THE MOVING BLUES

As you all know by now, we're moving.  Again.  The last time we moved I swore it would be the last time.  That was 10 months ago. 

As everyone knows moving is one of those experiences one should never repeat.  I have moved somewhere around 30 times in my life. My brother has lived at the same address for probably 40 years.  Or more. So which one of us is the smart one?

Of course, it's really not all that bad.  We have hired a crew to come on moving day and fill the truck for us.  The BRD has volunteered to drive it to our next home, about 100 miles away.  And another crew has been hired to unload it.  So all we have to do is pack up all our life's possessions.  Not bad, right?

Dream on.

The constant packing is a chore.  And as we fill box after box, we begin to ponder the all important question.  Did we rent a big-enough truck? Or will it look like . . .

But I'm not worried.  Not really.  It will all be fine and will work itself out.

I grant you.  Sometimes my patience wears thin and I raise my voice. But then I'm reminded of this and I calm down fast.

Only a week to go, folks.

A BORROWED BLOG POST

We are moving.  In one week.  I'll bet you know what that means. Among other things it means my blogging will be sparse.  But I have friends.  And they send me things.  My dear Lori sent me a bunch of WOW photographs today.  I picked out a few to show you.

Like the tenacity of the humble tulip.

Or of those insane people who climb mountains.

Even more insane, in my view, are these people out for a casual bicycle ride.

Along with a strange mind, that trip requires absolute nerve and steady hands.

Then there's this picture of Manhattan.

And the amazing power and wonder of nature.

And, impressively, over my state's very own Grand Canyon.

Lastly (you already know I love cats) this amazing picture.  "Baby turn my brown eyes blue."

Thank you, Lori.  Luvya!

ONE MORE TIME

A good friend of mine, Alaska Jerry, posted a terrific picture on Facebook today.  I thought I'd share it with you.

With the death of Phil Everly making news yesterday, this really does have a special impact for me.  And just to remind you how good the music of "way-back-then" was take a look and listen to these remarkable harmonies from Phil and Don Everly in concert.

Never a note off, these two guys were simply sensational.

(And their pants fit!)

SO LONG, PHIL

When I was a teenager, these guys made a difference.

The Everly Brothers

Phil is gone now.  Don lives on.

FRIDAY FUNNIES

May your next two minutes be frolicsome and fun!

MY BUDDY

Show me the Lord of the Manor, settled into a recliner in front of a television showing the latest football game . . . and I'll show you a huge black cat that leaps up (sometimes unexpectedly) into his lap, kneads until he's quite sure it's comfortable and then lies down for a nap. That's my Blackwell.

"And yes, I know I'm handsome."

OLIO

"Olio" is a crossword puzzle word that means a mixture, or medley or hodgepodge.  Actually I prefer "hodgepodge".  At any rate, that's what you're getting to mark the beginning of a new year.

Last night's New Year's Eve feast was baked potatoes, my semi-famous Pepper Steaks, a nice mixed salad prepared by SWMBO, and a baguette, all complimented by a tasty bottle of red.  

Strangely, the only photo of the meal is this one of the somewhat depleted red wine.

SWMBO was busy with the slow cooker this week.

Ham and beans!  Yum!

And her delicious corn bread to accompany them.

Oh, by the way, she has it in her mind to hire some off-duty firefighters to load our truck when we move.  I can't imagine why.

I thought you might like to see some products of our back yard.

Well I really need to get away from this computer and watch some football.  

Ouch!  Okay, help my wife with some packing.