tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91320546138280628852024-03-14T05:45:37.822-07:00Tom Crowley...Man of Action!Writing from the heart now. Pulling up old writings from as far back as the 1980's to save them. Not sure who will; read this blog but maybe someday my grandchildren will.Tom Crowley Seniorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13787803976873505873noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132054613828062885.post-11510699553959735632024-03-05T08:11:00.000-08:002024-03-05T08:18:39.697-08:00The Lamb of Tom<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4D942DrfcWX9AKaVxSCTRalKl9BgL1rvCJKxJ3uS3r74v3ZiE00e1iXFsMbXJTgxm50Vg8GNuGiAWWwrclbxZpPvV5yfC_uWH76j_5Pl7_0b1ngTuoERAxW1AeHh1eEyiOG8S5baSlvUTMUdM2zMn2OCkykp9rWlxWU35Mni3KnPSdX9HR5hdVz4DKE4/s173/Toms%20Lamb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="166" data-original-width="173" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4D942DrfcWX9AKaVxSCTRalKl9BgL1rvCJKxJ3uS3r74v3ZiE00e1iXFsMbXJTgxm50Vg8GNuGiAWWwrclbxZpPvV5yfC_uWH76j_5Pl7_0b1ngTuoERAxW1AeHh1eEyiOG8S5baSlvUTMUdM2zMn2OCkykp9rWlxWU35Mni3KnPSdX9HR5hdVz4DKE4/s1600/Toms%20Lamb.jpg" width="173" /></a></div><br /> 8-12 1 inch thick loin lamb chops<p></p><p>MARINADE:</p><p>Fresh Rosemary - 4-6 sprigs no stems, no flowers</p><p>Fresh Garlic - 4-6 cloves crushed</p><p>Extra Virgin Olive Oil</p><p>Lemon Juice - 1/2 fresh lemon</p><p>Sea Salt & Fresh Ground Pepper</p><p>Garlic salt</p><p>smoked Paprika</p><p>gather & crush dry things</p><p>mix in oil, lemon juice, </p><p>Blend in a Blender - 3-4 pulses</p><p>put chops and marinade in large ziplok bag</p><p>mix it up and let stand for 2 hours</p><p>GRILL on very hot grill:'</p><p><span> - side 1 - 6-8 minutes</span><br /></p><p><span><span> -side 2 - 4-5 minutes</span><br /></span></p><p><span><span>let stand for 5-8 minutes</span></span></p>Tom Crowley Seniorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13787803976873505873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132054613828062885.post-32021634513813196702023-05-08T04:47:00.005-07:002023-05-08T04:47:59.942-07:00And When I Die...<p> </p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And when I die</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">my
clothes will be folded neatly,</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">the
dishes will be done</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">and put
away.</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">My
coffee pot will be clean</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">The
trash will be out</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">all
recyclables will be sorted.</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">The
garage will be organized</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">My cars
will be clean.</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">My
pencils will be sharpened</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">all
Ticonderoga Number Two</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">My
laptop will be charged up.</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">And
then...I can write again</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">and
finish that book</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">But
first? Another poem or</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">this
thing I wrote this morning.</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">FTC</p>Tom Crowley Seniorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13787803976873505873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132054613828062885.post-39125640381981675512023-02-24T08:57:00.003-08:002023-02-24T08:57:59.065-08:00Alcohol Kills<p> Stopped drinking on January 11, 2023</p><p>miss it from 5 to 7 pm</p><p>feel better every day</p><p>2 small slip ups in 30 days (sip - ups)</p><p>will keep it going</p><p>life with wife is much better</p><p>Thanks be to ....God? or me?</p>Tom Crowley Seniorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13787803976873505873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132054613828062885.post-79455607750673009922023-02-24T08:53:00.000-08:002023-02-24T08:53:14.123-08:00The Committee - 38 Special<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsKjkUDRGzbdlZDlKIb5ga1smpBbf8_r6xmeqWXRXbivbzsYvwA0eCMLF0IrJpOr_chGViZjfKF-tvUgo9ed1d7zxb9Pnb5Z-RY3jAKS0ppozPihh7LNbN5Pa-GdetKKuOmZQ8NnSgrot2UrCCHUcIlMQwhXkkdApEnT9VmAN1HasxB5y7waC53r4a" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="194" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsKjkUDRGzbdlZDlKIb5ga1smpBbf8_r6xmeqWXRXbivbzsYvwA0eCMLF0IrJpOr_chGViZjfKF-tvUgo9ed1d7zxb9Pnb5Z-RY3jAKS0ppozPihh7LNbN5Pa-GdetKKuOmZQ8NnSgrot2UrCCHUcIlMQwhXkkdApEnT9VmAN1HasxB5y7waC53r4a" width="179" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Northcutt Dilemna</div><p></p><p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
The column was leaning</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
no support for the post</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
The decking had crumbled</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
no joy for the host.</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
One neighbor was needed</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
Three more joined the fray</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
Everyone qualified</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
To save Northcutt’s day.</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
Tom had his tools</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
No opinon he shared</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
The others had plenty</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
Clear that they cared.</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
An engineer, an accountant,</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
A DIY’er came too</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
His Hard Hat was awesome</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
But Tom was all through.</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
A sawzall, a hammer</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
Eric’s jack and some screws</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
Raised spirits and porch</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
We had 38 Special NEWS.</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
The moral is clear</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
when you need a hand</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
call anyone on 38<sup>th</sup> street</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
The response will be grand!</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
Tom Crowley…</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
“Man Of Action”</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
2/9/23</p>Tom Crowley Seniorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13787803976873505873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132054613828062885.post-15186840603121007522023-01-17T07:32:00.002-08:002023-02-24T08:54:57.019-08:00Neglect is Abuse<div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfsKIcInhVVbXwsi5tKc8MpwcDhixhqRy_VaNZLbGXvwrt9z_-XA31PuvvdO-sBfX-LQuRkHu4f168TK9E9HnPI2lyrdsa0Hw_I_Fi2HGltNZ3ZZMFdhj71FXwQ4NfnflmSi8-YzCwGtmxq9m_rGVgFYXguL4sOT3UTx2UraQtJjfVuJn8S2izYxM2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfsKIcInhVVbXwsi5tKc8MpwcDhixhqRy_VaNZLbGXvwrt9z_-XA31PuvvdO-sBfX-LQuRkHu4f168TK9E9HnPI2lyrdsa0Hw_I_Fi2HGltNZ3ZZMFdhj71FXwQ4NfnflmSi8-YzCwGtmxq9m_rGVgFYXguL4sOT3UTx2UraQtJjfVuJn8S2izYxM2" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The child rides<br />her bike alone<br />Training wheels<br />Mother home.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />She smiles to herself<br />She is proud<br />Confident<br />She sings out loud.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Mother stirs but<br />still she sleeps<br />Silent demons<br />within her creep.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />A screech of brakes<br />The child screams<br />and then shes down<br />While her mother dreams.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Tom Crowley Seniorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13787803976873505873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132054613828062885.post-62368971568285188852022-07-14T03:20:00.000-07:002022-07-14T03:20:00.870-07:00ELUSIVE<p> Happiness is just an illusion.</p><p>As I walk these streets with broken dreams.</p><p>I have so many blessings in my life. So why am I still unhappy?</p><p>My dreams have come true in every way possible;</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Nelle - the most important event in my life</li><li>Children</li><li>Grandchildren</li><li>Houses</li><li>Boats</li><li>Cars</li><li>Savings</li><li>SS + VA + Pension + Investments</li><li>Daily self - indulgences</li></ul><p></p><p> So....why is happiness and peace so elusive</p>Tom Crowley Seniorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13787803976873505873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132054613828062885.post-31215534298919453562022-06-30T04:44:00.001-07:002022-06-30T04:44:06.455-07:00VICARIOUS<p> VICARIOUS</p><p></p><h2 class="western"><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #265667;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><i><b>The word; Vicarious</b></i></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #265667;"><span style="font-family: Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b> Has
Latin Roots</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2>
<div dir="ltr" id="TextSection"><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #303336;"><span style="font-family: Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If
you act in someone's stead, you take his or her place, at least
temporarily.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: #303336;"><span style="font-family: Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The
oldest meaning of </span></span></span></span><em><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: #303336;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i>vicarious</i></span></span></span></span></em><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: #303336;"><span style="font-family: Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">,
which dates to the first half of the 1600s, is "serving instead
of someone or something else."</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: #303336;"><span style="font-family: Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">The
word </span></span></span></span><em><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: #303336;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i>vicarious</i></span></span></span></span></em><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: #303336;"><span style="font-family: Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> derives
from the Latin noun </span></span></span></span><em><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: #303336;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i>vicis</i></span></span></span></span></em><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: #303336;"><span style="font-family: Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">,
which means "change," "alternation," or
"stead." </span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><em><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: #303336;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i>Vicis</i></span></span></span></span></em><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: #303336;"><span style="font-family: Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> is
also the source of the English prefix </span></span></span></span><em><a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vice-#h4"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: #303336;"><span style="font-family: inherit, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i>vice-</i></span></span></span></span></a></em><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: #303336;"><span style="font-family: Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> (as
in "vice president"), meaning "one that takes the
place of."</span></span></span></span></p>
</div>
<div dir="ltr" id="Section1"><p align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.1in; margin-top: 0.1in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #212529;"><span style="font-family: Lato, Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
____</p><p align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.1in; margin-top: 0.1in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></p></div>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">In
literature, “vicarious” appears in many places. My
interpretation is “living as others” or believing that you are
someone you are not. Easy examples from my life are:</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<ol>
<li><p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
making friends with someone whose family I wish I belonged to</p>
</li><li><p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
watching how they lived and loved</p>
</li><li><p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
thinking about being like theme</p>
</li><li><p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
acting like them in dress, words, actions,</p>
</li><li><p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
staying in their homes as if I was their son,
</p>
</li><li><p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
trying hard to be accepted.</p>
</li></ol>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Real life examples include:</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Bob
Fazzina’s father and mother,</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">George
Huggins mother and brothers,</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Ralph
Puerta’s mother (my own DONNA REED)</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Nelle’s
father, mother, and brothers</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">The only problem is that I have NEVER really felt accepted by anyone. In fact, due to the scars of BLAME (earlier post) I felt that I would be "found out" and then rejected.</p><p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Red and Martha Garofalo NEVER made me feel this way. They always accepted and even welcomed me into their family. It took me many years to believe this.</p><p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">to
be continued</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">FTC</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">LB,ME</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">6/30/22</p><br /><p></p>Tom Crowley Seniorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13787803976873505873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132054613828062885.post-73229892138484709012022-06-30T04:38:00.005-07:002022-06-30T04:38:38.622-07:00BLAME<p> Blame. </p><p></p><p class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Blame
is a powerful word. To blame someone for something could be both
dangerous and do long-lasting harm. If you blame someone and they
are innocent of the action for which you have “blamed” them is
horribly wrong. I have been a victim of misplaced blame many times
as a youth. The reason for this action or behavior by others against
me stems from those true actions of mine; lying, shoplifting, theft,
deceit, and finally grand theft auto. All before I was 16. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">My
father blamed me unjustly for many things:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><p class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">his
alcoholism,</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
</li><li><p class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">his
divorce, - </span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
</p>
<ul>
<li><p class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">After
16 years of his alcoholism and abuse, my mother left him. It was
1964 and my birthday was in July. I was serving time on a diary
farm in Miflinburg, Pennsylvania for stealing a car, He drove up to
see my on my birthday. We went fishing and on the banks of a small
creek he blamed ME and my delinquencies for his divorce. Thanks
Dad,</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
</li></ul>
</li><li><p class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">breaking
something of his,</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><p class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
corvair’s failed transmission,</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><p class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">he
towed a heavy trailer and boat from Phila to Camden,</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
</li><li><p class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">It
was a homemade heavy trailer that I made at his request,</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
</li><li><p class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
boat was a waterlogged Comet sailboat,</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
</li><li><p class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
boat slid forward on the trailer and pinned the engine lid closed</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
</li><li><p class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">despite
these issue, he towed the boat BACK to Philadelphia….</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
</li><li><p class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
corvair was under-powered and NOT meant for a trailer hitch</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
</li><li><p class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">When
I borrowed the car a week after returning, the transmission failed</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
</li></ul>
</li><li><p class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">a
fishing rod, - made for me, borrowed by HIS friend (Sabia) and
broken by HIM.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
</li><li><p class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">a
BB gun – given to me for my 10</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><sup><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">th</span></span></span></span></span></sup></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
birthday. Used by one of HIS friends who broke it. My father
blamed me and took the gun away from me.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
</li></ul>
</li></ul>
<p class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Years
later, after returning to high school in late 1964, I changed my life
and plans and was accepted at Penn State. I lived with a friend in a
small apartment in Chestnut Hill, PA who had some friends who were
wealthy. I aspired to be like them, to hang out with them, to be
accepted by them. I went to their parties. I visited them in their
homes and felt like I had been accepted.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">One
day, in early 1965, two guys came to our apartment and accused me of
stealing something from one of the homes and told me to stay away.
One guy was a known asshole and a liar. He knew I could kick his ass
so he brought a friend. The friend was over 6 feet tall and very
strong. I guess he was the enforcer. I denied any such actions but
due to my known past they blamed me anyway. I think it was just and
excuse because the girlfriend of the little man liked me. That
experience scarred me for the rest of my life and bothers me today,
57 years later.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">There
is no need to write further. Obviously, there are many people in
prison today who actually ARE innocent but are serving time now.
Some are on death row awaiting execution. Others have been executed
and then, found innocent after their death.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Now,
if my wife blames me for something that I did not do (despite having
been guilty of this action at other times) I hate it and hate her for
blaming me. However, what is my defense? None.</span></p>
<p class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
___</p><p class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Be
careful who you blame. They may be innocent and your blame will do
harm that may last them for a lifetime.</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Middle
English: from Old French </span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><i>blamer</i></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">, </span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><i>blasmer</i></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> (verb),
from a popular Latin variant of ecclesiastical
Latin </span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><i>blasphemare</i></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> ‘reproach,
revile, blaspheme’, from Greek </span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><i>blasphēmein</i></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> (see </span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: #1a0dab;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">blaspheme</span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">).</span></span></span></span></li></ul><br /><p></p>Tom Crowley Seniorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13787803976873505873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132054613828062885.post-44748756905462989832022-04-22T14:32:00.001-07:002022-04-22T14:32:31.971-07:00CUBAN BLOODbook<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YpTRlPwULvuO_NmYnO_4vUB5rUvINpU0BDpED9iWfJhVaGxDfUWzqtW9ECFh1pNk02zum10Nmi8skSTypnXDvx0dLvEyS5lCanlMuWgjPf4P8FqB17wURH86PkQkwQBpr1Sn-Bu4TyRb9_MeoakOb7ORwyDG-uH3DTZHHJjQ7wmAYQJ6NYJtmE-G/s632/Nicolas%20Meneses%20and%20Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="632" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YpTRlPwULvuO_NmYnO_4vUB5rUvINpU0BDpED9iWfJhVaGxDfUWzqtW9ECFh1pNk02zum10Nmi8skSTypnXDvx0dLvEyS5lCanlMuWgjPf4P8FqB17wURH86PkQkwQBpr1Sn-Bu4TyRb9_MeoakOb7ORwyDG-uH3DTZHHJjQ7wmAYQJ6NYJtmE-G/s320/Nicolas%20Meneses%20and%20Family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">The Meneses Family - 1927</p><p><br /></p><p>I wrote this in 1999 after reading Elmore Leonard's CUBRA LIBRE and trying to read Jose Marti's poems in original Spanish. I learned a little. Now, 23 years later I still don't understand about the Cuban Blood I have in my veins...</p><p style="text-align: center;">Cuban Blood</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">At fifty, he read this book. Something about Cuba and the revolution. It had never mattered before. But now, he wondered about his blood. At ten (in 1958!) he had listened, patiently, he thought for a (HYPERACTIVE) ten year old, to his grandfather talk about Cuba and his brothers, in the hills, fighting.</p></blockquote><p> </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p> </p><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Tom Crowley Seniorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13787803976873505873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132054613828062885.post-58741904377023598302022-03-10T04:33:00.000-08:002022-03-10T04:33:21.301-08:00The Gulf Between Us - Viola - from the South<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">She
stood on the beach</span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">face
wet with tears</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">staring
into the sun</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">northward
for years</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Her
baby left in Miami</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">she
was just eighteen</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">pregnant
and alone</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">thinking
what could have been</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Her
life was broken</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">old
ways, her scorn</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Her
family divided</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">from
the day Marguerite was born.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Malecon
held her close</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">promising
love, a new life</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">He
died without knowing</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">his
baby, his wife.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Her
baby girl was gone</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">to
a new life and home</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">A
new family too</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">A
dream once her own.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">As
the sun set over Cuba</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">she
waded in deep</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">and
started to swim</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">To
her baby and to sleep...</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western"><br />
<br />
</p>Tom Crowley Seniorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13787803976873505873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132054613828062885.post-18783227487563574322022-03-10T04:21:00.004-08:002022-03-10T04:21:37.807-08:00First Command - Continued 2022<p> </p><p align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhq7W3QYKZLdo-nslR0TfOQzLtnw4M03n5GLrQIMUe15fl-YIorFk9qDMcF5Cbhe_61_r0nFY6guP3QkeC71fqJ9hk7Tlrk1qwJhVG6iLrdCuJdMFvRh8IquWIpX4b_G9goyVuOz9Kbdzji1tT1WkuANFJy8wcNOm6SN8TJ2fY75jCnEQ2zDT7DeN8Q=s275" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="275" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhq7W3QYKZLdo-nslR0TfOQzLtnw4M03n5GLrQIMUe15fl-YIorFk9qDMcF5Cbhe_61_r0nFY6guP3QkeC71fqJ9hk7Tlrk1qwJhVG6iLrdCuJdMFvRh8IquWIpX4b_G9goyVuOz9Kbdzji1tT1WkuANFJy8wcNOm6SN8TJ2fY75jCnEQ2zDT7DeN8Q" width="275" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span><p></p><p align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">Part
1 – St. Thomas</span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">May
10, 2016</span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lincolnville
Beach, Maine -</span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">It
was November, 1968 and I was in St. Thomas USVI and after a few weeks
sleeping on the deck of the Tontine II, a 76 foot John Alden
schooner, drinking 30 cent Heinekens at Fearless Freds while my
laundry rolled along behind the bar, I was ready for a change of
scenery. This big Australian sitting next <br />to me was telling me his
plans to sail to South America with his wife and hinting that I
should join them. Sounded good to me and better than staying on land
for even one more day.</span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We
drained our beers, checked the laundry, and then walked over to his
boat to meet his wife and check it out. Hmmmmm. Not much of a boat.
26 foot long and it looks homemade. I took a few pictures later but
now I can't find them. Too bad. She was ugly but she was going to be
my first “command”. I think her name was SPRAY but maybe I was
projecting an image of me as a younger Joshua Slocum.</span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
met the wife. What can I say? Honestly, she was a beast. Short,
fat, curly black hair, frumpy in an irritating aunt-type way. Bad
teeth, poorly capped and a suspicious, probing and disapproving look.
However, she liked me and we sat down in the cramped cockpit to
discuss their plans and how I might fit in. Our knees touched and
despite my homeless/boatless status, I was embarrassed to even be
aboard this thing.</span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
Australian (I have forgotten his name now but he called me “Kid”)
pulled out some lukewarm beers and we started the negotiations. They
wanted me to be the Captain and teach them to sail as we cruised down
the islands to South America. No problem there. How much were they
going to pay me?</span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Well,
actually Kid, we sort of thought you could kick in $5 bucks a day for
food and we could see how things go from there..” .(this attractive
offer was delivered in a strangely familiar, Cary Grant type accent
that cracks me up even today)</span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What??!!”
No way. I need money more than I need a job so forget it!”</span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now
wait a minute Kid, me and the missus need your help just to get
started and you're stuck here in Yacht Haven and told me you wanted
to get on down island. Right?...So this way you can join us, help us
out, get some sea-time and jump off at any island down the chain like
Tortola, Anguilla, St. Marten or even wait until we reach Antigua.
What do you say?”</span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What
COULD I say? It WAS 1968, I had just flunked out of Penn State and
lost my 2-S deferment status and would soon be re-classed “1-A”
and have to go back to the states to serve somewhere. Probably the
Navy but that was somewhere out there in future-land. This was NOW. </span></span>
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">OK.
Lets do it. When do you want to get going?”</span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thats
the way, Kid! Lets drink to a new adventure!”</span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;"><br />
<br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>To
be continued….stopped here at 6:38 am on Sunday, January 17, 2016.
Almost 48 years later. Bummer, I am so freaking old that I can't
believe it! By February 5</b></i></span></span><sup><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>th</b></i></span></span></sup><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>
I will be back in Tortola, with my faithful. Long-suffering, still
beautiful wife, Nelle, and her brother Jake, his wife Valerie, and
their two amazing kids; Mae & Bo. We will bareboat a 47 foot
Leopard catamaran and, once again, sail the BVI. The adventures
continue!</b></i></span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Tom
Crowley, Man of Action!</b></i></span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>(aka;
“Bad Captain”)</b></i></span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">RESTARTED
THIS IN 2022 --</span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
Aussie never needed any event or encouragement to drain a few and I
was glad to join him and...her. We loaded up the little boat, tied
on a 12 foot sailing dinghy and cast off from the Yacht Haven dock,
waving to our sad, land-stuck drunk friends at Fearless Freds. The
wind was pretty strong, even in the harbor but we drove along nicely
as we headed for open water and an adventure that could not have been
imagined by even me, an imaginative, optimistic, Cuban-Irish sailing
flunkout.</span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As
we rounded the point of land called Point Knoll and where Morningstar
Beach is today, the wind hit us hard, almost knocking us over.
Luckily...the frayed line holding the bottom front corner of the jib
down, gave way with a snap and the jib flew up the forestay and
wrapped around the top of the mast. Not a good start but perhaps a
foreshadowing that should not be ignored. I ignored it and we headed
back to a sheltered area behind the point and I re-attached the jib
so we could get underway again. By this time, it was past noon and
we had not even left St. Thomas. I was definitely not interested in
going back in and have to share this hapless pre-adventure with the
gang at Freds so we sailed on and made it as far as the island of
Great Saint James and Christmas Cove where we dropped anchor just
before sunset. </span></span>
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To
be continued - stopped here on </span></span>
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">March
10, 2022, </span></span>
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gulfport,
Mississippi</span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;"><br />
<br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;"><br />
<br />
</p>
<p align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>I
had no idea, nor could ever imagine, that just a few weeks from that
day, after being stranded on the customs dock in Road Town (Sitting
on The Dock – Part 2) , I would be trying to sail a 12 foot dinghy,
with all my gear stuffed under a green canvas tent, from Road Town,
Tortola back to Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas to find another boat!</b></i></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<br />
<br />
</p>
<p align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Part
2 – Underway for South America (via Tortola)</span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Loaded
up</span></span></p>
</li><li><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Left
St. Thomas – strong winds</span></span></p>
</li><li><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tack
on Jib broke! - back to port</span></span></p>
</li><li><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Underway
again</span></span></p>
</li><li><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Christmas
Cove </span></span>
</p>
<ul>
<li><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Snorkeling</span></span></p>
</li><li><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ax
in Hand w threat</span></span></p>
</li></ul>
</li><li><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Underway
again to Tortola</span></span></p>
</li><li><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dock
Scene</span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Threat
of police</span></span></p>
</li><li><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Offer
I refused</span></span></p>
</li><li><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">He
owns the dinghy</span></span></p>
</li></ul>
</li></ul>
<p align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Part
3 – Underway – Back to St Thomas!</span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We
try to sail to St. Thomas</span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rudder
broke – fixed on the dock</span></span></p>
</li><li><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mast
broke – fixed on the dock</span></span></p>
</li><li><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Underway
again – to St. Thomas!</span></span></p>
</li><li><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Too
rough – into Cinnamon Bay</span></span></p>
</li><li><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3
weeks in a tent</span></span></p>
</li><li><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Abandon
the camp</span></span></p>
</li></ul>
</li><li><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Back
to St. Thomas</span></span></p>
</li><li><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">TO
BE CONTINUED…..</span></span></p>
</li></ul>
<p align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<br />
<br />
</p>
<p align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<br />
<br />
</p>
<p align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<br />
<br />
</p>
<p align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<br />
<br />
</p>
<p align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<br />
<br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;"><br />
<br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;"><br />
<br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;"><br />
<br />
</p>Tom Crowley Seniorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13787803976873505873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132054613828062885.post-50201138464210973502022-01-11T04:49:00.002-08:002022-03-10T04:22:41.526-08:00The Gulf Between Us - Marguerite - from the North<p> </p><p align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdSHWrZTKwD8G9w_zbUjC_he7_7RwTUEV-P0LXyHCx9ESUl9rMHn0PpolxijwFS6Wy5DBeb8zYN8X63UPVWui1NMi0WEeO_wvEvTawaHnn-UI1QI1wzYhAML8aRlqnn3kg081TfkXs4o/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdSHWrZTKwD8G9w_zbUjC_he7_7RwTUEV-P0LXyHCx9ESUl9rMHn0PpolxijwFS6Wy5DBeb8zYN8X63UPVWui1NMi0WEeO_wvEvTawaHnn-UI1QI1wzYhAML8aRlqnn3kg081TfkXs4o/" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">She stood on the beach</span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">face wet with tears</span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">staring into the sun</span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">southward for years</span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">The raft was crowded</span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">she was just eighteen</span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">pregnant and hungry</span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">sick of what she had seen</span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Her country was broken</span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">old ways they scorn</span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Her family divided</span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">from the day she was born</span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">He held her close</span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">promising love</span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">he left with her news</span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">she sought help from above</span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Her baby girl was gone</span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">to a new life</span><span style="font-size: medium;">
and home</span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Off to college, a dream</span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Once her very own.</span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">As the sun settled down</span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">she waded in deep</span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">and started to swim</span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">back to home and to sleep...</span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<br />
</p>Tom Crowley Seniorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13787803976873505873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132054613828062885.post-34297745461038533242021-09-03T13:36:00.003-07:002021-09-03T13:36:28.075-07:00PROVENANCE<p><b><span style="font-family: Palatino Linotype;">PROVENANCE</span> </b></p><p><b>New title for book "M & TCP"</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p>Tom Crowley Seniorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13787803976873505873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132054613828062885.post-86230586183894639562021-07-28T05:12:00.006-07:002021-08-11T03:39:10.410-07:00Diary of an Alcoholic<p>Three weeks ago I was drinking everywhere, hiding wine and vodka to sneak drinks while pretending to have only two....It got bad fast when I was stumbling around the house.</p><p>I attended an AA meeting at St Thomas Episopal on Sunday 7/25 - 3 people there; James, Charles, and Jamie -read the Big Book out loud. Monday 7/26 went again ----- 40 people!! great meeting.</p><p>Tuesday was Tommys Birthday - Today is Wednesday, 7/28 I will go again...</p><p>7/25 - no drinks</p><p>7/26 - craving at 2 pm - no drinking</p><p>7/27 - craving at 7:26 pm - held on - no drinks!</p><p>It has now been ONE WEEK since joining AA and starting my sober journey:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I had two slips - I drank a little Vodka on day. a few days later on 7/30 I added some wine to my non-alcoholic mushy drink</li><li>I am sorry about those slips and will fight myself to ensure they do not repeat</li></ul><div>I am feeling both tired and yet energized by the changes in me.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have lost 8 pounds by cutting way back on alcohol, sugar, and carbohydrates.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today is Sunday, August 1st. -</div><div><br /></div><div>Now it is Wednesday 8/4/21 - Horrible day - many signals and chances to drink. Vodka too close, Red Wine in Bota Box. working on the boat made me think about it...</div><div>Called Jack - no answer. Went to meeting at 6:30 pm St Thomas Episcopal - worked</div><div><br /></div><div>Between 8/4 and 8/8</div><div><br /></div><div>Not feeling it....I do not believe I am an alcoholic anymore. Kind of dangerous in some ways:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>I still want to drink but only at night with Nelle,</li><li>At times, during the day - I "want" to get alcohol but its not a "need"</li><li>If I have more than 1 drink, I want 2 maybe 3 but not more,</li><li>I really want to stop drinking all together -- completely</li><li>I want to get through the 5 - 8 pm hours</li></ol><div>Yesterday, Sunday, 8/8/21</div></div><div><br /></div><div>I went to church at 7:30 am - full mask up required - Delta Variant of COVID scary</div><div>Good sermon - something about Elijah written by John</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>He gave upand asked God to let him die,</li><li>God said "no way" get up and eat something</li><li>Elijah is depressed, paranoid and suicidal until God steps in</li><li>The chapter of JOHN is interesting</li></ul><div>My brain will get better if I stop drinking BUT</div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">How good can it get? I am 73 fucking years OLD!!</div></div></blockquote><p>Stopping is getting easier BUT</p><p>I was at the beach and went home for something ---</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>I first drained the last of the red wine,</li><li>then I drank the last of the gin,</li><li>then I took a swig of white wine</li></ol>__________Why did I do this?<p></p><p>Its now Monday morning 8/9/21 - new day </p><p>go to 7 am meeting,</p><p>take Sammy to Portland - check out PYS ?? Justina? </p><p>Read your books</p><p>enjoy your grandson LEO</p><p>do not drink today!<br /><br /></p><p>Tuesday 8/10/21</p><p>I may be the only person kicked out of an AA meeting!</p><p>I went in as usual and listened until it was time for "sharing" where alcoholics tell horrible stories about how alcohol fucked up their lives before they joined AA. After the meeting, Lester came up to me and said; "Tom, you said it has been 15 days sober. Yet last week you told me you had a drink as a "controlled drinking" test.... Therefore, THAT should have been your new start date. So, which is it? Are you an alcoholic or not?"<br />"I don't think I am."</p><p>"Then, get the hell out of here."</p><p>I left to think about it and I realized that I am NOT an alcoholic.</p><p>That night, I went to Ricks Take Out and bought a bottle of red wine and Joey gave me a 16 ounce beer (TESSALATION IPA) to go with it. I took it home and Nelle and I had a nice single glass of wine together. Saving the beer to split tomorrow. LOL - I guess I just wanted to tell horrible stories about Dad and meet new drunk friends!</p><p><br /></p><div><br /></div><p><br /></p>Tom Crowley Seniorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13787803976873505873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132054613828062885.post-70310037442274104402021-07-08T03:34:00.000-07:002021-07-08T03:34:06.551-07:00Thank You & I'm Sorry<p> It is never too late:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>To thank someone,</li><li>To apologize,</li><li>To hug a child, or</li><li>To wear your seatbelt.</li></ul><div>Time goes by so fast. Before you know it someone you care about has passed away and you forgot to call or write them to thank them for the help or advice they gave you when you needed it. You may have wronged someone by what you did or what you said; Call them and say you are sorry.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hugging a child - yours, your grandchildren, or any child who needs a hug is magical for both of you.</div><div><br /></div><div>Drving along without a seatbelt? If you are still alive - put it on!</div><div><br /></div><div>FTC </div><p></p>Tom Crowley Seniorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13787803976873505873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132054613828062885.post-64358479755824106242021-07-08T03:28:00.000-07:002021-07-08T03:28:04.618-07:00Trout Slippers<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">There
is a bell that tolls for me</span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">But
the message is always out of reach.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I’ve
heard it ring for many years.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">It’s
the Bell Buoy off of Lincolnville Beach.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Whenever
I am far from Maine,</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
wonder does it toll the same…</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">There
is no other bell that rings so true.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Is
there a bell that rings for you?</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Like
the tree falling in the wood,</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
noise is made but it’s not as good,</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">As
being there to hear it fall.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If
I can’t be there, I don’t care at all.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">For
the magic is in the context there.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Much
clearer in the cold, salt air.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">It
calls through the fog, just out of reach.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
Bell Buoy off of Lincolnville Beach.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
worked on the schooner of my childhood dream.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
ADVENTURE was mine, at least that it did seem.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jim
was the Captain and he taught me quite well</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
learned how to sail through the fog to a bell.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">His
vision was “sharp” and his senses were keen.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
gave him full measure when I was still green</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
lessons were hard, yet I begged him to teach</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">And
I lowered the topmast in Eggemoggin Reach.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
sailed with my wife as the cook down below</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">As
she patiently waited for the next wind to blow.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">When
I hoisted my anchor to find my own ship,</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">She
was right there as First Mate in case I should slip.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">We
worked Maine in Summer, B.V.I. in the Fall,</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">And
the winters were spent very far from the call</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Of
the one thing that beckoned but would never beseech;</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
Bell Buoy off of Lincolnville Beach.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Now
I’ve lived my life as I thought I should</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I’ve
sown some oats and I’ve burned some wood.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
married the girl of my unknown dreams</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">And
it went too fast as I stifled the screams.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I’ve
no regrets and I swear that’s true</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
love my wife and my two kids, too.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
just wonder if I learned what the sea winds teach,</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Taught
by the Bell Buoy off Lincolnville Beach.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
come back now to sleep and rest,</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Inhale
salt fog and eat the best,</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I’ve
been gone so long I forgot it’s a test</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pursuing
the game and the money quest.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
must bide my time each year and wait</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Until
the work is done and I can vacate</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">To
spare a week or two..’tis fate.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
ease the hunger, but will my love abate?</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
think it won’t until I get back here</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">But
I’ve said this too. Year upon Year.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I’m
old and I’m sore but the dream’s in reach</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
think I hear the Bell Buoy off Lincolnville Beach.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<br />
</p>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Let
me have my dream and my family, too</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">We’ll
come back to Maine and find something to do.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I’ll
sell Trout Slippers or Quohog Quiche,</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If
I can just hear the Bell Buoy off Lincolnville Beach.</span></span></span></span></p>
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<br />
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Past
50* now, but I’m slow to learn</span></span></span></span></p>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I’ve
given up the cities and gone with the yearn.</span></span></span></span></p>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I’m
sailing home on a long, broad reach</span></span></span></span></p>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">And
I’m dropping my anchor at Lincolnville Beach.</span></span></span></span></p>
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<br />
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tom
Crowley</span></span></span></span></p>
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<br />
</p>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">original
1994 – this one -2021</span></span></span></span></p>
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<br />
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">*
- past 70 @ 2021</span></span></span></span></p>Tom Crowley Seniorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13787803976873505873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132054613828062885.post-26828445012675853592021-05-08T15:11:00.002-07:002021-05-08T15:11:20.535-07:00Scar Tissue<p> What is it about my wife? For 49 1/2 years I was a selfish asshole. Now, when I have changed over night she doesn't properly celebrate my transformation! Sure, it has only been 2 days and I have had a few slipups...but still. It's like I am the same person I was to her - toilet seat up, drinking the last beer, not listening to something she said, ignoring her while I am writing really important stuff, etc.</p><p>I think she has some emotional scar tissue to deal with. You know what I say? What I always say:</p><p>SNAP OUT OF IT!</p><p>I am going to give this whole transformation thing another 24 hours...or maybe 12...</p>Tom Crowley Seniorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13787803976873505873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132054613828062885.post-75381358736852034532020-10-05T06:28:00.000-07:002020-10-05T06:28:33.107-07:00I Meant To Do My Work Today...but<p> This morning I planned to write something as soon as I could but instead I did this:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>washed my face,</li><li>folded laundry</li><li>put away dishes</li><li>made coffee</li><li>looked at youtube videos,</li><li>hooked up a bluetooth speaker</li><li>changed my clothes 4 times</li><li>heard a noise...went outside</li><li>changed my socks</li><li>watched a QiGong video for 2 minutes</li><li>watched Jake and Nicole Going Off The Grid</li><li>watched Jake Maces Tai Chi video for 1 minute</li><li>Did not do my back exercises</li><li>forced myself to sit down at computer..THEN</li><li>Googled distances between:</li><ol><li>Santiago de Cuba and Havana</li><li>Havana to New Orleans</li></ol><li>Looked for things on Google</li><ol><li>Guayabera shirts</li><li>footwear from Cuba 1920's</li><li>sandals</li></ol></ol><div>I wrote something in 4 different existing chapters</div><div>My wife came downstairs and we looked on Google for:</div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Water Buffalo sandals</li><li>Lace up sandals</li><li>an interesting house in Dennysville Maine</li><ol><li>The Hansom House</li></ol></ol><div>now I wrote here</div></div><p></p>Tom Crowley Seniorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13787803976873505873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132054613828062885.post-9669976273177505722020-09-03T04:22:00.000-07:002020-09-03T04:22:23.748-07:00The Curse of Insecurity<p> <span style="font-size: medium;">There is no way to measure the damages of insecurity. It is much easier for psychiatrists to describe the causes, if not the root cause, of this afflction, which probably affects everyone. Some mask this by acts of bravado or machoism others by retreating into various phobias to avoid any comment or challenge.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In my youth, I waited for any comment from my father, good or bad, it was the attention I craved. The bad ones were far more frequent, painful, and long-lasting:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"You couldn't be father to a cat",</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As a boy of 11 and up to age 15 I raged against him and the world through vandalism, theft, breaking and entering homes and businesses and finally to grand theft auto which led to my final arrest. My unknown goal was to make him show up at any event in which I was a participant. He had missed every football game, baseball game, swimming event, school event and social occasions like birthdays. However, I knew he would have to come to the police station or courth to bail me ut and take me home. He even missed these in the early years and left me there as punishment.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">On my 16th birthday, when he visited me on a youth detention work farm, "You are the reason your mother and I are getting divorced". It was not, apparently, his 16 years of alcoholism and abuse.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">At the beginning of the Vietnam war, in 1967, when I asked him for $130 for one semester of college; "Join the army, see the world, you are not college material"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I survived these and succeeded in life, college, and business, surpassing his expectations and easily exceeding his own accomplishments. However, I was always and am now at 72 years ols, scarred and damaged by feelings of insecurity.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">When I married into a wonderful, loving, caring family by marrying their daughter, an amazing, beautiful blonde beauty of my dreams, I felt that every day was a gift and that my time with them would be short. I was waiting for them to "find me out" and ask me to leave. In marriage to Nelle I felt the same way and protected myself by never fully opening up to her, traveling to avoid conflct or discovery, and always keeping one foot out the door.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">That was almost 50 years ago. Her parents, who I loved more than my own, are dead. Nelle is still with me and apparently loves me enough to endure this and even more, to have helped me succeed beyond my own beliefs and insecurities.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Without Nelle I may have fallen into the pit of insecurity, misery, and self-loathing that comes with letting insecurity win as you come to believe all the bad things that people said or thought about you.</span></p>Tom Crowley Seniorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13787803976873505873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132054613828062885.post-7881761742355116462020-04-25T03:57:00.002-07:002020-04-25T04:07:55.208-07:00The Organist<br />
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1874 Vintage E. & G.G. Hook pipe organ</div>
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The lights were off in the church</div>
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She took her seat by feel</div>
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58 pipes at rest each day</div>
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cold but ready steel.</div>
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The Hook was set in 1874</div>
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17 stops and 15 ranks</div>
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27 notes on the pedals</div>
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Eyes upward, she gave thanks.</div>
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The choir loft was empty</div>
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the silver bells waiting, still</div>
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The nave was empty this morning</div>
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By ten the church would fill.</div>
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She knew she shouldn’t love a “thing”</div>
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Despite the quiet beauty</div>
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But love in many forms and ways</div>
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can be felt when the choir sings.</div>
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This day was hers and the organ knew</div>
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That her days were near the end</div>
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It wrapped her in a warm embrace</div>
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and she pulled out all the stops…</div>
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<br />Tom Crowley Seniorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13787803976873505873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132054613828062885.post-20842205019025023972020-04-25T03:42:00.002-07:002020-04-25T03:42:35.247-07:00Friends Under The Flag<div align="left" class="western">
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One man hurt his shoulder</div>
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a neighbor brought him a beer</div>
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Six feet apart</div>
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Nothing to fear.</div>
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Eight more joined the party</div>
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Five couples six feet away</div>
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We talked until hoarse</div>
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Cabin fever at bay.</div>
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We will remember that night</div>
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When survivors could brag</div>
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about how they had made it as</div>
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Friends Under The Flag.</div>
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___</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.1in; text-align: center;">
Tom Crowley</div>
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Gulfport, Mississippi</div>
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April, 2020</div>
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The story</div>
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On Good Friday evening, Jack went
over to visit with Mike, who recently had shoulder surgery. Jack
carried his own beach chair, a bottle of wine and a glass. His dog,
“Brees”, followed behind on her leash. Jack sat down on the
sidewalk under a huge Magnolia tree, about 12 feet away from Mike,
who sat on his porch in a rocker, shadowed by his American Flag.
They toasted each other from a distance and visited for awhile.</div>
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Jack’s wife, Lynn, arrived, with
glass and chair, sans bottle, and joined Jack on the sidewalk.
Mike’s wife, Kim, soon appeared on the porch, waved to all and sat
in a chair on the lawn near the porch. Then the new
almost-neighbors, Eric and Michele, showed up with two chairs and a
cooler. They had just settled on a contract to build across the
street from Mike and Kim, next to Jack and Lynn, and ddirectly across
the street from us. That made six friends, each couple 6-10 feet
apart. My wife and I had just finished work on the house and opened
a bottle of good red wine (for her) and a nice boxed wine for me when
we heard laughing and joking outside. We went out to join the fun
with our own chairs and wine and saw our other side neighbors, Lowry
& Cyndy, on their porch. “Hey, lets go join the party at Mike
and Kim’s!”. Four more to six made ten – the limit for a
gathering under Gulfport Rules.
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Soon, relieved that our “Shelter in
Place/House Arrest” self imposed sentence had ended temporarily and
safely, we all started talking at once, five cross-conversations,
happily sharing good stories and limiting the sad ones. It was clear
this was a much-needed break. Until I ran out of wine...I looked
around in a mild panic, my wife saw this drunl-in-the-headlights look
and said “Relax, we’ll go home soon. Mike, with empty glass
radar spoke up:</div>
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“Tom! Put your glas down in the
center of the yard and step back SIX feet.”</div>
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Holding his left arm in a sling and
his right hand clutching a bottle of red wine, Mike,after waiting
for me to clear the area, approached the glass...He poured, he backed
away, I rushed the glass and returned to my safe distance.</div>
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“Cheers!” We all toasted
something. A few hours later, we all went home to reflect on the
short evening’s rendezvous. COVID-19 be damned. Nothing can keep
good neighbors apart. In tryng times our instinct is to come
together, not separate and stay at home...We love and support each
other and always will. God, Flag, Country, Neighbors…. Deal with
it!</div>
<div align="left" class="western">
Tom Crowley, Neighbor, Gulfport
Mississippi – April 10, 2020.</div>
<div align="left" class="western">
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="western">
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Tom Crowley Seniorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13787803976873505873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132054613828062885.post-10347368782185348652020-04-25T03:27:00.001-07:002020-04-25T03:27:40.575-07:00Tree HuggerOne of the sad things about the COVID pandemic is that it sometimes brings out the worst in people.<br />
Living in Maine and wintering in Mississippi put us in a category of "those from away" causing a local Mainer to warn EVERYONE to stay home...meaning stay where you are as long as its not Maine. When "self-isolation" becomes "isolationism" people become wary, suspicious, distrustful and, ultimately, alone.<br />
<br />
I wrote "Tree Hugger" as a response to this sort of attitude.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Tree Hugger"</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33tbKOsse3lI0HXbwsqNH1ZscV8hP2BLYG2k69-SGWZJ9XixF44QWC3m3i806j_RvWBAWbifIurCmE3RSRp6cSXtsh2B7dFq4fimhVAMBnZBo2uNpa9DniY5gJDNeSXlpbjxHkrVQ464/s1600/Tree+Hugger+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="325" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33tbKOsse3lI0HXbwsqNH1ZscV8hP2BLYG2k69-SGWZJ9XixF44QWC3m3i806j_RvWBAWbifIurCmE3RSRp6cSXtsh2B7dFq4fimhVAMBnZBo2uNpa9DniY5gJDNeSXlpbjxHkrVQ464/s320/Tree+Hugger+House.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
There
was an old woman who lived in a tree</div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
She didn’t want neighbors and said “please let
me be!”</div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
She pulled up her ladder each day after three</div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
So no one could reach her or climb up her tree.</div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
The storms that season were worse than most</div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
She could not see the ground and barely the coast.</div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
Her ladder was down but soon blew away</div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
She was alone at last day after day.</div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
Happy at first but then came long nights</div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
with long dark times and nary a light</div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
Her food ran out and her water too</div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
but she was way up a tree</div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
and alone as could be.</div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
One day, years later, someone saw with a start</div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
A broken down treehouse falling apart</div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
They found an old ladder and climbed up and found</div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
a body that could not be seen from the ground.</div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
The note in her hand was simple and short</div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
<b>“Forgive me my pride” </b></div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
her eulogy and retort.</div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
from Gulfport, Mississippi, April, 2020</div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
returning home to Maine soon.</div>
<div class="western">
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="western">
<br />
<br />
</div>
<br />Tom Crowley Seniorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13787803976873505873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132054613828062885.post-29567069700673075152020-02-12T04:56:00.001-08:002020-02-12T04:56:41.586-08:00The Wishing Rock<br />
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">He
would go each day to</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The
Wishing Rock</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">and
cast his dreams to the sea</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">He
would dream of things </span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">that
might have been</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">and
the ones that would never be.</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The
fish would rise</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">to
steal his dreams</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">snatching
them out of the air</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">And
he would drink his coffee hot</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">to
burn away despair.</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">His
life was good,</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">his
family fine</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">No
one could see his quest</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yet,
he would go, each day</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">to
the Wishing Rock</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">to
make his mute behest.</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Some
days he’d fish</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">some
days just stare</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">and
he’d wait for the tide to turn</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hoping
his answer would come</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">down
the river </span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">and
the waters would quench the burn.</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">He
was looking for signs</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">in
the clouds, on the shore,</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">driftwood
for tea leaves, his muse</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">But
he knew in his heart</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">That
there was no one to blame</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">and
his reflection the one to accuse.</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">He
had planned out his life</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">to
avoid mistakes</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">so
history would not repeat</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Now
he realized, too late,</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">That
this timid direction</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">had
formed more than clay on his feet.</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Afraid
to try, content with dreams,</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">He
would sit on this rock and just wish</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">neglecting
his life, abusing prayer,</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">and
wasting his dreams on the fish.</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
FTC – sometime in late fall, 2018</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
UPDATED - February, 2020 </div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
I have had every dream or wish fulfilled in my life and could not be happier. I could be lighter, stronger, drink less, eat better, but I still have a beautiful, wonderful caring wife, two great kids, married to good people who gave us SIX grandchildren to play with; Leo, Sammy, Peter, and Catherine from Biz and Andy and Lochlan and Aria from Tommy and Melody.</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<br /></div>
<br />Tom Crowley Seniorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13787803976873505873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132054613828062885.post-85034351173204307542020-02-12T04:45:00.002-08:002020-02-12T04:45:42.970-08:00Stop all On Line Shopping! - Buy Local!I admit that shopping on-line will continue to grow, dwarfing all local businesses and making click-buying easier and many times cheaper than your local store. However, every one should reflect on how many times that on-line buying or service requests FAIL.<br />
For example - Ebay - Despite my specifically requesting a shipment to my second/winter home on the Gulf Coast, they automatically sent TWO separate shipments to my home address in Maine!<br />
No one will be there until May 1, 2020, the house is closed up, the driveway is unplowed, the power is off AND UPS deliveries drop things off without checking to see if anyone is home. WE do not even get mail at the house, it goes to a PO Box and is forwarded to us.<br />
<br />
Another example I bought a watch on-line from TIMEX, again I told them to ship it to Mississippi - they are shipping it to Maine and can not re-route it,<br />
<br />
Another one - I ordered a KOHLER shower pan on line - I received a broken, damaged shower pan from a cardboard box with huge dirty footprints on it, AND the item weighed 25 pounds NOT the 53 pounds stated all over the order I placed,<br />
<br />
Therefore, I am getting in my car and going shopping here, locally, I may have to go to Home Depot, Lowes, or Walmart but I will TRY to find a smaller local business where I can look people in the eye and say "Good Morning" and get a verbal, human response, even if they don't have what I am looking for!Tom Crowley Seniorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13787803976873505873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9132054613828062885.post-35667002118691187022019-08-14T03:28:00.000-07:002019-08-14T03:28:09.653-07:00The Flannels of August<br />
<div align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>The
Flannels of August</b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
granddaughter -</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">She
was 15, tall and thin, growing up too fast. It was a clear but cool
Maine morning in August. She picked out a black and white checkered
flannel shirt from the closet in the soldier room (named for the 50
year old wallpaper). It had belonged to her grandfather and was kept
in the closet all winter. It was damp from the basement below the
closet but not moldy. She sniffed the arm and tried to remember her
grandfather's smell. It had been too long and she couldn't smell him
but she tried to believe she could. Everyone else in the old house
was still asleep so she quietly slipped out the back door, closing it
gently so it wouldn't slam. She was barefoot and the grass was wet
and heavy with dew. Some bird on the bay made a strange lonely,
singular cry. That's a Loon, she thought. Her grandfather and her
father had told her that years ago.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
daughter -</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
small, black and white checkered flannel shirt was too thick and too
warm for August but she always wore it in the garden because that was
where her father wore it when he was alive and still able to work
outside. She remembered the years when he seemed possessed by the
garden and the yard, working late into the evening until her mother
called him in for dinner. Whacking the weeds to keep them back, out
of the yard, cutting and hacking everything as if to gain some
control and restore order. She saw the signs of dementia early but
it took 10 years to take him completely. She fought along side him
for all those years but they both lost. Now, she had his flannel
shirt and it still smelled like him, she believed.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
son -</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">As
soon as the August sun reddened the sky over Islesboro, he would open
his eyes, with some effort as he was still tired and a little rough
after last nights late dinner and drinks by the fire pit, roasting
marshmallows for the kids and drinking another ice cold beer. The
sun warmed his face, the best alarm clock on the Maine coast. He
got up and walked to the closet for a shirt. His sister had stocked
up on warm flannel shirts at the Goodwill in Rockland and kept them
in the closet in the Yellow House for summer family and guests. He
picked out a faded brown and purple one, soft as a chamois, and put
it on as he walked to the kitchen. After he made coffee, he grabbed
his rod and headed for the dock. The tide was wrong but it didn't
matter. He might still catch and release a few mackerel before
breakfast.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.11in; page-break-before: always;">
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Big
Red: the grandfather, father, and devoted husband to Martha -</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div align="justify" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">He
was cold again. August in Maine should be warm but to him it was
always cold, everywhere. He was wearing his long johns and opened
his eyes but only saw the ceiling. White, empty. He reached out his
left hand as he did every morning for the past 60 years to find
Martha She was there. Asleep and snoring gently even though the
rising sun was bright on her face. He got up slowly, put his feet on
the cold, hard, wooden floor and shivered. The rug was not there so
he walked to the dresser and got out a pair of socks. The closet
door was open but there was no light and he did not want to turn one
on so he reached in and felt around for a shirt. A warm shirt, like
flannel, but a thick one to keep him warm. He found one, slipped it
on over bony shoulders, walked slowly to the bathroom, closed the
door, pulled down on the string to light the room and looked at the
shirt as if he had never seen it before. Black and white checked,
thick flannel and warm. He put it on and walked into the living room
and sat on the old, red couch, scratching the left arm of the couch
as he waited for Martha to get up and fix his breakfast.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="justify" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;">
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tom
Crowley</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">August
11, 2016 & August 13, 2019</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Lincolnville
Beach, Maine</span></span></span></span></div>
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<br />Tom Crowley Seniorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13787803976873505873noreply@blogger.com0