Holidays are a dicey thing for me, much to my Wife's chagrin. Having grown up in in a dysfunctional family that included daily physical/mental spousal abuse, holidays often became contentious things that I was just eager to get over with. There was always some type of issue that would throw things into a huge tailspin. My parents were so into their issues, we kids were left semi-parentless. They have continued that tradition while sharing a home with my sister and her three children. This year is no exception, only now it's a new generation of abuse. My niece and her boyfriend beat my father up yesterday. Broken jaw, needs surgery for eye damage and many stitches to a hand that was slammed in a door. My Dad has been no stranger to abusing my Mother, but no one, especially a 76 year old, deserves that. So, if I come off as curmudgeonly at times, please understand where it comes from. I have tried to live my life learning from my parents mistakes. I've had successes and failures (as we all have). I have spent too many years of witnessing this and as I get older, want to see the end of it. End of venting here...

If you have stuck with me this far, then please accept (those who celebrate it) my heartfelt wishes that you and yours have an exceptional Thanksgiving, surrounded by family, friends and happiness. Oh, and don't forget the good food. The same wishes go to those wonderful folks I have been lucky enough to meet here from different corners of the world. I plan to have the best one possible with my Wife, Daughter and a few friends here in our home. Our two dogs are especially excited about the food.

I promise to my friends that I will do my very best to celebrate the holidays and the good things in my life.

Cheers and have a holiday drink on me...

It's quickly moving into Christmas season. Let's kick it off right with the Carol of the Belts by Here Come The Mummies...

Memory is a funny thing. One moment you get it right. Next thing you know, you are remembering things the way you wish they were. Other memories remain locked away behind doors of your own creation. Memories that are linked to other memories you would rather not entertain, so you leave the good portions locked away with the bad. My sister was always the one who could pluck the good memories from the bad. I have never been that type of person. I miss her terribly. I struggle to remember many things from my childhood. I won't go into why at the moment, out of respect for those that have created the need for the walls. Maybe when I can confront those reasons head-on, I can regain what I have locked away. I know there are many happy memories hidden away somewhere in this old head of mine just waiting to be rediscovered. Some not so happy ones as well. I am forever to be a work in progress, I guess, but that's the way it's supposed to be. I just hope to get it straightened out a bit before it's too late. Anyway, just the rambling ruminations of a guy deep in middle age. Introspection seems to be one of the gifts of that age. Reminds me of a great old Elvis tune...

The last week of October is usually tough for me (see previous blog). Finally settling down. I love this song by the Eagles. I wish you all peace...

This is a song that was played at my sisters's funeral 23 years ago this month.She was taken from us in a string of killings. I will be out of sorts for the next few days. She was a wonderful sister, the glue that kept our family together. Funny, loving, caring. I have, until today, been unable to get through this song. It was tough, but I finally did it today. I was unable to listen to any Journey music for several years. She was their greatest fan. To you, Sis...

One of their best, in my opinion...

Abandoned facility in Indiana. Need to return with something other than my Iphone to take some better shots.

Here's a young guy that's keeping the Blues alive. I don't live anywhere is a nice, laid back blues tune. Sounds best with headphones to catch every bit of the brushes the drummer uses throughout. The Hammond organ is nice and understated as well.

This link shows why Columbus Day is a farce of a "holiday" here in the States. Christopher Columbus does not deserve a holiday or any kind of honorable mention. He is not worthy to be counted among Martin Luther King Jr, or any other truly great individual. End of rant. Please return to your perving, etc...

[url]http://theoatmeal.com/comics/columbus_day[/url]

A great tune from the '60s. Always loved this one. Even nearly remember when it came out...