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

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