TEEF

I finally made it over to Memphis this morning to visit my dentist, Dr. Jerry Midyett. After the problems I had last week with my truck -- causing me to have to cancel my appointment at the very last minute -- I was actually glad to make the trip today. It bothered me to have to cancel last week & it has been on my mind since then.

I left home shortly after 7 A.M. I'd offered "options" to the cats: inside or out ?? All three ended up staying inside while I was gone. I made sure they had all the necessary food, H2O & clean "facilities" before I left.

The ride over was fairly easy. Sometimes traveling Interstate-40 can be a hassle, going either West or, in this case, East. I-40 is a busy, major route for semi-trailer trucks & the conditions on the highway can get quite crowded/hectic. Today it was fairly easy driving, with the "problem" being the sun directly in my eyes for the first hour of driving.

My appointment was for 10 A.M., with my teeth to be cleaned by Jennifer & then Dr. Midyett to address my broken tooth -- which from "experience", since I've had these teeth since I was a kid -- I was pretty sure I was looking to require a crown installed. I was correct.

Dr. Midyett & his assistant, Debra, worked in my mouth for about an hour. I guess it was about that long ... since I'm not really there. Yes, I was in the chair & my mouth propped open with the [REQUIRED !!] "bite block", but I had my Bose headphones on, plugged into my iPod, with music to drown out the sound of the drill grinding on teeth. I was also hooked up to the Nitrous Oxide gas & I had an abundance of Novocain shots. So ... I was there physically, but mentally, I was "floating" along.

Well, there were two things I could not avoid & were noticeable today -- the metallic taste in my mouth from the Novocain shots & the burning smell/taste of the tooth being grounded down by the drill. Added to the feeling of my feet circling somewhere up near my head & Jimmy Buffett singing about drinking & I was in some strange place, far removed from Margaritaville !!

I go back again in two weeks; to get the "permanent" crown installed & to have a small cavity filled. Hopefully that will be my last dentist/Memphis travels on Interstate-40 this year, at least until November & the annual Meowathon run.

Going to any dentist can never be described as "fun" or "enjoyable". Still, I make the 260 mile round trip visit to Dr. Midyett because he has been "in my mouth" for 30+ years, with Debra assisting for the last 21 years. I believe Jennifer has worked there at least 15 or more years. I trust in them all & feel I get the best possible heath/oral care from them, & all the while I am made to feel "comfortable" in any & all procedures.

There were several new faces today; the ladies at the front desk. As I introduced myself, they had no idea were I had dragged in from, as I was wearing my Dr. Bukk false "TEEF" -- narley, misshapen & protruding, badly-needing-the-whole-mouth-pulled TEEF. [They are probably still talking about the weird guy from Arkansas.]

I got back home about 3:30 P.M. "The Girls" showed me how glad they were to see me, after being in the house all day, by charging out the door, right past me & into the yard. Ingrates.

"MOLLY POLLY"

I have a lot of calenders in my house. In my "office" alone, I can see I have seven calendars surrounding me. They range in size from small -- such as my daily Dilbert calendar --to the full size, wall hanging type. [I have two of that size in here -- one with turtles on it & the other has old black & white pictures from earlier years in Rochester, New York.]

I also have another calendar which I carry around in my "man purse". It's included in the wallet I sometimes carry since it also has my cash money, credit cards & a section for phone numbers. This calender has my appointments -- like going the dentist this week -- events I have scheduled -- such as the Reptile Expo in Florida in August -- & other important reminders, such as birthdays & anniversaries.

The page in my wallet for yesterday, March 27th, had a reminder written next to the date -- March, 1995 ... "Molly Polly" died.

Fifteen years ago yesterday, Molly Rainey died of cancer. She was 33 years old when she passed & it has always stayed with me her dying at such an early age. It always seems so unjust ... to die so early.

I'd love to write about how Molly & I were once "an item", but the truth is she hardly ever gave me the time of day when we did speak. I was certainly not as impressive to her, as she was to me. She was a woman I found attractive & from what I learned of her, quite talented & interesting.

Back in the early 90's, we both worked at the same location in Memphis. She was in the Art Department for Schering-Plough & I was in Customer Service for Maybelline. I would sometimes see her in the halls at work or in the cafeteria both companies shared. I'd be friendly when I said "Hi". I might get a response, but we never ... "talked"

Molly was "friendly" on one or two occasions Those times, when she smiled, laughed & showed her charm to me, were at annual Jimmy Buffett concerts at the Mud Island Amphitheater on the Mississippi river, in downtown Memphis. I realized she had a couple beers in her, & that was the reason for her being so engaging when I walked up & talked to her. Still, I took it as a good sign.

But back in the "real world", things never got traction for me & nothing ever came of my attempts to break the ice which surrounded Molly. She became someone I looked forward to "seeing" in the building at work, but that was all it ever was to become.

I used to get to work early & my friend Mertle would go with me to the cafeteria for breakfast. It was our way to get the day started & ease into "work mode". Many times we'd see Molly come in the cafeteria to get her breakfast "to go". It was obvious Molly liked her food spicy, as she would stop at a table & shake a LOT of pepper on her food. I'd follow along, counting to Mertle the number of "shakes" I saw Molly put on her food. I think the record was 40 shakes. [Hey !! If the woman won't give me the time of day ... mock her !!]

I had nicknames for many people I would see at work. Some people knew the name & responded to it, with good nature. [Think of "Bubba".] For others, it was just my "code" for them. For some reason I called Molly, "Molly Polly". Don't ask me why.

So things remained status quo. Sometimes I would see Molly every day. Other times, not so often. What would be, would be.

And then Molly got sick. She got breast cancer, which must have progressed quickly. From "sources", I learn she was very sick & the prognosis was not good.

I never saw her again & she died that day in March back in 1995. I took an afternoon off from work & attended her memorial service in West Memphis, Arkansas.


I can't explain why her death sticks with me so. I can't remember what date -- or year -- my own Father died. But, I remember Molly.

I think it's because to this day, I still feel it is so unfair when she died so young. I keep questioning why she got 33 years of life & so far I've had almost 63. Why have I gotten a longer shot at life ??

She was a real pretty lady, who should have gotten married & had a happy life with kids & family. It bothers me that none of that was to be & I never have an answer for myself as to why her chances for such things in life were never to be.

For someone who never allowed me into her life, she sure sticks in mine, even 15 years later.

Somewhere, Molly is painting, smiling, eating her spicy food & listening to the music of Jimmy Buffett.

Rest in peace, "Molly Polly".

ANIMAL MONEY

I don't have "pets". I have a collection of animals: cats, turtles & geckos. To be "pets", they would have to respond to names & come when called. None of my animals do that.

I'd like to have a "pet". I have thought -- at various times -- of getting a dog. Probably "dogs", as I really think all animals do better if they have "buddies" of their species.

My cats do provide me with great companionship. My life has really changed with all three of them in it. They certainly have affected my financial status.

"The Girls" all go to the Veterinarian on a regular basis for booster shots & annual check-ups. All three have been of course "fixed". And, when I go out of town for more than a day, they again all go to the Vet for boarding ... currently at $10.50 EACH, per day.

My cats like a variety of food & cat "snacks". I make at least one trip to the grocery store -- Kroger, WalMart, &/or, Sam's Club -- each week for food for "us". More money spent on them.

Being indoor/outdoor cats, I also provide them with a monthly flea & tic preventive -- Frontline-Plus. It too is expensive, at about $11.50 for each treatment, per cat. Still, my babies are worth it

I get the Frontline-Plus via the Internet from Doctors Foster & Smith in Wisconsin. [ http://www.drsfostersmith.com/ ] They have the best price, the shipping is free & the service & speed of shipping is the best.

My other non-pets certainly have expenses involved with them. Being reptiles, they require a heater in the Winter & so as to not over-heat in the Summer, [more deadly than cold to reptiles] the compound where my collection stays, is also air conditioned. They have special lighting to simulate the sun, a balanced food diet depending on species [some turtles will only eat LIVE fish] along with vitamins & minerals for growth. Add to that, cages & "ponds" along with filters, water & other miscellaneous items.

Much of the turtle food is also purchased from Doctor's Foster & Smith. They sell all types of animal & pet supplies. Just the other day, FedEx-Ground dropped of a large box on my front porch with my latest order from DF&S.

In this instance, I placed my order via the Internet on Tuesday morning. That afternoon I had an e-mail from DF&S confirming shipment & providing me with the FedEx tracking numbers. The box above was delivered on Thursday. Again ... great speed & service.

This is the contents of the box. Along with the manufactured foods above & similar products, I also feed my turtles fruits & vegetables, fish, meat, shrimp, worms, crickets & "Superworms". [Don't ask. Look them up on Google.]

My "non-pet animals" are provided the best in care, environment, food & vitamins. Even if they don't come when called, they are still special to me & deserving of the best care I can afford to provide them with. And ... they deserve it !!

GO WEST YOUNG MAN

I never made it. To the Dentist that is.

Oh, I got everything in order around the house this morning. All my little morning projects finished, including my daily letter to Mom. I was all packed & ready.

Two of the three cats were in the house when I left -- Nibblets, naturally, was outside -- as I made my planned departure time of 7:45 A.M.

Right off, leaving the driveway, I noticed the truck seemed a bit sluggish. I no sooner turned off my road, then the warning light on the dash illuminated -- CHECK ENGINE.

That's not something you really want to see at the start of a 300 mile round trip. I guess I failed to point out previously, my Dentist -- Dr. Midyett -- is in Memphis.

I drove a bit further, wondering to myself if the warning light was something I could ignore. Just then the truck gave several shutters. I turned the truck around & drove it home. I had only gone about a mile.

I made two phone calls when arriving home:
1] I called Memphis & canceled/rescheduled my dental appointment.
2] A quick call to my truck dealer advising them I was coming.

So, instead of heading East on Interstate 40 to Memphis, I was headed in the opposite direction; I-30 heading WEST, to Benton, Arkansas.

Four hours later, I was headed back home, this time going EAST on Interstate 30. My wallet was lighter by $670, but spark plugs, wires, rotor cap, intake & throttle body & a bunch of caskets were replaced, as well as a leaking thermostat fixed. I even got an oil change.

[POST EDIT, POST CHANGE: YES -- AS POINTED OUT IN COMMENTS I'VE RECEIVED -- "A BUNCH OF CASKETS" WOULD BE HEAVY & WOULD HAVE CAUSED/ADDED TO THE HESITATION I WAS EXPERIENCING WITH MY TRUCK. ALSO, IF OCCUPIED, THE "CASKETS" WOULD HAVE WEIGHTED EVEN MORE. MUCH BETTER TO GO WITH LIGHTER WEIGHT -- & CHEAPER -- "GASKETS" INSTEAD.]

Next week, when I again try to go to the Dentist in Memphis, my truck will be in tip-top shape for the trip. I hope my teeth will do as well while I am there.

RAIN ... AND ... THE HOUSE OF PAIN

For now, the rain has stopped, although the radar on The Weather Channel web site still shows a lot of yellow & dark green. All indications of heavy rain in central Arkansas.

After all the nice weather we have had recently -- providing me with opportunities to get out & do much needed/wanted yard work -- this A.M. finds everything soggy, wet & dripping. Even "Lake Hilda" has returned in the front yard.

One good thing: the predicted thunderstorms seem not to have materialized ... yet. Rain is bad enough to spoil a day, without adding potential damages by "severe" weather.

Actually, it's an almost perfect day -- NOT -- for going to the Dentist, which is where I am going today. Oh, joy.

I've got a mouth that still holds all my teeth. Never had one pulled. I even have my four wisdom teeth. My Dentist said my mouth was big enough for the wisdom teeth to come in without problems.

Pause ... while the "Bill's Big Mouth" jokes rattle through readers brains.

This is my annual visit for teeth cleaning & a yearly check up. Some years -- like last -- all I have to get done is the cleaning. Other times, a cavity will need attending to. Sometimes it gets taken care of & filled while I am there. On other occasions, I have to make a return appointment.

This year will probably be a multi-visit year. While I don't believe I have any cavities in my mouth -- but I've been "surprised" before -- I do know I broke a tooth recently & experience makes me think the repair will involve a "Crown". [I never felt the tooth break. It was just ... broken. I don't know how, or why it broke. There is no pain or discomfort with it.]

I do look forward to getting my teeth cleaned. I'm a responsible brusher of my teeth & I try to floss as much as possible. Still, it still feels good to have a "professional" [Jennifer] get into all the nooks & crannies.

GOOD ORAL CARE IS ESSENTIAL

I have an "understanding" with everyone in the Dentist's office -- based on 30+ years of mutual experience dealing with them & me -- that while I will be there physically, I will not be there mentally.

I "require" plenty of Nitrous Oxide gas & all the Novocaine shots necessary to make any procedure a painless one. [Which is why I joke with everyone & call it "The House of Pain". It's not.] Included in my "instructions" is the use of the "Bite Block" ... which forces my mouth open & allows me not to worry about suddenly closing my mouth & removing a finger digit.

For my part, I am going to take off my shoes, relax, put on my head phones & get a bunch of Jimmy Buffett tunes going in my iPod. Give me a tap on the shoulder if you need me & I'll "return".

It's about time to get ready to travel. Checking the radar again, I see the rain appears to have moved out of the area for now. Maybe my trip will be rain-free on the way to The House of Pain.

NIGHT TIME ADVENTURES

As I have indicated several times, my "family" started out with the original "runaway", Momma Precious. While working her way into my emotions, Precious also "added" Nibblets & THE WOBBLER [Nibs] to the group. It's a threesome of sweet, loving ... THUGS. I love them so. Well ... 90% of the time.

What started out a neighbors cat, hanging around outside in my yard, has turned into three cats who pretty much have a full run of the house, 24/7, coming & going, in & out, as much as they please. It's to the point where I am re-thinking of adding a "cat door". [My concern would be if uninvited "guests" take advantage of the door.]

There is a semblance of routine to life with three cats. They each have their own way of communicating, "talking" to me, [Sometimes Wobs will NOT shut up, going on & on, whining about something. Speak English !!] when they want to be rubbed & stroked, food preferences & notable likes & dislikes regarding how I interact with them.

I am pretty lenient with all three cats. I feel I have trained them well & they "behave" within the ... ah ... "limits" that can be expected of them. [As I have written many times -- & will, no doubt continue to do so in the future -- "They are cats".]

Every day, all three cats will spend at least some portion of the day outside. They were raised that way & it is in their nature to do so. It's also in "Nature" where they like to explore & "hunt". They let me know when they want out & will appear back at the door when they are ready to return inside ... usually to grab a quick bite of a snack & then head back out again.

I attempt to "require" all three to be inside at night. As it starts to get dark outside, those who are outside, will [usually] arrive singularly, or together, at the front door. Fun is over & it's time to come in.

Usually ...

Sometimes -- like a small child [which is what they act like much of the time] -- the cats will try to "stretch" their time outside & will either not want to come in the open door, or don't even appear at the door. Many more than a few nights I have had to go, flashlight in hand, on a hard-target search for one or more of them. Not too often. Just enough to get P.O.'ed when it happens.
One of the first ones out in the morning & last ones to come in at night is Nibblets. She likes her outdoor time. Since Monday was her third birthday, she may have done a bit too much "celebrating", or whatever it is cats do when out of sight. Whatever ... Nibblets missed "curfew" on Monday.

Miss Nibs was on the front porch for quite a while. I kept "inviting" her inside with the open door. No interest. Ignored me. Finally I looked & she was gone from the porch.

Nibblets still had not returned to the porch when I closed down the house for the night & went to bed. Precious spent the night with me. Wobs was upstairs in the loft, in her cozy little spot. Nibs was on her own for the night.

And ... at 6:15 A.M. Tuesday ... there was Nibblets at the front door, anxious to come inside. As I opened the door, she blazed by me, running down the hall & rapidly to the kitchen to get her food. I hoped she appreciated it.

Naturally, I "scolded" Nibblets a bit for not coming home, pointing out all the poor abandoned/stray kitties which would love to have just some of the fine food & home comforts Nibs takes for granted. [Like what I was saying was ever going to make a difference. She kept on eating.]

Well, whatever Nibblets did all night long, must not have included much sleep. All morning & most of the afternoon she snoozed. She spent the A.M. hours in the library, sleeping on the quilt, at the window. [A favorite "bird watching" spot ... as Wobs is doing next to her sleeping sister.] Later, Nibblets moved to the end of the bed to sleep.

Yesterday afternoon, Nibblets joined me outside, where I was doing some tree planting in the yard. Probably still tired, she spent most of the time in the shade under a tree, observing, rather than the "supervising/helping/getting in the way" my cats usually do with any outdoor activity I am involved with.

Last night, Nibblets was the FIRST cat to come in for the night. Maybe she had enough adventure the previous night out.

... AND MY LIFE WAS CHANGED FOREVER

Three years ago TOMORROW, one of my cats, Nibblets, was born ... on my front porch.

I have -- for most of my life -- had dogs in it. Some dogs were mine -- that would be Whitey, Sally & Jinx -- & some belonged to neighbors. Bonnie & Sassy were great dogs that I enjoyed their time with me; they just belonged to other people.

I've done a bit of "dog sitting". Several times when I lived in Memphis, I kept Buffy, the Shih Tzu which belonged to my friend, "Wemus". [The dogs official name was "Buffet's Boat Drink", in honor of singer Jimmy Buffet.]

The last dog I "owned" was Jinx, when I was in high school in New York. A "neighbor" down the road shot & killed Jinx. He said Jinx was "threatening" one of his sheep. Some neighbor. At least he told me what happened & brought Jinx back to me so I could bury her.

Through the years I have been content with other peoples dogs. All of the fun & none of the clean-up, mess & Vet bills.

Cats were "tolerated". I never owned one. Never wanted to. People around me owned them & I fussed with their cats. I just made sure I didn't get scratched or bitten, something I "knew" those "bird killers" did all the time. I really didn't want anything to do with cats.

One thing I learned about cats; if they want to interact with you they will. Yes, they can be very stand-offish. They can also "claim you" if they want & there is a hard way to go to convince them otherwise.

You can see where this is going, can't you ??

Make a long story short. [As if I can ever do that !!] The neighbor down the road had a kitten. It "belonged" to their granddaughter, who was only here occasionally, with visitation rights.

The cat came around my house. I made the [BIG] mistake of buying some cat food for it. [She -- Precious -- was already (metaphorically) ... sinking her claws into me.]

Strictly an outdoor cat as far as I was concerned, Precious spent more & more time here at my place & less & less at "her home". I tried to ignore the cat, but at the same time began to feel sorry for Precious, because -- as I learned -- she got little or no attention from the true "owners".

Of course... I became "the owner". [If you can truly "own" a cat.] Precious had made her choice & I was it. I just wish the neighbors had gotten her "fixed", as it was easy to see she was pregnant.

I am trying to make this story "short. Trust me. I'm leaving out lots of stuff.

On March 22, 2007, Precious went into labor that morning on my front porch. I knew at the time she was too young to be having kittens & not prepared for it physically or maternally. [Kind of like the teenagers having babies on that MTV show.] I became the "midwife" & was assisting her as best I could, but we were both in uncharted waters. [I was cutting umbilical cords on the new kittens & handing them back to Precious.]

For whatever reason, of the six kittens Precious had, only one lived. The kitten was named Nibblets, for no reason I can remember. I set them both up in a box filled with towels on the front porch & left it up to Precious to solve any other problems.

Like all kittens, Nibblets was born with her eyes closed, but with workable -- & sharp -- claws. She fit quite well in my hand & was a "cutie" from the word go. [I was sinking deeper in to the clutches of cats.]

Somehow, between the limited knowledge of cats on my part, the youth of Momma Precious, & despite the cold weather on the porch, Nibblets survived.

Part of the survival of both cats, was due to my friend, Bubba. Shortly after all this birthing business began -- not to be confused with "Birthers" -- I my chest sawed open & four bypasses put in my heart. While I was in the hospital, one of several kind acts on his part, was Bubba getting a bag of cat food [or "kat fud", as I like to call it] & coming by my house each day to feed Momma Kitty on the front porch.

Above, this was a Saturday, my first full day home from the hospital. [Previous week -- Monday/hospital for tests ... Tuesday/operation ... Wednesday/into a room ... Thursday/walking the hospital halls ... Friday/home.] Precious is mugging her daughter, Nibblets, not quite one month old.

This is my friend "Mertle" [Wait ... that is her real name !!] holding on to both Precious & Nibblets, when she & her husband Marty came over from Memphis that Saturday to visit ... & make sure I was still alive. The other woman -- my former "lady friend", Susan -- is enjoying the laugh knowing Mertle is allergic to cats !! [She has to get shots !!!]

It been three years since the front porch birth of Nibblets. I often feel somewhat guilty about the lack of time & care I gave her in her early life. I wasn't "hooked" just yet when it came to cats. Still, her & her mother -- along with THE WOBBLER, born several months later, which will be another story in the future -- have made every attempt to work their ways with me. They have succeeded.

Nibblets is a full grown, healthy cat now. Maybe, because of her many early-life nights on the porch, she is the most "outdoor" cat of the three. She likes to go outside when I first get up in the A.M. She'll spend an hour or two outside, then return to the door to be let in for her breakfast.

All three of my cats have ways of communicating with me, to let me know if they want food, go outside, or as often Nibblets does, let me know she wants me to sit on the couch, with her in my lap, scratching & rubbing her head & neck. My sweet [most of the time ... remember, we're dealing with CATS.] baby.

Happy Birthday, Nibblets. Be safe, sweet, treat your Momma & sister gently & please ... come home every night. Don't make me come look for you in the dark.

And finally ... Precious -- look at what you started. My life, thank you, will never be the same !!

IT'S ... AH ... SPRING TIME. RIGHT ??

Finally, after too many months, weeks & days of cold, damp & wet weather, Spring "officially" arrived yesterday. It's about time !!

The final two weeks of Winter were on the mild side, so I was able to do some catching up on my delayed yard work, which at this time of year means raking & burning leaves, trimming trees -- especially all the Crape Mertles -- along with clearing & cleaning areas of my property which have been too wet to deal with earlier.

The recent temperatures have been warmer; comfortable during the day [60+ degrees] & the nights -- although still cool to cold -- have been above the freezing point. With the days getting longer, the combination, providing the favorable weather, has gotten many of the Spring flowers blooming, along with many trees, with the white flowering Bradford Pears especially, putting on their annual display.

Another sure sign of Spring is my neighbor across the road spraying his lawn to kill weeds. He has a big contraption he pulls behind his mower. The other morning he was giving his whole place ... "the big kill".

I don't have a "lawn". I have fields were I cut the weeds short to provide my greenery. If I spayed my property & killed the weeds, all I would have left is the dirt. [I wonder if the moles would still stay around ??]

One benefit of a "weed lawn" is the really beautiful number of small, colorful flowers the weeds produce this time of year. There are a variety of colors -- white, yellow & especially purple. Another indicator of Spring.

Friday I started cutting grass ... ah ... weeds, [whatever] with the John Deere. The first "cut" is to knock down those weeds, before they go to seed, as well as cut/chop/mulch many of the tree leaves I never got around to raking up. The cutting also gets lawn ... ah ... fields, looking nice & green. Enough with Winter !!

As Spring time approaches, I start getting the garden catalogs in the mail. I've attended the annual Flower & Garden Show in Little Rock & have been visiting various web sites. All these are incentives for my "improvement/planting/landscape plans" I have each year. [And subject to change each year.]

Since I moved her almost 14 years ago, I have added "something growing" to my four acres each year. I acquired this land with several dozen mature -- read that: BIG -- trees; mostly Oaks, Maples & other hardwoods. I've planted flowering trees such as the mentioned Bradford Pears & Crape Mertles, [all colors] along with Redbuds, Vitex, as well as Japanese Maples, Cedar, & various Pines. Also, can't forget the 12+ species of Bamboo.

Just about everything I have planted, started small, usually in a one to five gallon size container. Of course, as the trees & plants have grown, I now have mature trees from the beginning years & each additional planting has added to the growth at the homestead.

It's interesting to look at old photographs & see how the planting changes have filled-in the "openings" & how I also -- thanks to the Bamboo, Pines & Cedars -- have some green color even when the other trees have dropped their leaves ... which, I have been raking ... raking ... raking.

This past week I made a visit to a plant nursery new to me -- River Valley Horticultural Products, wwaaaay out, in far West Little Rock. I had seen their displays at the annual Little Rock show. This year I found their web site -- http://www.rivervalleyhp.com/index-5.html -- which has listed in their inventory several specific Crape Mertles I was looking for, which was the inducement I needed to make the long trip out to their nursery.

I was very pleased with RVHP. It was impressive in size, [30 acres] plant conditions, variety/sizes & selections. They are a wholesale operation as well, so they have a varied selection in EVERYTHING. It's just soooo far away.

Equipped with my Visa card, which was supported by my Federal tax refund, sitting in my checking account, not yet logged/added to my check register, I was prepared to do some"damage" ... which I did. Above is the area where they had a dozen or more varieties of Japanese Maples, which were on sale: $25.00 each/$20.00 each for two. I bought six; two each of two varieties & mixed/matched two other species.

Also at checkout time, I had a Ginko tree [always wanted one & is in the cart behind me, with the Japanese Maples] & four Grape Mertles -- two red & two purple. Slam that Visa card down.

NOTE: This is where having a truck becomes "expensive". Not just the maintenance & upkeep, along with the price of gasoline [yesterday ... $2.70 a gallon locally] but the fact bigger, more expensive purchases can be had. Never worry -- "Will it fit in the back seat?" Not a problem. Also "delivery charges ??" No ... take it with you, when you have a truck.

So, now it's time to plant the 11 new trees for this years "landscape plans". I've got a general idea where everything will be planted. [Actually, I kind of knew that before I went out buying.] It's just now time for the actual effort: digging holes, mixing dirt, mulching & hauling off the excess dirt. Wheelbarrow & shovel time.

But, wait !! Remember Spring just officially arrived yesterday. And despite the nice weather & temperatures we have been having, this is, after all, Arkansas. If you don't like the weather, just wait. If you DO like the weather ... too bad.

Yesterday it was 72 degrees & sunny. Today: 42 degrees, cloudy & everything is wet from the rain we had all night. The creek is full & the front yard -- where I was burning leaves yesterday -- is now flooded. [I call it "Lake Hilda" when it forms, (& it has a LOT in the past year) in honor of my Mother.]

Late yesterday -- when it was still nice & warm -- I moved my "tropical plants", enjoying the Spring-like conditions outside, back into protection; the Staghorn Ferns into the garage & the Cycads where loaded into the yard cart & taken to the storage building. The cold weather is not going to get them this year. [I've had "issues" with cold snaps in the past.] The new trees were stacked next to the protection of the garage door.

This is "normal" for Spring time in Arkansas. We have been given a "taste" of the nice weather to come, but also, a "reminder" that Spring sometimes gives a false start, or two, when arriving in this part of the country.

MTV & ME -- "REALITY" ... REALLY ??

Back in the late 1970's/early 80's, I lived my life without a television set. For several years prior I had a nice, big, console TV. When it went on the fritz, I ended up giving it away. I couldn't be bothered to haul it into a repair shop. I didn't miss it.

Oh, I still saw enough TV to keep me satisfied. I was always "house sitting", "baby sitting" or even "dog/pet sitting" for friends. No pay required, but I would get to order pizza as the "reward" for my ... ah ... efforts.

I made sure when I provided my "services", the home came equipped with the new thing in entertainment -- CABLE TV. All those channels. All those choices.

There finally came a time when my condominium was approached by the Bartlett, Tennessee cable company about wiring up all 100 units in our complex for their services. Being the Vice President of the Homeowners Association -- sort of a Dick Chaney of my time -- I had a bit of input in approving the instillation.

In the condo, I was the first home to be wired up & receiving the cable signal. [The old "Quid Pro Quo".] And ... I had to go buy a television.

The first night, with cable TV -- in my own home -- was a real joy. No kids or pets to disturb me. Just 33 channels of viewing pleasure & even a remote control. [I did have to pay for my own pizza delivery.]

One of the cable stations I watched frequently was a new channel called Music Television -- MTV. It was all rock & roll videos, all the time. [Somewhere, today, on my iPod, I have the song which was played as the first video on MTV -- "Video Killed the Radio Star". I can't remember the band/group which sings it.]

Through the years & the relocation from Tennessee, I upgraded my TV input system in Arkansas.

First I had cable TV. It was a few more channels than in Tennessee, but came with the same problems -- loss of signals & any storms would knock out all the channels for up to a day. I'd have to call the cable company & get their "we're working on getting it fixed" explanation.

FUNNY THING: A few years later -- after I go rid of the cable -- a lady I was interviewing for a job at Maybelline was the manager of the same cable company. Of course, I didn't hire her.

I moved on to Primestar. Now I had a big satellite dish in my yard. I also had about 100 channels. Primestar was then purchased by DirecTv, which led to the large dish in the yard being replaced by the smaller dish on the roof of the house. [The Primestar base & pole became a bird feeder support in my yard.]

With the cable gone, the only "outages" were -- & still are -- when it is raining HARD, or when there is ice on the dish. I had to go up on a ladder this year to get my reception returned by removing the snow/slush which had built up on the receiver dish.

Now days I have several hundred channels to chose from -- I've got EVERYTHING, just about, that DirecTv offers ... along with a $150 monthly invoice -- so I'm usually able to find something each night of interest to watch on my television.

I like a lot of the "speciality channels" -- Animal Planet, Discovery Health, Comedy Central, [LOVE "Tosh.0"] as examples. I also have ALL the non-basic movie channels like HBO, Starz, etc. I'm always entertained.

One channel I have NOT watched in years, is my old favorite -- MTV. Now there are several versions on my system, along with several VH1's & county music channels.

MTV changed. It's for the young, hip crowd, which I never was, even when I first started watching it almost 30 years ago. I'm not even sure if MTV plays videos any more. [I think those are on one of the "other MTV channels" on my system. I see them listed on the menu when I'm "scanning".]

Well, the other night I happened to re-visit my old friend, when the TV menu had a program listed for MTV called: "16 & Pregnant". A title like that will get your attention ... which it did.

I watched several episodes. The constant theme which seemed to radiate from the people -- young girl teens, of course -- was; "I'm young, stupid, totally not ready for this & the 'father' is not following his promises to be with me & help me".

It was really sad !!

Now I need to point out right here, that I do not watch any "reality TV". That includes "dancing shows", "house wife's", "Idol" or guy/gals looking for love. Not worth wasting the time I have left on earth. I also think a lot of the shows are "phony" & scripted & I took one look at "Snookie" -- in a magazine -- & thought, "Trash".

With "reality TV", too many un-talented, ingrate people are being made into "stars". Not on my television!!

But still, the MTV show really got to me. I looked it up on the MTV website for details on the people on the show. Yes, it may be scripted, but at the end of the day, those poor young girls have lost their fun years of high school & are in a 20+ year commitment to raising a child, probably without the father, when they are not much more than one themselves.

Again ... really sad.

And now, I'm probably hooked on watching "16 & Pregnant" next week. My long-lost MTV channel has brought me back into it's clutches again.

I guess the show is a video of sorts ... which is how it all started -- MTV & me -- back in Tennessee.

IT'S NOT ME ... I SWEAR

In my last post, I wrote about living in the central New York area & going to the movies; at theaters & drive-in's. I had a comment where I remembered, as a young child, going to downtown Rochester with my Mother, riding the ... "trolley/subway". This would have been in the mid-1950's.

Well, as the saying goes: "Great minds think alike." A unique thing happened this past Wednesday, thanks to Hilda.

In a package from my Mother in Florida, she enclosed a 2010 yearly calendar titled "Rochester Memories", published by the Rochester newspaper, the Democrat & Chronicle. The calendar features old photos on each page, from the 1940's to the 60's.

For the month of June this year, the photo below was included. It's a classic example of the unique look of what I always called "the subway". It was above ground over much of it's route & went "under ground" when it approached the downtown of Rochester.

I learned from the calendar the official name was The Rochester Industrial & Rapid Transit Railway. It went out of service on June 30, 1956.

Now ... before anyone leaves a comment on my blog -- THIS MEANS YOU, BUBBA -- trying to indicate I am somehow one of the people in the picture -- it's not true !!! This is not some old family photo I've pull out an old album of pictures.

Now I realize one of the incriminating bits of "evidence" would be the considerable amount of plaid clothing being worn by the individuals boarding the rail car. Pure coincidence !! And ... I would never wear plaid SOCKS. [Well, I don't think I ever have ... would have ... might ... maybe.]

Just another "memory" ... because the older you get, the more God gives you.

I'm racking up a bunch.

STAR LIGHT ... STAR BRIGHT

When I was a youngster -- think five to seven years old -- my Mother would take me to the movies in Rochester, New York. We either rode the trolley/subway, [long gone] or took the bus to the downtown area. There a number of BIG movie THEATERS back then, with names like Lowe's, The RKO Palace & The Paramount.

I don't ever remember going to the movie theater with my Father. It was always just Mom & me. Never the three of us.

I do remember seeing movies with both my Mom & Dad ... but ... it was at the Drive-In. I guess we were an after-dark family when it came to movie entertainment, but it was probably more of a money issue. I remember we took our own popcorn.

The Starlight Drive-In Theater -- sounds FANCY, doesn't it ?? -- was our usual choice. We would arrive while it was still light & I would go down to the "Kiddie Land" at the base of the movie screen, where there were slides, swings, & all sorts of play apiarists, where no one got hurt & if they did, no one got sued. Times were different.

When it got dark enough, the movies would start, usually with a cartoon or two. We kids would scream for joy & run back to the parked cars to begin watching the movies. Again, I never remember any kids getting run over in the mad scramble thru the cars, which was in fact just a large parking lot.

I can't recall too many of the movies we saw at the Starlight. I remember one was "The High & The Mighty" staring John Wayne. There was a lot of whistling in the movie.

One movie I do recall, & which has been a favorite to this day, was "The Creature From The Black Lagoon". I don't know who picked that movie to see. It wasn't me. Still, it hit a nerve with me. Loved it.

There were three movies made featuring The Creature, or as we fans call him/it ... "The Gill Man". The second movie was "Revenge of The Creature" & the last one in the series was "The Creature Walks Among Us".

I never saw the second movie but did see the third installment. By the time the third movie came out, I was riding the bus alone by myself to the movies in downtown Rochester. Even at an early age, I was a "loner".

When I was in high school, we were living in Honeoye, New York, which was about 30 miles south of Rochester. There were still occasional trips to the the movies. It just required more "planning".

Once I had my drivers license & my own car, going to the movies became a "date option". In the warmer months -- remember this was upstate New York -- the Drive-In was a "cozy" option ... if you catch my drift.

There were two local Drive-Ins -- read that ... "within 15 miles or so from Honeoye" -- I would frequent; one in Lakeville, at Conesus Lake & the other in Canandaigua, New York. I don't remember if either one had a "Kiddie Land". I had other interests.

As I have written in a previous post, I was in love most all my high school days. The object of my earthly desires, the love of my life -- "Weiner" -- was my usual partner for Drive-In adventures.

The Drive-In's usually had "double features" -- two movies. I saw a lot of Elvis movies for the the first part of the "double". Then the concession stand closed up, it got a bit darker when their lights went out & by then I was interested in something other than the movie.

Now, before everyone thinks the Drive-In was just some sort of "passion pit" for Weiner & me, I can remember a HUGE fight we had one night in Lakeville. I could not begin to tell you what it was about but it sure rests in my memory as proof the word "bitch" should always be spelled with a capital "B". [Another example of why I am a "loner".]

Of course, our "fights" led to break-ups & make-ups. Then ... back to the Drive-In. On & on it went. [And even to this day we are friends & in contact. And there is no "B-Word".]

The number of Drive-Ins have dramatically decreased across the United States in the past years. I don't know if there are any in Arkansas. I'm sure there are still some towns in the state with them. I just don't know of any around Little Rock.

I have [mostly] fond thoughts of my many visits to see movies at the Drive-In. Like so many things in my past --places, people, loves & losses -- places like the Starlight Drive-In Theater are from a time passing further backwards in my memories.

IN IT ... TO WIN IT

I've never been a person who likes to gamble. I don't really understand people who get into trouble because they have an "addiction" to gambling. Losing money ?? Not my thing.

I have always been a materialistic person. I like to have the things my money buys ... be it clothes, books, turtles, etc. I want to hold/see what my money buys.

I've never been to Las Vegas. I've flown over it quite a few times. That's as close as I've come to going there -- a pilot pointing out the Vegas lights "... to the right of the plane".

I'd like to go to Las Vegas sometime. I'd probably go to a show. Visit some of the big hotels. Check out some of the big food buffet's. But gamble my money ?? No thanks.

Here in Arkansas, there is horse racing in Hot Springs. It's not far from here. Just down Interstate 30. They have big crowds there in racing season & a lot of money gets wagered.

I went to the races one time, years ago, when I lived in Memphis. I was with a group of people from work. We rode a bus over & it was an all-day event. I took $20.00 to bet on the races, with the idea I would loose it. I did.

There is one form of gambling which I do. I am an active participant in the twice weekly Florida Lottery. No fancy lights & "one-armed-bandits". No black jack tables or thousands of people cheering horses & jockeys. Just match six numbered balls dropping out of 53.

I've been playing the "Lotto" in Florida for years. I fill out the form with the numbers I select & send that to my Mother. I include the payment, as well as "extra" money for Mom. It's my way of "gambling" & at the same time, providing Hilda with money to keep her ... "comfortable".

Every Wednesday & Saturday nights the Lotto drawings are held in Florida. Every Thursday & Sunday mornings I get on the web site to check the winning numbers.

Last week I correctly picked all six of the winning numbers, which was worth $17 million. Trouble was, the six numbers were not all on the same line to win the big prize.

I did have three numbers on the fourth [D] line, so it was a "winner" ... for $5.50.

No one correctly picked the six numbers, so the money was increased for the next Lotto drawing. That was Saturday night & again no one had all the six numbers selected. The Florida Lotto will be worth $21 million on Wednesday.

I'll keep playing the Lotto drawing & thus I will be "gambling".

Yes ... I'm losing money by playing, but I don't think I have an addiction. [But I guess that's what people think, that do.]

Still ... I've got to be in it ... to win it.

MORE BAMBOO

I've made it to the month of March ... finally. This is the month where Spring is "officially" arriving -- on Saturday the 20th -- although I know from experience, we sometimes get more Winter weather in this month, as some sort of joke from Mother Nature. Think positive for Spring.

With all the cold weather, snow & flooding we have had here in Central Arkansas, I look forward to getting outside & working in the yard. I am one of those people who gets "cabin fever" from staying indoors over too long a time. [Don't get me wrong -- I enjoy a good "goof off day" as well as anyone. I just don't like to be forced to remain inactive & indoors.]

One of the harbingers of Spring locally, is the annual Arkansas Flower & Garden Show, held at the end of each February in downtown Little Rock. This past weekend was this years three day event.

The show seems to get bigger each year, with more vendors & their displays, along with demonstrations, sales tables & guest speakers. This year did not disappoint. Some real time & effort went into setting up displays & natural garden settings.


I spent about two hours Saturday morning walking around the shows main floor, looking at everything & "visiting" with several vendors to discuss their offerings. In this case: decking for my house, options on some garden beds & replacing the fencing along the front of my property. A lot of the conversations were directed at an important issue -- $$.

One of the people I see & speak with each year is a fellow who calls himself "Mr. Bamboo". He has a company called Arkansas Bamboo Connection. He sells & installs bamboo in gardens & he is a big proponent of the many uses of bamboo, i.e. landscaping, reclaiming farrow land, use of the bamboo wood for building & flooring, clothing,etc. [I have a set of sheets on my bed made from bamboo.] He's very "green thinking" & I enjoy talking with him.


The Arkansas Bamboo Connection display had some medium size bamboo for sale, some of which already were marked "sold". "Mr. Bamboo" was also scheduled as one of the show speakers for Saturday afternoon.

Several other sales displays were also decorated with bamboo, which is -- to me -- an interesting twist, especially since the local gardening "expert" -- who has a weekly column in the newspaper -- is very much "anti-bamboo", due to the fact the plant can be quite invasive in a garden. The use of bamboo in the show is an indication to me that people are just seeing some of the many other aspects & uses of bamboo. The Botanica Gardens display used cut bamboo poles as part of their backdrop, as well as selling some cut poles.


Each year I attend the show, I usually buy something. One year it was a flag pole. Another year a telescoping ladder. Usually at least some day lillie tubers for the flower bed. This year I bought ratching hand-held pruners.

After two hours of all things gardening, along with it being -- for a change -- a pleasant day outside, I was geared up to get some clean-up done on my property. I also wanted to use my new "toy" -- the pruners.

Shortly after arriving home, I was outside working in the yard. It was a fine day to do so.


I was pleased with my purchase & they worked well with their intended purpose -- clipping & trimming. As this month is the usual time of the year for trimming & shaping my Crape Mertle Trees, I am already finding the new pruners are going to make that job a lot easier.