Mid-May 2012

I’m guessing that this prison gets “X” amount of money for every inmate they get to take the GED test.  Well, the buck stops here.  I can’t think of how else to explain to them that I do not need my GED.

I wish I had owned a horse at some point.  I never was a great rider, or even a confident rider, but I did enjoy it.  Maybe that can be a future hobby of mine.

With a little luck, I will get to the library this week.  I was able to sign the sheet for it.  I did get to glance in there & it should be adequate.  No matter what kind of books they have, I’m sure I haven’t read most of them.  That will not be the case when I leave. LOL.

From season 3 of The Singoff, Delilah singing “Grenade” blew my mind.  But I think Kat Smith enjoyed it even more than I did.  They fizzled towards the end, but they definitely stole the show that night.  Look it up.  Them gals can wail!

Whatever happened to Mr. Belvedere?  Now, that was some must see TV.

The youngest daughter on “Growing Pains” is in the movie “The Help”.  BTW, if you haven’t seen that movie you should take the time to do so.  That’s all.

I almost slept thru breakfast this morning.  I was dreaming that I was in line at Subway having just ordered a footlong meatball with extra cheese.  I was waiting to tell her my toppings of choice when I was half awakened by the CO yelling, “Chow!”  I thought, I don’t need to go, I just ordered food.  I was saddened once I became fully awake, then had to rush to not miss the meal.  And that’s how this rough day got started.

Sessions, your letter was appreciated & hilarious! And yes, we’re brothers for sure.

Toilet paper here is worth more than gold. And I just hit the mother lode!

I don’t have a potato salad recipe.  I don’t recall ever makin it.  But I can tell you where to go for the best.  For years I said that Brooksie’s Barn had the best.  And it is very good, very bacony good.  But you can find the best potato salad in Mason, TN at Gus’s Fried Chicken.  The chicken is extremely good, the potato salad is awesome, and the slaw is great too.  If I ever made potato salad, that’s what I would shoot for.

I feel very confident that out of all the people who read this particular post, there may be only one who has seen “Dumb & Dumber” more times than I have.  And that’s a BIG MAYBE.

I got my TV today.  I may not get anything done for a few days.  Hell, I may not get out of bed for a few days.  I got some catching up to do.

Mid-May 2012

Mid-May 2012

Tonight we had meatloaf with potatoes & gravy.  People, do me a favor please.  Someone go to Abbay’s and get some meatloaf & mashed potatoes.  Maybe some turnip greens too.  Send them to the Warden’s house.  They have lost touch with what things are supposed to look & taste like around here.  The meatloaf looked like a “blondie” (vanilla brownie) & tasted like it had liver in it.  I like liver. But, I like to expect the taste of liver before it attacks my senses.  The mashed potatoes literally tasted like cardboard.  Now I’ve heard instant potatoes described that way before, but they were mistaken.  Let me clarify.  I would rather eat cardboard than more of those potatoes.  I would prefer a paper product to their so-called “vegetable”.

If you don’t like being around a lot of black people I would recommend you not become an inmate at WCFA.  Just saying.

Pretty sure Keith B. & I would have attacked Jones Creek from the tips today & I would have lost by 2 strokes.  But only because it’s early in the season & my putter wasn’t working.  Keep hittin’em brother.  We shall meet again.

It was my theme song in some ways.  But, the way he can play that guitar is why I love it.  On the Johnny Cash & Willie Nelson Storytellers album, “Nightlife” is what’s playing on the jukebox in my head. “Listen to the blues they’re playin der der der der ……..”

Got mail from Mark & Mom yesterday. Two from Ash today.  I am fortunate.  Thanks all.  It makes my day to hear your stories.  I’ll reply when I can, but wanted to comment while I was writing.

Yesterday I talked my 65-year old celly, who apparently watches nothing but westerns & Law & Order re-runs, into watching the newer INCREDIBLE HULK movie.  Needless to say he was not impressed.  He won’t let me “pick” again for awhile I’m sure.  He’s funny.  He has made a few negative comments about it throughout today.  Like it keeps eating at him that I’m responsible for him missing a few Law & Order and Criminal Intent episodes that he’s already seen a dozen times each.

Today starts the beginning of a very bad cold or perhaps the flu.  It’s certainly not allergies.  I have now adopted Janna’s method of stuffing tissue up my nose rather that constant wiping & blowing my nose. Now to get the headache & overall yucky feeling to go away.

YEP.  Sick.  Sure could use some illusive noodle soup from Fuji-Yama.  For those of you that don’t know, it’s clear soup…. And you can’t catch the noodles until most of the broth is gone.  So Mark S. one day called it illusive noodle soup & the name stuck.  Next time you go there try to catch a noodle.  Just try.

I will not intentionally try to stretch the truth in my tales.  I will tell them as I remember them & try to find as much humor as I can.  This is a new hobby of mine and I don’t have a thesaurus so some adjectives may get redundant, but hopefully with time I will find my groove.  These stories, thoughts, etc. are strictly to take my mind away from the present.  If it occupies your time as well, then it is I that owes you the gratitude.

Early May 2012

From Whiteville, TN                                                    Early May 2012

I am officially in Whiteville.  I have apparently been put in the gang unit at least that is what my 65-year old cell mate says. LOL. It will be quite an experience I’m sure.  I just pray for strength and wisdom to get thru the days and nights ahead.

I was looking forward to the nice scenic drive from WTSP to WCF.  Instead they crammed 12 of us into a windowless van large enough to safely hold 9 & swerved the entire ride.  I was looking forward to the fond memories of Hardeman County.  Instead I was reminded of what the Bolivar Jr. High football locker room smelled like.  I was sandwiched between 2 big black guys that I’m sure were happy that I had showered recently.  I’m certain it didn’t rub off on them though.  It was hot, sticky, & an overall unpleasant experience. Stay out of prison kids.  Especially if you don’t like the smell of big black guys.  This place has a lot of that.  A lot of big , white guy smell too.  And some old guy smell.  I know there are some out there laughing.  I’ve always had a delicate sense of smell.  I can’t help it.  I have a sensitive nose.

I actually haven’t had the drive to write lately.  With my moving, the anxiety of everything, the waiting around, the changing of cells, talking to counselors about jobs & classes……………… Just trying to find the groove.  Been watching & observing rather than thinking.

My second day here was “Spring Fling.”  It was kind of a mixture of field day and spring carnival at East Chester.  Silly games to win tickets to use to buy concessions. Games like, stack 3 golf balls on top of one another, balance and stack up to five abc blocks on your head, unstuck & restack a pyramid of 10 cups in 10 seconds or less.  All in all there were about 30 games.  They also had free throws, shooting, and horse shoes.  It was unexpected really.  I just kinda stood back & soaked it in.  I’ll be ready to participate next year I suppose.  Too much going on for a new kid.

I am so ready to get my phone list turned in.  I have to make a list of 15 phone numbers I’ll be allowed to call.  Some of you already have Securus accounts & will be shew-ins.

I also may only have 8 visitors who aren’t immediate family.  I say that to say, it may take some shuffling around every 3-6 months in order to get everyone. You must fill out and mail in an application to be approved to visit me.  Talk to my parents about it if you are interested.

I appreciate all of the concerns, prayers, support, etc.  I’ve been told people are wanting to visit & make contact.  For now mail will be the best way to contact me. Here is my current information:

Charles Cole #501199

WCF

PO Box 679

Whiteville, TN 38075

Not sure if Corrie has it, but James Taylor’s “One Man Band” album is a must have for any JT fan.  Today’s tune is “Steamroller Blues.” It’s different from the one we love on his Greatest Hits, but it shows that he’s still got it.

I read in the Inmate Handbook (I don’t think it made it to Oprah’s book club,so don’t look for it in stores {and I know Oprah is over, so bite me}) that I could purchase a guitar if approved by the warden.  That is certainly something to look forward to.

April 2012 Part 2

From Henning, TN                                                            April 2012

Found out my new home will be as close to home as possible.  And if everything goes as planned, after this stint, I will never live in Hardeman County again.  6+ years the first time, and 7+ this time.

Today’s song is “Honest” by Typhoon.  You’ve never heard anything like it.  I love them.

Please pray for me.  Pray that II Corinthians 7:1 is the story of the rest of my life.  I so want that to be the case.  God give me the strength to resist the demons of addiction.

I believe it was William F. Call in the movie Lonesome Dove that said, “I hate rude behavior in a man, won’t tolerate it.”  I concur.

I never thought I would see the day that I anxiously looked forward to a trip to the library.  I get to go pretty much every day.  Very nice.

I’ve never had a problem with authority.  I believe Paul Harvey once said, “If you want to see the scum of the earth, go to a United States prison at shift change.”  Certainly there are idiots here that have a problem with authority.  But there are also some fools that apparently have a problem being authority.

I’ve mentioned my new hobby of reading.  So far, Numbers in the Bible is the hardest read I’ve encountered.

I don’t think I have ever enjoyed paddle-boating at Chickasaw.  I’m pretty sure I have a cousin to thank for that.

Speaking of Chickasaw, on a dare during a school field trip, I once put an entire can of wintergreen snuff in my mouth at one time.  I didn’t have to keep it in there long, but I did win.  Joke was on them though.  Nobody else had any to dip after that.

Shane and Shane have a song “Psalm 143.”  The memory of it moved me to tears as I lay in bed last night.  Thought I better add it to the list.  Somebody may need to hear it.

A cold, rainy day.  Was quite an unpleasant walk to the chow hall.  Think I may read a book, take a nap, & snack for dinner rather than get soaked again.

Today marks 2 months since I’ve been locked up.  Drug free, alcohol free, nicotine free.  And it’s gone by pretty fast.  I hope it continues to do so.  And I hope I remain free.

‘Good Friday’.  For the past 14 or so years it meant me &Bo would begin (and in his recent years end) our golf season.  There were always others thru the years: Porter, Meek, Daryl, Heath, Roy B, Goob, Huck, and even Brody made a trip or two.  It was always more about joking around & seeing who could laugh the most rather than being about “good” golf.  If Bo was ever in the lead after a few holes & if he then lost the lead & ultimately lost, he would always say he had quit caring earlier.  He really won.  He did that every year.  Heath always got so mad he really would quit.  Fun times.  We’ve been hot.  We’ve been cold. We’ve played in mud, but we were never rained out.  I hope they kept the tradition alive without me.

Good Friday! Luke 23:39-43!  Only Voices – “Criminal On The Cross”!  AMEN!

Baker’s Rack lasagna with a salad and some Texas toast.  Can somebody mail that to me.

My very first memory is seeing Mammie Arnold in a hospital bed at Aunt LeeAndra’s 

 house.  I don’t remember the ‘Aunt LeeAndra’s house’ part, Momma said that. But I was in a suit and I was about 2.  That has always been my first memory.  Crazy how that little 5 minutes in time still registers so clearly.

Just completed my “package” list.  Can’t wait to get all the things I need & want. But mostly, I’m excited about nail clippers.

When I get out, I believe I will get an old Ford Fairmont Futura to drive around.  I hope there’s still a few around.  And Roy will help me fix it up.

This one friend of mine, I’ll call him Murray, is so blank.  He may be the blankest friend I have.  And he has an affinity for sharks. Dirty, wet sharks.

The previous comment was in code. You know who you are!

I hope I become a better writer out of this experience.  Or at least a clearer thinker. I often look back at something I’ve written & I’m not getting 100% of my thoughts down on paper.  I need to slow down the writing & make sure I’m getting it all down.  I’ll work on that. 

It was very good to see Roy tonight.  Had some laughs.  Ate some grub.  Talked about times past & times to come.  I’m very lucky to have his support.  We’ve gotten each other thru some difficult times.  We were usually at each other’s throats as kids.  But I 

think we will forever be loving bro.s now.  Have been for several years already. 

Speaking of Roy, man that guy can dance! I’ll tell that story one of these days.

 This is the third time I’ve sat down to write today & I can’t think of anything.  That’s depressing.  My mind was racing last night as I lay in the dark, but today I’m drawing a blank.

Just to change it up a bit, the song is “It’s Christmas Time” by Stevie Wonder.  Deal with it.

I sure hate I missed being on Division last night.  I’m sure a large time was had by all.  Especially Herlon & Body.  I hope they cleaned house. I wonder who did the most crying.  I probably already know.  Some things never change.

Every time you wonder where no matter what you huh? Bet most of you won’t get that one.

Granddaddy told me he probably wouldn’t be around when I got out.  I’m very grateful I got to see him before I left Chester County.  Of course I had to get him to “beard” me one last time before he left.  I never will forget it.  He has been an inspiration to a lot of people not just family.  The patriarch.  He may outlive us all.

If you’ve never had KFC chicken gizzards, you are missing the boat.  Of course, MeeNaws are the best, but KFC’s in a pinch will be more than sufficient.  Most of the time you’ll be told they don’t have them or they don’t have any ready.  But if you can afford to wait, so good.

 

From Henning, TN                                                                      Late  April 2012

Saw the ‘chain’ list today.  Still not on it.  I’m ssooooo ready to get to my destination.  The danger, the gangs, the hate……. all that awaits me I know.  But the anxiety of the wait has to be dealt with 

too.

It was good to hear from an old friend yesterday.  As time goes by you can forget what someone means to you.  But in an instant it can all come back.  We shall stay in touch.  Much love.

I was cruising around Sonic one night.  Had a date with a hot cheerleader still in high school.  In what I thought was a sweet ride, the Bullet.  Well it died on me right as we got to the “cool side” of Sonic.  It took me a few seconds to get it cranked again. In the meantime , my date dived to the floor board so she wouldn’t be seen.  Not cool.  Not cool.  It was funny though.

This morning I had a cup of coffee.  First one in a long time.  I can do without it.

I will be extremely good at Spades, Hearts, Chess & Dominoes when I get out.  If you would like to challenge me when I get home, bring it.  I am also a fast learner & have become quite good at Cribbage.  It’s pretty fun too.

Today’s song is only in my head.  It’s Tatum, John, and Josh singing “Small Town Saturday Night”.  I don’t think there’s a recording of it, but there should be.  Those guys are extremely talented.

There are a lot of guys here who have no one to visit them.  A lot have no one that writes them.  No one who cares….. really cares.  I am very thankful for what I have today.