Sometimes We Cook To Compete..

I went to school yesterday for the first time since my last substitute teaching gig in 1983.

Funny, I don't remember the desks being that small.

I will say this. Watching Doctor Lloyd in action at work was a real treat. He's an outstanding educator.

Doc Lloyd and his counterparts were entered in a chili cooking competition at the school. Everybody involved in the department had an assignment as to what to bring.

While others bought in place settings, linens, candles, glasses, etc., it fell on Doc to bring in the entree. With me being here that meant it would be a team effort.

Thursday night, Doc and I got to work.

Doc picked up the meat, I picked up some produce and it was "Game on!".


By the time Doc got home, I'd taken care of chopping, dicing, and mincing the vegetables.


Doc got out a sharp blade and deftly trimmed the beef tenderloin.

Filet mignon in chili?

You bet.

The good Doctor and I play for keeps when it comes to ANY cooking competition.


While Doc was trimming the meat, I set about sauteing the vegetables. For the record I used five different types of peppers: Sweet bell peppers (Red, Gold, and Green), Serrano peppers, Jalapeno peppers, Anaheim peppers, and Ancho peppers. All were seeded. Pepper seeds hold a lot of the heat, but they also can make chili bitter.


We seared the now trimmed filet chunks in a bit of garlic infused butter.

When cooking, flavor counts at every level.


Doc's secret recipe chili powder soon came into play along with the tomato paste.


A little white wine and water were added to deglaze the pot.


Pretty soon it was time for the crushed Jersey tomatoes and beans. With the pot set to simmer, Doc and I grabbed a couple of Scotch and sodas and shifted into the stirring mode.

We were pretty satisfied with the chili. The next day, at 12:15 pm, would be the acid test.

As I said earlier, the other teachers in the department were responsible for setting up the table.


They did a magnificent job.


The judges were members of the Administration. Doc wanted to make sure they understood the process, so he created this chart to aid them as they dined.


No, the sign wasn't wrong. We did indeed serve butter poached lobster tail on top of the chili. The sweetness of the lobster offset the spiciness of the chili beautifully.

You've just got to love lobster tail. You can serve it on a plate of turds and people will tell you, "Why, that's the best plate of turds I've ever had.".

We ran into one small problem shortly before the judges arrived. Not a one of us are smokers. Nobody had a lighter or matches to light the candles.


Fortunately, Jim came up with a novel solution.

Candles lit, we were ready for the judges.


The judges were extremely happy with the outcome.

The best barometer of how well we did came after the judges left. Word got out that we had a major pot of great chili in the classroom. Teachers and administration came down throughout the afternoon to have a bowl or take a container home with them.

One teacher only had a couple plastic popcorn containers (complete with the red and white stripes) she could use.

They were so full Doc remarked, "She'd better hope the tide doesn't come in or she'll be wearing it.".

Oh, and by the way.......we took first prize. Again.

That's just how Doc Lloyd and I roll when it comes to cooking, especially in a competition.

Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.

Especially my good friends in Memphis. Remember guys and gals God put the ice there, let him clean it up.

Air Traffic Mike, ret.

Great Balls of Blue......

Yesterday I was asked by my lunch companion, "So what are you going to blog about tomorrow?".

I offered up two choices, one of which was intended to be a bit of humor.

We kidded around about it for a bit, but I had already decided it may be a topic for discussion.

After a 4 to 1 vote where "balls" rolled away from the one vote for "salmon", the topic was decided.

Unfortunately for the gang over at Air Traffic Mike Heavy Industries, LLC. (the official social think tank of Air Traffic Mike) I have the authority to overrule any decision rendered from their votes.

Sure, that might seem a bit dictatorial, but I am a kind and benevolent dictator.


"That's crap ATM!!!"

Oh, hiya Floaty. What's the problem?


"We voted on that fair and square."

I'm sorry Floaty, I've decided to take a different tack on this one.


"What the Hell for? *Blue Balls* is a GREAT topic for discussion, especially when you're packing them."

Yeah Floaty, believe me I know. However, in all fairness I DID sort of spring it up on her from out of the blue.


"So how did she feel about it?"

Well, there was a stunned pause, follwed by a bit of a smile, follwed by a laugh.


"So she was sort of reaching for an answer?"

Not right then and there. She did say that a friend of hers would get a kick out of it.


"So she was willing to lend a hand?"

No Floaty, not in that way.


"So she was still feeling it out?"

Floaty, knock it off.


"Knock what off? What's the matter, starting to feel some pressure?"

Floaty, you're standing on some thin ice.........


"Guess you used the rest of it."

Listen to me carefully here Floaty......I'm going to say this one more time. I've changed the topic of today's blog.

Period.

End of discussion.

No further input needed.

Capiche?


"What are you going to do about it? You can't sack me."

Oh yeah? Keep it up you room temperatureness and here's what your next *CONTRACT* is going to look like:

Alligator Sauce Piquant

Ingredient List:

- 4 pounds alligator meat
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 sticks of butter
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 3 medium onions, chopped
- 1 1/2 bunches onion tops
- 1 green bell pepper
- 2 cups water
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- cayenne pepper
- 4 tablespoons, finely sifted white flour
- salt and black pepper
- 3 cans of cooked whole tomatoes (Rotel tomatoes)
- 1 8 ounce can of tomato sauce
- 4 bay leaves
- 1 pound andouille (fat, smoked sausage)
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil

Boil alligator meat for 5 minutes to remove fat. Rinse meat in clean water. Brown meat in black iron pot. Remove meat and clean pot. Place flour and oil in black pot. Cook stirring constantly until as dark as chocolate. Add onions and bell pepper. Cook until dark brown and soft. Add tomato paste and cooked tomatoes and simmer for 30 minutes. Add garlic, meat, seasonings, and andouille and simmer 25 minutes. Add butter and cook for another 40 minutes. Serve over rice.

Any questions Floaty?


What?


What are you staring at Floaty?






Feeling some pressure of your own, oh dead one?


"I'm just wondering why you're being so hard on me."

ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!


"Okay, okay......I'm leaving."

*SLAM*

Don't slam the door!


"I didnn't slam the door and don't be so testes!!!!!"

GRRRRRRRRRRRRR............ OUT WITH YOU!!!!

*SLAM*

Okay, enough of that. Maybe I am still a bit worked up.

I have to get this day started.

I'm already ahead of the plan today.

It's raining and 58F so my cold shower awaits me outside.

Patience is a virtue, but it does make sitting comfortably a challenge at times.

Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.

Air Traffic Mike, ret.

Choices

This afternoon my lunch date asked me what I was going to blog about on Monday.

I gave it some serious consideration.

It took almost five whole seconds.

I replied, "Either our afternoon out..........", and allowed a protracted pause.

I then finished with, ".....or what am I going to do with these blue balls."

A girl with a lesser sense of humor would have been mortified.

A girl who hadn't read this blog would have been terrified.

A girl who didn't know me would have been pissified.

Note: Poetic license does allow for the use of made up words. By invoking that I hereby decree "pissified" to be a word.

Note #2: Look honey, I made up a word and put it in your favorite color.

:D

My lunch date just looked at me and laughed.

She said one of her closest friends would get a kick out of it.

I didn't tell her, but I decided right then I'd bring it home and put it to a vote.

When I arrived back at the farm, I mustered my crew to put the matter on the table.

With my being biased in the matter I had to call on the gang over at Air Traffic Mike's Heavy Industries, LLC., (the official social think tank of Air Traffic Mike) and put it to a vote.

Now one of the rules here at "Air Traffic Mike's" is that we have to have a quorum when voting on things. For us a quorum is achieved with five of us present. Floaty, Bloaty, Pope Vinny LXIX, and Guido the Snitch were all available. The fringe crew was busy watching the football games.

I had a solid four.

By recusing myself we fell short by one.

Fortunately Splitty the Maul was available.

Quorum achieved, I left the room and the guys voted.

Here are the results from their vote:


Floaty the Gator: "Balls!".


Bloaty the Dog: "Balls!".


Pope Vinny LXIX: "Balls!".


Guido the Snitch: "Attsa balls here Boss!".


Splitty the Maul: "I'll have the salmon!".

Sadly, Splitty was having a flashback from lunch.

So, by a 4 to 1 vote, tomorrow's blog will be on "What Is Air Traffic Mike Going To Do With His Set of "Blue Balls????".

For those just tuning in or those who are lost, I would remind you that "The Official Air Traffic Mike's Viewers Guide" is available.

Looks like I have my work cut out for me in the morning.

Looks like rolling over in bed is going to be a chore tonight in the meantime.

Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.

Air Traffic Mike, ret.

Good Sunday Morning

and what a fine morning it is.

It's cloudy.

It's cold.

It's going to rain.

My legs are a bit stiff from helping to load/haul/unload two cords of firewood yesterday.

I have a mild headache that feels like a Moose ran over my head.

Oh yeah, and I'm skipping Mass to go to a couple cemeteries this morning.

Now you're probably saying to yourself, "Air Traffic Mike, what in the cornbread Hell is so *good* about this Sunday day?".

Well, mostly because:

1. I can't do a damn thing about the weather

2. My physical ailments are both self induced.

3. When home I go to the cemeteries to visit my parents' and younger brother's graves as a rule.

Honestly, those three alone wouldn't be deal breakers for a nice day. Let's face it, today is the only day we're going to get today.

So why is it a "good" Sunday?

I have a lunch date.........again.

*insert applause here*

We both really enjoyed our time together on Wednesday a lot.

It was fun to catch up on old times, talk about the present, and dwell on the future for a bit.

It was also nice just to feel comfortable immediately. That's something you rarely find on a first date unless you know the person. We both had that luxury.

So today, it's a nice quiet Sunday lunch.

Next week it looks like I'll be heading down to Maryland to visit my cousin and catch up with them.

That will be a lot of fun. Gonna have to make sure I have new strings on my acoustic guitar.

Normally, this would be "Sunday Funday" with the Memphis gang. Have fun out there kids. Make sure you guys give Daniel a hand over at The Silly Goose tonight starting at 6:00 pm. You'll never find a deal like this again.

I'll be back home in a few weeks time. Make sure you save my spot in the pool rotation.

Okay, it's 8:00 am. Time to shower, shave, and shine for the day ahead.

Hope I'm not the only one shaving this morning.

Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.

Air traffic Mike, ret.

Okay, a Confession....

I'm a big fan of loose fitting long handles I call "woolies" at night.

They are baggy, airy, and very much comfortable wear during the evening hours.

On a dare from an old friend of mine, here's my Superman "woolies".


Okay Ms. C., satisfied?

Air Traffic Mike, ret.

So Here I Am

in sunny South Jersey.

Sunny for a day anyway. The weatherman is calling for rain/sleet/snow for tomorrow. Not that I mind. My world has become rather sunny in it's own right of late.

As much as I love Memphis, I do enjoy visiting here in New Jersey. Today I'll spend a few hours outside loading up a cord of firewood. A few more of those and the farm will be cleared of the last of the storm debris.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. After a quarter century of working indoors, it feels very good to work outside again.

It also feels good to have had lunch with an old friend yesterday. We've been corresponding back and forth regularly for a few months. Say what you will about Myspace or Facebook, but I can tell you they have bought people back into my world from long ago. In another time in history we likely would have never crossed paths again.

As for my friend and I, we're both pretty happy to have renewed our friendship. Our lives have run sort of parallel courses over time since childhood. Funny how stuff like that happens. There are a few slight differences. I've lived in four different states over time, she stayed right here in our hometown. I never had any children, she has two adult daughters. That's about where the differences end.

Oh yeah, she's still just as cute as she was when we were kids.

I don't think a fellow could have asked for a finer lunch companion yesterday.

Any day for that matter.

I'll have some pics to post from here in South Jersey soon, but in the meantime it's time for some work.

"Chainsaw Mike" and his faithful companion "Splitty the Maul" have returned.

Time to get down and dirty.

Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.

Air Traffic Mike, ret.

Heeeeellllllllooooooo New Jersey......

It's time.

Time to head north.

Places to go, people to see, things to do.

My Mom made that line her mantra in her later years.

Those that know me, know I love a good road trip.

Those that know me also know I love a good project.

It's the middle of January, I know of a couple Spring projects I can do now for a friend and get him a bit ahead of the curve.

Yo Doc, one garden clean out/expansion coming up.

I also want to spend time with my oldest brother. We've had too few hours in each other's company over the last few years. Time to make amends for that.

On another note, I have quite a bit of family I haven't seen in some time until the funeral. I've lived a long way from my Father's side of the family for most of my adult life. This trip affords me the opportunity to spend some time with them and learn more about that side of my family.

I also have a long overdue lunch date I've been looking forward to for some time.

So many good places to go to for lunch in the area.

Where to go?

Hmmmmmmmm.................

How long I stay up home just depends on what transpires both here in Virginia, there in New Jersey, and back home in lovely Memphis by the River.

One thing's for sure, it won't be for at least another 3 to 4 weeks. I want to enjoy the travel this time. I'm hoping that it will be a deer free trip from here on out.

Speaking of which, I'm also curious to see how much my auto insurance is going to be when the six month premium comes due next month. Guess I'd better file my travel expenses related to the accident now.

Let's see, time to break out the checklist:

Laundry? In the washer.

Bags? Need to be repacked. Anyone who has lived out of a suitcase knows that the occasional reorganization is a necessity.

Suit? Folded up like bad origami. On a humorous note, so are my casual slacks. They got tossed into the car at the last minute on the away up. Dry cleaning can wait for my arrival.

Splitty?


Splitty is always ready for a road trip, especially to New Jersey.

This journey I began back last May has taken me many places physically, mentally, and spiritually. The "mentally and spiritually" aspect I underestimaed at the start. I've grown along the way in ways I couldn't have imagined when it began. I started out with a heavy heart and an open mind. My sadness has been greatly relieved and my mind more open now than ever. I want to see what's next and am anticipating it greatly.

A person with a closed mind is like a single flower in a field of weeds. They have little chance of thriving.

Just my observation.

So then, tomorrow the "Air Traffic Mike World Tour 2009-2010" continues, next stop South Jersey.

I hear tell there's a place I can get a nice cup of tea at.

Hmmmmmmmm.............

Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.

Air Traffic Mike, ret.

And So It Goes..........

We took our beloved brother to his grave yesterday afternoon.

Before I go any further, I'd like to thank my readers here, our friends that have followed his illness and passing on Facebook, his friends here in Virginia Beach, his extended family here and across the country, and all those that sent their love and prayers throughout this ordeal.

My words fall far short of how much all of that outpouring really meant to our family and Bruce.

Now then, back to today's topic.

If such a thing can ever be said, yesterday was a perfect Winter's day for a funeral. It was sunny, mild, and soft. There was little breeze blowing.

The minister who presided over the service, Rich Merritt, was an old friend/co-worker of Bruce and Donna's. He went through great lengths to be able to do so. It says mountains of the man's character. Recently, he'd been in Uganda doing ten days of missionary work. Seeing the deplorable conditions there, when he left he left all his clothes and shoes, save those he was wearing. That also speaks volumes of the man's compassion and his integrity.

He traveled all day Friday to be here for the Saturday service. He came to the house, reviewed what he was planning to say, and asked for some Bruce stories. He wanted the family's input to ensure he left nothing out.

We arrived at the funeral home around 10:30 am for a private family viewing. The funeral director led us in. We were all concerned how Bruce would look. He was very jaundiced in the last days.

We walked up to him. He looked magnificent given the circumstances. They did a beautiful job. I can't tell you how relieved we were. Don't get me wrong, we all cried buckets of tears. However, it was still quite a relief. He looked like his old self.

The funeral home asked us for pictures. They used them to make a DVD that looped over and over again. Friends and family both enjoyed looking at the pictures. You can read his obituary, leave comments, and view the pictures at this website they built for him as a part of the package.

Let me tell you, the room the funeral was held in was over capacity. It had seating for 220 adults. There were between 30 and 40 people who had to stand up behind the pews. It was really something to see.

After a two hour viewing, Pastor Merritt got up to speak. Bless his heart, he started to get misty eyed. Had he started crying outright, he have taken everybody with him. He composed himself and delivered a beautiful service punctuated by personal stories and insights. He got us all to laugh telling "Bruce stories" and "Bruce quotes".

Two of my favorite "Bruce quotes" were mentioned:

Bruce on his life: "I'm loved by many and that's more than a few."

Bruce on wagering: "Gambling isn't a problem, losing is."

It eased the tensions of sorrow and gave everybody reasons to remember the healthy Bruce.

After the service the pallbearers, my oldest brother Kevin, my best friend Dr. Patrick Lloyd, five of Bruce's closest friends, and myself loaded Bruce into the hearse. The cemetery was only a couple miles down the road. The funeral procession stretched out quite a ways.

As we arrived at the entrance of the cemetery there were two black teenagers standing on the median of the six lane highway we were on. In a a move that reminded us all there is a lot of hope for the next generation, they placed their hands over their hearts and stayed that way until the last car of the procession had passed.

It gave Dr. Lloyd and I both chills. It was a moment of grace for all concerned. I hope those young men know just how much that meant to all of us.

We carried Bruce up to the grave. I was fine until I saw the Navy Honor Guard at graveside. They were bolt upright at attention, their uniforms contrasting against the brown hues of the cemetery.

Pastor Merritt said a brief graveside service. "Taps" followed. The two sailors not playing "Taps" stepped forward, folded the flag draped over the coffin, and presented it to Donna.

It was a tear jerker, but it was the send off my brother deserved.

My hat's off to Pastor Merritt for one other thing. He and his wife lost a daughter in an automobile accident some years back. She's buried in that very same cemetery.

Yet, in spite of all the emotions involved with this service, he demonstrated his commitment to his faith and his God.

The people he ministers to in Macungie, PA are truly blessed in having him and his wife in their community. Presently they are accepting donations for the victims of the Haitian earthquake. You can find out more and how you can assist them at www.lvlegacy.org/.

I strongly urge you to make your donations through his ministry.

Today I'm at peace with everything that's transpired. Bruce lived a good life, loved and was loved by many, and his legacy will be that of a good man who always strove to do what's right.

In the end, that's all we can hope for ourselves.

Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.

Air Traffic Mike, ret.

Before There Was Facebook

Social networking is all the rage nowadays. MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter are common grounds for many.

Let me just say that I'm a huge fan of Facebook. It has allowed me to get in touch with many of my old classmates from high school and college. People I'd lost track of are now reasonably easy to find.

In one case I found an old friend from the neighborhood. We've been talking back and forth now since late November, catching up on almost 30 years of not seeing each other. We've both enjoyed every second of it.

The "Information Age" truly has a lot of benefits.

Today I'm not here to talk about that.

I'm here to talk about "Social Networking" back when I was a child.

Before there was Facebook, et al., there was the Pennsville Swim Club.

It was a members only club, with guests allowed. It was only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but for those three plus months, it was where we caught up with each other.

Our mothers would take up a corner of the porch under the clubhouse overhang. There they would gossip, drink coffee, smoke, and had a perfect line of sight to keep an eye on all of us kids while we were in the pool.

On a side note, one of the really funny things was that they all would "Mother by proxy". If one Mom saw you acting like a fool, she'd call you on it and tell you to knock it off. We listened, too. Back then, Mom's weren't afraid to yell at someone else's kid to keep them in line.

Conversely, all of us kids had an area staked out slightly behind the high diving board where we'd gather. It was conveniently just out of eyesight of our parents. If they wanted to see what we were up to, they had to get out of their metal rocking chairs, stand up, and lean out from under the overhang to get us in sight.

We weren't bad kids mind you. We were just kids being kids, especially in our teenage years. It was a loose knit group of friends. There were no requirements to be a part of it other than to not be a complete putz.

We were teenagers. Occasional putzing was to be expected.

Some of the kids were in high school so we wouldn't see each other much. Very few of the high school/junior high school classes overlapped in the two buildings. Other kids went to the Catholic high school in Carney's Point. We rarely saw them much except for the Summer days. We could hardly wait to see one another on opening day just to get caught up from the months of separation. "Who's doing what" and "Who's seeing who" took up a great deal of the first few weekends. By the time school let out on Flag Day, we were all up to speed on the gossip. It was time to play.

Facebook has all sorts of little games you can play online. "Mafia Wars", "Fishville", "Farmville", etc. .

We had volleyball, badminton, shuffle board, and Marco Polo.

More than one time one of us would sneak out of the pool and reply "Polo" while walking around the concrete apron that surrounded the pool.

Remember, it's not cheating when you're doing it as a practical joke.

Volleyball became a passion. We had little trouble fielding two teams to compete in volleyball. The court was hard, brown clay dirt. It would stick to wet teenage feet, but we didn't care. It would take the skin off your knee in a blink if you had to dive for a ball. That didn't matter a bit. The games wouldn't stop until we all got suitably overheated.

That's when the pool water felt the best.

However, all good things must come to an end. We couldn't stop the process of growing up and moving on.

The friendships I made there have mostly stood the test of time. I haven't found all the kids that were a part of that group, but I sure have found a lot of them. It's been more than 30 years since I've talked to many of them. My career took me far away from my little hometown.

The Pennsville Swim Club folded up shop some time ago. The pool is still there. It has changed hands a few times and is currently a "pay to play" business. No memberships, just daily fees. The camaraderie from our days is long since gone. What isn't gone is the friendships we forged while playing in the Sun.

Facebook has become our new "pool" and that's okay.

However if not for the Pennsville Swim Club, our original Facebook, I'd have missed out on meeting some wonderful people.

At the same time, if not for Facebook, I might have gone the rest of my life without reconnecting to those same wonderful people.

One in particular.

But that is a story for another time.

Hmmmmmmmmm..........

Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.

Hmmmmmmmmm..........

Air Traffic Mike, ret.

I'm Back

The details of my brother's funeral have been taken care of. I'll drop off his suit, etc. to the funeral home today.

Once upon a time, he wouldn't have needed the suit.

He used to say, "When I die, you can put me bare assed naked in the coffin, face down."

When asked why, he would respond, "So the people that hate me can kiss my ass."

Given the fact that few people couldn't get along with him, we opted for decorum and a suit.

My brother was a lot of things. Brother, son, faithful husband, doting father, generous, intelligent, brutally honest (an endearing family trait I must add), kind, sentimental, and an optimistic gambler.

Oh how he loved Las Vegas. The only place he loved better was his beach house in Nags Head. The sound of water moving is the healing balm to the Walker boys souls in times of duress or trouble.

I spent all yesterday afternoon at the beach watching the ocean. When I closed my eyes I could hear the sounds of us boys playing in the ocean as kids.

Bruce's place is a block from the ocean. He loved sitting on his deck and listening to it. I had hoped Sis and I could have taken him down one more time, but it wasn't meant to be. His last weeks were spent in bed, too sore to move much.

Some people would look at this situation and think, "Wow, he lost to cancer."

Those would be the folks that didn't know my brother very well.

I'm here to tell you he didn't lose.

While it's true cancer took his life, that's all it got.

It didn't take his heart.

It didn't take his soul.

It didn't even begin to touch his will to win.

It never got close to taking his love for his family and friends.

It never took his compassion.

It couldn't put a dent in his sense of humor.

It didn't have a chance of taking his dignity.

Just to defy it even at the end, he went quietly and in peace.

Cancer had the last say, but I assure you it did not win over Bruce Walker.

I'll miss my big brother more than my words can say, but I'm at peace with his passing. He woke up for a few minutes in ICU on Sunday while our oldest brother and Bruce's wife, son, and daughter were having a quick conference. I got to tell him everything I wanted him to hear and thank him for being a great brother. He was still awake when everybody returned.

An hour or so later, he slipped into a coma from which he would not awaken.

Cancer took my brother's body, but it couldn't and can't take the lessons and love he shared with so many, myself included.

The "Relay For Life" team he was on may have lost one Walker, but there's one to take his place.

Watch me.

His funeral is set for Saturday morning. We'll take his mortal remains to the grave. We'll leave with his words and his love.

Bruce always said, "I'm loved by many and that's more than a few".

He was loved by all.

No, cancer did not win.


Bruce Andrew Walker
June 5, 1959 - January 12, 2010

Until the next time all y'all take care of yourselves.

Air Traffic Mike, ret.

In Memoriam

Bruce Andrew Walker

June 5, 1959 - January 12, 2010

"He was loved by many, and that was more than a few."

Rest in peace brother.

Tossing And Turning

I was wondering why it felt cold.

Ever toss and turn so much you rolled the bedspread completely off the bed?

Ever have it caused by something that could be good?

I tossed and turned the bedspread to the floor last night. Somewhere around 3:00 am I noticed two things. The first was I was unusually chilly, the second was the sheet I was under felt pretty damn light.

Instinctively I reached to the floor.

The sock I grabbed was soft enough, but decidedly not large enough to keep me warm. It also had a slightly foul odor that I really didn't need to know about at that early hour.

Sitting up in bed, I reached down to the bottom of the bed only to grab more sheet.

I attempted the barefoot investigative approach whereby one takes their leg and taps it around the floor like a blind man's cane.

Nothing.

I might need to get longer legs one of these days.

I had but one option left. I had to open my eyes.

Now opening my eyes is not a problem per se. I hope I get the chance to open my eyes for a very long time. The problem is seeing out of them. Sleepy eyes are hard to see through anyway, but 20/100 uncorrected sleepy eyes have all the visual acuity of Mr. Magoo on a three day bender.

Squinting with all my might, I fumbled around and found the lamp. After a few seconds of playing the game, "What In The Hell Did I Just Knock Off The Nightstand?" I found the lamp switch.

*click*

On came the lamp, off went the squint. My eyes slammed shut tighter than a crab's ass.

I'm pretty sure a crab's ass is watertight.

Easing into now glaring light and squinting for what little focus I could muster, I made out a pile of something blue at the foot of the bed. Not wanting to hazard an attempt at standing, I slid down to the bottom of the mattress. Once again I employed the barefoot investigative approach.

Success. I sort of felt like Dr. Ballard when he and his crew found the Titanic on the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.

Over the last year I've tossed and turned quite a bit. My brother's health, my retirement, and just being on the road have kept me sort of busy through the night for most of the year. The only time I didn't toss and turn was the time I was up in New Jersey chainsawing trees at my best friend's place.

There was no tossing and turning there. It was "flop and stop" sleeping. I woke up in the same position that I hit the bed in.

No, last night I tossed and turned thinking good thoughts for a change.

That's a big improvement.

Possibilities yield hope.

Hope yields dreams.

Dreams yield happiness.

Happiness yields possibilities.

It's a pretty pleasant cycle.

Until you have to flail about looking for your blanket.

Get the blanket back though......

Hmmmmmmmmm.................

Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.

Air Traffic Mike, ret.

:*

New Adventures Ahead.....

*Late edit*

Just a reminder, if you're new to Air Traffic Mike's, please click here for the "Official Air Traffic Mike's Viewer's Guide".

ATM

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Um....Splitty, what are you doing?


"You said we have more adventures ahead. Let's git 'er goin' boy."

Splitty, not today, but soon. Get out of the AirTrafficMobile.


"Awwwww crap!"

*SLAM*

And stop slamming the truck doors. I just got that thing fixed.

Mauls are a bit impetuous sometimes.

Anyway, one thing about being out here on the East Coast is that there are all kinds of things to do.

Obviously big bro Bruce is priority numero uno. Whatever he and Sis need, they get.

Still, there will be some down time. Always is.

My family and I have been coming down to the Virginia Beach area since Bruce and Donna got married in 1980. We never really did much touristing, mostly just visiting.

Now on my recent travels here I've tried to make up for that.

So what's next?

Well for starters there are the Cape Henry Lighthouses. I'm a big fan of lighthouses. I've been fascinated by them since I was a child. I can safely say the same thing for my oldest brother Kevin. His home bar is full of lighthouse figurines. It's highly unusual to have two lighthouses on the same plot of land. Someone had the foresight to preserve the older one in this case.

Then there's the Cavalier Hotel down by the oceanfront. It isn't too far from the Cape Henry Lighthouses so that looks like a good double play for an afternoon jaunt. I've driven past the Cavalier many times. It's a classic 1920's hotel. For my Arkansas friends, doesn't it remind you a bit of the Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs? Another Air Traffic Mike fact surfaces.....I'm also a huge fan of old hotels. They don't build them like this any more. Probably because they can't afford to.

Across the Hampton Roads Tunnel, heading towards Richmond, there's a treasure trove of history to explore. Although I've been to the Jamestown Settlement a lot has happened there in the 20 years I was last there. There have been some major excavations and discoveries made there since then. I'm going to make it a point to get over there while I'm out here.

The Yorktown Battlefield bears visiting again. Nothing says, "Welcome to America." like visiting the site where we told the British to, "Get the Hell out!"

When my work here is completed I will be travelling north back up to New Jersey for a bit. There are places along the route where I want to stop and visit.

I'm long overdue for a day in Annapolis.

Same goes for Baltimore. I have a personal project in the works and some of the information I need is afloat in the Inner Harbor.

More on that project at a later date.

I also have some unfinished business in New Jersey. My best friend and I always enjoy a good project. I'm not sure what it will be yet, but I'm sure it will involve some heavy lifting and equipment.

I also have a lunch date I need to keep.

Splitty will not be invited to the lunch date.

He's a chick magnet. I'm going to need a fighting chance so he's out.

Gotta run folks. I need to get a shower and see what the day brings.

Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.

Air Traffic Mike, ret.

The Return Of The AirTrafficMobile!!!

It was a good stop in Bristol as always. Last night's snow continued this morning with flurries and the occasional snow shower.

I opened up the curtains to take a look and assess the conditions.


The parking lot was pretty well frozen over. Fortunately, it was in the teens all night, making it a powdery snow. Powdery snow is easy to remove from the vehicle which is always nice.

My major concern was the Interstate. The state had been laying down the rock salt pretty heavy on my way into Bristol.


It looked pretty good to me. However, when you have a co-pilot, good resource management practices dictate that you should get their opinion. After all, none of us is perfect least of all me.

I asked Splitty to take a look and give me his assessment of the situation at hand.


It took him a few minutes. After careful consideration and cross checking the weather on the Weather Channel, Splitty gave it the green light.

I showered up, got dressed, and gathered up my stuff.


Splitty monitored the weather for any last minute changes.

Since we were travelling in snowy conditions I felt it best we gas up the soon to be ex-rental car.


Splitty volunteered to do the honors.

All fueled up and satisfied that we made a good decision, we headed north on I-81. Our instincts were spot on. By Wytheville, VA the snowfall had abated.


By the time we got up near Virginia Tech, the skies were starting to break up.



By the time we got in range of I-64, we were well in the clear.

The great thing about reaching I-64 was that we only had about 30 miles to drive to reach Charlottesville.

The other really nice thing about I-64 is that they have a couple of really nice scenic overviews you can stop at. I pulled into the second one since I'd always stopped at the first one.


Splitty was impressed with the scenery.

I took a few more shots just for grins.




You should see this area in the Fall when the leaves change colors.

We pressed on into Charlottesville. I sort of remembered where the body shop was. Using the inate navigational abilities that my gender is naturally endowed with ("We're not lost and we don't need directions!") I eventually stumbled upon the location.

Columbus would have been proud.

Now when you last saw the AirTrafficMobile it looked like this:



When I arrived at the body shop I was met by this:


The men at Bragg's Body Shop did a masterful job of repairing and restoring the AirTrafficMobile.

I took it for a spin around town to see if it still drove the same.

It was perfect.

Feeling quite a bit relieved and slightly more than peckish I decided to celebrate a little bit. I parked the AirTrafficMobile in town and wandered off to get a bite to eat.

Splitty was tired and opted for a nap.

Charlottesville has done a great job of maintaining it's old shopping district.




I like my little place in Memphis, but I could live in a place like this in a second:

Now that's what I call a living room window.

With the weather being cold as it was, I was looking for something good and hot. I spied a place called "Miller's". It looked like a nice little tavern. I've got a knack for picking out really cool dives. I took one look and thought to myself, "Oooooohhhhhh yeeeeeeaaaaahhhh."


Score! Look at these awards.

We may need to suggest some NEW awards for the Memphis Flyer "Best of" issue.

I looked at the menu and ordered a PBR as my celebratory beverage. I ordered my food. While waiting, I spied a local entertainment paper. I opened the front page only to see this:


Okay Memphis peeps, look at the upper right hand side of the band listings. See anything familiar?

Looks like our own Lucero amd North Mississippi All Stars are going to be on tour in February.

For a moment I thought I'd actually found a copy of the Memphis Flyer. Cville might be the Flyer's long lost cousin.

Just in case there was any doubt about this being a quality dive, lookee here:


Authentic Jambalaya with what they called a "spicy Creole Sauce". Technically it's called "Sauce Piquant".

I did my time in N'Awlins. This was one of my favorite sauces to make.

Oh, and the jambalaya?

Magnificent.

Splitty and I hit the road and made it to Bruce and Donna's right about 5:30 pm. Bruce had a pretty good day. He sat up for a bit, ate a few bites of dinner, and visited with myself, his daughter and son in law, and his best friends Mike and Lisa.

After the reports from the last few days, it was good to see.

Hopefully he can string a couple of days together. If not, then one good day is still a blessing.

Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.

P.S. :* to you know who.

Air Traffic Mike, ret.