As the Year draws to a close, today I took one of my Waterford Crystal Ginger Jar lamps and got a new linen shade for it, restored one of my Daddy's Sister's side tables, it was made in DC by a cabinet maker of solid cherry, no nails, all dovetailed, etc, and made the correct way, Circa 1926. I put my Steuben Glass ashtray beside the lamp.
I wish All a Great New Year.
As I look back, I checked my blog entry for this day last year.
https://bricks-on-the-red.blogspot.com/2024/12/last-day-of-year.html
The folks who commented on that blog entry have maintained in contact with this writer all through the year of 2025.
I appreciate that their kind words, the provocative thoughts, the statements that they made in their blogs and comments left have given me hope that the World as we know it, we see it, will improve.
Thank You, Richard, Sandra, Michael, and Bohemian. Also, let me note that Harvey has repeatedly linked to my blog.
It's really connective energy; those connections spurred me onward throughout the year.
As this year comes to an end, I am truly grateful for all who have taken the time to read my blog, even tho the majority never comment.
Let me not forget The Mistress Up North, who is of kindred heart.
Thank You All
It's a breezy 43 degrees, the weather service says it should feel like 30 degrees. I'm going to have to get out and bundle up to keep my walk going to make it to my 30-day goal.
I've been considering the photographs to post, so I chose a few more to add to the number. Since my name is published when I comment, one photograph will be my Grandfather's headstone; he was 69 years old when he passed away in 1905. When you do the math, he was born in 1836. Which means a lot of history. He was in the Great War between the States (which is not commonly named these days). He joined a cavalry unit, along with his brothers. They were excellent horsemen. The Unit was the 3rd Louisiana Cavalry, Company I (i). Not many folks can say that their grandfather fought and was paroled, given his citizenship back in 1865.
The second photograph is of a recent renovation being completed by a local attorney who has picked up the renovation bug to help restore some of the homes here. Many Thanks go to him. Its catty cornered from his law office, It was in deporable shape broaded up, half rotten.
The third photograph is of our late Mayor's home, here in the Lil City by the Red.
The fourth photograph is my own living room. As you may can tell, I like stained glass. The windows were commissioned by me, and built 20 years ago by a regional artist, Standard Glass, was his business.
As I continue my walking, I'm averaging abot 2.4 miles a day walking around the neighborhood, My pace has increased and the weather is pleasant for the moment.
So many times, during my blog writing, it's been a mystery when a blogger goes silent.
Where are they, what happened to them, has death or a tragic accident claimed them? Have they just lost interest? I have had some of those moments myself. But I always come back to my blog. Basically, only one other person knows about the blog, and that person actually knows me in person. That is a friend from the local area who now lives up North; he returns to check on his mother from time to time. He left the Lil City by the Red to follow his dream and forge a new beginning years ago.
I have asked him to consider writing an epilogue when I pass to the hereafter. To acknowledge my passing and draw a close to this blog. He is considering my request.
Now I have several people I have gotten to know from my blog. I have met only one in person; he visited me some years ago. I still cherish that moment of his walking off the plane in the Lil City by the Red. We have remained in contact for many years.
As I have said in a previous post discussing the Louisiana weather, here are some prime examples of a Gray Day, over the Rice Fields of Southwest Louisiana.
The second photograph is a pump station of a rice field; in the background, you can see the crawfish traps.
The third photograph is of an old Rice Mill, near Elton, La.
The fourth photograph is the rice gift itself. On the back of the rice bag is "Christmas 2025, From My Kitchen to Your Kitchen".
The 25th is not only a day of celebration, but also a day of remembrance for the Thompson Family. My Momma was born on the 25th day of December 1920. My maternal grandfather gave my grandmother a clock on that day, which sits on the mantel of my daughter's home. It's a seven-day clock. You wind it up, it runs for seven days, tick tock tick tock, and it's still striking its mellow tone at the hour and a ding, on the half hour. Also, my dear daughter-in-law, wife of the IV, was born on the 25th of this month.
Most winter weather here in this Great State of Louisiana, Home of Bayous, Mosquitos, Bugs, and various poison creatures, including Vile Politicians, is cloudy, foggy, damp, and not much sunshine.
It's Gumbo weather !!!!
Today culminated in a discussion with one of my medical doctors. We discussed an area I am experiencing at the moment. It is the decrease in my social circle here in the Lil City by the Red. In the last three years or so, I have had a few unpleasant political attacks because I drew the ire of some folks. Back in the day, (and for a footnote) I have been in the public service since 1974. The only good thing is that those folks were defeated at the polls. So the folks I speak of are no longer in my arena, Poof!!
But those times are long gone, a nastiness has come over the political world that I revolve in, it's the "take no prisoners mentality", "it's the if you disagree with me, then you are my enemy". Period!!
The second part of this decrease is that, for some reason, either folks have moved away or passed away, it seems by the droves. I have counted 17 people who are no longer here in the Lil" City by the Red, who would interact with me on either a daily or weekly basis. Also, if you go to the gym, no one wants to say hello, they are in their own world with ear buds plugged inside, their lil' ears humming their tunes. Can't folks just say hi, nod their heads, and smile?
The isolationism is Awful ... I am going to try to overcome it and break out of the mundane here.
It's Late, I need to go to bed. Nite Nite!!
This week I have two appointments to see to. One is with my primary care doctor, the other with my psychiatrist. Yep, I have graduated up the scale of mental health. Years ago, I saw a BCSW. Then, about 10 years ago, I began seeing a psychologist who was noted as a prescribing psychologist. Now I am seeing a psychiatrist. I. Now we are in the Big Times.
As my career blossomed, so did the stress of managing a confined population and a large staff. At one time, I had approximately 2,700 confined individuals under my umbrella of units, and about 970 staff. Between both groups, they almost drove me totally bat shit crazy. Just to have someone to talk to confidently helped in so many ways. I am very much of the opinion that if you are in a management position, you might or should find someone who will listen to you without being judgmental and can offer solutions for coping with all the stresses, all in a confidential manner.
Today I made the trek back to the land of my birth; it's a five-and-a-half-hour round trip, only 80 miles away. Still, it takes 2 hours and 15 minutes to go those 80 miles on two-lane country roads here in Louisiana. You leave the Lil City by the Red drive down Louisiana Highway One, which was the first black top road to be built in Louisiana by Huey P. Long, "The Kingfish". The road runs from the Arkansas/Louisiana Line to the Island of Grand Isle, where it dead-ends at the beach on Grand Isle. It passes through the heart of Sugar Cane Country as you approach Avoyelles and Pointe Coupee Parishes, the country turns into vast fields of sugar cane. The first two photos are on the new suspension Bridge that crosses the Mississippi River between New Roads and St Francisville, Louisiana. The last or bottom photo is driving through the the dense fog behind an Sugar Cane Wagon, notice in that photo the Sugar cane that is on the side of the road way, that was taken on La Hwy One as I crossed the Morganza Spillway, it has 124 gates that hold back the mighty Misssippi River, they have only been open twice in my life time. In late winter, you must watch out during rainstorms so that the roadways do become slippery with sugar cane juice.
The very top photo was taken me on a trip back to the land of my Birth, 3 years ago or maybe a lil bit longer. I can't remember. But it's my favorite photo of that bridge. The other two photos were taken today from inside my truck.
Several Days ago, I ordered the Book of Poems/Writings by Mary Oliver. I had read in one of my daily reads, written by a Blogger (for privacy ), I will not share his site, cause I have not inquired to, according to the ethics, I don't share unless I ask and get permission.
So, I have been reading the selected poems in this Book (Devotions by Mary Oliver). I haven't read a book of poems in years. I tend to read historical books. My last was a discussion of the Boer War in South Africa and the forming of what was to lead to WW1.
However, the poem "The Journey." Hit Home so much when I received the book from Amazon, the first poem I read was "The Journey". So I continued reading this book. I wish I had known of her sooner. She is a brilliant writer, and her poems consumed me for the next day or so. It's by my bedside now.
The Blogger, whom I give credit to for leading me to Mary Oliver, is so thoughtful, so intuitive; he is genuinely a Soul of Warmth and Heart.
Thank You Sir, for leading me to Mary Oliver.
Today, I had the unpleasant duty to inform a young man (age 25) that his grandmother had passed away.
He is living here in the next small city across the river from the Lil City by the Red.
He is also estranged from his family, which lives in the next parish from where I was raised, which is why I was called upon to deliver the news. When he answered the phone, I asked him if his grandfather was Mr. D.E. He said yes. I then said I need to tell you some news. "Please bear with me," I then said your GM has passed away,
He hung up in my face. I can understand the shock and the behavior at that moment. I then texted him and said You are listed as the first grandchild. Would u like to see the obit?
All I got was a text 30 minutes later saying "send it to me".
I did my duty and knew that he had been estranged from his family for some time.
I will excuse his behavior due to the moment and the shock of it all.
For Lunch today, I was taken by a dear friend, who has become my adoptive brother, younger brother that is. He is quite successful in the Practice of Law here on the Red Bricks. We have very private conversations; he knows all of my business, to be perfectly honest and upfront. All of it.
I cherish his advice, and he has learned from my falls that we are all human.
He always comes by either on my birthday or a day or so afterwards, takes me to lunch or supper. Since my stint in the hospital here in mid-November, I am very sober, and he understands that one of my falls was the lack of socialization in this community at large. He knows that my social support circle has shrunk drastically in the last two and a half years, that I have lost dear friends by death, transfers, and just not wanting to be around me. He, on the other hand, has always told me, I will not abandon you, Tommy, not even when you fall in the cow paddy. He is a true friend..
So we went to lunch at a new cafe in town, one that is located as the town itself moves farther West. A new part of town with new residences, new shops, and new eateries. Etc..
With no liquor these days, I tend to go to bed early and then wake up early as well, so today I woke up at 4am. Decided to get up, fix the standard Louisiana breakfast: Momma's biscuits, Coffee with heavy cream, and Steen's Sugar Cane Syrup. Steens, Abbeville, LA
It's the best cane syrup in Louisiana. And on cold mornings at this, with strong French-pressed coffee and the fireplace roaring before sunrise, it reminds me of life back in the hallowed lands of my birth West Feliciana Parish
Now I have to admit I do drive a Big Black Truck, but I bought it before he came into the office. I purchased it in 2022 (back in February 2022).
I was out and about today and realized all these Fo Wana A Be owners... with their Black Vehicles, Black Grilles, and Black Rims... want to mimic the Powers in DC...
I might have to change.
Well, I made the trip to Jackson, MS. As I was leaving out of Pineville, LA, on LA Hwy 28, I saw a group of monks walking on the side of the road with a Police escort. You don't see Buddhist Monks every day in Central LA.... I wish I had taken a photo, but the Police escort was waving the traffic by as these monks in their heavy woolen dress, a burnt orange in color, were marching down this heavily trafficked roadway. The group had a leader who was about 60 feet in front of the group... all dressed alike. The group was about 20 or so. Someone messaged me about that time, and it popped up on my screen asking if I had seen the monks...
I made it to Jackson, MS, and back, all 358 miles. Having the big black truck makes riding comfortable on a long trip like that... set on cruise. And ride along...
Tomorrow I will climb in the Big Black Truck and head East across the Big Muddy to Mississippi, headed to Jackson, MS, to sign my new contract for another year. So here. Glad to be of service, and the reimbursement is quite nice ... I'll do my part for sure.
It's 179 miles through the woods, only 36 miles is interstate, but maybe I can catch some fall leaves if the frost hasn't gotten them yet. Takes me 3 hours 25 minutes to traverse the hills and hollows of the back country. That's one way.. Sign the contract and have lunch head back home. Light the cigar on the way home..
Here I am. Deep in the Heart of what is considered the Rural Bible Belt of Louisiana.
But our local HIV/AIDS organization is here to celebrate and help us all remember the Day.
Bravo for Them!!!!
If the current occupants of our government in DC did not recognize it, WE sure did here in Deep Central Louisiana. BRAVO !!!! Photo to follow tomorrow.
Friday was Acadian Day here in Louisiana, celebrating the arrival of the Acadian People from Nova Scotia. They landed near New Orleans in what is now Terrabone and Lafourche Parishes. As people do, they sort out a safer environment, moving inland and heading north, reaching present-day Marksville, La. The Broken Wheel is the symbol of the Acadians who stopped near Marksville because their wagon wheel broke. Thus, the migration halted before they crossed the Red River.
What is known now of the Cajun Triangle, with Marksville at the Northern Apex; (From the Atchafalaya River to the east, Lake Charles to the West, and Marksville to the North,)
Up until the election of then Governor Edwin Edwards, the term CoonAss was used as a person of Cajun Descent. From the election of Governor Edwin Edwards forward, the Term CoonAss became a nasty word, and the term Cajun was a Respected Person of Acadian Descent. Governor Edwards hailed from Avoyelles Parish, and Marksville, La., is the Parish Seat of Government.
My sister came up again this week; she also visited me in the hospital. She is my baby sister. I am thankful for her visits. I have to get down there soon to see her and check out the rest of the extended family.
To bring all up to date:
On Wednesday, I had an experience that I never thought of, the culmination of a severe infection, UTI, which happened to cause me to hallucinate, thinking I had inmates in my closets at my home.
In Response, I called APD, and they came over, saw I was in need of help, so they carted me off to the ER. Now five days later, I am home. It's been a very thought-provoking process.
I am thankful to all who were involved in this process. That I am home, finally healthier than I was five days ago.
As with most folks my age, we seem to have flash memories of past occurrences and events in our lives that remind us of our age, happiness, folks present, and folks passed.... As I was discussing with an old friend, whom I have known now since the summer of 1973, we, meaning he and I, are fortunate to be where we are today, with minimal health concerns and a guaranteed retirement. Both he and I worked in various public governments throughout our careers.
Reflections on the past and being appreciated in the present. So many public employees are not so lucky as we have been.
Tomorrow is the Eleventh Month, Eleventh Day, the Eleventh Hour, and the Guns fell silent, more than 100 years ago.... Time passes fast........
My Mother, Father (she as a Buck Sgt in the US Army Women's Air Corps, he in the US Navy), fought in WWII, my sister retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, my son fought in Iraq as a US Marine..... Proud of my family's lineage.
The weather has turned cold for us. The projected low is 32 tonight. It is clear and cold. We were at 82 two days ago.
Tis, we are, approaching the end of October... swiftly drifting to the beginning of the end of 2025.
Things remain the same here, days of high 80s, lows in the mid 50s..
Spent most of the day as my mind wanders through the past history of myself.....
No Regrets ....
This is the last week of October 2025, my thoughts are varied today, I spent some of the day in the cypress glider I purchased recently from a local hardware store, which was crafted locally near Pollock, Louisiana. I basked in the cool breeze of 72 degrees, as it plowed so strongly through the big trees around the house. I walked in the backyard to see the sun's rays dance on the old board fence leaning but still upright.
I thought of my sister, who recently had her 67th birthday. The mood was slightly melancholic. But I am still happy... for my brother, my sister, and I are still on this earth, living lives of quality.
In this last week of October 2025, I worry about our nation, my state, and the erosion of democracy. Truly, I am so concerned.
I read the local obits today, friends passing, who are no longer here....
'Tis the last week of October 2025.... and I am Alive.
This week I traveled over across the Big Muddy... to the Magnolia State... Performed an inspection of one of their main units, 3800 souls... I am always amazed at the calmness that is within the compound area.. I have inspected Northern Correctional Units were you could cut the tension in the air with a chainsaw.... In the South, we use open-bay dorms, LA. MS, and TX have them predominantly in their units. It adds to the fact that one must live among his peers, rather than being caged in an 8-by-10-foot cell 23 hours a day, as in some units up North. Now we use the cell system for disciplinary purposes only, unless you prove you cannot live in the general population, then we place you in a cell for an extended period.
As I was crossing back over the Big Bridge in Natchez to Louisiana, I snapped a few photos. I have decided to start taking a few more photos when I am on the road.
Here I sit on a glorious afternoon, getting ready to travel to Mississippi for work on Tuesday.
I have to make an inspection of a 3700-man unit in Central Mississippi, and it will be a two-day process, plus a visit to their Headquarters and a visit with the Command there. I return to Louisiana on Thursday.
Not much else, we are still in the throes of 90-degree heat, but there might be cooler weather coming, I hope so.
Its been a lil while since I wrote here, Lately, I have had a sinus infection, which was caught early, and i was only down for three days... Those road trips to Mississippi truly take it out of me. I drove 964 miles in three days, covered three prisons, and walked 7 miles up and down hallways.
The temps here remain hot... it might be Fall somewhere else but not here in La. I will find the time to write more here soon
This past Thursday, I traveled to meet old friends in Aruandville, La to partake of a local chef down in the lower Country. We have known each other for over 45 years. It was good to see the other two; each of us had traveled a little bit of a distance, meeting up in the middle.
As I was on my daily walk, I came across a yard in the neighborhood that is always dressed for the season, sometimes, as this year, a little bit early. Here is a photo of their yard.
This morning, I woke up, walked out onto the front screen porch, and was met with a brief burst of cool air at 72 degrees. It was a pleasant relief to feel that burst, then the rain came... which is also welcomed.
I dare say that Fall has arrived here; however, it's nice to think that it might be on its way.
Here I am, this time of year is not my favorite time, I still have very, VERY, vivid memories of August 30,2005. Twenty years ago, I was in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, conducting an ACA (American Correctional Association) audit of one of Pennsylvania's main correctional facilities. I got a call from the Secretary of the LADOC, asking where the Fuck I was at... I told him, he said, Tommy, tell the chair of the audit team you are bringing yourself back to Louisiana. The Reason Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and Louisiana was in a state of Confusion, Disbelief, and Terror.
The Louisiana DOC administration had already booked a plane flight for me to come to Shreveport, Louisiana. We couldn't get any closer. I couldn't fly into the Lil City by the Red, cause there were no flights to Baton Rouge or New Orleans.
I arrived in Shreveport late on Tuesday night, August 30th, and for the next 11 days, I had almost virtually no sleep. Those memories of those days still give me the chills in my skin and blood. I could almost cry at the memories of those 11 days. I will remember the friends and acquaintances who circled in my mind and are no longer here because of Hurricane Katrina. Then events, happenings of those 11 days, and the months that followed, scared my internal system. The personal effect that it had on me was that three years later, in 2008, I retired from the Corrrections Department that I loved so much.
Today, I left Parchman around 8:30 a.m., having breakfast with my colleagues on this tour of duty before I left.
I arrived around 2:30 pm. It rained heavily for the first four hours of the journey.
Glad to be home, in the Lil City by the Red.
During this tour of duty, a comment was made stating that I was somewhat abrasive at times when addressing issues; I took note. I am not abrasive, I am Direct, Intense, Structured, and Honest..Period.
The Facility's accreditation hangs in the balance of what I observe and state in my reports. Period!!
After I explained my position, the colleague recanted his statement.
I came across this photograph while playing with the scanner, so I decided to post it. This period spans from approximately 1975 to 1978. As you can see, I was the typical Deputy Sheriff in Rural Louisiana, but I was just fresh from college in Hammond, La. There were nine deputies for the entire Parish back then. I believe I was the only one who had graduated from high school, let alone attended college and earned a degree. And let's note I had a head full of hair.
On Monday, I will be back in Mississippi for almost the whole week....
It appears that one of the compounds, as I will now refer to them, has fallen behind in County/State inspections.
It's not a pleasant task we are about to perform; it seems that folks no longer take pride or care enough in their work... Most departments operate on the UMS Unit Management System, which is where the buck stops with the head administrator, warden, or superintendent. They carry the weight of the total operation. They should cause they get paid the Big Bucks. It's their responsibility for the operation that lies before them.
And it's up to my partner and me to determine what is really going on...
That is on Monday, then on Tuesday, we head up to Northern Mississippi to Parchman, the site of their penitentiary, which spans all 22,000 acres of the Delta Flood Plain of the Big Muddy. It's all flat ground, with no trees. You can see a man running for miles, kicking up dust with his brogans. We will spend three or four days there preparing them for reaccreditation, then head home. When we go to Parchman, we stay on the grounds, which is an experience all in itself.
I'm sitting here thinking of my career, in public service, that has spanned 50 years from 1975 to now., It's been very rewarding for me, and at times it's been trying also. The complexity of the job has increased over the years and decades, becoming increasingly demanding. I'm not sure if I would have chosen this path; however, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I was a member of the second graduating class in criminal justice from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana. I immediately went to work in the field as a deputy sheriff, then in 1978, I was employed by the Louisiana Department of Corrections as a classification officer. I rose through the ranks and achieved the highest status in the LaDOC, as WARDEN, over an entire facility. During my tenure as Warden, I had two facilities, both of which had their trials and tribulations. As I look back and reflect on my life, I have no regret!!!.
After I retired from corrections in 2008, I went on to serve as the director of public works and chief of staff in the little city by the red for the office of the mayor. After that, I became the executive administrator for the local district attorney's office. After a few years, I thought I had had enough of public service.
Evidently, the work ethic that my Mother had instilled in her three children brought me back to public life. I returned as a consultant in corrections, working in another state. However, I have never left the little city by the red, nor do I intend to. Hopefully, I have a few years left; my social circle is shrinking due to people moving away and passing away. It's just part of life.
I left Tuesday Morning early, made tours, inspections of two units, one that was accredited in early 2025 and one that is approaching accreditation in early 2026. According to my Apple Watch and phone, I walked 8.8 miles inside the facilities' compounds. I interviewed at both units, speaking with approximately 30 corrections officers and offenders, and then drove home 268 miles on Friday.
One of the discussions with the administrators of both units focused on the Unit Management System and its operations. Which means that the Superintendent or Wardens is where the buck stops... Both my colleague and I agree that this system of management provides a hands-on approach and is the only way to manage public facilities. The drawback is that you rarely have time for any "away time" from the units. Both she and I contributed to our retirement by having each accumulated approximately 4 years of leave. However, we ran some of the best units in our respective departments.
Trying to convince the new generation of administrators that UMS is the best way to manage doesn't sit well with them.
I'm back in the Lil City by the Red for another whole week, and then I am on the road again on August 25 or 26th for a week at Parchman, Mississippi's largest penal farm. 22, 000 acres.
Tuesday is just around the corner. Time is Ticking Away for my departure early in the morning..
I will be headed out to Mississippi tomorrow to do a review at one of the disciplinary units, its in eastern Mississippi nearer the Alabama line Poor Folks, Pine Trees etc... Rural Mississippi. The next unit review is one of the three main units. This is a two-facility tour, wrapped into four days.
1130 PM
I was tossing and turning, so I thought I would mention one of the causes was... the following event. It does take a lot out of me to "Go Home." But (and there is always a but) all in all, I did have a nice time seeing everyone I needed to see.
I was invited out to supper tonight; I was worn out from Yesterday, I had to decline.... That 240-mile round trip to Mississippi, then down to the farm to see all the Kin folks, wore me out. I made a complete round trip, first to Natchez. to cross the River, then to the Lunch in Woodvlle MS then to the Prison in Woodville, which happens to be a max unit for a meeting, then down to the place, which is where I was raised and most of my immediate family still lives, they have a 400 acres there, parceld out between of of them. After supper, I gathered myself up and made the trip back to the Lil City by the Red, crossing the River at St. Francisville on the new suspended bridge that connects West Feliciana Parish to Pointe Coupee Parish.... I left the Lil City by the Red at 9am and returned home to it around 845pm..... ....
Well, today is Sunday, Time for me to step back and look forward...
This coming week, its doctors appt for the blood pressue, haircut, travel to Mississippi for lunch and tour of prison, then visit with the Sister and Son.. back home to rest
We are certainly in the Dog Days of Summer here. That means the dogs are lying up on the porch, waiting for people to approach. No, I have no pets —other than myself. I am the only Pet here —a household of One.
It's time to check out the world around the Brick Streets of the Lil City by the Red. There's not much going on... Hot, Sweaty, Dog Days... waiting for that whisp of Cool Air to blow in, which hopefully will be by mid-October.
Weather Life and Other Things.....
It remains hot!!! However, (and there is always a But), Louisiana experiences its hottest months of the year from late July to mid-October. We are lucky that no hurricanes are looming in the Gulf at the Moment.. Katrina was 20 years ago this year.. My thought is that if we have another storm like Katrina in New Orleans, as we know it, it might be a lost cause. Now the State of Louisiana Govt says that the Big Easy is ready for a Category 4.5 Weather Event. I hope so... For The Powers at Be are correct in their assumption.
I have returned to taking Corgeg 20 mg ER for my heart. The side effects were that I had to change the time of taking Dovato from morning to evening, from 7 am to 6 pm. It seems that Coreg intensifies the effects of Dovato.. which for me is sleepless nights..
My work in Mississippi resumes full speed in August with the first meeting on August 7th, focusing on Classification issues and Facility Monitoring later in the month.
All else seems to be steady as she goes.....
Today, as with every other Sunday, it is quiet, calm, and respectful... Not much is going on. We are approaching the Dog Days of Summer. They last to about mid-September. Then you wake up one morning and open the back door. That extraordinary hint of Fall hits your face ever so briefly......
The leaves on the trees will begin their trip to the ground... Fall will arrive by October 15th.
Work in Mississippi will be picking up soon, I have a meeting down in Woodville, MS with my colleague Warden Miller... I handle work as an expert in Classification .. She works as an expert in Accreditation. We tend to cross our roles back and forth. we are a good team...
Time rolls on ....
I just read that Canadians will be, in some cases, charged a VISA Integrity Fee of $250.00 .. To verify their Identity..
Gee... its. The fee that ICE has proposed....
What is our nation doing, ... If you look back at history, isolationism begins at home, pull back inside your boundaries, kick out, deport, or worse, jail the people the govt considers unworthy. etc....
Tariffs, Deportations, now at this moment 57000 plus are locked up in a matter of lest than 6 months.. It spells Total Isolationism... I could go on and on, naming all that has happened. Someone needs to wake up soon.....We all must open our eyes to this movement taking place in this Nation
Harry made a post about his father seeking companionship with a neighbor in a similar circumstance.....
It hit home, really hard..... the entire posting... I became emotional knowing the feelings of this old man who has been widowed .... I know sitting at home, not having folks to communicate with, Folks now just don't pick up the phone to say hello .. how are you, they seem to be distant, remote, somewhat..
People, being single and not having a group to check on each other, is becoming the norm.... . reach out to your friends, tell them to come over for coffee, for supper ... or to sit on the front porch and have a drink while Orville Peck is singing his songs of Woe in the background..
If you want to say hello.. reach out to my email address on my profile. . It would be nice to make an acquaintance for sure
.
We haven't gotten to the heat No Sir, not yet WE, still have August and September to go through, which in my book drives the heat to an unbearable,sweaty, almost miserable conclusion.
Louisianans know the purpose of no underwear, lined linen trousers, and a White Linen shirt... .. Yes, Sir, it lets you go out in the afternoon, in a comfortable attire..and you can enjoy that 102 % humidity along with that 98 degree weather..
It makes sitting on the porch and having a pleasant conversation while sipping a chilled gin and tonic, two limes please..... an experience that can be enjoyed by all.
The innocence of small towns in Louisiana, the one that I think is the best of what Louisiana has, has certainly been destroyed in the last two weeks. I will not comment further on this matter other than to say shame on you, shame on us, it's a pitiful piece of crap that you have now instigated. The more crap that is uncovered, the worse the stink becomes...
I will move on to brighter days.. and the peacefulness of quiet in Rural Louisiana
We are a state of excesses; if you really get down to the core of our being we eat too much, we drank too much. we don't go to the doctor too much.we drive too fast. then we drive too slow. we eat Boudin, hog head cheese, and a conglomeration of every good thing that served on the table; Suck Heads, that is where the fat of the crawfish is.
What happens in public life here is that it all starts out with us just trying to help a few people and then a along comes the money I think that's what happened down in Forest Hill and Oakdale. Down in the Piney Woods section of Rapides Parish that's RAPIDES parish.
It's just Louisiana that's all I can say Now we're in the national Spotlight I want to how many of those prosecutors on the federal side are Yankees I'm sure one or two might be good old southern boys but most are Yankees
But (and there is always a But) You just can't make money trying to help the Po Folks out.. That Ain't Right. You Boys knew better .. Y'all's Mommas taught y'all right from wrong... but must have been the Sweat in your eyes that made Y'all think that was a stack of 5 Dollar one Dollar Bills.. Instead of a Stack of 5000 dollars
Yes, even in semi-rural central Louisiana, there has been a cultural change in our gay population under 35 years of age.... I have seen it with my own eyes... It's not pretty.... It's downright disgusting.
The older I have become, the more profound the change in our gay culture here in the rural Part of Central Louisiana has become the norm of life.
We have a whole generation 35 and younger, that never had a job they have lived semi homeless life, first with family, then with drug addiction, then out on the street; it's a sad commentary for a life; they steal from one another, they have violence against each other, the camaraderie and brotherhood of a once vibrant gay culture is now a cesspool homeless vagrants.
It turns my stomach to see this transition that has taken hold in this area.
Well, I usually don't write or post anything that I consider crying about... But (and there is always a but), Its time to get real and state the obvious. My Health has become a prominent factor with me. It seems that I cannot sleep. I'm having trouble falling asleep. I have either gout or neuropathy in my feet, and my blood pressure is High, 176/98. which is that stroke level.The doctors do not understand what's going on I went from a perfect blood pressure of 126 over 78 for my age two months ago to now.
It has risen to a point where I am concerned about my health and the decline of my health Hopefully, my primary physician will be back from Germany and we can regulate my meds, and I can get back on track
I can not sleep, things are so unsteady in this World as we know it, The talk of the Big Beautiful Bill worries me. Living in the South, one sees the direct poverty of people; most of the Parish (county) to the rest of you has a mean income of a tad less than $35K for a family. 18.9 percent of the population lives below the poverty level.
Losing health care benefits for poor folks is a prime concern here.... homeless among the population is at a high moderate level.....
I worry about these things, it concerns me greatly....
Here I sit,
I participated in a Zoom meeting yesterday.. which is ok but, I dislike when people on the other end, who have more experience at these electronic meetings say "Your mike needs to be cut off too much noise.." well Fuck... it was my only third time to participate in one of these Zooms.. This is where my frustration with these people who know everything begins to criticize a person who never really has any knowledge of this electronic age..... I say Fuck 'Em All... I quit.. I felt that way. but I didn't say that cause i do try to learn from the experience.
Marler Ford called. They found a sensor that needed to be replaced, and the truck won't be ready until next week. There are supply chain issues, etc.
I need to do some work for Mississippi but I am not feeling to chipper ... my BP got off to a good start yesterday, but this morning went to shit.... I wonder why... its the fuckin' shit I wrote above... that's Why!!!
So I Sit Here... !!!
Here I am awake.... at 10 pm, can't even fall asleep.... No shut eye for me..... the pain in the feet, tingling burning... I am taking the prescription Febuxstat, which is the generic for Uloric. IT takes a while.... to work... I have gained five pounds already... and the BP is rising .... I am Elquis due to Afib... which is a blood thinner... I just don't want to bust have some stroke or brain bleed.. but that certainly would remedy the situation totally... but I am not ready just yet......
I want to drive that truck a few more times and smoke a cigar and smell the dust of a gravel road deep down in the woods of Rapdies Parish..... throw a beer bottle at the stop sign at the end of the road.....
I'm told the truck parts are finally here. Maybe by Wednesday, I can have a truck again.
Over the last few days, I have suffered from an attack of Gout.... I haven't had Gout for a number of years. I usually take Uloric as a preventive med.... but it puts about 15 pounds on you
My sleep cycle is off also.....
For the first time in my Life, I feel my accumulated age. It just ain't fair. I still think of myself as a Gentleman of the True South—kind, Curious, and Courteous to all.
But then time is catching up....
Convenience does have its price, doesn't it.....
lately i cant sleep.... one reason is my feet are burning .. or u can feel the nerves tingling .. it could be the hiv meds i am told... i am having to contact the dr at the local clinic i go to.. it keeps me up ... i tried to elevate them tonight, increase the sleep aid... that didnt work...... something is going on... i hope the medical community here can help
A Change
I changed my email address on my profile.. to my icloud account.. the old gmail address i felt had too many advertisements and i couldnt stiff through all the crap...
So, If you want to contact me, there is a fresh email address..... On my profile
After several attempts to kick-start my policies review, I finally accomplished three pages of comments and sent it off to the Corrections Panel.... Thank the Good Lord.. !!!
Sometimes, my consulting is not what I truly want to be doing. I have this assignment to review policies, standard operational procedures, etc. It's a two-and-a-half-inch stack of work. My expertise is classification, operational control, and facility accreditation. In the world of Corrections , I'm certified as a court expert in Corrections in the local judicial system and in federal district court.
But my Achilles' heel is policies.. and the reading of policies... It's a boring, thankless job... This week concludes tomorrow when I submit my findings.... I am ready to say
Fuck You I Quit !!!
Totally Frustrated
That's me with the triple Magnum at a local crawfish event circa 2018
Inside of the living room at the Old Camp on Albert
That's the new Camp on Marye Street . It was built by two teachers as a duplex. I'm on the right-hand side, looking at the photo.... It's owned by my two best friends, who were my realtors... In November, I will have been here 3 years... As you can tell, the street is brick. Its been a blessing that I am here ..for sure.
As I go through these photos, I have decided to put some more in my blog, Im in the first one, the fifth one,... the life guard was taken when i was Captain of the Krewe of Zeus, the first gay Mardi Gras Krewe in in the Lil City by the Red... I think we all bestowed on him large white beads.. He deserved it for for his outfit/
I wonder what and where the rest are at..... Enjoy.....
Well I got a call from my dealership, its located in Dry Prong, La. No Joke. Dry Prong, LA look it up on the map.... Its Marler Ford.... I've done busy with these folks for 30 plus years......
I have to say the damage is about 3K, with a 1K deductible .. and Its still under warranty which is the important part, no local shop can offer that certiication
The Shop Manager says , Mr. Tom, come by Monday and we will feed an old mule to let you have to haul you around for the next 10 days... cause your parts are on back order for your truck..... Thanks Joshua, make sure the mule.. literally is well fed. I am glad that I could afford the $1k deductible .. most folks around here couldn't muster up that expense.
Sometimes In the past several years, it has crossed my mind that getting old, passing the 70th marker in life is not the cup of tea that I expect it to be.... Having no partner, lends itself too being alone many days and nights, After Covid there seems to be a distance between folks, folks dont check on you, now I try to maintain contact by checking on people in the neighborhood and friends that I have had long time friendships with.... But I can go for up to three weeks and no one has called nor checked on me. I do speak to my sister each Saturday, sometmes I do miss a Saturday and she will wait till the next week.. in between those days... I dont see anyone, meaning old friends etc.. I can sit on my porch and engage the street walkers .... But isolation does strange mental things to folks... I have experienced it.
No wonder we have folks my age and older that just whether away.... and eventually are found dead when the smell of death is at the door or window sill ......
Just an observation.... not a statement of current status...
This morinng I went to the local do nut shop as a treat to myself on a Snnday Morning . it was early like 630am... A black cat cross the road in front of me.. and Looked with yellow piercening eyes directly at me.
On the way home a car was parked on the side of a narrow brick street that we have here in the Ctty by the Red....
My truck verred to the rright and I rammed the park car.. No Ticket was issued due to the car nor myself, but the truck needs at lest an aliment for sure... and I am sure being in Louisiana my insurance will not go up increasingly.....
So much for that Black Cat.!!!! Crossin. the road in front of me this morning.
I am back from four days in the Great Magnolia State... I believe I logged a lil bit over 670 miles but only made two site visits... at two facilities. Mississippi is spending a tremendous amout of money in facility management.. They are A/C their dorms and cellblocks.. Also on site drainage and improvements in thier kitchens. Hard Labor as a punishment is becoming something of the past...
I have mixed feelings. Which I dont express here. Only to Say:
Its the Victims of Horrific Crimes that are left to cope.!!!!!
Yesterday was marked here by our fairly large Hispanic population Cinco de Mayo. Many of the Mexican cafes held thier own celebration... featuring banners and flags... I thought that they were also looking over thier shoulders for those Black Suburbans with the heavily tinted windows.... `
On Friday, May 2nd, Michael Anthony Hooter Traveled into the Eternal Light.... May He Rest in Peace
He was an Adventurer, who Knew No Boundaries. He explored the Meaning of Life His Way!!
Not much to write, I did travel to the Mississippi State Penitentiary, made inspections and helped them with an upcomiong audit. The land mass is incredible.... 28 sqaure miles of land, bayous... about 6 compounds that small islands within this whole land mass.
I have to say modern corrections is practicedd by its administration.... I was impressed by the calmness of the sunrises and sunsets .... the place gives a feeling of Woe... but on the flip side od rhe Vastness of this Land and the souls that are there... overwhelms you.
I came home to the City by the Red yesterday, During the last four days, I walked 9 miles inside of the compounds of two facilities in Mississippi. I slept till late morning today and rested up.
I will write more soon.
Ya Know Life is Moving Along at at fast pace when My Sister can order InstaCart Groceries, Deep in the Fields of West Feliciana Parish on the place I was raised and its in its 6th Generation on my Family...
My Sister texted me today sayiung that InstaCart had delivered her groceries, no more trips on Saturday to grocery shop in Baton Rouge.... Modern Life of the 21st Century has come to the Rural Life of Louisiana..
I can remember when some folks in the 5th Ward of WFP didnt have electricity to thier homes, they burned coal oil lamps to read by...
I am actually enjoying leaving the City by the Red and going to work in Mississippi these days... It gives me a sense of satisfaction, bringing a sense of accomplishment to facilities that in past administrations, have been downtrodden and torn apart by several factors.
This next Tuesday, finds me motoring over cross the Big Muddy, on to the Pine Forest of Tall Pines in the mid part of Mississippi. We (my partner, who is another retired Warden) and I am beginning the process of accreditation for another Mississippi Unit. We have agreed to provide or assistance also for another three units after this one... We have even talked ourselves into having their central command staff accredited ... So Much for running our mouths and saying Yes, but We just can't say No.
It's rather fun to impart knowledge that we know so well and watch the change, or I would say the transformation, of a facility and its staff.
Lets hope I can keep up the pace for just a lil bit. longer.....
Its Friday March 28, 2025..... time has rolled on, world events are flying by with this and that, the speed of news and the true honest news is a blur .....
I question all of this as we hear a mired of tells, soothsayings, and downright lies....
Where will the truth be told to Honest Folks who just want a simple life.....
I'm sitting here, thinking of the drive tomorrow to Mississippi. I was reading a blog that I tend to read, keep up with etc over the last 20 plus years.... Brain Dump... he wrote about cracking thier safe... I too, have a Safe, A Moseler circa 1934, I lost the combination on the move from Albert Street to here on Marye... one day I hope to do as my friend on his blog did... to crack the safe using the combination , which was lost.. in. the safe are my three Tags Heurs, My Father's wallet that in 1962 he went to the hosptial with and passed away 10 days later. a walking 1920 Silver Dollar and various other keep sakes..
At lest, reading his blog got my mind away from thinking about the Drive tomorrow.
Tomorrow, hopefully in the early morning hours before 8 am, I will be on the road to Mississippi to conduct a monitoring visit with Wrdn Miller and Rogers. ts a turnaround visit, 197 miles one way spend the night and part of the next day then head home.....
I've been thinking of these monitoring visits, since I drive 197 miles one way, I am thinking of going on a Sunday so I can stop along the way and take in some historic places dring the summer months. Vicksburg and its grand cemeteries, didicated to the battle and seige of the city during the War Between the States as it is still commonly known here in these parts.
Its only a wish or thought believe it will cut the long drive in half and give me some added time of reflections
Just have to see if that can be accomplished in the next few trips.
Yesterday, an old friend stopped by and made plans for supper. We have known each other for over 35 years. He is starting to experience back concerns, etc. Most of my friends who are within my age group, five to six years on either side of my age, have some aches and pains or are fighting major complications.
Its just a time in our lives. I have been without a partner or significant other for longer than most, I have grown accustomed to my single existence and truly comfortable with that. I am set in my ways now, O, I might change once in a while to acccomondate a certain friend of some wish or status.. in reality ,,, it isn't too many times that this occurs...
This is where I am in Life. I get energized a few days out when I am headed to Mississippi to inspect one of the units. on a monitoring visit. My co-heart and I are to prepare four facilities for accreditation this year. In April, we will be on the road for about two weeks, and it will be broken up into two or three trips. I still have a little bit of fire in my belly for imparting knowledge and teaching the correct ways.
So where are You???
