The Joys of Fall

Waking up to a cool room under warm blankets. A nice cup of coffee accompanied by a slice of one of Jess' many apple pie recipes. Smelling the dew on the air. Watching steam roll off of rooftops and bodies of water on a morning drive down the back roads. The smell of dirt and oak while splitting firewood. Sitting on a patio listening to the sound of a slow running fountain, a cool breeze blows by, and an immediate return to warmth via help from the sun. Dinner with family and anticipation of the holidays. Captivating stories of humor and suspense. Pumpkins and their wonderful diversity from edible to art, and sometimes a combination of both. The low evening fog. Evening tea and laughing over lack-luster attempts at reading tea leaves. Crawling into a warm bed wondering, hoping, that the day could be repeated.

Remember Now?

Deep breath in and breath out as you look through your screen. Welcome back.

The past few weeks have been wonderful. I love the cooling weather and can't wait for the days I go out to warm up my car and scrape off the frost. I've the opportunities to see some things I want to share. First off, the worn buildings I pass by as I drive all over this state. So many beautiful locations tucked away or sitting right on the highway. I may have to sit down one day and really write out my fascination with the broken and fallen.
Jess and I got to wander around the State Fair with her little sister and another friend. All the strange things that people spend their money on for a stuffed animal that'll rip in less than a week. The mix of people dressed for comfort, some dressed to impress, and others that just don't know how to dress their bodies. People of the internets get on that for me, I'd like to see a peopleofthestatefair.com in the next few weeks. There are also the heart attack inducing foods such as the Krispy-Kreme Bacon Cheesburger. If you split it between 3-4 people, I highly recommend at least getting a taste.
Also, hunt down the Neese's booth and grab some Liver Pudding and Souse.

After the State Fair there was some well needed time with family out at the Daniels' house. It made me wonder how our grandparents passing in our formative years differs from them dying in our later years. Most of my grandparents (and all of my great grandparents) were gone early in my life. I said goodbye to my mom's mother well before she died with her severe alzheimers, it seemed she was already gone. Didn't make seeing her that one last time any easier, but I digress. I wonder how it will affect me when this family I've become a part of begins to let it's patriarchs/matriarchs go home.

Jess and I attended a visitation to pay our respects to a close friend. While waiting to see the family we found our conversation in the realm of "...at my funeral...". I'm sure we've all had this conversation, but I feel the time to reflect on our mortality is important as we aren't here forever. Instead of focusing on how we're remembered it seems easier to talk about how the world sends you off. Everyone standing around my ashes laughing about stories of old, and not in a funeral home but the house I lived in. No lines to greet my family but instead a steady flow of friends and extended family paying respects in their own way. Starts at dinner and ends after supper. The length of visitation also is dependent upon that first reflection of how we're remembered. I hope that there are people that would surround my wife and family with love. People that I touched but never knew showing up. I guess that's me hoping that in my quiet way people in the world notice me. Those of you that know me just laughed about the quiet part. Again, this is the type of reflection that is hard to set upon. It brings about a great fondness for the little things; it also brings an overwhelming feeling that in this big world, what have I done? As we enter this season, I hope you enjoy a slower pace and take count of the blessings and trials you came out better from. May the coming fall and winter build a desire in you that bursts forth with the spring to go out and impact how you're remembered.

The Original Hollywood Horror...let down.

Tucked far away from the interstates and highways lies an old farm house. A flashing road sign draws you toward the grayed exterior and red flashing batons direct you into parking. A short walk through medium recently-mowed grass, over a road, and you approach the smiling portrait of a skeleton to purchase your tickets from an enthused attendant. Is the attendant's attitude a by product of apathy developed by multiple seasons of service; or was it a carefully crafted ruse, an attitude of caring nothing for the terror you are about to endure. Increasing the coming terror even more. A transaction of 20 dollars, and a gold coin is placed in your hand. Maybe to pay the ferryman.

While waiting, entertainment can be found in the trailers and behind the scenes footage shown above the entrance. The transformation of humans to ghouls is made as transparent as a ghost in Hogwarts. Trailers for upcoming, as well as past releases, horror films help provide the proper mood, yet the real entertainment is live. The screams and squeals from within the house receive a quick turn of heads from the waiting line. The most attention is given to the crowds exiting with the occasional scream being chased with a dose of chainsaw revving.

Respects are to be paid to the recently undead before entering the house. Guides encourage a closer look at the first prop of the show, not many dare to step too close. Reminders are given that the ghouls only get touchy if touched first and if the experience becomes too overwhelming a quick exit can be provided. The ancient wooden door opens, beckoning.

Now, the experience will change from person to person. For the easily scarred and skittish, take delight in the screams awaiting you. There is a little something to tickle everyone's scaredy-bone. To lovers of horror, there will be laughs a plenty. Laughs will be increased if paired with the aforementioned group.

As for my personal experience, 3 nice big laughs from going through with Jess. Highly disappointed that from the last time I went (over 10 years ago), only a few new areas existed but the majority of the show went unchanged. The majority of scares were predictable, as evident in Jess pointing to a unmoving figure (that looks plastic) and saying "That one moves" and sure enough, IT MOVED! I really can't go into much elaboration without ruining some specifics, but I must admit I was unimpressed. Not worth $20. Really, even if you're escorting a group of prepubescents...find something cheaper, I'm not even sure the $20 a pop is worth saying "I went to The Original Hollywood Horror Show".

Another 14hr day.

Sitting in a dingy Howard Johnson next to 85S. Let the other guys have the beds, I'm enjoying the cot. Checked out facebook, Jess at home in bed, tired but can't go to sleep. Didn't even wake up with Jess this morning to help her get off to work, can't wait to be home and off to the grill with her. Left for work in Pembroke at 6:15 this morning, 2 hours later I'm walking through a beautiful house full of tacky taxidermy. Interesting how those two words sound so similar. Installing cameras, crawling around under a house and getting a nice sun burn just really make the day drag.

8:35 to 4:30 is...well, it was. Get a call last minute from another technician, we've got another stop at 6:15. Awesome, the office can't even call me. Fine, I've got time to at least hit the hotel and sit for a spell...alas, the office forgot to get a room for the techs. No place to rest, might as well drive to a fire department and teach them how to use their surveillance system. Too bad I don't know what they want to know, good thing I had a manual, too bad it makes me look ignorant.

I would lament and really go on and on, how bout this: I miss my wife and being home; I'm thankful for a job that allows us to have a home; we're meant for more than this.

Thinking and a Ridin'

Traveling around and helping people with their surveillance issues, I get plenty of time to think...occasionally I get to write some of it down at stop lights. So let's look at what got written down...I'll try and explain.

"Ramble Ramble Ramble" - Sitting outside the office, killing time before going in. I know I can't be the only one that dreads walking into the office from time to time. Finally decided to move it and make my way to the first job site.

"8:18 8:20" - After getting my first assignment and heading down the road I hit what I feel is one of the longest lights in the world...apparently, 2 minutes feels like forever when you're 5min. behind schedule.

"Diane Rain(?)" - Ahhhhh NPR, thank you for making my mornings so riveting. Diane's soothing voice lulls me to sleep and I jolt awake to keep from slamming into the transfer truck next to me. Riveting. Is it just me, or does NPR purposefully try to find announcers that sound as uninterested as possible. Then again, a soothing voice is much preferred to the raving antics of Glen "Mad Max" Beck.

"Google v. Apple" - Interesting debate on how these two companies are competing. But the way their competition was worded. Control. I scoff at the word. Why would you ever want one side to win? Competition drives our wonderful market. Just imagine how much more expensive Apple products could be if they didn't have to compete. Imagine how many people would be computer illiterate if Google (and PC based) technology was the only option. Just the idea of people wanting one side to win blows my mind. Especially when we supposedly have laws in place to keep from such things...like Monopolies.

"Stalling 4 Time' Nessner' - I wanna read this book. Didn't get to hear the interview, but an insider perspective of a police hostage negotiator. Sounds intense. Just gotta finish "Uprising" "A New Kind of Christian" and The Complete Works of Shakespeare.

I'll be heading down to Pembroke tomorrow. If anyone doesn't have dinner plans, I know a wonderful young lady that would love to be kept company. I'll update ya'll hopefully tomorrow night.