Early July 2012

July 2, 2012

Got my first shakedown today.  Pretty much exactly like you see on TV.  All your stuff strewn about then left for you to re-fold & re-organize everything. Fun Times!

I got a letter from Cameron today.  I was still on the first page when I accidentally snort-laughed my cellie awake.  Thank you.  I needed a laugh worse than he needed a nap.

A new record.  I put 8 letters in the mail today.  The chosen ones? Not really. LOL.  Some that deserved a reply already & I had been doing more blog-rambling & less letter writing. It comes in spurts.

Just a reminder.  I am not actually typing my blog.  I am writing it out and mailing it to my secretaries (ha-ha) & they are kind enough to put it on the World Wide Web.  Thank you Momma & Roy btw.  Any ways, I say all that to say that I can’t see your comments.  It’s quiet alright to comment. (I do plan on reading back thru all of this once I complete this journey.)  Just don’t say anything I wouldn’t say (or don’t say anything you don’t want my momma to read.) 

July 4, 2012

It’s hard to imagine a 4^th without thinking of Menx.  We always sang, “God Bless the USA” Lee Greenwood style.  We enjoyed a few golf outings & even a few hot bbq s.  But one 4^th I’ll never forget is the time we had a bottle rocket war.  There were several of us “boys being boys“ that night firing bottle rockets at each other while the women folk were inside talking or knitting or whatever women folk do while boys are being boys.  Anyways, Menx & Jen hadn’t been in their new home very long at all.  I believe it was the second bottle rocket making its way thru the front door and exploding on the living room carpet that caused the “boys”  to ultimately lose the war.  It’s funny to think back on, but things were pretty serious for a minute. Happy 4^th, Menx!!

July 5, 2012

Not sure why, but today is one of those days that if I had it, I think I could chew an entire pouch of Redman Golden Blend.  Tastes just like it sounds, delicious!!

I think it’s pretty sad that Romney is the best candidate the Republican Party can come up with.  It’s equally sad that Obama is his only real competition.  I think I am officially neither a republican nor a democrat, and I think I’m proud to feel that way.  Politics are ruining this once great nation.

Let me guess, it’s been too hot for Riviera to golf. LOL. I know it’s been hot, extremely hot.  But I sure wish I was out there sweating and burning.  One day.

There’s been an unusual number of pizza commercials cross my path today.  Pizza Hut, it would have to be a Super Supreme pan.  Papa John’s, I’ll take an original crust with pepperoni, mushrooms & sausage with anchovies on the side.  And Little Caesar’s, whatever Grover gets is always fine.

I have always been adamantly against barbeque sauce on hamburgers.  Although this isn’t something that I will have to deal with any time in the near future, it’s still something I feel very strongly about.  And it’s not something I will consider changing my stance on.

July 6, 2012

Not sure what made me remember this, but if you haven’t watched the documentary “Food, Inc.” you should really set aside some time to do so.  I think everybody needs to be aware of how “food” is controlled.  Very interesting.

As far as Daytona, FL goes, I believe Kathleen and I should consider ourselves to be “twice shy.”  Scarred for life.

July 7, 2012

And speaking of anchovies, I would wager that with the exception of possibly Mark, I am the only one in my immediate family who has even tried them, let alone like them.

The 20/20 special on Heaven last night was interesting.  Did anybody else watch it?  I’m sure you can see it online if you missed it.  Who knew the Dali Lama had such a sense of humor?  What I took away from it was the “Muslim=terrorist” thinking that afflicts a lot of people these days.  I think that would be similar to saying Pentecostals & Methodists are the same because they’re both Christian.  Just a thought, I’m done now.

I’ve always wanted a big dog. But it would need to be a lazy lap dog too.  A mastiff falls into that category I think.  If they make a big dog that doesn’t have a lot of energy, doesn’t shed a lot, has a big heart, and is capable of chilling out while I’m working, that’s the kind of dog I want.  But it will also be coming from a shelter.  A rescue dog is the best.

Is it just me or does it seem like even Modupe Idowu herself, WBBJ news anchorwoman, has trouble pronouncing her name?  Strange.

Late June Early July 2012

June 26, 2012

I just found out today that Austin Rivers is in the draft.  Not cool.  Too soon.  He needed one more year at Duke.  And we needed him to stay.  I am not happy about it.

Just a reminder, if you’re kind enough to mail to me, please include your return address.  Chuck Wade, love you bro!

And speaking of Chuck, today we’ll for old school with “Holy-Roller Novocain.”

June 28, 2012

Well, my first lock-down is underway.  I was looking forward to seeing Pops & Neenaw over the weekend, but it looks like that will be on hold until further notice. And it’s hottern a 4-balled monkey in here while we wait.  Should’ve ordered that fan.

June 29, 2012

I hope Laney Robin is watching this gymnastic Olympic Trials show on TV tonight.  I’m sure she is tumbling through the house if she is.  She should be about ready to be an Olympian herself when I get outta here. Can’t wait.

June 30, 2012

I’ve been thinking a lot about recipes lately. (shocker) This is my take on a nice fresh & clean tasting dip that would be good on a hot day.  It originated in TX.

1can black beans (drained)

1 can shoepeg corn (drained)

1 small red onion diced

 1 jalapeno (diced finely) optional

12-15 cherry or grape tomatoes (cut into 4ths) OR 1 meaty tomato (seeded and diced)

1/3 c fresh cilantro (chopped)

Just before serving add 2 avocados (diced) with the juice of ½ a lime keeps it from browning

Mix together with salt & pepper to taste. Serve with tortilla chips.  Another tip to help the avocado from turning brown is to put the pits in the dip container as well.  If you don’t eat is all it will not look appetizing later.

Dave Matthews Band’s “If I Had It All.” Not a well known tune, but I like it.  Don’t hate!

I can’t believe this weather.  I’m stuck inside of course, but it’s unreal how hot it is outside.  And no rain in sight.  Make sure to check on old people, & make sure your pets have shade & water.  Especially the pets, JK, kinda.

A quick shout-out to the McCaskill’s.  So thankful for the mags.  They sure make the time go by a little faster.  Love you guys.

July 1, 2012

Well this lock down has turned into a full-fledged shakedown.  No shower until at least the 9^th of July they say.  Whore bath here I come.

Mid and Late June 2012

June 16, 2012

The Corolla ‘recruiter’ commercials are hilarious.  That Les Miles wanna-be makes me laugh. “You did a good job and I like your shoes.”

June 19, 2012

When one of God’s creatures is suffering, the pain & hurt can almost radiate into another.  And sometimes the other creature is forced to do the unthinkable.  Sometimes the only humane solution is to put it out of its misery.  It’s never an easy task, but it is a necessary evil.  Doesn’t it mean that you care more so that to just let the suffering continue?  Once I was asked by a friend to put a puppy down that was about 6 weeks old, but was still small & hadn’t opened its eyes.  It was a very difficult job.  But in time, as hard as it was, I knew it was the right thing to do.

June 20, 2012

While talking with an old friend today, (I won’t name him, it makes him giddy) I realized that life, & situations in life, is a lot like playing poker.  You can’t control the cards you are dealt, you can’t change your hand.  You can fold or you can go all in.  You can play for as high of stakes as you want.  You just want to have the best hand, or be in the best position, when it’s time to show.

I have several letters to reply to.  My hand isn’t used to the pen and paper.  Wish I had a keyboard and monitor.

I know it’s a tad past due, but man wouldn’t it have been nice if you would’ve put about $100 on the Kings to win it all?

I too, like Dr. Sheldon Cooper from Big Bang Theory.  Long for the day when we’ll have a society that no longer looks down upon the differently uvulated.  I’m certain that I’m the only one reading this who has bitten theirs.

June 21, 2012

A very Happy Anniversary to my parents.  38 years.  Here’s to 38 more.

June 22, 2012

One of my closest friends doesn’t like Stevie Ray Vaughn, James Taylor, or Eric Clapton.  I may need to re-evaluate my friend checklist curriculum.

June 24, 2012

So good to spend some time with the Huckaby’s & Mom today.  Laughter is the best medicine.

June 25, 2012

If there is one thing Robin & I can agree on every single time, it’s that tis the season of the Olympics…… and it’s the most wonderful time of the year. (At least every even year!)

I know this one guy, he’s an alright guy I suppose.  But he plays poker barefoot.  And that’s gross, and weird, and possibly provides a window to his orientation.

At the end of every Big Bang Theory episode, after the credits roll, there is a white screen of writings.  If you watch the show & have the ability to pause, you should utilize the pause & read it.  Funny stuff.

Mid June 2012

June 10, 2012

I had my picture taken today.  It’s the longest my hair has been in about 15 years.  It looks pretty raggedy.  A few more bald spots than I remember. And the ones I do remember have grown.  Not sure if the picture will reflect how awesome it looks, but I thought I needed record of it.  Man Mange!

Enough of that nonsense.  I JUST SHAVED MY HEAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

June 12, 2012

Happy Birthday to my wonderful momma.  I wouldn’t be here without her love & prayers.  I am very grateful.

If I were in the free world, I would be making a purchase today.  Jimmy Fallon’s record, “Blow Your Pants Off” hits today.  Hilariousness from his show.

June 13, 2012

I’ve started keeping a list of recipe ideas, key ingredients, & foods I want to try.  If you couldn’t already tell, food and cooking played a big part of my life.  E. T. & Bo can sympathize with me, but the absence of bacon in my diet is not something I was prepared for.  It is the most flavorful meat you know.  Anyways, things I see on TV or read about, I might as well record a wish list.  Goals if you will.  I can’t wait to cook again.

June 14, 2012

I can honestly say that when I came to prison, being able to watch the NBA Finals and even better, the US Open never came to mind.  But I must say, today was a good day.  I suppose it is the little things.

June 15, 2012

Part of today’s reading was Psalm 63.  There’s a song titles “Better Than Life” by Acapella that I never realized came from this passage.  Growing up it seems that most of what we listened to was acapella contemporary music.  Acapella, AVB, Take 6….. brings back a flood of memories.  For those of you that don’t know, my brothers & I sang together for years.  Acapella style (no music or accompaniment).  Churches, talent shows, funerals, wedding rehearsals.  Despite what any of us might say, we all enjoyed the ‘harmony’ it brought to us.

Shane Battier may just end up being the MVP of the Finals.  CLUTCH! They would never give it to him, them being Duke Haters & LeBron lovers, but his defense, as well as his 3-point shooting, will be the difference.  Just the same, GO HEAT!!!

I believe Clinton Kelly from “The Chew” is Chris Stanfill’s long lost brother.  It’s like he’s actually on TV.  Weird. And Awesome. Love ya buddy.