HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013 !!!

MAY YOU EXPERIENCE A SAFE, HAPPY AND BLESSED 2013 !!!!!

The Sad but True Account of a Doofus !!!!!!!!!

I have a mixture of sadness and laughter as I tell this true story.

Several years ago my Wash D.C./CA grandson was on a father/son Boy Scout Camping trip in VA. A senior scout was in charge and you will soon see why my son-in-law tabbed the senior scout a "Doofus."

This story starts with a scout honored tradition of naming each section or patrol of scouts. Since the camp out was only overnight the name selected would only have very temporary application. The senior scout said how about "Gangsta Bunnies"? The younger boys strongly objected and instead opted for a more manly name----Crusaders. The senior scout shot that down and said you are the "Gangsta Bunnies."

Next the senior scout accused the younger scouts of stealing his camping  gear. My son-in-law didn't indicate how the younger scouts discovered the senior scout had in fact intentionally hide his own gear so he could blame the younger scouts for stealing the gear. Finally he "found" his own gear.

Here this true story takes an even weirder turn. The senior scout starts a demonstration on how to start a fire and within a few seconds he sustains what my son-in-law describes as second or third degree burns and had to be rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. This was the last straw and the camp out was stopped and the younger scouts and dads returned to their homes.

My grandson quit the scouting program soon after this event. The term "Doofus" seems appropriate for this obviously ill prepared senior scout.

HAPPY 12-21-12 TO YOU TOO !!!!!!!!

THE REASON THE MYAN CALENDAR ENDED AT 12-21-12 IS SOMEONE FORGOT TO FLIP THE ROCK OVER !!!!!!

WHITE CHRISTMAS Best Version Ever---My Opinion

As a teenager in Indiana, I "discovered" this unique
"White Christmas" version by The Drifters. The computer age has added a cartoon to the vocals. I first heard the song on WLAC--Nashville, TN. I later heard it late at night on KOMA in OKC,OK. Yep. I could receive KOMA on one of the radios I built.

Check this out and pass it along! It's great!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddVZOK_9UUI

I am the biggest Do Wop fan in our county.

Glenn <><

INDIANA H.S. BASKETBALL HERO

Indiana H.S. Basketball Hero

He was a natural, really good
Everything an All-Stater should

Confidence chiseled on his face
Colleges followed him every place

A double sure winning shot bet
Three point shot---nothing but net

Sectional finals--fans they did shout
3...2...1 last shot--hit the rim--In & Out!

Glenn C. Peck <><

He Did Not Need To Knock

HE DID NOT NEED TO KNOCK


He did not need to knock
Nor I the front door unlock
He comes each year you know
When it's cold and maybe snow

He is big and very, very bright
Rises early and spends the night
His clothes adorned by shiny belt
He always reminds me of youth felt

Strength and honorable victory won
Manly sword no coward's hidden gun
Orion comes each winter you know
When it's cold and maybe snow 

Glenn C. Peck    December 2012

I could not say it better

IN DICKENS IMMORTAL "CHRISTMAS CAROL" TINY TIM SAYS MY CHRISTMAS GREETING TO ALL READERS OF THIS BLOG:

"God Bless Us Everyone!"


Glenn C. Peck <><

"Are The Good Times Really Over For Good?"

THE HAG----MERLE HAGGARD---- IS MY FAVORITE ALL TIME COUNTRY WESTERN SINGER
Follow this You Tube  link to hear the answer to Merle's question:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFHJ41ktt3Q 

Glenn <><

You Might Be From Oklahoma If You..........

YOU MIGHT BE FROM OKLAHOMA IF YOU.........

1. Have more deer hunting pictures in your cell phone than photos of your kids/grandkids

(Deer hunting is very big in OK. Kids and wives often join Dad to bring home a 10 pointer)

2. Believe Texas should be expelled from the UN

(Texas is almost a bad word in OK.)

3. Are certain Pretty Boy Floyd was seen by a relative

(He was a Robin Hood crook during the time of Bonnie and Clyde)

4. Start a petition to make Noodling an Olympic sport

(Noodling is catching catfish---big catfish with bare hands) 

5. Believe the long drought can only be broken by a 365 day State Fair

(It always seems to rain during the State Fair)

6. Think Okra should be the National Vegetable

(I can't stand boiled Okra--most Okies love it!)

7. Believe Will Rogers should be post-humously knighted by Queen Elizabeth

(Will is Oklahoma's most famous and best loved favorite son)

8. Know for sure the Gaint Catfish story at the Ten Killer Dam is 100 percent correct

(Short version---Leak in Dam. Divers went down to inspect. Resurfaced because the catfish were too large.)

9. Believe the hymn "Plant my feet on higher ground" is the State Song of Colorado

(Colorado with high mountains is a favorite vacation spot for Okies)

10. Think the the 3 "R's" stand for Rod, Reel and Rifle

(Okies love the the great outdoors)

Glenn C. Peck----------Adopted Okie Since May 28, 1986

Sullivan's Travels---Starring Joel McCrea

The plot is good......a Hollywood Director becomes a bum to understand the realities faced by the poor and destitute. His girlfriend thinks he has been killed as he passes out 1000 five dollar bills. He survives and loses his memory following a fight with a yard cop. Goes to prison and understands the injustice of the poor in prison

WHERE DID THAT WHITE BUS GO?

Toward the end of the White Star Bus Company, it made round trips from Madison to Cummins in Columbus. A Cummins worker drove the bus. It was a 1937 model, leaked every fluid put into it. A small snow fall would cause all kinds of zig zag driving. I wrote this as a tribute to the now out-of-business bus line:

Where Did That White Bus Go?

I was carrying a load of Liberty gates on a big order to fill       (NOTE 1)

My rig brakes failed coming down ice-covered Milton Hill      (NOTE 2)

I was praying hard, my heart was beating fifth gear fast

No doubt about it this was my end, the roll call at last

An old white bus mysteriously appeared in the front

Ice was flying and my runaway speed did slowly shunt

I pulled into a station and slowly stumbled from the truck

Crying, yet talking, I told the mechanic of my incredible luck

“Son, your were saved by the Phantom White Star Bus    (NOTE 3)

It happens so often nobody here makes any big fuss

Many years ago my ball team bus got stuck in the snow

Down Hanging Rock Hill an empty White Star Bus did go

The driver had seconds to decide if it was him or us

He saved the boys and flipped that old White Star Bus

We watched in horror as it cart wheeled over the side

We served as pall bearers in honor of his heroic ride

Folks say there were two miracles on that snowy night

Next day the police found no bus it was clean outta sight”  

Glenn C. Peck 12-23-10 (Dedicated to all White Star riders/drivers)

Note 1---The overwhelming number of Farm and Temp pens are made in Liberty, KY--My birth place

Note 2---This is on the Ky side of the Ohio River down a very steep hill

Note 3 ---Idea came from trucker song"Phantom 409"

I NEVER TOLD YOU THIS.............

During my PCHS days I saw two movies that continue to impact my life. No, I didn't see them in the Park or Ritz theathers in North Vernon. Ditto the Crump in Columbus. In fact, I do not remember the name of the theater. The theater was located in Covington, KY. Covington is just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati.

One of Dad's sisters lived in Covington for a while with here husband (the original Archie Bunker) and four boys and a girl. We would make an annual trip from Jennings County to visit our "city kinfolks." In fact, Cousin Albert and I walked to Crosley Field three times to see the Reds play baseball. I guess a round trip distance was 10-15 miles. When the Reds were not at Home playing on a Sunday, my three older cousins, my brother and I walked to a matinee showing at a theater which was about five blocks from the cousin's home. What follows is about two movies that are in my All-time Favorite Top Ten.


This Post is about those two very special movies: The Searchers, staring John Wayne and Moby Dick, staring Gregory Peck (no relation, I think).

Searchers has my all-time favorite musical score; (second is The Big Country, also staring Gregory Peck

"YOU KNOW OLD RIVERS DIED"---Walter Brennan

Seems like every day the truth of this song resonates in my heart with greater clarity. I've known a bunch of "Old Rivers"---still do. They were and are friends of mine.

Walter Brennan
Old Rivers lyrics

(Words and music by Crofford)

How old was I when I first seen old Rivers?
I can't remember when he weren't around
Well, that old fellow did a heap of work
Spent his whole life walking plowed ground.

He had a one-room shack not far from us
And well, we was about as poor as him
He had one old mule he called Midnight
And I'd trailed along after them.

He used to plow them rows straight and deep
And I'd come along near behind
A-bustin' up clods with my own bare feet
Old Rivers was a friend of mine.

That sun'd get high and that mule would work
Till old Rivers'd say, ''Whoa!''
He'd wipe his brow, lean back on the reins
And talk about a place he was gonna go.

Chorus:
He'd say, one of these days
I'm gonna climb that mountain
Walk up there amoung the clouds
Where the cotton's high
And the corn's a-growin'
And there ain't no fields to plow.

--- Instrumental ---

I got a letter today from the folks back home and
They're all fine and crops is dry
Down at the end my mama said, ''Son
You know old Rivers died.''

Just sittin' here now on this new-plowed earth
Trying to find me a little shade
With the sun beating down 'cross the field I see

That mule, old Rivers and me. 

HOUND OF HELL STILL ALIVE AND WELL!

I strongly suspect only a fraction of readers of this Post will have any clue as what I talking about. The cold hard facts of life is that Satan is real and alive and well.

In an earlier Post I spoke of the Hound of Hell being on my trail. This time he has brought the whole liter with him!

I ask for your prayers. This is serious stuff. Thanks.

""D.....MN, Your Dim Lights!!"

A fellow classmate was driving his car on the highway near the old Nixon's store. His passengers include three other Juniors, one of which was me.

An approaching car had its lights on High Beam. The driver, wanting to impress us said, "D....mn, your dim lights." We all had a big laugh because he meant to say, "Dim your D...mn lights!"

We kidded him many, many times thereafter.


Side Note:   I do not recall many times when boys would use bad language around girls during our high school days. Today, you hear girls using the same bad language as the boys. The easily overheard language today is loaded with "F Bombs" and crude references to body parts and sexual activity. References to past or future parties are frequent. Please, please understand this side note is in no way justifying the use of bad language by boys OR girls.

WELL, WHAT COULD I DO ???????????

           WELL, WHAT COULD I DO ???????

                Life is full of choices, more than just a few
                At the end of the day,surprise old and new 

                Critics gather like like ants to catch a view
                Speculation runs high as to what I might do

                It's getting very late; almost near curfew
                Choices,choices, what in the world to do

                It was an unpopular choice, made most blue
                My only defense, "Well, what could I do?" 

                                   ----Glenn C. Peck

TIME IN A BOTTLE ---Jim Croce

This song means more to me each year.

Songwriters: CROCE, JAMES

If I could save time in a bottle
The first thing that I'd like to do
Is to save every day
Till Eternity passes away
Just to spend them with you

If I could make days last forever
If words could make wishes come true
I'd save every day like a treasure and then,
Again, I would spend them with you

But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do
Once you find them
I've looked around enough to know
That you're the one I want to go
Through time with

If I had a box just for wishes
And dreams that had never come true
The box would be empty
Except for the memory
Of how they were answered by you

But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do
Once you find them
I've looked around enough to know
That you're the one I want to go
Through time with

SONG OF SUCCESS---Robert Service

Robert Service has captured in this short poem what all of us are feeling: Getting old is coming too fast and the pleasures and vigor of youth is gone, forever gone, He laments we have only memories and not much time.

I have said publicly I would give all the money I could find to be 17 years old again on a Friday night in Indiana playing basketball! A date with a pretty girl afterward would be as close to Heaven a guy can get without a funeral! 

A Song Of Success

Ho! we were strong, we were swift, we were brave.
Youth was a challenge, and Life was a fight.
All that was best in us gladly we gave,
Sprang from the rally, and leapt for the height.
Smiling is Love in a foam of Spring flowers:
Harden our hearts to him -- on let us press!
Oh, what a triumph and pride shall be ours!
See where it beacons, the star of success!

Cares seem to crowd on us -- so much to do;
New fields to conquer, and time's on the wing.
Grey hairs are showing, a wrinkle or two;
Somehow our footstep is losing its spring.
Pleasure's forsaken us, Love ceased to smile;
Youth has been funeralled; Age travels fast.
Sometimes we wonder: is it worth while?
There! we have gained to the summit at last.

Aye, we have triumphed! Now must we haste,
Revel in victory . . . why! what is wrong?
Life's choicest vintage is flat to the taste --
Are we too late? Have we laboured too long?
Wealth, power, fame we hold . . . ah! but the truth:
Would we not give this vain glory of ours
For one mad, glad year of glorious youth,
Life in the Springtide, and Love in the flowers. 

Robert William Service

ROBERT FROST REVISITED

Robert Frost can be called America's best known poet. I found an old paperback book of his poems in my boxes of stuff and discovered a very haunting and touching poem. It follows:

THE IMPULSE ----Robert Frost

It was too lonely for her there,
And too wild,
And since there were but two of them,
And no child,
And work was little in the house,
She was free,
And followed where he furrowed field,
Or felled tree.
She rested on a log and tossed
The fresh chips,
With a song only to herself
On her lips.
And once she went to break a bough
Of black alder.
She strayed so far she scarcely heard.
When he called her--
And didn't answer -- didn't speak --
Or return.
She stood, and then she ran and hid
In the fern.
He never found her, though he looked
Everywhere,
And he asked at her mother's house
Was she there.
Sudden and swift and light as that
The ties gave,
And he learned of finalities
Besides the grave.

LOVE IN THE AUTUMN YEARS

                LOVE IN THE AUTUMN YEARS  

Rush and Hush quietly surrender to Slow and Know

Hallway pictures brightly echo of love from long ago

Once whispered words now fill all rooms in the house

Today, all day, joy is celebrate with my loving spouse 

Our love is always work in progress, never completed

Each chapter our very own and never to be repeated       

------Glenn C. Peck            

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2012 !!!!!

In spite of the many challenges we face as a nation and as individuals, we are indeed most blest.

Statistically, we should have been born and reared in a nation with meager economic means. Statistically, we should have a much lower standard of living and life expectancy. Statistically, we should live in a country with much less freedom and opportunity. Statistically, we should live in a country with limited or no religious liberty.

But our all knowing, all powerful Heavenly Father chose by His Sovereign Grace and Mercy to place us outside statistics and permit us to enjoy the blessings of America.

Perhaps the words from the old hymn says it best: "Count your many blessings, name them one by one, count your many blessings and see what God has done." 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2012 !!!!!!!!!!

Legal Advice Sought On Possible Class Action Lawsuit !!!!

TRYING TO MAKE BAD NEWS WEAR A HAPPY FACE. (ADDED: THIS POST IS SOME OF MY DRY HUMOR. SORRY IF I GOT SOME FOLKS UPSET!!!  ) 

My brother, Gary, and I talk about every day. Today, after talking about our 97 year Dad, I mentioned watching Al Roker, Today Show, this morning standing in the wind, waves and storm caused by Hurricane Sandy. Al seemed to relish this perfect storm with so much potential for destruction. He may have been thinking about an Emmy award for dumbest weather report in history!!!!

Our discussion turned to the violent punishment dealt out while attending PCHS. I told Gary it did not bother me too much to see justice administered, but what did bother me was the fact the teachers seemed to enjoy beating down students. (To be fair--not all teachers acted like potential WWE stars!)  Gary remarked he did recall a silly smirk on one teacher's face as he beat a student to the floor. The teacher in question here allegedly experienced some post-teaching severe mental issues. No one will ever know if his classroom beatings had any connection to his own alleged bizzare and anti-social behavior. Please do not ask me any questions about this very regretable situation!

If you are reading this Post you probably know exactly what I am talking about.

Here's where I solicit your help. If you have a "slip and fall" , "ambulance chasing", "contingency only"lawyer in your family, please ask if there is a statute of limitations on teachers beating up students. I realize most of the teachers have crossed into eternity. So too have some of the victims. However, witnesses do remain and estates of deceased teachers involved in the beatings may be at risk, IF the statute of limitations has not run out. Compounding the problem is no physical proof remains. However, emotional trauma that has lasted a lifetime may have been caused. Also, the families of deceased beat down students deserve some sort of compensation. I strongly suspect the families of deceased beat down students have heard of the horrific and unrestrained justice that was frequently administered at PCHS!

   

We may have an opportunity to give a whole new meaning to a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT !!!!!!!!

Recent Letter Prinited in Shawnee News-Star

You may find the following interesting. It is MY opinion. I do feel very strongly about these issues.

October 24, 2012

Shawnee News-Star

Letters to the Editor:

My Thesaurus does not contain words that are strong enough to express my anger and disbelief over the recent revelation concerning the Benghazi timeline.

Allegedly, members of the US Intelligence Community, Pentagon, and the White House were aware of the seven hour battle that led to the death of our ambassador and three other U.S. citizens. Real time video, phone calls, and emails leave no doubt this was a well coordinated terrorist attack against the United States owned land, property and citizens at Benghazi. Also, allegedly, a U.S. drone was flying over the incident. Information about possible drone armaments has not been revealed in the public press. U.S. airpower resources were within an hour of Benghazi.

When the smoke cleared, four Americans were dead, the ambassador had been raped, (apparently the location of these four was provided by Libyan guards we had hired to protect our people and property) our embassy was ransacked, secret documents compromised, and American international prestige damaged—perhaps beyond repair.

Many, many other details are coming forth that clearly show that the immediate official response of a spontaneous riot over an internet video were not only wrong, but intentionally substituted for the truth.

As a U.S. citizen I ask at what terror threshold do we defend our people and property?  As a retired military member I ask what ever happened to “leave no one behind” doctrine? As grandfather of a soon to be 18 year old grandson what do I tell him about post high school military options?

This incident transcends the elections in November. It strikes at the heart of who we are as a nation and how important are American lives lost to terrorism. In case you have forgotten—this incident happened on September 11, 2012!

Glenn C. Peck

Shawnee 

More Lessons Learned On Recent Trip to Indiana

Sometimes a lot can be learned by looking at where you started. Our recent trip to Indiana reminded me again of how Blessed I have been in my life to know, love, and be loved, by some very special people.

If you are reading this Post, chances are very good you have played a significant role in my life. Please accept my heart felt thanks.

It is my sincere hope and prayer that you will continue to be a Blessing and be Blest in return.

JUST ONE MORE CAST !

     JUST ONE MORE CAST!

Fishing, like Life, always yearns for another cast
The Sun is rapidly setting---Daylight will not last

Promise of bigger things just seem a bit farther out
Next bend of the river is the prize catch no doubt

Since break of dawn through sunshine and rain
Fishing inoculates against all heartache and pain 

Fishing is different than a stringer of the dead
It's life with hopes, snags, no fear and no dread

I am hearing my name whispered from the shore
"Lord, I'm coming; please let me cast one more." 

                              ----Glenn C. Peck
                                    10-25-12
   

"Hey, it's good to be back home again." ---John Denver

This is a revision to the first Post by this title. The revision is being made at the request of one of our readers. While I stand by the first Post, I am changing the Post in the interest of domestic harmony!

ON OUR RECENT TRIP TO COLUMBUS AND NORTH VERNON SEVERAL PEOPLE ASKED WHY WE CAME FROM OKLAHOMA TO INDIANA? Here's my reply:

"We came to participate in the Five-Day International Mime Convention. After about five minutes the convention broke up because no one had any thing to say!!!!" We spent the rest of the time visiting friends and family.

Yes, I said that!

Quick snapshots of our brief stay in Hoosier Land:

1. Thanks for the calls and visits. Fifty plus years doesn't seem that long ago. Well, it does in the morning! Sorry to learn of the passing of some very dear friends.

2.Yes, I recall very well the Fall Hayrides at PCHS.  

3. Columbus: It has become New York City West. My wife loved it. I didn't. What's up with the design of the Wal-Mart store by I-65? The selection of East Coast items is huge. Just color me Country. I've seen all of the big cities in twenty years of USAF duty to last a lifetime.

4. Nashville, IN: Gatlinburg, TN with Birkenstock shoes. No provocative, sensual T-Shirts. Lots of artists just getting by in Nashville. Super money being made by others. One lot there recently sold for 3.5 million dollars. Bought two cases of apple butter. We give some as Christmas gifts.

Fall Foliage: Brown Co beats Vermont. I have seen them both in October. Grass in Oklahoma is more brown than green. The golf courses still have green grass. The well kept yards in Indiana are very beautiful. Hoosiers have always taken great pride in their yards.

5. North Vernon: Still a bedroom community for Seymour and Columbus. Very hard to get around when the high school lets out. Almost as many eating spots as people!

At 97, my Dad is like a Timex watch--Still ticking.


6.. Clean Cars: Most IN cars very clean. In OK dust and Red Dirt cover many. There are more pickup trucks in OK than cars. In Pottawatomie County we have more miles of gravel roads than paved roads.

7. Conclusion: Enjoyed the visits/call. Probably will not be back until that dreaded call comes.

              "Way down yonder in the Indian Nation
                I rode my pony on the reservation
                In those Oklahoma Hills where I belong
                The cowboy's life is my occupation
                In those Oklahoma Hills where I belong"

                      --- Country Singer Hank Thompson

A SIMPLE LIFE

  

           A Simple Life

At the end of the life's uncertain day
what will the people around you say?

He knew every joke, just loads of fun
just a Good 'Ol Boy, a real fine chum!

He could clear the bar, he loved to fight
but no one knew he couldn't sleep at night

And others whose name few ever knew
lived right and served; which one are you?

                     ----Glenn C. Peck , 10-11-12
  

AN AWESOME THOUGHT FROM ROBERT SERVICE

Robert Service, like all great poets, can say much with few words. Are you ready?

Just Think !

By Robert W. Service 1874–1958

Just think! some night the stars will gleam

   Upon a cold, grey stone,

And trace a name with silver beam,

   And lo! ’twill be your own.

That night is speeding on to greet

   Your epitaphic rhyme.

You life is but a little beat

   Within the heart of Time.

A little gain, a little pain,

   A laugh, lest you may moan;

A little blame, a little fame,

   A star-gleam on a stone.  (Emphasis Mine)  

BEST KNOWN OF ROBERT SERVICE'S POEMS

Only those who have experienced the bitter cold of the North and have felt life had jilted them can truly appreciate this best known poem of Robert Service:

The Shooting of Dan McGrew

By Robert W. Service 1874–1958

A bunch of the boys were whooping it up in the Malamute saloon;

The kid that handles the music-box was hitting a jag-time tune;

Back of the bar, in a solo game, sat Dangerous Dan McGrew,

And watching his luck was his light-o'-love, the lady that's known as Lou.

When out of the night, which was fifty below, and into the din and the glare, (I experienced -45 )

There stumbled a miner fresh from the creeks, dog-dirty, and loaded for bear.

He looked like a man with a foot in the grave and scarcely the strength of a louse,

Yet he tilted a poke of dust on the bar, and he called for drinks for the house.

There was none could place the stranger's face, though we searched ourselves for a clue;

But we drank his health, and the last to drink was Dangerous Dan McGrew.

There's men that somehow just grip your eyes, and hold them hard like a spell;

And such was he, and he looked to me like a man who had lived in hell;

With a face most hair, and the dreary stare of a dog whose day is done,

As he watered the green stuff in his glass, and the drops fell one by one.

Then I got to figgering who he was, and wondering what he'd do,

And I turned my head — and there watching him was the lady that's known as Lou.

His eyes went rubbering round the room, and he seemed in a kind of daze,

Till at last that old piano fell in the way of his wandering gaze.

The rag-time kid was having a drink; there was no one else on the stool,

So the stranger stumbles across the room, and flops down there like a fool.

In a buckskin shirt that was glazed with dirt he sat, and I saw him sway;

Then he clutched the keys with his talon hands — my God! but that man could play.

Were you ever out in the Great Alone, when the moon was awful clear,

And the icy mountains hemmed you in with a silence you most could hear;

With only the howl of a timber wolf, and you camped there in the cold,

A half-dead thing in a stark, dead world, clean mad for the muck called gold;

While high overhead, green, yellow and red, the North Lights swept in bars? —

Then you've a haunch what the music meant. . . hunger and night and the stars.

And hunger not of the belly kind, that's banished with bacon and beans,

But the gnawing hunger of lonely men for a home and all that it means;

For a fireside far from the cares that are, four walls and a roof above;

But oh! so cramful of cosy joy, and crowned with a woman's love —

A woman dearer than all the world, and true as Heaven is true —

(God! how ghastly she looks through her rouge, — the lady that's known as Lou.)

Then on a sudden the music changed, so soft that you scarce could hear;

But you felt that your life had been looted clean of all that it once held dear;

That someone had stolen the woman you loved; that her love was a devil's lie;

That your guts were gone, and the best for you was to crawl away and die.

'Twas the crowning cry of a heart's despair, and it thrilled you through and through —

"I guess I'll make it a spread misere", said Dangerous Dan McGrew.

The music almost died away ... then it burst like a pent-up flood;

And it seemed to say, "Repay, repay," and my eyes were blind with blood.

The thought came back of an ancient wrong, and it stung like a frozen lash,

And the lust awoke to kill, to kill ... then the music stopped with a crash,

And the stranger turned, and his eyes they burned in a most peculiar way;

In a buckskin shirt that was glazed with dirt he sat, and I saw him sway;

Then his lips went in in a kind of grin, and he spoke, and his voice was calm,

And "Boys," says he, "you don't know me, and none of you care a damn;

But I want to state, and my words are straight, and I'll bet my poke they're true,

That one of you is a hound of hell. . .and that one is Dan McGrew."  (Emphasis Mine)

Then I ducked my head, and the lights went out, and two guns blazed in the dark,

And a woman screamed, and the lights went up, and two men lay stiff and stark.

Pitched on his head, and pumped full of lead, was Dangerous Dan McGrew,

While the man from the creeks lay clutched to the breast of the lady that's known as Lou.

These are the simple facts of the case, and I guess I ought to know.

They say that the stranger was crazed with "hooch," and I'm not denying it's so.

I'm not so wise as the lawyer guys, but strictly between us two —

The woman that kissed him and — pinched his poke — was the lady that's known as Lou. 

THIS POEM MAY BE JUST FOR YOU--The Quitter

Robert Service always strikes a nerve with me.. How about you old classmate friend of mine? Stay in the fight! The next corner may have the victory!

The Quitter

When you're lost in the Wild, and you're scared as a child,
And Death looks you bang in the eye,
And you're sore as a boil, it's according to Hoyle
To cock your revolver and . . . die.
But the Code of a Man says: "Fight all you can,"
And self-dissolution is barred.
In hunger and woe, oh, it's easy to blow . . .
It's the hell-served-for-breakfast that's hard.  (Emphasis Mine)

"You're sick of the game!" Well, now, that's a shame.
You're young and you're brave and you're bright.
"You've had a raw deal!" I know -- but don't squeal,
Buck up, do your damnedest, and fight.
It's the plugging away that will win you the day,
So don't be a piker, old pard!
Just draw on your grit; it's so easy to quit:
It's the keeping-your-chin-up that's hard.

It's easy to cry that you're beaten -- and die;
It's easy to crawfish and crawl;
But to fight and to fight when hope's out of sight --
Why, that's the best game of them all!
And though you come out of each gruelling bout,
All broken and beaten and scarred,
Just have one more try -- it's dead easy to die,
It's the keeping-on-living that's hard. 

Robert William Service

FIRST POEM I MEMORIZED AT LOVETT Grade School

Robert Service is an unsung master of rhyme. His poems about the Yukon Territory are priceless. "The Cremation of Sam McGee" is my all time favorite of his. We had a chance to visit Service's log cabin in Dawson, Yukon Territory. Here's the best of the best---in my opinion.

The Cremation of Sam McGee

By Robert W. Service 1874–1958

There are strange things done in the midnight sun

      By the men who moil for gold;

The Arctic trails have their secret tales

      That would make your blood run cold;

The Northern Lights have seen queer sights,

      But the queerest they ever did see

Was that night on the marge of Lake Lebarge

      I cremated Sam McGee.

Now Sam McGee was from Tennessee, where the cotton blooms and blows.

Why he left his home in the South to roam 'round the Pole, God only knows.

He was always cold, but the land of gold seemed to hold him like a spell;

Though he'd often say in his homely way that "he'd sooner live in hell."

On a Christmas Day we were mushing our way over the Dawson trail.

Talk of your cold! through the parka's fold it stabbed like a driven nail.

If our eyes we'd close, then the lashes froze till sometimes we couldn't see;

It wasn't much fun, but the only one to whimper was Sam McGee.

And that very night, as we lay packed tight in our robes beneath the snow,

And the dogs were fed, and the stars o'erhead were dancing heel and toe,

He turned to me, and "Cap," says he, "I'll cash in this trip, I guess;

And if I do, I'm asking that you won't refuse my last request."

Well, he seemed so low that I couldn't say no; then he says with a sort of moan:

"It's the cursèd cold, and it's got right hold till I'm chilled clean through to the bone.

Yet 'tain't being dead—it's my awful dread of the icy grave that pains;

So I want you to swear that, foul or fair, you'll cremate my last remains."

A pal's last need is a thing to heed, so I swore I would not fail;

And we started on at the streak of dawn; but God! he looked ghastly pale.

He crouched on the sleigh, and he raved all day of his home in Tennessee;

And before nightfall a corpse was all that was left of Sam McGee.

There wasn't a breath in that land of death, and I hurried, horror-driven,

With a corpse half hid that I couldn't get rid, because of a promise given;

It was lashed to the sleigh, and it seemed to say: "You may tax your brawn and brains,

But you promised true, and it's up to you to cremate those last remains."

Now a promise made is a debt unpaid, and the trail has its own stern code. (Emphasis Mine)

In the days to come, though my lips were dumb, in my heart how I cursed that load.

In the long, long night, by the lone firelight, while the huskies, round in a ring,

Howled out their woes to the homeless snows— O God! how I loathed the thing.

And every day that quiet clay seemed to heavy and heavier grow;

And on I went, though the dogs were spent and the grub was getting low;

The trail was bad, and I felt half mad, but I swore I would not give in;

And I'd often sing to the hateful thing, and it hearkened with a grin.

Till I came to the marge of Lake Lebarge, and a derelict there lay;

It was jammed in the ice, but I saw in a trice it was called the "Alice May."

And I looked at it, and I thought a bit, and I looked at my frozen chum;

Then "Here," said I, with a sudden cry, "is my cre-ma-tor-eum."

Some planks I tore from the cabin floor, and I lit the boiler fire;

Some coal I found that was lying around, and I heaped the fuel higher;

The flames just soared, and the furnace roared—such a blaze you seldom see;

And I burrowed a hole in the glowing coal, and I stuffed in Sam McGee.

Then I made a hike, for I didn't like to hear him sizzle so;

And the heavens scowled, and the huskies howled, and the wind began to blow.

It was icy cold, but the hot sweat rolled down my cheeks, and I don't know why;

And the greasy smoke in an inky cloak went streaking down the sky.

I do not know how long in the snow I wrestled with grisly fear;

But the stars came out and they danced about ere again I ventured near;

I was sick with dread, but I bravely said: "I'll just take a peep inside.

I guess he's cooked, and it's time I looked"; ... then the door I opened wide.

And there sat Sam, looking cool and calm, in the heart of the furnace roar;

And he wore a smile you could see a mile, and he said: "Please close that door.

It's fine in here, but I greatly fear you'll let in the cold and storm—

Since I left Plumtree, down in Tennessee, it's the first time I've been warm."

There are strange things done in the midnight sun

      By the men who moil for gold;

The Arctic trails have their secret tales

      That would make your blood run cold;

The Northern Lights have seen queer sights,

      But the queerest they ever did see

Was that night on the marge of Lake Lebarge

      I cremated Sam McGee.

CAN'T YOU TAKE A JOKE ?????

My wife of almost 50 years recently took exception to some fun I directed toward her.

I asked, "Can't you take a joke?"

She looked straight at me and said, "I did !"

The More She ChangesThe More She Remains The Same!

She wore change like a well earned badge of honor.

Time had etched shallow wrinkles in random rows upon her face.

Her neck which was once so Cleopatra - like had enlarged some and was dotted here and there with small moles and skin tags.

Her brown hair was now snow white; yet, each hair remained in the same place over the many years.

Her beautiful nose could have launched a thousand ships. Now it had sunspots and some light brown moles.

Her voice was a bit subdued but remained purposeful and direct.

The lips of this lovely woman required little lipstick. They framed an infectious smile. Now a few vertical lines found a home on her lips. Her smile never dimmed.

The twinkle and occasional winking of her eyes has never changed. Love, Hope and Compassion radiates with the same illumination as ever before.

Age has not conquered her---she has conquered age! 

                                   ---Glenn C. Peck

THE GAME! THE GAME! THE GAME!

WHEN GENERAL DOUGLAS MACARTHUR GAVE HIS FAREWELL SPEECH TO THE CADETS AT WEST POINT, HE SPOKE WITHOUT NOTES OR A TELEPROMPTER; HE CHALLENGED THE MEMBERS OF THE CADET CORPS TO ALWAYS MAKE DUTY, HONOR AND COUNTRY THE REASON FOR SERVING IN THE MILITARY.

HE CONCLUDED HIS SPEECH BY SAYING THAT WHEN HE CROSSED THE RIVER OF DEATH HIS LAST THOUGHTS WOULD BE OF THE CORPS, THE CORPS, THE CORPS. THIS FINAL SPEECH CONCLUDED A CAREER OF OVER 60 YEAR.

I saw the movie "Hoosiers" for the umpteenth time tonight. Hickory (Milan in real life) will always be a part of my memory, if God wills. It is presumption of the worst sort to know my last thoughts. Maybe, just maybe, I will recall again the greatest basketball game ever played. Milan Indians 32 and Muncie Central Bearcats 30.  Indiana 1954 State Basketball Champs! Where were you when this game was played?

IN CASE YOU ARE INTERESTED !!!

My Dad is 97 and my wife's Dad is 91. We have not seen them for seven years. Oct 16-18 I can be reached on my cell phone 405-830-8359. 

Might even have a large DQ malt! 

LOVE IN THE AUTUMN YEARS

Yes, this homemade poem is way off the path. However, warm autumn days does strange things to me.

                LOVE IN THE AUTUMN YEARS  

Rush and Hush quietly surrender to Slow and Know

Hallway pictures brightly echo of love from long ago

Once whispered words now fill all rooms in the house

Today, all day, joy is celebrated with my loving spouse 

Kisses are slower, longer; statistically maybe the last

Caresses are fashioned by experience, and not too fast

Our love is always work in progress, never completed

Each chapter our very own and never to be repeated                   

                                             ---- Glenn C. Peck

SAY WHAT?

Our 15 year old grandson is a very picky eater. Food cannot touch any other food on his plate and he completely eats one type of food before moving on to the second, etc. He only wants pickles on a cheese burger.

I recently went through a fast food restaurant drive through and slowly explained his special order for a pickles only for his cheese burger. When I got to the pay window I was asked: "Do  you want cheese on your cheese burger?" 

Sometimes I think I am being followed by the America's Funniest Videos film crew!!!!!!