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Spirit of Compromise and Blessing!

The boss and I made a deal on the schedule.  He needed a few days over the weekend in order to visit family in Beaumont.  This was while I was trying to see what I could wrangle out of him for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.  Haven't seen my own family in quite a while and didn't want to have Mom spend Turkey Day all by herself.  Even though the timing was a little off as the holiday was still two weeks away, I couldn't be picky.  With bags packed and loaded in the vehicle the night before, I was up bright and early the next morning and departed somewhat on time.  I had three glorious days off to enjoy before needing to come back to reality in working three double shifts for the boss.  In the end, the trade-off was well worth the sacrifice and effort.  Mom still needed to work during two of these days; however, we still enjoyed a day filled with shopping and eating in Victoria.  On the other days, I was able to connect with a contact throu...
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In Celebration...!

     Life has been fairly status quo and routine, hence the lack of blog entries for the previous few months.  This doesn't mean absolutely nothing has happened, but maybe nothing of noteworthy expression.  Once back from the family vacation to Corpus Christi in May, I began working part-time at Tx Smoke, a cigar shop near the West 7th District of Fort Worth.  Yes, it does appear yours truly is a job hopper, not staying at any one job beyond a few months at a time.  Most employments are ended due to a combination of mis-matched personalities at the business and unrealized expectations from both parties.  Most of the time, it's simply my outspokeness and rough edges that cause life to go sideways from time to time.  At any rate, I have now been at Tx Smoke for roughly three months, and the employment so far seems to be smooth sailing.      About a month ago, I learned of the passing of a longtime friend of my maternal grandmothe...
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Reprieve from the Rat Race

On Saturday, May 17, I took off out onto the open road once the shift relief showed up at work.  Surprisingly, I was wide awake and alert for the drive.  I had been up since three o'clock that morning and had a concern about being able to safely drive to Yoakum.  Even after a few stops to visit and take pictures of historical sites, I arrived at Mom's house around 5:30 p.m.  We visited a short while before heading to bed.  I was exhausted!  Our next four days of vacation in Corpus Christi would provide an exhaustingly good time as well.  The time spent was a whirlwind of activity from almost the time we woke up till we arrived back at the hotel.  Honestly, I don't remember the last time I was in the area.  May have been over forty years since I've been on this section of the Texas coast.  We had a blast!  We did all the touristy type stuff: Art Museum of South Texas, Museum of Science and History, Texas State Aquarium, U.S.S. Lexing...
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Anniversaries!

As a history buff I am a stickler for dates and events, the ever-linear timeline of life.  For example, every year on September 1st I acknowledge Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939.  I know that sounds very weird and is not disguised as some sort of political or idealogical message.  It is simply a fact of historical record that I chuckle about whenever I think of it.  Recently I had quite a few dates of remembrance.  First was January 30th, which is the date my maternal grandfather passed away fifteen years ago.  At the time, yours truly was under thirty days away from getting released from incarceration and was never able to see him again this side of Heaven.  Immediately following on February 2nd, I marked ten years since moving into my present residence.  Wow, have I really lived here this long?  When living in Houston, it seems like I was moving every six months.  Father God has richly blessed me with stability and somewhat afford...
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Happy New Year!

Another year is upon us!  Where has the time gone?  Not only a new year, but I am blessed with a new day each and every time God sees fit to allow me to wake up.  I certainly don't need a brand new year to figuratively start over.  I can take each day as a time to assess where I am in relation to God's will and His holy scripture.  Only then can I move my life in concert with the Holy Spirit's direction toward what God would have me do.  Already 2025 has been a blessing!  Last week I rearranged the apartment, with the assistance of my neighbor, to move all my books and research material to the front living room.  This has afforded me the opportunity to once again sleep in the bedroom.  (Long story for another time.)  Not only is it warmer in there, but the move has added more security.  For the previous four plus years, I had been sleeping near the front door and porch window.  Considering the neighborhood I reside in, this pro...
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In Memory of Don Waudby!

Just found out a few minutes ago a very dear friend passed away back in July.  Guess I wasn't a very good friend in only having found out.  I am very sad nonetheless.  He and I disagreed on a few points in life, but he was a constant support and a good sounding board to discuss whatever came my way.  I initially met Don at Tobacco Lane on the Square, a cigar shop, in downtown Fort Worth.  Over the years, we would meet at other cigar shops in order to visit while I worked or on a day off so we could smoke a cigar together.  Don was always very positive and seemed to take life in stride whether it was good or bad.  We would constantly joke about the oddest stuff, which is what attracted me to him in friendship.  People like him are a great example of how we can be friends without having to agree on everything.  We found our commonality over a great cigar and a good time of fellowship.  He knew the good, bad, and ugly about me and still nev...
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Year In Review

Once again, another year has flown by making my head spin.  Overall, 2024 can be placed under the "win" column as I have been able to scratch off quite a few bucket list items.  Primarily this has been the year to catch up on a few health issues: annual physical, lab work, cataract surgery, and so much more.  I still have one medical issue outstanding, but I remain diligent in taking care of yours truly.  In August, I celebrated 18 years of sobriety at my local A.A. group.  This was definitely a memorable event as I never thought I would be alcohol-free for this long.  A testament to the power and influence of God in my life.  Another focus is that of relationships.  As I grow older, especially after turning 51 a few days ago, the value and worth of friendships and family ties increases exponentially.  It is with great pleasure that I was able to help celebrate the marriage of my brother and his fiance with the blending of two families in the...
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