I almost didn't join the hop today.About an hour ago, I was interrupted by a Federal employee at the door.
"Yeah, what do you want?"
"Yes, do you write a blog named
"That's Life ... Sometimes???"
"That's Life ... Sometimes???"
"Yes, I do ... or, I try. See, I haven't technically learned how to write yet as I haven't passed any government test that states I wasn't left behind. So, in essence, writing is only a hypothetical event in my life until such certification comes through."
He didn't see the humor.
"Sir, I am under order of the Federal Government to shut down your blog."
Damn, someone was reading this stuff!
I humbly asked, "What is the reason for this stoppage of something that doesn't really happen?"
"Well, sir, whether you know it or not, the Federal Government now has complete control over the Internet and what is posted there. Your comments concerning the "herding of cattle" politically correct crowd have offended the herd ... er, politically correct crowd.
In addition, your comments concerning the inefficiencies of the Federal Government have been described as somewhat terroristic in nature. When you mention a possible revolution taking place, the White House has taken note and would like to question you as to where you derive your information. They're asking if this information is based on revolutionary meetings, NRA publications, or if you've simply figured out how stupid they are and decided to go public with it on your own."
"So, you're telling me the cattle are upset? Have you talked to a Federal vet about this?"
"No sir, all Federal vets are on furlough at this time."
"Okay, so, have you talked to the NSA about my supposed "terroristic" activities?"
"No sir, the NSA is operating with a minimal force at this time as most of them have also been furloughed."
"So, are you getting paid for coming to my house and hassling me?"
"Well ... you know, I'm not!"
"So, why are you doing it?"
"Damn it, I'm not doing it! I quit! When they start paying me again, I'll be back!"
"Wait! Before you leave ... got any smut on the Feds?"
I now have enough material to keep blogging for several years, or until the Federal Government and NSA starts back up! Whatever comes first!
Okay, so I made all of that up. Had you going though, didn't I?
This is once again Finish The Sentence Friday, and strong apologies must be made. Out of laziness in forgetfulness, I have been posting a JPEG that omitted my sister from another mother, Kristi Campbell, from the list of Hostesses. This really wasn't intentional. I'm just an old procrastinator from way back.
Well, last week, Kristi and Lizzi reminded me of this omission.
My face was red.
After they got done with me, so was my tail! (Easy with those whips, ladies!)
So, here, right below, newly produced, is the list of current hostesses and the rules of Finish the Sentence Friday!
Hope you liked it!
Now, get off my case! (Just joking.)
Today's prompt is:
"Once, in public, I saw ..."
This is a tough one!
I live in public for the most part, as I'm dealing with the public in my job and stops. Everywhere I go I'm dealing with the public. So, I guess I'm supposed to go crazy and discuss all the weird things I've seen.
Instead, I'm going to spoil your fun and go this direction:
Once, in public, I saw hundreds of families laughing, crying, and enjoying the moment.
No matter where you looked, there were smiling faces enlightening the scene. No frowns, no complaints, no one being offended ... just pure happiness being exhibited by all. A moment of moments. A happening of happenings.
The time was 1963. I was nine years old. It was August.
At the end of the kid's summer vacation time, the county fair was held. From Monday through Saturday, 4-h'ers demonstrated their skills in raising livestock, preparing various projects, and performing community service stands for onlookers galore. Every evening, starting at about 6 p.m., families loaded up their cars and kids and headed for an evening of clean fun, local rodeos, talent competitions, and other various events.
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| Photo credit: Thomas Hawk / Foter / CC BY-NC |
And, then there was the Midway! Carnival rides for all ages. The Tilt-A-Whirl, the Scrambler, the Paratrooper, the Octopus, the Roller Coaster Roaster, and even the obligatory Ferris Wheel was there awaiting the teenagers and the adults who braved them. The younger kids could enjoy riding various circular rides like Cars & Motorcycles, the Spinning Barrels, the Merry-Go-Round, and of course, spend all the time they wanted in the petting zoo.
The Midway also provided many ways for boyfriends to try to impress girlfriends by seeing how high they could use a mallet to ring the bell, shoot BB's at moving steel targets, throw plastic rings over the necks of glass bottles, or throw darts at balloons. Many dollars were spent as the barkers did their jobs well.
Even the sideshows were there to bring about a sense of excitement and adventure. Anacondas were on display as giant man-eating snakes. Make-up reigned supreme for the bearded lady and other supposed freaks on display. And, for adults (mostly men), there was always the ladies in skimpy outfits doing exotic dances.
It was a good week for all attending.
However, the Saturday afternoon event was the highlight of the week. This was the day of the county parade!
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| Photo credit: j3net / Foter / CC BY-NC |
Organizations wanting recognition or saying, "Thank You" to their customers and friends had prepared colorful floats and threw out candies and beads. Marching bands from the region came to show their talent and were dressed to the tee in their uniforms. Antique cars and buggies were driven by, again, tossing out treats for the kids. And, finally, the horses with their riders, all dressed up in their sparkle saddles and rhinestone outfits, ended the event. (Usually depositing horse defecation behind them on the street, making everyone laugh out loud at the natural occurrence.)
There were no people bitching at each other, no cell phones going off and no rude conversations being overheard, no hip hop music coming from cars in the area, and no gangs causing trouble. It was a time when being armed meant your mom had a Kleenex, band aid, and needle and thread in her purse in case you had an accident. It was a week of beauty.
Wouldn't it be nice if we could bring it back, if only for a week, so all of today's kids and families could experience the bliss it brought?
Okay, how about if it were for only a day?
You could handle it for a day, couldn't you?
Couldn't you?
