Book sale!!!!

All your favorites are priced from

$1.57 to $.99! Get them while the

sale lasts. LDDJ Enterprises

Irving Titans potential new book cover #DallasCowboys #NFL

I've been wrestling with the current cover for the Irving Titans book. I kind of like this one, but I think it's over the top even though it does epitomize the story to a tee. All thoughts and comments are appreciated. 

It does put a whole new spin on deflate gate. 

Irving Titans

I'm thinking more along the line of a full frontal . Charlene would be wearing a bodice with the football crushed between her assets. Would also have her hair flowing across her shoulders. 

What do you think? 

Ladies, these plates were made with you in mind. Breast Cancer Month

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, we are offering these wonderful professional sports license plates. $20.00 plus $3.00 for shipping and handling. You can order online through my pay-pal, jdawson41@netzero.net. $5.00 will be donated to the Susan Komen foundation for each plate sold. 

 Order name: America's Team

Order name:Large Cowboy's Star

Order name: Cowboys

 We can do any team you choose with the above designs. 

ORDER YOURS TODAY!!! 

Shipping rates are for the lower 48 only. 

Purchase link: Paypal jdawson41@netzero.net

VAMPIRES FOR HALLOWEEN!!!!

It's that time of year again when the dark bodies will stalk the Earth and look for their unsuspecting prey. What better way to spend the time then with these great posters to scare the hell out of those who don't believe. They'll live to tell the tale. .

Meet Svetlana and Nikoli Romanov. 

Only $10.00 plus shipping!

Email for payment info. 

NEW! Love interest from the Motherland. Welcome Elmira

Thank you answered to my letter!( Anyone remember me writing her??)

My name is Elmira! ( Giddy up, omm papa, omm papa mow, mow)

First, I'm sorry that did not answered earlier to your letter because I have no computer in home,( another closet dweller)

I will write to you from the computer on my work.

I'll write you every day, I promise, I promise, I promise!( Think she’ll keep her undying promises??)

The idea of online dating came to me unexpectedly. My girlfriend and I were sitting in a cafe drinking tea. My girlfriend said that now acquaintance on the Internet more and more popular among the people, and she met her husband on a dating site, her husband from Spain.

Now they have a daughter, and for them it is a great event!

2 weeks later my girlfriend and her husband are going to live in Spain. ( I believe we have a serious time line issue.)

Continue to talk about themselves. I do not have a profile on the Internet.

I am not registered in social networks, as I was never interested in it,

but I always dreamed of finding your other half! (Who’s half?)

Then my girlfriend suggested that I took advantage of dating.

She and I went to the agency and I considered several profiles, but I decided to write to you alone.

If it were not for my girlfriend, I never would have dared to take this step,

but thanks to her we can carry on dialogue.

Of course I'm a little confused and I do not even know what to write in the letter. (Pretty wordy for someone who hasn’t a clue what to write.)

I wish to tell you right away that I'm looking for in a man.

I hope for your honesty, because I'm looking for love and only serious relationship.

For me it is important that a man was kind, attentive and responsive.(And that my woman can pop a top and twirl a pole!)

I hope that these qualities do you have, and our goals can be matched.

I want to talk about themselves, so that we can learn more about each other.

I  live  in Russia, and later I will tell you about their city. I live in Penza. (That was quick. Thought she was going to wait until we were formally introduced.)

I have no children and I have never been married.

I hope you understand me correctly, and my English.

You can look at my picture to see my physique.

My height is 163 cm, weight 52 kg.

I have many interests.

I like to learn new things.

I have a good sense of humor. (Then she should love my responses. Time will tell

I think in the future you will be able to see this.

I was born October 21, I'm 33 years old.

My zodiac sign scales. (I missed that one on the Zodiac scale. Scales???)

What zodiac sign do you have?

I'll be happy to answer any questions that you are interested. (Do you and your girlfriend pole dance? Answer that and then we can move forward.)

I am very interested to know more about you, about your life, interests, and the country

in which you live??

If you are interested in our acquaintance, I am waiting for your letters and photographs

:-)

I have made a photo and video for you!! (Sadly, the video didn’t come across. Believe me when I say I will be requested this intimate exchange. She could be the one! ) I hope you will answer me!!

respectfully, Elmira.

European log in info: cookieOptions = {...};'

Apparently I'm required to post a message concerning the cookies I use for those across the pond. I have no idea what it means or how it works but I've done my due diligence to inform visitors of European law and the wonderful world of google. 

Hair Loss, Balding, Getting old. Gotta Love Life

Even though my hair is starting to fall out, I found three toothpicks strategically placed this morning. Good to know I have back-ups!

Book Signing Greenville, TX.

If you're in the Greenville, TX. area from one to three tomorrow, Robert Lamon, Kathryn Magge and myself will be at Hastings Books and Records Books and Records. A good time will be had by all. Today, October 24th from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. 

Stop by and get a signed copy!!!!

Government Conspiracies. Science Fiction, Time Travel, Fourth Reich, Moscow, London, United Nations, Patriots

It's time for a sample chapter from the upcoming work, "Target Berlin"  Book three in the Gateway series. 

CHAPTER 2

THOR

SALZBURG MOUNTAINS

“Professor, report.”

“It works. The test produced satisfactory results. The weapon system carved out a perfect circle for two kilometers with no residue or debris. The engines were brought up to eighty percent with excellent results. We did detect some minor turbulence in the convertor cycle. The plutonium and uranium reactors showed no signs of instability. The amount of heat the plutonium generated was higher than anticipated, but with modifications I will bring all systems to one hundred percent.”

“How long will that take?”

“Two weeks, maximum. We understand most of the properties from the salvaged ship, but are still uncovering its mysterious. I do not want to damage any of the material.”

“Understood. When will it be ready for a test flight?”

“We can perform a test flight at any time, but I would feel more comfortable if both reactors are able to operate at maximum efficiency.”

“A wise choice, professor. Let me know when you’re ready.”

“Jawohl, Mein Führer!”

10 DOWNING STREET

“Prime Minister, the members of Parliament are awaiting your comments. You can delay no longer. I understand the gravity of the situation with our staunch U.S. partners, but we too have uncovered our own enemies. I’m glad Winston isn’t alive to see what he warned us would happen if we lost our way.”

“Minister, I too am pleased he’s dead. His words were true, but the country, though victorious, paid a terrible price with the victory. While other countries prospered and became gloated with the fruits of the victor, we fell deeper into economic ruin. We sold off or lost the majority of our overseas holdings. We became less than a stepchild at the table begging for scraps. Our proud nation was thrown to the cold and told to fend for ourselves. If we wouldn’t have thwarted the Luftwaffe in 1940, D-Day or any other combined allied offensive would have never appeared on the planning table. That aside, as the Labor Party did in 1945, it is now our time to clean house. I will address the House this afternoon. Make sure the Yard and Bobbi’s have been placed on notice. We don’t want any weasels sneaking off during the address.”

“Yes, Prime Minister, I’ll see to it.” 

White house, press room

Interim Speaker of the House, Lori Newton stepped up to the podium. “Settle down people.” She took a shallow breath. “Settle down. All of your questions will be answered once the President finishes his address.”

Before she could say another word, the reporters crashed her with questions. “What happened to Clark?” “Who’s running the country?” “Did Taylor know of the plot?” “What are your qualifications to be Speaker?” “Is this another political ploy for a power play?” “Why are their armed guards in the room?” She never wavered with the assault. The one question she heard loud and clear was, “What are your qualifications to be Speaker of the House?” It was simple math when one broke it down. Despite being a junior representative, she was one of the few left standing. But it was more than that. She… “I’ll answer that question.” She looked to her left as the crowd calmed down. “Because I trust her. Unlike many of you in this room, she shoots from the hip and doesn’t muddy the water with the boring, lofty rhetoric we’ve become too accustomed to hearing.”

Lori didn’t think twice as he entered the room. “Ladies and Gentlemen, The President of the United States.”

“Thank you, Speaker Newton.” He glanced about the room as reporters and cameras pointed lenses and microphones his way. It was the first press conference where he felt each device was a weapon preparing to bring him down. He approached the podium flanked by two Marines.

“I have a brief statement to make and then I’ll answer any and all questions. First, the Pentagon and Washington Monument were not struck by a meteorite. They were destroyed by a magnetic resonance weapon that was installed in the lower basements of the Pentagon. The weapon was designed by Professor’s Leonoid Skorzenzy and Gerhardt Blücher. Its sole purpose was to eliminate the current government and replace it with a Fourth Reich. The accidents in Kansas, Black Water Falls and Atlantic City were not accidents. They were targets of the rogue group. Senator Washburn did not die of a heart attack or stroke. He was summarily shot for treason against the United States.” Sounds of gasps rippled through the report’s pool. “All of the missing members from Congress and the Pentagon who perished in the blast were found to be sympathizers with the coup. I have heard from the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. It is my understanding that they too have identified a group of sympathizers. He will be addressing the issue tomorrow. I, and Vice-President Powell, are running the government to the best of our abilities. We have been in touch with all the governors of each state and are working on having new elections for the vacant seats. Any man or woman wanting to run for public office will endure a grueling interrogation before being allowed to fill out an application.

In regards to the question concerning the current Speaker of the House, Miss Lori Newman, I appointed her because I trust her and she’s a personal friend with unquestionable qualifications and references.” He stepped back, taking a drink of water.

 “Why are there armed guards in the room? Because over a dozen of you have been identified as collaborators with the defunct organization. Major McMillan, do the honors.”

“Yes, sir.  When I call your name, you will stand up: McKelly, Ransford, Simmons, Daily, Wallace, Reuter, Allison, Sloan, Fernandez and Rodriguez.” No one stood up. The Major moved from behind the podium and approach the pool. “People, we know who you are. You can stand up and face your judgment peacefully, or we will use force.” One by one the accused stood up, all but one. Consuelo Rodriguez wasn’t going to go quietly. She leaned down, rummaging in her purse; removed a .38 caliber pistol, stood up and raised the pistol towards the President. She died instantly from the bullet, one of the Marines fired. It entered her skull, imploding it. Those standing near her were showered with brain, bone and blood.

Taylor never wavered. He took his place back at the podium. “You nine have been found guilty of crimes against the United States Government. You have been sentenced to death. Major, escort them out. The room exploded with cat calls and cries of injustice. Two M-16’s silenced the crowd as the soldiers fired a volley into the ceiling. “Major, escort them out, now!”

“Yes, sir.”

He looked back at the shaken assembly. “Are there any questions?” He paused as no hands or calls came his way. “Before you ask an irrelevant question, think real hard about the consequences. Play time is over. The days of political posturing vaporized two weeks ago at the Pentagon. It’s time to turn the country back over to the people and let them know they will no longer be the silent minority. They will be the vocal majority. The new government will work for the people and not their own self serving interests. The days of special interests groups, influencing Congress, are over. No longer will Congress pass useless legislation that provides the façade they are working. It will become an honor and a job. When you come to Washington, you will roll up your sleeves and prepare to work for the common good of the country and not the individual. For too long, five-hundred and fifty-four men and women have decided the fate of over three hundred million. We are going to put the law back in the courts and eliminate judges would believe they are above the law. Supreme Court Justices will not be life-long appointments. They will be replaced at age sixty-five. No exceptions. Military contracts will no longer become a black hole. When a project is put out for bid, it will be built for the agreed amount, not a penny more. The days of wasteful spending are done. Employees of the government are no longer immune from being fired or replaced. It’s time to run the country like a business. It is time for full accountability on all fronts.” He stepped back, watching the shocked crowd scribble frantic notes on their pads. He took another drink. “Are there any questions of importance and relevance to what I’ve said?” A lone hand shot up.

“Yes.”

“Don Johnson, with the Washington Post. Are we to understand the United States is now a police state?” Taylor reached into his coat pocket, removing a piece of paper. His eyes scanned the names. “No, Mr. Johnson. We are bringing law and order back to our country.”

“And how will you do that? Can we expect storm troopers to visit us in the wee hours of the morning and be whisked off to the FEMA camps?”

“Mr. Johnson, you failed to add sir, to the end of your question. Before I answer, I have a question for you. As a student at Harvard, is it not true you were a member of The Freedom Fighters for All, a group known to sympathize with Anti-Semitic activities? Is it not true you took part in rallies to evict Jews from the campus? Is it not also true that you not only attend underground KKK meetings but are a card carrying member?”

“I believe you’re avoiding my question, SIR.” Johnson fired back.

“NO, SIR! I’m addressing the question. How your name didn’t make the list I do not know. But the people who just died were ardent members of the aforementioned organizations. Would you like to join them?” Johnson down.

“Any other questions?”

“Mr. President, Steve Rawlings, Tulsa Tribune. When will the elections take place?”

“As I stated earlier, we are talking to the governors of each state concerning the process.”

“Mr. President, Ian McClarry, Boston Globe. What will happen to our colleagues who were just arrested?”

“They will be shot today for treason.”

“Mr. President, Ruth Truman, Connecticut Chronicle. With the demise of the majority of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who’s running the military?”

“Admiral Kinkaid and his staff are handling those duties. In the coming weeks, there will be more appointees after a thorough background check is performed on each candidate.”

“Mr. President, Aaron Walden, Austin News. Has the threat been completely neutralized or are there other members not accounted for?”

He took a long drink of water, than bowed his head. His tone became somber.

“Mr. Walden, I wish I could answer that question. I pray to God Almighty that that is the case.” then paused. “People, it has been a trying two weeks and there is much more work to do in the coming months. I’m tired and need some rest. We will call another press conference in a week or two. Thank you for coming.” It was the first time in the history of Presidential Press Conferences, where as he exited, the pool didn’t pepper him with more questions. They stood in silence as he left the room.

Salzburg mountains

Professor Helmut Goebbels II watched over the crew as they extracted another piece of metal from the ship. Despite his best efforts he was never able to ascertain the origin of the foreign material. It was impervious to every test he conducted: heat, cold, explosives and lasers could not penetrate the molecular structure. What they did discover, despite its dense properties, it was the most malleable material he’d encountered. It was easily manipulated and fabricated. When welded, it only required a light touch from the technician. He was fascinated how it could adapt to the desired shape, yet when handled incorrectly it took on characteristics of intelligence by lashing out and injuring or killing the workers. He no longer cared what universe or planet the machine came from, his only concern was using its technology to build the most devastating weapon on Earth, and that, he’d achieved. The piece was successfully removed from the host.

“Take it to the plutonium reactor. We need to increase the shield depth.”

“Jawohl, Herr Professor.”

He watched the crew ascend into his masterpiece. His leader wanted a machine unlike any other. He wanted a power which would bring the world to its knees to finish the plans their forefathers started so many decades ago. Thor was the answer. The ship was three times the size of its forerunner, the GO-229. What a shame it didn’t come on line earlier. The RAF and Eight Air Force would have been cleansed from the skies, sparing many cities from all but total annihilation during the air campaigns of the 1940’s. The thought sickened him. His teachers drilled into his head the consequences of failure with the pictures and film of the Hamburg Firestorm and the desolate moonscape of Cologne. His anger boiled. Yes, they could have stopped the Americans and British, but what about the Russians? Their air force proved futile during the Red advance over his beloved Fatherland. The mass rapes and senseless killings of his countrymen fueled his fire. Striking Moscow first would be a fitting retribution. His thoughts of revenge were rudely interrupted from his comm. headset

“Professor, we have a problem with the fitting. Could you please join us?”

“Yes, I’ll be right there.” He smiled as he walked into his creation, thinking of the retributions to befall their enemies.  

Make sure you're prepared for the continuing adventures of Larry Jr. Judith, Muki and Abdul by reading the first two!

Gateway: Pioche

Destination D.C.

Tribulations of Laundry

I'm going to get chastised for this, but like George Washington, I cannot tell a lie. I went to my daughters last night after a grueling day on the job. Since I knew where I was going, I decided to take my laundry with me. One must be efficient at all times. I told her I would bring the food for our festive feast. Well, the night started well enough. Oh, wait. I forget to mention an important caveat.

One of the dear members of the Irving Writers Connection​ decided to weigh anchor and head for Maui. Before she said Bon Voyage, she was gracious enough to grace the members with many of her fine works, FREE! Mary Scarborough’s​ writing style is extremely witty and charming. I knew my middle granddaughter would enjoy one of the stories with immense interest. So, in an effort to consolidate, I placed the book in my laundry bag, again, being efficient and well thought out.

I arrived at Savanna​'s and the activities began. As we were preparing the fine culinary fest, her roommate, Shawna, came strutting through the kitchen with a load of clothes in tow. A light bulb went off in my head. "Hey, do you mind if I do a load first?" See, I had it all planned out. Start the laundry, help with the cooking, eat, relax, dry the clothes, abscond the leftovers, fold, hang and load the clean clothes then vacate to Dallas—an hour commute.

I ran to the truck, grabbed my bag and loaded the washer."Odd, why do I keep feeling something in the clothes. I looked and prodded, yet I couldn't identify the object. Regardless, I was off schedule so proceeded forward with an Old Man Intellect. Dinner was cooked and served. It was a Kingly feast. I enjoyed a smoke on the veranda then retired back to the living and threw the clothes into the dryer.

Odd, why does it look like it snowed in the laundry? Must have been an errant receipt or perhaps I cleansed my checkbook. Undeterred, into the dryer they went.

Forty minutes later and back on schedule, I opened the dryer only to be met with a flurry of white snow! It was everywhere. What, I say, WHAT in the hello is in the laundry? One by one I pulled out my white speckled clean(?) clothing only to be met with more of the floating particles and then I saw it. The remnants of a mangled, massacred, mutilated half size binder. "No, No, oh shit, Hell NO! There is no way I did the unthinkable. Yes, it's true. I washed her masterpiece. To be perfectly honest, I've performed some major bone-head moves in my day, but I believe this one takes the cake., Mary my deepest apologies. I do hope I can borrow a copy from one of the other members. I know Leah will enjoy it and trust me, it will never see the inside of a laundry bag. 

Cat Lover's

Review for an interesting read indeed.  If you're a cat lover, this book is for you. 

Avalon

Avalon-The lovable Terror of Belgium

This is a most unusual read. The author does a brilliant job of blending and melding her life with her cat. Over the years, I’ve read a smattering of books written by cat lovers, but this one takes the cake, pudding and other dessert within easy reach.

Being a dog lover I seldom venture into this realm, I’m glad I did.

Avalon is one nasty Turkish Van cat, and I mean nasty. For the life of me I wouldn’t have tolerated this animal for more than a week, This cat is the most possessive animal I have ever heard or read about. He was Satan incarnate; at least to everyone but our author.

If a cat attempted to intrude in his territory, it was Katy-Bar-the-Door as he would throw a temper tantrum by flinging himself against the glass windows, bouncing off the walls and basically destroying everything in its path to run off the offender. And don’t think humans fared much better, oh no. If Vanessa brought over a male, he was not a welcome guest. I’m thinking of the chapter where Avalon trashed every item the man brought with him and conveniently placed them at the front door. Think it was a hint?

Halfway through, I couldn’t for the life of me understand why she kept the “Terror of Belgium.” I had to find out why, thus I continued forward hoping she would dump him in an alley somewhere. This is where the story takes on the surreal. Despite his repugnant attitude to all who vied for Vanessa’s attention, he became the relationship she knew she was missing.

It cost her a boyfriend and friends through the years, but he was always there for her no matter what turn her life took. He shared in her triumphs and failures. He became a movie star with an arrogance and acting ability many of the Hollywood crowd would be envious of. He loved Vanessa unconditionally and that is what the real story is here.

These two shared a love many humans strive for but fall short. Why? We expect our partners to possess certain characteristics and traits we can relate to and build a foundation on. These two had none of these preconceptions. They accepted each other with no expectations and shared a remarkable love.

If you are a cat lover and haven’t read this book, you must put it on your list. Not the stack of TBR’s that you’ll never get to, the one which contains must read books. You will not be disappointed!

Four stars.  

Inspirational

Our answers are only a question away.

Yesterday I had a thought. Today I remembered it. Tomorrow, I hope I forget it. What is the thought? 

Where are your teeth?

You know it's a busy day, or your running late or are completely frazzled. How? Halfway to work realize you forgot something.........................YOUR TEETH! IT was a grand day.

Internet Dating for Russian Brides.

June 20

My dearest, Kseniya. I’m so, so sorry I’ve been remiss in addressing your needs. It has been a busy yet productive week. Billy if block three became a dad which had us all giving him high fives. Unfortunately for him, he had a few outstanding poker debts and was forced to relinquish his fatherhood and marital status to Leroy in block C. Not sure his wife is pleased with the arrangement, but it beats being six feet under.

My team, The Coffin Crypters made the finals for the International Convicts Tournament. No this isn’t like the Freaker’s Ball by Doctor Hook and the Medicine Band. This is the real “World Serious” for hard felons only. We are a bit of a unique bunch to say the least.

 Well, we made it to the finals with a squad of twelve men. The other thirteen are in the infirmary recovering from the mis-timed brawl with the Cleveland Crunchers. I think it had something to do with Boris Kransky knifing their catcher, Mother Puss Bucket when Mother made a few unwise comments about him having an affair with his mother’s second cousin on his mom’s side who was twice removed from his Father’s side which resulted in a most disingenuous genealogical tree. See, Boris and Mother are actually third cousins, yet by their marriages, both male and female found them as twin brothers of the same daughter from different fathers. Well, when the dust cleared from the scruff and the bodies were counted, appears the incest poll depository is going to have a run on organs this week.

Okay, back to the big game. Since I’d be pitching the final game, I needed true inspiration. Where do you think I found it??? That’s right, sweetie. Your lovely, adoring pictures. I printed out a few. Put one in my cap and one in my cup.  That way, if the pressure became too much, I could rub you for luck.

Back to the game. It was a barn burner going into the ninth. We had the bastards down by two. Lucky Lucy, yeah, he’s from block 96. They do everything backwards over there. Last time he/she came to the plate I threw one high and tight cleaning up the five o’clock shadow. It responded by throwing the bat at me of which I threw it straight back, cracking its skull. Was he/she deterred? Not at all. Couple of bandage and fifty stitches and the SOB stayed in the line-up. Well, being the calm headed individual I am, I couldn’t be upstaged. So I drilled it right between the eyes. A normal person would have succumbed to a ninety mph fastball in the noggin, but not him/her. It turned into a raging bull! I’m here to tell you, what happened next isn’t for the faint of heart. I will tell you that the game has been indefinitely suspended until each team can field nine players. This could be a few months. I want you to know, if it weren’t for your strategically placed picture, I would have lost my lucky charms.

I think that’s enough for today. I do hope you’ll write back soon. Your words, I’m sure, will assist me as my ribs, leg, arm and spleen recover.

Your undying admirer,

Sam the Sham 

Come on guys, do you really think this is who you're talking to? Take a good look at the photos and tell me it's the same girl. But hey, if you're willing to take a chance, be my guess. Make sure your deep pockets. You're going to need it when she finds a divorce attorney. 

News on the Dating front. From Orel Russia with Love

Appears our love is budding. Don't believe? Wait till you she what she wrote. But, before I go on, remember this, I'm fifty-five, with three children and nine grandchildren. Does anyone out there really believe I want to start over? Let's think about that for a minute. ah, no. How about, HELL NO! There, I feel better. On with the show! 

Hello  Jeff !!!!! I am glad that you have answered me, I'll be glad to meet  you.  My  name  is Kseniya, I am 27 years old, my birthday is on

July  14  at the horoscope I crayfish. My height - 167 centimeters. My weight  - 50 kg. As you can see in my photos, I have green eyes and my

hair color is blonde.  I'm from Russia, live in Orel. I have a medical degree,  and  I  work  in private practice as a dentist. I'm lonely. I found your profile in a marriage agency "Arcadia," in my town. It cost

me 5,000 rubles. I hope I have not wasted wasting my money. I've never been  married,  and  I  have  no  children.  A serious relationship to interest  me. I want to meet people, to have a family with him. I know that  most  women  in  Europe and America is emancipated, and in first place  in  the  life of the work put. A family for them, it's more the

point against which it is necessary to put a tick. I want to a family, a  family for me the main thing. I wanted to know you. I hope that our interests  are  mutual.  I  beg  to be written only in this case, if I

really  interesting for you in vain ... I do not want to waste time. I tuned  to a serious relationship. It's tough when I'll talk more about myself  in  next  letter. I'll be glad to receive your letter, I would

like  to see your photos. I look forward to your next letter. Your new friend 

Kseniya

I think I'm hearing wedding bells. Nope. Guys, she is an attractive woman but remember this, how do you know who you're really talking to????

Twitchers Gamers

If any of you folks who lurk about as shadows are hard core gamers and into the interactive online scene, Arimi Mimi is the one to watch. I think she's currently playing Redemption. She's a great gal and would love for you to come join her. Here's the link Redemption

Relationships, Dating, My Russian Love

Meet my newest potential Russian bride, Kseniya.

Salute my new fellow. My name is Kseniya. I've never looked for online personal knowledge online, and now I'm a little concerned a little. < Her English is more concerning then her thoughts, so far.>
When I showed your account, <???> I understood that it`s engaging. I want to tell a pair of some interesting facts about myself. <You know the pair I’m interested in.>  I am 27 years old. I am a fair woman with green eyes. I live in Orel, it absolutely not very far from Moscow. <Absolutely is not very far from Moscow. I guess this is a relevance of geography.>  Perhaps it can be you interested what did I ever do for fun. < Did I ask??>  I play sports. I always keep myself in good shape. I love the bicycle, volleyball, swimming and skis. I am a doctor-stomatologist. < She’s a what??!!! Where are my medical friends? Is there such a thing?”  I like to help people. 
I`m looking for the man who wants to have regular and solid relations. I don't want to waste time for amusements. <She has no idea how much she could be.>  I looking forward you also value your time. I was never married and I have no children. If you wish to reach our talk, write me.

<Gotta love that last line. “If you wish to reach our talk, write me. How can one reach, talk and write at the same time?>

Response

Good afternoon, Kseniya.  I can’t tell you how much you’ve touched me by reaching out. I look forward to more thought provoking and provocative conversations.

Jeff

Buy the Book

How do you do it? Well, let's make it easy. To date, the site has almost garnered 40,000 hits. That's pretty impressive. What would be even better is if it picked up a few more followers. I know. Who wants to keep receiving constant updates and cluttering up their in box. I'm in there with on that one. I've stopped following quit a few sites because of the constant repetitive bombarding of new updates. For those who stop in, you know I don't do that. On the average, about five to ten a month, unless I've gone on a reading spree and post reviews. Other than that, I try and keep it to a minimum. 

Now, let's get down to nitty-gritty. If you see something you like on the side bars, all you have to do is click on the image and you are taken straight to the buy link. It really is that simple. 

Without further adeu, it's time to get back to reading, writing, editing and reviewing. 

Baseball is Back

We are at the sixty game mark and still the Astros and Mets won't go away. Many in April were writing them off as "quick starts", "plain luck" or the ever ubiquitous "Upstarts." I love it when the MLB and ESPN gurus are wrong. Perhaps they should have to take a pay cut for errant reporting. Yeah, don't see that happening. Still, good to see the Texas Rangers​ in the hunt. And what of the Texas Rangers? A team who had four of their proposed starting pitchers sidelined, and I'll be honest, I didn't pick them to perform this well, are nipping at the heels of Houston. How are they doing this? That really is the question when you realize they are second in errors in baseball. Guts and grit. That's how it's happening. Look at the victory last night against the Twins. What was looking like another shut-out exploded with a flurry of key hits, defense and a budding bullpen, allowed them to keep the game in striking distance and strike they did. The starters are doing their job by keeping the game in reach. That, my friends is how you combat injuries. Never give up!

The only teams I would count out are the Brewers, Reds and Phillies. For whatever reason, their tanks appear to be empty. As for the remaining clubs, it's anybody's guess how the standings will look come September 1st. Until then it's going to wild and wooly.

Let’s Play Ball!   

Memorial Day, Poetry, Veterans

Salute

The streets are lined again.

The crowd bustles about.

A few stores are open for patrons.

Children pull at their parents pants.

He takes it all in with grim determination,

the past enough far behind.

The assembly area is full of activity.

Organizers scurry about with a purpose.

For some it is there first,

for him, it is a lifetime of honor.

The clock approaches 10:00am.

The crowd becomes restless as children squirm.

Some stand by the curb for a good view.

Others are hoisted to shoulders.

Some sit on lawn chairs wondering why they came.

His eyes never waver from the street.

A gunshot is heard,

It marks the beginning of the festivities.

The shot makes him shudder.

He thinks back of youth lost,

He remembers the deep snow,

the hot tropics,

the smell of cordite.

He forces a tear back.

A cadence booms far away.

Is it the sound of gunfire,

or is it a lost memory?

His eyes strain to see the coming spectacle.

One by one, the lead cars slowly pass by.

He politely waves with acknowledging eyes.

The children jostle for the bits of candy tossed.

Moms and dads tousle with the little ones.

He pays them no mind,

for they are only children.

What do they know of the cost?

His hands gently move over his brass buttons,

making sure no wrinkles show.

His medals, all highly polished,

the Eagle shines brightly from his cover,

again, he fights a tear.

He knows why he came,

He knows the pain and the cost,

he was there.

He held men in pain,

he saw lives extinguished in a blink.

He fights back the memories,

the cries of help, the cries of sorrow,

the sounds of battle.

The memories are a heavy weight.

A toddler accidentally bumps into a wheel.

The chair wobbles just a bit.

He places a kind smile to the tot.

The child retreats to his parents.

There. There they are.

The sight of the banners fills him with pride.

He knows what it still stands for,

he knows the price of letting it blow.

The closer they approach,

the past creeps in with each perfect step.

St. Mere Eglise, Caen, Falaise, and Bastogne.

Was it only yesterday Joe fell, or was it Billy?

It matters not, for many followed them at:

Saigon, Khe Sanh, Hue, and TET.

He remembers the letters to parents of those who fell,

but never met: Tarawa, Tinian, Peleliue, Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

He wears the pains of many with the medals.

They performed when called.

They shirked nothing, yet sacrificed all.

The memories almost overwhelm him with pride and grief.

A weathered hand gently pats his right hand.

“Sammy, are you ready?”

The voice is strong, yet comforting.

“Yes Martha.”

They are closer now.

He pushes the locks on the chair,

braces his hands and prepares to rise,

to pay tribute for those before and to come.

A tear slides down his weathered face.

A young voice is barely audible

as the banner becomes brighter and closer.

“Look mommy, that man is crying. Why?'

Her face turns a light scarlet.

They are ten meters and closing,

he summons the strength to stand.

He struggles to rise.

He must rise, he must pay tribute!

They are all his brothers.

He can no longer raise a rifle for safety,

he can only stand in honor for those fallen.

The effort becomes more difficult each passing year.

His strength fails when he needs it most.

He curses softly as his body fails.

They are only five meters away.

He must rise and stand!

Two young strong hands appear from the crowd.

Without a word, they lift him up,

ever standing vigil for balance.

He looks neither left or right,

but straight into the past.

The colors of the Armed Forces are now two meters away.

He straightens a crooked back,

adjusts his cover,

and with the forgotten strength of youth,

raises his right hand and salutes the colors.

The young men stop and return the salute.

The crowd stares in awed silence,

for the commander has stopped the parade.

They stand as straight as a pillar,

neither looking left or right.

The commander barks an order.

The men take one step forward,

and lower the colors.

They stand one meter from the old soldier.

The parade has stopped.

Organizers frantically run about,

the cause is unknown.

Then they see it.

It wasn't in the program,

but they feel something in the air.

Is it electricity or something more?

The commander barks another order.

The group returns a solid salute.

They salute the man and what he wears,

a small blue ribbon attached to a five point medal.

The young commander approaches his brother.

The street is hushed in silence as the words flow;

“Thank you, from a very grateful nation, General.”

He fights back the tears and the memories.

He fights for balance, yet the strong hands assist,

his weakened, aged limbs.

“No” comes a choked response.

“Thank you for remembering us.”

The tears pour freely.

The emotions of fallen comrades erupt as he weeps, never wavering

with his salute.

For an instant, life has become an eternity,

like a giant force, the crowd faces the men,

and without any prompting or fanfare,

apply and return the salute to the men.

The General slides back into the chair.

The squad returns to the street,

each deep in thought as their tears also fall.

Without a word, they proceed forward.

The parade resumes, but with a new force,

a force of arms, a force of purpose,

a force displaying pride and freedom.

It is Memorial Day for the fallen.

“Martha, till next year?”

Copyright@ 2015LDDJ Enterprises Publishing