I have no desire to go out of the US and Canada. There are too many things to see here before going abroad. This makes the prompt a little easier to answer.
I think I would like to go back to San Diego, CA. I was there many years ago visiting cousins. At that time, they had small children and we were all limited on funds, but we did a lot of sight seeing and did visit the San Diego Zoo. My mother was along and she treated us to a visit to Disneyland a couple of years after it opened. I simply would enjoy seeing my cousins that still live there. We see each other about every ten years and as we are growing older, those times are getting fewer.
My cousin MJ and I were very close growing up. She was the "big sister" that I never had. She is now in her late 70's and has suffered a few maladies of growing older. Her husband is a retired Commander in the Navy. A great guy and lots of fun. Last year he suffered a severe stroke, and it has been debilitating for them both. They have enjoyed traveling since he retired, and now they cannot. Just last week they had to give up their home and move into retirement community to be all on one floor. Through all of this MJ has kept her sense of humor and handled all these things with her usual energy and forward thinking. In a recent letter from her, (yes she still writes snail mail) she referred to their new "digs" and the area as "Vinyl Village." Their family has spread out, with only one daughter and her family still living in the area, who I know is keeping a watchful, and helpful eye on her parents.
So, if I had a free ticket, I would fly to spend time with MJ and Eldon, and know that it would be time well spent. In fact, I may just foot the bill and go anyway!
Until next time,
Peace,
JE
Friday, September 30, 2016
Thursday, September 29, 2016
#3 The Best Vacation I Ever Had
In my lifetime, I have been on some vacations. When I was young, Dad and Mom had all the responsibility of driving, making reservations, etc. While I was married, I did all the driving, and those vacations were to distant grandparents of my wife's. My wife and I took a few short jaunts to Michigan while her health was good, but they were short and though nice, were nothing special. I flew to California twice to visit cousins, staying with them in their home and not doing much since they had small children at the time.
My best vacation ever was my trip to Montana in 2008. My daughter was teaching in a small town in the Northeastern part of Montana in, what the "natives" call the "high plains." I flew for the first time in 44 years from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, changed planes and flew on to Billings, Montana. Flying had changed so much since I had been on a plane. So had airports! I had to change planes, had 20 minutes to do it in Minneapolis, and thus enjoyed the "people conveyor." Arriving in Billings was a treat. All the mountains around us, I wondered just how this plane was going to land, but it did, sort of dropping down out of the sky and onto the airfield.
My daughter met me there, and we made the 3+ hour trip back to her home in Jordan, MT. She did all the driving, and gave me a continual narrative of the surrounding areas like she had lived there all her life, rather than only 2 years.
I met her friends, visited her school, visited a couple ranches, ate well and slept like a baby. The days were hot and dry, but as soon as the sun set, the wind picked up and it cooled down enough to sleep without the AC on and the windows open. I loved it. I interviewed for a job while I was there, teaching in one of the 8 one-room schools that were situated throughout the county. I visited that school building which had a small home for the teacher on the same property. It was down a well-maintained dirt road, 22 miles from town. I would have 8-10 students from K thru grade 8. Though it would have been a challenge, and I was tempted, I had to say "no." The thought of being "stuck" 22 miles from town in the dead of winter in an area that got snow, not by the inch, as I was accustomed,but by the foot, scared me.
We took a day trip to the Missouri Breaks, which is a desolate area in Montana carved out by the Missouri River once upon a time. It is so hauntingly beautiful that no words that I have can describe it. We also took a ride north to a small town that had a summer theater manned by college drama students for a delightful, and quite professional presentation of "Jesus Christ, Superstar."
I delighted in sitting at the Hell Creek Bar and Grill in Jordan where good food, good booze and good friends met. One evening a fellow brought his guitar and his mother had her standing bass, someone else was on the piano and we drank beer and sang. What fun!
The last night I was there, many of my daughter's friends, teachers she worked with, and their respective significant others gathered at Hell Creek B and G, and gave me great send off. I heard lots of stories about the area and also some stories about what a great teacher my daughter was and the great strides she had made in the school's English department. She had even produced and directed two student musicals while there, unheard of up till then.
I left Jordan knowing that my gal was in good hands and was appreciated for her talents, as well as her personality. It felt good. I had a ball, had little responsibility while I was there. I flew home a happy man.
Though it wasn't as exciting as someone else's vacation, I loved every moment. I saw things I had never seen before, met new people, observed another way of life, and flew for the first time in jets!
That, my friends, was the best vacation ever.
My best vacation ever was my trip to Montana in 2008. My daughter was teaching in a small town in the Northeastern part of Montana in, what the "natives" call the "high plains." I flew for the first time in 44 years from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, changed planes and flew on to Billings, Montana. Flying had changed so much since I had been on a plane. So had airports! I had to change planes, had 20 minutes to do it in Minneapolis, and thus enjoyed the "people conveyor." Arriving in Billings was a treat. All the mountains around us, I wondered just how this plane was going to land, but it did, sort of dropping down out of the sky and onto the airfield.
My daughter met me there, and we made the 3+ hour trip back to her home in Jordan, MT. She did all the driving, and gave me a continual narrative of the surrounding areas like she had lived there all her life, rather than only 2 years.
I met her friends, visited her school, visited a couple ranches, ate well and slept like a baby. The days were hot and dry, but as soon as the sun set, the wind picked up and it cooled down enough to sleep without the AC on and the windows open. I loved it. I interviewed for a job while I was there, teaching in one of the 8 one-room schools that were situated throughout the county. I visited that school building which had a small home for the teacher on the same property. It was down a well-maintained dirt road, 22 miles from town. I would have 8-10 students from K thru grade 8. Though it would have been a challenge, and I was tempted, I had to say "no." The thought of being "stuck" 22 miles from town in the dead of winter in an area that got snow, not by the inch, as I was accustomed,but by the foot, scared me.
We took a day trip to the Missouri Breaks, which is a desolate area in Montana carved out by the Missouri River once upon a time. It is so hauntingly beautiful that no words that I have can describe it. We also took a ride north to a small town that had a summer theater manned by college drama students for a delightful, and quite professional presentation of "Jesus Christ, Superstar."
I delighted in sitting at the Hell Creek Bar and Grill in Jordan where good food, good booze and good friends met. One evening a fellow brought his guitar and his mother had her standing bass, someone else was on the piano and we drank beer and sang. What fun!
The last night I was there, many of my daughter's friends, teachers she worked with, and their respective significant others gathered at Hell Creek B and G, and gave me great send off. I heard lots of stories about the area and also some stories about what a great teacher my daughter was and the great strides she had made in the school's English department. She had even produced and directed two student musicals while there, unheard of up till then.
I left Jordan knowing that my gal was in good hands and was appreciated for her talents, as well as her personality. It felt good. I had a ball, had little responsibility while I was there. I flew home a happy man.
Though it wasn't as exciting as someone else's vacation, I loved every moment. I saw things I had never seen before, met new people, observed another way of life, and flew for the first time in jets!
That, my friends, was the best vacation ever.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Prompt #2: A Picture Prompt.
Fall is my season. Not too hot, not too cold. Sort of like Goldilock's porridge. I like the changing from the heat of summer where I have been staying inside with the air conditioning on. Having the windows and doors open is such a refreshing change. I also like the colors of Fall. From the deep browns to the vibrant reds, that rainbow of color cheers me when I see it against the bright blue of fall skies. I wish I could paint, because I would try to capture the beauty of Fall. I have decorated my home in the golds and reds and verdant greens of fall with lots of texture and warmth.
I like dressing for Fall. I like jeans and sweaters and flannel shirts. I dislike having to begin wearing shoes again after living in sandals and flip flops all summer, but I adjust!! I like sitting on my porch in the mornings enjoying a cuppa and watching the neighborhood awaken. I like not having to go to work anymore, yet I miss the Homecoming football games and the bonfires that followed. I like sitting by the fireplace while taking the chill off the living room in the evenings, and relaxing with a good book and a glass of my favorite wine.
Fall is a harbinger of things to come, too. It hails Halloween with the knocking on my door by many super heroes, ghosts and goblins. It also brings Thanksgiving, which is a time of family gatherings and good food and pauses for being blessed. It also brings some snow, which I still look forward to, and of course, that leads into the annual "deep freeze." I never mind the cold as much as I do the heat.
Yes, Fall is my season. All the warmth, beauty and comfort it represents is what makes it special.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
#1 On the Prompt List
I have determined that my life is rather boring!! I haven't got enough to blog about, so I went on the internet and found a list of blog prompts that is workable, at least for me. So, today I will do prompt #1.
1. What show from your childhood would you love to bring back?
We didn't have a television until quite late into my childhood, and I spent so much time outdoors that I seldom watched many programs. When we did get a set, I remember "The Loretta Young Show" the most. Oh My Gosh! I had a real adolescent crush on her. Every Sunday (I think) I sat transfixed to our B and W GE 21" screen to watch her open those double doors and swirl through. I thought she was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. She had the softest voice, reminding me (now) of soft caramel. Wow! I can't recall any of the story lines, only the opening orchestral fanfare and her entrance and that she always closed her show by reading a quote by someone, smiling, and saying, "Well, good night, and I'll see you next week?" Always ending with that lilting questioning in her voice. Of course, Loretta, I will be right here next Sunday evening.
I was probably devastated when her show ended, though I don't remember that!
There have been many other "favs" down through the years. "Gunsmoke," "Have Gun, Will Travel," "I love Lucy," being some of my best recalls. Carol Burnett had a wonderful variety show back in the day. Her antics were famous and still appear on clips on YouTube. I recently found the "immortal" episode where she did a spoof on "Gone With The Wind" appearing as Scarlett with a curtain rod across her shoulders. I still get a big belly laugh from that one.
As far as today's comedies go, I can't find a good one. I was hooked on "Big Bang Theory" until the writers began making it the "Sheldon Cooper Show," which has spoiled it for me. I watched the beginning of the new season recently and, looking at the clock, thought to myself, "when is this over?" No more BBT for me. Television has changed so much. Loretta and Lucy are gone. Gone are my sweet days of youth when I could appreciate Loretta's beauty and grace, and laugh at the inane antics of Lucy and Ethel.
I don't think it's possible to bring back that kind of television. Times have changed and so has the media. I am glad my television has an "off" button!
Until next time,
Peace,
JE
1. What show from your childhood would you love to bring back?
We didn't have a television until quite late into my childhood, and I spent so much time outdoors that I seldom watched many programs. When we did get a set, I remember "The Loretta Young Show" the most. Oh My Gosh! I had a real adolescent crush on her. Every Sunday (I think) I sat transfixed to our B and W GE 21" screen to watch her open those double doors and swirl through. I thought she was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. She had the softest voice, reminding me (now) of soft caramel. Wow! I can't recall any of the story lines, only the opening orchestral fanfare and her entrance and that she always closed her show by reading a quote by someone, smiling, and saying, "Well, good night, and I'll see you next week?" Always ending with that lilting questioning in her voice. Of course, Loretta, I will be right here next Sunday evening.
I was probably devastated when her show ended, though I don't remember that!
There have been many other "favs" down through the years. "Gunsmoke," "Have Gun, Will Travel," "I love Lucy," being some of my best recalls. Carol Burnett had a wonderful variety show back in the day. Her antics were famous and still appear on clips on YouTube. I recently found the "immortal" episode where she did a spoof on "Gone With The Wind" appearing as Scarlett with a curtain rod across her shoulders. I still get a big belly laugh from that one.
As far as today's comedies go, I can't find a good one. I was hooked on "Big Bang Theory" until the writers began making it the "Sheldon Cooper Show," which has spoiled it for me. I watched the beginning of the new season recently and, looking at the clock, thought to myself, "when is this over?" No more BBT for me. Television has changed so much. Loretta and Lucy are gone. Gone are my sweet days of youth when I could appreciate Loretta's beauty and grace, and laugh at the inane antics of Lucy and Ethel.
I don't think it's possible to bring back that kind of television. Times have changed and so has the media. I am glad my television has an "off" button!
Until next time,
Peace,
JE
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Nine Years Later
Nine years ago today I said goodbye to the love of my life. Sad days have followed me for a lot of that time. As the years have passed, the sadness has abated to a point that I can remember my love with fondness and not shed tears.
I have learned a lot in the last nine years. I have learned that life goes on. That though people care, they get on with their lives, and I have to go on with mine.
I have learned how to keep a good, clean (ahem,no comments) house. How to maintain a checkbook balance that keeps me out of the "red ink" zone. I have conquered the washer and dryer, though I still HATE doing laundry. I have learned how to "cook for one." (read here," make lots of stuff at once and refrigerate.") I have found that I rather like being alone. A friend asked recently if I would ever consider remarrying. I said a resounding "no." I like my space, my being able to do what I want, when I want to do it. I rarely get "lonely" and when I do, I jump in the car and go somewhere around people. So, I would say I have adjusted to single life. I kinda like it. Yes, I miss Pam every day. Yes, I wish she was still here, only in a "well" state, not the way she was when she passed.
When I hear people say they "lost" a loved one, I think to myself, "I didn't lose Pam. I know exactly where she is." I know she's somewhere out there looking down on her family and smiling. Probably scratching her head and thinking, "Damn, am I missing out on a lot." And she is!
Until next time,
Peace, (I have found it)
JE
I have learned a lot in the last nine years. I have learned that life goes on. That though people care, they get on with their lives, and I have to go on with mine.
I have learned how to keep a good, clean (ahem,no comments) house. How to maintain a checkbook balance that keeps me out of the "red ink" zone. I have conquered the washer and dryer, though I still HATE doing laundry. I have learned how to "cook for one." (read here," make lots of stuff at once and refrigerate.") I have found that I rather like being alone. A friend asked recently if I would ever consider remarrying. I said a resounding "no." I like my space, my being able to do what I want, when I want to do it. I rarely get "lonely" and when I do, I jump in the car and go somewhere around people. So, I would say I have adjusted to single life. I kinda like it. Yes, I miss Pam every day. Yes, I wish she was still here, only in a "well" state, not the way she was when she passed.
When I hear people say they "lost" a loved one, I think to myself, "I didn't lose Pam. I know exactly where she is." I know she's somewhere out there looking down on her family and smiling. Probably scratching her head and thinking, "Damn, am I missing out on a lot." And she is!
Until next time,
Peace, (I have found it)
JE
Friday, September 16, 2016
Happy News
I received some happy news yesterday. My daughter, who has been divorced from "asshat" as he is know in our parts, for over 20 years, has dated the same great guy for over 6 years. They are now engaged, diamond ring and all. And, they are planning a small, immediate family ceremony sometime after the first of the year. My "sin-in-law" is finally going to be my "son-in-law." :) They both have the approval of their sons; that is very important.
Heather and Bill knew each other in school, graduating in the same HS class many years ago. They never dated each other, never paid much attention to each other during those years. They both went their separate ways, married others, had children and lives. At some point, after all these years, their paths intersected at their work sites, and the rest is history!
I will be proud to add Bill and his son Lane to our family.
Until Next Time,
Peace,
JE
Heather and Bill knew each other in school, graduating in the same HS class many years ago. They never dated each other, never paid much attention to each other during those years. They both went their separate ways, married others, had children and lives. At some point, after all these years, their paths intersected at their work sites, and the rest is history!
I will be proud to add Bill and his son Lane to our family.
Until Next Time,
Peace,
JE
Monday, September 12, 2016
The Magic of a Song
Have you ever thought about the impact that lyrics of songs can have on your life? They can affect your mood, making you feel happy, sad, or even melancholy. Hearing a particular song can stir you into becoming more patriotic as well as causing you to become an emotional basket case. For example, the lyrics of Irving Berlin's "God Bless America," can bring audiences to their feet with hats off and tears streaming down their cheeks. Recently, while visiting in Texas and attending a Ranger's ball game, I noticed that when the crowd was singing this song, all the people had risen to their feet, had their hats off, hands over their heart, and many were in tears, and even hugging each other. Obviously, these lyrics stirred this crowd of fans, and reawakened a feeling of patriotism.
"Make the world go away, and get it off my shoulders," brings another feeling to bear. When the stresses of everyday life get to be more than a person feels they can bear, these lyrics can really express what a person wishes could happen. Of course, we all know that the world is going to go on and the troubles we are asked to bear will still be there, but by singing or listening to these words, we can feel some sort of comfort.
In 1873, a well-to-do lawyer, Horatio G Spafford, was planning a trip to Europe with his wife and their four daughters. Knowing he still had an important court case to follow up on, he sent his family on, promising to join them in London at a later date. While sailing across the Atlantic, their ship was struck and cut in half by a freighter. Spafford's four daughters were swept to their deaths while their mother watched. She was thrown overboard and managed to swim to some flotsam where she was rescued. She wired her husband in New York and informed him of the tragedy. Spafford immediately set sail for London where his wife awaited. As his ship neared the spot where his daughters were lost, he was overcome by a feeling that God was near. He immediately set about writing the words to the now-favorite hymn, "It is Well With My Soul." His words, "When sorrows like sea billows roll" must surely describe the terrible grief that he must have been feeling as he sailed on past the watery grave of his loved ones. But, Spafford's lyrics also say that, "It is well with my soul" showing that he accepted what had happened and that it didn't hinder his faith.
A contemporary American singer, Joe Cocker, recorded "You Are So Beautiful To Me" in 1973. Cocker's scratchy voice and unique style of delivery has made this song one of the greatest love songs of our time. "You're every thing that I hoped for, you're every thing that I need, you are so beautiful to me," exemplifies a feeling of love that most men feel for their wives or sweethearts at some point in their lives. It says things to women that men often feel, but cannot express.
There is magic in a song. Whether it is patriotic, a solemn hymn, or a love song sung in a scratchy voice, music has a magical way of getting to the feelings of human nature. It has a healing effect on the soul and acts as a catharsis for a broken heart. Listening to and singing music is God's way of saying that all is right with the world.
Until next time,
Peace,
JE
"Make the world go away, and get it off my shoulders," brings another feeling to bear. When the stresses of everyday life get to be more than a person feels they can bear, these lyrics can really express what a person wishes could happen. Of course, we all know that the world is going to go on and the troubles we are asked to bear will still be there, but by singing or listening to these words, we can feel some sort of comfort.
In 1873, a well-to-do lawyer, Horatio G Spafford, was planning a trip to Europe with his wife and their four daughters. Knowing he still had an important court case to follow up on, he sent his family on, promising to join them in London at a later date. While sailing across the Atlantic, their ship was struck and cut in half by a freighter. Spafford's four daughters were swept to their deaths while their mother watched. She was thrown overboard and managed to swim to some flotsam where she was rescued. She wired her husband in New York and informed him of the tragedy. Spafford immediately set sail for London where his wife awaited. As his ship neared the spot where his daughters were lost, he was overcome by a feeling that God was near. He immediately set about writing the words to the now-favorite hymn, "It is Well With My Soul." His words, "When sorrows like sea billows roll" must surely describe the terrible grief that he must have been feeling as he sailed on past the watery grave of his loved ones. But, Spafford's lyrics also say that, "It is well with my soul" showing that he accepted what had happened and that it didn't hinder his faith.
A contemporary American singer, Joe Cocker, recorded "You Are So Beautiful To Me" in 1973. Cocker's scratchy voice and unique style of delivery has made this song one of the greatest love songs of our time. "You're every thing that I hoped for, you're every thing that I need, you are so beautiful to me," exemplifies a feeling of love that most men feel for their wives or sweethearts at some point in their lives. It says things to women that men often feel, but cannot express.
There is magic in a song. Whether it is patriotic, a solemn hymn, or a love song sung in a scratchy voice, music has a magical way of getting to the feelings of human nature. It has a healing effect on the soul and acts as a catharsis for a broken heart. Listening to and singing music is God's way of saying that all is right with the world.
Until next time,
Peace,
JE
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