Goodbye summer veggies ~ hello winter!

Admittedly it was a great summer with some serious crops. My buddy, my pal, and all-round sidekick had a killer garden. I was a little bit of help; mostly helped myself to eating whatever grew. Also I painted an old plastic owl and he was menacing looking.  The treasure of the garden. (Maybe not.)

Ah, the fruit of the labor!  True treasure.

And now ~ for our next amazing trick ~ winter veggies. I'll keep you posted.

we came, we saw, we moved

No, this is not a Halloween costume. Besides it's still September and I have a complaint to lodge with the world. Why don't people respect Gypsies? We're smart, we're happy, and most are pleasant to gaze upon.

You may think I'm a child 7-8 years of age? It's an old family secret and I'm actually 32. Many sights I've seen over the years... lived allover Europe. If someone gets chosen to be rejected or evicted we seem to be first choice. 

Then again, most  of us have homes that are mobile. I bought this little camper when I was 27; already had the truck. The tires are kept in good shape for times when I have to leave. Like the recent Olympics in London. In 2007 we were all moved to a temporary site with a "promise" of a new home soon. The Olympics have come and gone and we're still here. No view in sight of a "promised" home. Seems someone forgot about our agreement. 

Well, that's the way  it goes. For some of you, the following video might seem a bit over the top. I link to it to let you know that things have not changed very much. We still have a "Queen of the Gypsies." Long live the Queen! And we still seem to flush out the rudest people. Have a watch... bye-bye for now.

once upon a time... but only once

Once upon a time a wicked  ______   lived in the graveyard.  I had to pass the graveyard every day, twice, to get to school. In fact I had to go that way, all twelve years of my educated days. But whatever it was, I only saw it once... upon a time.

My mode of transportation was always via bicycle.  My first was a shiny black with big silver accessories. Every bike I saw I wanted. It became an obsession. At twelve years of age I had a plan; delivering newspapers to all the neighbors. Every new subscription won me a bonus. Every neighbor I saw I wanted, but I could only sign them up once... upon a time.

The graveyard had a little door. I stood there knocking on it, calculating the costs for daily delivery; dollar signs ($$) in my eyes. A raspy voice answered my knock, "What do you want little boy?" Immediately in my mind, appeared hundreds of bikes I'd coveted over the last few years of my young life. "I'm selling subscriptions for the daily newspaper. I can start delivering tomorrow. Would you be interested?"

'Raspy' answered, "You're talking about paper, but you want bikes?" I began to shake a bit; how did the voice know that? "By the way," Raspy asked, "are you the one who's been hitting my door with a newspaper? You have no idea how much that echoes through the cemetery; enough to wake the dead I tell ya!"

"I apologize. It won't happen again." Won't happen again; what an idiot! Yes, I did say that once... upon a time. Raspy took the paper after she/he made me peek at her/his form for two seconds. (Silent scream)

Until the day I was in a hurry to celebrate Halloween. I rushed my route to get home and change into a scary costume. It was going to be great. And my Dad was bringing home my new bike!! (I felt like howling at the moon.) Simply forgetting that I was on the last leg of my route I began slinging out newspapers and hitting porches, pooches, and doors... doors... uh-oh...once.... upon a time. Pedalling as fast I could from the cemetery... oh no... I was home and safe. I hadn't been turned into a toad or something worse.

OH Halloween, here I come. Home to the new bike! It was fabulous. I rode to the party, doing 'wheelies' and 'burn outs'; basically showing off. At midnight the bike disappeared from under me. One minute I was riding and the next minute, I was laid out on the ground. It was the same thing every year after that. Every Halloween, no matter what bike I rode to a party, collecting treats, or playing tricks, the bike I was on would disappear!!

I'm just an old man now and I met a former mate; we chatted about childhood days. He used to travel the neighborhood every Christmas and sell candy. The most popular choice were the fiery hot balls that you suck on. Your mouth explodes into pain! He told the tale of knocking at the cemetery door. A hideous creature answered, ordered the fire balls and lost it's voice. Since then every Christmas is devoid of candy in his stocking. It just disappears. (That got me to thinking about all the Christmas candy, over the years, which had shown up in my Halloween bag of treats!? However I kept my mouth shut; surely it wasn't that once... upon a time thingy?

I told him about my luck and the many, many bicycles. He cocked his head a bit to the left and asked, "You met Raspy?" So there it was out... I felt relieved knowing someone I knew knew about that creature. "Yes," I replied, "Why do you ask?"

"I've got your bicycles!" Sure enough, on the backside of the hotel he inherited from his Grandfather, were lots of bicycles. I knew them all. But there was one missing, hm? My mate and I decided to take a ride to the cemetery.... just once... for old time sake. And there found the last bike I ever owned... once... upon a time!

I now own a candy store right next to my friend's bike shop. And Raspy... what happened to she/he?  I don't know. Besides that was once upon a time... but only once.

The end. Thanks for reading this true tale, made up entirely by myself.

"Charlotte Town"

Charlotte is a beautiful city that I call home. Born and raised here, I am one of the few Charlotteans left. It's as if we are a nursery, letting go when our own individual passion is discovered. You will find us all over the world... and we are happy.

What have we received in return for sending our citizens onward? Our beauty, our weather, and various significant businesses have brought us a diverse blend of cultures. In my own neighborhood there are no less than six different countries represented.  They also hail from different states of America. The melting pot is very much alive here.

Hope is a word close to my heart. I observe the children playing up and down the street and I hope for their bonding to build for the future of our nation. I want them to get along. I want them to be happy despite all adversity. It is a gift to accomplish... and I have hope.

I'll close with a bit of history trivia.

In 1768 "Charlotte Town" is incorporated, which means the new town will have a courthouse and a prison. Even though the residents disagree with laws set forth by Britain, they hope that naming the town for Queen Charlotte will win favor with her husband, England's King George III.  (Wikipedia)

Charlotte Douglas International Airport: Queen Charlotte

Breaking news? really?

Hi, I just wanted to let everyone know that America does not have a brain eating epidemic. Our government issued travel warnings for a couple of states. Homeland-ish security says, "There's no problem," and they have set up meetings with the zombies to negotiate Florida. It's the first state to have had brains devoured. The department further states, "Washington is ideal for this meeting. We expect  to have a cerebral good time."

In the pink

Grandma was a mobster
her truck was painted pink
She'd haul a load of lobster
and clean 'em in her sink

Everyone knew Grandma
and listened for the horn
Today she mowed down Grandpa
bent him over in the corn

She cried all night and day
until she bought that mink
Insurance paid her way
for piercings and some ink

A ring went in her nose
a diamond in her tongue
A tattoo of a rose
she'd only just begun...

In-the-pink

yay!

Flocking for help

"They" say, experience makes the fella. It certainly turned out that way for me this week. I've had two very long days working with a helpful organization. (7 a.m. - 4 p.m.) I admit I approached the task with a bit of apprehension. I don't want to say that I felt it beneath my status to be there, but I really did, at first. Nothing and no one could have prepared for the joy I walked away with, from those two days. (If you're bored, leave now.)

(Most of you know that I was hospitalized seven times between April and August.) 

Okay so I got behind in my power bill. Yes electricity is one of my most favorite things to have around and ON. Literally I was backed into a corner of borrowing, stealing, selling my first born child, or seeking this helpful organization. Oh golly gee yes! I needed help. What? Yes, poor little dcrelief was sadly inundated with medical bills and cruising toward broke. 

Here's the real "meat" of my story: I had the extreme pleasure of meeting some of the nicest people in the world there. Gosh - we were all broke, devastated by the economy, or running out of children to sell. One minute I was talking with an 87 year old woman, raising four grandchildren, and the next, talking with a 24 year old, fresh out of prison, who wanted to attend art school. On and on it went, meeting, talking, and/or sharing the fears of America's future. Our future!

It was the first time in almost 20 years since I had been there... remarkably things were the same. Same method of herding the long line of sheeple into the help zone. But while we stood, a massive line of some 400 people, we began to connect. It was awesome! It didn't matter whether you'd lost everything or barely holding onto the little you had... we connected. Rich, middle-class, poor, and indigent... we connected because in one way or another, we needed help.

Because there were so many of us, many of us had to return the next day. So I found myself part of a large group spending the two days together, in expectation. We even began to applaud for each other as our names were called to come forward.( "Hey, hey, hey; you'll be out of here soon!") I just wish I could help my readers absorb the good naturedness of it all. Some might say: "This then, is America." To me that's not even an issue. To me,  this is what I want the world to be like. Hugging goodbye, blessing each other, and really wanting to see each other again... no words do it justice.

Strangely I had a brilliant idea...hmm? Maybe I will go once a month or so and hang out. Hopefully I won't need the help again. I sure did learn lots of things that I might have otherwise waited a lifetime to experience. For once I felt like a "people-person"; someone hanging out just to get to know people. I'd almost forgotten why I was there until my name was called. Tears were in the eyes of a few of us as we waved goodbye.

Thank you for reading this post. A long but necessary rendering of how humanity can exist. It's a choice.

What month is this?

September is for grooming
all the witches come to strut  ~
and the loathesome ogres grunt
when the wolves begin to hunt
and their teeth show wicked white
as they pant for blood at night.

September is for dwelling
in sacred shadows, dark  ~
the cackling of the witches
doth hold the ogres in stiches
when wolves begin to scream
the moon reveals their dream.

September is for resting
for the hallowed night is near  ~
thou witch of silvery voice
with ogres and wolves, of course
shall call the skulls to rise
to be the night time's eyes.

Coming to a theatre nearby  ~

Paralympics Closing Ceremony

All reviews I read have praised the Paralympics. My heart really wanted to be able to watch them up close and personal. Hopefully the next one will be given the same focus and attention as the regular Olympics. But it's NBC for USA... time will tell.

Please share if you were able to go to any event. Or did you get to watch it all? Share, share, and share!

Prepare yourselves

Yes, almost that scary time of year again. And no, it has nothing to do with the America Presidential election. Although I could place a few in the bushes to ward off the campaign volunteers knocking on my door, asking: "Are you registered to vote? Would you like for us to vote for you?"

That's right... don't even open the door. Four years ago they already knew my name, my home phone and cell numbers, where my secret diary was, and why I like red drawers.(Shh, I just had to let them vote for me last time, as I couldn't remember where my diary was.)(smile)

At my home there's certainly no shortage for cardboard rolls; half a dozen in a three day stretch. I know your thoughts! You might want to order some from me. Just enough to place in the bushes to frighten your own choice spooks. Yes, Halloween, here in the states... and maybe... coming to a town near you!!

There's no charge for the rolls, but the postage will make you think twice. So sit on your throne and reflect on what you need. Gives new meaning to: "I'm at your disposal."

:P

Bottom feeder

On my way to read everyone else blogs, I thought to leave a few words here. Yet nothing came to mind so instead I read everyone else blogs first. What a variety of people and the stuff they publish amazes me; certainly I feel overwhelmed by today's "catch" of good reads!!

I've been a bottom feeder for the last few weeks. Seven trips to the hospital emergency room has left me with a slight writer's block. Well, it's actually seven trips since April. But "land-a-goshen" a diagnosis has been finally found. This is to let you (or whoever is reading this) know that I'll be back in the saddle again... soon. Until then I'll be at the bottom feeding, and hope to be my clowning around self shortly.

Thank you :)

Paralympic Bloggers

Fifty athletes will write their own blogs!! See the story below.


["Samsung Paralympic Bloggers
The blogs will help to bring 'Everyone's Games' to life with exclusive behind-the-scenes accounts of 50 Paralympic athletes as they take part in the London 2012 Games.

Whether it's life in the Village, training with their coach or what inspires them, throughout the London 2012 Paralympic Games athletes from 18 countries and 16 sports will be using a Samsung GALAXY Note to capture their thoughts.

The programme forms part of Samsung's 'Sport Doesn't Care Who You Are' campaign, designed to challenge the public's attitude towards Paralympic athletes and sport, and to encourage a focus on ability not disability.

London 2012 Organising Committee Chair Seb Coe said: ‘This project will provide a unique opportunity to get a behind the scenes look at the Paralympic Games through the eyes of the athletes themselves.' "]

http://www.london2012.com/paralympics/news/articles/athlete-blogs-give-behind-the-scenes-glimpse-the-games.html

Exciting news to me. I've never heard of this being done before. Maybe we'll get a chance to read some of the fifty blogs. What do you think about this??

2012 Paralympic games

NBC provided 5535 hours of Olympic coverage. US Paralympians get 10 daily video high light package on Youtube. Seems like a pretty big variation. And this makes it very difficult for little observers like myself.

I've heard so much enthusiasm and doubt if the lack of coverage will defeat the spirit. Many people over here are big fans and so we'll see. I may have to rely on the fan's postings to get the best views of the games. Until then, I offer a unique video I found.


http://youtu.be/kKTamH__xuQ

In our world...

I watch the water cover my feet
the sand between my toes is neat...
The foam at play and I am smitten
by wondrous coast that is Great Britain...

The boats I sail along the shore

caught by the wind and waves of yore...

Are found by boys that love the sea

And soon they sail them back to me...

In my dreams are thoughts of agility

to conquer life through my ability...

My strength is stronger than the labels

of those who fear a life disabled...

So one may swim, one may sail,

one may ride into the gale...

Yet we are here to give our best...

and give the word, disabled, a happy rest...

In our world... we are the normal.

Has the Post gone postal?

Ben Ainslie fan arrested for painting post box in honour of Olympic hero

http://www.metro.co.uk/olympics/908247-ben-ainslie-fan-arrested-for-painting-post-box-in-honour-of-olympic-hero#ixzz24TZ3HTRB

Jessica Ennis's golden postbox vandalised with graffiti in Sheffield 

http://www.metro.co.uk/olympics/907873-jessica-enniss-golden-postbox-vandalised-in-sheffield#ixzz24TYn7mxs

Royal mix-up gives Laura Trott double gold postbox recognition 

http://www.metro.co.uk/olympics/907536-royal-mix-up-gives-laura-trott-double-gold-postbox-glory#ixzz24TZGicNo

Come on, just a little fun!!

Look what we found...

http://img.metro.co.uk/i/pix/360pictures/Day18/360-henry-stuart-closing-ceremony-15/tour.html

Britain's got talent (again)

That talent is coming from all parts of the world descending upon London very soon. Very soon you and I will find ourselves even more amazed by the determined spirit of  'these games'. Experiencing what they experience is not quite possible, unless we have a similar existence. But we are able to understand emotions, mental fortitude, and physical pain. So clear your mind and watch the games!!

Meanwhile, I will offer tidbits of information and photos that simply amaze. Thanks for reading ~


The London 2012 Paralympic Games are the second largest sporting event in the world, after the Olympics, and begin August 29th. Four thousand elite disabled athletes will compete in 20 sports. Many of the sports are familiar, like swimming, biking, but others — like boccia and goalball — are unique to the Paralympics.

Our host country: There will be 301 athletes competing for Paralympics GB next week; 186 men and 115 women. Seven of the athletes are under 16 while 10 are over 50.

Sitting Volleyball World Championships 2010: Britain!

Side note: The Games will mark an interesting debut for the Rwandan sitting volleyball team. It has been set up by two disabled athletes who both lost limbs fighting against each other on opposing sides of the Hutu against Tutsi war and subsequent genocide in the 1990s. Ironic!

Okay let's post ~ more another time.

The Paralympic Games

The Paralympic Games begins Wednesday, August 29, 2012, and ends Sunday, September 9, 2012.

www.London2012.com

 'The Paralympic Torch

During the 24 hour Paralympic Torch Relay, the five team members will each carry their own Torch, passing the Flame between one another, as they complete their section of the  Relay. The Torch has been created to represent modernity and innovation, with a mirrored finish reflecting the light of the Flame and teams of Torchbearers that carry it.
On Wednesday 22 August, with just one week to go to the Games, four Flames will be lit at the summit of the highest peaks of the four UK nations on Wednesday 22 August.
Groups of disabled and non-disabled Scouts will ascend Scafell Pike (England), Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa (Wales), Ben Nevis (Scotland) and Slieve Donard (Northern Ireland) where they will use the traditional technique of rubbing flint to create sparks and kindle a flame.
Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG, said: ‘By creating the four Flames through human endeavour at the four highest peaks in the UK we will ensure that the spirit of each home nation is represented in the Paralympic Flame.’
The Flames will then be transferred to each nation’s capital city where they will each become the focus for a day of Paralympic celebrations. On Tuesday 28 August the Flames will be united in Stoke Mandeville – the spiritual home of the Paralympic Movement – to create the London 2012 Paralympic Flame.
At 8pm that evening, the Paralympic Flame will embark on its 24-hour Relay, with 116 teams of five Torchbearers set to carry the Flame on its journey to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford."

Note from dc: This photo makes a great screensaver!!

Photo post ~ no words ~ could be your favourite!!

Halt! Who goes there?

A very quiet day ~ just the day before.

No wind, no rain; just lovely stars above. Crash!
No telephone, no television, no internet for four days. 
With that, no Olympic Closing Ceremony.

Still we had a great time with everyone! 

Hope you enjoyed our silly posts!

Most sincerely,

The "dcrelief Olympic News Crew"

News Flash!

@ 2 a.m., my beloved tree took a dive across the front yard! It's the tree in the very middle of the photo. Wow! I'm really grateful it had more limbs on the side toward the street than towards the house. All the way across the yard, across the street and into my neighbor's yard and power lines... it crashed.

Unfortunately I did not have enough hot dogs and hamburgers to treat everyone who came.

These people deserve gold medals for their promptness and service. Thank you.
The local police department.
The local energy dept.
The local cable service
The local telephone service
The local city dispatch service
The local tree cutters union # 74

Okay, so I'm being nice... and already wondering about that bill. Hmm?

no mystery here

Could it be...

...modern day blimps?

Almost... Time to say... la-la-la

Almost... time to say goodbye...
...but first there's the weekend events to drive us wild!

My four years of my life, and (&^%) years of Dixie's life... and neither of us know the words to the song for the Olympic closing ceremony. Do you know the real lyrics to this song?
We are not addressing those who speak Italian; you already know! We are addressing those who would like to learn it. Then you can sing along come this Sunday. Unfortunately that's closing time... we'll get to that subject later. Enjoy!

~ Alistair Cookie

Goal tending

Oh why haven't I thrown around the total golds, silvers and bronzes of the US team? Where is that old time Yank arrogance? Come on you know... every red bloodied American wants  to beat everyone! It's not that I'm disinterested in medals; I find it meddlesome to worry about  the count. My approach has been very different.

The Olympic experience is so large, yet many countries do not attend for various reasons. Still there is no reason why we cannot cheer on the greatest athletes sent to challenge themselves. Yes, that is their greatest challenge. Only 'the rule' and 'corporate thug-bunnies' make it obscene. My goal has been to applaud every person who crosses a finish line, a balance beam,  a judo throw, a jumping horse, a vollied ball, and many, many other accomplishments.  After all I am here for the spectator's table seat. What these athlete's bring to the table is hard work  and desire. Most are grateful to qualify to attend. Should, couldn't, wouldn't I be too? I think so.

For this post I thank the host for the most fun, so far!!

Lost narrator; 27 inches tall; 37 pounds...

The previous message we received from Alistair Cookie, esquire and great narrator, was from the Equestrian Event. He rubbed elbows with the 'Royals,' hob-nobbed with the Rolling Stones, got the autograph of Sir Paul McCartney, and was dazzled by the tiny grand-daughter the of Olympic Ceremony's Director.

His latest dispatch was delivered by a wayward pizza-guy who road a glorious bike, wore a spectacular helmet, and displayed "GBR" on a white placard pinned to his chest. Like a boomerang in Australia, he flipped a smallish envelope into the air, turning seven times and lightly touching down upon the ground. What now? 

Dear dcrelief Olympic Reporting Team:

My dear tiny friend has invited me to the mall. Not that I enjoy window shopping but she promises it to be more exciting that the 88th ride of "The London Eye." Whatever it is, it is free, and that's for me! Besides she has cookies... I think I'm in love.

Oh well, if you've seen one mall you've probably seen them all. I'll let you should I come across any sales. Got to go, our bikes are here. Must be a big mall if it requires a bike to get around. Ta-ta & toodles. ~Al.

Can't wait to hear how the shopping went!(smile) Seriously, have the London stores and businesses been busy there? I'm hoping it boosts the economy!

Full House

Though I wasn't schooled in all of the athletic skills that occurred here, I found myself amazed by the sheer determination of the competitors. And still there are continuing daily. I hope some of my blog pals got to see some of the events; it would be nice to have some inside knowledge.

Meanwhile, Alistair is heaps in love; we may never see him until the closing, if even then. The cameraman... I believe I've informed you of his taking up and off with the Brazilian Volleyball Team; we're reasonably sure it was the women's team.

And me? So many things to see... I'll let the pictures explain what I'm ignorant of.(smile).

Is it just me, or does this photo resemble a whale's mouth about to swallow the viewers? And a giant blowhole. I think I must be tired or daft. What do you see?

Winlock & Mandeville

According to 'legend' they came from the last girder placed in the Olympic Stadium. They represent two tiny drops of steel. Is that for real? 2012's mascots for the London Olympics and Para-Olympics.

Okay.

The flying squirrel

Oh wow!

Ring around the moon

A magnificent moon peers through the Olympic rings on Friday, August 03, 2012.

A new sport category...

As if James Bond and HRH could be topped?
What say ye, England?