A Scary Thing Happened On The Way To Rock City

It was a day like any other day except I was stuffed in a camp bed too short for my six foot frame. The gentle rocking of the camper indicated that Woody Pop and Poolman were beginning to stir so I jumped up, got dressed, and went outside to survey the weather. For we were planning an all day motorcycle ride to Rock City and other interesting sites along the way.

As I wiped the dew from my Shadow Woody Pop said: "Get in here before your breakfast gets cold". As we ate we discussed the plans of attack for the trip. Since I was the local resident to the area I was chosen to take the lead of the expedition. Apparently they forgot about my getting us lost several times the day before and almost getting shot by some bird hunters (for scaring off the birds).

The bikes were prepared and the camper secured so we thundered out of the campsite. I with my Shadow in the lead and Poolman and Woody Pop on their Star behind. Down the road we thundered until we passed the nearest community with the Star in close persute. Later down the road I noticed the Star getting farther and farther behind. As I crested a hill and rode down the other side I slowed, and slowed, then stopped and waited. The Star never appeared.

I thought not again. For the last time I ran off from Poolman he had to take a 10-100 in the woods like a bear. I turned around and upon topping the hill I saw Poolman on the Star in the ditch with Woody Pop standing alongside.

The Star had picked up a nail and had thrown the rear tire which had landed them in the ditch. Fortunately everyone was unhurt even the Star. I whipped out my cell phone (Poolman and Woody Pop left theirs at the camper) and called for roadside service. Two hours and many duckies later the service truck whisked the Star away for reshodding. Woody Pop and I rode the Shadow back to the campsite to get the truck to rescue Poolman who was left with the Star.

Since the day was well spent and our plans were extensive it was decided to start the trip over the next day in the truck. Onward we rode in the truck back towards the campsite when we saw a trail marker that said "Waterfall Trail". Being avid hikers we decided to take this trail to the waterfall.

We disembarked the truck and proceeded to the trail head where we met a lady who accounted the tale of fleeing from "Ivan the Terrible" to the south. We wished her well and entered the trail. Not far along our path Woody Pop said: "WOOOO!!! I see a snake". There on the edge of the path was a snake a big snake which had just eaten something very large judging by the size of the bump in its middle. Its head was up looking at us and ready to strike anything in its range.

Not wanting to pass too close to the snake I threw a small stick on it to scare it off to no avail. Poolman threw a big stick on it but it just kept looking at us. Not to be defeated by this serpent I found a long slender stick with the intention of moving the snake into the brush. As I maneuvered the large stick from on top of the snake it lurched and slithered into the brush with a distinctive rattling sound. That is when we realized it was a rattle snake of about four feet in length and a very dangerous creature.

Onward we trudged on the trail to the falls. Onward to the other end of the trail but where was the falls? Making our way back we noticed a formation where a waterfall could have been if there had been any water available. We laughed about missing the falls during our last trip past that area. But then again we did expected to see water.

As we proceeded down the path we heard a curious sound: "Moooseeeee". A sound like we had never heard before. Woody Pop said "That sounds like a moose call". I said: "There aren't and moose in these woods". There it went again several times right over there in the distance. Woody Pop said: "Lets get out of here".

It was such a peculiar sound that I thought that it could be a wounded hiker so I called out several times for a response. Each time there was only silence. As we started back down the trail it "moooseeee" again and again until we arrived at the end of the trail.

We jumped into the truck and returned to the campsite. Since then I have talked to many hunters and hikers in this area and no one can explain what made the strange sound. No one had ever heard anything like it in this area before.

Thus ends our strange adventure. Skirting disaster two times and perhaps three in a single day. Such is the tale of another strange but true adventure of the TomKat.

Kitties Kitties Everywhere

My daughter's cat "Diablo" pulled a sneak attack while I was concentrating on overtime, my sister's vacation, and other assorted activities. She disappeared several weeks ago so I thought the neighbor had killed her but she appeared about once every week so I knew she was OK. I thought that she had decided to live in the woods with various other cats including the dominant male that I see occasionally.

She actually had a more sinister plan. She was having another litter of kittens under the house ( the official Hayseed Plantation cat nursery). This morning as I left the house I spotted three new kittens cuddling with Diablo. Two blonds and one red head. The two blonds ran for cover while the red head stood her ground. Diablo strolled up to me as to say "HA HA I gotcha again".
OH Well it is a pleasant surprise. Pegs is not so devious. She is pregnant and is as big as a house so she can't hide her condition. She will be hiding in the nursery any day now.

My daughter gave me Diablo to keep because her mother got tired of all the kittens she produced. She is known to be a regular cat factory and apparently pegs is following in her footsteps. I have three left out of the first eight with these two so we will see how many of these survive the neighbors and varmits. The ones that stay close survive but the ones who venture out don't. Maybe the neighbor will run out of ammunition one day. Diablo and Pegs have both been shot twice and I figure he shot most of the kittens also but have no proof. The last two grey kittens were seen running across the road into the neighbors teritory and were never seen again. Coincidence maybe but bullet holes don't come from natural varments but only from the two legged kind.

Rubber Ducky. Get them while they last or just wait another month for a new selection.

Happy Late Birthday

Twas the night before Saturday, when all through the land,
every creature was stirring except for the Man.
My plans had been made with extreme care,
in hopes that the birthday couple would soon be there.

The child-lings were texted on their cell phones,
while someone somewhere was enjoying an ice cream cone.
The trap had been set with such care,
I was certain that the child-lings would surely be there.

When out on the road there came such a sound,
it must be their trailer coming to town.
As I ran to the door to see what was the matter,
the diesel truck arrived with such a great chatter.

Behind it in tow was the great fifth wheel,
I told them to park it next to the hill.
With great skill and great care,
their camper was parked just over there.

While my bro-in-law exited the cab,
I next saw my sis she was drinking a Tab.
That they had arrived safe was not a shame,
the next thing I did was to call them by name.

Hi Toots! Hi Poolman! And how is the Box,
it has been much too long since I have seen his curry locks.
How is Toolbox and Shoebox and also Boxtop,
I was so excited it was hard for me to stop.

As time approached for my trap to spring shut,
I told them we were leaving but we couldn’t take the mut.
We loaded my car and set of on the road,
our destination was a secret and could not be told.

For that was the plan yes that was the trap,
To whisk them away before their afternoon nap.
Off we drove into the night,
they never expected what came into sight.

What did we see and what did we behold?
Just Poolman’s favorite restaurant which is “Hooters” I’m told.
Poolman was happy and filled with delight,
just as I was for my choice was just right.

As we entered the door there was a wonderful sight,
for Ma Ma Bear was there who just met them that night.
We settled into a table for an hour long feed,
the only question left was what food did each need.

Each person selected their food choice with much care,
it was a shame that the child-lings couldn’t be there.
We ate and talked and had a great time,
writing is tough when everything must rime.

The night was not over for the next step couldn’t wait,
but Ma Ma Bear couldn’t join us for we would stay up much too late.
We said our good-byes to Ma Ma Bear that night,
but the child-lings were waiting just out of sight.

For they were waiting to go to the races,
which was the next part of the night of strange places.
We all got together and had such a blast,
but we knew that the night just couldn’t last.

So: “Happy Birthday to all and to all a good Life!!!!”

"Bat Woman" Begins

In a providence not too far away in a time not too long ago lived a little girl. A peculiar little girl who spent most of her waking hours wondering in the woods, valleys, and mountains of her community.

One day while walking with her friend she spied a curious hole in the side of a cliff barely big enough to crawl through. Being a very curious child she inquired as to what could be on the other side. Her partner said: "I don't know and I don't want to know. There could be all kinds of critters in there." She begged him to let her look in the hole and see what was on the other side. He finally agreed and made her a fire stick to light her way.

It was agreed that she would only go in only as far as she could with him holding onto her legs. So in the hole she went crawling on her stomach. When she had gone as far as she could she rolled onto her back and looked around. What she saw was an amazing sight for covering the top of a small chamber were hundreds of little bats dangling above her head. At first she was frightened but then as she gazed at them her fears abated and she reached out to touch one. She gently plucked one off the ceiling and held it in her hand.

The bat lay in her hand motionless as if to say that it was OK for her to caress it gently. It was soft and smooth and barely weighed anything at all. After a time she returned the little bat back to its place on the ceiling where it gripped the ceiling tightly.

Immediately upon exiting the little cave she got quite excited and realized that she had always loved the scary little things that fluttered in the darkness of night making strange noises and diving at the campfire. From that moment on her life would be changed for she became devoted to learning about these little creatures and exploring the wonderful caves where they lived.

Even until this day the lady called "Bat Woman" loves to crawl through dark damp caves searching for bats, other creatures, and mysterious rock formations in the deep chasms of the earth. Every day she takes others on a journey with her into the dark recesses of the earth, teaching them of the mysteries of the deep places, and sharing her love and passion for one of God's wondrous creations.

COMMING SOON !!!!

Coming soon: More "Good-bye, My Lady".

For now overtime at work is king. Today I helped Rubber Ducky with a project which must be completed by tomorrow. My part is over. YA-HOO!!!! She must work the rest of the weekend so be nice to her. She is really quacking up lately. YIKES !!! I never knew duckies had teeth.

Next week is my turn. All of my projects are due next so the next installment of My Lady will be completed when I can. I am a free chance writer. I only write when I have a chance at free time.

Well my sister and brow-in-law arrive in the morning for a week long adventure. Hopefully work will not interfere too much but you can never tell at this time of the year.

Got to go clean house. Have a wonderful weekend. I know I will.

Friends of "Ducky"

Ladies, I hear that Rubber Ducky told you something I said the other day which offended her and your sensibilities. I apologize for the tack less comment both to you and especially to the "Ducky". It wasn't meant to harm, hurt, or offend. I have a dire lack in the social graces and often suffer from "Hoof in Mouth Disease". Please accept my apology.

The offence related to a reference to one of the following which are rules for dating given me by my friends or relatives:

First: Child-lings: Any potential date must be within two years older or five years younger. No children allowed younger than eighteen (no one can call me daddy but them).

Second: Friends & Relatives: Any potential dates must be under 125 pounds, near two thirds of my age, and rate an 8+ on the Hottie scale (most of my single friends operate under this one).

Others get even worse so I will not convey them.

My response to the first and second requirements is a good "belly laugh". Regular people (like me) need not apply. Those requirements don't suite me at all because they rule out chemistry, personality, and character.

Sometimes in explaining situations to people I say too much or just say the wrong things as in my conversation with the Ducky. That is a part of me that I am working on and also why I don't claim to be a gentlemen but do claim the Redneck status. As Jeff Foxworthy says: "A Glorious Absence of Sophistication".

Good-bye, My Lady - Part III

Lady paused at the entrance of the Duke of Newsprint (her late father) estate, which now was her possession. It was the place of her youth and brought many fond and foreboding memories all at the same time.

As Lady entered the estate she recognized the familiar places where she had always seen her father. His favorite chair at the window overlooking the garden and the comfortable lounge he enjoyed in the main hall. Curiously as she passed through the remainder of the house it appeared that it hadn’t been occupied in years. Everything was covered in a thick layer of dust. A shudder ran through her as she realized that nothing in the lower and upper levels of the house had been touched since her mother died many years earlier. Her mother’s favorite book even laid on the table just as it was on the day she died. All of her clothing still hung on the racks. Lady knew her father was an eccentric old man with many strange habits but she never expected this.

The task at hand was to clear out the old estate. Saving the valuable and discarding the old and useless. Lady contacted a good friend of hers named Britania to help her with the work for it was a very great task. Larger than even she had expected since her mother had left explicit instructions before she died: “Turn out every pocket in every garment and sort through every pile or bundle you find because there are hidden treasures inside.” These instructions turned out to be true, for her mother had buried most of her treasured possessions in the middle of worthless items.

Days passed as Lady and Britania cleared and cleaned one room at a time starting with the level occupied by the Duke. As time progressed they separated with Lady taking the upper level and Britania taking the lower level. Late one afternoon Lady screamed hysterically, ran from the estate, and collapsed on the lawn. Britania not knowing what was happening followed closely and tried to comfort Lady, however, Lady was inconsolable and would not return to the estate. Britania sent a messenger to get me at my friend’s estate where I was living at the time since I had lost my estate to a warring faction of a neighboring providence.

Later that evening I arrived and inquired of Lady: “What happened at the estate today?” Still quivering from the event she related to me the story about her older brother’s tragic death and how it had changed her life forever. The Lady said: “My brother died when I was twelve years old. He was the most important person to me in my life at the time because he was my protector and was the only person I felt who truly loved me. When he died I died with him.” I said: “What does that have to do with the estate today?” She said: “While cleaning the upper level I found the shirt he was wearing when he died. My mother had saved it all these years. Seeing it brought back the memory of his death and the intense pain of the emotions of which I have never been able to control. I am never going back to that estate.”

Several days went by as I consoled the Lady. Over time Lady realized that she needed to offer the estate to someone who could give it the care it required. She had acquired the estate where she resided years earlier and had no need of the second estate. During our conversation she offered me the estate for a sum of coin that I couldn’t refuse. I agreed to buy the estate only if she would help me clean all the property out of it. She eagerly agreed.

The two of us returned to clear the estate, however, it was a very traumatic ordeal for the Lady. For many items were found belonging to her brother at the time of his death which I promptly discarded. Each item found hurt Lady very badly and sent her into very severe emotional convulsions which I had to comfort her through. I thought it very odd that Lady’s mother would keep such items, especially in the manner in which they were stored; each in a different location of the estate. As time went on the reasons would be revealed but for now it remained a mystery.

At the beginning of the new year the estate was ready so I proceeded to purchase it from the Lady. As I first entered the estate as my estate; I looked at Lady and thanked her for being so generous to me by offering it at such a fair price. She said: “It is worth it to keep you near.” I thought this an odd statement but many things about the Lady are odd.

As My Lady bid me farewell she turned to the estate and said: “Good-bye My Lady for I will visit you soon.

Good-bye My Lady - Part II

News came to me that Lady’s father the Duke of Newsprint was getting worse by the day so I decided to pay him a visit. I found him sitting in the dark infirmary on the edge of his cot (for some strange reason he hated lying down) glaring at me. I inquired about his health and how Lady was handling his illness but all he would talk about was his new four-horse chariot. It was his pride and joy and he inquired as to what was to become of his chariot if he died. I told him that I had no use for it since I had plenty of chariots and it would go back to the previous owner who he was still indebted to. That strangely seemed to satisfy him and we proceeded to have a cordial conversation. Later Lady told me that he liked me but that he thought that I had came to visit him to get money or acquire his chariot from him. He was a very cautious man concerning his wealth because he had so many subjects relying upon his generosity.

I visited the Lady and the Duke many times during the next few months. The Lady cared for the Duke day and night without rest so every few days a subject would agree to take care of the Duke while I took Lady out for a ride in the country. There we had many adventures but those are for telling under different tales.

Later in the year I received word that Lady was asking for my help with the Duke’s care so I agreed to help for one night. The Duke had always been a self-reliant man of action and just couldn’t fathom the possibility of not being able to go where he wanted or when he wanted; however, the Duke at this point had become confined to the cot.

The Lady was vexed with the Duke’s constant attempts to leave the safety of the cot. She hoped that my presence would help sooth his troubled mind. Once when Lady had left the room he looked at me with his soulful eyes and said: “Watch for her.” He then proceeded to attempt another escape from his imprisoning cot. With all his strength he couldn’t get up so he settled back into his cot one more time.

In the small hours of the morning when the Lady had retired the Duke looked at me and said: “I AM GETTING OUT OF THIS COT!!!” I looked back at him and said: “Go ahead if you can. Your mind is strong but your body is weak.” For over an hour the Duke tried to no avail. Just like a new colt rebelling against the bridal and saddle.

In the darkness of early morning the Duke finally looked back at me and said: “ I will never get out of this cot." The look in his eyes was the same dull look as the colt who finally resigns itself to the bridle and saddle. In that moment he realized that his fate was sealed.

The next morning when Lady awoke she found a man resigned to his fate who never again tried to be released from the cot.

The Duke embraced death bravely, however, he hated intensely leaving Lady behind with no one to protect her. During one of my subsequent visits with the Duke he made a pact with me to be her protector upon his death. It was a great honor and I accepted the charge, which gave him great joy for he was truly concerned for her future.

That next week the Duke died with Lady at his side. He left her with a smile and said: “I want to take you with me but I can’t so Good-bye My Lady until we meet on the other side.”

MISSION "IRRESISTABLE"

Phone rings: “Mr. TomKat, You are being tasked to be part of a crack team of “Shadow Warriors” assigned traffic detail at the Froggie Triathlon in Scottspatch. If you accept this assignment you will give up mega duckies of overtime pay and will incur the wrath of “Rubber Ducky”. This message will auto disconnect in three seconds.” I hang up quick before the phone goes up in smoke (I loose more phones that way).

Decisions; Decisions: Work…Play…Work…Play. Heck farrr!!! That one is a no brainier: “WE PLAY.”

Early the next morning the team assembles. Painter and I join up with Mad Dog, John Boy, Fly Boy, and others at the goose pond where more than 350 prime athletes had assembled for a 400 meter swim, 25 kilometer bicycle ride, and a 5 kilometer run.

The bicycle event was the second leg of the competition. Our job was simple: Protect the cyclist from highway traffic, help distressed riders, and ensure fair racing by the competitors. As the competitors left the gate we would escort groups of approximately 30 riders at a time. Only Painter had any action (helped with a flat tire). The event went smooth without any casualties except for the occasional fall when competitors disembarked their bikes.

Two things impressed me about this event. The first was the determination of the competitors of all skill levels and ages (under 10 to over 60). The exhilaration of seeing the professionals hit over 30 MPH in the stretches and the heart of the little girl whose bike was stuck in low gear (pedaling like crazy) who finished the race (last but definitely not least). The other thing was the gratitude of the competitors for the small part the Shadow Warriors played in the event. They repeatedly called us their heroes for keeping them safe. To me they were the heroes of the event because this couch potato couldn’t even start the first leg of the event, much less all three.

This event showed me that even the smallest sacrifice we make for our fellow man can and usually is appreciated by the recipient. Even if it isn’t openly recognized as it was in this case, that doesn’t negate the benefit to others.

After the event Painter and I toured the hills of Tennessee on what I call the “Road Kill Tour” (many dead critters littered the highway from deer to raccoon). We even tracked the elusive “Sport Bike”. Rounding a corner on top of skyline mountain we approached a sport bike running slow on the highway (potential road kill). We approached carefully because just like a deer they can be unpredictable. As we approached to pass, it bolted for cover. In less than 30 seconds it was gone (impressive but scary). For the next few miles I scoped the trees in the curves for signs of a missed one. Fortunately the sport bike made a clean getaway.

Arriving home at about 1630 I made the mistake of calling Rubber Ducky at her work number. She was there and she was pissed because I wasn’t there. HA If I don’t show up this afternoon there will be HELL TO PAY. But there again “Who is Afraid of the Rubber Ducky”.

Good-bye, My Lady - Part I

I came across Lady in the holy cathedral in the providence of Madison. It was a chance meeting that I could never forget only for the fact that I had been challenged to a duel of words over the Holy Scriptures by Count Draco. As it happened as determined by fate the Lady was in attendance to this spectacle with many other dansels of the realm. Little did I know the consequences of this duel for as I dueled with the count, everytime I scored a point I unwittingly cast a smile and then a wink in the direction of the Lady. Unawares to me I was capturing her heart with every glance.

One week later while leaving the cathedral I saw Lady riding on a beautiful coach pulled by a pure white stead which pranced with the grace of a pure Mustang. I couldn’t help but call to her as she passed by to inquire about the fine stead pulling the coach. Before I knew it she challenged me to take a ride in the country with her in exchange for a ride on my black stallion Shadow. Not to be outdone in front of my peers I accepted the offer.

Within the week we were off on a journey in her coach. Lady wished to visit the apple orchards in the province of Jackson. Since neither of us had ever actually traveled there we took the path that we knew passed by the orchards. While on this journey as Lady and I conversed it occurred to me that Lady was much younger in heart and mind than her age indicated. This intrigued me and further endeared her to my heart. As we progressed in our journey the twin towers of the holly woods loomed upon the horizon. At that point Lady and I had to agree that we had apparently missed the entrance to the orchards long ago. Such is the hazards of traveling with such a charming companion.

Lady suggested that we forget about the orchards today and take a detour to the golden pond of Gunter village and obtain sustenance there for it was reported to have the best inn in the realm.

Neither of us being hungry at the moment of arrival, we decided to sit along the bank of the golden pond. Far into the pond we could see a strange looking man swimming far from shore. Lady said: "Isn’t it strange for a man to be swimming so far from shore during this season.” And yes I did think it strange but I had seen many stranger things before. All of a sudden from an apparent ledge near the edge of the water appeared a most wondrous sight. It appeared to be a bare lady playing in the edge of the water. Lady and I were most shocked to see such an inappropriate sight. Lady blushed and I averted my eyes as the lady at the waters edge bobbed up and down in and out of our view. Just as we were about to depart out of modesty the man swam toward shore. The lady on shore dove into the water followed by two young boys. Or so it seemed. As we saw them swim away Lady noticed that they appeared to have no legs. Further observation revealed that they had fins instead of legs.

What a marvelous sight!!! We had often heard the legend of Mermaids but to actually see Freshwater Mermaids was especially rare. Needless to say the conversation over the meal and the journey home was especially special.

Arriving near Lady’s home she inquired if I would be so kind as to detour to the local blacksmith’s house because her elderly father was receiving leach treatments for a severe illness. Upon our arrival we approached the cot where her father was resting. After cordial greetings Lady’s father drew me near to him and asked of my intentions with the Lady because he knew that Lady was of young heart and mind and could be easily decieved by smooth talking men. I reassured him that I was a man of honor and was wise enough to not take advantage of his daughter. He made me swear on pain of the sword that I would not disgrace his daughter.

Taking our leave we arrived at Lady’s abode where I gathered up my stead and bid my lady: “Good-bye My Lady until we meet again.”

TWEETY BIRD (you know who you are)

You have a Shotgun problem. You just can't seem to flitter over to the shooting range. I have two solutions to your problem.

1. Be in full combat gear by 1030 every weekday and be ready to respond to the call for action.

2. Schedule combat action with Rubber Ducky.

Rubber Ducky will protect you from the "Bad O Putty Tat" (bring backup if necessary).

Good-bye, My Lady - Prologue

Good-bye My Lady by James Street is a book that I read in high school but never forgot. It is your basic story about a country boy who finds a stray dog. He takes in the dog and they become best buddies and are essentially unseperatable. All is right with the world but there has to be a twist in every story. During a trip to town the boy discovers that his dog actually has a previous owner who is offering a reward for the dogs return. Tormented with the prospect of loosing the dog he wrestles with himself over being selfish and keeping the dog or doing the right thing and giving the dog back to its rightful owner. In the end he returns the dog and collects the reward, which he uses to buy his grandfather a new set of false teeth which he had been needing but couldn’t afford.

In some ways life can be like this story. With people and things coming and going within our lives we have to make choices either to hang on or let go. Sometimes it is in our control and sometimes not. The tale I am about to tell is about a lady. A rare lady of virtue, love, patience, and long suffering. We will just call her Lady.

COMMENT CORNER

Lisa 1: See comment in "Message From Lisa" post.

Billy: First let me say that I love your "BillycTV" site. It is an inspiration to me. Now for business. At the end of my post page is the playlist gadget from playlist.com. By hitting the "Create Your Free Playlist" button on the gadget you will be taken to the playlist.com site (temporarily down right now for maintenance). Once you set up an account, select your songs by title or band, and use the create code feature then you can copy the created code to a "HTML/JAVA Script" gadget on your page. Like magic it is there. When the songs on your playlist is changed on playlist.com it is also changed on your post site automatically.

THANKS SIS: That means a lot coming from you. Love you and see you soon.

All: Check out "HAYDEN EPISODE I" at the end of my post page. Grandson No. 1 birth. You need to pause the playlist song from playing for maximum enjoyment. Also keep the comments coming. They make the blog exciting.

COME SAIL AWAY

I'm sailing away
Set an open course for the virgin sea
I've got to be free
Free to face a life that is ahead of me
On board, I'm the captain
So climb aboard
We'll search for tomorrow
On every shore
And I'll try, Oh Lord, I'll try
To carry on


I look to the sea
Reflections in the waves spark my memory
Some happy
Some sad
I think of childhood friends And the dreams we had
We live happily forever
So the story goes
But somehow we missed out
On the pot of gold
But we try
Best as we can
To carry on


Excerpt: Come Sail Away by Styx, Written and sung by Dennis Deyoung


Ever had a time in your life where you felt like you were just drifting at sea? Going but not really going. Doing but not really doing anything significant. I think we all have at one time or another.

Are we guilty pulling along side people in their ships and just waiving as they pass instead of lending a helping hand when we see their distress signal or just guiding them to fair winds to help advance their travels. What about meeting them in port and exchanging good food, drink, and conversation to lift their spirits before setting off on their next journey.

Using our experiences (whatever they are) to build friendships, restore crushed self respect, or just helping others is the true "Spice of Life".

Everything we do is null and void (inner emptiness) if we attempt to hurt people, hold them down, or hold them back from being the best they can be. The Bible says to "Love Your Enemies" and "Do Good To Those Who Abuse You". If we can do that for our enemies then we should be able to do even better for our friends and acquaintances. Even if you don't believe in the Bible or the "GOD" that I know than you should respect the value of every human life (even the unborn).

People ask me why I do sacrificial things for my friends on occasion. It is not because I am being manipulated by skilled con-artist. It does have everything to do with helping needy or hurting people whenever, wherever, and however I can out of my own free will.

A southern saying goes: "There Ain't No Free Lunch". That is true. Someone always has to pay the tab, you just can't see who.

I only help people who demonstrate a "Can Do, Will Do, or Have Done All I Can" attitude. Responsibility for oneself is vitally important to me. The "Entitlement Crowd" gets nothing from me because they are not willing to pay for lunch every once in a while like the rest of us. I act upon the "If You Don't Work Than You Don't Eat" principle.

If you feel like an empty ship on the sea not doing anything significant or going anywhere than you should just throw a lifeline to someone who is swimming outside your boat as hard as they can and still can't stay afloat. Throw the line, take them aboard, feed them to renew their strength, and make them one of your crew.

Remember it is easier sailing along in this world with an abled body crew than to sail alone.

COMMENT CORNER

Mitch: I ride my bike as much as possible. Last month I put over 1000 miles on it which is typical in the spring, summer, and fall. I enjoy riding single, double (women only), and in groups. I will be posting tales in the future about the "Shadow Warriors" which is my main biking group. So far my longest trip has been 450 miles one way (continuous) but trips of up to 200 miles are common for the weekends.

Lisa: I have many women friends in my life whose identities will not be divulged as specified in my page introduction (protect the guilty). I do not need or want to be rescued from any of my friends. I choose my friends and I choose who I associate with so don't claim me for yourself too soon. I am not for sale or on the auction block. But thamks for your interest.