May 17, 2017

Dear Summer,

The days of late spring and summer are finally here. We are a little ways into May and it seems good to wear shorts and t-shirts. Although you never fade into Winter’s drab garb in someplace and you never quite seem to visit others. But here in Eastern Carolina we are thrilled you’ve come to visit. 

Threes days of “summer vacation” are drawing to a close. Tonight we should be laying on a blanket under the stars listening to the waves caress the sandy beach. Instead I am in my room getting ready for work and the rest of the week tomorrow. 

Tuesday was fun. Guardians of the Galaxy vol.2, popcorn and drinks. Afternoon fun hidden from summer heat. Monday was nice too, even if I grilled alone. The flames reminded me, fire is a sneaky beast and will burn the meat if your attention should stray. 

All in all Summer thank you for three nice vacation days. Cheers, james

The Rest of the Story and a childhood hero

My local radio station 95.1 WRNS used to play a half hour radio program called “The Rest of the Story” hosted by the smooth voiced gentleman, Mr. Paul Harvey. He would come on the air and he would tell you a part of a story and at the end he would tell you who he had been speaking about. And sign off, “and now you know the rest of the story.” Mr. Harvey also advertised for several different products, the two I remember most vividly were JB Weld and Bose radios. How I yearned for the smooth dulced tones of the highly expensive Bose. As of yet I still have not made this dream a reality. 

One program I remeber Mr. Harvey telling was about a civil war general that lost his pet chicken. Turns out it was the famous Robert E. Lee and the the infamous Battle of Gettysburg. This story was inspiring to me that someone from history could be so human. 

After I left and went to college there wasn’t a radio station that broadcast Mr. Harvey and he was a sorely missed piece of home. Today he crossed my mind and I looked up Mr. Harvey. Sadly he passed away Feb. 28, 2009 at the age of 90. He had been on the radio since before WWII and his last broadcast was a mere week before his passing. Rest in much beloved peace Mr. Harvey and know you touch many, many lives theough your broadcasts. 

And now you know the rest of the story, james