Last Day of the Year

 I think it is fitting that we Hail and Give Thanks to President Carter, noting his passing.  History was not kind to him during his term as our President,  I believe that History will turn again to understand him more and give credit to Him for Being Honest, Forthright, Walking in his Own shoes, and for His Hope for Mankind.   

It was my privilege to come of age during his administration...   As I look back .. we all should take from his inner strength and try to be that Better Person that we are capable of.   

Sunday

 Sunday, I decided last night not to spend this muted cold day in bed covered up, I decided to have breakfast, two biscuits, coffee, and do some work in the office.  Make a blog entry and read the WSJ and the new edition to the Natl Geo. magazine before the sunsets today.  Take a walk around the neighborhood also. 

Looks like I am on schedule.... for the most part, Its a quarter of an hour past 10 o'clock, and I am typing.  It's been raining and yucky weather in the past few days.. typical Louisiana weather.  

 I chatted with my Corrections partner about doing some audits in mid-January; we will be in Mississippi in the middle of the month..   which lends itself to getting me out of the house and back to using my brain.   Which does motivate me.. to a greater extent. 

Alone in the Presence of Self

 Spending Christmas Day Alone has become a way of Life here in the Lil City by the Red...  It's a time of reflection to Say to myself, another year has passed, and I am here in relatively good health. I have a good Life, I provide for myself, and I am comfortable in my surroundings. 

I hear by text and faceTime from friends near and far; well wishes from all...  I chat with my sister my brother, and my two children. ... All are well.  

This is a day of reflection, a time when I gather my thoughts and know I am blessed in my field of employment. I feel the gratitude of a blessed person. 

May the coming year be fruitful for all..... !!!

Sunday Morning

 This Sunday Morning marks a day in  my life that, on the calendar, in the back of my mind, I knew was approaching fairly fast.   Its the Last Sunday at Jo Betty and Dick's home, on Albert Street.  Richard Anthony "Dick" Sterkx, born March 1930, is no longer at his home, but awaiting transfer to a skilled nursing facility in New Orleans.  He has lived an incredible life, cradle to grave a devout Catholic, Family Man, Artist, and steadfast protector of his family's legacy and name.  If he makes it to March  he will be 95.  I have my doubts  he will.  I found him on his kitchen floor at 1:44 pm on Tuesday afternoon,  he had been laying there since late on Monday evening.   He was living alone, didnt want any sitters, according to him, "I will take care of myself damn it" .. 

Independent, Stubborn, His Way or the Highway!     Jo Betty passed away almost 3 years ago, he hasnt left his home but one time since she departed this life.  

The children both lived far away, they called upon me to check on thier father.  I would visit Dick every other day sometimes more, checking on him when I was in town.  We made a lil routine of me picking up his kitchen garabge on Sunday afternoons, since he didnt want to open the front door and scoot down the steps with his cane.  

So, no more Sunday pickup of ktichen garbage, no more long conversations of years past, of events long forgotten by most folks, the the legacy of a family that came from Belgium at the turn of the 20th century,  of political events in the Lil City by the Red, ...  He will placed in. an ambulance tomorrow .. and dellivered  to a skilled care faclity... where whe wll be closer to family that has moved down the River to New Orleans... since all of the rest of the Family is down there.

Thanks Poppie Sterkx for the Memories ..... May the Lord Cradle you in His Hands.......

Moving On!!!

 Yep, All the Well Wishes was a nice note to the Birthday,  Supper was at the local Italian Cafe Vernoa's. with the attorney and two of this friends who are doctors.  

There was a breach of security at MSP. I wont get into the specifics, but I am sure Warden M and I will be ask to do a review.     The employees involved are no longer there... Poof. Gone, so is the Offender. ran out through the cotton and soybean fields. 

Headed down to the Lower Country soon to pick up the Christmas Rice, Grown on Bertrand Farm, its specific to what they call Popcorn Rice....  Been giving it out for the last 26 years..  

Winter is here in Louisiana, Its 68 in the day, raining and then a wet cold 35 in the afternoon.  No wonder Andrew Jackson caught the pneumonia at the Battle of New Orleans, War of 1812... It will Wet Cold travels into the joints and sinuses 

So, time to get out travel a lil bit in the state ..... all is well..... !!!!

Yes

 Yes, Today is my Birthday. I'm 71 years old. Up to this point, I consider myself to have lived and continue to Live a Full Life; I am feeling and seeing now that I believe I am still 56. I can outmaneuver most  and still jump in the truck and drive to meet some one. 

My social contacts have declined in the past few years, which is a troubling moment for me.  But, and there is always a But, One must consider that people are passing away.. and I am still here... which is far better, I believe in  what might lay ahead.. in relative terms...  I believe in an afterlife if your personality and energy are bright and connected.   

The best decision I have made lately was two years ago, I sold my house and took a long-term lease on this duplex, which is like a condo here in the Garden District in the Lil City by the Red. 

The second best decision is adding cameras to my outside security of this duplex.  I have very good neighbors next door.  They are a couple Ms. V and Ms. A....   

I have no maintenance issue to deal with, no up keep, etc  I have owned two houses here in this Lil City,  I have owned rental property.  I am so very happy that I dont own nor desire either any more.  

Soon!

 This time of year brings back memories, some good, some pleasant, some fraught with the past events of family happenings.

I find myself needing to be or trying to steady myself and look to the brighter side of Life, even though my emotions sometimes pull me to a deep, morose divide in my mental state. 

I was born on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a High Holy Day. For that, I am thankful, and I always will be.  

But (and there is always a But)  For the most part, other than my occasional slip into being depressed, I am happy at this point in my life. I am reasonably healthy and financially stable. Selling my home and moving to this duplex/condo was an excellent decision. I can sit on my screen on the front porch, view the neighborhood, and speak to neighbors as they stroll by.  

By contracting with a state government, I can continue to apply my knowledge of public life, which adds to my personal satisfaction and sense of accomplishment.  

I will soon return to Mississippi to begin another evaluation of a correctional unit. I look forward to the challenge and the opportunity to impart the knowledge I have gained from almost 50 years of work in the incarceration setting. It's still an amazing Ride

!

Thanks Giving

 I feel like all who read this blog, knows, that I am respectful, honest, which means in my book, that I am ThankFul for passage of events, happenings, that happen to be in my decades on this Good Earth.  That I believe in a higher power, that Karma is real, Because when you treat yourself with respect and your treat other people in your life with the same respect, you are rewarded with a life lived.

CPAP and Other Thoughts

 I am back on. the CPAP, I tend to watch some news, NBC, CBC, and Sky to gain a broader prespective of what is going on in the World, not just here in the Land of the His Ass. Let me leave that subject alone and move on to more condusive thoughts.

When I use the CPAP, I tend to after the news of the day, place it in place and take my pills, then off to the land of Nod I go for about 8 hours.... I wake up fresh, alive, ready for French Press Coffee with daily grind of my Sumtra Dark Roast Coffee beans, and Yes, made with Natural Cane Sugar not white refined sugar, No CoffeeMate either, its Cream, not Half and Half  Now sometimes i slow cook Real Grits, the Yellow type, and always locally made Pork Sausage. 

Those Yellow Grits ....So Lovely.... hint of garlic powder, tiny sprinkle of Tony Seasoning, few flakes of beef boullion, slow cooked ... it takes about 30 minutes even for a small serving. Oh, a Pat of unsalted butter placed directly in the middle of the bowl of grits.

Now to other thoughts, TW IV's birthday is in late November, he is 44 this year.  I have been giving him his grandfahters belongings since we all share the first three Initials TWT.  Two Years ago,  I gave him his Great Great Grandather's 32 calibler smooth bore musket that he treked to Louisiana with in 1826.  Last year I have him his Grandfathers handmade belt buckles that had the TWT initials and my daddy brand (registered Louisiana Brand Commission) on it Lazy Anchor T;  This year I am giving him some of his Grandfather's books, WWII mementos, and Ledger Books from his Great Grandfather's General Store, Let it be known that his Great Grandfather passed away in 1905.  So I dont belive in purchaing gifts but passing on to my first born son and only son the items of his heritage.  I also do that for my nephew so there is no jealousy among the first cousins here.  As a side note they all resided on the family farm that I grew up on. 

Its just very important to make sure that my son, my nephew understand the great hertiage and that hertiage demands the proper conduct and somehow it is prescribed into the Genes that one apprecites those pieces of the past lives of thier forefathers and foremothers.

My thoughts on an early Crisp Friday Morning  here on the Red Bricks in the Lil City by the Red.

Its Good to Be Home

 Working semi-out of state has its benefits; indeed, it does. You can reposition yourself in ways that benefit you professionally and personally. I have become broader in my scope of work, developing new ideas, learning operational needs, and listening to staff who were influenced by their system's administrators by a different set of Correctional Values.   

This occurred while I was in Mississippi.   The Good News is that my contract was renewed by the MDOC for another year, with a sizable increase in compensation.    It is rewarding to have that provided to yourself without any inquiry on my part.    Humbling also, especially when staff from that system tells you they are compelled by your presence to set higher and more substantial goals for themselves.  

I am humbled by all that has happened to me personally. I feel I am back on my "A game," so to speak, and I am appreciated in ways I haven't been in many years.  

Glad to be home also, for a little while.  I'm comfortable here in my abode; it's my safe haven.  I feel secure here, in the quiet reaches of the Red Bricks in the  Lil City by the Red. 

On the Road Again.

 I came home on Thursday from Mississippi.   I leave tomorrow to go back to Mississippi.  The re-accreditation audit for ACA begins on Monday.   As one of the consultants I have to be there.  I am hoping that the 29 mandatory standards, (out of 509 standards) will pass, if they fail one mandatory, its over, the facility fails the audit.  I'm crossing my fingers . Hoping for a passing results. 

Veteran's Day,

 On the 11th Hour, 11th Day, and 11th Month, the Great War to End all Wars ended.    It was called Armistice Day.   Now it is called Veterans Day.

I am very proud of my family's service to our country.  My Momma and Daddy served in WW II. Momma was in the U.S Army Women's Air Corps and based in Sheridan WY, in the Photo Lab processing film.  She obtained the rank of Buck Sargent, My Daddy fought in the Solomon Islands, in the U.S. Navy and South Pacific. My little sister served and retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Lt. Colonel.  and yes, I do have a child; he served in Iraq as a U.S. Marine,  and he went to Paris Island for his basic training; He is My War Hero!!

May the Men and Women who signed up, and served our Country be saluted, and recognized as True Patriots, for they placed their lives in Harm's Way for our Freedom!!!

A Passing Jimmy "If You're Wearing Shoes, You're Over Dressed"

 Some years back, I was reading someone's blog, and I noticed on the  blog list the Title "If You're  Wearing Shoes, You're Over Dressed."

It certainly caught my eye,    and I began to read. the blog.  After a month or so, vanished  and then the blog entries re entries went away then reappeared.

 I began to comment and tell the blog's author who I was, my name, general location, and yayadada.   

I gave him one of my private email address, and we began the process of cautiously getting to know one another.

From his writings, I could tell, and he could tell from mine, that we both shared an openness and honesty that rarely emerges in this day and age.   Over the years, we listened to each other's  conversations, stories,  and built a friendship without visual appearance.  

Mistress Maddie informed me the other day of Jimmy's passing.  Jimmy had told be without going into any detail that he was not long for this world, that his health in a downward decline. 

For some reason, I picked up. the phone and texted Jimmy's number.  That was yesterday at 11:24am, 

I posted on his last blog entry also, my saddness and hopes that he was watching in Spirit.  Then at 929pm, a text came from Jimmy's phone, it was his partner/friend.  Thanking me for reaching out.  

The connection for bloggers as myself, whether i see the other blogger or not,  is not crucial, however the sound and inflection of the voice matters..... I will always remember Jimmy's voice, his laughter, and his comments about life in the hamlet called Wilton Manors... deep down in Florida.....

Jimmy, May Your Spirit continue to abide in the Cosmos and Nature of the Universe 

 

Rain Rain

 Today, the Lil City by the Red experienced rain that lasted all day and looks to be going even after sunset.   We are under a flood watch; we've received over 3 inches in the last few hours, with more to come. So, it is one of those afternoons where you sit on the porch, sip a little wine, go out, check on the grill with an umbrella, and eat till your heart's content... LOL.  

Is time to go the top of the stadium seats..... eat the popcorn and chill

 I have read several of my daily reads of the blogs,   here is my take on the matter...... here in Louisiana tthere is a saying   Go sit in the stands, up near the top seats, eat your popcorn, shut your mouth and watch what happens.....  all meaning is to keep your mouth shut, and wait and see... dont run down and get trashed on the field ..  Politics is a cruel business, I know first hand.  I'm taking my popcorn and going to sit near the press box and listen.

New Day. Old World, but New Attitude

 I woke up this morning to A New Day, An Old World, with New Attitude ......

History has taught us that most things only change a few clicks to the right or left, never a full 180 degrees. We must harken back to when we must gather, stand firm in our ideas and goals, and keep trudging along. 

The People Spoke last night, much to my chagrin, But the People Spoke!!  It's the same Old World, with a new Attitude... 

Not much else to say.  

Tuesday. and Yes Election Day, One of the Most Critical Days in History

 Today, we will see History made, either way.  Our Nation is so divide, never in my seven decades have I ever seen this.....

Its raining here.   

That is all I can type.

Yes Today is November 2nd

 A few weeks ago, I traveled down to the Lower Parish of Avoyelles (I don't expect that with any accuracy)  that  y'all can pronounce the Parish's name.  

The Best Sweet Potatoes are grown in the red dirt of the Alluvial Plain of the Red River in the Parish of Avoyelles; I buy my sweet potatoes from the Dugas Family ... There are several generations still living on the family farm of that farm down there.

 I have been buying from this family for 20 years.   I am thankful they are still in business. Farming is tough these days. The price for a crate (which has risen over the years from $12 to $25 a crate. It is still worth the money.

So you buy the sweet potatoes in early September, then place them in dry storage behind a door and let them sit, with dirt on them, until the first of November.  That is when you can start to bake them. The crate will last me until mid-January 2025. . 

So, on November 2nd, I washed about 8 sweet potatoes, removed the dirt, and placed them in the oven. They bake for an hour and a half.

 I'm having grass-fed beef tenderloin with brazed green beans. sweet potatoes and Butter butter!!

It's a good Saturday late afternoon here in the Lil City by the Red...on the Bricks..... 

A Comment

 One of the reasons that I dont really discusss my politics on here is that folks these days are prong to make outlandish statements and hurtlful comments.  Being that I am still drawing a public income check, I have decided to keep my voice to myself and only voice it to very close friends, who even tho they differ from me, are not about to try to hang me from the sycamore tree,  Politics these days has become a lightening rod for violence, thuggary, and degrading a person.    I want to stay above the fray.  

So in keeping with the above, I have turned my attention to chatting on my front porch about the local races and the comings and goings of our lil city next door to the City by the Red. .. They seem to have interesting politics these days, of mayor resigning due to an affair, new mayor being appointed when his sister steps away from her council seat, etc.   

Local is the best to follow not the national mayhem. 

Home, Thoughts and a Touch of Kindness

 I've been home for a week. I had doctor's appointments last week and part of this week.  One of my doctor appointments is 140 miles away in Shreveport; it's on Friday. I'm not sure if I am up to traveling that since the other days, I made a 500-mile round trip to inspect a prison on the Mississippi-Alabama state line.. some times get in the truck and having the experience for the road trip isn't like it uses to be. 

 I checked with my team members about what's in store for November. I could be leaving on Election Day to make a 500-mile round trip in that direction, but I might have a reprieve. Let's see what next week brings.  

It seems old Bloggers just fade away; they pass on, and there is no conclusion to their blog...   I don't want that to happen to mine... I want to make sure someone closes it out and leaves it to grab a comment here and there, but stay what happened to me ..... Finished the Project !!!!  I wish I could recover the writings on diaryland.com, but I seem to have lost that long ago.  I began here in 2006. 

I am thankful for the readers who read the blog, grateful for the comments and the opinions, and just noticing that there is something that I have contributed to the overall knowledge. 

I hope we can gather to ourselves a touch of kindness for our fellow citizens—not yelling, just a cheerful hello at the voting booth, saying thank you to those ladies who work the voter register tables.... as we exit the school gym. 

Its Blah

 As with most bloggers, I am ready for it. All of this is to be over with, But I fear that He will not let it be over with the election to be unless he wins the election. 

That is a sorry state of affairs for a country that spouts personal freedom, equality, and self-determination.  

I'm just Blah... That is it.

Back From Mississipi

 I have never posted photos of my work .... but (and there is always a but) sometimes the harsh elements of Life provoke the most thoughts  In the Prison World so to speak, cleanliness and order  are paramount to the quality of Life for all, Both personnel and offenders.   The American Correctional Association maintains the highest standards in our professional field.   During my tenure as an employee of our state's system, I was privileged to be certified as an auditor for the Association. Besides my duties at my two facilities, I traveled around the country auditing other state institutions.

When you see clean fence runs, a new chapel being built, a proud chapel standing in the middle of a compound, and well-kept lawns, you assume it will be inside. I was not disappointed; it was a proud facility with courteous individuals and a calm and peaceful setting.

The photos speak!!!

On Tuesday

 I am packing up the truck to make a trip to Leakesville. Ms. I will be there for three days to inspect for the upcoming accreditation process. It's a four-and-a-half-hour drive through the country—indeed, the backroads of Mississippi. 

Free Scotland Alex Salmond

May the Spirit of Alex Salmond Live ForEver  in the Hearts of the Land of My Forefathers!!
 

Home Sweet Home

 I spent the last four days in Mississippi, surveying a facility for accreditation. It's a grueling task when you have the old guard, old thoughts, old ways to hamper a progressive approach.   

 My co-heart in this endeavor has as many years of experience as I do. We both have been certified as accreditation experts in the field of corrections.  

But we both preserve and do our best to change the attitudes of the multitudes. 

I travel 3.5 hours there, mainly through backcountry roads, before the interstate system takes over for the last 47 miles.  It is 184 miles to the East of my home. 

There are no complaints here. The compound consists of approximately 180 acres under double fencing, so I do get my exercise for sure.   

When I get home, I'm just worn out. I'm thankful for today, and I will rise to the sunrise tomorrow.  

Glad to Be Here

 I am glad to be here, Thankful for the moment, that My health is ok... Not Much Else to Say...

Thank You

Thompson 

4:48 AM

 Here I sit; I am preparing for the trip to Mississippi to work next week. The work is what I do best, impart knowledge, help a facility gain accreditation, and see staff proud of being a public employee.  There are no complaints here.  I am back in my stride and have a doctor's appointment this week with the internist.  She is a personal friend.   

I did blood work yesterday. We talked last visit about Wegovy or that other injection to help me lose weight. I can lose weight without the shot; it just makes it easier, but I am not sure if I want the shot or not.  

I need to get myself another bicycle. I have a friend who just bought an electric bike, so I'm going to wait to see how he does. 

Other than the above, everything is okay.  I took the truck to the car wash for the first time.  For the last 23 months, I have hand-washed it with that acrylic wash.  Then, I polished it up with acrylic polish..  it looks good; I will try the new car wash place in town the next time I need it washed.

Lately... I've Reflecting ..

 Sometimes, one must cut a new road through the forest, clearing the brush, felling the tall trees, and creating another path. 

The scope of work in Mississippi is rewarding; it brings back memories of past accomplishments of not-so-nice events.

It's a Saturday here on the brick streets of Mayre Street (pronounced Mawr Reee ). I have to draw that reeeee out .

It's late on a Saturday afternoon, all the yards are cut, it's headin' toward the cocktail hour....   and the slow, dim light of Fall is almost here.

Nothing special to write about, it's a time of remembering folks, and past times, and the atmosphere is a house full of friends that is no longer here... gone but not forgotten... It's difficult for me to break into a new social group; the last one was that ill-fated Mardi Gras Krewe...  One party was enough for me...    just not my type of friendship circle..... friendly people, just not my type.. no common tie. An one must remember, where one is located... the OutBack of Louisiana looms in ever present here. 

Well, I am rambling. I'll have brazed green beans with pork tenderloin on the Egg and several glasses of Saviongon Blanc.

As I read my daily blogs, .. It sets my memory to .........

 As I read my daily blogs, I remember times past—to the time that I was more active, to the times that I was but inches from falling 1000 feet down on a Goat Trail near Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, hiking the Black Mesa outside of Santa Fe, or watching for bear or cougar as you  slapped your way through the cedar brush while negotiating an arroyo.   

But those were 20 years ago. In the present day, I trek the brick streets of the Lil City by the Red.

The photos above are from my travels and hikes in New Mexico, where I truly felt the Spirits of the Past and Present   Times long Ago... Such Happy times for me and Exciting as I challenge myself to venture out.

Time is Passing

 I received notice from back on Mockingbird Hill,  that an old friend of the family was on his deathbed. Time is Passing, and my generation is becoming the elders; even tho I think I am 56, I am far more down the road.  

I hate the Age description; I prefer to be referred to as That White-headed Man down the street, or Old  tall fat man who drives that big black truck, etc. Not some Aged Gezzer.... 

Jimmy, the guy about to pass to the Greater HereAfter. , was the Mayor of the small southern town across the creek,  as was his father and grandfather. Three generations of the same family held sway over a small community of now of 3500.   They owned the local dairy, which was up past our place. It was named 100 Cedars Dairy because of all the Cedar trees on the gravel road leading into the main milk barn.      Jimmy saw the growth his father and grandfather had wished for, making an actual Fire Department, the Main Streeting program showcase local businesses.  He also saw the decline in population because his grandfather was the town's mayor; it was 5000 folks in 1918.   Jimmy saw the consolidation of the farm and the closing of local schools  But he also  was progressive,  during his first term in office, he removed the sign that Said, " Welcome to Jackson, Where the Old South Still Lives". That was more than 30 years ago. When the feelings were still strong and arrogant. 

 He had a shared sense of dignity and of the people's thoughts and their mindsets.     

About This Time

 About this time each year, we begin to have orange butterflies dancing around the flowers. So, again this year, my curiosity has taken over lately, and I wanted to add to the blog little information to make it more enjoyable to the readers who frequent it.  

So here is the butterfly: 

The name is Asterocampa clyton. It is called The Tawny Emperor. This is a species of brush-footed butterflies native to North America. The Butterfly book says not to confuse it with the Hackberry Emperor.

This Emperor flew near the Lirrope bed and landed on the house siding. I took the photograph with the iPhone. Which, to my surprise, gave me the species' name and some history. Its host plant is Hackberry trees, which there is a large one on the property line with my neighbor.

Yard Maintenance, Porch Sitting, Life in Slow Lane

 Here in the Garden District, you know that September has arrived due to the number of folks who are porch sitting. Folks start to come out around 5pm, try to catch a slight breeze, and enjoy the conversations of neighbors.  Yard Mowing on Saturday is the designated day in the Garden District to take care of your lawn, even though I have two guys to cut my yard twice a month, during the peak,  from late March till October, then once a month from October till early March.

Life here is returning to the slow lane; my consultant work is heading to a successful completion with the hopeful accreditation of two units on MDOC. Life is Good. Other than a little backache and muscle spasms, I'm doing well.  Life is back to the Slow Lane.   I plan on visiting friends in the lower country below I-10 here soon if we don't have another hurricane. Sweet Potato season is here also. They say the crop tasted great this year.

MAH and Post Script of Mississippi

 MAH emerged from the underbelly of the drug world in Lafayette, LA, to reappear yesterday.  I had taken him to Steps Treatment Center in Lafayette to begin a 28 to 36-day program, with an aftercare/three-quarters home after the initial completion. This was on August 30th, 

He walked out of the facility on September 9th, with only the clothes on his back, back into a drug world; my family nor I had heard from him since September 9th.   He was on the streets of Lafayette.

His family and close friends began a valiant search for him on September 10th, after the notification came in from the center that he walked out the door.    It was an agonizing ten days.... whether he was dead, or had OD, or what.

His reappearance was made late yesterday when he stole a bicycle from a residence in Lafayette. That is the only confirmation that we have. 

I feel for his parents, his relatives, and close friends. His mind is sick, period.  I told the family last night I would not continue to help, and I am closing his file.     

PostScript:

I made it in from Mississippi later yesterday, I spend most of my time walking and inspecting, talking and teaching the techniques of accredditation.  My most somber time was spent in the area of the Women's Death Row..... I reflected upon that expereince all day yesterday as I traveled the back roads of Mississippi to come home...... I am glad I am Home.!!!

The Realization is Now

 MAH walked off from the treatment center days ago.  He has not been heard from since. The stark realization that he could not be on this earth crosses his parents' minds.  

Addiction is an evil that destroys people by their own hands.  I hope MAH is still alive. But something tells me he is no longer of this world.

PostScript:  Tomorrow, I leave and travel East, across the Big Muddy, to our neighboring state to the East, to impart my gathered knowledge of almost 50 years in the business.  My business partner and I are working at a facility in an attempt to collect the staff and help them achieve accreditation.   I will be in the Magnolia State till Thursday.

In the End ...... Its what you make of Your Abode

 Here is a photo of the  House I currently call home. Which unitl I pass on to he Greater HereAfter Will be my Home 

When I started this blog, as I have stated i hadd one on diaryland.com prior to this one

 That DiaryLand.com Blog was some on my best writing,  early life events from my memory,  my momma's passing and the aftermath of it all, 

I have tried several times to find some how to access the site but to no avail.   I would suppose the writing is out there on the web somewhere in cyberspace...  I wanted to add that to my current blog because I am interested in 1991 to the Present (2024) and beyond.  Life of an Evolving Gay Man from the Deep Rural South that had invested in the human actions of Life among the Population of this Great State 

Lame... Just Lame

 We have had heavier thunderstorms that Francine .....  She is a Whimp..... a Lil' Silly Girl......

 Boo Francine  Go b back to whre U came From....  You Aint Shit 

Francine couldn't even must a good Gully Washer..... Blah

Tis 6:02AM. The Front porch door is Open So i can hear the deluge coming .

 Here I sit in the Office listening to the deluge of rain, The raindrops are as large as quarters, hitting the Magnolia leaves ... almost tearing them off the stems.  but (and there is always a but) there is no wind.  

Francine is quiet and gentle at the moment; the track of the hurricane has shifted to the East, 60 miles to the East, which makes a huge difference.    We are no longer in the path of the Eye of the hurricane, and we are on the Western side,  

If you were born as I was in Louisiana, this is just a bad rainstorm at the present. The earliest I can remember was Audrey, then came Bestsy, then Camille came ashore at Gulfport and erased my Aunt and Uncle off the Map; they stayed in their 30 feet concrete Pilion deep home, which was built as hurricane-proof; not even the slab was left... they did find the Lincoln Continental 9 miles north of the home, which was on the Gulfport Ms. Beach.   Then came Katrina ... between Katrina and Francine, it's been a number of storms.... 

The lesson here is that if you live down here, you embrace Our Lives, Bugs, Hurricanes, and three-digit heat nowadays. 

More to come as the day progresses and Yes Harvey, I will take Photos LOL 

One Failed Attempt, One Glorious Time

 As I type, it's raining, raining, raining. The Outer Bands are beginning to swirl down around Morgan City.

 All. the Shrimp Boats have traveled up the Bayous so they won't be swamped by the tidal surge ... Most grocery shelves are empty

I made pork smoked tenderloin/sausage jambalaya...... in the big black iron pot... 

MAH is the Failed one. He decided to walk out of treatment yesterday. He's roaming the wet, semi-flooded streets of Lafayette. Maybe it will wash some sense into his head. O well, that's another story for another day.

I'm Cooking is the glorious one.....If we get some good wind and some more rain, I'll post some photos,  but I think Francine is going to be less than exciting.    If the pace picks up tomorrow, I will let you all know.

Here She Comes.... its Lil Ms. Francine

I must go to the liquor store here today or later today. It seems that on our back door, wanting an invitation to the hurricane party, we have Lil Ms. Francine knock it out.

It seems she is going to pay a visit to the Little City by the Red. We are supposed to be in her Direct Path.

Fun Times, get two extra magnums of wine, some yellow cheese with the Red rhine, and a whole lot of crackers... 

Hopefully, won't be too much, just enough to blow the lovebugs away from I-49 down south.

MAH is down there at the treatment center getting his 28-day dry-out. I don't want him to get swamped, but a little bit freaked out won't hurt the fellow.

Yes, Sir.. the first time in a long time. Hurricane Party... 

Well What can I say... Its raining as Expected .. Living in the OutBack and Gettin' Out (Some of Us, But not me)

 Yes, it's an off-and-on rain—the one that comes stops, pity pats, then rains frogs, then a light drizzle, and the pattern completes and begins again. 

It's Friday..... It's Beer 30dree ..... with chips..... and a Gouda with Hatch Chiles ... Hell Yer.... its damp, musky, wet.... what ya goin' to do.... drank and write for sure....  I was at the local liquor store. Hokus Pokus.. the one with the MAgic Ghost waiving her arms.   In the beer cabinet was Red Stripe... we haven't been able to sip on Red Stripe in a long time.....  Sometimes, living in the OutBack of Louisiana, you got to drink what u can get. So when I saw the Red Stripe, I snatched it up.........

Talkin about living in the OutBack,  some folks seize the opportunity to expand their selves and become enlightened,  Some leave and go seek their own fortunes ... so seek to broaden their personal being... and then some .. a few have an idea between their ears that they can make it and rely on that inner strength to overcome the obstacles of life and Be rewarded with knowing they cut their Own Path. They climbed to the Top of the Mountain and got the Prize.

So, it happened to a dear friend of mine over 20 years ago; he sold his car,  packed his meager belongings, and hopped on a plane to New York City with no return flight...  He climbed that mountain, fell off a few times, got scuffed up, patched up, and became a success in the film industry...  He's been my dear friend for over 30 years now...   He has a merchandise brand, and I ordered my first custom t-shirt from his site.   www.bourbonandbranchshop.com

You can see his handsome face and read all about him. When you come from the Outback of Louisiana and reach the top of the mountain, your friends must scream your name out and Cheer for You. That is what I am doing. I am so proud. 

Hurricane Winds Might be Blowing..

 Louisiana, sometimes is  Hot Mess. Literally.... We have been having rain for the last three days, mold is creeping back into the cracks.   The other Hot mess is if u were born in Louisiana, you know that you love a good story,  whether it be just a tale of Hot Mess,  Old Boy Politics, or the guy next door crawling out the back window of the Widow's house three doors down, as the preacher knocks on the front door checking on her. 

The weather map indicates three tropical depressions near or close by the Gulf. If they get in the Gulf of Mexico, with the warm water at its peak and no cold front moving down, we could be without electricity soon. Then, it's partying on. If someone declares a Hurricane Party... the BBQ pits will be going, store shelves will be empty, and bottled water will be in short supply... but everybody's beer boxes will be stocked full...  

We will know in the next 72 to  96 hours whether we are going to sweat for a few days or not.

Reading the Sunday Paper

 I remember, many years ago, Cousin Em, bringing my Momma donuts and the Sunday paper.  Cousin Em was my Daddy's first cousin; he was the Classic Southern Gentleman born in 1884, raised in. the culture of the Deep Deep South.  When  My Momma became a widow at the death of my Daddy in 1962, my Father was born in 1903). it was the duty of the Thompson Cousins to see after my Momma and the Children (of which I was the eldest).   My cousins were like Grandparents to my siblings and me. 

Cousin Em always brought us donuts and the Sunday Paper. Once he read it, he would drive up in his car, take his driving gloves off, put them on the steering wheel of his auto, put his Stetson Hat on his head, and come knock on the front door.  

I enjoyed reading and having conversations with Cousin Em on Sunday mornings on Mockingbird Hill. As a side note, Cousin Em's place was named Glencoe. 

So, today, I purchased a subscription to the WSJ. I have had one in the past but let it lapse. As I read the online version, drinking my drip coffee, eating smoked boudin, the memories of the past flooded back: Cousin Em, the conversations, Momma at the kitchen window, gloves on the steering wheel; the Past of the now Gone Past. 

Saturday Morning Early Traaveled Yesterday Got Out of Town Did a Good Deed

 Yesterday was a monumental day here..   Yesterday, my friend MAH decided it was time he went to treatment for his addiction, and he chose me to take him. Along with another friend, we headed south down to the Lower Country, passed Port Barre, passed Opelousas,  and down to the heart of Acadiana... When discussing addiction treatment centers, two facilities are the primary ones. One is in North LA, and the other is south of  I-10.  He chose the latter; he's dual addicted meth and mojo...  It's been a long time; he has lost most of his friends except for two.  He has been living on the streets, which is a horrible life.... genuinely horrific. Not to dwell on the subject, I have watched from close and afar how his physical body has wasted away... I hope his decision was made in time for him to become a solid person again, both physically and mentally.  It's not like he hasn't been down this road twice before.  I ran into him and his family some years ago.

On my return to the Lil City by the Red, I did stop off at my favorite Meat Market in Port Barre (its pronounced Port Barry ) here in Louisiana, at Basco's Meat Market, picked up some Cold Smoked Boudin, Stuffed Chicken, and some Chicken Cracklins to eat as I sip a Red Stripe on the porch this evening. 

Its Late At Night Again

 The Dovato certainly doesn't pay attention to the Lunesta.is always a but), Medications are medications. Each one has a purpose, and most keep me alive and fairly healthy, to say the least.  With all chemicals, there are side effects. The Dovato adds to the belly a little bit more rotund. However, it does keep me non-detectable. which is the best part  .

Maybe the Lunesta needs to change .. I will discuss that with my doctor next month.  

I'm waiting for my new camera, the Eufy S340. I'm getting tickled. For years, I fought off having cameras, but now I am scoping out the Best of the Best. I feel like my desk will become Central Snoop Station One as I pan the driveway and back fence and then out to the side yard. All Eyes...    

Hopefully Yall will have a more restful evening since I am posting this at almost 1:00AM

       

CAMERAS CAMERAS......

 Well here in the Lil City by the Red, in the neighborhood, there seems to be an upsurge of folks purchasing good quality outdoor cameras for use around their homes......  

And like my neighbors, I am doing the same,  one of my oldest friends recommended the Eufy brand, which I have invested in,   Having the HomeBase storage, one terabyte, three solar paneled outdoor cameras and one indoor when I go on. the road to Mississippi.  

The newest purchase has a 360-degree rotating lens, zoom up to 8 times, and a spotlight....   

I'm curious as to where all. This technology will also bring me cameras that have a face recognition component.

I am also using Grammarly to help me with my writing.  Have I entered the 21st century?.

Ready

I can tell that Fall is approaching, I would say to it to hurry up and get here. This summer has been brutal in temps and humidity, making folks angry and out of sorts.

I'm ready to sit on the porch and not sweat.  Hopefully, I can get back to walking without having a heat stroke... 

 

Good Evening

 Good Evening to All

 I have been...watching the Democrat Convention.    I have been overwhelmed with pride and joy to watch the process of our democracy.   I have been enthralled, I have cried, I am so proud to be an American and a Democrat.  

I just wanted to say that and say Go Kamala !!!!!

Tonight I stand Proud !!!!!

 Tonight I stand Proud to Be that"

Yellow Dog Democrat...   That Southern Democrat, whose family goes back generations in. the fight for Rights .... Equality ....

Yes I am a Yellow Dog Democrat. Always Will BE

Just Here

 Not much is going on these days. Life seems to be taking a slow pace here in the Lil City by the Red.  August is lingering on, hot, dry, sweaty .... Even the politics of the day seems to be in that slow mode here,   no one is talking about the national election, nor the city council elections .  We recorded temps in the last three days of 101, 109, 99... miserable humid... hot sticky weather.... 

Waiting on that first cool breeze of Autumn to arrive...... but still I think that is 60 days away.... not even a hurricane in the Gulf .. which for the folks below I 10 is a welcome relief.

Tis Early

Tis Early......

 I have to say. that one of my side effects of my Dovato.  is the memory of dreams.   When I became poz, one of my friends who had been poz for many years, sit me down and gave me a lil tutorial on some of the finer points of taking hiv meds.... His remarks, still resonate with me today... One of the side effects is that you have a very vivid memory of your dreams...   .. I don't have scary dreams, mine are more in the arena of interactions with people, past and present... 

I woke up from one about 20 minutes ago,  I was tossing and turning .. so I decided to write an entry at 4am in. the morning.. LOL

Back from Mississippi

 I spent the first week of August in the Great State of Mississippi.  Preparing one of their primary facility for a pre accreditation audit.      I will be back there in mid September for another week of preparation.  These are massive units, approximately 4K offenders, on multiple security levels. However, I find Mississippi to be stuck in the classic mode of non productive reform.   The offenders are still dressed in Black/White Stripes.

It's the dehumanization of an individual and the mind set which totally aggravates even my slightest nerves. 

A Passing

 Captain Timothy West, Captain Retired, Alexandria Fire Department, passed away into the arms of the Greater HereAfter, May the Lord God Almighty comfort his family.

He was a tireless advocate of Human Rights, and the LGBTQ Community. 

The UnderBelly

 During my time in Corrections, which started in 1978, I had the advice and counsel of a very wise man, he once told me that being a Warden,Numero Uno, Top Dog, was a very lonely place..  He warned me if I aspired to challenge myself, it would be a difficult road, but he saw the fire in my belly..  He also told me that I would be assoicating with the Under Belly of Society .. the Unwanted  Ones,  that they reared their heads at the most inopportune times, whether that be a social function or doing business.

His words have rung true..... the UnderBelly waited till I retired from Corrections, though.   It appeared in the form of gay men, who dwell in the area of half homeless, half unemployed, mostly drug induced behaviors who pray off of their fellow men.  They tend to couch surf, until the next better couch comes available.  All are some what erotic in a Stinky, White Guy Way (SWGW). mostly scruffy, sweaty, and hairless to a point. They are usually between the ages of 23 and 38, never reaching maturity, do to the use in Fentanyl  or Hep C. sprinkle with the common denominator  of the use of the Needle. 

As I began my work as an administrator for the District Attorney, in charge of Absentee Dads, the Drug Court fell into my administrative realm.  This is where I ran into the UnderBelly and the sub Belly of the SWGWs.  The success rate for trying to get this group of men, to begin the transformation into a normal way of Life is very very LOW.  I found that out in a very fast way, .. 

It wasn't till I came to grips that Life as an aging Gay Man, that the SWGs held a challenge that even I could not bring to a successful conclusion...  Most are doomed to a life of transient existence and the outcome is a Fatal, Period.

Last Night.... This Morning ...and The Weekend..

  Well, I usually don't watch too much TV other than the news, CCN, I24 etc.. But last night I was restless and in bed, flipping the channels, and I ran upon the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics in Paris, France.

The French did a Magnificent Production.... Truly Captivating 

This morning, I woke up early, the Dovato that I take for my Keep me Alive Medicine, has side effects like messing with your sleep..  so, it was a restless night .. maybe I should get more exercis; back to the blog writing.  So, I woke up early like 545am and a toss and tumble night,  So I made butter toast in the pan, Whole Foods Blackberry Spread, with dark Roast Sumatran Coffee, heavy cream. 

It's the Weekend, I was at the local liquor store here the other day, usually doing the summers I indulge in a lil Gin and Tonic, they had a new fairly priced Gin . so I picked up a bottle.  Also, they have been featuring Old Vine Zinfandels.   I picked up two, never one, always two, in case you. really like the first bottle.

On Spotify, its an Essential Folks Saturday Morning ...   

The Duties

 The Duties, in Mississippi but work is work. will be somewhat boring work, I don't relish being a part of writing policy, procedures etc.

But it pays the same and is time consuming.  It could foster more on site visits at the HQ level, which could be productive in having to go over to Jackson, (isn't there a Johnny Cash song about Going to Jackson).  might allow me to explore some of the city instead of being stuck out on the interstate near the open air mall.

July has turned into a soggy month here in Louisiana,  Its been raining for the last six to seven days,   The grass is growing at an alarming rate...   Other than that . I am going to have a late lunch on this Friday with  an old friend who is headed off to CA to work, he is in. the medical field and he is one of this traveling medical officers...  he recently purchased a home, wants to pay it off early; so he is headed West to CA..We have known each other since 1998.. long time.. not as long as others but a long time.

Happenings, Duties.. Etc

 Not to labor on the point, but tonight President Biden Stood above all Elected past and present officials.. 

Thank You President Biden. 

No Further Political Comments by this Blogger.

Moving on, My work in Mississippi has been broaden to encompass more duties, I have been assigned to a Task Force of 5 people, with a support staff of 3, to rewrite all the policy and procedures for the agency 

Time and Time .. Marches On.

This is a corrected post I have been intending to post to my blog:

  I'm sitting here in my office here on Marye Street, (Pronounced Maw Ree) by the local population, which I guess I do qualify for since it is almost my 33rd  year residing here in this OutPost of Louisiana  I have  seen changes that I would not have imagined.  However,

It's been a year of adjustment for me, in 2024, I will turn 71 years old.  When I was 47, I never thought that I would have lived this long.  It's a testament to quality health care provided here in the USA, its about making sure that one attends the doctor appointments, that one keeps up with his own health, and you become your own advocate for your health... period.

Also, I have a deeper appreciation of my fellow bloggers and those who regularly read this blog.  That appreciation warms my soul and give me a sense of belonging to a Greater Whole Group of Connection through the written word.  For that I am humbled and it is not forgotten...... I truly consider it part of my Life

Back at Home on. the Red Bricks

 I traveled to Mississippi to work a few days ago...  This trip has brought several areas of personal matters to the forefront.

I had been tethering on not continuing to work over there, due to the distance, travel time, and other factors.

However, these past few days, in Pearl, Ms brought to me, a satisfaction that I haven't had in my life of accomplishment in quite some time.

When the second in command of an entire government agency compliments you on your work, telling you that you are a vital part of their team.... it helps you wash away any doubts that has come up in my lil brain. After being politically castrated here in The Parish, .. the Mississippi contract has restored my sense of worth, integrity. My performance of duty, was noted by the MDOC, informing me of my  excellent work at what I do in my expertise of Corrections.

Its Too Much

 Both Political Parties are bogged down with folks my age or more... they have accomplished nothing to promote the next generation of elected officials.  There has been no succession programing to the next generation of Public Servants.  

That is all I Am going to say about the current situation ... Piss Poor Planning... PPP. 

Well I Bring You a Quote

 On TilTok, which is really my only social media that I post to, There is this fellow I ran into scrolling this morning...."jamesholidaycomedy"

I quote him....  ""You need to be .. Fabulous and Delusional Once in Your Life"". His TikTok videos remember me of a Gentleman I once knew in Spanish Town in Baton Rouge, known as the Governor, in my early years of becoming the Gay Man that I am now.  

Yes, I think we all need to get to that mind set once or twice, if not more, ..  It might make the world a nicer place to live... 

For all conern and as a point of reference, my TikTok on one of my videos has hit 2.4 Million, views. I hit the algorithm .......tom71301 which is @tom71301.1

Years Passed

 In Years Passed, in this blog, I have placed photos, notes of events happening here in the Lil City by. the Red.   I have been negligent in not continuing to post of my neighborhood,  I will strive to do better, because I am proud of where I hang my hat, proud of the diversity that this  Old Southern Deep South town has become. People don't give this Lil City by the Red enough credit..  I hear the distractions all the time, not the positive influences..  Its often said, that this area has Clean Air, Clean Water .. Far less automobile traffic, etc..  Our heritage, Our Way of Life, ....  is Here;  woven in the brick streets, ancient trees, old homes, and the neighbors that care for one another... 

 I will bring the Lil City by the Red more to my blog in photos and words....!!!

They were nice comfortable homes in. their day...

The four homes are within two blocks of me, in various state of repairs, most are noted by overgrown vegetation or broken front doors etc.   The top photograph shows a home two doors down from me, fortunately two couples have purchased it last week and will be rehabbing it.. I will document their progress.
 

Its A Day in the NeighborHood

 Mr. Rogers would sing, 

Its a good day in the Neighborhood.. Would you be Mine.....!!!

Lately, The Lil City by the Red, has been experiencing several signs of economic stress.  We are not replacing our aging population, who are passing away, whose children live out of the parish or out of the state, their homes are not sold, and become abandon over time....or young couples move in and don't truly understand that an older home, (most here were built between 1905 and 1935). is costly to keep up, to maintain, here in the Garden District.  So they return them to the mortgage company and move back to the rural parts of the Parish to a Mobile Home..... thus returning to the Agrarian Living way of Life. 

The cost of maintaining an older home here in the Garden District ranges from $1100 to $4000 a year, depending on the size, constructing type, etc.   I have owned three in my life time here, that's one of the reason at my age, I chose to go to a condo type unit, collectively the cost of maintaining is far less expensive.

This Street within two block of me have four really nice, but abandoned homes.... Its a shame.. to see these stately mansions, the almost turn of the century homes travel into the status of disrepair.. aging stately homes, whose galleries are drooping, whose red cypress shiplap boards are cracking due to a lack of paint; the reasons go on.

I will add some photos to this post later.....

Another Night

 I have had a friend, we met five years ago,   as the years have come and gone, he has a dual consumption concern... 

Not to go into details, but today I.... in a very not nice way, very unusual for me also, to be an Ass . I told him no more coming over, to Carry his Ass ....  Don't come back around . .  I felt that his usage was tempting me in my consumption ..   I had been having a beer by noon, martini by 3pm, and three plus glasses of wine for supper.....  He had a personality that was contagious .. always delightful but he was high also....  ...  I drew the line in the sand,  No Yelling but I did turn the La Warden on him.. 

For that I will go and seek my redemption when I go to confession.  

Is It Worth It????

 That's the question two of my frequent bloggers has questioned.

When you count the drive time (round trip) its a full day on the road... at lest 7.5 hours round trip,    Its not an easy drive meaning, small towns, speed traps, lonely stretches of highway, down in the Deep Delta country..... where the trucks still have gun racks in the back of their cabs...There is Nothing Urban until you hit Jackson, Ms.  

So is the compensation  worth the time ... That's the question when you boil down the matter to the nut cuttin'.   For the time being it does stimulate my brain activity... not money but the interaction with fellow corrections personnel....   As long as my mind and thought processes can create energy. . I am going to hang in there... but when I get tired . and can't get in the truck .... and make a drive... then I am going to say Adios ... !!!!

Tis A Toss and Turn Evening .......

 Rarely do I complain, outwardly, But (and there is always a but) I just haven't been sleeping well, my Dr says its the Dovato,  I say its just life and old age.. .  

Also, it's the weather, we are beginning to get into the doldrums of Summer here.. and it's early.. 96 degrees, 86% humidity..... You sweat walking out the door...   

I am thinking seriously of delaying my trip to southeastern Mississippi, I just don't have it in me to drive 274  miles to drive (one way 548 round trip) walk  around another prison, inspect logs, talk to officers, etc and look at individuals in stripes.. (yes Mississippi makes their offenders wear strips)... So disgusting, so non human... 

Maybe it's time for me to to say Quit !!!  This was suppose to be fun, energizing, the trips even to Jackson is 338 miles round trip, on two lane roads through the country just don't appeal to me any more..   At 70, Gee I hate to even type those numbers, it's just taxing....   

So here at 2am, I am typing........  Its just makes me ponder .... Life and what remains... !!

Saturday Morning

 Another Saturday Morning in the Lil City by the Red.... Another humid, sweat dripping morning, 

Temps are rising fast these days, the humidity is there also, for folks coming to Louisiana, better move a lil bit slower, wear loose clothes.. There are visitors over on Elliott Street from Missouri.  They still have not adjusted to the temps.

I was reading the City Council agenda here yesterday, all the grass cutting contracts are being awarded.. we pay a lot of money for cutting grass in the Lil City.  

I'm headed in mid June to Leakesville Ms.  to audit another corrections unit for the Great State of Mississippi, it's a four and half hour drive ... at lest its keeping my brain from becoming idle . and it adds a few coins to the coffers . I can buy a better Scotch.. 

Other than the above, life continues to flow at a pace that is tranquil to say the lest.. I can tell that being single, in a semi rural environment, is a conscript for loneliness,   I have to get out of this mode and break open by going to lunch or supper more often, being seen by the Populace Here... 

Just Doing

 Well not much to say, other than I am finally getting a good road learning the Mississippi Dept of Corrections.  They are not a fast pace organization, which has some rewards.. especially for a semi-retired Person.

 I am working from home mostly and have gained an appreciation of that status.   I am working early this morning in that I didn't sleep well last night having a fretful time in falling asleep..  I think its the weather, we are climbing into the 90s now in the hottest part of the day.. Temps at night are inching up too, towards 70 .. soon the temps at night will be in the 80s ... Summer is basically here.. 

Other than that my lastest doctors appt said I was doing well, managing the multiple health concerns that I have.   Not much else to say.. .Just Doing.

Stopping to check on Folks

ITs been quite sometime since I posted,  I have been working in the the state of Mississippi, seems that I have gained a reputation as a good Correctional Administrator and have been Hired to Consult for the Commissioner of Corrections of the Great State of Mississippi .. . Learning an entirely new system takes on a special challenge, but in the end, public employees are the same.  you have good ones, bad ones, and ones that don't want to change.

 Other than the traveling its been an eye awakening experience for sure..  Not sure how long I will be there, could be another three months or could be 12 months. who knows.. I'm just enjoying providing my knowledge and seeing some transformation  

Good Friday

 Tis Good Friday

As I harken back to my days of youth on the Farm, I fondly remember Good Friday, which meant that my brother, my best friend, my first cousin, and I would roam Thompson's Creek, in search for the creek bream and occassionly a blue catfish... It always started as we headed out the Big BakYard, down to the lower pastures, then out to the white sand bars of the Creek. Thompson's Creek, actually the West Prong of Thompson was the western boundary of the property I grew up on,   It as commonly known to the locals as Mockingbird Hill.

During those explorations of the deep holes in the clay creek bed, the cool natural springs flowing into the creek, it was an amazing time for four young pre teen boys, in the Deep Deep South..... 

Fond Memories of Life on a Southern Farm deep in the heart of Louisiana.. Always on a Good Friday

Its Been a While

 It's been a while....   I'll be back

If I was starting to get ahead ... things just happen

 Lil by little, I always think that living on just my retirement from the state of La would be adequate... It is but then some times the unexpected happens .... don't get me wrong .. retirement means I now recycle my glass bottles, take them down to the recycling depot.. things like that .. having gone from a fairly large 6 figure salary to a moderate 5 figure salary is an adjustment . however I believe I have made the transition ...then.... 

On Sunday I was coming down the alley in the back .. stopped to take  photo of some of a derelict home that everyone in then neighborhood has been complaining about, didn't watch what I was doing, and ran into the ditch...It buggered up the front wheel assembly on the Truck ...  Thank Goodness for my Consumer Cellular Road side assistance package..   the tow fee to get the truck to the dealership would have been $250.00 however... I had Roadside assistance with CC.. for $3.00 a month, I called them  The dealership was 10.5 miles the roadside assistance only pays for up to 7 miles, but they prorate the cost after that, so it only cost me $7.15 seven dollars and 15 cents extra for the tow truck or lift truck as they are called now to haul it to the dealership.... 

The deductible is $1000.00 .. the damage is over 3800.00 to the wheel assembly ...   I won't be going down that alley no more for sure.

Well .. Sliding towards the Ides of March ...

 As we progress towards the Ides of March... I have to meet the CPA on the 14th, have blood work for the every six month labs on the 12th  Then the Ides fall on a Friday this year...  I might go out for lunch that night or to the local sit on the stool bar and watch. the people.., for lunch.,. not certainly be in. the house bye sunset...  

Last Night

 Last Night I had supper with an old friend who has been in recovery off and on for about three years, its a fight that I have watched, he seems to win sometimes, gain ground, then a setback. But he continues to put forth a valiant effort.  I can say that, to to seeing the recovery of other people in. the neighborhood .. they usually give up and return to living off their parents etc..  The old friend has accepted a position with a local Catholic Hospital ...  which I believe will help him in the long run. 

Its pitty patting rain outside this morning  and as we go into the afternoon, early spring rain... which makes staying inside a comfortable setting ...   

I was thinking of Last night, I have an old acquaintance that is the opposite of the above friend,  So, many in this Lil City by the Red that stay in a mode of despair ....   On. the other hand we are getting our first new business in the area, its a distribution center for Amazon,  I hope it brings good jobs and helps with the unemployment here.. we desperately need some sort of industry, we lost Kraft Paper Mill, Dresser Value Company, etc... in the last ten years ..  In Rural Louisiana, when a big industry pulls out and either closes or goes to another state, it hurts in so many ways, people who live on the poverty line dip below it and never recover, the children see the parents failing, hope is lost, ..   I do dearly hope that this Amazon Center becomes a reality.  for we need some restoration of Hope.

March has Arrived

 March is here....... We usually have a brisk cold front move through here before Easter..  The high yesterday was 46, then today the high is going to be 75... .... it's about time to go to the drive thru liquor store, get some frozen margaritas half gallon, beer and come back to the house sit on the front porch.... 

Crawfish tails having been on sale lately, at most grocery stores, $5.87 pack, 12 oz packs, normally they are $12 to $16 dollars for 12 oz packs ...   I picked up 3 packs to make crawfish stew later on this month...

It's Friday so I am going to get catfish fillets for supper, fried mushrooms, all from DeBarge's Seafood here in town.... They have the best fried catfish.

Other than that .... aint much going on here in the Lil City by the Red

Tis an Easy Saturday Afternoon.

 Tis an Easy Saturday afternoon, there is a constant breeze floating through the Garden District today, the Sycamore trees are letting  go blooms, they are flowing on the wind  and brown puffs of small delicate blooms today, air is full of pollen it's like fine dust...  I'm smoking a chicken on the Egg, deboning it and making a smoked chicken jambalaya tonight for supper ..... March is just around the corner .. ... time to catch up with the family down south in the Felicianas ..  

I have been reading Harnett T. Kane's, Deep Delta Book Country, published in 1944, First Edition, with a note on the second page " War Edition. This book is produced in accordance with the Conservation order of the War Production Board .  Kane was a New Orleans born Literary Master, writing numerous articles for the Times Picayune.

I've been reading a lot lately, mostly, subjects involving Louisiana History ....   Kane is famous for writing Louisiana HayRide; which chronicled the corruption in the days of Huey Pierce Long.      

Today Out for the Walk

 Today I was out for my walk,  I try to do at lest 1.5 miles at a fairly good pace, knowing my left knee has some cartilage damage,  however today on the walk, I had to stop for a moment, I recd a text that my old friend B. Luster Owen, a noted artist had passed to his Greater Reward, he was only 67.   He died. of what I can say was a broken heart and too much alcohol. he lived Life in the Fullest Extent,   His ex partner had long been passed away years ago, but BLO broken heart was not from any lost of a partner, but rather his heart was broken by himself, owing to alcoholism and his having chased all his friends away ..   

Such Talent .. Such creativity.... I am glad over the years I have some of his work...     I knew his parents etc...  

So, as I was getting the call on BLO, I noticed I was in front of a Red Swamp Maple Tree (Acer rubrum).

That is the second sign that Spring has arrived in Louisiana blooming of the Red Swamp Maple .... this morning the mosquitoes were out in numbers... 

Spring is Almost Here....

 When I was out for my walk yesterday I saw the first of the flowering bulbs, beginning to appear...

Sometimes ........ I wonder

 Yep..... It's Sunday before Noon here....   Sometimes I wonder who all these folks are visiting my lil blog ... especially when it comes from my region, I have a infrequent visitor from Baton Rouge... its the state capitol of Louisiana... its a city that  I came out in, its the City that I called home for a few years... its the City that I have spent a lot of time in.....   its the City that I still have friends in.... 

On a recent telephone conversation with my sister, we discussed the possibility of my coming home and living near her... she's in her mid 60s, widowed, with her three dogs and nice home...    As my world shrinks here in the Lil City by the Red...I am thinking of just moving back to be near her, my brother and the entire rest of the members of my family..  .. Maybe.. Its worth contemplating for sure.. just the thoughts invoke good vibrations .in my old mind.

A Morning....

 The morning temps seem to be hovering around 35 degrees.. a bit chilly, especially with the breeze..  now as we progress to the mid afternoon .. it is getting up to 60 to 65... . next week its projected that one afternoon temp will be 81..  the crawfish production should zoom .. other than that .. all remains to be the same.....

Today is Ash Wednesday, at time of. the year in. the Episcopal Church that one should remember the trespasses,  seek forgiveness, but (and there is always a but) to perform good deeds, to help the neighbor, to remember a elder who is shut in, to look to one's self and improve another's life by a small measure...   

It's almost the beginning for Spring.... almost. 

As You Can See On my walk today around the neighborhood..

 As you can tell... Im not the greatest when it comes to trying to design my blog...  I'm just not that good at it.. I should have left well enough alone.. but I did tinker with it and I will try to fix my blog list as the days go forth....    At Lest I didn't erase anyone.. that is the only best thing I didn't do...   

Happy Mardi Gras..... Atonement for your Sins by doing good Deeds tomorrow..and receive the ashes. Will I.. nope I am not going to walk down to St. James and do any of that.. what I will do is try to be nice and cordial to all folks and try to help out at the local kitchen here... 

On My walk today around the neighborhood the Purple Magnolia, (Magnolia lilliiflora) which is native to southwest China are blooming .... So keeping with the Walk... and speaking of flowering plants, shrubs, and trees...  here is the Purple Magnolia as it is commonly known here....

Rain and a Lil bit Chilly... and One More Camellia

 The rain came all day yesterday, I flicked back and forth between the Super Bowl and Stanley Tucci on CNN... for some reason  I was a lil bit emotional when watching Tucci on CNN.... maybe it reminded me of family, or family/friends.. combined with the camaraderie of how he tells a story. I found myself sniffling and chocking up, teary eyed on some of the scenes ..  Now as far as the Super Bowl, I didn't care who won, or but just to say I did catch a few plays and the end of the halftime show..

This morning I woke up around 5am .... . It was a chilly fog outside, as the morning light was cutting through the fog, I noticed next door, the pink Camellia japonica had started to bloom.. its next to the Crimson one that is right out my back door, on the adjacent property.  It is a light pink and the shrub is as large as the one I had previously described yesterday...The temperature is in the lower 50s today, with wind gust and its is overcast with a grayish tint to the sky.... with the chilly fog it makes it a typical Louisiana almost Spring day...   

But here is the Pink Camellia japonica, which I like very much because off the delicate nature of the pedals:

As we begin to have a slight Spring Weather

 Today the temp got up to 71 degrees, the one of my favorite Flowers which is located out my backdoor began to bloom, its a Red Camellia japonica. This is a single pedal, not a double, not ruffled, the shrub, which is about 10 feet tall, and was pruned through the years to be almost a tree, has blooms, not many, its shaded out by a large hackberry tree,   but I love the Crimson Color ...and since it rained all day, I think its fitting to have taken the photo showing the rain.... 

Late Night Post

 Its seems that as I grow older and have to admit that I am for the most part retired from public life, I quest for the contact with the outside world, that be it, either here in the state that I have lived in for my 70 years, but also the outside world.  I have had a very privileged life, I am grateful for that, but being the old Sagittarius that I am, I feel a roaming that I need to explore more within this state and beyond... I have a urge to roam, to wander in the early morning hours... to visit old friends, to drink wine and watch the Sunsets in Abiquiu, NM to hike the narrow Goat Trails near there, to paddle the bayous here near my home.... to Get out of the House.. Thus To Live ..... To See Life as it is .... upfront, true, with meaning ... 

The Ramblings of an Old Man.... for sure.... It could just be the Quest for Memories for that last quarter of life that I feel I am approaching... But it is to LIVE... for the Moment ... LIVE for the Present.. not the Past. 

Days of Almost Spring

 As we head to Mardi Gras, (and it's really early this year), Ash Wednesday is also Valentine's Day. One must remember its the South and Spring is just around the corner, The Swamp Maples will be budding out with their Crimson buds, the Red Bud trees will be casting their pink blossoms and the bugs will be swarming for sure..  Louisiana will be in full bloom here in another 30 to 40 days ..  

On my daily walks, I will have to catch the Purple Magnolias blooming those lavender pedals ...  and soon the Yellow Pine Poplin will be whispering as the winds of March hurl those yellow clouds towards us.  

Yep, Spring in Louisiana is almost Here  

Tis Almost that Time of the Year...... Mardi Gras

 Well here is the big weekend.... there are two balls this weekend here in the Lil City by the Red.... and Then on the 11th of February .. we have the big parade along Texas Ave... It just happens that Ash Wednesday is on Valentines Day which I the 14th of February ..   It will be fish on Fridays during Lent..  Time to Repent, but as I have always made the effort to do good for some one who is in need.... either serve at one of the local kitchens, or try to help a person in need ....   Not sure doing this Lenten Season what I will be doing .... but it will be helping somewhere in the neighborhood.   

Mardi Gras is early this year and with the drought here in Louisiana, crawfish production is down..   which means the cost of a platter is going to be up there.

Life continues

 Ive been down with an infection in one of my back molars,  I have a bridge that came loose and didn't go too the dentist in time.....  which resulted in fair amount of an infection.....  my fault .. its just life. 

Mardi Gras is early this year, I am suppose to be going to a ball here on Saturday night, but my heart and self are not into it.. I'm feeling that time is creeping on me.. that I hope spring brings some renewed sense of worth.. but before that happens ... Oral Surgery must occur.. .I have had my share of that over the last ten years of so.  I was not blessed with my dear Mother's teeth... the tooth gene came from my father.. who had poor teeth, my mother went to her greater reward with only one filling ..

So, Life Continues 

Cold Cold Cold....

Louisiana Folks are not made to endure 14 degree cold weather.... we are just not biologically made for the cold.... Now  give us 100 percent humidity and 98 degree weather .. we can just sweat it out.....

 I know that the photo shows it ain't much  But(and there is always a but) but it just takes a lil bit to slow us down to  a creep and crawl.. and everything goes standstill for two days...

The Trip

 Yesterday, I made the trip across Louisiana and to the City by the Pearl.... to pick up my check and discuss what I thought would be my exit interview.

I had planned on exiting the work over there, but, after a call from the Commissioner, I was talked into only working a day or two days a week..   I had in my mind to stop all together for various reasons.

So, next week I will make hotel arrangements for one night and go from there.. which means see if this eases my mental burden .. and still provides a fair amount of income . which is always welcomed when you are in retirement. 

The Group.... Discussions and Gumbo

 The Group of my old friends that live here in the neighborhood act as a sounding board a lot of the times, when there is something going on with one of us, its about three to four people that we have known each other for over 30 years, lived in. the same neighborhood and shared many of life's experiences ..  I tend to discuss the comings and goings of life with them... we share what is on sale at Krogers or Super One.. and if there is a real good sale at Hokus Pokus (the local liquor store).    

 I have bounced my questioning my self about the Magnolia State and what to do about that from time to time....  most of the Group . really all .. of them.. think that I should only go over on an as needed basis, and limit my interaction ... and stopping it all together fairly soon. ...  it's good extra change, but (and there is always a but).. I'm still in a quandary over continuing to go over there.. I roughly make about 340 a day.. but  it's mentally taxing to me... when I was young I would have not thought anything of it... now.. at 70.. I cherish my peace and quiet (as My Momma would have said)...   I am headed over there first part of next week to pick up my check .. and not sure if I am returning home that day or staying the night .. if I stay the night, I might as well stay for two night and bill them for two days... ... just haven't decided .. 

 Today I visited with some retired firemen who I once supervised, we had lunch down in a small town south of here, at a local cafe,  it was gumbo day, you could tell that we were close to Evangeline Parish, .. there was a boiled egg (whole) in the gumbo.. . different parishes have their own traditions in preparing gumbo. .. Avoyelles Parish residents put  a lump of potato salad in their gumbo.. . . I like my gumbo without any additives.. ..  just a side note ..  and I did get my walk in today.

I have determined........

 I have determined that I will on a semi regular  schedule write something in my blog, which on this site I have kept since 2006, for the year 2024... semi regularly.... not semi daily... or monthly... 

Today found me languishing and feeling melancholy most of the early morning ....  I ventured out to the neighborhood in a short walk....   The sun is out, it rained earlier in the morning .. the air is about 55 degrees.. perfect for a short walk...   

Tis a New Year....

 Things are changing ... and it's all for the best.....   I have determined that I will not travel over to the Magnolia State too often.....  I will not be a part of their modifications of their system..  My remaining years are peaceful here in the the Lil City by the Red.. and I desire to keep them simple and not complicate  matters...  

Happy New Year to All...... !!!!