Another good day.

We attended a church in Deland, FL this morning. One of the greeters asked if we were visitors, I said know we are regular attendants, once every two years. (This was our second time in a few years).

We ate at Popeye's and I got a chance to do a trick for a cute Hispanic kid.  He was tickled to see the gold dollar disappear then show up in his ear.  Nothing is more satisfying to see a smile on a mannerly kid.  Mommy and dad also got a kick out of it. Leaving I got to show the kid how I can turn on the red lights on both of my implant devices, the kid giggled.  Sherry walked over and side to he parents, "He is such a show off."  (Guilty as charged when kids are concerned.)  

At home I still got in 9 hours on our new home.

 (We d not plan on taking this road!)

I sometimes think of putting together some 'shows' and announce we are available again, but I know that is something of a pipe dream. I think of my mentor, Ray Campbell.  He was the best with kids, and a great chalk artist.  He taught me some great pictures and many 'trick drawings' that the kids loved. The last time I saw Ray, he didn't know me. I sat across the table at the nursing home and talked. Suddenly my friend of 75 says, "I'll kick your ass!"  I was in my 50’s.

I said, "Hey Ray, I know you can but there are ladies present and it would upset them."

He thought on that a minute and said, "Ok, I'll let you slide this time, but remember I can do it."

Ray had been a boxer in his younger years and used his experiences to teach kids. He would challenge boys to jump rope and they would laugh as he expected, then he would challenge them. All of a sudden it wasn't a girl's game. Boxers are miracles workers with a jump rope."

Why I mention Ray at all is his actions before the nursing home. I dropped by his home and he wanted to show me his latest 'stuff'.' The picture he drew was only a shell of his former self. A ten year old could have done as well, but he was sure it was going to be a 'hit'.  I DO NOT WANT to do that.

Ray died a few months later and I attended his funeral. The church was packed. The minister in describing Ray, pointed to the mural at the baptistery behind him and said, ‘Ray was an artist, obviously.’ Ray had painted it.

Ray’s oldest son, gave me much of Rays chalk and a great case to hold the chalk. He said,  “Dad told me he wanted Jack to have this.” I was dumbfounded and honored.  I still have it in the basement of the Motor home. I used it for years.  

Nite Shipslog

1955 Plymouth Belvedere ( I liked this car's unique paint job, new to the auto industry).