Hello Isaac!!

I think Isaac is still technically a Tropical Storm -- winds about 40 mph or so.  The good news -- for me -- is that the latest Weather Service tracking report shows it going more west into the Gulf as it moves north.  So even though I am on the west coast of FL, about half way down, the main force of the storm will be at sea; building strength as it heads toward Mobile, AL or so.  Those folks better be getting on their northbound horses, in my opinion.

The eye is near Key West right now.  I have been watching the radar a lot for the past couple of days, but even more so now, as it's path is being established.  Yesterday morning the talk was of a possible path THRU Tampa and the Republican National Convention starting Monday.  I'll get back to that.

But Isaac is now pointed more west of us taking aim on something between New Orleans and Mobile for the moment.  They also predict it will grow to a Category 2 -- winds up to 105 mph.  We are just now starting to get some light sprinkles and growing winds.  It's kind of neat actually watching the palm trees wave in the 15-20 mph winds. 

As I drove down Gulf Blvd this morning, it was very evident of the two groups of people -- one missing and the other very much in evidence.  I live on a sand bar along the west coast of Florida, just north of the opening into Tampa Bay.  For about 15 miles north and south of me is coastline comprised mostly of tourists and people trying make money off of them (restaurants, bars, resorts, gift shops, etc).  The tourist are all gone today.  Most motel parking lots are empty.  Cowards, all of them.

The locals on the other hand had filled every bar seat I could see at the two or three places I passed.  Let the Hurricane Party begin.  Normally, I would be hanging out with them but not so much this time.  Sundays are one of my most favorites days of the week anyway.  I mentioned that in an earlier post.  Bikes, beaches, babes and beer -- what's not to like?  Make it a special event like Daytona Bike Week, The Olympics or A Hurricane Party and you have the ingredients for a real fun time.

My interests in life have not changed, for those of you who may be wondering.  But the path I am traveling these days is a more responsible one (at least I have heard that from 1 source).  It is consistent with my believe that there is a time and a place for most everything.  That and my Rule #1 (Have fun without stepping on anybody) keep me balanced.

Speaking of bikes, the Republican National Convention is 25 miles away in Tampa starting tomorrow.  The newspapers have been full of reports about security and the expected protestors who will be here because of the National media coverage.  So yesterday morning I did my own inspection of RNC Party Central - The St. Petersburg Times Forum, well at least the surrounding neighborhood.

I had read in the paper how they had blocked off certain areas and were using assorted fencing to control access to areas.  I wanted to see.  Supposedly they had learned alot about protestors at the Chicago Convention and were bound and determined to maintain better control.  It will make for interesting TV viewing the next few days.  I can tell you one thing.  The City of Tampa police are ready.  They have completely emptied the nearest jail of it's regular inmates and are prepared to bring in any new 'guests' needing housing.

A Friday, early morning ride thru the mostly deserted streets was exciting.  The delivery trucks were lined up in ques.  The gardeners touching up flower beds.  And indeed, the fences were mostly in place.   The Forum is located on a canal of sorts off Tampa Bay -- not unlike how a moat might protect the castle.  You could see a whole lot of thought had gone into the fences -- many of them 10' tall and weighted at the bottom to prevent tipping over -- and how they are planning to control ingress and egress to the area.  And now Isaac, the Wild Card is in play.  Or at least some wind and heavy rain for a day or two.

So now I can watch the news unfold on TV in safety and say, I was there (sorta)!

The MOMENT -- that changed my perspective on life

It was the day after my fortieth birthday; a significant reality check-point along your life path anyway, but that's not what changed my view.  I was the victim of a drive-by shooting.  A car load of young males (late teens?) pulled along side of me and put a .38 caliber bullet thru my passenger window towards me.  I guess I was fortunate that it ONLY hit me in the right forearm, passing in front of my chest and into my left ring finger gripped around the steering wheel.

I didn't realize I had been shot for several seconds.  My first thought was they threw something like a brick or rock at my car.  I stood on the gas pedal and took off.  5:1?  Momma didn't raise stupid babies.  It was 15-20 seconds later (I think) before I felt my left ring finger 'tingling'; it was 10:30 at night, too dark to see.  I felt the raw meat with my thumb as I let go of the steering wheel.  About the same time I felt blood running down my right elbow and pooling heavily in my lap.

It was that moment my life changed.  Because for the next several minutes -- maybe 20 or 30 -- I wasn't sure how bad I was.  Would I bleed out before getting to help?  Was I dieing.  Was my life measured in minutes?

Obviously I lived.  That has been a very long time ago -- close to 20 years.  I still have ulnar nerve damage in my right arm.  The only thing is lost feeling in my two little fingers.  Just have to be careful putting my hands in my tight jeans.  Sometimes 'pinkie' doesn't get into the pocket.  They salvaged most of the finger tip on my left hand.  But my soul is different.  I see things different than most people; but honestly who doesn't?  But how many have ever honestly thought that their life could end in the next few minutes?

I think being happy -- having fun -- is one of the most important things in life.  But with that comes a balance of not having fun at someone elses expense.  You can't step on others in the process.  But you had better make today a great day because tomorrow is not guaranteed.  And don't accept excuses.  Whether it's the job you have or the life you lead, have fun and don't step on anybody in the process.