September 2, 2011
Happy Birthday Kevin

I know you sit and wait in anticipation of my recap of Hurricane Irene, but I am fortunate to have the stylized musings of one of my favorite writers of all time, ladies and gentlemen Conway Twitty.

Hello Darling.............Obscure Family Guy reference there, at 56 years old my favorite television shows are still cartoons. But I digress...........as usual
The FO offered to recap Hurricane Irene and I do enjoy his opinions so here goes
After six years in a Turkish prison I began to embrace alternative lifestyles................no wait, different story for a different time. Here's what Bobby thought about the storm:

I arrived in MHC on Friday afternoon. I left Durham early afternoon because leaving Durham during the daylight hours is usually a pretty smart thing to do and the NWS said that it would be blowing 49 in MHC by 6PM. It was a great trip. No traffic whatsoever. At least on my side of the road. The other side was backed up from Raleigh all the way down. "Odd for a Friday afternoon", I thought. "I wonder what's up? The clouds were beautiful ahead of me. I wish I'd kept my eye on the road instead of the clouds but that's a whole separate story and I don't think there were any witnesses. The winds were minimal. I think Irene was slowing down.

Got to MHC around 5PM. John was still hard at 'Skuttle work' so I unloaded everything and he coincidentally finished up about the same time I finished bringing all my gear in. Go figure.

We caught up and as the weather was still holding pretty good we went to see Dink and then rode over to Atlantic Beach to take a look around. The waves were pounding. (Pic to follow soon). None of the pics are good. Even looking straight at it you couldn't tell where the ocean ended and the sky began. There was no contrast. It was all a fuzzy whitish-gray. Sorta like watching Andy Griffith with a bad antennae fifty years ago or after a night out on the town now.

We rode around a bit. Everything was quiet and boarded up. No sign of life except for a lot of folks like us riding around going, "Hey, there's no sign of life around here!" The weather picked up though and we headed on back and by the time we got back to the house Irene was starting to show her bloomers and I think she had on a pair of Grandma's red lace ones. Even though we had electricity the thought of some cold fried chicken that I had picked up from Smithfield's on the way down (and in more than one example of similar thoughts John had picked up some at Hairy Teaters as well) overtook us and that's what we had for dinner. Wish we'd thought that out a bit better. We would have paid handsomely for a hot meal the next day. Off to bed by eleven as we listened to the storm pick up in intensity. I slept until 3:40. Not sure what woke me up, but I was awake. The wind was howling, the rain pouring and I took a look around the window seals and door jambs to make sure nothing was coming in. I went on back to bed but before climbing in I decided to get dressed. Don't know what made me do it, but I did. The funny part, as we compared notes, is that John and Dink both were awakened within fifteen minutes of the same time and got up, looked around at things and got fully dressed before going back to bed. Weird. I also have a dog that will go and stand by the door three minutes before any family member comes home after being away for weeks or even months, but again, that's another story.

We lost power at 4:25AM Saturday morning. I was up once again checking on things and the power went off while I was in the sun room. My first thought was, "Oh, crap....what did I just do?" Well, whatever I did I caused the power to go out for everyone from Kinston to the coast. You're all welcome.

John and I got up early on Saturday and watched the radar as the storm moved northward. Landfall was just shy of the hook at Lookout and when we were in the eye we ventured out and took a look around as well as looking in on Dink. The city had fared well so far. Water was high in places (another pic here) and plenty of trees down and branches and leaves everywhere but no major flooding of important buildings like the Sanitary and no structural damages that we saw. We probably stayed out about 15 minutes too long as the other side of the hurricane started to kick up. We headed back to the house and settled in. What a great day. Just laying around, watching the storm, reading, eating (cold fried chicken again...I think I'm about done with cold fried chicken), laughing, telling lies, napping, etc, etc. But, it was a long day. We went out again in conditions that were improving but still not good around 5PM to check on Dink. She was missing her phone and her daily talkfest. We took the brunt of that 'missing'. Don't get me wrong. I love Dink. I don't mind being her captive audience. Um, which way do the bullets go in ?

We did manage to watch the race Saturday night. Everyone is into big screen tv's these days. Not us. A 4.3 inch Droid X provided everything we needed except for libations and we found those after digging around in the Riley's backyard. We also found the first wife of the previous owner.

Sunday morning brought sunshine but still no power. Not a big deal. But by then even we began to notice how we smelled now beginning the third day without a shower. When the Rileys lose power they lose everything including water. Any water...hot or cold. We got up and rode around....with the windows open. Lots of trees down but again, that was about it. I don't mean to say that lightly. A lot of folks are going to be doing cleanup for the next few weeks. Dave and Bev called and they were heading down (early on the road) and picked us up some biscuits in Goldsboro, about the last place there was power. I can't tell you how good a cold sausage biscuit can taste.....it wasn't cold fried chicken. Thanks to you two. Really. Hope your new house down there came out OK so I have someplace to stay. John's house has a bit of a funk to it now.

John and I put a few things back together in the yard and on the porch and then I took off and headed home. Got back around two, unloaded again, mowed the grass (my neighbor Wendy whom I adore came by about then so I turned off the mower and although we usually exchange hugs I told her that I was a bit too ripe to do so. She had just come back from Atlanta an hour earlier and said "Hey...I've been on an airplane," and gave me a big hug. I've got a feeling that might be the last hug for a while 'cause I didn't smell any airplane.) Then off to Greensboro to take something to Amanda and back home again.

So, I'm home and safe. At 6:30 I had a cold beer (I was afraid to quit cold turkey after Saturday night....and on a related note may I be among the first to congratulate Ted Kennedy on two years of sobriety) followed by a hot shower. John is still without power at this moment. Glad I went down. Not so much for the adventure although it was fun. More importantly it's just another experience that we'll all be sitting around and at some point someone will go, "Do you remember.....?"

Nope, but if you hum a few bars.............

Funny stuff and finished off with a great old joke. Know it, hell I wrote it! The last time he guested here the blog went viral at Duke and got over a thousand hits, let's do it again.
The water got high Saturday morning as Irene came in:

But at the end of the storm Bobby talked me off of the roof. No, I was up there to put the marine radio antenna up, thankfully it lasted another storm. We had minor tree damage (needed anyway, thanks for the reminder there God) and lost the contents of the refrigerators and the freezer. And what the heck, they needed cleaning out anyway. At the end of the storm it was not raining inside my house, I have nothing to complain about. Lots of people Down East got hammered, and judging by the empty bottles in the trash Monday, so did we.

Anyone else want to guest host just let me know
Happy Labor Day, in town next week and then on the road the rest of September. Oh, happy birthday Kevin, I love you and am very proud of the man you are.

August 26, 2011
I Am So Sorry

First of all my apologies to First South; last week I crudely misspoke about their lack of customer service and how they handled a situation with my parents' account. I use this account to pay their bills and am listed as the third owner of the account. Upon further review the blame lies on their online BillPay company with whom they apparently are not affiliated. Seems as though they have never even talked with BillPay before. Looks like this was the first time they had ever had any problem with BillPay............................... Anyway they would not let us access the account online because my father was the only authorized online person.....yeah, let that one sink in for a while. But to their credit all was fixed this week. Thank you First South.
Bite my ass BillPay. And yes Farley, it does make you feel good to flip someone off.
Oops, let that one slip out. I'll try to class this blog up a little; I promise.
Saw this picture online. With Irene pointing at us tonight I can not help but fret a little. High winds are one thing but these tornadoes scare the heck out of me. Classy huh? Didn't curse! Time to batten down the hatches and see what Irene has in store for us. Good luck to all. Come on Irene (what's that? The song was Come On Eileen? Really? Was it written for Paul McCartney's second wife Eileen? Wasn't that her name? I thought that since she......never mind, my bad) Sorry, come on Irene! Regardless, a beautiful picture of a water spout off Carolina Beach a few weeks ago.

Found this picture while accumulating stuff for the closure of the estate this week, it was in Daddy's 1940 Bluejackets' Manual. Nice picture, at that time in his life he usually had his glasses on. I think this will make a good Christmas present for Dink. He died a month ago yesterday, I really miss him and our routine. Probate filing went well.

Enough of the high class entertainment, what the hell is this? Found it on the breezeway this week, it has flakes of an iridescent green material in it. All righty all you scatologists, turdmeisters, doodoo doctors: what animal dropped this on my sidewalk and why the green? Maybe someone stole my dog food idea; you remember, put some kind of nuclear waste in the Alpo and eliminate (private pun there, hang on, a ha ha ha) Fido's land mines. Cleanup can be as easy as pie (hang on, a ha ha ha) and you can even do it in the dark. Designer colors are available.

Inquiring minds want to know. The FO is on his way here this afternoon to see what a hurricane is all about. TAR is in Rockingham so I welcome the company. Irene is a BMF (nautical term) and looks to be very destructive. Good luck to all.

August 19, 2011
Yeah, That Just About Says It All

Thank you Wil Power for summing up my adventure this week with First South Bank. I appreciate your being the "neighborhood bank" with whom I look forward to ending my business.

Oh that feels better. After dealing with the Bill Pay customer service (oxymoron) it was off to one of my favorite areas: Hershey, PA. I somehow or another end up here a couple of times a year and really like the area. Yesterday we displayed at the annual APR Expo, today is our golf outing. After that I have to figure out how to get home without getting close to DC. Any ideas?
Maybe a chance to get on the boat tomorrow or Sunday?
Sorry about the obscene gesture but I learned from Farley Arnold; otherwise I really don't know what it means.
Oh and screw you First Bank

August 12, 2011
Who Says White Men Can't Dance?

Another week at home doing whatever it is I do. Business is slow so it has been a good time to get some of the estate stuff done. I need to publicize that the bureaucratic red tape machines have been very cooperative and hospitable so far, not at all what I expected. I would like to think that opinion will remain the same but I have to figure not. Regardless, so far I have been treated efficiently and with condolences. Nice.
Some business opportunities here and there, surely there has to be a pony in here somewhere. It is amazing to see high temperatures nationally and a very unhealthy air conditioning season; usually hot weather (and for that matter cold winters) break things that need to be fixed or replaced. Could it be our industry makes stuff too well?
Thirty-two years of wedded bliss were celebrated yesterday. OK well, we have been married thirty-two years as of yesterday. TAR was in Rockingham which threw off my surprise dinner plans; I had a Stouffer's frozen lasagna ready for the big night (Hey calm down, refer back to my birthday story....................see?) But we can do that later, and it will not be long before Jackson will be back in school and we can return to our new hobby of running around the house naked. Yeah, pretty picture isn't it?
So, does anyone recognize this lovely lady with whom I assume I am dancing? The photograph fell from a book last week; OK, it was the Holy Bible in the sun room. Any ideas? I know where it was taken but I can not figure out who she is. Looks like one of us was having a good time................

Off to MD and PA next week; APR Supply is holding their annual Expo in Hersey. In the past the show has been dramatic in that something usually happens at home; birth, sickness, etc. I'd like to think this year will be more subdued. Golf with the APR gang on Friday morning and then what I know will be a horrible drive home that evening. I have to either find another route around DC or rent a Cessna.
Speaking of a Cessna, happy birthday to my brother Pygmy, or is it my pygmy brother? Either way he turns 60 Sunday which according to my mother makes him about 6 years younger than me. Yeah, it is the new Dink-Math. Maybe I can get him to fly me up there and back?
We opened a new chapter to our lives this week, more on that later.
As the peeps in my hood say Peace out homies.

August 5, 2011
What Was He Thinking?

Back to odd musings and reflections; saw this on the road, what does it mean? Is "Tris" his wife or girlfriend, or perhaps ex? I have no idea............but what was the owner thinking? Nice car by the way

Sorry this pizza sign in Fracktown Pennsylvania is blurred, nighttime shot so this is the best I could do. We had dinner that night across the street in a diner. For some reason the pizza did not sound very appetizing. What were they thinking? I heard their pizza is number one in that little town. I rated their sign # 8, as in I looked at it and said you're an eight..................ba da boom

This sad monument was found at Granny's Motel in Fracktown. I know the intent was to get my business but it sure made me want to pull the emergency brake and make a bootlegger turn out of that parking lot. Look closely, the child's doll is missing its head, not that it makes it weirder or anything. I can only presume this was erected in an attempt to entice travelers to stay there. Yeah, wonder what the hell the owners were thinking?

I've caught some grief over the Lady Gaga comment; yeah, what was I thinking? Sorry, but I enjoyed the interview and the music she played that day. Sue me (the line is over there, you are not the first). And yes, I also caught some for listening to Howard, again, see above.......................

And some pictures from last week; this is a rare Riley family picture where pistols, switchblades and box cutters are not on display. Even caught Dink smiling, enjoy

At the reception the "kids" posed for several great shots and then decided to have some fun. I would show you the serious pictures but life is too short and I really like this one.
Then it was off to Thompson's Pharmacy for orange and lemonades. That glucose sure tasted good, guess I can have some more sugar in January. It was good to be home.

I have a couple of funeral shots, but only a couple. Daddy probably would object to the fuss we have already made about his death, so I am not going to publish them. However if you have any pictures please pass them on to me for the archives. One day the Smithsonian will probably call so I need to be ready.

Odd that after the funeral I turned on the radio and heard one of my his favorite songs from the 40's; for your listening or reading pleasure here is I'll Be Seeing You
I'll be seeing you
In all the old familiar places
That this heart of mine embraces
All day through.
In that small cafe;
The park across the way;
The children's carousel;
The chestnut trees;
The wishin' well.
I'll be seeing you
In every lovely summer's day;
In every thing that's light and gay.
I'll always think of you that way.
I'll find you
In the morning sun
And when the night is new.
I'll be looking at the moon,
But I'll be seeing you.
I'll be seeing you
In every lovely summer's day;
In every thing that's light and gay.
I'll always think of you that way.
I'll find you
In the morning sun
And when the night is new.
I'll be looking at the moon,
But I'll be seeing you.

Who plays songs from the 40's? Get those old tear ducts flowing? It is a pretty song from the WW II era, coincidental to hear that on the radio on that day and to receive it in an e-mail this week. Get back in the closet you emotions! Maybe I could ask Lady Gaga to sing it?

Off on the bike for a mental health day trip to Rocky Mount, heading for amongst other things a hot dog (with extra onions of course). Plan to be home in time for a dinner with an old industry friend from Cleveland at one of my favorite restaurants in the area.
Cooper's birthday party is tomorrow in Sanford, hope to see you there, just look for the whirlwind of activity and the buzz saw sound.................

July 29, 2011
Now What? Confusion Reigns!

I thought about it, but never knew what I would write after my father died; I knew what had to be done immediately, arranging an appropriate service is just the beginning of a paperwork project involving bureaucratic companies and government agencies. So I know, I've got a lot to do. But back to the blog.......
I changed the header picture a few weeks ago. My cousin gave me this picture, I find it very comforting in that this is a good picture of my father as "daddy." She told me she remembered I was sick that day; there are many amongst us who believe that condition still exists to this day. Uncle Elliott's Mercury is in the background.
So what else happens here? The funeral was nice, short, simple. Exactly what he wanted. We did not plan on the heat so the short service worked well and was ended by singing Bless be The Tie. Jackson was presented the flag by Nephew Kevin. Sweet.
Off to Englewood Baptist for a nice reception and lunch. Not unlike many other funerals I saw several people I never see otherwise. We had lots of pictures out, many friends commented on how sweet and kind my gentleman father was; I told them they should have known him when I was 16 and tried to wear out every set of tires on every car he had...........................But they were right.
On the Thursday before he died I went to Raleigh to work. I sometimes enjoy listening to Howard Stern (see the second paragraph....sick) but on this particular morning decided to listen to John Boy and Billy as the listing on my Sirius radio showed "Lady Gaga in studio." No need to listen to this; didn't know much about her but had a pretty good idea of what I think. Several telephone calls interrupted my listening (damned customers) so I didn't hear the introduction; however as I started listening I was surprised to hear her anti-drug message, talk about the phoniness of the entertainment business, advise her young fans to abstain from sex until their 20's, decry bullying in the schools, and then discuss her Christianity and spiritualism. Yeah, it's still me, check the header, John Riley typed that. Later she sang Edge of Glory while accompanying herself on the piano. It is a song about watching her grandfather die while holding her grandmother's hand. The whole experience blew me away, especially the song. Give it a listen if you dare.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_GMgkcc2KM
So I'm going to sell everything and become one of her little monsters following her from concert to concert, BYE!
JK, but needless to say I was impressed by that young lady and of course parts of the song touched my heart. Quite a 180 from my prior preconceived thoughts about her.
On to my Daddy:
Can I properly reflect on his life, love and family without making a joke and possibly offending some people? Can I capture a glimmer of the essence of what made him? Is it possible to write a few words, sentences and paragraphs that describe how I feel? How others feel? How my mother feels? How my brother feels? How his daughter in laws and grandchildren feel? Nope, you probably know I'm not that good a writer....................
I'm sad that he is gone, but I am a Christian and happy that he is whole and well again and in heaven. But I've got a hole in my heart that started long before the day he died; going back and forth to Mama's I rode down Bridges Street several times this week and each time thought I was supposed to stop at Crystal Bluffs. I don't think that feeling will go away anytime soon. Probably will feel the same way after church and lunch on Sundays listening to the Prairie Home Companion as I went to see him. Garrison Keiller is a funny guy in a sick twisted way. Wonder if he in related to us? I hope you get my wandering point.....
I've been told I will remember good things about my daddy as time goes by, but right now I think about him lying in that bed wasting away. I'm sorry, no sugar-coating today. But I am confident that thought process will fade into happier times eventually. The mind, spirit and body have good ways of protecting one from oneself.
So yes, the dark Irish side comes out every now and then. But then as with my many other sentiments, feelings and emotions I get a baseball bat and chase it back into the closet, only to be retrieved during analysis or drunken stupors.
So if you haven't already, let's smile:
I wonder where I will take my lunchtime naps now? Think they'll let me turn the sofa in his room at the nursing home and watch TV? Uh, don't mind him, creature of habit. Dink's house? Don't think so...............Won't be long before Jackson goes back to school and TAR to work so it's back to the office
OK, we have to laugh and remember the fun times, so let's make merry. Grab a hot dog with extra onions, put the base of your palm up to your mouth and make a long farting noise.
There, you did something funny.
The day ended nicely as this old toad was rescued by a lovely young princess at the Nash County offices. Seeing her capped a very good day.
Next week I will post some pictures and try to be funnier.

July 22, 2011
Bad News.......................But Oh Well

Good week during which my toys were worked on and repaired. The motorcycle sounds like a million dollars, very nice and I can't wait to ride it. Even ended up with a flat bicycle tire this week as it seemed as though everything I own needed fixing. All is well.
Our trip to the great white north was disrupted as our friend's wedding is now "off." We 're all really sorry to hear that, but after some last minute finagling we've decided to press on.
Today we go to Pennsylvania in search of cooler weather. I do not think we will find any, however tonight we plan to sleep in that northern state regardless. Saturday we will attend the BMW MOA international rally http://www.bmwmoa.org/rally11 in Bloomsburg, or at least that is the plan. Plans change you know.........
Instead of heading to Wilmington DE for a wedding, we are going to Baltimore to play downtown in the Inner Harbor area for the weekend. We are sad that our friend is not getting married but are confident that things work out in time (see John Calvin) for the best.
Then after all of that, we'll be home Monday night, or at least that is what we plan..............(another Calvin joke)

And another picture of that cute little Calvin who obviously has a bladder problem. This time his issue is with a Teresa Earnhardt........................

Maybe if he drinks some cranberry juice he will not have to urinate on everything. On vacation, cheers! And oh yes, no nudity it is!