Wow, It's almost here. That day, the day I turn 55. who woulda thunk it? There are friends of mine from way back who woulda given good odds I'd never make it. Seems I was always doing something to make sure I didn't. But then in those days we were young and bullet proof.
As I look back over the past 54 plus years, I wonder if everybody is having the same thoughts I am. Where the heck did it go? Don't get me wrong, this isn't some geezer ruminating over a misspent life. People, I had fun! I have something only God Himself can take from me; I have memories!
Seems people are talking about their "to-do or bucket" lists. You know, if you've waited till now to start living; I don't care how successfull you are, you've shortchanged yourself.
So, Instead of telling what I'm going to do before I die, I'm going to tell you a little of what I've done to live.
I grew up in a small town.
I learned a lot from living in a house full of females.
I made friends that I have to this day.
I got my first kiss.
I fell in love for the first time.
I learned that hay barns aren't just for storing hay.
I got my heart broken for the first time.
I got to play Texas high school football.
I got my first pickup.
I got my first ticket.
I rode in my first rodeo.
I learned that beer is good.
I learned that golf is not an easy game.
I saw a lot of the world from the deck of a Destroyer.
I made friends in the Navy that I have to this day.
I rodeoed and made more friends.
I went fishing with my brothers.
I fell in love again.
I helped raise three daughters who mean the world to me.
I've made friends from all over the country.
I've seen parts of Texas that some people will never get to see.
I've been down the Guadalupe River with friends and family.
I've stood beore the Alamo and said thank you to the men who died there.
I fell in love for the last time.
I've seen the sun set over the Grand Canyon.
I stood In John Wayne's footprints.
I've danced with my wife at Gruene Hall.
I've taken my grandkids to town for a coke.
I've had me two of the best dogs a man could ever hope to have.
I've seen things and met people that have impacted my life in ways only I can know.
You see, I haven't done a lot of grand things, I just add up all the little ones to get the sum total. I learned doing all those things that though life isn't fair, it will let ya take out of it what you put into it. And I for one, would much rather have my moments and memories, than to regret anything I haven't done or didn't get to do.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Ever Wonder?
Did y'all ever wonder.....
why Superman will let bad guys shoot him, yet duck when they throw the gun at him?
why some people are against the death penalty but pro-abortion?
why at some stores when something is on sale 2 for a $1.00 they won't sell you one for $.50?
why eighteen year old adults can die for their country but can't buy a six pack of beer?
why the President and Congress won't be using the health-care they are trying to ram down out throats?
why our President will bow to foreign leaders but not show respect to our flag?
why ethnic groups are allowed to celebrate their culture, yet I have to be ashamed of having Confederate ancestors?
why people believe you when you say there are four billion stars but have to check when you say the paint is still wet?
why people will do the same thing over and over hoping for a different result?
why in the old DC Comics, nobody ever just shot Batman?
why politicians say they want to "empower the people" when they are in office
by the "consent of the governed"?
why the government doesn't think we are smart enough to manage our lives?
why the President thought there were 57 states in the US when there are 57 Muslim states?
why some people after completing something once without completely screwing it up, consider themselves experts?
why there are 10 weiners in a pack but only eight buns?
why "he's nuts" isn't an accepatable medical term?
why some women won't wear mink but will wear leather shoes? Explain that one to the cow.
and, why some people just don't get it.
why Superman will let bad guys shoot him, yet duck when they throw the gun at him?
why some people are against the death penalty but pro-abortion?
why at some stores when something is on sale 2 for a $1.00 they won't sell you one for $.50?
why eighteen year old adults can die for their country but can't buy a six pack of beer?
why the President and Congress won't be using the health-care they are trying to ram down out throats?
why our President will bow to foreign leaders but not show respect to our flag?
why ethnic groups are allowed to celebrate their culture, yet I have to be ashamed of having Confederate ancestors?
why people believe you when you say there are four billion stars but have to check when you say the paint is still wet?
why people will do the same thing over and over hoping for a different result?
why in the old DC Comics, nobody ever just shot Batman?
why politicians say they want to "empower the people" when they are in office
by the "consent of the governed"?
why the government doesn't think we are smart enough to manage our lives?
why the President thought there were 57 states in the US when there are 57 Muslim states?
why some people after completing something once without completely screwing it up, consider themselves experts?
why there are 10 weiners in a pack but only eight buns?
why "he's nuts" isn't an accepatable medical term?
why some women won't wear mink but will wear leather shoes? Explain that one to the cow.
and, why some people just don't get it.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Random Thoughts From a Very Non-Linear Mind
Did you ever wonder what can go through a person's head at one thirty in the morning?
Here's a sample:
I think Football should be played in the open.
I think Texas style BBQ is the best.
I think the Designated Hitter should be done away with.
I think people who don't own guns should have to pay an extra tax.
I think the US should annex Mexico. Where would they go then? Canada?
I think a prayer before gametime is perfectly acceptable.
I think the death penalty works.
I think .45 ammo is cheaper than 9mm because you only have to shoot them once.
I think the President is a post turtle.
I think Congress has no clue.
I think Lonesome Dove is the best movie ever made, period.
I think Reagan was the greatest President since Washington.
I think some people are alive today only because it's illegal to kill them.
I think a high school football game is a great way to spend a Friday Night.
I think the country is now ready for a woman president.
I think Dixie is a perfectly acceptable song.
I think a green chile cheeseburger is Nature's perfect food.
I think pro sports seasons are too long.
I think Ford makes a better truck than GM or Dodge.
I think Coke is better that Pepsi.
I think the "Green Movement" means more government control.
I think John Wayne should replace Roosevelt on Mount Rushmore.
I think New England should be consolidated into one state.
I think the Federalist Papers should be required reading in high schools.
I think calling something "gay" is gay.
I think a lot of kids are over-medicated and under-disciplined.
I think "Politically Corrrect" is synonymous for "No Guts".
I think each school day should start with the Pledge of Allegience.
I think I choose life over abortion because my mother did.
Here's a sample:
I think Football should be played in the open.
I think Texas style BBQ is the best.
I think the Designated Hitter should be done away with.
I think people who don't own guns should have to pay an extra tax.
I think the US should annex Mexico. Where would they go then? Canada?
I think a prayer before gametime is perfectly acceptable.
I think the death penalty works.
I think .45 ammo is cheaper than 9mm because you only have to shoot them once.
I think the President is a post turtle.
I think Congress has no clue.
I think Lonesome Dove is the best movie ever made, period.
I think Reagan was the greatest President since Washington.
I think some people are alive today only because it's illegal to kill them.
I think a high school football game is a great way to spend a Friday Night.
I think the country is now ready for a woman president.
I think Dixie is a perfectly acceptable song.
I think a green chile cheeseburger is Nature's perfect food.
I think pro sports seasons are too long.
I think Ford makes a better truck than GM or Dodge.
I think Coke is better that Pepsi.
I think the "Green Movement" means more government control.
I think John Wayne should replace Roosevelt on Mount Rushmore.
I think New England should be consolidated into one state.
I think the Federalist Papers should be required reading in high schools.
I think calling something "gay" is gay.
I think a lot of kids are over-medicated and under-disciplined.
I think "Politically Corrrect" is synonymous for "No Guts".
I think each school day should start with the Pledge of Allegience.
I think I choose life over abortion because my mother did.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Stirrin' Somethin' Up
It has recently come to my attention that several of my wife's friends told her that their husbands can't cook. I say noooooo, anybody can cook, you just have to know a few basic things and anyone can turn out a nice meal with a minimum of experience and effort.
So, for all the women who want their men to be able to cook something besides their favorite Spaghetti recipe(we all have one), I am going to give a few pointers and give you my world famous(sorta) Pasta Alfredo.
Please note I said pasta, because any pasta will work on this simple recipe. And guys, let me tell you something, you make this for that lady in your life and she will think you are one special kind of man. You see, several studies have shown that women think one of the sexiest traits a man can have is being able to cook well.
Okay, here's what you need to make this:
8-12oz Dried pasta
Cracked black pepper
1 stick salted butter
2 lemons
Parmesan Cheese*
Olive Oil
Salt
Water
This a real simple dish and can be served as a main course or as a side dish. For a main dish I recommend something like a spaghetti, linguine or a fettucine. It looks good on the plate. Okay here we go.
Take a large size pot and fill about 2/3 full with water and bring to rolling boil.
While water is heating, add 2Tbsp of olive oil and 1tsp salt. this is important as it will give pasta a little flavor and aid in the cooking process. Juice one of the lemons into the pasta water, then slice used lemon and add to water. Add 1 Tbsp of cracked pepper to water.
When water comes to rolling boil, add pasta slowly and carefully. Maintain a good boil on the water and make sure the pasta doesn't cook together. Work the pasta to make sure its all seperated.
While pasta is cooking, finely grate Parmesan Cheese. Men, this is important, do not use the dried paremsan you put on spaghetti. It won't work. Some grocery stores have the preshredded parmesan, it will work fine. Look in the cheese section and you should find it. Then soften the stick of butter in microwave. DO NOT heat to long or it will seperate. just soften it enough so the heat from the pasta will melt it.
when the pasta is done to al dente (when you test bite it there should be a slight amount of resistance to the teeth) drain well, remove the lemon slices and drizzle a small amount of olive oil into pot and return pasta to pot. Add softened butter and toss pasta until well coated. Then, transfer pasta to a large bowl, add cracked pepper to taste and 2/3 grated cheese. Toss well and top with remaining cheese. This can be as cheesy as you like it. Let stand a moment or two and serve. Slice the remaining lemon into wedges and serve on the side to to squeeze over dish. It's just that simple.
Now then serving suggestions and variations.
If you want, you can add some bonless chicken chunks, or even some precooked shrimp to the pasta before adding the cheese. just add when returning pasta back to pot and the heat from pasta will heat the shrimp or chicken.
I would suggest serving this with a hearts of romaine salad(sold in bags at store)
and a nice crusty hot bread.
This meal's prep and cooking time is under one half hour. I told you it was simple and I promise you they will love it. This makes a great way to start an evening with that special lady you want to impress or just to thank her for all she has done for you.
One last thing, you made a lot of points tonight, don't lose them by making her clean up. That, men, is a certified deal-braker if you catch my drift.
So, for all the women who want their men to be able to cook something besides their favorite Spaghetti recipe(we all have one), I am going to give a few pointers and give you my world famous(sorta) Pasta Alfredo.
Please note I said pasta, because any pasta will work on this simple recipe. And guys, let me tell you something, you make this for that lady in your life and she will think you are one special kind of man. You see, several studies have shown that women think one of the sexiest traits a man can have is being able to cook well.
Okay, here's what you need to make this:
8-12oz Dried pasta
Cracked black pepper
1 stick salted butter
2 lemons
Parmesan Cheese*
Olive Oil
Salt
Water
This a real simple dish and can be served as a main course or as a side dish. For a main dish I recommend something like a spaghetti, linguine or a fettucine. It looks good on the plate. Okay here we go.
Take a large size pot and fill about 2/3 full with water and bring to rolling boil.
While water is heating, add 2Tbsp of olive oil and 1tsp salt. this is important as it will give pasta a little flavor and aid in the cooking process. Juice one of the lemons into the pasta water, then slice used lemon and add to water. Add 1 Tbsp of cracked pepper to water.
When water comes to rolling boil, add pasta slowly and carefully. Maintain a good boil on the water and make sure the pasta doesn't cook together. Work the pasta to make sure its all seperated.
While pasta is cooking, finely grate Parmesan Cheese. Men, this is important, do not use the dried paremsan you put on spaghetti. It won't work. Some grocery stores have the preshredded parmesan, it will work fine. Look in the cheese section and you should find it. Then soften the stick of butter in microwave. DO NOT heat to long or it will seperate. just soften it enough so the heat from the pasta will melt it.
when the pasta is done to al dente (when you test bite it there should be a slight amount of resistance to the teeth) drain well, remove the lemon slices and drizzle a small amount of olive oil into pot and return pasta to pot. Add softened butter and toss pasta until well coated. Then, transfer pasta to a large bowl, add cracked pepper to taste and 2/3 grated cheese. Toss well and top with remaining cheese. This can be as cheesy as you like it. Let stand a moment or two and serve. Slice the remaining lemon into wedges and serve on the side to to squeeze over dish. It's just that simple.
Now then serving suggestions and variations.
If you want, you can add some bonless chicken chunks, or even some precooked shrimp to the pasta before adding the cheese. just add when returning pasta back to pot and the heat from pasta will heat the shrimp or chicken.
I would suggest serving this with a hearts of romaine salad(sold in bags at store)
and a nice crusty hot bread.
This meal's prep and cooking time is under one half hour. I told you it was simple and I promise you they will love it. This makes a great way to start an evening with that special lady you want to impress or just to thank her for all she has done for you.
One last thing, you made a lot of points tonight, don't lose them by making her clean up. That, men, is a certified deal-braker if you catch my drift.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Jake
I would like all y'all to meet my podnah, Jake. Jake is an Australian Sheperd, also known as an "Aussie". Those of you that are familiar with Aussies, know that they are smart, loyal and friendly. But how smart is something we learn after we acquire one.
Jake was a rescue dog. We found him in a shelter while he was being treated for Heartworm. One look at him and I knew right then that I had found my dog. Convincing the wife took a little longer. About five minutes longer. See, Jake, along with all the aforementioned qualities, is a master at flirting. He has a talent for it. I have seen him work some gal right out of her car at the Sonic and have her come over to pet him.
But what makes this so interesting is that Jake don't bark. We have tried an tried to get him to with treats, but he will just drop a drool rope if you tantalize him too much, so we quit trying.
Well, back to what I was talking about. Jake loves women and blondes in particular. You say the word blonde while we're in the truck, his ears prick up he cranes his neck and goes to looking. And when he spots her, he sticks his head out and begins to smile that "Hey Darlin', how'd ya like to pet me" smile. I have seen him draw women out of stores to pet him and he eats it up. But, he's ever the gentleman, he never jumps up to meet them and he keep his nose where its supposed to be if you get my drift. And dont think he doesn't know what he's doing. When we go to town for any reason, he has to have a bandana on in order finish the look. And, once he has one on, he will check his reflection any way he can from using a mirror to his reflection in the storm door. He likes the triangle a little offset on front and will move his head around to check to make sure it's just right. Gotta look good for the ladies right?
So, all you ladies out there be watching on FaceBook in the near future for the "Fans of Jake". We will be posting pictures of him with his favorite people(women) and maybe a video or two of him in action. Most non-dog people won't have a clue about what I'm saying here and for that I feel sad for them. For all y'all dog lovers, I think you know where I'm coming from.
I Don't Need a Leader
I don’t need some one to lead me for I am not a follower. I want some one to stand up and say who will go with me? Ever hear of Ben Milam, folks? Old Ben is not well known outside of Texas and sadly, probably not well remembered in Texas either.
In the early days of Texas’ struggle with Mexico, politicians were doing as politicians do today, posturing, dealing, and trying to find advantages that could be exploited. The army, such as it was in only the broadest stretch of the term, was merely a group of volunteers trying to make heads or tails out the whole thing. There had been a few scrapes, hardly battles, and no one seemed to know what to do next.
So, finally as the leaders argued and the volunteers dwindled and went back home, Ben Milam stood up and said, “Who will go with Old Ben?” Then he took up his rifle and went to into San Antonio de Bexar with is men, not leading them and took the city from the Mexican garrison. It took nearly a week of bloody house to house fighting, but in the end, Bexar was in Texan hands and Old Ben was dead.
My point is that we don’t leaders. We don’t need or want a messiah posturing, posing in rolled up sleeves pretending to be of the people. Folks, I’m talking about both sides of the aisle here, Democrat or Republican; Liberal or Conservative, they have either forgotten us or don’t care anymore. I’m so sick of people saying “Follow Me! I know the Way!” I want some one to just get up and go and let me decide for myself if I want to go with him/her. Our country is overrun with self-serving aggrandizing “leaders” (in their minds not mine) that posture, make claims both true and half-true. Some are even outright liars and make no bones about it. Either they think we’re sheep or they just don’t care. I can’t stand either stupidity or condescension in a person of power and now they seem to be crossbreeding to combine both traits in one.
Where is that person, who when needed most, will just stand up and go? When he does, how many of will go with that person? I’m pretty sure I will.
In the early days of Texas’ struggle with Mexico, politicians were doing as politicians do today, posturing, dealing, and trying to find advantages that could be exploited. The army, such as it was in only the broadest stretch of the term, was merely a group of volunteers trying to make heads or tails out the whole thing. There had been a few scrapes, hardly battles, and no one seemed to know what to do next.
So, finally as the leaders argued and the volunteers dwindled and went back home, Ben Milam stood up and said, “Who will go with Old Ben?” Then he took up his rifle and went to into San Antonio de Bexar with is men, not leading them and took the city from the Mexican garrison. It took nearly a week of bloody house to house fighting, but in the end, Bexar was in Texan hands and Old Ben was dead.
My point is that we don’t leaders. We don’t need or want a messiah posturing, posing in rolled up sleeves pretending to be of the people. Folks, I’m talking about both sides of the aisle here, Democrat or Republican; Liberal or Conservative, they have either forgotten us or don’t care anymore. I’m so sick of people saying “Follow Me! I know the Way!” I want some one to just get up and go and let me decide for myself if I want to go with him/her. Our country is overrun with self-serving aggrandizing “leaders” (in their minds not mine) that posture, make claims both true and half-true. Some are even outright liars and make no bones about it. Either they think we’re sheep or they just don’t care. I can’t stand either stupidity or condescension in a person of power and now they seem to be crossbreeding to combine both traits in one.
Where is that person, who when needed most, will just stand up and go? When he does, how many of will go with that person? I’m pretty sure I will.
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