…”Sherman’s March through Georgia”…

11-04-2021

Let me say right up front “I’m by NO MEANS educated on the Case/Death of Mr. Ahmaud Arbery” in Brunswick,GA.

I can’t, for the life of me, understand what brought about this issue & the reactions of those three (3) men who are “accused of” (that legal term used until PROVEN Guilty or Innocent) of his death.

I don’t know WHY the Jury Selection turned out like it did. I don’t even want to guess. But what I do think/know is if that Trial doesn’t go the way (So) MANY want it to “Sherman’s March through Georgia” ain’t goin’ to be NOTHIN’ compared to what WILL happen throughout Georgia & other parts of our nation.

There WILL BE NO WINNERS in this Case/Situation. And trust me “The RACE BAITERS” (on both sides) are goin’ to be out in full force. Hell, “I’ll bet they’re Gearin’ Up Already”.  It ain’t goin’ to be purdy!

I just hope the authorities in The City of Brunswick, GA; The Glynn County Authorities; The GA State Police; The GA Bureau of Investigation (GBI); The FBI; The ATF Bureau; & any other Law Enforcement Bodies will be ready for WHAT EVER! They TOO had better be plannin’ how they will (try) to control What COULD BE/ IS Comin’!…”Hold ‘Em Hook”!…..BG>

… “BECAUSE of Y’all I Made It”…Part #2

Part #2 of 5

I’ll begin with the obvious…

 

#1) Mrs Hall, 1st Grade, Barrett School. I’ll never forget our “Readin’ Groups”. Remember?…Dick, Jane, Sally, & Spot? We had two (2) Readin’ Groups. One had the Average & Accelerated readers in it. In the other Group there was Me & Mrs. Hall. Mrs. Hall & I lacked the ability to properly communicate with each other. I got sent to The Office my very first day, of the first grade, for throwin’ rocks on the playground (& hittin’ someone in the back of the head). I received my very first paddlin’ from a Principal that day. I had conduct issues, accordin’ Mrs. Hall.That reputation followed me all through my academic years…

 

#2) I stumbled thru the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Grades. Mrs. Howell, 5th Grade Geography, Barrett School. This Lady had my attention from the  very first time I walked into her Class Room. Globes & Maps were every where. Charts & Graphs! Pictures of seasonal progressions! She had me right then! This lady TAUGHT me. “Where we were in the world was a given!”  We learned standin’ out by the double water fountains on the Play Ground “At 12 O’clock Noon Our/My Shadow Points North”! We learned to find our directions. North, East, South, & West! Standin’ out on Division Avenue we learned “Moss Grows on The North Side of The Trees”! Do YOU know why? I’ll give a hint…it had to do with The Sun. I did well that year in Art, Geography, & Music. Maybe it was because of the constant movement & changin’ of focus to keep up. Those three (3) classes were never borin’ to me. I ended up Failin’ the 5th Grade. All of my Core Classes weren’t too good to me…

 

#3) I had to change Schools because my Mother re-married & we moved. Good Ole “Curry Tech”. There too I stumbled thru the 5th grade (for my 2nd go around) then the 6th. Ahhh…The 7th Grade, Mrs. Davies for Home Room & most of my Core Subjects, Curry School. She was Short, Mean, Grumpy & Old! Needless to say we knocked heads from the get go.  Hey, there was once a Green Snake crawlin’ up out of a sack, inside of her Closet, as she opened it to hang up her Coat. Well let’s just say “I got sent to the Principal’s Office & got the Paddlin’ for that one”! But damn it was funny! A long story short I failed the 7th grade that year & DAMN if I didn’t have her again the followin’ year. Needless to say we didn’t like each other any better & I FAILED her/the 7th Grade a second time. Now keep up…I was about to repeat the 7th Grade again, for a THIRD (3rd) time attempt at it!…

09-15-23

My path of Education…

As I sit here this mornin’ enjoyin my mornin’ Java & ponderin’ the view from our Sun Room my mind decided, on it’s own, to take a trip down memory lane.
Recently I was attendin’ a social gatherin’ & was asked (again) by someone “where did you go to school”? I hope the followin’ clears this up for others that have asked before or were too embarrassed to ask.

During my (early) Elementary educational years I attended two (2) different Elementary Schools. I can only remember two (2) Teachers & one (1) Principal durin’ that time, in my life, that were able to keep me focused on their subjects & my path in life. At Barrett School (1st thru the 5th grade) it was Mrs. Howell-Geography (& a very Lovin’ Lady). She instilled a love of maps & the outdoors in me. At Curry School (5th grade [again] thru 7th [x2] & skipped the 8th grade) it was Mrs. Pledger-Auditorium/Speech Arts (Nice Lady). I learned a lot about Public Speakin’ from her. I learned to speak in front of people assembled & not be uncomfortable. Mr. Herbert (Herby) Haynes-Principal (“High School Ahead” thank you sir!).

In High School I was more into a Social Life than Academics. And it showed. I was enrolled @ Banks High School (BHS) for four (4) years. All-though many of my friends thought I was enrolled @ Woodlawn High School (WHS) simply because I spent a lot of time there. Yeah…I SKIPPED School a lot from BHS. Although “the Summer of 69” I WAS enrolled @ WHS for Summer School to take Government & Economists (Mr. Kitchens-Assistant Coach @ BHS, thank you sir) to get ahead. Imagine that! 

Durin’ my four (4) years at BHS there were just a few Teachers/Staff there that could actually hold my attention (Mr. Johnny Howell-Principal, Mrs. Alice Laurendine-English & a wonderful lady, Mrs. Sue Cambell-Girls Assistant PE/Study Hall (Confidante), Mrs. Jill Ferrell Watson-Art (Confidante), Mr. Jim Currier-Track Coach (Believer), Mr. Bill Jenkins-Counselor (helped me to get qualified to enlist in the USAF in 1971 vs gettin’ Drafted), Mrs. Brown-“Lunchroom Lady”.

After my four (4) year stent in The USAF I felt the need to attend College. I enrolled at Jefferson State Jr College. (Remedial) English #095 just kicked my ass! I spent two (2) semesters there I realized College just wasn’t for me.

To the folks I have named (above) I am & forever will be grateful. Thank you all!…..BG>

The Stalk…

March 27, 2023

Here at “Gray Villa” we have what we jokingly call our resident Blue Heron “Pete”. Yes we know there are many in the area so we refer to ALL of ’em as Pete.

Quite often we see Ole Pete down by the waters edge catchin’ his meals. Some nothin’ more than a small Shad or somethin’ like it in the waters edge. We have seen him damn near choke on a small Bass once. We never thought he’d get it down but with one last “Gulp” it made the trip down his long slender neck/throat.

Now I’ve heard stories of Herons robbin’ bird nests. I did once see a Blue Heron, it could have been Pete, up on Lake Guntersville while fishin’ tryin’ to rob a Osprey’s nest but the resident pair kept him at a distance.

The other day my Bride & I were out in The Sun Room enjoyin’ the mornin’ after the rain moved through & I spotted Ole Pete way up in the yard in what I determined to be a Stalkin’ of something to eat. I caught a glimpse of a Chip Monk.  As he kept movin’ up thru the yard & out of sight we quietly got up, eased over to the far side of the deck and watched him continue The Stalk. Finally he stopped and it then became a waitin’ game. I must admit he was determined. My Bride didn’t have the patience to wait The Stalk out & went about other issues. I stayed, locked in, & waitin’ it out. Finally as he super slowly lowered his head/beak into position he struck! So quickly and dead on target!raisin’ his head/beak high into the air all I could see was the tail of the Chip Monk wavin’ wildly in the air tryin’ aimlessly to work it’s body free. But to no avail! With one last gulp the Chip Monk’s Tail disappeared from view. Ole Pete had swallowed his meal. Then as though lookin’ for a second course he appeared to begin’ a second Stalk.

Yep…Nature at it’s best. Ya just cain’t beat it…Hold’em Hook!…..BG> 

…”The Christmas Story”…

12-05-2021
This mornin’ My Bride & I were sittin’ out in our newly finished Sunroom enjoyin’ our mornin’ Coffee. It formerly was just a Screened in Deck, a nice one, we had enjoyed for over 23 years. But lately we decided to bite the bullet and make it what we had been dreamin’ of for many years. A “Glassed Sun-Room”. I was checkin’ articles & post on my Lap Top & She on her Tablet doin’ the same. It was relaxin’ I must say.

A few days ago, after Thanksgivin’ we’re out in the Sunroom & My Bride made a comment to me about readin’ The Christmas Story”? NO not the Childrens Story Book version! “The Book of Luke” from The Bible! She had mentioned she wanted (us) to read it. If she [we] read one Chapter each day/night beginnin’ on December 1st  we would finish it on December 24th. Just at the right time…To celebrate CHRISTMAS! She asked me “have you [me] ever read it that way”. I said “no”. She mentioned she had heard recently that it would be an interestin’ & easy way to read it & she was goin’ to do it. I said somethin’ to the affect that I thought I would as well. So I got up & found *My Bible & put it in the table by the recliner in the sunroom and went so far as markin’ The Book of Luke with a book marker.

At some point this mornin’, while we were relaxin’ & enjoyin’ the time together, I asked her “how are you doin’ on readin’ The Book of Luke”? The look on her face was priceless, with words to follow, she told me all I need to know. She said sheepishly “I haven’t started & asked Have you”? I said “No”. She said “I need to get started & catch up. It won’t take long”. She got up to go get her Bible & I simply reached for mine. As she returned we discussed how much to read so we could get caught up & it not get borin’ as a guilt trip or feel as sort of self punishment. I know I caught up thru the first 5 chapters. I think she did as well or close to it. I’m goin’ to try & stay on pace of a Chapter per day/night. We’ll see how it goes…Hold ‘EM Hook…..BG>

*MY Bible: It was given to me when I joined “East Lake United Methodist Church” September 17th, 1961 at the age of 9 (soon to turn 10) years old.

…Labor Day!…

09-06-21

Growin’ up in East Lake (a community of Birmingham, AL) back in the Mid/Late 50’s & 60’s there were two “HAPPENIN’S” that took place on Labor Day in our community. I always attended both in my younger years.

One was the Official LAST/CLOSIN’ Day for Cascade Plunge’s Summer Days. This meant losin’ close contact with many friends, until Next Summer, as so many of us went to different Schools around the city. The Biggest Event of the day was “Splash For Cash”! This always happened right around Noon Time. Mr. Jimmy/Dickson (who’s family owned Cascade would come out as The Master of Ceremonies with a couple of buckets of CASH/Change. From Silver Dollars to Pennies. Everyone had to CLEAR The Pool, line the Pool Deck, for what they thought was the “Best Spot”. Mr Jimmy would then walk the Pool Deck throwin’ Hands full CASH/Change into The Pool. The Kid’s (of all ages) would get worked into a frenzy as each hand full hit the water. When the Buckets were empty then came the count down. Then HUNDREDS of kids hit the water searchin’ for their day’s find which they got to keep. The Life Guards were all on Full Alert durin’ this time. I personally don’t ever recall any Emergencies but they/we were ready. And there was ALWAYS someone or several that would sneak in Dye Packs & Release ’em. I was accused several time over the years of this. I was NEVER caught doin’ it. I still deny it to this day (Richard).

The other was “The Labor Day Picnic”, primarily a Fun-Raiser event, at St. Thomas On The Hill (sometimes referred to as the “Orphans’ Home”). It  was truly an all day affair of Fun (for all ages), Food (of All Varieties & for All Palettes), Games (for all ages & Chuck-A-Luck was my favorite). Then in the evenin’ a Dance for The Teens. Always a high light of the day.

These two events marked “The End Of Summer”! Most of us hated to see Labor Day End. Because School Started on the day/mornin’ After Labor Day/the 1st Tuesday in September, in Birmingham, in those days. Now with this Labor Day quickly comim’ to an end I still, in the back recesses of my mind, think of School Startin’ Tomorrow. I’m just a few months shy of 70 years old, Wonderful memories of those events…”HOLD ‘EM HOOK”!…..BG>

…”The Sun Room”…

This mornin’, while my Contractor was cleanin’ the Windows, in The Sun Room, I walked down to where The Bass Boat is parked (in The Turn-a-Round area) durin’ this Construction Period. It usually stays in the Basement Garage but it is filled with Supplies & tools for now. I needed to drain the water standin’/puddlin’ up on the cover. All of a sudden I heard this enormous {{{{{ SPLASH ! }}}}} about 15 feet off the the Sea Wall. Actually about 35 feet from where I was standin’. After regainin’ my composure, I thought it was/might have been, a BIG STRIPER Feedin’. As it turns out it was an Osprey Feedin’! I saw in gainin’ height  flyin’ in a circle with a good size fish in it’s Talons. What a beautiful sight to see.

I made my way back up to The Deck/Sun Room to check on the cleanin’ progress. As I stood there talkin’ to my Contractor I heard that sound again…{{{{{ SPLASH ! }}}}}…and then watched The Osprey fly up & off again, with a fish in it’s Talons. And that was when I really got to appreciate “The View” from The Sun Room. Oh & “The View” has nothin’ to do with those “Ole Bitchy Women” on TV.

The windows are clean, the Contractor is gone (he & his crew ‘ll be back Tuesday). He just wanted to make it nice so we could use it this weekend. There’s still some “Paintin’ & Touch Paintin’ that needs to be done.

As I sit here Chillin’ & Enjoyin’ myself the Hummin’ Birds are buzzin’ back & forth just enhancin’ what I can see from my vantage point. About the time I expect to see ’em collide “Head On…they Break Off” just like two Jet’s in a Dog Fight! They’re fightin’ over two feeders I washed & filled this mornin’ for ’em.
Yeah…I can see we’re goin’ to really enjoy “The Sun Room” year round. Before the “Screened In Deck” was dependin’ on The Weather we were experiencin’. And for 23 1/2 years it was nice. This is much NICER!…”Hold ‘Em Hook”!…..BG>

…”He looks so Stoic!”…

08-09-21

There is a Blue Heron who seems to land on the end of our Short Pier most every mornin’. We refer to him as “Ole Pete”. He stands there facin’ East almost every mornin’. No…IT’S NOT A RELIGIOUS THING! He’s a Damn Bird! It’s as though he is waitin’ for & watchin’ The Sun Rise up over the hill & trees across the River from us before he starts his day. It’s a beautiful sight to see. He stands there so straight and tall. He looks, from my distance of just over 200 ft. away, so well groomed with every feather in it’s place. He looks so Stoic!

I am, again, enjoyin’ my mornin’ “Mug-O-Joe” sittin’ in “The Sun Room” just enjoyin’ watchin’ “Ole Pete”. Even though it, “The Sun Room”, is STILL under construction the view is so much better than it was as “A Screened In Deck” over the past 23 1/2 years. Most of the Glass is in. Yes it is still in the process of becomin’ a (Glassed in) Sun Room. We’re waitin’ on 4 more small upper Custom Cut glass panels, some minor Electrical work, a Vent-less Fireplace with a Custom Mantel & final paint. But the view, from just sittin’ here, is so much better than before. I look forward to seein’ “Ole Pete” for many years to come.

Whoa! He just broke his pose & caught his Breakfast. From here it appears to have been a Big Ole Shad. He’s now off to do what ever Herons do durin’ their day. Until tomorrow Pete!…”Hold’em Hook”…..BG>

…Fifty (50) Years Ago Today…

FIFTY (50) YEARS AGO TODAY!

Three (3) Friends & I (all 4 of us went to Banks High School together in B’ham, AL) were Discharged from The United States Air Force Reserve (Inactive “Delayed Enlistment Program”) that we had been “Sworn Into” in March, 1971. We entered the DEP so the others could Graduate from High School with our “Class Of 71” @ BHS. As for me well that’s a Long Story for another time. BUT I WAS QUALIFIED! That’s ALL that mattered.

Then, We were Immediately, like in just Minutes, “SWORN-IN” to The United States Air Force (Active Duty) at the Induction Center in Montgomery, AL.  We were immediately lead/escorted  to the Montgomery Airport for a flight, “with connections”, deliverin’ us to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio,TX. This began the First (1st) day of my Four (4) Year Adventure (71′ thru 75′) in The USAF! And the truth is “It was the best thing that ever happened to me”.

About Seven & a half (7 1/2) or Eight (8) weeks we were all fortunate enough to graduate from Basic Trainin’ together & on schedule. Next we all departed for our different Technical Schools. Two (2) of us were lucky enough to be sent to Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Miss. That was a LONG Fifteen (15) Hour Bus Ride I’ll never forget! We attended different Career Field Tech Schools but we were allowed to Room together while there. After completin’ my Tech School, ACW Operator #27600, I received orders for Germany, Ramstein AFB, where I spent my one & only Permanent Duty Assignment (of 3 yrs & 8 mos).

After separating from The USAF I tried myself at College. I should’ve thought more about my Educational Past. It didn’t take me Too Long to realize “I wasn’t cut out for College”. For those that know me I put THAT in for YOU! I was fortunate enough to find a Job & A Paycheck at the local (family owned franchise) Caterpillar Equipment Co that lead to a Thirty Three (33) Year Career from which I have now been Retired from for the past twelve (12) years. That was, for me, a wonderful thing. It afforded me & my family many opportunities we might not have been able to experience otherwise.

I sit here this mornin’ “Thinkin’ & Reminiscin’ ” on how those  four (4) years changed my life. Yes…For The Best! Traveled a lot the first year & a half. I met & Married my (Military Brat) Bride & Married Her Twice! That’s another Story also. Happily Married now for 46 yrs & 5 mos we have two (2) wonderful & successful Adult Children (an RN & an Attorney), One Wonderful Daughter-In Love, & three (3) adorable Grandchildren. I’m now 69 yrs of age & “Livin’ The Life”…”Hold ‘Em Hook!……BG>

“HAPPY FATHERS DAY”

“HAPPY FATHERS DAY”As a young Child there were things I didn’t learn at home. My Grandfather taught me to Fish & Fear him! To all of The 4th Avenue Neighborhood Fathers, Wahouma Park Coaches/Fathers, Match Box Estates Dads, Coach Jim Currier, Uncles Pete & Buddy, My Step-Father (even thru our years of turmoil) & Yes Mr. (“Mr.Jimmy”) Dickson from Cascade I want to say “THANK YOU” for Your Time, Kindness, & Leadership you all shared with me as a growin’ young Boy/Child who’s Father Passed (I was only 20 mo’s old) before I ever knew Him. You all made an impression on me in many/your own different ways. To You/Them ALL “HAPPY FATHERS DAY”…Hold ‘Em!……BG>

…”My/Our Nation – The Dead Ones are Laughin’ “…

I {{{ FEAR ! }}} For The Life Of My/Our Nation! The Nation MY Generation grew up in has already changed DRASTICALLY. Fewer & fewer respect our Flag & what it stands for. They disrespect those that have fought, died, or have been wounded through the generations for the Rights That Flag Represents. Senator Joseph McCarthy tried to warn us in The 50’s about Communism/Socialism within our Society & Government growin’ & expandin’. The U.S. Senate (at the time) shouted/voted him down by a vote 65 to 22 to condemn Senator Joseph R. McCarthy for conduct unbecoming of a senator. Many of them were coverin’ their asses or the asses of their contributors. The same thing that is happenin’ in our Congress today. Look at our Nation today…the phrase “In God We Trust” in Washington DC has little meanin’ & less each day to our Professional Politicians/Government Elected Officials. And the shame is they set the pace for Others to follow. They live by different Rules, Insurance, & Ethics…

She/Our Nation is strugglin’ against forces from within almost as hard as She struggles from other Nations tryin’ to beat us down. Our Borders are under siege. The biggest question is Which/Who Will be The One To Topple My/Our Nation first?

Hell…Invaders & Illegals are Votin’ in our Elections, every year, at a larger number than DEAD PEOPLE are. I know many States require Voter I.D.’s. I’m PROUD that My State of Alabama DOES! I know the DemocRATs/Socialists/Liberals are fightin’ this from bein’ required in MORE states. I guess because they would lose TOO many Voters. There are more VOTERS votin’ than there are Registered Voters in many Cities/Counties/States. The Live Ones are scared of this! The Dead Ones are Laughin’ about it…Can YOU hear ’em?….Hold ‘Em Hook!….BG>