I am Thankful, truly thankful, bring on 2010!

I love this shot, I just used it, but here it is again. Remember the boat rides & the fish?

Remember how light the birds were, didn't make a ripple when they landed.

You can't forget the beauty of the water lillies.

Forget the friendly alligators............

Well on the thresh hold of a new year, I want to look on what I am thankful for.
First and foremost, I am thankful for the most wonderful lady n the world. She is my wife, friend and lover. She has been for over fifty three years. Yes, I know I am lucky, and tell her every day.

Second.. I am thankful for health. My worst problem is a cold which I contact on an average of less than once a year, I think. (I tend to forget bad stuff once it has passed, a trait of mine.

Third… I am thankful for our family. Over all this group makes me proud.

Forth… I am thankful for friends that I have known most of my life. I am not ‘close’ to anyone anymore, but I know if I need them, they will be there. My hope is that they feel the same.

Fifth.. I am thankful for everyone I have met via the internet. For a mostly deaf person, this has been a God sent thing. I can communicate using my fingers and eyes. I think of the ones who I no longer see here. I wonder about a sweet lady known as: LMitc89854, Lindie I hope you are well where ever you are. She was the first ‘encourager and commenter’ on the Shipslog. OH yeah, I miss Jun also.

Sixth… I am very thankful for each person who takes some of their valuable time to read the stuff I write, either here or in my books.

As I get older I forget some important stuff, ( not good when you drive your house). I forget the jacks are down, and start to drive off. I have even forgotten I was still hooked up and start to drive off. I laugh now when I think I used to worry about leaving the TV antenna up or the step out. Those are actually small items. I am thankful that I ‘REMEMBERED’ just before it became a problem.

For all the Blessings I have had in my life, which are more than could be listed, I AM THANKFUL.

Things I regret:
I regret not being at Mozelle (Jessie)’s funeral. I regret my slothfulness in being too busy to visit and pay my respects. I hope I am forgiven.

I look forward to new roads, higher hills and many more brighter sunrises and sunsets.

I thank you for coming this way,
Nite Shipslog

PS: I am thankful for the little boat I am going to get, and all the delicious Crappie’s. (LOL)(hint, hint, hint)
PS (2):
When they were married Ora told Mixon, “My ring is tight, it is cutting off my circulation.”
Mixon replied, “That is what it is supposed to do my dear!”

Guess what, news, we moved!

Well this is the Motor home as we left today, Sherry is coming back from checking the van out.

I just happened to run across this picture of a little girl that lives in Utah!

WE started our new car’s training today. It done well, being on it’s on. Yeah, it is the first time it was towed. Traveling and coming I contact with a lot of RV’s you see some interesting sights. One guy has on the back of his car as he is towing it down the road “I GO WHERE I AM TOWED”, one says, “I AM A TOAD”, another says, “BE PATIENT, I AM PUSHING A BIG MOTOR HOME”.
So our new vehicle passed the test, except she did not have brake lights, I guess I should fix that. Yeah when we pulled in, she was following right along patiently.

We are set up at a new home. I am thinking about buying a lottery ticket before the weekend. When I win I am going to buy a boat. WE are gonna catch some Specks (Crappies) and enjoy fresh fish. Hope I win!!!

WE pulled in beside a ‘Fiver’, RV talk for a fifth wheel unit. The guy is from Utah. Got his grand sons along and they are playing with a little remote control helicopter. I want one! I was disappointed though. I asked him what he thought about Elsie Mae, he said who? I couldn’t believe it, I asked if he lived under a rock in Utah? I thought everyone in Utah knew Elsie! Shucks she is our Great grand daughter, he will know now. He will probably go visit and take Gold, Frankie’s cents and moths! Least he should.
I was singing away today, “in the song were words about “Some one else’s heart or dream. Something like that. My girl says, you keep Elsie on your mind a lot! Oh well it was funny at the time. But then there are a lot of things that are funny to OLD people, especially when one can’t hear.
There are a lot of you folks snowed in. Hope you are having a good time. Thanks for coming by the log.
Nite Shipslog
PS:
Lucy mentioned something we used to hear, “Close the door, were you born in a barn.” One little boy told his mom he wished he was Jesus just once when she said that.

She asked “Why is that?”

He said, “Just once I want to say: ‘As a matter of fact…..”

Others we don’t hear any more!
There's a dollar in my purse, get 5 gallons of gas when you go to town.
Open the back door and see if we can get a breeze through here, it is getting hot.

You can walk to the store; it won't hurt you to get some exercise.
Don't sit too close to the TV. It is hard on your eyes.

Hey did you ever cross your eyes? What did your mama say?

Florida, Warm/Cold it is relative (Always warm compared to WI & NE.)

These are Old fishing pictures in our folding boat. If you will notice close Sherry's warm suit is behind her chair she had already shed it. (Couldn't get her to shed any more, probably the gators!) This was one of the most beautiful days on the lake. The kind that is nice to be out, but you don't catch too much.


This has turned out to be a beautiful day down here in Florida. Last night was COLD (Okay you Yankees, don’t laugh) that is cold for Florida. We were in the mid thirties. It doesn’t bother the fruit or veggies until it really drops. But it does do that sometimes.There is a myth about Florida, that it is warm all the time, not so. Not so, when we used to have a boat (Hint used to have, want another I think) and fished early in the morning it was nice in a heavy warm suit. As the day progressed the sun gets the place all warm and toasty.

If you want warm weather you must go to the Okeechobee, in the Southern area. Then sometimes it gets nippy. For real balmy 95% good weather you must take a trip down into the keys. Most folks prefer Key West because it has the USA’s most southern point. If you go to Woody’s Blog, http://oldboomerwoodys.blogspot.com/
And go back a couple entries you will see a good photo of the Southernmost point (Along with a real good picture of Anna Mae, Woody’s wife, Okay he is on there too but….lol). He also had some good pictures of Warm sunny Florida.

There were plenty of times on the lake and saw no gators, cause they were dug in. They love the hot warm weather, and then you will see them everywhere. Most of the time there is no threat, but you don’t want to pet them, that is for sure.
We had breakfast with, then visited some, with our favorite Florida preacher, Bishop Carter and his wife Juanita. He ‘found’ an orange tree he didn’t know he had, and gave us a large bag of juice oranges. They are delicious.
WE went for ‘Mail Call’ today, probably the last of the Christmas cards. A lot of folks are sending e-cards, I don’t blame them, postage is becoming expensive.
Thanks for coming by the log.
Nite Shipslog
PS: Check Paula out if you are interested in Buzzard Eggs (she is a hoot). http://pl78064.blogspot.com/

Things you don’t hear much anymore:
Take that empty bottle to the store with you so you won't have to pay a deposit on another one.

Let me know when the Fuller Brush man comes by, I need to get a few things from him.

You boys stay close by, the car may not start and I will need you to help push it off.

Christmas Navy style and Undecorating

This may give an idea of a Navy harbor at Christmas time.

Her Majesty's Ships also get into the act.

Destroyers and Cruisers really light up.

It should be as much fun to undecorate as to decorate, but it isn’t. I see beautiful Christmas decorations in pictures from your homes on the net. We drive past extensively decorated homes in each town. I have commented on decorations here in Florida. These towns have absolutely gorgeous decorations. I may find some pictures, but I doubt it. We were coming in late from Savannah a couple nights ago and driving thru Lady Lake, FL, saw their decorated public park, beautiful is the only way it can be described.
As we decorate, it seems we cannot do enough. The Christmas spirit is upon us and we feel light and happy.

The only times I used to think ahead was right after Christmas when I thought to buy the lights to store for next year. Once I was disappointed, it was during a time outside decorations were starting to be big. I bought a ‘load’ of outdoor lights planning to do it up big next year. They were never unwrapped or used. The next year was the energy crisis when everyone was asked to scale back. Bah, humbug. I finally sold them for nothing at a big Yard sale.

If you have never been to a US Naval Base at Christmas, you have missed a Christmas treat. The ships decorate and look beautiful (As above)reflecting in the water. The first time I saw it was when I joined the Navy and was sent to Norfolk three days after Christmas. The base was still decorated. I was amazed and proud to be a part of the USN. I remember the Carrier tied up at pier 12. Never realizing that would soon be my home. I saw a small diesel sub at the ‘D& S’ piers. They had the ‘island’ made up like a chimney with a giant Santa climbing down.

BUT once decorated, it must be ‘un’ decorated. Ours stay up until just after the first. WE are so downsized it only takes a matter of minutes to take down and store in the Ceramic tree. (The other decorations go inside the ceramic tree.) So enjoy the decorations. Put them up so they will be easy to get to. You will be unpacking them sooner than you realize. It is only 362 days ‘til Christmas.
Thanks for coming this way.
Nite Shipslog
PS:
Things you just don’t hear much anymore:
You have worn the knees out of that pair of pants shooting marbles there is nothing left to put a patch on.

Don't you go outside with your school clothes on!

Go comb your hair; it looks like a rat’s nest.

Be sure and pour the cream off the top of the milk when you take the stopper out of the bottle.

I know things change. I have been watching it for over seventy years. Some changes bug an old person. One is the attitude toward paying bills.
I was raised to pay what I owe when (or before) it is due. There was a time (that disappeared sometime in the last 30 years) that the company you had credit with VALUED YOU as a customer, if you paid on time. You were a ‘trusted customer’. If you needed more credit, they looked back at your record and said, “Hey that Jack has never been late and usually pays before we bill him. SURE give him whatever he needs he is good for it.
In our family we have gone short of something’s, to make sure the debts were paid on time. BUT our one rule was we never buy what we cannot afford. I think of this at Christmas time. Christmas gifts are wonderful; it is the spirit of Christmas. One thing I can say, this family has NEVER borrowed to buy gifts. We have given less, we have given nothing but cards and good wishes, but we have never gone in debt for Christmas. Somehow it just was not the right thing to do. That was OUR ideas.
We have had friends who were bemoaning the December gifts in January, when the bills came due. Families today must give ‘bigger’ than last year no matter how much the cost. For some reason parents cannot sit the children down and say, “We just cannot do much this year.” In later years the children will appreciate the honesty, I would hope.
My original premise to this entry was borrower lender relationships. There was a time, when there was a Company Store, where purchases were made against one’s paycheck. People who did not do some calculations would buy more than they had coming. Tennessee Ernie had a hit song called ‘Sixteen Tons’. A song about a coal mining man who ‘owed his soul to the Company store’.
I never lost the vision of a man at the other end receiving my payment and saying, “I knew Jack’s would be one of the first.” Silly, that. Over the years I became just a number and did not know it. Now the companies really don’t care if you are late or not, they make more money. The interest does not stop, it just keeps ticking on. And they tempt you with the “MINIMUM PAYMENT” entry. They would much rather you pay the min payment. Let me say this and I will quit after not having said what I wanted to. NEVER SEND THE MINIMUM. Always send just a little more, even a dollar, if you cannot pay it all. The minimum will have you owing your soul to the ‘Company Store’.
Thanks for reading this drivel.
Nite Shipslog
PS:
Things you don’t hear anymore (some of you never heard them).
Quit slamming the screen door when you go out!
Wash your feet before you go to bed, you've been playing outside all day barefooted.
Why can't you remember to roll up your britches legs? Getting them caught in the bicycle chain so many times is tearing them up.

PS@ I quit trying to add pics after the third time.....

This is our gone away entry. I am putting it on tonight because tomorrow we take off to Savannah, Ga. We are taking the old Odyssey to Meet Mark and leave t with him. So we will be on the road all day. Savannah is half way down here from home. It will only be a little over 500 miles, but will take us all together about 10-11 hours if we eat with Mark and the family there. Right now no one is sure who is coming to meet us. We are looking forward to seeing them even for just a short time.

This is our new home at Lake Griffin

Me enjoying the fire yesterday.

Looks like we are burning spoons. Nah, but the guy woh makes wooden spoons put his scraps in the wood bin to burn, it is oak so makes a good fire.

My Bride enjoying the fire before her big cook off on Christmas.

I know all you cooks have been known for some particular dish. And some folk many dishes over your life time even though you no longer do them.
Sherry has been famous for: Fried Chicken, Corn bread, German Chocolate Cake, Red Waldorf Cake, fruit salad, pedal bread (remember that), Lasagna, Chicken a la king, salmon patties, disappearing marshmallow brownies , dump cake and especially grilled cheese sandwiches. She was a modern Grandma, the Disappearing brownies and grilled cheese sandwiches are what the grandkids remember most

Now about our Christmas. I woke up to the smell of our Christmas Goose cooking, okay it was not a goose but a big hen. (I have never known anyone who had goose but the Cratchett’s and Lucy). It was always Chicken or turkey with us. So this time it is actually a big hen. Ready for this, today she made dressing, giblet gravy, green beans, corn, fruit salad, lettuce salad and a five pound hen. Sherry had decided to cook the hen in the slow cooker. Its legs stuck up too far. So she took the advice of our oldest son, when in doubt, use duct tape. She put tin foil over the bird and taped the top down over it. Hey it worked. (Melted the glue off the tape onto the cooker, but I knew to use oil on the glue to get it off, so no problem. Since I was the dish washer!) The meal was great. Now we have four of five days of left overs.

This fudge recipe came from the blog Up north with Mel. Delicious!

.
As you read this entry, if it is on Saturday, we are doing what we like most, traveling. The first half will not be much fun, we will be in different cars, BUT on the way back I get to play with her leg. She always smiles and says, ‘Keep your mind on the road!’
Lately I have learned another phrase to use, “Honey practicing multi tasking!” That should solve the problem shouldn’t it? LOL
Thanks for stopping by the log.
Nite Shipslog
PS: Things mothers don’t say anymore:
Put a dish towel over the cake so the flies won't get on it.
Quit jumping on the floor! I have a cake in the oven and you are going to make it fall if you don't quit!

MERRY CHRISTMAS (of course)!!!!

THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!!!

STILL THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!

ANOTHER REASON.. To be happy, this is Chase and her cousin and our Great granddaughter ELSIE MAE! Many miles away!

Merry Christmas to everyone.

Most folk won’t be on the computer today. At least the ones with family near and dear. We know the others have their own things to do, things to enjoy and demons to fight. To me this is the greatest time of the year. Of course from a child it has been.

Every year some great stories of Christmas circulate, and I love them. Some of them are true some are fictitious, but have a great meaning. I enjoy the happy ones and the tear jerking ones.

I really like the story of the birth of Christ. Some say Mary and Joseph were poor because Jesus was laid in a manager. But not so. Joseph was a Carpenter, a good occupation that paid a fair wage. It wasn’t dependant on seasons too much over there. If you recall the story said, Joseph went to the Inn Keeper to get a room, which he was ready and willing to pay for. There was none available, so they were allowed to stay in the ‘barn’. That was not unusual at the time many folks stayed in barns and stables of residents as they traveled. The birth in the stable was probably in itself not an unusual occurrence back then. I have no doubt that Joseph and Mary were happy for a stable.

I don’t care how the events happened, I think they were days apart, the Shepherds first then the Wise men. But from a kid I liked to think of them all being there at the same time, the wisemen and the shepherds. Have you ever wondered what they did with the Gold, frankincense, and myrrh?

As an adult (sorta) I was a wiseman in the Christmas play. During the time I knew Old Fred Brannen. My verse was Myrrh is mine. I was so worried about the other two wise guys messing their parts up, they did good. When it came to mine I sang loudly, ‘Myrrh is mine… da da da da da…. Couldn’t think of a WORD!” Did the whole verse as da da da.’ Well at least Mary, Joseph and the entire church got a good laugh at Christmas.

It was a military church. As orders came in and we dispersed, I got Christmas cards from every where with the little notation… Merry Christmas.. Myrrh is mine da da da, well yeah, it was sorta embarrassing. (to say the least).
But I still love Christmas. Now I sing Sherry is mine, zip a di do da!!!!!!!
Nite Shipslog,
PS:
Enjoy the celebration of the Birth of Jesus……Merry Christmas…..
I have said for years I do not like bumper stickers, but when I run across the one that says, “MY BOSS IS A JEWISH CARPENTER” I am going to get it. Woulda been more effective when I was a builder.

I am Amazed as I think......

Hold that thought. Will write about these first two pics in a minute.

This is our new printer. Okay our 3 in one. The dollar figures were done by our friend Robby.

Before the internet I thought Halloween pumpkins were all carved basically alike. Wow did you see some of the carvings that were displayed. Amazing art work. And the stuff people carve out of fruit, absolutely amazing stuff. Some beautiful and some just very unusual.

For years it was Ice carvings and some chefs would decorate their food with roses from radishes and potatoes and so on. But this stuff is beyond the simple rose or tulip. This is truly art. Before the internet I did not know this stuff.

And I have seen 3-D art most of my life on a small scale, but these guys that will do an entire street to look like a lake or the street is caving in etc.

This stuff amazes me.

There are sand sculptures on the beach, in the northern countries they saw out large chunks of ice and carve beautiful figures from it. This art is temporary but beautiful and takes a lot of talent. Imagine these artists also do some permanent works on canvas or in stone. Most artists would like to have something permanent to their credit I would think.

(Now insert the first two pics from the top. I couldn't do it!)

On our new printer we have two suits of clothes made out of one dollar bills. Made while we watched by Robby Cook of Valdese. So our visit earned us two dollars each! Robbie married my first girl friend, she never knew she was my girl friend of course, she was Betty. Betty was a mountain girl and she was pretty. I think we were about the same age.
Folks make some amazing things folding paper money. I think it is the twenty dollar bill that when folded makes the twin towers with smoke pouring out; with 9/11 in the picture somehow. That stuff amazes me.

Now I love to watch a magician in person or on a live stage, but these guys on TV that make a 747 disappear don’t impress me in the least. You can do anything on TV, shucks Mickey Mouse talks and dances. And Donald Duck can talk. Popeye can knock Bluto over the moon on TV. So a magician on TV doesn’t impress me. I wouldn’t even watch.
But this is Christmas. I used to wish I could have been with my dad watching his flock by night when the angels appeared and sang “Silent Night”, okay they didn’t sing Silent Night, they sang “Peace on Earth Good will to men’. So what they sang was “It came upon a midnight clear”. Whatever, I would have been amazed at that!
So Merry Christmas and let’s be amazed that a child born over 2000 yrs ago, brought the story of LOVE to earth. He began an amazing life.
To quote Robert from over in Athens:
“Then life’s thorns began to bear ROSES!” Thanks, I loved that one Robert!

Thanks for coming this way!
NIte Shipslog
PS:
Life is great, Life is fun and Christmas is the greatest time of the year!

Do you Get confused????

MJ is good with math!!!

CONFUSED??????

Have you noticed more people talking to themselves in the last couple years? Men and women. I think they are talking to me. Yeah, I found out, they are talking on the phone thru their Blue teeth, or using a blue tooth. LOL Some folk cannot talk on the phone without hand signals as they talk, those confuse more than most, and I think they are ready for the funny farm.

Women’s sizes! I should have added a chapter in my last book on how smart a man must be to shop ‘for’ a woman in clothes. How can anyone dream up so many sizes? Then colors and styles? Panty hose are my favorites. A zillion varieties! Bras? I am lost! Today it was jeans. How can you have a 16 petite? Oh well, I get confused very easily.

It must be my age, because car shopping was just as bad. X model. Then the XL, and Sir we have an XLT also. Well Detroit is cutting back now on the models and makes. I think we lost the Pontiac. We should have lost the Oldsmobile, there is a town named after the Pontiac, I don’t think there is an Oldsmobile, Michigan (or is there?). Should have kept the Pontiac.

Don’t even try to figure the computer printers out. We finally ended up with an HP photosmart,C4640, touchsmart, ‘all in one’ UNIT (whew) Not a printer. It is warranted for a year. That is when it will die, one year and three days. Its predecessor lasted one year thirty days. It goes in the dumpster tomorrow.
Note on printers. I don’t fuss about the printers too much. Just before I gave my business up I bought a XEROX copier, Black & white, used the messy toner and weighed about 200lbs. Price used was $800. New color copier today, $50.I love that part of technology.

When I was teaching I was told to always use the KISS theory. If you don’t know, that is a standard acronym for ‘Keep It Simple Stupid!’. Have you noticed that the KISS theory is not possible with computers, new TV’s, politics, religion, or directions. Shucks, even some Blogs are too complicated for me.
Thanks for allowing me to rant and for reading this drivel.

Nite Shipslog

PS: You NEVER hear this anymore:
Be sure and pull the windows down when you leave, it looks like a shower is coming up.

and then there was.......

Don't forget to wind the clock before you go to bed.

I Coulda Done That!

Our Family get together At Carol's house in Utah while visiting there. Son Jack up front, Son Mark on left behind Reececup! (Sort of a Coincidence, this is near Christmas, Carol was born on Christmas day, therefore the name Carol. Neat huh?)

Yeah, I coulda done that!

Did you ever know anyone who was brilliant, had a brain that was analytical? They probably tested tops and had very few peers’ brain power wise. Did you ever know any of these folks who flat wasted their lives saying, “I coulda done that?”

Not to be too hard on our eldest son, but he fit in that category. His math ability floored me. He could use the modern math or the old world math. The instance I will always remember was in Key West Florida. He was in high school. He and I went to buy the months groceries. You know how long that tape is with the prices on it. We hadn’t driven but a couple blocks when he said, “Dad this bill is ten cents off!”
“Yeah, Son, a dime.”
“But dad, I’ve added these figures three times (Three times in three blocks! Ha! I thought.) What if they are adding ten cents to everyone’s bill, which could be a lot of money in a year’s time.”
“Yeah, son I’ll check it.”
To humor him I took the bill in to work and went to an adding machine. After an hour of running the figures three times (He had done it in his head in less than five minutes.) He was right.

The store did an audit and sure enough “That Register only” was adding some to the total due to a ‘malfunction’, yeah, maybe.

But the point is the kid was smart. Practically straight A’s until the last qtr of hi school and did not graduate. Refused to go to summer school and go to college. Drugs and drinking were more fun. I don’t think He will mind me telling this, he knows it. He is a late bloomer. He now has a responsible position in management. He has headed a group that pioneered a new office, and set it up now operating in the black. He is using his brain.

He coulda been a successful business owner himself, but he is not. Oh, Proud of him? You bet. But most of all Proud he finally truly met his Lord and is using his brain. WE all know what could have happened. He played with fire, got burned, but not destroyed. Love him? You bet. I know what he COULDA DONE! But I am thrilled with what is doing now.

There is a reason I write this. We buried a friend awhile back who never bloomed. Nick spent his entire life saying what he coulda done, and he could have. But did not. He spent most of his life in the bottle, relating formulas, spewing factual statistics but he was broke and in the gutter, homeless much of the time. Yeah, folks loved the guy.

Jack is finding what it is like to be on the hurting end of this problem. He too, has a son, who is a most talented individual. Jack Jr says his son's talent level is off the charts. We all love him, you cannot help it, he's warm, loving and affectionate. He writes symphonies, concertos, creates music that is unbelievable. He is a fantastic musician and singer, but now in his last year or so of college has begun to experiment with drugs and booze I think, and as most users cannot see any negative affect on his work. The thrill of jamming with his buds for hours instead of focusing on his studies. The sensual satisfaction of the ladies loving the music. Basically making excuses for not attending classes and not completing his studies. That is youthful thinking, but out of the real world.

Yeah, we pray that the youngster will see the light. He is very smart maybe he can look around and come alive with the search for learning again. In his earlier college days he was going to be the first of our family with a Doctorate. His professors said his possibilities were unlimited, one of the best talents in years.

We have already cried. We have and are praying. I just cry inside when I hear from anyone, especially when it is the truth say, “I coulda done that!” It is always said when others are winning awards and being admired. They finish their bottle, strike up a cord hit a few notes and say, “But they can’t do that!” Pity of it is he is right They can’t, and the lost wandering individual will not.

Forgive the long entry; I was just feeling bad for two great guys, our son and his son. God loves them both. The man will probably not read this, but if he does, We love you and want the REAL you back!!!

Thanks for coming this way,
Nite Shipslog.
PS:
YOU, make it a great day!

Lord, please keep Your arm around my shoulders and Your hand over my mouth! Amen

More memories from the Past.

This picture was taken after Fred & Frances either were discharged or got orders. Jack in the window with that skinny Airman looking in.

My beautiful Sherry on the motot bike during the same time frame.

Me after working on our car, '53 plymouth. We did about anything to keep it running including prayer.

Sherry behind our apartment before we bought the trailer. She is expecting Jack Jr. here.

I cannot find pictures of Fred & FRances. I have 36,000 pictures on here and do not have a good filing system.

Today's exciting entry.....

Memories from the past.
I am good at this. I guess all us old folk are. Sometime I bore folk with the same tale. Sherry doesn’t roll her eyes, but gently lets me know I have told this before. Many folk are nice and listen like it is the first time they have heard about Vondale, Buddy and me. Or will look interested when I tell about my chicken chasing dog, Ace. HA!

I mentioned Fred and Frances the other day because Fred commented on the Shipslog and we have reconnected to a point. Besides you gotta love a guy who buys your books (Especially if he knows you!).

Both Fred and I worked actively in a church in Biloxi, Mississippi. Around a base you will find some churches made up mostly of military folks. They are lonesome for their families so they migrate together for ‘family’. Fred & Frances and Sherry & I were like that. They lived in a trailer and we did too. I can’t remember who was there first. It was sorta strange, he being in the Coast Guard and I in the Air Force were stationed at the same area AWAY FROM THE BASE, called ‘Point Cadet’.

Our trailer park was across the bay from Point Cadet. Around the same time we both felt the ‘call’ into the ministry. Orders separated us and over the years we kept in touch with Christmas cards. I will never forget his first church, he and Frances pastored the Tellico Plains,TN COG. It was a frame building on a mountain. The parsonage was also frame and both had a pot bellied stove for heat, if I remember right. Also the floor was very uneven in the church, (sort of like walking on waves). He allowed me to ‘Preach’ there, as we passed through going to Missouri to Pastor.

I left the ministry after a personal spiritual conflict, but Fred and Francis continued. Their passion has taken them over the world. The last of which was Kenya, S. Africa where they have spent over 20 years dedicated as Missionaries.

I returned to my passion the military and finished a career. Our paths have crossed several times, it is always a joy to remember the wonderful times we have had together.

Since I became a published Author, I have learned of another author, Jack Darnell, from Tellico Plains. Fred has returned to Tellico to teach Sunday School since retirement. We want to make that stop next year to see Fred & Francis and to find Jack.
Thanks for coming this way,

Nite Shipslog
PS:
WOMEN'S REVENGE

'Cash, check or charge?' the clerk asked, after folding items the woman wished to purchase. As she fumbled for her wallet, the clerk noticed a remote control for a television set in her purse. 'So, do you always carry your TV remote?' she asked.

'No,' she replied, 'but my husband refused to come shopping with me, and I figured this was the most evil thing I could do to him legally.'

Women are basically mean and can’Take a joke. LOL (EXCEPT YOU HONEY!!!)

In the beginning....

This one is electric!!! This was a manual 'portable' typewriter.

The radio stations well know for power at night: WCKY & XERF

TV came along, radio is still around but not as powerful as it once was.

Today's exciting entry!!!!!

We have been hauling a computer around thinking all it needed was a power supply. Well today I found the power supply here in Wildwood. The techie put it in, and that was not all that was wrong with the computer. Soooo it is now junk. So we are operating as we have, Sherry on the laptop me on the PC. She has gotten used to the laptop now.

Sherry is a typist. One of her many jobs was as a secretary and is used to typing things ‘correctly’. I took a typing correspondence course in service and as years went on I had to use the typewriter more and more. Over the years I have never learned not to watch the keys, but watch the results on the paper (screen). I still cannot type numbers using two hands. Sometimes I will type a whole sentence on this thing and nothing will be going on the screen. That upsets me. Ha!

Typing and word processing are birds of a different color. When we had a yard sale, before heading for this life on the road, I sold a brand new typewriter with an auto correction feature, for $2. Does anyone use typewriters anymore? It is wonderful to back space or click where the error is and correct it. Amazing to have spell check as you type with auto correction in many cases. That is just an example of advancing technology. Youngsters 20 and down have no idea of what a real typist had to master to type letters for attorneys and other bosses on a type writer.

But then, sometimes we forget there was a time when we did not have automatic washing machines and heaven knows there was a time when you could not even imagine a dryer! Radio stations that signed on at six in the morning and signed off at midnight with the national anthem. Truckers and all night travelers had only two or three AM stations to listen to. WCKY in Cincinnati and XERF just across the border from Del Rio, TX were two.

The first TV program I ever watched was Howdy Doody. The firemen allowed us boys to sit in the station and watch it. Kids today would laugh it off the air, but it was a beginning. Everything has a beginning, and most things have an ending. This entry is ending. Thanks for coming by the log.
Nite Shipslog
PS:
Children's Logic:
"Give me a sentence about a publicservant," said a teacher.
The small boy wrote: "The fireman came down the ladder pregnant."
The teacher took the lad aside to correct him. "Don't you know what pregnant means?" she asked.

"Sure," said the young boy confidently. 'It means carrying a child."

We went car shopping.

For us car lovers of the past today's designs takes the art out of the vehicle, the individual beauty that made generations of ‘Ford’ lovers, ‘Chevy’ lovers and Chrysler & Studebaker lovers. Back in the 40’s and 50’s we all couldn’t wait for the new car unveilings. They came into town on trucks covered with canvas. They were unloaded at night. The anticipation was built up. Dealers would offer free hot dogs and drinks. The unveilings were very festive occasions. As a teen ager I remember in Valdese that the 1953 Buick Skylark was unveiled. I was 14 it was a beauty. Below is the '55 Ford, we owned one of these when I was in the USAF.

BUT when the 55 (top picture) & 57 Chevy’s came out I was a DREAMER! I wanted the ’55. Twenty years later I got one. As you can see I ain’t much on NEW cars. LOL.

All boys wanted these 30's cars for hot rods in the 1950's

But everyone, boys, girls, men & women wanted the above the '55 Corvette. & Route 66.

But now we have.... Well, we bought our Christmas present. A brand new 2004 Honda Odyssey built in Alabama.

The first white car we ever owned. I love Black but they are so hard to keep looking clean. White hides a multitude of dirty sins. We think we will like it. It has built in navigation, so now instead of a woman in a box we have one in the dash, for me to argue with.

I normally don’t even drive a car until after I buy it. Yeah, I do ride in it though to see if the noise it too great. This one is pretty quiet. I have found that most cars above a 1990 drive and even look the same. Most Vans look alike, and many cars do. The shapes are normally the same because they are designed then tested in wind tunnels to find out the most aerodynamically shaped vehicle. They all want the least wind resistance to improve gas mileage. Therefore the shapes end up being nearly the same.

The old Odyssey goes to Mark. He is going to make a utility van out of it to carry his tools and park his big truck because of the gas mileage. The economy has put a crimp in his work.
Thanks for coming by the Log.

So for a few days we are a two car family, Sherry & I The old Odyssey has about 200k on it and the new one has 90K. For us it is just broken in. LOL

Nite Shipslog

PS:

We all get heavier as we get older,

because there's a lot more information in our skulls.

Every time I start thinking too much about how I look,

I just find a Happy Hour and by the time I leave, I look just fine. (thank you very much Mel)

That is my story and I am sticking to it.

Warning!

Warning:
Ladies should not read: http://honeyimhome-honey.blogspot.com/ it is embarrassing. LOL

Take that Mel!!!! LOL

I shoulda known this is just like putting a "WET PAINT" sign on the ship when you have to paint. Everyone had to touch it to see. Shucks!

Jack of the shipslog

PS
See you tomorrow!

Christmas has come to our RV

We have the Christmas spirit. The above is a neighbor's travel trailer, we call it a 'Tag a Long'.
I finally with Sherry's urging dug ALL our Christmas decorations out and Sherry decorated the Dash.
I just shot these.
This is from inside.

Today's exciting entry.

You probably did not notice, but I sure did. I had a new comment a couple entries back. An old friend Fred Brannen stopped by to comment. YOu have to love Fred cause he ordered a lot of books.LOL. We met Fred and Francis when we were in the USAF in Biloxi. Fred was in the Coast Guard and we attended the same church. It was a wonderful church with a lot of good fellowship. Servicemen and their families who are far from home seem to gather with folks of like spirit. A funny thing, Rose's Blog, http://roses-are-read.blogspot.com/ today was about choosing friends. Choosing or being chosen by Fred and Francis was a blessing.

WE stayed in loose contact. A Christmas card, a visit or a phone call. Fred and Francis became missionaries and spent a lot of time in Guyana and in Kenya, South Africa. You never forget the folks who touch your hearts and lives. Fred is now retired We hope to see them again before we settle down and quit traveling.

WE are looking for another tow vehicle to replace our main squeeze a 1995 Odyssey. I did not realize it was a clunker until the Government started calling some 2003's clunkers. So we are looking at a 'new' 2003 vehicle to tow, so we can come up in the world. LOL

Merry Christmas to you all and to all a good night, but first thanks for coming this way!

Nite Shipslog

PS:
Walking 20 minutes can add to your life. This enables you at 85 years old to spend an additional 5 months in a nursing home at $7000 per month.

I just think I am sick!!!!

Don’t ever brag about your health, sure enough some bug will bite you on the butt. I am sitting here with a runny nose and suppressed sneezing and a little sore throat.
I do not know how familiar you are with religions, but there is a category of people in the world who say a true believer is never sick. If you think you are about to become sick, just do not accept it. DO NOT CLAIM IT!

Well I tried not to claim it, but $hi- here it is! I always am reminded of a joke my dad used to tell. He had two. One on modern art and the other on health. The one on modern art is about a boy and his mother in an art Gallery looking at the beautiful paintings when the son asks, “Mother, what is that a picture of?”
“Son, that is supposed to be a man on a horse.”
The boys confused reply was, “Then why isn’t it?”

Okay so it is old, Dad has been gone many years now. But the other on health went sort like this:
Little boy running into his house excdited yelling, “Daddy, Daddy!”
“Yes Son why all the excitement?”
“Dad, you know that woman down the street that is sick a lot?”
“Whoa, wait a minute, you mean the woman down the street that thinks she is sick a lot!”
“Yeah, yeah that one, well she thinks she is dead now, they are backing a hearse up to her door.”

So here I sit, thinking I am sick, when I am really not!!!! If I just convince my nose of that!!!
Have a great life without sickness, just do not claim it. It works (almost) every time!
Thanks for coming this way, I will do better when I quit thinking I am sick.
Nite Shipslog
PS:

***** Only a government that is afraid of its citizens tries to control them.
**** Gun control is not about guns; it's about control.

Thoughts on CREATION: A man said to his wife one day, 'I don't know how you can be so stupid and so beautiful all at the same time'.
'The wife responded, 'Allow me to explain. God made me beautiful so you would be attracted to me; God made me stupid so I would be attracted to you!

Florida again, Ahhhhhhh

For years our trademark in RV parks has been our names on a shipswheel. The others were taken from an old ships wheel wine rack we bought in VErmont.
This one is real. I love the ships wheel, I think it is going to look good outside.

That is a small grapefruit tree, full of fruit, here in the park.

You would be surprised what folks travel with. Here is nealy a complete GYM in the guys yard. In the back ground is the ranch our RV park borders on.

While I was stopped to take pictures my lady got ahead of me.

If you can tell, one of the past times is walking the dog (s) this lady has three on leashes, folks are good about cleaning up after their dogs.

Looking back past the flag here you can see a covered motor cycle, and a portable motorcycle garage. These are dedicated bikers.

The park is less than a quarter full lots of open space, we sorta like that.

This particular unit belongs to a preacher. His wife is an invalid and he takes care of her here as well as he could in North Carolina, and he can bring her outside to enjoy the fresh air. He is also a guitar picker, Many of the guys are and all enjoy the jam sessions to which everyone is invited.

There are some Christmas decorations. This one has the mirrors covered with Santa's hats. That serves a two fold purpose, one is decoration the other is to prevent the birds from hurting them selves pecking the 'other bird in the mirror'.

I was beginning to think the rancher had gotten rid of the cattle, but there they are in the distance.

Warm enough for shorts and halter tops as you walk the dog.

Love the orange trees down here.

The rancher has so many beautiful horses this year, I thought maybe he had given up cattle and was just boarding horses. I think I counted about twenty.

MOre Christmas decorations.

New neighbors coming in. They are met by old friends they haven't

seen since last year. Some of these folks have been camping together for a long time.

Something new across the fence in the ranchers pasture, no idea what it is.

That is our lonely coach all alone in it's own row. NICE!

Thanks for coming to

Florida with us.

NIte shipslog

PS:

A grandfather was delivering his grandchildren to their home one day when a fire truck zoomed past Sitting in the front seat of the fire truck was a Dalmatian dog. The children started discussing the dog's duties. "They use him to keep crowds back," said one child. "No," said another. "He's just for good luck." A third child brought the argument to a close"They use the dogs," she said firmly, "to find the fire hydrants."