I Never Knew John Lennon

Man, those were the days! Boots and sunglasses, long hair and wire-rims.

As a normal American, I never knew John Lennon in 1970, and what I did know was gleaned from record albums. I guess I dressed like him with little forethought.

They actually sold these duds in stores, so we went to the stores and bought it. We just wanted to fit in and look cool like every other pothead. I do apologize for having longer hair than John, though.






We went to San Luis Obispo for the best in fashion. A few stores downtown catered to the elite, and we were happy to oblige them. Barb was my striped pants and boots princess. I tried to maintain a semblance of the Paso Robles Country Joe --- fringe was in.

We were part of the anti-establishment. We rode the early environmentalist wave, hung with the crazies, worshiped acoustic guitar and CSNY, decorated with cheap "antiques," and enjoyed living on a "farm" with dogs, rabbits and wild cats.

Ironically, I drove a new Mustang GT fastback with a 390 in it, and both of us had real jobs that we liked.

The sold-out hippie world would have to get along without us.

That Law of Entropy

It's only a matter of time. Our once youthful bodies go the way of all flesh eventually, just like a sandstone arch in the desert.

I've seen pictures of people standing on these time-worn antiques. There is probably no thought given to how closely related they were to the stone below them. One day all is wonderful with the world, a picture perfect existence . . . and then the inevitable fall from this world to the next.

Blue Ribbon Ballpark

Summer fare should include enjoying the perennial culture of local baseball. Whether little league or majors, there is something wonderful about paying $3.50 for a 'regular' Diet Pepsi or a bag of in-the-shell peanuts. And when there's a gentle breeze at sunset, so much the better.

Our new park replaced the older (and closer) field, where fewer seats, poor neighborhood and run-down construction motivated fans to vote it out. But there's little sense of nostalgia and history in the new location yet.

On the east side of the park is the Stockton Arena (a big rodeo is scheduled for Sept.) and to the south is a marina on the Deep Water Channel that backs into downtown.

Tickets are inexpensive if you're a senior and can come on Wednesdays. You can win $100 each week in their Bingo game along with other give-aways. You can visit with friends (the main reason most people go, I think). You can get beaned by a foul ball. You can take your kids and grandkids and let them have a taste of real, honest-to-goodness, hot-dog-loving America.

Keeping The Light On For You

PG&E has just joined the anti-protest movement against the anti-gay marriage movement in a big way by giving it $250,000. According to the Los Angeles Times:

"Analysts said businesses may be more willing to get involved this time because they have more gay and lesbian employees who are out and in positions of power and because they believe the amendment could hurt business if passed, by giving the impression that California is not friendly to gay and lesbians."

P.G.&E. spokesperson Eilen Chiu said:

“We fought for immigration rights as well as for affirmative action. Gay marriage is the next initiative we felt is worthy to fight for. Every single employee and customer deserves the right to marry.”


"And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done." Romans 1:28.

"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." Galatians 6:7

"Man is the unnatural animal, the rebel child of nature, and more and more does he turn himself against the harsh and fitful hand that reared him." H.G. Wells

"Sin has made us rebels all,
However small or great the fall." Old Davy

Olympic Prep All Gun and Games

Chinese anti-terrorist extremists tootle around on segways with small rifles (or large handguns?) in a country that only recently allowed the police such luxuries.

Terrorists, beware!

Now if they could just get a handle on their smog!

Better Red Than Dead

Won't be long before you'll have to resurrect that old Victory Garden mentality and supplement your WalMart Super Center groceries with the old fashioned kind --- home grown!

Lawns will be replaced with rows of pole beans and potatoes. Swimming pools will be filled with corn and tomatoes (after the soil is added, of course). Mother Earth News will break all circulation records. And people will start getting slimmer. Maybe that's a good thing.

Oh, and your Homeowner's Association will also be forced to approve raising backyard sheep, goats and pigs. Make that frontyard, too.

Dead Jackrabbits in the Streets

Celebrating our freedoms yesterday on the 4th of July was on many people's minds as a misdirected Congress, Senate, President and Supreme Court whittle away at many of them. As government grows, freedoms dwindle. But there is a sidebar situation: As immorality grows, so grow the laws to stop it (or those that try to stop it). We are a nation of godless, me-first, sin-loving miscreants --- and we don't even know it.

American history proves the case that the Christian churches and members strongly influenced their world for good. Right and wrong were distinguishable. The Bible mandate (do unto others as you would have them do unto you) permeated the whole society. And justice was swift. All ancient history now, so be prepared to honor that new mandate --- socialism and bigger government.

It's back to the 70's today. In a short time you will most likely be maxing out your vehicle speed at 55 mph on the highway. This will save you a lot of money (only if you drive alot on the freeway). It won't save the truckers a dime (except in fewer accidents). It won't lower your gas prices by much, if any. But it will save you gas and may save your life, so that's the best part of the deal.

But then, why 55 mph? Why not a more optimal gas-saving speed like 40 mph? And why not require governors on our engines that would eliminate jackrabbit driving around town? And why not lower in-town speed limits, too? This will definitely save a lot more gas.

Gas guzzlers will soon be oddities in our history books and make for great stories to tell our great-grandkids.

Numbering Our Days

Moses' words in Psalm 90 were key in today's funeral message. "Lord, teach us to number our days, that we may give our hearts to wisdom."

I didn't know Sharon (Sherry) Coy. Four months younger than myself, she died two doors away from a number of medical problems. She had been living with her son for awhile. When I got to his house (after a phone call), her teenage grandson was on the phone to 911, leaning over her body at the foot of the bed, trying to get her heart beating. But she had died hours before. I answered the door for the firemen who arrived within minutes, then stayed with young Andy while they did their routine.

I was a stranger to everyone as I sat there in the fourth pew waiting for the pastor to start the service. People just kept coming, taking their last look at their loved one, talking and weeping with family and friends. The service started fifteen minutes late. A number shared their thoughts.

Our days are indeed numbered. Martin Luther always wore a ring with a skull on it to remind him of his appointment with the One who gave him life and breath. It's all about perspective.

Half Domed

This year's spring Yosemite vacation schedule was preempted by an unexpected surgery. There are still plenty of memories to savor from last year, though, so no complaining. But it will be good to go back --- maybe this winter. Now that would be an adventure!

Adventure was pretty ordinary when we were young. Climbing to the top of Yosemite Falls, sleeping under the stars, smoking dope in a national park. Real exciting stuff! Best left for the past and memory banks. My camera caught most of the action. That was in 1969, I think.

Guess I could still repeat all of it but the smoking part. Who wants to go with me?

Plant Those Roses!

Yesterday's visit to the local museum wasn't disappointing, except for the wildfire smoke lending its golden cast to my photography. I used a polarizing filter to deepen the colors and eliminate leaf reflections (except for the shot of the magnolia blossom).

I took paper and pen to note the names of the various roses, so you'll be able to identify any that you're thinking of adding to your garden. I really like Joseph's Coat (a climber), Dainty Bess and Strike It Rich. E-mail me if you want to know what type of rose you're interested in (hybrid tea, climber, miniature, etc.). Go to Dave Skinner Photography to see them.



Does your town have a rose garden? This is a wonderful way to add beauty to an otherwise humdrum place. Every little bit helps.

My recovery is in its third week, and I'm almost feeling normal. Bought and planted flowers this morning, so let's hear it for God's mercy in healing! We weren't created to sit in front of the TV or computer all day. Muscles are made to move, work and then rest.

Operation Successful!

Pretty simple operation, really. Just jackhammer through some 6" concrete so you can get to the sandy loam beneath it. No complications. Smooth as silk for this sidewalk surgeon.

Next, scoop out the bad stuff, making sure you don't touch the lawn to the right, the plumbing underneath and the curb to the left. Any slips here could result in a huge lawsuit or worse: severed pipes.


Now, carefully dump the defective pieces. Be sure not to leave anything behind.







Finally, it's time for a phone call to the boss to see how much your bankroll will increase after this little procedure.

Tomorrow will mark the second full week I've been off work. It seems more like six. I never though TV would be blessing, but when it hurts too much to sit at the computer or put a book on my stomach to read or walk outside, television has become the only element of distraction that works for any length of time. Unfortunately, the quality and content of most of it is mundane, inane or insane. News is good to a point. Movies are horrible 90% of the time. The History Channel, Travel Channel and the U.S. Open coverage have been the best. Old black and white DVD movies have been fun, too.

The tomatoes are finally kicking in --- and falling over. Haven't been able to stake them up beyond the low-level cages. Maybe this weekend I can pound in the grape posts and start stringing branches.

Our three agapanthus plants are ready to grace the backyard. These are the miniature type and very petite. Only about 2' high, but wonderful color.


Barbara has worked at K/P the past three days but won't be going in tomorrow. She's been wonderful throughout this ordeal and deserves more than I can give her in thanks. Sirloin and lobster will sound good to her (as soon as I can get out and about).

God is good and reminds me of His mercy with cards and phone calls still coming in. Thank you all.

Long May She Wave

The throes of this democratic republic send us reeling left and right, dazed from the endless barrage of opinion and wondering how far will we drift from our constitutional moorings.

Flag Day reminds us of those beginnings and long journey to the 21st century. It should force us to learn that history. It should force us to learn from that history.

We are encouraged that the political wars continue, free speech survives, and a spirit of right vs. wrong prevails.

May God have mercy on a self-centered, myopic, and immoral United States of America.

(image from: http://www.deepbox.com/}

Counting Saples

Five inches and 15 staples later, I've finally joined the ranks of the Keep 'Em in Stitches Club. And shortly after that, the Meandering Road to Recovery Club, which I'm attending full-time currently. Of course, you never want to join these two organizations, especially the MRRC.

I think the line from Fried Green Tomatoes is "if it didn't kill you, it'll make you stronger" will be my tagline for a few months.

Thank you to all who prayed for me and especially to our prayer-hearing and answering God. May He receive glory and honor in all things.

Standing By The Wall

First in Lodi, then Paso Robles and now in Stockton, this is the third time I've visited the Moving Wall memorial to all servicemen and women who lost their lives in Vietnam. But for a twist of Providence, my name might have been etched on it as well.

My student deferment was replaced with a 1-A classification in 1967, while I was in my third year at the University of Texas El Paso. I chose to enlist instead and tested at Fort Bliss. A knee that locked up on me periodically warranted a 4-F reclassification after x-rays. Life would go on without visiting the shores of Vietnam.

But many classmates would take that journey, including my brother, Marty. Everyone would experience the culture shock. Many would see combat. And too many would be killed or wounded. Lives forever changed. Stories never told.

So this 'almost veteran' is announcing that this day, June 1, is Hug a Vet Day. And if you can't hug one, pray for one.