LISA AND BARRY "LUCKY" DAY---PART 3

PLEASE READ PARTS 1 AND 2 FIRST
       

                                   THE MIDNIGHT OF THE SOUL


LISA AND BARRY "LUCKY" DAY--PART 3                               

When Barry came home from his office on the day Lisa and Steve had their first covert luncheon meeting, Barry immediately detected the unusual and delightful aroma of Lisa’s Dream Catcher fragrance. She received this perfume from an aunt in Santa Fe, NM. The aunt purchased it from a Native American sidewalk vendor who claimed magical and mystical results for the woman who wore this perfume. Lisa got a small bottle when she graduated from high school and another when she graduated from college.  

Barry inquired why she had chosen this day to wear his favorite perfume that had previously only been worn on special occasions. Lisa was now on the slippery downhill slope of changing half-truths into dangerous lies. She stated she chose this day because a group of Sioux Nation dancers performed at the day care. In fact, the dancers did perform at the day care; however, the real reason was she wanted to wow Steve on their inaugural long lunch hour hidden meeting. The perfume produced the desired effects. 

Fast forward four months later: Steve, in spite of his wife’s pleading for counseling with the base chaplain, divorced her. Ditto for Lisa and Barry. Six months later Lisa and Steve were married. Lisa and Steve found an off base apartment. Steve’s ex-wife took her daughter and went home to Kansas. Barry moved into the Bachelor Officers quarters. On two occasions, Barry was shopping in the Base Exchange when Lisa and Steve came in. On each occasion he put his items down on the nearest shelf and hastily walked out. How could Lisa look so happy and he felt so bad? Mercifully, Steve and his new bride were reassigned three months later.

Some retrospective might be helpful at this time.  It is the very nature of humans to attempt to find cause and effect for events, especially painful ones. Barry attempted many times to determine why Lisa was leaving him in favor of a man she had known for less than a year. Had he done or said something wrong? Was she unhappy in her work? Had she forgotten all of the good times they enjoyed in high school and college? Was Steve a better performer in the bedroom? Was the weather responsible for the divorce? Was she on drugs? Are you depressed? Have you grown tired of the Air Force? Did he promise you something I can’t provide? Do you still  love me? What about our wedding vows? I love you Lisa; even if you no longer love me just tell me why you are doing this. On and on the questions went. Each time she would generalize and say, “I can’t explain it.  I just know it is best for everyone.”

Barry quickly advanced from the early stages of Shock, to Denial, to Anger in the Grieving process. He felt unbelievable anger toward Lisa and Steve. He thought briefly of confronting Steve and duking it out---winner take all. He even thought of taking his own life. Time, reason, the base chaplain, a very challenging job, and a supporting mother and father helped him survive the midnight of his soul. To quote Robert Service “It’s the Hell served for breakfast that’s hard.” He later would recall he felt like the gut shot cowboys in old western movies. He didn’t want to live and he didn’t know how to die.


CHECK BLOG REGULARLY FOR PART  4

LISA AND BARRY "LUCKY" DAY---- PART 2

            PLEASE READ PART 1 FIRST

                                          THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY


                   LISA AND BARRY "LUCKY" DAY

                                           PART 2

Barry and Lisa lived in a two bedroom officer housing quarters on base. Barry was a brand new “Butter Bar” and was assigned as Chief of the Plans and Programs Division in the Base Accounting and Finance Office. He quickly earned the respect and confidence of his subordinates and the full bird colonel division chief. Lieutenant Day routinely briefed the base vice commander, and occasionally the base commander, on new upcoming programs and the projected cost of completion. It seemed fitting he was quickly elected the president of the junior officers advisory council. Barry accidently overheard the base commander tell the wing commander that, ”Lt. Day is bright, looks like he just walked off a recruiting poster, and he has the prettiest wife on Minot Air Force Base!” He went home that night and shared the double praise with the smiling Lisa.

Lisa volunteered at the Special Services office two days a week and worked three days a week as a paid assistant in the base Day Care. She was happy to be busy, especially during the long cold winters. As the temperatures dropped the snow piled up.

She participated in a Tuesday unofficial lunch for junior officer wives. The conversation always included ultra sound results, due dates, progress of newborns and when was the new mother’s mother returning to her home. Lisa listened politely but was never able to contribute to the discussions. When honeymoons were brought up Lisa took center stage. Very few could top her and Barry’s. One proud mother-to-be, and new comer to Minot, said her due date was computed from her honeymoon. An all knowing smile adorned the faces of these junior officer’s wives.

It was on a Thursday night at the mixed league bowling lanes when Barry “Lucky” Day’s luck started to go south. Barry was in the restroom as Lisa was bending over to retie her bowling shoes. From behind her came a deep resonant, radio quality voice that asked, “May I help you?” Lisa turned to see the smiling face of Captain Steve McCory. She said, “Thanks, I got it.”

Instant physical attraction is hard to define. Was it his voice? Was it her unintended bending position? Was it his dark blue eyes? Was it her model-like appearance even in her loose fitting bowling shirt? Maybe it was his all season tanning bed body that caught her eye. Maybe it was Lisa’s confident voice that echoed her “I know where I’m going and how to get there” overall demeanor. She quickly spotted his border line compliance with Air Force haircut standards Simple answers to complex questions are seldom, if ever, correct.

He extended his hand and firmly shook her soft, well-manicured hand and exchanged brief introductions. Barry returned from the restroom and put his left arm around her waist. Lisa introduced him to Captain McCory. Many lives were now destined to change.

Barry told Steve he worked in the Accounting and Finance Office and Steve said he was a Launch Control Officer for the Minuteman III ICBM and worked 24 hour rotating shifts. Days later Steve would tell Lisa he saw her smile when he mentioned rotating shifts. Captain McCory was married; had a four year old daughter who was in the day care program and his wife worked off-base at Sears.

Steve and Lisa next met at the day care when Steve picked up his daughter on one of his days off. “Hello” and “Thanks” constituted the entire conversation. He came the next day to again pick up his daughter. On this second day she passed a sheet of paper with her phone number scribbled on it along with Steve’s daughter’s coloring for the day.

Many, if not most, of the times when we make life-altering decisions we have reasons that at least seem rational to ourselves. However, Lisa’s hurried writing of her phone number and giving it to Steve was not thought out. It was on the spur of the moment. She started almost immediately to justify her decision to herself. Am I as beautiful and desirable as I once was? The giving Steve her number was a quick one person poll to discover the answer. After all, he probably would never call and if he did she could always say, ” I made a mistake, please forgive me.” Her rationalization seemed to make a lot of sense. Besides that, I am married to the greatest and luckiest guy on the planet.

A week passed and he called her about 15 minutes before the base U.S. Flag was taken down and the National Anthem played over the base PA system. This daily event marked the completion of another day of defending this great nation. Everything comes to a standstill on all military installations during this important ritual.  Each spoke rapidly and a secret rendezvous was agreed upon. Both of their spouses would be returning home soon. Lisa was surprised she felt no pangs of conscience. In fact, she could feel her heart racing. Yes, she thought to herself that she was at last going to be Lisa, not Lieutenant Day’s pretty wife. She had no trouble falling asleep that night. Her last conscious thought was the upcoming secret meeting with Steve. What would he be like when they were alone?


                         CHECK BLOG FOR RELEASE OF PART 3

RESPONSE OVERWHELMING---NEW PART 2 DATE !

THANK YOU ! THANK YOU! THANK YOU !

THE RESPONSE TO PART 1 OF LISA AND BARRY "LUCKY" DAY HAS BEEN OVER THE TOP !  AS A RESULT, PART 2
WILL BE RELEASED SEVERAL DAYS EARLIER THAN PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED.


PART 2 WILL BE RELEASED ON 2-9-13 

CONTINUE TO INFORM AND SUGGEST OTHERS READ THE STORY. THANKS AGAIN !

LISA AND BARRY "LUCKY" DAY---Part 1

JUST RELEASED----FEBRUARY 7, 2013


                                                      INTRODUCTION

                             Lisa and Barry “Lucky” Day

 

Barry Day was not born on third base: But he was born somewhere between second and third. His father was the vice-president of the Felderburg National Bank and his mother was the daughter of the bank president.

Young Barry lived an easy and comfortable life. New sports car at age 16; captain of his state champion football team; and steady boyfriend of Lisa Wilson, the most beautiful cheerleader in school and a great candidate for the most beautiful girl in town. She was an 11 on the ubiquitous 10 scale.

 In spite of Barry’s much above average financial status, he never forgot he was very fortunate to enjoy the blessings of his birth.  Weather permitting; he would jog to and from school. He was the first to arrive for football practice and the last to leave. Teammates and coaches held his motivational leadership in high esteem. His six foot two inch frame reflected proper diet, lots of outdoor time, and abstinence from tobacco and alcohol. His light brown hair was cut in a close flat top style. Some of the girls privately said he looked like a modern day Tab Hunter. Everything about Barry seemed to reflect self-confidence, yet real humility.

He knew he was very lucky in this Midwestern town of 18, 673 people. Many of the residents were from German ancestry. In fact, Barry was called “Lucky” Day in high school and he openly enjoyed the nickname. Lisa knew she was lucky to date the BMOC. Lisa could have competed in beauty contests with her All-American face and “head turning” figure; however, she had her sights set on a much more important prize. Interestingly, Lisa secretly wanted their relationship to go further and faster that Barry seemed prepared to go.

After graduation, Barry and Lisa attended a small local liberal arts college. Lisa was planning on her MRS degree with Barry. Barry was studying banking and finance. He made a perfect 4.0 for four years.

Between Barry’s sophomore and junior year he joined the Air Force ROTC. His motivation was to travel and prove his worth on his own. He wanted to someday travel to Germany and visit Europe.

During his AFROTC basic training at Reece AFB in west Texas he was spotted as a natural leader and easily won the Commandant’s trophy for the most outstanding cadet at this demanding officer basic training. Barry once more lived up to his “Lucky” nickname.

Following college graduation, Barry was commissioned a second lieutenant and the following week he and Lisa were married in the largest wedding in the modern history of Felderburg. The 800 plus attendees brought so many gifts two pickup trucks were required to transport them to his mother and father’s six bedroom home three miles east of Felderburg.

The newlyweds honeymooned in Hawaii for ten blissful and heavenly days. In addition to lying on the beach, body surfing, skin diving, flying to other islands, shopping (Lisa really enjoyed the shopping) and sleeping until 11am each morning, the happy pair enjoyed breakfast in the Honeymoon Suite heart-shaped bed. The colorful meals always include large spears of pineapple; served on trays containing fresh orchids. Lisa repeatedly thought how lucky she was and she would often refer to herself as Mrs. “Lucky” Day.

Back on the reality of the mainland they had 20 days to prepare for their first duty assignment at the flat, super cold in the winter, Minot Air Force Base in Minot, North Dakota. Only Shemya Air Force Base in Alaska enjoyed a colder, more desolate reputation among service members.

As they entered Minot, they saw a large sign that probably had been erected by the Chamber of Commerce that asked, “Why Not Minot?” Some disgruntled citizen had spray painted below the business attracting question, “Freezin’ Is The Reason!” The Days would learn the temperatures would dip to 35 below zero during the winter.


WATCH FOR PART 2----TO BE RELEASED IN ABOUT A WEEK ..............................

JUST RELEASED: PART 1--LISA & BARRY "LUCKY" DAY

LITTLE OVER 24 HOURS BEFORE PART I POSTED

IN A LITTLE OVER 24 HOURS THE PART 1 OF MY FIRST SERIOUS FICTIONAL WORK WILL BE POSTED TO THIS BLOG.

TELL FAMILY AND FRIENDS (PG-13) RATING)

RELEASE DATE SET FOR FEBRUARY 7, 2013

IT IS NOW OFFICIAL----------- THE LONG AWAITED RELEASE OF THE FIRST PART OF MY LATEST FICTIONAL WORK IS SET FOR FEBRUARY 7, 2013.

THIS SHORT STORY HAS TAXED MY ABILITY AND EMOTIONS. I WAS BOTH SAD AND GLAD WHEN I FINISHED IT. (This may sound corny but writing fiction produces feelings and emotions that are in some ways stronger than real life. Rewriting is the toughest part of all. Each change affects the character and actions of the make believe persons in the story.)

HOPE YOU READ ALL THREE PARTS. LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK. 

ke5gk@sbcglobal.net

ANOTHER SELECTION FROM UPCOMING POST

THE PREVIOUS PREVIEW SELECTION DEALT WITH BARRY. THIS BRIEF SELECTION DEALS WITH LISA.

She participated in a Tuesday unofficial lunch for junior officer wives. The conversation always included ultra sound results, due dates, progress of newborns and when was the new mother’s mother returning to her home. Lisa listened politely but was never able to contribute to the discussions. When honeymoons were brought up Lisa took center stage. Very few could top her and Barry’s. One proud mother-to-be, and new comer to Minot, said her due date was computed from her honeymoon. An all knowing smile adorned the faces of these junior officer’s wives.

 

PART 1 OF LISA AND BARRY "LUCKY" DAY WILL BE POSTED WITHIN THE NEXT 5 DAYS. STAY TUNED.

PLEASE DIRECT FRIENDS AND CLASSMATES TO THIS BLOG

ADVANCED PREVIEW OF UP COMING POSTS

WHAT FOLLOWS ARE THREE BRIEF SELECTIONS FROM THE SOON TO BE RELEASED LISA AND BARRY "LUCKY"
DAY  SHORT STORY:

He later would recall he felt like the gut shot cowboys in old western movies. He didn’t want to live and he didn’t know how to die.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Strangely, old westerns again popped into his recollection. This time he was the ragged, bearded prospector that was more dead than alive and barely able to crawl to a life-saving fresh spring of water. Barry Day felt alive again. He was alive! He was alive! Hey world, I am alive!

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Barry felt as if each good night kiss was the stairway to a timeless eternity and infinite space.  Barry’s luck seemed to be back.

 

PLEASE DIRECT FRIENDS AND CLASSMATES TO THIS BLOG. 

 

 

UPDATE TO BREAKING NEWS !!!!

AS THE RELEASE OF MY LONGEST FICTIONAL WORK NEARS, A FEW WORDS
ABOUT THE LISA AND BARRY "LUCKY" DAY  POSTS ARE IN ORDER:

1. The characters and events are fictitious and any similarity between persons living or dead is purely coincidental. However, references to Air Force places and activities are real.

2. At least three posts will be required for this work.

3. As anyone who has attempted to write serious fiction will tell you, characters and circumstances take on a life of their own and as a result, they drive the content. Consequently, I would rate this work as PG-13. 

4. Maybe most importantly, mistakes of grammar, spelling, voice, and other fine points are probably all too evident.

5. If you feel it is entertaining, please advise all who maybe interested. 

6. E-mail me at:  ke5gk@sbcglobal.net with your comments.


                                                    ---Glenn <><

BREAKING NEWS ! BREAKING NEWS !

BREAKING NEWS !  BREAKING NEWS  !

WATCH THIS BLOG FOR THE STORY OF LISA AND BARRY "LUCKY" DAY.

RELEASE DATE BEFORE VALENTINES DAY 

THIS IS A MOVING AND TOUCHING STORY

I URGE YOU TO ALERT CLASSMATES AND ANY WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED.

THANKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THE COLD CASE LIE (Part 3) See 1 & 2

Edgar Allan Poe' classic short story seems to sum up this entire su:bject: Brief summary of the Tell Tale Heart follows:  From WIKIPEDEA)

"The Tell-Tale Heart" is a first-person narrative of an

unnamed narrator^[1] who insists he is sane but suffering from

 a disease (nervousness) which causes "over-acuteness of

the senses". The old man with whom he lives has a clouded,

 pale, blue "vulture-like" eye which so distresses the narrator

that he plots to murder the old man, though the narrator

states that he loves the old man, and hates only the eye. The

 narrator insists that his careful precision in committing the

murder shows that he cannot possibly be insane. For seven

 nights, the narrator opens the door of the old man's room, in

order to shine a sliver of light onto the "evil eye". However, the old man's vulture eye is always closed, making it

impossible to "do the work".

 

 

On the eighth night, the old man awakens, interrupting the

narrator's nightly ritual. But the narrator does not draw back

 and, after some time, decides to open his lantern. A

single,thin ray of light shines out and lands precisely on the

 "evil eye", revealing that it is wide open. Hearing the old

man's heart beating loudly and dangerously fast from terror,

the narrator decides to strike, jumping out with a loud yell

and smothering the old man with his own bed. The narrator

then dismembers the body and conceals the pieces under

the floorboards, making certain to hide all signs of the crime.

Even so, the old man's scream during the night causes a

neighbor to report to the police. The narrator invites the three

 arriving officers in to look around. He claims that the

screams heard were his own in a nightmare and that the man

 is absent in the country. Confident that they will not find any

evidence of the murder, the narrator brings chairs for them

and they sit in the old man's room, on the very spot where

the body is concealed, yet they suspect nothing, as the

narrator has a pleasant and easy manner about him. The

narrator, however, begins to feel uncomfortable and notices a

 ringing in his ears. As the ringing grows louder, the narrator

comes to the conclusion that it is the heartbeat of the old

man coming from under the floorboards. The sound

increases steadily, though the officers seem to pay no

attention to it. Terrified by the violent beating of the heart,

 and convinced that the officers are aware of not only the

heartbeat, but his guilt as well, the narrator breaks down and

confesses. He tells them to tear up the floorboards to reveal

the body.

The Cold Case Lie (Part 2)

           PLEASE READ PART 1 FIRST

A large number of CW songs, and popular music, deal with  this subject. To me, none express it better than Hank Williams' classic:

                    Your Cheatin' Heart

                                          Your cheatin' heart will make you weep
                                           You'll cry and cry and try to sleep
                                          But sleep won't come the whole night through
                                          Your cheatin' heart will tell on you

                                          When tears come down like fallin' rain
                                          You'll toss around and call my name
                                          You'll walk the floor the way I do
                                          Your cheatin' heart will tell on you

                                           Your cheatin' heart will pine some day
                                           And crave the love you threw away
                                          The time will come when you'll be blue
                                          Your cheatin' heart will tell on you

                                         When tears come down like fallin' rain
                                         You'll toss around and call my name
                                         You'll walk the floor the way I do
                                         Your cheatin' heart will tell on you

                                     Hank Williams Your Cheating Heart Lyrics:

THE COLD CASE LIE ( Part 1)

These 3 Posts will not be understood by all. Yet, it might let the hurting few know they do not stand alone !!!!

                         The Cold Case Lie

Scientist tell of the half-life of radio active elements

Lies are easy but keeping them covered is hard

But a lie may be cut up, buried & cemented hard over

Sooner or later the truth surfaces that reveal the lie

It is probably a dead heat as to who is hurt the most

The liar has constant sleep problems so to the lied to

From break of dawn the broken heart silently bleeds

Darkness brings no relief for either hurting parties

Each plays a noble part that buries their deep pain

Yet each knows the other knows and that hurts more

Death will not keep the secret silent it will be known

Heirs will marvel at the lie and how each pretended

                                                         Glenn C. Peck, 2013 <><

The Feminine Mystique: Time to confess

The Feminine Mystique: Betty Friedan,  I read this ground breaking book shortly after graduating from Purdue University. A good portion of the book dealt with female freedom in the area of sexuality (That’s why I read the book!) Hey, at age 21 I was driven by different forces that at my current age of 71. Friedan’s book, and 50 years of marriage---anniversary Jan 24, 2013, has not resolved the wonderful God-given mystery that distinguishes women from men. OK, I got the biological part without much difficulty. It’s the emotional and mental part that still has me stumped. Neither space or time permits me to discuss all of the areas that baffle me (e.g. clothes, shoes, Christmas shopping when its 100 degrees outside, moods that defy cause or calendar, etc.) This Post will deal with just two areas: 1.    Beauty Shops (aka Salons): Please note: I understand completely the female desire, and in many cases the need, to enhance and maintain their beauty. What I don’t understand is the internal atmosphere of a beauty shop. Because of my wife’s medical condition, I take her everywhere and often stay until her appointment is concluded. a.     The discussions between patrons and the stylists---Everything, I mean everything, is discussed. Topics cover the waterfront (medical, marriage, misery, money, in-laws, work outside the home, children/grandchildren, personal relationships, religion and an unending list of other topics). Stylists make good counselors----most of the time. On one occasion, I passed a chair while I was in route to help my wife from her chair to the front door. The stylist was telling her patron how to take care of her hair while engaged in the most intimate of husband/wife relations. Maybe the stylist was really Dr. Ruth in disguise!  Guess I got too close; however, neither the patron or stylist seemed embarrassed.that I could over hear them.   The noise level seems to grow exponentially with the addition of each new patron. Maybe it is an unwritten rule to talk loud to drown out the conversations of other patrons and stylists.  b.    The smell. I do not understand how any woman can tolerate this week after week. It’s awful---really awful. 2.    Jewelry---OK, some jewelry is fine. But why collect rings, ear rings, watches, broaches, necklaces, and bracelets like a 4-H member collects leaves for a forestry project for the county fair? I guess it will be Heaven before I understand this baffling aspect of women. For the record, I wear a $17.00 Wal-Mart Casio wrist watch. While I do not understand a lot about the feminine mystique, I know and love a woman that does. And at the end of the day that is good enough for me!

Life is Like a Mountain Railroad--Lyrics you wanted

I am amazed at the tremendous interest in Posts dealing with Hobos and the Railroads. You keep asking for them I'll keep Posting them. (BTW: We sing this song in the church I am privileged to pastor.)

LIFE IS LIKE A MOUNTAIN RAILROAD

Life is like a mountain railroad
With an engineer that's brave
We must make the run successful
From the cradle to the grave

Chorus: Blessed Saviour thou wilt guide us
Till we reach that blissful shore
With the angels there to join us
In God's grace forevermore (2x to end)

Heed the curves and watch the tunnels
Never falter, never fail
Keep your hands upon the throttle
And your eye upon the rail

Chorus here

As you roll across the trestle
Spanning Jordan's swelling tide
You will reach the Union Depot
Into which your train will ride
There you'll meet the superintendent
God the father, God the son
With a happy joyous plaudit
Weary pilgrim, welcome home

HOBO BILL LYRICS---In Response To Blog Hits

The song Hobo Bill was written for Jimmy Rodgers (not the Honey Comb guy) Go to You Tube many artists have covered this great tune. What follows is the original long version (BTW: I have a second cousin who is an engineer on the Southern Railroad)

Riding on an eastbound freight train, speeding through the night,
Hobo Bill, the railroad bum, was fighting for his life.

The sadness of his eyes revealed the torture of his soul,
As he raised a weak and weary hand to brush away the cold.

Oh-oh, boh-boh, Billy

As the train sped through the darkness, with that raging storm outside,
Hobo Bill, the railroad bum, was taking his last ride.

No warm light flickered around him, no blanket to fold.
Nothing but the howling wind and the driving rain so cold.

Oh-oh, boh-boh, Billy
Yodels...

Well he heard the whistle blowing in a dreamy sort of way,
The hobo seemed contented, for he smiled there where he lay.

Outside the rain was a-pouring on that lonely boxcar door,
And the little form of Hobo Bill lay still upon the floor.

Oh-oh, boh-boh, Billy
Yodels...

As the train sped through the darkness, with that raging storm outside,
No one knew that Hobo Bill was taking his last ride.

Oh-oh, boh-boh, Billy

He heard the whistle blowing in a dreamy sort of way,
The smile lingered o'er his face but Hobo passed away.

Yodels

It was early in the morning when they raised the hobo's head,
The smile still lingered on his face, but Hobo Bill was dead.

There was no mother's longing to think of his weary soul,
He was nothing but a railroad bum who died out in the cold.

This Song Says Volumes About Today--Please listen

"Are The Good Times Really Over For Good?"

Sung by Merle Haggard (aka The Hag)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJ9OzIn9-o4

"How Long Has It Been Since.................................??

During Uncle Coleman's viewing and funeral I met a good number of our classmates, other PCHS students, and/or spouses. Here is a brief summary of my meetings:

1. Much concern for deceased former students and thanksgiving for being among the living.


2. Most were in remarkably good health. Some looked years younger than their actual age.


3. Many were continuing to work for a variety of reasons. All seemed happy with their work.


4. Stories about former classmates and sports teams. I had to brag about the night I went 18 for 23. Got the ball  23 times and shot it 18 times. I did not remind anyone how many actually went in.


5. A goodly number spoke of their active, personal and dynamic relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ!


6. Most had missed out visiting the great State of Oklahoma. If all of the people I invited come at the same time I'm in trouble.

7  Everybody wants to tell you about their grandkids!!!

8. Some had experienced relationship problems. Some had been victims of spouses who did not keep their marriage vows. Addiction is all down hill.

9. One woman who I had honor of dating once (no guesses please) in PCHS days still maintains a beautiful figure and her voice could still charm honey bees off of roses!!!!!


10. The conversations under the most difficult of circumstances proves good often comes from bad.T

"KING OF THE ROAD"---Roger Miller

THIS POST IS IN RESPONSE TO THE UNPRECEDENTED DEMAND FOR HOBO RELATED MATERIAL.  BY THE WAY ROGER MILLER WAS FROM OKLAHOMA !!!!

Roger Miller King Of The Road Lyrics

Songwriters: KRISTOFFERSON, KRISTOFFER

Trailer for sale or rent 
Rooms to let fifty cents
No phone no pool no pets 
I ain't got no cigarettes
Ah but, two hours of pushing broom 
Buys a eight by twelve four bit room
I'm a man of means by no means 
King of the road

Third boxcar midnight train 
Destination Bangor Maine
Old worn out suit and shoes 
I don't pay no union dues
I smoke old stogies I have found 
Short but not too big around
I'm a man of means by no means 
King of the road
I know every engineer on every train 
All of the children and all of their names
And every handout in every town 
And every lock that ain't locked when no one's around
I sing trailers for sale or rent...

Rooms to let fifty cents
No phone no pool no pets 
I ain't got no cigarettes
Ah but, two hours of pushing broom 
Buys a eight by twelve four bit room
I'm a man of means by no means 
King of the road

Trailers for sale or rent 
Rooms to let fifty cents
No phone no pool no pets 
I ain't got no cigarettes
Ah but, two hours of pushing broom

King Of The Road lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

Tribute to Coleman Frederick

I have just returned from a very quick visit to Indiana to help with Coleman Frederick's funeral. I saw so many of the PCHS gang. Really was heartwarming to see so many. Here is the Eulogy I shared during his funeral:

Coleman Frederick has changed his Zip code. He has moved to a mansion whose builder and maker is a Thrice Holy God. We gather here today to celebrate his long life which had so much meaning and purpose to so many people. We also gather as family and friends to share our love and support for each other. Most importantly, we come here to hear a Word from the Lord.

(I want to say a few words especially for the younger children present. This is not Grandpa Coleman. This is just the tent he lived in while he was here. He has gone home to Heaven.)

Sometimes you hear folks say “Those senior citizens sure hate to change.” I contend that senior adults, especially those who have celebrated 97 birthday days are all about change. Consider what Coleman experienced: He lived to see the Wright Brothers AND the Super Mario Brothers. In communications he saw the change from the telegraph to Text messages and Tweets. In the area of transportation he saw the transition from mules to moon rockets and Mars’ rovers. When he was born the US Flag had just 48 stars. Seventeen different presidents served this great nation during his 97 years.

He spent his life leaning forward in the saddle and he drove looking through the windshield with only an occasional look into the rear view mirror.

But he was much more than just adaptive to Change. He was a man of Character.

Maybe you've seen the church signs that define character as “What you do in the dark when you know no one is watching.” Another said, “Character is what you do when you know there is nothing in it that benefits you.” Those are not bad, but isn't character more than just what you do, or don’t do, it is what you ARE. Coleman Frederick was a man of his word. Honesty was not a policy with him, it was his way of life. Integrity, reliability, hard work, and a ton of other descriptions all apply to this man of solid character. He was dependable for his family, friends and neighbors and his Lord.

Coleman Frederick is the only person I have ever met who could tell you the time of day with a laugh and a smile. His voice was honey laced. I do believe he could just smile and stop an argument. His self-depreciating humor and his humble understatement reminded me of a combination of Gary Cooper and EF Hutton. When a grandson was named after him, I remarked, “That ought to have happened a long time ago.” He said, in his low voice wrapped in a chuckle he smiled and said, “Glenn, that’s kinda what I was thinking.” He knew how to laugh and he helped others to respond in kind.”

He was an involved citizen in the political affairs of his community, county, and country. I don’t know if Guiness keeps records on the oldest person to regularly write letters to the editor. If they do Coleman Frederick should be at the top of the list. He did not shy away from delicate or controversial issues. Our Founding Fathers had Coleman in mind when our Republic was established. An informed, involved citizenry made this country strong and will keep it strong.

He was a much sought after counselor for family and friends alike. Most of us here can give examples where he has listened and suggested ways to solve some of life’s most challenging issues.

But it is his compassion that enriched the lives of his large family, his community and his church that I will forever remember. He and Aunt Corene ran the Frederick Hilton for many, many years. They took in blood kin, friends of their children, and others who needed a night or several months of food and shelter and some old fashion love.. Somehow they could stretch a pot of beans and cornbread to fed the multitude. They even took in some stray dogs.

At night sleeping pallets and spare beds seemed to fall from the sky. Unannounced visitors never saw a “No Vacancy” sign. There was always room for one more. The Bible says we entertain angels unawares. In the case of Uncle Coleman and Aunt Corene the angels ran the Hotel!!!!

I don’t know all the songs believers will sing in Heaven. It could be that on the all eternity Gospel Singing program there is smiling guitar player singing “On the Jericho Road there’s room for just two, no more and no less, just Jesus and you…” and I suspect there are others there and others coming that will sang about Coleman Frederick, “Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed…”

Coleman Frederick you have fought a good fight, finished your race, and have kept the faith.

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I sure will miss him. He was my second Dad,

WOW !!!! NEW PAGE VIEW RECORD SET !!!!!

OVER 135 PAGE VIEWS OF THE POST BELOW THIS ONE IN 48 HOU RS!! MUST BE LOTS OF INTEREST IN RIDING THE RAILS. MAYBE WE CAN ALL FORM THE PCHS HOBO JUNGLE.

           (I know a few HOBO songs I learned from my kinfolks. "All around the water tank waiting for a train--- Hobo Bill the railroad bum.....)


       THE AWESOME RESPONSE TELLS ME I
       STRUCK A MAJOR HOT BUTTON!

      LOOK FOR MORE POSTS ABOUT RAILROADS, HOBOS, AND SURVIVING HARD TIMES. HEY, WE ARE ALL IN THIS THING TOGETHER !!!!!