Looking down river and realizing that the gators to the left and right are only sunning themselves, I begin to loosen up and paddle forward. Having dropped in about 3 miles above at Wekiva State Park our little group of families wanted to explore the back country waters of Central Florida. This gentle flowing section provided an easy paddle for all age groups and exposes us to the animals on the river. Wild turkey, alligators, snakes and birds all make this trip interesting. One of my favorite stops along the river is the engaging local dive of a bar, right on the banks. Paddle down, get out, enjoy a cold one and paddle back up river. Wekiva is a fun river to kayak.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
This morning I arose to a wintery December chill, frost on the windshield and a heavy fog just lifting off the Green River lake. Unusual for me to be up and about this early in the morning, but I did have an appointment, and I didn't want to be late.
My appointment was with the Campbellsville local Firestone dealer to get my brakes fixed. Now most people will stop here and say, "so what" but I implore you to continue on, for the real story is not in the brake job, but in the lives of the five local yocals who greeted me as I entered the tiny front waiting room. Now by waiting room what I really mean to say is 5 old green leatherback chairs, an old stool behind the counter and the radio playing an old Marty Robbins county tune.
Jim Bob behind the counter grabbed my keys while I slowly eased my way into the leather cushion without moving more than a foot from the entrance. These boys were starting the day with some good local chatter about the new Police Chief who had retired from the State Police and was now keeping the peace over this town. The conversation shifted to talk about oil and how the Canadians might as well send the proposed XL pipeline to the West Coast and sell it to the Asians. "Hey son, that's a nice Toyota you got there. How many miles you got on it"? I replied "96,000" to the white haired smooth talker and keep my vision low.
"What are you doin here"? Jim bob asked. I explained that we were currently part of the Kamperforce for Amazon and would be here for the next few weeks. "Well you know, that used to be the ole Fruit of the Loom factory, just before Amazon took it over." " Hell, it used to be so bad a few years back when they bused in workers from Memphis and Lexington. Those folks was bad and I mean bad". "But now it seems as though the trouble is gone and the town is getting along just fine now."
A water pump for Charlie's Chevy, a new battery for Johnny's Yukon and a front brake job for me. I gladly payed my bill and rolled back out of town, having enjoyed a small slice of hometown Kentucky bonding in the early morning hours.
My appointment was with the Campbellsville local Firestone dealer to get my brakes fixed. Now most people will stop here and say, "so what" but I implore you to continue on, for the real story is not in the brake job, but in the lives of the five local yocals who greeted me as I entered the tiny front waiting room. Now by waiting room what I really mean to say is 5 old green leatherback chairs, an old stool behind the counter and the radio playing an old Marty Robbins county tune.
Jim Bob behind the counter grabbed my keys while I slowly eased my way into the leather cushion without moving more than a foot from the entrance. These boys were starting the day with some good local chatter about the new Police Chief who had retired from the State Police and was now keeping the peace over this town. The conversation shifted to talk about oil and how the Canadians might as well send the proposed XL pipeline to the West Coast and sell it to the Asians. "Hey son, that's a nice Toyota you got there. How many miles you got on it"? I replied "96,000" to the white haired smooth talker and keep my vision low.
"What are you doin here"? Jim bob asked. I explained that we were currently part of the Kamperforce for Amazon and would be here for the next few weeks. "Well you know, that used to be the ole Fruit of the Loom factory, just before Amazon took it over." " Hell, it used to be so bad a few years back when they bused in workers from Memphis and Lexington. Those folks was bad and I mean bad". "But now it seems as though the trouble is gone and the town is getting along just fine now."
A water pump for Charlie's Chevy, a new battery for Johnny's Yukon and a front brake job for me. I gladly payed my bill and rolled back out of town, having enjoyed a small slice of hometown Kentucky bonding in the early morning hours.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Lights, Camera, Action
Be very careful when you open your front door because you never know what it's going to bring.
Opening the door, I gazed upon a smartly dressed reporter closely guarded by her cameraman and sound guy. She introduced herself as Janet from NBC Nightly News and asked if I would be interested in talking with them about our experience working with Amazon. I quickly turned to scan the trailer only to realize that we weren't quite ready for prime time and politely asked "can I get a second. "She responded,"sure take your time".
Now this isn't the first time and most certainly won't be the last time I invite a news crew into the DeMichiel family Abode. I seem to recall a similar incident in the deserts of Palm Springs two winters ago. That's right. The famous Dutch's Tree Stand interview. Let's just say we'd all like to forget about that one. Anyway, I turn to Rita and say, "what do you think"?
We quickly freshen and tidy up and before you know it, lights are on tripods, camera's are rolling and Rita, Dylan, Christian and I are being interviewed for a segment that will air next week on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams.
Now hold on right there. My hair was out of place, and not a make-up or wardrobe girl in sight. Oh well, reality TV at it's best. I do recall a good friend having a TV series on TLC(Six for the Road, which by the way had to compete against Kate Plus 8 at it's Zenith)and how difficult it must have been for his family to be filmed. I only worked for an hour and was ready to call for a stand-in. God Bless you my friend for completing like eight episodes.
Anyway, shots of the kids on swings, shots of us doing schoolwork with the kids, shots of us strolling down the street and the epic final shot, me hanging the Christmas wreath upon the trailer door as the family looks on.
I can only hope that we are portrayed in a positive light and we don't appear to be something other than who we are.
We said goodbye to our new found friends, got a good "What was that all about" laugh, and proceeded to live life as we know it.
Opening the door, I gazed upon a smartly dressed reporter closely guarded by her cameraman and sound guy. She introduced herself as Janet from NBC Nightly News and asked if I would be interested in talking with them about our experience working with Amazon. I quickly turned to scan the trailer only to realize that we weren't quite ready for prime time and politely asked "can I get a second. "She responded,"sure take your time".
Now this isn't the first time and most certainly won't be the last time I invite a news crew into the DeMichiel family Abode. I seem to recall a similar incident in the deserts of Palm Springs two winters ago. That's right. The famous Dutch's Tree Stand interview. Let's just say we'd all like to forget about that one. Anyway, I turn to Rita and say, "what do you think"?
We quickly freshen and tidy up and before you know it, lights are on tripods, camera's are rolling and Rita, Dylan, Christian and I are being interviewed for a segment that will air next week on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams.
Now hold on right there. My hair was out of place, and not a make-up or wardrobe girl in sight. Oh well, reality TV at it's best. I do recall a good friend having a TV series on TLC(Six for the Road, which by the way had to compete against Kate Plus 8 at it's Zenith)and how difficult it must have been for his family to be filmed. I only worked for an hour and was ready to call for a stand-in. God Bless you my friend for completing like eight episodes.
Anyway, shots of the kids on swings, shots of us doing schoolwork with the kids, shots of us strolling down the street and the epic final shot, me hanging the Christmas wreath upon the trailer door as the family looks on.
I can only hope that we are portrayed in a positive light and we don't appear to be something other than who we are.
We said goodbye to our new found friends, got a good "What was that all about" laugh, and proceeded to live life as we know it.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Rainy Days and Mondays
Thank goodness these days don't get me down. Now that the Thanksgiving Holiday is over, I am beginning to sense the urgency of what the next month will bring. Cyber Monday with all the must have items, decorating for the enjoyment of the holiday season and of course moving the rig to warmer climates.
Taking a deep breath, enjoying the sound of rain tapping the roof, watching spy kids and just hanging with my wife gives me the satisfaction that even though it's raining outside, my life is really good.
Taking a deep breath, enjoying the sound of rain tapping the roof, watching spy kids and just hanging with my wife gives me the satisfaction that even though it's raining outside, my life is really good.
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