Just got back from a trip to my old hometime, in Central PA. Was just there in May. My 90 year old Mom just died. She had cancer, and went in her sleep, probably a blessing for her. My Dad is taking it well, but broke out in tears a couple times. We had a nice grave-side service, with about 20 relatives, including two cousins I hadn't seen in 40 years, and my old aunt (89), my father's brother. Though I was prepared for her dying, It still hit me hard. Got up at the service to say a few words about her, and had a tough time getting it out. I had everyone crying - kind of comical, in a way. It was very cathartic. My kids drove up, from N. Carolina and Florida, which pleased us greatly. We helped Dad clean up the house for the reception, and later clean out some old stuff, of which he has plenty. I think he will do OK for awhile. He's in good health, for 88, but we will see. My brother still lives in town, and will keep an eye on him. Thats life.

God, its been a helluva long time since I last posted. Lots of water over the dam, so to speak. My wife went out to Arizona to look for a house. Six months now, and no luck. Havent seen the right combo of features and price yet. My mother, who just turned 90, isn't doing so well. Dad just put her in a nursing home. He's 88, holding up better, but who know how long that can last. I am still slaving away at my appraisal job, but the end is in sight, if I want it to be. If I can get them to let lose my social security payments, I will be glad to step aside.

Picture is where my grandmother used to have her gift store, where it says "Adelyn's" now. Located in Williamsport, Pa. Looks pretty much the same, except Nana had higher class gifts - Lennox china, specialized in wedding gift trade. She used to let me "help" in the store, when I was kid (long time ago). She died in 1996.

Recently took a long road trip, to South Carolina, then to North Carolina, to visit relatives. Had some rough spots, and thats a hell of a long ways to drive, but got to see the grand girls (9, and 14), and my daughter. Worth it.

Whew! -Ages since last post! Seen above is "World's End State Park", in Loyalsock, Pa. In central Pa., near my birthplace, Williamsport. Me and the wife visited Mom (90), and Dad (88), for the first time in 25 years (although visited us numerous times in Fla). Had a great time - saw my brothers (2), again after about 20 years. Quite the family reunion. The weather sucked, though; cloudy, rainy the whole time. But worth the trouble.

Just got back monday from a 10 day trip to Tucson, Az. Great as always; great weather, saw old friends, looked at some houses. Didn't find exactly what we want, but promising. Exhausted though. Great mountains, desert, sunshine, 80's.

Changing the subject, got to say something about our foreign adventures. I fail to grasp why we are attacking Kadafi in Libya. I know he was formerly considered a sponsor of terrorism, and probably still is. But my recollection is that we declared him acceptable company about 15 years ago, and "normalized" relationships (so we could get at the oil). We don't know who the rebels are, so why are we protecting them. Looks to me like an internal squabble that should be allowed to play out. There doesn't appear to be any evidence of genocide, as there was in Serbia/Kosovo. Have to give Pres. Obama a thumbs down on this move, even though I am a Dem, and generally favor his approach. Don't really agree on our involvement in Egypt, either; forcing Mubarek to resign, in favor of a rebellion that we don't understand. At least these dictators kept the radical muslims in check; now there is no foot on their necks as before.

On a lighter note, glad to be back in Florida, and the old routine.

No post since last Fall! Lot has happened since then. Had a skin cancer removed - they scared the hell out of me about it, but turned out not to be a major concern (hopefully). We are going up to see my mother-in-law in S.C. next week, for a few days. Hope the weather straigtens out. Then, sometime next month, going out to Tucson, to look for a house. See how that pans out. Above is twilight in the Sonoran desert - real nice.

It's almost Thanksgiving again. Pic above is "World's End", a remote state park in central PA, about an hour from my birthplace. A very spiritual place. Usually semi-deserted, except for some fly fishermen. North of Dushore, along the Loyalsock Creek. Have not posted much due to crazy life in Florida. Things be OK, I guess, considering im 64, tired of the working life. Hope to quit soon. Don't feel bad, but have to have a "procedure" next week, says my doctor. As I get older, my personal myth of immortaility gets more tentative. Hope that isnt too depressing. Still love life; my wife, kids, grandkids, the sun, the wind, the rain, bla bla bla.

Egads! No post for a very long time! I'll probably go to Hell for that, but it is Halloween, isn't it? Nice picture, taken by my daughter, Jill. Not much to say, other than - help!

This looks just like my old Fender Champ, which I found at a house sale, about 15 years ago. It's 70's vintage - all tubes and wires, no transisters to speak of. Great, fat sound. I play my Harmony Roy Smeck model through it. The Roy Smeck is a 50's or 60's vintage. See the picture. Old is sometimes better.

Recently gave my pre-CBS (1962) Fender Custom Esquire (tele), back to it's original owner, my brother-in-law. Actually, gave it to his son, who is a guitar freak. He says he will keep it forever, which is cool with me. I found it in my inlaws attic back in late 60's, and co-opted it. During a tight spell in the '80's, I toyed with selling it to raise cash, but the wife made it clear it was "in the family", and I shouldn't sell it. After that, I felt like it wasn't really mine. In fact, I felt guilty for taking it from my brother in law, even though we worked out a deal at the time - I paid him $295. Value now is about $12,000, at least. Not may of these left. I haven't really played it in 20 years. Now I am left with only 3 guitars, and 3 amps. Don't know how I will get by!

First post since May! Blogspot wouldnt let me post a photo (error 53?), so no great pics this time. Since may, was out to Tucson, Arizona. Very hot (up to 106), but dry. Nice mountains, 70's at noon, at 9,000 feet. Wife wants to move out there to retire next year. We looked at a bunch of houses, but didn't find the right one. Oh well. I'm in no hurry, although I must say I do like the place. Desert, mountains, lots of good stuff within a days drive. Unlike Fla., which is hot and humid (or cold and humid), all year. Sick of beating back the Jungle. Wait!

Blogspot let me post some pics, so enjoy.

Long time, no post. No real significance to the picture, just that I have been listening to the Stones again a lot. Downloaded an '83 show, from Germany. Loose, and good mix of old and newer (at that time) tunes. I just don't get tired of these old guys. They are never pretencious, just play good Rock and R&B. Gives me hope.

This Gulf of Mexico oil leak business sucks. Hope they can put a cork in it sooner than later. Not impressed with BP, or Obama so far on this one. If he is, as he claims. on top of it, he isn't conveying any sense of passion or urgency about it to the public. He needs to go on TV, prime time, and make a bigger deal out of it. Bring in Exxon, or Shell - they have a lot of real world experience with oil spills.

Not much else to say, except hope the oil doesn't get to our west Florida beaches. Feel bad for the northern gulf states - they are getting screwed again. No more shrimp, for quite a while.

Here is a recent pic from the Hubble Telescope. Pretty sensational, if I do say so. Troubles me that the Obama administration wants to abandon manned space flight. Looks like we wont get to the moon again, or to Mars, in my lifetime, most likely. I know rationally that we can do a lot using robot craft, and some space station earth orbit stuff, but it's that kind of stuff doesn't lift the soul like outer space travel. Guess I'll have to settle for SciFi.

Not much else going on. Working (wife and i both). She's out of work for summer in mid-June. Maybe we can get to Tucson, for a change of pace. If we have the energy, and want to spend the money.

Long Time, No Post!

Keef! (My hero).
I dont know why no post for so long. Life just gets in my way sometimes. Nothing really happening. Have been trying out Secondlife, avatar world. Pretty realistic, in some respects. You can be anybody (or anything - dog, tree, etc), in Secondlife. It is promoted as a way to meet people, but I find I spend most of my time wandering around, ignored for the most part. If I wanted to be lonely and unappreciated, I could stay in Firstlife. A big waste of time, although kind of addictive. However, one problem (maybe) is you dont know who anybody really is. A nice looking 20 year old chick might be a hairy 60 year old guy (yuch).

Not much new on the family front, either. Finally recovering from our trip to see my wife's mom in South Carolina, earlier in April. She seems to have plateaued, so not much to say about it. Just glad shes not living with us at the moment, although I do miss her at times.

Reading some wild SF short stories at present, which is good for escapism. Since Pres. Obama says we are going slow on manned space exploration, it will have to remain a fantasy.

I haven't posted in a while, as usual. Nothing great to say, I guess. The world just keeps on a-turnin'. The wife and I have been watching the 6 Waltons movies, which were made in the 80's and 90's as follow-up to the series, which we still love. We have all 9 seasons, plus the movies now. Had them before in versions taped from TV. Don't know why it took them 20 years to put it all out there - if they waited much longer, most of their 70's fans would be dead. Used to watch it with my daughter, Jill, who is now 40. It makes me an old fogey, but don't know why they cant make a serious family drama, with believable characters of good moral integrity, but still full of good natured humor, and drama. 7th heaven, earlier seasons, came close, but got too much wrapped up in teenage angst, and some bizarre ramblings in late seasons.

The picture of Muddy is not included for any reason in particular. A pic of him is always good. Pretty Funky.

I hope they pass some healthcare reform soon, and let us get on with our lives. The Republicans are bent on preserving the status quo, for their corporate clients. The Democrates are bent on reforming the system to extend care (at least insurance), to the masses. The current system is a mess, I don't know how you can say it's ok. However, the Dems have trouble getting their message out in a popular way, what with the conservatives spreading fear and loathing about it at every chance. They are masters of negative propaganda.

We get to go up to South Carolina and see Ma again, later this month, which will be a joy. I miss here down here in Fla., but she wont be getting back here again, given her condition. Tough on the wife.

Downloaded some new Jimi Hendrix (new?), at least new to me. They keep finding more tapes of hime, some pretty good, some I'm sure he didn't want to see light of day for good reason. At least it keeps his music alive for awhile.

First entry in a long time. Not much to say this time. Listening to the Stones again, mostly early 70's stuff. Back when Mick Taylor was adding his snakey lead lines to the mix. Woody is great, but sometimes sounds like two rhythm guitars, with Keith. I like Silver Train - straight ahead, old fashioned R&R. Also like Sway - listen to Charlie's drumwork on that one. Perfect. Pete Smith, my old friend from Crestview Heights days (highschool) came to visit. He and wife have a condo in Englewood. Petes the same, except less hair. We seemed to fall right back into the same easy friendship. Maybel we'll do better than waiting 40 years til our next conversation now. Apparently, once your retire, you have more time for talking to old friends.

Yet another meaninless blog entry. Wife has a cold. Hope I don't get it. Weather warmed up, though. Hope we get some rain. Roofer says no roof leak, but condensation on the air duct in attic, so spot on ceiling. Oh well. Dems couldn't get the lady elected in Mass. to fill Teddy's senate seat. Pretty pathetic. We should have run a Kennedy kid, even if we had to twist some arms. Typical Democratic pathetic politics - always have to be inclusive, always respect local political people, etc. However, we still have a big majority - will see how clever Nancy and the gang can be, to get something passed healthcare wise. Don't know anyone who doesn't hat the insurance companies and their swindles.

My mother is having a birthday on February 3, will be 89. Shes in good shape, considering - some problems walking, and not much stamina -can't hear on the phone. Dad says her memory isn't what it was. Dad is in good shape, for his age, as well - still drives, although he says his eyes somewhat fuzzy. He's 86. They live in central Pa., in their old hometown (and mine). Wish I could see them more.

Hey, all you hep cats out there. No posts to this blog in quite awhile - is that a bad thing, or a good thing? Depends on if you appreciate my scrawls. Christmas came and went without much ado. Got to see my daughter and grandkids (Johanna 12, Meghan 7), for a few days, so that was nice. Sue was sad we didn't get to see grandma, who as you will recall is up in Anderson, SC, with Jim. She's worried ma is forgetting who she is. However, at end of their daily phone calls, she always says, "say hello to Bill", so at least she remembers who Sue lives with. Gets confused, however as to geography -thinks we live up north, not in Florida. She's not bad for 86, I guess.

Still miss Johnny and June. It disturbs me somewhat that our unique personalities are lost when we die. Of course, artists like Johnny and June achieve a certain type of immortality through their legacy of work, but unfortately, they aren't around to appreciate it any more. At least, I don't think they are around (unless it's like Ghost Whisperer, where they can hang around and watch what's going on, or as in Christian mythology, can watch over us from heaven. Hope its the latter.

Well, we survived our 9 day epic journey to Anderson, SC, and Louisburg (up from Raliegh), NC. Left Saturday last week at 9 am, got as far as just North of Macon, Ga. by nightfall. Stayed at a Comfort Inn - supposedly new, but not great. Left about 8 am next day, got to brother-in-laws house, where Sue's Mom is, by mid-day. Stayed there till Wednesday, mid-day. Overnight first night at a LaQuinta, that was obviously a converted old dump. Nice conversion, but it didn't smell too good, and the wife insisted we relocate for the second two nights. Moved to the Homewood Suites we had stayed at before, which wasn't much better, but didn't smell so bad. Adele (Jim's wife) cooked for us the whole time, so that was good. Ate too much , as usual, drank a lot of coffee to stay awake. Mom did pretty well. Sue put her little Xmas tree together, did a puzzle with her, showed her the Slovak dolls, etc. and basically spent a good deal of time with her. It was nice to be with her. On Wednesday, drove up I-85, past Greenville, Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Durham, to daughter's house in Louisburg. Had a nice thanksgiving dinner, which we didn't have to cook. Visited with the 2 granddaughters, endured the son in law, who was not thrilled we came, as usual. Weather wasn't bad (50's for highs), but too cold for us Florida people. We were glad to start for home on Saturday morning. Drove down I-95 as far as St. Augustine that day, put in at a Fairfield Inn for the night. It was new, clean, and by far the best motel we stayed at on that trip. Marriot does a good job, generally. At at a local Italian place recommended by the staff, which was pretty good. Left at 8:30 AM Saturday, stopped at Disney Marketplace. Took a baloon ride (tethered, goes up 400 feet), which was new, and cool - you can see all of Disneyworld. Then, at at the nearby steamboat restaurant (cant remember the name), which was cool too. Decent food. We browsed through the soveineer shops, particularly the Cristmas stuff, didn't buy anything, and left about 1 Pm. Got home as expeced by 3 PM. The house was in pretty good order - usually something is broken when we come back. Sure as shootin, next day the wife says the water-on-the-door of the refrigerator wouldn't work. Monday, I called a repairman, who charged me $40 to come out and tell me the water line in the freezer door was frozen cause we had it too cold, and didn't use it for a week. Told me to turn off the freezer, leave door open for awhile, and he left. Sure enough, it thawed within less than an hour. Next time I will know what to do, so guess it was worth $40. At least not a big deal.
Glad to be back in FLA~!