Continuing Memories

In April, 1975, I left for Yeoman "A" School (located just outside Petaluma, CA).  The Training Center (during World War II) was formerly the U.S. Army Two Rock Ranch Station.   Because I was already a Petty Officer (BM3) when I went to Yeoman school I was automatically made class leader since I outranked all the other student.  It was a little more work (being responsible for getting 40 folks where they had to be on-time), but there were a few perks too - such as a semi-private room and being the supervisor on work details (not actually doing the physical labor).

I went from YN "A" School to the Ninth Coast Guard District Office in the Federal Building in Cleveland, Ohio.  This was many years before the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  I enjoyed going to NFL and MLB games but after one winter there this southern boy mutualed (traded duty stations) with a yeoman in Memphis, TN, aboard the ....

Coast Guard Cutter Kanawha.  A 75 foot barge-pushing river tender.  I really enjoyed working the Mississippi River.  It was while stationed here that I advanced to YN2, married my first wife,  and our first child was born.  Because of my advancement I was considered overqualified for the position I held on the boat and was transferred - approximately 100 yards up the hill to CG Group Memphis.  I'll post a pic and give more of my CG story next time.
Every one have a great day!

"Mem - rieees"

OK.  When I started Jr. High (middle 60s) this store and did a pretty good business - despite the fact that students were told that crossing the busy road to make a purchase would result  in a paddling.

This is a picture of the Coast Guard Cutter Salvia - my very first unit (in Mobile, AL) when I joined the "World's Largest Coast Guard" (to quote my Master Chief) in 1972.

My second unit - Coast Guard Station Pascagoula (MS).  I was there until I went to Yeoman School in April 1975, just a couple of months after I had made rate as a Boatswains Mate Third Class (BM3).

I'll revist my  my Coast Guard career in my next entry (hopefully).  Every one have a great day!

Doctor Whooooooo! Doctor Who!

Another week has passed and today, quite by accident, I was back in the 80's, when that BBC import "Doctor Who" first made its appearance on Public Televsion. If you are one of those unfortunate enough not to be familiar with the show (SHAME ON YOU!) I suggest you read the Wikipedia listing for it. The transportation to the past was courtesy of a Youtube video of "Every Jelly Belly Scene Ever Made" during the Doctor Who run. Granted the lion's share of the scenes were with Tom Baker, but I was surprised at how many of the doctor's other incarnations appeared. Its no surprise to anyone that knows me that I have been a fan since that first episode I saw - which featured the 4th Doctor in the episode "Robot" starring Tom Baker. I became involved with the Doctor Who Fan Club and for a couple of years was president of the club for the state of Alabama. Over the years I have been fortunate to be able to see every DW episode available. The only ones I haven't are the very small number of lost episodes, but I am not alone in that. I have 5 children, all grown now, who even invented "The Doctor Who Dance" which they would joyously jump to their feet and do every time it came on. Until, of course, they got older and were "too cool" to do it - but they have never forgotten it. Next year the Doctor will celebrate his 50th anniversary on televsion and the BBC has hinted about having "big plans". I can't wait to see what that entails. Over the years we have lost William Hartnell (DW #1), Patrick Troughton (#2) and Jon Pertwee (#3). So it will be interesting to see if they bring back any of the Doctor's incarnations. They could do like they did in "The Five Doctors" and bring in other actors to recreate them as they did with Richard Hurdnall recreating William Hartnell's doc. Oh man! I could go on for days about this show. Without a doubt my all-time favorite. I know a lot of folks who don't like it though and there is rarely middle-ground. Most of the time - you either love it or hate it. Everyone have a great day!

BEST Birthday - EVER!

Well- maybe not ever - but I did have a really good time. On the evening of my birthday (April 3rd), DKW and I drove down to the Choctaw Indian Casino in Philadelphia, Mississippi. I had comps that they had sent me for a free hotel stay, a little gambling money, and meals. It was a nice stay and I even won a little money (not a lot - but coming away on the plus side is great). Then I had the rest of a week off to do what I wanted when I wanted. I told my sweetie that if this was a preview of what retirement was going to be like - I couldn't wait. It was really nice. At worst, I can retire around May/June, 2015, unless MSU offers early retirement. Which I've heard rumors that they may do this again in 2013 (they last did it in 2010). If they do - I'm there! Lots of positives about being the master of your own town. Plus - if funds do get tight - I could always take a part-time job. There are plenty out there. Anyway - just wanted to let everyone know I had a fun time.
Everyone have a great Day!

Happy Birthday to MEEEEEE!!!!!.........................

OKAY!! Tomorrow (April 3rd) I will be 57 - and proud of it! The reason for that is this - My father and his father (my grandfather) both passed away at the age of 56. My great grandfather died in his 30's (due to combat). So I will be the first male on my father's side of the family to reach this age in at least 4 generations. Prior to my great-grandfather, I don't know - so it could be even longer. Thing is, most folks that know me say I take after my mother's side of the family - and they are rather long-lived. My mother still lives and is currently 77. Her father (we called him "Big Daddy") passed away at age 97 and his wife ("Mama Jenny") was 93. Soooo - I'm shooting for another 40 or 50 years. Paaarrrtttyyyyy Onnnn!
Anyway, my sweetie and I have plans and I'm taking a week or so off work. Gonna take care of some things around the house, take a visit to my oldest, maybe fish, and just enjoy myself until I come back to work on the 11th. So it will be at least that long before I write again.
Everyone have a great day!