Tangled Up, Too!

Well, I sure hope that all of y'all had a wonderful Christmas, because we sure did and so did our fabulous four-legged rescued dogs.

After we cooked and served our rescued dogs their annual, delicious Christmas dinner and I had cleaned up the kitchen I cooked our Christmas dinner. And promptly, at 1:00, Kinky arrived, so he could eat Christmas dinner with our good friend Jim Keaveny and us. Bottom Line___It was delicious and we had a lot of fun enjoying Kinky's and Jim's hilarious tales about some of their musician friends.

Later on in the evening, Jim let us listen to his new CD, which is due to come out, in March and we can't wait to buy a copy, because it is totally fabulous. And if you want to check out Jim Keaveny, please click here: jimkeaveny.com and make sure to check out his Music & Videos and you can sample more of his music at: cdbaby.

We really enjoyed having Jim spend his Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with us. And Monday morning after Tony and I had done both of our chores, Kinky invited the three of us to come over, to the Lodge, for a visit and to drink some coffee with him.

When we went over to the Lodge, Kinky greeted us and then he immediately poured us coffees and Tony and I had a great time, sitting around the kitchen table, listening to more of their tales about some of the famous people they have known. There was a long discussion about Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Minnie Pearl & her husband, Jimi Hendrix, Keith Richards, Muddy Waters, June Carter and Bob Dylan just to name a few and that is why we spent over two hours over at Kinky's. And before we left, the Lodge, to come back over here, I took this picture of Jim & Kinky.

Sadly, late yesterday afternoon, Jim and us adios-ed each other and then he took off to go visit a few more friends, before returning home, to Terlingua.

Today has been great even though I overslept and missed Big G's phone call, to do his morning radio show.

Around 10:00, Kinky called me and invited us to come over for a visit, I went, but Tony didn't, because he wanted to go take some pictures.

My visit with Kinky was a lot of fun and it lasted for over an hour. And before we adios-ed each other, he and I made a pact aka New Year's resolutions: for the three of us to start drinking coffee together every morning and for him and me to take two, twenty-minute, daily hikes together. And lastly, for Tony and me to meet him for lunch today, at 2:00, at Buzzi's BBQ, because we both had errands to run, in Kerrville.

Lunch was delicious and a lot of fun and we got to visit with Buzzi. And before we adios-ed each other, in the parking lot, I showed Kinky my pink, leash that connects two leashes to it, so I can walk Little Debbie & Big Al(ice) and the reason that I showed it to him was, because earlier, during our morning visit, I had suggested that we try using it on Sophie & Mr. P when we start doing our daily hikes, because Sophie is blind and Mr. P is deaf.

After we adios-ed Kink, Tony and I went to Wild Birds Unlimited, so I could buy a gift and we could check out Kevin & Linda's on sale items. Unfortunately, Marguerite wasn't there, but we did have a fun visit with Linda and Tricia. And I did buy a gift, but I also bought one for myself, because I loved the gift that I was going to be giving. And the only clue I will give you is—mine is pink.

Around 4:45, I went over to the Lodge, so Kinky and I could hike with The Friedmans and I took my stopwatch and my pink leash, so we could try it on Sophie and Mr. P.

Before we took off to go hiking for our first, twenty minute hike, Kinky suggested that we extend the length of the two pink leashes and that was a big mistake, because I was getting tangled up with it, inside The Lodge and when he took over, outside—he got tangled up, too. And we both had a good laugh about it and tonight before I adios-ed Kink, we agreed that the next time we hike (tomorrow) we will not extend the length of the two leashes for our own safety.

And that's about it for tonight, because I am planning to watch the Kennedy Honors, in just a few minutes.

Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing!

Jimi's Got It So Right!

Today has been great. This morning Kinky called me and asked me to come over, so he could sing his two new songs. He wrote the pajama song and he and our dear friend Bob, from Louisiana, who years ago adopted, Mama, our sweet, three-legged Pit Bull, co-wrote. (Bob has been at the ranch, for over a week, baby sitting The Friedmans while Kinky was on the road and he left earlier this morning.)

I told Kink that I would love to hear them and that I would be over there in just a few minutes and then I told him, "I made homemade, blueberry waffles this morning. You want me to bring one over, with some bacon?"

Twenty minutes later after Kinky ate the breakfast that I brought him we went into his office, so he could sing me his two new songs. He sang the pajama song first, which was totally awesome and it gave me goose bumps. Then our good friend Steve showed up.

After howdies and hugs we realized that Louie was missing. Louie Friedman is his adorable, black, long-haired Scottie mix, that I rescued a few years ago. To make a long story short, I was in Trigger, going over to Kinky's, when at our gate entrance I saw Louie, in the corner of my eye, that someone had just dumped. I got out of the truck and called him to me and he ran to me.

By the time we got over to the Lodge, I told Kinky about just rescuing Walter Matthau. "I think I am going to adopt him," I remarked, to deaf ears.

"No, I want to adopt him," Kinky stated, matter of factly. "And I am going to name him Louie Friedman..." So, I am officially Louie Walter Friedman's God mother.

Anyway, Kinky and Steve grabbed a bag of apples and carrots and took off to hopefully go find Louie and to also feed the apples and carrots to Maya, Roy, Gabby and Little Jewford. I opted to stay put, in case Louie showed up. "I'll honk if Louie shows up here," I said, as they and three of the Friedmans drove off, inside Mr. Green Jeans.

A few minutes later, Tony drove up in Kermit, followed closely by Mr. Green Jeans. "We've got Louie," Kinky said.

Two minutes later, Steve, Tony and I were in Kinky's office listening to Kinky sing his two new songs for us. And to say the least—we loved them. Then we had a short, fun visit with Kinky and Steve. Before we adios-ed them I told them my newest favorite quote by the late, great Jimi Hendrix, "When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace." And they loved it as much as I do. In fact, Kinky even repeated it after me, and said, "That's one great quote."

When we got back home Tony went outside and then came back inside. "Nance, yesterday this came in the mail for you, but I forgot to give it to you. Sorry about that. I think it is from Cindy Pickard."

"I bet it is. Cindy told me the other day that she was sending me a small gift, in the mail. Will you please open it for me, so I can fill up the dog's water bowl?" This is what my dear friend, Cindy, sent to me. I absolutely love it and I don't consider it a small gift!

"Oh my goodness! I love it! Last week I wrote Cindy an e-mail about discovering this awesome quote by Jimi Hendrix. I can't believe that she sent me this poster. I can't wait to get it framed and hang it on the wall, because Jimi's got it so right. All we need is love."

Y'all have a great day and evening!

There's Something Happening Here!

I did it! This morning following breakfast—I did my three mile workout, inside the trailer, without the two pound weights, and I am feeling fine, and glad that I did it! And, I used my new lavender colored stretchie—and it did not break—thank goodness!

After watching the depressing news about Wall Street crashing, early this morning, I did what I had to do—I turned off the television, and turned on my iPod, and then concentrated on some paperwork, that needed to be taken care of.

The first song that started playing on my iPod was ‘For What It’s Worth,” by the Buffalo Springfield, so I immediately went to the bedroom, put on my old colorful tie-dyed t-shirt, and braided my long salt and pepper colored ponytail—to remember the good times back then, and to help me forget the depressing news of today.

Thirty-eight years ago, life was all about peace and love for me. Everyone was happy, no one had to lock their doors, there were no gangs and the music was the greatest music of all times! I had just graduated from Southwest High School, in 1970 in Ft. Worth, and had moved to Austin and was the proud new owner, thanks to my Mom and Dad, of a used, dark blue, ‘67 VW —which came with an eight track player!

Ronnie had an off white ‘65 VW, with a six volt battery, which meant he could either listen to music or use his headlights. My ‘67 VW came with a twelve volt battery, which meant I could drive in the dark and listen to music at the same time! I was so lucky!

I thought I had it all back then, yet I actually had nothing at all, so to speak! All I had was a used ‘67 VW, named Blue, my treasured 0018 Martin guitar, which I had gotten from my parents on my 18th birthday, and a good-looking boyfriend—that could play anything on a guitar, and a ten dollar duffle bag, purchased from Academy Surplus, which was full of clothes—jeans mainly. It was the best of times for me—life was so simple.

I was five foot two, eyes of blue, had long brown hair, and was beautiful—as all nineteen year old people are! Everyone I knew was happy, and wanted to give peace a chance! Which some people thought was anti-American? I was young and innocent, and loved shooting people the universal two fingered— ‘peace sign!’ My heroes were Abraham, Martin and John—and Bobby—Janis and Jimi. I had no enemies—it was all about love.

My boyfriend, Steve Andrews., my first, real true love, a good-looking, dark haired longhair, who was two years older than me, and an incredibly talented lead guitarist, who had actually once played guitars with Jimi Hendrix at Hendrix’s home! Those were my bragging rights—back then!

When I moved to Austin, Steve and I rented a house, with my brother Ronnie, on St. Johns Street and then later on 45th and Duval Street. At night, the three of us would play our guitars and sing, or play Monopoly. In the morning, Ronnie did construction work, and learned his trade, while Steve and I sold carnations, at different locations in Austin, for twenty-five cents per flower—on street corners! It was a blast and I met some really interesting people! One man, even asked me to get into his Mercedes, and ride off into the sunset with him—I didn’t.

Not to brag, I outsold all of the’Flower People’ in Austin—including Steve, who would play his guitar for extra tips! And, I actually bragged to my parents, about making thirteen to twenty dollars a day—it was a lot of money back then, and all that I needed—and so much fun! Life was so simple back then and I miss it terribly.

I never ever dreamed that there would be a day, when Greed would rule our country—it is so disturbing to me, especially since most of the CEO’s came from my generation. It truly has made me sick. Seriously, how much stuff do we really need?

I am guilty, too, and as of tomorrow, I am going to be getting rid of just about everything I own—except for my life changing Vita-Mix machine. And, I am hoping to get everything that is important to me, to fit into an Academy Surplus duffel bag.

I am very sorry for writing this depressing blog, but I am feeling hopeless about what has happened to us and our country. There’s something happening here, and what it is, is exactly clear—greed!