I thought I would get this one in before I left for Connecticut. The main reason in going, being my return trip as of last year, & that one being after Seven years, is to visit with friends that I don't get to see, also remembering friends that I'll no longer be seeing.
This piece is about the 'lighter' side of life. As some of you know , I do like a good gag & laugh, at other peoples expense, that I know it as Satire. I have done some here on the previous pages, which I enjoy & hope that you do too. I get this from a mix of experiences through out my life. Some are from my own life, others follow the path of all ready Published Satirist. I have been lucky to have a few here in my Paper which I get everyday, & faithfully read front to back. This Paper has three different writers that I enjoy reading in that form.
When I lived in Connecticut, I recieved a similar Paper. It had long writings of a man with wit & humor that most people would understand, & not get offended, mostly because of his longevity & levity that was know to be Down to Earth. His name is Art Buchwald, & I happened to find an article of his in my huge collection of papers that I saved through out my years. I would like to share that with you now, since it still applies, and refers to pessimism & optimist...which I hold dear as being one who holds the glass that is Half Full.
The title is: 1995, a real Bummer....
There is a pessimism in the air that I have felt in this country before. Everybody is down, even when they have every reason to be up. If you are an optimist, the pessimist get really mad at you.
I discovered how serious things were when I attended a New Year's party at Eloise Agger's house.
Paul Youngblood said, "Nineteen ninety-five is the worst year of my life."
"How can you say that?" I asked, it's hardly begun. What bother's you the most about it?"
"Newt Gingrich- and the fact that I have to get my teeth cleaned. I hate to get my teeth cleaned, especially during a Republican Congress."
Bob Parrish, a wealthy investor, agreed that 1995 was a bummer. "By the time the Republicans get finished with their 'Contract With America,' there won't be anything left for the rich."
" The rich are always the first to get it the neck from the Republicans," Eloise said.
Charlotte Woolard declared: "I know I'll get a cold in 1995. I never catch one in the even years. I wish it was already over."
Carole Leggett added: "I just know that I'll buy 1995 car & it will turn out to be a lemon."
I tried to cheer people up: "So far I think that 1995 has been a pretty good year, considering that it's in it's first day. Eloise has provided us with eggnog and good cheer, and I predict that there are going to be many pleasant surprises coming our way."
Diana Walker scoffed: "I hate people that think that everything is a bed of roses. They don't face reality. If it wasn't for our pessimism we would never accomplish anything."
I continued my attempt to see the glass half full.
"Maybe the baseball strike will be over in 1995. That's something to look forward to."
"And," quipped Randy Marks, "maybe the Serbians will start making apple pies for the Bosnians.
There just didn't seem to shake my friends out of their gloom.I pointed out how they had complained about 1994 and how it turned out to be one of the best years the country had-Not counting what happened to people's money in Orange County, California.
Nancy Gordon was not to be persuaded. She said: "My astrologer predicted that I would have seven years bad luck if I went through the Lincoln Tunnel at rush hour- and I don't even live in New Jersey!"
So there you have it, what comes around goes around, if you think this year wasn't so good, maybe next year will be better, but what ever happens, keep smilin' & don't let the Republicans get you down....hold that Glass high....
..SEE YOU ALL NEXT TIME IN CONNECTICUT...
8/17...!@!
Friday, August 9, 2013
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
A time for rememberence ...
It's been some time now since I had time to reflex on the Past. I now think of all those years now that have paved the way to this point in my life where it get's harder and harder to not think about all that has pasted by, and all the friends that went with it.
When just starting out as a Bartender, all I could see was was a mist of new friends and the wealth of having a good time, in a job where, not only the good times seemed forever, but you got paid for it. That almost seems secondary. All I new was we, meaning all the friends at the time, that most of which I had just met, but there are many still out there sharing in this close friendship.
Nothing could stop us. We took to the beaches when we should have been opening the Bar for lunch. We then closed the Bar, and tried to get to the next one before it closed! Time had nothing to do with it, since we ran the clock, being our own Bosses. No one ever thought that the clock had started to pick up pace. First in Minutes, then Hours, then Days.......
We never thought that time would run out on us, we controlled everything that might have been put in front of us. Before you knew it one would leave us, just by being too tired from helping out at a new Place, that all would have the chance to enjoy.
Another, had his place, but could not beat the odds of what was dealt him in the early times. I had the chance to go all night with these two, & end up having breakfast at Mcdonalds in New Milford, rolling around on the ground while the 'normal' people watched in disbelief. Why was that..? was it because it was still Breakfast in their world..? It didn't matter, our world was for the here and now, to live as we wanted.
There was a time when I actually worked two jobs a day. One being the Bartender to the Masses at night. The other, I started doing move re-modeling jobs. I would do anything it took, to have not just the money, but that freedom to do what I thought at the time, was the right to Party. In both aspects, I had the chance to work with a friend that helped me when it got time to paint, he taught me how to handle a Sprayer, for the big out side jobs. He was also was with me when, it was time for check- in at the Door. He was the first to get there & as it turned out, it helped when the Bar was to open around 8:00 p.m. One night he WAS on time and I was there also, except for the fact that I was passed out on the Stage from the last night. No problem, after hearing him bang on the door for probable ten or fifteen minutes, I got up and proceeded to get the bar set up in record time, without my usual help.
At the time all bars had music, in one form or another. In that last place I mentioned, that's all we had. A very diverse group of fine musicians, mostly top of the line local groups, and then some popular National headliners. Our biggest and finest group was actually a local band played there, and our other place up the road.
They were the top of everyone's list. We all came out to see and listen to this fine group of dedicated Musicians.
Now that time has taken it's toll, the one stand out in the group who kept the spirit alive, with his energy and thoughtfulness, to continue, with no thought of his own greatness, but just there so that everyone enjoying it would shine. He now Shines bright in all our Hearts....
There are others who are gone that desires mentioning, but for now I will pass that on to a party that was started three years ago, for a reunion for all that are here to remember, but now one of a memorial and tribute to those that have left us, so we may rejoice in the fact of knowing them, and making our lives that much fuller...
When just starting out as a Bartender, all I could see was was a mist of new friends and the wealth of having a good time, in a job where, not only the good times seemed forever, but you got paid for it. That almost seems secondary. All I new was we, meaning all the friends at the time, that most of which I had just met, but there are many still out there sharing in this close friendship.
Nothing could stop us. We took to the beaches when we should have been opening the Bar for lunch. We then closed the Bar, and tried to get to the next one before it closed! Time had nothing to do with it, since we ran the clock, being our own Bosses. No one ever thought that the clock had started to pick up pace. First in Minutes, then Hours, then Days.......
We never thought that time would run out on us, we controlled everything that might have been put in front of us. Before you knew it one would leave us, just by being too tired from helping out at a new Place, that all would have the chance to enjoy.
Another, had his place, but could not beat the odds of what was dealt him in the early times. I had the chance to go all night with these two, & end up having breakfast at Mcdonalds in New Milford, rolling around on the ground while the 'normal' people watched in disbelief. Why was that..? was it because it was still Breakfast in their world..? It didn't matter, our world was for the here and now, to live as we wanted.
There was a time when I actually worked two jobs a day. One being the Bartender to the Masses at night. The other, I started doing move re-modeling jobs. I would do anything it took, to have not just the money, but that freedom to do what I thought at the time, was the right to Party. In both aspects, I had the chance to work with a friend that helped me when it got time to paint, he taught me how to handle a Sprayer, for the big out side jobs. He was also was with me when, it was time for check- in at the Door. He was the first to get there & as it turned out, it helped when the Bar was to open around 8:00 p.m. One night he WAS on time and I was there also, except for the fact that I was passed out on the Stage from the last night. No problem, after hearing him bang on the door for probable ten or fifteen minutes, I got up and proceeded to get the bar set up in record time, without my usual help.
At the time all bars had music, in one form or another. In that last place I mentioned, that's all we had. A very diverse group of fine musicians, mostly top of the line local groups, and then some popular National headliners. Our biggest and finest group was actually a local band played there, and our other place up the road.
They were the top of everyone's list. We all came out to see and listen to this fine group of dedicated Musicians.
Now that time has taken it's toll, the one stand out in the group who kept the spirit alive, with his energy and thoughtfulness, to continue, with no thought of his own greatness, but just there so that everyone enjoying it would shine. He now Shines bright in all our Hearts....
There are others who are gone that desires mentioning, but for now I will pass that on to a party that was started three years ago, for a reunion for all that are here to remember, but now one of a memorial and tribute to those that have left us, so we may rejoice in the fact of knowing them, and making our lives that much fuller...
Sunday, July 7, 2013
LIGHTS ON...ANOTHER WAY OF LOOKING AT THINGS.....
Now most of you know that I am a car lover, enthusiast, & well sometimes just an over bearing nut about my Cars. I've been this way since I could sit behind the wheel on my fathers lap at nine, taking to the road like I owned it. It wasn't long after that I had out grown my Go-cart-wagons, when I was about Twelve, that I got my first car. Yes it was a full grown, grown-up car. Which was a Fifty Three Chrysler, with an automatic fluid drive transmission. Which meant you could use it like an Automatic, Or use the clutch to shift.
Well don't that beat all, I had it good going both ways. Acting like a real Hot Rodder or just cruising around the Camp Ground where I grew up. The car was a beast, big & bold. When I had to detour off the road & over a ditch, I decided to name it 'Tank'.
Tank & I enjoyed may summer's raising the dust to many camper's dislike. But it didn't happen that often, & since I'd hear about it from my Dad, not too soon after I was pretty good at just doing it off season or during the week when it was the most quiet. I did take it out on a late October day when we had a light snow on the ground. Hey why not see where & what I could do in the snow. I found out quick enough when I came around a corner, & decided to go off the road. That was a turning point not just in my car, but also in my life. I made the turn but not able to take the corner I hit a tree with my right head light!
Needless to say I had the hardest time trying to get up the nerve to tell my father, not to mention my Mom. But just being thirteen with a 'Lot' car, things pretty much took care of themselves. It only took another three to four years for the real truth to sink in!
Yes, beleive it or not I did get into some bad situations growing up behind the wheel. At this time I'd rather not get into that particular part of my life. I would just like to comment on the present time, when now I'm living in the part of a State that I only visited once & awhile, also said at those times that 'I would never live here full time'. Ahhh, but here I am & actually enjoying it. It wasn't that easy when I first got here. The first thing you had to do was adjust to was the traffic. First of all there's a LOT of it, on four, five & sometimes six lanes to contend with. Most of the people that drive them aren't what I'm used to from up in Connecticut. It's like Russian roulette.
Which brings me to ONE of my pet topics of who is driving here and why they don't make driving safer.
Who is driving is one thing with all the 'elderly', we used to call them 'Bluehairs' or like one of my friends here like to use 'Q-tips',but of course now having to be careful, since they may think of me as one.
Now on the opposite side are these kids that just got there license. Yes I know you just heard me describe early driving history, and yes there is more to it.But I'm talking fifty years later, & in Quite another world. Kids are killing themselves, because the parents are out there buying them new cars before they even know whats in store for them. They need more time to make the connection of what is the most responsible in driving these roads & just taking a 'Joy-ride'.
The other point I'd like to make & has been bugging me for some time now is the fact that GMC came out with 'running lights' in the early Eighties, where a low beam stays on the whole time you are driving. I remember back in the early Seventies when VW & a few others came out with that side light on the front fender & I also remember this because I was helping a friend to buy a VW that had this light. He asked me what I thought of that & told him that any thing to help the other driver to see you, was a good idea. Now all cars still have them on the front & back fenders. So why doesn't all the car makers have the much needed safety feature of all time running lights! General Motors still have it as does VW, Audi, & a few other German & foreign cars. I know it would be a big help down here with the early morning fog, & the late rush hours.
I recently wrote a letter to the local paper on this same subject, since I noticed that someone else had written something similar a week or so ago. No it wasn't or hasn't been published, but it just so happened that this week someone else did write in on the very subject.
Now all I can do is wait & hope that either my letter or many other letters will find it's way to ...'Whom it may concern'....
Well don't that beat all, I had it good going both ways. Acting like a real Hot Rodder or just cruising around the Camp Ground where I grew up. The car was a beast, big & bold. When I had to detour off the road & over a ditch, I decided to name it 'Tank'.
Tank & I enjoyed may summer's raising the dust to many camper's dislike. But it didn't happen that often, & since I'd hear about it from my Dad, not too soon after I was pretty good at just doing it off season or during the week when it was the most quiet. I did take it out on a late October day when we had a light snow on the ground. Hey why not see where & what I could do in the snow. I found out quick enough when I came around a corner, & decided to go off the road. That was a turning point not just in my car, but also in my life. I made the turn but not able to take the corner I hit a tree with my right head light!
Needless to say I had the hardest time trying to get up the nerve to tell my father, not to mention my Mom. But just being thirteen with a 'Lot' car, things pretty much took care of themselves. It only took another three to four years for the real truth to sink in!
Yes, beleive it or not I did get into some bad situations growing up behind the wheel. At this time I'd rather not get into that particular part of my life. I would just like to comment on the present time, when now I'm living in the part of a State that I only visited once & awhile, also said at those times that 'I would never live here full time'. Ahhh, but here I am & actually enjoying it. It wasn't that easy when I first got here. The first thing you had to do was adjust to was the traffic. First of all there's a LOT of it, on four, five & sometimes six lanes to contend with. Most of the people that drive them aren't what I'm used to from up in Connecticut. It's like Russian roulette.
Which brings me to ONE of my pet topics of who is driving here and why they don't make driving safer.
Who is driving is one thing with all the 'elderly', we used to call them 'Bluehairs' or like one of my friends here like to use 'Q-tips',but of course now having to be careful, since they may think of me as one.
Now on the opposite side are these kids that just got there license. Yes I know you just heard me describe early driving history, and yes there is more to it.But I'm talking fifty years later, & in Quite another world. Kids are killing themselves, because the parents are out there buying them new cars before they even know whats in store for them. They need more time to make the connection of what is the most responsible in driving these roads & just taking a 'Joy-ride'.
The other point I'd like to make & has been bugging me for some time now is the fact that GMC came out with 'running lights' in the early Eighties, where a low beam stays on the whole time you are driving. I remember back in the early Seventies when VW & a few others came out with that side light on the front fender & I also remember this because I was helping a friend to buy a VW that had this light. He asked me what I thought of that & told him that any thing to help the other driver to see you, was a good idea. Now all cars still have them on the front & back fenders. So why doesn't all the car makers have the much needed safety feature of all time running lights! General Motors still have it as does VW, Audi, & a few other German & foreign cars. I know it would be a big help down here with the early morning fog, & the late rush hours.
I recently wrote a letter to the local paper on this same subject, since I noticed that someone else had written something similar a week or so ago. No it wasn't or hasn't been published, but it just so happened that this week someone else did write in on the very subject.
Now all I can do is wait & hope that either my letter or many other letters will find it's way to ...'Whom it may concern'....
Friday, June 14, 2013
JUST ANOTHER DAY IN PARADIZE...
I just mentioned to a friend the other day that I was going out on an adventure that day, but could not elaborate until, of course , after my return. One reason was that I wasn't sure if it would qualify for an actual 'Adventure' as we know it. Also I'm not in the best of positions to be in what most people consider an 'Adventure'. Ah, but for me to go out of my designated 'safe zone', I left it at that.
I started out with all the paper work that I need, that I had received in the mail the previous day. YOU ARE THE LUCKY WINNER OF 3 PRIZES. Wow, not only do I get to go 'out', I may just come home with something other than Bananas. I proceed on my sojourn to the first bus stop. Which then took me to the main terminal, where I would board the bus to my Prize Winning destination.
As I walked over to the area where that bus would depart, I suddenly noticed that I would not be the only one heading that way. I was a Freckin' Mob. After calming down and accessing the situation, I noticed that a second bus would arrive shortly after...did I mention that I was suppose to be at the Prize location between 1 & 3...it was 1:33. Not to panic , I stood patiently, and there to my left, as the bus was about to arrive, A nice young lady stood next to me & said I could go ahead, since I resembled her Dad. At that time I didn't have much time to think if I should take that as a compliment or not. No sooner could I react, then she asked me if I knew 'Captain Jack' ! Whoah, now, did she actually ask me If I new some one that I met years ago with my friend Mo, who lived in Spring Hill an hour & a half away, and Dougy Bear, who lived close to this Captain Jack, who put on some wonderful 'Jams' on his, what you may call an 'Artist Colony' in a thicket of trees. a bond fire in the middle, and no less than 30 to 40 people gathering around listening to some great tunes...?!! Well sure as shit it was and she proclaimed to be his daughter!
I didn't even have a chance to ask her name, when all were loading on to that Bus. She said she had to get on that one, since she was going to work. I took one look at the over-filled bus stepped back & waited for the next one, giving me time to digest what had just happened.
The next bus did arrive in what I thought was plenty of time, and another interesting thing happened. The bus driver was one that I was familiar with, and he me, when I lived across from Joe. He said he's been on this route for over a year....oh yeah , a year ain't so long any more.
I did get to my destination on time and proceeded to find the location of my big prizes. I asked the greeter at Wal-Mart which way it was that I can claim all my winnings. She said I have to go back out and go to the FAR end of the parking lot...which was the opposite end I had just walked from the bus stop in 90+ degree temps. I made it there just in time, it was like 2:52....I got some one to help me and he was nice enough to point out what I had 'won'. Then he sat down and asked if I was interested in a car. No, not at that time, it seems they had filled that section of the parking lot with 'pre-owned' cars.
Not to fear I was still in the running to a scratch-off worth $50,000 . I also was given a card for $300 in on-line shopping & the biggie of $1,000, I had in my hand to go, what I thought, a shopping spree at Wal-Marts. Alrighttty then. No $50 grand, no car, a card to shop on line..RIGHT.....at least I can retrieve something from this $1,000 when I get back across the parking lot.
I went to the customer service counter to start to see how I go about getting this great prize I've been holding. When I showed it to the Lady behind the counter, she said that this has nothing to do with them, those people are just using that part of the lot for their Cars.
At that point I did feel a little foolish, I did start to read the fine print, but just didn't want to believe it. I was on an adventure after all, and noting was going to sway me in any other direction!
Yes I was wrong for be a little bit gullable, and should always read the fine print, and take some advice from the internet about being 'scammed'.
I left with my banana's in toe, and a story to be told. Maybe not the Shopping spree, but why the Hell did the girl ask me if I knew her Dad, who I happened to know , at a place where another similar thing happened. It was a few years ago, when I went there..the Jam...with Crash, on one of his visits. We were all sitting around the fire, enjoying the music, when Crash got me & said I have to come and meet someone. Over on the other side of the Circle. He brought me to a man who said he knew me. It happened to be the son of the Ranger at Sherwood Island on the Ct. shore. His father & mine were Ranger's at the same time & we used to go as kids..myself, maybe 7or 8 at the time, to swim in Salt water.
I vaguely remember him he being ten to twelve years older & as far as that goes I wouldn't have remembered him at all, if it wasn't for the time we went there just to visit at night, and were driving along the parking lot when we came across a car with some guys in it, surprised them a bit, because I could see them trying to hide the bottle It was him, and that was ...well so much for math...years ago. Now here he is sitting across from me many years & miles later.
On my next visit it was my birthday, and asked his son for a copy of that picture he took of me, Mo, Crash, & his Dad. He handed me not just a beautiful framed picture , but his Dad does 'Driftwood Art' so I now have a Toad Stool made of two different types of wood, next to that wonderful picture, that will remind me of what can be done when you think it an Adventure.
You may or may not be a 'believer' in certain kinds of 'Fate'....but for me, I have just told of two distinctive circumstances that might have just given me the will to Keep on Keepin' on....
Love to all, thanx for putting up with me....Peace-out!
I started out with all the paper work that I need, that I had received in the mail the previous day. YOU ARE THE LUCKY WINNER OF 3 PRIZES. Wow, not only do I get to go 'out', I may just come home with something other than Bananas. I proceed on my sojourn to the first bus stop. Which then took me to the main terminal, where I would board the bus to my Prize Winning destination.
As I walked over to the area where that bus would depart, I suddenly noticed that I would not be the only one heading that way. I was a Freckin' Mob. After calming down and accessing the situation, I noticed that a second bus would arrive shortly after...did I mention that I was suppose to be at the Prize location between 1 & 3...it was 1:33. Not to panic , I stood patiently, and there to my left, as the bus was about to arrive, A nice young lady stood next to me & said I could go ahead, since I resembled her Dad. At that time I didn't have much time to think if I should take that as a compliment or not. No sooner could I react, then she asked me if I knew 'Captain Jack' ! Whoah, now, did she actually ask me If I new some one that I met years ago with my friend Mo, who lived in Spring Hill an hour & a half away, and Dougy Bear, who lived close to this Captain Jack, who put on some wonderful 'Jams' on his, what you may call an 'Artist Colony' in a thicket of trees. a bond fire in the middle, and no less than 30 to 40 people gathering around listening to some great tunes...?!! Well sure as shit it was and she proclaimed to be his daughter!
I didn't even have a chance to ask her name, when all were loading on to that Bus. She said she had to get on that one, since she was going to work. I took one look at the over-filled bus stepped back & waited for the next one, giving me time to digest what had just happened.
The next bus did arrive in what I thought was plenty of time, and another interesting thing happened. The bus driver was one that I was familiar with, and he me, when I lived across from Joe. He said he's been on this route for over a year....oh yeah , a year ain't so long any more.
I did get to my destination on time and proceeded to find the location of my big prizes. I asked the greeter at Wal-Mart which way it was that I can claim all my winnings. She said I have to go back out and go to the FAR end of the parking lot...which was the opposite end I had just walked from the bus stop in 90+ degree temps. I made it there just in time, it was like 2:52....I got some one to help me and he was nice enough to point out what I had 'won'. Then he sat down and asked if I was interested in a car. No, not at that time, it seems they had filled that section of the parking lot with 'pre-owned' cars.
Not to fear I was still in the running to a scratch-off worth $50,000 . I also was given a card for $300 in on-line shopping & the biggie of $1,000, I had in my hand to go, what I thought, a shopping spree at Wal-Marts. Alrighttty then. No $50 grand, no car, a card to shop on line..RIGHT.....at least I can retrieve something from this $1,000 when I get back across the parking lot.
I went to the customer service counter to start to see how I go about getting this great prize I've been holding. When I showed it to the Lady behind the counter, she said that this has nothing to do with them, those people are just using that part of the lot for their Cars.
At that point I did feel a little foolish, I did start to read the fine print, but just didn't want to believe it. I was on an adventure after all, and noting was going to sway me in any other direction!
Yes I was wrong for be a little bit gullable, and should always read the fine print, and take some advice from the internet about being 'scammed'.
I left with my banana's in toe, and a story to be told. Maybe not the Shopping spree, but why the Hell did the girl ask me if I knew her Dad, who I happened to know , at a place where another similar thing happened. It was a few years ago, when I went there..the Jam...with Crash, on one of his visits. We were all sitting around the fire, enjoying the music, when Crash got me & said I have to come and meet someone. Over on the other side of the Circle. He brought me to a man who said he knew me. It happened to be the son of the Ranger at Sherwood Island on the Ct. shore. His father & mine were Ranger's at the same time & we used to go as kids..myself, maybe 7or 8 at the time, to swim in Salt water.
I vaguely remember him he being ten to twelve years older & as far as that goes I wouldn't have remembered him at all, if it wasn't for the time we went there just to visit at night, and were driving along the parking lot when we came across a car with some guys in it, surprised them a bit, because I could see them trying to hide the bottle It was him, and that was ...well so much for math...years ago. Now here he is sitting across from me many years & miles later.
On my next visit it was my birthday, and asked his son for a copy of that picture he took of me, Mo, Crash, & his Dad. He handed me not just a beautiful framed picture , but his Dad does 'Driftwood Art' so I now have a Toad Stool made of two different types of wood, next to that wonderful picture, that will remind me of what can be done when you think it an Adventure.
You may or may not be a 'believer' in certain kinds of 'Fate'....but for me, I have just told of two distinctive circumstances that might have just given me the will to Keep on Keepin' on....
Love to all, thanx for putting up with me....Peace-out!
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
...As most weekends come and go, so let this one be known as a 'Go-getter'...
As a lot of you may have seen already I've been away from my duties on fb now since Thursday. Then again maybe not so much! Either way, I was able to escape my encampment at my Apartment complex, thanks to my friend Don, and with him a lady that makes all entrapment, just seem like another good day. Well this wasn't going to be just another day, or days, or weekend! This was the real deal to a Memorial weekend Celebration. So it was the next week, this is after all the end of the month & the beginning of a new one. That new one, being June....ALL READY....!!
Don had already made plans to cook Breakfast & lunch on the beach for Saturday. Sounds good to me, but we still had Friday. That was soon solved when I decided to go to Caddy's on Sunset beach...you can refer to my oh so powerful pose in the surf that greatly resembles The Hulkster...! I really like this Beach, & rate it right up there with the finest to be found in Florida. No I haven't been to them ALL, but determined to do so as long as my Physic can hold up. We sat on the upper level with it's own Bar & view of the whole beach, and what ever may pass by, no matter how distracting. We were soon joined by a lovely couple that wanted to get out of the Rain, which had come about rather abruptly, as most Summer storms do. He worked on a gambling boat, at John's Pass, & she was a waitress...go figure. and with one like her's there was no second guessing. After the rain had stopped, they headed to the beach, and we headed to the next bar.
The next place we stopped at was just up the beach, and was called 'Screwie Louies' South Beach Bar. This too was another favorite, having access to both inside & out, but no view of the Beach. Although it made up for it by having some of the best Sea food meals close by. We didn't stay long, and was soon on our way back, so that Don could drop me off, and we all could start fresh the next day.
The Weather was a mix all Friday, but didn't think too much of it by the time Saturday rolled around.
So much for timing, Don & Shiela picked me up promptly at 8:00 a.m. so that Don could start cooking breakfast in time for none of us would go be hungry. No sooner than we started out, first to go back & pick up something left at Shiela's , we seemed to be heading straight into a Hell-of-va storm. No worries, down here all yo have to do is change directions, and go for the 'bright-spot'. Which in our case was toward the beach we were going to. We like to go to the Gandy Beach for sun & fun, since you can back right up close to the water, & have at it. Sure enough, by the time we reached the beach the Sun was out. You can refer to this one to the pic. of me hangin' in the tree. I took Otis here, oh yeah the pic of Otis in the water was where I always parked. This is on the Bay side, so you'll notice that the water isn't that 'nice blue' but it makes up for it when you can pull right on the beach & party along with your dog.
We set up & before you knew it, the eggs, sausage, & toast were just about ready. The Sun was moving in & out all morning, so you really didn't know how much Sun you were getting. I found out as we were leaving. I did have Don take some shots to prove it. Will try to transfer to fb.
Leaving the beach, there is another good Sea food place called the Crab Shack, where a friend works but didn't stop, maybe tomorrow. We headed home but before we got to close, thought we may as well stop at the bar that Shiela works, Sneaky 'D's. Caught up on the crew, always good to see who's still Kickin'.
Sunday started out a little later, since we were going for the lunch, that we didn't have on Saturday. This time the Sun was out & it stayed out the whole, time making it an early stay & left shortly after having some very nice Steaks on the Grill. We...I for one..couldn't sit facing the Sun any more, so we departed and soon was on our way to The Corner Bar, where we were to meet some friends, & visit with Julie the Bartender that we all knew from the first bar I started going to when I first came here.
Was good timing, we met the couple as we drove in, also the Rays were playing, so we got to see them kick some ass. & win another. So that was enough, headed back, so that Monday couldn't have come sooner.
Don picked me up early Monday morning, so that I could get some errands done. Then he wanted to split & get back. Couldn't blame him there...I was right there with him. So we still needed a little time to kill until Sam's open, so after K-Mart we stopped at the 'Office'..that's Sneaky's...since when Joe & the rest of us would be there for quite a few business meeting after 'work'. Finished up by getting my Sams done & Don made it out in time to be on the road by Noon. Myself, I took the short road to a long nap.
It was a most enjoyable weekend, that like I said, had more resemblence to a real Holiday. Was also nice to have this Cyber thingy shut down for a few days, but now feeling good about being back....speaking of being back from a weekend of Feasting & Flocking , it seems that we have some hope for two terrible diseases. Both may become popular while eating out. One was that Coconut Oil may have some benefits for defusing Alzheimer's at an early stage. The other is that Michael Douglas suggests Oral Sex most likely caused his throat Cancer.
Well here we are in June already, so you know what that means, August will be upon us soon, so get ready for more Fun & Frolicking at the next Re-union/ tribute party at Charlie's, along with music & a meal of Roasted Pig. 'Til then......8/17...peace-out....
Don had already made plans to cook Breakfast & lunch on the beach for Saturday. Sounds good to me, but we still had Friday. That was soon solved when I decided to go to Caddy's on Sunset beach...you can refer to my oh so powerful pose in the surf that greatly resembles The Hulkster...! I really like this Beach, & rate it right up there with the finest to be found in Florida. No I haven't been to them ALL, but determined to do so as long as my Physic can hold up. We sat on the upper level with it's own Bar & view of the whole beach, and what ever may pass by, no matter how distracting. We were soon joined by a lovely couple that wanted to get out of the Rain, which had come about rather abruptly, as most Summer storms do. He worked on a gambling boat, at John's Pass, & she was a waitress...go figure. and with one like her's there was no second guessing. After the rain had stopped, they headed to the beach, and we headed to the next bar.
The next place we stopped at was just up the beach, and was called 'Screwie Louies' South Beach Bar. This too was another favorite, having access to both inside & out, but no view of the Beach. Although it made up for it by having some of the best Sea food meals close by. We didn't stay long, and was soon on our way back, so that Don could drop me off, and we all could start fresh the next day.
The Weather was a mix all Friday, but didn't think too much of it by the time Saturday rolled around.
So much for timing, Don & Shiela picked me up promptly at 8:00 a.m. so that Don could start cooking breakfast in time for none of us would go be hungry. No sooner than we started out, first to go back & pick up something left at Shiela's , we seemed to be heading straight into a Hell-of-va storm. No worries, down here all yo have to do is change directions, and go for the 'bright-spot'. Which in our case was toward the beach we were going to. We like to go to the Gandy Beach for sun & fun, since you can back right up close to the water, & have at it. Sure enough, by the time we reached the beach the Sun was out. You can refer to this one to the pic. of me hangin' in the tree. I took Otis here, oh yeah the pic of Otis in the water was where I always parked. This is on the Bay side, so you'll notice that the water isn't that 'nice blue' but it makes up for it when you can pull right on the beach & party along with your dog.
We set up & before you knew it, the eggs, sausage, & toast were just about ready. The Sun was moving in & out all morning, so you really didn't know how much Sun you were getting. I found out as we were leaving. I did have Don take some shots to prove it. Will try to transfer to fb.
Leaving the beach, there is another good Sea food place called the Crab Shack, where a friend works but didn't stop, maybe tomorrow. We headed home but before we got to close, thought we may as well stop at the bar that Shiela works, Sneaky 'D's. Caught up on the crew, always good to see who's still Kickin'.
Sunday started out a little later, since we were going for the lunch, that we didn't have on Saturday. This time the Sun was out & it stayed out the whole, time making it an early stay & left shortly after having some very nice Steaks on the Grill. We...I for one..couldn't sit facing the Sun any more, so we departed and soon was on our way to The Corner Bar, where we were to meet some friends, & visit with Julie the Bartender that we all knew from the first bar I started going to when I first came here.
Was good timing, we met the couple as we drove in, also the Rays were playing, so we got to see them kick some ass. & win another. So that was enough, headed back, so that Monday couldn't have come sooner.
Don picked me up early Monday morning, so that I could get some errands done. Then he wanted to split & get back. Couldn't blame him there...I was right there with him. So we still needed a little time to kill until Sam's open, so after K-Mart we stopped at the 'Office'..that's Sneaky's...since when Joe & the rest of us would be there for quite a few business meeting after 'work'. Finished up by getting my Sams done & Don made it out in time to be on the road by Noon. Myself, I took the short road to a long nap.
It was a most enjoyable weekend, that like I said, had more resemblence to a real Holiday. Was also nice to have this Cyber thingy shut down for a few days, but now feeling good about being back....speaking of being back from a weekend of Feasting & Flocking , it seems that we have some hope for two terrible diseases. Both may become popular while eating out. One was that Coconut Oil may have some benefits for defusing Alzheimer's at an early stage. The other is that Michael Douglas suggests Oral Sex most likely caused his throat Cancer.
Well here we are in June already, so you know what that means, August will be upon us soon, so get ready for more Fun & Frolicking at the next Re-union/ tribute party at Charlie's, along with music & a meal of Roasted Pig. 'Til then......8/17...peace-out....
Monday, May 27, 2013
BACK ON THE TRAIL WITH JOHN HENRY & JACK LONG
After being run out of Canada by the Mounties for being wrongly accused of being a couple of horse thieves, John Henry and Jack Long, found comfort high in the upper Plains of Montana to settle into a well desired rest from the trail.
Now that we had some time to reflex on the past few weeks that brought us here, I had time to think about our time together. I met John on a Cattle Drive that brought him to Oklahoma, then on the return tripI ran into him in a Saloon know for the gathering of many cowhands just off the trail from their recent roundups. It certainly lent it's name to the Rowdy and Reckless, men that often come off the trail to shed dust off themselves and drink enough to help satisfy the over whelming thirst that they gathered on the trail. I noticed one man that stood out on his own, looked as if he was savoring his drink not wanting anything else but to be alone. It didn't take long for one of them drunkin' cowboys to fall into his direction, practically landing on John. The man then commenced to shove and push him aside, telling him to get out of his way. No sooner did the drunk get straighten up, then John took one good swing to drop him to his knees, then turned back to the bar to finish his drink. Well that 'ol drunk wouldn't take that to lightly and thought he had the upper hand. As he rose back up to the bar, he slid his hand down along his side to grip his pistol. John, as it turned out was no stranger to these situations, and already had his Pearl Handled Colt half drawn, and before you could say..'son of a bitch'...John had his gun tucked ever so tightly up against the mans ear. At that point the man seemed to sober up rather fast and backed slowly away.
It wasn't until years later after getting to know Henry...I called him Henry..he called me 'Jack-ass'...that at any other time that 'ol drunk would have been another resident in Boot Hill.
So there stood Henry, back enjoying his drink. Well I thought, shit I could use a guy like that to partner-up on some of my Trail riding jobs. They consisted of dealing with rounding up wild Horses, to herding a few hundred head of cattle to Auction, to guiding Wagon Trains West from points East where hungry immigrants, were wantoned to start a new life.
I started to walk toward him, ever so slowly, since I could detect that he was not a fan to strangers, and after what I saw, I pretty much knew that already. Sure enough I didn't get two feet away when I saw his right hand side slowly down toward his Holster. I stopped abruptly I just turn to the bar and asked the bartender to set me and my friend here...motioning to Henry on my left...a couple of drinks. For a minute there you could hear a pin drop, but then all of a sudden, Henry broke out in huge laughter, and said, who the Fuck are you calling friend..?!!
Well I thought at that point I sorta had broken the ice of communication, and proceeded to introduce myself by extending my hand to show no harm and to show him I was pretty much harmless. Henry with his long white beard & Silver hair flowing over his shoulder, brushed it back, and asked who the Hell did I think I was coming over here to interrupt him while he was not only drinking, but that..didn't I just witness what happen to the last guy....I apologized, and commenced to explain to him why I took that chance. That alone must have convinced him to have a drink with me, since he didn't say another word until I finished and he had drank almost a half a bottle of Whiskey.
When he finally spoke, all he said was when do we leave, not a mention of pay or where the Hell we were going, we both just turned around and walked out the door, jumped on our Horses, and never looked back. That was ten or so years ago, and we've been on a few good jobs and a few bad ones, but none of them ever waiver our friendship.
Now here we are on top of some Mountain, ready to start another job with no doubt some adventure thrown in the mix. No time to think about the last job, just to move on to the next, knowing all too well as long as Henry is by my side, as a friend that he has been, it will get done.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Spending a few years on Bank Street one fine Sping day.....late in the 1970's
I took a ride down to New Milford on this clear & crisp day, enjoying an early Spring with a chance to ride with the top down on my Mustang. I was on my way to Bank Street with hopes of running into a few people that I wanted to see & talk to about my next Music Festival held at Warren Woods. The first went over so well, that I figured why not keep it going. So first of all I went to my friends shop: In From The Storm, to hang out w Candy, the owner, and Ceil who worked there, along w another Blonde Beauty, Dawn. Neither of whom happened to be there at the time, which was just as well, since I didn't want to get distracted while forming ideas in my head about the Festival, I was always forming ideas in my head about those two.
Candy, not being undone by her looks also, was gracious enough to keep me busy, talking about the night before at the Pub, where N.Y. Chalk had played, once again to a most deserving crowd, and as usual could not get enough. I was ready to have them appear again at Warren Woods, along with some other local favorites. White Lightning, of course, pickin' & Fiddlein' with Big Dougy Bear, Bruce Canovaro & with Shrdlu stepping in once in a while with his dynamic Harp playing. Also with some luck Stormin' Norman & Suzy would also show up. Dimitry said that was in play. As it turned out Big Dougy was across the street , standing in the doorway of the music shop tuning a six string for a fellow player, while Shrdlu pranced & danced up & down Bank Street joyously playing his mouth harp. Of course that wasn't that unusual for him, as most days that's where you would find him...during the days, at night on stage along with Tony....T.G..& the band. As I wandered over to meet & greet, a loud...HEY NAAAATE, rang out above the Theater, and no other than P.J. was at her best form standing next to Tony & Denise. I returned with my best..P JJJJJJJAY, at the top of my lungs.It was a common-uncommon greeting we both did when encountering each other.
After a brief hello to to Doug & confirming the date to play, I then went up to the Bank Street Theater where I was to meet with Rocky, the owner & Dimitry to go over scheduling for the up coming events, that might bring me to do a show at the Theater. Also Dimi & I were to go to the local radio station, I-95, to do a promo for the Festival.
When I left there, I was heading cross-block to the Mobil Station, where I could meet up with Tom Barry, my partner in crime, & Mike Frisbee, who did such a fantastic job on the Art Work for all the posters, fliers, tickets & the Logo for my new Sweetstone Productions endever. They were a piece of Art in itself.
Before rounding the corner of Bank & Main, I had to stick my head in at Joe's Barber to get in a quick 'hello' to the girls that worked there & the owner, who by no means you would mistake as a 'Joe'!!
I preceded to the gas station to see my 'ol friends Tom & Micheal. we had a great time chatting up the 'Party', that would eventually encompass our lives in more ways then we could have seen coming.
I reflex on those days more times than not, especially now with so much time pasted, & also the many friends that have pasted ...the dreams of doing another 'party' has always crossed my mind through out the years..but I realize there will never be another 'Mini- Woodstock' in my future, I'm just happy to have the memories of the parties & people that I have encountered in my life time.
Candy, not being undone by her looks also, was gracious enough to keep me busy, talking about the night before at the Pub, where N.Y. Chalk had played, once again to a most deserving crowd, and as usual could not get enough. I was ready to have them appear again at Warren Woods, along with some other local favorites. White Lightning, of course, pickin' & Fiddlein' with Big Dougy Bear, Bruce Canovaro & with Shrdlu stepping in once in a while with his dynamic Harp playing. Also with some luck Stormin' Norman & Suzy would also show up. Dimitry said that was in play. As it turned out Big Dougy was across the street , standing in the doorway of the music shop tuning a six string for a fellow player, while Shrdlu pranced & danced up & down Bank Street joyously playing his mouth harp. Of course that wasn't that unusual for him, as most days that's where you would find him...during the days, at night on stage along with Tony....T.G..& the band. As I wandered over to meet & greet, a loud...HEY NAAAATE, rang out above the Theater, and no other than P.J. was at her best form standing next to Tony & Denise. I returned with my best..P JJJJJJJAY, at the top of my lungs.It was a common-uncommon greeting we both did when encountering each other.
After a brief hello to to Doug & confirming the date to play, I then went up to the Bank Street Theater where I was to meet with Rocky, the owner & Dimitry to go over scheduling for the up coming events, that might bring me to do a show at the Theater. Also Dimi & I were to go to the local radio station, I-95, to do a promo for the Festival.
When I left there, I was heading cross-block to the Mobil Station, where I could meet up with Tom Barry, my partner in crime, & Mike Frisbee, who did such a fantastic job on the Art Work for all the posters, fliers, tickets & the Logo for my new Sweetstone Productions endever. They were a piece of Art in itself.
Before rounding the corner of Bank & Main, I had to stick my head in at Joe's Barber to get in a quick 'hello' to the girls that worked there & the owner, who by no means you would mistake as a 'Joe'!!
I preceded to the gas station to see my 'ol friends Tom & Micheal. we had a great time chatting up the 'Party', that would eventually encompass our lives in more ways then we could have seen coming.
I reflex on those days more times than not, especially now with so much time pasted, & also the many friends that have pasted ...the dreams of doing another 'party' has always crossed my mind through out the years..but I realize there will never be another 'Mini- Woodstock' in my future, I'm just happy to have the memories of the parties & people that I have encountered in my life time.
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