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

Coffee Time

It's a lazy Sunday afternoon and I wanted a cup of coffee.

So I baked a chocolate cake.

My first. When it cools I'll apply chocolate icing.

Hey, when you want a cup of coffee and a snack and the wife is busy at work you'll learn new skills.

Hope its good.

Stephen

Irish Potatoes and Heritage

Allow me, please, to show you the birthplace of my grandfather.

This is Hope Town, located in the norther Abacos of the Bahama Islands. Hope Town, a beautiful harbor, was founded by my grandmother, Wyannie Malone. It's a long story, Google it.

If you were to amble around the town you'd notice my family name stitched, stamped and painted everywhere. We also have a family museum wherein a picture of my grandfather, Ben, hangs. All of us are descendants of Ireland.

I come from a long line of shipbuilders. My grandfather captained a sailing vessel and I have it on good authority his favorite dish was a hash of potatoes and ham.

So, in honor of my grandfather (and St. Patrick's Day) today I'll build his dish.

Anyway, my family holds a huge reunion each August. I hope to attend this year. It bugs Sweet Wife as she's never seen the island.

Above, note the 'Malone,' it points towards Malone Beach. My father once owned Malone Beach until he gave it over to the British for taxes back in the late 1950's. I've never forgiven him.

Time to cook.

Stephen

From One Irishman

To all others,

Have a great day.

Stephen

Fact

You will know beyond a shadow of a doubt when you've reached the pinnacle of patience and maturity.  Just imagine a group of teens: their boombox at max output as they wash and wax cars directly next door to your business, and...

You don't walk outside and scream at them, but rather smile and remember your lost youth.

Stephen