Several months ago, customers coming into the parts store had began lamenting the shortage of ammunition for their guns. Their primary concern was dove season, which begins tomorrow.

It has been interesting, trying to figure out why twenty-two bullets and shotgun shells were in such short supply. We would check with our hardware vendor at the store asking about availability. They had no explanation, just that munitions were not available.

When Hag took Pat out for her birthday date, they spent the day in Abilene, shopping, eating out and taking in a movie. One of their stops was at a sporting goods store where Hag found shotgun shells. Hag bought them by the cases!

My Gan Gan used to take me dove hunting. Later, it was me, Coach, and Gan Gan. I can still see Gan Gan sitting in the shade of a small mesquite tree on a five gallon bucket, shotgun across his legs, his pipe in his mouth. We hunted around a stock tank in a pasture, each of us strategically positioned. The plan was to let the birds fly in and then we would try to keep them circling inside our perimeter. As I have become older I wonder more and more if Gan Gan was even trying to hit a bird, or just diverting them back into our areas.

I haven't dove hunted since Rian was much younger. I guess I took him enough to expose him and when he got old enough to drive he would go to Roscoe and hunt with Hag.

I suppose if I was still seeing my analyst he would say that dove hunting stirred memories of Gan Gan that make me sad. Gan Gan has been gone 40 years this November. Hard to believe.

And now, before anyone begins to think I am becoming senile or settling in a gray area, will demonstrate I am still my old radical self and take a stand.

Last week we lost the final Kennedy brother, Teddy. I won't beat around the bush, he was my least favorite of the three.

I fell in love with the Camelot White House back in the early sixties. I was at an age that I just began to learn of politics. I thought JFK was wonderful. Young, good looking, what America was all about. Add Jackie to the mix and put kids in the White House and it was a perfect setting.

It broke my heart when JFK was killed.

The same thing with Bobby.

I often wonder what this country would be like if we had eight years of JFK followed by eight years of Bobby. I don't know that Teddy would ever have been President.

I would like to know what would have happened if we had not had LBJ in the White House.

Inquiring minds want to know.

And, let the record show I am in favor of health care reform. I do not believe health care should be a privilege for the wealthy or affluent. I think the health care field should be level for all citizens. I caught a portion of the Bill Maher show and one of his guests was making the comment that he didn't think it was right for him to be on the top floor of a hospital having a $25,000 operation while someone four floors down is dying because they don't have insurance and need the same surgery.

I know I have visited with Krl's brother about the time he lived in Denmark with his native wife. Nationalized health care. He liked it. Basic care was available for everyone. Perks like anesthesia are extra.

I told Krl I don't know if I am going to be able to send trucks off. This is the first time in fifteen years I have sent trucks off, with me not accompanying them. I guess I am a hands on type of manager. I want to be there if they have a problem. I visited with K.O. last evening and he thought it was funny.

Krl's driver called Sunday afternoon and he was well on his way to Bishop. So far so good!

This morning I woke, just lying in bed. I was taking it all in. Our little family. Krl was snoozing, Phoo Doo backed up beside her. I could feel Maple Syrple backed into me under my arm. No doubt about it, Phooey is Krl's dog and Maple is mine. They are affectionate to Krl and I, but when it comes time to go to bed, it is a rare time they don't claim their master.

I don't know how Maple knows I am awake. But when I was lying there very still, in the darkness of the bedroom, I felt a warm wet tongue on my arm as she gave me a quick good morning kiss, just letting me know she was awake too. I don't know that I have ever been loved so unconditionally on this earth.

I kind of like it.

Hey, have a day!

FATHER thank YOU for YOUR unconditional love. Thank YOU for YOUR blessings. I pray for a safe week for our workers in South Texas, that it would be quick and profitable, void of problems. Settle me as I grow through this experience. FATHER, YOU are good.