He Keeps Sending Me Angels

We can only feel 'sadness' if we have felt 'joy.' There was great anticipation and a surge of joy when on January 8th, Gerry and I drove into the cozy cul-de-sac circular lane called Gulf Side Way Miramar Beach, Florida. Within hours so many familiar faces extended their warm greetings. There was Michigan Bob and Lori, Gary and Patti, Minnesota Bob and Diane, Mike and Shirley, Big Bob and Judy, Chuck and Carol, Indy Jim and Claudia, Okie Jim and Charlotte and our Kentucky brother and sister, Richard and Marie.

For two months plus, we swapped daily stories about past experiences, children, grandchildren and great-grand children. We sat around the swimming pool where we found no shortage in poking and ribbing one another. Sure, we shared a trouble or two but kept those notions at bay. We avoided politics, which is difficult these days given the highly toxic times in which we live. Religion was not off limits and that's good. We also shared home meals and went out for meals together...terrific times!

Soon that dreaded time came. That time when reality insists on having its way...time to depart our senior-Disney fantasy life. One by one vehicles were loaded and early morning disappearing acts occurred. As I walked Toy Poodle Yodie this morning, I noted empty cottages where just hours ago showed lights of life but now are darkened. I did not bump into anybody else walking their pup...I seem to be the lone pooper-picker-upper on the block. I walked alone to the beach where I noticed one early morning stroller tossing a stick into the water and watching his Golden Lab splash about retrieving. On my way back to our cottage, I thought what everyone thinks but never mentions...Will we meet again next winter at Gulf Side Way?

Ah, but I waste only a moment on that melancholy thought. Four of our grandkids assemble with us this day to enjoy our blessing called 'life.' Caleb, Erica, Loren and Kaitlyn will swallow us up in glorious living the next four days..."God is good all the time; All the time God is good."
He keeps sending me angels!
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He Sends Me Angels

It's Obama's Fault

We have heard President Trump on numerous occasions point a blame-finger at his predecessor, Barack Obama. Obama is Trump's go-to fall guy. Actually, I blame Obama, also! Obama is indirectly responsible for Donald Trump being elected President. Let me explain:

The short answer is Trump's election to the Presidency is a 'white backlash' to the 'black man's Presidency.' Obama becoming President was 'kicking-the-sleeping-dog.' White Anglo-Saxon Protestant Americans have for 241-years demonstrated a deep intolerance for people of color and certain religious immigrants. Let me freshen your memory: Native Americans, African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanics and Latinos. Non-Protestant groups i.e., Irish, Poles, Italians, Jews and Arabs have all experienced prejudiced bigotry in this self-proclaimed Christian nation. Make no mistake, America continues to demonstrate a greater inclination for racism and bigotry than the teachings of Jesus Christ.

As the two-term Obama Presidency was winding towards close-sure, Trump cultivated the fertile angry ground and energized the somewhat dormant prejudices, bigotry and racism. Now, please hear me...I understand that not everybody who voted for Trump is a bigot or racist. That said, if you are one who voted for the man for other reasons but believes it was not racism that put Trump in the Oval Office then you're simply in a state of denial.

There is one truism of our otherwise great nation...it is a nation that has been historically governed by 'white men' who view themselves as omnipotent and privileged.
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He's a Prentender

Forgiveness

As I reflect on my life's journey, I must confess that I had difficulty years ago to forgive those whom I felt did me an injustice. I'm not proud because it is a weakness and even a sin to be unforgiving. I know this to be true because every time I have said the Lord's Prayer, I thought about that line, "...and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us." For years I didn't; shame on me.

Actually, I have held those wrongful feelings on getting even with some like the man that was very sick. He went to his doctor and after examination and tests, the doctor told the man he was dying with rabies. The man quickly took out pen and paper and began writing frantically. The doctor said are you putting things in order? The man said, "No, I'm making a list of people's names I'm going to bite."

The bottom line is this>>several years back, I made the choice and it IS a CHOICE to let go of any anger or unforgiven feelings towards others. The spiritual freedom was terrific. I became free to enjoy the NOW more fully. If you are holding those unforgiving feelings, I highly recommend handing it over to the Lord and then you can pray without being a hypocrite. I did.

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He Forgives

Fence In The Old Farts

You are familiar with the 'gated-community' philosophy. Usually folks wanting to protect themselves and their STUFF from people they don't wish to associate with move to 'gated-communities.' In order to get past the 'gates,' you must have an electronic opener or a code or your name on the 'gate-guards' pass list.

We 'long-in-the-tooth old farts,' wintering in Florida also need to live in a 'gated-community.' Our gated-community would be designed to let people 'IN' while not allowing us 'OUT.' Let me share a recent event to support my reasoning. The names are changed to protect the guilty:

 Maggie and Robert are lovely people. They are in their late seventies. Robert is a very humble quiet man who loves to watch his Kentucky 'Wildcats' on television. Maggie is a beautiful soul who attends more church services in a week's time than anybody I've known since my late maternal grandmother, Mammy Bennett.

A few nights ago, Maggie stopped by our cottage to bring us a cheese dish. When she left, she said, "I'm headed for the beach." About an hour and fifteen minutes later, Gerry and I took Toy Poodle,  Yodie for a walk.  We immediately saw Robert walking up the street with a concerned look. He said, "I can't find Maggie." His wife had been gone for over an hour and a half and it is now dark. I knew Robert was upset because he had that same 'look' on his face when Kentucky loses a basketball game. Four old neighbor-farts plus Robert took off in different directions to search for Maggie. Twenty more minutes went by when we all returned to home base. Meanwhile Gerry went to Robert and Maggie's cottage to ask Robert if he had any luck. She opened the front door and called out, "Robert!" Robert did not answer but Maggie DID, "Robert's not here."

Apparently, Maggie had returned home hours ago from her Beach-walk. She went upstairs to the bedroom to read. Robert was downstairs watching television. Robert, later called out for Maggie but she didn't answer because she was in the bathtub. Robert went upstairs and looked into the bedroom but did not see his wife. He did not check the bathroom but hit the street looking for her.

Now you know the rest of the story and the need to 'fence-in old farts.'
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Fence'em In!

Let's Be Friends

The other day, I had one of those Facebook pop-up notifications. This particular one asked if I'd like to know the names of the three people who 'unfriended me' in January?  My first thought was 'Holy crap there are actually people on Facebook that wish to have that answer; if it was not so, Facebook would not be asking the question.' My second thought was if I don't care to know if somebody 'unfriendd me' is there something wrong with me. I was going to give that question more in-depth analysis when Toy Poodle, Yodie growled at me and to go outside. Before you knew it I had to bagging his poop and I forgot all about that unfriendly business.

Back in the fifth grade some kid 'unfriended me' and I learned from the experience to push on.

On the other side of that Facebook friendship coin, I can tell you this: I can disagree with others' opinions but my friendship for them remains greater than our differences. I have a friend with whom I disagree with on most political issues. I admire and respect this man for many reasons especially his service to our nation. Bottom line is this>> I love this man and his family. I would never 'unfriend' him on Facebook; besides I need to keep helping him so that one day he may 'see the light.'
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Let's Be Friends

Vanishing Friends But Lasting Memories

I first knew them as middle school sports' opponents. We all attended different schools in the blue collar city of East St. Louis. The decade of the 1950's saw the river city of eighty-six thousand flourish as a vibrant industrial city. We would come together at the East Side three-year public high school. We became known by nicknames: Smitty, Blackie, Pud and Moe. We proudly represented that school in various sports...we forged lifelong friendships.

The story I share this morning is a story repeated and recalled by millions daily across this nation. This is my story. In the last five years, I have lost my three dear friends. Blackie fought a courageous cancer battle for a few years before his death. Smitty was not strong enough to withstand a surgery and this past Sunday Pud, Best Man in my wedding would leave his dark prison of Alzheimer's.

I spoke frequently with each Buddy over the years.  I miss those conversations deeply! I am left with private thoughts and recollections that make no sense and no connection with others. So many moments and so many stories now sleep forever.

I thank Good for each moment I shared with my friends. I am a better person for having been part of these journey's. May Steve Blackwell, Ronnie Smith and Sam Flood Rest In Peace. I know they'll save a spot in the batting order for their friend.
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My Buddy

Good for America; Good for North Korea

I hear over and over from the NRA people that "Guns don't kill, People kill." Therefore the NRA logic is don't you dare take our guns or attempt to control our guns.

Okay...then why the hell does America wish for North Korea NOT to have nuclear weapons? After all, nuclear weapons don't kill but people who push the button kill.

Heartless

I have told you readers numerous times on previous blogs that I am an individual of 'slightly above average intelligence.' I function comfortably with that status as I can figure out most things requiring daily living navigation. I cannot, however figure out the thinking process of America's 45th President.

We have heard This person pontificate for nearly a year that he doubted that Russia meddled or hacked into the 2016 Presidential election. Now the goof-ass asked the question, " Why didn't Obama do something about Russia's meddling?" Holy carp, Donald, did or did not the Russians meddle in our 2016 election. You did suggest it was possibly a 400lb. guy sitting in his bed that did the hacking!

The aforementioned, I cannot possibly understand the 'thinking process' of Donald Trump. I accept the obvious that he is a narcissist with deep seeded bigoted attitudes towards people of color and certain religions. Whereas I disavow such attitudes, I have seen those prejudices all my life. Here's what I am at a loss to understand: Trump visited some to the Parkland teen shooting victims last Friday on his way to his weekend break at his Palm Springs Mar-a-Lago, which is a 45-minute drive from Parkland. While heartbroken parents began burying their children over the weekend, Trump spent his hours attacking our law enforcement agencies and institution on twitter and playing golf.

This man makes everything about himself. His behavior expresses heartlessness!
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A Pure Narcissist 

Life's Reality Travels With Us.

As I stated previously, my wife and I are enjoying our fifth winter in Miramar Beach, Florida. We have returned five consecutive years to the same Gulf Side Way's 35-homes cul-de-sac located 80-yards off the Gulf. During these years, we have forged very close friendships with some fourteen couples. Our friends ages fall in a 65-to-80 range...This writer, I push those outer age limits. The Snowbird group represents, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and Illinois.

Several couples stay in touch throughout the year. Our respective journey's have been woven together  with winter-time sharing and the exchange of personal histories with the experiences of joys and difficult times. This winter has been unlike our four previous winters and the circumstances making it so different has dampened spirits.

Gerry and I had just arrived the 8th of January. As we pulled into the cozy cul-de-sac circular roadway, we spotted our couple friends from Michigan. We immediately stopped our auto and got out to embrace this couple. We visited for a few minutes and knew we'd be visiting later. Well, that later visit was a brief moment two weeks after that first greeting. The gentleman had experienced severe back pain while playing golf and was taken to the emergency room for evaluation. He was admitted to the hospital and some 10-days later was discharged from the hospital with a cancer diagnosis.

He and his wife were awaiting their son to fly into the area so he could drive his parents the 19-hours back to Michigan. I seized an opportunity to have a private visit with my winter-time friend before his departure home. The conversation was both real and surreal.

I continue to be in a prayerful attitude every day for our friends as they face their fight together. It remains both real and surreal. May God give His comforting grace and healing powers in accordance to His Will.
(Touch)Praying for You

Lucky #79

I marked my seventy-ninth birthday yesterday and invariably some people asked that question, you know the one: 'Do you feel seventy-nine?' I told some folks "Yes," and others "No." The truth of the matter, I don't know what seventy-nine is supposed to feel like!

Actually, I never got into my birthday celebrations except for #'s 13, 16, 18, 21, 50 and 55. You understand those bench-marks; becoming a teenager, getting a driver's license, signing up for selective service, legal age to buy a beer, reaching the infamous 'over-the-hill' number and getting my AARP road side service card. At seventy-nine, I am ecstatic just waking up, dressing myself, bathing myself, excersing and feeding myself..and I state that sincerely! I'm truly thankful about those capabilities.

 In my rear view mirror I see an incredible history. A terrific youth unfolding in the 1940's and  1950's, nurtured by wonderful parents and an extended family. A high school sweetheart to whom I've been married for nearly fifty-eight years after a seven-year courtship. Successful adult children who married equally successful spouses who demonstrate caring love. Fifteen grandchildren and soon to be a third great grandchild. Two married grandchildren also picked well for that "I Do," moment.
The beat goes on...

I was blessed with employment opportunities that made it 'feel' as though I never worked a day in my professional life. I was nurtured in 'faith' from the beginning and I know my eternity is secured  through the saving blood of Christ.

Yesterday, I received telephone calls from family and love ones and many friends sent wishes via the Facebook. I thank each of you for being in my life; my journey is richer because of you.
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Why Me Oh Lord?

The Asterisk's President

The asterisk (*) is that reference 'mark' to indicate some 'doubtful matter.' In 1961, Roger Maris hit 61 home runs breaking Babe Ruth's single-season home run record of 60 home runs. The baseball commissioner ordered an *asterisk along side Maris' record indicating that Maris played in 161 games while Ruth only played in 151 games when establishing their respective records. Later the asterisk was removed from Maris' accomplishment. While on the subject of baseball records, it has been suggested by some that those players establishing records during the performance enhancing drugs era have an asterisk affixed next to their name.

Fasten your seat belt Trump supporters.  The asterisk is about to be nailed to your President's ass like blind-folded elementary kids pin the tail on the paper-jackass! Trump has been spewing his 'no collusion and Democratic hoax' rhetoric crap ever since he was inaugurated. Now that a Grand Jury panel of some twenty people gave the nod to Special Prosecutor, Robert Mueller to indict thirteen(13) Russians for meddling in the American Presidential election of 2016, evidence is irrefutable that the Russians helped Trump while hurting Clinton.

The United States Justice Department (yesterday) confirmed Russia's attack on America's democracy and Trump chose not to defend THAT democracy but once again made the announcement all about himself. This man is as unpatriotic as his 'boy' General Michael Flynn.

Trump said he was going to "drain the swamp." Well, when the water disappears, the Four-Flushing
*President will be standing there alone.

* First 'Fake' American President elected by a foreign country.
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Phony

On Behalf of Students and Teachers

When National standardized school test scores indicate negative trends, politicians jump on a bandwagon finger-pointing at what they believe is ineffective teachers and schools. Suddenly federal grant monies are withheld or greater pressures brought on teachers. You get it teachers? Whip those little horses to the watering hole of knowledge and MAKE them drink.

When the students, who take those tests, are murdered in their school classrooms with military-style assault weapons, those same politicians maintain that 'it's too soon to discuss gun control.' The politically correct term for those elected officials would be> 'disingenuous weak-kneed  ideologues.' In my old neighborhood the characterization would be> 'chicken-shit phony.'

The Republican Party WILL NEVER address serious gun control measures.

 All Americans wish for American citizens to have the right to bare arms...just not military type arms! The GOP wants to point to mental health as the problem not assault guns but then the GOP wishes NOT to fund mental health care...Really?

It's time to 'Flip-The-House;' provided Russia will allow us, which is another issue the Republicans don't wish to discuss as long as their boy Trump helps them maintain power to make money and  disenfranchise 'Brown-skin people.'

 And this president makes an issue out of those kneeling during the National Anthem...Really?
Trump gibber-jabbers about mental illness but never utters the word 'Guns.'

A few years back the GOP liked the phrase, "It's the economy STUPID!" Well, GOP Fox & Friends Kool-Aid drinkers: "It's the ASSAULT WEAPONS STUPID!"

'In our thoughts and prayers ain't enough and doesn't cut it!' The house is 'on fire NOW,' call the fire department.
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Stupid or Evil

Woe betide the Judgment Coming

I attended public schools for 12-years and taught in public schools for 39-years. During those combined fifty-one years, I witnessed masses of young people leaving school daily at the dismissal time and occasionally during fire-drills. I never observed students running from school buildings with hands above their heads while law enforcement stood by with drawn weapons. Of course, this is no longer the age of concern for our children but the age of 'rights' of citizens to purchase assault weapons, which were intended for military conflict. We as a Nation have lost our way

The National Rifle Association spent over 36-million dollars on Donald Trump's Presidential campaign. Those politicians who accept one penny from the NRA have blood on their hands each time assault weapons kill the innocent. America's philosophy at this point: "Money Talks, Bullshit Walks" and our youth continue to die in schools.

The general public lead by Religious leaders should relentlessly lean on our law makers with untold pressure to protect the most vulnerable in our society...the children. The GOP is owned by the NRA. If a mass shooting happens at the hands of (immigrant) terrorist, The President and and other Republican leaders start screaming about vetting, immigration bans, sanctuary cities but when our children are murdered in the schools we hear the poppycock 'mental illness' line. Look, anybody who slaughters innocent people is  'mentally ill.' It's the availability of guns, STUPID!

Black Lives Don't Matter...White Lives Don't Matter...Childrens' Lives Don't Matter....Only Guns Matter!
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Children Deserve More 

Women Leaders Will Save Our Nation

I've said it for years and it is more true today than ever; our nation needs more women in governing leadership roles. Perhaps the #MeToo Movement will finally give the impetus, that final nudge for a nation to awaken to a better option...women 'running the show.'

Predominately, white men have 'been in charge' of our government since its inception and we all agree that government is a mess if not totally incompetent and corrupt. As the good Dr. Phil McGraw bemoans, "You can't keep doing the same thing over and over and expect different results." We need to turn away from men in our governing leadership roles and turn to women to take the reigns.

The perdonerance of research studies suggest that females enjoy a higher academic success rate in middle school and high school. Girls also score higher (overall) in standardized academic testing. If you are worried about leadership skills fear not; a 2014 Forbes Magazine article chronicles a leadership study, which clearly gives the nod to women for making better corporate leaders than do men. When the question 'why?' was asked, the answer frequently offered was 'women must work twice as well to be seen half as good as men.'

Time to make a 'pitching change!'
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Time For Women

A Calculation

I could have the wrong perspective and I'm confident, if so, others will call out my wrong-minded thinking. That said, here goes. Since Trump has been in office, his approval rating vacillates between 36%-to-40%. I think that is a deceiving number. I believe his support is greater. Let me explain my premise. (Note: Please be smart enough to not embrace all categories as personally targeted at YOU and don't be so stupid to believe any category is NOT factual).

Trump's 'base supports' consists of the following: (1) Some fine upstanding good folks who are simply tired of the impotency of government and they seek change, (2) money focused people wanting reduced taxes regardless of services and programs cut, (3) racist-bigots that picked up on the clear and coded racist messages of Trump's campaign and (4) gullible Evangelical Christians who truly believe that the GOP cares about aborting, the Ten Commandments or social needs...it's a myth; it's the 'shell game,' smoke a mirrors. Understand that none of these four groups of Trump supports make up a large number but collectively, you have a significant number and a number growing.

America's governing pendulum is swinging away from a constitutional democracy towards a totalitarian dictatorship. It's current leader is aggressively attempting to paralyze the free press, denounce law and order institutions and agencies while defending those attacking racial and religious minorities and women.

Countrymen, Be not troubled. We have the diversion of the Winter Olympic Games currently and the National 'pastime' Baseball begins spring training this month...somebody cool the beer.
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I Love A Parade

Old Folks Poolside Chatter

One of my adult children asked me what my days were like while wintering in Miramar Beach, Florida. I explained: You know, my life back in Decatur is pretty easy but here in Miramar Beach, Florida it's a rocking chair. I don't have many decisions to make back home but even fewer down here.

I get up every morning around 5:30AM. I do that no matter North or South and it has nothing to do with weather or location but everything to do with being old and I'm just tickled to wake up. I post my blog, check my email and then check my blood sugar to determine what type food menu day I'll be embracing. It's about that time when toy poodle, Yodie meanders downstairs, stands before me, rakes his hind leg across the carpet and growls, which signifies, 'get off your butt old man" because I need to relieve myself. I then grab the leash, doggy-poop-bags and head outside. I get a short a walk and a couple of 'waist-bends-poop-scoops.'

Yodie expects food when returning to the house, therefore I make his breakfast. I return to the iPad where I read a few newspapers. Around the seven o'clock hour, I make breakfast for my wife and I and take it on a tray back our bedroom. We enjoy watching the morning news with our breakfast 'pecks.' Mid-morning, I usually take my first of two one mile walks. The second one comes mid-afternoon. Some days I find writing time other days I may attend a Bible Study class or do some  casual shopping.

If it's a good sun day, I either head to the pool with the old farts or to the backyard with Yodie. Dog time alone in the backyard is the safer bet for me. I'm not inclined to become involved in a conversation, which I find more and more problematic these days. I did go to the pool one day only to have somebody start that goofy crap about 'fake' news. When that happens, I usually take my second mile walk and head for Poodle time.

 One bright sunny pool day, I was kicked back in a recliner and nearly snoozing when I heard familiar voices. I peaked out from under my straw hat and noticed it was those ladies I overheard a week ago in a conversation by the Beach board-walk. Perhaps you'll recall that day when this one gal was  bemoaning the fact that she needed to replenish her supply of Depends because her 'leaking' was worsening. Well, this time she was detailing a visit with her gynecologist years ago when she was a young woman unable to get pregnant. In a loud voice she said, "Well, you could've knocked over with a feather when my doctor while examining me said, "Here's your problem, you got a Flipped-uterus." I could not resist. I sat up quickly from my recliner and exclaimed, "Don't you just hate it when that happens?" Another fella yelled out, "Oh, that's ugly, too."
As I headed out the pool complex for my walk, I now had a better understanding of the gals 'leaking' issues, today. Perhaps it also sheds light on her husband's chronic back problems.
Oh my, how pool side conversational topics changed over the years!
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Talk Too Much

Weak and Sad Religious Leaders

My Evangelical brothers and sisters continue to amaze me. I mean they absolutely blow my mind with their incredible silence about this current White House leadership. Given the fact that Evangelicals proudly embrace the Republican bogus political platform calling for the reversal of Roe vs. Wade, which they NEVER, I mean NEVER demand implementation, I question their broken moral accountability of White House leadership from the top guy through his staff personnel.

Trump got a pass on his own vulgarity speaking about his delight sexually assaulting women as the religious right told us he is "taking baby-steps in his Christian walk." That holier than thou group says nothing about a Congress that votes overwhelmingly to sanction Russia for attacking our Democracy while their President refuses to show patriotic leadership by singing off on the implementation of those sanctions.

Just this week, we discover that a high level White House staffer, Rob Portet was known to mentally and physically abuse his two former wives. White House staffer, Porter could not get 'security clearance' due to FBI information regarding those abuse incidences. Chief of Staff, John Kelly, a supposedly honorable retired military General knew of his right-hand man's spousal physical abuse and chose to covered it up for months. When it becomes public, Kelly lies stating that he is stunned/shocked. He's a phony.

I will not hold my breath waiting for Franklin Graham, John Butler Book, John Hagee, Pat Robertson and other notable religious preachers to speak to these unspeakable activities but instead I'll anticipate their insidious comments about gays and lesbians.

Reverend Billy Graham, Franklin's father, warned the Evangelicals: "I don't want religious bigotry in any form. It would disturb me if there was a wedding between the religious fundamentalists and the political right. The hard right has no interest in religion except to manipulate it." Parade 1981 Welcome to the world of which Reverend Billy Graham warned us.

Guess who's been hoodwinked and now drives people from the Lord's house?
'Fake News?' 'Fake Leadership?' No, Fake religious leaders!
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Tell The Truth

He's Our Guy!

Today they sit at a computer and fulfill their coaching obligation; years ago, we gathered together and discussed, challenged and finally agreed. I'm speaking about the required rating of basketball teams and ranking of referees before the IHSA Post Season Regional to which your school is assigned. Unfortunately, this modern technology processes rob coaches of treasured moments of human interaction and lighthearted fellowship.

First, may I paint the backdrop? Basketball tournaments beg for a ranking of teams with hopes the better teams likely advance to title games and the next round. The rating of teams is relatively easy due to interactive scheduling of play. However, the most interesting moments between 4-to-8 coaches always came as coaches went through the names of perhaps 100 basketball officials with the IHSA mandate 'each Regional site must submit a final ranked list of twenty referees.'

The host tournament manager would read the alphabetized officials list with the rule understanding that should 3-coaches 'scratch' a name then that referee is removed from consideration. As the names were read, you might hear one or two or three scratches called out. You would place the number 1-or-2 next to the ref's name or in the case of three scratches you'd cross off his name.

I remember in the early 1970's while coaching at Edwardsville, we Regional coaches were meeting at Collinsville. I vividly recall the name Bob Freels being called out and a chorus of "scratch" followed. Freels is off the list. As the process concluded, we had only 19-officials listed. We had to go back and decide which one of the 'scratched' names would be put on the list to meet the number '20.' If you guessed Bob Freels, you're correct. After the 20-man list was ranked in a secret vote by all coaches, Freels finished THIRD. Why? Because he had been hired by all of us to work tough regular season games. He was in the fire and some of those games were tough losses. The coaches do have a tendency to hold those feelings about officials. However, when push came to shove, in that private vote moment, perspectives always return to reality...the reality of 'Let's be honest!' In the end, Freels was 'Our Guy.'
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Our Guy

Random Snowbird Thoughts

Yesterday's Florida sun was delightfully warm and complimented by a gentle breeze, which kept these old bones outside with Poodle Pup, Yodie. The down time away from writing and research gave me an opportunity to mentally process Destin Snowbirds' observations and activities. I share some of these random views:

It's true that shuffleboard is a serious sport activity for the 80+ crowd...we visited friends at a high rise condo complex and found them intensely competing with hobbling-slow-shuffling and the even trash-talking old farts. I was invited to stay for a potluck luncheon but I passed; proving I still make good choices now and then.

My wife has more visiting friends here than I have back home in Decatur. One of her dearest friends in snowbird paradise is Marie. Now, Marie is a self-proclaimed Kentucky 'Hillbilly.' Since my mother's people came from the Bluegrass Country, I have a soft spot for 'Hillbilly Folks,' in spite of the fact that they believe roadkill is edible if dressed out the same day. Marie sent us some beef-stew with 'flat-cornbread.' Since we already had supper for that day, we decided to save the meal for the next night. Meanwhile, Gerry thought the flat-bread was pancakes so the next morning, she warmed them in the microwave, put butter and syrup on them thinking they were pancakes. This suggests that city girls and hillbilly girls should have interpreters.

Speaking of Decatur, we have two Decatur couple friends also wintering in Destin. Nice to hook up and visit and reassure each other that even though, at times, we'd like the weather to be warmer; "It could be worse, we could be in Decatur."

On a personal note, I enjoy the Saturday afternoon concerts at the nearby Sandestin Hilton Inn area and best of all the Sunday morning worship service at Faith Assembly 'Rock & Roll Church.'
The only negative I've found in the Miramar Beach/Destin wintering experience is lack of diversity. If it was not for my two trash men, the grocery store checkout gals, baggers and the Rock & Roll Church, I'd think I was wintering in a warm climate Norway.
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Random Wintering Thoughts

We Are Becoming A Boastful and Tasteless Nation

My maternal grandmother, 'Mammy' Bennett preached to me to "Always show kindness and humility for it pleases our Lord." My father insisted that I never boast about accomplishments but instead, "When you start thinking what you just accomplished was all that big a deal, I can guarantee that others have done more."

In my journey's rear view mirror there are moments that are pleasing to recall and most often those times held a common denominator of service to others; people and family in need and young people I taught and coached. On the other hand, that rear view mirror reflects some failures, therefore while still 'in-the-game,' I need stay humble and focus on others.

A few days ago, President Trump gave a State of the Union message. As usual, he boasted mostly about what he perceives are his accomplishments and then afterward accused Democrats, from whom he wishes to have bipartisan support for his agenda, as being "unpatriotic" and "treasonous" for not applauding all aspects of his speech. Certainly a rather illogical governing philosophy. For an American President to dare state that one who does not applaud him is treasonous is idiotic. The man does not understand the guarantees insured under the First Amendment nor does he know what  constitutes treason.

My greatest concern is the direction of this nation away from decency and tolerance.' We pontificate that we are a Christian nation and we are not. Saying we are Christians does not make it so. We have less than 20% of professing Christians in church Sunday mornings. Our racial divide continues to cripple. We ARE a prejudice nation. The Lord's plea for us to "Love one another as I have loved you" appear to be words without meaning.

Now, our President wishes to have a military parade down Pennsylvania Avenue as a show of might much like communist regimes of Cuba, China and Russia. A military show-parade suggesting to the world 'my guns are bigger than your guns' is uncharacteristic of our culture and flies in the face of the teachings' of Jesus Christ. Of course, being a gaudy show off-bully is true to Trump's nature, after all his inaugural crowd was the biggest ever, his State of the Union television audience was the biggest ever and the man's vulgar and disgusting boasting goes on and on...biggest ever.

My conclusion? My grandmother, Mammy and my father were old time Christians that had it all wrong. They would be totally out of step with today's Evangelicals who invite politics into the church , which is corrupting religion in the eyes of many who stay away on Sunday morning and from a relationship with God.
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Pray for God's Healing of a Nation

East Side 'Flyers' Teammate

A former East St. Louis Senior High School teammate of mine from the mid-50's died this past Sunday morning at age 79. Don Choate was one year my senior. We were basketball and baseball teammates in high school and also American Legion Baseball. Choate signed  a major league contract with the St. Louis Cardinals upon high school graduation.

Don had impressive minor league pitching statistics but in 1959 the Cardinals packaged Choate and pitcher, Sam Jones trading them to the San Francisco Giants for Infielders, Bill White and Ray Jablonsky. Choate and White were the two centerpieces. Choate was called up to the Giants 'big club' near the end of the 1960 season. He appeared in a few games working eight innings. In the off-season, Don injured his pitching shoulder in a freak furniture moving accident. It became a career ending injury.

Don and I competed against each other before high school days in the East St. Louis various city youth leagues and junior high. Although we were teammates, we never were close friends. Perhaps it was simply a competitive teen thing. I just know there was a matter of fact interaction.

Several years ago, East St. Louis held a baseball reunion and attempts were made to get Choate to attend but to no avail. I wanted to visit with Don so I asked a mutual teammate from those days to make the arrangements. Tom McGraw, another pitcher from that team, who was perhaps Don's best  friend obliged. The three of us met for breakfast near Don's home in O'Fallon, Illinois. We had a good visit as we swapped stories and shared flashbacks. A waiter took our picture as we were preparing to leave. I called Don on a couple of ocassions after that meeting and had good conversations.

Some three weeks ago, McGraw telephoned me to share information about Don's terminal illness. I telephoned Don's daughter to let her know that I had her father in my thoughts and prayers. She said that she was heading to the hospital and would deliver my message. I trust she did. I hope she did.

I'm glad I made effort to reunite with Don. I believe it served two old men well. I know we departed feeling better about one another...it sometimes happens when the spotlight fades becoming less important.

I Mean What I Say Until I Say Differently

It is interesting  to note how 'stated' perspectives change over time. Take the gun control issue. Often the conservative argument clings to the notion that it's not a 'too many guns' problem but a mental health problem. In the 1980's when a lot of right wing West Coast folks thought psychiatry was tied to communism, President Jimmy Carter, one month before he lost a second election bid, signed a Mental Health System Act extension. Ronald Reagan soundly defeated Carter and soon thereafter Reagan blocked funds to State Mental Hospitals and they began closing across the nation.

Funny how thinking changes.

The GOP for several years championed itself as the law and order party. They pushed legislation to give financial support to the rural growth industry of 'prison-building' and the right-wingers were well known as the law and order party. They were strong supporters and defenders of the brotherhood of law enforcement folks ie, the CIA, FBI and the local level police. I mean those Republicans' fought hard for our law enforcement folks. Today, we see prisons closing across the nation and a Republican Party supporting a wholesale attack on the CIA and FBI that is unprecedented.

Funny how thinking changes.

Finally, I notice the leader of this pack wants transparency in the Department of Justice but refuses to allow transparency regarding his Federal Tax Filings or allow an investigation to come to a closure without his manipulation.

Funny how some thinking is not so funny.
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Undecided

Out Of Touch Dumb Ass

Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan praised the recent tax cut yesterday in this tweet:

"A secretary at a public high school in Lancaster, PA. said she was pleasantly surprised her pay went up $1.50 a week...she said it would more than cover her Costco membership for a year."

Absolutely mind-boggling!
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Dumb Ass

It's Me O' Lord...Standing in The Need

The other evening, I was saying prayers and I noticed my mind-set, words and petitions were somewhat different than usual and by-golly I realized what was happening; but I'll get to that explanation shortly, first this:

A very trusted clergyman friend of mine knows that I lean left politically. Not that I'm obligated to explain that persuasion to anybody, I will do so nonetheless. It's not my fault. Blame it on my maternal grandmother, Mammy Bennett. Mammy was endlessly preaching that Jesus message about taking care of the poor, therefore it followed that after a liberal college education was married to Jesus' teachings, I'd turn out to be that social-liberal. No problem, I'm good with it, believe me.

Since my preacher friend knew of my politics, he approached me after Trump was elected with this comment, "Mel, you do understand as a Christian you need to pray for President Trump." I told the pastor that I was on board and I would pray for Trump. I have prayed for that fella for over a year now and I'll be dadgumit it ain't done a lick-a-good. The man's still a mess.

I told another clergy fella how I felt and he asked if we could pray together for Trump. After I prayed, the Pastor said to me, "Mel, you can't pray giving the Lord YOUR options and expect Him to CHOOSE one!"

So there you GO! I've decided I need prayer more than Trump...anyway what 'stable genius' needs prayer?
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Standing in the Need of Prayer

Better When Shared

Today is Thursday, February 1, 2018. My how time flies. In eighteen days, I will quietly celebrate my birth of seventy-nine years ago. My, My how time flies.

This journey has been filled with incredible blessings. Parental nurturing established the foundation. Grandparents and other relatives expanded the boundaries of love. A sweetheart of sixty-four years defined love and stabilized the passage through peaks and valleys. Friendships lifted my spirits and gave a sense of worth. My children made me realize that the depth of responsibility should attempt to be equal to and match my blessings. Professional colleagues challenged me to recognize needs and give more.

As my children grew into adulthood, I wondered again, my how time flies. The birth of fifteen grandkids dismissed any personal melancholy thoughts as a new bridge to love was introduced. In the midst of activities to attend from one end of the State to another, I celebrated with great joy. The New and beautiful blossoms on the family tree was the introduction of great grandchildren and the hint of many more to come. WOW!

As I enjoy these wonderful blessings from the hand of my God, I am very much aware of the fact that this journey and the enjoyment therein is only validated because it has been shared. Nothing we  experience has meaning if it occurs in a vacuum.

On February 18, my wife and I will share a meal...perhaps some fish or maybe steak. We shall share great happiness, however no greater than the happiness we shared in our first year of marriage (1960) when the supper we shared was cut-up pieces of hot dogs mixed in a can of pork'n beans...my how time flies.
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