Here's the thing - we need it. Florida has been in a drought for years. Lakes and small ponds have disappeared, salt water intrusion has the local government drilling new deeper wells into the aquifer. Bad stuff.
As I write it's dark out, comforting. A little Green Tree frog sings to me and my coffee is hot. The sound of the rain has almost lulled me to sleep....but, I've work and errands to run today.
One of those errands, I've decided, is to visit, if for only a few minutes, my Little Bit. This is her last full day of school. I shall take Birth Mother with me. Little Bit needs to know her mother hasn't left, again. She needs to know we still love her and haven't forgotten her. She needs to know - Papa, has fight left in him and I'm locked and loaded for battle. Mine enemies are within sight, and I'm pissed.
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Change of subject.....yesterday my friend, DFW, dropped by the shop for a visit and she bore a gift of shrimp...fresh and tasty little morsels from Heaven. We had a fine visit. I'm ashamed to report I did not have a pot of coffee in wait, business don't 'ya know. (Hangs head.) Tell 'ya what guys, she's cute as a button. I asked her back into the lair, office, and we talked for at least half an hour. We have much in common. Her husband owns a business just down the street. They're good people.
She hadn't been gone long when Duke walked in and demanded I wash his coffee cup. By the time he left I was laughing my butt off. He always lifts my spirits.
Friends. What would we do without them.
Yesterday a customer came in and asked if I'd like to purchase his little Detonics Pocket 9 pistol. Said, "Sure, bring it inside."
"Oh, I wanted to ask first. It's at home."
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Anyway, these are fairly rare handguns. They were manufactured for only one year back in 1985. Some folks, for odd reasons, collect them. His Detonics belonged to a long departed uncle. The seller is not a gunny. Said it's only been fired a couple of times. I'll let you know if he returns with the pocket popper.
Jerry Ahern smiles.
Later.
Stephen
After several years of Spring that was constantly raining, this one has been just right - just as we are thinking we need to get out the hose to water stuff we get a nice soaking rain. And it's amazing the difference - rainy days have become pleasant times to read and watch Netflix rather than days to pace the floor and grumble.
ReplyDeleteI do love a rainy day...thanks, my friend.
DeleteWord from the western side of Florida. During the drought, the POA insisted we needed sod IMMEDIATELY. That would be the same as renting grass. In a week it would have been dead.
ReplyDeleteHappily, the water company denied their idiotic plan. So far, we've gotten 6 inches of rain and there's no sod delivery in sight. I guess they're waiting for the drought to return.
Some people are just downright strange. Thanks, my sweet friend.
DeleteSounds like it was a good day - I'm glad.
ReplyDeleteIt did turn out very well. I was able to hold and kiss my heart. She still loves her Papa and understands the situation. Thanks, for everything, my friend.
DeleteHoping and praying that all goes well with visiting Lil Bit.
ReplyDeleteIf went well, Mrs. S., far too brief a visit, but sweet. I'm content, for now.
DeleteRaining here, too. Texas needs it, also. We've got coloring books open...one of those kind of days. Take care-
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice day. Wish I had a coloring book. Thanks, my lovely friend.
DeleteOh my gosh. I haven't been called cute since my teens (and that was a long time ago). Thanks for making a "mature" girl feel good.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the visit w/LB today!
Well, facts are facts. The visit went well. Just back. She spotted in while waiting in line and jumped out and ran screaming down the sidewalk yelling, Papa, Papa, then jumped into my arms. I damn near lost it. I must have given her a hundred kisses. We talked for a while and I explained the situation, told her I was working hard to get her little life back to normal. She said she understood. Gave her mother a couple of hugs and kisses and then she was gone...I feel so much better.
DeleteStephen,
ReplyDeleteJust remember to not let Little Bit know that you feel you are in a battle with an enemy. The last thing she needs to hear is that her dad is the bad guy. She loves you (and Birth Mother) with all her heart, but there is also a part of her that will always love her dad. While she is probably angry and resentful towards her, she may even have feelings she doesn't understand for her Step-Mother.
I speak as someone who has been in Little Bit's position during a custody fight between grandparents and worthless parents. I was an adult before I completely worked out all my feelings toward my parents. You can't expect her to understand this as a child. It is impossible to think that she isn't confused and torn. She just wants to see and love everyone and doesn't understand why this is a problem.
She loves you and has allegiances to you, so she will say whatever she thinks will make you happy. Make sure you tell her that none of this is her fault. It is best to say that her daddy, mommy and you all want what they think is best for her. However, sometimes adults strongly disagree about what is best. Sometimes adults even get angry with each other and say things they don't really mean. (You need to tell her this because you don't know what they have been saying to her.)
If you think this will go to court you might want to set the groundwork by explaining this to her (because you know that they probably won't.) Sometimes when adults can't agree about what would be best, they have someone else to help them decide. Hopefully this person will help you decide quickly so things can get back to normal with the adults and hopefully you won't be angry with each other anymore.
Remember, she might be torn up inside, but she will tell you (and her father & mother) what she thinks you want to hear just to try to make everyone happy.
For what it is worth, I hope you don't mind me giving my advice. It comes from the heart.
Blessings,
Southern Gal
I don't mind the advice one little bit and in fact welcome it. Trust me, I'd never allow that little girl to think it's her fault. Thanks.
DeleteJust saying hello. And wanted to tell you that no matter how much rain falls, you will always be "Little Bit's" precious Papa. Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sherry. Nice to have you drop by and comment. I do read your blog. Blessing to you too.
DeleteThank you Stephen. We are "Internet" free at our small farm, so I try to visit your Blog when I visit the Library to "check in". {Time flies as you can imagine.} Little Bit will be in my prayers. You also...Papa.
DeleteStephen,
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear Little Bit is well and understands things will eventually be better. Now that you've seen Little Bit, I imagine your heart is ticking soundly (at least a little bit).
The shrimp looks fabulous. That was sweet of DFW to visit and bring shrimp. You know, there is nothing better than having blogger friends close. Close enough to be able to visit in person and enjoy a cup of coffee. The next time were down in Florida, we must look you and Sweet Wife up.
Give Sweet Wife a hug and have a blessed day.
Sandy, you're welcome anytime you visit Florida. Thank you for the kind comments and yes, blogger friends are the best. DFW is sweet and so was her gift of shrimp. God bless.
DeletePlease give Little Bit hugs from us! I sure hope your visit goes well! :)
ReplyDeleteKellie, I almost hugged her to death. Didn't want to leave her...it was a long hard walk back to my truck. Thanks.
DeleteSo glad you got to hug Little Bit!
ReplyDeleteSouthern Gal is so wise - bless her common sense!
'Hope you fall asleep tonight listening to the rain drops and a smile is upon your face....
Thank you, dear Phyllis. My smile is a bit sad, but none the less, a smile.
DeleteStay strong....
ReplyDeleteI shall try, my friend. Thank you.
DeleteWe have your back without question. We have had a lot of rain here too the last two days.
ReplyDeleteRob, you're a good friend. Thank you.
DeleteI have Rain Jealousy :(
ReplyDeleteHope everything went well on your trip to see Lil Bit.
I did a rain dance last night. Wore my old loincloth too, it reeks of wood smoke and has a bit of pork chop grease on it but it normally works. Standby. Thanks, PP.
DeleteI am so glad you got to hug Little Bit! I know you are still hurting and upset over the situation, but I bet part of you was elated to see her if only for a short while. I bet you felt like running out into the rain and singing and dancing like Gene Kelly. I'M SINGING IN THE RAIN......HAHA
ReplyDeleteI was happy, very true. It did make me feel good but only because Little Bit now understands we haven't forgotten her and still love her and she's not to blame for this mess. I was also saddened. It hurts to walk away from her. Thanks, my good friend.
Deletedear sweet one - i am sooooo glad that you got to hold Little Bit and kiss her and explain some stuff to her...sooo very glad! and i am with Swamp Dog - but i want a video of Papa singing and dancing in the rain. and don't you still owe me a pic of Papa hula-hooping?!??!? bahahahahahaha!
ReplyDeleteso glad that you got to see her. glad for you and glad for her. your friend,
kymber
Thanks, kymber, my sweet one. There isn't a hulahoop video in the works. Doubt there ever will be a video of me dancing....
DeleteI'm glad too.
I love the rain!!!
ReplyDeleteFriends are priceless. Again and again my spirit has been lifted from mine. Doesn't even take much...a smile, a one word text or email, but the face time is the best!
Happy you were able to see Little Bit. I am sure this whole mess is toughest on her:(
Friends are stability, they add richness to our lives. Thank you very much, Pretty Girl. It is toughest on her, I wish her father would understand that little fact.
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