Folks,

Sorry, it is time to fill a bit of space on the SimHQ server so HWH can maintain its rightful position of thread-one, page one.

Today is another gorgeous day in eastern North Carolina. Temps are in the mid eighties F.(29C.) with a light breeze blowing and reasonably low humidity. I have it on good authority that this mild weather spreads all the way up into C51 country. Imagine that. This must wreck havoc with those hand-cut igloos? Knowing the resourceful C51 if the warm weather melts his igloo he'll just install a diving board and sell tickets for a swim.

Perhaps C51 and lady "M" will remember our sharing good weather with them next winter when the snow is chin-deep on a tall giraffe and some Canuck suggests opening the back-door once again to drop some freezing weather down our way? We'll pass on that if you don't mind.

It looks like hurricane Jeanne will at least brush us on her way north. How far inland and how powerful that brush will be is still undetermined. We need several more drying days like today before she says 'hello'.

Medical update:
I'm still hopping about like the miserable loser in a bear and Chihuahua fight. I'm getting plenty of TLC from SWMNBN. She makes me fetch my own beer so I don't get too stiff. That's a woman for you. They are so frustratingly inconsistent at times. Sometimes they really want you to be stiff and then at other times.... Well, you guys probably understand.

If the weather turns too cold for shorts very soon at least one pair of expensive designer jeans will have to be cut a bit short and ragged on one side. I don't even want to think about putting on socks. Of coarse, in summer I often do not think much about putting on socks anyway. :rolleyes:

Fortunately, um... I mean unfortunately all those chores I was supposed to finish will have to wait for a spell until I can walk about using both my feet. It is a shame but now I'll just have to play more BoB, sip a cold libation and then type some here and probably play more BoB. This simm is very therapeutic. I may require many more long sessions in order to recover.

It is truly a tough life for us invalid shut-ins. :rolleyes:

All,

JR2, you are one of the few folks that can make a painful accident funny. I have to fess up that I began to laugh (guilt poured over me soon thereafter) when I read how you ended up as the placeholder for a bunch of bricks.

Now mind you I saw nothing at all funny about the accident that befell you. It is just the manner in which you tell the story.

Take it easy a few days and for gods sake be careful!

Folks,

SNAFU:

To borrow a paraphrase from old A.E.N., "What... ME be careful?"

Everyone is entitled to enjoy my afflictions except me of coarse and even I can wince and find some humor there. I'd rather we all smile than cry about it. It was a stupid, avoidable injury, as so many are. If I had stayed wrapped in the womb-like safety of my trusty hammock like I wanted to none of this would have ever happened.

Of coarse amazing writer that I truly am, tears of indescribable pain might be cascading down my rosy, fur covered cheeks at this very moment and you would not know it. No indeed I can, sniff, pride myself on my heroic stoicism, sniff, sniff. Yes, I laugh at pain, sneer at terrible discomfort, grit my teeth and quietly bare any suffering, sniff, blubber, sniff, sniff...... sob, boo hoo, I want my mommy. :rolleyes:

Taking time off from work overload to check the posts I've missed over the past few days.

JRT, your flight instructor had me on the floor. Leave it to you to paint such a vivid picture of slapstick shenanigans. Well done sir.

Your circus act in the back garden however gave me great pains of sympathy. The first story had me in stitches but that account had you in stitches. Ouch. Thank god you have SWMNBN as a first class nurse. I recommend plenty of alcohol in order to kill any lingering germs in your system which you may have picked up from the rusty wheelbarrow. You can't be too careful.

Indeed, the weather up here is unpleasantly (for me) warm. I had the AC on in the car today or I would have been dripping wet and smelling a little funky. Ironic since I had the heat on in the car on the way to work. It never is just right is it.

Folks,

C51:

That flight instructor has had quite a few "on the floor" however to my certain knowledge they were all young ladies and the last time I smelled a little funky, she turned right around and slapped my little face.

Thank you for reading all that nonsense and pretending to like it. I will tell no one lest your image as someone with an amazing sense of humor might suffer irreparable damage.

I love it here. Where else can you go after failing miserably at juggling six cinder-blocks, several bricks and a wheelbarrow and still be appreciated for the effort?

Alcohol? Drink alcohol? Are you quite sure it goes inside? SWMNBN has been smearing the smelly stuff on the outside. I think you may have something there. If anyone asks me I'll say Doctor C51 told me to take two Margaritas and call him in the morning. If I follow your advise Doc, don't expect an early call.

All,

C51, I have a touchy question for you and I hope you dont mind me asking.

Yesterday I learned there is a group in Canada who plan to erect a monument in honor of the American "heroes" who are referred to in this counrty mostly as draft dodgers from the Vietnam war. It is true?

I cant even begin to imagine such a thing and hope that perhaps, to the extent you know of this effort you can provide some insight on it for me. Without some better understanding I am dumbfounded by the whole thing.

Again, if you feel uncomfortable commenting on this feel free not too. I am struggling to figure out how such a thing could come about. Thanks

Get back in the hammock JR2 :p

Folks,

SNAFU:

No where else on the Internet can an ailing fellow like me go for more sound medical advise than right here on HWH. Both you and C51 should hang out your shingles and begin a pseudo medical practice together.

I have not heard of the group that you mention. Perhaps it is true? If so, I wonder why, with so many more worthy groups to commemorate, anyone would choose that particular bunch to salute? Having said that, didn't we reward one of the charter members in the Draft Dodger Society by electing him President for two terms?

IMHO more people dodged the draft by choosing to be born of the right parents than fled to Canada for the same reason. The draft, even war itself has always been unfairly biased against certain socio-economic groups. During our un-Civil War you could blatantly buy your way out of service to your country. During Vietnam that was still being practiced but in far more subtle ways. Right or wrong, going to Canada in the 60s and 70s was at least one way the poor and the otherwise disenfranchised young men of draft-able age could afford to get the same result.

Most likely if this report is factual it is an anti-war faction's attempt to indirectly tar the current administration and perhaps to fill a few new bus-loads of old men headed north past Niagara to visit a memorial and spend some American cash.

If this is factual, I doubt this thing will ever even go up the flagpole much less get a salute. Surely our Canadian cousins can find better ways to spend their hard earned Canadian dollars?

The veil of pain (or was it the veil of alcohol) finally was lifted a bit last evening. I received a phone call form number one son. Allow me to brag here. Our grandson, a newly installed member of the Kindergarten class of 2004, was honored yesterday before the entire student body as "The Most Improved Student" of that school with all powers, responsibilities and perks attached there to. Wow! Yes, it struck me an unsuspected but pleasant blow as well. Particularly so after the little incident with the fire dept. :rolleyes:

On a skeptical note, perhaps if he hadn't pulled that fire alarm he might be treating his extended family to free steak dinners instead of just free ice cream cones down at the Lizard Lick Auto, Truck and Tractor Fan-belt and Genuine Rubber Gasket Emporium. Oh, yes, and we do get free balloons with the ice cream courtesy of Aunt Martha's Dry Goods Store and Outdoor Bowling Alley.

Honestly, although I make fun of it I haven't been this surprised or vest-busting proud since our own JRT gene-aflicted son scored way over 1000 on his SATs.

SNAFU,
I hadn't heard of the group you mentioned, but a quick research by Lady 'M' turned up some insight. It appears that an activist group in British Columbia is planning to erect a statue dedicated to draft dodgers during a commemorative celebration in 2006. Apparently most of the 50,000 - 125,000 Americans who went to Canada to escape the draft during the Viet Nam war, ended up in B.C. and were supported by anti war Canadians at the time.
B.C. is generally known for being a bit left of centre - M.J. and certain magic mushrooms are popular there - and is a popular spot for surviving hippies and more modern equivalents.
After Jimmy Carter offered amnesty to these draft dodgers, about half of them chose to remain in Canada, blended into the scenery, and now proudly declare their history.
JRT,
congrats on grandson's accomplishments. It seems he has successfully turned his life around after his history of vandalism and crime. I guess he isn't following in grandad's shoes after all.

Folks,

C51:

Thanks for the info Lady "M". Considering some of the political campaigns, headlines and movies since then I think a few of those "magic mushrooms" were brought back to the states by those returning "heroes".

Yes, our five-year-old grandson seems to have turned over an entirely new leaf. It is the straight and narrow path he treads today. Tomorrow we will be attending his first T-Ball game. Perhaps all that free ice cream he gave the opposing pitcher will have good effect? :rolleyes:

File this under Happy Homecoming down in NC:

Today was a red letter day indeed in Mayberry, NC. Andy came home. Andy Griffith came home to Mount Airy, NC (Mayberry on TV). This is his home town. Also visiting were several members of the original cast of the Andy Griffith TV show. Much hoopla was enjoyed as a statue of Sheriff Andy Taylor and his son Oppy was unveiled.

The gala event continues through Sunday. A statue exactly like the one dedicated by Griffith in Mount Airy today was erected in Raleigh a year ago. Vandals (may their camels sleep with wolves and the off-spring devour their children) have vandalized the Raleigh statue. The TV-Land TV channel generously provided both these statues and has refurbished the damaged one.

IMHO Griffith is a very fine, talented fellow who is holding up well to be in his late 70s. I have had the pleasure of speaking with him on several occasions over the years and I am always amazed at his friendly, un-effected personality. Apparently, what you see is always what you get with Andy. Andy makes his home in Manteo, NC on the Outer Banks. His last TV series "Matlock" was mostly filmed on the NC coast at Wilmington.

All,

Citizens Arrraaaest citizens arraaaest!!!

One of my favorite episodes of the Andy Griffith show when Gomer attempts to arrest Barney for jaywalking I think. I loved and still enjoy the show even after all these years.

Otis staggering into the jail to place himself in custody mostly to get a good nights sleep and breakfast from Aunt Bea.

Barney, one shiny bullet in his pocket doing his best to be a good deputy. If he loads his trusty revolver it is a certainty that he will accidently discharge it and fire the lone bullet into the ceiling or floor.

Earnest T Bass, terrorizing Mayberry chucking stones through every window he can hit.

The timid Floyd the barber. He was a very funny man indeed.

Ron Howard, though folicly challenged now will always be that bushy haired lil Oppy.

JR2, what a show it still is. Very cool you have met Andy and good that the area recognizes him for his work.

C51, thanks Lady M for me please and thank you as well. I read more about the statue and learned it is essentially how you described it. There is feeling here that it is meant as a slap to the US, particularly now that we are embroiled in another unpopular conflict.

Very sad some have that much negative feelings for America. From my perspective it is terrible that draft dodgers would be honored in any way while most of their peers did their duty and many died for it. From everything I know most folks in Canada do not feel that way toward us and I'm certainly glad of that.

Thanks again C51