OT--Here lies.........

As today is the 73rd anniversary of my grand entrance, I decided to go out to the little country cemetery and pay respects to myself and put some flowers on my marker. Got all misty-eyed remembering what a great guy I’ve been. When I finally am planted neath the green, green grass of home I’ll be surrounded by my parents, both sets of grandparents, three of my great-grandparents, my brother and a slew of aunts, uncles and cousins, plus scores of other folks I knew from childhood on. Kinda wish I’d put the 8N on the stone, as was discussed in the thread a couple of days ago, because an 8N, an axe and a chainsaw were my major implements when clearing my acreage back in the 90s. Had no idea they could draw a tractor at the time I was choosing the artwork.

Not that anyone would have noticed (Jerry who??), but I haven’t posted here in quite a while due to the demands of some major life changes. First off, I got a divorce. It’s never too late, and as others have said here, it’s costly but it’s worth it. Secondly, I’ve been moving---my daughter and I have swapped houses. Actually they’re both mine, but she has moved into the big house down the hill, and I’ve gone into the little house I bought and remodeled last year. Love it. They’re situated near each other on 17 acres, so lots of ongoing work to do. No health issues thankfully, other than a knee, shoulder and elbow whose warranties have already expired. That could have changed quickly and radically a few weeks ago when I totaled my F-150 (I was driving in a part of town where stopping for a red light is considered optional---literally). I T-boned one of my city’s finest citizens who was nonchalantly low-riding through a very red intersection. He had no insurance, of course. I have to say this: Ford trucks are tough. Though totaled, the frame absorbed the hit impressively, and I came through it unscathed. A split-second difference in timing and that little gravestone might have had to go in for some additional engraving.

Anyway, all that plus the fact that I’ve been off-line because it took AT&T a month to relocate my service 500 feet up the hill, has caused me to be missing in action here—not that I would have had much to contribute anyway.

So.....You got a divorce at the age of 72?
How long were you married?

JerryS,
Great post... like your sense of humor. (You will likely be stoned for going OT though... LOL).

I've always enjoyed reading your posts, even if I don't reply. Saved the pics of the old tub clawfeet painted into the eagle and George by your friend. They are awesome - hope you kept 'em when you moved.

Sorry about the big D. Would be a bummer - but hope life works out well for you.

Neat you'll be neighbors with your daughter.

You could probably still have a company come out and add a "horizon line" behind the tree and add the 8N to your stone. Would just look like it was "off in the distance".

30 years. It seemed much longer.

Happy Birthday,

Good looking stone,

Congrates on the divorce,

Good job getting the smaller place.

I been divorced almost as long as you wasn't.

My brother was married to the wicked witch of the west. For five years before the big D set him free. Happy birthday.

Well Jerry I wish you a happy birthday.

As for the life changes you have gone through this last year. Your attitude about them will greatly effect how you live/feel. It sounds like you are "happy" with your life. That will make things better in the long run.

I am all for marriage but only if both parties are happy in the marriage. If they are not then it is just a type of prison.

So good luck and many more Birthdays.

Delightful post Jerry!
Nice piece of writing.
And happy birthday to you.

Jerry, we are real close in age but I still have my best friend that will be 50 years Dec 24. The best thing I ever did.

That's great, Frank. I envy you. That's what I wanted, too.

Hey JerryS, My grave stone is on my plot and has a Backhoe and a tractor engraved with the saying "He Loved His Toys", not to mention it is in a cemetery that is on Woodward Ave. where I will be able to "SEE" the Dream Cruise for eternity.(Currently building a 1967 Camaro!)

Happy Birthday Jerry. I've got you by 3 yrs., Born in W Monroe, lived all over La, been in BR for the last 40 yrs.

I always look for your post and John in La.
Didn't know about Mark in Monroe.

Nice post, thanks for sharing the good and the bad. But doing so in a good way. Maybe things can kinda settle down for a while for you.....

Paul

Congrats Jerry.Happy Birthday.Glad you are still with us!!BTW,That stone can still be engraved with that 8N.Do it while you can.....

I lived in West Monroe for seven years back in the 70s. Nice little town. No, I never met the duck guys. Also spent time in Minden, Ruston and now Shreveport.

Delta Red is right... and you said so yourself, Jerry, "It's never too late"... and the tractor would look nice.

I think this sample is a 9n... best I could do on a quick search.