US or WE, Sherry & me

  Automobiles from another era:

 The 1958 Chevrolet. The only NEW car we ever 'test-drove' that we could not afford and had no intention of buying it. In Biloxi Mississippi the dealer handed me the keys and said take it for a ride. WE DID, Loved it. Then we got back in our '53 Plymouth and left.

 For today:

I have so many thoughts as I read other blogs and comments. I want to thank y’all again.

This entry comes from my thoughts along with MA’s blog, ‘What’s New at My House.’  It was the campfires….

I did a blog a few days ago on ‘Me’.  This one includes my BEST half. Before our marriage my girl was never a camper, but for my family, mom & dad had a history of living in tents and in the woods and at times it was out of necessity, driven by the ‘Great Depression.’ So at times, because of their background, we slept in tents, in cars, trucks and many times just on the ground, when we went to the mountains. We called it camping.

In the early 1900s both our families moved to this area due to the cotton Mill jobs. Sherry’s family had raised tobacco in Eastern NC,. My family had raised P-nuts & Corn, in North Georgia. Both families migrated about 200 miles to reach this area, hers from the East mine from the South. They worked in mills that were about 10-15 miles apart.

About 15-16 years after Sherry & I were born we were drawn together because of the same church affiliations. And we married when we were 17-18.

Much to my satisfaction, Sherry took to the camping life like a fish to water. Most of our vacations were in tents, campers, trailers and motor homes.

Traveling was so much of our married lives (military etc) that after retirement there was a yearning to travel. We first bought a small motor home to see if we would like it after tents, tent trailers and travel trailers. We loved it so we took the plunge and bought a 38 foot MH. It wasn’t long until we rented out our properties and hit the road. That was our lifestyle for over 20 years. WE have circled and crisscrossed the USA several times.  WE made most of Canada and Nova Scotia.

We learned over the years that a good campfire attracted people and stories. We met folks who were passing friends, sort like the saying ‘ships that pass in the night.’

WE even ran into people we had met in Florida, camping in Alaska. I know there are good folks everywhere, but it seems that Camping parks, the wild or the woods attract some of the best. Reasons vary and the tales are great.

  Nite Shipslog

PS:  

What I saw today!

  Automobiles from another era:

 

NOTICE: The age related test I took a couple days ago was given online from the local VA. I was given the choice, so I did it here. I am not sure what put my name on the list, but I figured it was simply my age. No one said why. 

 For today:

Sherry is a little under the weather, as they say out west. So I went shopping by myself today, REALLY!

I got it all, the whole list, even ‘Ginger Root’ and toilet paper.

On farms or the early west you were fortunate if there were corn cobs in the outhouse. THEN some wonderful man or woman invented what they called ‘Privacy Paper’.  Now maybe they had this in the castles of Europe before our West, but for danged sure it took a long time getting here.

I said that to say: Humans today are not happy to have just one type of anything. Years ago we bought ‘Toilet paper’. Now it has become just like ladies nylons, there are 1,602 different names, types, colors and what all......  I finally did buy SOME!

Then there was a lady in front of me who decided she really did not want the new broom she had in her buggy, so she took it out and left it in the soup aisle.

As I moved along I noticed a couple empty drink cans, on the shelves with the laundry stuff. I guess you don’t have to pay if you drink it in the store.

Then there was the lady with 3 kids. She stopped in the veggie aisle to empty the candy and stuff the kids had put in the basket. She left it there without a second  thought it seemed..

WE all have seen (Or experienced) interesting stuff pertaining to public restrooms. Things can happen to anyone, like leaving the restroom with a small piece of toilet paper stuck to your shoe. It even happens to Presidents. Just the other day when I came out of the toilet in a restaurant and Sherry pointed out, ‘Your shirt is half tucked in!’

Well today I saw something that topped that. You know the disposable seat covers for commode seats. Leaving the store  an older lady was in front of me. She had one of those covers hanging out of the back of her stretch pants. TRUE! ........  Should I tell her? I am debating….. She will soon be to her car forget about it....... Then she passed someone who knew her, they told her. She pulled it out and they had a big laugh. But Imma thinking the lady was laughing to cover her embarrassment. WE OLD people must be careful…. We can still be embarrassed ..... LOL  I am living proof!

  Nite Shipslog

Old Age or aging well?

Transportation from another era:

(Picture from the net)

Sherry & I can remember the last horse and wagon in our town. Mr. Robinson made his living with that horse and wagon, I still do not know what he did.

For today:

Remember that old statement, “Don’t judge someone until you have walked a mile in their shoes.”

By the time one can actually walk in an old person’s shoes, they are there. LOL

The one true statement about humans is that we are ALL individuals. The mold was broken when you were born. So we are all different. What works for one may not work for another; I firmly believe that.

When I smoked and someone told me it was going to kill me, I could point out men in their 90s who smoked a pack a day. Salt will kill you?  My best friend ate salt by the hands full. He loved salt sandwiches, believe it or not. I had never heard of that until I met him. When we drove across the great Salt Flats in Utah, he stood on miles of salt, with hands full of salt and said, “Finally enough!”

Sonny lived into his 80s, would he have lived longer w/o salt? Who knows? But I do know that some folks who cut way down on salt and have died much earlier.

Now, the good news. Do you believe tests that give your relative age? I never gave them much thought nor credence.  The other day the VA asked me to take a test. That sucker was an hour long.  When my answers were analyzed, the system said I was equal to a 78 year old. I am 82, so that actually made me feel good......., HEY WAIT a minute, 78 is still OLD!!!  LOL

One of the questions asked how many hours I spent in front of the TV.  I do not watch TV so I used the 4 hours I am in front of this monitor.

After the analysis was done, I was given a chance to change some #s to see if it would make a difference. So I said next year I will only spend 2 hours a day sitting. After analyzing the latest info, I would still be equal to a 78 yr old, so I guess I will continue ordering from Amazon/Ebay and Blogging next year.  LOL

I do believe we should stretch and exercise daily. I also think it is good to cut down on fat.  I am sure that quitting smoking was good for me.

However I can remember when a job would become stressful that cigarette sure calmed me down (remember that?). That is how I justified smoking until I was 58, smoking was better than using a nerve pill, wasn’t it?  I still don't know!

I am pretty cheap. I remember saying when smokes go to 30 cents a pack I was quitting, but I didn’t! I did quit at 40 cents

So my friends, eat right (?), stretch, exercise and think positive. I hope you live long and WELL!

  Nite Shipslog

PS:  Victor said something like: By the time you walk a mile in someone’s shoes they will know you stole ‘em, just a guess, LOL!

One sweet experience, At the hospital,

Automobiles from another era:

1919 Dodge Brothers Car, this car was NEW when Anna (not her real name) was born.

 

For today:

It is that time of the year. My appointment is next week. It is a practice by my Doctor to have me go for my blood work a week ahead of time. Sherry goes with me as my ears.

We sat across from another older couple. People traffic was light, no one else waiting.  I could tell the man was hard of hearing like myself, so I started joking with him (them) about him and I having to take our ears with us.

The young lady who took my blood was good at her job, and I told her so. She smiled big. I returned before the other guy got back. Sherry and the other wife had ENJOYED their time alone.

Sherry, “Jack, Anna here is 98 years old.” I had thought she was about our age or younger. She was one bubbly woman.

She smiled and said, “Watch this!”

She hit the floor did a push up, folded onto the floor in a Yoga position; she then half stood and took a couple more Yoga positions. I was cracking up and amazed. WE talked a little longer. Her husband had a tough time walking and I learned he was 10 years her junior.

I must tell you that lady was a breath of fresh air.  I appreciate my VA, even more now that my visit there was so rewarding. Ain’t it great to meet someone who can make you smile?

As we were leaving them her final words were, “Stretch....., Stretch daily,..... that is the secret.”

I kick myself for not getting their picture. But I will look for them every time we go to the VA from now on. I do hope we get to meet them again.

 

  Nite Shipslog

Nudity

Automobiles of religion:

 

Did a priest build this car with a black collar?

For today:

I have read Victor Mubarak’s comments for a long time on other blogs, mainly Myra’s. For a long time I thought him to be a Priest, for some reason.  I get things mixed up a lot. I follow Victor now and enjoy his dedication, humor and wit. Today’s entry is fired by Victor’s entry today on piercings and tattoos. Now I wasn't sure if it was true or a joke, so I checked, it is true.

side notes:

I have a Shipmate from the USS Independence, Frank Malinowski. It was a pleasant surprise to learn that Frank actually became interested in religion; and after his discharge became what I thought was a priest in the Catholic Church. Later he educated me, it is not the Catholic Church but he is a respected Proto-deacon in the Orthodox Church.

Anyway as I have said; I learn, although very slowly. LOL You see, if you grow up in small town USA, in a conservative protestant church, if one espouses the Gospel, you are still a preacher. LOL

nudity....

Yep this is about nudity! Our church was so conservative when my sister and I first saw the ocean at 6 and 8 years old, we had to go in the salt water fully dressed, ‘MIXED BATHING’ was a definite SIN. Our church also baptized by immersion, fully clothed some men in their suits. The women had to fight to keep their long dresses down in the water.

Great great uncle 'Rev Brewer' baptizing in the 1930s

Now to Nudity…… If you have followed USA ‘moral codes’  you will know that many years ago, movie stars of the opposite sex were not allowed to be in bed together on screen, unless there was at least a sheets separation. There was no nudity allowed on SCREEN. Now with ratings G,X etc movies have all kinds of nudity.

When we traveled in Europe I was very surprised to see upper frontal nudity on shows and commercials. Now today it is NEAR impossible for parents to keep their children from viewing nudity and even all manner of sex acts on the internet. I guarantee if I was a teen today I would be sneaking views.

What brought this on was a blog entry of tattoos and piercings. Victor’s description of a TV show over in the UK called ‘Naked Attractions’ where the person selects their date from completely naked partners. He noted there were tattoos and piercings in places he could not mention.

Shucks at times ‘nose’ piercings cause my head to say, “NOT ME!”

What I am reminded of is the statement I have heard, “As Hollywood goes, so goes the nation!” And now in Hollywood it seems that ANYTHING GOES!

Sometimes that is scary……

 

  Nite Shipslog

PS:   Victor isn't a Priest, but he is a very good Religious Writer, even at times, WITTY! ;-).  I will say also he does some great Audio stuff, love that accent!

Fleas and Ferals

 Automobiles from another era:

 ahhhh, Nice Mercedes!

For today:

I don’t mind trying what I can to relieve the kitties and cats of their flea aggravation, plus our possible home infestation.

The flea collars were close to $8 each and have done no good in my estimation.

I ordered “Vets*Best” non toxic natural Cat Flea protection. Made from all-natural ingredients. I had the great idea of spraying them. OUCH I was nearly clawed badly when I tried. I learn slowly but I learn. I came up with the idea of wearing a cotton glove and spraying it GOOD with the stuff and then petting the cats, it works like a charm.

They are getting some relief.

These are feral cats. At times they run from me like I am carrying a machete to kill them. Other times will love me to pieces. We know in a few weeks we will leave them for up to 6 months.  During that time they will wander as they always have. Our neighbor Michelle will feed them when she can, she loves ‘em.

BUT we know that they will go into neighbor Jim’s abandoned homes, that is where they were born. It is an animal’s paradise and I am sure filled with fleas etc. Coons and possums frequent the two houses also.

WE are on a short dead end street or the city would have already condemned the houses. This town/county’s inspectors are like most, they will not make decisions like this until there are complaints or it is an open eye sore for the city.

Since we are the only citizens that drive past Jim’s houses we are the only ones likely to complain; BUT I will not, I have too much respect for Jim, and what he was. He is also a friend, so we will let it play out however it does.

If we did catch all five of them and get them to a vet for ‘a flea shot’ in 3 months it would be the same.

So we will do what we can while we are here...

  Nite Shipslog

What do you think?

 Memorable Automobiles from The Past:

 1962 Aston Martin

For today:

There are times it is not wise to be frank with someone. You have heard the short story of the slightly over weight wife who puts on a new dress and turns to ask her husband, “Does this dress make me look fat?” ......... He must weigh his answer.

If you have a boss that you KNOW ‘expects’ a ‘Yes Man’, and you are asked to go over a proposal of his. After reading it you KNOW enacting this proposal at this time, will absolutely NOT WORK, you are put in a very awkward position to say the least.

Concerning my desire to hike the AT.

Some people who know me will say ‘GO FOR IT!’

A few say, remember you are in your 80s now, it MIGHT be time to settle down. (Not wanting to hurt my feelings)

NOTE: Most of us like ‘YES-people’ especially when we have what WE KNOW (THINK) is a great idea.

Others ask, “What would you do if you fall, or worse?”

Note her pack, now you  know how good that water felt!

Since our friends know we have hiked most of the AT have asked: Is it dangerous? Do hikers carry weapons? What about bears?

Dangers:

I have heard the best place to have a heart attack is on the golf course, there is usually a Doctor around. ;-)  Well on the AT many times there is a nurse around (within 30 miles or a day or two) Lots of nurses and some doctors hike the trail.

WE KNOW of a lady who fell and broke her hip. She was in a hospital within 24 hours. Another with frost-bite and the same lady later with a sprained ankle, both times she was in a hospital in less than 24 hours.

Once I found a tick in my privates. I developed the symptoms and worried about ‘Lyme Disease’. I went to an emergency room in N. Adams, Massachusetts and was seen within 3 minutes (that was a shocker I would have waited at least 2 hours down south.) I did not have Lyme.

So medical help is NOT a BIG problem. Usually there is a highway, path, fire road, park road or country road every 10-20 miles EXCEPT the last 100 miles, called the 100 mile wilderness.

About bears: WE saw only 2 bears in nearly 1900 miles. We met one kid in the Smokies who had a tug-of-war with a bear about his pack, he lost but no injuries. He said the bear just drug the pack about 50 feet from him and destroyed it. The bear ate all his food and meds (Ibuprophen etc) then walked off. Other hikers shared their food and He walked to  a main road and replenished.

About weapons, I have never 'known' a hiker with a fire arm. No one wants the extra 2 pounds or so. Some carry ‘pepper spray’ and MOST have a knife of some kind.

About me ‘n the 2190 mile hike on the AT. I have very little worry about my safety, it is my physical stamina.

Shipslog

PS:  My last experiment has my pack down to less than 25 pounds. I HOPE to make it lighter. (I can always hope!)

Divorce and flea colars

 That 1938 Bugatti!

For Today:

Well it finally happened my Feral Cats and Kitties have divorced me.  For a long time I left a crawl space under the garage door for in and out travel at night, mostly for mama cat. Then For some time they were content to stay in an enclosed basement over night.

HOWEVER,,,,,After the coons started coming in and wandering around I agreed to furnish litter boxes and close the door. That worked for weeks, BUT some wanted to stay out late and 'mess around.'  So, I set a curfew, door closed at 9PM that worked for a week with some out some in. NOW 

all of them refuse to come in the basement afraid they will be locked inside. I have a feeding dish just inside the door and even during the day they refuse to come the one foot inside. So we are divorced, with only a few visits for a petting or two during the day.

Also I am not sure flea collars work. I haven't noticed ANY change, Also petting them we have carried some fleas to out upstairs. I vacuumed the entire house and picked up 100's of fleas. I thought I would be cool and kill them in the bag so I sprayed flea/insect killer on the carpet and vacuumed it. I set it set awhile and it had killed only a few of them, they must be tougher than the ones on my dogs. LOL

I have some CAT/FLEA spray I ordered. OUCH just one spay about got me scratched to pieces. LOL  I'm there must be a better way to do this. LOL  If it were dogs I would give them a good bath, can you wash a feral cat?????  How would you hold them?

I'm still thinking, but they (and we) do need some flea protection. ;-(

Nite Shipslog

PS: