Triple L stayed a few days with me and Peanut. I cooked big meals every night and we tried to be Five Star hosts. Even put a chocolate mint on her pillow the first night after turning back the sheets, just to make her feel more at home. She said today the most lasting memory of the whole stay--well, that we had Irish Spring soap for her scrubbin'-up. Seems her granny liked Irish Spring, too, and seeing the minty-fresh soap at our house and using it for her shower--well, it brought back a lot of happy, pleasant memories for Triple L and that is a nice thing. She even told Peanut that she went out and brought some for her own home up in the hills so I'm glad she got reacquainted with Irish Spring. I started using IS soap several years ago after trying unsuccessfully to find Lifebuoy. Found out it's pretty close to what I was searching for and I really do like it now. I'm like Triple L--I don't like showering unless I have my Irish Spring with me. I pack it in my suitcase when I travel soast I can feel at home when I'm away. I also like to carry along some Tums and a photo of Peanut.
Speaking of home and being away...I got back today after a few fishing days at the cabin down south, down in the big swamp. Pretty wild country, the big refuge, stuck between the White and Mis-si-sip. Me and buddy John had another fine trip, fishing and looking at wildlife. I didn't catch any 8 and a half pounders this time, like I did a couple weeks back, but we hauled in plenty and we saw some pretty gobblers in the big woods. Got our fever up about turkey hunting, which is just around the corner.
I won't be discussing my new commissioner duties on this here blog, but a funny thing did happen at my meeting last week. An inmate showed up to testify and when asked to state the reason for his appearance, he told us, "I'm here on behalf of my shoes." It was all I could do to keep a straight face, but I managed somehow. Seems the fella was down on his luck and wanted money because two other inmates had stolen his sneakers in prison. I guess technically he was right when he said he was at the hearing "on behalf of my shoes" because the shoes, which were presented as evidence, were unable to say a word.
I'm looking out my south bedroom window as I write and I see the big redbud tree north of the old family home is in full bloom. Pap would like knowing this, seein as how he pulled up that tree years ago down in the Saline River bottoms and brought it home for a new home. It's big and tall now, bout 30 feet tall, and it is an early harbinger of spring, which I think officially arrives tomorrow.
I'll close on a sad note--my old buddy Kern, who was a running mate of mine at the Capitol for years, passed away two days ago. He was a great guy. Kern had polio when he was young and he had a bad arm, but the handicap didn't prevent him from living a full life. He loved to hunt and fish and he "served" our state as a legislative lawyer for 46 years. He was the top dawg at the legal arm of the legislature at the time I retired a spell back and he was always so much fun to be around, to sip Joe with, to talk over the fall rut, to catch big bass at Hampton's. Man, he did a lot for Arkansas and he had a ton of friends who sure will miss him, but thank the Good Lord for him and the days we got to be with him and watch him joke and smile. Friends are such treasures. I have a ton of 'em and I'm a lucky feller.
Oh yes, the daugther is fine up in Fayettenam and her twin daughters arrive early July. As John Wayne said in the big movie, "That'll be the day."
That's all for this time, til next time, thanks for your time.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Hog memories
We watched the Hog cagers Sunday afternoon and they whuped up on the Ga. Bulldogs. The Bulldogs must be pretty bad for us to win as easily as we did, but we did look a whole lot better than in previous outings.
We watched because it was the "reunion" game, a time set aside to honor the 1994 champs. Nolan was there, his white head shining, and Big Nasty and Scotty and Big Dog and so many of the young men we loved so much.
It brought back a lot of personal memories. I was one of the fortunate Arkies to be in Charlotte NC that afternoon long ago in 94. I was seated only a few feet from Scotty when he took the pass from big Dwight and lofted the shot with 51 seconds left in the game. Yep, right there, watching it all. The shot, like being in a car wreck--it seemed to float in the air forever, but it did go in and I started hugging my three buddies there with me, knowing we had them Devils right where we wanted them.
It's a sweet memory for me, to know I was there when our university accomplished something it will probably never see again...at least while I'm still around. I followed the Hogs a many a mile, from Dallas to Atlanta to Birmingham to Rupp...and it was a very fun time in my life. I talked with Corliss the other night, at our Hall of Fame reception, and thanked him for giving us those good times. He's such a fine young man and I think, one day, may be the Hogs head coach. I can't think of a better one, or one more deserving.
But I was there, in beautiful Charlotte, in their new arena, with President Bill and Grant Hill's daddy and Digger and loads of celebs...watching that super talented team. I ran into Digger at halftime, the night before when we were beating Arizona, and he assured me the Hogs would win it all. His confidence helped me, too. He knew I was a Hog fan--the red rubber Hog nose on my face probably gave me away.
Yep, I wore the Hog nose back then...all over the south, and I cheered em til I had no voice left. I remember one painful night in Atlanta, just out of the hospital from my first knee surgery, when, after the game, we couldn't get a cab back to the hotel. .It was a very long three-mile walk, but I made it. I was so sore the next day, I could hardly get out of bed, but I had to be back courtside at 2 and I sure didn't wanna miss it. And I didn't...not ever...not even when my traveling buddies were reluctant to make the long trips, but I loved watching 'em...they were something in their prime...Lenzy Howell, Corliss, IBM. I watched 'em embarrass North Carolina to win the regionals at Dallas and I traveled from there to Denver for the 1990 Final Four. But nothing compared to Charlotte--I got to see the national champions and we celebrated with their great coach and the players and all the fans all night long, back at the hotel where we all stayed. Who could sleep? Who would ever forget it all. Man, I was lucky to see all of that. I'm a pretty lucky guy in a lot of other ways too and I thank the good lord ev-ah day.
The win over Georgia today got me to thinking...I wonder if we could get on one of those hot runs, like we did in Atlanta when Joe Johnson and Brandon Dean and the boys surprised everyone and won it all. Maybe...who knows? Oh well...
That's all for this time, til next time, thanks for your time.
We watched because it was the "reunion" game, a time set aside to honor the 1994 champs. Nolan was there, his white head shining, and Big Nasty and Scotty and Big Dog and so many of the young men we loved so much.
It brought back a lot of personal memories. I was one of the fortunate Arkies to be in Charlotte NC that afternoon long ago in 94. I was seated only a few feet from Scotty when he took the pass from big Dwight and lofted the shot with 51 seconds left in the game. Yep, right there, watching it all. The shot, like being in a car wreck--it seemed to float in the air forever, but it did go in and I started hugging my three buddies there with me, knowing we had them Devils right where we wanted them.
It's a sweet memory for me, to know I was there when our university accomplished something it will probably never see again...at least while I'm still around. I followed the Hogs a many a mile, from Dallas to Atlanta to Birmingham to Rupp...and it was a very fun time in my life. I talked with Corliss the other night, at our Hall of Fame reception, and thanked him for giving us those good times. He's such a fine young man and I think, one day, may be the Hogs head coach. I can't think of a better one, or one more deserving.
But I was there, in beautiful Charlotte, in their new arena, with President Bill and Grant Hill's daddy and Digger and loads of celebs...watching that super talented team. I ran into Digger at halftime, the night before when we were beating Arizona, and he assured me the Hogs would win it all. His confidence helped me, too. He knew I was a Hog fan--the red rubber Hog nose on my face probably gave me away.
Yep, I wore the Hog nose back then...all over the south, and I cheered em til I had no voice left. I remember one painful night in Atlanta, just out of the hospital from my first knee surgery, when, after the game, we couldn't get a cab back to the hotel. .It was a very long three-mile walk, but I made it. I was so sore the next day, I could hardly get out of bed, but I had to be back courtside at 2 and I sure didn't wanna miss it. And I didn't...not ever...not even when my traveling buddies were reluctant to make the long trips, but I loved watching 'em...they were something in their prime...Lenzy Howell, Corliss, IBM. I watched 'em embarrass North Carolina to win the regionals at Dallas and I traveled from there to Denver for the 1990 Final Four. But nothing compared to Charlotte--I got to see the national champions and we celebrated with their great coach and the players and all the fans all night long, back at the hotel where we all stayed. Who could sleep? Who would ever forget it all. Man, I was lucky to see all of that. I'm a pretty lucky guy in a lot of other ways too and I thank the good lord ev-ah day.
The win over Georgia today got me to thinking...I wonder if we could get on one of those hot runs, like we did in Atlanta when Joe Johnson and Brandon Dean and the boys surprised everyone and won it all. Maybe...who knows? Oh well...
That's all for this time, til next time, thanks for your time.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Twin girls--who would have thunkit?
Spring--an early one--is fast approaching and I'm even energized to the point of updating my blog. The big...big...big news is that my daughter is going to have twin girls in June. Two girly granddaughters! Man oh man.
Peanut and I are so excited over the news. Daughter isn't saying what names they've picked out, so Peanut has decided to call 'em Lavern and Shirley. Pretty funny, huh.
I'm so blessed, family and all. Now this. I think a lot about life and its mysteries, the blessings, the pitfalls, the big ole rollercoaster we hop aboard when adulthood arrives. But it, life I mean, sure offers up some beautiful blessings along the way and now, twin girls. Luke, the grandson who arrived seven-plus years ago, was hoping one of them would be a boy, but I bet he'll be happy with the results once he sees 'em.
It will be a busy summer to say the least.
In other reflections...I've sure had sis Joy on my mind a lot lately. It may be the yellow daffodils popping out of the ground. She loved yellow--my favorite color, too. We talked about yellow being our favorite color. One time, at the bank, up in her big office high above the city, we talked about yellow and she had clipped an article out of an airplane magazine about why people like certain colors. She said yellow meant that we were upbeat and positive people and I liked that. She sure was, about the most upbeat and positive person I ever knew. And, I think I'm a lot like her really and that's a good thing, a very good thing.
I lucked out on bro's and sisters. Momma and pap sure did good, with all seven of us I suppose. I still talk to Brother when I mow the hill on his tractor. I talk to him just like he was ridin' with me, which, I get the feeling sometimes, that he is--there with me, I mean. He loved to mow on his tractor and I picture him up there, sometimes about dusky dark when I'm out on the deck, cooking a ribeye. I look up there, by the old well, and I see him, real plain sometimes, gliding past the chinaberry tree and the big walnut tree, spinning around in circles on the yellow tractor. Maybe he bought a yellow tractor because he was like me and sis, upbeat and positive. He was like that, too, always grinning and chuckling. Nephew Chris does a great impression of him, laughing and saying he's gotta get on up the hill. Brother sure would be proud of Chris, the way he's cleaned up the hill by the creek, up where Brother used to battle the briars and all.
Peanut and I are so excited over the news. Daughter isn't saying what names they've picked out, so Peanut has decided to call 'em Lavern and Shirley. Pretty funny, huh.
I'm so blessed, family and all. Now this. I think a lot about life and its mysteries, the blessings, the pitfalls, the big ole rollercoaster we hop aboard when adulthood arrives. But it, life I mean, sure offers up some beautiful blessings along the way and now, twin girls. Luke, the grandson who arrived seven-plus years ago, was hoping one of them would be a boy, but I bet he'll be happy with the results once he sees 'em.
It will be a busy summer to say the least.
In other reflections...I've sure had sis Joy on my mind a lot lately. It may be the yellow daffodils popping out of the ground. She loved yellow--my favorite color, too. We talked about yellow being our favorite color. One time, at the bank, up in her big office high above the city, we talked about yellow and she had clipped an article out of an airplane magazine about why people like certain colors. She said yellow meant that we were upbeat and positive people and I liked that. She sure was, about the most upbeat and positive person I ever knew. And, I think I'm a lot like her really and that's a good thing, a very good thing.
I lucked out on bro's and sisters. Momma and pap sure did good, with all seven of us I suppose. I still talk to Brother when I mow the hill on his tractor. I talk to him just like he was ridin' with me, which, I get the feeling sometimes, that he is--there with me, I mean. He loved to mow on his tractor and I picture him up there, sometimes about dusky dark when I'm out on the deck, cooking a ribeye. I look up there, by the old well, and I see him, real plain sometimes, gliding past the chinaberry tree and the big walnut tree, spinning around in circles on the yellow tractor. Maybe he bought a yellow tractor because he was like me and sis, upbeat and positive. He was like that, too, always grinning and chuckling. Nephew Chris does a great impression of him, laughing and saying he's gotta get on up the hill. Brother sure would be proud of Chris, the way he's cleaned up the hill by the creek, up where Brother used to battle the briars and all.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Heeeeeeeeeeeesssss bacl
Well, after a short time off...well, maybe not that short, I'm back in the blogging saddle. I've been catching some flack about taking off, even Needer Mae jumped me Christmas morning about being lazy. So, I'm blogging again and I hope I can come up with a few thoughts. Pretty bad when Needer Mae is upset with me.
Just watched the basketball Hogs beat Oklahoma. Boy, sure brought back Nolan memories. If they keep playing like this, they will be hard to hold in the SEC and beyond. I'm not being a homer...they are that solid and they have the coaching staff to go with their talent. Can shoot the three, rebound, handle the press...all the inegredients of a great team. They could....could...go a long way.
I've been reading some stuff on Nolan and by golly I was in Charlotte NC the year we won it all...I was there, in 94, a few feet from Scotty when he lofted the three that put Duke away. It was quite a night...Clinton was there and I stayed up all night, celebrating back at the hotel with the team, Nolan, all the fans. It was really something, to see a national championship win in person...something I will never forget. Man, I love good college basketball.
Great Christmas. Kids were home and Les' big news has brightened everyone's outlook. A doubledose of good news...it will be quite a time come June. She and Patrick will never sleep late again, that's for sure.
I got lots of nice gifts from Santa. I still am not good at opoening gifts...it is embarrasiing or something. Much rather give gifts and watch others opoen them. Little Luke, the grandboy, was great at Christmas. If you haven't heard the hilarious story about him "learning" about Santa, get in touch with Eric and Amy and let them tell you. It's the best kid-Santa story ever, believe me. What a kid.
Had a good deer hunting season. Saw lots of deer, turkeys, coyotes, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons...you name it. And I made it thru without injury again...I know everyone always wants to know that. I went hunting some with my new crossbow and liked it, too, even bagged one.
Good to see Sandi and her gang Thanksgiving...good to have Kyle back home. I think I embarrassed him when I hugged him, but I needed the hug. We were so worried about him and we are so very proud of him, too.
I've worked some at the church, painting and fixing up one of the SS rooms. It was quite a mess, sheetrock falling in etc...but I got it done and paited pretty and our new windows...five of them...are in and stunningly beautiful. One in honor of brother Harold and one for Joy...they're side by side...isn't that the way it should be. So pretty and we're thankful for Janice and Roy who gave the funds to make them possible. In all, we did five for the church and every widow in done and we'll have a big ceremony later on to celebrate. Everyone please come when we do. I painted one of the rooms that had several coats of paint on the walls...no doubt put there by Pap a time or too. I could feel him there with me and I was using his old paint brush.
A bit of adventure Christmas week at Dardanelle. Peanut and I were leaving her mom and dad's house and headed for her cousin's when my new pickup had a flat tire. It was getting dark, 15 degrees, windy...what a night to have a flat. Turns out I had run over a big carpet installer's razor knife in the road, cut my tire up, and I ended up having to buy a new one. But, boy, was I glad Wal Mart supercenter in Russellville was open. Cousin Buzzy crawled under the truck and did most of the jack work and we took the tire into town and got a new one put on the rim. I was out $145 for that trip, but glad I didn't have blowout on the Interstate.
I may have some news in a few weeks...maybe next blog,...about a new political "assignment." Pretty sure I'm gonna do it...not a real big deal, but I may be "pressed" back into government service on a limited basis. And limited it will be because I enjoy this retirement thing...I got my first Soc. Security payment in November...man, checks from the state and fed...life is good in Sheridowns.
Well, better run. Gotta go check on the dogs. That's all for this time, til next time, thanks for your time.
Just watched the basketball Hogs beat Oklahoma. Boy, sure brought back Nolan memories. If they keep playing like this, they will be hard to hold in the SEC and beyond. I'm not being a homer...they are that solid and they have the coaching staff to go with their talent. Can shoot the three, rebound, handle the press...all the inegredients of a great team. They could....could...go a long way.
I've been reading some stuff on Nolan and by golly I was in Charlotte NC the year we won it all...I was there, in 94, a few feet from Scotty when he lofted the three that put Duke away. It was quite a night...Clinton was there and I stayed up all night, celebrating back at the hotel with the team, Nolan, all the fans. It was really something, to see a national championship win in person...something I will never forget. Man, I love good college basketball.
Great Christmas. Kids were home and Les' big news has brightened everyone's outlook. A doubledose of good news...it will be quite a time come June. She and Patrick will never sleep late again, that's for sure.
I got lots of nice gifts from Santa. I still am not good at opoening gifts...it is embarrasiing or something. Much rather give gifts and watch others opoen them. Little Luke, the grandboy, was great at Christmas. If you haven't heard the hilarious story about him "learning" about Santa, get in touch with Eric and Amy and let them tell you. It's the best kid-Santa story ever, believe me. What a kid.
Had a good deer hunting season. Saw lots of deer, turkeys, coyotes, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons...you name it. And I made it thru without injury again...I know everyone always wants to know that. I went hunting some with my new crossbow and liked it, too, even bagged one.
Good to see Sandi and her gang Thanksgiving...good to have Kyle back home. I think I embarrassed him when I hugged him, but I needed the hug. We were so worried about him and we are so very proud of him, too.
I've worked some at the church, painting and fixing up one of the SS rooms. It was quite a mess, sheetrock falling in etc...but I got it done and paited pretty and our new windows...five of them...are in and stunningly beautiful. One in honor of brother Harold and one for Joy...they're side by side...isn't that the way it should be. So pretty and we're thankful for Janice and Roy who gave the funds to make them possible. In all, we did five for the church and every widow in done and we'll have a big ceremony later on to celebrate. Everyone please come when we do. I painted one of the rooms that had several coats of paint on the walls...no doubt put there by Pap a time or too. I could feel him there with me and I was using his old paint brush.
A bit of adventure Christmas week at Dardanelle. Peanut and I were leaving her mom and dad's house and headed for her cousin's when my new pickup had a flat tire. It was getting dark, 15 degrees, windy...what a night to have a flat. Turns out I had run over a big carpet installer's razor knife in the road, cut my tire up, and I ended up having to buy a new one. But, boy, was I glad Wal Mart supercenter in Russellville was open. Cousin Buzzy crawled under the truck and did most of the jack work and we took the tire into town and got a new one put on the rim. I was out $145 for that trip, but glad I didn't have blowout on the Interstate.
I may have some news in a few weeks...maybe next blog,...about a new political "assignment." Pretty sure I'm gonna do it...not a real big deal, but I may be "pressed" back into government service on a limited basis. And limited it will be because I enjoy this retirement thing...I got my first Soc. Security payment in November...man, checks from the state and fed...life is good in Sheridowns.
Well, better run. Gotta go check on the dogs. That's all for this time, til next time, thanks for your time.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Hogs et al
Watched the Hogs blow a 13-point lead against Kentucky in last 4 and a half minutes last night. Boy, if Houston Dale had called plays like that they would have strung him up at that big church up in Springdale. Oh well, I've written them off for this season. Be glad when the Roundballers take the court. I have hope with them.
Been on the road some. Big golf trip to Mississippi with 23 other guys. Spent our time in Choctaw Indian casino and the beautiful PGA Dancing Rabbit golf course. The two courses are first-class and I even hit some slots at the casino. First vacation I ever took when I had more money when I got home than when I left. And I opened my golf outing with an eagle 3 on a par 5. Wow!
Since my last blog, I've also gone bow hunting with my new crossbow. And, guess what? Beginner's luck, I guess you'd say, but I bagged one first trip out. Shot it at 50 steps and the arrow took a toll. It was weird, not hearing a loud shot and all. But I like it and I'm going again.
My sis Nita took a bit of a fall...really a "twist" in her living room as she tumbled into her musical organ and broke a bone in her foot and a toe. She's laid up for a spell and we're trying to comfort her as much as she will let us. She's tough, though, and hard to take care of. I called the other night and told her I had her a piece of lemon pie. She said no, not that she didn't want it, but sister Bet had gotten the jump on it and baked her a whole lemon pie. Oh well.
Visiting the Indian territory in Mississippi made me think more of my land here, on Lancaster Hill. I looked at it at sunset tonight, out on my deck, and wondered what it must have looked like here, with the Quapaws villaged here, their teepees and such on the hillside by the creek, all of them busy with their horses, probably walking in the woods, looking for deer and such. It must have been beautiful back then, and peaceful. I feel all of that at times when I look at the land and let my thoughts roam. I think we're all connected to the past in ways we don't always understand. Maybe never understand, really.
Christmas is coming soon and because some have asked...really, some have...I'll write here how to order my book, Benchwarmer, in case you're interested in ordering some for Christmas gifts. Go the to Phoenixbase.com web site and the information should be there. If not, contact me.
(Great) Nephew Chris and new bride Lauren have moved in nextdoor, in Joy's house, and we're glad they are our neighbors. It's good to see their lights on over there at night. Joy would have liked that, knowing (little) Chris is taking over. I sure do miss her, really bad at times, sometimes, not so bad. I miss her smile. I was down at the old house recently, doing some picking up, and I ran across a great big blackandwhite photo of her. I placed it in the front bedroom and she looks so happy. I lucked out on sisters...and brothers...not to mention maw and paw.
I'll be in the deer woods in earnest soon as the so called regular gun season comes in in November. I love to smell the woods in the autumn--hard to explain to some I suppose. But it's nice to be out there amongst the creatures, to see the sun come up and then watch it go down. The moon was full the other night as I drove home from the camp, and the big river bottom was all lit up, like a giant spotlight in the heavens. You could see forever. The moon is so crisp and full and bright in the colder months, the air cold and pure and illuminated. A morning or two later, the first bunch of wintering geese flew over the big timber, a sure sign that winter is approaching. God, I love the cool air. My lungs are refreshing again.
I spent a day in Little Rock with the governor and our little buddy group. It was a special gathering, a day to honor our friend Bill Gwatney. We played golf, our first outing in his honor, and we competed for the first Chairman's Cup, a nice trophy in Bill's honor, a tropy complete with his picture. The familiar pose, the one with his patented big smile. What a tragedy, to lose him so tragically, at such a young age. His young wife, Rebecca, dined with us after the golf event and she looked and sounded better. What an awful time for her, but she is a survivor.
Gotta go. That's all for this time, til next time, thanks for your time.
Been on the road some. Big golf trip to Mississippi with 23 other guys. Spent our time in Choctaw Indian casino and the beautiful PGA Dancing Rabbit golf course. The two courses are first-class and I even hit some slots at the casino. First vacation I ever took when I had more money when I got home than when I left. And I opened my golf outing with an eagle 3 on a par 5. Wow!
Since my last blog, I've also gone bow hunting with my new crossbow. And, guess what? Beginner's luck, I guess you'd say, but I bagged one first trip out. Shot it at 50 steps and the arrow took a toll. It was weird, not hearing a loud shot and all. But I like it and I'm going again.
My sis Nita took a bit of a fall...really a "twist" in her living room as she tumbled into her musical organ and broke a bone in her foot and a toe. She's laid up for a spell and we're trying to comfort her as much as she will let us. She's tough, though, and hard to take care of. I called the other night and told her I had her a piece of lemon pie. She said no, not that she didn't want it, but sister Bet had gotten the jump on it and baked her a whole lemon pie. Oh well.
Visiting the Indian territory in Mississippi made me think more of my land here, on Lancaster Hill. I looked at it at sunset tonight, out on my deck, and wondered what it must have looked like here, with the Quapaws villaged here, their teepees and such on the hillside by the creek, all of them busy with their horses, probably walking in the woods, looking for deer and such. It must have been beautiful back then, and peaceful. I feel all of that at times when I look at the land and let my thoughts roam. I think we're all connected to the past in ways we don't always understand. Maybe never understand, really.
Christmas is coming soon and because some have asked...really, some have...I'll write here how to order my book, Benchwarmer, in case you're interested in ordering some for Christmas gifts. Go the to Phoenixbase.com web site and the information should be there. If not, contact me.
(Great) Nephew Chris and new bride Lauren have moved in nextdoor, in Joy's house, and we're glad they are our neighbors. It's good to see their lights on over there at night. Joy would have liked that, knowing (little) Chris is taking over. I sure do miss her, really bad at times, sometimes, not so bad. I miss her smile. I was down at the old house recently, doing some picking up, and I ran across a great big blackandwhite photo of her. I placed it in the front bedroom and she looks so happy. I lucked out on sisters...and brothers...not to mention maw and paw.
I'll be in the deer woods in earnest soon as the so called regular gun season comes in in November. I love to smell the woods in the autumn--hard to explain to some I suppose. But it's nice to be out there amongst the creatures, to see the sun come up and then watch it go down. The moon was full the other night as I drove home from the camp, and the big river bottom was all lit up, like a giant spotlight in the heavens. You could see forever. The moon is so crisp and full and bright in the colder months, the air cold and pure and illuminated. A morning or two later, the first bunch of wintering geese flew over the big timber, a sure sign that winter is approaching. God, I love the cool air. My lungs are refreshing again.
I spent a day in Little Rock with the governor and our little buddy group. It was a special gathering, a day to honor our friend Bill Gwatney. We played golf, our first outing in his honor, and we competed for the first Chairman's Cup, a nice trophy in Bill's honor, a tropy complete with his picture. The familiar pose, the one with his patented big smile. What a tragedy, to lose him so tragically, at such a young age. His young wife, Rebecca, dined with us after the golf event and she looked and sounded better. What an awful time for her, but she is a survivor.
Gotta go. That's all for this time, til next time, thanks for your time.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
autumn approacheth
In one of my old Scoops columns, I wrote about how and why I like to call fall, uh, autumn. I like the sound of the word "autumn." And I love it when the weather cools.
Those who know me know that hot weather is not my friend. I like the cold...and the cool...but if it were up to me, we could skip July and August. That would be just fine and dandy as far as I'm concerned.
Looks like we're headed for another round of rainy weather from Hurricane Ike. The recent hurricane sent lots of rain to our house and the Saline River was higher than I've ever seen it...even made the opening of squirrel hunting season Sept. 5 a washout. The river went over the pavement on 46 south and nearly went over the Highway 167 between Sheridan and Fordyce. It was fierce, too, the water resembling the rushing whitewater streams of Colorado. Really something to see.
I haven't "blogged" in a while and I apologize to my thousands of readers. Just got out of the habit, lost my groove I spect. We vacationed in Florida and had a really great time. We love the beach and our condo is so peaceful, right on the sugar-white beach. It's so nice to sit out on the balcony in late afternoon and watch the sunset, just me and Peanut, all alone, nary a worry in the whole world.
Played in recent Red Apple golf tourney and held lead going into Sunday's final round, but blew it. Just couldn't get to the greens in the horribly wet conditions. Half round on Saturday canceled due to heavy rains and it was the first time in Red Apple tourney history the rain forced play to be cart path only. Golfers understand this lingo--just means it was sloppy wet. But had fun with some of my old buds from political days.
Our puppies are doing good. Ole Newt, the big dumb black lab, is still growin and he's providing lots of laughs. He's learned to jump, finally, and twice jumped up on the bed. Zoey, the smart dog, just watches him in amazement.
We had Nita, my sister, over for supper on her 79th birthday. I cooked some of the fine fish I caught a few months ago. She loves fish. She's doing good. And we have a new neighbor--my great nephew Chris and his new bride Lauren, bought sister Joy's house next door. Whew! We were worried about who our neighbors might be, but the Good Lord sent us a blessing and we're mighty happy. I mowed Chris' grass today, being the good neighbor that I am. It was cool and cloudy and I just felt like mowing and doing a good deed. I have tons of mowing to do, all the way from the old house up to the pond, but it is good therapy. Speaking of therapy, I started some physical theapy today for a bad heel...got about six weeks to do. I have a brand new, good, million dollar titanium knee and now my heel goes bad. Oh, well.
We watched a lot of the political conventions. Obama will win, that's my take on it. McCain's VP pick is causing a stir, but history teaches us the voters never consider this race on VP candidates--just the big guys. Obama by 2 percentage points.
I'm not going to mention the Bill Gwatney tragedy if that's okay. It's just taken too much out of us to talk anymore about. We love him and miss him and I will leave it at that.
That's all for this time, til next time, thanks for your time.
Those who know me know that hot weather is not my friend. I like the cold...and the cool...but if it were up to me, we could skip July and August. That would be just fine and dandy as far as I'm concerned.
Looks like we're headed for another round of rainy weather from Hurricane Ike. The recent hurricane sent lots of rain to our house and the Saline River was higher than I've ever seen it...even made the opening of squirrel hunting season Sept. 5 a washout. The river went over the pavement on 46 south and nearly went over the Highway 167 between Sheridan and Fordyce. It was fierce, too, the water resembling the rushing whitewater streams of Colorado. Really something to see.
I haven't "blogged" in a while and I apologize to my thousands of readers. Just got out of the habit, lost my groove I spect. We vacationed in Florida and had a really great time. We love the beach and our condo is so peaceful, right on the sugar-white beach. It's so nice to sit out on the balcony in late afternoon and watch the sunset, just me and Peanut, all alone, nary a worry in the whole world.
Played in recent Red Apple golf tourney and held lead going into Sunday's final round, but blew it. Just couldn't get to the greens in the horribly wet conditions. Half round on Saturday canceled due to heavy rains and it was the first time in Red Apple tourney history the rain forced play to be cart path only. Golfers understand this lingo--just means it was sloppy wet. But had fun with some of my old buds from political days.
Our puppies are doing good. Ole Newt, the big dumb black lab, is still growin and he's providing lots of laughs. He's learned to jump, finally, and twice jumped up on the bed. Zoey, the smart dog, just watches him in amazement.
We had Nita, my sister, over for supper on her 79th birthday. I cooked some of the fine fish I caught a few months ago. She loves fish. She's doing good. And we have a new neighbor--my great nephew Chris and his new bride Lauren, bought sister Joy's house next door. Whew! We were worried about who our neighbors might be, but the Good Lord sent us a blessing and we're mighty happy. I mowed Chris' grass today, being the good neighbor that I am. It was cool and cloudy and I just felt like mowing and doing a good deed. I have tons of mowing to do, all the way from the old house up to the pond, but it is good therapy. Speaking of therapy, I started some physical theapy today for a bad heel...got about six weeks to do. I have a brand new, good, million dollar titanium knee and now my heel goes bad. Oh, well.
We watched a lot of the political conventions. Obama will win, that's my take on it. McCain's VP pick is causing a stir, but history teaches us the voters never consider this race on VP candidates--just the big guys. Obama by 2 percentage points.
I'm not going to mention the Bill Gwatney tragedy if that's okay. It's just taken too much out of us to talk anymore about. We love him and miss him and I will leave it at that.
That's all for this time, til next time, thanks for your time.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Joe Boyd, Maters, Kentucks and Grass
I went with Bet and Joe to the spital Monday morning. Joe was slated for k-stone surgery, an outpatient procedure but still serious. Well, after many hours in the waiting room, the (nice) doctor emerged to say things were fine and the stone, well, was gone once they got in there to remove it. A miracle! We brought him home and he's doing better and we're all relieved for a spell. I phoned Nita from the spital to give her surgery update and told her, "the stone was rolled away."
Got a first taste of homegrown tomatoes the other day...some small cherry ones from Jim's garden. Joe and I picked the garden while Jim and Betty were away in San An Tone and I grabbed up six or seven of the tiny ones and made my first of the year bacon and tomato sandwich. Hard to put into words, ain't it. But not hard to put in my mouth. Can't wait for the bigger ones. I also picked a few blackberries from Jim's vines and made my first blackberry cobbler from scratch. Pretty good if I do say so. Took Nita a bowl of it and she bragged, too, but she always does that--brags on me.
Me and John and Tom floated the Saline River last Friday. Put the boat in at Prattsville bridge and 12 long hours later, took out at Jenkins Ferry. It was a long day, but we really hauled in some nice, fat Kentucky bass...about 45. Kept 19 for Tom to filet and he said they sure were tasty. I knew it was a 12 hour float, remembering this from long-ago days when I floated this strip of the river quite regularly. We had 10 or so "pullovers"--where you get out of the boat and pull it over the logjams. Man, you talk about whipped at the end of the day. I could bearly talk and walk when I got home, all muddy and pitiful. Slept good, though and it sure was nice to be back on the river...conjured up lots of nice memories of pap and Harold etc....shore do miss em.
Trying to keep up the mowing, but the grass is growing so fast I'm bout whupped. It sure looks pretty when I'm finished, though. Janice said the place looks like a park and it does. You ought to see the deer walking around in the twilight, munching the pretty grass and tender leaves on the bushes. A buck is already putting down a scrape up by the pond, a little early but I guess he's telling the other bucks to steer clear of his territory. We have lots of deer and other animals on the place now.
I gotta doctor's appointment in the morn...my old broken heel from 1999 deer hunting accident acting up. Can't hardly walk on it at times and I'm sure hoping it ain't broke again. Looked like an egg shell in 99, broke in 7 tiny chips. It started hurting after my recent golf outing at Batesville and I couldn't walk for a couple of days. And I re-aggravated it Monday when I played in the big Pat Summerall charity golf event at LR so I need to see my doctor. I got my photo in the paper at that event...you might have seen it...me and old Jermain Taylor, the boxing champ sitting in our golf carts, laughin and carrying on. It was a good picture and I've gotten calls and letters about it from old pals around the state. My playing partners that day included my fine son, Eric Jason, and Coach Frank Broyles. Coach is 81 but he still plays good golf...specially putting. He sure was nice and gracious and he phoned Ray Tucker, my friend, after the event and asked Ray for my mailing address and Eric's address so he could send us a nice thank you for playing with him and being so nice. We shot a 14-under-par and still finished out of the money. Oh well....
Our church is searching for a preacher and me and Peanut took a prospect and his wife to lunch after church last Sunday. He's from W. Memphis and he's 72 and wanting to retire away from Memphis area...who can blame him. We are not sure yet what to do in our search, but it will continue and we sure are trying hard to keep our little church afloat. It sure is a pretty little church and we have 4 new windows arriving by fall--one of them in honor of sweet sister Joy, and one of them in honor of sweet brother Harold. Thanks to Roy and Janice for footing the bill on these two additions. But our church really will shine once they're in.
Fourth of July at our house. Leslie phoned a little while ago and me and Peanut will put the plans in motion in next day or two. Burgers and hot dogs and we can all chip in with various dishes. At least that's my thinkin rat now.
Congrats to Sandi's boys on their sports...Mason for winning a golf tourney and Lance (the cannon) for baseball prowess. They're really something special.
Well, better run. That's all for this time, til next time, thanks for your time.
Got a first taste of homegrown tomatoes the other day...some small cherry ones from Jim's garden. Joe and I picked the garden while Jim and Betty were away in San An Tone and I grabbed up six or seven of the tiny ones and made my first of the year bacon and tomato sandwich. Hard to put into words, ain't it. But not hard to put in my mouth. Can't wait for the bigger ones. I also picked a few blackberries from Jim's vines and made my first blackberry cobbler from scratch. Pretty good if I do say so. Took Nita a bowl of it and she bragged, too, but she always does that--brags on me.
Me and John and Tom floated the Saline River last Friday. Put the boat in at Prattsville bridge and 12 long hours later, took out at Jenkins Ferry. It was a long day, but we really hauled in some nice, fat Kentucky bass...about 45. Kept 19 for Tom to filet and he said they sure were tasty. I knew it was a 12 hour float, remembering this from long-ago days when I floated this strip of the river quite regularly. We had 10 or so "pullovers"--where you get out of the boat and pull it over the logjams. Man, you talk about whipped at the end of the day. I could bearly talk and walk when I got home, all muddy and pitiful. Slept good, though and it sure was nice to be back on the river...conjured up lots of nice memories of pap and Harold etc....shore do miss em.
Trying to keep up the mowing, but the grass is growing so fast I'm bout whupped. It sure looks pretty when I'm finished, though. Janice said the place looks like a park and it does. You ought to see the deer walking around in the twilight, munching the pretty grass and tender leaves on the bushes. A buck is already putting down a scrape up by the pond, a little early but I guess he's telling the other bucks to steer clear of his territory. We have lots of deer and other animals on the place now.
I gotta doctor's appointment in the morn...my old broken heel from 1999 deer hunting accident acting up. Can't hardly walk on it at times and I'm sure hoping it ain't broke again. Looked like an egg shell in 99, broke in 7 tiny chips. It started hurting after my recent golf outing at Batesville and I couldn't walk for a couple of days. And I re-aggravated it Monday when I played in the big Pat Summerall charity golf event at LR so I need to see my doctor. I got my photo in the paper at that event...you might have seen it...me and old Jermain Taylor, the boxing champ sitting in our golf carts, laughin and carrying on. It was a good picture and I've gotten calls and letters about it from old pals around the state. My playing partners that day included my fine son, Eric Jason, and Coach Frank Broyles. Coach is 81 but he still plays good golf...specially putting. He sure was nice and gracious and he phoned Ray Tucker, my friend, after the event and asked Ray for my mailing address and Eric's address so he could send us a nice thank you for playing with him and being so nice. We shot a 14-under-par and still finished out of the money. Oh well....
Our church is searching for a preacher and me and Peanut took a prospect and his wife to lunch after church last Sunday. He's from W. Memphis and he's 72 and wanting to retire away from Memphis area...who can blame him. We are not sure yet what to do in our search, but it will continue and we sure are trying hard to keep our little church afloat. It sure is a pretty little church and we have 4 new windows arriving by fall--one of them in honor of sweet sister Joy, and one of them in honor of sweet brother Harold. Thanks to Roy and Janice for footing the bill on these two additions. But our church really will shine once they're in.
Fourth of July at our house. Leslie phoned a little while ago and me and Peanut will put the plans in motion in next day or two. Burgers and hot dogs and we can all chip in with various dishes. At least that's my thinkin rat now.
Congrats to Sandi's boys on their sports...Mason for winning a golf tourney and Lance (the cannon) for baseball prowess. They're really something special.
Well, better run. That's all for this time, til next time, thanks for your time.
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