Closing Out 2010-On the Road

The tree in the center of this photo is the biggest one in the RV park, and it's huge!  I live right under it, which is good news and bad news.  Acorns hitting the roof sound like little hand grenades sometimes, yet the wind flowing through the branches and moss makes it very peaceful at other times.  It would take two of me to join hands around it, which reminds me of the big oak on the New River at Briarpatch Lane in Boone.  That remains my favorite tree of all time, for many reasons.  So it is good to be reminded of it.

Jen and Mike

Last night found me at another party with the Sierra's, this time one of Luis' cousins celebrating his 70th birthday.  It was held at the cousin's very nice home in Venice, one of the nicer places in Florida.  There was an abundance of delicious food, an excellent DVD of "This Is Your Life" and more than a few stories about the guest of honor, Al.  Unfortunately, I didn't get a good picture of him, but I did get this one of Jen and Mike.  On the way home, Barbara gave me a guava pastry, which I had for breakfast this morning and it was unbelievably delicious!  My mom used to make guava jelly when we lived here and it reminded me of that.  Guava jelly on a hot biscuit...mmmm!  Mind bogglingly good!

I've missed Jubilee! this week, as there has been a problem with the website.  And I missed church on Sunday because I went to Gainesville to visit a new friend, Cindi.  We had some great food and went to see "Burlesque", which was excellent!  I highly recommend it and may go see it again before long.  Cher was phenomenal, as was Christina Aguilera.  I've also seen "The Fighter", also excellent, and "True Grit" which I liked better than the John Wayne version.  But the show I've enjoyed the most recently was The Kennedy Center Honors.  It started with Oprah and finished with Paul McCartney.  The joke of the evening, by Chris Rock, said that Oprah and Paul were so rich, if they wanted to have sex it would have to be approved by the SEC first!  It was truly a great show. 

It's hard to believe another year is about to end, yet it is almost here.  I have lived on the road for 10 months now and loved it!  I have been all over both coasts of Florida and down to Key West; up and down the Appalachians all summer and fall; caught some nice trout, saw lots of good friends and family; thoroughly enjoyed my 45th high school reunion; met many new and fine folks; discovered Jubilee! in Asheville after waiting for 20 years to do so; and now a fourth of this stay in Florida is over.  Whew....Time is really zipping by!  

I don't know what 2011 will bring.  None of us do.  But I intend to keep living life as I have this year.  Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time.  Asking myself, when I feel some resistance, what do I really want to do right now?  Then listening to that still, small voice give me the right answer, as it has so many times this year.  I want to continue to remember the many good times with LaVerne, and keep forgetting the sad ones.  I am more open to joy and happiness now, and I want to stay that way.   

Life is GOOD!!!!

Noche Buena!

Luis and Pepito

Noche Buena is a Spanish term for Christmas Eve meaning "good night" and it is celebrated in Spain, Cuba, the Philippines and Latin America.  In Cuba, it is celebrated with a traditional dinner with family, centering around a roasted pig, lechon.  A lechon is a young suckling pig, often cooked whole.  The one we had, being carved here by Luis and being observed by the chef, Pepita, was a ham smoked over guava wood from Hawaii.  It was tender, juicy and absolutely some the best pork I've ever had, anywhere, anytime!  It would melt in your mouth! 

Luis' famous shrimp cocktail platter

Along with the pork, there was yucca (referred to as a Cuban potato), black beans and rice, an avocado and pineapple salad, plantains, bread and more desserts than I could count.  Before all of this were numerous appetizers, like this platter of boiled shrimp prepared by Luis.  As you see, there are lime wedges, olives and cherry tomatoes to complement the shrimp.  The man is truly a master chef!

Barbara and me

We were at the home of Jack and Carrie, Luis's cousins, in Safety Harbor, about an hour north of here.  Carrie is an artist and her touch was evident in their beautiful home.  It was spacious, airy and light, and rooms easily flowed from one to another.  None of my pictures do it justice.  This one, however, captures the mood pretty well.  Very relaxed in a lovely setting with lots of very fine people!

Niece Jennifer and her son, Jason

We arrived early, so the house was pretty quiet with last minute preparations going on.  People kept warning me that would change "when the Cubans arrive".  And did it ever!  It seemed like 20 plus folks arrived at once and it was instant chaos!  The noise level rivaled a rock concert, but instead of music it was "hellos, how are yas and good to see you's!"  At one point a couple of men broke out in a fun loving song in Spanish. It was great!  However, I did have to turn my hearing aids off a time or two, as I feared I would blow one out.  There were also many lively and spirited conversations throughout the evening.  The age of attendees ranged from teens to 94.  It was a great celebration and I'll remember it for a long time.

It's the possibility of  nights like this that attracts me to this lifestyle.  What a great adventure!  Thank you, Sierra family!  I'm grateful! 

Merry Christmas to all!  Thanks for stopping by!

Holy One

Barbara and Jennifer, mother and daughter

Barbara and Jennifer shared this moment of intense laughter just after Jen arrived for dinner.  I have no idea what they were laughing about as I was caught up in watching them enjoy each other so much.  Barbara and I had been in an intense conversation just a few minutes before Jen arrived, and this was a wonderful relief and release for both of us.  Thanks, Jen!  You're a very fine lady, daughter, mother and wife!!!

Brother-in-law Luis

Yesterday Luis and Jason took me to their favorite fishing hole to re-introduce me to salt water fishing.  Unfortunately, the fish had other ideas and didn't show themselves in any way whatsoever.  Even live shrimp couldn't bring them to us.  We think the cool weather caused them to go elsewhere that day. So we had to be content with enjoying the weather, each others' company and untangling this "bird's nest" on Luis' reel.  It was a good outing and I look forward to doing it again. 

Tranquility bay near Venice

The other day I told a friend of mine that my joy was coming from the Holy One having healed my heart and opened me to joy and happiness.  I believe this is a good description of my being right now.  There is a scar on my heart from the loss of LaVerne, and there always will be.  It's still sensitive sometimes when it's touched, like today, LaVerne's birthday.  Her sister, Marianne, called this morning just to say hi.  And while neither of us mentioned what today is, neither of us had to.  I avoided tearing up while we talked, though I came real close near the end.  When we hung up, my tears flowed freely and I felt relieved, as I always do after a good cry.  Happiness is winning over sadness, now, and I hope that continues for a long time. 

Namaste

Rainy Day in Florida

Woke up to a gentle rain this morning and discovered I'd left the skylight over my bed open - again.  No damage done, but the foot of the bed and floor are pretty wet.  I really need to follow through on the idea of hanging a red tag on the skylight handle whenever I open it.  May be tomorrow....

Manatee observation park

On Wednesday, I jumped on the Burg and headed north to a manatee observation place at Apollo Beach, location of a generation plant.  The big beasts love the warm water and gather there when the weather is cold.  I've never seen so many in one place.  The pic shows a few in the shallow water, but further out there were so many you couldn't have thrown a rock in without hitting one.   There was a cow with her pup close by, which was peaceful to watch.  It was a gorgeous day and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride and the view.

That evening, the menu at the "Sierra Cuban Restaurant" was black beans and rice, roast pork and snow peas.  Mmmm.  Luis the chef is truly getting better with age!

Friday I went to see "Black Swan" at the Sarasota Film Society theater, where I joined for the season to save $3 per ticket.  It was an excellent movie, though very dark.  I won't be surprised if Natalie Portman wins an Oscar for her role as the swan queen.  Barbara Hersey plays her mother and also did a very fine job.

Near the theater

  After the movie I rode down to Bay Front Park and walked along the water.  What a pretty place.  There were lots of people out enjoying the sunshine, the views and food and drink at a bay side pub.  Again, another fine day. 

Gull on a dolphin

Last night Barbara and I went to her favorite Japanese sushi bar and enjoyed ourselves, as usual.  We never run out of things to talk about and being in her company is always a pleasure for me.  The service was lacking due to a waitress in training, but the food was very good and the hostess did well in filling in the service gaps.  Barbara is obviously a regular there and the folks graciously acknowledged that.  We talked about taking some trips together, as she is quite the traveler these days, including a tour of Italy.  We also made plans to attend a Chinese acrobat show on New Year's Eve and I know that will be fun. 

Time is moving very quickly now so I must be having a lot of fun!  It crawls when I'm not.  There's a dance here in the park tonight, which I may attend, and the Tar Heels are playing basketball at 4:00 and that will be fun (I hope!) 

Life is good!  Thanks for stopping by. 

Odds and Ends-Again

Jubilee:  Each week I download the Sunday service from Jubilee then listen to it at my leisure, usually when I want to lift my spirits.  I'm not sure why this picture of mushrooms reminds me of Jubilee!  Maybe it's the simplicity, colors, textures - or some combination.  From the website: "At the beginning of each Via, Jubilee! distributes Seeds of Celebration.  This quarterly publication introduces the theme for the new season.  It contains brief summaries of upcoming celebrations as well as references to scriptures to be read each week."  I know this is one reason why I find Jubilee! so relevant: the messages coincide with the seasons and the natural order of nature.   Since the Creator made all this, and us, no wonder it fits me so well!

Washington Post Winner:  Lymph-to walk with a lisp   (from a word contest)

Henrietta Case

Sad news:  I recently learned that one of my favorite relatives and former neighbor in Reeves Cove where I grew up, Henrietta Case, had a heart attack and other serious health problems.  In many ways, she's the family historian and knows so much about our history.  Some folks might call her a gossip, and that's okay, too, as that isn't necessarily a bad thing all the time.  At any rate, she's very much on my mind today and I hope she's doing well. 

Peaceful thought:  "Except for the point, the still point,
                             There would be no dance,
                             And there is only the dance."
                                       T.S.Eliot

This brief and powerful verse was part of a walking meditation that helped me through a very difficult time in my life over 25 years ago.  Perhaps it can help one of you in the days to come.  The theme from last Sunday's Jubilee! celebration was Improbable Gifts and how they come to us and through us.  So, I offer this peaceful thought as a gift.  Use it if you wish; leave it if you don't. 

Mt. Mitchell:  From the top, elevation 6,684 feet, highest point east of the Mississippi, on a warm, summer day.  When I imagine what it's probably like there today, I feel true warmth, not the cold as it is there.  Because I'm in a snug, warm home, even though it's mobile, and am grateful for it.  I hope you're in a warm place, too, and feeling grateful for it. 

Under the Banyan Tree

Owen's Fish Camp Cafe

Yesterday I went to the art movie house in downtown Sarasota and saw "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest".  wow!  What a flick!  I thoroughly enjoyed it and loved seeing Lisbeth Salander once again.  I've also seen "The Girl Who Played With Fire" and liked it, too.  The theater is in an alley and right next to a cool little seafood cafe under a big banyan tree.  Loved the ambiance, the cold beer and the menu.  Though I didn't eat there this time, I do plan to go back and enjoy some of their seafood.

Then I was off to dinner at my niece Jennifer's house.  Her husband, Mike, barbecued chicken and it was very good.  They live right across the street from Barbara and Luis, so it was a short stroll there and back.  They have two big, friendly dogs and a very comfortable home.  I felt good being there and look forward to seeing them again. 

Jason and Scooter

Jennifer

Every evening, swallows gather over the lake to swoop and dive and eat bugs.  I love to watch them fly!  They're among my favorites, as they're so quick.  They are too quick to show up in this picture, so just imagine a hundred or so of them filling the sky.  They may not be around tonight, as the winds are gusting to 25 and the temp is going down to the mid-20s.  I feel for all my northern neighbors as they brave this cold snap.  Stay warm, you all!  Love ya! 

The lake near my place

Dont Feed the Gators!

This gator was spotted in the lake near my place and confirmed the signs around the lake saying "Don't feed the alligators!"  These creatures  really fascinate me, I think because they remind me of dinosaurs.  I guess this one is about 5 feet long or so. 

Wednesday found me at dinner with the Sierra's and one of Luis' finest dishes - peccadillo, a Cuban specialty.  It's delicious!  The conversation was lively once again and I thoroughly enjoyed being with them.  What a fine family they are!



Jason and Barbara

 A friend informed me that the planet Mercury had gone retrograde, meaning that communications and transportation would be adversely affected during that time.  Not this time! I said to myself.  The next morning my computer wouldn't work and wound up spending some time with the Geek Squad folks to get it straightened out.  Sure did miss it while it was gone!

The Publix supermarket had never frozen rainbow trout on Friday and I just had to bring one home and grill it.  It reminded me of all the good ones I had in the mountains this summer.  What a fine meal!

Finally got to see the movie "Inception" and wow!  It's terrific!  It's very complex and I'll have to see it several times to catch it all.  It's about a man who goes into the dreams of others and steals secrets.  Leonardo DiCaprio does a splendid job.

I captured this image because of the flip in my hair.  The pony tail project continues in spite of the aggravation it causes me sometimes.  It has almost ended more than once and still may not make it until the tail gets tied.  We'll see.....



Sunday Dinner at the Sierra's

Gator and birds

On Sunday I enjoyed a fine dinner of shrimp scampi, courtesy of chef Luis, and fun evening at my sister Barbara's house.  We celebrated her upcoming 59th birthday and watched a video of a party at their house in August of 1988.  It was hilarious!  It was the only time I remember that Pat, Barbara and I were with our mother, Jean, and stepfather, Ron.  My wife, Zoe, was there, along with my kids, Barbara and Derick, plus my niece, Jennifer, who was 9 at the time.  Sister Pat's husband, Bill, and daughter, Amanda, were also there.  The highlight was a game of giggle belly, which had us all lying on the floor, crisscrossed with our heads on each others' stomachs, then going "ha", "ha, ha", in order down the line.   Of course it never got very far before all of us burst out laughing.  It's impossible to watch the tape without doing the same thing, so we all enjoyed another good laugh together 22 years after the original.  What a good time!  Sorry I didn't take some pics, as I was too caught up in the evening.  Next time. 

Yesterday I attended a meeting of Solos on the Go, the same group that I ran away from in February when I was here.  This time I got there early and was still the only guy present with about 20 ladies.  What a fun group of folks!  We gathered for pizza later in the evening then played some games.  I passed on the games as I'm still a little frustrated by not having any glasses but my tinted ones.  The new ones are supposed to arrive Saturday and I sure will be glad. 

The cold weather is more than a minor nuisance here as it is threatening the crops.  I've been enjoying fresh oranges, orange juice and real tomatoes that taste like summer ones in NC. .How odd it is to enjoy a real tomato sandwich in December!  It will be a tragedy if the crops are damaged, as it will adversely affect a lot of people, especially the farmers.   Here's hoping mother nature will give these good people a break this time.

Jubilee continues to lift my spirits, as I download the Sunday service then listen to it at my leisure.  The music, readings, and of course Howard's insights are timely and helpful.  It's the next best thing to being there and I look forward to each new one.  Walking continues to give me a good boost each day, as does all this sunshine.  And drinking less helps a lot, too.  Overall, I feel terrific!  When my glasses come and the weather warms, I'll definitely be on the golf course or driving range or both.  I also want to take some day trips on the Burg and explore my surroundings more, including the beach, of course. 

St. George Island

Loners on Wheels

Morning light

It's 10:30 on Sunday morning and my little home on  wheels is bathed in sunshine.  It's 73 degrees here, and I don't miss the snow folks had back home!   This will be my home for the next 4 months and I am looking forward to it.  More on my immediate plans later.

My arrival coincided with a rally of Loners on Wheels, a group of devoted RVers who travel solo.  It is one of the warmest and friendliest groups I've ever known.  We had breakfast every morning, happy hour every afternoon and dinners together.  We also had a country and western duet show last night, sponsored by American Coaches, another RV group.  It was great fun!  Donny and Sandy Colf were terrific entertainers and she even serenaded me for one song.  I hope to get a picture of that to post.  She sure made my temperature rise!  On the way to breakfast this morning, I invited Helen to ride on the Burg with me and she accepted without hesitation.  I later learned she had owned a Gold Wing in Alaska!  What a spirited lady!
I also loved this can holder she had.

Helen and her "man"

Yesterday I scooted down to Myakka State Park to enjoy the sunshine and a bowl of my favorite gator stew.  I stopped on a bridge to watch some folks fishing and saw this huge gator looking for a snack.  The people were catching lots of bream and it looked like the gator wanted to grab one, but he just lay there for a while and then moved on.

Gator looking for a snack

On the way back I spotted this water slide from the second story of a home.  My first thought was, "What a way to start the day!"  I think I could get used to something like that!  What fun that could be!

Great way to start the day!

My schedule for today and the coming week includes a visit with my sister, Barbara, and her family; line dance lessons, since I seem to have forgotten most of what I learned from sister Lisa in SC; penny ante poker night; a meeting of Solos on the Go; karaoke at the pool Friday night; and a poolside party and moonlit music on Saturday night.  Whew!  And, I may get in a round of golf, too.  Thank goodness I started walking daily again while at St. George Island, and that's a good thing. 

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to keep posting more often now. 

St. George Island

It has been a while since I've posted and I sure have missed it.  Thanks for coming back for another look!

November 24, 2010  Had a great lunch in Adel, GA, with high school classmate Chokey Stines.  He's the Chief Assistant District Attorney in that part of the world and I wish I'd had more time to hear more stories.  He treated me to the best barbecue in south Georgia and it sure was good.  I regret not remembering to take a photo of Chokey.
   I left Adel and headed toward Moultrie before going due south toward Tallahassee.  Boy did that bring back memories!  When I was stationed at Moody AFB, Valdosta, GA in the '70's, I often had runway supervisory duties at a small airstrip at Spence Field near Moultrie.  There was, and still is I understand from Chokey, a hangar there that manufactures Maul aircraft, know for being excellent bush planes.  I toured it when on duty there during rainy days and it was something to see.  Chokey knew the owners and said he might could get me a ride in a Maul, but alas, not this time.  He also invited me on a canoe float down the Suwanee River on Friday, but I had to pass on that - just too much additional driving in a short time.

After arriving on St. George's and getting set up, I headed to Eddie Teach's Raw Bar, my favorite hangout from previous visits.  I had 2 dozen raw oysters and a couple of Boddington's, a real treat, though too pricey to do again.  The next day I bought 5 dozen for $13, plus some fresh shrimp and the feasting began!  With no TV, no cell phone, no computer, I went outside and enjoyed the stars in the quiet night.   Later that night I went on a scooter ride to the end of the island, past the locked gate, and enjoyed the moonlight and the sound of the ocean.  There were horizontal layers of fog floating by, giving everything a very eerie glow.  I thought about riding naked, but it was just too cold!  A high school friend said my blog is boring and figured that would spice it up a bit!

Hawk in tree looking for fish

November 25, 2010, Thanksgiving Day  I took a long walk on the beach and laughed and cried and sang!  It was great!  I ate most of the oysters I'd bought, either raw or roasted over the open fire.  The raw ones I enjoyed with horseradish and Tiger Sauce, and the roasted ones with herb stuffing.  And, of course, the shrimp for an appetizer.  My beer for that day was Sweetwater 420's, a fine brew.  Later I went to Teach's for a Boddington and wifi.  My mind was filled with thoughts of all the things I'm thankful for and it was a very long list.

November 26, 2010  My good golfing buddy, John Hohn, had his novel published and I finished it today.  What a fine read!  It's titled   "Deadly Portfolio: A Killing in Hedge Funds".  However, the editor and publisher did a lousy job of proofreading and it's filled with errors.  Later that morning I rode the Burg to Panama City, through Mexico Beach, and that had a few memories.  While stationed at Moody, Diane, the kids and I went there for a weekend getaway and I came down with chickenpox at 20 some years old!  Barbara and Derick had them the weeks before, then it was my turn and they got to tell me "don't scratch, don't scratch!"  It was not fun.

   Panama City brought back some memories, too, as I lived there a while when I was 10.  It was there that I got my first model airplane with an engine and that started my passion to become a pilot.  While wandering on the scooter I stumbled across a locally owned restaurant with a long waiting line named Hunt's Oyster Bar.  It was awesome!  Raw oysters on the half-shell were $4.75 and the grouper sandwich was a prize winner. 
   The ride was long and good and the only excitement was seeing 2 eagles and a guy on a crotch rocket passing me at 65 while doing a wheelie.  Idiocy knows no bounds!

The solitude began to wear on me toward the end of my stay and the last night there was not a good one.  Suffice it to say that I had too much to drink and lost my glasses; then got a late start for Sarasota the next day, which put me here after dark wearing sunglasses, my only remaining prescription lenses.  So, no more liquor, period.  Just not worth it anymore. 

I'm glad to be in Sarasota and am enjoying a new club, Loners on Wheels.  As the name implies, it's for RVers who travel alone.  Last night was my first encounter with these folks and it was a good one.  There's a pot luck this afternoon, followed by karaoke at the bar tonight and some tours tomorrow.  The activities at Sun n Fun are endless and I'll get involved in several next week, including golf and line dancing.  And I hope to see my sister, Barbara, and her family this weekend.  Life is goooood!

On the Road Again...

Tomorrow I leave the mountains for Florida and I sure have had a grand stay!  It actually started here back in May at Cedar Mountain.  While there, Alan and Hugh came to visit and we had a blast!  I came to the Asheville area on August 10 from Hot Springs, not all that far from here, and first stayed at Lake Powhatan (aka Bent Creek to the locals).  Besides numerous visits to Reeves Cove, where I grew up, I also saw Davidson River, the Blue Ridge Parkway from Graveyard Fields to Mount Mitchell, the French Broad River and of course downtown Asheville.  And my favorite place of all, the Jubilee Community, my new spiritual home. 

One highlight was my 45th Enka High School reunion, at which I saw many old friends.  Of course our numbers are dwindling as we age, and that makes it even more special to see the folks who are still here.  During my stay, I got to see and spend time with Hugh Huntington (long time friend and brother-by-choice); Wayne and Mary Caldwell, (Wayne is now an award winning author for Requiem by Fire); William and Joyce Propest (favorite cousin and his wife); June and Hester Cagle (another favorite cousin and wife); Henrietta Case (favorite cousin);  Wiley and Pat Salter (Reeve's Cove neighbors); Marcia Crook Howell (high school classmate); Jada Moonstone (new friend from Jubilee); Gail Setzer Cyr (good friend from high school); David and Madeline Rickman (good friend from high school); Jan Wynns (good friend from Raleigh).  I also met 2 delightful ladies at my favorite pub, Jack of the Wood, named Liz and Lena.  Not to mention my good neighbors at the RV park and all the fine mountain folks I spoke with at grocery stores, gas stations, Wal-Mart and restaurants.

Joyce and William Propest

During this part of my walkabout I discovered where I belong - the Asheville area.  I was born here and haven't spent this much time here since the summer of 1968.  The following year I graduated from UNC, got my commission in the Air Force and left the mountains to wander for.all these years.  I thought I'd found my home in Boone back in the '90's, but I wasn't able to make it last.  It was, however, the longest I'd ever lived in one place - 13 years.  The place was fine but the people were lacking, or maybe it was just me, since I traveled so much that making and keeping friends there was tough.   

My heart has healed a lot since I've been here.  Thanks in large part to Jubilee and my friend, Marcia, who lost her husband last January.  Jada  introduced me to chanting, which helped a lot, too.  Yet it was Jubilee that helped the most.  Howard Hanger, the Leader of Ritual there,l and his messages on Via Negativa, Yin/Yang, the fall season, a time of grief and sadness and accepting that.  Seeing the brightest light during the darkest dark.  Connecting with spirit during times of deep sadness and sorrow.  Oh yeah.  It's okay.

Jada at Jubilee

So I take a lot with me as I leave here.  Lots of good memories, pictures, and the hope of returning in the spring, if the Lord's willin' and the creek don't rise. 

I'm very thankful for this place and for these people.  And thank you for stopping by....the adventure continues...

Whatta Day!

Yesterday I picked up the Burgman scooter from the shop after an unexpected lengthy stay over.  Routine maintenance turned into an extended stay when a bearing seized and stuck in place.  It also meant a few extra dollars in parts and repair time.  When it was fixed, though, I hit the parkway and thoroughly enjoyed the ride!

After doing some shopping at Earth Fare at Westgate, I went to the family burial plot at Green Hills Cemetery to visit the graves of my mom, dad, and my mom's parents.  It was a very good visit.  Calm and peaceful.  I also came to realize how much I missed a funeral service for LaVerne.  While the memorial service for her was good, it left me wanting.  That may be why it has taken me so long to heal from the loss of her.  Anyhow, here is a pic of the family plot.

It still makes me stop and be still to see my name on a gravestone.

Tonight I went to a didgeridoo meditation at Jubilee and it was fantastic!  Corey Costanzo played the instruments, and he also used rattles and singing bowls during the meditation.  He walked around while playing the didgeridoo and put the instrument close to our bodies and I could feel the vibrations going through me.  He also placed singing bowls on our bodies which was quite a wonderful experience.  At one point, my minds' eye became extremely clear and very detailed.  It was a new experience for me.  And I liked it very much!  The sound was haunting, melodic, mesmerizing, and captivating.  I hope to do it again.

Afterward I went to Jack of the Woods pub which was hosting a jam session of blue grass musicians.  After several beers and Crown Royals, I found the courage to talk to 2 very young, very beautiful ladies and totally enjoyed flirting and talking with them!  They were both in their mid 20's, from Columbia, SC, and captivating.  When one of them expressed an interest in dating me, I quickly said that both were way too young for me to court and dismissed the idea.  Upon further reflection, I could see being with either of them for a short time, no more than 5 years, as a mentor, guide, whatever you want to call me.  Yes, even dirty old man would be okay.    They got my juices flowing, that's for sure!  It was great fun!

Liz and Lena

They were both gorgeous and you can see why I enjoyed their company so much.  I thanked them profusely for spending time with me, a geezer at best, though I didn't use that word with them..   Two younger guys closed in as I was leaving, and all I could think was."jeez, to be a few years younger."  Oh well, I'm not!  Anyhow, basketball is here now so all is well in the sports world!

Albert and Me

As soon as I posted this pic on facebook, I started getting comments about my resemblance to Albert Einstein.  So let me be clear:  any physical resemblance between Einstein and me is purely coincidental and ends there, as those of you who know me are already aware.  Sure, my name has been used in the same sentence with his a few times in my life, but those incidents were not positive in any way.  I did it to make people smile and it seems to have worked!

On a little more serious note, someone suggested I google Albert to see some pictures of him and I discovered a long list of his quotes.  This one seemed to fit my situation and my feelings quite well:
   "I live in that solitude which is painful in youth, but delicious in the years of maturity."  A. Einstein
 And that is very true for me now.  The last 2 years have been very painful, but I have come to appreciate solitude more and more, thanks in large part to my learning's from Jubilee.

Last weekend my good friend Jan Wynns came to visit after hearing me rave about Jubilee all fall.  As usual, I came away from the Sunday service with a full heart and a smile on my face.  The lesson was about Letting Go, which I've heard about more than once, and yet I still seem to forget how to let go and why it's important to do so.  The opening song to celebrate the path of yin said it pretty well:
   "O, freedom, o, freedom!
    O, freedom over me!
    I'll let go of what I crave
    And go home to my lord and be free!"
            A traditional U.S. civil rights song, adapted

One of the meditation readings from the program bulletin also said it well:
   "To live in this world
    You must be able to do 3 things:
    To love what is mortal;
    To hold it against your bones knowing
    Your own life depends on it;
    And, when the time comes to let it go,
    Let it go."
       Mary Oliver, from "In Blackwater Woods", new and selected poems

Jan said she enjoyed the service very much and we had a very nice lunch at Early Girl Eatery on Wall Street afterward.  We also lucked out to find 12 Bones open on Saturday when it is usually closed.  There was a gallery walk that day so they had opened to take advantage of a fine opportunity.  Here's what Jan thought of 12 Bones...

We ate very well while she was here, including a visit to her favorite, Tupelo Honey Cafe.

The Burgman is in the shop and the Vespa is now in storage at Hugh's.  I took the Burg in for routine maintenance last Thursday and they discovered a problem with a bearing and had to order a part.  So I'm scooter-less once again for a short while and missing it during these days of Indian Summer.  Oh well.  Soon I'll be in sunny Florida with 80 degree weather and back to shorts, tee shirts and sandals!  That's be nice, but I sure am going to miss Jubilee.  I discovered in the bulletin that web casts of the services are available online for several days after each one.  That will help me stay in touch and I'm very thankful for that.

Since I started this entry with a comment on my hair, aka the pony tail project, I'll end it with one.  It's still not long enough for a p.t., but it's getting there!

Thanks for stopping by!

Odds and Ends

The cold weather sure has slowed me down.  No scooter rides and few walks equals lots of reading and reflecting.  It's truly time to be inside and go inside, of myself, to straighten out a few things.  A numerology report from my new friend Jada has given me a lot to think about and perhaps a thing or two to plan for.  I'll share more about that as I understand it better, but it will be about my personal development. 

Jada took this pic of me outside Jubilee on Wall Street last Sunday.  Lots of folks were doing this and it looked like fun and she suggested a pic.  Nicely done, my friend!  Thank you!

My favorite bumper sticker:  "Honk if you love Jesus.  Text if you want to meet him!"  I shared this with my table mates last Saturday night at a fund raiser for Screaming Eagle Outfitters, a Christian camp for young people, and got some good laughs.  Marcia and I went early and helped finish the meal preparation, which was fun.  It was a good dinner and interesting program.  A conversation at my table about homosexuals was disturbing, though, and I found myself getting angry about the intolerance of these "christians".  Howard said it well at Jubilee the other day:  I don't consider myself a Christian, but I am a follower of Jesus.  Now that I can buy into.  I've become much clearer lately about why I turned away from the Baptists so many years ago and why I still reject many of their beliefs. 

I'm currently reading "The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying".  It's one of those books that's good for me and I need to read it, yet I resist doing so.  Lord knows I need all the ancient wisdom I can find!  Tonight Jada and I will go to the kirtan chanting session again.  It will be my third and I continue to find a deep peace there. 

Two weeks from today I'll be heading south with mixed emotions.  I've been here since August, except for my brief trip to Raleigh/Durham and the coast.  Mostly I will miss Jubilee and the good people.  I will also miss the wonderful restaurants, cool people and vibrant atmosphere.  A quiet week at St. George Island, eating oysters and being out of touch with the world for a while, will be a good transition.  I've gotten too accustomed to the internet, cell phone and cable TV again and I'm ready to be without those things for a while.  It'll also be good to have fires everyday for roasting oysters and gazing into.  Long walks on the deserted beach will also be good.  Sounds like I'm almost ready to go!  Almost.....not quite. 

LaZoom Bus Tour

Just couldn't resist taking a pic of this very cool art work near a favorite restaurant, Rosetta's.  It serves vegetarian and vegan fair and makes the best mashed potatoes and gravy I've ever had, except for my mama's of course.  It's on Lexington if you're ever in the area and want a good meal at a very reasonable price.

Last night Jubilee sponsored a bus tour of the city to sing songs, bless people and places and raise money to feed the hungry.  It was a huge success!  There was a band on the bus and we attracted lots of attention with loud singing.  What great fun for a good cause.  There are pictures on the Asheville Citizen-Times website of the 5 o'clock tour (I was on the one at 6:30).  We blessed the YWCA, businesses run by Jubilants, county and city government buildings, prisoners, places that feed and house the homeless and had a ball in the process. 

Howard, beer in hand, leads the Jubilants in blessings and song

I sure am gonna miss these folks.  

A Chili Halloween

On Friday, after moving Howhee in the park, I headed for Virginia to enjoy the Sedalia Chili Cook off and Halloween with Barbara and her family.  It was different driving the truck without Howhee behind, but I did have the Burg and a new spare helmet, hoping the weather would permit some good rides. 

Grandson Patrick

After washing the Burg, I invited Patrick to climb on and pose for a pic.  He hadn't ridden the Vespa and I was hoping he was ready to ride now.  I told him I was ready whenever he was and he said "okay", meaning he would let me know.  Houston was ready, so he road with me to the chili cookoff and loved it!  It was a little on the cool side, but a clear and sunny day.

Patrick, again

Patrick looked so cool in his do-rag and shades, I just couldn't resist this shot!

The cookoff was a blast, as always.  There weren't as many contestants as last year, but the chili was hot, the weather was cool and the beer was cold.  Trey's church sponsored them again and the team did a fine job of making the best batch there.  It was delicious!  I tried each of the other 26 and the Mountain Men had the best, hands down. 

Trey and Barbara

Barbara decided to be in costume for the occasion and surprised Trey.  What a great looking couple!

We're not quite sure what happened in the voting or the judging, but the Mountain Men won second place from the judges and missed out on the People's Choice award this time.  Still, the big, tall trophy looks great next to the other ones Trey had already won.  They had a very fine time and that's what matters most. 

The Mountain Men, a winning team!

As I was getting ready to leave the cookoff, Patrick came running over saying he wanted to ride.  I was thrilled and surprised!  So we loaded him up and took off.  He loved it!  Wish I had a picture of his grin when we got home. 

Sunday afternoon provided time for everyone to do their own thing for a while.  Patrick and I shot some hoops, which I hadn't done in many years.  Then while he and Houston went to play with friends and Barb and Trey went for a ride in the Mustang, I hopped on the Burg and headed for one of my favorite stretches of the Parkway, Peaks of Otter to Otter Creek.  It's where I had my inspiration for traveling full time, as well as my first shakedown trip in Howhee last year.  Highway 501 from the parkway to Lynchburg is smooth, wide, curvy and fast.  It's one of the best rides I've had on the Burg so far.  I laid it over further than ever and had a ball zipping around the curves!

After a trip to Linda and Houston's (Trey's parents) for tacos, it was time for serious trick-or-treating.  Moments after this picture was taken, the masks came off and they ran from house to house collecting goodies.  It's a great neighborhood for T or T'ing, with lots of decorations and very good candy.  I went along for a while, then got tired and came back to the house, only to find that Trey had taken a short cut and beat me back.  He was in the big easy chair watching the World Series when I arrived.

Houston and Patrick

Overall it was a very busy and fun-filled weekend.  No major mishaps, lots of good food' fun, laughter and sunshine.  And, of course, being with people I love so much.  On the down side, I wish I could have seen Derick and his family, too, but still haven't figured out how to be in 2 places at once.  I hope his Halloween Party went well.  It's always a good time, too. 

On a sad note, Zoe's little panther-cat, Cinder, passed away over the weekend and I know she will miss him.  He was a good friend for a long time, and the last pet survivor from the Briarpatch days.  I'm sure he's aggravating Roscoe and Pancho, as the three of them had quite a fine time together.  I guess if a black cat has gotta go, Halloween is as good a time as any and better than most.  RIP, Cinder. 

Trey

Is this a hint from Trey for next year?  If so, I gotta see it!  Thanks for stopping by!