Labor Day 2014

Depending on whether you count from the first Labor Day or from when it became a Federal Holiday. This Labor Day is the 132th or 120^th. It was originally intended that the day would be filled with a street parade to allow the public to appreciate the work of the trade and labor organizations. After the parade, a festival would be held to amuse local workers and their families.

In later years, prominent men and women held speeches. This is less common now, but is sometimes seen in election years. One of the reasons for choosing to celebrate this on the first Monday in September was to add a holiday in the long gap between Independence Day and Thanksgiving.

It is largely a day of rest in modern times. Many people mark Labor Day as the end of the summer season and a last chance to make trips or hold outdoor events. This Labor Day marks the Second Anniversary of moving into what we call our Forever Home. Just three short years ago, we moved from Florida into the little house on the Bluff (condo) then built and moved into this house 11 months later. 

The past three years has been full of ups and downs with making new friends and losing a few as well. We have been blessed with a whole new Tennessee/Kentucky Family. They have been a great addition to our lives and we love them all. 

Larry B., My Line Dance Instructor Persona, is finally a resident instructor at Murph’s Country Music Barn in Cedar Hill, TN.  As of August 27, 2014, I started instructing a Line Dance Fitness Class at Austin Peay State University (APSU). Now starting in September 2014 will be instructing an Absolute Beginner Line Dance Class also at APSU.

Paul continues enjoying the life of a retiree. He has become a great house/personal manager for us.

Also living in the same city with my only blood sister has been an added bonus and blessing. We have gotten closer than ever and support each other in all endeavors. Plus Pop has a one stop place to see both kids and has actually been spending more time in Clarksville when he does visit.

We could not be happier in our home and continue to make additional improvements in back yard to add more living space. We have also added a Garden and fruit trees to complete the back yard.  

Keep Dancin’ Larry B

Fire Fly

I remember growing up on the farm in Southeast Missouri where every summer starting this time of year, we would sit outside and watch thousands of Lightning Bugs (Firefly). The family would gather after a long day of working the farm. I remember it being a great time in my life, family being close and life was simple. 

As boys would do; we would catch as many Lightning Bugs as possible and smear the glowing bodies on our faces to play GI Joe Commando. My cousins and I would divide up into teams and start hiding in the orchard or corn field with water guns, working out way around to blast the opposing team and win our game of war.

This week as we sat outside on the upper deck at the big house on 1018 Orchard Hills Drive, it was the first time in years that I have seen so many Lightning Bugs. It was such a wonderful sight, relaxing and memory provoking. I truly felt that I have returned to area of the country that I call home. 

So what exactly are Lightning Bugs (Fireflies)? They are members of a particular family of the Beetle Order. The Firefly Family is technically known as the Lampyridae.

Lightning Bugs are beetles. They can't be "flies" as their name suggests because "flies" are members of the Fly Order. Glow-worms, which produce light similar to Lightning Bugs', also are beetles, but they belong to a different though closely related family, the Phengodidae. There are many Lightning Bug species

Flashing Lightning Bugs are trying to attract mates. Among most but not all species of North American Lightning Bugs, males fly about flashing while females perch on vegetation, usually near the ground. If the female sees a flasher and she's ready to mate she responds by flashing right after the male's last flash. A short flash dialogue takes place as the male flies closer and closer, and then, if all goes well, they mate.

Man, if just half the bugs we saw this week found mates, it was a happy night here in middle Tennessee. Maybe I will capture a few and play GI Joe, wonder if Paul will like to get hit with a water balloon.. hmmmm..

 

 

Happy 238rd Birthday, USA

So as our country nears its 238^rd Birthday on July 4, 2014, I was thinking back over the different 4th's that have been important to me. I came up with four that currently rank as what the 4th mean to me.
So as our country nears its 238

As a kid growing up in rural Southeast Missouri, the fourth was when the whole family would gather for a barbecue. It all started in the early afternoon with hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, fresh vegetables from the garden, watermelon, homemade pies and cobblers. Of course, the most important part of the day was at dusk. The kids would have to take turns turning the crank on granddad's ice cream maker.  You know, we are still trying to locate that ice cream recipe, great-grandma just kept some secrets.  When you completed your turn at the crank, you got your box of sparklers. The fathers would gather out in the field across from the gathering with all the fireworks and begin the show as we all sat around with our dishes of ice cream.  Now those were great 4^th of July's.

Then there was 1976 and our country was celebrating its 200^th Birthday as a nation. It was the summer before my junior year of high school and everywhere you turned there were 1776/1976 posters. Red, White and Blue Banners, clothing, dishes, everything was patriotic that year.  It was the biggest 4^th of July I can ever recall in our small town of Matthews, Missouri. Farmers decorated their tractors, kids decorated their horses or other farm animals, it was a time that everyone knew what it meant to be an US citizen.

After graduating from college, I lived a few miles from Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, home of the Army's 101^st Airborne division. I was able to attend a 4^th of July celebration at Ft. Campbell. It was the most amazing display of fireworks synchronized with military and patriotic music that I have ever experienced.  Lying out on a blanket in a large open field with hundreds of other army families and friends.  I remember it was so amazing; it brought tears to your eyes with pride to be part of such a strong and proud country.

The last 4^th of July that is very important to me was in 2007. That was the last 4^th I had with my mother, I had not been in Missouri for a 4^th of July in over 25 years.  Mom had told me how everyone still in made a big fuss on the 4^th of July and I was totally surprised by the evening that unfolded before my eyes.  It was a bitter sweet 4^th because we were in the midst of dealing with my mother's cancer and she was in bed prior to the fireworks that evening.  I can honestly say I am proud to be from the heartland of this country. The display of fireworks that individual farmers and homeowners put together in the small rural part of Missouri was overwhelming. I sat in my parent’s front yard and had a 360 degree display of the most amazing fireworks. I took as many pictures that I could to show mom the next morning.  The next day as I sat on her bed and showed her the pictures, I told her I was just amazed at how people in the area still pulled together for events like this. Her only comment was we may be simple country folk but we are damn proud of whom we are and the country we live in.

I am not sure how this 4^th of July will be celebrated at this writing; I am still looking through old family recipes for that ice cream recipe.   Dad has decided to come over from Missouri, so we will be able to spend the holiday weekend with him and Sister. So here's to your 238^rd Birthday United States of America. May you have another 238 more, with prosperity and pride.

Happy 4^th of July to everyone...

 

Keep Dancin’ Larry B

Vacation on the High Seas

As I have stated before the only true vacation, is a Cruise for me. No computers, no phones and only those on the ship with me can find me. If they look hard enough that is.  My friends can usually track me down, if there is music and dancing, I am there.

This past cruise we were back with our Florida family and cruise buddies. When we are together you can expect a lot of laughter and practical jokes. It is always someone’s birthday or anniversary while on board. Whether the true date or not, we have to celebrate while together.  This trip was no different but we did have an actually upcoming anniversary for our new friends Kathy and Karl.  Nancy, for some reason, blamed me for her surprise birthday celebration. Go figure.

This trip I took a Waltz Ballroom class since I had already done a class in Tennessee.  I was surprised when they started on the wrong foot, then realized that they were teaching international version.  Now you would think they would tailor class toward those on board, we sailed from Ft. Lauderdale and not from a European port.

The line dance class I took was taught by a girl from England so I felt that I was back in Stella’s Class in Tamarac. I took up the back row and the ladies back there wondered while I seemed to know the dance already.  “Waltz across Texas”. Try doing those turns on a rocking floor, looked more like a drunken sailor turn.

Part of our group did an extreme Obstacle Zip Line course in St. Marten and we all succeeded in completing the course. The best part was watching an elderly couple, Helen and her husband Frank both in their 80’s complete the course and Helen stating it was not part of their Bucket List because they had already completed that list. Now that is a couple you want to be when you grow up.

It was a great 8 days with old and new friends and as usual we have all scheduled our next cruise together. The destinations really do not matter as long as we are all together and making the most of our time together. Whether sitting in the Schooner lounge playing cards on sea days, dancing, working out, and playing in the casino. We all do our own thing and eventually hook up throughout the day.  We are more than friends, cruise buddies, we are family.

Keep Dancin’   Larry B

Life Changing 208 days

It seems like it was longer than 208 days but that is the number I come up with this morning as I think back on 2013. That is the number of days that I was on a mission to if not save a friend to ensure he received the best care and assist in ensuring his last days were filled with love, companionship, family and friends.

Yes, I am talking about my friend Luke Henry, it was this time last year that we learned that Luke was stage 4 Gastric/Liver Cancer.  Thus beginning a mission to be the best damn friend a person could have, to be the loudest and most persistent Patient Advocate possible and to be the supportive counsel to family. I did not realize at the time what this journey would do to my own life, my psychological being and my faith. I just knew that I had a friend in desperate need of support and I had to do what I could.

At first, Luke’s health was stable so we focused on his bucket list, which mostly consisted of things he wanted to do with the kids, Michael and Katelyn.  So I pulled together his friends and we were able to provide him the opportunities to provide those important events on that list for Luke and his kids. To see the joy in Luke’s face as he was able to do things special for each child was overwhelming to say the least.

I recently came across a folder in my computer that was named “LL”. It was filled with emails and copies of text messages that Luke and I had exchanged over those 208 days.  I became lost again in reading these and how our relationship developed and expanded.   It was interesting to see how our conversations went on certain topics such as plans for kids, health issues, philosophy, religion, life events and his wishes for after his death.  

208 days does not sound like a very long time but I can tell you it was one of the most rewarding 208 days I have ever experienced.  I gained so much, a Best Friend, a better understanding of human nature and strength, a deeper appreciation of my relationship with Paul, increased knowledge of Cancer and its treatment.  One of the greatest things gained in 2013 is a wonderful extended family that has become to mean so very much to Paul and I.

So as I thought back on my year, I know that I have experienced a life changing event. I could never look at life as I had prior to January 2013. I have to ensure I live my life to the very fullest, to step out of my comfort zone as often as possible. To show those in my life how important they are to me for we are never guaranteed tomorrow. To always offer support in any way possible to those in need around me.

Most of all Enjoy life and not let the everyday stresses rule…

Keep Dancin’ Larry B

Passage of Time

I sit in my living room listening to 30 clocks ticking the time away. I look at ornaments on the Christmas tree and see passage of time.  As the clocks tick, the lights shining on the ornaments, I see all the memories represented on the tree. Each ornament places me at a different time and place in my life, childhood through present. All representing the passing of time.

I realize that I don't do this reminiscing often enough, it was a cleansing mentally to wander through the memories. I also know we let time pass without making note of the people in our life's and events that occur every day. Before we realize it all we have are memories.

Each of us get so wrapped up in our daily grind, just trying to make it to the end of our work day, the week, the month, the year. Everyone is entrenched in making ends meet and not taking the time to actually live in the moment. It is always tomorrow I will get to it. Then tomorrow becomes next week, next month and then it's too late.

I am just as guilty as the next person in getting into this entrenchment. What I learned this year is to take life and live it to the fullest. Take time for yourself, family and friends. Step out of your comfort zone and experience life. As I sat wandering through the memories on the tree, I can say I have been doing better at stepping out of my comfort zone and making time for family and friends.

 I still find myself slipping at times, letting work and daily life demands control me. This time of year can be even more demanding on our psyche and finding that balance is difficult. So what can one do to find that balance, one way I have found that works is to go old school. Old school is placing all electronic devices in the off position and out of sight.  Granted that first hour is very nerve racking being totally disconnected from the electronic governors in our live. Then I realize how free it feels and I can spend quality time with family, friends, pets and most of myself.

Look for community activities that are interesting for you or for you significant other, then get out there and participate. Plan special time with friends and family, like the night we have planned tonight with Brian/Melissa. It takes an effort form oneself to break the cycle of becoming entrenched in the every day grind. The benefits of time with family, friends, pets and oneself is priceless.

So as the multiple chiming clocks alert me of another hour that has past, I take a deep breath knowing I am on track to not let any more time pass without taking time for myself and the special ones in my life.

Keep dancin' Larry B.

Messages from my Best Friend…

I have debated whether I would share this story but decided my friend would not mind. As you know, I lost my Best Friend on August 3, 2013. Luke Henry was a total Nerd at heart; he was always doing things to our I-phones and I-pads.  So it should not have been such a surprise to receive a message on my calendar the week that we met a year ago.

It was a reminder that simply stated the following: “This week a year ago, I met someone that has become my True Best Friend...  He will either do the following when receiving this reminder.

A. come down stairs and smacks me on the back of the head

B. Shed a tear and has good thoughts if I am no longer downstairs.

Love ya Bulldog... Your Little Bro.”

Unfortunately, I only had one choice when I read this reminder.  Little Brother pulled a fast one on me, score one for Little Bro.

I thought okay what else Luke had done to my calendar or reminders. I only had to wait a week and got a reminder that stated:  “we need to find the Emmett Kelly photo ornaments. I want to give those to kids with new pictures.  Or You do... Love ya Little Bro. “. Luckily, I did remember that tidbit at the time we separated his belongings. I had them already to deliver to the kids to put on their Christmas tree as a gift from Dad.  I completed that task this past week.  Score one for Bulldog. But still getting these messages now were a little unnerving as well as healing.

I just received a third reminder this week, now he is getting on my nerves, just a little.  This reminder stated: ”I gave you a pin to hold for safe keeping, do you remember where you put it?  Depending on whether things are good or bad by now with Joyce, may want Paul to wrap. If I am not with you now please do what you think best but don’t’ forget to explain the pin to her.  Remember I am the top bird then the kids and then the three of you.  Thanks    Little Bro.”

So the reason my article this week is a day behind my usual Friday night post is I had to follow the last reminder through and give Joyce the pin before I could post my story.  Paul and I spent Saturday with our Henry family in Paducah and had a wonderful day.

I have been following Luke’s directions since August 3 ensuring his last wishes were followed and that I was able to wrap up his business and his electronic presences.  He apparently is always going to watch over us and send me reminders in his own manner.  I patiently await the next one, no telling what he will remind me to do. We talked about so many things the last few months; I cannot remember it all now because as he planned for the end, I never would accept it till it was actually here.

So Little Bro. thank you for the reminders and letting me know you still have my back.  I only wish you could answer just when you decided that I might need some reminders.

Keep dancin’ Larry B.

Time to Reflect

As the year draws to a close, it is time to reflect on the past year and how very important our family and friends have been in our lives.  I am sure most of us are in that frenzied state of just trying to get through the upcoming holidays, but we should all take a few moments to think about those around us in our everyday lives. 

This has been one very stressful and yet amazing year, so much has changed in my life and those that I consider family. So many happy and sad occasions have occurred that it still seems that I am walking in a surreal landscape.  It is hard to imagine at times that we all have gone through so much in just a short time and it is that bond of family that has kept us all strong enough to move on with our daily lives to honor those that we have lost this year.

We tend to take many things in our life for granted and sometimes neglect to express or show our true feelings for those immediately around us in our daily lives. Being from a farming family, family gatherings with lots of good food, good fun and camaraderie were what were important throughout the year. It was during these family gatherings that you caught up on family and nurtured the bond that makes us all family in one way or another.

Paul and I come from very different family backgrounds but the one common thread was that family was the most important aspect of our daily lives growing up. There were weekly or Monthly family gatherings that included everyone from Grandparents to cousins. The feeling of having that common denominator that made you whole and who you are today. 

The old saying you can pick your friends but not your family is so true. Yet we have friends in our lives that we consider family and have that bond that comes with family.  Knowing they will be there for you in your time of need and support you in whatever venture you undertake. 

So let me say this to all of you and you know who you are in my life that I consider Family and Friends, Thank you for being in my life, our life.  Thank you for your support, your love and your tolerance...

Keep Dancin’ Larry B

 

Thanksgiving 2013

What a difference a year makes, one year ago today, I was sitting here at Orchard Hills Big House typing a similar blog entry.  Today I am sitting in my office, after spending a good part of the day decorating the outside for Christmas.

This year we had a traditional family gathering here at Orchard Hills. Paul had his kids and their mother up for the holiday. Dad and sister were here as well. We cooked like we were preparing for the troops from Ft. Campbell.    The only thing missing is our loved ones that have passed and our Florida Family.  

Growing up it in Southeast Missouri, Thanksgiving was always a family event, I am fortunate enough to remember everyone meeting at our Great Grandparents house for the day. The Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins all gathering for a day of home cooking, games and just being together as a family.

Those were special times; the extended family unit was together as one clan. As our society moved forward, it seems to have lost this one important aspect of the family.  The family unit is more nuclear in nature today than in the past.  We move further from the family to pursue careers and then everyone becomes so involved with their own lives that taking the time to be with extended family does not seem as important.

This happen to our family clan, as the great and grandparents passed on, my generation was the one that moved further away from the homestead. We were the ones that pursued those careers and just never seem to have any time to make it home for the holidays. I, for one, realized this but only after the passing of my Mother.

Thanksgiving was always a special holiday for her. She called it her mid holiday.  Halloween was the first because of my birth, then Thanksgiving and ending with Christmas. She always wanted the family together for the holiday and for so many years it was just never possible for all of us to be in on location for this weekend.

Okay, I admit, my sister and I were too involved in our own lives at the time to think it to be a big deal.  You always think next year, I will take time off to be with family and next year you say okay next year.  We made the decision a year ago to move so we could be closer to family and it has been the best decision.

This past year has been the most rewarding and heartbreaking that I have experienced since my Mother passed.   We have lost so many special friends and family this year and the holidays just don’t seem the same without them. Although I know they are all with us in spirit and would want us to continue on with our lives and our traditions. 

Keep dancin’ Larry B.

 

LIFE

Funny how we take life for granted every single day.  When life is so precious and we are never guaranteed that we will have another day.  Over the past year, I have been reminded of this fact over and over. Yet everyone is so busy with making a living, making ends meet, meeting deadlines, rearing kids, ensuring their place in society. We worry about what our neighbors, co-workers, friends and the man on the street think of us that we tend to forget the most important aspect of life.

Being yourself, being happy with whom you are and accepting that God has a true purpose for you. We should be showing those in our lives just how much they mean to us every single day. We should be living our lives and not working ourselves into emotional and physical wrecks.

Oh sure, easy to say and even easier to type; but to truly enrich our lives, we should be focused on ourselves and those in our lives more so than our jobs and status among our peers, co-workers and the man on the street. I know when I was younger; I was focused on a career and my status among co-workers, peers and the man next door.  I see that all that was just an attempt to be accepted by the standards that society had set forth as being the norm.  Sure advancing in my career has provided a nice living. But over the years there were times that the job superseded family, friends and my personal wellbeing.

Anyone that knows me; knows I am far from being labeled as normal in today’s society. I have accepted who I am and I have grown to love the man I have become over the years. I take pride in my family because without them I would not be who I am today. I don’t really care what society says is normal, I don’t care what the man next door thinks.  I strive to show respect to my co-workers for we are all in the same struggle with corporate America. My friends know that they become part of my family and are cared for just as any other family member.

Oh sure everyone needs to be productive to simply survive in today’s society but we should not let our jobs rule our lives. We need to maintain a balance between the job and our personal life. We should not let Society dictate normal but accept that we are all unique individuals. We should not be concern what others think as long as we are true to ourselves and cause no harm to others.

I guess what I am trying to express this week is each of us need to take a step back and reassess our lives every chance possible. The bombing in Boston this week is just another example of how life can change in a heartbeat. Time to reassess, regroup and refocus on life...

Keep Dancin'   Larry B.

Our Ms. Katelyn

Not ever being a parent myself, dealing with a 6 year old girl has been a wonderful experience. Seeing the world from her point of view is refreshing and challenging for she is one tough negotiator. Katelyn is the daughter of my friends, Joyce and Luke.

Since Luke's diagnosis of gastric cancer, Paul and I have become a fixture in their home. We see them nearly every day and have been included in Katelyn's bedtime ritual. So now Paul and I are requested by Ms. Katelyn to put her to bed which includes her reading to you and for me a Minimum 20 question inquiry before I can get her down to sleep.

This week's inquiries consisted of the following from Ms. Katelyn; are veins in leaves like veins in your hand, why couldn't I just stay at her house all the time, why couldn't I just sleep in her house every night, who was older than me in the house, why couldn't she have a boyfriend now. Now on the last one I told her no boyfriends till 18 and I was promptly told that God said 15.  Now how could I argue with God. Score one for Katelyn..

A few weeks ago, it was Michael's birthday, Katelyn's older brother, he was having a party and friends over for a sleep over. Ms. K did not want to be in the house so she asked Paul and I if she could spend the night. I told her if she could earn 10 points in a week she could stay. My rules, no trouble at school, no fighting with Michael, no tantrums, and staying in her own bed all night.  I even let her start out with 4 points.  Ms. K made her 6 points without any problem, although Michael even begged his parents to pay me off to take her. Needless to say, if I ever thought of adopting,  keeping track of a 6 year old for 24 hours was enough to change my mind.

The best comment from Ms. K this week was one to her Dad. She told him that Mr. Paul was the oldest in Our family. When Luke tried to explain that her grand parents were older; she immediately said no Mr. Paul was the oldest in "Our family" and she formed her hands into a closing globe shape. She meant in her immediate world her family was Mom, Dad, Michael, Mr. Larry and our oldest Mr. Paul.

Looking at the world from a 6 year old view is refreshing, to see the world as an innocent child with the only decision is which adult in "Her Family" will put her to bed.  Oh and how many points she needs before Mr. Larry and Ms. Katelyn go shopping! If only we adults could take a moment each day to see the world from the view point of a 6 year old..it just might make it a better less stressful place.

Keep Dancin  Larry B

Cancer and the Care Giver

Cancer comes in many forms and attacks every location of the body. Each one presents with its own unique symptoms and challenges. The disease process has been around as long as man himself. The earliest documentation comes from ancient Egypt around 1500 BC.

As a nurse and care giver for nearly 30 years, I have taken care of many Cancer afflicted individuals. It is never an easy task working with a patient that may not survive their illness. You provide the best care you possibly can and offer as much support as possible to make their life comfortable and high in quality.
It can even be more taxing on the family/care givers than the cancer afflicted person themself. I found this to be extremely true when I took care of my mother as her cancer progressed.  At the time, I could not or would not put my stress on my immediate family they were going through their own stressors. I was a professional but as a family member I was totally at a loss about finding assistance for myself.                                  

I recently have had one of the most rewarding experiences in my personal and professional life. I am helping a dear friend deal with his fight with cancer. Being a friend and not family member has allowed me to see my friend and his family in a different perspective.  I have gained so much insight to family dynamics, every day struggle with cancer and  what both sides need to face the fight and still all of involved keep their sanity in dealing with the disease, the insurance, and the medical profession.

For if the primary care giver over extends themselves there is no one there to assist the patient in need. This time I am going to be there. Everyone's focus is on the person dealing with the daily fight that those supporting and/or providing care are left to deal with their heartache, stress and fatigue alone.

There are support groups to assist caregivers by offering counseling and respite care. It always seems that unless the local groups are entrenched at the hospital or care centers. Those that need them may never know they are available. The main reason is that professionals involved are focused on the person with cancer and neglect those taking care of the afflicted individual.

As caregiver for a loved one, you have to first know all you feelings are normal. You will experience anger, sadness, grief, loneliness, and guilt. You have to work through these feelings while at the same time deal with your loved one’s exact same issues.  It is difficult for both sides to express these issues with each other. The Caregiver wants to keep a positive supportive front and the cancer afflicted individual wants to keep any other stressors off their family/caregivers.

I did a web search and immediately found 7 support links for cancer care givers. But unless the caregiver has the foresight to seek support, a lot of times those of us in the medical profession drop the ball at assisting the care giver.

This time I, as a nurse, a friend, an adopted family member, plan on making a difference in the care of the afflicted individual and the family/care givers.

www.cancer.org/treatment/caregivers/index

www.cancer.net/coping/caregiving/being-caregiver

www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/caring-for-the-careg...\

cancer.about.com/od/howtocope/a/burnout.htm

www.dana-farber.org/Adult-Care/Treatment-and-Support/Pa...

www.facebook.com/pages/Cancer-Caregiver-Support-Group/1...

www.cancercare.org/tagged/caregiving

JUDGE BY DEEDS HONOR THY WORD

I am always amazed when I tell someone I will do something and when I do it; how surprised they seem to be that I am a person that keeps his word.  I suppose we all become jaded toward our fellow man that we expect nothing. So we are surprised when someone actually does what they say they will do.

I was reared in the Midwest and it was instilled into me as a young child that you do whatever you state you will do.  Be that for the family, friends or strangers.   I was taught that you treat others as you wish to be treated. You state you will do something you do it and that everyone was the same in God’s eye and you should treat everyone the same.

I strive to be a good man and to do whatever I can to help others in need. I see so much hate, so much distrust and so much of the “ME” attitude around me. I can understand at times because of the economy, stress of job and family that one can become this way easily.  I can say that I have seen less of this since moving back to the Midwest and it is very refreshing to actually have others even say “hello”,” thank you” and “How may I help you”.

Is it that in the larger metropolitan areas that everyone is just too busy trying to survive?  They have forgotten that the only way to truly survive is to reach out to others, to accept the differences that God has created and to treat each other with respect and dignity.  I don’t have the answers and probably never will.

I know that who I am I cannot change. I know I will always look after my family, my friends and try to help complete strangers. It is what I do and hopefully it is enough.  I may not be rich in terms of wealth but I am rich beyond believe with love, understanding and compassion for those in my life and those that I encounter along the way in this life.

I recently told a new friend that is dealing with a health crisis that no matter what I was going to be there to assist him and his family. I was not going anywhere. It is who I was, that once you become a friend you become part of my family. I am like an old grizzly bear protective to my last breath.  I think at first he was skeptical that I would be there for him and his family.  I think he has come to realize that I am a man of my word. 

I honor my word, with action and not just speech. I honor my family and my beliefs by doing the best I can each and every day.  It is who I am, it is what I am.  Who among you can say the same?

2012 a Year of Loss

I can honestly say I am happy that this year is finally coming to an end. It has been a year filled with great loss for my Florida Family.  We lost so many great family members this year, and it was difficult to be so far away during their time of need. I know they understand we were there in spirit and our prayers were with them throughout.

Being here in Tennessee has it draw backs as far as we are no longer next door and able to participate in their everyday life.  Our Florida family will always be an important part of our lives. They are the family we chose and not our blood family but there is no difference in our hearts.

So I wanted to pay tribute to those of our Florida family that have left us this year.

Louis Lozito, Uncle Louie to my dogs.  Louis was the kindest, sweetest man that I have ever met.  He was big softie when it came to animals. He would watch over my two or three whenever I had to be gone during the day. It was also common to see the wild ducks following him around because they knew he would sneak them treats as well. Connie Lozito, the Grand Mother of our group, always ensuring everyone was okay and doing what they needed to do to stay safe and healthy.  Connie would show up with home-made soup if she saw your car in the drive way for two days. Connie and Louis lived across the street and I never had to worry about my house when I was away for Connie was always on watch in our little corner of the neighborhood.  The best times where on Friday afternoon when all would gather on Connie’s Corner; catch up on everyone’s week, plans for weekend, and simply enjoy each other.

 

John Persico, a man’s man, good friend and who had a heart bigger than the East Coast. If you ever needed something John was there to assist. John was always full of life and could always make you laugh; yeah I will admit it even for a Yankee he was okay.  I mean we supposedly share Connie’s front yard one night or so our Florida Family would claim.  …

 

I know Paul and I will always have a special place in our hearts and in our home for these three wonderful dear Florida family members. They may no longer be participating in our gathering, or our cruises but we know they are always going to be part of our lives.

So as we had a wonderful Christmas here in Tennessee. Our family was together and remembering those that are not with us.  We had the Evelyn tree, the Elizabeth angel lit and the memories from the Christmas past.  Each holiday is more special as we get to spend it with Dad and Sister but our Florida family will always be in our hearts and thoughts.

Keep Dancin’

LB

Thanksgiving 2012

What a difference a year makes, one year ago today, I was sitting in our Little House on the Bluff typing a similar blog entry.  Today I am sitting in our new home which I have dubbed Orchard Hills Big House. We have been in the house for 90 days and it seems like a lot longer time has passed. Luckily, I was able to take much needed time off from work so we could get everything settled before the cold weather hit.

 

This year we decided to break tradition of cooking and spending most of the day in the kitchen instead we took Dad and Sister to Lake Barkley for a Thanksgiving feast. It was  a beautiful day in Middle Tennessee with 70 degree temperatures and beautiful sunshine.  The only thing missing is our loved ones that have passed and our Florida Family.  

Growing up it in Southeast Missouri, Thanksgiving was always a family event, I am fortunate enough to remember everyone meeting at our Great Grandparents house for the day. The Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins all gathering for a day of home cooking, games and just being together as a family.

Those were special times; the extended family unit was together as one clan. As our society moved forward, it seems to have lost this one important aspect of the family.  The family unit is more nuclear in nature today than in the past.  We move further from the family to pursue careers and then everyone becomes so involved with their own lives that taking the time to be with extended family does not seem as important.

This happen to our family clan, as the great and grandparents passed on, my generation was the one that moved further away from the homestead. We were the ones that pursued those careers and just never seem to have any time to make it home for the holidays. I, for one, realized this but only after the passing of my Mother.

Thanksgiving was always a special holiday for her. She called it her mid holiday.  Halloween was the first because of my birth, then Thanksgiving and ending with Christmas. She always wanted the family together for the holiday and for so many years it was just never possible for all of us to be in on location for this weekend. 

 We made the decision a year ago to move so we could be closer to family and it has been the best decision. This past year has proven that point, being able to spend more time with Dad and my sister is priceless and it means so much to me. Every day and every month that passes I know I am only a few hours from Dad and only a few minutes from my Sister, it just feels right.

 Dad is splitting his nights between our house and sister's this year. It is the family joke now that we have to share custody on the holidays. It is just wonderful to have that opportunity each holiday. Tonight, he is back at her house and it is our turn for the last night of his visit this trip.

My Mother would be so proud to see her family finally together for the holidays.  I can hear her now, saying “I would love another cup of coffee but I have babies (dogs) on my lap” and of course, I or Paul would be the ones getting that cup of coffee.    I am thankful to be backing home with the family.   Now it is time for a cup of coffee in honor of Mom...  Happy Post Thanksgiving 2012.

Keep Dancin'

 LB

 

Evaluate Your Life Day

This is a bit scary. It sounds just a little bit too serious for my liking. Well that is what Evaluate Your Life Day is all about and October 19^th is that day. And, what if I evaluate my life, and find out that I don't like it????

Well, for starters, you can then make positive changes.

Evaluate Your Life Day gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect upon our life, where it's been, and where it’s going. Come on be honest with yourself. Are things going well? What is bothering you? What do you need, or want, to change? How's your appearance? Are you gaining too much weight?

With a self-evaluation you can then make big changes to improve the quality of your life, as necessary. Or if things are going well, just tinker with small adjustments.

After doing my own self-evaluation, I am on the right path for myself physically. A few months ago, we started a weight watchers program to change our eating habits to a more healthy way of eating. We started an exercise program not to bulk up but simply get ourselves in better shape. After all we are not getting any younger and plan to be together for a very long time.

Okay, so the body is getting under control, what about the mind? I love reading and read approximately 2-4 books a month. Everything I have read states those that read books for enjoyment have fewer issues with dementia with aging. So okay brain seems to be okay.

I have a great professional life at this time. I have been fortunate to have had an interesting career with a great group of people. Although at times the job is stressful and the pressure from those higher up can seem so unappreciative and oppressive, I am blessed with a great boss that is very supportive. So check off Professional life as status quo, no major changes at this time.

I started an Internet business several years ago and the economy knocked us out of making any major achievement with our Gift Basket/Unique Gift venture. We reorganized and continue to struggle to make the right moves to make something of our company.  So there is always changes and education going on with this aspect of my life.

Moving on to my personal life self-evaluation, I have a loving caring family that support and believe in my abilities. I have a great relationship with my best friend. I have a new custom built home. I am living in the area of the country that is feels home to me. I am happy, content and could not ask for anything more.

Oh sure, winning the lottery, becoming financially secure would always be nice benefit for myself and family.  Until then, I will continue to make Evaluate Your Life Day to take a moment to see if there are any changes that I can do to ensure I am on the right path for myself, partner and family.

I believe that Evaluate Your Life Day is the beginning of a happier and healthier you! So why not take a moment and do your own self-evaluation.

Keep Dancing  LB

 

Yahoo!

New Beginnings

Yahoo!

Nearly 11 months ago, Paul and I made the decision that it was best for us and family to relocate to Clarksville, TN. After much discussion and mental anguish, I approached my boss to request a transfer and was rewarded with the knowledge that she was not about to lose me to another State or office. So with the security of being employed remotely, we put the house on the market, thinking we might have to leave and deal with a long distance sale. Fortunately, that was not the case and the Florida house sold in two days.

So with a month to pack, deciding what went with us in our two vehicles and what would be placed in storage, our path was clear to make the final move to Tennessee. We had purchased the Little Condo on the Bluff a couple of years prior as our getaway location and now it would be our new home.

The Condo is a great little house, quiet and peaceful but the goal of moving to Tennessee was to eventually convince Dad it was time to retire and that we wanted him to live with us. Dad is the only surviving parent that my sister, Paul and I have and it is our goal to ensure he takes care of himself. So even though we loved living in the condo, it was not going to be our ultimate location.

After spending months roaming Montgomery County, we looked at multiple re-sells but no matter what we liked it was going to take thousands to make it suitable for ourselves. Our wonderful realtor passed on a link regarding a new subdivision approximately 3 miles from the condo. After touring the spec. homes in the community we found the perfect model. It had a Dad Suite and a bonus room that we could convert into 2 man caves. Plus starting from the ground up we could make all the modifications that we wanted from the start.

So after 5 months, we are now in the Orchard Hills house. We have spent the week moving, unpacking and purchasing to our bodies and credit card are totally exhausted. We are now awaiting the delivery of the Florida Storage and few items that we had to order to arrive. The Dad Suite is nearly complete and now the real work of convincing the Old Missouri Mule to think about retiring will begin in earnest.

Clarksville has become our new home town and we could not be happier. A new home, new neighborhood and starting Monday September 10^th; Larry B resurfaces with an International Line Dance class at the Clarksville Athletic Club. It is always stressful starting out on a new beginning but having family and support from friends it has been a great adventure. Granted it is one we do not plan to do again, Clarksville is the final stomping ground.

Till next time, LB.

National Parents Day

July 22, 2012 is a special day to honor your mother and father. It’s a time to celebrate the family structure and family values. The family unit is an important structure for the health of children, and the nation. That structure, and those values, are established and nurtured by your parents.  “Oh man, did I pull that out of a conservative hand book or what.”

Today is not a day of gift giving. That's for Mother's Day and Father's Day. The best way to mark this day is by spending time with your parents doing something fun. It’s also important that you let them how much they are loved and appreciated. In 1994, President William (Bill) Clinton proclaimed the fourth Sunday in July as National Parents Day. 

Of course, the definition of Family unit has changed over time and I believe that I should take the moment to acknowledge this fact.  What was considered the so called Normal family unit consisted of male/female parental unit.  In today’s society that definition is too limiting to what reality is when it comes to a parental and Family unit.

There are so many definitions of what constitutes a family unit in today’s world. Webster's Dictionary offers twenty-two definitions. The Census Bureau defines a family as "two or more persons related by birth, marriage or adoption who reside in the same household". I personally say family consist of 2 or more individuals who care for the other and are there to ensure the well-being of the other.

As Family can be defined in so many ways, so can the Parental unit. The main thing to be a parental unit is to show love, understanding, encouragement and protectiveness in rearing a child. Whether it be female/male, female/female or male/male. Whether it be grandmother/grandfather, aunt/uncle or any combination. As long as the goal of that unit is to be nurturing parental unit to the child.

Okay, kids everywhere....... its National Parents Day. Go out and honor Mom and Dad, Dad and Dad, Mom and Mom, etc. etc. etc.  

4th of July, A Day of Celebration for many reasons

This will be the first 4^th that I will spend with my sister since we were kids in Rural Southeast Missouri. For the past 20 years, I have spent the 4^th holiday with my Florida Family.

As families gather together across the country for their 4^th of July events, we will be doing the same.  Paul and I will be joining my sister and her Women’s Softball teammates and spouses. We will be having the typical gathering of food, drinks and watching fireworks.  It will be a great time I am sure but the best part is spending time with my sister.  Although Paul and I will miss our Florida Family, just being with Family is what is most important.

We hear so many opinions in the world today as to what constitutes a Family.  I have read that originally the word family meant a band of slaves. That even after the word came to apply to people affiliated by blood and marriage, for centuries the notion of family referred to authority relations rather than love ones. (Stephanie Coontz, The Way We Never Were, pp. 43-44)

Webster's Dictionary offers twenty-two definitions. The Census Bureau defines a family as "two or more persons related by birth, marriage or adoption who reside in the same household". There are cultural differences all around the world that defines a family. There are political, economic, legal, sociological and religious interest bound up with the definition of family.  Pet owners and their pet owning friends may view Dixie and Pixie as "family"--and Dixie and Pixie have been known to inherit the bulk of their deceased owners' estates.

My question is what difference does it make how "family" is defined? 

My definition for family will be as different as the person reading this entry. What person, government or religion has the right to say my definition or your definition is the correct one or the only one.

The most important thing in my life is my family. My family is those here with me as much as the ones that are elsewhere in this great country. Family are those in your life that you protect, you encourage, you support, you love.

So as usual this July 4^th I will being doing what I have done so many times before, celebrate the birth of this great nation with MY FAMILY.  It should be a day of celebration for a country where we have the freedom to celebrate whatever we, each define as family.

So have a fantastic 4^th of July with your family and show your pride and support for this great country, The United States of America.

Lightning Bugs

I remember growing up on the farm in Southeast Missouri where every summer starting this time of year, we would sit outside and watch thousands of Lightning Bugs (Firefly). The family would gather after a long day of working the farm. I remember it being a great time in my life, family being close and life was simple.  As boys would do; we would catch as many Lightning Bugs as possible and smear the glowing bodies on our faces to play GI Joe Commando. My cousins and I would divide up into teams and start hiding in the orchard or corn field with water guns, working out way around to blast the opposing team and win our game of war.
This week as we sat outside of the Little House on the Bluff, it was the first time in years that I have seen so many Lightning Bugs. It was such a wonderful sight, relaxing and memory provoking. I truly felt that I have returned to area of the country that I can call home. 

So what exactly are Lightning Bugs (Fireflies)? They are members of a particular family of the Beetle Order. The Firefly Family is technically known as the Lampyridae.

Lightning Bugs are beetles. They can't be "flies" as their name suggests because "flies" are members of the Fly Order. Glow-worms, which produce light similar to Lightning Bugs', also are beetles, but they belong to a different though closely related family, the Phengodidae. There are many Lightning Bug species

Flashing Lightning Bugs are trying to attract mates. Among most but not all species of North American Lightning Bugs, males fly about flashing while females perch on vegetation, usually near the ground. If the female sees a flasher and she's ready to mate she responds by flashing right after the male's last flash. A short flash dialogue takes place as the male flies closer and closer, and then, if all goes well, they mate.

Man, if just half the bugs we saw this week found mates, it was a happy night on the bluff here in middle Tennessee.