...Dogs are people too...

     I found this article in my paper the other day, and being an animal lover....a Dog lover...I thought I should share this with all you 'Lovers' out there.
    Most of you have known all my Dogs, starting with Erin, an Irish Setter...who is probably one you don't know, but are all familiar with her first born...Tokas, I called him the 'Black Irishman'. Erin died shortly after she gave birth, but will always be remembered. My then wife & I named our first daughter, Tiffany Erin, as some what of a tribute.
    Tokas was the best, we didn't even need to house-break him. He was with me for eleven wonderful years. We went everywhere  together, as I found that was the norm for the rest of my Dogs to follow.
    I then added Charlie, a beautiful Irish Setter Bitch. She and Tokas were quite the pair. Unfortunately she was hit in a 'freak' accident, and died from internal damages.
    Once Tokas had left me it took me awhile to have another 'friend' enter my life. But then came Buddy, who I took in from a friend that could not keep him with the move he was about to make. 
   Buddy, again was another one that could not be compared to. He got away once, not of his own accord, but kidnapped when someone stole my car in front of the Pub, not knowing about the stow-away in the back seat. What a home coming when he finally got back to my house..in a long about fashion.
   While Buddy was still very much of my life, I took in a Yellow Lab puppy that some one had placed a card on the wall of the Laundry Mat where I frequented. The lady there pointed it out, but not sure at the time if I wanted two dogs. But I gave in, and thought that it wouldn't hurt to call, some-what feeling that it would be gone anyway. I left a message that one Sunday after wash. A week later, the lady there asked me about the Dog. I told her I just got the machine, and hadn't heard back. Just knowing, a dog like that would be snapped up.
   When I returned home, I had a message from the owner of that Lab. I called back & she explained that she had to return to California to finish her move. Part of that move was that she couldn't have a dog. I told her that I was surprised she hadn't gotten some one else to take him. She then explained that she had other calls, but waited for me to get in touch, since she heard about me and my relationship with such animals. 
   I had her bring him by to get a close look. She came a presented me with one of the most beautiful and 'spirited' dog I ever new. He was nine months old, but could tell he'd pass the test when I asked her to bring him back Saturday...it was a diffineate maybe.
   She gave me his papers,since he was registered, but 'fixed'. Also a picture of his father. The papers showed his full name as: Sir Otis Dreams'. From then on it was 'Oat' and me with Buddy showing him the Ropes before it was time to say good-bye to anther good Boy.in Buddy.
   Well that's about it. Otis being the last of many wonderful 
Dogs that I call my best friends, since I felt that they were people too, and should be treated as such.....


 .......  Now back to the article....this is but a summary, shortened since I took the liberty of summing up my Dog-friends, to length...

  The author said that they had trained his Dog to go into an MRI scanner...completely awake and unrestrained. They wanted to determine how Dogs' brains worked and, even more important, what they think of us humans.
  Now, after training and scanning a dozen Dog, they came to one inescapable conclusion : that Dogs are people too.
   The ability to experience positive emotions, like love and attachment, would mean that Dogs have a level of sentience comparable to that of a human child. Dogs, and probably many other animals [especially our closest primate relatives], seem to have emotions just like us.

    That being a very condensed version, but hoping to get mine and many others opinions across about this love for our animals....
   

Looking back to the Future

       These days that are upon us now will be a defining moment for us all. It seems hard to understand what is going on some time, when all along it seemed 'Black & White'. But now the future is blurred with no definition of what will come. I for one, would like to think that it'll be o.k. since the time I have spent here, is much longer than the time I'm about to endure for remaining bit of space that I will encounter in the future.
   I will continue with some writings of my past that at the time were called a 'Journal' that was hand written at the time, and now to the modern  form which I use now, the 'Blog'.
   It was an early Spring day, or maybe a late Summer one. Either way, there I was, sitting at one of the 'High-tops' by the window at the Pub, writing on a yellow 'legal' note pad. I just glanced up when a dear friend, that had just come in, walked away from the bar, and headed over to talk.She asked me what I was doing. Well it seemed simple enough to me, and I believed she did too. But for some reason she need some kind of explanation, since normally she saw me at the Pub holding a beer, and not a pen.
   I told her that I was just writing some things down that had occurred  that day and in the past few days. 
   " Oh", she said and asked me why. 'Well, I just like the idea of maybe someday it would be good to look back to see what went on in my life at that time, since who knows what kind of memory you would have if you did want to 'remember' those days'. 
   She nodded politely, and went on her way. I stayed a bit longer, finished  my beer, put my papers away for the day and proceeded to have another beer at the bar. At that time, it became obvious to me, and now Marcy, why I was recording memories down on paper.

   The following is part of those 'paper' Dayz.......

   .....it's dated October 13th, 1975.......

   I have just returned from an exhausting weekend with the kids, who now live with their Mother. To add to my depression with the rain still falling, Charlie, my wonderful Irish Setter, had died Friday night, after being hit by a bike that some kids rode by the house on, and Charlie, not liking Bikes or Horses, ran out barking, and got there when the following kids didn't have time to stop, and hit her square in the chest which created internal bleeding, and irreputable damage. She will be missed.
   I would like to bury her tomorrow. Tokas seems lonely, as he should be..they were some pair. A Black Irishman, and the beautiful 'Red Head'! The love she had for me I will never forget!

  I lack understanding from such a death. Many people and things around me help, but  I'm afraid death is to fearful to satisfy my deep thought of why such a thing has happened again. 
  I do hope my understanding will be broadened shortly, fore I do not wish it to happen again, without the knowledge of knowing why!

    
   This particular writing was done the same year as when I got a divorce, and my father died. As some of you may recall at the beginning of that summer, I threw a party in memory of my father, who died on April 24, 1974. On May 24th, 1975, we all gathered at the 'Woods' to celebrate, 'Alive in '75'. Just a small group of a thousand friends.

Writings from the Past....

     I  would  now  like to add some writing's from the past that I found in that mystery 'Green Box' that I was able to retrieve the last time I was in Connecticut. It remained elusive for a year or so, until, with a little persistence, it was located in  a spot where no one would have thought.
   Opening it, I found some treasures that I did not expect. There in side was an abundance of old works of stories, art work. & lessons from when I was in Grade School, up until I had graduated from High School.
    
    I am starting with some Prose that was written in 1979. I  will get to the others in time, but for now I'd like to start with these....

                                        
                                                I FEEL VERY MUCH ALONE
                                                I TAKE ONLY THAT WHICH
                                                SERVES ME BEST IN THE
                                                LIGHT OF TOMORROW........
          
                                                AH, YESTERDAY............
                                                I ONLY CATCH A GLIMPSE
                                                THAT REFLECTS A LIFETIME
                                                WHICH IS GONE.....
                                                THAT IT MAY BUILD THE FUTURE....
                                                PRESENT DAY PROSPECTS
                                                ARE ENSUED BY CONFUSION
                                                WHERE DO I TAKE TOMORROW
                                                FROM YESTERDAYS DREAMS.........
                                               
    
Another one that I will include :                                         
  
                                              WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME,
                                              TO BE THERE, TO BE THERE
                                              TO SHOW YOUR LOVE....
                                
                                              WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME
                                              TO SAY...
                                              ' YOU'RE THE ONLY ONE'
                     
                                              CAN THIS BE THE RIGHT TIME
                                              WHEN ALL IS QUITE AND STILL.
                                              OR IS IT JUST THE RIGHT TIME
                                              WHEN YOU MAKE IT YOUR WILL.      
                
                                              CAN THIS BE THE RIGHT TIME
                                              WHEN LOVE IS FRESH AND PURE
                                              OR CAN THIS BE THE RIGHT TIME
                                              WHEN YOU'RE NOT SO SURE..?

                                             THE RIGHT TIME IS AND ALWAYS BE
                                             A MOMENT IN THE PAST....
                                             WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE
                                             AND NOT A SOUL WILL ASK!
                                      
 Just to end this section with this:

                                           GIVE ME TIME TO EXPERIENCE
                                           AND GIVE ME THE NEXT DAY TO LOVE,
                                           'FORE  TO WISH TO SEE LIFE......
   
 

,,,,,PARTY TIME...

      So many years have past by, so quickly, so decisively, that it doesn't seem possible that those that are here and those that have left us, can be put in the same sentence. There are just too many to mention, but you know their names. We all have our Ideals, Joys, Hopes, and Dreams to concur. When was it that we all got together, and reflected on the past, just to say...I'm gonna do that, or see them fulfilled. Now having so many memories of the past, the distant future is  suddenly here and now. I can only hope that what we have seen in our lives is some of the best things to behold, in the short time we had to enjoy it. We have grown up in such a fast moving and fast growing Society, that it would only be wise for us to keep those memories alive.
    With the best of intentions, and deep convicted  love, for all beings....I do wish that we can come together each year, permitted that no obstacles come in our way, and celebrate among all that are here and all that will be with us in heart, mind and soul.

    I have to say that being 'Home' this August, was such a wonderful feeling to see how beautiful that area is, when once taken it for granted, and how much it really means to me. Also how much it has given back, in the sense that no matter where you go, friends, family, and the love of nature, is still there to welcome you Home.
   
    I do believe the 'Reunion-Memorial-Tribute Party proved that. What a great time to see so many good friends. I do hope all that were there feel the same way and that we can continue this Tradition. I have already talked with Lewis, and of course it's fine with him, also with others closely involved.
    Next year, I am still pushing for some 'Live' Music, but if that doesn't occur, I will want to make it a point for the following year when the 40th anniversary of 'Alive in '75 will be the agenda. I have doubts about getting the 'Woods' for it, but will none the less inquire about it. Also the Bantam Community field is an option. Jumping ahead like this may be premature, and that said, knowing that Lewis and Roy Cheney will have it covered just fine where it was.
    
     I want to send out all my best to those who came and to all those who I know wanted to be there.
        
                     .....love to all....

ONE FOR THE ROAD

    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...!@!

 

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...
   

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'....