Oops

Gray Day

I hear thunder. Our weather is overcast, gray. I like thunderstorms; it's odd how they gentle my mind.

I've just built another pot of coffee and am giving due consideration to a granola bar I've stashed for just this occasion.

Business is slow which doesn't help my awful depression.  I can't allow my thoughts to turn inwards. I need to stay busy. Black thoughts would lead to trouble and will not help with the situation. I know this, yet, it takes all my willpower and self-control to just wait, and wait, and wait.

At one point, this morning, my keys were in hand. At the last second I called Sweet Wife. She said, no. I obeyed.

I read a few chapters in my current book, rise and throw it down and pace. Its words hold little value for me. I turn to the window and stare.

This thunderstorm should help. Then again, its nothing more than a bandaid.


Stephen

I Miss

My old friend, Arsenius the Hermit. His blog has been off-line for a long time. I miss his wisdom, wit, and wise advice. I haven't heard from him since he shut down comments on his blog and I'm worried.

Arsenius was the last true mountain man east of the Mississippi River. He held a chunk of the North Georgia mountains securely under his spell. He was, and I'm sure still is, self-sufficient as is possible in today's world.

Arsenius, if you by chance still cruise the internet and read this post - please, drop me a line.

If you by chance make it back to Florida you know where to find me. The coffee is still hot.

Stephen

Thanks & Welcome

To my new friend, little lotta. Welcome dear lady. As always I promise to answer all your comments. Your presence adds class and warmth to my little bit of the blog world.

To my other friends, please take a moment and walk over to Witness Relocation Program and say hello to my new friend. Her blog is funny and filled with great tidbits of her life and she's one heck of good cook. Check out her recipes for candy.  While you're there say hello to Stud and Lil' Stud.

Again, thank you and welcome, little lotta. You are now among friends.

Stephen

I Bet

At this very moment one of you poor souls, like me, has American Idol on their television. Every week, for the most part, I've had to listen to this mess in the background as I try to read or write. Sweet Wife loves it.

I must confess - it's nice to hear my wife sing along with the kids on the screen. She has a nice voice, and sings softly, all gentle and tender. It makes her happy. The least I can do is give her a couple of hours to free her mind from the ugliness of this world.

I wish it were as simple for me.

I hate the show.

Stephen

Sausage Gravy and Biscuits, Man Food

As my long dear departed Grandfather was fond of saying, "Boy, I gots me a hankering for gravy and biscuits." Sausage gravy and biscuits is man food. It soothes the soul.

I know, I can hear you lovely ladies scream, 'but Stephen, your heart.' My heart is fine. Even the cardiologist said I should 'cheat' once in a blue moon. A diet of tree bark and thistles gets old.

My recipe is very close to the one found at Deep South Dish. This link will take you to this sweet woman's sausage gravy recipe. I've been making my sausage gravy from scratch for years. I have a freezer filled with fresh ground sausage and I will not allow it to waste away in a frozen state any longer.

On a rainy night this salty and creamy dish over hot fresh buttermilk biscuits makes my soul sing for joy. Sadly, Sweet Wife refuses to touch it....women. Little Bit, on the other hand, begs me to make a batch on those Sunday mornings when she's with us. I can hear her now, "Please, Papa. I want your good 'ole gravy and biscuits."

The girl has class.

If you need a buttermilk biscuit recipe, please try this one from my good friend, The Mouth of the South. This sweet young lady knows her stuff.

If you must, frozen biscuits will suffice. Just make sure you serve the dish hot.


Enjoy,

Stephen

Audience

Last evening Sweet Wife asked what I'd written of late on this blog. I replied, 'little to nothing,' and she laughed. I was serious. Anyhow, she asked for my laptop since hers is filled with work related subjects and useless for the most part, so I relented and gave it to her.

You must understand, I'm not real comfortable with my bride's critiquing my work. It's part of her job to find problems and she's very good. She always finds my little mistakes, always. I grit my teeth and wait as she reads. Now, back to last night. I left the room and went about other business. An hour or so later I return to find her still deep into my archives. She had a smile on her face, good, I thought. I risked a quick question, asked her, "So, any problems?"

"No," She said, "You're funny, and unique." Me, big smile.

Then, "Are you aware you have a huge Russian fan base?"  I stop mid-stride and turn. "What?"

"There is this page on your blog that keeps tabs of your audience, and other than Americans, your numbers indicate Russians read your work more than any other country," She continued,  "Have you any reason why?"

I said, "No, Honey, I really don't know but it's fine with me."

"Strange."

"Perhaps they like my gun pieces, rare as they are these days." She thought for a moment and then, "No, I bet it's the way you write of your love."

Blink, blink.

She really lost me with that one.

"Don't you understand, you appeal to the mother in all women."

I've got to change things around here.....more guy stuff. Grunts, beer, hog hunts, and firearms. But, to all you lovely and sweet Russian ladies, I welcome you with open arms....if it's Russian men reading my scribbles, I really do like your AK's, and if you've one to spare, shoot me an email for my address...

Stephen