Distractions

I find it hard to write when a new book arrives. I ordered Larry Correias' newest novel, 'Monster Hunter Legion,' weeks ago. It arrived yesterday. A nice signed limited edition. It even smells nice.

I ripped open the package and pulled the book out and sat it gently upon my desk and thought - 'what the heck, I'll write tomorrow and read today'. If you want to make God smile....

Anyhow, in between work and dealing with customers I read about six pages.

You know you want it.

*****

When I flipped on the computer this morning I noticed a little window pop open...it screamed at me that several updates (real important security updates) awaited my attention and it insisted I 'click here' and demanded I comply. So, I obeyed.

I sincerely wish I had the patience of my good friend, Rev. Paul, and the technical knowledge of my equally good friend, Borepatch. I hate to randomly download computer updates. I've had so many, shall we say. glitches afterwards it kinda worries me.

I dutifully selected those I felt important and ever so gently hit the fire control button and sat back and waited.

The wee boogers inside my computer whirred and hummed and then flashed, 'hit restart.' I again complied.

As my computer went about its mission I reached over to my old fashioned Rolodex and flipped the pages to the number of my computer repair guy - just in case. I then pulled my .45 and waited. I've always wanted to shoot a computer and I'd felt this morning I might just get lucky and have a shot.

Another window opened and green bars whizzed back and forth. Then, nada.

Not a single problem. Sigh. Holstered my weapon. 

Maybe next time.

*****

Last evening, late, Sweet Wife turned to me and asked, "Are we still grandparents?" 

She was seated at the kitchen table. She had her business laptop open and papers stacked knee deep. I walked over and began to gently rub her shoulders. She lowered her head and did one of those moans as women tend to do under massage. Outside, on our deck, three raccoons took turns feeding from our cat's bowl.

"Well, are we?"

How was I to answer.

Me, "Yes, Honey, you'll always be a grandmother."

Her, "When?"

I answered, "Honey, I really don't know. We must be patient."

She turned, reached and took my hand and laid her cheek upon it. Her face was warm and wet and small shudders, spasms almost, ran through her body. I bent and kissed the top of her head and whispered, "Please, please, don't cry. Find a distraction, a hobby besides work, and hide your sorrow and try and forget. Please."

I worked my thumbs lower and applied pressure to her back. Small tears continued to roll down her face and my soul cried too.

Then, "Have you found your distraction? Have you forgotten our grandchildren?"  Anger, just under the surface.

"No, I'll never forget them. And, she is always on my mind. I can't walk through my life and not find a memory of her. She surrounds me. But, I function."

Silence. I waited. I listened as my old tide clock ticked and marked the hours until the next tide event. The raccoons continued to eat. She sniffed. 

"I'll never forget," she said.

 I gave her another kiss and as I walked away, said, "And neither will I."

Stephen 




 

Thanks & Welcome

It was a pleasant surprise when over the weekend I flipped on my laptop and found not one but two new friends and followers.

Thanks and welcome to my new friend, Old NFO, and also to my beautiful new friend and follower, Kitty Moore.

Many of you already know and read Old NFO. He writes the blog, Nobody Asked Me, a very witty and intelligently written blog. If you served in the Navy, he's your man. If you wore brown shoes while you served, you'll really like him, so please, run over and say hello.

 I was truly pleased to find the lovely and talented Kitty Moore had decided to hit my little blue button. She's a writer of exceptional talent. Kitty lives and works in London. Kitty Tells It As It Is, get it....please, click and read.

Again, thanks and welcome. You're both now among friends.

Oh, I've linked both of your great blogs to my blog list.

Stephen

Just Listen

I wanted to share this piece with you, my friends. Its one of my favorites.

Enjoy.

Stephen

The Weekend In Pictures

Walked outside a few minutes ago to feed our cat and noticed one of my banana trees is about to give birth to a nice batch of baby bananas. Me, all smiles.

Our weather is, fair. Has been for a week or so; clear dry days with highs in the lower eighties. I can't wait until the weather improves. Beautiful weather, to me, would be a rainy windy day with a high of about forty-five.

*****

As promised here are the pictures from our group workday. I'm sure many of you remember our retreat suffered from a very bad (historic) flood. The aftermath and clean-up has taken many months of hard work. Overall we have been very lucky. Many of the area residents lost the homes. We count our blessings.

All my friends arrived early and by the time I appeared (remember, I work for a living) had accomplished much. They had repositioned the outhouse and the old travel trailer adjacent to the Boar's Nest. We use the trailer for storage.  Senior sleeps in the outhouse. He's funny that way....

I was greeted by the younger crowd with their usual gang related hand signs. Class tells. Senior is the dude hiding his face. Kids...what can I say. We need them for the heavy lifting and comic relief.

Above, another shot of Senior hard at work on a bag of Mountain House.

Our 'shooting shed' was destroyed by the flood and needed to be rebuilt. After lunch we tackled the mess the flood left behind and after several hours of hard work we had the structure replaced. We'll complete the project next month. Above Duke hard at work. I've posted this picture of Duke for my lovely friend, kymber.

Above, Senior and Pirate Jim. If you're ever in a jam these are two guys you'd want in your foxhole.

As an aside we've decided to build a three gun range....should be fun.

We have a beautiful retreat.

Above, a very special young man. This is the son of my best friend, Pirate Jim. His name is Brandon and Brandon is special because he's closer to God than you and I. We're lucky to have him. He's a very hard worker and gives out hugs whenever or wherever they're needed. Brandon senses when a person is in need of support and without question walks over and 'hugs.' He always leaves me with a smile. In this picture he's inspecting the installation of one of the structures load bearing supports.  That 'log' took five grown men, and Senior, to place. Sucker was heavy.

Here we have ShooterSteve. He's shooting nails into a stud behind this old set of school lockers we've just placed. We use the cabinets for range storage such as targets, tape, sand bags and spare hearing protection. We had to dig them from beneath the old collapsed structure and as you can plainly see they've seen better days.   

That's it folks. It was a good day. Now, I need to get to work.

Take care.

Stephen

Update

It's been a long day and I'm tired but I've a big smile on my face. Here's a couple of pictures that should explain my silence.

Above, my finished Coleman 425E. I completed this project about twenty minutes ago. Her tank is all tucked (nestled) in her bed of newspaper. After all the work I've put into her I'm not about to scratch the finish.

Here's proof she works. This is her secondary burner with a beautiful blue flame. I said a long prayer when I lit her as I had to completely rebuild her tank. This is the stove rescued from the flood.

Okay, enough.

I promise to answer all your kind comments tomorrow morning. All I want now is a nice hot shower, a cup of coffee then a nice long nights sleep.

I'll write a long post tomorrow, too. I've a few pictures from our groups work day out at our bug out location.

Until then, good night.

Stephen

I Want

Some good meat loaf. I've had this craving since yesterday. I don't know why, but there it is, my weakness laid bare.

It's busy here today so this short post must suffice until after our group gathers tomorrow. We'll have a full day of work, and hopefully, a bit of fun.

Ah, ketchup too. I seldom use the condiment but meat loaf would not be the same without it.

*****

Just received a call from Sweet Wife. She and Glock Mom have a girls day planned tomorrow. They're taking a long ride to a huge flea market. God bless anyone that gets between them and a deal. They both pack handguns....and know how to use them. Maybe, just maybe, Sweet Wife will find me a good deal on a Coleman.

Hey, gotta run.

Stephen

Mellow

I stepped outside this morning to a nice stiff breeze off the river and turned to face it and loved the cool of it and how it pushed the scent of the marsh into my senses. It felt good, and mellow, which made me feel ripe with age, subdued.

The wind held steady and I noticed the tails of the Spanish Moss drifted east with the help of the westerly breeze as the palm fronds rattled. Rain is near.

The shell has cracked and I like it.

Last evening I worked late out in the garage, tinkering. I've repainted the gas tank of my current project three times. Never satisfied with the last result. It must be perfect. I'd allow the paint to dry then like a man obsessed apply fine steel wool to the finish and repeat.

Then, "Sweetheart, leave it alone. It's beautiful," she'd say.

I caught myself smiling, as did she.

She's perceptive, that way.

*****

jambaloney, the grapefruit are almost in season. Standby.

*****

Our group meets Saturday. It'll be nice to once again see all my friends. We've much to do, and clean

I just remembered the flood also took away my air mattress. It was one of those 'self-inflating' expensive suckers. Another item to replace. Perhaps, instead, I'll just make do with the cheap foam pad I used prior to the nice on my back air mattress. Man-up, if you will.

I expect to see both Senior, and Duke out there. And, I expect them to pack me a lunch and drink as I'll drive out straight  from work. Don't forget....

And, make sure it's hot.

*****

My coffee awaits. Think I'll take a stroll around the building. I can hear the crows scream my name.

Take care,

Stephen