MILKSOP Chapter 2



Aggie had been trained in Martial Arts
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When entering high school most of Archie's classmates were sent to the same school as he was. 

 

They were also joined with kids from some other elementary schools. This more than doubled the number of students he had to deal with.

The kids that didn't know him right off, started to make fun of him saying things like; “Go back to kindergarten,” and other unkind remarks.

There was a new girl who had just moved there from another state, and no one knew her as of yet.  

When she first arrived the kids stared at her, because she was almost six foot tall and weighed close to two hundred pounds.

She had been raised on military bases for most of her life, and at the age of four, her parents had enrolled her in Martial Arts. 

Her father had been a Marine for twenty years, and served overseas most of that time.

While enrolling in this new school, she spotted Archie and noticed that big kids were pushing him around.  

 

She moved over next to him, and putting her arm on his shoulder, she then stared at those who were bullying him and loudly said, "There will be no more of that."

Archie looked up and saw this girl who stood a foot taller than him, and out weighed him by a hundred pounds or more.  

Her arm was heavy on his shoulder, but he didn't dare try to remove it for fear he would be out of the frying pan, and into the fire, because she looked big and fierce to him.

They turned in their enrollment papers and were given their room assignments.  She said, “My name is Agnes but I prefer to be called Aggie.”  He said, “Glad to meet you; my name is Archibald but I like Archie best.”

She said, “Well Archie you and I are going to be great friends.” 

After the first class Agnes overheard some kids talking about her and Archie, calling them freaks.   

She went straight over to them and asked, “Which one of you said freaks?”

After a moment of silence one of the male twelfth graders spoke up and said, “It was me  - - so what?”   

 

She stepped up to him and with two fingers struck him in the throat.  It took a while for the boy to get his breath. 

Then she said, “I don't ever want to hear the word freak again, do I make myself clear?” as she looked directly at each of them.

They mumbled something that sounded like “Sorry,” and moved away from her.

Archie was more scared than he ever had been in his entire life, because now he was afraid of her.  He thought he was probably really going to get it from the boys she cowered down.

She turned and said, “C'mon Arch lets get to class before we are late.” After classes she told Archie lets stop at the toilets.

 

She went into the girl’s and Archie cautiously entered the boy’s and there he came faced to face with the guys who had troubled them earlier.

When they saw it was him, they grabbed him and began to threaten him.

Then they shoved him back and forth, and finally started to slap him around.

Agnes came out of the girl's restroom, and could hear the racket coming from the boy’s bathroom, so straightway she went in and saw what they were doing to Archie.

In an instance Agnes put on her mad face, and grabbed the nearest boy and kicked his knee out of joint, then turned her attention to the other three.

Moments later they were all scarcely able to move, and after a few words of warning about not hurting Archie again, she picked him up, and as they left she looked at the writhing boys and said, “This never happened, did it?”

As she walked him home she said, "We met some new people today, and it won't be long before we shall know most everyone."

Archie's aunt wasn't home so Agnes went in and helped clean him up before she left and went to her own home.     

 

To be Continued

 

 

MILKSOP Chapter 1

Today begins a new Fictional Continued Story.  Please sign up to follow by e-mail so as to NOT miss any of the upcoming chapters.

Shy Boy
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Years ago a man named H.T. Webster created a comic strip called Casper Milquetoast "The timid soul."

Webster described Mr. Milquetoast as "The man who speaks softly and gets hit with a big stick,"

And so is our hero Archie, the timid soul. This is his story as he has lived it so far. Some of it will be interesting and some boring but that is the way life is, “Isn't it?“

He is a step below Milquetoast being a Milksop and this is something that would plague him in his early years.  His name is Archibald and he was called that by his mother but everyone else called him Archie if they called him at all, (which was seldom).

Archie's mother was sick during her pregnancy, and even though Archie was very small when born, his mother had a difficult delivery.  Every thing was there but he was reduced in size. His hands were so small they seemed like the hands of a small doll. His tiny feet had to have his booties tied on with extra strings.

For the first two years Archie lived mostly on breast milk while starting to eat a little solid food as his mother's milk began to dry up.

He began to grow but was much smaller than most other boys his age.

It seemed strange that a child so small could be as bright as he was. He could form sentences and use large words way beyond his age group. When he was ready to enter kindergarten he was like a small walking and talking doll.

His mother was fearful he might be hurt so she insisted that he not play with the bigger kids.

 

The stuff he was being taught in school was too simple for him and to him was boring. He watched television when at home but not cartoons or kids programs.

The programs he liked were documentaries or foreign language shows.

 Upon entering the first grade he was allowed to mingle with the other kids during their free time and they took delight in calling him names, and pushing him down or otherwise roughing him up.

His mother complained about this, but the teachers said they couldn't watch him every moment, and besides he was going to have to learn to mix with his classmates.

This verbal and physical treatment caused Archie to become withdrawn. He wasn't physically able to fight back, and was an easy target for kids with a tendency to bully a weaker person.

His mother continued to be ill, and when he was eight years old, his mother died which was another blow to him.

His aunt Celia had no children, and didn't really want any, had agreed to take him in. 

 

One thing that was helpful she made him go out and play and get some exercise each day. After his play time, he could either watch television or read quietly. This wasn't a bad arrangement in fact it was better than when he lived with his mother due to her being ill. He began to grow slowly and learned to participate in games Like Chess.

The fact he got the best grades of anyone in his class caused another difficulty in his life and the other classmates called him the teacher’s pet. 

The kids just didn't like him because they were measuring him, and his scholastic accomplishments against their own lack of any.

Another thing he could do well was to run track. Although he didn't have a long stride, he made up for it by taking short steps at a fast rate. 

 

He didn't dare win any of the races he ran in, because the bigger kids couldn't have handled that so he would always settle for third or fourth place.

By the seventh grade all the kids in his age group were at least a foot taller than he was, even the girls looked down on him.

On some occasions the girls would make the boys jealous by pretending they liked Archie and hugging him.

This made life more difficult for Archie because the boys directed their anger directly at him instead of the teasing females.

Eating in the cafeteria was off limits for him, for they would knock his food on the floor.

He would have to hide his sandwiches or they would throw them in the garbage.

He stopped telling his aunt about this treatment as she wasn't really interested in his problems.

She felt it was enough for her to take care of his basic needs.

This abuse, verbal and physical by his class mates continued until he was ready to enter the ninth grade, and then something happened to change all of this.

To be Continued   

Sharing my story with Rosilind in Croatia,  at Wednesday R & R

Also Shared with Nantawa Bennett at Happy Friday

And linked to Michelle’s Thought Provoking Thursday

And shared With Ramona at: Create With Joy

 

WHO ME?

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Who Me?
courtewsy free clip art

 

This is a question most everyone to ask themselves at one time or another.

It may be provoked by a good event or a bad one. You may say I don't deserve this while thinking "Maybe I do" or some calamity may surface to do you harm.

Looking back do you wonder how much of your life was programmed by someone else.  Many others beside your parents influence your decisions on which path to take.

Broadly speaking every decision is a fork in the road to some degree and affects your future. As we travel through this life we garner what is often referred to as "Street smarts," and while they may help our decisions in the future they are gained by the past which in some cases are mistakes that are virtually controlling your present today.

Gaining wisdom, controlling emotions, and being able to trust your decisions is a large task and carries responsibilities that are your own. It does no good to try to blame someone else for the state you are in, unless you were held captive.

2 Timothy1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

If you are subject to the opposite of what GOD has given you then it has been acquired from some other source. As you evaluate yourself and find that it is true then it is time to get back to the original plan.

Romans 8:14 The true children of God are those who let God's Spirit lead them.

Being led by the Spirit can be complex because in part it is simply following the scriptures. Beyond that it is an inner leading that is not controlled by the soul (mind, will and emotions) but by the inner man, the part of you that became saved or born again.

When you look into the mirror you view the physical person you are - - then your soul evaluates what you see. But beyond that is the part of you where

GOD communicates and that is your spirit, an inward knowing.  Too often we try to use the mind to accomplish what the spirit must do.

1 Corinthians 6:17 But the person who unites himself with the Lord becomes one spirit \with him.

 
Ephesians 2:5-6 Even when we were dead through our sins, (GOD) gave us life together with Christ by grace you have salvation, So that we came back from death with him, and are seated with him in the heavens, in Christ Jesus.

If we would dare to see our soul and body as tools that the spirit uses perhaps this would help us in our quest to become more spiritual. It is the misuse of these tools that keep us in bondage to them. It is easy to understand how the soul and body work together.

 
The needs of the body sends messages to the soul that it tries to supply, and then the body demands more than it needs, using gluttony for an example.

Some have called this being “Body ruled.”

Before you were saved your spirit went along with the soul and body desires but once you were saved you were changed;

2 Corinthians 5:17 Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come.

This new you is designed to walk after the Spirit but there is a need for our soul to be saved;

James 1:21Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

Though our bodies may protest it will fall in line as we walk after the Spirit. Just as you were trained from a babe to grow to be the person you are, as a babe in Christ you must be trained to become the person you now are IN Christ..

It may not be for me to see

The meaning and the mystery

Of all that God has planned for me

Till “afterward”! —Anon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GYxiCVGVyM&feature=related

 

WHATS YOUR BUSINESS

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Jesus and His Followers
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The Lord had just put a lot of pressure on Peter by laying a heavy responsibility on him.

John 21:20-22 Peter turned and saw the follower Jesus loved very much (John) walking behind them. When Peter saw him behind them, he asked Jesus, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus answered, "Maybe I want him to live until I come. That should not matter to you. You follow me!"

Something people do when they are found wanting at any level they try to deflect the conversation in another direction and use it as a defensive device.

I have heard the same thing used by people who suffer from lack of character say; "Well what about him or her" thinking that by comparing themselves with someone who was also falling short it would elevate them to a higher or justifiable position.

Jesus quickly turned this back to the real issue which was what business is it to you Peter?  This is something each of must know to be a successful Christian what our business is.   

Galatians 6:5 You must each accept the responsibilities that are yours. You can't manage by saying I don't know what my business is for it is your responsibility to find out if you don't know. Many times GOD reveals one's responsibilities and they do not want to fulfill there calling much like Jonah.

"What is that to thee? - From this passage we learn:

1. That our main business is to follow the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. That there are many subjects of religion on which a vain and impertinent curiosity is exercised. All such curiosity Jesus here reproves.

3. That Jesus will take care of all his true disciples, and that we should not be unduly solicitous about them.

4. That we should go forward to whatever he calls us to persecution or death - not envying the lot of any other man, and anxious only to do the will of God." Barnes notes

Doing your business is where your success is found and what blessings and rewards are based on.

(While writing this, a nonsensical song kept popping up in my mind I heard many years ago and I found it on the net. The link below will take you there but maybe you shouldn't go there)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EdS_Vuz65s&feature=related 

Linking with Jen at:  Soli Deo Gloria  

MEMORY DAY

Country Grave Yard
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The weather was dreary with a little rain that day. I was about five years old and there were a lot of people congregating near the house where I lived.

They were all dressed in their Sunday best though it wasn't Sunday.

I had been out playing and was my usual dirty self but I wanted to find out what was going on.

One of the elder men said it's time to go and they all began to get in cars and since no one was noticing me so I climbed into one of the cars also.

It was only about three miles to our destination, and as the cars parked the people got out and prepared to go in a building which was a church. I joined them as they entered and I sat down with some people I had seen before and waited to see what was going to happen.

I looked down to the front and saw what turned out to be a coffin. Then a man got up and did some talking and read something out of a book.

Some music started and the people started to sing "Will the circle be unbroken". Several verses later they began to walk by the coffin on the way out of the church.

I walked in line with the people I sat next to and when I got to the coffin I saw my first dead person.

Perhaps I should have reacted differently but I just stared. They moved me on and out of the building and someone dropped me off near my home.

I was a little confused by my day's adventure.

It was the first time I had ever been in a church and the first time I saw someone who wasn't alive.

I never told my Ma about what happened. A little later she called me in and washed some of the dirt off of me.

  
The years have passed and my mind goes back to the days of yore, and from time to time memories of those who have gone on before flood my soul.

There were Great uncles and aunts that accepted me and treated me as their own.

Grand parents who helped me find my way growing up.

Mom and dad have been gone for quite some time and so also the aunts and uncles.

Then there are memories of friends who have preceded me. Some lost in the wars but most in peace time.

There are those who I didn't especially care for, that are gone but those feelings I once harbored, have changed as time has gone by and any grudge I might have had no longer exists.

Memories are to be enjoyed and the bad times must be modified in order for that to happen.

I remind myself that forgiveness is for the benefit of the one who forgives.

To bear a grudge beyond the grave is unprofitable.

On a day of memorial I remember those who were precious to me and I don't forget to love and enjoy those who are still with me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpbHt7Cqjd8

 

LEAD ME TO CALVARY

Remember Calvery
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Luke 23:33 When they came to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him. 

LEAD  ME  TO  CALVARY

 King of my life, I crown Thee now,

Thine shall the glory be;

Lest I forget Thy thorn crowned brow,

Lead me to Calvary.

Refrain

Lest I forget Gethsemane,

Lest I forget Thine agony;

Lest I forget Thy love for me,

Lead me to Calvary.

So say the words in song that seeks to motivate the Christian to faithful be. Whilst we must live on the resurrection side of the cross, the victory won can dim the price that was required to be paid and thus the believer can enter the state of cheap grace.

The thought that he paid, so I owe, must ever be that which shapes the character of the believer.

The value of redemption can only be viewed when then cost is ever before one. Thus the writer of the words serves as a reminder to go back and be refreshed in spirit by the words "It is finished" and yet not to forget;

 

He paid a debt He did not owe;
I owed a debt I could not pay;
I needed someone to wash my sins away.
And, now, I sing a brand new song,
“Amazing Grace.”
Christ Jesus paid a debt that I could never pay.

He paid that debt at Calvary.
He cleansed my soul and set me free.
I'm glad that Jesus did all my sins erase.
I, now, can sing a brand new song,
“Amazing Grace.”
Christ Jesus paid a debt that I could never pay.

One day He's coming back for me
To live with Him eternally.
Won't it be glory to see Him on that day!
I, then, will sing a brand new song,
“Amazing Grace.”
Christ Jesus paid a debt that I could never pay.
Yes, Jesus paid a debt that I could never pay.
Author:  Ellis J. Crum

 

This post is shared with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

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IT WAS JUST ONE OF THOSE DAYS

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Yep, it was just one of those days. I got up at my usual time of eight thirty and grabbed a cup of coffee with chicory and was a sitting in my rocking chair.  

I had just about got to my normal rocking speed when a whirlwind passed a few feet from my front porch.

Both my eyes and my coffee received more dust in them than was tolerable and I was half blind for the moment. Ma came out and gave my eyes a cleaning so I could see agin and as I looked down the road where the whirlwind went, suddenly it struck me.

I heard a voice coming from the whirlwind but what did it say? Since I do my best thinking while rocking so I continued to get up to speed and little by little I remembered what came from the midst of the wind.

Now I have found that it is one thing to hear something and another to understand the meaning of what you have herd.

 

Then it became clear, the words were “The Lord has Come.”

Well I thought, “I know that. He came a long time ago and he is going to come again on of these days.”  Then it dawned upon me, “This is one of those days.”

I didn’t know if it was the dust in my eyes or if everything was different. As I looked there were people I used to know that had died and was buried that were walking by my front yard. They would look at me and say, “Howdy Lucas, nice weather we are having.”

I was stunned but managed to raise my hand and wave friendly like. As this parade continued I looked for Uncle Charlie but he never appeared. As a cousin passed by I yelled, “Where is Uncle Charlie?” As he passed on he replied; “He didn’t make it in.”

I hollered back, “Make it into where?”

 

As he went out of sight I faintly heard him say “Heaven.”

As I sat there dumfounded I decided what I needed was another cup of coffee. Upon retrieving my coffee, I returned and resumed my rocking.

Being disturbed by the events that just happened I drank it too fast and should have burned my mouth but suffered no distress. I called for my wife but got no response. I called again even louder but she didn’t answer.

I didn’t wish to stop rocking but thought I should try to find out where she had got to. I convinced myself that she wasn’t in the house after searching it twice. Once again I returned to my rocking chair and started to rock at a faster pace than usual.

My ability to think was attuned to the speed of my rocking and normally I preferred to think slowly this called for some urgency.

Being disturbed I needed some comfort and the one who could provide that was my dog. I whistled for him but he didn’t come right off, but then he came running with a pack of dogs chasing him. When he arrived home he and the whole passel of dogs bounded upon the porch and were jumping on me as if they hadn’t seen me for a long time.

It took five minutes of shouting “Down Boy” to settle them down. After I caught my breath I realized that I recognized these dogs. They were all the dogs I had ever owned. And they were at the height of their maturity. As I called each one, they answered to their name, and I had a love fest with each of them.

An hour or so later I remembered about my wife being missing and I was greatly troubled.

 

As I turned and looked down the road I saw a figure I was familiar with except she was different.  She was once again a young woman and was as I remembered her when I first began to love her.

I ran into the house and looked into the mirror and what I saw was me some fifty years ago. Where have you been I shouted? She said, “Haven’t you been down to get your rewards?” I replied. “No, what rewards?”

She said, “You must have slept through the trumpet sounding and didn’t hear the command to come and appear before the judgement seat.”  “No, I didn’t hear no call.”

She said, “You had better run as fast as your legs can carry you and maybe you can make it.”

    
I ran so fast I fell twice and when I got to the place of judgement a loud voice cried out, “Last call for,” and he reeled off a long number which strangely enough I knew was mine.

I shouted as loud as I could; “Here I am,” and I was called forth.

A video was played at warp speed and at the end there was a printed report of all my pros and cons with a result and a reward. I walked back home and my wife asked; “How did you do”?

I reluctantly told her, and she said, “I did a lot better than that,” but she promised not to mention it ever again.

Once again I retreated to my rocker and made the dogs get off the porch for I knew they would upset my thinking. As I reached my best thinking speed I rehearsed the whole day’s events and all what happened.

As it turned out it was just like the Bible said it would or at least pretty much as I understood it to say.

I felt bad about not seeing some of my old friends for I fear they didn’t make it.

Then I thought about myself, how close I came to messing up and would have found myself lost, not being in Heaven.

I had to convince myself that it was over and I had made the right decision all along my path and was glad I did.

Somewhere of in the distance I heard a voice calling me. It started out as being faint but increased as I came to myself.

Then I realized it was dark and time for supper. I struggled to get out of the rocker for I had stiffened up because I had sat for a long time. I finally got to moving and in the hallway I glanced in the mirror and there I was, just as I was... I had been dreaming.

It had been; JUST ONE OF THOSE DAYS.
 

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OH LAWD Conclusion

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Oh Lawd - You know the Future
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Six months later we had saved up enough cash to pay my partner for his share of the restaurant, and I sent him a letter to that effect.

The letter came back saying they had never heard of him. We found some old acquaintances of his, and they told us that he had no family in France or anywhere else as far as they knew.

While going through some of his papers he left, we found a bank statement which showed he had very little savings all of which left us confused.

After six months of searching, we found out he had died in a home for old folks, and had been buried under a different name.

The only thing we could figure was that he knew he was ill and didn't want us to see him pass on.

He is sorely missed and we wished we could have been with him in the end.

We wanted Ma and Pa to stay at the larger house that was ours, but they declined saying they had found a small house they wanted.

Since both of the restaurants were doing well we needed to think about the future and more about our personal life. I was beginning to want a family but Mille was scarcely twenty one and wanted to wait two or three years which was understandable.

Mille's folks had sold their businesses, and were coming to visit more often which was nice for Mille.

When they came to visit, I couldn't keep her dad out of the kitchen at the restaurant.  

 

He was still a fine chef, and he thought it was his duty to teach his culinary skills to the employees.

They seemed to enjoy him being there so I let him have his fun.

This brings us pretty well up to date so I will sign off.  Who knows what the future holds for us, but in all things, always give thanks unto the Lawd.  

The End

OH LAWD chapter 50

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Cajun Bistro
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For the next two months part of my time was taken up with remodeling the new Bistro. I wanted it to be an authentic restaurant from the inside out.

Pa and Noonan set the food offered similar to the one in Gulfport. Meanwhile I had done some research into recipes that hadn’t been included and we discussed adding some of them to the bill of fare.

Noonan said he was aware of these dishes but the trade they had in Gulfport couldn't afford them so they stuck with simpler meals.

The kitchen required some big pots that weren't in the French Restaurant but much of it didn't require much reworking.

We stored most of the furniture because it was too fancy where Cajun decor needed to be a little cruder. The front was redone with a new sign that got the attention of anyone a block away.

Lastly the upstairs quarters was made into comfortable rooms for sleeping, bathing and resting.  Because of the high humidity it was necessary to change and shower during the shifts.

They hired two more servers and a bus boy. Opening day finally came and with a lot of fanfare the doors were opened. There were some dignitaries who showed up, and a band was hired to play Cajun music.

There were no meals served, but samples of the food were given free. The whole of New Orleans knew there was a new Bistro in town.

That was it for me, I stepped aside and left it up to Ma, Pa, Noonan and the crew to sink or swim.

Mille spent some time offering some tips on taking care of customers and keeping the books straight.

Noonan knew a couple of young men who worked in a fish camp, and he put them on part time until they had mastered some of the simple dishes on the menu, thus giving him and Abdul some relief.

With a little time on my hands I found myself watching Mille as she went about her duties, and I sat and admired her beauty. Her long dark hair, her eyes of almost green, and her skin slightly tanned with a natural touch of color in her cheeks.  

As I watched her I thought, “I'm so in love with this beautiful woman, and from all indicators she is in love with me.”  These moments I treasured without ever telling anyone it was unbridled joy within.

Something unexpected happened, and my partner in the restaurant wanted to talk to me. I thought it might have something to do with my spending time getting the Cajun Bistro going but, he had something else on his mind.

While I seldom saw him anymore he said he wanted to retire and go back to his family in France and die there when his time came.

He went on telling how much he appreciated what I had accomplished; taking a failing business and turning to a very profitable establishment.

He wanted to sell me his share of the restaurant for about a fourth of what his share was worth. I objected and wanted to pay him a fair price but he wouldn't relent.

He said when you get the money together you can send it to me.  

 

He went on to say, “You may have noticed I didn't give you and Mille a wedding present.”   I lied and said, “No, I never noticed.”  He said, “I waited until now and I want you to have the house I live in.”  This was a large home worth a great sum of money and with several bedrooms.

He said I have far more money than I can ever spend, and I look on you and Mille as my children. He knew me for several years, but had only known Mille for few months, but she had won him over in that short period of time.

I tried to thank him but he wouldn't hear of it.  He just said I want you and Mille to be happy, and this is a way I can contribute to your happiness.

A few days later he was packed up and gone.

Oh Lawd!      To be Concluded

OH LAWD chapter 49

Married Life
courtesy photobucket.com

 

We left San Francisco early in the morning and were home in New Orleans by noon.

We managed to get the added baggage into the house, (due to the shopping trips Marly and Mille enjoyed while we were in San Francisco).

Before unpacking we went to the restaurant and had lunch for we were famished.

Coming back from a honeymoon is a little strange for people are staring at you as if you have been sick, or in jail and they are not sure you are normal.

There are only a few opening lines that people can think of at a time like this one being, “How do you like married life?”  

How do I like married life?  I would say it is a little early to answer that question.

Come back in fifty years and I will have a better handle on the answer to that question is what went through my mind.

Marriage begins
courtesy photobucket

Our honeymoon was ninety percent about passion, so that would not be a fair measuring stick on marriage on the whole.

Once I asked Ma about her and Pa's relationship. He was so laid back and although he was respectful to Ma he never showed or displayed a passionate desire for her.

She said, “Son, things are not always what they seem to be.  He is a man that controls himself, but within that restraint lays a passion that when it is released totally engulfs me.  

He doesn't put on a show like so many but what we have doesn't have to be demonstrated before people to have substance.

Your mother is a contented and satisfied woman and that is because of your father.”

As I thought of those words I decided I would follow in the steps of Pa and hope that Mille could say the same thing as my Ma, that she is a contented and satisfied woman because of me.

There was in another part of town, what you might call a Bistro that advertised they were a French restaurant, but their food was sorely lacking in taste and quality.

It wasn't long until they went out of business and the building was up for sale.

After some time it still had not sold so Mille and I looked it over and decided to buy it.

We certainly didn't need it but the idea that another so called French Restaurant might open up was reason enough.

We rented it out for storage and beyond that it just gathered dust. The restaurant in Gulfport was doing well enough to keep Pa going.

Noonan, Abdul, Paddy and a couple of waitresses plus Pa and occasionally Ma were the staff that ran it.

There came up a terrific storm that hit Gulfport and did a lot of damage. The pier and the restaurant were all but destroyed.

 

I decided to come and view the destruction and we all agreed that the cost of repairing the restaurant and pier would prove too much and not be worth it.

Pa said, “I think I will just quit the business and return to Tupelo, Mississippi, where we came from.”

I had something in mind and decided to run it by Pa and Ma and see if they were interested.

The thing that was running through my mind was for the whole crew to come to New Orleans and open a Genuine Cajun Bistro in the building Mille and I had bought.  

Pa said, “We had planned to return to Tupelo but I need to make a living somehow. I'll talk it over with the crew and let you know.”

I said I have to get back to the restaurant but call me as soon as you decide one way or another.

As they talked about it they couldn't come to a decision so Pa suggested they all come down and look the place over.

That sounded like a good idea so they headed to New Orleans.

I met them at the building and let them in. everyone had their own interest and headed for what they wanted to see. Noonan and Abdul went to the kitchen; Paddy and the waitresses went upstairs to look at the living quarters.

Pa looked at how the place could be laid out. It had a bar with stools where people could eat and room enough to put in a number of tables.

Ma went to visit with Mille for she said she would leave all the figuring to the others.

It didn’t take long and they all agreed that was the answer to their needs and besides that New Orleans needed a good Cajun restaurant.

Oh Lawd!

To be Continued

OH LAWD chapter 48



Golden Gate Park
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At eight in the next morning someone was knocking on our door, and when I opened it there stood my sister Marly.

She said get up and get ready for sight seeing. I asked her what she was doing up so early?

She responded, “I got nine hours sleep last night which was a whole lot more than you I betcha.”

“Give us an hour and we will meet you in the coffee shop for breakfast,” I told her.

She said, “You are slow.  Me and my sailor boy could be done in half that time.”  Mille was listening to the conversation and was giggling at me.

I told Marly if she didn't cut it out I was going to send her husband a post card saying that she was lonesome but there were a lot of sailors willing to keep her company.

Mille said, “Leave her alone she is just having fun.”  I said, “Yeah, at my expense.”

I couldn't figure out who was the worst tease, Marly or my wife Mille.

It didn't seem that they were going to let up on me so I just ignored them, besides their tongues were faster and sharper than mine.

In a lot of ways Marly was more like a brother than a sister. She would broach a subject that only brothers would talk about, and being frank she would embarrass me to the point of me leaving the room.

I could see that she was "helping" Mille become the wife a man wanted her to be.

Besides I knew it would do no good to tell her to "back off" because she felt it was her duty.  I told Mille not to pay much attention to her and she smiled and said "Okay."   

That "Okay" meant it's too late, me and Marly are buddies already, and she has woman smarts beyond most.

We didn't quite make it down to the coffee shop in an hour, and before Marly could say anything I told her, "Not a word," but she broke out in laughter which was just as bad.

Mille couldn't help but join her and I thought, “I'm sure glad Linda isn't here because if all three were on my case they would probably drive me crazy.”

I said, “Let's eat a big breakfast because I don't know where we will find food in Golden Gate Park or the zoo.  Probably we will need to settle for a hot dog and soda.

The park was exceptionally nice and the museum, the Strybing Arboretum, the large bandstand and the aquarium were fantastic. We spent the whole day there and saw just a small part of the park.

courtesy photobucket

The next day we set off again driving through the park and toward the windmills. Going on by without stopping we instead stopped at the zoo for three hours and then went wading in the Pacific Ocean.

Up the highway were the famed Sutro Bathes and the Cliffhouse where we had lunch and watched the seals on Seal Rock.

Our last stop was the Golden Gate Bridge. Marly insisted that we walk across and back. It was a long way down to the water and the Bridge swayed a little due to the wind.

 

Halfway back across we watched the sun as it set on it way to Japan. It was about seven when we returned to the hotel and we had a late dinner before retiring for the night.

The next morning we took Marly to the airport, and she headed home. Her husband was due back from a cruise, and she wanted to be there when he got home.

Mille and I spent the rest of the day at the hotel resting up from the busy days of sight seeing, 

Tomorrow we go home on an early flight, and it will be back to the real world.  

 

Mille will take over her duties as hostess and supervisor, and I will start adapting several dishes we had enjoyed to New Orleans style.       

Oh Lawd!   

 

To be Continued