Friday… We are now set up in Mark’s side yard in Leesburg FL

  

Today’s picture: The Pen and Pencil problem.

 

NOTE: No, Jack Jr. nor Mark played the piano we bought. :-(

Now for today:

I am the world’s worst at pronouncing, well that is along with many of my southern brethren. When I got orders to Albany, Georgia, I pronounced it like Albany, NY..  Not so locally, locally it is pronounced ALL-benny, Georgia.

Once in the USAF I was sent to Biloxi, Mississippi. I pronounced the name Bi LOX’se  then learning it was

B LUX’ee

Well anyway, it is hard for me to write and place emphasis on syllables, I am just saying it is hard for me to say words correctly the first time.

When we started studying the Appalachian Trail I really messed up the name of the upper terminus in Maine, which is Katahdin, I had it as ‘CAT-a-den!’ It is really

Ka-tah’ dn. I was off by miles. LOL

 My life has been sorta twisted with so much time in the military. I spent 2 years as a Marine, 4 years and 100 days in the USAF.  The 100 days was JFK, USSR, & Fidel’s fault. Then President Kennedy extended all military personnel enlistments 100 days due to him calling the USSR’s bluff during that 'Cuban Missile Crisis.'

That was the period of time the RUSSIA was planning to establish missile sites in Cuba and JFK said, “NO YOU ARE NOT!”  Turn the ships around or we will sink them. Russia took their ships back home, and I took my discharge.

My final tour was 16 years in the USN.  All my various times in service counted toward my retirement, so I was able to retire with 20 years active duty.

About Albany, Georgia.  That is only about 20 miles south of Jimmy Carter's home, Plains, GA. Remember the president’s brother Billy Carter? He had a service station in Plains.  Even had a beer named after him, Billy Beer! I stopped by his station and went into the bathroom, while there I signed my name on the wall along with hundreds of other names.  Then leaving, my BIL Sonny and I both bought a 6 pack of Billy Beer. Over time, I drank mine, Sonny never did, his is still around somewhere, I guess. 

Thanks for stopping by,,,

Nite Shipslog

 PS: We are heading down into the 30 degrees and some high winds here in Sunny Florida. 

Thursday… When you are rich!

 

 Our home, not much of a picture, but it was like a lot of Mill Houses back in Belmont, NC. an old comfortable 2 BR 1 bath.

 

So, for today:

All lives have taken many turns, some good, some not so good. That will continue until we are ‘covered up with flowers in the back of a black limousine’ as one song writer said.

After about 2 years on an Aircraft Carrier, I had a chance to re-enlist in the USN with a choice of duty stations. Back then that was unusual, normally you just received orders, it could be to another ship, shore duty or even what is called ‘Isolated duty’.  That is a duty station where there are no normal towns or civilization around. One of those is Adak, Alaska, an isolated area.

Those are considered ‘Sea Duty’ and count as your time at Sea.  GITMO (Guantanamo Bay) is another example for single sailors.  Married sailors can also go and after a waiting period they can bring their family down as housing come available. I still had sea duty facing me, so I chose GITMO. I went ahead, it was 3 months before housing was avaiable for 

Sherry was left in the States with two sons.  She had to take care of the paperwork along with shipping our household goods and the car. She handled it like a pro and came down to live.

(The boys enjoyed Moto Cross in GITMO)

Gitmo is a training base.  There is a small town atmosphere. The 1 gas station &  the few stores there closed down at  6PM or 9PM like years ago back home.

The government had a 10% savings plan. Sherry went to work at household goods shipping & receiving. We decided to put my monthly pay in savings and live off her salary, not hard to do on GITMO

At the end of nearly 4 years we had a LOT of money. LOL

We went to a furniture factory in Lenoir, NC. We bought some nice furniture. We also bought a piano (thinking the boys would learn to play) and the newest of TV’s . It had one of he first a remote controls. LOL today people would laugh at that. When you wanted to go to Channel 3 and were now watching  Chanel 6, you had to watch and wait as it clicked all the way around the dial to 3; but it was cool, No more getting up to change channels.  LOL

After doing all that, we were no longer rich. :-O. AND had more furniture than would fit comfortably in our military housing, which this time was in Albany, Georgia our next duty station.

Nite Shipslog

PS: OKay, I will cut out family history.  LOL

Wednesday… WE MOVED, now getting set up at Son Mark’s home. now GAMES

 Today’s picture:

 

Now for today:

When we lived full time in our RV, we never left anything behind, BUT, Traveling as we do now, when we leave a homebase, we forget somethings.  So far I have missed an extension cord. No big deal, Mark has many here at his place.  The other thing we now are missing is our dominoes.  WE have enjoyed our modification or Mexican Train, and played it regularly.  Sherry even played the game with Elle and Jack Jr. at times.

Friend Marian of Pennsylvania taught us the game of Mexican Train and we have enjoyed it. Our set is in NC as I type, but we are known to double up on somethings, so I just sent Mr Amazon an order for a new set that we will leave in the motor home.

It has been a long time since I shuffled a real deck of cards.  We did play solitaire with real cards but now Sherry and I play about three solitaire games on the laptop and tablet most nights.

Do you enjoy any games?

Since we do not watch TV, we do enjoy the computer time with card games. I refuse to try any of the millions of new games.  (I just smiled big time.)  That is because at Walmart yesterday looking for dominoes, they were actually hard to find due to the hundreds of games I have never heard of, on the shelves.

 

You see I remember checkers, Monopoly, Sorry and a couple other board games (I cannot even think of more names now.)

 

WE talk about watching some movies on the TV, but the funny thing is, we do not know how to work the TVs.  WE are used to something that receives signals on an antenna and has an on/off switch.  LOL

Sometimes when our sons are around they will turn on a TV, and show Sherry how to find channels.  However, it is so far in between times, we forget. True dat!

WE KNOW, yes we know, we are numbered in the few who doesn’t turn on the TV.  WE do have two in this RV and at least two back home. Son Mark leaves his TV on 24/7 and sleeps in front of it.

I don’t think that not watching TV is inherently good, it is that due to my hearing we, over time, just gave it up.  I cannot read fast enough for closed caption.  I guess it is just me, but it seems that EVERYONE on TV talks faster than I can hear!  LOL

Nite Shipslog

PS:   Games People play now. (That was a song methinks)  LOL

Tuesday … I am not good with times nor dates..

 Picture of the day:

 Note:  It was a while before I told Sherry exactly how the Chaplain worded his ADVICE? LOL

So, for today:

Sherry and her brother Vernon would go thru all the family giving what year time etc each was born.  Not me. I know 3 birthdays, my daddy’s, because his was 3 days before mine. Sherry’s of course because I forgot it one time; then of course, mine. LOL

That is why I cannot tell you (date wise) when “I SAW THE LIGHT!”

I know it was after I was stationed in Charlotte.  I do not know even if it was before or after I retired.  I could have been in the building business by then, I do not know.

In the old days there was a song that had these words in it:

“I can tell you now the time, I can take you to the place, where the Lord saved me by his wonderful grace!”

Well, that is not me. I DO remember the place.  It was probably a Sunday Morning.  But I do remember a friend was singing a solo, mid service.  It was not an ‘Alter Call’ but during the service. It was actually in our home church.  The one where I met my sweetheart.

I think the song was ‘Because He Lives’.

Normally in church, in my head, I was making plans, if I was building at the time I would have been going over the next house plans in my mind, or thinking of what sub contractors to use, etc.

BUT for 'some reason' I started listening to the song. I am not saying the voice was audible, but I heard, “Okay Jack, It has been long enough, it is time for you to come back home!”

I sat there listening to Sammy Oxendine (RIP) sing.  The words grabbed my heart.  Before I even realized it I had stood and made my way to the aisle, then to the Alter.  I cannot remember but I am sure some gathered around me to pray.  Sherry told me later she thought I was leaving the church when stood up and started walking.

Most people had no idea how far I had wandered. It was never advertised that I did not believe in God.

Anyway, I did not feel a heavy burden roll away.   BUT I felt CLEAN. I felt GOOD. I felt as if I had just returned from a long USN deployment aboard ship away from family.  It is hard to explain, maybe it was the washing and the feeling of: BEING FORGIVEN.

I guess I got up and returned to my seat. Sammy said he had no idea why I was in the alter.

 BUT it was good to be back. Sherry, who never faltered.  Never fussed at me, but had just continued to be my SWEETHEART; She did act like she was very happy, when she hugged my neck. ;-).

Anyway, that is the long story, LONG.

I do love you guys who read this.

Nite Shipslog

PS:

Life wasn't perfect,  but things were much better around our house...…. ;-)  

Monday… Somethings bring trouble.

 Today’s picture:

 
Note: This is moving day for us...(but not far)

Now for today:

 Living in the DC area is expensive. I had been promoted to Chief (Chief Petty Officer). Just a note so you will know, A USN Chief very seldom is 'Told What to Do!' LOL Just sayin'.   Sherry and I both worked at ‘The Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS). I took a part time job. I started drinking a little too much, buying a 6 packs most evenings after my part time job at Dart Drugs.

My lack of Faith and actions was taking a toll. I stopped attending church with her regularly. WE worked near each other and one day at work Sherry walked over to my area and asked if I would go to counseling with her. Of course I agreed, no big deal.  An appointment was arranged with a Navy Chaplain.

Over the years of course I have met many military chaplains. Most I truly respected as dedicated men.

Once in his office the chaplain talked to us a little; then listened to our stories. He was very pleasant.  He of course was on the side of a Navy Chief, he surely had to be.  After a while he politely asked Sherry to step out with his secretary.  After she departed we sat there for a minute or two; then that nice man turned into a sinner.

He looked at me sternly, “What is wrong with you Chief? Are you stupid? You have a wonderful understanding wife there. All she is asking is that you attend church with her, IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK?” Knowing that was a rhetorical ? I just looked at him (of course knowing he was right) “Now Chief you listen, you get your ass in gear, attend church with her, what you do in church I do not care, think of other things, plan, do what ever, but you be in church, is that CLEAR?”  “Yes SIR. Very clear,” I said as meekly as a Navy Chief can. LOL”

He continued, “I have men come in with real problems, you do not have one, all you need to do is attend church, Anything else you have to say?” 

Again I responded to this man who had all of a sudden pulled a Jekel and Hyde on me. LOL, “NO Sir!”

HE called Sherry back in and politely said, “I think we have this solved Mrs. Darnell,” looking at me he continued, “Don’t we Chief Darnell?”   I nodded. He dismissed us.

I again attended church with my sweetheart, still not believing nor having any faith in what was said.  That continued for a year or so until under orders I resettled at a Naval Reserve center in Charlotte, NC to be stationed there until my retirement. 'OH YES,' I continued to attend church regularly with Sherry.

Nite Shipslog

PS:   Thanks for coming our way I hope you enjoyed that story, that one I have told many times. Even here a time or two I am sure.  That Chaplain KNEW things.  That was REAL COUNCELLING,  huh? LOL

Sunday…. WE will be in church together today to WORSHIP!

 

 For today:

I have heard many explanations of why there were actual ‘physical miracles’ many years ago, but seldom nowadays. One is financial. It is true at the time my sister broke her arm the WWII was on and money was tight. I am not sure if there was such a thing as health insurance. If it did exist, dad could not have afforded it.  He certainly could not have afforded the hospital nor doctor.  So I will admit lack of finances may have contributed to the miracles.

Be that as it may, since I think, this is the first time I ever told this ‘OUT LOUD’ in writing (as I remember) here goes:

Our little church was growing. I began questioning God why I did not see miracles?  This church would grow by leaps if ONE miracle could happen.

Then I set that as a goal, I BELIEVED in miracles. I had preached about the Lord’s teachings of fasting. I fasted and prayed. NADA

Finally, I decided, okay, maybe not a physical one. God I am gonna give it another shot. I am not going to tell my ‘Church organizational leaders my problem, but I am going to see them. “God, if just one says, Jack, you have a problem, let’s pray about it!” I will BELIEVE and work myself to death for YOU.”

“If not, I am out of here.

(YEP, I know NOW how obstinate and stupid I was, it is a wonder God hadn’t struck me dead!)

All my church leaders sang my praises of how great a job I was doing, NOT ONE saw my heart to know I was BROKEN.

Later I went to Sherry and said, “Honey I am resigning Sunday, I will not stand in that pulpit and say things I do not believe.”  that broke my girl’s heart.

I had built a steeple and was installing it on another church in the area. That afternoon My sweetheart drove up there and standing on the ground looking up said, “Jack, you cannot believe what you said, that is crazy!”

I said calmly just as I felt, “Honey this (and I swung my arms around to that big church) This is all a joke. There is no God, I am through with this farce.”

She cried some, but it never did shake her faith. For a few years, after Gaston Tech, after joining the USN; I attended church with her regularly, I still respected her feelings.  We did have some trouble once, while stationed in D.C. over ‘my problem’. I have probably told that before in a different context.

Maybe we will talk about that later. ;-)

Thanks for coming this way.

Nite Shipslog

 

PS:  Sometimes I still worry about my sanity.  LOL  Some of you humans are a little crazy at times, maybe I am just a little more crazy!

I ask myself now, (as maybe you just did), how could you have seen GOD work and just forget it??  I have looked at scripture and wondered how someone could have seen Jesus and the great things he did and then turn and walk off, but some did.  CRAZY, isn't it?

 

Saturday… A little more (a miracle, did I make it up? I do not think so, )

 

So, for today:

I was raised in a Pastor’s home.  My beliefs and standards were set by what I saw at home and what I took time to listen to in church, which was as little as possible as a boy. Let me say here, I think Children’s Church is a great idea, but I also think children should be in ‘big people’s church’ at least once a month.

  Since I came along long before Children’s church, I sat thru ALL big people’s church services. Singing was okay however I, and my buddies, tried many ways to pass time during sermons.

One of us had a watch, we passed time seeing who could hold their breath the longest.  If I remember right it was seldom over a minute; the average was about 45 seconds.

But away from church services, my mama and daddy were just as humble, honest and true behind scenes in our home as they were in church. Since I was raised around church, I heard many pastors, VERY FEW had anything bad to say about church members. To my dad, his church was his family.

My present pastor has no qualms of speaking of ‘terrible members he had at previous churches’.  The pain church members caused his family and wife, etc. I wonder to myself. “If he would go to pastor another church, would he have the same statements about us, his present members?”

When I hear those or similar statements, my mind goes to my upbringing, I NEVER ONCE heard my parents say in private at home or at church, ANYTHING bad about the church members, past or present. Over the years I have had many people come to me and tell me of good things my parents did for them during his pastorates.

Something from my childhood set the stage for my misgivings about my role in life to be a ‘Preacher’ and the same thing set my life up for loss of faith. You ask, how could that be?

I was 4 years old, my sister was 6 or 7. The parsonage was beside the church. WE were playing on the church steps, she fell and screamed so loud it brought dad out of the house. I looked and Shirley’s arm was broken. Even to a kid I knew the arm should not bend between the elbow and wrist.

Dad took Shirley into the church, she was screaming and crying, he was praying. I and friends followed. He placed Shirely on the alter, kneeling beside her he straighten her arm and continued to pray and Shirley quit crying. I had witnessed what my dad had preached about, MIRACLES. It wasn’t more than 10-15 minutes, and we were playing again after daddy told us to be more careful.

WE all went on about our lives as if all was normal, and to us it was.

 

Nite Shipslog

PS: AS far as I remember, I NEVER heard dad say a thing about that, it was as if it was just normal. That was my one and only miracle. I have heard of many, but that is my only one.

Sorry this is too long I will continue..

This is Friday with some history

 Today’s picture:

 

Key West Methodist Church Kid's Day (many years ago)

BUT for today:

We all have a history.  That history is determined by decisions we make as we travel this road called life. Some decisions are made for us. As I navigated thru life, some years were directed by the Government via the military. They decided where I would live and the jobs, I would be assigned by tests I took. My first enlistment was the USMC for 2yrs. At the end of an enlistment, I could re-enlist or get out and find a job; I have done both. I always missed the regimentation of the military, when I took the discharge. Then came the USAF a 4yr enlistment.

The tests I took sent my life into into Computers. I had extensive schooling in Analog and digital computers. My last assignment in the USAF was a great one, I was a computer repairman at a small radar site near Kirksville, MO. At the end of that enlistment, I took a discharge because I had started a ‘side-job’ in the religious world of entertaining kids.i.e. chalk talks, drawings, ventriloquism and magic.

Instead of staying with kids, I decided to become a pastor. One short pastorate in Missouri, Another short pastorate in Rutherfordton, NC and then Sherry and I organized and built a church near Belmont, NC. We had wonderful people come and join with us.

The church grew; there was a lot more involved in that period. At this time I will not go into detail, but I lost my FAITH, my beliefs. I refused to stand in a Pulpit and say things I no longer believed, so I shocked my wife, my friends, my church by immediately resigning as soon as I came to the realization I was having a problem with my faith.

Above is the church we started now. The part to the left is the original we built.  It really grew.  We had a great location.

I told the church I was returning to school. WE bought a small house for $3000, moved out of the attached parsonage and I enrolled at Gaston Tech to study surveying.  BUT in all my wanderings and ‘still-times’ my mind kept hearing calls back to the military.

So, after one or two semesters at Gaston Tech, I enlisted in my 3^rd branch of service, the USN.  Again, the tests I took sent me to IBM repair school; I became an IBM repairman for Naval Intelligence Processing aboard the aircraft carrier, USS independence CVA62 at 28 years old. Our old house-trailer had been rented out. We moved it to Norfolk, VA. for a place to live. While at sea Sherry took care of our 2 boys and home.

Nite Shipslog

PS:   Thanks for coming our way (Maybe I Will continue tomorrow.)…