Like a Moth to Flame

I'm drawn to silver. Not only is it a wonderful hedge against inflation, but it feels good. I like its heft. As of late I've adjusted my investment away from pure silver rounds and bars to the currency of Old Mexico. Vintage Mexican coins contain anywhere from ten to ninety percent silver. Always check before you buy.

The beautiful old coin pictured was minted in 1952 and contains (as you can well see) .72 percent silver, or at today's current spot, just over eleven dollars worth of silver. Adjust for Numismatic value and you have a twenty dollar (or more) coin. This coin was minted in Mexico City as indicated by the mark, Mo. Its weight is just over 27 grams. An ounce of silver weighs 31.1 grams.

Here's a link for the silver conversion tables of Mexican silver coins. If you'll scroll down the link you'll also find tables for other countries as well.

As long as silver remains below thirty dollars an ounce I'm a buyer. Trust me, one day you'll wish you had a small leather pouch filled with silver.

Have fun.

Stephen

On This Day

So far, it's been a good day. We've both taken the day off and have explored. She allowed me (yes, allowed, gave her permission) to browse a coin shop, one of the largest gold and silver dealers here in north Florida. I spent a bit.

I was given gifts, after a nice breakfast.

Why, you ask....well, about thirty-five years ago today my mother reached and gave my father a slap to the face. He said, "Ouch. Why'd you hit me?"

She replied, "Because you knocked me up."

He blushed. It was their first time at this baby making business and he wasn't sure of himself.

Then she said, "Now, take me to the hospital." Around noon she gave birth. I came out and said, "It's about time."

The nurse fainted.

(Really, thirty-five...no joke. Okay, maybe a wee bit more but not much.)

Stephen

And, Repeat

Not sure how long I'll be able to write as the storms have returned with a vengeance. The loss of power is very possible.

Sweet Wife left very early for her church services. She tiptoed to my side of the bed and gave me a kiss and then I was alone with the sound of distant thunder; the morning dark and the air heavy with rain. I left my warm bed and quickly stepped outside for the Sunday paper. Isn't it nice to open your home's door and to step back inside to the scent of fresh brewed coffee and the gentle caress of a cat  with a good hour of reading heavy in your hand.

Sunday morning papers and coffee agree with me.

It's heavy now, the thunder. Then the high pitched chest thump crack of lightning. The house silent otherwise. Now, the rain. The gutters spill the excess like walls of pure silver. I wonder, where do the wild critters take shelter. My old cat sleeps peacefully beneath my outstretched legs. She lets forth a soft whine when the thunder rips. The wind chimes dance with glee.

I should make breakfast. Perhaps I'll wait for the return of my wife. She'd like a hot meal too, besides, what art is to be had when one dines alone. 

Again, the far off sound of new storms announce their approach. The thump vibrates the house and gives warning of winds exceeding sixty. Winds with the power to reduce mighty oaks to kindling.

I flipped the screen to Fox and within seconds the signal is lost. Fine, I do prefer the silence. Maybe, just maybe, I'll jump over to Ebay and try a snipe on silver coins. If I'm careful there are bargains and satisfaction to be garnered by my sneaky intrusions. When I win I always express my apologies to the fallen foes. I know, but isn't it just good manners, when you've reached and taken the coin from their purse, to give regrets.

Off topic, sorry.

The rain pounds. I should flank this storm and build yet another fresh pot of coffee, just in case the power fails. Gather a nearby kerosene lamp and place matches alongside. It's dark enough some light might dispel the gloom.

She'll be home soon. My needless worry of her safe arrival is silly. She'll have a four mile journey within the storms clutches, and I will not stand by the garage door in wait. Such might provide an insight into my fear of losing her. I've lost far too much of late. 

Rain, pelts the roof. Its soothing. Perhaps I should read. Yet, here I sit as I tap this mindless ramble of words upon a white screen to the beat of thunder and rain and the odd flash of silver light as my trees dance and sway with the wind. I'm sure if I rose and stepped back outside I'd find the river with whitecaps where even the gulls have sense enough to seek shelter under the boat house.

Isn't it pretty how storms break the monotony of life. How they are able to open those hidden doors of our minds and to lay bare our worst fears and worries. Yet, storms too give us solace. Storms can fortify our will and courage, dispel our weaknesses when our strengths are needed.

I'll place a light in a window. It's dark outside.

(Published without edit. The storm has flickered my power and time isn't on my side.)
 
Stephen

Coffee, with a slice of Thunder

Sorry for my late replies and lack of post. Business has been outstanding this week. Between the shop and SW's therapy and my housework; well, let's just say I've been a busy man.

We have a stormy night. Hard pounding rain, thunder and lightning...nice stuff for a cup of coffee and a slice of pie.

I hope this finds all of you, my friends, well and happy.

Now please excuse me. I believe I'll put my feet to stool and read until I fall asleep to the sweet music of the rain.

BTW, my slice of pie was Lemon Meringue.

Stephen

At Least Say Hello

First full day of Spring and our weather is cool and bright. Tomorrow it will be, August, or at least feel like it. When our weather turns warm it sticks around for a long, long, time.

Good morning, my friends. When I logged on I spotted a reader from Eastwood, New South Wales. Thanks for reading, now, say hello why don't 'ya.

Beautiful country down under...

*****

Yesterday a yellow cab pulled into my driveway. Lady jumps out and runs to my front door. I let her inside. She walks in, breath labored, tears.

She begins, "Please, Sir. I be caught this cab from my home. I'm on my way to the hospital where my husband is about to have surgery and when we arrived here I realized I'd left my wallet at home. I've got to get to 'da hospital and I don't have any cash. (catches her breath) Please, Sir, can I be have thirty-five dollars?"

She begins to wiggle. Jumps in place for just a second. One of my customers gives a chuckle.

Me, "Dear lady, first of all the hospital is six miles south of here and you would have had to pass it on your cab ride to this location. Secondly, your home, if I understand you correctly, is fifteen miles further south of the hospital. Why, on God's green earth, did you ride so far north to ask for cab fare?"

Her, blink, blink.

Then, "Well just f*^k you, you piece of s*it white man."

She then turns and slams the door on her way outside. Didn't even say goodbye.

At least she tired.

*****

Today, I hope, I shall bundle this pile of federal tax forms and even larger folder of paper and deposit it on my new accountant's desk.

Perhaps now I can truly begin to enjoy our freshly given Spring.

Stephen

Heck of a Day, and Thanks

It's been a long hard day. Finally home and have my feet on a stool. It feels good. Left work and met Sweet Wife and we had a nice quiet dinner (shrimp in sun-dried tomato sauce over pasta) accompanied by soft jazz. I'm stuffed.

I know I haven't written much over the last few weeks, but please bare with me. Tomorrow I should finally finish my tax work. Four straight days of pure hell. Have I mentioned how much I hate taxes.

While stopped at a traffic light, very early this morning, I caught sight of an eagle. In her talons she had a death grip on a large pine bough. She held a bee line for a cell tower. Her nest was located near the top. She strained, and pulled, and yet I knew she'd never make the nest. She just didn't have the angle or power to heft such a large piece of limb to the newly formed nest.



Sure enough, about half way I could see her lose all enthusiasm. She banked sharply north and released her prize, then she banked east and climbed to her nest, talons empty.

Felt sorry for the little lady.

We all have our difficulties in life.




*****

My new friend, MI2Tall, became a follower today. Thanks, my new friend. Please, run over and say hello for me. I really like his header picture.

Thanks, my new friend and welcome aboard. The coffee is always fresh. Grab a cup and let's chat.




 Until then,

Stephen
  

Have A Seat

I'd like to thank and welcome two new followers, the first, Jose Ramon Santana Vazques. He has a very interesting blog so please run by and say hello. My other new friend is, Orbitup. His blog, Subject To Change is well worth a visit.

Gentlemen, I promise to always leave replies to your comments.

Again, thank you and welcome, pull up a chair let's have a cup of coffee. You're now among friends.

Stephen