First long RV trip, in a while.

 On June 28th, Nancy and I sat out to go visit some friends in Santa Fe NM, and eventually get to Arkansas to see our oldest grandson. Cody will be a senior at Henderson State University studying aviation and on their swim team. 

This was the first long RV trip in our new 5th wheel. If you have an RV (no matter what type) there are things you want to have that make it yours, little things mostly. So we started a list to buy, fix, modify, or whatever.

First major stop was in Santa Fe to visit with our two beloved fellow world and companion travelers and hang out for 3 days, catching up, see some interesting things around Santa Fe, and share a bottle (or two) of wine. Great visit. 

Santa Fe is a very visitable city and historic with old churches, western movie sets and a LOT of heritage in the Southwest. Georgia O'Keefe, the renowned artist, loved the southwest and Santa Fe so much she bought the 'Ghost Ranch' and made it her home for many years. The red cliffs, Native American culture and the flat top bluffs inspired her art, furniture and design work

which made her famous.

 One old movie set we visited grabbed me too. I just loved the views and imaged how people lived in such a place had to be so hard.

The next few town were one nights like Amarillo (of which 60 years ago I flew for first time into Amarillo for Air Force basic and tech school training) Wichita Falls and finally DeGray Lake outside of Arkadelphia Arkansas to see our pretty tall (6'5") G-son. He did not get that from me or Nancy. His dad's side.

DeGray Lake is back water from a dam and was built nicely for camping, boating, resort hotel, marinas and very crowded on July 4th, which was the day we arrived. Those people love their boating and camping. As soon as Sunday evening rolled around, the place cleared out quickly. By Monday, there were 2 other campers and us. Sweet!

Cody showed us the biggest Magnolia tree in the state, HUGE!! A whole town that registered as totally historic and just had a great time with him.

Our 1,300+ mile trip was at its turn around spot.  From DeGray lake, it would be to far to hit I-40, and thinking we could not only save some miles but time too if we'd cut across Arkansas farther west to hit I-40. We got a great tour of the curviest, bumpiest, farm roads I had ever see. Finally getting to I-40 we headed west and glad until the potholes that we hit. I was sure we were going to blow a tire either on the truck or the 5th wheel. But we did not. But it sure rattled the camper enough to make screws come out.

After a couple days of driving, I needed a rest and a day off. Finally reaching far enough west, we decided to stay in Santa Rosa NM., on the old Route 66 (like so many small towns I-40 passed by) and the home of the 'Blue Hole'. How cool this was. Who would believe New Mexico had a blue hole that was so clear you can see 60 feet straight down. And that isn't where it stopped. there are two underground lakes that supply it. On the very hot Sunday afternoon when we went there, it seemed like the whole little town was there swimming and cooling off from the heat. Scuba drivers were there too, diving in the 62 degree clear blue waters of the Blue Hole. It is a must stop if you go that way.

Arriving home was a happy sight, especially after all the potholes I maneuvered around at 75 MPH, avoiding semi-trucks and the next pothole. out of the 5 states we drove through, I would rate 3 out of 5 the WORST roads ever. 

But all-in-all, the trip was great seeing friends and family is always great. I love seeing the country, but I think the next time we'll fly. Take care and stay safe.

Proofing ourself

It seems to be that we always have to proof ourself to others because they do not know your capabilities and skill level. They don't know how you will respond to different scenarios, so you try to show them you are capable to perform that task. Apparently your past experiences don't really matter to some people, they want to see you "do the job". 

When I was first hired on the fire department, I was one of the oldest in my class of recruits. After a few weeks, after two of them got fired or quit, I became the oldest at age 30, competing against 18 year old's. I admit it was tough. I had come from the corporate world and worked my way up to a manager position. As a Staff sergeant in the Air Force, I also managed tasks and others. So convincing my new bosses was not hard, but a pain at times. There were always quizzes about my work history and capabilities. Some bosses were easy going and others (or I should say) were hard ass, to be blunt. Either way, I believe I showed them I could do the job and did it efficiently. 

After my probation period, I was sent from station to station until a open spot was available. At each station, I had to proof myself. That got old real quick. After a few months a spot became open and I got it. Then I found myself watching others to see what their skill level was. Some were quickly accepted, some it took the bosses to talk to them, and some were butt-kissers trying to get accepted and be one of the "good old boys".  I never really cared for that type. If you were not one of them, you were treated like an outsider. They were like "back stabbers" and I never trusted them.

These lessons taught me to accept everyone as an equal until they show me otherwise. I don't care about color, race, religion, sexual beliefs, or politics. I don't listen to gossip or rumors about anyone, that is someone else's opinion and not mine. I understand people say thing they don't really mean, so I give them the benefit of the doubt and let it slide. I ask no more of anyone except their respect, kindness and acceptance for who I am and not to be judged. That is God's job.  It is my belief we should all try to follow those standards and as the Golden Rule says, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Treat them like you want them to treat you. I believe most of you really do this. This is written in all spiritual writings in all religions. 

My former and late Fire Chief said it best in two word, "Be Nice" That says it all. Take care, stay safe and be nice. We will be on the road for the next few weeks.

Not a lot to say (well, maybe) but, a lot of places to go.

 Every week, or two, or three, I start thinking about what topic I would write about that week. I hate to keep writing about all the stupid thing the president has said or have done. But it does make great press. Since Nancy and I have not traveled to many places lately, not much to say there. That will soon change and I'll explain that in a while. 

I recently read about a group of citizens in Chicago that compiled a list of all the charges brought against Trump since he has been in office. 96 unconvicted crimes. In other words he was charged but nothing happened, or jail time.  Some how his lawyers have managed to get the convictions delayed or thrown out UNTIL he is out of office. The article stated if convicted of all 96 crimes, Trump would have to serve 700 years in prison. HA!  HA! Nice thought but will never happen.

On a brighter note, Nancy and I are really going to do some traveling this year. First trip to Cincinnati to visit some relatives. Leaving this coming Tuesday coming back on Saturday. One week later, stocking up the new 5th wheel for a two week trip to see our G-son in Arkansas as we stop along the way to visit with friends along the way. A week after we get home, wash clothes, catch up on everything, we fly to Tennessee to visit with some other friends who moved there last year. And hopefully visit with a beloved cousin and some more relative. 

August will probably hold another camping trip somewhere cooler than Phoenix. In September, Nancy and her hiking tribe will venture to Japan to do another hiking trip around Mount Fiji and see the sights.

In October I will be 80 years old (OMG, 80) and I did not want a party or goofy old man party gifts, so I told everyone I wanted to see the Panama Canal, so that's my birthday gift to me. Cruise through the canal and then go to Costa Rico and tour through parts of the Amazon. Hang out with the monkeys and maybe act like one. Or not. Either way it should be fun. 

Since last year, for me, was the year from HELL I wanted to make this one A LOT better. And I think it will be. Yes I promise we'll post photos.  Until then, stay safe and take care. Life is too short to sit in a recliner.

June 1st

 June 1st is shared by serval people and events. Okay, you're thinking, "Oh this is going to boring." Well,  I hope not. 

In 1792 Kentucky was admitted into the Union as a state. And four years later on June 1st Tennessee was split from North Carolina and also admitted. Another name you will recall is Marilynn Monroe (born as Norma Jeane Mortenson) was born on June 1st, as was my mother Lorene Haynes Shell along with her twin sister Irene. Unlike Marilynn, Lorene and Irene were born blonde headed and both had blue eyes. They were both quite attractive. Both married Navy sailors after WW2. They were born in Alabama, the deep south, not like Marilynn who was born in Los Angles CA..

Marilynn died at 36 from a self in dosed overdose of pills, where as Lorene and Irene died well into their later years. Marilynn would have been 100 this year. My mother would have been 102 this year and her twin would be 104. Both sisters died in the same hospital where they were born and also the hospital I was born. 

Eventho there were some similarities with Marilynn, my mother thought Marilynn was a little too risqué for her taste, but did get a few mistakes for Marilynn since they had similar figures and the blonde hair and eyes.

Another bit of my family heritage is in 1750 our Schell (spelled that way then) landed in the new World and settled in western North Carolina, which today is know as Tennessee. So, our SHELL family is one of North Carolina's first families. Some time in the late 1700s the family dropped the 'C' in our last name because unlike the English we were not English but rather Scottish.

Okay, maybe this was boring to some. But I appreciate you reading this anyway. Thanks to some cousins of mine, we are still picking away at our family history finding out we weren't just dirt famers but had some royal blood in our veins. Who knew?

Thanks again for putting up with this. It does beats me bad mouthing Trump I guess. Take care and stay safe. 

 

Stuck in a Rut

 Ever since I have had several medical ordeals for the last year and a half, I feel I have been in a rut. Days are basically the same each day.  Mainly because I have been limited to doing not much physically. And that is not me. Usually I am in my shop building something (it was restoring cars or trucks), or working on a project for around the house or for a friend. Or maybe going to help a friend with their projects, or maybe going to pick up parts for something ... but just GOING and doing something. My excuse statement is, "When I get my back fixed ..." or "When I can walk farther ...".  I told myself I need to lose a few pounds, but this is not what I wanted to do it by losing muscle mass from do doing anything.  I am getting really sick of going to doctors offices and hearing the same old BAH-BAH-BAH, and handing me some pills.

I called the surgi-center that is suppose to schedule my back surgery and they told me, "We don't have you scheduled here, that is at our other location."  "Can you give me their phone number?" "They will call you."  I may have broken
my phone when I slammed it down on my desk. So I wait again.

It seems like doctor's offices have this endless cycle you get caught in, and they are only doorman to let you out. But really I blame lawyers and the shammers. 

Years ago when I helped a couple corporations get started, I wrote they by-laws on one page. Once the lawyers got a hold of it, it turned over to a 100 page book containing words I never saw. The shammers want your identify so they can steal it and sell it on the black market so the medical community hires lawyers to write up all these privacy documents and releases you have to read and agree to before they will see you. Do you really read them before they take you into the back exam rooms? Most people just sign and walk back. It could you just signed over your first born and all of you possessions if you miss an appointment.  I read one last week and my eyes crossed before I got done. Then I waited, sitting on a very uncomfortable chair for 30 minutes before a assistant came our and called my name. When I came out of my boredom comma, I answered, "Right here", and proceeded to follow her like a lost puppy.

The only thing I have fallen in love with is my leather 'Lazy-Boy' recliner. It has been my only comfort since the back injury. It has perfectly molded to my body and never disappoints.  Always supports me where and when I need it most.  It has also served as my bed for 4 months because sleeping in my bed is too painful.

But I WILL get to a good place soon, I hope. For a simple surgery, why does it take so damn long?

Looking back

In my life, I have seen SO many changes, advancements and  failures. Not only in my personal life but in the world. i don't know if younger folks really realize or see the changes that they are witnessing. I guess I did not either until I got older. i always thought my good friends would always be there as we got older, but they did not. the world and friend evolve as time passes. Sometime for the good, and sometimes for the bad. Some people live through some great times, where-as some have a hard life not matter how they try to have a good one. 

I truly believe I was a lucky one.  my life was not perfect by any means, but it was not really bad either. My rough times were when my parents were divorced. I heard it and saw it coming but did not realize what was going on for sure. Fast forward into my 20s, I also thought I found a great wife and believed we stay married until the end, but never thought the end would come in just a few years with a divorce. But then, I met another great lady who has loved me for more than 49 years now. I'll admit, I may not be a easy guy to put up with, but she has, along our bumpy road.

Someone said (smarter than me), "The only constant in life is change itself".  Boy, that so true. Everyday we live, change happens. Whether it to in technology, medicine, science, research or in individual lives. 

If you about me age (79) older or younger, think about all the stuff you have seen change. For example: when I was about 7 or 8, phone numbers were maybe Mulberry 2345. No area code and you dialed on a rotary phone that was so heavy you dare not drop it on your toes. very few cars were automatics. You had to learn to drive a car with 3 peddles. There was no FM channels and TVs were only black and white. Pay phones were usually only in bus or train stations. The original 'Ice Box' was being replaced with refrigerators. If you REALLY want a trip, go into a antique shop and look around at the stuff your parents or you had as you got older. 

And not Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here. Actors that passed years ago will reappear in movies again. It is longer the ag of drink water out of a garden hose or riding you bicycle with out a helmet. Thing have changed and will continue to change whether we like it or not. You adapt and sit around and bitch about it. Not all change is good. But I still drink out of the hose and sometime ride my bike without a helmet. Stay young, if not physically, mentally ... and take care and bitch all you want. 😆

You never know what life is going to throw at you.

 I have met people I thought were so damn lucky in life, and I hate to say I envied them ... for a while until life slapped them in the back of their head and the high life went a way. Such a shame. No one deserves to be hit with a mountain of hardship and tragedy. Whether it is a sickness a loss of home, auto or a loved one. But as people say, "That's life." Some time you can see it coming, but think mostly you can not. And maybe sometimes people think, "Oh, it won't get me". Or, " That could never happen to me or my loved ones." But then it does, and they are devastated, sometime mentally or physically or financially. 

How do you get through those times? Well if you are VERY strong, you can struggle through it and do the best you can. And other time you just don't have the strength to deal with it and fall on your pride of losing the high hill battle. But then there is your support group that step in to hold you up out of the quick sand of loss and not know exactly how to deal with it for a good outcome.

That support group should be, first of all your family, friends and co-workers with level heads and willing to dive deep to help you, no matter how dirty it is. That is a TRUE support group. No someone who says, "Call me if you need help." The true support group should be able to see what you need to get you upright and do it. You all have heard the old story of the Good Samaritan, the people that did not ask, just helped. Some people can be very stubborn and say they don't need help. But when the see someone slipping on ice with no handhold to help them off the frozen pond, HELP THEM.

Our society has slowly become the "Me society" which only thinks about, "I got mine" type of mentality. And sometimes recently I believe the government has gotten some of that too. Trump has presented himself as the president that wants the world the way HE thinks it should be. But that is not what the Constitution is written. You can't just start wars on other countries because you THINK they are making stuff without proof, and the proof has to be truthfully and not speculation because you don't like them. I know, these feelings and thought go both ways. But do you have the suck-punch someone before they swing at you? There are many different views on that too. But you get my meaning.

What I want to peach is when you see someone struggling, reach out with a helping hand, no matter how little it may seem, you are helping them.

Just remember this, "Some days you just a bug, and other days you are that bug on the window shield." 

Take care, stay safe and be nice to others. God loves us all the same.