Winners Circle

We were keeping our fingers crossed for Darrell placing, thinking second or third (which are also money and certificate prizes) would be great today, but he happily took 1st place in the stock ETs. 'Too Deep', his aptly named vehicle performed well, as did his pit crew when a belt flew off at the end of the track. We had it back on in a couple of shakes so he could go round and make the back to back runs to beat out every opponent. Most of the others are seasoned drivers, and they were surprised and taken off guard by his consistency and quickness both off the line, and at the finish. We are quite proud of him. A lot of hard work and thought goes into these trucks and with the disadvantages of not having tons of money, some things are done the hard way. He pulled the spool on the 9" differential, welded the spider gears into a big ball, and made his own positrac rear end. Although a mini-spool isn't so costly, they aren't durable, and the better ones are out of pocket as more important things take priority. This one isn't coming apart.
New for this run was a full manual reverse valve body, new B&M magashifter, 3' shift cable, lower stainless steel radiator hose, and numerous tweaks. Also new was the confidence and comfort with the truck he gained on each successful run. My worries about the back to back elimination heats were put to rest. We are still working on the engine overheating, so the driver doesn't have so much to do and watch in the cockpit. Need more $$$ :)
Built for the mud, 'Too Deep' will only be a spectator at the nefarious horseshoe mud track today, which has an $8,000 first place pay-out. Because of the possible damages of the demolition style mud pit race with speeds in excess of 80 mph, this isn't something he wants to chance, not yet anyway. Coming up next weekend is the mud races in Natchez, where he has a sponsorship from his job, so it's back in the trenches for some adjustments and parts here and there. He doesn't think his boss will take too kindly to not showing up after putting up a $2,000 sponsorship, which gets her a lot of radio advertising and free passes. I will be posting up a few more pictures of the competition in another album with a link here later, but wanted to share a few moments of these at hi-res(hopefully) in this blog. We hope you enjoy these images as much as I enjoyed being there to take them. These images help us remember the moment, and develop strategy for the following runs. Shift points, ballast, distractions such as passengers, and temperature control are all instrumental, and Curtis, Aaron, and myself make good sideline coaches, or at least we think so :)
Most of all, credit goes to the driver, and to God, whom we asked for a good day. We couldn't get any better.
Parade

Mama

This little one seems a little confused. He's only a few days old and still has a soft shell.

Photos_part_landscape

Here are some photos of Spring which has arrived with a flourish.
everyday is new and I can't keep up. That's why you'll see some almost duplicates. Looking for the best one.

Pictures part II

haven't uploaded in a while, here are some more images from Clayton

Bankruptcy, Erasing the Stigma

Ninety percent of all debtors feel some sort of moral requirement to repay their debt. In recent years, as Wall Street investment firms and Big Banks have led us down a tempting path to buy now, pay later, more and more people are coming to the realization that Economics is just a game, usually with the biggest players holding all the Aces. Fast forward to 2010. In the current economic downturn, people are becoming less sympathetic, even downright angry. Banks have stifled credit lines and are hoarding money, all the while borrowing heavily from the American workers, who are the backbone of capitalism and prosperity. We have given them extremely generous repayment terms and they have repaid us by reducing our available credit, canceling $0 balance credit cards, and raising fees for everything along with the kitchen sink. They have refused to work with the federal programs to stem the tide of foreclosures, and made haste to beat the new consumer protection laws. Those whose hard earned credit scores have taken years to build and are watching them plummet through little fault of their own will get the point I make here. While investment firms, insurance companies, and large corporations (think Detroit) “too big to fail” are filing for bankruptcy protection right and left for restructuring, debt reduction, and/or debt forgiveness, we convince ourselves that this is the right thing to do, our economy is dependent on it. Whole countries and provinces are insolvent and bleeding red ink (think Greece), but we simply don't attach the same sense of moral obligation or standards to these entities as we have been taught to hold ourselves to.

Much to the Big Banks dismay, and precisely because of the buy now/pay later offers that have flooded our mailboxes and other advertising gimmicks pushed on us over the last fifteen years, debtors are tiring of this game. There are billions of dollars at stake as consumers are waking up and getting their newly revamped credit card statements in the mails showing exactly how many years it will take to pay off their credit lines. Sticker shock sets in as they can see what the CC companies have tried hard to diminish, ie: decades can be spent paying off debt, in fact, if you paid your accounts like the good little boys and girls you are told to be, you will have paid off your original debts and charges by as much as 100 fold. Truth is, the good credit score is a sandpit, with lenders selling credit lines and credit reporting agencies cashing in on selling your personal information. How could big banks hand out thousands and thousands of dollars in unsecured credit lines? They weren't. They were investing in the moral stigmata of your playing the credit score game. They were investing in your future earnings. They were making paper money off thin air, all they needed was your signature. 90% of us have our souls attached to our good name. Many have sold it to the devil. They have spent years building up these social castes, rewarding more points to those who played the game well, punishing the poor with the greatest burdens, higher interest rates, less available credit, more repossession, foreclosures, and demerits.

 Since 2002, the year the credit card apps and pre-approvals began flooding our mailbox, We have paid out $59,725.01 to credit card companies on the buy now, pay later plan. Lines of credit were soaring, credit scores steadily climbed higher toward that elusive 750+ club. This past year alone, in thirteen short months from January 09 to March 10, $13,288.01. In late 2007, early 2008, the banks began reducing lines of credit causing scores to suffer. In 2010, we are still more than $53,000 in credit card debt (didn't I pay anything?), Guess what? We don't have $50,000 worth of neat new stuff, can't get any neat new stuff, and furthermore, I didn't even buy $50,000 of stuff, much less over $110,000 worth. I would be dead before paying down this load, leaving my spouse to do battle with the legions. How moral is that? Over the last few years I have watched our disposable income shrink as we paid out more and more to the credit card companies while keeping a watchful eye on our income, our progressive years, and seeing our standard of living slowly decline. I am smart enough to know that this wasn't a good game of chance we were playing. I held all the jokers in a jokers aren't wild card game. Don't get me wrong, we are not destitute, we are not hungry. Thankfully, a lawyer tells me this is not a prerequisite. We were current with all but two of my creditors, and those were by choice. As the waters swelled deeper, and the waves threatened to beach the boat, and then with Kay's sudden retirement, I now had the resolve to do what we needed to do months if not years earlier. I took the first step toward resolving our cash flow problem. I contacted a bankruptcy attorney.

 I've done the homework, I've done the research. I even entered into a hard to get out of trial debt settlement plan with Credit Solutions scam company a couple of years ago. I had to close a long standing savings account to keep these scammers from stealing my hard earned money. They promise to help you settle your existing debt for a percentage of your outstanding debt. My advice: Don't do it! You can ruin your credit all by yourself and save a ton of money. Most banks/cc companies don't recognize, do business with, nor are they legally obligated to do business with any third party negotiator. If you just insist, there is only one company that I might suggest, one the credit card companies play along with, and they have teamed up with C.C.C.S. as well as they are also authorized to do pre-bankruptcy counseling for the US Bankruptcy Trustees. Look them up if you want: MMI http://www.moneymanagement.org/
If you are interested in a review of a few debt settlement companies you can read this short one: http://www.topconsumerreviews.com/debt-relief/detailed-reviews.php  Otherwise, see a lawyer.
Wipe out that debt in a Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 and do it legally and as painlessly as possible. Don't worry, you will reduce your debt and save yourself a lot quicker than any other way, and, you will regain your credit. There are pay as you go car lots, there are secured credit cards. It is advisable to have at least one home town loan officer that you are personally familiar with, but this should not be any deciding factor. Here is a good resource for familiarizing yourself with the ins and outs of bankruptcy.
read: http://www.bankruptcyaction.com/questions.htm
Chapter 7- All debt discharged 45-90 days. Check your state to see what you can keep, usually 1 house, 1 car, items with less than $500 in value. Ask a Lawyer!
Chapter 13 – Keep everything you want to keep. If you owe money on it, like a house a boat, a car, or a piece of property, you may have to pay all or a portion of it. Ask a Lawyer! It's free to consult, so be prepared: 3 or 5 year repayment plan. Unsecured debt gets 0-100% of timely filed claims, mostly 0%. Many creditors don't bother.
find: http://www.bankruptcyaction.com/attorneys.htm
Fill out this form: http://www.bankruptcyaction.com/application.htm
These are all the same questions you will need answers for at a lawyers office. You will need most, if not all, of this information so he can better help you and so you can avoid return trips. Also, you will have to do a phone or internet (phone is preferable to avoid mistakes) pre-bankruptcy counseling session ---- Know your budget numbers! (Quicken printouts was invaluable for this) Don't give away vehicles or property prior to filing. Sell them if you must for a few dollars, too little to pay off debt but enough to buy groceries, pay light bill, etc.
I am not advocating bankruptcy. I am saying it is not a sin. It is not the shameful act of cowards. It takes a wise person to find him/her self at this place in life and make the best choice for their family.

For the last several years, I have assumed most of Kay's debt, and some of our oldest. We have assisted them through many endeavors, college not being one of their choices, and we have reached the end of our borrowing power. With Kay's signature on several co-loans, our boys have footholds, but the banks have also diminished, through the credit score model game, her ability to help. In this community property state, my debt is her debt, her debt is mine. Check yours.
Tried uploading a few pictures but the uploader failed so hope I haven't bored any of you silly :) We are in good health and spirits, we have a way to go.

Pictures Part I

We've been busy. More than enough to do...

this & that

I saw a simple but poignant bumper sticker a few days ago.
"God Bless Everybody, No Exceptions"
Sometimes we get lost in our own concerns, and selfishly believe that we are the most important
person, nation, religion, etc. and fail to see that God cares about all.

Lydia

Ran across this concerto a while back. 'Lydia' by Tim Story, 1994 compilation.
Maybe you will like it.  Don't click on "attachment".

Attachment: 03 Lydia.m4a

Address

http://tarvergen.multiply.com/journal/item/599/please_add_or_correct_yr_contact_info
http://tejasmidget.multiply.com/links/item/34
contacts

Burning Bush

Prentiss

one of the historic buildings i maintain

Parade 2009

Parade 2009

Camelot Leisure Living enters a float Saturday in Ferriday, and again
Sunday in the Vidalia Parade. Kay wins 1st place in the small float category
on Saturday. Still waiting on Sundays announcements.

Conscripted

I have been volunteered to do community service work for the Nursing Home float.
The parade is Saturday and we don't have a lot of time and are having to work long hours after dark.
With the temperature drop, you can see I had to build a makeshift fire. I had everything worked out in my
head until Kay checked with the parade organizer and found out the theme for this year is Santa's Workshop. Duh.
As you can see, it is incomplete, I will post some finished pictures when I can.
Wishing her luck for !st place this year, she deserves it.

Bought Kay a new Honda

Honda

Kay's Christmas

Story from Democrat staff reports

Google search:

The Natchez Democrat - Eola Hotel, Guest House, Prentiss Club sell ...

Nov 17, 2009 ... The Eola sold to the highest bidder for $4.8 million. Both the Guest House and Prentiss Club were sold to a bidder for $800000 each. ...
www.natchezdemocrat.com/.http://tejasmidget.multiply.com/eola-hotel-guest-house-prentiss-club-sell-auction/ - 18 hours ago

It is now 9PM, The bidding was over at 6PM(3 hours ago), with an online bidder with top bid
hmm....

Another album

What interests a child? Sometimes it is the simplicity of life.
I would that we could all see things this clearly.

Surprise

kay loves surprises!
she left me here by myself all day!

zoo and stuff

just pictures

Kaye's zoo trip

Cooler temperatures aside, the Alexandria zoo decorations and the sights were a treat for some of the residents of Camelot Leisure Living Nursing Home.
This is just one of the many activies that Kay plans throughout the year. She is one busy lady.

listen

Wanda's dishwasher quit working so she called in a repairman. Since she had to go to work the next day, she told the repairman, I'll leave the key under the mat. Fix the dishwasher, leave the bill on the counter, and I'll mail you a check.  "Oh, by the way don't worry about my dog Spike. He won't bother you. But, whatever you do, do NOT, under ANY circumstances, talk to my parrot". I MUST STRESS TO YOU: "DO NOT TALK TO MY PARROT!" When the repairman arrived at Wanda 's apartment the following day, he discovered the biggest, meanest looking dog he has ever seen. But, just as she had said, the dog just lay there on the carpet watching the repairman go about his work. The parrot, however, drove him nuts the whole time with her incessant yelling, cursing and name calling. Finally the repairman couldn't contain himself any longer and yelled, "Shutup, you stupid, ugly bird!" To which the parrot replied, "Get him Spike!"----------------------------------------------------------------  See - Men just don't listen!

Out takes

A few of my favored shots from the video,
and a couple of overlooked ones that didn't make it through editing.
We are happy to see his continued interest in this property.

listen

Wanda's dishwasher quit working so she called in a repairman. Since she had to go to work the next day, she told the repairman, I'll leave the key under the mat. Fix the dishwasher, leave the bill on the counter, and I'll mail you a check. "Oh, by the way don't worry about my dog Spike. He won't bother you. But, whatever you do, do NOT, under ANY circumstances, talk to my parrot". I MUST STRESS TO YOU: "DO NOT TALK TO MY PARROT!" When the repairman arrived at Wanda 's apartment the following day, he discovered the biggest, meanest looking dog he has ever seen. But, just as she had said, the dog just lay there on the carpet watching the repairman go about his work. The parrot, however, drove him nuts the whole time with his incessant yelling, cursing and name calling. Finally the repairman couldn't contain himself any longer and yelled, "Shutup, you stupid, ugly bird!" To which the parrot replied, "Get him Spike!"---------------------------------------------------------------- See - Men just don't listen!

No Problem

Our youngest Click on the video to launch it, quicktime plugin or player required Flash version here: curtisOut takes

No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem

My youngest

Attachment: curt2.mov
Attachment: curt2.mov
Attachment: postermovie.mov

No Problem

Our youngest, always industrious, full of life and energy.
Shaping his future, we are proud of his vision.
Quicktime version:HERE

Rain Blooms

These haven't bloomed well for 3 seasons, the rains are making up for it

In all the recent rains which we wish would end soon, the plants are taking advantage of the cooler weather and drenched soil. For the first time there are blooms on the elephant ears, something we haven't ever seen in our yard.

Race Day2

This is after his qualifying run, which places in in the correct bracket for similar estimated timed vehicles.

Darrell recently acquired an old Bronco, and after some slight modifications and tune ups, enters it in a couple of local competitions. A mud competition in Natchez, which I didn't get to attend, and this one, the last race of the season at Sandy Lake. Had to take off early from work to watch him run in E.T competition on a dirt track, even had the privilege of riding along on his final run.

Race Day

Darrell recently acquired an old Bronco, and after some slight modifications and tune ups, enters it in a couple of local competitions. A mud competition in Natchez, which I didn't get to attend, and this one, the last race of the season at Sandy Lake. Had to take off early from work to watch him run in E.T competition on a dirt track, even had the privilege of riding along on his final run.

I am romantic

I I am romantic.m romantic.
33 years ago, as we returned from our honeymoon, I was broke, almost!
I had one dollar left in my pocket, and we stopped at the Handy Pak, bought a cola and a bag of peanuts to share.
It must have been an incredible omen, as ever since then, we seen to be very broke come September 3rd.
Never forgetting our humble beginnings, I return today with a bottled coke and a bag of peanuts.
It cost me $1.40. I think this means that my investment has increased in value by 40%.
I may be broke, I may be overextended on my cc, and under paid on my taxes(again), but I am happy.
God has surely smiled on me.                             


This is me and my sweetheart a few days ago.
As I gaze into her eyes, I make a promise.
Always remember,

I am romantic.

new stuff

indians.mp4

100_4464_16_9.mp4

deja vu

Kay loves the new paint, especially the way the green shows thru.


Everyone has heard me talk about the sage green wall I was after but didn't get, we bought walmart paint instead.
Some have heard me talk about wanting to do a Tuscan Orange focal wall as seen on HGTV.
Paint store guys don't watch HGTV, but do know how to furrow their eyebrows(they go to school for this, I think).
After a long fruitless hunt for the proper color, I walked into a Sherwin Williams store that had recently painted in a color that appealed to me... penny pincher orange.
The real name, Pennywise, a slightly copper colored reddish orange thats supposed to resemble old pennies. Hope your computers render it okay.

My Wish2

My Wish

This is a collection of my eldest
who has been very much in my thoughts lately.
I've pieced together a few photographs that are memories of
yesterdays, and reminders of our tomorrows.
I call this collection; Growing_Pains

My Wish2

Attachment: Growing_Painz.mov

My Wish

This is a collection of my eldest who has been very much in my thoughts lately.
I've pieced together a few photographs that are memories of yesterdays,
and reminders of our tomorrows. I call this collection; Growing_Painz

Growing_pains

Darrell Growing Pains

My boy

Attachment: darrell3.mov

Growing Pains

okay

Remember when_music3.mp4

takes plaxe of embedded .mov?

Remember When2

A father's perspective 

rehearsal_burns2.mp4

Remember When

A fathers perspective

nostalgia_farm2

This is the sepia version, and a little shorter than the original with color images.
Link: Country Time

Country time

A few shots of Darrell's farm & family along with a few of our place.
Finally, after a half dozen re-makes, I've included the
converted .mov video. It requires flash.
The other option being to ftp it to the server and embed.

Farm2, off the beaten path

After a bit of trail and error,
here is the working video,
with sound,
of Darrell and family.

Farm_take2

Hopefully, this will play a little better than the last one.

farm1.1.mov_take2

Rehearsal

July 24, 2009

Photo Album 2009-07-21

Farm_sepia.mov

farm1.1.mov

If you hear 2 tracs of audio while the video is playing,
just mute the volume on the video's speaker slider.
Sorry for the mix-up.
You can view full size by clicking on the
little thing that looks like a floppy disk at the
bottom of the video.

Darrell Growing Pains

A few photos of my eldest boy from early childhood to present

More June pictures

just shots taken of the homestead, that I didn't take.

Plumbago

As promised, here are some pictures of the flower gift, with a few others thrown in for good measure.
Our town should appreciate the added revenue due to the drought we have been plagued with the last couple of months. Our lawn survived beautifully with much hose dragging. Recent rains brought an end to this windfall.
Long overdue was the carport painting, the stain was bought last year when it was on sale, so the dry spell helped encourage that project.

geometry2

can't hurt
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6539416/Geometry-2e

just extra linked photos

plumbago(never had birthday flowers before)

photos misc

Elf

more pictures

Quick note to myself. Remember to take a bath today because you were too lazy yesterday.

Home

On Wednesday, May 27th, 2009, our sweet sister and her husband, Jackie Carroll, laid to rest their prematurely born infant child.
To my knowledge, she has not before now, known exactly how she was going to bear to part with this sweet child, who came to be known to us as her "beanie baby". The gender unknown for sure, this child was called to me by the proper name "Bambino", which, when translated, literally means, "little boy", or "little child". In art, it is used to refer to the the to the image of the infant Jesus in swaddling clothes.
The very fact that she has held on to this child for so long without knowing when and where she would give him a final resting place speaks volumes to me. It speaks of the sincerity in her heart and in her belief that all life is sacred. It speaks to me of her knowledge that life is given, and life is also taken away. The purposes and means of this is not always in our understanding,  so we trust in our instinct, in belief that there is a special place we can call "home".  This is Faith.

To this end, as the words fail to pass my lips, I am compelled to write this psalm, so that even though speech may elude me, my heart does not.  

Home
I've laid two souls to rest today and how reluctantly,
 for if I had another wish, they would still be here with me.
For into me the seeds of life had bloomed so vibrantly,
 this little life that glittered, like a star so brilliantly.
How seldom do we get this chance of opportunity,
 to have a child to call our own for all eternity.

And how the time has quickly come, to send him on his way,
 there are children there awaiting, where he can run, and play.

I know you loved your children, your grandchildren were your prize,
 so into your arms I've laid this one, while you close your eyes.
I cannot give a greater gift than this last child of mine,
 to take him home to Jesus, where he can truly shine.
I know he's not a burden, you loved your children so,
 so into your grasp I'm trusting, to heaven he will go.

Into your hands I've placed my child for all eternity,
 to take him home to Jesus, where he will wait for me.
Take and show our Father, the gift he gave to me,
 the seeds of life within me, how briefly that may be.
Tell him I will miss him but this is best you see,
 the little child that was once here, can now my angel be.  

And how the time has quickly come to send him on his way,
there are children there awaiting, where he can run, and play.

In loving memory of our
beanie baby Bambino, 'John'
and Ma Betty Carroll
© 2009 byronc

A new Beginning, Part II

I was home, and had many visitors. To some, I seemed normal, although a little hyper and talkative. Being quite solemn most of the time, a few even liked this newly extroverted, friendlier me, and withheld their reservations.

Of course, my wife and partner of the last nine years knew that something was amiss, and worried that I was still not getting the rest my body and mind so desperately needed. On several occasions, the suggestion that I need to go see a doctor was strongly implied by her to no avail. I dismissed this idea as unnecessary as I only needed rest. Rest did not come.

After a couple of days, of countless long distance phone calls to people I called only on special occasions, like birthdays, holidays, and so forth, my mind felt extremely clear, my hearing was acute, and exaggerated, it was impossible to sleep with the slightly noise, real or imagined. My mind began to see things that were not there, the hallucinations became more vivid, no, there was no backup of sewage in the tub, the TV was not glowing at night. Crop dusters were not wagging their wings over my home with broken sprayers spewing poisons. The jogger behind the Cadillac was someone only I could see.

When I disrobed, and ran into the muddy fields, that's when the ambulance came. The local constable and my Father-in-law was desperately trying to cover up my shame, and to keep the mosquitoes abated. In a distant part of my brain there was some sort of unknown recognition that I was not supposed to be naked, even though it was the end of the world. I did accept a pair of undershorts. *insert laugh here*

On the way to the hospital, I implored the EMT as to the reasons for this special treatment, he only agreed with me, that we were going somewhere I could get some answers. Of course, the government needs me, only we have to make this one little stop first.  

A new Beginning, Part I

This is not a story of tragedy, nor a cry for sympathy, but it is a story of how I got from there to here. This is my story of survival, and triumph.

I have not written this down before now, and do not know why I have chosen this moment to do so. I have read through some of your posts here, and I only wish to share a thought or two.

The year was 1985, and I was in the prime of life. Having been married for nine years, my wife and I were miraculously expecting our first born. Happily anticipating his arrival, and busy preparing for all the things that were to be, we were the epitome of young, success filled couples.

I was ToolPusher on a land rig at the ripe age of 28 just prior to the oil boom bust of 1985-1986 I had been either a Driller or a Toolpusher since I was 23. This particular rig required round the clock supervision of a collection of some of the most hodgepodge of crews on a different type of rig and drilling conditions than most were accustomed to.  Adding to the mix, we had a newly promoted Drilling Superintendent who made no secret of his distaste for my style. Having recently being from another rig, I was placed in charge of this one by the owners against his wishes. Needless to say, everything needed attention, and I was anxious to get everything in order and repaired before rigging down and moving to a more difficult location. There seemed no end to the constant knocking at the door, with requests for assistance. From broken pumps, to non-existent lighting and a faulty generator, to the need to restring the drilling line at night with a crew that had never participated in this common daylight chore. There were tight hole problems, chalk, and a poisonous gas strata to drill though, with non-fully functional blowout preventers.

After eleven days and nights with zero sleep, and too few meals, I called one of the owners expressing my difficulties and stating my expectation that I would be relieved of duty the following morning. As predicted, this is exactly what took place. I was called in to the office the following day, and fired by the Superintendent. Incredulously, I went home and continued to call the vendors which I had outstanding orders and obligations with, making sure that all was being carried out and completed exactly as I had scheduled.

Due to sleep deprivation, and in denial, I had already crossed the line between reality and fiction.                           (to be continued)

© 2009 byronc