Early November 2012

A letter to loved ones,

Greeting folks,

I know, shame on me.  I wanted to take a little time off from blogging in an attempt to save up some info & put it into letter form.  The only problem is that I didn’t make very good notes during my hiatus & so begins the struggle as to what to report.

I suppose first things first.  Thanks to everyone for the birthday cards & well wishes.  Daryl & Ash, you never cease to amaze me.  You guys are too kind.  I got to see Rob and Momma right before my birthday & Roy & Momma right afterwards and that’s always a treat.  I also got to see my Aunt Gloria on TV on my birthday.  I didn’t even know she was going to be on the CMA awards, but there she was singing in the choir backing up Brad Paisley.  Everyone thought I was crazy when I yelled out, “That’s my Aunt!”  Anyways, it was a nice surprise.  Other than that it was a pretty uneventful birthday.  35 years isn’t too much cause for celebration, just another day really.

In the past, I’ve had some birthday memories.  For the most part of the last 6 years, I have been in Las Vegas on (or very near) my birthday.  I was fortunate enough to have a good job & a great work family & I got to go to a trade show every year & it just happened to be at the end of October/beginning of November.  Many, many good memories in Vegas.  My first trip isn’t one of them.

I was getting to go to Vegas, finally.  I never thought this day would come, and it was going to fall on my birthday.  I was going to get to fly and hang out in Vegas with my coworker friends and go to shows and eat the foods and see the sights and see the lights & do all the cool stuff I had heard about all these years.  Yes, I would have to work the booth of the show during the day, but I could burn the candle at both ends couldn’t I?  Well, the only end burning was the back one.  I started not feeling well on the flight from Memphis to Dallas.  It didn’t get any better.  I had a bug.  I spent the next two days in my room at Harrah’s going to the restroom about every 15 minutes.  I could drink a glass of water, and within about 10 minutes “produce” a glass of clear “water”.  It was bad.  I couldn’t work.  I couldn’t eat.  It was everything you don’t want your first trip to Vegas to be. It was so bad that I decided I needed some meds.  So I searched online and saw that there was a Walgreens a short distance from where I was, or so I thought.  I struck out on this much needed med run.  I cannot explain to you how difficult it is to walk and walk and walk… and walk when you think you are about 1/10 of a mile away when in reality you’re about 2 miles away.  And the whole time having that not-so-easy feeling of “am I going to have to do some clothes shopping before I get some relief” if you know what I mean.  Had it not been my first trip, I would have known to #1 - take a cab #2 - if I did walk, every casino I passed had 100 bathrooms I could have used and #3-  probably every hotel/casino on the strip would have an apothecary store in it that would have either shortened my trip or made it unnecessary to begin with. 

I was able to rejoin my group to work my last day there & still got to go to see Elton John & the Red Piano my last night there.  And it made for a memorable experience & the beginning of several fun filled trips to Sin City. But that was one painful birthday.

What else.  I want to thank everyone for their prayers not only for me, but for my family as well.  I know it’s hard on them, and they need your continued support & prayers.  Tis the season of holidays and gatherings and family and laughs and love.  But I’m going to be okay.  I’m alive.

A year ago I was already at Lakeside and missed Thanksgiving all together.  My being there saved my life, but my going there strained several & even ended some relationships.  Everything happens for a reason & God won’t put more on me that I can stand, but sometimes I wonder if He has me confused with someone else.  I’m thankful every day to be alive.  And I’m sorry every day for putting my family through my attempts not to be.  But, I’m in a better place today that I was a year ago.  But, do keep those prayers coming.

I love you all and I will reply to the mail as I can.  I got a lot, A LOT of mail the last few weeks & I know I won’t get to all of it.  But that’s the beauty of this blog I suppose.  I hope it can suffice for some of it until I can see & talk to everyone for real one day.

Until next time.  Happy Holidays & I love you all. 

Mid October 2012

Oct. 16, 2012

I just read in Rolling Stone about the Led Zeppelin theatrical premiere “Celebration Day”  coming out tomorrow.  That will be on my ‘to-do’ list one of these days.  Bass, watch it and report please.

Oct. 17, 2012

If anybody is watching the new show Nashville, the oldest star singer’s father is played by the same actor that played Curly Bill in Tombstone.  I haven’t seen him in anything else that I can remember, so I thought it was pretty neat to see he is still around.  “Shut up Ike”.

Oct. 18, 2012

This is a dish I have made many times.  I won’t really use measurements because you can eyeball it depending on how much you need. This is basically hyped up sauteed mushrooms.  I serve this as a baked potato topping.  Oil and salt a potato wrap it in foil & bake until done, open and top.  Or to kick things up a bit, add it to a grilled chicken breast & top with Havarti or provolone cheese.  Excellent!

Sliced portabella mushrooms                            Diced onion

Diced bell pepper                                                   Diced tomato – fresh

EVOO                                                                         White or red wine

Cavenders Greek Seasoning

 Add oil to a pan and saute the pepper & onion slightly then add the mushrooms & tomatoes.  Season with Cavenders to bring out the juices.  A splash of wine to add moisture (you could use a stock or water) but, just enough to keep the mushrooms from drying out.

I didn’t mention it before, but the Huckaby’s came to see me this past Sunday and I really did enjoy seeing them.  Mom & Dad were gone to see the new Miss Regan in TX, so Benji & Jessica came to visit.  Benji has always been an honorary Cole brother, & Jessica loves to laugh & I love to make her laugh.  Good people & great friends.  I love ya’ll.

I’m pretty good at getting people to check out books.  I don’t think the people before me really gave it much effort.  The only problem seems to be that everyone here wants Patterson or Grisham & there are only so many here.  So, what or who are some other authors that may be similar or that might spark similar interests with my clientele?

Early Oct. 2012

Oct. 2, 2012

I think today is the first time I have been full since I have been here.  A strange and AWESOME  feeling.  We had breakfast for dinner, which has always been a favorite of mine.  I did some horse trading and got an extra tray.  So I had six pancakes, 2 ice cream scoops of peanut butter, 2 helping of fried potatoes, 2 helpings of baked apples, & 2 milks.  This guy is going to sleep with a big smile on his face!

Oct. 4, 2012

Just a good day today.  Not a lot to talk about, just thankful for family and friends.

It’s amazing how many different ways there are to spruce up a ramen noodle soup.  I’m sure I’ll show you one day, but I’m also sure I won’t help you eat it.  I imagine I’ll be burnt out.

Oct. 6, 2012

Today marks 1/12^th of my time being gone.  8 months has gone by fairly quickly.  I’m sure as you all read these blog postings you’ve noticed that maybe some of my priorities are changing.  I’ve noticed it.  I’m trying to be more thankful for things, as well as not place so much hope and thought into material things.  I’m sure my thoughts may become cyclical.  I haven’t thought about golf in quite a while, but still love it.  I have a list of stories to tell, off the wall stuff that I’ll get to one day.  But recently I’ve just kinda held off.  I try to write enough to keep current.  Don’t lose interest if one day isn’t funny.  Some days are better than others I guess.  I love you all.  Thanks for taking the time to think of me today.  

Oct. 9, 2012

Just an FYI, if I do happen to get out early, today means I’ve done 1/10^th of it.  Here’s hoping.

Today I’ve written 9 letters.  I know it’s about time right.  Sorry, I only write when I have something to say.  I’m blessed to get so much mail.  Sometimes it can get overwhelming to reply to.  I’m getting pretty good at writing faster though.  Practice makes better.  My handwriting will never be perfect.

Today’s tune comes from season 2 of The Sing-off.  Street Corner Symphony’s “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” is awesome (and available on I Tunes). LOL.

Oct. 11, 2012

It’s a great day to be alive says Travis Tritt.  Today, I agree.  It’s strange how the mind can take you to so many different places.  Dark & evil.  Funny memories.  Happy thoughts.  I’m sure you’ve experienced all of those today.  I have.  But a lot more happy thoughts lately…. And that’s good.

Oct. 14, 2012

Laney Robin is 9 today.  I sure do miss seeing her tumbling around everywhere.  She’ll be nearly grown before I see her again, but I hope she’ll remember her Dub.  I miss her & think about all of them daily.

End of Sept. 2012

September 20, 2012

Found out today that one of the guys in here that I’ve gotten to be friends with is moving.  He’s going to be closer to his home & be at an annex which means more freedoms & a better job.  Good for him, not so great for me.  But I wish him well.

September 21, 2012

Daddy’s birthday today.  I sent him a letter to wish him a good one, but I’m not ashamed to say on here that I love him.  And I miss him.  And I wish I was there with him.  Happy Birthday to my favorite “Daddy” in the world.

Sept. 22, 2012

Just completed my first week of work in quite a while.  Think I’ll sit back, watch some football, play some cards, and if I feel froggy, have a ramen noodle soup.  Let the weekend begin.

Sept. 23, 2012

“Freshmen” by the Verve Pipe.  Pretty good tune.  Brings back the memories.

I have finished my pursuit of math “squares” relationships.  I won’t include it on here just yet, but you can be certain that it will make it one day.  It’s going to take me awhile to figure out how to translate it from thought into quality reading.  I’m sure you’re on the edge of your seat.

Sept. 26, 2012

Well, she’s here!  Regan Lee Cole was born today.  Everyone is doing well so I’m told.  I’m sure Miss Makenlee will have to adjust, but I hear she already want to play.  Bless them all.

Sept. 28, 2012

Okay, here is my dilemma/ opinion/observation/belief.  Food rarely tastes as good as it’s supposed to.  I can see a picture or a commercial and be completely sold on the idea of something.  But then I try it, and it’s never as good as I thought it should or would be.  A perfect example is almost all Italian food.  For most of my life I have claimed that Italian food is my favorite.  But rarely have it eaten it and been completely satisfied.  It’s always good, but hardly ever great.  The same goes for other food genres.  This may seem weird, or even sad, but it’s the truth.  I think it’s a big reason I have always enjoyed cooking so much.  Because the Olive Garden & Old Town Spaghetti Store never have quenched my taste buds.  Very good, but not great.  I want great, I seek great.  Just needed to get that off my chest.

Sept. 30, 2012

Today was a good day.  Talked to Mark earlier & got to hear all about what’s going on in Texas, and I talked to Rob & got caught up on his family.  I miss them all so much.  It’s good to hear their voices though & have a few minutes of normal conversion.  Love you guys.

Oct. 1, 2012

Animals Planet’s show Eating Giants is awesome.  And gross.  I can’t imagine how bad a dead hippo would smell on about the fourth day in the African sun.  But I can’t stop watching it. 

Today’s song is “Yellow Brick Road” by Elton John.  I really, really like it.  It’s not new, but it sounds really good.  Brings back good memories.

Oct. 3, 2012

Am I the only person who ever printed off a scoville scale (measure the heat in peppers) & gone to a Mexican grocery store to purchase chili powders?  Yea, I figured I was.  But, I’m not ashamed to admit it.  Small price to pay if you want to make some amazing chili.

Mid Sept.2012

September 14, 2012

Today, I got a job as Pod Librarian.  Looking forward to having something to do.  Thanks for all the prayers & concerns.

September 15, 2012

It is, in fact, not so great….. to be….. a Tennessee Vol. L

Had a very fine visit with Momma today.  It’s crazy that we have so much to discuss after so many years.  Really, good day. 

I have hand selected 10 of our finest books to be introduced to the pod.  A few Pattersons, Grishams, a Keillor, a Grizzard, a Bombeck.  They’ll never know what to expect.

September 17, 2012

Proverbs 27:7 talked to me today.  It’s all about appreciating what you have.  I lived a good life.  I had the job, the wife, the income, the family, the health…. It was all taken for granted.  Now I’ve been stripped pretty bare.  I regret that it took a tumble down the mountain for me to appreciate how high I had climbed.  I think the most important thing is that I still have the family.  And the health.  It just got me thinking and thought I would share.  Take a minute today & be thankful for where you are and what/who you have.  You never know when there might be a tumble ahead.

A year ago I was in Hilton Head for a computer conference.  I was able to sneak in some R & R while I was there, which for me meant playing several rounds of golf.  Nothing like getting up before the sun, grabbing a bite to eat, and being first one to hit the course.  I was very  fortunate to work with and for people I could call friends.  I have many, many good memories of Mill Masters & am glad I had the luxury of being their employee for 11 ½ years.

Mark & his wife, Janna, are days away from welcoming girl #2 into the world.  So happy for them.  And I very much look forward to meeting my niece one of these days.