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I have to mention The Colquitt Shopper and Butch Parrish. Butch had the nerve or lack of sense to let me write a column starting in 1982. I appreciate that. Those of you that have offered encouragement to George Rogers and me, well we appreciate that too. George did the original design for this web page and Fran at Fran's Web Sites Just for You does the posting. Some said this is what we should have been doing all along and I do appreciate George and Fran and their time.

Cleotus Allegood asked me if I was going to say anything about him and we are.

Should you find your name mentioned here, or a story concerning you then you are an essential part of this.

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IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN ©

I have said it and I have heard others say it. “If I could just do it all over again” or some variation of that.

I don’t have a lot of regrets with my life. God has been extremely good to me. Far better than I deserve. But there are a few things I might do different and these are not in any particular order. Only some thoughts.

I might spend more time around airplanes because I am so fascinated by them. I probably would have gotten a pilot’s license just to fly around the country. There was little money and absolutely no time for this in my younger days. Once we were pulling weeds from a peanut field and I saw the contrails of a plane and watched it for a while. This irritated my brother and he promptly told Daddy. Daddy said “Let him look, this is probably as close as he will ever get to one.”

He was right for a while, however, the opportunity arose and after that first ride I was hooked. Still am.

I certainly would have taken more time to learn about my ancestors. They came here when The Native American Indian was still present. By this time though they had been reduced to a nomadic group. My great great great grand folks had some peach trees and the Indians would visit them when they were ripe. I have heard my Daddy tell that story many times. Daddy left us in 1992 and so did a vast amount of local history. I ought to have questioned him to no end about those things. Sadly I did not.

A side note. Farming has changed and so has the opportunity to find arrow heads or a piece of pottery. I continue to look and it is difficult but sometimes I am fortunate to find another.

Should have done more work for The Lord. I still have time and the forum for it. Being a Christian for many years does not give me the right to not study The Bible as much as I should. This will change. God has done and shown me some amazing things in my life. One day I will tell you some of them.

I wanted to be a baseball player. Really I had some talent. You could not throw the fast ball by me. I could hit the curve and had a ‘sixth sense’ about the game. I still love the game but can not get The Braves as often as I would like. They told me I would never have the size to make it to the majors. They were correct.

If I could I would have spent more family time. At the time we made the decision for the wife to stay home and I would work .It was a good decision but I missed some of the little things the children did. We had three. Also the children did not have to go to day care. I was working three stockyards and farming and picking up a days work wherever I could. I don’t know, I was doing it for the children and I probably would not change that.

Definitely, I would have looked at putting up some more money. My daddy kept telling me “Son, better put some money aside. Even if it is only $5.00, you better do it.” He was so right. Also he and Mama had come thru The Great Depression and he knew the value of a dollar. They were not tightwads but knew how to manage money.

This I would have done.

Elvis was coming to Macon Georgia . My brother and I hatched a plan to go see him. I think my oldest sister found out about it and told Mama. Of course this ended that train of thought. We should have gone and suffered the consequences. I never had another opportunity.

Sure, there are some regrets. Some things I would have done or not done but the present is now and the future is the future and the past is past.

One more thing I would have done. I should have let Mama have my tonsils out when I was a yearling boy. When I discovered this was surely in my future I ‘slung a fit’. If I had done that then, I would not have all the sore throats I have had in my life.

Hind sight vision is 20-20.

(Added 07/02/09)

ATMS- THUGS OR JEWELS? ©

All I wanted to do was make a deposit. A simple transaction. Insert card- punch in number.

It was not to be.

I could not think of the password. I must have gotten pretty close to it once because the machine sputtered for the shortest time. Then it ate the card.

I told the machine that I wanted to put money in; not take out.

No matter, it kept my card.

Well this machine is located in a very public place. By now what I really wanted to do was take a blowtorch and either get my card back or do some very bad things to the A T M.

I didn't do either. I talked to the machine. I begged it, pleaded with it but to no avail.

Folks, there is nothing a body can do in these situations. If you kick the thing, it probably would send out an alarm. You can't get your hand in the thing to try and get the card. So I tried some more numbers thinking that it just might give me my card or at least tell me something.

Silly me, a mere mortal trying to out talk or out smart this machine.

It finally asked me if I would like another transaction. Well, I told it what it could do with its transaction. By now a small crowd had gathered . I don't know if they enjoyed seeing me in this predicament or to see if I was going to cry. I did not cry. With as much dignity as I could muster I said “This thing has got to be out of order. Why don't they just put an out of order sign on it?”

 Then a small lad of perhaps ten or so asked me if I had forgotten the password. He told me not to worry his dad did it all the time? He also said to call the bank and they would retrieve it for me. He said that is what his Dad did.

I got my card back and now I have changed passwords to something far simpler, if I could only remember what it is.

I did ask the bank if they would just give me a key to the machine, it would make things far simpler. They said no.

This ATM is a thug. I think ATMs are kin to lawnmowers. And that is another story.

(Added 6/26/09)

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY MRS. ALLEGOOD ©

Cleotus Allegood had a worried look about him.

Knowing my friend as I do I let him speak first.

"Don't know what to do. Jest don't know what to do," he said.   "I need to do it but don't know what to do."

I reached down and rubbed Quennie Jr. on the head, loooked in her ears, kinda checked her over. By taking an interest in his dog, I had shown respect to him. I knew Quennie Jr. meant a lot to him.

"Ain't no need to look fer ticks or fleas. She ain't got none and ain't goin' to have none. Not if I can help it. No sir I see about my stuff. I jest kain't figger out what to do about her birfday," Cleoutus mumbled. He was letting me know he knew what I was doing.

Gently I inquired as to whose birfday it was.

"Well, it's the wife's and I don't know what to git fer her, if anythang. She already got it all. I bought her a brand new 'lectric fence box last year. 'Fore that she got a new pair of rubber boots. Don't know what else she might want?" Cleotus answered.

I had known Cleoutus for a long time, so I knew to tread lightly. I would never do anything to harm our friendship. In a moment or so I suggested some flowers.

He thought a minute, then said "That might not be a bad idee, Ren ."  Theys a bare spot in the yard next to the pickup. Not the red 'un , the green 'un [one had the transmisson out and the other the motor was gone.] Might be jest right fer something like that. And it'll be close to the water spiket. She won't have to tote water fer a'tall , That's a good idee Ren. I'm gone go see what they got up at the feed store. She needs a place to have some flowers so's she can work in 'em . I bet this gone be a surprise to her."

Somehow, I didn't think she would be surprised at all.

(Added 6/20/09)

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CLEOTUS AND MULEY GO FISHIN’©

“How you been Ren” is Cleotus favorite greeting to me.

I told him I was o k.

“I see you tinkerin’ with that mower. Ain’t they a problem sometime?” This was more of a statement than a question from my friend. Muley Wilson was with him and cracked a smile.

I told him this one was stuck in fifth gear and one side of the deck was a tad lower than the other but that I hoped it would get me thru the winter and into next spring.

“We goin’ fishin’ Ren, You want to come with us? The Ole Lady done dug the worms and put new line on the poles too. She fixed up one fer you if you want it.” Cleotus said.

“Yeah come on Ren, we goin’ and we shore would like fer you to go with us. Do you good to git out and enjoy this air.” Muley offered.

Well I could not hurt my friends feelings by telling them I stayed busy a good deal of the time, but they knew that so I just shook my head and said I needed to finish running over the yard with the mower. I also knew these two liked to fish together and they were just being polite in asking me to fish with them.

“Gone be the best time in a while, Ren, wish you could come with us. A full moon. Why don’t git no better fishin’ than that” Cleotus said and put some Red Man in his mouth.

“The Ole Lady said she weren’t goin’ with us ‘cause she ain’t feelin’ real well. Got the runny nose and sneezin’ a lot. She's just gone stay at the house and do some stuff around there. Might as well stay there, she shore won’t be a lot of help sneezin’ all the time.”Cleotus spoke and Muley solemnly nodded his head.

“Say Ren, we wuz wonderin’ if you could do us a favor?” Cleotus said.

I told him probably so and asked what it was.

“Well The Ole Lady don’t feel good and she takes a sneezin’ fit every once in a while and well, I shore don’t want Quennie Jr. to catch anythang from her. We wuz wonderin’ if Quennie Jr. might stay here with you while we fishin’. She won’t be no trouble. ’Sides you and Quennie Jr. are good friends.”

I told Cleotus and Muley that would be fine.

“I ’precaite it a whole bunch. Cain’t take no chances sometimes. The Ole Lady sneezing on a full moon, well Quennie Jr. just don’t need to be around no water. She might fall in and not be the same anymore. You know with the full moon and all.” Cleotus said and Muley agreed.

They fired the truck up, drove off and the dog laid down in the shade of a tree and quietly drifted off to sleep.

They caught some fish, Quennie Jr. kept me company for the afternoon, the lawn mower stayed stuck in fifth gear but I got over the yard. I reckon it was a good afternoon for all.

In a way....well I was honored that Cleotus asked me to keep his dog. Yes I was truly honored.

(Added 6/13/09)

(Added 5/24/09)

THE FIGHT-ROUND 4©

“Sure it’s still on” said The Summerlin Road Brawler, “anytime, anywhere. Just because I’m busy in the fields right now don’t mean the fight is off.”

By all reports The Siggsbee Kid had come out of reclusion. Many rumors have swarmed around. For the last week or so The Kid has been spotted back down at the Wednesday cow sale.

When asked if he was ready, he simply replied” I can whip a hog pen full of them Summerlins and keep the gate shut at the same time. I’ll be ready when they get ready. My second ,Jimmy Dykes, is ready. We ready.”

While Dykes could not be contacted for comment, it was rumored that old feelings might erupt between himself and The Brawler’s second, Bill Lewis. Apparently the feelings go way back to the soybean field incident. While all involved are keeping pretty quiet about it, this reporter could tell that something was simmering just beneath the surface. Mention soybeans around either and you can almost see the blood pressure rise. I am not sure what happened there but it had to be awful.

We tried contacting Lewis but he too was not available.

We do know for a fact that The Kid has had some surgery on his right eye. “ I can see better than I have in years, this fight won’t be but a minute anyway. The only thing is that I’m not supposed to get any dust in it for a while. But I ain’t worried; that Brawler is the one that is going to be in the dust. Probably will be there a while.” The Kid was confident. “ Lewis is going to have to carry him to a water hole somewhere to revive him. I would hate to be him.”

“Well, he can claim eye surgery if he wishes, fact is, he is just plain scared of what might happen to him. I ain’t saying this for a fact but the rumor is that he had to get the steroids flushed from his system. Again this is only what is been floating around the circuit.” The Brawler calmly stated.

Contacting all parties has not been easy. Between the cotton and peanut fields The Brawler has been difficult to locate. He did have some words for us and we are thankful.

The Kidd, we know for a fact, truly has had eye surgery and has been out of commission for a while. However he is recovering fast. The Kidd went on to say “ I don’t want to take advantage of my opponent, if he needs a few days to rest up after this planting season, I understand completely.”

The Brawler only clinched his jaw and muttered “Rest. He’s the one that’s going to get a rest.”

We can only hope that this fight does not split the community. But it is too late to call it off. Pride and more is on the line.

One more rumor, The Kid might have picked up a sponsor. We wonder who it might be?

And on another matter, Goodnight Starshine. You know I love you.

(Added 5/24/09)

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(Added 5/15/09)

Tonight was a joyous time for me. As I wandered outside for a few minutes to gaze and marvel at the stars, I heard him/her sing.

He /she was doing a wonderful job too.  A Whip-Por-Will is a true sign of warm nights. My daddy used to say that when you heard the Whip -Por -Will sing you could put peanut seed in the ground. That is most often what happened. We were through planting cotton and corn and it was time to plant peanuts.

For me the spring time nights are a gift from God. The smell of honeysuckle and jasmine come drifting thru the dark.  A little later on, one can add the Bay tree smell to the lot. The combination of these is hard to beat.

I don't reckon I have ever actually seen a Whip -Poor-Will. Only pictures. But the sound is unmistakable. He/she sings the same song every time. My uncle Jim once told me that the Whip-Por -Will received its name from the song it sang. It surely sounds just like they are saying "Whip-Por-Will " and the answer is the same from the responding bird. My teaching was this was a night time bird and rarely ventured out in the day light hours.

A Mocking Bird sings a wonderful melody. The Bob White Quail is known by its whistle. The Dove by its coo, the Hawk by the somewhat scream it emits, the Owl by the screech and hoot. So is the Whip - Por- Will known by its song.

Add something else to the mix. A crickets crick along with the bullfrogs base voice and we have a true Southern Serenade .Thank you Lord, I appreciate it.

(Added 5/8/09)

(Added 4/9/09)

The Seven Dwarfs Syndrome©

For some people it starts in different ways.

 

For me it is nearly always the same.  Itchy.  My throat gets itchy.  Then a little scratchy.  Next is runny.  Nose that is.  Followed by stuffy.  This is followed by some decongestant.  Hopefully this will ward off what is sure to come.

 

It doesn't.  But it does help.

 

We now have Itchy, Scratchy, Runny, and Stuffy.  Let us add Watery to this.  Surely watery eyes should go away. They don't.

 

By now it is time to invest in some remedy of some kind.  Some folks say to drink about a half glass of liquor.  No doubt this will change your feelings.  However the morning after might bring on more remedies to vanish the liquor effects.

 

One fellow drinks white liniment, or he once did.  This would produce a sweat of great magnitude.  He would drink his mixture and wrap tightly in a blanket or quilt and sweat.  This did produce results.  He grew pale and drank water.  And sweated some more.  The liniment was said to be a cure-all.  I 'spect it would.  I never had the nerve to try it.  The side effect was you could smell the liniment on him for a good three days hence.

 

Sneezy.  Once this starts, you might as well venture to the medicine cabinet to see what is available.  I usually take a hand full of something and retire to the couch or bed.  Some of these medicines are good.  They make me Drowsy.  Which leads to Sleepy. Let’s not forget Coughfy.  He deserves some recognition.

 

Itchy, Scratchy, Runny, Stuffy, Watery, Sneezy, Drowsy, Sleepy and Coughfy.

 

I said seven: I’m sorry I had the nine-dwarf syndrome.  Thanks to the pine tree pollen.

(Added 2/7/09)

 

CLEOTUS AND GAS  ©

“You seen it ain’t you, Ren, gas shore is headed fer two dollars a gallon agin,” my friend Cleotus Allegood said. “Kain’t tell neither where its gone stop at. Gettin’ to where a man kain’t even ride down to the creek to fish. Them oil companies shore know how to make money. Jest gouge the little man.”

I knew Cleotus was upset, so I let him talk.

“Where’s it gone stop? Them TV guys say it might git even higher. Might git on up there some more. I told the Ole Lady that we jest as well ferget tryin’ to keep the grass cut. Ain’t no need to try.” Cleotus fumed.

I told my friend that gas was surely going up and so was everything else.

“You seen what a leap chewin’ tobaccer took? Seems everythang I like is goin’ up. Fish bait done got to where we kain’t buy them no more. I told the Ole Lady that I reckon she wuz goin’ to have to start diggin’ or grubbin’ worms again. There fer a while I let her buy some worms, but we ain’t doin’ that no more. Kain’t afford it,” Cleotus continued.

Cleotus moved his Red Man from one side of his mouth , looked off into the distance and was quiet for a moment.

I rubbed his dog , Queenie Jr., on the head and waited for him to speak again. It was not long before he spoke.

“You know what, Ren, them polyticions jest plain don’t kare about the little person. I’m thanking they git so far in they own world, they jest plain don’t kare anymore. You don’t see none of them polyticions diggin’ they own fish bait do you? No sir they buy their bait. I’ll bet if they had to dig fish bait and worry about the price of chewin’ tobaccer thangs would change.”

Cleotus was silent for another moment or so.

“You know what,Ren? I’m a half a mind to register and start votin’. I know I ain’t much but I am me. Anyway I’m sorry to take up yore time but I am jest upset about all this.”

With that Cleotus and Queenie Jr. loaded into his pickup and drove off.

You know, Cleotus was right, maybe if more people voted, it might make a difference in some things.

(Added 2/7/09)

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CLEOTUS AND WIMMIN ©

I was working on the old lawnmower when I heard Cleotus Allegood pull into the yard. His dog Queenie Jr. jumped out thru the passenger side window and came over for me to pet her a little, so I did.

“Havin’ some problems with the mower, ain’t cha, Ren,” Cleotus said. I told him that it would not start or turnover or do anything.. “Don’t matter, I can git the ole lady to come take a look at it if’n you want me to,” my friend replied. “She ain't bad on mowers, chainsaws and 'lectric fence boxes.”

I knew something was troubling Cleotus a little so I did not say anything.

Then he came out with it..

“Ren, I didn't see this fer myself, but one of my cousins said there wuz a woman announcin’ a football game over the TV. You heard anythang about that??”

This was a very delicate matter to Cleoutus, so I approached it that way. I told him there was a good possibility that this was happening. I tried to explain that some women had taken an interest in football, and more and more were appreciating the game of baseball. “Don't make no sense, none a’tall. Why would they be interested in anythang like that, like they ain't got ‘nough to do. You know what Ren, next thang they will be wantin' to announce them 'rasslin matches. Just ain't no place for wimmin.”

I started to tell Cleotus that there was a woman on a national ticket a few years past for the Vice President of the USA, but I could not bring myself to do it.  I patted Queenie Jr. on the head a couple of more times and Cleotus deposited a right goodly portion of Red Man tobacco juice on the ground and he got back in his truck.

Before he left he said “It's these kinda thangs that git my blood pressure up. Better git on home and see if the ole lady's got anythang cooked. Need any help with that mower, she can fix it, I’m shore.”

I told Cleoutus that I needed to chew up the leaves and not to worry about it.

Knowing Cleotus like I do, I expect they will work it out. He did say he hoped his wife did not git wind of this because she might want to get to watching some football.

She might.

I did not know it until it was over.

He always walked a path different from others. This is not a bad thing either. Not in this case. He was not so different; he was who he was.

And I liked him. No, I loved him. There is a lot of difference between like a lot and love. A lot of difference.

Anyway he was born in Alaska. Fairbanks Alaska. Right off this put a different perspective on the young man. His parents traveled some because of his health. He was prone to asthma. They moved to Arizona for a while and came back home.

By this time the little fellow had acquired just a tint of accent. I loved to hear him talk. That South Georgia accent with a flavoring of out west. We would talk about how many girl friends he had. What he wanted to be in life. His answer was always the same. “A Rocker.”

There were not many rock concerts he missed in his short time here. He did love his music.

He grew older and then came the issue of his hair. Way too long for some. It never bothered me. He was a handsome young man. Good looks. Charm. Dressed in style. I would think that the young ladies near him were easy prey. They didn’t have a chance.

AS he grew older, the world grew smaller for him. He traveled it. Went to many places, saw many things and loved his music. He had that little bounce of confidence in his step. Probably was o k on the dance floor. Always the charmer.

We did not see the other for some time. He would come thru from time to time. And we would talk.

Of course with some paths that he trod came adversity. Somehow he managed to get by and be o k. You would think that most of the adversity would be his fault, but it was not.

He had his share of his ups and downs. Peaks and valleys. Good times and bad.

I can very well remember the last conversation I had with him. It was a good one. We laughed and were serious some but mostly enjoyed the company of the other. A good visit for us both.

Then, as will happen, The Grim Reaper made an appearance and he was gone.

Suddenly and without warning he stepped into the next life.

God, I appreciate you letting me know my nephew, David Pope.

I loved him.

(Added 04/25/08)

First, let me say I do not wish to offend my friends in the Rick- Shaw business. I do however wish for them to know that I have great respect and for them and the services they provide. In the countries where the rick-shaw is in use, it offers a valuable service.

Now, having said that and offered an apology in advance, I will tell you my story.

Make no mistake, I enjoy travel. I enjoy airplanes and like to see them on the ground or in the air. I am constantly amazed at the technology involved that allows these things to glide in the sky.

But shy away from Rick-Shaw Airlines.

Getting to the airport was a small problem. The traffic on the interstate was a little more than expected. December 27, being the day after the day after the Holiday was one of the factors involved. I did not anticipate the roadwork.

The interstate was down to one lane at one point and thankfully this did not last but for about 10 miles. At least, it seemed that way. This put me on a little edge. This was not the airlines fault. Next came parking . First level...full. Second level..... There is a space. Thank you Lord.

Now I am down to one hour before departure.

I am thinking about security and the long lines but that was not such a problem. The problem was, I did not wish to relinquish my bottle of South Georgia water. There were more of them than me so I gave it up with out a nasty scene.

I arrived at the gate at what would have been boarding time.

No one was boarding.

In a few minutes they announced that we would board soon. Which we did.

Now we are out on the taxiway and all doors shut and we sat there for what seemed like an anxious time for some.

Then Rick-Shaw Airlines announced that the plane had mechanical problems and that a mechanic was on the way. Some gasped. Some mumbled some words that are not printable here. Anyway what happened was that a gas truck pulled up and pumped gas into the wing. Mechanical problem solved.

Not to worry. It is only 38 minutes from Orlando to Miami and with an anticipated 2-hour layover, well, I saw no problem.

About half way there, the announcement came over the intercom that this plane would not continue to Boston because of mechanical problems. They told the people that another plane was available and that those going to Boston would be made aware of the gate and that their luggage would be transferred to that plane and to please take all personal items from the plane.

This is my conclusion: Rick-Shaw Airlines only had enough money to pay for the gas from Orlando to Miami.

Arriving in Miami and finding the correct gate was no problem. The problem was that we did not depart for an hour and a half after departure time. Yes, there was another mechanical problem. However, I think someone thought it over and decided that the truth might be better in this instance.

There was no pilot. I swear that is what they announced. There was not a Captain available at this time to take us on our journey. An hour later they had made the same announcement at least two more times.

The good news was, there was a Captain on the way.

Rick-Shaw Airlines got us safely to our destination only an hour and a half late.

And that aint all folks, when we returned to Orlando on the journey home, you guessed it; The Rick-Shaw plane ..........well..... We left Miami about 30 minutes late.

I enjoyed my small vacation and the food and the people. Peru is a wonderful country.

And remember StarShine, I love you.

(Added 01/05/08)

Oh My, Christmas. To many a time of great joy and to some a time of woe. Being bad was always mentioned at this time of year, however one had to keep one’s spirits up.

When I was but a lad, Christmas time was a wonderful, great and splendid time. Music, little homework from the teachers, excitement beyond belief. And oh boy writing that all-important letter to Santa. Wow.

Getting the tree and putting it up was just beyond adjectives. Beyond words. Almost beyond belief. Because getting the tree meant that soon some presents might begin to appear under the tree.

Of course we went to the woods to find the one that was just right; or nearly perfect at least. It was cut and brought home and decorated. My goodness, all was well with the world.

Some families still do this. Good, I am happy for them. Some to a tree farm and make that all-important selection. . Christmas at its best.

But there is something else that has come into play in these last few years.

A white tree.

Whether decorated or not, they are beautiful. I always felt that to cut the tree and bring it home to decorate was a privilege. It still is and also a right if one wishes to do it.

In the attic, somewhere is an in the box green tree. It has not been used in many years.

I see the white trees and they are magnificent. If decorated are pretty. If not decorated, still does not matter. They are pretty. I like the round ones .You usually see these in folk’s yards. They are pretty.

I suppose I am changing with the times. Maybe so. We still have the trees. We still have Christmas. And we have the people that do much decorating both inside and out. I thank you for this. I know it takes both time and effort and some cash to ever increase the amount of space being decorated.

You deserve a medal

Merry Christmas-Happy Holidays- Whatever you call it

Just keep putting up those white trees.

And another thing. Good night Starshine, You know I love you.

(Added 12/17/07)

He was deep in concentration. So I just let him think. I rubbed Queenie Jr. on the head and looked in her ears. Queenie Jr. moaned and looked at me as if to say” Well Done.”

Cleotus Allegood looked up too and sighed. “Just don’t know what to do, Ren. Just don’t know what to do. The Old Lady done told me that she wuz expecting more this year than before. Kain’t understand them wommin. Last year she wuz plum tickled with the ’lectric fence box she shore has used it too. Kept the spotted sow out of the road. Them thangs ain’t cheap neither.”

I told my friend that I knew the price of a good one and that he was correct, they were not cheap. I also knew he was still thinking. So I let him think.

“Kain’t thank of much else she needs. Got her a pair of red rubber boots a time back. Weren’t no special occasion. Just felt like I would do somethin’ nice. Them others were ‘bout wore out.” Cleoutus mumbled. “ Reckon I‘ll need to think of somethin’ else. Got any ideas Ren ?”

I thought a minute or so and with careful wordage I said this.

“Well you know Cleoutus some women like different things. Some like a good smelling perfume. Some a box of candy, but knowing your wife as I do I’ll bet she wants something special just from you.”

“Whar is yo mind, Ren? I kain’t believe you said somethin’ like that. That woman don’t want no perfume or candy. That ain’t practical atall. Goodness, Ren, what are you thanking’?” Cleotus said and looked at me. “If I'm gone git her anythang it will be somethin’ she can use and enjoy.”

We sat there and talked some small talk. We discussed if the specks were biting at the millpond and if it might be a cold winter.

Then Cleoutus stood up and slapped his hands together and said” I got it Ren. Something from me and special too. I’m shore glad I come to see you fer a minute. Even tho you have got some per-que-ye -ler ways of thankin’. No wonder you still ain’t married.”

He smiled some more. “I’m gone git her a new pair of work gloves and a new file fer the chain on the chain saw. Now that’s somethin’ personal and practical. Bet she’s gone be surprised fer shore. Gotta go, Ren .The feed store is closing and I want to git there ‘afore dark. Yes sir bet she’s gone be surprised fer shore.”

I wished my friend well and told him to come back soon. But in my mind, somehow, I doubt his wife is going to be surprised.

Merry Christmas to all and Good Night Starshine.

(Added 12/09/07)

Certainly it is here. It goes on continually. We have all been a part of a tug of war. Some with a rope or vine or something.

Politics seem to be a tug of war. This one won the debate, this one lost. This one finished better than before. The tug goes on.

In families there is a tug that certainly happens. Some like this food or place. Some like another. Where to eat or where to go? This is a tug.

But the above mention has nothing to do with this story.

I am talking of fall vs. winter.

Certainly the tug is there. In the mornings winter type weather brings us the frost. It is beautiful, for sure. I like to see it. It also brings cold mornings. This I am not really fond of. Never the less, it is here.

The cold wind can just go thru me like a knife. And for sure the tree leaves come to the ground. The sun is slow to rise and when it does it does bring some respite.

Now on the other side.

The leaves are changing colors and are beautiful. If you have a ‘popcorn tree’ then you know it is in full bloom. The squirrels are so busy building or making last minute repairs to their home. Busy busy is what they are.

Now the sky is so blue. It seems incredible that it can be this blue. But it is. This affords us to see the airplane contrails in the sky. Where are they going? I don’t know but it set against that blue sky is pretty to me. Some time we get the high thin clouds that are ice crystals, I am told. When the sunrays are just right you can see a score of rainbow colors.

The little yellow butterflies are moving southeast. Some almost due south. Soon they will be gone.

A tug of war ?

Yes we have one and we all know that old man winter will be the winner, however not long after, spring will arise.

Me, well I’m on the side of fall for as long as it is here.

(Added 11/18/07)

I heard some one call my name. I looked and I knew this guy but could not put a name to the face. He was so familiar. Seemed so happy. had his little girl with him. She was dressed in her Sunday finest. So Cute. He had a tie on and was so happy.

They had been to church.

We talked a minute. Or rather he talked and I listened. It only took a minute to know this guy was different than from when the last time I saw him.

Man, he could not talk enough about his past and how he had some very dark days. Even confined for a time. He did not like that. But he continued on. He told me some things about what he was doing. Began to quote some Bible Verses. We both did.

I thought revival might break out right then and there.

My mind flashed back for just a small time and I could picture him in his former life. It was unreasonable to know what he had been through. “Over and finished” is what he said about his past.

“You know, Ren, I think The Lord might be calling me to preach, to carry the Word. But I can’t yet. I have one more obstacle to overcome” He told me.

He then pulled an unopened pack of cigarettes from his pocket. “I got to get rid of these and then I know God will use me more.” I have no reason to disbelieve him.

Now who is this guy?

Well this is not the platform for that. I will tell you later who he is.

We shook hands and sort of hugged a little and I knew he was telling me the truth.

“Peanut” I wish you the best and if you are a God fearing, praying person; please add him to your list. No doubt he will do well. His story might bring reality to some people’s lives.

I believe in him.  

(Added 09/30/07)

Have you noticed the little yellow butterflies scurrying around lately? They seem to have a sense of urgency about them. They are beautiful. I am sure that somewhere inside them a little clock or voice or feeling or whatever happens is going off. They know a new time of the year is coming.

The Black Gum Trees are also sending a subtle message. Some of the leaves are beginning to turn red or reddish. The one in my yard has been making a change for about a week. Down on Bridge Creek they are doing the same.

I can now go for almost 10 days before my yard needs mowing. Yes, I still have the same old mower, somewhat modified but basically the same. The dry weather has had a lot to do with the yard but so has the sun setting a little earlier each day.

Just another sign.

The days have cooled off some but a body can still work up a sweat in the afternoons, if any manual labor is involved. The mornings can fit into this category as well.

Dog Fennels. Some of you have no idea what a dog fennel is. That is o k. But the dog fennels are beginning to take on a fluffy look. They will go into bloom soon. At this point I will sneeze some more. I am already sneezing my part. A little runny nose and a sneeze. Allergies and a change of seasons will always do this to me.

But the best part of fall is that my electric bill starts down. I think this is what makes me like the fall as much as I do. It is a good time of the year and as I write this I see no way The Braves are going to get into the playoffs. However, once the playoffs begin, this will be but another sign of a season change.

Good Night Starshine, You know I love You.

(Added 09/16/07)

We all knew he would do it if his body would hold out. I don’t know one way or the other if Barry Bonds ever used steroids. There are many ideas on this. Some say yes. Some say no.

I am not a Barry Bonds fan. He did, however, do a tremendous thing in baseball. I saw his father play and he could hit the baseball into a land far-far away.

The only way of my seeing Babe Ruth play is of course on film. He too could hit it a long ways.

Hank Aaron played a long time and he played when pitchers pitched more than five or six innings. I had the good fortune to watch this man play baseball. He could go get ‘em.

We would go to Atlanta in the fall of the year and there would be maybe 5000 people in the stands. [by now the Braves were far out of any race] You could actually hear the players on the field talk. Hank Aaron drew a buzz when he came out on the field. He signed autographs. He smiled and waved to the fans. The fans would respond.

At this time I had no idea his home run record would ever be broken. No one was in sight that might be able to do it. . I was not present when he broke the Babe’s record but did watch it on t v. It was on a Monday Night and we had some thunder and lighting in this part of the world. I even remember that we had a grilled hamburger for supper.

Records will be broken. Players today are stronger. There is more scrutiny.

I appreciated the way Hank played the game. he loved and he appreciated what the game did for him.

There is another person that if he doesn’t get hurt might be able to do it. A-Rod.

He too plays the game well and has a tremendous amount of talent. If his attitude will stay the same, some day some one might name something after him.

But folks, baseball just ain’t the way it once was. It is the way it is.

Another note. The Braves don’t look half-bad now a days. At least I watch them more than I once did.

(Added 08/05/07)

“Man it shore is dry ain’t it Ren” I heard my long time friend say. “If we could just git a good shower I thank the ‘lectric fence box might git back to workin’. Got to have a good ground or it just ain’t gone do what it ‘sposed to.”

I could not agree more with him. The drought continues as well as the smoke. The air and ground is dry.

“What about that smoke, Ren? Don’t it bother you none?”

I told him that it was bothersome and that I wished and prayed for a rain along with a great many other people.

“That smoke got so bad one day last week, I brought Quennie Jr. into the house. Breathing that smoke could really mess up a good hound dog’s nose. The Ole Lady were’nt too much on the idee but it just had to be done. Got strong feelin’s fer that dog.” Cleoutus added.

Than as if a second thought came by he went on to say “Ren, reckon they will call off them Chicken Races in Bay, Georgia on account of the dry. You know some o them chickens can make sparks fly and well if the grass catches on fire and the wind is a blowin’ thar might just be a big far in Bay”.

I assured Cleoutus that The Chicken races would go on June 9 as planned. And told him that it was to be at the fire dept so all would be o k .

He gave me a look as if to say that he had confidence in that. He rubbed his dog on the head and look off into the distance for a brief time and said. “I shore got a big place in my heart fer them boys that are tryin’ to farm some. Them that’s got irrigation have to keep a waterin’ or what’s been done is wasted.”

I agreed with him. I supposed we were thinking of the same thing.

He fired up his truck and as he was leaving he told me Bridge Creek was so low that The ole Lady had to fish several holes to git a mess o creek bream. “But she goes about two times a week. Brang you a mess or you can come eat with us. See you later.”

He left and my mind came back to the need for rain and while I was talking with God I thanked Him for a friend like Cleoutus.

(Added 05/27/07)

Indeed they are dry. The nights too.

I guess that the good thing, if there is a good thing, in this dry time are the nights.

The air is clear. One can see the stars very well and the heat and humidity are not so oppressive. The Whip-Por - Wills sing and some time a mocking bird will kick in with a melody of theirs.

The honeysuckle and jasmine are good to sweeten the air and so are the bay trees.

These are all on the good side.

But in Colquitt County Georgia we are in serious trouble as far as water for the spring planting. Serious trouble. In fact this spreads all across the Southeastern part of this country. There are irrigation pivots going day and night. The crops under them are doing fairly well. The cabbage and other produce that need water has survived, thankfully.

But, what next?

A well driller was telling me that the water table was dropping so fast that the water was below the pumps. He was working all day, every day. The lawn mower repair shops are not nearly as overwhelmed, as they were a little time back. The seed and fertilizer people are not doing but very little business. Only those with irrigation are doing any crop growing.

I have a friend that is a cotton scout. He has nothing to do. No seed in the ground, no chemicals to recommend, Nothing to do.

These dry days have an influence on us all. It is like a line of dominos. When one goes down, the next in line falls too.

People, I think we need to pray. Not just our routine prayer, but one where we walk and talk with God. It is o k to walk down the road at night and talk to Him. He already knows what we need but a good conversation with The One that brings the rain never hurts. Who knows, at this time something else might come up that we need to get straight with Him.

Ye that pray:..... Pray.

(Added 05/11/07)

For some of us it is the next portal to an everlasting life with a God that loves us and has prepared a place for us. I believe this. Not only do I believe it, I know it.

In January, I had a clash with this phase of life.

It was with a fine little fellow. Bright smile and a big hand wave each time he saw me. We conversed on several things since I came to know him. He laughed a lot. I can still see that blonde head bouncing in the yard or under the carport. But God saw fit to call him home. Timmy had celebrated his third birthday only a few days before. He went in his sleep.

I miss him.

Someone else I miss is my sister.

She would have started 80 on April 30. Honestly I did not know I would miss her as much as I do. In the last few years her husband had fought the stroke demon and lost. He lost in May of 03. She and I spent several days and pieces of days together. Growing closer and not really knowing what was happening. God knew.

February 11 of this year brought a phone call that I was not expecting nor did I wish to receive it. She too has passed away in her sleep in her home in her bed. Quietly and peacefully. Sure, she had the aches and pains and miseries we all have. And her health was slowly going down. She did not stir around much but on this last kidney stone she came to see about her little brother. She brought me something. She always did.

She and her husband never had children. But she had little brother and I think in her mind, I became her child, so to speak. When I would visit her she always send something home with me. A pecan pie, some food, a cake, a shirt her husband had not worn. Still new. Still in the wrapper. Something.

When she came to visit me, the same thing would happen.

Also in this time she became closer to The Lord. You could see it in her. I have no doubt of her salvation .I could write more but this will get the gist of the story.

Two good friends are gone but not forgotten.

In the short time I knew Timmy I came to really like him.

In the lifetime I knew my sister, I never knew I loved her so much. But now I know she loved me a lot. Sometimes I didn’t think it. But now I know it.

Happy Trails. See you both one day.

(Added 03/15/07)

I could tell that January 8th was weighing heavily on my friend Cleoutus Allegod's mind. Cleoutus looked kinda sad but not too down beat. " Shore do miss him, Ren ".

I knew he was speaking of Elvis. January 8th being Elvis birthday, Cleoutus considered it a national holiday. "Ain't gone be no clothes washing, fishing,pipe fixin' nor nothin' like that " Cleoutus went on to say. " We got to respect the dead."

"In fact it ought to be a special day. A red letter day on the calender. If we don't keep tellin' the younger generation who he was , well before long, he will just be a memory to a few of us."

I knew what Cleoutus was talking about.

"You know , some people thank , for shore Elvis is dead. I kain't believe he even might be. Just kain't take it sometime. Just hearin' him sang Jailhouse Rock, Blue Suede Shoes, How Great Thou Art or Dixie. Man that man could sang."

I just let Cleoutus fill his mouth with some Red Man and think. I knew he was in deep thought. In a minute he spoke. "What we need is more people that appreciate talent. Some o these people today thank that the louder they are the better they are. Why some o them, a body kain't understand."

Agreeing with Cleoutus was easy.

I feel the same as my friend about Elvis.

He did have a true talent.

(Added 01/04/07)

True. Cold weather is not my most favorite time of the year. However, there are some things that I do enjoy.

In the afternoons , usually around dark, if one is soutside you can smell the smoke from a fireplace. The smoke wafting upward or with a gentle wind is drifting in some direction. But it is the smell that I like. That smell of oak wood burning is a delight.

On a cold clear night, a person can see stars and more stars and stars yet un-named by man . To me it is amazing. This is something God has created. There is a reason for all of them. In the early years of travel, people used them to navigate by. Even to this day the stars are used as a navagation tool. I do love the stars and the heavens. Man oh man. It is something else. How far does the universe reach? Only God knows for sure; and the Bible says He knows them all by name. Only God could do that.

Do you know what a Kill- Dee is?

Being raised on a farm and still abide on one , I was taught that the Kill- Dee was a bird. I am sure that there are other names for these birds but that is what I was taught. Some of you might know them as a Killdeer. They have a distinctive cry, almost like a hawk. Once they migrated . Now they stay here full time. They are a pretty bird and are more active in cold weather than other times.

Then there is the frost. It can be beautiful and this past week brought us a very fine frost. On the ground, house tops, even the fence posts had a taste of it. Jack Frost has arrived and in fine fashion too. It is pretty.

Christmas time.

Christmas time is not what it once was. The lights are still prettty . I do enjoy the lights and some of the music. As a child , Daddy and Mom would load us all up in the car and off to see the Christmas lights. Moultrie being the closer town, we traveled almost every street to see this home or that home. But to see the lights around The Court House Square was just a miracle in itself . Us children wore out our neck twisting and turning from side to side to be sure and not miss any light or ornament.

Then comes january and february. The wind blowing and the temperature dropping. Well, for me it just doesn't work anymore. I don't like being cold and the cold weather adds to the misery.

However, it is part of life .

And I will get thru it. As long as my electric blanket does its job, I shall be fine.

Stay warm, stay well and remember to Laff Much.

(Added 12/09/06)

Yes it will. Christmas will be here before we know it

I have about quit shopping. I have reached the stage that I don’t know what to purchase. If only there was a section for girls and one for boys and each had only one thing to buy. That could make life so easier at this time of year. This could go for everyone. Wives [which I do not have], children, grandchildren, friends, uncles, aunts, cousins, and everybody.

That would also mean that each child received the same gift. The same for the grandchildren and all of the aforementioned.

Shopping would become so much easier. Why a visit to the grandchildren aisle and each gets the same gift. A person could cut shopping time to nothing flat. I have long sense stopped trying to buy things. It either does not fit, the wrong color, the wrong size or is out of style.

One Christmas, we bought Sam [my son] an electric train. It came in a box with English as the only language. This should tell you something about how long ago this was. I made the decision to put it together for him. I knew better, but we all learn from our mistakes.

The track was together but the train would not run. I double-checked the directions again. All parts were there. All were assembled in the correct way and even resembled the diagram. But it would not run. A-Ha. There is the problem. The tracks are not making good contact and need to be tighter

No problem, I thought. I need something to make the tracks stay together.

Super Glue.

Hey hey, this will be the solution. But it was not. It was as far as keeping the tracks together. But not to getting the train to running.

I knew what I had done. The tracks were connected with the glue and the low voltage current would not run thru the glue. I just sat there in the floor for a while. I had no idea what to do.

So I read the directions on the glue. It said finger nail polish remover would unglue the glue. The girls were still at home so I began to look everywhere I could look without being overly obvious about the whole thing. Luckily there was a little in a bottle in the bottom of a cabinet in the bathroom.

I used the entire finger nail polish remover. It took the glue off and the paint on the tracks. I had traded one problem for another. I knew for sure that the train would not run. I was not to be disappointed. It never ran the tracks again.

Nothing to do but make a trip to the store to get another. I told the store guy what had happened and he was very sympathetic.” This is not the first one of these to do this” I was told. “Tell you what, take another and see if it works any better.”

On the way home I made another decision. Leave it in the box and if Sam needed any help putting it together he most certainly would ask.

He did not need any help and in about 10 minutes had the train running full throttle

Christmas morning and I sat watching what could have been a major catastrophe become a miracle.

(Added 12/04/06)

An experienced kidney stone person pretty much knows immediately what is about to take place. We hope it is gas in our digestive track. Perhaps it is a muscle that we pulled in our lower back. But, we know, without a doubt gas and pulled muscles are not the cause of pain this intense.

It seems I have taken to be the regional distributor of them; having had two in the last two months. In early September, I visited the emergency room and sure enough that was what it was. They told me that in all likely hood I would probably pass it. I was elated. The pain had subsided a lot and this kind of news can really bolster a fellow’s outlook on life.

Now the bad news.

“ There is another in there. It might stay a day, a week, a month or longer. Who knows.?” was what the doctor told me.

He knew what he was talking about. The first Sunday in November around 4:30 in the morning brought me right back to the E.R. Somehow I dressed myself. All the while bending into a fetal position and promising God a lot of things if only He would make this go away.

Sure enough “ You have a stone about half way between the kidney and the blatter.” was the doctor’s report. “I think it is passable. Take these pain pills and drink lots of water.”

It took about a week to dispose of this one.

But there is a better story yet. About four years ago, I called my nephew Ben and told him I need him to come get me. It was about dark and thankfully he was home. Ben came at once. He says I was rolling on the ground in the yard but actually I was backed against a Pecan tree trying to ease the pain.

He pulled me into his truck and we were off.

He began a barrage of questions. I told him to look where he was going and to speed up. By now I was in the back seat of his truck. I told him I might be sick as in ‘barfing’. Up chucking beside the road is not very graceful I can assure you. But that is what happened.

Back inside and off again. This time I settled in the floor board.

We arrived at the hospital and soon I was given an injection of something that made me feel so much better. In fact I asked the nurse if I could have some of that stuff to go. She gave me a look that had a clear message in it. “No”

Some more family arrived and they were standing outside the room talking. Deciding my fate is what they were doing. Someone was to drive me home and the like. But I clearly heard Ben say “ Man, I was lucky. I thought for sure he was going to throw up in my truck”

Not much pity for his Uncle Ren but I sure did appreciate him doing what he did.

Now when you see me with a bottle in my hand, it is not that I am a reformed drunk; it is water. I don’t never want another kidney stone.

(Added 12/4/06)

We were both watching the sun set lower in the west. It had been a another wonderful and magnificent afternoon. The cobalt blue sky and the trees set against them made for a time of just enjoying what God had done that day.

“Makes a feller feel kinda small” Cleoutus said. “Seein’ all this. Just small”

I agreed and we both sat for a minute longer.

Cleoutus’ dog, Queenie Jr. lay across the back of the truck and moaned a little. She lifted her head and I rubbed it some. She enjoyed my rubbing so I rubbed a little more.

“Know what, Ren?” My friend offered. “Know what I miss most about Thanksgivin’? I miss not goin’ fishin’ near as much as I used to. Remember when a lot of us got together and went a fishin?”

I told him I did. I kind of missed it too. Sometime I would eat with Cleoutus or he would bring some fish by the house. Cleoutus’ wife was and is kind and generous to me. She sent more than enough for a meal.

“Somethin’ else I miss too. I shore do miss them Dallas Cowboys a playin’ on Thanksgivin’. Seems they played either in the evenin’ or at night. That Roger Stauback wuz some kinda player. That there Too Tall Jones weren’t too bad neither.” Cleoutus said as he packed some more Red Man in his mouth.”

That brought back some good memories for me. I was a staunch Cowboy fan in those days. I did enjoy seeing them play. To me, the networks and the league seemed to schedule The Cowboys for that afternoon. Cliff Harris and Charlie Waters were two of the finest safeties to ever play the game, as far as I am concerned.

“Them wimmen a dancin’ on the sidelines weren’t too bad to look at neither.” Cleoutus’ words took me in another direction. I freely admit I watched them too. The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders were a football worldwide attraction. Even some non-football people tuned in to glimpse these lovelies.

Now I hardly watch football at all. I have tried to be an Atlanta fan. And if I had to pick a team, it would, in all probability be The Falcons.

“Well, night times a comin’ and The Ole lady is gone have supper on the table in a few minutes. Reckon I better go. Why don’t you come eat with us, Ren? We got plenty.”

I told him I would another time. He nodded his head and I knew he was not offended and understood. Queenie Jr. rolled off the back of the truck and took up seat in the front. Cleoutus eased on down the road.

Yes, my friend, the times, they are a changing.

Good night Starshine, You know I love you.

(Added 11/26/06)

I don’t know about the rest of you but I have had all I want of this year’s politics and the politicians.

On the national scale, it gets worse each and every day. Seems another group has come forward with something this guy said years ago. I’m waiting for someone to accuse the other of cheating at marbles in the fifth grade. Oh, it’s coming, they just have not thought of it yet.

Almost every day some one calls the house and asks me to vote for such and such candidate. I don’t mind this. Usually these people are kind, short winded and pushing their man or woman. This is a good thing. Usually if it is a recorded message, they will tell you who they are.

But those that call and leave a message attacking someone will never tell you who they are. Cowards all are these. One crowd has left at least 10 message about a certain person running for Congress. They don’t identify themselves. They just accuse. Now, if this guy was as bad as they say he is, forget Bin Laden and put this guy in jail.

But I am going to vote for him. Neither he nor his people have called and left messages about his opponent. All of this negative advertising has left more of a foul taste in my mouth than a green persimmon before a frost on it. From the people I see and are around hate it too. However these camps of never-do wells have not gotten the message.

Maybe it is time to send a message.

Some people will vote party lines regardless of who or what. They have done it for years, their fore fathers and fore mothers did it and by Jove they are too. Ever thought of looking at the candidate?

I am pretty sure Washington is a corrupt place , politically speaking. I can’t believe all of them are. The news people say it is corrupt and it is sadly it might be true. I pity our country for we are most certainly headed in a bad direction.

I don’t have all the answers. But I know one process that will work. And that is to vote. Vote your convictions but vote. One group badmouths another, vote for the other. In some places there is a definite need for a change. We can make a difference.

Vote.

(Added 10/29/06)

Say it ain’t so Joe is what I am thinking Jon Miller said to Joe Morgam after the 'best lineup' in baseball was defeated by The Detroit Tigers. Well, It is so. The Yankess got beat and the world still rotates.

Maybe it is me but in the ESPN broadcast world many people thought and openly said The Mighty Yanks would win it all. Maybe all they had to do was throw their gloves on the field and the competition would run for cover and cower in the clubhouse.

For the record I was one of the nay sayers.

As many know I enjoy baseball more than I should. Probably too much. And this springs from my father taking me to many a Sunday afternoon match in different communities. He would explain what was happening and why this player did this or that. Good memories.

For us it was a family outing, complete with a Nehi orange drink.

Back to the playoffs and the Series.

The Tigers deserve to be there. They beat a good New York team and did it in fine fashion. I actually thought Oakland might squeeze in with its pitching and hitting. It was not to be.

Now the fight is between St. Louis and The Mets. By the time many of you read this, that question may have been settled.

I wouldn’t mind seeing a St Louis - Tigers match up. Both teams have good hitting and pitching.

On another note. The face of the Braves is changing . Some coaches have been let go and some shuffled around. If and this is a big if, the pitching can come around, the Braves might have a chance next year. look for some new faces in the lineup. With John Smoltz and Wickman in the bull pen there could be a dramatic difference in The Atlanta Team.

Thing is.......Hampton, Hudson and Thompson have got to do their job.

We will just have to wait and see.

Long live baseball, long live The series.

(Added 10/17/06)

They came to America.

They came by the hundreds, thousands even millions.

They brought their gifts, talents, traditions, histories, wants, and worries, dreams and so much more.

They did indeed help to build this country .

My folks came to this part of the world when The American Indian was here. Although this proud people had been reduced to a nomadic tribe, no longer to claim this land as their own. But they were here.

Immigration is a hot topic almost anywhere one might wish to broach the subject. Perhaps it should be. Perhaps it should be discussed. A genuine dialogue started. Not an argument or shouting match but a talk.

This is not an indictment on the Hispanic community but there are ways to help your self. I know that in some countries traditions run deep. A child is taught to not look an adult directly in the eye. Here eye contact is considered a very important part of our society. It is o k to respect the adult. I do this all the time and so do many others.

Speak if you wish. A “ Good Morning “ is o k. or “ Good Day”. Many more people in this part of the world understand some basic Spanish than you think. Show us that you are not a drunken bunch of people that are only here for what you can get. Sadly, a few think that is what your life style is. I know that in all societies there are the good and the bad. Show us and we will show you we are a kind caring compassionate people too.

Communicate. Smile, say hello.

Some of my good friends are of Hispanic descent. We talk. We agree and disagree but we talk. There are three small boys near me that call me “Uncle”. I asked their father what was the connection between us. He told me that his sons liked me and respected me. It might also have something to do with me having a cold soda or a pack of crackers for them when they visit.

This country will always have immigrants. I have been treated by Indian doctors, taught by Cubans. They helped me in a time of need.

I feel that most Americans only wish for an orderly flow of immigrants and a legal one too. One must remember that after September 11, all our lives have changed.

But to the immigrants, show us your good sides. Rebuke those of you that would make your people a disgrace to you. Remember, you represent your country, your people and those that will come behind you.

Many are waiting to see what will happen. Time is running out.

Do it. Do it now, please.

We will respond.

(Added 09/06/06)

So Barry Bonds has hit another home run. To me it appears tainted. True he sat out just about all of last year with an ‘injury’. I wonder how long it takes to get the steroids out of one’s system? Could have been legit. Maybe it was. I sure don’t know.

I am happy that the press did not go hoopla and google over this.

Think back if you will to when Hank Aaron hit his magical number. Now that was news, and rightly so. I seriously doubt that Hammerin’ Hank used any performance enhancing drugs. It is very possible that such things were available at that time. Also it is very possible that some might have used them.

Once again, think back folks. At that time we had a true Commissioner of Baseball. Sadly today we do not.

Baseball was more pure at that time. Players gave autographs. Some player say that the reason they do not give autographs is because that someone might sell it and make a buck or two. These people that say that are making millions a year and have the nerve to flip off part of the segment that helps pay their inflated salaries.

I truly love baseball but I have not been to a big league ballpark in years. It is just not like it once was. Maybe I am behind the times. Perhaps greed is measured by hoe much some players ignore the populace. If they don’t wish to sign something for me, then big deal. I don’t care.

But what about that little guy and girl that has made the trek to their Mecca to see their hero? Shame on you players for not signing for them. Each ballpark should have a designated place for the small tykes to come and get something signed.

Back to Bonds.

I do hope that when he hits enough to pass Aaron, that no one applauds, no one stands in, awestruck wonder and maybe just maybe it will be in Chicago and a baseball purist will throw the ball back on the field. And to the media, please do not break into a program to make him a hero of some kind. Just let him go into the books with an asterisk beside his name.

One more thing. I saw on the news where some basket ball player had converted to another religion. He no longer stands for The National Anthem. The league fined him for it. Hooray for them. The player stated that the American Flag was a sign of oppression to him and his religion. .

Look closely at the dollar bill. Is not that a flag underneath the Eagle? My bet is that he don’t play for nothing. My bet is that he takes every dollar they give him.

If he can’t respect the flag, How can he respect the dollar or even himself.?

‘Nough said.

(Added 05/21/06)

Well, how time flies. Another June and another Chicken race.

As far as I know there have been no major changes to the rules section. One small change is that all chickens must have a current racing certificate. This can be done at home very easily.

Last year the track commitee wanted to make the track faster but that was voted down on the floor. Some say that this happened because they wanted the Chicken Racing Legend Cluck Mc Chicken track record to remain one more year. Well, this caused a flap but the old boys won out. You see Cluck’s grandson will be racing this year and some wanted to see if he could beat Grandpa’s speed and set a new track record.

I need to tell you this. The Bay Georgia Hilton is booked solid. So are the Sheraton and The Airport Ramada. Reports have it that The Center Hill Best Western has a few rooms left. Further east, The Funston Inn has a few rooms and so does The Doerun Deer. The Rose Hill Rose House has been sold out for months. I am told The Rose Hill House offers shuttle service to and from the airport and to and from the race itself.

If you need ground accommodations for your racer this can be arranged. There are air-conditioned hook ups for the air-conditioned trailers. Security is at an all time tightness this year. Be sure and get your pit pass early. You can get yours by mailing The Bay Georgia Chicken Race , Bay Georgia U S A

I know last year some festivities were toned down a bit by the fact that a raid on “The Chicken Coop“, a local nightspot, turned up what some called a steroid substance. Hopefully this will not be the case as all racers and crew will be tested.

According to the racing newsletter, The Laying News, Rooster and The Four Broilers will be appearing at The Bay Georgia Hilton’s Pullet Room. Should be quite a cackle there. Another thing in this years race, the warm ups will be held just prior to race time. This is so the Handicappers in Las Vegas can set the odds.

Skyboxes sold out early. There is talk of having sponsors put on the boxes for next year. Some argue this would take away from the time-honored tradition of pure chicken racing.

But let me assure you that The Bay Ga. Race Track will never stoop so low as to sell the naming rights to The Raceway.

It is on June 10. Come early and see some real champion in action.

More information can be attained at The Bay Ga, Race Manager. Phone229-941-5821 or 229-890-1805. I understand there is some booth space available.

So come on folks to Bay Georgia.

One last item The Hartsfield Bed and Breakfast House has three spaces left.

Enjoy.

(Added 04/23/06)

Number one. Adults that treat children as if the little ones meant absolutely nothing to them. I was in a store and the man and woman were telling the little guy that “ no he could not have the item”. A small bear I think. That is not important. It was the way they were scolding him. They got louder and louder. The little fellow became scared. They told him they were going to get him when they got to the car.

The pot-bellied woman dropped a jar of something and it became the child’s fault. The man was just as gut enhanced as she was and agreed it was the fault of the child.

I was so proud when the check out guy said “ I am not putting up with this” He paged a manager. By this time these folks were out of the store. I watched them go a ways and saw that maybe they were not going to hurt the child.

I went back to the check out man and told him I appreciated what he did. He said that he and I thought alike on that matter. He said he would do it again. If the need arises, I hope he does.

Another thing is that when we all get mail, there is a super offer to attract new customers. Sign up now and get three months free. Well, what about me and a million others that have been with this company. Why not give us a freebie for being with them so long and helping to pay their salaries. This ought to change. I feel they should give loyal customers a treat for staying. In fact, the same deal offered to new prospects.

We not near about finished.

On the Internet there is an e- mail going around on how to beat the high price off gas. People get real. The oil companies know we are going to buy gas and other things. They are not afraid of an e- mail. Or a one day of the week that we do not buy gas. We will buy it the next day.

But, and this is a big but. What if we all quit work. I am not calling for a strike or work stoppage. I am talking of quitting work. No work- no money = no free rides and the list goes on.

What do we do then? Maybe we could go back to the way some of the forefathers did.

Barter.

I will do this for you if you will do this for me. A dozen eggs are worth a tootsie roll and a block of salt.

This will never happen, I know but if we did not work what would the world do with all the oil they have. They could leave it in the ground. Or drink it or eat it. Hey maybe we might be on to something here. What if, just, what if a barrel of oil was worth a bushel of wheat.

Too simple. The government would never understand this thinking and they probably would have a difficult time figuring out how to tax it and when they did find a way to tax it, the paper would be 1500 pages long and no one could explain it.

(Added 04/22/06)

Well, the other week they was holding revival services down at the church house. Things were going so good that they voted to go for another week. The visiting preacher said he could stay but they might have to pass the plate a few more times so he could cover expenses.

Don’t know if you ever been in a two week revival but they can get tiresome. Nothing’ wrong with reviving’ but Bay Georgia is in the country and well, with farming and working and everything a two week revival can just take its toll on ever body.

Took its toll on Brother Harlan Allegood. Brother Harlan is shore enough faithful to the church but Brother Harlan likes to get in the bed sometimes no later then 9:00 or so. Brother Harlan always set down close to the front where he could get in a good "A men" ever chance he got.

Nothing wrong with getting in a good Amen now and then but it seems sometime two or three Amens can just fire a visiting Preacher up a notch or two and we in for another good 25- 30 minutes of hellfire and brimstone preaching.

Along ‘bout the third night of the second week Brother Harlan tended to nod off a time or so. By the fifth night Brother Harlan was sound asleep after the second verse of ‘Amazing Grace”.

All was well till some body reached over the pew and punched Brother Harlan in the ribs and said “Brother Harlan , He’s calling on you to pray.” The good Brother is certainly no stranger to prayer. He arose and proceeded to thank The Lord for the day, the warm weather, his health, this fine Revival they were a having and asked Blessings on Sister Martha, that was home with the gout in her big toe. Brother Harlan also asked The Lord for a rain, and to look after The Heathen, after all it is our place to pray for them,. He asked for a good Baptizing next Sunday afternoon and if to give the Visiting’ Preacher a safe journey back home when the Revival was over.

Along about this time there arose such a snickering from some of the young uns in the church- that is them that were a wake- that some of the grown ups had to shush a lot themselves. But no amout of shushing was going to stop Sister Ines from breaking into a giggle. Well soon the giggle dam broke and just like The Red Sea parting there came a river of laughter.

The visiting Preacher, trying to stop what was a well intended and deeply meant prayer, thanked Brother Harlan for that wonderful prayer and proceeded to preach another 20 minutes.

Seems Brother Harlan weren’t the only one asleep. Hearing the prayer and thanking the service were over Sister Avalon Truluck stood up and had already filled her bottom lip with a right goodly portion of Peach Brand snuff.

Lordee, reviving and sleeping and a mixture of snuff. Well some things do go together.

(Added 04/03/06)

Dear Calvin, I am sorry that I could not attend your wedding, I am sure it was a wonderful affair and all was very nice. I am also sure that I missed some good food at the reception. However I was thinking eight o’clock and when I read the invitation again it said three. So I missed it.

I don’t think I would be a good uncle if I did not dispense some marriage advice to you.

Never argue with your wife. Firstly, women do not argue. They discuss. If the situation arises where you have a discussion. Stay calm. Maintain your composure at all times. This will give the impression that you are standing your ground and later you will be glad that you did. Never look away. It is o k to look away if you can maintain an _expression of true thoughtfulness. As if you are re thinking your position.

During one of these discussions look confused. Not a dumb look but as if you don’t understand. Doing this puts you way ahead of the game and in control of the situation here it is o k to say a few words. Something like “ Well, I didn’t know” or “I never thought of that” does very well.

Never ever discuss money. This will always come back to haunt you. Surely you are going to want to go to a Nascar Race and she has not forgotten the last time a money discussion was held. If a money discussion arises, just go with it.

Food. Food and coking will always be a subject when the wife will want your opinion. If she asks if you like this, you have two options. You can foolishly say something like “ It doesn’t taste like my Mom’s” or you can say “I haven’t had much appetite for a day or so” But do not compare the wife’s cooking to anyone other than perhaps your or her grandmother. You can get away with this.

Learn to operate the washer and dryer. You are going to need this information later and also it might look good on a resume if you ever need one. She is going to assume you are familiar with the microwave. I can be of help here. I am very familiar with the microwave.

You will learn that boots are stored outside. They may be clean but nevertheless, outside. There is a slight chance you might bring them inside on a cold morning. But only to warm them and put them on. Then leave. It is work time and the truck will have a good heater.

If she asks you to crank her car and warm it , then do it. It is far better to be asked than to be told.

“WE are going to Mother’s Sunday afternoon”. This can make you shutter. Knowing your in laws as I do, this will not be a problem. They are good people and will treat you nice. This can even give you bragging rights when you have a few minutes with the old gang you once roamed with. “ We were ver at her Mother’s and man did we have a good meal” is a wonderful phrase to use.

I will tell you why. The word will drift back to her. It always does.

I mentioned ‘the old gang’ Those days are gone forever. Never mention any of the boys around the wife until late in the marriage. Then you can say you are so happy with Jessica.

And I am sure you are.

Best wishes to the both of you.

Remember if you ever need some advice, Uncle Ren is here.

And Starshine, you remember I love you too.

(Added 03/26/06)

I have a few times. No, more than a few times. In my life, several times, probably.

I was on the Internet and had entered a chat room. Wow. Well I had to leave that place. I began to get offers to see what was on this web cam or that web cam. Many offers.

Another room. About the same thing here too. Some of it just raunchy. Raunchy is the best word I can use to describe it. Awful is another. In very bad taste is another. By now you get the idea.

Let me say that there are some good chat rooms out there too. It took me a few minutes to stumble on it, but it is there. These people were discussing religion. It was thought provoking to say the least. Some had ideas that were way out there. But there was one lady that continued to defend her thinking. I can say Hoo-Ray for her. Not once did she back up. She took the best the others had to offer and gave it back in a soothing way. She definitely did a good job.

I don’t know her and probably never will.

She put out the message that religion is just a thing. She went on to say that there were many kinds of religion. She did draw some ire when she told the people in that chat room, that any religion that promoted hate and killing was just that; a religion.

Well, soon I got a message from someone that said they were in another country. We chatted a bit and then it came. It seems that there was a dire need for them. They were trying to spread the gospel and were meeting in the streets to do it. Having service in the streets.

Then it came.

They always ask for money. Always.

Needless to say, there was no money from this South Georgia Boy. I did give her the address of The Georgia Baptist Convention. She thanked me and quickly left. I reckon her thinking was ‘no money- no need to stay here’

That ain’t all folks. I got another offer. This person needed money for several things. I suppose that the thinking was to put out a menu and see what happens. Nothing happened. I did not bite. So this one left quickly.

There must be a host of people out there that give money to these people. That night there were many beggars out. I suspect some were legit. I suspect others were not.

No I did not get had that night.

Neither have I refinanced, took the free gift, went on the free cruise, ordered the free trial offer of a stimulant for men only, bought perfume and the list goes on.

By the time I return from my postal mailbox, I have looked thru the day’s mail and trashed most everything that I don’t want or think I need. What about on the computer? Simple. Block and delete.

Don’t get had.

(Added 03/06/06)

This, I think, is rather bizarre.

But remember this is how the government thinks.

Every country has the right to protect its borders and has the responsibility to do such. I truly believe this is good.

I know that we in the U S have some good people working on border security and trying to keep the bad guys out. For this I applaud them. The work is not easy or many times appreciated.

However, if someone wants in badly enough, then they are going to get in. This is not startling news. This is just the way it is. It is a way of life.

But now, it seems the Bush administration has out done its self. Think on this as I try to explain what has occurred.

Now on the one hand there is the “guest worker plan” that The President has so loudly proclaimed. I know from being in the farming community that many farmers and other employers really need someone to help with the crops, gathering of the crops and other jobs. There is no argument on this.

It seems these immigrants can come and go as they wish. And I am not picking on the Hispanic people here.

I feel it is time to inject this. I have no quarrel with anyone that wishes to work. Indeed I do have some very good Latin or Hispanic friends. Good friends. Good people.

Almost all of these immigrants arrive here legally and are good law abiding people.

Here is the rub as some say.

If you are trying to do the legal thing and bring a wife or fiancee into this country, well folks, it is getting to be a long process.

I read where the law was changed to ‘strengthen’ the process whereby a person wishing to marry and have a good life with a man or woman from another country is now strengthened indeed. The process has been wrapped in more paperwork and time. It was never an easy process. A lot of documents had to be submitted on both sides but is was workable. Now most of that has changed, as I understand it.

This is what is confusing to me. We allow dozens of people here unchecked and unchallenged from many nations. We feed them take care of them when they are sick and try to communicate with them. I have studied Spanish. I can communicate in Spanish. I can’t carry on a deep conversation but my Spanish is passable.

Why punish those that are law abiding and wish to do the legal and correct thing?

Politicians. Bah- Humbug

(Added 02/18/06)

We may not be finished with the cold weather but springtime is near. It has to be. Look at the Japanese Magnolias blooming. Aren’t they pretty.? Yes they are. Look down in the creeks. The red maples are in full bloom as well.

Look at my yard.

It needs running over with the lawn mower again. A tiny touch of green is beginning to emerge.

The day light hours are getting longer. Now six o’clock is not dark. Not far from it but certainly not dark. And also in the afternoons, people are beginning to walk some. A sure sign of warmer days. I hope.

I also am not so sure about this groundhog business. Six more weeks of winter. Well would not that put spring somewhere around March 20? By the way, that is when spring arrives officially.

I am not complaining too much. This winter has not been too bad at all. Certainly there have been some cold mornings when I prayed for relief. And relief came. The sun shown brightly and the air began to warm.

One thing I have enjoyed about this winter have been the airplanes.

When the air is the right temperature and the humidity is right and all else that need be right align. Well, a body can see the contrails of many planes. This fascinates me. How those big things get aloft and stay there.

Anyway from my vantage point, one can look off into the southwestern sky about 5:30 to 5:45 and count at least 17 planes in that time frame. Going north and south. East and west. Southeast to northwest. Man, what a sight.

If Wilbur and Orville Wright were around today, wonder what they would think?

Good night Starshine, you know I love you.

(Added 02/04/06)