Eh Tee... or Ate Tea?

Bounty. 
Comes in many forms

Either way, it sounds out as eighty.  That's the real subject here folks. 

It just happened to me last month.  I was shocked and remain so.  I mean, who in their right mind thinks, 'yeah, I'm going to live to be 80?' Anyway, I'll do my best here to avoid listing the many infirmities that accompany this age.  Let's just say 'nothing works quite like it used to.' 

With that sort of settled, let's go forward with a little on what works right.  First, I get to greet my bride of nearly 57 years with an upbeat "Good Morning!" every day. She's better at that than I of course, as she is with most things. Next, I get to make her laugh several times each day (she humors me) and I love her laugh.

Also, right up there at the top, I have a son and daughter, both of them talented, thoughtful and smart as hell.  They both tolerate me just fine too.  They live in the immediate area so we get to have dinner with them once a week on average.

It's pretty important to note that I generally have my wits about me.  I am well aware that many of this age are not so fortunate.  Sure, there are some folks out there (you know who you are) who at times have considered me a half-wit or dim-wit but hey, do they count in the great scheme of things?  Nah.

I can drive, legally and capably and I'm damn grateful for that.  I love to do it so there.

Julieann and I worked hard in our youth.  Her, much more so.  As a result, we are in decent financial shape so I can chase endeavors, gadgets and other stuff whenever my goofy, left-handed, Sagittarius mind suggests. Yeah, I buy a lot of books too.

I've got a few friends and fans, and some of them tolerate my blogs and books. I am eternally grateful for them, particularly those who've stuck with me through my rants.  As for those I've lost along the way, I don't blame them at all. I mean they have lives without me in them don't they?  Well, don't they?!

I've got toys... A hell of a lot more than I could have dreamed of when I was a poor little kid, sitting in a tiny Bottineau, North Dakota house, huddled next to a kerosene furnace, reading a comic book I borrowed (swiped?) from my neighbor pal, Russell Dinwoodie.  Now, I'm spoiled rotten and it's all Julieann's fault of course.  Still, I am scarred for life over the fact that my Grandmother, Bessie gave me a robe for Christmas when I was 11.  A robe?!  C'mon! Where's my Mattel Fanner Fifty?!

When we say family grace, we bless a lot of folks we've known and loved over the years.  "Bounty" is the applicable word here and we've had plenty.  It's especially notable when our son and daughter blast through grace at the dinner table.  They can each recite a lengthy list of blessed folks faster than you can say, "Pass the mashed potatoes please."

Last but not least, I just read that California's reservoirs are full for the first time in 25 years. To me, that means I can bask in our hot shower as long as I want without guilt.  Bounty.

So there it is folks, a brief look at what it means to be Eh Tee, or is it Ate Tea? Any way you cut it, it's a life of bounty damn near beyond measure.

The Hayseed

 Okay, okay here is a definition:  Hayseed: Informal North American English
A person from the country, especially a simple, unsophisticated one.
"Notices of agricultural sales are an irresistible lure for hicks and hayseeds."

And there is a book folks.  More specifically, there is MY book and, on paperback, it's here - "The Hayseed."  Yes, I proudly claim that title because I grew up in an environment that fostered that sort of person.  In fact, I often still feel that way to this day, a bunch of decades later. So, let's get on with it.  Here is the dust jacket cover:

I know... the reviews and summary are not legible even when you click on it but you can get at the summary and author info using the amazon link above. There, you'll also find access to preview pages plus paperback, ebook and audio book versions. Plus, for your edification (whatever that means), I'll load book reviews right here.

Praise from Readers:

"Your writing is beautiful and deeply authentic. It brings laughter one moment and tears the next, capturing memories that might have otherwise faded. Each piece feels like a gift, reminding us of the enduring power of love and storytelling."

"Your storytelling is genuinely impressive - full of humor, heart, and raw honesty. Whether you're sharing a playful moment or a profound tribute, your words stay with me long after I've finished reading."

"You have a rare talent for making life come alive on the page. I always look forward to your stories. They bring smiles, laughter, and moments of reflection, weaving everyday experiences into something truly meaningful." 

"Your work has a way of touching both the mind and the heart.Your writing shines with vulnerability and strength, honoring the people and moments that matter most. From heartfelt tributes to vivid memories, you create pieces that are as inspiring as they are unforgettable. Кеер sharing these beautiful stories with the world."

Damn, it sure feels good reading that stuff.  But like I say, I'm a sucker for a compliment.  Always have been.  Oh yeah, I'm a hayseed too.