The Muse is Loose

You can't remember? Neither can I. Chances are you had not been born. That was the summer baseball player, Ty Cobb, hit two home runs in a single game. Not so unusual? They were both "inside the park"! That is unusual!

The Wright Brothers sold the first airplane to the US Army. The Army Air Corps came into existence.The first Lincoln-head penny was minted. The number one song in the country was "Shine On Harvest Moon". (I know that one!).

There was an event in the Caldwell homestead in Arkansas, for little Glenn was born. He is celebrating birthday 102 today. I talked with him earler this morning. He is in the hospital after a heart episode but is improving. He called me by name! He cannot hear but is as sharp as they come. He is married to my sister, Dorcie. They both had lost mates and happened to meet at the Methodist church in Fort Smith. They traveled the world before Glenn became a bit disabled.

Happy Birthday, Glenn! I know there will be a party there at the hospital. There is usually one when you are there! As far as we can know Glenn is the oldest living graduate of the University of Arkansas. He is still a big Razorback fan.

It is called "The Villages" and is located in Florida. There are ninety miles of golf cart roads in "The Villages". Why so many? They are needed when there are 50,000 golf carts! That's right. Fifty thousand! They estimate only 15,000 are ever used for golfing. The rest go to church, shopping, hospitals and doctors offices and ... you name it1

These are not your every-day looking carts. There are cart customizers who make them to look like everything from Fire Engines to Rolls Royces! One can spend more than $20,000.00 in getting a custom cart. There is every imaginable kind on the golf cart highways.

I watched them on u-tube and it was amazing. It is also typical of what we mortals are and do. Some are always attempting to get one a little fancier and more expensive than the others. Our competition for show never ends, even at the cemetery.

How is God going to deal with this? Let's hope our competitive natures will be corralled in the Great Beyond. That will be quite an adjustment for some who may insist on streets of diamonds because streets of gold are so usual. I will settle for "a cabin just over in glory".

To mention D-Day these days is to speak of an important decision day in one's life or business. In that scenario of invasion sixty-seven years ago it meant death, destruction and invasion. June 6th was not the first choice day for the invasion, but weather brought about a change. Perhaps another would have been more effective for the seas were rough and many soldiers were ill before they reached a beach. The air force could not contribute as much as planned and gliders crashed and killed many troops. It was a horrible day for both sides. How anyone survived is a miracle. More than 200,000 troops of both sides would die or be wounded in the three months of battle ahead before Normandy would be secured.

Today, the list of D-Day survivors is a small one. More are lost each day. Those brave men who survived lived with that memory of death and dying through all their years. One could not forget such a time. We owe them much. England, France, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Poland, Finland, and other European countries owe them gratitude as well. Even Germany should be grateful it was not a power under Adolf Hitler.

It is amazing that war is again our lot. Since World War II we have mostly been at war. The Cold War last many years. Korea and Viet Nam were terrible and deadly wars. Our conflicts in the Middle East and Afghanistan continue to be dangerous for all. It makes me think of that verse in "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day". "And in despair I bowed my head. There is no peace on earth, I said, for hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men". These words were written during another terrible war of Americans against Americans.

Of the hundreds of phone calls that come to our ears only a few are really special. The one I received Monday afternoon was one of those.

The caller was Gordon Bergstrom. Gordon grew up in Wharton. He was a "look to" guy in the spiritual growth of the young people I led there. We headed out the day after school dismissed in 1971 for Glorieta and "Summer Youth Celebration". It was a life-changing week never to be forgotten. On that trip Gordon answered God's call for him to the ministry. He was calling to tell me it was his fortieth anniversary for answering the call. He shared how I had been a small part in it happening.

You cannot imagine what that call from Gordon meant to me. It came at a time when I was feeling a bit depressed, having ended my work at Taft and all. One does come to realize when the end is in sight.

Gordon has been faithful to God's leadership through those forty years. Today he is Pastor at Bertram, Texas, in the edge of the Hill Country.

Is there someone special out there you could call today, reminding them of what they meant to you in earlier years and times? I can attest the call will mean more than you might imagine. I know mine did from Gordon. It truly was D-Day for him back in 71'.

Ann and I leave Wednesday morning for a stay in the Hill Country of Texas. The BLOG will be silent for a few days.

We have reservations at Songbird Meadows Bed And Breakfast near Johnson City. Patrick and Patti McLead are proud owners. It just opened this Spring. They have three cabins on seventeen acres with a one acre lake. It is a birder's delight. We hope to get to stay a couple of nights.

Patrick and Patti were from Rockport. We have known them through First Baptist. Each is a fine singer. They chose to change directions as they seek adjustments in the loss of their son, Garrett, in Iraq. I am so hopeful this will help bring them healing and peace. We look forward to seeing Patrick and Patti.

Our friend, Al Loidl, is in critical condition and could die at any moment. I have been asked to assist in the service, so we go, not knowing how long or if we will get to have a full stay. That is an issue of life and of ministry. God is totally in charge of these matters so it is There we lay our trust.

Two nights and a part of three days was not enough! I told Patrick he was going to have to evict me because I wasn't leaving. I did relent since he had clients coming later Friday. This was a fun-filled visit to a setting away from it all! Patrick and Patti McLead have built a B & B at this place in three quaint cottages.Each has it's own personality. They have birding trails throughout the seventeen acres high in the hills overlooking Johnson City, Texas.

Each morning a big picnic basket would appear on the front porch. It would contain a delightful HOT meal with fruit and....I am not going to tell all. Just remember, Patrick is a creative genius.

To the birding. In spite of the incredible drought gripping most of Texas there was a nice cool breeze each morning as the woods awakened. The deer came when they heard the feeder. One morning a tiny baby appeared with mom. Two young bucks with horns barely breaking the skin would nervously make an appearance. THREE jackrabbits came out to check on things. They are awkward looking but as fast as they need to be. A roadrunner hangs around for water and attention. Now that guy can really run! He was napping outside our cabin one afternoon when I opened the door. That bird ran until he was out of sight. Thought I heard a "Beep Beep".

My favorite animal sighting was.....hang on..... a skunk! I was in a metal swing hidden away near a drip and feeder. This gorgeous animal strolled into view. His black and white colors were incredible. He had a huge grey/white tail that he used gracefully. He paid me no mind at all but went to the water, and with an elegant flair, bent over, waving that classic tail in my direction. When finished he slowly ambled on his way. There was no aroma. I loved the guy.

I won't list all the birds seen but a Canyon Towee made several appearances, along with a male painted bunting.

When you want to really get away and enjoy company with two wonderful transplanted Rockporters take a trip to Songbird Meadows just out of Johnson City. You will love it. NO,
PATRICK DOES NOT DO HAIR! JUST MEALS.

Our good friend, Al Loidl, died early Saturday morning in Portland. His service is pending as his wife, Mary Lou, is in the hospital in San Antonio. I took Al on many trips to the doctor in Corpus Christi. He was an interesting fellow to talk with.

Al was a two-time all-state football player in high school at Bloomington, Indiana. After his senior year in 1939 he was recruited by Duke University in Durham. In his sophomore year Duke had an incredible season. They were undefeated and untied at 9-0. The Blue Devils were ranked #2 in the nation. A Rose Bowl invitation came to them to play Oregon State. On December 7 the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and war was declared. The government ordered large public gatherings along the west coast to be prohibited.

Duke University invited the game there. An additional 20,000 stadium bleachers were moved in so 70,000 could watch the game. On a cold January 1, 1942, the two teams met for the Rose Bowl game in Durham. They played the game in the rain. Duke lost 20-16. Duke's quarterback was Tommy Prothro who would later coach at Oregon state and UCLA. He would also coach the San Diego Chargers of the NFL.

Three Duke players would be killed in World War II. One from Oregon State would die. Gene Gray of Oregon State, who would catch the winning touchdown, would lose both his arms. Charlie Haynes, Duke's back-up quarterback, would be found by Frank Parker, a tackle for Oregon State during a battle when he was seriously wounded, and would save his life.

Al was a member of that historic team. I do not know the position he played. I think he was a reserve, but it was one of the most historic football games ever played.

I have always thought of Greece as one of the most picturesque places in the world. It has beauty, history, wealth and......trouble!

The scenes were brutal as young men fought against police. I have no idea why, other than the fact they are in critical financial trouble. Some 200,000 persons could lose their jobs in the near future. If Greece has a financial failure it could have a "domino effect" across Europe, and even to our shores. You never know these days.

Losers also rioted in Canada. Actually, it was thugs under the guise of being Canuck fans. Their team was not a loser. Any team who plays in the finals is not a loser. The real fans were at home where they belonged. The thugs took to burning cars and shattering windows, bringing disgrace to a beautiful city and Country.

In the meantime a congressman brings more shame and embarrassment to the halls of Congress. I often wonder just what moral qualifications, if any, we place upon our leaders. It is only when they get "caught" that penalties occur. What about checking moral standards before the fact and not after.

We had grease cooking yesterday as James Duprie fried some delicious, freshly caught Redfish. Emily caught a 26 inch Redfish! That is a beauty. Calvin and Dempsey have enjoyed Rockport Beach, and we have enjoyed all of them.

The enemy has a replacement for Bin Laden. His name is Zawahri. He may go by Al but I doubt it. He either has a birthmark in the center of his forehead or else a bullseye for a sniper. When you read this man's resume' one discovers he is as evil as the one he is replacing. Al has been around a long time as a killer of people. He looks innocent enough with the robes and the beard. Do not be fooled by this kindly looking butcher. He can be big trouble.

So the war goes on. We are not winning...or losing. It is a no-win situation. These people have a world mission and nothing else to do but try to achieve it.

There is another "Al" carrying on a world-wide war. He can appear as an angel of light. He might show up as a beautiful talking serpent. He can speak with a soft voice and act like he loves little children. Never be fooled. He is violent beyond belief. He seeks to destroy everything good. He loves to create dissention among good people. He loves empty churches and empty lives. He is more dangerous that Al Zawahri. He has many names. If you invite Him in He never leaves on His own. That's the guy. El Diablo!

We are on the road again. Heading for Arkansas and a family Reunion of the Pogue Family. We haven't had one of these for a long time. First Baptist Rockport is visiting the Big Apple through Vacation Bible School. So MUCH work and prayer has gone into this effort. God will bless it greatly, I am sure.

In the GOLF WORLD, Rory McElroy from Northern Ireland upset the entire golfing world with his phenomenal win at the US Open. No one has ever won by more strokes. The announcers kept saying, "And he is only twenty-two!". I wanted to yell to them..."And how old do you think the guys are we have fighting wars around the world?" .How old was David when he laid out the big guy? Twenty-two is adult. It is the prime of life when one takes care of himself/herself. It is the "old" guys who struggle on a golf course with back pains and bad knees, and shot nerves. Let's give a cheer for those twenty-two guys! And younger. Gotta' go. Lord willing, I will visit you in a couple of weeks. Dale (79)

Been to Arkansas lately? It is a beautiful State with plenty of greenery, hills, and heat! We had a wonderful trip for the most part. The Reunion was great fun. Ann developed bronchitis and had to make an emergency room trip Saturday afternoon. It helped greatly that we were in the home of a Doctor. Kevin went to ER with us at Baptist Hospital and cut through the red tape and wait. She is feeling better after a steroid injection and antibiotics. She did NOT want to come home for we missed the Dallas part of the return trip. Anyway, we are back.

Arlene is churning ashore in Mexico. She is too far to help us much with our rain need, but we will take what we can get.

Just like that.........June is almost history. It was an incredibly fast month. All of them seem to be doing that. Had breakfast in Fort Smith last week with two high school friends. Ed Coffman is a retired doctor and Tommy Pryor a retired lawyer. Enjoyed these two guys.

I had never been to Karnack, Texas. We went by there, I think. There really wasn't much there, but a Baptist Church. Jefferson is a different story. We spent a night there. It reeks with history. There are more 100 plus year-old homes there than any place I have seen. It used to be the loading harbor for cotton. many, many years ago. Much of the old part of Jefferson is still intact. Their hotel has hosted two presidents of the long ago past.

Our best meal was at Bryce's Cafeteria in Texarkana. It is not a chain but an institution. Just off the Interstate. Worth the stop. Enough rambling. We are home, if anyone cares. Even if they don't we are still home.