Batteries Continued

I wanted to tell you about Wilbert. I'm not sure about his age but he retired a long time ago. He's kind of old school, by that I mean if you messed up he just might boot you in the ass, sometimes that's better than explaining stuff. It's definitely easier, and it works. You won't do that again (not around him anyway) He spent most of his career as a heavy equipment operator. When I met him he was teaching those little pecker heads (an endearment he used to call the Job Corps students under his wing) how to build stuff and how to be a man. He was good at it. Fast forward twenty or so years and there he was standing on that porch. When he saw us he turned to Loraine and demanded "Where are my new batteries?" I don't think he intimidated her near as much as he did me or those kids he'd taught. When she asked what he was talking about. He scowled "My new hearing aid batteries, I don't want to miss any of his stories."


Maybe the single greatest compliment I ever got.


When you get affirmation from someone you respect and admire it means a lot. So now I've started this blog and I'm writing a book. I sometimes have a little doubt about my ability to communicate my thoughts but when I do I know I'm wrong. Wilbert as much as said so. It's kind of cool to have a platform like this to let people know about somebody that effected you, even if it's a crotchety old guy like my friend Wilbert. Maybe I'll go out and find some young whipper snapper to compliment. Maybe I should just give em a boot in the ass.


Driving tip: If your not sure if that fog or rain is freezing on the road ahead, don't trust your thermometer. Open your window, reach out and feel the back of the mirror on your door. If it's wet then be careful. If it's got ice on it be really really careful.