Ruminations of a Small Town Mountain Boy

Small Town Mountain Boy has Turned Gypsy

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 22:08:00 +0000

Hello everyone, it has been a very long time since I posted here. I thank you all for coming around to check on me and leaving such wonderful comments. (Except all the spam there seems to be.)

I am doing fine, and finally have started blogging again. However I am now on WordPress. You can find Me at Wandering Gypsy Spirit . I will leave my blogs up here on blogger, perhaps to revisit at some point.

I do need to get around and visit everyone, bear with me, I will get there sooner later.

Life by Three Clocks

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 03:24:00 +0000

Life on the road, is so very freeing, as long as you follow a few simple rules. I live my life by three clocks, 11, 14, and 70 hours have become the most important hours of my meager existence. I can only drive for 11 hours each day, with out a 10 hour consecutive break. I can only be on duty and driving, for a total of 14 consecutive hours each day. And I can only work a total of 70 duty hours in 8 days. Sound confusing, it’s not really. If you can drive for 8 1/2 to 9 hours each day, you never run out of time, because at the end of the 8 days, you start getting the hours from day 1 back at midnight. So you see on day 9 you’re getting the time from day 1 back, day 10 you get day 2 and so on. That way you can run nearly continuously without having to do a reset.

Now if you run out of duty hours on the 70 hour clock, there is a little thing called a 34 hour reset. If I remain off duty or in the sleep berth for 34 consecutive hours, it resets all my time. The problem with a 34 hour reset is… your setting, not running, and hence not making any money. It’s always best to manage the hours instead of letting the hours manage you. Easy to say, but not that easy to accomplish. I did well while I had students on the truck, because running as a team you can spread out the drive time. As a solo, it can be a little more difficult, especially when the load delivery time is fairly pressing.

I have to admit, I like running solo far more than being a trainer. It’s my nature you see, I’m just a lone wolf, and prefer to be alone. Nothing but my own thoughts, and a little music to keep me company. Of course there is the traffic around me, but there is no changing that. I’m enjoying my time as solo for a little while, kind of taking a breather from being cooped up in the truck with a stranger for a little while.

Being a trainer is a little strange for me. Imagine that you just got your dream car, say a Corvette. Now meet a random person on the street, not knowing if they can even drive, and toss them the keys. OH, you also have to get in the passenger seat and ride with them! To say the least, it can be a little nerve wracking. I was lucky, my first two students were not all that bad. Other than a few personal quirks, that had nothing at all to do with driving, we got along just fine. They helped me run the extra miles, and make some money. After a month and a half though, I had to take a breather.

I’ve been running solo for two weeks now. I even managed to get a load through Fort Worth with enough time I could take a 34 hour reset at home. I’ve enjoyed it to be sure, but I will have to pick up another student soon so I can make the miles. Right now I am a phase 2 trainer, which means that I am to teach them the business end of the job. It's all about fuel mileage, maintenance, paperwork and managing hours. Once you get that down, everything else falls into place. In theory, the students are supposed to know how to drive. After I complete 6 months with no accidents, I can become a phase 1 trainer, where I would be teaching them how to drive. I actually think that will be more fun.

Until then, I just keep on rolling, living my life by three clocks.

A Delayed; not by choice; Post

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 04:03:00 +0000

I must apologize, the lack of posts seem to have worried a few people. I have been having problems with the WYFI on my laptop, or to be more accurate, the WYFI available at the truck stops. It’s sad really, that you have to pay for WYFI service that is of such poor quality you can hardly remain online for more than 10 minutes at a time. Luckily, I now have a broadband connection VIA air card. If all goes well, you can expect a few more frequent posts from the tumbleweed express.

To give you an idea of what I have been doing for the last month and a half or more, let me share my odometer reading. I acquired the truck on December 22, and it had 1,400 miles on it at the time. As of the time of this post, I have 38,126 miles on the blue beauty. To say the least, I have been rolling along quite well. In the past few months, I have been in every one of the lower 48 states except Washington, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Delaware, and Rohde Island. A few of them I seem to be spending a lot of time in, or at least driving through.

I survived the last batch of severe winter storms with no trouble, and I was right in the middle of them. Apparently, I am suited to the I 80 corridor, and they seem to like sending me to New York of all places. I feel sorry for those of you who have to drive the George Washington bridge on a daily basis. I can’t think of any other road in such a pitiful state of disrepair. I do believe a person could lose one of these new sub compact cars in the pot holes on that stretch of road.

I’ll post a few more things later in the week, for right now, I need a little sleep, so I’ll save the good stuff for when I have a clear head.

The Wanderer

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 21:16:00 +0000

I have fallen under the spell of an old and familiar master once again. Wander lust, has taken a firm hold and settled in my spirit. The love of travel and seeing new places, or even old places in a new setting each and every day, triggers such strange and pleasant sensations. The view from my window changes every moment of every day, seldom revealing the exact same scene. A new sunset in a differing setting each evening, followed by a wondrous kaleidoscope of colors. Sunrises just as vibrant and promising as any I have ever seen follow with dawns early light.

It’s amazing to me that I am privileged to view these scenes from a new and interesting vantage every day. This I think is the greatest reward of the new life I have undertaken. To say the least, I am having entirely too much fun, and covering a wonderful amount of miles each week. I did finally make it home for a night, just after New Years. I picked some stuff to supply the truck, and spent a nice night and day with Blinda. Then it was off to the road once more, seeing me head right back north to Ontario Or., and then east to Illinois.

I’ll be head back south very soon, a border town, that is quickly becoming familiar to me. From there who knows where I’ll be, I certainly don’t. I’ll just enjoy the ride, take in the view, and count my blessings.

A quick update

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 02:23:00 +0000

Well, I have my new truck. She’s a real beauty, and handles the loads quite well. The best part of all, is that it gives me a certain level of freedom. I signed for her on Wednesday, and had my first load Thursday night, yep that’s right December 23 rd. Well needless to say I didn’t exactly make it home for Christmas. That’s quite alright though for I have had a fun time of it anyway. To the left here, is a picture of my truck, a brand spanking new 2011 Freightliner Cascadia that only had 1400 miles on it when I Got it. I even went grocery shopping, and stocked it up so I have plenty of food and water to last me for a while.

I spent Christmas eve, in Buffalo New York, sitting patiently at a “Service Plaza” On the Parkway. I was out of hours, and had to stop for the day. Christmas Day saw me picking up my second load, and starting a long journey across the upper half of the US. I started out in Freonia New York, and drove south and west around the lower tip of Lake Erie. Then through Chicago, and back north around Lake Michigan to Ironwood, Mi.. I spent the day there, thenn headed west through the rural back roads of Wisconsin and Minnesota. Some really beautiful country if you haven’t been that way before. I was slightly reminded of the Summit County area in Colorado, with heavy snow and thick forested residential areas.

Today, I spent in Bismarck North Dakota, and am now sitting fat and happy in Billings Montana. Both state’s offer some fabulous views, and picturesque countryside. I was especially impressed with sections of western North Dakota, and most of Montana that I have seen. I loved watching the sunrise in the mirror, as it lit the snow covered fields and hills in a spectacular reflected glow. There is just something about a fresh blanket of snow to really reset the mind and spirit. Not to mention, seeing for miles upon miles of rolling prairie and field, then on into what I would consider hills, not quite mountains yet.

I head off to Idaho next, and then who knows where. I suspect though, I’ll be heading east and south through Wyoming, Colorado, Oklahoma, and down to Texas. Only the load planers know for sure, and I won’t find out until I finish this load, all 2300 miles of it. I wish I had done this a long time ago. Here’s some more pictures of my baby.

Rough Roads

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 17:39:00 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

Come in many forms, seldom having anything to do with the condition of the road surface.

Mile by mile, life rolls on, consistent and refreshing. Amazing how things seem to just occur at the right moment.

I have spent the last two weeks feeling trapped in a truck and enjoying very little of it. It had not a thing to do with where I was going or had been, but with the person I was with. Some people should not be in a social situation at all. In my short 44 years, I have met very few people who I could not get along with… until two weeks ago.

My nemesis appeared in the form of an older man with a bitter outlook toward life. He didn’t look any different than every other person, nor did he at first display his antisocial patterns. However, it did not take long for me to discover that he was a very unhappy and bitter person in his heart. One who believed no other had achieved his level of intelligence or experience. While holding himself at a level far superior than was fact, he stepped on those around him driving them down as best he could.

I am not one to let people put me down, or try to take from me my own sense of normalcy. So this matching was one of oil and water and provided for a constant level of strain. There were a few times I did bite my tongue, holding back the vicious rebuttal that strived so hard for release from my lips. I played my hand well and waited the opportunity to escape the confines of that truck.

When my chance came in the form of a very generous fellow trucker, who was kind enough to provide a ride where I needed to go. I bettered my compatriot by shaking his hand and wishing him well in future endeavors. Not by attempting to tear him down in order to elevate myself. The next few days were quite pleasant, traveling in peace and quiet, while enjoying the environment around me.

As they say, all's well that ends well and I sit here very near Lake Michigan, waiting for upgrade and assignment to my truck. I will even get to see an old friend from class who just happens to be on her way here as we speak. We’ll be upgrading together, and starting off the adventure to come at the same time. I’m looking forward to the future, and trying hard to forget the recent past.

Visions of The Road

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 01:13:00 +0000

I watch through my windshield as the moon rises… while the sun sets in the mirrors. Two very separate wonders,each visually stunning in its own right. Two very distinct instances, occurring at the same moment in time. A brief juncture… a pause in time, I witness as the road whispers, beckoning me to follow. Where it will take me, I know not. Yet I feel the anticipation with each mile that slides by. Miles, marked not by poles or signs, but by esthetic visions of beauty.

The sights, are sometimes hard to describe… so striking, individual, and momentary. I am privileged to view sunsets from all over the states and it still amazes me. One day I see the sun rise over the Appalachian mountains, the sunset in Salt Lake City that evening. A mystically vibrant moon, hanging low over an Arizona Desert mountain, draped with shadows. The ominous storm shrouded moon of the Wyoming wilderness, seemingly veiled in steamy lace.

I spent the last few weeks, crisscrossing the United States. Starting from North Carolina, across to Salt lake City, then off to Pennsylvania and Ohio. We had a brief pause there, just long enough to do our laundry, then we’re rolling again. Southern California was the next destination, not necessarily of choice. We had actually been set to visit Colorado, but got sidetracked and had to swap loads. After a quick visit to Yuma Arizona, we were off once again to the north east, and the area of great lakes. Anticipating a short run to the south, we were disappointed to find ourselves navigating a winter wonderland in Wyoming and Idaho. Then finally a fast run south toward the border and home again. All within the time period of just over a week.

Needless to say, boring the job is not. In a little over 7 days, we managed to put more than 8000 miles behind us. I do believe it would have been more, except for the fact we got caught twice by road closures in Wyoming. Two days it took us to cross Wyoming into Idaho, and back again. The weather and roads, made me feel very much at home, for it was just like a good old fashioned blizzard in South Park. My trainer was blessed in that he had two trainees with previous experience who knew how to drive. I even taught him how to put tire chains on the truck, a feat he had successfully avoided for many years.

I made it home for Thanksgiving, just barely. Now I’m once again in classroom training for a few days. Then I’ll be assigned a phase two driver and have to spend some time making them some money. Eventually, I will get into my own truck and have a chance to take a breath, perhaps even enjoy some of the scenery I travel through. I’m still enjoying the ride, and making the best of everything, biding my time until it’s my turn to make the cash.

The adventure is still fresh

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 10:19:00 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

Life behind the wheel, has turned out even better than I remembered. Of course right now, the money is not all that great, but the mobility sure is. In the past week, I’ve managed to catch a sunset or sun rise in seven different states. What other job allows a person to do that? I spend a lot of time sitting behind the windshield, gawking at the scenery, both natural and man made. Not to mention the spectacle that is humankind in general.

I am certainly having fun with this, and I think it can only get better. To give a quick little breakdown, I spent a couple of nights in Laredo, Tx. Then we were off for Fort Smith Arkansas, via Oklahoma. Surprisingly enough, we headed back to Laredo once again, and ended up spending two days there. Amazing at times, just how long it takes to get a truck unloaded and then reloaded. The next adventure led me across five states in a 24 hr period. We headed east, to Florida, and traveled through Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Then Florida.

Surprisingly enough to me, Florida was pretty darn cold. I woke up to 34 degrees, and was shivering in the bunk. After two days in the sunny state, we’re now off toward Georgia. Can’t wait to see what sights await my viewing pleasure.

A Laredo Sunrise

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 17:12:00 +0000

Image by tricky ™ via Flickr

My first trip was a quick little run down to Laredo, Tx. We left late in the evening, and I drove a short while from around 11:30 PM until 2:00 AM, arriving early. We sat and waited for the 5:00 AM appointment, sleeping a little and for me, walking around a little to see what little there was to see. Of course the 5:00 AM drop time turned into a 9:00 AM drop because they didn’t have the room for more trailers. I did get to watch a Laredo sunrise, even if the scene was slightly obscured by warehouses and semi trucks. Maybe next time I’ll find a better place to park where I can get a much clearer view.

After dropping the trailer, we went down the street to the company drop lot, and picked up our next trailer to head north. The load was bound for Wichita Falls, Tx. Funny the first few days, and a I’m still in Texas. We should be getting some loads going elsewhere soon, but I think I’ll end up back in Laredo Wednesday. I guess I’ll just have to wait and see what comes our way.

One of the interesting things, I noticed, is just how well the new trucks run, and quiet too. It’s nice not having to shout just to hear yourself think, like the older trucks. They ride very nice, almost to nice at times, making it a little to easy to get comfortable. Of course it helps that the truck I’m in is brand new, with less than 20,000 miles on it. Pretty sweet for a first ride.

There is an interesting cross-section of the population in the trucking industry. You can see people from all over at the warehouses and drop yards, not to mention truck stops. This is going to be a very interesting ride.

Quote of the Day:
Pessimist: One who, when he has the choice of two evils, chooses both.
--Oscar Fingall O’Flahertie Wills Wilde

The Call of The Road

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 17:21:00 +0000

Image by VerismoVita via Flickr

Beckons my soul, bewitching my spirit!

Hours, now only a few, till my departure. I wait on baited breath for those fabled adventures sure to be less exciting than I imagine. I look forward to the coming endeavors even more enthusiastically now than before. It’s Sunday afternoon, and I join my trainer at 6:00 PM tonight. Then we’ll set off on the road, to the south first… then to what journey I shall be led… remains unknown to me.

I have discovered kindness and generosity still lives even in these troubled times. Through those very virtues, I now have the means to post updates and keep up with my blogs. I was given the opportunity to acquire a very nice laptop, and have been getting it all set up. Now I will have the tools to write the stories I discover, even while on the road. The good news is that I can now share my adventures as often as Internet is available.

For those of you who may have the privilege of owning a Kindle, my blog is available by subscription through the Kindle store, along with Footprints In Time. I hope to be posting updates on a regular basis, giving a glimpse into the adventure I’m starting this fine day. I’ll write from Laredo, just as soon as I can, if there is Wi-Fi available there.

A Pause in Time

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 04:05:00 +0000

Image by mricon via Flickr

The commencement of a new dawn, shedding it’s warming light, is such a welcome and long sought sight. Today, I feel like a tumble weed, rolling along under that glow of brilliant shimmering light. A single entity, propelled by the whim of friendly breezes, trimmed and shaped by fate’s fickle fingers.

I have finished the first stage of my schooling. A stringent course requiring long hours, and diligent study. Even though I already possessed the required license, I learned much and discovered many advancements and changes in the industry.All of my previous experience did help, and made for an interesting outlook on what has become of long familiar career.

Tomorrow, I set forth on phase two of my adventure. A welcome change to the struggle as I will start to earn a little money once again. Although this stage shall cause a pause in my internet activities, as I have yet to get a lap top. Until the time I can afford such a luxury, I sadly must put my blogging life on hold.

I’ll be thinking of all my friends here in the blogosphere, and dreaming of the day I get to share the stories I stumble across in my travels. Until that time, I wish you all good luck and prosperous days.

Sunday’s Solitude

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 22:44:00 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

The closing of one era of life, is like a grand sunset… with the color and character of life emblazoning the evening sky. It is a time of transition… changes from one mode of life to another. I feel as though, I can enjoy the view of retrospect. Relishing the vision of a colorful horizon fading into the shadows of nights welcome duskiness. Enjoying the memories that are the paint upon a canvas of personal history.

Always, upon change, there is doubt. Yet, I try hard to push that aside… curl up tight in a warming, comfortable blanket of anticipation. This is a time of introspection and thoughtful mediation. A chance to look back and appreciate the good while accepting the paltry times of the past few years. I can assure you, there is much to appreciate and relish. I have many memories that will be added to my collection of pearls of nostalgia. Precious jewels I can examine, hold, clean, and polish until they gleam with a sheen like no other.

My anticipation of what is to come is nearly uncontrollable. Like the dawning of a new day, filled with the promise of all that is imaginable. I think of it as a sunrise of amazing beauty, color, and potential. The crisp coolness of morning breezes to welcome a new day, venturing forth from shadows of yesterday. Peeking out through the grey of early morning, enjoying the shifting colors of a clear sky. Grey turns to starting blue, through a breathtaking spectrum of color, until the sun is fully risen above the confines of the guarded horizon.

A dayspring of unique calm greets my cognition. My canvas is clean, fresh, and stretched tight across a sturdy frame. Placed on an easel of experience, situated just so. I await the paint to mix and mingle on a palette of achievement. I can’t wait to see what colors and textures will be spread across that clean fresh canvas. I wonder at what portrait or landscape of pulchritude might be created.

Sleep this night, may be fitful. Not for worry or apprehensiveness, but for anticipation of what is to come. Excitement bleeds form my conscious ideas, as I look forward with dreams of productive prosperity. As one vision is met, faced with anticipation, another is formed and fed. It’s a cycle I hope never ends, one that sustains me more than ever before.

The quality of strength lined with tenderness is an unbeatable combination, as are intelligence and necessity when unblunted by formal education. – Maya Angelou, via Quotations Book.

Hidden Paths Illuminated Under A New Dawn

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 05:49:00 +0000

Image by perfect_hexagon via Flickr

Too many times, one has only to look in the right direction at the correct time.

The darkened shadows of night fade, turning grey in an early morning light. The sun struggles to rise, yet is still hidden below the dark line of a distant horizon. As the sky turns slowly from grey to blue, I can appreciate the start of a new day. The blossoming colors of a burning sky welcome my weary eyes, and greet a new dawn.

Just as the sun clears the horizon, I turn to face west, determined to trudge onward. That is when I see it, hidden from sight during the shadows of night, and direct light of full day. Yet as the sun rises, shining across the desert at an angle, my path is marked, clear and vibrant in colors not of the desert.

Had I not looked at that moment, I could have missed my opportunity. A path so visible, yet hidden, leading from a desolate place of heat and strife to the shelter and sustenance of a welcoming mountain range. I find the fateful act of looking in the right place… at just the right moment, so intriguing and curious. My spirit is bolstered… sustained with hopeful anticipation.

I simply have to focus on the path, commit it to memory, and stay the course. It’s a short distance indeed, to those lovely mountains of my dreams, the sustenance and security I have been seeking. The journey won’t be without peril, nor trials of spirit and body. There will be a certain suffering along the way, famine will be a constant companion, yet I can see the end so near. All I have to do, is to keep to the path, and sight such visible landmarks to guide my route. Thankfully there is plentiful water from savored sources, all along my destined path.

Finally… at last, a chance, perhaps the one I have been waiting for. All I had to do was look away from the sunrise… toward the path I must follow to see the clearly defined route.

“A Question of Trust” I Got Mine!

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 02:56:00 +0000

Just When I needed it most.

One of the tings I like to do to relax and de-stress, is to sit back and read a good book. Lucky for me, I won a new book in a blog contest, and it came in the mail a couple of weeks ago. With all the stuff I’ve been working on for the last couple of weeks, I almost didn’t get to really sit down and enjoy it. You know what they say, sometimes when you seem to have too much on your plate, you just have to sit back and take a break. So that is exactly what I did, I sat back, took a break and read my new prize, “A Question of Trust” by Carole Thayne Warburton.

Right from the start, I found myself captivated by the characters, especially an old man of distinctly small town attitude and sense of humor. It was easy for me to picture people I actually knew as Herman Anders, a somewhat ailing old man from a tiny back country small town. His western sense of humor brought a grin to my face, as he tormented a magazine reporter in the form of a city girl lost in the country. The fun and intrigue of the second chapter caught my attention, while the old mystery of the first chapter was still fresh in my thoughts, nagging at me to find some answers. I got to meet a few wonderfully fun, small town, country characters and enjoy my own comparisons of the people and places of this book.

Carole Thayne Warburton has done a masterful job of creating an old mystery for the primary focus. Still she adds a few twists, and additional mystery from a newer source, using colorful characters and fabulously thought out settings. I found myself indulging in a few good laughs while at the same time trying to figure out a veiled plot filled mystery and intrigue. There was some suspense, and a little action, and of course a little bit of an emotional rollercoaster for the main character, Stacey WIllis. Poor little Stacey, a city girl from Salt Lake, has traveled to the small western town of Grouse Creek in search of a story. What she finds, is a mystery half a century old, that has more twists and turns than she can follow. Add into the story, an old boyfriend, a new friend she finds very entertaining, and a whole slew of betrayal, and mischief. Who is behind it all? Can Stacey figure it out, and save an old man without hurting him in the process?

I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with plenty of funny small town life added in for good measure. You’ll find yourself becoming attached to some characters, and disliking others with a passion. A Question of Trust by Carole Thayne Warburton, is well worth the read.

Thank You Carole for the book, and the kinds words and autograph.

Desert Travels, Dangerous and Beautiful.

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 19:56:00 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

A story of travels through an envisioned desert, not exactly what you expect.

The desert is barren and dangerous. A predatory land, filled with creatures, many so small they seem insignificant, yet usually the most dangerous. Always a slithering crawling critter crosses the path, altering the route to my envisioned destination. I have learned to be imperturbable, self possessed and observant, above all, thrifty in my decisions. This desert economy has made for trying times with dangers all its own, unique and un-relinquishing.

I have confidence, born of a faith that I will find that oasis of security and prosperity. I know it’s out there, hidden in waves of shimmering heat. All I have to do is avoid the mirages created by an emanating desert swelter. The oasis of an occupation, is waiting, somewhere on the fringes of this untilled wasteland. I can see the promise of the mountains on the horizon, seemingly close… always promising. All I have to do is trudge my way through the deep sands, recognizing and avoiding hazards. I travel from one life sustaining water hole to next, making my way ever towards those distant mountains. My own personal oasis.

Even with all of its dangers, the desert holds a simple beauty. At times I have to look hard, but it’s always there, right in front of my eyes, I just have to choose to see it. The colors of a morning sun, bright and promising, shinning over the sands, creating a kaleidoscope of natural, neutral colors. Vibrant in their own illumination, yet subdued and hard to see when viewed in the wrong light. Sometimes, I have to look hard to see the beauty that is always around me, but I know it’s there, simply waiting to be acknowledged.

Although a desert sunrise can be an enticing allurement, it holds its own warning, find shelter to wait out the incinerate rays of the sun… always a sunset follows. A sunset that heralds safety and security in travel, for I can follow the stars, clearly visible in the heavens above. I simply have to find one of those shelters, or even a temporary oasis to shelter my spirit during the scorching conflagration of day. I trust to the moon and stars to direct me to a path leading to the security and refuge of a solid secure occupation. Thank the deities, for the assurance and sustenance of family and friends, ever by my side, supporting and driving me forward.

I long for the welcome arms of the mountain passes. Always a strenuous climb, with frequent peaks and sure descents, yet always the chance to climb once again. I know that this inhospitable desert is but one of those descents, frightful and sometimes grisly on the surface but holding a simple beauty hidden in the sands. Sometimes, I just have to dig to find it.

Until I find that dream vision, proving for longevity and security, I hold firm to my own wellspring of strength. That never ending supply of confidence and compassion from family. They are the beauty in my desert, an oasis of shelter, the sunset and sunrise that holds promise for a future… my consistency.

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” Mahatma Ghandi, via Quotations Book.

Summer Slumbers

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 22:54:00 +0000

Image by DanRhett via Flickr

I find it interesting, that my most precious memories, are simple flickers in time. One tiny little moment, when time seemed to stand still. When I look back at it, I realize that for at least that one little twinkling in my life, all was balanced and true. In the big picture, there are a multitude of these significant eclipse's in time when all things come to pause, took a breath, then rejoined that never ending continuum that is life. It’s important for me, especially during these trying times, to remember those special fleeting moments. The flickers in time, that defined my spirit, cleared my thoughts, and gave me the strength to go on.

As anyone who has read some of my earlier posts knows, most of these moments were closely related to time spent in the arms of Mother Nature in all her grandeur. One of the things I loved to do on a quiet beautiful Sunday, back home in the mountains, was to go fishing.   I would find one of the many remote little streams, filled with beaver dams, brook, and rainbow trout. This generally entailed a short drive and long hike to get where I desired. The key to my enjoying the fishing was, the seclusion and solitude of less traveled territories.

One of the transcendent events of an adventure in the wilds, especially in the mountains, is the hike in. Walking along a creek bed, through lodge pole pine and aspen covered forests. The strong vibrant fragrances of the mountain forest permeating my senses.   Always an abundance of willow growing near the streams, adding a flash of green with their red orange stalks radiant in the sun. The clear, remarkably brilliant blue of the morning sky, accented with tufts of billowy white clouds. The sounds of the wilderness, combining to compose a music so beautiful and soothing. Songbirds singing their love songs and welcoming those who travel their domain. Crickets chirping that strange singsong melody of their own. The breeze rippling the leaves of aspen and willow, creating a soft balance. The undulation of the creek as it flowed along its time worn path of polished and tumbled stones, giving a steady pleasant chorus, finishing out the composition.

The spot I’m looking for is one near an old beaver dam, perhaps abandoned by its creator. Surrounded by the willows and aspen, a lush green mat of tall grass swaying with the occasional flurry of a fickle breeze. Soft grass to pad my perch near the creek, a place of relaxation and contentment.   I sit comfortably laying out the contrivances of the task at hand. The tackle box with its collection of lures, hooks, and fly’s all intended to attract the sleekly swimming quarry of mountain creeks.

As I dig through the impressive array of lures, I decide on a new and interesting tactic. A tactic that probably, most definitely, will not, return the original intension of catching a few fish. I weight a line, place a little red and white colored bobber on the line. Intentionally failing to attach a hook or any other creative form of bait or lure. Casting the line out so it will be clearly visible to any who might happen by. I lay back on my soft bed of grass, close my eyes and allow the sweet sensual scents of the creek to mingle with the comforting fragrances of the forest. Tuning my ears to natures orchestra, I allow myself to slip off into a warm sunny dreamland of mountain wonders.

Dream Big, Step Light, Take It As It Comes

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 21:16:00 +0000

Image by Todd Ryburn via Flickr

I sure wish starting a new chapter in life, was as easy as sitting down to write one. Heck, for that matter, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to write your life’s chapters and have it turn out the way you want it to. Of course that’s not the way life works, so we all have to ante up and play the cards we’re dealt. The gamble come when you have to decide weather to bet, check or fold. Make dammed sure you don’t hold a poor hand for too darn long, the odds aren’t in your favor.

I have found out one thing during this most recent effort. Driving jobs are not exactly as easy to come by as they make it sound. The biggest problem I have right now, is all my driving experience is in the past and evidently it might as well be considered ancient history. They could care less that I spent years driving tractor trailer in the mountains, over some of the most scenic and dangerous roads around. The first thing they ask, is “What have you driven in the last five years?”.

I’ve acclimated my thinking to the fact that I’m going to have to get a local driving job. Spend some time on the roads down here to gain some of that cherished “current experience”. I may not get to drive the scenic vistas I dream of, but I can still enjoy the country I do travel through. The dream is not dead, just put to bed for a little while. Most important right now, is simply to get a job, and hopefully one that has plenty of work to do. I’m trying some local companies that deliver to the oil fields and drill rigs, so I’ll still be out in the country a little bit. Luckily I have my tanker endorsement, which is what most of the trucking down here seems to be right now.

I’m sure I can make the most of what ever is handed me. I think just simply being able to get back on the road, and travel, even if it’s to the same old places day after day, will be inspiration enough. There is a mesmerizing quality to the open road, that captivates my thoughts, and directs my interest. I’ll just keep on working to the goal I’ve set for myself, and write the story given me. One things for sure, I can add all the color and character I want. All I have to do is write it the way I see it.

There is another dream I have, that I have not told anyone, and I do mean anyone about. See if you can figure it out. It has been made quite famous of late, thanks to a certain TV channel, and there is a lot of mountains, snow, Ice and cold weather involved. I doubt I’ll ever have the opportunity, but one can always dream. As I always say, dream big, step lightly, take what’s given as it comes, then all you have to do is make the best of it shaping it to suit yourself.

Starting a New Chapter, Story of My Life.

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 22:57:00 +0000

Image by Section_Eight via Flickr

I’ve been compiling an updated resume, and have decided that I feel sorry for the person who might choose to write my history. Naw, in all seriousness, the process has made me remember with fondness, many of the things I have done, and places I’ve been. Most of all… all of the mountain connections I have.

It’s always refreshing to recall those good times, when things were prosperous and productive. But what I’m recalling are those reflective times, often when alone, enjoying the mountains that were home for so long. There was always a certain comfort in being able to look in any direction and see that protective parapet of mountain ranges that surrounded our little community.

I remember sunsets of amazing beauty and color that takes the breath away. There was nothing better than watching the sun slowly hide behind the white capped ridges and craggy peaks of the Mosquito Range. I would watch as the sky changed from the clear clean blue of day to an evening ablaze with the rusty wine colors of a setting sun. One of the things I remember most was the change in temperature. People are always surprised when I tell them that at 10,000 feet, you feel about a 20 degree, or more, change in temperature when the sun goes down.

What’s even grander, is when you get to watch the sun come back up again. There’s something nice about the start of a new day. The positive feelings as the darkness fades to the light of day. A completely new showing of colors that promise a fresh start. Always accompanied by the sounds of nature, as the birds and high altitude critters set forth to face their daily toils. It’s like starting a new chapter each and every day, seldom the same, yet always familiar.

That’s what this process feels like, the closing of one chapter, and the new and fresh opening of another. Hopefully all things fall into their appropriate place, and I get the chance to do what I’ve wanted to for the past few years. It would be nice to start that new, yet familiar, career, full of prospect and potential. You see I’m applying to trucking companies, looking for a position where I can go over the road. To think I might just get to travel through those mountains that I called home for so long. I would welcome the change of pace, and the chance to get out of the Texas heat once in a while.

Just think about all the time I would have to think and ruminate. The stories and prose I could come up with while I drive over those mesmerizing macadam roadways. I think it would be inspirational to my creative side, and a welcome change to my life. I’ve had a commercial drivers license since I was 16, and even used it a few times through my life. For once though, I have a certain ambition to join the ranks of those who transport the nations goods over prairies, mountains, and through valleys. The lonely lifestyle, suits my nature, and would lend itself to some serious contemplations.

Wish me luck, and just maybe I’ll get to travel to all those places I’ve wanted to visit. Perhaps even be able to have lunch with some of my blog friends, and meet them in real life instead of virtually.

New Sources From The Front

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 20:43:00 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

Anyone who has visited here for a little time, knows I have a love for the Milblogs. There’s something comforting in hearing (reading) the troops thoughts, in an open format. I enjoy reading their perspective on what’s going on around the world, and right there in their own platoon, group, what have you. I have to admit, I have a tendency to gravitate toward the Army blogs, after all, I was a lowly soldier at one time.

I keep up with all the new blogs out there through Milblogging.com. I learn about new sites, and important things that are happening right there. Just last week, they shared information about a new blog that would be posting updates from Afghanistan. Flying O, is authored by an Air Force flight nurse. She introduces herself to the blogging community in her first post titled Genesis. She quotes within this article, and I found it moving. I will share both a quote from her, and the one she quoted.

“This journey will be novel in some ways and repetitive in others. The wounds may be the same but the patients, my troops, and the experiences will not be.” – Flying O.

“I may be compelled to face danger, but never fear it, and while our soldiers can stand and fight, I can stand and feed and nurse them.” - Clara Barton

I plan on keeping tabs on her journey for a couple of reasons. One is just basic curiosity, another is simple pride in our troops, and third, I have two family members over their. A Nephew and a Cousin. I receive updates from my cousin by email, he is an Air Force Pilot, training the Afghan National Air Force, and helping them to organize their own operations. I would love to be able to share his stories, for they are fabulous, but I can not, for they are not mine to share. My Nephew is a Mortar Man in an infantry unit, patrolling the Afghan country side, and sharing a few pictures on his facebook page, and no I won’t share his facebook profile with you either, sorry. I will say that many of the pictures he shares, look so much like the Colorado Mountains, it amazes me.

Another milblog author will be heading back into the danger zone also. Bouhammer, by Tony Steward, who will be heading back to Afghanistan, but in civilian clothing this time. He’ll be working as a military contractor, supporting the “War Fighter”. I’m sure there is more to it than that, but imagine he can’t share to much. Bouhammer has been around for a long time, and Tony Steward is a retired Army First Sergeant, with a highly developed sense of duty. He has blogged about his service during his last deployment, which was in Afghanistan, and about his experiences after Army retirement, and his entry into the civilian life. Now he’ll be sharing his unique perspective from the outside looking in, with the knowledge of what it was really like.

Tony Steward wrote a very interesting post about “That Look”. We all have an idea what he’s talking about, but how many of us know what the look holds for each of those individual soldiers. Is caused from a memory, or a nightmarish cloud of experiences no one wants? Personally, I don’t know, having never seen combat, but I did understand his distinction between the new, young soldier with their look of anticipation even excitement, and the older more seasoned veteran with that “indescribable look of weariness and determination” You can also read an article on why he’s going back, The Military Is In My DNA, is all about his reasons. He also shares that he has one son who recently served 6 years as a combat medic, and one son putting forward the effort to gain acceptance to West Point.

Be sure to check them out, and find out what’s happening from their point of view.

My chance to win some reading material

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 01:45:00 +0000

I visited a new site, I just found today. Anne Bradshaw’s Place, is authored by, yep you guessed it “Anne Bradshaw”, ~~giggle snicker~~, the author of “True Miracles with Genealogy”. She writes about a lot of things, one of them being genealogy. Since this is the topic of my most recent fascination, passion, or maybe even obsession, it’s not surprising I’m finding all these blogs. What is surprising, is that I just now found her site. I have for so long followed many blogs, of writers and authors, you would think that I would have stumbled across it far earlier.

What I like, is she hosts regular guest authors, and allows them to write an article for her blog. We all know of a few blogs that do this, similar to what GEWGAW WRITING has done for so long. Well Anne hosted another Guest Blogger, Carole Thayne Warburton, who has offered a giveaway of one of her novels. All you have to do is write a blog post about the giveaway and Anne’s blog, and Carole’s book, and leave Anne the link in a comment. Of course to help out, you can twitter it, and share on facebook, for some added points toward the giveaway.

Carole Thayne Warburton, explains the process of her writing just a little bit in this post. She tells just how important it is to get the “senses” right in your writing. The best way to do this of course, is to write about what and where you know. Carole also explains that this little rule, can be ever so limiting with your writing, so it’s important to research that which your not familiar with. She is wholly correct in this approach, for your readers will pick up on the slightest mistakes, and you could very easily lose a little credibility in their eyes. I suppose it is one of the reasons I have not continued some of my own fiction. I lack so much in experience, and have not done the proper research to really continue the stories as I should.

Since I am always searching for new reading material, I decided that this was a chance for me to win a book, and perhaps gain another favorite author. So I’m writing this blog post, in the hopes of earning a few more points toward winning the book. Not to mention, that the contest ends the day before my birthday, so it would be like getting a birthday present.

Please check out Anne Bradshaw’s Place, and her book True Miracles with Genealogy. Then have a look and Carole Thayne Warburton’s novel, A Question of Trust and perhaps even take a look at her new novel Sun Tunnels and Secrets. If you get a chance, leave a good word for me while your at it. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

One of The Most Important Date’s in My Personal History!

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 20:38:00 +0000

This day, is one so very special to me. A day of recent history compared to what I’ve been researching, yet far more important to me personally. You see, today is my wedding anniversary. A celebration of the day I took my love’s hand, and promised to cherish honor and love her till death do us part.

We were married in the little church where as a child I was baptized. The Sheldon Jackson Memorial Church, was founded by Presbyterian missionary, Dr. Sheldon Jackson, in the 1874. It is

one of the oldest churches still in operation in the state of Colorado. Dr. Sheldon Jackson was one of many “Traveling Ministers”, operating in the various gold camps through out Colorado, leaving this landmark to commemorate his ministry. However, he may not have been as famous as Father Dyer, the “Snow Shoe Itinerant”, who delivered mail and spread his ministry over the highest Mountain pass, Mosquito Pass, in the region.

The Church has a fabulous garden that was planted and maintained by Wealtha Heins a local resident with a long history in the area. The gardens continue to be maintained even after her passing, and have been named in her honor. As a youngster in the youth group, I helped her work on that garden, of local wildflowers, aspen trees, and fabulous rocks. I have many memories of that church, with it’s wood burning stove for heat, and hard wooden

pews. The best memory of course is my wedding day though.

My whole family had gotten together, everyone in one place, back where we started. It was a magical day indeed. We danced to two songs we chose just for us. I’ve included a player with those songs on it at the bottom of this post.

It’s hard to image, 11 years go by so fast. I like to look at this as our 20’th though, for we lived together for 9 years prior to making it official in front of family and friends.

I’m going to post this with Sepia Saturday, even though it doesn’t quite fit the “old Picture” category, but it does have a little history in it. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and be sure to go check out the other Sepia Saturday Posts.

Voice From the Grave; Sepia Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 19:35:00 +0000

Recently, my Aunt sent me a story she transcribed from one my Grandfather wrote for a book called Memories of Elsie 1865-1965. When I first started to read it, I couldn’t help feeling like I could hear Grandpa talking, perhaps even narrating the whole thing. It was almost as if I was watching on of those movies where the person reads a letter, but it’s the voice of the letters author you hear. It was a pretty strange feeling, because I have not heard my Grandfathers voice since 1987 when I shipped out to Germany.

Within this book, that I did find on line, I learned all kinds of things about both side of my Grandparents family. It has been pretty exciting, and led to additional discoveries that I’m still scouring for information. I have to say that this genealogy bug has one hell of a bite, when it finally gets you. I just can’t seem to get enough.

I’m going to post that story my Grandfather wrote, or at least a portion of it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I can tell you, I learned my Great, Great Grandmother was one tough cookie. I’ll never think of “hard Times” in the same way.

“Heinrich Wedekind and his daughter came to the USA in 1858. We don't know how much time elapsed from the time they arrived in America till they settled in or around Beecher, Ill.

Dorothea Wedeking met Henry Schweer and later married him in 1873 at Beecher, Ill. (Elsewhere I see that Henry was born in Berlin, Germany, on Dec. 8, 1849.) The oldest son, Christ Schweer, was born in Washington, Ill. First born, a girl, Dorie (Schweer) Grummon, July 14, 1874; and second girl, Friedrika (Schweer) Thaden, were born in Beecher, Ill. Then Christ Schweer was born may 18, 1877. Somewhere in here another infant was born and died.

Then in 1877 they moved by wagon train to Fillmore County, Nebr., and settled on a farm south and west of Ohiowa, Nebr., where they raised their family. Dorothea helped Henry with the farm work. One cold, snowy day, when hauling in a load of hay, the rack tipped over sideways and crushed Dorothea's left leg. It had to be taken off, just below the knee, nothing to kill the pain or sterilize it but boiling hot water, which they would pour in at the front of the wound and let it run out at the other side. She told me the pain was so bad that she would just go to sleep (pass out), and when she would awaken it would be all done for another day.

At first she had a peg leg that she wore, but it finally wore out and she was never able to get another one that she could stand to wear; they never could get one to fit her stump; so she used a kitchen chair to walk with and drug that thing around with her, doing her housework and everything else, while bringing up her family, 12 children. (WHO the HELL could stand to do that now?) In late years that leg would hurt her very much, and she would have to rub it with her hand and work with it till it would quiet down again. She died Oct. 23, 1938 and is buried near Ohiowa, Nebr. (82 yrs. old)”

Now you see what I mean, My Great, Great, Grandmother was one tough cookie.

For more fabulous pictures, and wonderful histories, check out the other sites participating in Sepia Saturday.

A New Blog For an Old Pursuit.

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:18:00 +0000

I’ve been pretty busy this past week. After all these Sepia Saturdays, and the tie in it has had with the research I’m doing on my family history. So I decided to start a blog just for that. All week, I’ve been working on setting it up between internet searches for my ancestors. I have a few posts up, and the About page, Author page, and contact page done. I’m working on the two links pages, but that will be something I fill in as I go.

One of the hardest things was figuring out a name for it. Then one night, after a long search online, I was sitting here thinking, “Tracking my ancestors is like following really faint or hidden footprints”. LIGHTBULB, there was my name, Footprints In Time. I’m going to make it a little family history, and a little bit of sharing what I learn about how to search the internet for your ancestors. I have a Facebok page set up for it, and even have my first fan. I’ll be able to share the stuff I find with my family that’s on Facebook. Be sure to swing by and click on the like page button.

I’ll still be posting here, but I think it will be back to the fiction, and fun things. I’ll probably do a few Sepia Saturdays here also. Mostly i”ll post some fiction though. It’s only going to be a couple times a week, because of all the time I’m spending tracking those elusive Footprints In Time.

I found a new site for writing prompts, similar to Magpie Tales. It’s called The Tenth Daughter Of Memory. They post a picture, you write a fiction story poem or what ever, and post it on your site. Then you take the link to that post, and put it in the Mr. Linky on their site. I may try to do a few of them, see what I can come up with. I found the site through Irrelevant Irrelevance. Jefscape, of Irrelevant Irrelevance, has ton’s of quality fiction to read over there, it’s well worth the visit.

The picture at the top shows my Great, Great, Grandfather Scott McColough (standing) and his brothers in the late 1800’s or early 1900’s.

Great Grandparents; Sepia Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 07:16:00 +0000

This week, I have made pretty good progress with the research on my family heritage. Seeking those timid records that love to hide in the dusty shelves and hard bound tomes of ancient times. Okay, so that's overstating it just a little bit. These days it seems its as easy as typing, to find the right bread crumb that leads to an old record. A little typing and a whole lot of patients that is.

I managed to find the marriage record of my my great grandparents. That’s them over to the left, some time after the marriage obviously. I found it on line, and was able to view the actual book in a neat little picture window. I could zoom in to where I had no trouble reading what was written there. The hand writing of whoever kept those records is absolutely gorgeous.
They were married on Dec, 17, 1895, in a Baptist ceremony by Rev. H.B. Smith witnessed by one John Robertson and one Nellie Terris (Terris is Great Great Grandmother Fentons maiden name, Although Nellie must be an aunt). The happy event took place in the village of Springhill, Pugwash Parish, Albert County, Nova Scotia. Their parents were listed as Thomas and Mary Pitt, along with John and Gracie Fenton. The record even listed the occupation of the fathers. It seems that my Great Great Grandfather Pitt was a Mariner, and Great Great Grandfather Fenton, a Miner. In the picture, my Grandmother is center front.

I also found many other records. Nova Scotia has the best records search utility. It checks birth, marriage, and death records, then shows the results in an easy to follow format. If you find the one your looking for, you just click the “view” button, and you get to see the book. I also found birth records of three great great great uncles and one aunt, all for free. If you want or order a digital copy, it costs $10.00, or you can get a certified paper copy for $22.00. You can view samples of the records here.

Here is a picture of the six Pitt girls Circa 1945, my Grandmother is center right, in the light coat and white hair.

If you enjoy the old photographs, click on over to Sepia Saturday, and follow the links to view many more. Maybe you might even have a few of your own you would like to share. No problem, just join in the fun. You can find the link over in my side bar at any time. Just look for this button.

My New Hobby, My Own Heritage

noreply@blogger.com (Eric S.) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:47:00 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

I’ve had an interesting weekend. As most of you know, I did a Sepia Saturday post this weekend, and had so much fun with it. Going around and seeing all the other people that posted something, and their pictures spurred a desire within me. I want to get more involved in tracking down my heritage, and seeing where all my ancestors came from.

Now for quite some time, I have had a passing interest, nothing too serious. Every once in awhile, I would get the urge, and talk with my sister and mother about it. Both have done extensive research and found a number of links. Mother had visited Novia Scotia, and gotten many of the census records, and birth and death records for the area we hail from. She had sent me copies of all of them at one time, but to be honest, the overwhelming amount of information scared me a little. It boggles the mind how well, and simply, they kept records back then.

Much of this information was compiled by a person researching another family, that just happened to tie into ours at my Great Grandmother. Mother received that information after her trip to Novia Scotia. It was funny, because when she visited the hall of records, or what ever it is they have, she told them the name of my Great Grandmother, and the person said “Yes and she married _______ of Pugwash Novia Scotia”. Mother was taken back because the information was completely accurate to what she already knew. It turned out this person had quite a bit of family information, and forwarded it to Mother.

After this Saturday, I dug all of that stuff out again, and started really trying to make sense of it. The problem I was having, was that seeing everything in different records with little connection between them, made things very difficult to follow. I needed some way to make it visual, something easy to set up, and that I could invite other members of the family to visit and add what information they have. I found MyHeritage.com, a FREE site that works very much like the MyAncestry .com. It’s very simple to navigate and use, so before long I had made serious progress in entering what information I had. As of right now, I have 75 of my relatives, close and distant, listed. All the way back to 1815 in New Brunswick. The nice thing is it’s all in a visual form like a family tree, and your notified if there is comparative information in another persons tree. Then you can contact them to follow up the possible ties. I have found a number of them already, and I’m just getting started.

I have much more to do, so far we can trace parts of the family back to 1760, where trail ends somewhat abruptly. The Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great Grandfather was a “foundling” left on the hospital steps, at an estimated age of 1 month old, in Shrewsbury, England 1760. So technically that particular family name is not even accurate, there was no way to find his real name. All of this is just on one side of the family, just one little branch of one side.

I think by the time I’m done, I’ll have enough to write a pretty comprehensive history of my family lineage. It’s amazing what get’s my juices flowing some times, and believe me, this is just what I needed.

Any of the family out there that has records or information, please send me copies. I would love to get more pictures too, there are not enough yet in my collection.

Ruminations of a Small Town Mountain Boy

Small Town Mountain Boy has Turned Gypsy

Life by Three Clocks

A Delayed; not by choice; Post

The Wanderer

A quick update

Rough Roads

Come in many forms, seldom having anything to do with the condition of the road surface.

Visions of The Road

The adventure is still fresh

A Laredo Sunrise

The Call of The Road

Beckons my soul, bewitching my spirit!

A Pause in Time

Sunday’s Solitude

Hidden Paths Illuminated Under A New Dawn

Too many times, one has only to look in the right direction at the correct time.

“A Question of Trust” I Got Mine!

Just When I needed it most.

Desert Travels, Dangerous and Beautiful.

A story of travels through an envisioned desert, not exactly what you expect.

Summer Slumbers

Dream Big, Step Light, Take It As It Comes

Related articles by Zemanta

Starting a New Chapter, Story of My Life.

New Sources From The Front

Related articles by Zemanta

My chance to win some reading material

One of The Most Important Date’s in My Personal History!

Voice From the Grave; Sepia Saturday

A New Blog For an Old Pursuit.

Great Grandparents; Sepia Saturday

My New Hobby, My Own Heritage