Loss Is Still Loss

This morn I ventured out to visit Brenda's shop. Brenda being the lovely lady who has been my 'rock' in these hard times. One has to resume the process of being engaged in life, and keeping contact with one's caring friends is part of that process.

Brenda is 'there' for more than just this old geezer.

A lovely old geezer, not well known to me, came in during my visit and informed Brenda that his wife of 50 years died yesterday in hospital. The death was not a surprise, the wife had been very seriously ill for some time and it was a release from pain. Death, in many ways came, as a 'friend' and took the poor Chap's wife to a better place.

What a lot a years 50 be. A lifetime of sharing. She was a lovely 16 and he but 18, when they made the trip to the altar and swore to live together.

However hard my loss has been, so callow I am not that I do not see that the pain suffered by this chap is just as great. More so.

The lovely man has been cared for by his wife these many years. Like so many unions between a man and a woman, this chap depended on his wife to take care of things. By all accounts, the lovely lady did a brilliant job of it. She paid the bills, kept house, watched the cash in the bank and so many of the other things that the poor chap came to expect from her. Mind, when she became very ill, he made sure that he was at hospital on a daily basis, he was there for her.

Brenda came into the picture after the wife had become quite ill. The poor chap was at a loss to deal with the chores his wife had taken care of for so long. Brenda took Jerry under her wing and made sure that bills got paid and there was food in the icebox. However busy Brenda's day was, there was always time to sit down with Jerry and sort him out.

Sitting cross from Jerry this morn, I felt his loss and knew that he too had just had an event happen to that would change life as he knew it. Jerry told me that he felt much relieved knowing that the suffering of his wife was over. Relief being a relative term, as one could see the pain of his loss written all over his face. The poor bugger looked 'lost'. I know the feeling. Over the next few days, Jerry will have to come to terms with his loss. I can tell you that many small things will come up that will remind him that life has changed, he will get 'weepy' and it will be hard at times. What a lot of images will float cross his loaf over the coming days of times shared. Good times and hard times.

Jerry, as has this old geezer, been blessed that there was someone there in these trying times. In both our cases it was Brenda.

I can not speak for Jerry. For myself, I could write volumes about the help and support and LOVE showered down upon me in these hard times. Consider myself right blessed in having. Brenda will be first to tell that she considers what she has done no 'special' thing. "I am just helping my friend."

How grand the world would be if all who were in need of a true friend got the support of that friend. Mind, some will not come forward and seek help of a friend, it is not for me to judge why some do that. History has proved to me that one has to reach out in order to be touched. I am ever so glad that I learned that lesson in the past.

I have no doubt that Jerry will go on. Like me, the steps will not be so fully of 'spring' but in time, steps will come more sure.

Life moves forward. Day by day is how I am taking it. I venture out and try to be as engaged as I have a mind to be, my eyes and ears are open to the on-going events of life round. With pluck, I hope...

Did I Fill The World With Love

The featured music is a favoured bit from a most loved film, "Good-bye Mr. Chips". It was a chore to find an old geezer like self to be singing this song. Most filmed bits are with Petula Clark and that simply would not do...

It is interesting to stop and pose the question to self. Did love come forward more oft than hate? Kind words and deeds more oft than a brush off.

Am of the opinion that each and every person met is of value. Some of more value than others, but value nevertheless. Truth be told, even the 'evil creatures' have value, a value they have not discovered of yet.

Right, so in me grief, this old geezer has dragged out soapbox and is going to get all pontifical on us. I know you lot, my cheeky readers, too well. Can see the heads shaking and the tongues clucking. You think I am going to wax on and on about the past week's drama. Truth be told, the door to my grief is slowing closing, one part of it, and I am quite keen to try and sort out my tomorrows.

I know that there is a new day round the corner. Adventure calls and am thinking that the last has not been heard from this old geezer yet. One has to collect self, so to speak. That is what I am, and will be doing, collecting self....

You lot should feel honoured, I am still sharing me thoughts with. OI!!!! How is that for wicked? Load of tosh and you know it. I am quite pleased that so many have peeked in of late and taken the time to let me know your thoughts.

Tomorrow

It is raining frogs as I sit down to share me thoughts this day. It as if the heavens have conspired to let the whole world know how 'weepy' this time be.

What a difference a week makes. Sunday last, was a most brilliant day. Paul and I had a full day and I must tell you, he was in high spirits when we returned home from our outing.

That was then, this is now.

Life is moving forward. Lovely folks known to me have moved on with the chores of their daily lives, that is how it should be. However grand they be, it is most important that life return to normal, for me self as well. Businesses to run, children to care for and personal dramas to play out.

I wish I could report that it is getting easier for me. It is still very raw and I find myself bouncing all over the place in my emotions.

However 'open' it appears I am in my public life, I am at heart a most private person. There was never a massive number of folks knocking on me front door. Given that I rise early and retire early, I do not make it easy for folks to stop by. I will not even answer the telephone after 8 in the evening.

I am desperate to sort out all of the thoughts going through me loaf. Even when I take to me cot, the movies in me head still plays on. Mind, not all of the movie is bad, there is much that is good for me to remind self of. I have no doubt that in time, all will sort self out.

I would like to believe that all known to me will come to accept how I go on from here. At the end of the day, I have to do what is best for MOI. Am quite sure that however the future plays out, there will be some who will not understand my reasoning or my actions. That is not to say that anything horrid is planned.

My dears, there are moments when IT, the events of past week, wash over me and I feel as if I am going to be swept away. I was not prepared for what happened. Then again, who is? I keep busy, answer mail, chat with concerned folks and try to not lock self away from the lovely folks who care about this old geezer. I truly feel much loved.

Like the tune "Tomorrow" declares, The Sun will Come Out Tomorrow, and I am more than prepared to place me brolly in the stand and rush out to meet it.

I'm All Alone

My dears, the filmed bit with music comes from the Broadway smash "Spamalot". You be 'Au fait' with my use of music to capture the right mood for me post.
The loss of a loved one releases a flood of emotions. There are many days of being 'weepy'. Grief is a wicked thing.
Last few days have seen me with less spring in me step. Like poor 'Arthur', it is convenient for me to feel as if "I am all alone", hence the use of the featured bit.
By now, you have caught on that is a bit of a giggle? I mean really, life throws 'poo' at you all of the time, that is why we have a 'loo'. The nasty bits are just a flush away. Truly.
Having been down this road before, I can tell you that it is never easy to deal with the death of one loved. I tend to think it is a bit selfish of me self, due to my not have the pleasure of the company of the departed loved one. Truth be told, the pain is very real, the tears flow, the voice loses control, that many ghosts come back to haunt about the times spent with the dead.
I am gobsmacked at the many kindnesses shown me by folks this past few days. Or did Paul and I have the great good fortune to pick so many of the right sort?
More than being gobsmacked, I am forced to deal with the fact that regardless of my pain, I AM NOT ALONE. The mistake made in past in dealing with grief was to closet set in home and ignore all of the lovely people who wanted desperate to help me get through the dark days. In the end, that only added to the pain.
Life as I knew it changed on Monday, bit dramatic? Think on, if you have a companion, a loved one, who you share life with and they are gone, does that not change the order of the day?
I am clueless as to what follows, or how I will deal with my changed daily routine. I do not do 'alone' well. A lovely lady known to me came round last night and we chatted. The most profound thing she said to me was; "You do realize that you take with you, from A - Z, your grief". Quite right. The getting on a plane and running off does not end the emotions that are playing out in me head.
I am going to spend the next few days sorting out me thoughts. The many calls and emails received let me know that you, my lovely readers, understand. Having been public in so many other things, I promise to share my times with you. There might be a few who will get to know that death, horrid thing that it is, can be dealt with.

That's What Friends Are For

"Always, Sir, set a high value on spontaneous kindness. He whose inclination prompts him to cultivate your friendship of his own accord, will love you more than one whom you have been at pains to attach to you"SamuelJohnson

It is that tragic time that defines the closeness of your attachment to others. Never easy to put one's self out in a dark hour. Events of the past few days have been dark indeed, more dark were they lived without the light, many lights, provided by folks known to.

Paul and I were not the sort to have massive number of folks in life. The telephone did not ring constant, there were no large number of folks coming and going at home.

Monday proved, if it needed proving, that the friendships made local were indeed 'golden'.

Dear Lucy, lovely lady who had so much on plate and she took the time to do all possible to help in the early morning hours. Were it not for her, I may not have got to hospital in time. Paul loved Luch, any time spent in her company was pure pleasure.

Captain Mike Wilson (I used the moniker "Captain America" for this chap), always had time to share and was most hurt that Paul was no longer going to be among us.

James. Loads on his plate, what with 4 children and a demanding job. Made sure that he got ride to hospital and spent time with this old geezer. I have no doubt that Paul knew that James sat in his room and chatted with him while I took a break. I will always remember seeing James sitting there in a chair, quietly keeping Paul company during his journey to another place. James is always in need of something to do, like being on a game on computer, and to see him through the window of window just spending 'quality time' with Paul was a moment not soon forgot.

The ever lovely Denise. God Bless her. Denise does not do 'hospital' well. She put aside her unease and came to see Paul almost as quickly as she heard. In good times, Denise is a real life force, she is the sort of lady that 'burst' into a room. Monday, Denise was still a 'life force', just went with the flow of the emotions in the room and events of the day. Like many, Denise has a business that she left most of the day to be with Paul. Paul liked Denise, he found her always full of comments and a quick laugh. Mind, Paul had a hard time breathing in her pet grooming shop, but the pleasure of her company was worth the risk of allergies flairing up. Good times were had by the three of us, and Paul always made a point of checking to see if her shop was open or OK when he went walking through the Downtown area.

Sheriff Steve Durfor. I have to tell you a funny 'copper' story, that comes from Paul. Most know that I can be a bit much in my crusades and am not well received by some coppers. There were a few times I beat up on Sheriff Durfor. Paul had got to meet Sheriff Durfor at one of the parties held in Linda to campaign for safer neighbourhoods. Out of the blue, one day Paul said to me; "I wonder what people would say if they knew Sheriff Durfor was a 'copper' who did not feel you were of no value. OR, and this is the funny bit, 'that you have Sheriff Durfor calling bad people 'evil creatures' to quote you". Fancy that.

Brenda and her lovely companion, Cheryl. Where do I begin? They were my rock on Monday and Tuesday. Brenda is a local business owner as well as being a parent of small children. Talk about busy. Brenda was angry that I had not called 'soonest' and could not get to hospital fast enough. Paul was already in ICU when she arrived. "Hi Paul, It's Brenda & Cheryl", "We just want to let you know we are here with you and looking after Rob and helping make today go well". Brenda is a 'take charge' sorl of lady and I was very thankful for that. Brenda made many of the telephone calls I could not make due to my emotions. At the drop of a hat, my waterworks flowed on Monday & Tuesday. She made sure I took a break and had something to eat and even went with me and had a ciggie with.

Monday was a very long day, filled with emotion and drama. Not once did Brenda or Cheryl complain about spending so much time with Paul or me. Truth be told, there is much they could have been doing, business goes on and so does personal life. Brenda would keep me constant company during the day, having her lovely companion run off and check on things.

Many was the time that we told "Paul" stories, in room with Paul listening. She had to fess up and tell me that Paul would come by her shop and get a ciggie daily, Paul was allowed to smoke, and make Brenda promise to keep his secret. It was an 'open' secret, I think all knew that I was aware of it. That was Paul, was right hard to break a habit that goes back 35 years.

I had promised Paul that I would be with him until the end. Brenda supported me in the. Due to her rock-like support, it was easy to keep watch until the doctors told that 'it was over'.

Early evening, Paul was 'legally' dead. Brenda, Cheryl, Denise and I formed a circle round Paul and said our last words with. Leaving me alone in the room, I had one last bit of time with Paul. I told him that the team from the donor organization was going to take over, they would be with him from that point on and make his 'gift of life' available to others. All that could have been said was. It was time to go.

My dears, I know that many email have come in about Paul. I read them all. I love all of you who have sent love to me. All of the telephone calls caused me telephone to die at one point on Tuesday. I so appreciate all of the support and love sent Paul's way. Pray know that I will get back to one and all.

"When true friends meed in adverse hour; 'Tis like a sunbeam through a shower"SirWalterScott

Paul, As I Remember Him

Paul Andrew Auer - August 16, 1959 - October 18, 2010

Amazing Grace

The hallmark of any community is its ability to care for the less fortunate members of that community.

There is no doubt that the Salvation Army does good and in feeding some 'homeless' in Marysville it draws honour to this community. The question I have about this act of 'charity' is how it changes the real need faced by so many local.

I have no doubt that there be many who will shake heads and cluck tongues at my 'railing' about this event. If the dear reader will allow me to write further, it will be seen that this is not a rant but more of a reaching out to community for answers to the problem of 'homelessness' in Marysville and Yuba County.

When lived in Fresno, I saw with own eyes the horrid conditions of a "Hooverville" allowed to spring up in the Downtown area of that city. New to Marysville in 2009, I visited the homeless camp in the riverbed. Attention had been drawn to it due to a family with 5 girls, living in a trailer there. Trips to Silly Hall to speak out about the problem and articles in the local rag brought attention to the plight of the family and the horrid conditions of the illegal camp.

Marysville city staff found a way to move the homeless from city owned property but that did little to abate the problem.

A brave and caring police captain of the Marysville Police Department made multiple visits to the homeless camp and lead others in a campaign to remove rubbish from the area.

Time has passed and one wonders if much has changed for the homeless.

The homeless many have moved off Marysville owned land, but they are still in the riverbed. Conditons in the riverbed are more horrid than ever and the numbers of homeless have grown.

It is easy to lock in on the 'homeless' of the riverbed, or the 'homeless' who show up for a free meal at the Salavation Army. Too easy. One tends to forget about the many other 'homeless' folks in Marysville and Yuba County.

What about the single father of a little boy who 'sofa surfs' his mother's couch due to not having a place to live? How about adult children who have moved back in with parents due to loss of income? Seniors who have doubled up due to not being able to make small benefits checks cover rent?

What do we call older folks who have lost jobs and can not find another due to their age. What label do we place on these poor souls? Honourable folks who worked hard whole of lives and now are faced with losing all with no place to turn. Who helps them pay the mortgage?

I did not come to my compassion for my fellow man easy. Early in life, I was told that "I came from nothing, was nothing, and would be nothing". Leave it to the 'good' nuns to remind one of humble start. Life in an orphanage is no picnic. The abuse suffered, sexual, physical and mental, left scars that last a lifetime.

Something deep inside made me cling to the belief that America was really a place where one could be all one wanted to be, if one strived to be that. Something deep inside allowed me to cling to my faith and cast off the hatred felt toward abuse nuns and priests and believe that my 'heavenly father' would seen me right.

Regardless of how some judge my sexual proclivity or my activism, I have allowed my eyes to remain open to the world round me. I see much pain in the community lived in and wonder why others do not see it as well.

I have no desire to help 'benefits cheats' or lazy layabouts who know how to cage every single 'free meal' or handout offered. I worry about the folks who are afraid to come forward due to pride or fear of the stigma of the label 'homeless' or 'needy'.

"I was blind but now I see" I have no doubt that each and every one of us 'know' someone who is in real need of help during these mean times. Not strangers but friends and neighbours. Folks we chat with, visit and love and care about. Perhaps it is a single mum of two children, who has a job but can barely make ends meet and receives no help from former husband. Maybe it is an OAP, who receives a retirement that hardly covers the daily bills much less the medicines required to make health better. It might be a mate who lost job and has not been able to find another and might never due to being over 55.

This year I am going to keep my 'charity' personal. I will give nothing to Salavation Army or food banks or any other outlet that helps the 'homeless'. I know too many folks personally who could use a little help and that makes the giving more special. Truth be told, have no doubts that many reading this post know folks who could use a little help as well.

What a grand place Marysville & Yuba County would be if each and everyone of us made giving 'personal'...

STOP AND HEAR THE MUSIC

My dears, MOI receives emails from all over the place. Received one yesterday from a loyal reader of this site and it caught me eye. Firstly, MOI gets massive amount of mail and at times, the facts in the email do not always pan out. The story told was almost too good to be true, a real 'urban legend' it APPEARED to be. Being the sort of person that tries to 'know', MOI checked and to surprise...........it was all true.


Have you got hooked yet??? Want to know what it was?? See how it all connects with the post?? Read on...........

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040401721.html is link to story in Washington Post.

MOI is putting the link as the story is long, very long, and does not want any to miss one word of it. The writer of the story is Mr. Gene Weingarten, Washington Post Staff Writer. The featured story in the Washington Post was so exceptional it received a Pulitzer Prize.

My dears, the dots connect. Do we really stop and listen to life anymore? What makes us stop?

No one knew it was Joshua Bell playing, they just assumed it was a 'street violinist', no big deal - nothing special. However grand the music, folks did not take the time to hear it. The message was lost due to the delivery.

This old geezer is nothing special. Just a fat, old, bald man trying to tell folks something they know to be true but it does not come in a package they validate as 'of value'. Not just MOI, but many other folks who try, in Marysville, to get folks to 'stop and listen'.

Mind, if one has a fancy title.........say Mayor, or City Manager or Councilperson, folks tend to believe that their message is the one to listen to. They have the proper titles and the stage is all set up for them. We fall all over selves to hear what they have to say and tend to give them more value.

The Appeal Democrat is not the 'Washington Post'. Does not even try to pretend to be..........the newspaper is what it is. MOI has found that the good folks at the Appeal Democrat do try to tell stories about what matters in Marysville. They have Editorial Opinions, columnist that draw our attention to things we need to remember and take note of. In the interest of space, and not having endless cash, they do tend to not be wordy. Short and to the point, even when it might be best to go on a bit.  Mind, Marysville is but one community covered by local newspaper and it would seem that being headquartered in Marysville carries no special consideration.

Marysville has got troubles. The Homeless. Drugs. Mental Illness. A Dead Downtown area. Shortage of cash. You get the picture.

This old geezer could set self on fire in the middle of the road, and think there might be a shortage of folks who would put out the flames, let alone hear the message. Road lived on is of no import, he is a NO BODY, no fancy title, no church to fill or non-profit to run. MOI, like many others who try and make a difference are not heard as the folks who control the City of Marysville have the only voice worth listening to. More's the pity.

Like the title says.................'Stop and Hear the Music'

"I hope it is true that a man can die and yet not only live in others but give them life, and not only life but that great consciousness of life."

The last few days have pointed out a lot of things to MOI. Of greatest import is knowing that life is made all the better by living it, sharing with others.

Not all met are fond of MOI, there are still folks who think it would be best of this old geezer would tend to his own affairs and not look into other gardens. What ails the road lived on and community a part of is that for too long folks have got comfy with the way things are and do not want change, it is too much for them to handle. Not sure of the logic of that. To be true, there comes a time when the spotlight will shift and one has to be greedy and suck on the tit for all it is worth for as long as possible.

At some point, MOI will be gone from the road lived on. The years go by quickly and when departed from here, MOI hopes to be able to look back fondly on the time spent here. One hopes that Civic Pride will have worked wonders and that folks in Marysville will have come to know a different Marysville. No doubt there will be many who will move from Marysville and the hope is that newer neighbours will be brilliant or at least willing to try and make a difference.


MOI has had the great good fortune to have had many lovely experiences since Tuesday last. Experiences that would have not been had MOI not reached out and tried to touch neighbours and others in community. The experiences have come from young and old, male and female, and all colours. MOI sits here today more wealthy for having had them.

My dears, MOI is of the opinion that much that ails us as a society is due to folks not connecting with their neighbours. Such a small thing and yet the rewards of being a good neighbour are enormous.


There will be some who are not wild about this post, sorry, there be days when entry in diary is very reflective and this be one of them. There has been much to think on of late. Not every entry can be dripping with drama........

"If you change things in one way, you change things in other ways"

My dears, there are days that it is right difficult to pick the right story to tell. There is a pile near machine and it is from this that MOI picks the day's offering. Many is the day that the pile is ignored as something has come about that makes it far more important to tell.


MOI receives post, hardly a day goes by with that something of future value catches eye and begs to be used. Received this and thought it was a good time to tell of. Its value lies in pricking the outer shin of one and making one think back on things remembered and folks one has come to know.

It be a bit sappy for some, to be sure, but when did that stop MOI from telling anything?


One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid
 from my class was walking home from school. His name was
 Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books.
 I thought to myself, 'Why would anyone bring home all
 his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd.'
 I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game
 with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my
 shoulders and went on.

 As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him.
They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and
 tripping him so he landed in the dirt.
 His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass
 about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this
 terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him.
So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for
 his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye.
 As I handed him his glasses, I said, 'Those guys are
 jerks.' They really should get lives.
 He looked at me and said, 'Hey thanks!'
 There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those
 smiles that showed real gratitude.
I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he
 lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him
 why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to
 private school before now. I would have never hung out with
 a private school kid before.
We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his
 books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.
 I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my
 friends.
 He said, 'Yes.'
We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle,
the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of
 him.
 Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack
 of books again.
I stopped him and said, 'Boy, you are gonna really
 build some serious muscles with this pile of books
 everyday!'
 He just laughed and handed me half the books.
 Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends.
 When we were seniors we began to think about college. Kyle
 decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke. I knew that
 we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a
 problem.
 He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on
 a football scholarship.
 Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the
 time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for
 graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up
 there and speak.
 Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one
 of those guys that really found himself during high school.
 He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had
 more dates than I had and all the girls loved him.
 Boy, sometimes I was jealous! Today was one of those
 days. I could see that he was nervous about his speech.
 So, I smacked him on the back and said, 'Hey, big guy,
 you'll be great!'
 He looked at me with one of those looks (the really
 grateful one) and smiled.
 'Thanks,' he said.
 As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and
 began....
 'Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you
 make it through those tough years. Your parents, your
 teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your
 friends. I am here to tell all of you that being a friend
 to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going
 to tell you a story.'
 I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the
 first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the
 weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so
 his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying
 his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little
 smile.
 'Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from
 doing the unspeakable..'
 I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome,
 popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his
 Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful
 smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth.
 Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one
 small gesture you can change a person's life. For
 better or for worse.


The story may well not be based in truth, but is sure makes one stop and remember a bit. Or is MOI the only person willing to fess up to being touched? To have doubts?

MOI has not always been willing to be so touchy, more's the pity, as there were many moments missed. There is never a missed opportunity of late, so many are the stories heard and filed away.

The chappie who sent MOI the above story will note that there be a change in the ending.............MOI is not so keen to use GOD as an example of why things sort self out. It is blatant, you think? Why bang on about what one knows deep down?

Last Tuesday, this old geezer tried to touch many lives.  Reached out to local citizens and got them to take part in a meeting of city council.  I took a risk and tried to make a difference, however small a difference.

Local newspaper reported now tells the whole world that I be a fraud, for folks to be wary of as I AM not be what I seem.  A force for destruction am called.

I am what I am, I know me rather well, and if the reporter wants to dig for dirt, be my guess.  Have had more famous reporters do that and a newspaper with more cash to fund the search.  My life is an open book, and am more than willing to tell one and all what they need to know.  I have no fear.

I have to wonder if the denizens of Silly Hall are behind the latest attack on my good name.

Government in Germany during the 30's was able to tell lies about folks they did not like, turn the citizenry against and do horrid things to.  I will not hide.  I will not run.  If need be am perfectly will to sit down and die for my right to be a part of the community.

"If you change things in one way, you change things in other ways" Quite right!

SRO AT SILLY HALL MEETING

The 'special' meeting of the City Council last night to hear the appeal from Norcal went off without a hitch last night.  The rules in play for the meeting favoured the denizens of Silly Hall and laid waste the plans of Norcal and its supporters to be heard.  Mind, Norcal was allowed to present its case, but not in the fashion it had hoped.  That would have been for the supporters of the local medical cannabis dispensary to address the members of the city council.

The chap from Norcal seemed a bit out of his depth or ill-prepared to face the seasoned panel of law makers.  The denizens of Silly Hall are very well prepared with all of the tools of the law at their beck and call.  Toss in the 'awe' factor of most citizens at being up close and in person with so many exalted personages and you get the feeling that the poor chap from Norcal never knew what hit him.

In short order, the appeal of Norcal was voted down.  All done perfectly legal by the denizens of Silly Hall.

The hopes of Norcal to have its voice heard were dashed, or were they.

This old geezer was at Silly Hall last night.  I had come to make sure that the great wrong being done by local government would not go unnoticed or undocumented on.  This old geezer is not in awe of personages at Silly Hall and a bit clever at knowing how to use the same rules as the denizens of Silly Hall.

When the special meeting of the city council was over, I took the opportunity to address departing supporters of Norcal.  I reminded them that while denied the opportunity to speak at the hearing, they had every right to speak at the regular scheduled meeting to follow at 7pm.

I spoke loudly enough to make sure that all of the denizens of Silly Hall could hear that I was encouraging members of the public to stay and be heard.  Strongly urging folks to pack the meeting and get up and speak sent shock waves through the council chamber.  Am quite sure that I heard some denizens of Silly Hall utter negative comments about my attempt to rally the crowd.

When the regular meeting of city council began at 7pm, it was to a standing room only crowd.

Starting with meself, for the next hour, members of city council, staff and Chief of Police were forced to listen to the voice of the people.  In larger numbers than oft happens at meetings.

I came out in support of Norcal due to my strong feeling that the Chief of Police and staff had stacked the deck against.  Every effort was made on the part of the Chief of Police and staff to change the rules and make sure that Norcal could never be allowed to open doors legal in Marysville.  The way I see it that is so very wrong.  That is my personal opinion and last looked am entitled to say it.  If the Chief of Police or staff feel that they have an issue with it, they can do what they feel legally enabled to do.  I am not in awe of the Chief of Police or any member of staff.

Last night, a rather large number of residents spoke at council meeting.  They may not have been as colourful as this old geezer, what mattered most, is that they took the time to be part of the process.  That is pretty big news local.  Most meetings of city council are poorly attended.

The meeting of city council was attended by a reporter from the Appeal Democrat.  Always thought it a bit odd that the reporter goes out of way to ignore this old geezer and last night was no exception.  I told the reporter that I would be waiting with bated breath for her reportage to appear online.

Like everyone else, I read the report and am a bit puzzled by it.  It is a true telling of sorts if you connect the dots in the manner that the reporter told they story, but not true if you happened to have been there and seen just how the drama played out.  Very strange...

If you were not at Silly Hall last night, you missed out on a real treat.  "We, the people" taking part in local government.  How grand the sights and sounds of were.  Perhaps, next time??

The Philosophy of Liberty

Very interesting...

Government Made Easy: Civic Duty

It is the responsibility of local residents to keep local government honest. One of the best ways to do that is to attend meetings of city council.

Today, a special meeting of city council in Marysville is being held. The matter to be heard is concerning an organization's local effort to do business in Marysville with legal blessing of city of Marysville.

Mind, the Chief of Police and members of staff have done everything possible to bar the organization from being able to do that. The law has been used to lock them out from any part of the city.

It is my civic duty to attend this meeting and let the city council know how I feel on this matter. It will remain to be seen how many other residents of Marysville will do likewise.

Medical Marijuana

Tuesday, August 17, 2010, in special session of City Council of Marysville, the on-going battle against a local establishment will be held.

To date, the City of Marysville has done all possible to prevent the 'legal' sale of this to happen. Using the law to prevent, council members, staff and police department are hellbent on driving the folks who run a local dispensary from providing this service.

I do not do cannabis, have no need for this service, but am passionate about the right of others to use if there is a need.

A local man, soon to die due to advanced cancer, uses the benefits of cannabis to combat the pain he deals with on a daily basis. Why should he be denied this right? Why should a lovely gentleman, dealing with his death, have to send family members out to buy from drug dealers, cannabis, that provides him with some quality of life?

With no cash in the public purse, why is the City of Marysville trying so hard to run this establishment out of town?

How many locals will attend the meeting to give voice to their concerns?

Friday the 13th Lucky Mojo at Augustine's Spiritual Goods

Lucky Friday 13th at Posh Bingo

Anyone for BINGO? Today is just another day, right?

MARYSVILLE SILLY HALL LOVES PG+E

The local rag, The Appeal Democrat, is loaded with comments about PG&E bills due to 'smart meters' in use local.

If one is to believe most comments, PG&E is 'evil' and out to rake in all cash possible from poor folks who are customers. Mind, Marysville must not be so poor as a city, as denizens of Silly Hall make no effort to be 'smart' in how electric bills are lowered. Unless of course as a city you just switch off the large street lamps, casting roads into darkness.

What is strange to this old geezer is how odd this appears. Lamps outside of Yuba County Court House have been switched off, casting the frontage of building into darkness. While Marysville Silly Hall is awash in light from the ornamental lamps ringing it. They stay illuminated well after light returns to road.

Mind, the denizens of Silly Hall do not mind the bills, the residents of Marysville will have to pay, along with the 'icebox' temps inside of Silly Hall.

PG&E has 'smart meters', only so smart as the folks who use them. It would appear that the denizens of Marysville Silly Hall are right clever in wasting the coin in the public purse.

MY BOY JACK

Have you news of my boy Jack?”


Not this tide.

“When d’you think that he’ll come back?”

Not with this wind blowing, and this tide.



“Has any one else had word of him?”

Not this tide.

For what is sunk will hardly swim,

Not with this wind blowing, and this tide.



“Oh, dear, what comfort can I find?”

None this tide,

Nor any tide,

Except he did not shame his kind —

Not even with that wind blowing, and that tide.



Then hold your head up all the more,

This tide,

And every tide;

Because he was the son you bore,

And gave to that wind blowing and that tide!
 
Poem by Rudyard Kipling about his only son, John Kipling, died at Battle of Loos, aged 18 and 1 day old.

Amazing hand art

Hands off to the clever folks who do this...

Marysville Going Dark

Yesterday, the street lamp outside me back door was switched off. The chaps from Public Works were out switching off many of the street lamps round home.

Elm Street is not much of a road but folks do use it, and it leads to Post Office. Now the road is cast in complete darkness. Not entirely, as have put a spot light on back of cottage.

Have to wonder if $2,661,000.00 for police department of a very small town is worth more than keeping the roads well lighted.

The Doctor Getting a Parking Ticket

This old geezer does not drive. Have known what it feels like to receive a parking ticket. Mind, mates who have, have acted rather angry at and oft times refused to pay.

Marysville Police Department writes thousands of tickets yearly, leading the citizenry to call the coppers, the revenuers. With a cost of $2,661,000.00 to the public purse, coppers do all possible to raise cash for the city. Always thought the role of police department was to serve and protect, not to punish.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO PREVENT DRUG USE?

Filmed bit done in 2009 about the 'evils' of crack. Have to wonder how many go out of way to try and prevent this 'evil' from taking root in their neighbourhood.
This old geezer may be too much for some to take, but no one will every be able to say I said and did nothing. More's the pity that more folks do not.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzrZaCJ3y9o   allows you to see comments left

Drug Addiction Part2

How many ignore the 'signs' until it is too late?

Drug Addiction Part1

Dated but still too true.

DRUG RICHES

The snap is but one of several taken of filthy lucre found in a raid on a drug dealer.

There was so much cash it was found in a bedroom and in closets so packed they could not be shut.

So long as 'evil creatures' can make buckets of cash selling poison, there will always be drugs flowing through our communities.

It is hard to believe that neighbours to a local drug house were clueless as to what sort of activity was going on there.  Why it took so long for that activity to be shut down.

Think of all of the 'good' things that could have been done with the cash spent on drugs.

Mind, the snap is not from the local house raided, but it clearly show how much cash comes in by selling drugs.

SAME SEX MARRIAGE BATTLE RAGES ON IN CALIFORNIA

Dark thoughts...

ALAS, I SHALL NOT RUN

"Do I contradict myself? Very well, then I contradict myself, I am large, I contain multitudes." WaltWhitman

Obtuse 'contract' public employees at Silly Hall and a redundant city run police department make it quite clear that best value is to remain 'outside the tent, pissing in.'

I may not be as bad as the worst, but, thank God, I am as good as the best.

CRIME FIGHT WAS BUST

My dears, this old geezer spent hours wandering round Downtown trying to enlighten folks about "National Night Out" yesterday. Truth be told, the effort left MOI gutted.

Take a hard look at the snap above. Do I look like a perv? A 'bit of rough'? A personage to be feared?

Efforts to pass out arm bands with the legend "Drug Abuse is Life Abuse" and a sweet were not met with much interest. Many told that they were clueless of it being "National Night Out". Many told that they did not like to make a statement against drug use. Some told that wearing an arm band was not in keeping with their smart look of the day, the band clashed with clothes. Many walked briskly past, pretending they did not see or hear the message.

I do not believe in making folks uncomfortable, and did not try to badger anyone into taking an arm band or a sweet.

The real shocker of the day was to run into the City Clerk for Marysville. Pretending that she did not know this old geezer, she sped off when asked to take an arm band and a sweet to mark 'National Night Out'. Mind, City Manager Casey wrote a letter to MOI telling that denizens of Silly Hall had been instructed to not talk with this old geezer other than as 'law or duty' required. The City Clerk must be just following orders from on high.

How very odd that trying to do good on a public road should be met with such coldness. Last looked, this old geezer lives in Marysville and pays taxes, taxes that pay packet of denizens comes from.

No wonder that there was no real effort made on part of Marysville Leadership to celebrate "National Night Out". The "IN" crowd ignores the "OUT" crowd. More's the pity that, as efforts of residents in a Neighbourhood Watch do make a difference in chasing crime away. Drug activity is a big part of the crime picture local.

How very sad that too few seemed to care.

National Night Out 2010

Rumour has it that Marysville coppers have never really gone all out to make the National Night Out event a real happening in Marysville.

The Chief of Police for Marysville sees no value in my efforts to be a good citizen. There has been no co-operation in planning a National Night Out event. Point of fact, any requests had to be in writing and await an answer from. It has been made very clear that 'required by law or duty' is attitude of Marys ville Police Department Leadership.

I will be out on road today, wearing my smart "National Night Out" ball cap. Thanks to the Sheriff of Yuba County, I will be passing out wrist bands to locals. "Drug Abuse is Life Abuse", the bands say.

Sheriff Durfor believes that if we could cut the rate of drug abuse, many of the local crimes would stop. I agree. Drugs are responsible for so much 'evil' in the community.

Along with the brilliant wrist bands, I will be passing out a 'sugar free' sweet, thanks to my lovely friend, Ethel Padgett, owner of the Candy Box. A natural high got from the sweet...

I live Downtown, stands to reason that I would pass out me goodies there. If I can get folks to wear arm bands whole of day, and reminds selves of the evil faced by drugs, it will be a grand thing.

I will be on the road, D Street, from 10am on. Come down and let me give you an arm band... an

My name is Rob De Frees and I am here to recruit YOU. To fight crime in the community.

" Bosum Buddies"

"I adore women, I just do not sleep with them"Noel Coward

Dear reader, having read the post before, one will see that this week-end was one filled with the company of most delightful females.

Saturday saw schedules meet up and another lovely lady was able to join for a meal.

The lovely lady in question is well known to this old geezer. She was one of the first met in Marysville and we took a like to one another from word "GO". Truly one of the most liked persons in Marysville.

We met up for luncheon, having wanted to celebrate the lovely lady's birthday. It had pasted, but what is a few days in honouring her continued good life.

Paul went with and a grand time was had by all. Small gifts were given and a very delightful afternoon was pasted in her company.

I do so admire one who faces each and every day with pluck. The lady in question has buckets of pluck. Being a single mum is no small challenge, what with a job and all. Never a word of complaint passes her lips.

What is most admired of the lady is her ability to bring this old geezer back down to earth. I do tend to get a bit carried away. Warts and all, MOI can count of her telling the whole truth.

How very lucky I be...

" The Best Of Times are NOW"

Friday past, my weekend took off with a bang.

I had extended an invite to two lovely ladies to join me for dinner. Being that it was early in the day and there are children to be minded, it was not clear if the invitation would be be accepted. They would ring back.

To my delight, they were able to accept and plans were made for me to be picked up. Quite wicked of me to get folks to chauffeur me around, as I never did learn to drive, but that is another story.

There is a local casino that has a sea food buffet on Friday's. Regular 'Babette's Feast' it be. Mind, there is more than sea food, one can also have meat, cooked to order. Fancy that.

Less one not 'au fait' with old geezer comes to believe that all good times are to be had in a casino, I will remind that being always on the look-out for deals, one finds so many in them. True, they want to get one to gamble, but last looked, there is no attempt made to hold captive, and one can walk out after dining.

Truth be told, my dinner companions were not well known to me. I knew them, to be sure, but did not 'know' them, if you get my meaning. Object of the invite was to see if they and this old geezer would find a few bits and bobs to connect the dots, as it were.

It has been my experience that good food tends to make for delightful conversation. At table, as the lovely ladies and MOI tucked into the most excellent meal, there was much talked about.

I found out that one of the ladies is a world traveller, been to places MOI has not she has. China. The Far East. Of all the places been, the Far East has never held any interest to this old geezer. I tend to think it comes from the many conversations had with Brits who were POW's during the last great war. Apples & Oranges, Japan & China, but still part of the oriental world. Dear readers, savor this moment, MOI has just revealed how closed minded he can be at times...

One of the ladies at table had journeyed to Far East to adopt children. I had heard the rumours, but was most interested in learning the details of the process. High marks given to the lovely lady for doing what she did. No small thing to take on the responsibility of a young life.

In personality, the two ladies are as different as night and day. That did not make the evening hard to take. One of the ladies is quite open, while the other is more reserved. Being at table with the two, was sort of like sitting cross from a sizzling steak and a shepherds pie, one ready to carve up and the other requiring a dig in, both leaving one with most wonderful thoughts of.

I think it is safe to say that all come away with different opinions. It was a rather fun time and lasted quite late. Only goes to show that this old geezer was having loads of fun.

Of late, there has been far too muck talk about how hard times are. They could be better, no doubt. Truth be told, there is always possibility to do something fun. Going out does provide a shot to the local economy. How horrid if no one spent any cash anymore. How grand it was to just enjoy the moment. How delightful to have two lovely companions at table who tucked into feast with gusto. I do so love a person who likes food...

I have no doubt that the outing will be repeated. I had a most excellent adventure with the ladies.

Drugs Kill

There is nothing glam about it. NOTHING.

"Drugs" make you look Beautiful...

What a shame that the folks doing drugs do not see themselves clearly. More's the pity that too many 'overlook' the signs of it.

Hot Hot Hot by Buster

What a lovely idea if locals were to take to the roads local and march on Silly Hall and let them know how they feel about the actions there. Might be fun to have some humour along with the heated feelings...

“Miracles are not contrary to nature, but only contrary to what we know about nature.”

"Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story that is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of to see"C.S.Lewis

The miracle in Marysville being that the Appeal Democrat will 'float' a story of the horrid condition at Ellis Lake and not have it come off as horrid.

The miracle in Marysville being that the City of Marysvillle has a responsibility to maintain public parks, they even spell it out in the budget, and are clever enough to fob off that responsibility by declaring that there be 'no coin'.

The goal, as stated in the budget, of the City Services is;

Continue efforts to improve maintenance at Ellis Lake

Continue to investigate and implement improved measures to reduce algae growth and aquatic wee growth in Ellis and East Lakes.

Fancy that. All the while providing no monies to do so.

Mind, a denizen of Silly Hall is quoted in the newspaper as feeling sorry about the conditions to be found at Ellis Lake and went extra mile to assure reporter that ducks will somehow find way back to the lake;

"They like the free food better than out in nature." "They'll be back."

The question begs to be asked. Will the good people of area return to a run down park?

Alog with the neglect of the lake, there is the total neglect of all things in Ellis Lake. Is a wonder that the reporter doing the story did not look up at the lamps round park and see the horrid condition of them as well. Mind, what better way to not shed light on a horrid condition...

The filmed bit may well come from Copenhagen, Denmark. The point being that it happens much that responsible officials fail to see the hurt they do to the city when green spaces are allowed to be ruined.

Silly Hall Speak...

What luck, found a perfect example of "Silly Hall Speak". It is a foreign language there, designed to be understood by them and their friends alone. Fancy that...

Marysville, Ca needs some 'swingers'

WOW. Marysville, Ohio youths rock! How grand to see youth shine.

Wonder if Marysville knows how to sing with full throat, or is is just capable of a weak whine?

Everlasting Love

A 'feel good' story if there ever was...

SILLY HALL DEMANDS A LETTER

I received a letter from Silly Hall, from Mr. Stephen Casey, City Manager of Marysville.

Allow MOI to share it with you;

Dear Mr. DeFrees:

I have been informed by the City Clerk that you requested an appointment to meet with me regarding the Chief of Police.  I must respectfully decline such a meeting.  Any communication you wish to have with this office must be in writing, by using the U.S. mail or hand delivered(no emails or blogs).  Any response this office chooses to make to your communication will also be made in writing (U.S. Mail).

I have also instructed the City Department Heads and their staff not to have any verbal conversations with you during work time related to any aspect of the City that is not required by law or duty.  Again, you are free to contact any City office in writing (as defined above), if you have any questions or concerns.  Any responses to your inquiries will be made in writing.

I take this action reluctantly, however, your continual misrepresentation of verbal conversations and your  insults directed towards this City, the City Council and City staff require that I take the actions outlined above.

Sincerely,

Stephen R. Casey

City Manager

cc: City Council

City Attorney

Chief of Police

Fire Chief

City Services Director

Administrative Service Manager

City Clerk

Fancy that...

Right odd it be that this old geezer must use the post, and the City of Marysville can avail self of email when it suits it.  Just the other day, was sent email with information requested by me attached to.

Death + Decay on Ellis Lake, Marysville, Ca.

The City Manager, Stephen Casey, tells the whole world that there be no coin in the public purse. Depends on what is still being paid for. The City of Marysville may be poor but the horrid conditions at Ellis Lake should not be allowed under any condition.

ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

It did not take "Freedom of Information" requests to learn how to help neighbours feel good about selves. This old geezer did not have to plead with the coppers to help make neighbourhood a more brillint place.

More's the pity that Chief of Police in Marysville directs all to only deal with this old geezer in a formal manner. Even requests to help do something for Neighbourhood Watch have to be done via 'freedom of information' requests.

How very sad...

"My name is Rob DeFrees, and I am here to recruit you."

"Transformational activism is the idea that people need to transform on the inside as well on the outside in order to create any meaningful change in the world.

Another example is encouraging choices to live in racially diverse communities. Such communities may literally "transform" communities by opening the minds of residents to new ideas, new cultures, new historical perspectives, and a broader view of life that ultimately can benefit social relations.
Another example of transformational activism is transformational economics. This is the idea that you can change the way resources flow in a society by doing inner work. People examine their emotional reactions to what their needs are. This may allow them to see that things they felt they needed are not really needed. This then alters the flow of goods in a society because of the underlying change in needs.
Tranformational politics is the field of guiding people to look inwardly what they feel is true power. They may discover that real power is seeing the deep connection of everyone with each other and of being able to tap that place. In this case power is not power over someone, but rather power to unleash collective creativity in creating a new society.
Tranformational activism is about looking for the common values underneath, and then working from there so that both parties are able to get what they want. In the process one or both parties may find their inner landscape and paradigms changing.
Transformational open-sourced activism is the idea that you can tap into the power of mass collaboration and collective creativity in a way that transforms the people involved into more loving, peaceful, compassionate states."

MOI believes that the small patch of earth lived on, is the single most important place to start with activism. That be road lived on and community a part of.

On Monday, this old geezer watched the film 'MILK', the one with Sean Penn. It brought back a flood of memories of a time that MOI had pushed into the dark corners of memories held. It was not an uplifting film for MOI to watch. Sad really.

Many in Marysville have asked if MOI knew Harvey Milk, and what was his take on the film. Before Monday, there was no answer to give.

MOI met Harvey Milk a handful of times. That is to say, was in a setting where one could hold a on-on-one conversation with. Harvey Milk and MOI were very different. Mr. Milk was hellbent on making sure that the label on the tin read 'gay' before all else. He went out of way to make sure that all knew. It defined Harvey Milk.

MOI was not a fan of then, and is not one of the many who feel that Harvey Milk is a saint in the homosexual community. Harvey Milk was no saint, he was just a man, a man who got things done. Say what you will about Harvey Milk, if nothing else, his sense of drama got folks to act and did get things to change. When elected to San Francisco Board of Supervisors, Milk went out and got the media to make him its darling. Staged a press conference to call attention to the dog poo problem in the city and got the media to film his stepping right into a hot pile of poo. Clever.

30 years ago, Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk were killed at city hall by a former supervisor, Dan White. MOI was just block from city hall.

Will remember seeing 30,000 march down Market Street that night. Remember always, seeing an ocean of lighted candles filling the road and the plaza in front of city hall.

Will remember the day the verdict was read in the trial of Dan White, and the riots that took place. MOI had a building blocks from City hall and had to get employees standing with in front of building pleading with the crowd to not set fire to building. Remembers seeing the angry mob trash the doors at city hall, break windows and set fire to tens of patrol vehicles. Remember that no one was ever charged with a crime due to this act of anger. Remember the hate filled eyes on one of the leaders of the riot.

Apple and oranges. That was then and this is now.

MOI has a knack for being on the right road at the wrong time. So it was in San Francisco and so it is in Marysville. MOI lives on a road that is quite near 'Silly Hall' in Marysville. So near, that if wind blows right you could hit 'Silly Hall' with spit.

In these troubled times a 'call to arms' is needed.

Harvey Milk loved to shock folks. He had a sense of theatre. Mr. Milk used to address crowds with the following; "My name is Harvey Milk, and I am here to recruit you." Not to buggery, but to social change.

Hate is very much alive in Marysville. It is still a city that is 'A Tale of Two Cities'.  The city of the favoured few, and the not so favoured, locked out of Silly Hall.

'Silly Hall'  ignores  MOI, point of fact, Silly Hall ignores many. Lovely folks still cluck tongues about what they think of MOI and his well known sexual proclivity, even if this old geezer is a celibate homosexual. The label on the tin they view is always going to contain in large letters 'GAY' giving them the opportunity to discount. More's the pity.

There is hope. There are brilliant folks in Marysville who do not care a tick about the label applied, they try to get pass that and open the tin to see what is really inside. Some brilliant elected officials and many public employees and  coppers. Ordinary folks who have made known selves to MOI, they really care about their neighbours.

 Folks can get things done if they care enough. If they push 'Silly Hall' to remember who they work for. To question and to call to task the elected officials placed there. It is OUR city, OUR government, OUR future.

"My name is Rob DeFrees, and I am here to recruit YOU!"

"Tomorrow Belongs to Me " and YOU

And the night shall be filled with music,

And the cares that infest the day
Shall fold their tents like the Arabs
And as silently steal away.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, The Day Is Done

When did it fall out of fashion to be demonstrative in our public display of love of country?  Save for a few times a year, many seem to shy away from letting the whole world know how proud they be to live in this country.

I fly the emblem of our country at home 365 days a year and will freely admit that I like to hear patriotic music played at home oft.

What do I know, I am but an old geezer who gets wet of eye when I hear a group of school children recite the "Pledge of Allegiance".

PEACHY FESTIVAL FOR ALL???

Marysville Peach Festival has come and gone. Sadly, the lovely lady featured in this filmed bit will still have to deal with the down side of not being able to service her customers.

I must be thick as a brick, do not see why some consideration could not have been shown to the almost 100 year old lady. Not as if the demands of her being brought in would have caused the set up of the road.

The lovely lady featured in this filmed bit is not alone in her feeling that city did not take the needs of businesses located in area too serious. Many shops closed and there be some who did almost no business due to the closure of the road and vendors blocking the front of shops.

Makes one wonder as the whole idea of the Marysville Peach Festival was to promote the Downtown Merchants and their shops.

I will tell you true, I attended the Marysville Peach Festival both days. I went out of way to support the local merchants who do business on "High Street" 365 days a year. I also wanted my cash to stay in Marysville, not travel in the pocket of a vendor to another community.

With the purchase of food, drink, water, candy, gift items and an order for new shoes, I spent close to $200.00. The entire amount was spent with LOCAL MERCHANTS. How brilliant it would be if every person who attended the festival from Marysville did the same.

The numbers have not come out of yet, as to how many went to the festival. While it was not 50,000, it had to have been thousands. How many took the time to support the merchants on "High Street"?

REPLY TO SILLY HALL CLOSING ALL DOORS TO MOI

My dears. apologies to Donny Osmond, this old geezer would NEVER wear a loin cloth. Mind, the tune is what is important...

ADVERT WINS NO CLIO BUT IT WORKED

Friday afternoon, while walking round the Marysville Peach Festival, this old geezer spied a Marysville Councilperson, seeking re-electing, walking about in a brilliant white shirt with the Marysville logo.  Fancy that.

Not wanting to be out done, this old geezer came home and made up his own T-Shirt.  This old geezer was going to have a T-Shirt for Saturday.

DISCLAIMER:  T-Shirt was a item of personal clothing and words applied were done with a magic marker already owned and used for everyday purposes.  NO monies were spent of a campaign nature.

The walking advert is a bit crude, but it worked.  It got noticed to the point that folks asked to take a snap of.

More important, it got folks to chat with MOI and more important, to add signatures to nomination papers..

I can tell the whole world that as of Saturday, I had far more signatures than required for nomination papers.

Truth be told, the lovely folks who signed me papers did not do so with purpose of voting for.  That comes later.  They signed the papers knowing that it is time for city council members in Marysville to stop getting a FREE ride.  Yuba County Board of Supervisor. John Nicoletti, signed my papers as well as the sitting council person's papers.  He did so without supporting this old geezer.  Mr. Nicoletti only wanted to level the playing field.

The snaps of T-Shirt 'to be' are much more clever.  As is the ball cap.  Mind, while the items are queued up ready to be ordered, they have not.  I have not spent one dime on my bid for office so far.  But I will.

T-Shirts, ball caps, placards and other campaign items will be paid for out of me own pocket.  I will accept no campaign contributions from anyone.  By August 6th, I will know if I will have to click the button and pay $1,800.00 for T-Shirts, $874.00 for ball caps, $1,000.00 for placards. 

I wonder if 'pot holders' would be a nice touch.....

Marysville Merchant LOVES peaches

Marysville Peach Festival - Peach Licorce galore

Marysville Peach Festival - 2010

Marysville Peach Festival 2010

Marysville Peach Festival - 2010 July 16 & 17