The Soda Bottle Kid

                          The last days of school

The gloomy rain of May seemed to make the last few weeks of school
drag even worse for Rodney. Staring out the window of math class and
thinking of summer, his friends and how he would get the gang together.
Ten minutes until the bell, and then the long ride to his house. Ton and Tank
were making faces at him, the fattest twins in the 7 grade ever, Rod thought.
They were good enough guys, and he thought maybe they would join the gang
this summer.
   BBBRRRRRRIIIIIINNNNNNGGGGG. Schools out!
The bike seat was wet and Rodney wiped it with his sleeve.
He rode, dodging rain drops, past the feed store, over the bridge,
and then the long mile of gravel home. He went past the dumpy house
where Lenny the Hippy lived. Lenny was out in the the yard, Rodney
waved but, Lenny didn't see him. He passed old man Walts' place.
He was welding machinery in the shop, the blue spark made him
see spots for a bit. He liked the old farmer. He would let him ride on the tractor
or in the combine during harvest.
    He turned his bike into his driveway, there was Clipper lying in the yard,
waiting for him. " Come on boy let's see if there's something to eat",
Mom or Ed wouldn't be home until 6 o'clock. Long enough to down an apple
with peanut butter and some milk. Clipper liked peanut butter,
Rodney let him lick a whole spoonful, and laughed
when it stuck to the roof of his mouth. "Mom would kill us, if she saw us pigs,"
Rodney said."Let's go to the club house, Clipper". 
The club house was the worlds greatest, an old barn that
nobody used anymore. Rodney had converted the grainary part
into his personal corporate headquarters.
Along one wall and old sofa and chair, on the other a desk and chair.
A single naked bulb that still worked, would light the room after dark.
The other room was a huge oats bin.
  Rodney would usually stay outside until he had to go in.
Talking to the dog, or himself about his plans for the gang that summer.
He went to the house for supper, he would get the usual small talk, how was school,
what did you do, was it raining on your way home?
He would answer with as few words as possible.
Not that he didn't want to talk to his mom, it was
Ed that made him feel small. Edwin Foremann
had married his mom a few years ago, and ever since
 Rodney knew where he stood. He was no
longer top dog in the house. He had pretty much lost his
special time with his mom, and had to make up his own fun, his own way.
After dinner he would watch tv, or head to his room upstairs of the old farm house.
He crossed off another school day on his Coop callender, 12 more days left.
Then he could start his plan for the summer. Rodney had figured out that the whole gang
working together, they all could get new bikes by the end of summer.

     His room faced east, and got the morning suns first light.
This was good because he would be out early looking for bottles, on his way to school.

Note: I thought maybe the boy should have story, tune in for more.

There's this place

Lameshure Bay is one of the most beautiful spots on this
planet. A quiet spot on St. John that I had the pleasure of
anchorage. Very few sailboats were there which led me to believe
that it was a well kept secret. The first night we were visited by sea turtles
and jack fish at our stern. The fish helped eat our leftovers,
that we saved from Coral Bay the night before.
 The almost full moon painted a sureal picture above our boat.
Four other boats shared the National Park Bouys, an honor pay
15 $ a night system. Very protected from the land swell of the Atlantic
Ocean (north side) . We were rocked to sleep by a gentle breeze from the SW.
  The next morning, after a banana muffin, coffee breakfast.
We took the dinghy to the beach were we spent the morning snorkling.
We saw alot of tropical fish and coral, brilliant colors, and the bouyancy
of salt water made swimming easy. A red starfish and blue and yellow angel
fish were highlights. We also discovered the old ruins of a sugar plantation.
It was cool to see the huge pit burners that boiled cane to sugar.
The slave quarters still stood but only the foundation of the large house still stood.
Isn't it ironic? All in all it was a memory I will keep a long time.
There's this place............

Decks

So often people ask what are you up to?
As my project oriented life changes often.
In a word (Decks), but last year we designed
a deck for a client, and it has become our signature
pattern deck. A double border with a field of diagonal
and or herring bone planks. Now that we have done this,
we get a lot of referral work. People just love the design
work in the decks. I have toyed with diamond inlay patterns, etc.
I'm thinking of getting a quilt pattern book.
The post and rail systems are usually black strap iron ballisters
on cedar. I love the look of western red cedar, and the wood is
a fast growing responsibly managed forest product. (green?) the jury is still out.
So if you or someone you know wants a deck that's not just a linear plank
looking thing......I can come up with really cool planking ideas.
That's what I'm up to.

Someday Never Comes

All the lines of his plans were well rehearsed.
How he would make his first million,
then see the world and all it had to offer.
And someday write the novel of his adventures,
He must some how be cursed, Someday never comes.

The childhood dreams of designing and building homes,
erased by the hard work of plumbing, and digging ditch.
The days of sweat and toil for a pay check too small.
Returning to his home each night tired, drunk and alone.
Not understanding, or caring what the future was. Someday never comes.

Suffering in silence to the drone of his daily grind,
no longer capable of making choices, he forgets his dreams.
Responsibility of wife and children in tow, he drowns.
The pain in his body never ceasing, his work never ending.
Assured that he is losing his mind. Someday never comes.

'Tis a sad tale of a man who forgot his dreams,
Whos' pit of despair consumed him.
The lack of will, a bill of goods was he sold?
Of course he could have been rich and travelled the world.
But that would be predictible, this way it's poetry. And a reminder.....
Someday never comes.

Grandmas Stove

Sweet Potato Chick Pea Soup

2 Tbls Olive Oil
1 Onion, chopped
2 Cloves Garlic minced
2 peeled and chopped sweet potatoes
3 cups chicken broth, (2 cans)
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp paprika
1 can diced tomato
1 pkg of mixed vegetables
( I like the stir fry variety
Peas green beans peppers onion etc.)
1 Can Chickpeas, drained


In a sauce pan, heat olive oil and add onion, garlic and sweet potatoes;
saute 5 minutes.

Stir in broth, seasoning, and bring to a boil,
then reduce heat to med-lo simmer until sweet potato
is tender, but not mushy, about 15 min.

Stir in tomato, mixed veg, and chickpeas,
simmer until tender about 10 to 15 min.
Serve hot. (I was real tempted to add chicken to this,
but it doesn't need it.)

Rock-n-Roll

Promises under a black light poster,
A hit a piece, a 12 hr ride for sure.
Red wine and weed to soften the rush to the peak.
It's you and I, We've opened the window
and let the devil in.

Led Zepplin, Houses of the Holy,
on a turntable, skip and hiss.
Hammer of the Gods, more wine and weed.
It's comin on, the sparkles on your halo glow,
It's you and I, The Who, Who Are You.

Touching you feels a mile deep, soft flesh,
Van Halen tee slowly falls to the floor.
Could the sun have gone down during all this?
The street light adds to the rooms swirl of color,
breathing ever closer to our venture into the abyss.

Grateful Dead, Sugar Magnolia, and the sweet smell of wine,
The smile, turns to hysterical laughter, a trip to the bathroom,
and gently touching you again,
The promise of more, before the dawn.
Dancing to the Guess Who, These Eyes.

Bob Dylan, Tangled Up and Blue
reminds me of a lost love,
The thought of seeing her again.
Drifting slowly back to earth,
Pink Floyd is eclipsing the dark side of the moon.

Sunrise, Allman Brothers, Can't Lose what you Never Had.
A tune that keeps me from drifting too far.
Gently spins as we fall to sleep, Curled together as
the fantasy comes to a close.
Rock-n-Roll had it's moments......

Old Truck

Hey that's a cool ol' truck would you sell it?
No, it's a part of my soul was my reply,
I bought it long ago when I was a young man,
and we've been through alot and made it this far.

It has brought me home, from many a jam,
snow storms, rain and such.
Gotten away from gun fights,
pissed off ex-wives, biker bars and more.

It has seen first dates and kisses.
Saw courtships that lasted, and some that didn't.
It was with me when I fell in love, long ago.
Brought my son home when he was first born .

This truck has never failed,
I've grown attached to it,
It's hauled wood for the stove,
kids to baseball and the fishin hole.

It's old like me, but I don't care.
It's gentle growl has rocked children to sleep,
It's strength has pulled me from the ditch,
We kinda know each other, know what I mean?

I see now, why I could never buy it.
Please forgive my request.
Where you headed now,
Old timer, if I might ask?

I'm driving back home, you see,
to my home place, I haven't long to live.
So long a memory, So long a love affair,
I could never part with it,....by the way.....
It'll still do 125 if I hold her down!

The Soda Bottle Kid

Coaster brake on his blue bike wheel,
Dust rose, dirt road, skid to a stop.
The sunlights dew gleaming at his heel,
The prize, the green glass, empty bottle of pop.

No money in pocket, no copper, nor tin.
A journey for bottles to earn a nickel or a dime.
Worn shirt, too large jeans, held fast with a pin,
A playing card on his spokes, keeping the time.

One then, two,three more by the tracks,
Two more at the pool, down in the park.
Looking in trash cans, Stuffing bottles in his pack,
Sunshine, a breeze, a chasing dogs bark.

To the store with his load, down the road it's not far.
He grins at the grocer, stacks them up for his pay.
Heads home to his mom, puts his money in the family jar.
Poor again, but happy, for tommorrows another day.
 

Mans Best Friend

Dogs are excited to see you and
do not care where you've been,
just that you care enough to come home.

Dogs like to share your food
and don't mind cleaning your plate,
even the stuff you didn't care to eat.

Dogs like to sit in your lap,
and keep you warm when it's cold outside.
Even if you don't feel like scratching them.

Dogs like to keep your bed warm,
when you're not there.
Even if you don't want them on the bed.

Dogs like to play fetch and go for walks,
take you to new places to smell and see.
Even if you're too tired or busy.

Dogs like to take naps and stretch alot,
I think they are being a good example.
Even though I don't take their advice too often.

Dogs like to lick cuts and sores for you,
just cause they care that you're hurt.
They even lick you cause your feelings are hurt.

Dogs like to hear your secrets,
and will never tell them.
Not even to other dogs.

Dogs like to sleep with you,
not just to keep you warm,
but to keep you safe too.

I think I like my dog too.

This childrens book I envisioned, included
humorus pictures of dogs and their antics.

There's this place

I have taken my broilers to this state
certified processor in Kimbalton several times.
 But this last time I took time to sight see.
I came upon a city park that held.......
I digress.......
It was my sister in law Sally who had gone to
Denmark to visit her daughter Melinda
who was studying abroad. She went to see the famed
Lil Mermaid in the harbor, only to find it was on loan
to some Asian country and would return after she was gone.
 So Sally and others if you have to see the Little Mermaid
In a not so busy setting, LOL.
There's this place..

Grandmas Stove

Heuvos Ranchero

6 Fresh eggs
6 strips bacon
1 can Rotels tomato and green chilis
4 burrito sized flour totillas (for chips)
    bag chips are ok but I prefer fresh.
1 cup oil
   Shredded cheese
Chipotle seasoning (Penzeys Arizona Dreaming) is my new fav.

In a large skillet cook bacon crisp, crumble, set aside.
reserving 1/4 cup bacon fat in skillet.
Reduce heat to hi simmer.
add 1 can rotels and 1/2 can water to skillet.
with spoon hollow out  holes to crack eggs into.
Allow eggs to poach until all the water is boiled away.
season to taste with salt and chipotle seasoning

While eggs poach, heat oil in another skillet med hi.
cut tortillas into triangles fry on both sides till brown
drain on paper towels and salt to taste.

Plate eggs, rotels and add crumbled bacon and shredded cheese.
Serve with chips Serves 2-3 people

Good but not Great

And then you had to bring up reincarnation,
 over a couple of beers the other night.
And now I'm serving time for mistakes
made by another, in another lifetime.
How long til my soul gets it right?
Can any human being ever reach that kind of light?
I call on the resting soul of Galileo,
King of night vision, King of insight.
       ( Indigo Girls)

For all the nay sayers in my life, You know who you are.
The ones who might have said, "You aren't ready to build
a house."" You aren't good enough to attempt this or that."
"You could do so much better if, You would apply yourself."
"Why don't you wait til you're older and have more experience",
Or my Fathers favorite," You can't be a rebel all your life."
I'm glad I could not understand your attempt to keep me from harm.
I'm so grateful that your wise words fell on deaf stubborn ears.
For my early attempts may have not been great but they were good.
Good enough to learn from, good enough to earn a living from.
Good enough to give me the moxie when I failed, to get up and
Start again, although some of those times were very painful.
I was fired from my first house building job. I'm glad I didn't quit
on myself then. For I would not have continued on to build some
very great things. So to my Rebels, and Conformists who always thought
they could be good. Keep after your dreams for they are truly a great
thing, But remember you are not what you do, you are so much greater
than anything you could ever do. The journey is what makes us, the smile
and the kind word makes a ever bigger ripple in the pond. So encourage
others to do great things.

Galileo's head was on the block,
the crime was looking up the truth.........