CHRISTMAS TREE WOES.....

That December day I would have never thought a Christmas tree could cause so much trouble for me. I was in high school and it happened during our Christmas break. I was going with a girl named L.L.L. who was the daughter of a Church of Christ minister.
I was working for my father and when I arrived home she called and ask if I wanted to take her to get a Christmas tree, of course I said yes. I found a handsaw and drove to her house to pick her up and go tree hunting. Back in those days no one in our small town sold Christmas trees and I don't remember any artificial ones you could purchase. " Hey, Nick I know a place out in the country where there are plenty of cedar trees. The man who owns the farm gave me permission to select and cut a tree.
Three inches of snow covers the ground as we drive a few miles out into the country side. The old Ford is slipping and sliding all over the road but we make in to the farm. The snowy hillside is covered with cedar trees of all shapes and sizes as we depart from the car. There is a lovely tree just off the road. No, I don't like that one she says, imagine that? We begin the quest for her perfect tree. She doesn't like any of the ones I like. This tree hunting has become an ordeal for me. Finally after about an hour she selects the tree she wants on top of the hill. With my handsaw I cut the six foot cedar down and begin the climb down the hill to where I parked the car. Guess what?? as we come to that first tree I liked she stops and gives it another look. You know Nick I think you were right about that tree, that's the one I want. You can have the other tree from the top of the hill. I learned early in life that women like to change their minds.
We arrived back at her house and we begin to decorate the tree.  She is finally happy with how the tree turns out with all the globes, lights and roping and icicles. Anyone remember when we used icicles on our trees?? Later after supper her parents retired to their bedroom and we stayed in the living room watching TV while cuddled up on the couch. What happened next is when it hit the fan!!!!
After all our efforts to get the tree and the decorating we both fell asleep on her couch. Her father awakes at 5:00 am to get ready for work and finds us asleep on the couch. "GET UP AND GET GONE!!!!!!! I remember him saying in a harsh voice that didn't become a minister. It didn't take me long to get out the door. He didn't forbid his daughter from dating me but I always knew he never trusted me again. She was grounded for a few weeks and couldn't drive the family car for a while.
Dad when I got home early that morning asked, " where have you been all night ?" I tell him what happened and he says that doesn't change a thing, young man you are going to work all day with me." Man that was one long day!!

WHAT IS WORN UNDER A KILT?? SORRY Chuck???

WHAT IS WORN
UNDER THE KILT?

Just what are those children giggling about?
	April 24, 1997, Hong Kong -- Lance Corporal Lee Wotherspoon of the Black Watch (RHR) lowers the Union Jack as the wind raises his kilt at the daily lowering of the flag at Hong Kong's Cenotaph prior to the former British Colony being handed over to China on July 1, 1997. Apparently, he received romantic letters from several women and a few men around the world admiring his attributes -- reportedly he was rebuked by his commander only because his sock-tops were not level. The rule against wearing anything under the kilt was once so strict that until World War II inspections of Black Watch troops included having them step on a mirror. For officers, violating the rule cost the offender a bottle of port. Now the under-the-kilt dress is optional, but options don't come easily to men who believe in tradition – most highland kilted soldiers go “regimental”.

COACH FRED GRIDER

My high school baseball coach, Fred Grider died on Nov. 4, 2010. He died at the hospital in Saint Augustine, Florida at the age of 86. He had been the principal at the high school for many years in Florida.
Coach Grider spent his early years in the Tullahoma, Tn. School system. Coach was a Navy veteran and played professional baseball in the St. Louis Cardinal minor league chain. To say coach was an unforgettable character might be an under statement. Coach was responsible for the baseball stadium in Tullahoma. He found it for sale in Alabama and got the school system to purchase and was active in dismantling and reassembly it at the present site. The stadium, Grider Stadium, was named it his honor many years ago.
Baseball was fun with coach Grider. Coach liked to pitch batting practice. You never knew what kind of ball he might throw for you to hit. He kept a tennis ball, rubber ball and a golf ball in his back pocket. Once I had a feeling that he was going to throw one of the other balls and such enough he fired a golf ball to me and I hit a hard line drive that hit him in the knee cap. Coach went down as if he had been shot!! He never threw me a golf ball again.
I was a right handed batter and had been practicing batting from the left side all summer. At practice I set up to bat from the left side and coach said," Burton get back to your side of the plate. " "Coach let me try to hit from this side, He threw me a pitch and I hit it over the shop in right field and he said, " Burton you should have been batting that way  all along. From then on I was a switch hitter. In a game I was on second base and coach gave me the steal sign to steal third. As I slide into third I was out by a mile. Coach gave me a hard time saying he didn't give me the steal sign. I had to run 50 laps at the next practice. I didn't miss any more signs.
Tullahoma Braves was a semipro baseball team that played other teams in the middle Tennessee area and coach was the manager as well as the catcher. Coach sure could play and hit a baseball better than us young players. I played third base on his team for two years. Coach didn't like to lose.
After my high school days coach worked several different jobs during the summer. Once he was an insurance agent. I will never forget what he told me when he tried to sell me some life insurance, "son you don't have enough life insurance to bury you in a post hole!" He also tried to be a remodeling contractor and made a mess of redoing the cedar lane market. I believe he was a friend to the owner.
The first time I saw coach Grider during a class at the old THS high school where we went as sophomores from junior high. Coach was teaching a health class and on our first day he entered the room and took an eraser from the chalkboard and threw a perfect strike and hit Jimmy Matthews in the shoulder in the back of the room with dust flying in the air. " Matthews, I don't want any trouble out of you this year!!" Jimmy didn't give coach any trouble that year but harassed all the other teachers.
I have only the highest regards for coach Grider and the things in life he taught us those many years ago. He will be sadly missed by all that came in contact with him during his 86 years on this earth. REST IN PEACE COACH.

LEAVES

Mother nature's north winds
Blowing through trees
Leaves twirling, cascading
Falling to the earth
Covering the ground
Acorns falling like hail
Falling on tin roofs
Nature does her work
It's time to do mine
And gather her harvest
Looks like fall is here

WHERE IS PORTER????? PORTER WHO??????

for everyone

Years ago everyone around here knew old Porter. Porter became a celebrity in and around Winchester. People would travel near and far just to hear old Porter speak. Porter's home was huge by home standards. You didn't have to be invited to talk with Porter ; you just went inside where he lived and hunted him down to converse. Some times he was hard to find but if you followed the crowd you surely would find him holding a large audience. I never knew if Porter was a Democrat or a Repulican. He never talked politics. People around here liked that.
Time has a way of changing the order of things we are use to. Time changed Porter, no one knew just how old Porter was, he didn't show his age. It came time for Porter to leave his home of several years. The old home was beginning replaced with a new super one? Porter wouldn't be allowed to have the run of the super one like he had in the old one. Porter roamed free as a bird in the old home. Hint?? I know you are wandering who in the heck is Porter???
A new Super Wal-Mart was replacing the old one and Porter wasn't invite to go. This broke a lot of people's hearts that  had became attached to him. Heck,. I almost crIed.
Porter was a parrot that roamed the old Wal-Mart. He didn't get to move to the new store. We all wondered what ever happen to him. No one had an answer to his where abouts. People were heard asking what happen to Porter but no one had an answer.
Years later my wife and I were at a store that sell those concrete yard art items some 12 miles away. While looking at the wares we kept hearing strange voices and upon doing some investigating we found a parrot just talking up a storm. Hey, that sounds like Old Porter ...............AND IT WAS!!!!!!!!!!!!

AN ODD REQUEST?????

You never know what people are going to tell when they are together. Yesterday a very odd thing happened when one of my golfing buddies told us about his mother.
His mother had complained for years that something was wrong with one of her legs. Sure enough after years of pain the leg was finally amputated. His mother made the strangest request; When I die I don't want to be buried without my whole body. Her leg was frozen and at her death the leg was placed into her casket.

Machine Falls

Nature abounds all around us here in Franklin and Coffee County, Tennessee. Saturday we decided to go see one of the waterfalls only about 20 miles from our home. Being that close to us we have never seen this beautiful waterfalls.
Our son had seen it several weeks ago and advised us to make the trip. Is it hard to get to I asked?? Not too bad only the last couple of hundred feet is rugged. The falls is three quarters of a mile off the road through the woods and hillside landscape. A twisting path leads the way down to the falls. Yes, the last 200 feet was an adventure for both my wife and me. Natural stone steps with some 4 by 4 wood steps descended the last hundred feet to the valley below. We took our time and once we arrived at the bottom we could hear the cascading water falls. Only 100 yards to go but there was a clear stream to cross to reach the bank on the other side of the cool stream of water. My wife said this is as far as I'm going as she stood on the bank. Well I've come to far not to continue to see the fall we are so close. I'm finding a way across. Two huge tree trunks lay across the water which wasn't very deep. I made my way to the tree trunks stepping on rock that were above the water and made it to the other side and walked across the rocks above the water and as I turned the corner there it was; a beautiful sight to see. Machine Falls some 75 feet tall. A young couple were enjoying the water from the falls  and the girl was attired in a small red bikini bathing suit that made the sight that much more enjoyable. When I aimed my camera for photos and a video they hid behind the rocks.
After the photos I went back to where my wife was standing and told her you have to see the falls it's beautiful. I had a plan in my mind to place some large rocks for her to walk on to get to the fall tree trunks. With some help she made the trip across the stream and arrived to view the falls. She agreed that our trip was well worth the effort to see the falls.
Going down to the falls we only meet one man and his dog that was going back up. He replied as he sat on one of the many benches that the steps back up were a killer. He sure was right as we found out on the way back up. We could hear it thundering in the distance as a storm was on the way. Now several people were going down to the falls. A young couple with several kids, an older couple and their grandson. We even encountered a Mexican couple with three kids and two dogs. I joked to my wife that they must have crossed the border as they went on there way.
We finally arrived back at the entrance and made it back to our car as it started raining and the wind began blowing strong. Those people that were down at the falls must have got drowned as it sure came a flood.
It will take a day or two to recover but the trip was a blast. Yeah my calfs are sore???

JOHNNY ARRESTED FOR STEALING SPINNER HUBCAPS

How did we all live thought those teenage years? I guess we all did some dumb things that got us in trouble or we some how got away with our deed.
Old Johnny didn't get away with what he pulled off while we were in high school. Getting arrested for stealing spinner hubcaps was not what Johnny really got into deep trouble.
Johnny's mother had one of the coolest cars in our town. A 1957 Chevy Bel-Aire two door black and white hardtop. We all wonder why his mother had such a sharp car? Johnny wasn't allowed to drive the car very often, he did have his driver license. His mother was afraid that her Johnny would have a wreck with her new Chevy.
His Mom was out of town with a friend to do some shopping and didn't drive the Chevy. Johnny some how found the keys to the car she had hidden. After all he would take great care with her car while she was out of town and she would never know he was out joy riding that night. Things where going according to plan that night until a pretty girl Johnny liked was out driving in her car. The two were at the town's only diner where all the teens hung out to show off their cars and girls. Burgers, shakes and fries were served at Moon's Drive Inn. Pretty girls came to your car and took your order and brought them back when they were ready.
"Johnny do you want to go riding with me ?" OK, but I can't leave the car here, Moon would have it towed. Follow me up town and I will park Mom's car in front of the bank. No one will bother it there in the middle of town. After riding for a while Johnny is concerned that someone might steal those popular spinner hubcaps off his mom's car so they go back and Johnny takes them off the car to put then into the girls car. You guess it!!! The cops pass by and see Johnny taking the hubcaps off the car and turn around and catch him in the act. "OK, son come along with me you are under arrest ." Why asked Johnny, these are my Mom's hubcaps and I'm just taking them off so no one else will steal them. OK, son just get in the car we will check your story out. They try several times to phone his mother to confirm his story and receive no answer.
Later that night the cops finally contact his Mom when she returns home and finds her car and Johnny are both gone. Mrs Duncan this is the police we have a teen that claims to be your son; we caught him taking hubcaps off a 1957 Chevy parked in front of the bank. Yes, officer that's my car and he's my son. He's in Big trouble with me for taking my car!!! can you keep him over night and I will come to town in the morning to get him?? This might teach him a lesson???
Poor Johnny??? Things did turn out good for Johnny; he married the girl he went joy riding with later in life.

GOOD ADVICE.......?????????

ADVICE FROM A RETIRED HUSBAND

It is important for men to remember that, as women grow older, it becomes harder for them to maintain the same quality of housekeeping as when they were younger. When you notice this, try not to yell at them.  Some are oversensitive, and there's nothing worse than an oversensitive woman. 

My name is Floyd.  Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife, Mary.  When I retired a few years ago, it became necessary for Mary to get a full-time job, along with her part-time job, both for extra income and for the health benefits that we needed. Shortly after she started working, I noticed she was beginning to show her age.  I usually get home from the golf club about the same time she gets home from work. 

Although she knows how hungry I am, she almost always says she has to rest for half an hour or so before she starts dinner.  I don't yell at her.  Instead, I tell her to take her time and just wake me when she gets dinner on the table.  I generally have lunch in the Men's Grill at the club, so eating out is not an option in the evening.  I'm ready for some home-cooked grub when I hit that door.  She used to do the dishes as soon as we finished eating.  But now it's not unusual for them to sit on the table for several hours after dinner. 

I do what I can by diplomatically reminding her several times each evening that they won't clean themselves.  I know she really appreciates this, as it does seem to motivate her to get them done before she goes to bed.  I’ve worked out a system for her to vacuum, dust, and mop along with some other minor chores on Saturday mornings. I like to sleep in on Saturday morning, so I set the alarm for her to get up at 7:00 a.m. That way, she can do the house work in the front part of the house without waking me up. She is so considerate. I try to help when I get up at noon. I get right up and out of the bedroom so she can get it cleaned. I like for her to get it done so as not to disturb my afternoon nap. I also carry the dirty clothes to the laundry room so she can get that done before prime time TV starts. I don’t golf on Saturday’s because I feel like I should spend some time with her on the weekend. I know she appreciates me because she says “you’re something else” when I tell her what shows were going to watch. I don’t want her to have to make any decisions. It makes me feel good to see her put her feet up and rest before she goes to the kitchen and fixes us some snacks.

Another symptom of aging is complaining, I think.   For example, she will say that it is difficult for her to find time to pay the monthly bills during her lunch hour.  But, Boys, we take 'em for better or worse, so I just smile and offer encouragement.  I tell her to stretch it out over two or even three days. That way, she won't have to rush so much.  I also remind her that missing lunch completely now and then wouldn't hurt her any (if you know what I mean).  I like to think tact is one of my strong points. 

When doing simple jobs, she seems to think she needs more rest periods.  She had to take a break when she was only half-finished mowing the yard.  I try not to make a scene. I'm a fair man.  I tell her to fix herself a nice, big, cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and just sit for a while.  And, as long as she is making one for herself, she may as well make one for me, too.  

I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Mary.  I'm not saying that showing this much patience & consideration is easy.  Many men will find it difficult.  Some will find it impossible!  Nobody knows better than I do how frustrating women get as they get older.  However, Guys, even if you just use a little more tact and less criticism of your aging wife because of this article, I will consider that writing it was well worthwhile. After all, we are put on this earth to help each other. 

 

His wife was acquitted of his death with a golf club.....

WATER AND WATER FALLS.............

We take for granted the beautiful nature our area has to offer. Living here all my life I still haven't seen all mother nature has to offer. I simply love water falls and we have several close by.
Sunday we set out to see some that are close by. A trip to Rutledge Falls was first on our agenda. One has to go across private property to the falls. Thanks goodness for the property owner allowing access to the falls across their property. Many cars and trucks were parked along side the road as we departed to the falls down the trodden pathway.  Falling water sounds fill the hot air as we near the sight.
Arriving at the falls we see many people at play in and around the falls. People on the falls with their heads in the cold falls water. Kids swimming at the foot of the falls in clear cool water. Two dogs retrieving sticks thrown by their owners into the water. Every where you looked people were enjoying the pleasures the water and falls provided. Several older people were observing what was going on some 60 or 70 feet below at the base of the falls. The climb down was too sleep for the older folks but I made my way down just fine. The climb back up wasn't as easy as going down.






To the right;   the smaller falls just above the main falls. Photos off the net. More waterfalls we saw on Sunday to follow in a day or two.

STORY BEHIND.."TAPS'

We all in the United States have heard the haunting song, "TAPS" It's the song that gives us a lump in our throats and a tear in our eyes when we hear it played at a military funeral.
Here is the story that gave birth to that song and the words.
It all began during the Civil War during 1862 when Union Captain Robert Elli and his men were near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land during the battle.
During the night, Captain Elli heard the moans of a soldier who lay wounded on the field. Not knowing if the soldier was Union or Confederate, the Captain decided to risk his life to bring the stricken soldier back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire he reached the soldier and pulled him back to his encampment.
The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. He was dead! His son had been studying music in the South when the war broke out and enlisted in the Confederate Army without telling his father.
The following morning the father asked permission for a full military funeral for his son. His request was partically granted. He asked for a group of his band members to play a dirge at his son's funeral but was turned down since his son was a Confederate. Out of respect for the father they did grant him one musician, he choose a Bugler. The haunting melody we know today as "TAPS" was born. The musical notes and words were found in the pocket of his dead son's uniform.
I've never knew there were words to "Taps"
 Day is gone.....Gone the sun.....From the lakes..... From the hills....From the sky.....All is well.... Safely rest....God is nigh
Finding light....Dims the sight.....And a star....Gems the night.....From a far....Drawing nigh.....Falls the night.
Thanks and Praise....For our days....Neath the sun....Neath the stars.... As we go..... This we know.... God is nigh.
REMEMBER THOSE WHO HAVE GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR OUR COUNTRY AND OUR FREEDOM.
           

LIFE AND TIMES OF RUSTIE THE CAT......

My life started off with my birth. Mom was a black and white alley cat and dad was just traveling through the neighborhood. Two siblings and me. Each young child picked out a kitty, my luck I got the youngest, Gracie. That five year old was a terror to me. She grabbed me by the neck and held me like a rag doll. When she was through playing with me she simply tossed me to the ground. From those early times I made myself hard to catch. When she did catch me I fought and clawed and scratched her several times.
Her family was moving and I hid out so they couldn't take me to their new home. Up in the woods lives an old man and his wife. The man began to feed me but the woman of the house wanted nothing to do with me. She got the broom after me and chased me off. She would shoot at me with a BB gum but her aim wasn't very good. I heard her tell the old man get rid of that cat before she has kittens. She must have sensed that I was expecting. I did have three little babies in the back shed in a five gallon bucket half filled with sand. They both were surprised to find me and my new babies one morning in the bucket. I saw a slight change in her attitude toward me. She fixed a big box for my new family. Once my kitties were bigger she took us to an out building where the old man had cut an opening for me to exit and enter. We loved the new home. There was plenty of room for the kitties to run and play. One day when the kitties were older they went to new homes. It sure was sad to lose my kitties but that's life, I guess.
Later I heard the lady of the house say, " If that cat is going to stay I'm taking her to the vet and have her fixed." I spent two days at the Vet and soon came home. I can't believe what happened when I arrived back at their house. I got to stay in the basement with her. She attended to my every need. I had my own chair to curl up in and watch TV. Things were indeed looking great for me. We became friends after such a rough start. Two weeks ended way to soon staying in the basement. Looks like I'm going to be an outside cat after all.
I soon adjusted to my outside surroundings. I had my own living quarters in the shed leading to the basement. I began to hunt in the woods. You can't believe all the critters living in the woods. I've caught mice, rats, moles, chipmunks, snakes , lizards, squirrels, birds and rabbits. I always take them to the shed for them to see if I don't eat them. Most of the time they give me a treat and pat me on the back. They frown on me bring in birds.
I've been caught in his raccoon trap once at the garden but never again will my favorite food meow mix entice me into that cage?? I have a thing about entering doors as they open them. Once I went in his shop when the door was opened and he didn't see me. I got locked up over night and will avoid that from now on?? I'm a creature of habit, they laugh at me when I always know what time it is and come to eat. True is I can tell time by the sun?
I love to play with my catch. One day I brought in a chipmunk. I would toss it into the air and box with it. I would let it get away but spring to catch it again and again. What fun I was having with chipmunk. The darn thing ran up a tree and I spent the next hour waiting on it to come down and play soon more. They laughed and laughed at me and my antics.
They missed me the other day. I had slipped into the garage when she went in to get some soap. Bad mistake I spent the night and almost the next day sleeping until she found me and opened the door. I came out meowing like crazy telling them I didn't like being locked in there. Oh, when will they learn?? Otherwise life around here is great. Sorry I must go hunting while they are asleep. I think I want bird for breakfast?? Later MEOW!!!

DIRTY DISHES!!!!

He had lived a good life and was well respected by everyone who came in contact with Speedy. He received his nickname playing baseball in high school. He played center field and if a ball was hit; it didn't matter how far over his head it went Speedy would always run and catch the ball.
Him and his wife raised three sons. They all had some of Speedy's likeable traits. Later in life Speedy's health declined and he was confined to his bed and a wheelchair. His wife made sure Speedy's every needs were meet. All the times I was around Speedy during his last days on earth I never heard one complaint from him. He was always a joy to be around and talk with. He still enjoyed life even in the condition he was living. His wife would ask him where he was going when he came through the house in his wheelchair. He would reply, I'm going to Dallas, Texas."
Speedy went into the hospital at Saint Thomas in Nashville to have a feeding tube inserted into his body. The next day I had to take my sister to that hospital for her last cancer treatment. While I had to wait on her I found Speedy's room and went and stayed and talked with him. He was impressed watching some men working high in the sky on a building. He was high in spirits as I departed an hour later to wait for my sister.
Arriving the next morning at his house where I was remodeling their house; the housekeeper said, "Did you know Speedy died last night?" I sure was shocked to hear this news. I didn't have the heart to work that day so I returned home.
The Church was filled to capacity with Speedy's friends and family. The service was an inspiring one and quite different to anyone I had ever attended. Friends and family told stories about Speedy that inspired, touched and brought tears to those close to him.
My favorite story his classmate told about the time they came to spend a few days with him years ago. Speedy was a big time fan of Tennessee football and his wife had just cooked a big supper. After the meal the two men sat down to watch the game on TV. The girls decided to do the dishes but Speedy said y'all go ahead and go shopping and we with clean up the dishes during half time. His wife sure could make a big mess while she cooked. Speedy and his friend got involved in the game and before they knew it the girls would be back from shopping. As the game ended Speedy told the friend they would put all the dirty pots, pans and dishes under the sink and he would clean them up the next day while his wife was at work. Speedy forgot about the dishes and several days later his wife found all of them under the sink. The Church was filled with laughter.

NASHVILLE FLOOD HAPPY STORIES..........

During the last few days everyone in Tennessee has had there eyes glued to our TV sets following the tragic flood in and around Nashville with the loss of lives and property.
Mother nature turned on the rain faucet for two days. Downtown Nashville Cumberland river poured over her banks twelve feet above flood stage. Thousand of homes and business were total under water. Eleven people to date lost there lives in the flood waters. Two men are still missing and a search has been under way trying and locate them.
With all the tragedy people suffered losing love ones and their homes, car, trucks some good stories are beginning to surface. I will share a couple of those good stories with you.
A woman was trapped in her home with the raging water all around the house. She smelled gas coming from the house and was on her cell phone with a 911 operator. She was afraid the house was going to blow up. The 911 operator warned her not to jump into the raging water that she would be pulled under by the strong current. Her other option; if she stayed in the house and it caught on fire she would be burned alive. Not very good options!! She begin to pray!!! All at once her angel of mercy appeared on his jet ski. "
 Get on and let's get away from this house he said. Some 100 yards away the house exploded into a massive fireball. She told reporters that her angel of mercy drove a jet ski. 
Many animals were displaced. Pets were lost to the flood waters. One woman was missing several of her horses. In the aftermath efforts to located them didn't look promising at all. She received a call from a friend that had seen what he thought was one of her horses trapped on an island on the TV news. Sure enough it was her favorite horse who had been swept 14 miles downstream from her home. The horse was not seriously injured.
More heart warming stories are coming out of the tragic flood.

NASHVILLE FLOOD MAY 3, 2010

Nashville, Tn. is going through the worst flood in it's history. Over 13 inches of rain the past two days has caused havoc to it's citizens. Major flooding in downtown as the Cumberland River has reached an all time high 10 feet over flood stage and is expected to crest even higher by Tuesday. 11 deaths in and around the city so far today because of high water.
1500 visitors at the Opera Land hotel had to be evacuated Sunday. Major roads closed and under water. Saturday evening 138 cars and trucks were trapped on Interstate 24. One person was drown in their vehicle. Several semi tractor trailer trucks were also trapped on I-24. A large portable classroom came floating by the stranded motorist on the Interstate and was shown to disintegrate as other cars and truck slammed into it as it got lodged between a semi truck.
All local TV stations covered the flood and cancelled there regular programs. We missed the American Great Race for the first time ever. Our heart and prayers go out to those effected by this great disaster.

ROCKY RACCOON......HE'S BACK!!

Living in the woods with different likes of critters keeps us on our toes. They all cause some kind of trouble for us. Deer eating plants and shrubs and garden items. We are one up on the deer around here; well at least for now. Hundreds of those menacing squirrels. They always battle me when our peaches get ripe. I leave them alone until they start getting my peaches and then it's open season on those furry critters. I've found out that the squirrels are good for some thing. They clean the yard this time of the year by removing the acorns for their food source.
We have had trouble with raccoons over the years. With a fish pond we have to be on our toes to keep them from fishing at night. My wife planted some new flower bulbs in one of her flower beds. A day later when I came home she said, " Get your gun; some thing has dug up all my bulbs I planted. I think it must be a raccoon." What ever dug up the bulbs didn't eat any of them. "
 I have a haunch it's a raccoon she said. I'll get the trap out and set and bait it tonight. My favorite bait is meow mix, our cats only food she will eat. I caught Rusty a couple of years ago when we were having trouble with the coons. She want go near the trap now!! Trap set, baited and staked down to the ground waits for Rocky last night.
When I woke up this morning I looked out my bedroom window and sure enough I could see that the trap's door was down. I couldn't see what I had caught. After my cup of coffee I went to see what I caught. There he was, a small young raccoon. Usually when I trap a coon they are very hostile when I go near the trap. I called this one Rocky. He didn't seem to mine me coming near him in the trap. He never uttered a sound as I talked to him. " are you the guilty one I asked?" He just gave my a sad look with his eyes. I put my hand on the cage and he didn't react like all his cousins I have caught over the years. Well, I almost wanted to keep the little fellow for a pet, he was so cute. I knew my wife wouldn't go along with this idea.
I decided to take the coon on a road trip. I loaded the cage and Rocky into the bed of my pickup truck and drove about 7 miles to a perfect spot to release Rocky back into the woods. A near by stream of water runs through the woody area. I dropped the tailgate and opened the cage door. "Get out Rocky, here's your new home." Rocky just looked me in the eye as if to say;" I don't want to go. I want to go back to your house and have meow mix and dig in the fresh dirt and see what I can find." I had to slap on the back of the open cage to get him to jump out. Finally he's out and leaps from the tailgate and runs across the road into the woods. Free at last, Rocky Raccoon!!

MULE DAY PHOTOS

Mule Day Photos @ http://flickr.com/photos/hammerb

MULE DAY 2010

Saturday we took a trip to Columbia, Tn. to Mule Day. The weather was perfect. The parade started at 11:00 am and we always eat at Hardee's which is near the end of the parade route. We had just barely finished our thickburger combo when the parade came in front of Hardees.
Wagons, buggies, coaches, hearse pulled by mules or horses. This year we saw some funny vehicles we hadn't seem before in the parade lineup. Riders on mules and horses were abundant.
Several of my friends on Multiply went along for the trip. Yes, Wade went and sure spiced up our day with his antics. I knew the day would be fun with him in attendance. He sure lived up to his reputation. We all got a laugh at his expense when he wasn't watching where he was walking. He sure ruined his new balance tennis shoes.
The farmers daughter was there with us. She watched where she stepped and kept her sandals clean. She was seen flirting with an old man driving a team of mules at the end of the parade. We don't know what happen to her as we didn't see her the rest of the day.
Mia Delight was there all the way from New Zealand. She was amazed at all the different activities that were taking place on the show grounds. Plenty of good food, crafts, music and games. I can't believe she talked a guy into letting her ride his mule. All you could see was a cloud of dust.
Silentone was there in her big rig truck. She was working and hired to haul the world's tallest mule back to Ohio. I saw this mule and you would need a step ladder to get on him. He was over 20 hands tall.

MULE DAY CELEBRATION

Each year the lowly mule gets the honor of being the main attraction at the Mule Day festival in Columbia, Tn. Owners bring their teams to the fair grounds from many surrounding states. Some trailer their wagons, and mules. Others spend days on the road driving their teams to the fair grounds just like in the days of old. A huge parade with the honored Mules happens this Saturday. A look back at times when the Mule was important to farmers survival.
Thousands of spectators will flock to Columbia for the Mule Day Festival. Plenty of good food, events, music, games and fun awaits for everyone. We look forward to this trip each year.
Word of warning.........Watch where you step!!!!!!!

THE DAY FRANK LOST HIS DRIVERS LICENSE..........

I have some great memories of my late brother Frank. One was due to my first 1940 Ford coupe. She was a fast rod hot when I finally got it all fixed up. It had a 1953 Mercury engine with three carburetors, aluminum heads and a full race cam. She was painted Bahama blue with red and white rolled and pleated upholstery. It had a three speed transmission in the floor. She was my pride and joy.
Frank asked to drive the car on the last day of school one year. I had taught him how to drive and he had only had his drivers license for a week. OK, Frank you can drive the 40 but you must take it easy with her she's real fast. Frank assures me he will take very good care of the 40. I was already out of school and still living at home and working for my Dad building houses.
Dad and I were sitting on the front porch in the swing when Frank pulled into the driveway later that day. Frank got out of the car and as he approached the front porch he had his head down. Dad sensed that some thing was wrong and ask Frank, "Son what's the matter?" " Doug Motlow took my drivers license away" Motlow was one of the two state troopers in our town. " Frank why did he take your license away? " I think it was because I squealed my tires." Frank isn't telling Dad all the story.
A boy in Frank's class had his brother's car for the last day of school and would get up behind Frank and try to pass him. Frank would gas the old 40 and leave him in the dust. It happens several times that day with the same results. Enter state trooper Motlow. Guess what; he had the same black Chevy as Kenneth is driving. It's Motlows personal car and he is on his way to pick up his patrol car at the highway garage. When he pulls up behind Frank on Cedar lane and tries to go around him; Frank thinks it's Kenneth and floors the 40 and runs down Cedar lane with the tires smoking. He has to stop for the red light and Motlow catches up at the light and is out of his car and takes Frank's license away and tells him to get his butt home.
The next day Dad calls Motlow and ask why did he took Frank's license away and Motlow ask Dad to meet him at Cedar lane market. When Dad goes and meets Motlow , Motlow says yes I took his license away. See that black tire mark that's two blocks long running down to the red light. That's why I took his license away, he wouldn't let me pass him. If that red light hadn't caught him he might have killed someone. I'm going to keep his license for two weeks and I hope it will slow him down.
This episode did slow Frank down and a couple of years later I sold him my 40 Ford coupe. I was to get the first chance to buy her back but when Frank went to sell her; we had started a family and I didn't have the money to buy her back. The guy he sold the car too totaled her when he hit a power pole after losing control.
That's me in front and Frank in back in 1962. This is the only photo I have of the 1940 Ford Coupe.

BABY WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY !!!!!!

I'm amazed at the technology I have seen advance during my life. I've not been one to jump into the latest gadgets on the market. We are usually the last of my relatives and friends to make a purchase of a new item. My wife was always the last to get that new appliance that saved her some work in the house or kitchen. Her sister was always the first one to get the latest new state of the art appliance. One Christmas I was determined that my wife was going to be the first one to get one of those new microwaves. Low and behold she was first and she thought I had gone off my rocker. She sure was proud of her new microwave and let everyone know about it.
Telephones have come a long way since her parents got their first phone. It has been handed down to her and I refinished it years ago when we moved into our new house. Man, it is ancient. To use that phone you had to ring up an operator that was on duty night and day. She would in turn connect you with the party you were trying to talk to. Each person in the area that had a phone had a certain ring that alerted that person that the call was for them.
Who would have thought that we would be carrying small phones that had no wires and we could stay in contact with everyone we know. I have always bad mouthed people using those dad-burn phones in public places and talking while driving. It annoyed me to no end when we went out to eat and someone close by got a phone call. " Yeah, we are at Shoneys eating" or what ever dining establishment we were at. People never say anything I've over heard that was that important. I sure didn't see any need for a cell phone. The kids all had them and wanted to get us one but we refused their offers.
Christmas this year as we opened our gifts we got a cell phone from my son as our present. He had put us on his plan. " Dad  and Mom it's all taken care of, my treat." Both of us thanked him for the gift but we don't like to use cell phones. He spent some time showing me how to work the phone. Hey, it's like a computer and after about 30 minutes I was hooked. I was texting and talking to everyone on my list of contacts the next day. My grand daughter has taught me a lot about the phone. I still turn it off while out to dine and don't text while driving. Wife will use it to talk on if I contact the person she wishes to speak . She still bad mouths the cell but it sure didn't take me long to change my mind on the advantages of having the latest technology.
From an old ancient monster phone to a cell phone proves that times have changed for the best. CALL ME????

BURGESS FALLS STATE PARK

A trip on Saturday of 100 miles from my home brought some amazing sight seeing. I have been hunting 10 red cedar boards for the old truck I'm building. All my searches around my area have been unsuccesful. I had seen an add on the net about some red cedar and called the man who had the cedar. He said he didn't actually have the cedar but he knew a man who has a sawmill that he buys lumber from. Well this just threw up a red flag and I didn't think it would be a good idea to travel 100 miles to be disappointed with the cedar. He told me he was going to the mill on some other business and he would see if the cedar was what I wanted. I wanted dry red cedar with very little white in it. He promised to call me the next morning but didn't. He did however called me on Friday night and said he was able to pick out 10 boards for me and had them at his barn. I sure was very apprehensive about going to pick them up and almost told him on the phone that I had changed my mind. Since he had went to the trouble of getting the cedar boards I decided at least I should go and check them out. I was sure he was buying these from the sawmill and was going to resell them to me if I like them.
My wife didn't want to get up early for the trip. I told her we could eat breakfast at Shoneys but she still didn't want to get up early. I called my son and he was ready for a road trip. Underway and we made it to Manchester and stopped at Shoneys for a breakfast buffet. Great food and when we came back out to my truck my son noticed the right front tire was real low on air pressure. I had checked and air all them up before I left home. He suggested we go down the road to Wal-Mart's Tire Service Center. They had just opened up and they got right on fixing my problem. We had decided that the value stem had gone bad when I put air in it at home and it had been frozen and might have cracked. Three men worked on getting the truck on the tire lift and got the tire and wheel off and replaced the value stem and put the tire and wheel back on and man was I amazed when they give me the bill to take inside to pay $2.20. The best deal I have ever got at Wallyworld.
A nice scentic drive by the directions the guy's wife had given me to their location. Several different highways, turns and roads. The directions were right on the money all except one that said go 4 miles and turn left on to their road. It was more like a country mile; it was 5 miles. Adam was waiting for us and I couldn't believe the 10 red cedar boards he had for me. They were just what I wanted!! The price was also very fair. There are  still a lot of honest people in this world. Since the road we were on was the Burgess Falls State Park I ask how far are we from the park and is there a waterfall. Two miles away and there are 4 waterfalls to see, We decided that since we are this close to the park we just have to see the waterfalls. Adam had said you want be disappointed and we weren't.
As we arrived at the parking lot and stepped out of the truck. The raging river was flowing at a very high rate of water over rocks and it was indeed a white water river. The roar of the water was over whelming. The sign said there were four different falls within a three quarter mile radius. One 20 feet, 40 feet, 80 feet and the big one 3/4 of a mile away was 136 feet tall. We begin walking down the path that was besides the river; it was very rugged and some spots on the trail were frozen and I almost slipped down once. Yes, I stay as far away from the river as the path allowed. Some places had railings  near the high bluffs. We incurred several flowing wet weather springs that cut across our path. The middle falls was very impressive to view and was 1/2 mile from the parking lot. Finally we arrive at the biggest falls and the roar of the water cascading over the rocks and falling 136 feet into the river below was indeed worth the trip and the walk. It amazes me at the natural sights we have around my home that we have never seen.
This trip I was reluctant to take turned out to be one I want forget.

ALL AMERICAN BOY

His name was J.W. Keller. An all American boy if there ever was one. J.W. was a friend, classmate and team mate of mine all through school. He had all the qualities required to make him a rare individual. He was a straight A student all through school, an athlete, class president each year in high school and the most popular boy in our class. With all these great qualities J.W. was still there to help anyone with their classwork if needed. Being small in statue didn't kept him from being a good shortstop on the baseball team and a great little guard on the basketball team. He was only five foot six but excelled in every thing he tried. He was the reason I didn't get to play first team in basketball but when I did play he was my greatest supporter. 
Christmas 1957 J.W. was on his way to pick up his date for the dance at the Country Club. His sister had let him drive their new Studebaker car that foggy night. J.W. probably never saw the train that night as he went across  the tracks; the crossing at the time didn't have warning lights or gates. The train plowed into the driver's door and carried the car 300 feet down the tracks before coming to a stop. Our Jaybird was dead at age 17. His life was short but his effects on my life has lasted all these years.
Attending his funeral at the Methodist Church was filled to capacity with people and flowers. Tullahoma High School named a trophy in his honor to be voted on by the members of his basketball team. The trophy was awarded to the player that contributed team spirit, sportsmanship and hard work to the team. I was the first winner of the J.W. Kellar Trophy. Each time I view the trophy I remember the great guy who's life ended way too soon.

A GIFT THAT WENT BAD............

What I thought would be a cute gift to give my wife years ago after a disagreement sure got me into deeper trouble. Can't live with them; can't live without them???????????????

MY MOHAWK HAIRCUT..........

Back in the day when in school there were always fads that kids would try to be different. I guess it's not any different than what kids do today. The old pink shirt fade; almost all the cool boys were wearing them. By the time I had enough money to buy one they were out of style. I think I might have worn mine two or three times. Yeah, I was almost always the last to get in style with the current trend.
My next door neighbor, Henry was in the same boat with me. We were best buddies. We sold newspapers, mowed yards, dug fishing worms to sell and any other odd jobs a young boy could do to earn money. Both of our parents were poor and lived from paycheck to paycheck. There wasn't much money left from Dad's earning after providing the basic needs for our family of five.
I had seen an older boy who had a haircut that was so different from everyone else. All the young boys in school either had a crew cut or a flat top haircut. Man, if me and Henry got one of those haircuts they call a Mohawk we would be the coolest boys in school. We begin to talk and laugh about when we went to get our next haircut we would get a Mohawk.
The day finally rolled around and we were off to the barber shop. Mr. Trawick's shop was located upstairs over the town's only drugstore. We had to wait while he finished cutting an old man's hair." Henry, your next," as Henry climbs into the chair. " How do you want yours cut??? Give me a Mohawk, Henry says and Mr. Trawick proceeds to scalp Henry's head all except a strip of hair running from the middle of his head to the back of his neck. After seeing what the Mohawk looks like on Henry's head I'm thinking I'm not going to get that kind of haircut( boy did I have second thoughts)
Once in the barber chair, "how do you want your haircut??" Give me a flat top Mr Trawick!! Henry, " Nick you are a chicken, if you don't get a Mohawk I'm going to whip your butt (and he probably could)" Give me a Mohawk!! (one BAD decision) When I got home I was in big trouble with MOM. Son, what in the world were you thinking. People will think you don't have any sense; get me the belt. Man did this 12 year old get a good whipping. I should have took a chance on Henry giving me a whipping; at least I could have fought back. Looking back my hair was never the same after that awful looking haircut. No, we didn't start a new fad in school. Everyone laughed and made fun of us. They call me Tonto and Henry Paleface.

It was different!!

BARBER SHOP PRANK...........................

I guess men are not all that different from women when they go to get their haircut at the barber shop. We get to hear the latest news, gossip and political views from the barbers and their clients.
One of the barbers where I got my haircut was a classmate of mine while we were attending high school. A son of a preacher man that was very strict on his son. Jerry was a great singer and piano player. He could sing and play the piano just like Jerry Lee Lewis' song, " Whole Lot Of Shaking Going On."
His father was also a barber and had his shop in front of their house in a small building. One day he came into the house and we were up in Jerry's room and he was playing and singing, " Whole Lot Of Shaking Going On." Jerry's father hollered up at him to stop singing and playing that Rock and Roll. " Jerry if you must play and sing; do some gospel music."
Jerry did play and sing gospel music later in life with a Gospel Quartet he formed.
Once at Jerry's barber shop years ago, Jerry had a pair of trick glasses that he kept on the counter with the tools of his trade. Once seated in his barber chair he would take a person's glasses off while he cut their hair. When he finished he would clean the glasses and hand them back to the client. Paul, was finished with his haircut and Jerry gave him back his cleaned glasses. Paul paid for the haircut and put his glasses on and headed for the door with everyone watching. He was having trouble finding the doorknob with the trick glasses on. He replied in a very serious voice, "I THINK I'M GOING BLIND." Everyone's laughter gave Paul a clue that he had been had with those trick glasses. The funny part, the glasses looked just like the ones he wore.

BUS TRIP ACROSS AMERICA......CYBER STYLE........... FINAL

The old bus is traveling down the interstate with Wade at the wheel. On board we find our original tourist and the five hookers we rescued from the Mustang Ranch. I think Chuck and Pat have become an item after leaving the ranch. Wade, " I think we are far enough ahead of Madame Col's force that we can stop up ahead and see the largest roadrunner in the world." Wade pulls the bus to a stop in New Mexico at a recycling plant. Feast your eyes on this metal 20 foot roadrunner. All but the hookers are out of the bus taking photos of the metal bird. The roadrunner is the State bird of New Mexico. The real bird not the metal one!!



OK, back on the bus............................................What Bus????? The bus is gone with the five hookers; they have stole our bus. Wade, why did you leave the keys in the bus??? NickO, " I left the motor running so the hookers could run the heater." We are in a mess for sure with no wheels. Wade," I saw an old school bus back up the road with a For Sale sign on it." I'll walk back up there and try to buy old yellow." Wade returns about an hour later with the school bus. "Get on guys and gals I know everyone is hungry so let's find a place to eat."  Up ahead we pull into Mabel's bar and Grille parking lot. This time Wade makes sure to take the keys with him. Inside orders of burgers, fries and beer settles every ones nerves. Our waitress tells us that some ladies were in the establishment just ahead of us in an old bus and were talking going to Cancun Mexico to go into business for themselves.Poor Chuck is heart broken??? All the other tourist are glad to get rid of those hookers. Wade is even a little sad??? A sad Wade is indeed a sight to behold. Well gang the trip is about over so load back up on the bus we are going home.

BUS TRIP ACROSS AMERICA.......CYBER STYLE..............

We are at the Mustang Ranch where Chuck entered over 6 hours ago. The group has become concerned about why he hasn't come out so we can continue out trip. Wade, " I'm going in to use the bathroom and see what has happen to Chuck." " Good friends don't let friends down." Hurry back Wade the group is getting restless.
Wade has been gone for over an hour and now everyone on the bus is alarmed with why the two haven't come out of the Ranch??? An ambulance has just pulled up to the front door to the Ranch; I'm going to see what's going on. " hey, driver do you know what's happening inside??" We received a call that someone inside needs medical attention he's having chest pains, that's all I know.
20 minutes later a big burly man appears out the front door and ask, " who is in charge here??" I'm NickO, as I shake his hand. " I'm HippyDave and I'm the Bouncer here at the ranch." Madame Col. is holding your two people as hostages. She wants you to come inside and listen to her demands. The one y'all call Chuck is having a heart attack. Ok, I'm coming inside!! ( Well hasn't this trip turned into a disaster??)
Inside we find Chuck being attended too by the EMT's. Wade is tied up to a chair. "NickO you better listen to that woman's demands!!" " I run this place , I'm Madame Col. Your friends are being held since the one having chest pains wouldn't pay for the services he received. The one in the chair was just at the wrong place at the right time so I'm holding both of them till the bill is paid. Wade, " you better pay her NickO, Chuck has run up a $900.00 bill, no wonder he's having chest pains." I don't have that kind of cash on me. Madame, would you take my Vista?? "Yes, I will take your card." Ok. let them go since I have paid Chuck's bill." The EMTs inform me that Chuck didn't have a heart attack after all, he is only suffering from exhaustion.
As we are about to leave the room a woman voice calls out, "Take me with you, they are holding me against my will, my name is Loverdreams and I'm from Indonesia. Take me too, my name is Patmoor and I lived in Minnesota. Girls from all walks of life are wanting to go with us and how can we refuse. Smartjane from Brazil, Amalie from Denmark, Asksnowflake from Alaska and Isis from France. Madame Col, " You girls are in big trouble if you leave with them. You think it's bad now just wait till we hunt you down and bring you back!!!!"
All are running for the bus and Wade is taking the wheel and we are out of here in a flash!!!

Next time: What are we going to do with all these HOOKERS?
Why was Chuck so exhausted. Maybe Pat??

BUS SIGHT SEEING TRIP ACROSS AMERICA.....CYBER STYLE..

Time to hit the road again. We stayed a few days in Akely, Minnesota to rest up on the next leg of our trip. Today we bid old Paul Bunyan farewell. " Wade, " can I drive the bus, can I??? I don't know Wade?? You have the flare for the unexpected in our travels. What do you passengers think should we let him drive?? Show of hands and everybody says yes!! Might be a HUGE mistake?? Ok, Wade get behind the wheel of this old bus and promise you will be on your best behavior and drive safe????? EERRRRRR............spinning wheels as Wade applies gas to the old bus!!! Hey Wade I forgot to tell you this bus has one of those old 428 Hemi. She's old but fast. Flora is holding on to her seat and looks a little mad. Dakota hollers out; floor it Wade. Mia just about ruined her expensive camera. Poor old Loish is heard saying, " I should have stayed home."
Wade has calmed down and is driving great and yells out we are almost in Alliance, Nebraska. It's the home of Carhenge. Carhenge, what kind of sight is that Wade asks Mia?? It's a sight that copies the famous Stonehenge in England but it's with cars. It's an odd sight to behold!! Look out to the right there she blows. Everyone is out of the bus as Wade comes to a stop and are in awe with this sight.



Loish, " That was amazing; who in the world did this??" Wade, some fellow who didn't want to use the land to plant corn." LMAO!! Look out Texas here we come!! On the road again, on the road again as the radio blurs out an old Willie Nelson song. The old bus is into the Great State of Texas and we need to pick up Chuck in Fort Worth. Wade has the GPS programed with Chuck's address and we will be stopping around the corner from his house so his neighbors want see him getting on the bus. " Turn left in 1.5 of a mile.........Turn right in 600 feet.........you have reached your destination. Wade, " I love this GPS, it sure beats having to listen to your wife give directions." The bus is stopped and Chuck has entered and greets every body with a big Texas HUG. Well he hugged all the women and handskakes for the men, both of us. Wade, Flora wants to go see the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo. Chuck, " I've been there and it's a sight to behold." Off again to another odd sight. Dakota, " I've heard of that place, they have a number of old Cadillac cars buried in the ground with there nose up in the air." This is going to be a blast???? Chuck. "Turn on the next road to the left and it will be on the right side of the road." WOW!!!!!!!!look at all those pink cars in that field!!!! Cameras are out and flashing. Mia is walking around looking for that perfect shot??? Flora is speechless, imagine that?? Dakota and Loish aren't very impressed. Dakota," why in the world would they ruin those good Cadillacs??"




Everyone back on the bus, Wade I'll rest you and drive to our next stop. OK, NickO, thanks. "Aint he sweet" well that's what his wife says. Nevada and the Mustang Ranch is our next stop. Nevada is the only state where prostitution is legal. The famous Mustang Ranch has been shut down by the IRS, run by the government for a while, sold several times, burnt down but always makes a comeback. Sold on Ebay for the sum of 145,100 the new owner moved the buildings to his property in Patrick, Nv. and refurbished the old buildings and it's business as usual. Chuck and Wade are off the bus in a hurry!! Chuck is entering the business, I don't think he will be in there long??? Wade you amazed me in not going in there with Chuck??




Will Chuck ever come out of the Mustang Ranch?? Will Wade stay on his best behavior?? Find out next time the old bus is rolling down the highway.