OUR TRIP WITH FRIENDS

Today put on my coat and hat because it said it would rain. I am going to the national park today with a few friends and I don't want to get caught in the rain with out some protection.  It was thundering when we arrived and we made it into the restaurant before it started to really come down hard and lightening was all around us.  I was glad to be inside and so were all my friends too. They were mumbling and grumbling but I loved the way the water was rushing over the falls as it poured and just made it look more powerful. We finished lunch and it stopped raining but the water was rushing and roaring as it cascaded over the falls in this wonderful park. There were other falls throughout the park and places that we could stop and get out and take pictures and look at all of natures beauty. I was glad that I had decided to come. I wasn't quite sure if I wanted to travel with these people and spend the whole day out in the weather. I found out that sometimes you need to be with your friends no matter what the weather. This was a good day even though it rained. It just made the natural beauty of this park more wonderful and clean looking.  Thank goodness for the gift of this magnificent park by a man that wanted it left for all to enjoy. Mr. Letchworth. He left 1000acres of land with all these great falls and trees to the state as a National Park. Thank you Mr. Letchworth.

Turbulant thoughts

As I sit here on this bench today wrapped in my coat and hat pulled down, my thoughts are as turbulant as the water rushing this lighthouse. I have been to a graduation yesterday. The young man that graduated is a fine strong sensible young man. One that can be depended on when you would need him. I am happy for him and yet afraid too. You see this young man is going into the service and wants to be an MP. Now this is a wonderful thing that he feels that he wants to serve his country and I am all for my country but in my heart I am worried about this young man. He is so smart and so sure of himself and I pray that he will be safe. I pray all the time for all the men/women in the service for no one can be sure what is in store for all of them. I sip my coffee here and wonder why does man want to harm another when we could all have a great life together. Learning about each other and becoming stronger in Gods ways and making satan cry. I have been around for a long time and though not married or have any children it still makes me think and worry about all these young people that are going in the service. They all have high ideals and I praise them for their patriotism. I am a patriot too. I have visions that I can't forget myself. I only wish that it wasn't necessary for people to have to defend but rather to get along and learn from each other. God bless our country, our service people and all the other countries service people that stand for freedom.

Well, I will wander down by the water as it settles me and makes me feel calm and serene. Then back home and my nightly cup of joe.  Stay safe America. Stay safe.

WALK BY THE SEA

I have decided that it is such a nice warm day that I will go down to the sea and walk by the wonderful lighthouse that is set on the rocks that jut out into the water. It is so beautiful there and I want to just walk slowly up there and I have brought a lunch with me and a thermos of iced tea today. No coat just a hat today. It is very warm, so I will not need it. This is one of my favorite places to reflect on things that have been bothering me lately. I come here and look out at the sea and sit on the rocks and listen to the waves as they crash against the rocks. I love the sounds of the sea. They are powerful and masterful and no one can control them. That is why they had to build this lighthouse so that the boats that are out there will know not  to venture to close to this shore. The rocks jut out and some are hidden deep inside of the water with only a small piece sticking out so that you know they are there. Many a boat has hit these reefs and sunk right here.  As I sit here and open my lunch I feel sort of lonely today. It seems that all my friends have gone from me lately. There was my young friend Joey, who appeared in my life for a short summer and then went away. He probably moved or just found younger people more interesting than this old man to talk to. My other friend is doing better, but isn't quite well enough to venture out with me and have lunch yet. He will need more time to mend and get back on his feet. I will go and visit him later today on my way home. I just realized that I don't have any other friends to speak of and maybe I should join a club or something where there are more people around for me to interact with. It is very lonely just sitting and having lunch by myself every day. I so would love to have a few friends to play chess with or go to dinner with , or maybe even a show from time to time. Well, I will have to think about this more carefully. I might even meet a few women my age that might like to have lunch or dinner with this old man. Who knows, anything is possible.

FATHERS DAY

Today is Fathers Day, and I am here in the park quite alone it seems. The day is rather cool and I have worn my  coat and hat. I have brought my lunch and newspaper and some bread to feed the many birds that are in this park and that I consider my friends. I have no children and I have no wife, so for me it is just another Sunday to find something to entertain myself. I have often wondered what it would have been like had I married and had children, but it never happened. I guess I never found the right person to spend my life with. Many of the men I know are fathers and some of the stories I hear make me feel sad for them, while others make me feel envious. Some children are so thoughtful while others are horrible to their parents. Disrespectful and actually cruel. Others are loving and care for their dads and aren't afraid to show it. I am content o sit here and enjoy my paper and the birds and will have this nice lunch I have prepared and then will go for a walk by the falls that is located in this park before going home. I love the falls,I love the sound the water makes as it crashed down the rocks and the beauty as the colors shine in the sun when the light hits the water. We are fortunate to have this wonderful site in our park.  Well, I wish all the dads out there a very happy Fathers Day!!!

THE LOVE OF JESUS SHINES THROUGH

As I take my morning stroll through the park, I have a big smile on my face and I am whistling a happy tune. It is raining and I have my raincoat on and the collar pulled up and my hat slanted down so that the rain runs off and not down my back, but I am very happy. I have had a friend that has been so ill, and I have prayed for him and have asked all to pray for him also. He is coming home!!!! He will be coming back and I know he will need some time to recuperate, but soon our park lunches can resume. This is a great and wonderful day for me. Jesus has answered all of my  prayers and my other friends prayers. Prayers are powerful things. Do not ever underestimate the power of prayer. I don't , and never have. I love and trust my Lord and I know He will always be there for me and all who believe and pray to Him.  Welcome home my dear friend!!!!  I am so happy and the world is a much happier and brighter place today, rain and all. After all, We need rain to make all the beautiful flowers and rainbows in this world.  I think I will go and see my friend today at the hospital one last time before he comes home. Maybe I will stop and buy him a rose. He will smile and like that. My friend loves all things beautiful as I do. The park looks especially beautiful today and the people walking here as I am seem happier, or maybe it is me. Maybe my happiness and enthusiam in my morning hellos is contagious. I hope so. I want everyone to be happy today. Jesus has blessed my friend and he will be home soon. I can't wait to welcome my friend back home.!!!!!!!! Rejoice with me!!!!!!

Hospital I am going to visit

This morning I am going to go to the hospital to visit my friend. It has been raining quite heavily so I will have to wear my raincoat and hat. The wind has picked up too, so it is rather cool out there, but I really don't care. I have been worried for many days about my friend as I had not heard a word about him and what was going on. I didn't know if he was home or in the hospital, but yesterday I got word from his family that he was admitted to the hospital and that now he is out of intensive care and in a regular room. So I am happy as I board the bus to travel through town to get to see how my friend is doing and if there is anything I can do to make his stay in that place more comfortable. I have prayed for my friend and God has answered my prayers. Hopefully he will be back home soon and walking with me through the park and having lunch on that park bench that we have been doing for the last few months. I really miss my friend. You know, as you get older, each friendship becomes dearer and means more I think. Especially the ones that you have had for what seems like a lifetime. Well, I am here now and will be going in to see how my friend is doing. I will be so glad to see him again.  Smiling I open the door of the hospital and enter. 

Naval Park walk

thought I would take a walk by the naval park today and go through all the ships that are on display there. They have a submarine and a battle ship, plus jet planes that you can see and look into. I like going down there once in awhile and remembering all the wonderful men/women that served for our freedom and for this nation. It is so warm today that I didn't have to wear anything but a baseball hat. I am not telling you my favorite team though.  I wouldn't want any mail on that.  If you look carefully you will see the lighthouse that was built in 1833 and they used to store weapons and ammo under it during the civil war. It is in such good shape and you can walk through it and see out into the lake. This area is so very beautiful with the lake and all the boats and marinas. Many people come from all over to view this Naval Park and this lighthouse. I felt like a bit of history today and that is why I am here.

MOONLIGHT SAIL

I am down at the marina tonight watching the sailboat going out to the lake. How peaceful it looks as it slowly moves out to the lake and into the sunset. The water is so calm and all so quiet here tonight. No one is walking around on the docks and I can look out and see the lights inside of the boats of the people spending the night on their boats. I love coming here at night when it is quiet and peaceful. this is the time that you can think and be at peace with your thoughts without someone interferring and distracting you. Water seems to draw me to it and I find that I am more at peace near the water than any other place. The city is way to busy and my town can be noisey and busy too at times. I walk alot and try to find places for peaceful contemplation of my problems and solutions for them too. I guess I am just lonely tonight. I haven't seen anyone that I know today and so it has been a quiet and lonely day with just my thoughts for company. I guess it is time to go home and get some rest and maybe tomorrow will be a better day. It has started to rain and I can see lightening in the sky. Pull my collor up and put my hat on tighter and start walking for home and if I am lucky I will get there before I get soaked.  I can't wait for that fresh cup of joe. 

BIRD SCANTUARY

I have decided to take my walk down to the bird scantuary today. Seeing these beautiful creatures that God has made usually lifts my spirits and makes me realize that there is real beauty in this world. It is warm again, so I have my straw hat on and a light sweater. Look at the blue jays and cardinals there by that feeder, and the Wrens on that bush. God sure does make beautiful creatures doesn't he? There are so many flowers and bushes and they are full of all different types and sizes of birds. All singing their own songs. Melodies intwinging and mixing and yet pleasant to the ear. It is as if He is directing a symphony here. I do feel at peace here. It is so humbling to see all this natural beauty that only God can make. There isn't an artist or photographer on earth that can create these small wonderous creatures that fly from tree to tree singing their sweet melodies. A smile comes across my face as a small red winged black bird lands on the bench that I am sitting on. Look at him, no fear. He knows that no one will harm him in this his home. He is so wonderful. Standing so proud and tall, and just looking at me. I remain still as he checks me out for I don't want to scare him away. Ahh! another one is landing now. Chripping to him, and up and away they both go. Peace has filled my heart and soul. I needed this place today. I needed to feel God's presence in this world.  I have not heard about my friend yet. I am very worried/. I hope someone tells me soon how he is.  Time for me to wander back home for that cup of joe and a sandwich. Then to sit again by the phone hoping for some word about my special friend.  God, take care of him. Please.

gLOOMY dAY

I have taken a walk down to the shore tonight.I needed to be alone because I havent heard about my friend. No one knows what is going on or where he is tonight. Did he go to the hospital? Is he home and no one thought to call? How can people not think that others care and worry when a good friend is ill and can't speak for himself? It is a gloomy, wet day here tonight. It fits my mood exactly. There are fishing boats going out into the lake and you can see their green and red lights as they leave and enter the cove.  I can feel the rain running down my hat and pull it down and flip up my collar so the rain doesn't get under my coat. I guess it is time for me to wander home and hope that tomorrow there will be some word about my specail friend. I will ask God to help him as I say my prayers tonight once again. 

MY FRIEND IS VERY ILL

I just received word today that a very special friend that I think the world of is very ill. He has to go for tests and has sent me a note saying that he is so very ill that if anything happens to remember that he is one of my best friends. I am sitting in this park on this cool windy day feeling such saddness in my heart that it hurts. I can't explain the waves of pain I am feeling as I think of my dear friend and the suffering he is going through. I pull my coat tighter and my hat firmer on my head as tears of saddness roll down my face. Unashamededly I sit here letting my tears fall as my feelings come to the surface as I cry for the injustice of all this suffering that he must endure. I have often wondered why God makes the good to suffer and lets the bad have full rein over this land. I will not be at peace until I know that my friend is going to be alright and back on his feet again. People pass me by and look hurridly away as I sit here in my misery. No one stops to ask if there is anything they can do . What a sad world this has come to be. I am numb and cannot move. All my thoughts are of all the times I have spent with my special friend and all the joy we have known. In this world we are only blessed with a few good friends. Dear God, make my friend well and healthy again. I am not ready to let him go to you. As my tears fall and my shoulders shake, I say prayer after prayer for my special friend, who when I needed someone was always there for me. Let me be there for him. Time has passed and it is time to leave the park,for it is closing. I hadn't realized that I have stayed so late. The time spent thinking of my friend and I hope to learn something soon about how he is feeling and maybe if there is anything I can do to help. It has cooled down alot or is it because I feel so sad. I don't know which. Tightly i grasp my coat as I slowly leave the park and head home hopeing that their will be a message for me that all will be well again.

MISSING MY FRIENDS DAY

Today I went down to the beach. I had on my straw hat and no jacket, it was so warm out. There were so many families there lying on the sand and kids playing in the water and making castles . It brought back memories of days gone by when I would be there sitting in that sand and making the best castle I could. There is something about sand that kids and adults are compleled to sit down and build a castle. I smiled as I walked near the water and felt the wind whip the salt spray into my face. It was a perfect day for the beach and for strolling and enjoying the water and sunshine. I like to see all the people having such a grand time together. My wish would be for all families to be able to have this woderful time together. I have to take my hat off and wipe my brow. It is rather warm, maybe I should have brought my bathing suit along with me and went into the water . Well, it would be more fun if someone was there to share this beach with me.  So I walk along all alone, but with a smile on my face because I can still enjoy others happiness as they play with their families on this warm summer day at the beach.

todays adventures

It was very warm today so I wore my straw hat and light jacket just in case the rain that they were talking about came. I wouldn't want to be caught without some protection from the weather. Took  long walk into the mall and sat down in the food court with my cup of joe. I enjoy watching the people and trying to guess about them . what they do for a living or if they are students, or moms and dads with their kids.  It is amazing what you can learn just by sitting and watching people as they wander through the mall. There was a mom that was losing patience with a child that was being obnoxious and finally told the child to siit quietly or he would get a time out when he got home. A time out??  I had to smile, when I was a child my mom wouldn't have thought of a time out when you got home. by that time the child has forgotten what he is being timed-out for. Mom would have taken my hand and there wouldn't have been any lunch there, it would have been home and to my room for the rest of the day.  The next time out, I would remember this  punishment and i would be sure to behave so that I wouldn't miss out on the treat. Maybe parents are too lienant with these kids. By staying and giving this child a treat of a lunch out, he has learned nothing. I just shaked my head and looked around the room and saw a dad with his kids sitting and talking and smiling and having a great time. The little girl smiled at me and waved her little hand. I smiled back and her dad said  hi, good morning. how are you today? I replied that I was fine and just out for my morning walk and that I enjoyed coming here for a cup of joe and looking at the people as they came in to shop. He asked if I would like to join them and I happily agreed and moved over to their table. The little girls name was Tammy and her brother was named Thomas or as he informed me, Tommy. I spent the next half hour enjoying the chatter of these two precious kids and an adoring dad, who informed me that his wife wasn't feeling well, so he had taken the day off from work and brought the kids here for breakfast and to wander in the stores and maybe find a little toy for each of them for being so kind and good . He said that before they left, the kids made their mom a tray of breakfast of toast( burnt) and a glass of oj and cup of tea. The kids eyes shinned and their smiles showed how proud they were to have done that for their mom. Dad beamed when he toldme all about how caring the kids were and how worried they were about their mom. Instead of a toy for themselves, they wanted to buy something for their mom to mke her happy. Now, that made my day. How sweet and thoughtful these two children were to think of someone wlse other than themselves. How many kids would do that today?  I left the mall putting my hat on and coat because it had started to drizzle a bit and went home with a smile on my face. There is hope when there are children brought up to  think of others before themselves and parents that instill these wonderful feelings into their children.  I think I will go home and sit and rest. Tomight I will go out for my nightly walk and maybe this time I will go down to the town park that is in the center of the town were I live.

Tonights thoughts

I decided to take my walk tonight down by the lake. Have you ever been there when the sail boats and cruisers come in at sunset. They are a joy to behold. The sailboats listing to the side and the sun slowly setting into the water. The lights of the marina and the boats adding to the beauty of the night. It is chilly tonight, so I have my coat buttoned and my hat pulled down so that I am warm. Quiet over takes this marina at night. A seagull sings now and again. Mamma and Pappa duck start gathering up their young ones and seeking shelter for the long night. Some of them climb aboard the swim platforms of the cruisers and settle down for the night out of the water , yet safe and comfortable for the night with their babies nestled between their parents.  Peace desends upon the marina and I can sit and think of all the things I havent time to think about during the day. My daily lunch in the park isnt the same with out my friend Joey. But every day I look for him. He knows that I will be here and I know if he needs me he will come back.  At least I hope so.  We both shared our lives over that summer and we became the best of friends.  I was very doun during that time and I have often wondered if maybe     just maybe the good Lord sent me Joey to help me and make me feel better. Just maybe Joey was an angel and when he felt I would be ok again. He went back to heaven and is watching me from up there, probably sitting on a cloud floating over me now. I look up and smile. Joey thank you for coming to me when I needed a friend the most. Making me feel like I was doing something good by helping you when in reality you were helping me. Good night Joey, it is time for me to walk home and have my cup of joe and get some rest. I will never forget you Joey for when I needed a friend just to be there and expect nothing of me , you were there with your angelic smile and young and happy laugh. 

The Day I saw him

Put my coat and hat on and went to the park today and sat on a bench with a newspaper and a bagged lunch, with a thermos of hot cocoa. It was  a bit chilly but there wasn't any wind so it was nice. The sun was shinning brightly and I love to watch the children with their parents playing on the grass with their pets and the men playing ball with their sons.  As I was reading my paper a young boy came and sat on the bench next to me, and I looked at him out of the corner of my eye and saw that this child was kind of dirty and wearing tattered clothing. He didnt have a jacket on even though it was kind of cool outside.  I didn't say anything because I didn't want to scare the child but I just turned and smiled at him. He smiled back at me and turned his head and watched the kids at play .  Every now and again he would look at the bag and thermos I had on the bench next to us and I noticed that he did this at least three times, but he never said a word. Just sat there quietly. I had a great idea. I reached over and opened the bag, and the boy immediately looked at me and the bag and then he looked into my eyes. I could see in his eyes a saddness and there wasnt that twinkle that a youngster should have nor a smile wrinkling them. I had two sandwiches in that bag and took them out and laid them down and I also had a cup in that bag for the hot chocolate. That poor child looked at those sandwiches and cup and licked his lips. Then I knew that he must be very hungry.  I took one of the sandwiches and offered it to him and poured him a cup of chocolate and asked him to join me because being older, this was way too much for me to eat and drink. At first, he was reluntat to take what I was offering him, so I just sat the sandwich in its wrapping on the bench and opened the other one and ate it and used the top of the thermos to pour myself some chocolate and drank and ignored him as if I was much to busy eating. He tentatively reached over and took the food and cup and very slowly ate that sandwich as if he was savoring every bite. He did the same with the drink.  I thought to myself, how sad that a child should have to savor such a small gesture of friendship and food. I decided there and then to ask this small one if he would like to meet me tomorrow right here and I  would share my lunch with him again as I always have way too much to eat and drink.  He just looked at me for awhile and then slowly a smile came on his face and he nodded his head and said that his name was Joey and that he be happy to meet me for lunch tomorrow. I met Joey for lunch each day throughout the summer months. But when September came, Joey didn't come to the park anymore. Maybe he had to go to school, although he looked kind of young for school. I really miss Joey. He and I had become good friends over sandwiches and hot cocoa. I hope Joey is ok and doing well.

End of the day

At nighttime I wander down to the shore with my thoughts.  This is the place of peace for me. The water and the sea. All of the days happiness and woes I can think about here and watch as the water slowly washes in to the land. How relaxing this is and what a good feeling it gives me. Here I am the man, and can do as I will. No one to tell me what and how and why. Pulling my coat closer to me and pulling down my hat to the misty  rain. I love the rain. It is sweet smelling and feels like petals falling on me as I walk my nightly walk. Here and there a dog barks and that is all the sounds you hear as the night closes in and all the lights in the house start to go out as others wander off to slumber land. I especially like this time of day. It is my time to do and feel as I want to without any one interrupting me. I call it my pondering time. Then I can go and sleep and feel as if I have cleansed my mind of all the bad that has happened throughout the day. I also can smile and think of all the good things too. Nightly walks are a must for me. Nightly walks down by the shore and the sea.

THOUGHTS ON FRIENDSHIP

As I wandered by the water today I was thinking about what friendship means to me. I have faith and trust in my friends and I like them to know that I am there for them should the need arise that they need a hand with something, someone to listen to their problems and not pass judgement on them and maybe someone to hug them if they need that hug. It is raining now and have water dripping down from my hat. Have to find my way back home and maybe call one of these friend of mine and talk to them and see how they are doing and what is going on in their lives. deary day today. No sun and misty rain falling making me chilled and wanting a good cup of joe. I will try to be a better friend to all of those that I care so much about and let them know what I feel inside too. Almost home, can hear the dog next door barking his greeting to me as he runs to their gate and jumps up always looking for that pat on the head from his friends as they go by. We could learn about friendship and love from our pets.  Take a good look at them the next t ime you are home.  They don't judge, they just love.

THE MAN IN THE HAT

IT IS A COLD WINDY DAY AND MY HAT KEEPS FLYING AWAY I WILL HAVE TO HOLD IT ON WITH MY HANDS., WALKING WITH MY HEAD DOWN AND FEELING SO SAD. IT IS MY DAY TO PONDER AND WONDER ABOUT ALL THAT IS GONE IN MY LIFE. I WANT TO SHARE SOME OF THIS WITH MY FRIENDS SO PLEASE COME AND VISIT ME FROM TIME TO TIME. TELL ME HOW YOU ARE DOING AND WHAT IS GOING ON IN YOUR  LIFE AND I WILL SHARE MY LIFE WITH YOU . IN STORIES OF THE MAN.