Thursday, May 31, 2018

Billy-Jinx

 
Billy-Jinx!
 
 
Shadow-grey feline with 9-lives; 14 years old!
 
Ole Billy came to us as a kitten; rescued from a "bad" area.
Our little girls, very young then, Lauren, 3, Lexi and Annie, 1,
decided that he be tagged "Billy-Jinx". We agreed.
 
Yeah! I do spoil my progeny---every chance I get...daily!
 
Ole Billy made several moves with his adopted family;
"good" company for lots of years; never caused any trouble.
 
"Independent"? To be sure. Made him more adorable!
 
 I cherish that trait---animal or human...the Independent-Individual!
 
Billy's not doing very well; too hot a summer and he's ill.
 
We'll make Billy as comfortable as possible; he likes to be brushed.
So sorry about your feline-friend, Nanny! He's a good-cat!
 
Good memories! Good friend! Lot's of good times!
 
Thanks for your time with us---we'll miss you...Mon Amie!
 
Storms tonight; he never did like "rough" weather.
 


Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Horses! Mon Amie!

 
Horses!---“Royal”-creatures!
 
I’ve ridden some mighty-fine horses in my time-through-space.
Love the equine “noble”-beast---akin to them?…I (maybe) think!
In this fantasy-mind---I soar the abyss…on a silver winged-Unicorn!
Our girls ride-expert---could ride the “wind”…if I figure out how to saddle it!
All I know: push the ears forward---Go! Pull them back…Stop! Simple!?
2 of the best aromas: the leather tack-room & horse-“perfume” on a cold day!
Actually witnessed several born; love to watch foals wild free-frolic!
What an absolutely Great life! How awesome to be “in-Love”!
 
Amen!


Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Ah! Love!

 
Love!-enigma!?
 
 
Where might Love emanate?---From…giving it away! (Often & always)!
 
The riddle?---The more you give away…the more you have to give!
 
Amen!


Monday, May 28, 2018

Money-comes & money-goes---and...Life is GREAT!

Convertibles & Train-rides!?
 
 
For Lovely-Lady Candice Leah’s 40th birthday celebration May 8,
I gave her a brand new shiny Rio-red Mustang GT convertible
with a white top---two-months and one–day later, July 9, Becky
turned 16 and Candy gave that sporty-chariot to her…that is the
sacred-worthy family in which I find deep pride. Thank you! All!
 
And---
 
I purchased a civil-engineering degree for daughter Rachel Rebecca,
even bought her one of them there “train-driver” caps being thin blue
and white stripes…I’m still waiting for a train-ride!? Hmm!?
 
Got a $150-thousand Law-degree along the way, too, for barrister-
daughter Catherine Elizabeth…what I got for that: threatened incarceration!?
 
Also…
 
In total---on the fancy sports-car debacle…I have invested somewhere
around the $200k-mark on several and…I still don’t have one for myself!?
 
Ah! When I was 4 I believed in Santa Claus!
At 8 the big kids allowed “No Santa Claus”!
18 found me wishing for a real Santa Claus!
From 20-on with kids? I am: Santa Claus!
 
Wouldn’t have it any other way!
 
Amen!


Sunday, May 27, 2018

Remembering my soldier-"friend"---lost!


Memorial Day! Honor-salute!

 
“Back-in-the-day” as modern-youth politely refers to the “oldsters” among us (Sure enough Reckon that includes a septuagenarian like me---71!) we made our own entertainment with creative-juices and wild-imagination; the real-world provided enough “adult”-decisions for all.

Playing ball filled many an otherwise vacant hour; great fun, too; honed skills and coordination. Seems there was “no” money way back then; everybody was “poor” save a few pre-modern self-proclaimed “Royal-elite” types who “Put-on-the-dog”; nobody paid any more attention to such tripe as does the sacred Independent-Individuals of this “modern” era. Sure enough reckon it made the “losers” feel Good about their plight?

Reckon, sure enough, nothing changes! Now, they just have more committees and such!?

My friend “Bobby” and I played a lot of ball, growing up; two-full years my senior, chronologically, he liked my style and we became fast-friends. He even came to my evening ball games just to observe, warm me up between innings if the catcher was gearing-up and thoroughly review my game after-the-fact, pointing out the “should-of” and such of the event.

Bobbie taught me how to throw the old curve-ball when I was 12 admonishing me to use it sparingly. At least, until I was 16, so as to not injure my pitching arm in a permanent manner.

Oh! I threw that curve---but respecting my mentor’s advise…I used it most sparingly. Yeah!

The backstop at the high school and on our Khoury-League diamonds was often planted in red clover to prevent erosion and it did not require much maintenance. Best of all, that thick carpet caught myriad foul balls and “hid” them from recovery when spectators flew after them to return the errant foul to the umpire; like I said, money was at a premium and “everything” was saved.

Well! Sure enough, I reckon, we soon figured out that our diminished baseball supply (always short on equipment and balls) found “new-life” with next-day retrieval of clover-“lost’ foul balls.

We would use the spheres until we knocked the horsehide-cover off; then, one of the kid’s would raid his “Old-man’s” garage to “borrow” the roll of electric tape and we’d wind the slick, black-sticky ’round and ’round the “yarn”-core and use ’er some more; eventually, we’d get another one from the old “lost” foul-ball fairy! Hey! A poor kid has to “make-do”! We sure did!

Same thing with bats. By turning the label of the Louisville-slugger away from the pitcher, and by not swinging too hard---Why!...that thin handle would “crack”; tiny nails and more tape!

We all had fielder’s mits; Bobby even had a 1st baseman’s mit. Wow! That was sure impressive. Our ‘sand-lot” teams never had catcher’s mits; way too expensive! Just---make-do!

Well! Time passed and Bobby went off to college; got a P.E. degree and a teaching job!

Then, the “adults” got involved! Hmph! Idiots! Some fat-ass politico-type took insult (real or perceived) from some world-“leader”!? Unable to “make-do” like real people, they started a war!

Yep! Took my dear-friend Bobby, put him in a uniform, taught him to close-order march, answer “everything” with a “Yes! Sir!” and a smart-salute, put a rifle in his hands---off he went!

Problem is, I reckon, sure enough---off Bobby went…never to return to play ball with me!

They sent a box home with a tale of “heroic-demise”---Hell!...He was “always” my Hero!

As an “adult” I have shed “few” tears---that day…they flowed, Unashamedly! Adios! Bobby!

Decades later, my wife and I were in an antique mall---about the 3rd booth…Voila!

There sat a framed  8x10 sepia-tone Senior picture---of…Robert Franklin “Bobby” Holden!

With a few more of those coveted “adult”-tears, I bought that photo---now…I cherish it!

He & I still play ball, sometimes---in my fantasy-mind…Yeah! I am an incorrigible-dreamer

Not much I can do for Bobby---save, I write, a little…following is my tribute to my friend:


Heroes

(a memorial-salute to my friend: Bobby)

 

Too many names on a stone wall so black

Young brave soldiers won’t ever come back

 

Sacrificed lives vacate “ideals”-construction

Death chiseled in granite, horror’s-destruction

 

Those icicle fingers grope beyond wasted life-lost

Piercing mothers and lovers, their children with strife

 

A mistake we allowed, this venomous deed-dastardly

We pray haunts dead souls of politicos-bastardly

 

Forgive us, our heroes, the people we love

Help us with healing from His Power above

 

Innocent young people on a long wall-of-black

Souls of the children who can never come back

 

Alas! And, what of us now as we struggle anew?

These issues enormous strike terror right through

 

For logic-answers we search but simply can’t see

Profound-problem is us, our own worst-enemy

 

Grant us a life without further pernicious-sorrows

Peaceful-quiet rest like those fallen young-warriors

 

Leave them alone, steal no longer their youth

Don’t teach them to lie but rather sight-truth

 

Beyond the self-centered wanton with greed

Mankind does hunger to satiate good-need

 

Where are we now as onward we falter?

Far from Redemption, no spiritual altar

 

Too many names on a stone wall so black

Young brave soldiers can’t ever come back

Amen!

S-a-l-u-t-e! S/Sgt. Robert Franklin “Bobby” Holden! My friend!
(May 15, 1945 -May 7, 1968) Rest-in-Peace! Mon Amie!

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Memorial Dat-salute!

 
Patriotic-Cadenced Heartbeats
(a song)
 
 
Staccato-tempo pulses heart-chords true
Waves proud unfurled red, white and blue
From infant innocence grasped family cue
Breathed tradition-liberty-freedom he drew
Soft “Patriotic-Cadenced Heartbeats” knew
 
Taw-head boy’s hand in Dad’s viewed July 4th parade yonder
Crowd-lined Main St. celebrates holiday Homecoming wonder
 
Flowered floats with pretty girls waving coquettishly
Uniformed bands precision-cadence march prophetic-ly
 
For father, brother, uncle, son a glisten-tear upon yon tender cheek
Surrendered all for National-Pride, forever tall, the country’s meek
 
In innocent vision clear, Dad’s salute to flag is formed
Emulates the adoring child as a tradition-love is borned
 
Staccato-tempo pulses heart-chords true
Waves proud unfurled red, white and blue
From infant innocence grasped family cue
Breathed tradition-liberty-freedom he drew
Soft “Patriotic-Cadenced Heartbeats” knew
 
Studied hard, learned well: math, English, valued history
Contemplated natural life, challenged religious-mystery
 
We the people voted good men President numbers to forty-four
Office demanded, was freely granted, loyal respect and more
 
Of five worthy presidents loved Jefferson’s vocabulary
Save four, the rest deserved scrutiny by the constabulary
 
Virtue country leaders “Teddy”, JFK, Reagan and “Old Hickory”
Mere flawed men who cherished US first and most, I surely see
 
Kissed first love at twelve behind the shadowed bandstand
Returned his love, bore his child, no hypocritic grandstand
 
Donned the colors, off to war, faced honor-true responsibility
Served brave while honing sacred independent-individuality
 
 
Staccato-tempo pulses heart-chords true
Waves proud unfurled red, white and blue
From infant innocence grasped family cue
Breathed tradition-liberty-freedom he drew
Soft “Patriotic-Cadenced Heartbeats” knew
 
Hot brick oven rushes close in verdant emerald jungle green
Idealist-young beret descends hellish red clay fire-fight scene
 
A hundred honor-challenged, of only three successes, one was he
Under white billowed canvas rifle clutched, chose a hero-man to be
 
Wonder if the patriotic beat drums loud proudly in his ears
Wonder if silver wings upon young chest quell his war-fears
 
Freedom flickers in bright eye betrays true pride he knows
Ideology unique! Special Forces-“In your face!” He chose
 
Staccato-tempo pulses heart-chords true
Waves proud unfurled red, white and blue
From infant innocence grasped family cue
Breathed tradition-liberty-freedom he drew
Soft “Patriotic-Cadenced Heartbeats” knew
 
Years ahead in warm summer’s June-time Homecoming parade
A young child stands by parents honor-proud, no mock charade
 
His tender heart reverberates a pounding drumbeat calling song
Varied faces, same ole places, a decade born, wild-lived, soon gone
 
“Where was my honor-won parade?” Proud father-soldier sadly laments
Another time? Another place? Crisp salutes Old Glory! Humble relents
 
Soft tender touch upon broad shoulder from adoring lovely wife
Caressed away nightmare spirit-demons; shared lonely vacant strife
 
Staccato-tempo pulses heart-chords true
Waves proud unfurled red, white and blue
From infant innocence grasped family cue
Breathed tradition-liberty-freedom he drew
Soft “Patriotic-Cadenced Heartbeats” knew
 
An old man totters as yesteryears soldiers smartly march past
Shaky hand salutes his proud flag! Wonders: How can it last?
 
Spectators stand urged by Traditions hard-won spark
Candle-comfort flame beckons sad world lost in dark
 
Declared sparkle in the elder clear blue orbs, intelligent
 Bridged river deep, challenged mountain high, significant
 
Reflections of such time-mirage suggest offered ambition
His parade is past to march in ’morrow’s famed Tradition
 
Staccato-tempo pulses heart-chords true
Waves proud unfurled red, white and blue
From infant innocence grasped family cue
 Breathed tradition-liberty-freedom he drew
Soft “Patriotic-Cadenced Heartbeats” knew
 
And, in that awesome-wondered life is found
Adventure-world discovery awaits un-bound
 
Dare satiate spirit hunger need in unabated courage wild
Wear “Cool”-mantle proud-displayed by “meek and mild”
 
On Liberty Hill, gold Freedom torch-flame flicker-beckons
Love me tender! Defend me true! Patriotic reason-reckons
 
Staccato-tempo pulses heart-chords true
Waves proud unfurled red, white and blue
From infant innocence grasped family cue
 Breathed tradition-liberty-freedom he drew
Soft “Patriotic-Cadenced Heartbeats” knew
 
Happy Birthday! America! Red, white and blue proud waves unfurled
Our home! Our love! Constitution-law upheld in sacred honor swirled
Found freedom bound sweet liberty; best of the best in this wide world!
 
Happy Birthday! America! Red, white and blue waves proud unfurled
Our home! Our love! Constitution-law upheld in sacred honor swirled
Found freedom bound sweet liberty; best of the best in this wide world!
 
Staccato-tempo pulses heart-chords true
Waves proud unfurled red, white and blue
From infant innocence grasped family cue
 Breathed tradition-liberty-freedom he drew
Soft “Patriotic-Cadenced Heartbeats” knew
 
 
 
Happy Birthday! America! Red, white and blue waves proud unfurled
Our home! Our love! Constitution-law upheld in sacred honor swirled
Found freedom bound sweet liberty; best of the best in this wide world!
 
Amen! To that! Amen! Again!

Friday, May 25, 2018

Happy Memorial Day! (Ah! Boats! Reckon I sure enough wish I had one!?))

 
 
 
 
Cap’n “Krazy”- Kyle!
(a sailing-fantasy  limerick-salute!)
 
 
Sailing! Sailing! In Kyle’s boat over the bounding Maine
Cap’n’s neighbor skiing on concrete? Carlos must be insane!
Me Lime-y accent said “Bring a couple of ‘oars’! We’re set!”
Cap’n “Krazy”-Kyle brought a Blonde! Redhead! And, a Brunette!
Think these gals might just “row” us all the way to Spain?
 
Starboard! Port! Bow! Stern! For’ard!  (Hmm! Nice-“aft”!)
 
Said he needed an anchor---invited me…”No! Thanks!-No-gills!”
 
Wishing Cap’n-Kyle smooth-sailing with a bevy
of color bikini-clad “mates”! Ship-Ahoy!-Mate-y!
 
And---me? At home…with 22-tubes of suntan lotion!?
(Well---they were “on-sale”…can’t pass up a bargain!? You just  never know!?)
 
 
Lovely-Lady Candice Leah admonished:
You better not look at those bikini-girls; you’ll go blind!
 
“Quick-wit!?” (Proving I’m a “half-wit, dim-wit, nit-wit”) and
covering one portal, I considered: Think I’ll risk one orb!
 
“Beach” me one of those---Red! White! & Blue!...I’m feeling: Patriotic!
 
Ah! “Lucky” Cap’n Kyle!
 
Yeah!---Actually…I am thinking about a boat (or,the appealing-benefits!)
 
Happy Memorial Day! (2018)


Thursday, May 24, 2018

Happy Birthday! Anna Marie! (15-years!) Wow! (Blog-post 2 of 2)

 
Happy Birthday! Anna Marie!
(May 25, 2018)
 
Zorro-ride! Yahoo!
(an equine-love affair limerick)
 
 Blondie on an emerald mountain-meadow guitar-strumming
Yellow-bright dress cadence-flowing to sweet-voice humming
Affection value-virtue for a black-steed hero
I true-love thy 4-legged equine-beau Zorro
Grazing near-by steed adores his lovely-lady sunning
 
Amen!
 
Happy Birthday! My Annie Rie!
 
Annie comfort-dreaming in respite of a long-day
Counting white-diamond sparkle in mid-night play
 
Rides Zorro wild-wind! Flowing long blonde-curls flying
Easy-natural effort of equine and girl mutual-love relying
 
Such beauty-intelligence, talent and true-honest compassion
Worthy-of-spirit delights observers in whisper-wind passion
 
Behind twinkle-blue eyes races-to-win a sharp-clever wit
Two-steps ahead of any pack Annie Rie is always a hit
 
Sister Lauren! Cousin Lexi! Riah-boy! My life ambition
Faith! Family! Freedom! My worthy comfort-tradition
 
Ride thy fantasy-Unicorn steeds beyond the universe-space
Thy creative-mind fertile divines loving lace-filigree grace
 
I delight in silly banter often bordering completely inane
You always win---that’s okay…Reckon I’m really insane!?
 
If I be granted a sacred wish: Allow me a perfect Miss Annie Rie!
One of me precious 7-diamond jewels on me “gold” crown to see
 
Eons ago a little boy ambition-dreamed of a perfect-life come
Luck-of-the-draw! Can’t possibly improve on my progeny-sum
 
We love you with pride!---Darling…Anna Marie!
Happy 15th Birthday! Love, Nanny & (simple/humble me)