The Perfect Storm

My friend and yours, Bill Herrin, called me the other day. We had a good chat. He discussed the seven old computers his wife wanted him to get rid of that are taking up space in their basement. He has them running a program that is doing some "gene sequencing" or something intended to cure Alzheimer's. That is a more noble cause than the peroid of time where he had upwards of twenty salvaged computers running a program that simulates the random keystrokes of monkeys sitting at computers typing Shakespeare plays. (One monkey typed the first 28 characters of Hamlet.)

We talked about my tailgatin' truck and party porch. I told Bill that I had him in mind when I built the deck. I said it was built to withstand Hurricane Herrin forces. Then Bill asked if it could weather himself, Grant Barnes, John Briscoe, AND...(wait for it)... Scott Straub all at once. Instantly I was both terrified and intruigued. How good are my construction skills? We're talking about a half- ton of humanity here. Throw in a little beer and voila- The Perfect Storm. But as terrifying as this scenario seems, it could be worse. The sage words of wisdom that Bill spoke that day still resonate in my head: "If we do get together, we can't let Zane Paschal find out."

Good call, Bill. Good call.

Seeking Inspiration

I need your help. Back in the days of my retirement, I had a lot of time on my hands to come up with new ideas for recreation and entertainment. I went fishing and hiking, played all kinds of sports with Alex, I blogged a lot and even dabbled in an ill-timed novel. I sold cars and painted a tailgating truck or three. I tailgated, roadtripped, tried to learn to play guitar, and even got a library card. But since I started working again, the untamed Travis has been forced to live in a scheduled, compartmentalized rut. Things aren't all bad, I have a lot of fun with my family and work is going well, but you know me. I gotta be me! I have to live life a little differently than most people. I cannot be normal. I refuse to be an Average Joe. My steadfast refusal to work a 40 hour week is my last protest against completely selling out to "the man" and joining the real world for good.

I challenge you to come up with some ideas that will help me keep the real world at bay a little longer. I need inspiration. No suggestion is too outrageous. Think of whatever it is you wish you could do but the restrictions of your reality are preventing you from trying. Then give me the chance to do it. Live vicariously through me. I will consider anything. I am on a tight budget, but I will try to find a way. Let me live your dreams. Of course I will blog all about my (our) adventures in exuisite detail so you will feel like you are a part of the action. Let's make some memories, shall we?

Tailgate Truck Trio

Before and Forever After

Before and Glorious After

Before and After