From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley --Many of you probably have already seen or heard this report about the 13-year old fellow named Logan that called into the local radio station and explained what "God had told him" - if you haven't I recommend you take a few minutes and watch this short clip. I am always moved by the wisdom that often come from those so young.
Love, peace and grace,
Dr. Darryl
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Update on Lt. Col. Ty Edwards
From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley -- Kay wrote up this summary to post all our friends and family following our visit to see Ty yesterday at the VA Hospital in Tampa. ---Darryl
He also said he didn't recognize Darryl, but thought the last time he had seen him was at W.L.'s funeral (which is exactly correct), and asked if he had been Special Forces (which they had talked about at that time). Amazing, eh?
And he seemed glad to meet Penelope (as I said when I introduced them - I knew he would enjoy meeting a pretty lady - and we all got good smiles from that).
His communication skills are remarkable. He still hesitates over picking out words, and spitting out a name like Penelope required work for him, but he knew what he was trying to say, and got it out with a little time.
When we arrived, he was sitting at his computer, in his wheel chair. He had received an answer to his first email, sent to Hakimi (his Afghani interpreter and friend, and who also saved his life). So he seemed to be glad to be back in action on the computer. His left hand has good control, it seems, and that's how he motivates his chair.
His left leg has begun to work better and better. He can lift it (he has good and improving core body strength). He has better days and less good days working on the walking machine. I guess his hip on the left side has increasing flexibility. His right side is still not cooperating, leg or arm. However, he begins water therapy this week, and that is hopefully going to allow all the parts to get more fluid (no pun intended), and start getting some control in a more easily facilitated way. So they seemed very eager to get that therapy underway.
I didn't realize it until afterward, but saw that there was no longer a catheter, so that tells me he has control there too, I assume. Another miracle!
Tommy was staying there with them, and Debbie was in B'town making sure that Inez and M.C. were getting fed.
Tommy said they eat if it's put in front of them. I spoke with Anna and they have had company 3 times this week, and Mason was getting his soccer photo done on Saturday, so they have been staying busy.
Ty was showing us pictures of various folks he's met, and his recall amazes me. He did remember all the folks that came by in Bethesda, celebrities and friends/family alike. He was aware the President Bush asked to hug his pretty wife (smile).
I mentioned his new friendship with our other cousin John/Jake Miller, and he smiled and said what a great person he is, and how he enjoyed his regular weekend visits in Bethesda. I mentioned Jane's visit too, and he struggled to remember that. Tommy said it was while he was still in intensive care, and that's the reason he didn't recall her. He seemed disappointed not to be able to recall that, but looked forward to meeting her and their great family addition - Suzanna.
He recalled all the Miller side of his family, asking where everyone was and what they were doing, and saying please say hello to everyone. I told him when they got ready for a road trip, to please come to Kentucky, and I knew Mason would enjoy fishing at the lake, and playing in the woods. I hope that can happen one day soon!
He spoke of his wonderful Anna, and said she was making the ultimate sacrifice .... taking him to an Auburn Alumni gathering there in Tampa! Ha.
Ty also wanted to show us his 'skull'. He has a plastic model of his head -- what bones are there now, and where the bullet entered. It's astonishing he's alive! And to have made such progress is a pure gift from God. That will make some 'show-and-tell' for the kids to bring to school!
Ty's spirits seemed great, and he was eager to do all the hard work it takes to get better, and better, and better. It was a blessing to we three to be able to experience his joy of life and gifts from God.
I asked if there was anything in the world he wanted or needed, and he said no. They all seem to be doing well.
Love to you all,
Kay
Hi all,
After our Space Day event this week, Darryl and I and our friend/colleague Penelope were able to spend about an hour with Ty and Tommy was there with him at the VA hospital. It was a wonderful time, and great to see the significant progress he has made, and continues to make. This time he clearly recognized me, and said he remembered my visit in Bethesda (when I didn't think he knew me), but said he just couldn't communicate then. I know it had looked like he was working hard, and I thought it was to try to piece together who I was -- evidently it was to communicate.
He also said he didn't recognize Darryl, but thought the last time he had seen him was at W.L.'s funeral (which is exactly correct), and asked if he had been Special Forces (which they had talked about at that time). Amazing, eh?
And he seemed glad to meet Penelope (as I said when I introduced them - I knew he would enjoy meeting a pretty lady - and we all got good smiles from that).
His communication skills are remarkable. He still hesitates over picking out words, and spitting out a name like Penelope required work for him, but he knew what he was trying to say, and got it out with a little time.
When we arrived, he was sitting at his computer, in his wheel chair. He had received an answer to his first email, sent to Hakimi (his Afghani interpreter and friend, and who also saved his life). So he seemed to be glad to be back in action on the computer. His left hand has good control, it seems, and that's how he motivates his chair.
His left leg has begun to work better and better. He can lift it (he has good and improving core body strength). He has better days and less good days working on the walking machine. I guess his hip on the left side has increasing flexibility. His right side is still not cooperating, leg or arm. However, he begins water therapy this week, and that is hopefully going to allow all the parts to get more fluid (no pun intended), and start getting some control in a more easily facilitated way. So they seemed very eager to get that therapy underway.
I didn't realize it until afterward, but saw that there was no longer a catheter, so that tells me he has control there too, I assume. Another miracle!
Tommy was staying there with them, and Debbie was in B'town making sure that Inez and M.C. were getting fed.
Tommy said they eat if it's put in front of them. I spoke with Anna and they have had company 3 times this week, and Mason was getting his soccer photo done on Saturday, so they have been staying busy.
Ty was showing us pictures of various folks he's met, and his recall amazes me. He did remember all the folks that came by in Bethesda, celebrities and friends/family alike. He was aware the President Bush asked to hug his pretty wife (smile).
I mentioned his new friendship with our other cousin John/Jake Miller, and he smiled and said what a great person he is, and how he enjoyed his regular weekend visits in Bethesda. I mentioned Jane's visit too, and he struggled to remember that. Tommy said it was while he was still in intensive care, and that's the reason he didn't recall her. He seemed disappointed not to be able to recall that, but looked forward to meeting her and their great family addition - Suzanna.
He recalled all the Miller side of his family, asking where everyone was and what they were doing, and saying please say hello to everyone. I told him when they got ready for a road trip, to please come to Kentucky, and I knew Mason would enjoy fishing at the lake, and playing in the woods. I hope that can happen one day soon!
He spoke of his wonderful Anna, and said she was making the ultimate sacrifice .... taking him to an Auburn Alumni gathering there in Tampa! Ha.
Ty also wanted to show us his 'skull'. He has a plastic model of his head -- what bones are there now, and where the bullet entered. It's astonishing he's alive! And to have made such progress is a pure gift from God. That will make some 'show-and-tell' for the kids to bring to school!
Ty's spirits seemed great, and he was eager to do all the hard work it takes to get better, and better, and better. It was a blessing to we three to be able to experience his joy of life and gifts from God.
I asked if there was anything in the world he wanted or needed, and he said no. They all seem to be doing well.
Love to you all,
Kay
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Leave It To My Dear MIL To Share the Way To Fix This Economy
From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley -- Never doubt the power of common sense. My Mother-in-law in Smyrna, Ga. sent this to me. All I can say is - "Amen!" Let's get on with it. LPG, Dr. D.
This is from an article in the St. Petersburg Times Newspaper on Sunday.
The Business Section asked readers for ideas on "How Would You?" I think this guy nailed it!
Dear Mr. President:
Please find below my suggestion for fixing America's economy. Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan.
You can call it the Patriotic Retirement Plan:
There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force. Pay them $1 million apiece severance for early retirement with the following stipulations:
1) They MUST retire. Forty million job openings - Unemployment fixed.
2) They MUST buy a new American CAR. Forty million cars ordered - Auto Industry fixed.
3) They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage - Housing Crisis fixed.
It can't get any easier than that! If more money is needed, have all members of Congress and their constituents pay their taxes...
If you think this would work, please forward to everyone you know.
This is from an article in the St. Petersburg Times Newspaper on Sunday.
The Business Section asked readers for ideas on "How Would You?" I think this guy nailed it!
Dear Mr. President:
Please find below my suggestion for fixing America's economy. Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan.
You can call it the Patriotic Retirement Plan:
There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force. Pay them $1 million apiece severance for early retirement with the following stipulations:
1) They MUST retire. Forty million job openings - Unemployment fixed.
2) They MUST buy a new American CAR. Forty million cars ordered - Auto Industry fixed.
3) They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage - Housing Crisis fixed.
It can't get any easier than that! If more money is needed, have all members of Congress and their constituents pay their taxes...
If you think this would work, please forward to everyone you know.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
We Will Miss You and I Will Always Regret Not Having the Opportunity
From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley -- If the rumors I have just heard this evening are true - and they are still rumors but seem to be based in fact - one of my old high school friends and chums from the 60s is dead. The stories vary, however, it seems he may have taken his own life.
As someone who has struggled with depression all his life, I can attest to the horrible state of mind it can and does put you into and without relief what it can lead to. I have been to the point of having to lock away the gun from the bullets because I feared what I would do if they were easily accessible. I am thankful that most of those days are in the distant past and yet I am always alert to the old "Black Dog" as Sir Winston Churchill called the malady sneaking upon me.
Depression is one of the most insidious and meanness afflictions Man has ever had to deal with.
It is with much regret and a deep sadness that I have heard of this and had no idea that my friend could have needed help. I have not seen him in over 40-years but did hear about him now and then since we moved back to Kentucky.
I would have given anything to have sat him down and listened.
Sometimes my friends that is truly all we need. Good listeners are hard to find. Don't pass up the opportunity if it is presented to you.
The following story that came about in December 1996, hard to believe it was now 13-years ago, sums up some of my feelings.
Love, peace and grace to my friends' family and to all of you.
Dr. D.
As someone who has struggled with depression all his life, I can attest to the horrible state of mind it can and does put you into and without relief what it can lead to. I have been to the point of having to lock away the gun from the bullets because I feared what I would do if they were easily accessible. I am thankful that most of those days are in the distant past and yet I am always alert to the old "Black Dog" as Sir Winston Churchill called the malady sneaking upon me.
Depression is one of the most insidious and meanness afflictions Man has ever had to deal with.
It is with much regret and a deep sadness that I have heard of this and had no idea that my friend could have needed help. I have not seen him in over 40-years but did hear about him now and then since we moved back to Kentucky.
I would have given anything to have sat him down and listened.
Sometimes my friends that is truly all we need. Good listeners are hard to find. Don't pass up the opportunity if it is presented to you.
The following story that came about in December 1996, hard to believe it was now 13-years ago, sums up some of my feelings.
Love, peace and grace to my friends' family and to all of you.
Dr. D.
We Will Miss You Billy Boy
Yesterday I attended the funeral of my first cousin William Chalmers Dorn Jr. Billy to almost
everyone.
Billy was thirty-seven-years-old and hadn't lost an ounce of baby fat since he was born. What he
had lost, nine months ago, was 85% of his skin in a freakish flash fire that happened when he was outside
burning some leaves. For the same amount of time it takes a human life to be born, the ghost that Billy had
become crept quietly toward the light.
First, for the longest time, in a coma in a burn unit in Paducah, Kentucky; then, for a much shorter
time, in the ironically named Bryan Dorn VA Hospital in Louisville. Finally, after coming out of his coma long
enough to say he hoped he hadn't caused his mother too much worry, The Captain told this former Coast
Guard sailor to "Stand down..." Last Sunday Billy died.
Billy is the oldest child and the only son of Chalmers and Jeanne Dorn. Chalmers is my mother's
brother. Chalmers has always intimidated me, at least until the last several years. Chalmers was an MP in
the military before joining the City Police Force. Chalmers is a big burly man who maintains the
steeliest eye contact I have ever seen and tends to twitch in an imperceptible way even when he is at "rest";
in short, he gives the impression of restrained violence.
In the late 60's, three things happened to Chalmers: Jeanne gave birth to twins that both died within
a day, his father, my grandfather, died, and he was thrown off a third story fire escape during a race riot and
landed on his back on a nail. After that, Chalmers was never the same man.
Jeanne is a part Indian school teacher who is the best cook I have ever known. She is, if there ever
was one, an earth mother. When she smiles, you see the sun coming up over the fields. When she
welcomes you into her home, you know she means it. When she moves her largish frame around the
kitchen, getting this or that dish of beans laced with fatback or plate of coconut cake ready for the table, you
know she is really thinking about you the whole time. When she breathes, Chalmers is glad to be alive.
The last time I saw Chalmers and Jeanne, which was years ago, they took me to a local stock car
race. Chalmers loves cars. He buys a new one every year. Because he used to be a cop, Chalmers enjoys
the largesse of his fellow police officers.
Nevertheless, on the way to the races, Jeanne said, "Chalmers, you're going too slow," and took
the wheel. After that, we spent more time in the median than we did in the road and passed several
patrolmen who simply waved at us before we slid into the dirt area behind the pits at the race track. I never
saw the race. I passed out from exhaustion at the race getting to the race. I dunno who won.
Jeanne and Chalmers' two other children, Beth and Jeannie Marie, are indescribably beautiful. Beth is
married to an almost stereotypical big hunk of a man who never seems to be unhappy from Georgia;
together, they have four children, one of whom, Lisa, at age thirteen, has her black belt and wants to be an
astrophysicist. Jeannie Marie, who is short like my grandmother, married a man who is roughly her height
and has one child. Jeannie Marie looks like Pocahontas.
Billy never married. He liked girls, he told my aunt, but he was too shy. After he left the Coast Guard, he
came back home to live with his parents and got a job as a security guard. His real job was to look after his
parents and his sisters.
Sometimes he and Chalmers farmed. Chalmers was once a big farmer, two thousand acres. Soy
beans mostly. Billy did most of the work. But mostly he lived with Chalmers and Jeanne.
Once, in the middle of winter, Jeannie Marie needed a typewriter ribbon to finish a paper she was
doing for a graphics design class she was taking at a local technical college. Billy drove her downtown in
his truck and along the way hit a sheet of ice that caused him to skid down a street and hit several cars in
the process. When the truck came to a stop at the bottom of the hill, Billy immediately got out of the truck
and called the police.
When the policeman arrived, he asked Billy, "Why didn't you just keep going?" Billy, irate, replied,
"They're someones' cars!"
The most moving part of the funeral for me was when they folded the American flag on Billy's
mahogany coffin and handed it to his mother. The man who folded it, who must have been burying people
before I was born, folded the flag with such great care I got goose bumps.
It must have taken him five minutes. Religiously he smoothed out every crease and made every
turn and then very very patiently waited for his young assistant to make the final tuck perfect before he
handed the field of stars to my aunt and whispered something to her that I couldn't hear. While he did this, I
had flashes of Americans landing against impossible odds at Normandy and Confederate soldiers going
over the top at Cemetery Ridge and Billy in the Coast Guard rescuing an eight-year-old on a catamaran that
his mother shouldn't have rented for him.
Billy was a big boy, although not as big as his father. He had a great smile and to the best of my
knowledge he never hurt anyone. In particular, he loved animals and children.
I never pushed Billy around when we were children because he giggled too much. Billy never got
married. He was too shy.
Rest in Peace, Billy Boy.
Rest in Peace.
10-7
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
"I'm Cured" - Kind of Sorta ....
From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley -- Have you ever met a fellow and just knew from the outset you would be good friends? Such was the case when I met my buddy Matt Figert. It has been a while since I had a hunting, running, drinking and shooting buddy and certainly a while since I had a friend with as weird a sense of humor as I have.
My old pal Doug, as many of you will recall, got killed in a car accident a few years ago. One of the toughest eulogies I have ever delivered was at his services attended by law enforcement officers from across Tennessee and a most humbling experience to hear Amazing Grace played on the bag pipes followed by the lonely words that "Doug Bailey has gone 10-7." Doug was like a brother to me. He actually got me out of my shell from the loss of my dear old friend Bert Ballard and had me enjoying shooting and hanging out again.
When Doug died I kind of went back into the shell I am known to occupy from time to time in my life. I kept on "chopping wood and hauling water" but with little joy.
Then along came John - er I mean Matt.
A retired CPO and now a resident expert on an offshore oil rig, Matt and his wife Janette became fast friends. Matt liked good food and a variety of books, wine, beer, hard liquor, dogs and guns. He enjoyed deer hunting and breakfast at Miss Peggy's! Who was I to question the Universe? What more could you ask for in a good buddy?
So, when Matt sent me this cartoon it resonated.
This week I had a sonogram of one of those male body parts we don't speak of and having gone to a urologist now for four years I have come to appreciate the humiliation of stirrups and probes that women have long gone through.
The sonogram was fine. The blood tests are fine. The exam went as usual - it sucked. However, I have once again come through another year cancer free.
Am I "cured"? Well that is still to be determined but then I just couldn't resist sharing this cartoon with you as it so aptly sums up my feelings.
Kay and I will be off to work in Florida next week, I will be home for a day and then head to Iowa and Arizona. However, I will stay in touch as best I can.
Enjoy my friends. Simper Fi, De Oppresso Liber, God Bless America and yes Nancy, BHO and Harry those "Tea Parties" are for real and we are serious!
Love peace and grace,
Dr. D
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Thanks Matt - Go Navy!
From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley -- Now let me be perfectly clear I was trained by the military to be a sniper but not by the Navy experts. However, I could not be prouder of these guys so I will do no bashing at this time. Go Navy! Er, do you suppose they will try it again - the pirates that is?
Easter With The Family - A Favorite Time Of The Year For My Mother
From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley -- Easter was always a special time of the year for my Mother. Being a good southern cook and loving blooming flowers of spring time, she always looked forward to laying out a big dinner spread and having all her family over to enjoy the day. For many years I bought her a corsage for the day and in later years would send her flowers. Easter was the new beginning of the new year for Mother. It was the resurrection of life in more ways than just the Christian view. Easter meant to her that it was time to start her gardening and tend her flowers. I have missed her more at Easter and Christmas than most other times because it was at these times she expressed her joy for life.
This year Kay and I were invited over to Marvin and Cathy's for Easter dinner with some of my Mother's remaining cousins. This is that celebration in picture and music. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed producing it.
Love, peace and grace,
Dr. Darryl
This year Kay and I were invited over to Marvin and Cathy's for Easter dinner with some of my Mother's remaining cousins. This is that celebration in picture and music. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed producing it.
Love, peace and grace,
Dr. Darryl
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Dolphins Block Pirates from Chinese Vessel
From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley --I have always had this fascination with dolphins. I'm not sure why or how it came to be. Maybe it was the early years of trying to spot one when we used to visit Pawley's Island and now and then we would get a glimpse. We see them more frequently at Tybee Island. Perhaps, it is all that I have read about their intelligence and their habits as mammals, how they treat their children, and fight off and kill sharks that threaten their pods. Whatever it is once again they have shown their intelligence and their compassion --- T. J. McGregor where ever you are this one is one you will want to know about.
Love, peace and grace,
Dr. Darryl
Thousands of Dolphins Block PIrates from Chinese Cargo Ship
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-04/14/content_11184581.htm
BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhuanet) -- Thousands of dolphins blocked the suspected Somali pirate ships when they were trying to attack Chinese merchant ships passing the Gulf of Aden, the China Radio International reported on Monday.
Love, peace and grace,
Dr. Darryl
Thousands of Dolphins Block PIrates from Chinese Cargo Ship
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-04/14/content_11184581.htm
BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhuanet) -- Thousands of dolphins blocked the suspected Somali pirate ships when they were trying to attack Chinese merchant ships passing the Gulf of Aden, the China Radio International reported on Monday.
The Chinese merchant ships escorted by a China's fleet sailed on the Gulf of Aden when they met some suspected pirate ships. Thousands of dolphins suddenly leaped out of water between pirates and merchants when the pirate ships headed for the China's.
The suspected pirates ships stopped and then turned away. The pirates could only lament their littleness befor the vast number of dolphins. The spectacular scene continued for a while.
China initiated its three-ship escort task force on Dec. 26 last year after the United Nations Security Council called on countries to patrol gulf and waters off Somalia, one of the world's busiest marine routes, where surging piracy endangered intercontinental shipping.
China's first fleet has escorted 206 vessels, including 29 foreign merchant vessels, and successfully rescued three foreign merchant ships from pirate attacks.
About 20 percent of Chinese merchant ships passing through the waters off Somalia were attacked by pirates from January to November in 2008, before the task force was deployed.
A total of seven ships, either owned by China or carrying Chinese cargo and crew, were hijacked.
Tianyu No. 8, a Chinese fishing vessel with 16 Chinese and eight foreign sailors aboard, was captured by Somali pirates on Nov. 14 and released in early February.
The second fleet of Chinese escort ships arrived at the Gulf of Aden on Monday to replace the first fleet.
2009 St. Patty's Day at Tybee Island
From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley -- Okay, so this is the way it is. I have not had time lately to load stuff to my blog and I am trying to catch up before I once again go dormant. Those of you who know me well know I go into hibernation often. Right now I must have Spring Fever or something because I am on a roll. It seems that Facebook dropped my video on St. Patty's Day and I wanted to make sure that if you wanted to see it you could. So here it is.
Enjoy,
Love, peace and grace, Dr. Darryl
Enjoy,
Love, peace and grace, Dr. Darryl
Never Ever Judge A Book By It's Cover!
From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley -- As many of you know I was raised by my Great Aunt Anzie. Aunt Anzie was a full-bloodied Cherokee old maid of a woman whom I cherished deeply and still do. A large woman with long gray and white hair that she so carefully placed into braids each day as she told us stories sitting on her front porch, I can remember her always saying "Never, ever judge a book by its cover." And here my friends on this You Tube video is why that admonishment is so important. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did and best wishes Susan Boyle may all your dreams come true!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY
Love, peace and grace, Dr. Darryl
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY
Love, peace and grace, Dr. Darryl
THANKS To everyone For All The Prayers - An Update on Ty Edwards
Ty Edwards and his kids prior to his injury
From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley --
Without much detail but to bring you up-to-speed, Lt. Col. Ty Edwards was with a group that was attacked while he was serving with the Marines in Afghanistan. Being the brave leader he is, Ty was the first on the ground commanding his soldiers when an enemy bullet managed to hit his head (despite the fact he was wearing a helmet). Ty was in a very remote, mountainous
This is the latest on his condition from family that has visited:
Wednesday, April 15, 2009 10:42 AM, EDT
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Happy Easter - 2009
From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley -- When God created dogs and bunny rabbits she must have had a smile on her face. Sending you our blessings and best wishes that on this special holy day for Christians that you find the time to enjoy all of God's creations and smile just a little.
Love, peace and grace,
Dr. D, Kay and "The Boys" - Max and Little Bit
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Spring Time in a Rocky Mountain Subdivision
From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley -- So, we thought that we had problems with deer in the South. Imagine if you find yourself waking up to look out to the front yard and see these fellows. Magnificant creatures. Rocky Mountain Elk simply don't like folks taking over their front yards! Thanks to our friend Gail Rymer for sharing this with us.Love, peace and grace, Dr. Darryl
Friday, April 10, 2009
Life on Lake Barkley After The Ice Storm of the Decade
Here is what our front yard looks like from the hot tub area of the cabin
From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley -- We are so grateful that life at Lake Barkley is slowly getting back to some resemblance of normality yet it will never be the same here. Our lot down to the lake has about 41 piles of brush to be burned or hauled off and we have another 30 plus trees that will have to be removed.
It is as if some giant's kid got mad and went through the neighborhood just snapping the tops out of every tree. None came through unharmed and yet the redbuds and dogwoods are slowly blooming now.
Today, we had severe storms. A tornado touched down in the northern part of the county. Two injured and a mobile home destroyed. This my friends is spring time in Kentucky. Stay around long enough up here and you get any kind of weather you could want.
Since today is Good Friday we send all our friends and colleagues best wishes for Easter. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable weekend with all your families.
Love, peace and grace, Dr. D
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Little Rock, Ak Man Defends Wife, Wounds Would-Be Robber
The world is a dangerous place and now and then we have to be prepared to defend ourselves, our families and our loved ones. This is what happens when such action is needed. For those of you contemplating getting a CCW permit, if you do so, remember it is valuable to you only if you use it and if you practice, practice, practice. --- LDA
LR Man Defends Wife, Wounds Would-Be Robber
Posted By: Robert Bell TodaysTHV
A robbery suspect was shot by a would-be victim outside a west Little Rock Wal-Mart store Monday evening as his wife struggled with the purse snatcher.
Police say the man and his wife were walking to their vehicle and beginning to load their groceries outside the Wal-Mart store at the intersection of Chenal Parkway and Highway 10. Around 11:20 p.m., a black man wearing some sort of wig and a cap approached them, armed with a silver revolver handgun and told them that “this is a robbery”.
The man told officers that he and his wife ran from the suspect around his vehicle. The suspect pointed a gun at the woman and grabbed her purse. She struggled with the suspect, who began to hit her and pull on her purse. The suspect pulled on her purse until the straps of her purse ripped from the bag as he repeatedly pointed a handgun at her and her husband.
During the struggle, the man grabbed his personal handgun that he carried and pointed it at the suspect, telling him to let go of his wife. Officers say he repeatedly warned the suspect to get away from him and his wife, but the suspect refused and the man fired his weapon three or four times at the suspect. The suspect fell to the ground and let go of the victim.
According to police, during this time, a white vehicle that was in the parking lot pulled up to the suspect and the suspect got inside. The vehicle then sped away.
The couple was interviewed at the scene and released. The woman had bruising on her left arm.
A few minutes later, UAMS notified police that a gunshot victim was brought into their emergency room. Officers responded, locating the driver and the passenger of the vehicle. Both suspects were taken into custody and then taken to the downtown detective division for questioning.
Police say both suspects, 22-year-old Tequila Rice of Lonoke and 25-year-old Sherry Battles of North Little Rock, were extremely combative and refused to make a statement and were taken to the Pulaski County Regional Jail.
The third suspect, 24-year-old Jonathan Terry, was admitted for surgery at UAMS for a gunshot wound to his buttocks.
The victims were released at the scene pending a review by the prosecutors office. The man had a legal concealed weapon permit.
Cleaning up the 'hood - 67 volunteers and 2500 lbs of trash!
From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley -- I am often asked: "Why do you enjoy your work?" after all it is very stressful at times; you never seem to "get away" from it all; and sometimes the folks you deal with can be very difficult and at other times just downright delightful.
Delightful, energetic, committed, fun-loving, and focused were all the folks we worked with to help the Hawthorne Civic Association to clean up their neighborhood recently.
So, I wanted to take all those pictures I took and put them into an enjoyable format so you could see for yourselves why we enjoy our work. Thanks Doug, Lil, Chuck, Pat and Ed for including us and all the Lockheed Martin and contractor volunteers.
Enjoy:
Delightful, energetic, committed, fun-loving, and focused were all the folks we worked with to help the Hawthorne Civic Association to clean up their neighborhood recently.
So, I wanted to take all those pictures I took and put them into an enjoyable format so you could see for yourselves why we enjoy our work. Thanks Doug, Lil, Chuck, Pat and Ed for including us and all the Lockheed Martin and contractor volunteers.
Enjoy:
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
When You Know You Have Friends - Bert Ballard 1929-2002
Brother Bert Ballard, Brother Jim Suitor, and Me
From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley -- My ole buddy Bert Ballard (Sept. 30, 1929 - March 25, 2002) is sorely missed. Bert and I were friends from the first day we met and shared a beer at the old Holiday Inn in Bardstown.
Older than me, Bert was that older Brother I always wanted but he also served as a mentor, hunting buddy and sometimes a Father figure. We went through our divorces together and I had the privilege of being able to spend a year of Thursdays with Bert while he was in Hospice care.
I credit the old man with saving my own life when he sternly pointed out to me to never ever take blood in your urine lightly. Bert died from complications of bladder cancer.
Bert dished out some good advice over the years. Some of it hard to take at times. He believed you probably truly only loved one woman ever in your life and that most men had unrequited love in their hearts. He and I shared the belief that you never sit with your back to the door.
That southern gentlemen were always gentlemen, irrespective of the situation. That dogs will almost always die before you do and your heart will be broken by it. That the only good Bourbon was Kentucky Bourbon and to stay away from anything else. He razed me alot about liking Scotch as much as Bourbon but that was okay, because he was my buddy.
Bert and I hunted together for 30-years in Alabama, Kentucky and Georgia and I use the term "hunting" lightly since many years our idea of the sport was to go to the woods and watch and listen and never take a shot. But we always ate and drank well. We always told the same stories so they must have been true.
When Bert finally decided there would be no more chemotherapy, this occurred after his daughter Julie preceded him in death from breast cancer, I decided that I could not allow him to just go gently into the night. So, every Thursday I would trek to Bardstown and in the early stages of the dying process we would go to lunch and for a drive and come back for cocktails around 4 p.m.
We would tell some of the same stories. He would show me his old home place and talk about his childhood and his days as the general manager of the Stephen Foster Story. He would brag on his kids and sometimes cry about the loss of his daughter. Some days we would "plink" with his old .22 or .38 and some days we would just sit quietly and be with each other.
As the time grew nearer I sat down and wrote the following letter. I share it with you because I believe that we owe it to those we love and believe in to tell them that. So many times we forget that life has no guarantees and that the next minute could be our last.
This is what I wrote to my best friend. Maybe in some way it will inspire you to sit down and write a letter to your best friend. I hope so. They are few and far between and are so very precious.
February 8, 2002
My dear Brother Bert,
To simply tell you I am grateful for the shotgun would be an understatement. However, I really don’t like the conditions under which I am having to accept it.
It seems just like yesterday that we met at the Holiday Inn during one of the travel show planning meetings. I recall afterwards we escaped and had a beer with Dawn Ford and some other folks. That was 30-years ago.
The time has flown by. I knew from that day that we would be good friends. I never had any idea that you would end up being my very best friend, confidante, and most dependable hunting buddy.
Ah, the times we have shared. And I guess that is what saddens me. To think that we won’t get to create any more of those memories. But what wonderful memories they are. I will always cherish them. And as long as my mind stays in tact, I will always be able to take them out and recall them with as much fondness as the days and nights we created them.
Some of my earliest memories are of you and Hank Lindsey and me. Working the Cincy travel show, meeting Miss Mississippi, and you guys trying to drop me off with some old broad that was strolling the sidewalk in the wee hours of the morning!
Then there was the days of the go-go girls and the old soul singer in the cabaret that we went to that was a hospital theme. Remember that one? They used bed pans to pass around pretzels. But you may remember she had a voice and moves like a 30-year old.
Hell, she had to be 90 if she was a day.
There was the days of the peanut bar in the old Hilton. The time we got snowed in in Cincy and Cleveland and probably other places that I forget.
There was the Milwaukee trip where we ate raw hamburger, red onion slices, on a piece of bread and drank cold Pabst beer. There were the St. Patty Day parades and the two of us cold as could be bundled up and leaning back to back to hold each other up after a night of drinking.
Then there was the year of being on the wagon. Remember when we carried our root beer wherever we went? Most people didn’t think we could do it. But we did. I recall having to do it to prove to myself that I didn’t have to wake up in a city and not know which city I was in. I got tired of looking for phone books to remind me of the town I had slept in the night before.
There were the musical rooms on nights when snow and ice was so deep no one could travel, or at least shouldn’t have. Then there was the infamous Indy night when Dawn Ford played room arranger and none of us except you ended up in the proper room!
There were the antics with Brother Jim in Indy and East St. Louis. And yet, we all got out alive, God surely protects children and fools!
There were all the opening nights and your hospitality to all of us all those years. Of course, after the first two times of watching “The Story” I looked forward to just sitting in the office with my Bro. And having a drink and laughing and clowning around as we often did.
There were the AAA tours and the bartending, baggage carrying and always the promoting of our properties and the dances and meals and busses. Through it all you maintained your good humor.
Remember our writers’ tours and you guiding for me? I never told them you weren’t from Lake Barkley. I just told them all they had one of the best damn guides and he happened to be my best friend.
They all seemed okay with that. And you even caught some fish!
Remember those scary houseboat rides at night on Lake Cumberland and Lake Barkley?
And then there were all our hunting trips. I will miss them the most. Alabama and then Georgia and finally Kentucky. All those years of Daddy Paul and Mrs. Reed and Mrs. Nixon. Then Brother Jim had to screw it up killing the largest deer ever taken off their property and not telling them before someone else did!
The years we got deer and the years we didn’t. It never really mattered to me. It was about having time with my best friend that mattered.
I am so grateful you could hunt this year although I know it had to be tiring on you. I will forever be grateful for that though and for Elmer’s stand building abilities.
Some of my friends have never understood that it wasn’t about hunting. It was about being together as friends. Spending timing catching up and laughing and talking and drinking and playing cards and cooking meals and sitting in deer stands watching squirrels.
You have been more than just a friend of mine Bert. You have truly been my best friend.
You hung in there with me through all of it. The good and the bad. You stayed beside me when I went through the Rebecca and Judy thing. You were still there after I screwed them up and had foolishly broken my heart more than once.
You were there when Kay came into the scene and you were there when David and Dad died.
You have been here for the July 4th celebrations and the fireworks. And to think you won’t be here for those is really very difficult for me.
You were more than just a friend to me Bert. You taught me a great deal about marketing and tourism. I thank you for that. You and Bill Knight and Ray Scott took me under your wings and helped me learn from some real professionals. I am appreciative.
You are the big brother I never had. The Father that paid me more attention than my own Dad. You are my running buddy, my hunting buddy, my mentor, my touchstone.
If there was anything I could do other than pray I would. Yet, I must confess that I prayed lots in 1991 and those prayers were answered for eleven more years. God was good to us. I think he understood from my prayers that I just couldn’t stand to loose you then. He comforted me as he comforts you now. Through his grace I shared eleven more years of your friendship. I am so grateful for that.
I pray that there will be a miracle. That something will happen and reverse all this yet I am realistic and I understand the reality. I just don’t want you to suffer and I do want you to know how much I love you.
I will never forget you. Your shotgun will always hang in a special place in my cabin. Every time I look at it will recall our fun times together.
I have told a few people about this but not many. The evening after we buried Weldon Petty I was en route to Chattanooga. I had Weldon and Sue Weller on my mind. I don’t know if I said it out loud or not but I said something to the effect of “Sue if you and Weldon are okay give me a sign that I can’t miss.”
Just about that time I topped Monteagle and was heading down when the biggest, brightest explosion I have ever seen in the sky happened. I thought a plane had blown up. I rushed into Chattanooga and stopped at the Tennessee Patrol station just outside of town to report what I had seen. They had heard about it already. They said no planes had gone down. No explanation.
The news later that night said NASA nor NORAD had an explanation but thought it was probably space junk.
Then it dawned on me that Sue and Weldon probably sat back in Heaven and chuckled to themselves. I am convinced that was a sign from them.
If you can let me know you are okay when you pass over. Don’t scare me. Just comfort me. You don’t have to do explosions. Just an overwhelming feeling of you hugging me will be okay.
Love, peace and grace your younger more handsome Brother,
Darryl
Monday, April 6, 2009
Finding Friends Where Ever We Go - What Fun
From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley ---It's cold here tonight in Kentucky and that's why I don't like March in the Commonwealth one day it's beautiful and the next it's dreary. My Momma would have called this "Dogwood" winter since what few dogwoods that are left are trying to bloom. Last week we had "Redbud" winter, if you haven't guessed we name them all up here. Call it whatever it's cold, damp, rainy and we had some snow flurries early this morning but nothing stuck. And yes, y'all I am missing Tybee terribly!
However, the weekend in Middle River, Md. was quite the treat for me and although the wind was very gusty at times it was warm and beautiful.
A bunch of Lockheed Martin employees and their contractors gathered with our neighbors in the Hawthorne community adjacent to the MS2 site there and cleaned up the backs of the bays and the shorelines as part of an annual cleanup campaign.
This was year two for the Lockheed folks to volunteer and we were mighty proud of all of them. They did great work, had a great time and everyone came to understand the importance of keeping the area clean. Even the kids had a fun time!
You can't imagine what all we found but I will post a few photos to give you an idea.
This event is always a treat for me because I get to see our dear friends Doug, Lil, Chuck and Pat, and Ed and Robin who also have become part of my "extended family". These are the "worker bees" in the Hawthorne Civic Association. Doug is my ole buddy that plays the horn and provided music for the photo exhibit (www.ldarrylarmstrong.com) that all my classmates of 1968 got to enjoy this past summer. (It was Doug and Lil that were to visit with us at Tybee and Doug had to turn around in NC and return home due to his back problem. However, I have given him my old back brace and it seems to help somewhat.)
Lil and Pat are dear hearts that work consistently hard to make things work right for the association and the rest of us. And Chuck and Ed are right in there tugging and hauling with the rest of us. You know one of my old friends, who also started out as a "client" said it best --- it is great when you can work together and become friends as well as trusted business associates.
He's right on spot.
Kay and I have been blessed over the years to have made friends in cities we would have never thought we would know people in let alone become friends and colleagues with people there.
Now that we are entering our 15th year of business I fondly look back on all the folks I have met and how many of them have become dear to us. Our work although at times demanding and crisis laden is frequently a joy and so it is every year when we do the Hawthorne cleanup.
We are looking forward already to next year.
Sadly, Kay had to go work in Seattle this weekend and missed it but she did get to see Danielle and Friedemann, our "adopted" daughter and husband so that kind of made up for it.
So, what did all that trash we picked up look like and what fun did we have?
Take a look see:
P.S. (And yes, Sue you and Ace are part of the family too, of course you are! I just overlooked you in my last article because you were not at the dog park the last week or so and you know how an old mind can forget things. Sue Bentley, many of you will recall, received the "Golden Eagle" award from us for her outstanding service as a real estate agent at Tybee Island. Ace is one of Max's buddies! My apologies dear one for the oversight.)
Until we meet again amigos ...
Love, peace and grace, Dr. Darryl
However, the weekend in Middle River, Md. was quite the treat for me and although the wind was very gusty at times it was warm and beautiful.
A bunch of Lockheed Martin employees and their contractors gathered with our neighbors in the Hawthorne community adjacent to the MS2 site there and cleaned up the backs of the bays and the shorelines as part of an annual cleanup campaign.
This was year two for the Lockheed folks to volunteer and we were mighty proud of all of them. They did great work, had a great time and everyone came to understand the importance of keeping the area clean. Even the kids had a fun time!
You can't imagine what all we found but I will post a few photos to give you an idea.
This event is always a treat for me because I get to see our dear friends Doug, Lil, Chuck and Pat, and Ed and Robin who also have become part of my "extended family". These are the "worker bees" in the Hawthorne Civic Association. Doug is my ole buddy that plays the horn and provided music for the photo exhibit (www.ldarrylarmstrong.com) that all my classmates of 1968 got to enjoy this past summer. (It was Doug and Lil that were to visit with us at Tybee and Doug had to turn around in NC and return home due to his back problem. However, I have given him my old back brace and it seems to help somewhat.)
Lil and Pat are dear hearts that work consistently hard to make things work right for the association and the rest of us. And Chuck and Ed are right in there tugging and hauling with the rest of us. You know one of my old friends, who also started out as a "client" said it best --- it is great when you can work together and become friends as well as trusted business associates.
He's right on spot.
Kay and I have been blessed over the years to have made friends in cities we would have never thought we would know people in let alone become friends and colleagues with people there.
Now that we are entering our 15th year of business I fondly look back on all the folks I have met and how many of them have become dear to us. Our work although at times demanding and crisis laden is frequently a joy and so it is every year when we do the Hawthorne cleanup.
We are looking forward already to next year.
Sadly, Kay had to go work in Seattle this weekend and missed it but she did get to see Danielle and Friedemann, our "adopted" daughter and husband so that kind of made up for it.
So, what did all that trash we picked up look like and what fun did we have?
Take a look see:
P.S. (And yes, Sue you and Ace are part of the family too, of course you are! I just overlooked you in my last article because you were not at the dog park the last week or so and you know how an old mind can forget things. Sue Bentley, many of you will recall, received the "Golden Eagle" award from us for her outstanding service as a real estate agent at Tybee Island. Ace is one of Max's buddies! My apologies dear one for the oversight.)
Until we meet again amigos ...
Love, peace and grace, Dr. Darryl
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Finding Family at a Dog Park
From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley --- All my life I have "created" my own families. Maybe I do that because as an only child I sought solace, companionship, "brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers" that meet your needs when those needs are not met in your life. So, it was ever since I came home in 1971 and tried to put stuff out of the back of my mind.
I had no relationship with my biological Dad to speak of even though we did try toward the end of his life to reconcile and for my Mother's sake we both tried hard. My Mom had always been overly protective, which led me to do all sorts of things to "prove to myself" that I could do them despite her protestations and although I dearly loved her she never really understood all that I did and why I did it, which is probably true of most Mothers.
My first "family" was composed of "Brothers" Bob, Bert, Bill, Weldon, Don, Jim, and Hank; "Sisters" Mary Anne, Sue, and Jacki; "Mom" was Brooksie and "Dad" was Colonel L.B.
And all those years we worked together in the travel show business we knew we were "family". "Mom" helped me through my heartbreaks; "Dad" gave me good advice and little money; and my "brothers" well they were just there to help me get into trouble and live life more to its fullest. My "sisters" - it was my job to protect them from many of my "brothers" and all those other scandalous people they would encounter in life.
Then one day "my family" began to die. Sue from breast cancer complications, Weldon from a massive heart attack and then my ole buddy and best pal of 30 plus years Bert from complications of bladder cancer.
Of course, I went off to new jobs and left the travel show business and slowly the "family" became more of a family in name.
However, my need for family never changed.
Then I found Tybee and a dog park.
Sitting on a bench one day I began to realize that a new family was forming not by intention this time but through grace. My Mom and Dad have passed - Jim and Ann Knipe are my surrogate parents and took on that role almost 20-years ago - I often say that if I could have chosen my parents it truly would have been Jim and Ann as my Mom and Dad - and then at the dog park I found "brothers" Paul, Mike, Chris, Vince, Glenn, and Tim and "sisters" Miss Vivian, Allison, Annie, Junie, Chrissie, Kim and Fio.
"Cousins" abound there as well --- coming and going now and then but there are some of us that are "regulars in this family" at least when we are around and others who are regulars because it is a place to come to "be at home."
Tim and I were talking one day. I think he understands that sometimes it is truly hard to "come home" but then we do what we must and life, well it goes on day by day, and until I get back to the dog park to sit and have a cocktail and philosophize I guess I am hung doing so right here.
There are those reading this that understand and get it. So, this video of the St. Patty's Day parade at Tybee Island set to music sums it up well.
At Tybee you live life and enjoy it just as we all should daily. Except there it is exaggerated some and even those of us who the world may deem "different" - well, at Tybee and at the Tybee Dog Park we are all accepted for who we are --- and the dogs? --- well they have known this concept for a very, very long time.
Until next time.
Love, peace and grace, Dr. D
I had no relationship with my biological Dad to speak of even though we did try toward the end of his life to reconcile and for my Mother's sake we both tried hard. My Mom had always been overly protective, which led me to do all sorts of things to "prove to myself" that I could do them despite her protestations and although I dearly loved her she never really understood all that I did and why I did it, which is probably true of most Mothers.
My first "family" was composed of "Brothers" Bob, Bert, Bill, Weldon, Don, Jim, and Hank; "Sisters" Mary Anne, Sue, and Jacki; "Mom" was Brooksie and "Dad" was Colonel L.B.
And all those years we worked together in the travel show business we knew we were "family". "Mom" helped me through my heartbreaks; "Dad" gave me good advice and little money; and my "brothers" well they were just there to help me get into trouble and live life more to its fullest. My "sisters" - it was my job to protect them from many of my "brothers" and all those other scandalous people they would encounter in life.
Then one day "my family" began to die. Sue from breast cancer complications, Weldon from a massive heart attack and then my ole buddy and best pal of 30 plus years Bert from complications of bladder cancer.
Of course, I went off to new jobs and left the travel show business and slowly the "family" became more of a family in name.
However, my need for family never changed.
Then I found Tybee and a dog park.
Sitting on a bench one day I began to realize that a new family was forming not by intention this time but through grace. My Mom and Dad have passed - Jim and Ann Knipe are my surrogate parents and took on that role almost 20-years ago - I often say that if I could have chosen my parents it truly would have been Jim and Ann as my Mom and Dad - and then at the dog park I found "brothers" Paul, Mike, Chris, Vince, Glenn, and Tim and "sisters" Miss Vivian, Allison, Annie, Junie, Chrissie, Kim and Fio.
"Cousins" abound there as well --- coming and going now and then but there are some of us that are "regulars in this family" at least when we are around and others who are regulars because it is a place to come to "be at home."
Tim and I were talking one day. I think he understands that sometimes it is truly hard to "come home" but then we do what we must and life, well it goes on day by day, and until I get back to the dog park to sit and have a cocktail and philosophize I guess I am hung doing so right here.
There are those reading this that understand and get it. So, this video of the St. Patty's Day parade at Tybee Island set to music sums it up well.
At Tybee you live life and enjoy it just as we all should daily. Except there it is exaggerated some and even those of us who the world may deem "different" - well, at Tybee and at the Tybee Dog Park we are all accepted for who we are --- and the dogs? --- well they have known this concept for a very, very long time.
Until next time.
Love, peace and grace, Dr. D
D-O-G spelled backwards - G-O-D - The Amazing Skidboot
From Tranquilla II on the Back of Eddy Creek - Lake Barkley --- Well, for those of you that know me well you have figured out that I am a dog lover. When my friend Paul at Tybee and then Tracy out in Denver sent me the Skidboot You Tube video I confess I got so wrapped up in catching up with work I didn’t look at it. However, I believe that the Universe (you can read God here if you wish) niggles you to eventually read and see those things that others think/feel you might just need.
As has always been the case in my life, I get those missives when I need them the most. Yesterday, I spent most of the day in the recliner with Little Bit and Max at my side resting up from the annual cancer checkup. This event is always draining on me because I always feel like I am William Tell’s son and waiting to see if the arrow hits the apple or me.
I am sure that I am as mentally exhausted after these events as I am physically exhausted. So, I like to come home and kick back with old BW horror movies from the 50s and just be numb for a while. Maybe it is my way of reaching back to a simpler and more enjoyable time of my life. I just don’t know. But it brings me great comfort.
Coming down from the tests and examination require me to not do anything terribly mentally and physically demanding for about 24-hours. As I sat in the chair yesterday it was rainy and cold and dreary, which it often is in Kentucky this time of year. Today, it is bright and sunny. Stay around here long enough and you get any weather you can imagine. I was feeling lonely and depressed and my thoughts went to my beloved Stimpy.
Today, as I am going through my e-mail in box there it is. Paul and Tracy’s video on Skidboot. And like so many things – I don’t think there are coincidences – I opened it and it warmed my heart and made my day.
So, if you have not seen this video here it is. I suspect as a fellow dog lover it will warm you heart as well.
Have you ever wondered about God’s sense of humor – maybe, just maybe God was being dyslexic when he made d-o-g?
Thanks Paul and Tracy. Thanks for being there with such an uplifting and comforting reminder to take every day as it comes and to appreciate what we have in our lives.
(If you need to cut and paste here is the link:)
Until next time my friends.
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