Our Good Grandkids #2

Once contact was established with the ex-DIL we flew Corey and Ben out every summer to be with their dad for a few years. We ended up with good relations with the DIL, she even hosted our entire crew that flew out for a weekend visit in 2008.

Grandma Joan, Ben holding Elsie Mae, and mama Carol.

We got to know the other Grandma and Grandpa (Joan and Dick).  They are still good friends. In the mean time more Grand kids came along. There was Sherece, the perfect little girl. Great manners and sweet as candy. Even though Ben and Corey were older, she ran with them like she was just as big. Everything with her was, “Me, n Ben n Corey.”

(Me (Sherece)  n Ben n Corey grown)

We  went to the mountains a couple times in a camper trailer and had a ball. For the evening meal each took time to ask the blessing.  Once it was Ben’s time he prayed, “Lord bless our daily hot dog and hamburger.”  We all got a good laugh.

Once Corey caught a small perch and I cooked it for them, everyone got a bite.

While in construction we ran a tab for the gas in the trucks and cars. Once after the boys had gone the owner told me that one day while I was pumping gas that Ben walked in and handed him a $5 bill and said, I found this outside. Ben never told me, but I was so proud of him.

I could take those kids to any store with toys, they would ask for one, I would say no (most of the time), and they would say ‘okay’ and put it back. I would brag on them to Sherry, it  was hard to believe.

Ben with his first hammer and Ben showing off on a Chimney in Utah!

Neither of the boys in Utah opted for college but became excellent lead carpenters. I have been so proud of them, following in the trade of their Grandpa. We got to see some of their work. I swelled with pride.  We will miss Corey on this trip, he is in Oregon.

Going back to Sherece, the only girl in our repertoire of Grandkids. After graduating from The School of Cosmetology she practiced for a couple years then went into ‘Import/Export’s’ as a secretary.  She is more than that now, taking a page from her mother’s book who is a Broker.

Sherece is still Grandma’s Beautician, and most of the men’s barber. (Us boys don’t go to beauticians.  hahaha)

I think one more entry and I will be through bragging on the grandkids.

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Studebaker Hawk

Alpha Spider!

Kids, people Watching & Our Grandkids #1

We live in a time that at any given time at a retail store you will see or HEAR a child pitching a fit, because they did not get their way.  It is such a pleasure to see kids with manners. The other day I was walking up to a door and a small boy of about 7 ran ahead and opened the door (for this OLD MAN). I said, “Well thank you young man!”

“You are welcome, sir.”  was his retort. Wow, what a breath of fresh air.  My mind goes back to our boys and their children. I am pushing my brain now, but I cannot think of a time we had a child pitch a ‘fit’ in public.

While sitting in a restaurant where I could see out the window I was observing Parents and children. I saw a mother dragging a crying 5-6 yr old by the arm as she yelled at the kid and the kid was  screaming and yelling as they went to the car.

I had observed another young mother with a baby and two young boys as they left. The boys were dressed neat. The larger boy about 10 opened the door for his mom. The boys walked between the cars up to the drive and waited until their mom gave them permission to cross the drive to their car.

I will never forget the first ‘grandchild’ to enter our home. He came aboard with the new DIL.  He was 4 or 5 . Cute little red haired kid with the perfect personality. Very well mannered. It wasn’t long until he had a little brother. When the little brother was born at Walter Reed, Corey and I went to McDonalds to celebrate . He couldn’t decide what he wanted, so I said, “Order one of everything, and we will eat them all!”  At the time it was no big deal they didn’t have but about 7 or 8 things on the Breakfast menu. WE had a good time.

With Ben, the new grand son we three had a ball, it wasn’t long until there was trouble in paradise. The daughter in law left, taking the boys with no forwarding address. We heard nothing other than a card saying the boys were fine, each one postmarked from a different state. This went on for 3 years. I sat at my desk every day with my cassette recorder and talked to the boys not knowing if I would ever see them again.

On the 3 year mark, we had contact. In six months we were able to fly the boys out from Utah for the summer. I had to admit, no matter what I had thought of the DIL, the kids were the most mannerly boys I had seen in YEARS. What a joy to hug those boys, the last time I had seen the youngest he was 1 1/2, he was now 5, so he did not know us.

Maybe more on manners later.

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The 55 Chevy above

The 58 Chevy  Three years makes a difference.

Occupation #14….Writing……

Kenneth Herron is my first cousin. He has been a businessman both in the USA and Overseas. He spent a lot of time in the Middle East and took the time to write a novel called ‘Amos’. He continues to write.

(“Hook a Book” program Years ago in Key West)
For years I was a part time ‘professional story teller’. In my mid 50’s and on a ‘silly’ family crusade out west I found myself with a lot of time on my hands so I read my first novel, “Executive Orders” by Clancy.  I then decided it was time to put my many stories down on paper.  The idea seemed simple.
I learned fairly quick that it takes a lot of words to translate all my chalk drawings, magic tricks,  actions and body English,  into words on paper.  Something I also learned, my English isn’t too good.
So back to Ken, when he published ‘Amos’, it kicked in my juices and I got serious about the novel I had been working on for a year.  The thing that hurt my ‘ego’ the most, was the Proofing, Sherry who is good with English and agreed to check English usage only. At times 5-10 errors a page.
I have learned most of my 14 occupations ‘the hard way’, on the job training. So writing is another. ‘The Vacation’, my latest novel and 9th book, was a ‘little’ better than the first.
Ideas are not my problem, putting them on paper concisely is.
When eating out do you ever notice an efficient waitress makes the job look so easy?  They seem to take their time and get more done (even chat) than the frantic person running to and fro.Therefore, knowing the language, and having a knack of writing, helps the good writer say what he/she means without wearing you out reading ‘fluff’ causing misdirection.
I honestly tell myself, ‘When we settle down I am going to take a course in English and writing. Of course my Sherry worries by that time I will need someone to drive me to school. (Can I order up another life to live?)
I write for myself. I hope others enjoy it.  I do get a ‘high’ when someone says, “I read your book and loved it.”
Ken told me his greatest kick was when a lady approached him in a restaurant and asked, “Are you the writer?”
I smiled but said nothing, but that has actually happened to me once. And yes, it did thrill me. My oldest fan in in her 90’s lives in Kennebunk, ME. She now reads on her kindle so she can magnify the words.
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PS: I pick up writing hints from other writers. I save the hints Rick leaves on his blog and the ones Ken gives.  Both these guys are professionals and do a Newspaper Column.  I would love to do that, but I would embarrass myself (and family) with my English.
PS2: I worked 61 years. I was unemployed fir 70 days in 1957.
Shortest Jobs: working for a newspaper = 2 weeks!, Hotel maintenance = 4 weeks.
Longest= USN 14 yrs, Gen Contracting =12 yrs
With some success in about 6 jobs.  LOL
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1925 Rolls

‘33 Buick

Christmas LIGHTS in a Christian Nation

(Encouraged by the words of Bernard Cook, Wildwood, FL)

(decorated cars taken from the net)
Yes, I am so gullible I think this is still a Christian nation. WE aren’t all ‘good’ Christians. We don’t all follow the teaching of the ‘Man of Galilee’, but by and large we do believe his teachings were solid, moral and right.

Many folk feel that Jesus, the Christ, was the ‘light’ of the world. Therefore Christmas lights are so relevant.  AS I type this I am thinking of the many Christmas lights I have seen in the last few years. Since we have not been in many other states lately in the winter, I must say FLORIDA towns do a fantastic job of bringing Christmas ALIVE. Even the small town of Jasper, FL has a great light display.

Wickam  Park in Melbourne, FL is a light  show. Downtown Mt. Dora, Eustis and Tavares are on the verge of BEAUTIFUL.

For many years in the small town of McAdenville, NC was known as Christmas City.  That might be a local thing but the folks around Gaston County think it is famous world wide. .  The Mill owner, Mr. Pharr, paid the entire towns power bill for the month of December to encourage everyone to decorate, so decorate they did.

Funny/sad story. Sherry and Shirl took care of my mama in her declining years. Due to inactivity, not diabetes, she lost here legs. Near Christmas Mama said, “I wish I could see the lights of McAdenville again. Sooooo  we used a lift, moved here to the car. made her comfortable and headed out. Now something everyone learns is the traffic is horrific. It is one way thru town and  no way to turn around once you start. The tour is free to the public and even the traffic is backed up on I-85.
 
Well after waiting in the line about 30 minutes we entered the one-way traffic, slowly driving by the lights when mama said, “I’d give five dollars if I hadn’t said I want to see these lights.”  She was miserable.  But we made the whole trip and got back home with her very tired.  But that line has lived in our family, “I’d give $5 if I hadn’t picked this place for dinner.” etc. .

But Christmas would be less exciting without lights. Do you put up a tree?
Decorate outside?
Drive to see lights?
Any particular place in your area well known for lighting?
And wow, the new projected lighting is amazing.

Now we can remember today is December 7th.  A day that started the war for us, that was going to end all wars, but of course did not. But we were forced to fight as a nation to hold our Christian Values, FREEDOM and try to find Peace on Earth.  GOD BLESS AMERICA!

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Just feeling good, getting excited! (maybe a little stress!)

My brother Junior was in the retail business. He had to think of Christmas in July and the 4th of July in January.  Planning ahead is important in that  business to make sure you  have the stock for specific Holidays.

(At times we are odd, but we are still family)

The businesses I have been in did not require six months ahead planning. The first thing Sherry planned ‘long range’ was our 50th Wedding Anniversary bash. She got out the invites and ended up with 60 family and friends. She done good.
Then last year around Christmas I suggested instead of a big bash on our 60th, lets celebrate our 59th big time! Let’s take the family on a cruise, she said okay, YOU DO IT! So with her help, I contacted  Creative Travel in Belmont.  The cruise was scheduled for this month, December 2015. There have been a lot of hoops to jump thru that I did not know about.

(At times, follow the leader is easy for the followers)
Security is tight now. We have two children going with single parents and that is another problem. For the child to travel you must have the Birth Certificate AND a notarized letter of permission (at times that can be a problem when the two parents ‘don’t be speaking’ too well to each other.)
Everyone must have a certified birth certificate and picture ID, or the Passport. In our group most  do not have passports.
Funny thing about Birth Certificates, the original with the little foot print IS NOT ACCEPTABLE, it must be a CERTIFIED Copy (???)

(When you are family, every one counts)

Anyway we have 16 people traveling. It is sort of a miracle to get 16 bodies ready at the same time, away from jobs, college and two from across the country.  But at present it is down to 2 missing items (that I know of), then grandpa can relax.  
If we pull this off, I will be one happy camper.  I cannot imagine MA, or the Conrads and some of the other larger families getting everyone together. WHEW!
I needed to say all that.
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The mid 50’s my favorite period for cars as a teen.

My first Speaking engagement since the Implant

A friend asked me to give a presentation to the kids of his church on a Sunday past. Most of my materials are in NC.

Some of my happiest or most enjoyable moments, have been teaching kids. There is nothing like seeing the young eyes light up at a new ‘trick’, idea or just a new way to explain an old truth.  Some challenges I love, and kids are at the top of the list. So I would wind it and make up something.

I love to give unique coins to kids. I try to always have a gold dollar in my pocket for a kid. A year ago I ‘bought’ 21 Kennedy 1/2 dollars. This was the perfect chance to give some away.

If you are a student of Jewish history, you know of the Prophet Elijah and the Widow who had only a handful of meal and a little oil to make a small loaf. Elijah told her the meal and oil would NEVER run out, after she baked him a loaf.

Using some old antique paper and rubber cement, I spent a couple hours making some small paper two sided oil bottles and bowls I made 28 or 30 or them and sealed a gold dollar or a Kennedy half in each.

During the program I pulled them all out one by one from an empty had. (I can do that, cause I am a magician. LOL) Thus demonstrating the never ending supply. I also turned water to wine at the end.

I always tell the kids before and after, there is not real magic, that what I do is a magic trick, it is their job to find out HOW I did that.

The program was a success. I loved it, BUT I am still not able to communicate with kids, they speak  low. Now I am going to try to get another Cochlear implant next year. Maybe that will help.

This was a trial, it was fun, but I am still not ready for prime time.  I know I will NEVER be ready for prime time again. In January I will be 77 years old, way past the age to be ‘THE GUY’ to entertain kids.

Before I went deaf, I was switching to Senior Citizen entertaining. Maybe I will qualify for that. It doesn’t take much to make Old folk happy.

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1932  Ford, Eustis, FL Car Show.

1932 Studebaker Eustis CAr show

1952 Chrysler