Wrens and Wind

This morning I stepped outside to the song of a Carolina Wren. I liked how our windy morning gathered the birds song and stretched it across the yard.

It was perched atop a hedge with its feathers fluffed and when I drew near the tiny bird zeroed its message towards me as if to say, 'This is mine, bub, scram.'  The little boogers about the size of my thumb. I'm willing to bet he'd whip my butt.

Same with certain people. It isn't size that determines the fighter within, its their inner strength, will and determination over obstacles between them and their goals.

She is in great pain. This morning she was pale with an upset stomach. Medication, I think. Anyway she went to work but only after she promised me she'd leave if her condition continued downhill.

Sweet Wife is a fighter.

*****

Please excuse my absence and lack of comments both here and at your nice blogs. My duties extend in several areas and sometimes it's difficult for me to wrap my brain around the written word when I face sickness, business, and home duties. Especially when each overlap and need constant attention.

Tax time is about to reach and slap me square in the face. This tax year will be difficult since my long time accountant and friend, without my prior approval, died. Now I must find another and since I'm not the most trusting of souls the task will be difficult indeed.

I hate taxes.

*****

I have a new camera. Yeah, big deal. Its a tiny thing. Got pixels and everything, a flash even with a small lanyard to wrap around my pinky finger. Auto focus....

I'm sure it'll put me in a balcony chair with the other famous phototogs of the blog world. So, standby and I shall attempt to download a few pictures and place said snaps here (the crowd cheers and waits with baited breath.)

And the crowd, sighs...
Not very good I'm afraid. Hey, at least I tried. I need to correct the date thingy within the camera's guts.

As you can see I've been busy the last few days. I love silver and will snatch any stray bar or round that gets near me. The locals know I buy at twenty percent under spot. No, it isn't a ripoff. They need quick cash and I like silver and they leave with a smile on their faces. I grin...but only after I take my little bottle of acid and test each piece. Well, not every piece. Some I just drop and listen for the ping. Beware shiny pieces of silver.

China now stamps some awful good counterfeit Silver Eagles. I'm a fan of Old Pour bars from long gone American refiners. If you purchase Old Pour bars off the net expect to pay a hefty premium. Notice the small square bar at the bottom of the photograph...its an Old Pour from a Nevada mining company, two (2) ounce piece.

Just above it you will find an art bar from South East Refining late of Panama City, Florida. They also produced rounds. I'm a really big fan of Mexican silver, Libertads (spelling) especially. Their heft pleases me.

*****

Gotta run. My coffee cup is empty and we've a chilly morning and I need to get to work.

Again, thank you for the kind prayers, and God bless. And, hey, I will reply to all comments soon. I promise.

Stephen


 

It Wasn't the Chili

She'll be fine. Exams and further test are scheduled. Just now she said the pain has subsided so I guess the medication has taken hold.

We're both weary and in need of sleep.

I'm rich with her love....

God bless each of you for your kind prayers.

Stephen

On Hold

Please excuse me for a while, I've a very sick wife and she needs my attention. I'll be back soon.

Stephen

Dinner

The chili slowly simmers.

This is Sweet Wife's favorite cold weather meal. I enjoy chili anytime, breakfast even. Not long ago she asked if I'd please not add chopped green chilies to the mixture. I promised, with a straight face, that I'd never ever again include chopped green chilies.

So when I built the present pot of man goodness I used chopped jalapenos.

I'm a man of my word. Dinner is served. 'Ya come.

Stephen  

Almost

I stepped outside this morning to a windy and cold day. I pray it will last as Spring knocks. Soon the Coots will turn their wings northward and I've noticed our hickory has fresh green buds. Our winter is so very short.

As I gathered the heavy Sunday paper I turned to the river and its whitecaps and mentally soaked in the cold breeze and could almost taste the briny scent of the marsh. The windchimes clattered. I smiled. I'll miss the chilly season. Winter is a brief lover to southern climes.

I've finished the morning paper and my two cups of coffee and must now rise and tidy the kitchen. My lovely wife will soon arrive home from church. If she were to find a mess in the kitchen she'd frown and give me, 'the look.' I'll not disappoint her.

Today we shall drive downtown. Minor errand. I try and avoid downtown trips. As we live within a city divided by a river there are several bridges from which to choose and accomplish our task. All lead to confusion. I hope to infiltrate and fall back quickly.

Wish me luck.

On another note; please forgive my lack of attention to your blogs. I live (at present) a very hectic life. These last few months have presented many challenges. Some good, others not so much. The latter holds sway. I DO read your blogs. Many I scan. None the less, all of you make me smile, and at times, weep. Just know and trust your lives are important to me as you are and shall always be my friends.

Smile, the purple sash is upon the cross. It's almost Spring.

Stephen


 

Really

Give me a frigging break.

Really...

You know, there comes a point when it just gets childish.


Stephen

Bits & Pieces

I still haven't eaten breakfast and here it is near noon. My morning has been spent deep into first of the month accounts, ink to checks. I've just returned from a dash to the bank. I gave over a wad of cash to cover all those slips of paper now under stamps. At least, by the grace of God, I have digital funds still to my credit. Safe in the black.

If the day arrives when the accounts show red, I'm out of here. As it stands Sweet Wife wants me to retire, in her words, right now. Not gonna happen.

After I left the bank I drove a gentle pace back and noticed a new pawn shop has established itself very near my business. I came (picture my fingers) this close to a visit. I'm fully aware of my weakness for silver and firearms and I knew if I stepped inside I'd walk out light of wallet.

*****

Don't you just hate it when you pull a fresh cup of coffee and a customer rings the doorbell and you set you nice hot cup aside to chat and forget it and (run on sentence under development) then reach back for the nice hot cup of coffee and take a big gulp and its as cold as a Chicago hooker's butt in January. Well, don't 'ya....

*****

I mentioned somewhere above I have a weakness for silver. Please allow me to rephrase. I like tangible investments.

Just before the onset of this depression (refer to as you will) I pulled clear of the stock market and ran hard towards precious metals and other practical investments. I buy on the dips and we've had a dip in silver for the last few days. When silver closes below thirty dollars, I'm in like flint.

I have a reputation in this area as a fella willing to hand over cash for tangible investments, those in the form of firearms, silver. I rarely if ever see gold walk into the shop. But silver, yes indeed. Much of it in the form of  ninety percent pre-1964 coin, or 'junk' silver as its known in the trade. I like it.

I also like silver rounds. Bars are fine too, I just prefer the rounds. Especially Engelhard Prospector one ounce rounds. Just my thing...no other reason, silver is silver after all.

Ordered a few last evening as Sweet Wife napped.

Engelhard has ceased the production of The American Prospector which tickles my fancy....I enjoy the hunt.

Just an FYI.

*****

Hey, I really need to get back to work. Take care.

Stephen