Let me give you Money---Please.

That is the title of a book my friend Gil and I plan on writing. It is concerning the frustration one experiences when trying to get quotes, jobs done, and services-finding some people just don’t get back to you… Contrary to what you might think- bad economy and all- having responsive tradesmen is a rarity.

Example One: My garage… I called the “premiere” builder in my town- trying to stay local. He came out and we spoke and discussed what I wanted- and explained the last garage I built was my “pride and joy”… I wanted something of similar status- a three car garage- maybe some additional storage area. Because we are in a “historic” area of the community- and because we like to have things that blend well- we needed someone who knew the community, the regulations, and could satisfy everyone’s needs. He left after spending over an hour with us, saying he would give us a call with some ideas… I was ready- check in hand…

Have you heard from him? He never called. This turned out to be fortuitous since the economy took a nose dive… but I was ready willing and able to move forward.

Example Two: Because of the economy, we lowered our sights and decided to put in a “cement pond”- so we could bear to be out of the air conditioned house in the summer. Again, I called for quotes- pulling one name from the local mix and several from nearby Tampa… The local guys finally came by- after I recalled them repeatedly- we spent some time in the back yard discussing the vision. Coming to their office to see the plans, I found them ill prepared. I made the appointment early- prior to a flight. The fellow who came out to our house delegated the plans to a co worker- and after pointing out several missteps in the presentation- we decided to reconvene after they prepared accurate plans that reflected what we really wanted.

I think he and my garage builder have run off together- yep, no word from him…even though I was pretty clear we would be swimming in the back yard by memorial day…

Trying to cover the floors in the man cave after I have reinforced them with new sub flooring had me seeking a carpet installation.

I think you might understand my motivation in whining about this issue...I had expected to be completed several weeks ago... two companies- no measurements yet...

I guess the economy is not as bad as it seems.

Out of the Trough

Interstate Driving. The passion 0f military visionary President Eisenhower made it possible to drive from one end of the country to the other without really experiencing the feel of "middle America." Ike felt the Germans really had a military advantage with the Autobahn-moving troops about with speed- and used it as a guide for the US interstate system. It is rumored that the system includes straight stretches along the way for possible aircraft landings... in the event of an emergency.

I call the generic vision of the interstate system a trough, as if the roadway was placed after a scoop had cut through the trees and countryside--- making it almost impossible to distinguish whether you are in Arkansas or Oregon... Sure, it's speedy travel- but with no heart and soul.

On a recent drive from Florida to Ohio, to visit the Guru Dr. Byrd at OSU (St James Resort), I pointed the car north, and pulled off the ramp from I-75. I programed Dora the Explorer-my GPS- to keep me off the interstate systems...and take me up the highways driving through the towns that we usually only see as names on road signs on the interstate. Instead of the steady barrage of "Pedro's South of the Border" or Fireworks signs and occasional beckoning from Stuckey's and some Adult shops that promise truck parking, I found neat farms and homes, numerous Main Streets with town squares, ball fields well mowed and ready for the softball or little league games that bring neighbors together. I saw a great deal of entrepreneurial spirit. Flip's Body Shop had signed on both ends of his northern Kentucky town. Local Insurance Agents, Realtors, Contractors, Carpenters all filling the needs of the local population. All Americans who are contributing to our country, paying their taxes, planning their vacations, saving for retirement and the education for their children. I saw American pride...in the up keep of their homes, their communities. Sure there were exceptions- but on the whole, pride abounds. The American spirit lives in middle America.

It gave me a mixed feeling of nostalgia and pride.

This is an America that seems to have slipped by our politicians... an America that works hard- saves wisely, a frugal America. An America that expects the next year to be better than the last. Where neighbors help neighbors---not because they are required to- but because it is the right thing to do...and an America that expects the neighbor to pull themselves up with their help- not languish in self pity- so they can help others as well.

The rampant spending, social programs that inhibit growth and keep a class if not races of people down trodden simply has not worked... It will not work.

Middle America knows this...

This is my America...your America- our America. Filled with legal residents and aspiring immigrants: all looking for the pursuit of happiness, the freedom to live their lives unencumbered...

Please be sure to pull off the interstate sometimes to see it for yourself... and get out of the trough...

Please make sure you vote...

God Bless

Tired of it

Another CLL warrior lost her battle to Leukemia yesterday. My “forum” friend Penny from West Virginia passed away after a battle that was just too overwhelming for her to continue. She consulted with the best- Dr. Byrd at OSU--- but sometimes there are no further options. Sometimes the beast wins.

She leaves behind a dazed husband, two sons- one who serves his country in the military, and of course many of us who spoke to her on the telephone and communicated by way of CLL forums.

She was a passionate OSU fan...

I have seen too many depart well before their time- fighting valiantly to the end: leaving behind wives, husbands, children, and of course many grieving friends.

Their names blur together- the memorial services, trees planted, candles lit, prayers prayed. It seems so unfair. I know we all must “die”. I am just tired of being so close and personal to it these last six years.

Enough already...say a prayer for her family...

God Bless,