Busy Days
I’m out of time every day. I noticed the death of the head of my favorite gas brand, Hugo Chavez, but he became what he hated in the end, a dictator, which means no one is really in control of Venezuela. Most commentators mention his anti-US attitude without noting that the 2003 attempt to overthrow his government was obviously tied to the White House. Coup d’état attempts generally sour relations between governments, so I wouldn’t hold that against him. My gripe is that he decided that everyone who hated the US was a friend, forgetting that the enemy of your enemy may not be your friend.
Of import to me personally is the death of a great blues/rock guitarist, Alvin Lee. The man could definitely play the instrument.
In addition to checking on the Iditarod during the day, and updating when I can, I am still fixing things at that house. The latest problem is a result of a code change for gas water heaters. It is a major PITA, but I figured out how to do it, while still getting access to the equipment when necessary.
Because I’m ‘retired’ a neighbor called me at 11:30PM for a ride home from a hospital emergency room about 15 miles away. He couldn’t drive and didn’t have enough cash for a taxi. I went and got him, but Walton County certainly doesn’t ‘waste’ any money on large reflectorized signs, and the hospital doesn’t waste money on a lighted sign or street lights. I’m getting too old for this stuff.
3 comments
Navigating back roads around small towns at night is one of my worst nightmares. Even after my parents had lived six miles outside Livingston, TX for several years, I was terrified of turning off US 59 (now I-69, I believe) at night because the lighting was so poor. Eventually I began driving several more miles on the main highway to a better lighted exit, working my way back through small towns, farm fields and woods to the tiny town which was one of the few paths to my parents’ place.
I must say, though, it was a great area for stargazing.
You’re a good guy, Bryan. How easy it is to forget that living in a neighborhood means being involved with neighbors… and helping them in times of need.
I would have expected it if this a county road, but this hospital is on US-98, all 6+ lanes of it that is the main beach highway for the Panhandle. I couldn’t believe that they were using the small signs designed for in-town use at 30MPH and slower. They don’t have a single reflectorized sign anywhere on the road, and it gets busy on the weekends when it warms up. If I was up in the North County going to a small town like Baker or Wing, I would expect it, but not on the ‘Emerald Coast Parkway’.
While I appreciate your kudo, Ellroon, I think it’s sad that being a neighbor is so rare. I know he wouldn’t have called if he had another choice, and I couldn’t leave him out in the middle of nowhere overnight. You can’t have a society if you do that.