Autumn

Autumn

Monday, November 5, 2012

Just Stuff

Yesterday I mentioned Sweet Wife had an agenda. Sure enough she arrives home from church, grabs me by the ear and said, "Get in the car, you're taking me to St. Augustine." I firmly plant my feet and said, "Not gonna happen."

An hour later I'm sitting on a bench as she selects a locally made piece of jewelry. At least I was able to watch all the strange creatures move along the street. One little girl, a cute little booger, walked over and gave me a purple flower. She wore fairy wings. I guessed her age at about four. She placed the flower in my hand, took a couple of steps, turned and said, "I like flowers." Shucks.

She made my day.

Above, the view from my street side vantage. Since our last visit to St. Augustine parking fees have increased five dollars. Ten bucks to park and walk. What a scam.

We had lunch, nothing special, then walked and walked and walked. I have a slight limp, no big deal, but after a few miles it becomes very pronounced. Then, my ankle aches, a bit. I use this as a means of an excuse to sit and have coffee at my favorite bakery, The Bunnery.

They make the best almond croissant in Florida.

Later, in the car just before she fell asleep she reaches over and takes my hand and said, "You're the best bodyguard in the world."

She's a peach.

*****

Hey, I'm now the proud Papa of a bunch of baby bananas.

 *****

My current restoration project progresses nicely. When I rebuild a stove I tear it down and repair the original parts. I'm not one of these buy a cheap piece of Chinese made replacement parts kinda guy. I even order the leather for my pumps from Turkey. I tear down each and every component.

Example.






This is the fuel/air valve from my Sears/Coleman stove. Nice, huh. Should have seen this little sucker prior to last evening. This valve is the one located at the top of the tank. When I removed it (not easy) the bottom stem was grayish black and coated with flecks of scale. It had been submerged in old fuel, I suspect, for at least forty years. I dismantled and worked on this little piece until the wee hours of the morning.

I know - big deal. But, isn't she pretty....

*****

Tomorrow, I shall stand and wait in the rain to cast my vote. I shall stand in the wind and rain unarmed, and cast my vote. I will stand in the wind and rain and cool temperatures, unarmed, for hours to cast my vote. Tomorrow morning at zero-dark thirty I shall stand in the wind and rain while unarmed to cast my vote, and I will be in one hell of a foul mood.



Fair warning. If you are a black panther, and you get in my way...God bless you.

*****

Early this morning I received word my father was admitted to a local hospital. Sometime last night he'd suffered a heart attack. He's well into his eighties. We've since spoken and he seems in good spirits. He asked if I'd please help him escape. They won't allow him his shotgun.  I was born of good stock.

My father is an old Florida Cracker. They're a tough breed and if you take away their firearms and horses you might as well take their souls too.

I'm proud of him.

Stephen












29 comments:

  1. Hope you dad gets better quickly, we miss seeing him around the farm.

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    1. Thanks, Bubba. Surgery is scheduled for this morning.

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  2. Sorry to hear about your dad. Hope he breaks free from the hospital soon.

    My lovely wife loves St. A. Parking has gone insane. They even put meters on some of the out of way places I knew.

    The Bunnery is a must stop.

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    1. Stephen...we have something in common...ive spent the last 15 plus years limping around...6 weeks ago I had knee replacement so between the new hardware in my knee and the old hardware in my right ankle.. I limp as much as I ever did... not so sure it will ever be completely straight but as long as I'm eventually out of pain... that would be fantastic!

      Lisa

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    2. Sixbears, we've been visiting St. Augustine for well over thirty years...many changes. The parking pisses me off. The Bunnery - well, I miss its old location. Back in the day you walked in, ordered, walked out and sat outside and ate while the birds gathered around for their take. Thanks, my friend.

      Lisa, a limp is awful and few understand what a pain it is to live with on a daily basis. Had mine since, well, long ago. Thank you, my dear.

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  3. First things first: "Almighty God, you can do anything, and you told us that whatever we agree on, You will do. So we speak healing and health to Stephen's dad, and agree that he's fine, with no lingering effects, and that they'll let him go home quickly. Thank you, and amen!"

    I'm glad you had a reasonably good day in St. A - and that you earned mega-brownie points while so doing. Well done.

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    1. Thank you for the kind prayer...wish you lived nearby. God bless.

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  4. Best wishes for your Dad. I'll include him and you in my prayers.

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    1. Thank you, Izzy, from the bottom of my heart.

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  5. I can see you planning a quick escape for your Dad. If you need a distraction, I believe Duke, Six Bears, Rev. Paul, Izzy and I can cause a commotion while you sneak in an whisk your Dad out of the Hospital.

    All joking aside, I will keep you and your Dad in my prayers.

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    1. Distractions not necessary...I'd just take him. Thank you for your prayers, my dear Sandy.

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    1. Thanks, Brock. His a fine man and great dad.

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  7. Wishing your Dad a speedy recovery! Sounds like he is kinda like you!!! (which IS a good thing, by the way)

    Phyllis (N/W Jersey)

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    1. We're much alike, my father and I...I'm just far more handsome...thanks, my dear Phyllis.

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  8. Hope your Dad gets better soon, so he doesn't have to be held hostage. Sending prayers.

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  9. dear sweet one - it sounds like the apple didn't fall far from the tree! remember how a group of us were gonna break you out of the hospital? you should start planning for that if he starts getting gnarly and feeling trapped. i think Duke, Senior and yourself can probably get him out especially if Sandy makes a big distraction.

    good on you for putting up with St. A and letting SW enjoy her day. the little girl with the flower is an omen...all will be well with your heart very soon. much love to you and yours...especially LB. your friend,
    kymber

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    1. Truthfully, if he had the means to leave, he would take it...but those doc's insist he needs their care. I tend to agree.
      The little girl was cute, and I hope you are correct in your assessment. Thanks, sweet kymber.

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  10. My prayers for you and your father. Praying he has a full recovery.

    That was sweet of the little girl..warmed your heart a little, didn't it?

    That old valve looks better than brand new! You do good work!

    Blessings to you, SW and your dad.

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    1. Yes, the little girl touched my heart. Then again, all children are my weakness...love 'em.
      Thanks for the prayers, and I am proud of my work...
      God bless you, dear lady.

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  11. Prayers for your Dad. I would love to see Black Panthers standing around my voting location. I might be a little old for Scufflin' , but I know how to handle cowardly punks. Just look them in the eye and engage them in conversation and you can cripple them with a little intellect because intellectually they are unarmed.

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    1. Didn't see a single booger at the polls this morning. Thanks, my friend.

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  12. Prayers for your dad's recovery. Hope he voted by absentee ballot. Otherwise, he might want you to break him out of the hospital so he can go vote.

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