STORMY WEATHER
30/04/05 09:30 PM
"Don't know why, there's no sun up in the sky, stormy weather, since my gal and I ain't together, keeps raining all the time, the time. Keeps raining all the time." Remember that old song?
Well, I woke up this morning before 0700 and said to myself, "Rain before 7, quits before 11." That's what the old adage says, but don't believe it. It's been raining all day, into the night. I'm ready to build an Arc.
I did my Saturday routine for 2 hours and 15 minutes. I won't bore you with the details but when I returned home, I called to Frisco as I came through the door, "Don't pay the ransom Honey, I escaped."
"I was about to send out a posse for you", she answered.
She was anxiously awaiting my return, as she was getting hungry and if I didn't show up soon, I would have to fend for myself. Good thing I got back when I did, as I am not to hot at fixing anything. As it was she prepared a nice tuna fish salad sandwich for me.
I sat down and worked on the computer for a short while on some additional names that had to be added to our list of WWII veterans that will be engraved on our War Memorial. A woman called on the phone, and asked if I remembered her. She said she use to work at a local Real Estate Company and I sold office supplies to them.
I inquired, "What's your first name again?"
"Cookie" she answered.
"Oh, yea, I remember you, how have you been?' I said.
"Great," she replied
"What can I do for you, Cookie?"
She told me that she went to the library to check if her 3 brothers names were on the list of World War II veterans that was going to have their names on the memorial. She said that they were, but she would like to have their middle initials added to them.
I told her that it was no problem, I would be more than glad to make the change. I also mentioned, off handedly, that the cost of this project is big, and we're hoping that the families of those whose names are going on it, will see fit to send us a donation to help the cause.
She mentioned that she, and her sister, will both send in a donation honoring 2 of their brothers, and she would get her sister-law to give a donation in honor of her husband, who's the 3rd brother.
"That's great," I told her, "We sure will appreciate it."
As I have said so many times, people will respond if the cause is a worthy one.
After she hung up I called all the members of our committee, and informed them that I am holding a meeting tomorrow afternoon at 1300 hours. It has been 2 weeks since we last met and I don't want to call a meeting next Sunday, as it's Mothers Day. I want to keep them focused on the project, and also inform them what has transpired since our last meeting.
When I finished calling everyone, Frisco put on a movie on our DVD entitled, "Gettysburg". It's a 4 hour movie, we managed to watch 2 hours of it and then we had to "pause" it, so that we could go to church. After church I took her to dinner, and then we came home and watched the end of he movie.
That's when I realized that I hadn't wrote a line on my web site. So here I am singing the blues.
"Can't go on, everything I have is gone, stormy weather, since my gal and I ain't together, keeps raining all the time."
"Since she went away, the blues walked in and got me. Since she went away, old rock'en chairs got me. All I do is pray, the Lord above will let me walk in the sun once more. I can't go on, everything I have is gone, stormy weather, since my gal and I ain't together, keeps raining all the time."
Is everyone following the bouncing ball??
The time is now 2130, and my bride wants to know if I am through singing. I guess she's hinting that it's her turn at the computer. If she don't get her solitaire time in, she may go into withdrawal .
It's been nice spending time with all of you. Please don't be concerned about me, I have a full sea bag.
Bye for now - God Bless all, Pray for Peace, and Keep the Faith. -- Sailor Jack
DADDY'S LITTLE GIRL
29/04/05 08:52 PM
Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Lorraine, happy birthday to you. Although a few years have passed by in your lifetime, you are still Daddy's little girl. God Bless you sweetheart, I love you.
Lorraine, my daughter, is the oldest of the 3 girls my wife, Frisco and I have had the joy and pleasure of raising. I won't say how old she is, for fearing she might prefer to keep that a secret. She is 2 years younger than Commander Dave. So figure it out, you will be close.
My day commenced at 0800 hours this morning. On the days I go to the "Y", all I get is a small bowl of cereal, along with a hard boiled egg for my breakfast. I prefer it that way, as I don't care to have too much food before I begin my exercise routine. I spent an hour and fifteen minutes at the "Y", and another hour and a half strolling the decks over at the local Wal Mart.
I managed to get in a total 2 hours and 45 minutes of exercise. Good strenuous exercise. I increased my bike ride by an additional 5 minutes. That fool computer, on the bike, said I had traveled 16.5 miles, and burnt up 606 calories in 35 minutes. I did my usual leg curls on 2 different machines, and also worked on my abdominal muscles using 2 different devices. At this moment my legs feel weary, but I have that inner feeling of satisfaction.
On Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, I get a pretty good breakfast. The bride treats me to a hearty meal of just about anything I wish to order. I still exercise on those days, but all I do is walk. I may walk 2, to 2 and a half hours, all depends on how I feel. I sure wish my legs were sturdy enough to allow me to march in our Memorial Day Parade. But as luck would have it, I still walk like a drunken sailor -- and I have not had a beer in over 7 years. I don't even get to smell the empty wine bottle anymore - or the bar rag for that matter.
I was a terror in my younger days. If I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself. But like everybody else, I learned the hard way. Life just isn't that simple. You would think it would be, but it's not. You learn as you go, and by the time you reach my age you're finally smart enough to use the common sense, the Good Lord instilled in all of us.
Some people will always take the most difficult road to solving a problem. They look for problems where there is no problem. They are not happy with a simple, common sense solution. They have to complicate the solution. To each his own - I like the KISS method, Keep It Simple, Stupid!
Friday night -- tonight's the night I take my lovely bride out for our weekly fish dinner. We will be going over to the local diner that just reopened the first part of the month. It had been closed for over a year, and we really enjoyed going there. The food was good, the prices reasonable, and the customers were very neighborly. The fellow who owned it, had a few other diners, and decided to close the one in our village.
One of the former waitress's bought the diner. She, and her husband, redecorated the inside, gave it a new name, "Anne Marie's Family Restaurant", and rehired several former employees. Everyone was happy to see it reopen. She seems to be doing real well.
Frisco and I go there maybe 2 or 3 times a week. Some days we go for lunch and other days we have our dinner there. As I mentioned the prices are very reasonable, the food is delicious, and their desserts are outstanding. Ask Frisco. I must not forget to mention that they offer a 10% Senior Citizen discount to all us old fuddy duddies. Not all restaurants do that.
I just mentioned to Frisco that we had better get over there early tonight, if we want to get our regular booth. Us old timers all seem to eat at the same time. For the past 2 weeks when we went there for diner we had to sit in the dining room in the back. All the booths were taken up. It seems everyone, that is, us oldies, like to eat at 1700 hours. The past 2 weeks we had to sit in the dining room. We'll make it there by 1630 tonight. I'll let you know if we are any luckier this week after we return home from dinner.
It is now 1740 hours and me darling and I have just returned from the diner. My plan didn't work, it was standing room only. I guess we're going to have to eat later in the evening, after all those old folks have their fill, and leave.
It didn't take long, though, before we had a booth. I like to sit in a booth as opposed to a dinning room, with table and chairs. Frisco had a Fish Sandwich special that included french fries, and cabbage salad. For dessert, she had bread pudding with a heap of whipped cream on top.
I ordered a bowl of New England Clam Chowder, a deep fried, fresh haddock dinner, with home fries and cottage cheese. The size of the fish was more than I could eat. I am not one for desserts, so I just politely waited for Fran to finish her pudding. The total cost of this fine dinner for two was $21.09, that included 4 cups of coffee. Not bad, not bad at all.
My nurse just reminded me that I had not taken my medications, so I'll call this a day.
Once again, to Lorraine, my darling daughter, Happy Birthday to Daddy's little girl.
God Bless all -- Keep the Faith -- Pray for Peace. -- Sailor Jack
MAKING MY DAY
28/04/05 09:45 PM
Had a good night's rest for a change, and I felt pretty good when I awoke this morning. Frisco had prepared a good breakfast for me. Two eggs, over easy, 3 small pancakes, and 3 slices of crispy bacon, with a steaming cup of hot coffee.
It brought to mind that old cowboy song: "To smell the bacon frying, as it sizzles in the pan. To hear the breakfast horn in the early morn, drinking coffee from a can. Just a reading, riding, roping - all a day long. Just a reading, riding, roping - singing a cowboy's song......." I forgot the rest of it. Oh, well, you get the drift of what I'm talking about. It was a great way to start the morning.
After perusing the morning paper, I headed off to Wal Mart to get my daily walk in. On the way home, I stopped off at the Town office's to have a chat with Lois. She informed me that we had received more donations, and that there was a note included in one of them. She thought I might like to have it.
I was very touched by the note. It read: "Jack Rogers column in Friday's Dispatch was great. Yes, we surely all owe so very much to each and every veteran that served, putting their lives on the line for all. Jack Rogers was, and is, a great example of the many. Thank you -- Sincerely,
/s/ Mrs John Debrucque"
Sort of makes it worth while, doesn't it?
I am still waiting to hear from the sculptor I mentioned a short time back. His two aunt's assure me that he will be contacting me soon. It's just that I am so thrilled at thinking of perhaps having this heavy burden taken off my shoulders, by having a professional sculptor show us the way. I'm sure that once we have a commitment from him, and I am able to publicly announce his involvement, donations will increase ten fold.
In the meantime, my job is to keep the committee focused on the project. Right now, fund raising is foremost in my mind. We must start getting ready to form teams to canvas shopping areas soliciting funds. We must also come up with various ideas for raising funds. I am going to call a meeting for this Sunday afternoon to get things moving.
Hopefully we will be able to break ground shortly after Memorial Day, and by that time I hope to have some definite idea as to whether or not we will be fortunate enough to hire this young sculptor I have been talking about.
How can people say they are bored with life? There are so many things to hitch your wagon to. There is no excuse for being bored. If you are looking for something to do, look about you. There are many projects and organizations that can, perhaps, use your particular talent. If not, start your own project, get involved! Have people come to you! You'll be surprised how your spirits will be lifted. Activity is the name of the game. Start today to become more active.
I better get off my soap box. I have a tendency to spout off on my vast experiences. For whatever good they are. Then again, I just like to talk and try to make sense about life.
One thing I do know . I was put on this earth for a reason. Whatever reason it was, I don't know. Maybe it has come and gone, then again maybe, just maybe, I might be on my last hurrah. Whatever the case, I'll give it my best. That's all anyone can ask in life. Do your very best.
Time to close the curtain on this chapter of a day in the life of Sailor Jack.
Keep the Faith, good friends, God Bless, Pray for Peace. -- Sailor Jack
THE GOLDEN YEARS
27/04/05 08:37 PM
It's raining, it's cold - blah - it's typical CNY weather. Nothing much going on today. I came home from my daily AM routine at 1200 hours, picked up Frisco at the Legion home, where she had her group of quilters meeting. She prepared a chicken salad sandwich for me, and I sat down and played a little solitaire on the computer until I couldn't hold my eyes open any longer. That was around 1430 hours. Frisco was entertaining one of her quilter friends that arrived about 3 hours late for the commencement of their meeting.
She called Fran to see if she missed anything important, and Frisco, being the kind soul she is, invited her to stop by to bring her up to date. The soap opera's were on, as my bride enjoys watching them. When I laid down to take my nap, "The Young and Restless" was about to end. I fell asleep and slept for an hour. Woke up, got a glass of water and the lady friend was still here. I threw my pillow to the other end of the couch and shifted my napping position.
I fell back to sleep and slept another hour. When I awoke this time, her friend had departed and the house was quiet. It was now 1630 hours, Frisco was entertaining herself in her quilt room. I was cold, so I grabbed my Navy comforter, that the kids gave to me, cuddled up on the couch once more.
I had the strangest dream this trip. I dreamt that I was asleep on the couch, and "Stephanie" the good looking gray haired woman, on "The Young and Restless" told me to sit up. I did as she told me. She sat down beside me, and placed my head on her shoulder, and began petting me on my head. I was so comfortable, when my bride called out, "Supper is on the table. Come and get it." It was now 1700 hours, she awoke me from a beautiful dream.
My body must have been really tried. Maybe it's the weather, I don't know. After dinner I started to play solitaire again but I got chilled to the bone. I grabbed a sweater and put it on. I feel much more comfortable now. I then opened my web log and began typing all this gibberish, or whatever it is that I am talking about. It don't take much to amuse me.
On Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's I really get a work out for a guy in his late, late 70s. Over two and a half hours of strenuous exercise. I sure hope that it pays off. I'll know the latter part of May when I go to see my health provider at the VA. I am following her orders to a "T". Only time will tell if it has been beneficial for me. I give myself a Navy "E" for my efforts.
The night before last I had a terrible evening sleeping. Both of my ankles froze up on me. My toes were pointing straight forward and I could not bring my ankles back to their normal position. The pain was terrible, and I called out for Fran to come to my aid. It took about 10 to 15 minutes for me to become mobile again. This is the second time it has occurred to me. The last time I mentioned it to my health provider, she scuffed it off as arthritis.
"You're not as young as you use to be, Jack," she told me, "these are the pains of growing old".
"Oh, I forgot, these are the 'Golden Years' I heard so much about," I answered.
She just smiled and said, "No, not quite, just arthritis."
I'm thankful I have a loving wife who gives me all the comfort I need. She understands my problems, treats them with tenderness and compassion, and is always at my side.
I may have told you this before, but it's worth repeating. Back in '95 when I had that dreaded, "flesh eating disease", she was at my bedside every day for 48 days. She would come to the hospital early in the morning, and leave just before sunset.
While I was there, I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. She remained at my side for 4 days and nights sleeping at the foot of my bed.
Through it all, thick and thin, she is always there for me.
Excuse me, I have a few tears running down my cheeks. Frisco Fran, my best friend, my soul mate, my wife. I love her so.
My mind is clocking out on me. I can't concentrate on any particular subject. Maybe my health provider is right, it's the aging process. I must be getting old.
Good night my good friends, God Bless, Pray for Peace, Keep the Faith. -- Sailor Jack
I REST MY CASE
26/04/05 09:32 PM
Ahoy mates, sorry for having missed you the past couple days. On Sunday we headed east to Saratoga Springs to enjoy a family get together at our daughter, Lorraine's home. Five of our children were there, and 7 of our grandchildren. We all showed up to celebrate our grandson, Rob's, birthday. He is so proud, he finally reached the 2 figure mark, he's 10 years old.
While we were there we finally got everyone to pick out the pictures they wanted from the proofs the photographer provided. Commander Dave has been patiently waiting for us to select them as he wants to place one order for everyone that wants a picture. At any rate he has the information he needs.
On Saturday afternoon I made a surprise visit to our American Legion Post Home, and had a short visit with the sculptor I mentioned that was interested in our War Memorial Project. He was attending a birthday party for his grandfather, who is in his 90's, so I didn't want to interrupt the festivities for any length of time.
He will be contacting me this week to set up an appointment, to discus the project. He was born in Oneida, NY, but was raised in Canastota. He informed me that he is interested in our project. He wants to do something for his "hometown". To me, he is a God send. This young man is a noted sculptor who has done some marvelous work, including the eagles, the stars, the wreaths and numerous other features on the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
As soon as I have positive confirmation that he is on board with us in our endeavor to memorialize our area's World War II veterans, I will announce to the world, that our project will be a top notch success.
As I have told you many times, Faith is what sustains me. It is a living particle embedded deep within me. Faith, once more, has answered my plea for help.
We're a small group of veterans, with no experience in monument building, taking on a monumental task.
Can we do it? Can it be accomplished? Can we raise $100,000 in donations?
There is but one way to do it. Through Faith. Faith in ourselves, and Faith in our community,
I asked Lois Brown, our Town Supervisor's secretary, to take on the responsibility of receiving donations for the project. She accepted the position as our treasurer, and little did we know that she, and her sister, were the answer to our main question. CAN IT BE DONE????
One day, out of the blue, she and her sister, Nancy Pulverenti, also a secretary in the Town offices, told me of their nephew who is a sculptor, and who worked on the National World War II Monument in Washington, D.C. They had a private viewing of the memorial for family members of those who contributed in the construction of that Memorial, and their nephew invited them to attend.
They informed him of our endeavors, and showed him the artist's drawing of our memorial. They were wondering if he would sculptor the Eagle that will adorn the top of our memorial. He was immediately interested, and indicated he would like to do something for his "hometown".
We are now anxiously awaiting an audience with him. He has already told me he has no objection if I invoke his good name in future press releases.
That alone will be a very valuable asset. People's eyes will be opened, they will want to hear more of what's going on. Believe me, donations will be increased. People will be saying, "This is first class stuff. We're getting our money's worth."
The input that we receive from this gentleman will be invaluable. We could never begin to pay a man of this caliber.
What would you call it? Call it what you want. I call it, a God send!!!
Two beautiful angels, that by coincidence work in the Town offices, who off handedly mentioned to me, that they have a nephew that's a sculptor. Thank you, Lord.
With that summation, Ladies and Gentlemen, I rest my case.
Good night - God Bless, Pray for Peace and above all, Keep the Faith. ---Sailor Jack