Tis The End of 2 0 16

Its the end of the year....

Its raining here in the Deep Deep South, I'm about to have a fire made in the fireplace to "take the chill off the house" as my Momma would have said.

I went out today to Inglewood for the first time in over three months to buy organic cream and a few veggies.

I am still not feeling up to par these days. The Courthouse Crowd, says, I am just have to get sick one or two more times, then my immune system will kick in... the Courthouse was built in 1939 as part of the Works Progress Administration under FDR.... the mold in the Courthouse is as old as 1939.

They still have inmates run the elevators .....  I know I know... is the Deep Deep South....

This year has been fraught with ups and downs, backwards forwards and making the circle I think maybe even three times around.

My goal is a simple one this year..................

To Live Life Simple... To Enjoy My Friends More..To accept the things I can Not Change...

A Simple Life........ That's it.

Hoping for Quiet

Yesterday, I traveled up north to S'port, to see the dermatologist and get a few skin pre-cancers burnt off....  It's a 122 mile ride one way to see the dermatologist... ... we have an old dermatologist here but the big clinic of dermatology is in S'port... new doctors new medicine.

I travel again on Monday to go see my cardiac electrophysiologist for my bi annual routine check up for the AFib(which by the way, I have no symptoms, as other folks do), He is in Lafayette, 90 miles due south of the Lil City by the Red... We have cardiologists here, but not electrophysiologist.

During my trip to S'port I (kill two birds with one stone), meeting with with some long time friends who are in the addiction counseling business.  I have hopes that they will come on board with the organization that I am with now, offering their speciality in certain addiction counseling to our population.

The office Christmas party is tonight, located in a warehouse on the river, it last only three hours, so I believe I can make it that long.  It's a byob, with food provided... remember taxpayers can't buy booze....

Being in the Courthouse, the Holidays are special, since we have a lot of sharing of food dishes in the various agencies....its hard to maintain the weight goals...

We go on a slim work crew next week, which will last until, Jan 3rd... basically Court halts for the next two weeks, except for bond hearings... Hopefully every body will be quiet and stay home..

Just Taking it All in on a Sunday

This past week was a lil bit trying for me.... I sort of had a mild upset on Thursday, it being my birthday also...

I'm not sure if it was turning 63 or still getting use to the office administration or just what it was....

I might have a new health concern also, which if I do, it was my own fault,.... I am going to have it checked out here soon...

So, coupled with all of the above ... I needed to just have a quiet weekend...and I have....

It's been quiet, calm, .... made a fire last night and had bob/john/bradly over for supper.. I did a bouillabaisse, mixed greens, etc..

Tonight Lisa's new girlfriend is in town from Nashville.... and I am having them over for gravy steak double masked potatoes, mixed greens, and a lil red wine... and a fire in the fireplace.....

Simple fare, good folks, and a lil fire ... makes it a good early evening....

Its Friday......

I'm sitting here in the office looking out the window.......

Just qualified as a full time employee, made the "try out" period for work, that's what these folks call it....most other places call it something else...

I had lunch with my former executives of the last governmental entity that I worked for yesterday.

I believe I made a wise choice....

Here is my view from one of my windows .. ...

Stopping In ... Have a seat.

The whole TG holiday, I have spent most of the my time, either reflecting on life, or getting the house ready for tomorrow night. I'm hosting a small private get together for my office, we have two guests from out of town, one from CA and the other from MA.

It should be interesting, the guests will be flying in here tomorrow afternoon, then meetings on Tuesday, then they will fly out on Wednesday.

One of the guest has  given  a presentation for  Ted Talk... .   He certainly provokes and encourages a discussion ....

I was given the assignment about 4 months ago to see if they would even entertain a trip to the Lil City by the Red... and if they would, to get them here...  The Lil City by the Red has never had a Ted Talk person stop in and spend a few days...

Tomorrow, begins three days of completing  my assignment, I hope it all goes well....

Sometimes..........

Its Friday Afternoon, in the Garden District, Friday after ThanksGiving.  I spent Thanksgiving here, at home, on the porch, Quietly..... Contemplating Life in General....

It was a good day.. to be by your self... to understand that Quiet Times reveal much more in Life ..SomeTimes...

I am having the same today... once again... reflection is good for my Soul at this point in my Life......
...Sometimes...

Note To Self

Note to Self:


I am lucky to have always found, secured, a job/position, when I felt it was time for change in my work world.

I was reading one of my favorite blogs today, as I do check most days anyway.

I also, read, the comments... Everyone should read the comments of blogs.... it sometimes says more than the entry..

Today, I was reading one of the comments, the lady stated her company had been sold by its owner, she was starting to have to look for another job.... at 62!!

I am Lucky.... I have my position..at my age... I'm 62

Looking Out

Sitting here on the 3rd Floor, looking out my two windows here at the Courthouse.

My new job, gives me time to develop ideas to help support our agency in communicating with the Public.

In the last 44 days, ..... its been something of a good thing... to have less stress, to have a routine, to regain a sense of Self... and I enjoy the staff

One thing I can say, is that over the years, by writing technique, has improved... because of this blog... even with the misspelled words, the wrong punctuation or misplaced at lest.... the blog has improved my thought process to write.... 

In the last 44 days, I have published three papers on various issues, jail space, diversion programs, etc...

The blog composing has helped in choosing the phraseology ..... 

Just sitting here thinking on the 3rd floor.... at lest I do have two windows that look out on the skyline of the Lil City by the Red.

Turning My Thoughts !!!

Today, I'm off from the office, its Veteran's Day.

I am turning my Thoughts Today, to my family, honoring them for their service to Our Country.

My father and my mother, both fought in WWII.  My father fought in the Pacific Theater, my mother was in the Women's Air Corp before they formed the US Air Force.

My father's tour of duty took him to the Fiji Islands, Solomon Islands and many small atolls.

My mother tour of duty, was in Sheridan Wy... at a air base.... she developed film practice bombing runs and taught there..My mother obtained the rank of Buck Sargent... she carried that training for the rest of her life... it served her well.

My sister, retired from the US Air Force as a Lt. Colonel.....

Now for my pride and joy.... My Son... yes I have a child.... he is a United States Marine... he fought and served proudly... in Iraq.

He is home now, works for a major oil company in an executive capacity....

My thoughts are with my son and my sister today, for their sacrifices during those years...

I am proud to say that my family.... my blood... has served our Nation....

I is We.....

I      know............After the non-stop media coverage of for the last 18 months.... do We the Public really know whats going on in the rest of the world....

I     wonder............... sometimes where the Reality of It All Is....... The True Reality.... !!!

I       hope ............... We as a People can Soon Come Together .... Again......

I      understand........ WE Must.

Good Neighbors

Today, I had a small surgery, I had developed two carbuncle on my left buttocks side, after consulting with my Good Doctor, it was determined that I needed a surgeon to extract the carbuncles.

Well, in the neighborhood, we have doctors, lawyers, administrators, principals, teachers, social workers... a lil bit of every thing you might need.

Good Doctor, who is partnered with a great friend and vestry member of mine, did the diagnosis, then the surgeon who lives on the other side of my back yard fence did the removal....

The carbuncles were two, one the size of a fifty cent piece, with six heads,  the depth was about 2.5 cm, which is about one inch, the other was about a dime size with the same depth..... photos if anyone desires....

A True Pain in the Rear.....

However, It was a neighborhood Affair.......Totally, Good Doctor, Surgeon and All.....

Settling In and Making It

The "settling in" with the new position, is slowly, slowly becoming more lil less stressful.

Its will be 30 days here on Friday, that I have been in the new position, new job... my title is Executive Administrator of a Judicial District.....

The reality is that city hall is small compared to the courthouse..... city vs parish.... Being in a parish wide office certainly adds to my need to be more secluded in my private life.. cause the public life is on full display.... 

I thought I was public when I was with the city.... it holds no candle to the parish.... if the city was a flashlight.... then the parish is a World War II Search Light... on Full Beam.

I have also went back to my cpap machine usage .. it helps with the sleep, which I dearly needed .. and a lil lunesta tab helps too...

Dressing Up each day... does take its toll tho..... going from mountain khaki shorts and dirty t-shirt to starched button downs worsted wool pants.... is a lil something also... my laundry bill has increased..

I found out that I could, after 3 years, dump some money into the judicial retirement system and be vested in a short 5 years.. with age ... I might consider that if I stay... it would be a second retirement check after 7 years ... if I make it that long....

Making it is the question....

Punch Punch Punch and its not a Cigar

For the last three years, I have worked basically remote, at home, without punching the clock......

That means a lot.....

For the last three years, I have got up when I wanted, read the WSJ and Local Paper, drank coffee, visited with the neighborhood walkers, discussed politics, all in a variety of fashion, from dirty t-shirts and boxers to short pants and barefooted..... then on a rare occasion I had to go to City Hall and sit in an office for a meeting....

Now..... I am punching the clock again.......  here in my office at the Courthouse... khaki pants, penny loafers, lunch with the staff, coffee in the afternoon, and headed home, which is only eight blocks away.... Thank the Good Lord..!!!

Its certainly a Reality Check for Sure.....

Now the compensation is Much Much More, but having to Punch the Clock.... Hmmm  but (and there is always a But) ... the complete package was in the  very lower six figure.. Which i have to say doing govt work... this is  at the high end of the scale....

So, I am Punching that Clock.. getting to the Courthouse before 8am and leaving around 430..

Hmmmm .. is all I can say at this point in Time.

The Wind Blew

The Dogs Bark, But the Caravan Moves On!!!!  Arabic Saying

I have used this saying many times, to imply another saying "There is Nothing Permanent but Change", Heraclitus.

I have Quoted these sayings ....often during  meetings or when I am ask "what is going to happen now"  over the last 42 years of my governmental service to the State of Louisiana and the Lil' City by The Red

The first one quote, is when someone leaves a position and the hand-ringers, naysayers, employees say "O My God, He or She is Gone, what are we ever going to do.... now that they are no longer in  our employment..."

The second one, quote, I use mainly for employees who do not like change, new rules, modified programs, budget reductions, and on and on and on!!!

On Friday, September 23rd, I left the employment with the Lil City by the Red, after 8 years, 2 months, during those years, I held three great positions, Director of Public Works, Commissioner of Public Safety and Chief of Staff for the elected Mayor..

There are new winds blowing now up in the Mayor's office.... its time for a change........

and I Was the Change........  

In governmental work, when you are have gained enough battles under your belt, you become the Older One, full of knowledge, knowing the "what if's"....

When the winds of change come, being an Older one, its give you, the latitude to pick up the phone and say..... "Hey when you  mentioned and ask me if I  would be interested in me coming over and then said you should have been here long ago..... Well.. Here I come.  You have got the Older One.  

So, I am on to another journey, this time in another  public organization, who needs an administrator.

Here is my letter---- The Dogs Bark, But the Caravan Moves on........  It was delivered at High Noon, on the 23Rd..... appropriately... with Metaphors... cause that is how we speak.. one must always read between the lines......

To Whom It May Concern:

On July 14, 2008, I began my employment journey with the City and Citizens of The Lil City by the Red.  During the ensuing years, it has been my privilege and pleasure to bring my expertise in governmental management to this city.

An opportunity has arisen to give me a breath of fresh air, to lend my expertise to another agency and, with that, I have accepted another employment offer. 

After a long discussion with my close friends and family, I have determined that my employment relationship with the City shall cease on September 23, 2016, at 12 Noon.

With kindest regards,

Windows... Windows.... Time is Rolling on

It's Saturday

I made my normal rounds early this morning. Inglewood Farms, John Ward Hardware, SJ Cleaners, Town and Country Meats..... its sort of a tradition here... make the rounds and see the folks who own the stores.. all locals...

I wasn't feeling really good this morning , there is a crud going around here, I seemed to have run into it somewhere.  I wash my hands all the time, its was something I did all the time in my past occupation, so Im not sure how or who i got close to to catch the crud..

I immediately started a round of antibiotics and a Z pack... seems to have knocked it out.. I know of some folks who waited almost a week, then went to the Dr... it set in with them... one got pneumonia..

48 hours later... I am beginning to feel a tid lil better....

I have really been working a lot lately... with my part time work as a mayoral assistant and now with my company contracting with the District Attorney's Office... I am putting in 48 hours weeks... where I was lally gaggin doing about 22 hours a week, for the last few years... I'm worn out coming home from the Courthouse.  That's where the DA office is.. at least I have my own window....

Windows.. Windows..... I am seeing a lot of windows these days.... looking into the lives of others...

I coined a phrase " The wave and breath of humanity walks pass me everyday"... especially at the Courthouse.

Heading into Fall

First lil' touch of Fall, hit me today, when I walked out onto the back porch this morning....

You could tell Fall is  in the air.....

The company, is doing rather well, I have had a compensation reduction, smart move, when your government agencies are in a fiscal crisis.  A voluntary compensation reduction no less... hit all three govt units, by surprise.... I did up the amount of office research,rather than onsite research.. but every one loves the reduction in  office visit cost.  Giving consultations/advise to elected officials is the main focus of the company.... i seem to have a good footing there.....

I, was questioned the other day about some advise,  that I have given one on my contracts, he is a 40 something elected official, large staff, tremendous responsibilities, .... I told him this....

"your integrity is the only thing you take to your grave"  it is about what people say about your when you are Gone... and I went on to talk with him about that subject.... after the political talk is over with, after who said what, after everybody has cursed, cried, and moaned... it the end.....

Your decision, must be made, for the correct reason, with the correct information, then you can sleep.

The City Position (part time) is still there... I am reducing the hours there, but still maintaing about 20 hours a week, during normal business hours.

The "love life.".. "dating life".... Naw.... let me say that one more time ...Naw... aint happening...

Which, could be, a good thing.... gives time for introspection ... quiet evenings.... and doing things around the house ...rearranging up the living room so I can use the fireplace this winter.... Its what my Momma did when Fall was about to appear, its what I have done every year since I have been in this house, which would be 20 years on February 2017.... Side Note:.... I brought the house from the original family who built it in 1923.... purchased it from the Son, who grew up here, he was going inot assisted living at the time of my purchase. he was 80 years old back then.... Lord rest Mr. B's Soul

Okie Dokie

Monday Monday.....

This is the anniversary of an event that, changed so many lives here in Louisiana and across the Region.

Katrina blew into and in some parts of New Orleans..Away!!!

As I sit here and type.... I am having a lil chill run through my body....

The Kat... changed my life... and in ways, the Change...the Events... in Time... were for the Best.

Labor Day Approaches.... it's Southern Decadence.... Hot Sticky Sweaty Decadence ..

Well.... I won't be there for sure... its more of a gay tourist venture now (always have been and will ever be)........... of unparalleled Debauchery!!!  20 years ago.. its was just trip to the Big Easy for a fun weekend.

But (and there is always a but).... In my younger days.. it was a time of gin/tonics Tea Dance on A Sunday Afternoon... and the Golden Lantern... watching the action in the bath tub room.

O... Now... I will be sitting on my front porch this  Sunday in the  Afternoon... Labor Day weekend... just remembering how life was before the Kat...

All in all.... everything is Okie Dokie... Past and Present !!!!

Aint No Body Laughin' AnyMo'

It was Blue Skies here for the first time in several weeks... its a breath of fresh air for us here in the Central Part of the State.. affectionately known as CenLa.

I can't say that for the folks in Southeast Louisiana... Baton Rouge, to the East of BR.. etc.

Their's could be a "hard candy Christmas" as Dolly Parton sings...

The frustration with flooding is that almost all the time, homeowners forget about that added policy....

I live within 7 blocks of the Mighty Red.... there are sand boils downtown all the time, when the River is High...... Not a comforting sight when you see the Red.. rushing by, carrying whole 150 year old Live Oaks that just toppled down from the Cliff that was high on the cut bank side of the Red.  Swooshing those Live Oaks by at 40 miles an hour... There's some Force Mind you.

So, a few years ago, I purchased my $250.00 worth of Flood Insurance... I told my neighbors one evening that I had purchased some, they all laughed, made a few hap hazard comments.......

Well... But( there is always a But) ......


They Aint Laughing no more.....  The We will never Flood... back of the mind,,,, Ain't there No Mo!!

My Agent said he had five calls from Bricks on The Red Homeowners last week.

Small But Always So Nice

I was reading a blog on my blog-list today, the writer mentioned the use of sterling silver dinnerware etc.....

That got me to thinking about the small pleasures, one gives oneSelf in Life.

I have always, liked the "Look" and Mannerisms of  a Southern Gentleman.

Whether it was the khaki pants, starched white shirt (monogramed on the pocket) , alligator belt or braces, the classic watch on the left wrist, a good fountain pen in the shirt pocket, dress saddle oxford shoes, (then on Fridays.... penny loafers),

Debonair with the conversation, holding the door open for a Lady to enter or exit, standing up in a room when a Lady enters, polite conversations before the stroke of Five in the afternoon... and so on......

At home, dinner plate for supper,  double old fashion glass, use of sterling as everyday, cloth napkin, matching pattern of water glass and wine glass at a Saturday Night-cocktails in the living room, sit-down supper, (yes its Supper in the South-Not Dinner).

It's  what makes Life, here,  a lil bit better, a lil bit slower, friends lingering around the Supper Table after serving aperitifs" and the talk goes on into the evening...

Yes, its the small, small pleasures in Life that should be noticed and accounted for.......


And then Late in the Evening .... a Cigar (not inhaled) on the Front Porch... swinging and listening to Nina Simone as the Night passes..........!!!

Small, Small, Pleasures.....Always

Tis Rainin' a Lil Bit

Its raining .... and that's an understatement in South Louisiana, only about 130 miles to the southeast of the Lil City by the Red....

My family's farm is located about two miles as the creek winds its way, from a golf course resort built some years ago....

The first photo is of an aerial shot taken of the golf course/resort.. you can see the white sand bars of the creek and how it meanders along....

The second photo was taken yesterday.... the creek is named for or supposedly for a family member that ran a low water ferry across the creek at a ford, avoiding the quick sand that the creek is so famous for... you can notice how swollen the creek is from all the rain of yesterday...

It was estimated that the creek rose about 21 feet, from an average depth of 8 inches... yes 8 inches..

Just a lil runs.... that is it...

I'm back from SA... drove back yesterday... 441 miles....6 hours 50 minutes... good time.. but (and there is always a but)... aster the exam and on the road....I crapped all the way across Texas.... early yesterday morning I got prepared for the exam... around 7... I stayed at the Omni right down the street from the Medical Plex as I stated in Sunday's post... So.. I got taken right into the room... full exam... probe and all... juiced up...etc.....

The report, per my urologist was great.... the MRI was read again, no cancer at this time... !!!!!!!

We, discussed other issues that impact me on the bedroom front... now that Chad is no longer in the picture.... i don't really have any desire for the use .... but (and there is always a but) never know when somebody might come knocking at the door.... .

We might increase the dosage of V Tablet  or use the new generic version from India.. which has proven to have a higher potency... hmmm...

Nothing else to report... I am back in the Lil City by the Red.... snuggle up in my bed... waiting for cooler weather...!!!

I'm Here.....

I'm here in SA.  Its hot! Today's temp was 107 without the heat index... but no humidity.  Dry... Dry....

I jumped on the scales before I left for the 7 hour drive over here.... I was at 268... what happened to the 252..... well.. I can tell You.... every time I get ready to come to SA for a checkup I seem to gain weight.. Every Time...

Well, get here to the Omni ... its my hotel of choice, I have stayed here for the last 7 years.. just good service...  twice a year... for the last 7 years... i sort of know where the bar is ...

I will be here for several days.... having some test, checking this and that.. then the chat with the Big Doctor on Tuesday Morning... then a drive home... speaking of that... I couldn't come my regular route.. which you can drive here in 6.5 hours...441 miles.. cause Texas backroads are 75 mph....  but it took me a lil bit longer this time.....

The bridge at Burr's Ferry got washed away on the Sabine River... that is the back way (northern route)  to Jasper Woodville, Livingston and Navasota then to SA... ...

 but (and there is always a but).... so I had to come through the southern route.... down to  Interstate Way..I-10 to Houston... and then to SA.... terrible traffic... horrible slowdowns... yuck yuck...

So, I am here in the Omni....big meal... nice chardonnay... .. i will Uber tomorrow to do a few early morning test, then to the open air mall and then back to the hotel and supper somewhere....then see the big doctor early Tuesday Morning...then on the road 441 miles back to Alex....

Here Here.. and Then Here....

adjusting and adjusting

Having a private business and making it work takes a lot, I can see.  I have not gotten comfortable with my charges and work production.

I really don't have much to base it on, other than what fees are charged by others. Those others are attorneys and their paralegals...

So,  NOT  to overcharge,  I lowered my rate for  office visits by $35 an hour today.   So, I am still billing, what I consider as  a fair charge.

My average time charge is about 7 to 10 hours a week.  It certainly benefits me and I can show work productions etc.

I am told I am too generous with the lesser amount of service fee per hour, but (and there is always a but) I feel rather privileged for charging the lesser amount and increasing the hours..

I am adjusting as I go...

Just one more time

Well..... yesterday, on July 31, was the 10 year anniversary of this blog....


Before that, I was on diaryland.com ... i think for about 8 years....   I've tried over the years to recover my writings on diaryland, but to no avail.

Over the years, I have seen bloggers enter the blog world, retire from the blog world, discontinue blogging for one reason or the other.....

I have made online friendships, I have met a few, and continue to enjoy all that I read.

So..... Thanks for reading my blog.... its actually therapeutic for me...

But (and there is always a but), I like the Comments Left... very few folks do it, not sure why, but I have always appreciated the Honest Comments..... which I have to say.... has been all of them!!!

So, I'll continue to write.... and read..... just one more time as the days pass.

Rainin' Playin'.....

Raining Raining....

The last two weeks of July has been rain center here on the Lil' City by The Red.... each afternoon we have a had some gully washers for sure...... it kicks the humidity up to 100%, bringing the temps down to the lower 90s..... makes for a steam bath for sure....

The coming year, in Feb.  2017, I will have owned my home for 20 years, I am the second owner of the home.... having purchased it from the original family who built it in 1925.... yes, the second owner....

And there is a story behind that ....

In 1994, there was a local architect who owned a building that contained seven apartments, the local architect was at that time about 80 years old, his companion, lover, devotee lived in one of the apartments also..... I moved into the building and occupied apartment number 7.

During those three years, I developed a friendship with the architect, Mr. BA and his companion HP

Mr. BA was a recognized, award winning architect, having started his practice in 1948, right in the beginning of the mid century modern era.  Mr. BA was noted for his use of half walls and the use of shutters as doors, and his use of light in his design of homes.

Mr. BA's lover, was a man who I will call, Mr. HP.   Mr. HP was a local banker, lived in apartment number 2 and Mr. BA lived in apartments number 3/4.  Mr BA and Mr. HP grew up together, having lived within a block of each other.  As I came to know them, you could see the sparkle in BA's eyes when we sat down to supper as HP was telling a story of how they maneuver through  the social mores' of the late 1930s and on..... into the 50s, 60s, 70s, and on......

These two men were lovers, but they lived in a time, where, if you chose to live in the deep deep South, one had to maintain a confidential, secret love... nothing was open...

So,  not to bring disgrace upon their families, each man didn't live together, but always lived close to each other.... they had had a friendship-relationship for almost all of their 70+ years....

Anyway.... Mr. BA took me for a ride one Sunday afternoon and we visited some of his homes he had designed and built.... then we came upon this home... at the conveyance of Albert Street and 18th Street.... we walked in and Mr BA began to tell a story of growing up here....

After some pondering, Mr BA turned to me and said..... I'm going to sale my family home, it was built by my parents in 1925, and I am selling it to you..... I have decided that  you will  buy my house, the one that I grew up in.... BA knew that I was looking to purchase a home, he just made the command decision ...  I accepted

So, since Feb 2017 I have been the owner of BA's home, the one he grew up in, the one that HP and him played in the back yard in, I walk the neighborhood that BA and HP rode bicycles in. HP only lived two blocks down the same street... They went to grammar and high school together, went off to college together, came home and made a life together... but lived separately .....

I still think of BA and HP..... I still see the twinkle in each other's eyes as we sat down to supper...

I wonder sometimes.... if BA and HP played in the Rain.... I bet they Did......

Wondering and Wandering..... We each have our own ways.... but ... we are connected..

I'm having a lil down moment.... not bad... but a lil bit.... a friend showed me C on one of those apps for the iPhone ... he was 48 miles away... must have found himself a guy... all ready... hmmmm

I know, I know, .... let him go.... I have to the most extent...I tend to think he might come to his senses... the gut says he is not... the mind hopes....

I have booked the Omni in SA, as I usually do, its close to the Dr's office and its close to a few good cafes, sushi places, and the all encompassing Tex Mex.... I had to book an extra night on the front end to get the rate and room I wanted... So, I am leaving/arriving  on a Sunday, wandering around SA on Monday, and see the Dr on Tuesday, heading back that day...

I am not sure if I am going to have someone go with me.... I might just go alone, as I have in the past.. it really gives me time to think on the open road, to rehash things about my personal life, to think privately out loud about my life in general.. both personally and professionally... I can talk to myself.... play the radio, turn around when I see something of interest,..... driving alone does have its advantages..

Let me Ramble .. a lil bit......

As I read the blogs I have on my reading list, one I have maintained a friendship online, seen twice or maybe three times, email occasionally, for the last, maybe, almost,  16 years.. .. really...yep... I think its been almost that long.... then, I have a new friendship, from a blog writer, he as the other guy lives in the West.. we tend to email also, every once in a while, ... I enjoy very much these friendships .. I enjoy seeing the similarities and then seeing the opposite to, reading the points of view, understanding that we share a common bond .... all being gay.... we are certainly individuals tho.... each very independent...yes there is a theme of independence among us three...

Poor C.... maybe he should try to achieve some of that Independence for himself......

A lil Sweating is Ok..

Wow.... time Flies when you are having things happen.

So its been 12 days... not a record for not posting but a lot has happened....

The new company, which is a corrections based advisory firm is doing fairly well, we have picked up several law firms and one public account.  Now has any money been made... well... a lil bit...

I see how difficult it is to begin winning trust in clients, when you work for the govt, the trust is almost automatically there.. just base on your time of service and your credentials ... when you out on your own... you have your credentials...your integrity .. that is about it... and then .. then.... its how much is your advise going to cost.....the All Mighty Dollar.....

On the personal front..... from time to time I mourn a lil bit for C.... maybe more than a lil bit.... but as time passes... I wanted to make contact... but I believe he is still in his world...

My hope one day, is that he emerges from his world, and knocks on my door...

Just have to see......

My semi annual trip to SA is coming up, in August...for the prostate check....

I did recently have to be admitted to the ER for a bout of prostatitis, presently on Flagyl and Cipro... I know..... high powered !!!! getting that infection out of that prostate... So I've been sweating out the poison and infection...

Its HOT..... temp wise that is.... HOT HOT ....

You sweat walking to get the morning paper......   a lil sweating all the way around.

Just Today.......

Today.... its Hot... Sweaty... It's Louisiana in Mid July.


Today... I begin another opportunity, I have formed a company, its a corrections based performance oriented business.. our first client is the parish district attorney's office....

Today.. I was asked to draw up  discussion points for an interview for the DA, with the local newspaper, its a Gannett owned paper.... big step....

Today.... I still retain my position with the city govt of Alexandria....

Today... could be a crossroads cause of politic forces .........

Today ..... I'm satisfied that I can provide professional services to either organization... but ( and the there is always a But) .. not sure if I can stay out of the politic fray in this hot Louisiana Climate..

Today.. ... on this fray.. won't be of my choosing ....

Maybe One Day.....

Its Saturday Morning here in the Deep Deep South......  its already 87 with the feels like temp of 93 at 823am


This is day Seven..... no moan... no word.... did I expect any....well... not really.... but i wanted some.

When you have to make a stand in life.. you must make it very firm... it doesn't need a lot of discussion.... no need to talk about the feelings, no need to search the emotions....

Just make the decision and be firm... about it... really ... sometimes in life I think we tend to want to discuss, talk, reason, think, feel the other person.....

My life as a Warden for 30 years...taught me ... there really isn't a lot of discussion, if any, about Life's decisions ... actions are such,  that one must just step up, say the lest few words possible....!!

I did that seven days ago.... decisions are based on the actions of a person, those actions sometimes demand immediate and swift action.. ... so be it...

Wardens are taught .. don't stand around.. make the decision and ................... Live with it...

I did.....

I broke my heart doing it.... but I did make the decision...

One day.... maybe one day..... he will understand and Correct the Way his Life is Going...his Life... himself .... One Day....

Its Hot.. Its Torrid... Its Louisiana

Its July here in the deep deep South....

Let me say that again.. its July.... its Hot.....

The humidity is hovering at 75% with the heat index today at 106 degrees....

It makes for a nice steam bath when u walk outside at 6am to get the paper and its already 85 degrees...

We still have the hottest months to go... August and September... hmmmm.....

Its Hot ..... its Torrid... Its Louisiana in July....

Maybe

 ...... nothing to do with bloodspot.com..

I am thinking of moving my blog to wordpress.com

thinking is the optimum word here.

Just One Day

There has been in my life, only a few times that the chemistry of Togetherness-Love-Companionship has aligned itself....

that Karma was in sync......

that  things were beautiful and when you laid down to sleep with your partner......

that sleep was restful ... you woke up refreshed.....

that as you looked at the man u had laid with that night......

that he to was at peace also..........

So, my world is now .... Not So.....

He is Gone......

I had ... had a brief remembrance of Life in Sync... in Good Karma....

The wooly booger in the room... is  awful, contemptuous, and Brownish...

I will not digress more.....

He is gone... I hope, I sincerely hope, I pray, that He fights every day to regain his Self....

Maybe... just maybe ................

One Day....... one beautiful day..... he .......

Will Be Back.....

Soaking........and It Ain't in a Bathtub

Well ... Is all I can Say......

I mowed the front and backyards yesterday..... It wore me out......

Summer is here in the deep deep South....  

Today the temp index  will reach 105 with 78% humidity 

Yesterday according to the Weather Channel.....before Noon.... (see screen shot below)

I was soaked with sweat.... 

To Bad Chad wasn't there to throw me in the shower...

A... Lament on a Chad..........

Pass On Mr.

Things Change.....

Folks Move On..............

More When I comprehend ....what has happened in the Last 24 Hours............

Yesterday.... Yesterday...

Yesterday, in the Lil City by the Red, the LBGT Community, along with friends and family, held a Vigil and lighting of candles for the Tragedy that happened in Orlando.

As Chad and I stood there, my eyes swelled with emotion ....I Was So Sad at that Moment yesterday in remembering the pain and horrible deaths of those who died in Orlando...,,

There were Words of Peace, Love, and All things Good... said by the speakers and those gathered.

But there was a Hollowness in my Heart and Mind... of where Love and Peace were suppose to Be.

Here is a photo of Chad (purple shirt) kneeling to place our candles yesterday... The Monument is our city's Holocaust Memorial...

Monday For Sure

Monday Monday.....

We are in the beginning of our summer here... it's raining... the heat (temp is already 86), the rain... it will not be pleasant out there today..

Life continues at an easy pace here, to some extent.... I'm glad he has his home up the street also.

We went to a supper on Saturday night, down the street, Bob&John had three couples over for somewhat of a late supper...we finished with a 1998 Sauterne as a desert around 1030pm.  Those guys like late suppers... Hmm... I am always glad not to cook on a Saturday night tho.

Work seems to be doing ok... not much is going on .. we are about to be in the Louisiana Summer Doldrums.... it's that time of the year that govt slows down to a crawl... and the Heat takes over in Louisiana....

It's Monday

Continuing......

We are settling down into a semi routine.. starting to gather ourselves up.

Chad likens it to living in a dorm.

He actually lives down the street, within three blocks of me, he has a home there.....

So, he tells his self that he is just going down to Tom's Dorm Room... or I am coming to his.

But he enjoys coming to mine.... I make great coffee and have  supper made most of the time.

We might head to Houston later on this month to meet some friends... it will be our first outing out of the Lil City by the Red.

I sort of like the pace in which we have set for ourselves.... nothing demanding... just easy living ...

So..... Life Continues.......

Life is Moving On

Today it has been a month, since we ran into each other.

He has come up with an "official" version of the encounter.

The unofficial version is the porn example for gay sex in the 21st Century. .... but I won't digress.

We are working on a Few Things......

We haven't made Love....Yet... according to my description of our sex life.

He hasn't made Love Either.....

We are beginning just now to Learn Each Other

We are developing opinions............

Allie the Dog is making her Self at Home .......

I haven't had a dog or any animal here, except mySelf... in over 20 years...never owned a dog..

Here is a photo of Chad and Allie... we went to a picnic yesterday .... it was at some friends' yard

Life Continues....

Chad II

Chad.....

Chad has been here most of each day of the week, for now three weeks.... going on four...

Chad graduated from a local high school, obtain an undergraduate degree from Havard, then a JD from Yale.... his credentials are impressive.... I obtained his bio from the former law firm he worked at in Los Angles.

Chad will be 38 this year.........

Chad has a home down the street on the Red Bricks...........

Chad is a lil bit of an introvert.... maybe a lil bit more actually...

Chad has introduced me to the Game of Thrones..................................

Chad would rather drink wine and stay on the porch than go out to supper..............

Chad has introduce me to some of this friends.....all went away to school, big colleges, big names...Pepperdine, Yale, Smith College, etc. all are home now for one reason or the other... at lest Chad lives by himself in one of his family's homes.. well, when he is not here.

Chad, I believe, is one of  his generation... not sure of where they are going...and if they are going...

Chad.....  I think I have a small.. very small light, a flicker of an ember,  developing somewhere ..

Chad................

Proud!!!!!

There are times in Life that one must join his friends to be a part of One.

I am proud this year, as last year to be among the six private sponsors of our Local Gay Pride Event.

Having your name printed on the poster, in the Lil City by the Red, says a lot, especially in the locale' we all live in.......

It speaks to the Openness of a Geographical Region of Louisiana, that has been, was, is, thought of as being backward, rural, conservative.... in actuality it indicates a True Diversity and how far we have come to be accepted....

Chad

Chad has been here off and on for the last three weekends.

Chad ..... Chadwick ...

I am not sure where my mind is ......

But...(and there is always a But) .... I might be in puppy affection at the moment.... he is 37 about to be 38....

Chad.......

It Won't Last Long.......

We are about to get into Summer here ... on the banks of the Red....

I can feel it coming on.... give it a few more weeks...  two at the most.... and the HOT..and the HUMID will be here...

We have been having an unusual amount of nice weather... it ain't going to stay.....

Living in the sub tropics does have it's pleasures when the other parts of the Nation are freezing...

But (and there is always a But)....... it won't last Long.......

Summer is about to be Here......

98 degrees and 87% humidity is on it's way.... y'll be drenched when you go to get the morning paper..

Momma....and Mommas'

Its Momma's Day.

My Momma was born on December 25, 1920. She had a very good life, passing on to her reward on March 31, 2001.  80 years strong, she decided to leave this world on her on accords.

In my life, I have had many strong women, all Mommas... accompany me, be besides me, give me strength, whip me when I needed it, built me up, carry me in some emotional way, and best of all.....

Tell Me that They Loved and Love Me..........

Its Momma's Day....

I was reading the other day, a post, on one of my favorite bloggers's web site.  He had linked an article about architecture of Denver.  The article started off with a description of what progressive progress brings.

The article was written by Michael Paliga and posted on Westword:

"Denver is changing rapidly. Some of the changes have been good: the burgeoning art scene, the museum-building boom, the explosion in restaurants and the whole Napa-of-craft-beer thing, not to mention legalized marijuana. But there have also been some bad changes: the terrible traffic, the litter and pet waste everywhere, the sky-high rents and the swelling ranks of the homeless, not to mention legalized marijuana."


You have to Think about it ........ Sometimes.!!!




Just keeps on Going

Saturday Morning .... Saturday All Day.... Routine

Most Saturdays, I have a routine that I follow in the spring summer and fall.... Its the Garden District Saturday routine


First its coffee, French Pressed, then W, the 6th in a series of yard guys.  He's 20... his parents and grandparents live in the neighborhood...  I've always been blessed to have college freshmen or sophomores as yard guys, they usually are from the neighborhood and are going to one of the local schools here...  The average work period is about 3.5 years... then they graduate and move on...

So........


We jump in the truck and run out to IngleWood Organic Farms, IngleWood is owned by the Family that owns Murphy Oil.  We get the cream, see what veggies we they have.  Then its back to the house for W to cut the yard...

But today, we did more than cut the yard, weed in the flower beds, one of my neighbors had a new pressure washer... so we cleaned the bricks in the front of the house....

I think W loves to operate power equipment and it was a chance to get soaking wet and not have anybody yell at him....

The joys of exuberance in a 20 yr old  yard man.....  he did a fine job.

Artist....Artists ....

I have always been interested in the nude form as viewed by artists.  One artist is a photographer based in Texas, his last name is Denson. I have three of his male nudes.  There is another artist in Baton Rouge that I am very interested in adding to my collection his last name is Vernon.

If and when I do get to purchase one of Vernon's pen/ink with watercolor I will post it... they are female nudes, in a relaxed pose, there is something exotic about them... some mystery that they speak of.  I have a Joseph Appalucci in my meager collection.. it is of a nude female, in a sitting position, holding a twig, with no face, beaconing you to come get your whipping..... or that's the interruption by most folks...

This has all made me think that I should get back into my photography work..... Artist.. Not... just a shutter bug.

Perspective ....Simple..... Life ..Three Words... That mean so Much.

Putting things in Perspective.

Sometimes, I need to step back from my life in the world that I operate in.  My Buddy, BD, said in his blog the other day, "live well and simply".  The more I think about that statement, the more I must or should put my life to living well simply.

I have found myself giving away some of my possessions, I have turned my bungalow into a one bedroom only home.  Gave away the other beds.  This past weekend, I gave Bryan and his new partner the teak table that sat on the deck.  Bradly... got the leather couch in the den two weeks ago...

I have rented a storage unit, in a climate controlled building, that I am putting items in, to give away to family.


Simplifying my Life... ... Less is Less

He Said He Loved Sushi

I had a date last night, we went to one of the two local sushi places. His choice, I pay.

He said he loved sushi....

He told a story of that he had grown up in Las Vegas, moved here about three years ago to work at a state mental health facility... returned to Louisiana to reunite with Aunts Cousins and other relatives of long past.

He said he loved sushi......

We chatted.... we met on a gay web site, chatted, then gave out our respective cell numbers, text for a week or so.. maybe 10 days.....  decided to meet for a Saturday early dinner (its supper in the Deep Deep South) date.... no expectations....

He said he loved sushi..............

As we chatted, they brought the warm towelettes to the table to cleanse our hands...

He looked puzzled at the waitress as she offered him the hand moist towelette....

He never took the towelette... never cleansed his hands......

He said he loved sushi..........

He was searching the menu... I asked him if he would like an appetizer ..

Edamame perhaps..... I had to describe what Edamame was...

He said he loved sushi..........

At that point in time, I moved on to ordered two rolls, he broke the chop sticks, put one in each hand and tried to pick up the roll with using both hands and sticks..

He said he loved sushi......

After this I took him to a restored local bar... gathering from the above dialogue....I concluded the evening early....

There is always something about the three rules, transportation, job, key to your own place to live.

I found out in the late stages of the conversation that he didn't have the transportation aspect....

Never Break your essential  Three Rules.....

He said he loved sushi................

A Return and a Few Interesting Facts on a Saturday Afternoon and a Lil Bit About Momma

I returned home, from the retreat,  late yesterday, drove through lite to heavy downpours on the return trip.... Retreats seldom accomplish much, they are assembled in the public area to "create" staff bonding etc.... Hmmmm ..... executive staff  spend a lot of time together in the first place.... it's very common in the public sector  for the executive staff work 50 to 75 hours a week...all week long... .. We Bond...!!! But I was glad to venture out, it was in an area of the state where I grew up. The college I graduated from was only  21 miles from where we stayed  Our home away from home was  a restored hotel, only 40 rooms.. quite nice......

On other news the Red continues to Roll down to pass the lil city here... its rolling,  all the locks on the Red, have been closed due to trees and silt .. there are Five Locks on the Red.

One of the locks is named for one of my best friend's grandfather who was a US Senator in the 30's and  40's... a contemporary of FDR.  She is from a very notable family... her great great grandfather helped in the legal battle and negotiations for  Solomon Northup, Twelve Years a Slave.   Her great great grandfather's diary is on loan, by her,  to the Smithsonian. There is an official Solomon Northup Trail here in and about our lil city By the Red.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that 15 years ago today along that my siblings and I,  buried our Mother.  I  have for  the last few years remember her on the day of her birthday (Dec 25th), death or the day of her burial... Momma passed from the Earth on March 31. We laid her to rest on April 2nd, .... we didn't want to play an April Fools Joke on everybody....cause the Funeral home wanted us to lay Momma to rest on April 1st.  .. but we did bury her with her shoes on.... Momma wore a size 12 Quad A shoe.... she was 6 feet tall.... she was always very proud of her presence in a gathering.  If you care to read any entries. they are usually posted on March 31 or April 2nd.

God's Speed Momma..... where ever you may be....!!!!. I am sure Your Spirit is presence all the Time...SomeWhere.

Tax Man is Wanting his Money...

Gee... I have to make the pilgrimage to the Post Office this morning to mail the taxes off to Uncle Sam..... Yuck.... Yuck....

Now the fairly good news is that I do not Owe Governor Edwards any tax money... .. he owes me just a small pittance.  ... tiny... maybe I can buy some groceries with it... a bottle or two of wine.

I try not to pay, but every year for the last few, few years... I've had to write that Check...to Dear Uncle Sam.

Yuck .... Yuck....

Well, I am leaving tomorrow to go to a staff retreat over in Covington, La which is in the forks of the Bogue Fayala River and the Tchefuncte River... only Louisiana Folks know how to pronounce it.. Bo Ga Fay Lie Ah,  Tah  Func Tee,  you can't get the accent down..u have to kind of muddle it.

Should be interesting.... at lest there will be a couple of good restaurants in the area.