I think I can, but I can’t

  Car of the day:

Muscle car from the 50-60s

So for today:

We have a Honda CRV. The hatchback is manually operated, no button. I just realized that I can no longer close it with one hand, it takes two,

I just finished repairing the grill on the coach and it is back in place. I had to open and shut the hatchback for tools when I noticed my inability to close it with one arm.

It is personally mentally damaging for an old person to realize that no matter how hard you try to fight it, you are becoming weaker.

I probably exercise more than most men my age, but it doesn’t seem to help.

I took a Statin for a few months of my later years, maybe a year before I decided I would rather take a chance on high Cholesterol than lose muscle. The deciding factor came when I was building a small building and with my son, lifted a 20 foot stud wall. I lost a ligament in my upper arm. It popped loud, but did not hurt. Looked down at my arm muscle in shock to see my muscle lumped near my elbow a few inches below where it has been all my life. But it didn’t hurt at all.

.

One of these came loose and the muscle just fell. NO PAIN!

Sherry started feeding me more oatmeal and my cholesterol is manageable without a statin.  But I have not recovered any strength. My Dr. asked if I wanted the muscle fixed because I had only one ligament now allowing me to use that arm. I told him NO.  He said at least quit doing pushups or you could use the use of the arm completely.

So when I exercise I do what is called female pushups, with my knees on the floor putting less weight on my arms. I exercise about every 3^rd night but only for 15-20 minutes.

 So all you you stay strong and don't tell anyone when you get old.

Yeah I complain a lot. LOL  Sherry is getting tired of it. 

(but I am so sweet she forgives me!)

 

Nite Shipslog

PS: We always appreciate you taking the time to stop by for a visit.

 

How about weather?

  Car of the day:

 Yep you can absolutely put too many mirrors and lights on a car!!!   LOL

So for today:

We all KNOW no matter what the weatherman and forecasters say, we have no choice than accept what comes, and dress accordingly.

I read Joy’s blog about cold weather. I was thinking about the coldest weather we have experienced. While in the USAF we were in balmy Biloxi, MS and received orders to Northern Missouri. We left 70-80 degree weather and arrived to find 13 below zero, the coldest either of us had ever felt.. 

I laugh to remember the Walkers. We moved in beside them in Downing Trailer Park, Kirksville, MO. Down South in NC to protect our pipes from freezing we wrapped them in old newspaper and taped them in place. I was setting up our trailer when Mr. Walker left their trailer wrapped up in a big winter coat. He introduced himself and said, “You do know you need a heat tape, don’t you?”  I replied yes.

Later when returning from the store he saw me still working to wrap the pipes. He smiled and said, “You don’t know what a heat tape is, do you?”

I answered sheepishly, “No sir I don’t.”  He explained; so I went down town to the hardware and bought what I needed.

A few weeks later Sherry called me at the base, “The trailer moved!”  I went home to learn, from Mr. Walker of course, that the ground had thawed and allowed the trailer to settle. Since I had leveled the trailer on frozen ground, I would now have to do it again.

I remember seeing buildings leaning that were built on frozen ground in Canada’s Yukon. LOL

pic

The most consistent weather we experienced was in GITMO Bay Cuba, every day was beautiful with a nice breeze. When it rained, it was gone soon with the sun coming out to smile at us.

Above at the beach in Gitmo below the boys on an average day

Jack Jr, a friend, and Mark.  These could be any day of the year..

Key West was great also, but not at consistent as GITMO. Florida weather can turn cool but very seldom COLD.

I was shocked in Southern Arizona to see snow at Fort Huachuca and the Chiricahua Monument.

 

We have wintered in Florida many years now. Weather never has had a great effect on me.  BUT it is beginning to.  How do you like the weather where you are?

 

Nite Shipslog

PS: We always appreciate you taking the time to stop by for a visit.

The writing on the wall

 Car of the day:

 Transportation back in the day!

So for today:

There is a story in scripture that birthed a dooming statement, Insightful folks who have seen future events said things like:  “I see the writing on the wall, our stock in this company is in the cellar, my job won’t last long, I need to start looking.”

If you do not know the story, here it is in a nutshell;

King Belshazzar had blown it; he became a terrible king. One night during one of his wild parties out of nowhere a big hand appeared and began writing strange words on the wall.

 

Old Belly could not understand, and his wise men had no idea.  After awhile old man Daniel was called. ‘Old Daniel knowed stuff buddy, he had even slept with lions.”

After chiding Belshazzar for his arrogance, and for his blasphemy by partying with sacred vessels, Daniel then interpreted the words, the writing on the wall, saying: “And this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.

MENE: God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it.

 TEKEL: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting;

UPHARSIN: Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.” (Daniel 5:25-28).

It has become an idiom over the years When someone sees a big change coming they said, “I see the writing on the wall!”

Well I am not all that wise to see that blogging here on the net is headed out.  Folks are interested in FaceBook and other platforms and are enjoying immediate reactions.

 I was with AOL Journals for years and enjoyed it.  I was disappointed then they announced they were closing, if we wanted to continue what we were doing we would need to find another place.  Many of us came to Blogger.

The Shipslog is now being read an average of 50-75 times a day. In 2021 It was being read on the average of 250 times, several times went to over 500 daily views. I looked forward to reaching a total of a million reads like the big guys.  The Shipslog finally did that.

But now I see a drifting away.  I like the idea some of you have of making this sort of a diary or family journal. I had no plan; I have just written what came to mind.

I am going to try to continue until the ship sinks.  But lately I haven’t had the energy, and my mind slides sideways at times.

Nite Shipslog

PS: We always appreciate you taking the time to stop by for a visit.

 

Going to Heaven?

  Car of the day: That heavenly car:

So for today:

At times we sit and reminisce, old folks can do that.  We think of family and friends who have crossed over to the other side. We who are Christian’s plan to see those who were of like faith again one day. We see in our minds hugging our families who went on before. Do you ever wonder how you will find them among the millions there?  Is there a PA system announcing your arrival?

Mark Twain was at best Agnostic. He was famous for saying:

“I don't like to commit myself about heaven and hell - you see, I have friends in both places.”  Also: “Go to heaven for the weather or hell for the company.” (or something like that)

I read a little of Mark Twain’s “Capt. Stromfield’s Visit to Heaven.”  It is hilarious and even silly, but it is a human’s thinking of heaven.  In reality we cannot even imagine how it will be because it will not be earthly, and we can only think as a human.

Examples: The Capt. Wanted to know if he got a harp and wings. One of the folks who had been in heaven say 1000 years, laughed, oh yeah if you want ‘em you can get them, but we really use them only for special occasions. 

The Capt wondered why he had not seen Saint Peter. “Man are you in for a wait. The line is at least 50 years long.  He has to take a year off at times just to rest his hands.”

“Now if you are in a hurry to meet the old boys, try Thomas’s line it is only 5 years long.”

Now that all seems funny and it is, but imagine how many folks who have gone on to a reward. I am sure things will not be as Twain wrote, but it only points out that we cannot understand heavenly things.

I remember reading John said in scripture he could not explain it, basically we don’t have the words or ability to understand UNEARTLY things.

 (And you only thought change was down here!)

That is my sermon for today and I am sticking to it.

Nite Shipslog

PS: We always appreciate you taking the time to stop by for a visit. If not down here I hope to see you up there, I will be the bald headed guy! ;-) 

 

 

Sorta funny, then a boo boo

  Car of the day:

 A fifth wheel RV

So for today:

On our anniversary Sherry picked a favorite eating place from a few years ago, The Catfish Place in Apopka, FL.  Probably 25 miles South.  IT WAS GONE!  We laughed and laughed. We actually enjoy any ride together, short or long.

This is No longer there!

WE drove back north and stopped at Chili’s in Mount Dora.  We both ordered steak with asparagus and loaded mashed potatoes; it was all very good.

WE both had a small piece of steak left and brought it home. Sherry cut the leftovers into cubes and fixed steak and eggs for the morning after, yes it was still very delicious, so were her kisses.

Thanks for all the good wishes and comments.  We honestly do have a great relationship. And truthfully, she does have to keep me straight at times, but I think that is a burden of wives, bless your hearts..

Oh, another thing that happened on this trip, while settled at our stop in South Carolina our coach was hit. We hate to pull into any park after dark and do our best to NOT do it. We were early and settled in at a very good roomy site. A fifth-wheel RV pulled in beside us after dark. After unhooking he hit our coach with his tail gate, shaking the coach and took us by surprise. Of course, he and his wife apologized profusely! No real damage to the operation of the coach, thank the Lord.

This is a big empty hole now, but I have all the parts, Using a vice, hammer and gauge I have reformed all the parts. Now I must epoxy every thing back in place.

The next morning, we surveyed the damage. He gave me his Ins info and address. The damage, if sent to an ins company would be high for the little damage.  Since I can do the repairs, he gladly gave me the $100.00 I suggested.

That’s it for today. LOL

Nite Shipslog

PS: We always appreciate you taking the time to stop by for a visit.

I probably told you this…….

 Car of the day:  The '54 Chevy does not get much attention, but it was a nice car. That was the year I met Sherry Harris

So for today:

I am starting to repeat, I mean continuing to repeat myself.  I am a forgetful person also. If you read yesterday’s entry you will know I transposed 67 to 76 years.  If you did the math you would know I made a very terrible mistake (2023-1956= 67 not 76). But I do remember some things. They were ‘burned’ into my memory. We have never thought that our lives were so different as we traveled Frost's poem  “The Road Less Traveled By.” 

I have been asked the secret of a long marriage.  I wrote a book once called, “It can Last Forever”.  In it I tried to mention things that added to our marriage to keep it afloat.

I will say this in all humility and seriousness, the wife is the key. Looking back when I lost my head and did something stupid, my sweetheart many times swallowed her feelings and bit the bullet to keep us together. I am not sure, but I think in the case of Dallas and Marian, the same is true. The one who loves deepest, apologizes first!

My girl is a teetotaler. Once in our marriage I was drinking too much, over time it took its toll, and I moved onbase into the Chief’s Quarters. We were working in DC at the time and on the same floor in the Bureau of Naval Personnel.

After a few days she came to my office and asked if I would attend counselling with her. I agreed, she made an appointment.

At the Chaplain’s office he listened to our stories. I guess counsellors are supposed to nod, smile and steeple their fingers under their chin and appear to be listening. When we both had finished, he spoke.

“I can see where you have differences, Mrs. Darnell can you step outside in my waiting room I need to talk to the Chief a minute.”  Sherry stepped outside.

He looked at me with concern and aggravation. Waited a few seconds then said in a not so friendly voice, “Chief, what the hell is wrong with you?  Are you insane?”

I was shocked, a minute ago he was such a nice understanding minister. I couldn’t say anything.  He continued, “You have a wonderful understanding wife there. She loves you. All she is asking is that you attend church with her once a week, is that so hard?”

“No sir, but….”

 “Listen to me, I have men come in here with serious problems, yours is simple. Now get your ass in church next Sunday. I don’t care if you think of work or the football game coming up, but you ATTEND church with her, is that understood?”

“Yes Sir!”

He asked his secretary to send Sherry back in. This Jeckel/Hyde person all of a sudden was so stinking nice again, all smiles. “Mrs Darnell, I think we have this worked out, don’t we Chief?”

“Yes Sir!”  Again, but this time a little sheepishly.

“You two have a great life together, I don’t want to see you again under these circumstances.”

It worked!

I have probably told all that before. I am not sure of the chaplain’s religion, but since meeting Victor’s Father Ignatius, I think he was him! ;-)

 

Nite Shipslog

PS: This was too long and probably a repetition, but I just wanted to explain just one time I know that girl whipped my stubbornness and saved our marriage. She is the best!

 

67 years together

  Car of the day:

So for today:

In 1956 I was a young Marine.  I found a good friend from Pennsylvania. We met in boot camp. His name was Robert Dallas F. Once out of Boot Camp and at our duty station, we wielded the friendship. Not much for drinking and hanging out at the Slop-shoot, we sat on our bunks and talked.  99% of the conversations were about girls.  Yep he was crazy about a young girl named Marian and of course I talked about a beautiful girl, SHERRY. We were both determined to marry these girls and move them down to the base. Funny thing he thought Marian was better looking and sweeter than my girl. HA the boy did not know my girl was the most beautiful girl in the world. ;-) BUT I beat him to the draw, so on September 22, 1956 and home on a short weekend  (Sat noon to Mon AM.) WE were married at 7:25 sat night the 22^nd of Sept.

Well Dallas married Marian in October, and we all finally got to meet. We moved into Camp Geiger Trailer Park not 100 yards apart.  Dal and Marian are also still alive and in good health.  They live in Pennsylvania and we live in NC, FL and other places. (LOL)  WE are long time friends and enjoy the times we get to share with each other. Those two are also a dedicated couple with a great family.

Here we are after being in J'ville, NC for a few months of married life.

WE have two boys, they have 3 boys and 2 girls.  As soon as Dallas learned what caused the kids, they had no more. ;-).

Sherry & I have shared a wonderful life. My girl is still the most beautiful and the sweetest woman in the world. I still love her to pieces after 67 years.

 

Nite Shipslog

PS: I appreciate your time.. Makes us feel good to know you were here,….

That pronunciation thing…

  Car of the day:

 The 1904 Sunbeam produced in Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, England. the name used off and on over the years. Listed as defunct in 1934

So for today:

We are overnighting near the town of Yemassee. We always pronounce it ye-MASS-see. But it seems the locals pronounce it YeMuh-SEE.

As a Southerner I even murder southern ‘tawk!’

I mispronounced Biloxi, Novinger, Rutherfordton  and many others as we moved around the country.

We had a sweet older friend Lucille Arrowood.  She pronounced her last name, ‘R’ wood (ARE-wood). A sweet young lady once told her in our presence, “You know that our name is ARROW-WOOD don’t you?”

“I don’t need nobody telling me how to say my name, it’s been ARE-wood all my life and at 80 I ain’t about to change.”

Incase you have never been in this area, we are about 30-40 miles from Parris Island.  You have heard of that pleasure island, right?

I enjoyed a couple months’ vacation there once at government expense.  It was my first vacation away from home on my own. :-O ……Wonderful exciting place. ;) J

In the morning we will drive 5-6 hours to Eustis, FL for 3 weeks

Have you ever been embarrassed about pronunciation?

Nite Shipslog

PS: I appreciate your time.. Makes us feel good to know you were here,….

 

The Winne is back home.

  Car of the day:

1935 Pontiac with a 'tag-a-long' RV.

 

So for today:

A few weeks back we took the Winnebago to the only RV place that agreed to look at our faulty jacks.  Jacks have become a ‘necessity’ like other conveniences in life.  With jacks you can live in a level environment even in hills.  Being in Florida a lot we seldom find a REAL need for the jacks, but they are always nice to steady the RV.

I did not expect it to be FIXED but hoped the mechanic could tell us what is wrong with them. Well they kept us on edge until the last minute, but they did come thru and let us know that we needed Three major parts costing neatly $1000 but they did not have them in stock.

 

BUT we did bring our Winne back home and now we can pack her tomorrow, tie the Honda behind it and drive to Florida. 

This is our latest RV, a 2005 Winnebago Adventurer. It is 36 feet with 3 slide outs.  This one is Gasoline powered by a Ford engine. we only get about 7 miles to a gallon, that hurts. ;-O

Many folks do not believe I would rather drive the coach than pack a suitcase, but I do actually prefer it.  It was much simpler when we lived full time in an RV, everything we needed was there just like at home,,,,, because it was home.

 

Now we must be careful to make sure we have what we need. Before we pull anchor and set sail. We both are looking forward to this trip VERY MUCH.

 

Son Jack Jr. will be left here to take care of the house so we will not have to be concerned about that.

 

We might see some of the family while in Florida. Every once in awhile someone will want to come to Disney or other attractions and drop by to see us.  We try to have at least one spare bed in the area.

That is it for today.  I might skip a few days as we settle.

Thanks for stopping by….

J

Nite Shipslog

PS: I appreciate your time.. Makes us feel good to know you were here,….