For some odd reason, I seem to have have been on the computer all the time of late. Do I have a life? I hope so, but if work is not a life and sleep is not a life, then I probably have little or no life. That's all I do. Here I sit, staring at stuff on my monitor and watching Myth Busters on The Discovery Channel. This is not what I expected of my later years.
And dreams ... of late, I've had some weird ones. I dreamed last evening of my cousin Dean and his late brother Larry and his mother (my aunt Helen) who has also passed. The thing was, they were all here and they were the age when I last laid eyes on them. Dean and Larry were teenagers and their mom was young. I, however, was my present age. Dean will love that, being that much younger than me. I have also dreamed a lot about handguns lately ... very unusual for me. I am not anti-gun, but this fixation over several nights got my attention.
I have the love of a very wonderful lady, and I love her. But lately I have been feeling that I need a weekend or two by myself. During the week, I arise early (0500) and arrive at work by 0730 - 0800. After a day of work, I return home about 1730 (5:30 PM). I cook dinner, check my mail, sit in the jacuzzi for 20 minutes (my arthritic knee you know), eat, shower and lie down to read.There is no time to accomplish the day-to-day things I want (and feel obligated) to accomplish. Then comes the weekend. I spend most of Saturday taking Hilda shopping, I cook dinner, we watch a movie and it's bed time. Sunday morning I wash my clothes, eat, check my mail, read the Sunday paper, then she gets up and I fix her breakfast and wash the dishes. We watch a program or two and then I take her home. It is an hour+ roundtrip between our houses. I feel a break is needed. Oh well, it's better than being alone .... I think.
Arizona caught my eye, and my heart, many years ago. I love it ... it's people, history and it's desert.
30 April 2006
Politics?
politics, strange bedfellows make
this is true, make no mistake
for if we're left or if we're right
we grasp ideas with all our might
we know what's best for all mankind
our opponents are seriously weak in the mind
they're going to cause our world to fail
we'd be better if they were locked in jail
they're the cause of all our ills
they have no redeemable skills
keeping their job is their only aim
and so they play the media game
so we must continue to disagree
no one is right, not you nor me
I penned this rhyme to try and say
no argument controls the day
but if you think I believe this rule
you must think me an awful fool
this is true, make no mistake
for if we're left or if we're right
we grasp ideas with all our might
we know what's best for all mankind
our opponents are seriously weak in the mind
they're going to cause our world to fail
we'd be better if they were locked in jail
they're the cause of all our ills
they have no redeemable skills
keeping their job is their only aim
and so they play the media game
so we must continue to disagree
no one is right, not you nor me
I penned this rhyme to try and say
no argument controls the day
but if you think I believe this rule
you must think me an awful fool
Happy B-Day Willie
Singer / songwriter / actor / icon Willie Nelson is 73 today, (born in 1933). Ride on Willie!
My mother and I liked Willie when we first heard him in the early 60's. His jazz style phrasing was unlike anything that I (we) had ever heard, especially in Country music. His song writing talents were never disparaged, even by the establishment people in Nashville who didn't like his voice or his singing. I think that he has done as much as much to change the face and attitude of country music as anyone ever has. He has recorded types of music that other no other "country" people, before him, even admitted to listening to or knowing about. He has embraced, and sang, old standards / reggae / Spanish music / rock, et al. He and his music helped encourage writer/singers the breadth of Texas (and the world). People like Townes Van Zandt, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Charlie Robison, and others drew strength from Willie's struggles and his rise to stardom. Thank you Willie, ... and happy birthday.
My mother and I liked Willie when we first heard him in the early 60's. His jazz style phrasing was unlike anything that I (we) had ever heard, especially in Country music. His song writing talents were never disparaged, even by the establishment people in Nashville who didn't like his voice or his singing. I think that he has done as much as much to change the face and attitude of country music as anyone ever has. He has recorded types of music that other no other "country" people, before him, even admitted to listening to or knowing about. He has embraced, and sang, old standards / reggae / Spanish music / rock, et al. He and his music helped encourage writer/singers the breadth of Texas (and the world). People like Townes Van Zandt, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Charlie Robison, and others drew strength from Willie's struggles and his rise to stardom. Thank you Willie, ... and happy birthday.
29 April 2006
Haiku for Patricia
acoustic Springsteen
tired old voice singing new tunes
but he's still the Boss
************
albino Winter
pulls at the strings of your soul
go Johnny, play on
***********
ah, infinity
conceptual abstraction
what is it really
************
opinionated
living life from day to day
music, nature, me
tired old voice singing new tunes
but he's still the Boss
************
albino Winter
pulls at the strings of your soul
go Johnny, play on
***********
ah, infinity
conceptual abstraction
what is it really
************
opinionated
living life from day to day
music, nature, me
Some more haiku
Some more Haiku: (what can I say, it's my blog)
Vegas in April
family and excitement
on a long weekend
city of neon
slot machines with ringing bells
devour your coins
much to see and do
and you have so little time
you run to and fro
try to see it all
and you see very little
a taste of the feast
Las Vegas remains
a buffet for the senses
till they become numb
Vegas in April
family and excitement
on a long weekend
city of neon
slot machines with ringing bells
devour your coins
much to see and do
and you have so little time
you run to and fro
try to see it all
and you see very little
a taste of the feast
Las Vegas remains
a buffet for the senses
till they become numb
April is over?
They say you are getting old when the week drags by but the months fly by. Then I am old. Monday to Friday drags but I cannot hardly believe that May is here Monday. I had to go back to the doctor this week, money I could ill afford. He has me on a cane already (my knee) ... except when I am at work. I don't think I'd last long at my job if I took a cane to work. It does take some of he pressure off my knee at other times though.
A little haiku of mine that I wrote just a while back ...
Sunlight through the trees
playful spots upon the ground
nature's hide and seek
nature is so sweet
small surprises are the best
they touch us gently
sunsets here and there
small flowers peeking through weeds
or simply cool rain
clouds, red at sunrise
the smell of morning moisture
stars twinkling at night
can you not believe
that God's hand is in all this
I know that I do
A little haiku of mine that I wrote just a while back ...
Sunlight through the trees
playful spots upon the ground
nature's hide and seek
nature is so sweet
small surprises are the best
they touch us gently
sunsets here and there
small flowers peeking through weeds
or simply cool rain
clouds, red at sunrise
the smell of morning moisture
stars twinkling at night
can you not believe
that God's hand is in all this
I know that I do
27 April 2006
As we age, our priorities change.
The other day I came home and was greeted by my wife, dressed only in very sexy underwear and holding a couple of short velvet ropes. "Tie me up," she purred, "and you can do anything you want.
"So, I tied her up and went to play golf.
Live as though it was the last day of your life.
The other day I came home and was greeted by my wife, dressed only in very sexy underwear and holding a couple of short velvet ropes. "Tie me up," she purred, "and you can do anything you want.
"So, I tied her up and went to play golf.
Live as though it was the last day of your life.
California -156 years ago!
Do you know what happened this week back in 1850, in California?
1. California became a state.
2. The State had no electricity.
3. The State had no money.
4. Almost everyone spoke Spanish.
5. There were gun fights in the streets.
6. So basically, it was just like California today except the women had real breasts and men didn't hold hands
Do you know what happened this week back in 1850, in California?
1. California became a state.
2. The State had no electricity.
3. The State had no money.
4. Almost everyone spoke Spanish.
5. There were gun fights in the streets.
6. So basically, it was just like California today except the women had real breasts and men didn't hold hands
26 April 2006
A little poem of mine, hope you don't mind. But then again, it's my damn blog, huh?
When you have little money and lots of time
you appreciate things that don't cost a dime
sitting home and chilling out
can sometimes be what it's all about
a friend or lover to share your day
a few cold beers, now that's the way
classic movies, home made stew
grilled cheese sandwiches, that'll do
comfort food and time to kill
a quiet Sunday that's oh so real
I feel lucky that I can do
all the things I just wrote to you
an added bonus is my internet
now how much better can my life get
a note from friends so far away
a joke or two to brighten my day
news of deaths, a birth or two
anniversaries, and birthdays too
some e-mails to just say hi
some tell of time just passing by
so as lazy Sunday comes to an end
I bid a fond adieú my friend
and hope your day was gladly spent
and not marred by a sad event
as Monday looms not far ahead
a day that some do dearly dread
I hope your week ahead is fine
and I also wish the same for mine
When you have little money and lots of time
you appreciate things that don't cost a dime
sitting home and chilling out
can sometimes be what it's all about
a friend or lover to share your day
a few cold beers, now that's the way
classic movies, home made stew
grilled cheese sandwiches, that'll do
comfort food and time to kill
a quiet Sunday that's oh so real
I feel lucky that I can do
all the things I just wrote to you
an added bonus is my internet
now how much better can my life get
a note from friends so far away
a joke or two to brighten my day
news of deaths, a birth or two
anniversaries, and birthdays too
some e-mails to just say hi
some tell of time just passing by
so as lazy Sunday comes to an end
I bid a fond adieú my friend
and hope your day was gladly spent
and not marred by a sad event
as Monday looms not far ahead
a day that some do dearly dread
I hope your week ahead is fine
and I also wish the same for mine
Vince Redhouse
Second millennium kokopelli, flute in hand
but, doing God's work and giving all glory to him.
But then, Kokopelli wasn't Diné, he was Anasazi
and Hopis are a different breed you know
Not worse, nor better, but different they say
we are, after all, made in his image
Your music uplifts and inspires
it brings glory to you, and the Lord
and it brings happiness
to us unwashed masses
Thank you for your efforts
Second millennium kokopelli, flute in hand
but, doing God's work and giving all glory to him.
But then, Kokopelli wasn't Diné, he was Anasazi
and Hopis are a different breed you know
Not worse, nor better, but different they say
we are, after all, made in his image
Your music uplifts and inspires
it brings glory to you, and the Lord
and it brings happiness
to us unwashed masses
Thank you for your efforts
Hello, hello
I sometimes wonder if anyone out there actually takes the time to visit and read this BLOG. But, when I wrote the generic Sunday Letter, it probably got deleted a lot ... so I figure that I am no worse off and the recipients are better off. I still get to express my opinion and no one is being bothered by unwanted invasion of their In-Box. BUT ... if anyone is out there, LET ME KNOW please. Otherwise, I could just write in a diary/journal. Well, must pay more attention to CSI and the CD has finished playing. Have a good week.
Hello America ... and all the ships at sea. Just came from a meeting of the E-6 (the Eclectic 6) ... that strange group of friends that I have. We were discussing Tony Snow's new job, the e-mail of the head honcho at the NY Times, and saving the world in our various ways. Luckily, Slim brought the wine and Black and Tans and Reinhardt did the steaks. I took heart that no one knew that I was short of cash. We are all glad that Tony got the job with the Prez. We disagreed on the proposition that the news has the right to publish "secret" documents. I see that as espionage .. not necessarily treason ... a prosecutable offense. Espionage is when you give secrets out to someone that is intended to or enables an enemy to get the upper hand. But, I am politically naive I have been told. I should stick to Haiku and news of the local desert. We are still experiencing 'normal' Tucson weather ... high 80's / low 90's ...... but have a SLIGHT chance of rain on Friday. Yeah .. right! We have the big Mariachi Conference in town this weekend, we'll probably go to the DeMeester Bandshell at Reed Park for the all day show on Saturday. I had to miss my main man ... the incredible Bob Dylan ... at the Community Center this month. No ready cash. Tickets were $66 apiece. Oh well, such is life. I am relaxing after work, eating some crock pot chicken and rice and watching some TV while listening to some Delbert in the background. I only have about 3 hours from get-home time to lie-down-and read time. A man's gotta' do.. etc.
On April 26th, 1607, the first British colonists to establish a permanent settlement in America landed at Cape Henry, Va. I was raised in Virginia and we took a lot of Virginia history. Some dates just linger in my mind.
I love the early part of the day, especially the weekends. I remember, in my younger days, I was a night person ... but as I have aged (like fine wine) I find that the best time of the day is that pre-dawn to dawn time frame. Things are more real, the earth is quieter and the harshness of things is somewhat muted by the hazy light. At times, it is only the birds and me who seem to be stirring. I went for a walk about 0530 and it truly invigorated me. Too bad I have to spoil all this by going to work. I am putting it off best I can. I have the TV on the local news/weather/traffic. I need to see where the delays are before hitting the road. I have Jimmie Dale Gilmore's CD "Spinning Around the Sun" playing on the computer. But ... the clock above the computer tells me I must get out of here.
I love the early part of the day, especially the weekends. I remember, in my younger days, I was a night person ... but as I have aged (like fine wine) I find that the best time of the day is that pre-dawn to dawn time frame. Things are more real, the earth is quieter and the harshness of things is somewhat muted by the hazy light. At times, it is only the birds and me who seem to be stirring. I went for a walk about 0530 and it truly invigorated me. Too bad I have to spoil all this by going to work. I am putting it off best I can. I have the TV on the local news/weather/traffic. I need to see where the delays are before hitting the road. I have Jimmie Dale Gilmore's CD "Spinning Around the Sun" playing on the computer. But ... the clock above the computer tells me I must get out of here.
25 April 2006
Tuesday
Tuesday Soap Box
O.K., this is a BLOG, I can say what I think. Half of my friends that I write to on the Internet are died-in-the-wool, left wing, radical chic, ---- the other half are Conservative, Republican, veteran types. They all know where (on the right) I am. I listen to Hugh Hewitt, Dennis Prager, Michael Medved, Tony Snow (the President’s new voice as of today.. way to go Tony) and Laura Ingraham on the radio. The only TV news that I trust comes from FOX NEWS. The others, especially the BIG 4 … CBS/NBC/ABC/CNN … are liberal to the point of being propaganda rather than news. I believe in the military, hard work, deporting illegal aliens … they won’t let you hunt them down … and NO Amnesty! I was married to a Mexican lady (legal) for 23 years. I am currently engaged to another Mexican lady (legal) and I have raised 4 children who are legally Mexican-Americans. I have lots of friends who are of Hispanic derivation and proud of it, but they feel as I do. The illegal aliens … trespassers really … who have no legal right to be here but who receive more medical care than I can obtain and I work 40+ hours a week. They are not working for the minimum wage either. Most of the concrete workers in Tucson are illegal and they make $13-$18 an hour. A guy who works for the people I work for makes as much as me, but pays no taxes. I have turned him into INS, but they don’t care. I love the Mexican culture and I find a lot to love about them. But I feel that if you are going to live here… you should come legally, learn English and pay taxes.
O.K., this is a BLOG, I can say what I think. Half of my friends that I write to on the Internet are died-in-the-wool, left wing, radical chic, ---- the other half are Conservative, Republican, veteran types. They all know where (on the right) I am. I listen to Hugh Hewitt, Dennis Prager, Michael Medved, Tony Snow (the President’s new voice as of today.. way to go Tony) and Laura Ingraham on the radio. The only TV news that I trust comes from FOX NEWS. The others, especially the BIG 4 … CBS/NBC/ABC/CNN … are liberal to the point of being propaganda rather than news. I believe in the military, hard work, deporting illegal aliens … they won’t let you hunt them down … and NO Amnesty! I was married to a Mexican lady (legal) for 23 years. I am currently engaged to another Mexican lady (legal) and I have raised 4 children who are legally Mexican-Americans. I have lots of friends who are of Hispanic derivation and proud of it, but they feel as I do. The illegal aliens … trespassers really … who have no legal right to be here but who receive more medical care than I can obtain and I work 40+ hours a week. They are not working for the minimum wage either. Most of the concrete workers in Tucson are illegal and they make $13-$18 an hour. A guy who works for the people I work for makes as much as me, but pays no taxes. I have turned him into INS, but they don’t care. I love the Mexican culture and I find a lot to love about them. But I feel that if you are going to live here… you should come legally, learn English and pay taxes.
23 April 2006
Sunday night 4-23
Relaxing from the day. I have walked more in the last two days than I have in a while. Even with the cane, it tires me out and the old knee swells. Watched Vince and several other flutists perform. Met Bridgett, Vince's wife. She is, like he, a very nice, personable and religious person. I am watching The History Channel, about the Book of Revelations, and eating some crock pot food. Getting ready to shower and start to read one of the newer novels that I have here.
Some funnies?
Actual Answers Given on Family Feud
Name something a blind person might use - A sword
Name a song with moon in the title - Blue Suede Moon
Name a bird with a long neck - Naomi Campbell
Name an occupation where you need a torch - A burglar
Name a famous brother & sister - Bonnie & Clyde
Name a dangerous race - The Arabs
Name an item of clothing worn by the 3 musketeers - A horse
A kind of ache - Fillet 'O' Fish
Something you open other than a door - Your bowels
Something that flies that doesn't have an engine - A bicycle with wings
Something you might be allergic to - Skiing
Name a famous bridge - The bridge over troubled waters
Something a cat does - Goes to the toilet
Something you do in the bathroom - Decorate
Name an animal you might see at the zoo - A dog
Something associated with the police - Pigs
A sign of the zodiac - April
Something slippery - A con-man
Sayings:
To be intoxicated is to feel sophisticated but not be able to say it.
Name something a blind person might use - A sword
Name a song with moon in the title - Blue Suede Moon
Name a bird with a long neck - Naomi Campbell
Name an occupation where you need a torch - A burglar
Name a famous brother & sister - Bonnie & Clyde
Name a dangerous race - The Arabs
Name an item of clothing worn by the 3 musketeers - A horse
A kind of ache - Fillet 'O' Fish
Something you open other than a door - Your bowels
Something that flies that doesn't have an engine - A bicycle with wings
Something you might be allergic to - Skiing
Name a famous bridge - The bridge over troubled waters
Something a cat does - Goes to the toilet
Something you do in the bathroom - Decorate
Name an animal you might see at the zoo - A dog
Something associated with the police - Pigs
A sign of the zodiac - April
Something slippery - A con-man
Sayings:
To be intoxicated is to feel sophisticated but not be able to say it.
Sunday 4-22
Yesterday was a great relaxing day. Did all my typical Saturday chores ... washed clothes and dishes, took a dip in the pool, paid some bills on the computer, washed the car and then went and picked up Hilda at 1130.
We went to Barrio Hollywood, next barrio to Menlo Park (where she lives) for Fiesta Grande. It is a fun time. All the street is blocked off for about 4 blocks for the rides, food booths and beer/soda booths, music all day, booths for purchasing various things, low rider car show. We enjoyed ourselves and loved visiting with everyone. Hilda met a cousin she had not met before. Martha Riesgo ... who is married to an acquaintance of mine from the Legion, Poli. The American Legion, Cocio-Estrada Post, is on Grande and we stopped by several times for a beer or two and the food sale. I had a huge Carne Asada Soft Taco and whole roasted peppers with a side of frijoles (beans).
We are getting ready today to go to Tohono Chul Park to watch Vince Redhouse perform, along with the Tucson Native Flute Circle.
We went to Barrio Hollywood, next barrio to Menlo Park (where she lives) for Fiesta Grande. It is a fun time. All the street is blocked off for about 4 blocks for the rides, food booths and beer/soda booths, music all day, booths for purchasing various things, low rider car show. We enjoyed ourselves and loved visiting with everyone. Hilda met a cousin she had not met before. Martha Riesgo ... who is married to an acquaintance of mine from the Legion, Poli. The American Legion, Cocio-Estrada Post, is on Grande and we stopped by several times for a beer or two and the food sale. I had a huge Carne Asada Soft Taco and whole roasted peppers with a side of frijoles (beans).
We are getting ready today to go to Tohono Chul Park to watch Vince Redhouse perform, along with the Tucson Native Flute Circle.
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