Catching up and Random Memory

It's been nearly 4 weeks since my last post and I've no excuse.  I intend to write, but then get busy with other things.  If ya haven't already, read my wife's blog to catch up on some of our goings on.
The Cotton District Arts Festival is over for this year and (for me) mowing time is up.  I actually tried to mow this past week but the ground is still so soggy that I couldn't do everything without getting stuck - so I've given up for a bit.  I really need a solid week without rain to be able to get it done, but its not looking good for a bit.
Today is DKW's and mine 3 and a 1/2 year anniversary. (October 31 will be 4 years).  I know its a cliché - but it doesn't seem like its been that long.
Random thought - I was listening to my internet radio this morning and "Cracklin' Rosie" by Neil Diamond came on the radio and for a few moments I was in 1971 - driving my black (with red interior) 1966 Chevrolet Impala.  I was 16 and delivering a pizza (for Pizza King) to Critz Hall, which at that time was a girl's dorm, and that song was playing in my 8-track.  I stopped in front, got out with the pizzas and almost dropped them as I go flashed by six windows in sync. (boom-boom-boom......).  Talk about a teen-age boy's dream!  I'll admit it!  It was the first time in my life to see live BOOBIES!! And to get that many at once I nearly had a cardiac.  I did have to set the pizzas down on the hood of my car and compose myself before making the delivery.  After delivering the pizzas (and getting a nice cash tip too) I was about to start my car  when the young lady I delivered the pizzas to came out and  told me that it was a set-up and they had a bet to see if I would drop the pizzas.  She went on to say that even if I had, they would have paid for them.  Plus they had a big laugh seeing the look on my face.  I was grinning ear-to-ear and admitted that it made my day.  (And many nights to come, but I don't want to get into that.) :-o
It was a moment less than 30 seconds long in my life - but DANNNGGGGG!
Everyone have a great day!

Fifty-Eight: Looking Back, Looking Ahead

Couple of days ago -for CDAF 2013

I've found that once you get into your fifties (at least for me) its hard to have a birthday and not think about your life and how your got to where you are.  And what might be ahead.  So, without being too melancholy - a few highlights.
I graduated from Starkville High School in 1972 and joined the U.S. Coast Guard a couple of months later.  I stayed a Coastie until I retired in 1992.  Along the way I married MSJ and we have 5 children.  We were together (29+ years) until she passed away in 2005. I currently have 7 grandchildren and another on the way.  I met DKB in 2008 (thanks to PlentyOfFish.com) and we were married in 2009.  In 2010, I nearly died when an elderly gentleman turned his caddy in front of my motorcycle on Highway 12.  He swore he never saw me as he turned into Greg's Produce in Longview, MS.  Thanks to quick assistance I survived.  I did ride again, but gave it up as my right leg has never fully recovered.  And if you aren't a confident rider - you don't need to ride.  But I'm happy with my 2003 Mini Cooper. 
In two more years (May 1, 2015) I will be eligible to retire from MSU.  Not absolutely sure I will - but its nice to know that at that point I will have the option.  Also, in 2015 I will turn 60 and my mother will be 80.  So I'm planning that once all the "grands"  are out of school for the summer, I will get all my kids and grandkids together for a couple of days of family time at the old homestead.  Cookouts, fishing, talking, visiting, etc.  Just reconnecting as a family.
I'm not rich, but I feel like (for the most part) I've had a good life and I'M Happy!  What more could you ask?
Everyone have a great day!


Writer's Village Block Project for CDAF 2013