I'll give you what it says on the back about all in general:
      
      What's right about you? Yes, there are many wonderful qualities about you and every person you know. By focusing on the positive and using it as a lifeline to pull us to a place of greater contentment in ourselves, we take steps to create a world full of harmony and well-being. Sometimes we must work top develop them. Our challenges can point the way to discovering our gifts hidden beneath the surface. The effort we put into learning new ways will be bountifully rewarded.

      When forced with life's challenges, we all have times we need a lifeline to hang on to what's right about us. These cards have been created using numerology and other archetypal systems with the intention of highlighting our strengths. But valuing who we are, we can open more fully to the wonders of those around us, and all of life.

      If any of you would like to contact this card company....it's:

                        HEALING ARTS
                        P.O. box 510
                        San Geronimo, Cal.  94963
                        Phone: 415 488-4738
    

  
      

.....a celebration of the 'Elevens'....

            At this time in May, always brings back memories of places, people, and things, that come swarming back to me from the past 'lives' that I have encountered in my life. This comes about, since tomorrow is not being just my birthday, and that it is Mothers Day...but for this particular one has many other entities, most of which relate to one and other at different times of my life.

       I was born on Mother's Day, May 11th 1949. They said it could not have happened at a better time, that being Lunch time. I also would be the last child born from my mother, who at the time was forty, and was un-heard of to have babies so late in life. She already had five daughters ahead of me, but without giving up hope to finally having a boy!
        My Aunt Connie was also born on the 11th, and was the youngest girl, only to have my father be younger, also the youngest in his family. I've written some excerpts that my Aunt had wrote in her later years, and those having to do with my Dad that she would always be playing pranks on in the good nature way since they always played together, and well I guess she could get away with it.....and that I know for being in the same position.

       As I grew older I had the chance to meet some very interesting people. Now being at this point of growing into those.. how do you say, 'Golden Years'....lack of better ways of putting it, I've had the unusual timing to meet these people, and to live a frantic but fun life, within my own family, and that of others.
      The first to come to mind, mostly since he not only just left us, but had a most extraordinary life of his own, then passing some of that on to me. Thomas Donald Barry became a good friend and mentor in many plots and sub-plots to activities that I would have never experienced without him. One thing that stands out the most is when we were putting one of our music  festivals together, he suggested that we make a promotional video to go along with the ordinary posters and fliers that we were going to distribute. 
     Tom, who liked himself as the directer, liked to kid around saying that it was all in the name...T. D. Barry, or as he laughingly put it...'Trip Directer' Barry!
     So it began a long friendship that with it came a movie we shot at Warren Woods, with he directing myself and my two dogs at the time, Tokas and Charlie, getting very good footage so that it became the promo piece we took to all the bars in the area to announce the up and coming 'Party' at the 'Woods'. That becoming my claim to fame in a Movie. After that were stills shot in and around down town New York City. A spot on the local radio station that our friend Dimitry set up for an interview explaining what was going to take place, which ourselves weren't even sure at the time. 
    Yes I was, as Howard Stern put it, King of all media, since later I was on Television for the 'Ugliest' Bar Tender...then last but not least, was put in a book about the area in the Northwest part of Connecticut.
     Most all of which wouldn't have happened without Tom, who in his own right had done most of that in his previous life.
     
    The other friends who come to mind, with great memories, of this month, would be a friend who I've been friends with since Kindergarden, Kirk Freudenburg, who's birthday is two days after mine, and will be celebrating our SIXTY years of friendship now and in August at the 'Reunion-Memorial-Tribute' party on Sat. the 16th. Also some that this is all about...Steve Rudus, who's Birthday was last Thursday, the 8th. Then many more that I'll mention a few...Shrdlu, a good friend and fine musician, that I know would, and still may be wailing on the Harp...Micheal Allen and his brother, Larry.....Barry  Q....who is always present in my mind, John Henry, who as you may know, I'm trying to keep alive in another life's story.....my dear friend 'Ty' who will always be with me, as she was a big part of my life!
     There are so many more, and I'm sure you'll keep their memory alive, as myself and others will do as we pass along this long and winding road, may they stay in our hearts forever, and they fine Peace in their new World!

    
     

.....going the distace on that Last Train...

              Tom and I became close friends fairly quickly, with a lot of the same type of energy, which we shared quickly that Summer when I told him about the 'Party' I wanted to throw, based on some other ones that I had been to in the Litchfield area. Other friends that I met while living in Litchfield when I was still married, had been putting on spontaneous parties any where they could. One of which that stood out was the one that Robbie Roberson ....different 'Robbie'....had put together in part of a State Forest, deep in the woods. He supplied Chicken, and you brought the beer. Beer was the main choice of drink at the time and easy to transport.
       
       So began the thought process of doing one of my own, since I had gone to several, and thought it only right to be my turn. It hadn't taken me that long to come up with a place to have it. Warren Woods was the natural conclusion, having plenty of room for a few close friends to enjoy the surroundings, which not only had out buildings which included a kitchen, but some 'shelters' and a stage. It also came with a beautiful pond out back. 
       Tom and I soon found ourselves planning this 'little' gathering that I had Dubbed...'Alive in '75 - Lake Country Green'....a little something to commemorate the passing of my father that Spring of '74...April 24th. Also a subtle suggestion of ' Keeping the Lake Country Green' as part of my environment concerns that I had connections with at the Housatonic Valley Association. It did however come out that there was a underlying suggestion of a possible second meaning to that last part of the slogan. 
       We found ourselves running around getting the bumper stickers for that slogan, so that we could present some proper advertising. Also confirming the Park, the food, some entertainment, and of course the beer! Tom also planned on showing his movie which at that point we had made a full circle to when and how we met.
        The date was set for the 24th of May, a meaningful Date, and as it turned out, we did two more on the 24th. The next one was that same Summer in August, and then the last one in July of 1976. All on the 24th. 
       
      The day had finally come, as we had secured a half ton of Chicken and 40 kegs of beer, all of which was consumed by that 'small' gathering of one Thousand 'close' friends....all enjoying music from many local musicians! 
      Every thing pretty much came together thanks to many close friends that helped to make this happen, and that's what it seemed to reveal, that it was indeed a 'Happening' that was never duplicated, as much as we had tried to do with the other two: 'Independence '76, Remember America',in honor at that time was celebrating the 200th year of our country. The 'last' one, 'Warren Woods...Dirt Roads are Down to Earth', another subtle hint of trying to keep the past Alive. Although it did have the same turn-out as the first, it was overshadowed by having the whole Troop L from the Lichfield police swam in at the end. That didn't set well with the 'powers to be' at the Town of Warren, and when it came around to applying for another go at it that next year, they had come to the conclusion that they didn't want those 'Types' coming into their town park.
 
      Every year after, I was asked if I would do another..as some called it...a 'Mini Woodstock', I just could not get back that same feeling I had when Tom and I along with so many close friends, had done what was done then.

    Now as we approach the 40th Anniversary  of the first Warren Woods, I find myself held in the balance of two entities. One being just the fact of doing a party....not as big of course..and the other having so many of those good, dear friends gone from ours lives, but never forgotten. Well thanks to many friends that have started a new era of remembrance, that we are now having every year in August, I do hope to have at least another next year for all the occasions....!
     
.......................Looking forward to seeing you there.....

             

....Taking the Last Train to Pittsfield...a Tribute

       Going back to the Summer of 1974, I was involved with the group, Housatonic Valley Association . An organization committed to preserving the Housatonic Valley, in which the River of the same name flowed and that I had grown up on. That Summer they sponsored an event at the Mohawk Ski Area, where they had guest like the then Senator Ribacoff of Connecticut. Also the Paul Winter group, noted for their music of natural sounding creatures, like Whales and Dolphins. Inside there were people set up in their different categories of Environment concerns. Down stairs was set up for a movie that was to premiere that day. That movie was called 'The Last Train to Pittsfield', and was going to be shown by the man who made it. As the time for the screening was about to happen I wandered down stairs to get a good spot. There behind the Projector, was a tall, shaggy haired fellow with an 'Air' of confidence, along with intelligence. 
    I soon settled in for the show, and what a show it was! I was amazed at the beauty it had shown for the Valley that I had grown up in, along with the facts that went along with what the movie was truly about....saving a small portion of our environment.
     I now own two copies of that same film, since I soon befriended  that same man that made this wonderful film, and soon to find out what made up that 'confidence and intelligence' in the man that became a good friend, mentor and partner in an event that would show us both a new way to experience life, and go trough the next 40 years looking at things in so many different ways.

     The next time I saw Tom Barry, he was at the Pub enjoying what I later learned was a favorite pass-time of his, drinking beer. I approached him in caution thinking that this New York 'type' would not put of with any out side disruption. I was immediately proven wrong, when I introduced myself as one who had seen his film. 
    That and a few more beers, it was obvious that he was just like us 'hicks' here in Northwest Connecticut. As it turned out he owned a house in Warren, and an apartment in New York, that was rent controlled. I can't recall how soon after that this evolved into a solid friendship that would in-dour over many years, and experience a life time of memories that shall not be soon forgotten. And now I would like to share some of these as a rememberence to one of the finest, funniest, free-spirited man that I shall ever have met.

    .......I will continue this, after gathering taking some time to gather my thoughts ..........
 

.....Some Travels in the New England Spring Time....

         Today of all days that is reminding me of Spring time in New England, and my home in Connecticut. Even here next to my open window, here in my new home of Florida, I can feel that fresh air that you only feel this time of year, no matter where you live.
     With that, I'm also feeling what I used to do back home, in Warren, around the Lake. I would get my boy or boys...who ever was around, at the time....Otis, Buddy, or Tokas, and jump in the vehicle of choice. I did have a few to chose from, but the two that stand out would be the '72 Mustang convertible, or the '72 Toyota Land Crusier. 
    I owned them at different times in my life...first the Land Crusier, which is the one that I thought of when thinking of how this day reminded me of when I would go off for a ride beginning as an errand, then ending up as a ride through the unknown. A lot of the times I would be coming home, then seeing a 'Dead End' sign at the beginning of some old 'Wood' Road, the Crusier would go into auto-drive, and just seemed to steer right for that sign.
    At that point I had no choice but to follow it to wherever it would take me. Most times I'd luck out and get through to the other end, with the worst ending up in the back yard of some Farm that long ago was the road they took to town. I'd just wave with some innocent smile on my face, as I drove by the farmer and his family, working in the garden.

      That road was close to a location that I ended up in at another time....I wrote this in November, 7th 1973.....

     A short run into the woods off Norfolk Road, Litchfield, I drove as far as I could when I had to stop, and couldn't drive any farther. I decided to continue by foot, as I did many times to 'scout' ahead, and also gave the dogs a chance to run. The 'Road' ahead was not as thick as some, but walking was the quickest, and less time consuming. It brought me to a field...of sorts....where passing through this I noticed a 'Land-marker' that resembled an antenna, which could be moved in a circle. The base itself was a metal           plaque 'rooted' by a square metal post. The plaque read :
                
                  This is our life exempt from public Haunts,
                  finds tongues in trees, books in running brooks,
                  Sermons in stones, and good in everything.....

     There was also a stone fireplace, with a grill, that was well built and beyond this was a brook about fifty feet away. Then beyond that were farmers fields, and then route 63, that goes in and out of Litchfield.

      It was a few years until I pasted that way again, long enough so that when I saw that area, it had been sub-divided with new homes.

      I've had many a good times with that Land Crusier, as many  will attest, and now siting here under a beautiful April sky, they all come rushing back to me. I will at some point get more stories of my 'Adventures' with that old beast, but until then I do wish you all a very happy and joyful spring, which I know this year all of you in my home of New England, most well desire......
  
 
                   

...another Seasonal Tidbit..........

             Something more from the archives, & it seemed appropriate..

                         I feel very much alone,
                         I take only  that which
                         serves me the best in
                         the light of tomorrow...

                         Ah, yesterday, I only catch
                         a glimpse that reflex a lifetime 
                         for which to build a future,
                         in time that has gone.

                          Present day prospects
                          are ensued  by confusion...
                          Where do I take tomorrow
                          from yesterdays Dreams...

             ....this may have already have been posted here, 
                            ...the first time written was :
                                    August 18th 1979
                            and was dedicated to our friend Sharon...


        ....Now for something in a more timely fashion......

                     As this season brings on it's charm and warmth,
               it can only be duplicated by what is yours....
               
               May your new home reflex these Qualities,
               and the rest of your being go forward with no doubt.

               Return of the messenger, we all prevail to these Flights,
               so that we may return safely to our Homes....

        This next one was written after discovering a 'Higher Self'
  
            Entering a dark Pine Forest, where the trunks of the 
        Pine Trees were large and black....then touching the branches
        that flowed with needles that made a bed for a path that led
        me to an opening to where a Buck stood, gazing at me with
        his big brown eyes and large rack of Antlers.
            He turned and I followed him to the Falls where my 
       'Greater Self '  was standing in the mist of the Falls. Hooded in
        a grey and white Robe, cleansing me up and down in an Aura 
       of white light. 
             He still seemed unclear of my questions,and did not 
       respond. He then turned and beacon me to follow  him down 
       the path to an open field, where I felt that some questions
       would take more time to be answered.....

        At this point in my life I still don't have the answers, just as
      it may take more than a life time to find them.... 
       
                      
                        
                                 

.....The Revelations of Spring......

       
       This week would start as most do, except for the fact that Monday was St. Patrick's Day....IIIIIIIIIEEEE...there's a touch of Irish in every one..! So with that said, I began the day with a Dinner...Lunch...at my complex. After a slight respite, I then proceeded to my one bar that is most comfortable. They were head-long in the days festivities, with Irish music and food for the fancy....Cornbeef and Cabbage, with Potatoes. The best had yet to come. In due time a live band took the stage. It had been awhile since I heard such music...live, that is..!  It was the high-light of the day, also the ending of it, leaving not until they were done.
      The next day was not as pleasant. My Sciatica  had kicked in at full force, and I shall not explain the depth of pain you have to endure with this condition...just believe I wouldn't wish this on anyone..even a Republican..!
      By the next day it had subsided where I could almost feel normal again. So I then took it upon myself to do a few things around the apartment. The next morning I put together a load of Laundry, which consisted of my 'throw' rugs, and misc. items to be washed. Then realizing that I need to wash the floors before putting them back. I had already done a normal wash a morning or so earlier, and had vacuumed. After finishing these feats of wonder...I always 'Wonder' when and how I'd ever get these things done...I then stopped long enough to think to myself that it was now the first day of Spring..! Was it some sort of Spell cast upon me to do all this in a fashion that it would fulfill  the ever so present 'Spring Cleaning'...?!! I will never know the true motivation behind it, I'm just glad it's behind, me!
      
        The following day I did my normal routine with my coffee, paper, and the internet. I have now found that I can choose some really good music of my chose, while cruising the Face Book page.
It also has allowed me to pick some classics, not just singles any more, but because behind that dark and deep screen, where the Face Book  Gnome's do their magic, they know now what type of music I prefer and that I like to sit and listen to a full album, while having my morning delights. 
      The one that popped-up at that time of need, was Journey..yes the '80's band that not many of you would admit to listening to. But there it was, ripe for the choosing. After a few songs, I had a chance to reflect on this band and the music that brought me back to that time.
     My thoughts glided me back to a night at the Pub...you know the one...it was after one of my Tuesday night shifts doing 'Nate Night' with our friends, Brother Jump..or was it K-Man..? Well I know it wasn't New York Chalk, since that would be a whole different story all together! 
     So there I was with two very attractive young Ladies, and a member of the band that I always enjoyed having around, and he too enjoyed being there..and why not, he had all the White Russians that he could handle, and lovely ladies that we were both fond of having in our company!
    Shrdlu was an excellent 'Wing Man'. Always there with a laugh and a Witt that matched only mine. But at some point the Radio started playing Journey, and the girls seemed to enjoy it, but not Shrdlu, he was a ...how do I say, 'Music Snob'...of course with all good intentions, and rightfully so, being a 'Purest' at heart. We managed to delight and transform these ladies to our most desired end, and marking another 'Night at the Pub'.
    
    Of course after realizing what week I was in, it soon dawned on me what this week is... a year already marking a sad end to friends we all knew and loved....they will all be missed as I'm sure all of you do feel the same way.......
      
                                         R.I.P.