To Explain.

Some have asked about the poem, saying it's too morose. But that's the beauty of it -- it is what it is because I wrote it and the only thing I would change at this point might be the title. That's the thing about music -- you can put the happiest lyrics to a sad melody and it takes on a sweet melancholy. We've been listening to lots of XM radio this winter, particularly the Frank's Place channel. Lots of great old stuff. My folks surely know what was and is still wonderfully good music. Last night I heard the saddest lyrics put to a peppy tune sung by Peggy Lee that I cannot recall, and because it was an up-tune, it was sassy, bright and fun. The old standard "Happy Days Are Here Again", sung very low, expressive and with a sad feel, takes on such more meaning when performed that way. Anything can be done in song, which is my point. We should not judge the poem and lyric until the final recording is final. Mine should turn out quite nicely.

Poetry.

Just Around The Corner

by Pamela

There’s a flickering light at the faraway end
of a very dark, very long road
You’ve fallen asleep but it seems you’re awake
and you're trying to shake off the cold

Approaching the ledge stepping over the edge
with tears rolling down off your nose
Is somebody there, a shadow, a scare
a spirit from long ago shows

It’s me and I’m here and I know you’re aware
that I watch you from the other side
You think of me often, not often enough
the water’s not deep but it’s wide

The day that I left you I woke up alone
with stars circling round in my head
I did not realize my lifeline was ending
My body was already dead

My spirit had risen and all was forgiven
I floated up into the skies
The whole time I’m thinking,
‘These stars are so twinkling,’
And I dreamed of the sweetest goodbyes

Fear not as you travel the road that’s before you
In sorrow you’ll find many mercies
Just think of the time when we’re reunited
to celebrate life’s anniversaries

No soul is ever so forever gone
We’re all just around the corner
Without a word, your prayers are heard
when Heaven blesses the mourner

It’s me and I’m here and I know you’re aware
that I watch you from the other side
Think of me often, more often than not
the water’s not deep but it’s wide

Holiday Blur.

I'm so busy, life is but a blur.

Hot Dog.

We have a small kerosene heater we keep going at a safe, steady low heat in the winter months.

Henry: The dog sure is cozy.
Pam: Honey, make him back up some. He is way too close to the heater.
Henry: He likes it like that.
Pam: His head is totally hot. TJ... Come over here.
henry: Feels good after a long hard day in the yard.
Pam: Honey. You could fry an egg on his head.

The Geek In Me.

Most people post photos of their tropical vacations. I post photos of my visit to a historical garage. Go figure.

Hey man, soon as I get to go to Belize, or Paris, New York or Yellowstone, wherever, I'll be sure to let you know.

Hewlett-Packard Historical Garage Tour.

Roll up, roll up, step right this way. It was a really cool tour. I am so glad to have had the chance to do this. Highly recommended.

That's me standing in the doorway. See below the original A200 Oscillator, the original Craftsman drill press brought over in the truck of Bill Hewlett's car when he drove to the west coast in 1938, or something like that, the original workbench, desk, shelves and a nicely lit diagram. It was noon on a cloudy day, with a perfect, soft light. Most certainly the garage was much more of a crowded, messy workplace in reality back in the day. My own Dad had a workbench that looked very much like this in the sixties. Diagrams, charts, big drills and lots of other stuff. I was pretty intrigued by the whole thing.

Name Game.

My other boss, Mr. K, and his beautiful wife are expecting their first child any day. They know they're having a boy, but haven't decided what to name him. So many choices.

My vote for the ultimate worst given name for a boy has to be "Thresher." Years ago my ex worked with a couple whose hyperactive son was cursed with that horrid name. You guessed it -- we called him "Thrasher" when they weren't around.

I'm 100% positive Mr. and Mrs. K will choose a classic name for their firstborn. I will keep you posted.

Congratulations.

Hooray for my boss for making partner. Nice to know I can fly to the nearest store and back with a magnum of champagne, cheese and crackers in 8 minutes flat.

ESP.

For the past two weeks I have been thinking a lot about an old good friend of mine whom I have not seen in seven or eight years. Great person. I had a telephone number on an old cell phone bill and have been telling myself to dig it out and see if the number is still valid. Oddly enough, my friend telephoned me today, completely out of the blue, much to my pleasant surprise. Tell me that isn't "mysterious ways." Good to hear from you, buddy.