"Did you Blog Today? or "GOT BLOG"

Rain and freezing rain here in the Midlands of Sunny South Carolina.

As I returned home from work piloting a finicky Chevy aveo.

My wife disarmed me.

After exchanging pleasantries (me struggling with groceries, lunch bag and Tim's current "project bag" a combination of household budget, journals, sketchbook with markers and self improvement material).

Sheryl consumed and in the clutches of Facebook. Pays me an awesome compliment, "did you Blog today?".

I am blown away, I totally forget to tell her that although I have not been exposed to winter driving for almost three years.... I still have it!

As I was coming home I crossed over I-20 via an overpass it"s 32 degrees and although we are surrounded by sand in this state, (one of our largest exports) none is on the road.

As The car starts to break traction I think "this is front wheel drive and I have to steer into it!

I cross the bridge (sideways)thankfully no one is coming as I straighten it I accelerate because if I don't I would have caught dry pavement and been a potential Pt. for Unit#8.

I forget relating my experience because my wife has complimented me and my writing.

She states she looks forward to reading my BLOG's. my only reply......WOW.

Did I mention that she was on Facebook?

Sheryl since we met has gently pushed me to write a book, I have always said that she and my family are just being kind.

However I have reached an understanding of who I am so as I sit here on the couch TV on listening to Craig Morgan sing "Almost Home" I realize that at 48 I am comfortable in my skin and mean it, I am a writer.

Just Freaki'n do it right Sarah!

And Hey if she is just being kind I'm still a writer.

Remember Everyone has a Story.

Missing My Old Friend Allan

Last Night, after awaiting years, I purchased an MP3 Player 4gb RCA $53dollars and change.

I am no longer a "kid" who falls prey to what the media or companies Hype (Sorry Apple and Mr. Steve Jobs).

Anyway I love music always have, 45's, LP's, 8- Tracks.
(Lear Jet Made the first ones)cassettes,CD's and Now digital.

As I announced to my EMS partner Dujour Today I have joined the Digital revolution.

This amused my partner. I replied I might be over ten years late however I am here now. (Mom was right I am "Leo The Late Bloomer).

As I was listening to my new form of personal music, Elton John "Empty Garden" began to play. The song has a double meaning to me, one The Assasination of John Lennon (one of the Beatles, Yoko Ono ruined the Beatles)

The second the suicide of one of my best friends Allan Bryant.

Allan ,Sheryl and myself affectionately called ourselves "The Unholy Trinity" because when all three of us showed up on scene someone died.

We always seemed to have to bear witness to some horrible calls.

I miss my friend every day I carry him in my heart.

I miss our "Bumper Talks".

Our bond spared many co-workers from our wrath due to one of us diffusing the other.by reading each other and taking time to slow down and help one another.

It always seemed that we knew when the other needed a friend.

When I recieved the news of his death a void was created.

I can honestly say that I have not been the same since.

The Take home message.... Enjoy everyday no matter how bad it is, sing even if you can't, write even if you can't, draw even if it is stick figures Just Freak'in TRY.... just LIVE.

Cuz life is way too short, take a chance live without regrets, make a bucket list or don't life is choice, Death is a done deal it's in the fine print, there is a "No Escape Clause" when you are born, Sorry it's not if it's when.

I watch my three year old busy herself with no pre-conceieved thoughts of failing she lives for herself and does not limit herself.

Why should we?

What the Hell happened to Us?

Life is a Gift we all take for granted.

I miss you my Friend, I always will but right now I have to go outside put my foot up on the bumper of Unit #10 and sip a fresh cup of coffee and embrace the day.

Never be afraid to embrace change if it improves you.

Today I had the opportunity to Play and see thru my daughter's eyes (her innocence and wonder is contagious).

We played and created with colored construction paper, built robots and castles with large plastic blocks similar to LEGOS.

We also mixed 3 packets of scrapbook pictures lovingly clipped and ripped by her "Oma" and mailed to Torrie.

As the two of us played.....Daddy did dishes ,laundry and picked up our home.

Keeping in mind a piece of wisdom.

Torrie will only be Three once. I reminded myself of this when she would ask "Daddy can you help me?"

My reply "Of course" dishes can wait,and clothes can be washed later.

life is a series of moments that move us and define us.
I hope I never lose sight of what is Important,

The love of your children and the memories that you may have created or the impact that you made in a moment.

Perhaps if you are lucky years later your child will recall with a smile or tear a special moment that he/she remembers

You are never to old to play and you are never to old to change habits if it improves your life.

"Have a Cigar Boy"

Ahh Wednesday, "Hump-day" Our short week Wednesday, Thursday and then 3 days off.

It is after 5pm and still light out this is my favorite time of day where day slowly surrenders to night.

Some begin winding down and for others their day is just beginning.

As I peek out the window I contemplate enjoying a cigar,
(I only smoke cigars).

Cigar smoking is not for the fast food crowd of tobacco users.

A cigar takes time to enjoy, decisions are made before you even begin to light.

Should I cut,or punch?
Should I use a Match?
"Torch Lighter"? or my Trusty ("Awesome Concert Dude") "BIC" lighter.

After those decisions are made I think of all the Prayers I wish to send skyward thru the exhaled smoke to the Great Spirit.

I think of all the people I know or knew and the one's I miss.

I give thanks for what I have.

I release the thoughts of what I do not have.

These are the thoughts that flow thru me when I enjoy the Sacred Tobacco Leaf.

I am headed outside Now.

"Live In The Now" TBP

"Your Mother"

Torrie and I headed into Columbia today and we stopped in at this old Army/Navy Store. My daughter (PRO-NRA at 3 years of age she loves Knives Too!) decided that she had to climb onto a piece of artillery, as she is exploring it I Realize there is a faded sign stating.... "Please Do Not Stand Or Climb On".

As I attempt to move her.
The owner outside who was enjoying a smoke smiles and states not to worry she is fine.

Alas another adult succumbs to the Torrie charm, she smiles coyly at the owner and in her little sweet as honey voice..... she softly says"Thank You." she then looks up at me and states

"Love you Daddy".

Yup she's good

In the window a pair of size 100 "Tightie Whitees" hung in the window.

This amused Torrie as well as myself. In front of this massive pair of skive es I saw this Ad and I chuckled to myself and Thought....

Why Yes her Mommy does wear combat boots Black Rocky's to be exact just like her husbands Mommy & Daddy wear "Street Combat Boots".

A sad note I heard on the News that Robert Parker The Mystery Author. (one of my favorites) died today. He was reported to have been at his desk writing and suffered a heart attack. He was 77.

Short Week on for the next two.

"What does not kill us wears us down" TBP

A day off and a Dingo

Monday a day off but not really appointments and commitments.

I have to download some pictures of "Sweet Pea" a Carolina Dingo who was Rescued/Adopted by a co-worker.

"sweet pea" is a special story which I will share here first.

"Sweet pea" is a wild dog who had resided in the woods surrounding one of our sub-stations.

Her brother was killed over a year ago.

(we kill or destroy what we do not understand)

"sweet pea" for years endured multiple "dartings" by animal control.
(please keep in mind that she was never aggressive or rabid)

She is a wild Carolina dingo indigenous to these southern states NC,SC and GA.

Those of us who worked this particular sub-station always looked for her.

We considered her our unofficial mascot of this station.

Regardless of our temperament (ref. the kind of day we were having) "sweet pea" greeted us with joy and enthusiasm.

late last year " a county Maintenance man coaxed the dingo into the sub-station by feeding her and slowly moving her food inside.

Animal control took custody and Melissa a co-worker learned that "sweet pea" was caught, and in the custody of animal control

She contacted animal control immediately and was able to Rescue/Adopt the Dingo, YEA!!!!!!! Melissa!

Melissa learned after the fact that "Sweet Pea" had been with pups and that the pups had been aborted

The news that Melissa adopted the Dingo spread amongst those of us that loved the Dingo.

I thought how fitting that Melissa the only person that "Sweet Pea" would allow to touch her was able to adopt her.

Divine intervention perhaps?

Yesterday I had the opportunity to work with Melissa and after finishing breakfast and not being dispatched to a call (very unusual).

Melissa who lives in the coverage area brought me by her residence so I could see the dingo.

As we approached in the ambulance a familliar sight trotted up to the chain link fence she stood proud ,tall and happy.

I was thankful that I had my Sunglasses on to hide my emotions.
(The sky was gray and threatening rain which it did later)

"Sweet Pea" recognized the uniform and I silently cursed myself for not bringing a granola bar which was my food contribution to her when she resided in the woods by the station.

I smiled and Thanked Melissa for the opportunity to see her again. I took a few pictures (Thanks for asking me to do so Mike).

I plan on posting the pictures on my Facebook.

In my eyes "Sweet Pea" is an inspiration to me.

Her message ....

"Stay Strong, Be wary but love unconditionally."


DOG spelled back words is GOD.

Love those who Know me Bye for now Tim.

"Workday Words" or "15 Days Out Of My Life A Month"

Saturday at the thriving metropolis of Swansea, teamed up with Kevin Alias "Sunshine" if Kevin would only take his protocol test I could boast yet another day as a "Double Medic Truck" but ohh no Mr. Difficult wants to be a basic (Not there is any thing wrong with that) ..... I Lied