Anniversaries That Matter

 ALittleBitofMiller@theDoubleD.bloggingmylifeaway

December 1, 2014

December 1st is an interesting date for a number of reasons, but the one that caught this blogger's attention this morning is that today is the anniversary of the 1955 arrest of Rosa Parks in Montgomery, Alabama. Now, every Millerite with a pulse knows that Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus. What fewer people know is that she was not the first person to refuse. Nine months earlier, fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin did exactly the same thing on exactly the same bus route and was arrested for it. Claudette Colvin's name is rarely mentioned, but without her act of courage, the wheels of the Montgomery Bus Boycott might never have started turning. History tends to remember the person who crosses the finish line. It does not always remember the ones who cleared the path. Something to think about on a Monday in December.

Now then. The holiday season is officially upon us, and Miller is doing what Miller does best — decking every available surface with lights, wreaths, and an enthusiasm for Christmas that would make the Grinch reconsider his life choices. Chef M's cranberry pecan pie has reappeared on the Double D menu, which is reason enough to make the drive out to the roadhouse. This blogger will not be held responsible for what happens when you taste it. Consider that your official warning.

As for the Miller romance report, things remain in a holding pattern, though a holding pattern at this altitude is still considerably more interesting than most towns can manage on their best day. BND El Segundo (BND ES) continues his work in Houston, making brief appearances in Miller that are reported to this blogger with the speed and enthusiasm typically reserved for UFO sightings. He looks well. He says little. He heads back south. BND Numero Uno (BND #1) has made himself a very visible fixture at GND #3's Sunday pew, which Millerites have noticed and are choosing to interpret optimistically. Whether optimism is warranted remains to be seen, but DT at the water office has not closed the pool, and that alone speaks volumes. Meanwhile, the new carpenter at Junkalicious — a quiet, competent fellow who keeps his head down and his work quality up — appears to have settled in for the long haul. GND #5 has been seen at Junkalicious more regularly this past week than in the weeks prior, which may simply be a function of year-end accounting. Or it may not be. 

This blogger is watching. 'Nuff said.

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@the Double D Series: Kiss Me Cross-Eyed

Laika, From Street Dog to Astronaut

 ALittleBitofMiller@theDoubleD.bloggingmylifeaway

November 3, 2014

November 3rd marks the anniversary of the day in 1957 that Laika the dog became the first living creature to orbit the Earth aboard the Soviet satellite Sputnik 2. Now, before anyone gets too misty-eyed, this blogger will point out that Laika was a stray found on the streets of Moscow, which means the Soviets did her the favor of getting her off the streets and giving her a historic role in the space race. Whether Laika herself would have agreed that it was a favor is a matter of some debate. The point, if there is one — and this blogger always tries to have one — is that sometimes the universe launches you into orbit before you are entirely ready, and there is nothing left to do but ride it out and trust the trajectory. Something to think about on a Monday morning. You're welcome.

On to Miller business. BND El Segundo (BND ES) remains in Houston, doing highly skilled and reportedly excellent work on MOS's new restaurant project in Katy. Word among those who have spoken to him is that he is heads-down, hands-busy, and not in any particular hurry to discuss his personal life. This surprises absolutely no one. Meanwhile, the new carpenter at Junkalicious has settled in quietly. No drama to report there, which is either a good sign or a dull one, depending on your disposition. GND #5 has been spotted going about her business at EEFS on Black Avenue with the focused energy of a woman who has decided that keeping busy is the wisest possible policy. This blogger respects that policy. The Risen One (RO) has been notably less visible around town this week, which may simply mean his social calendar has shifted. Or it may mean something else entirely. This blogger declines to speculate. What this blogger will say is that the temperature at Junkalicious remains a few degrees below comfortable, and DT at the water office has reportedly extended her pool deadline by two weeks, citing insufficient data. 

When DT extends a deadline, Millerites, pay attention. It means even she doesn't know which way the wind is blowing. And DT always knows which way the wind is blowing. 'Nuff said.

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@the Double D Series: Kiss Me Cross-Eyed

Out of Sight but Not Out of Mind

 ALittleBitofMiller@theDoubleD.bloggingmylifeaway

October 27, 2014

This blogger learned something today that seemed worth sharing. October 27 is the anniversary of the New York City subway opening in 1904. One hundred and ten years ago, the good people of New York City descended underground for the first time and trusted a tunnel and a train to get them where they needed to go. Now, this blogger has ridden the New York City subway exactly once, and that was one time more than enough. The noise alone was sufficient to rattle the fillings loose from every tooth in this blogger's head. But the point is not the subway itself — the point is that one hundred and ten years ago, people looked at something that seemed impossible and decided to go underground rather than around. There is a lesson in that somewhere, though this blogger will leave the application of it to each individual reader. Some of you may need it more than others this week. You know who you are.

Speaking of going underground, BND El Segundo (BND ES) appears to have officially gone to ground. Word among reliable sources is that our boy has packed his tools and headed for Houston, where he has been tasked with overseeing the finish-out of MOS's new restaurant project in Katy. A noble endeavor. A convenient one. Miller will miss his cheerful presence at the Double D, though for the last week his presence there could hardly be described as cheerful. This blogger has personally witnessed fence posts with more personality. The bar stool he favored is already lonely. Meanwhile, a new face has appeared at Junkalicious — a carpenter by trade, taking up the work BND ES left behind. A perfectly competent fellow by all accounts. GND #5 has been seen spending more time at her own office on Black Avenue than at the store, which may or may not mean anything at all. 

DT at the water office reportedly opened a pool last Thursday on whether BND ES will be back in Miller before Christmas. This blogger has already placed a bet. You might want to mosey on over and get in on the action. No further comment on that. 'Nuff said.

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@the Double D Series: Kiss Me Cross-Eyed

Camo Weather is Here!

ALittleBitofMiller@theDoubleD.bloggingmylifeaway

October 20, 2014

Did you know that today is officially National Brandied Fruit Day? Now, this blogger is not entirely sure what brandied fruit is, or why it warrants its own national day, but the name alone conjures up images of your grandmother's fruitcake — the kind nobody admits to liking but somehow disappears by Christmas. In the spirit of the occasion, consider adding a little sweetness to your Monday, Millerites. A little sweetness goes a long way, especially when the world around you is behaving like a wet dog. More on that in a moment.

Fall has finally decided to make its appearance in Cherokee County, if only briefly. The temperature dropped overnight, which means half of Miller is in a light jacket and the other half is already in camo. Nothing says October in East Texas like a man in hunting gear ordering blueberry waffles at The Filling Station. This blogger salutes you, sir. Stay the course.

Now, to the gossip, and there is gossip. Not the loud, table-thumping kind that fills the Double D on a Friday night. This is the quieter, more interesting sort — the kind where something clearly happened, but nobody is saying exactly what. Those of you paying attention will recall that GND #5 has recently been seen around town in the company of the Risen One (RO). For those new to this blog, the RO is a long-time friend of GND #5, a blond, easy-going fellow with an impressive shark tattoo and a very fine Harley Davidson. Their history is one of this blogger's favorite Miller stories — old friends, brief experiment, back to friends, none the worse for wear. Under normal circumstances, the two of them out on the town would merit no more than a raised eyebrow and a smile. However. These are not entirely normal circumstances. This blogger has it on good authority that BND El Segundo (BND ES) was in the vicinity on at least one of these outings and departed the scene in a mood that could generously be described as stormy. Since that evening, BND ES has been conspicuously absent from the usual Miller social circuit. GND #5 has been equally hard to spot, though she has been reported at her desk at Junkalicious with a focus that suggests she is either extremely dedicated to the accounts receivable or extremely determined not to look up from it. 

Something shifted this week, Millerites. This blogger cannot say with any certainty what, only that the temperature inside Junkalicious is a few degrees cooler than the thermostat would suggest, and that is worth noting. DT at the water office has not yet opened a pool on this particular development, but give her a week. She always does. 'Nuff said.

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File Under the Heading of Confidential.

ALittleBitofMiller@theDoubleD.bloggingmylifeaway

July 21,  2014

Well, this doesn’t happen very often, but this blog will be minus a few of its usual pithy comments.  There is so much this blogger wants to say, but all of it falls under the heading of confidential.  Confidential.  Now there is a word that gets stretched a lot.  Just how confidential are the secrets given to you?  When someone tells you something in confidence, do you keep it quiet, or do you share with just one person?  Is it okay for you to share the secret if you swear that person to secrecy?  What if they tell just one person, who tells just one person, who tells just one person…? You see were this is going, right?  The best course of action when you are trusted with a secret is to prove yourself trustworthy by not telling a single soul.  Even if keeping quiet makes you feel like you are going to burst like a big old ripe watermelon left out in the July sun too long.  Deep gusty sigh.  This blogger is not privy to the secret in confidence, but rather by observation.  Either way, it’s time to cease and desist.

Just know that this intrepid blogger is keeping eyes peeled, and as soon as it is okay to report all, you will be able to read it right here.  It would appear that CC the BB has accomplished her mission and will soon be heading back home.  Will her five days in Miller be enough time for our own DD the MOS to win her heart?  Time will tell. In the meantime, this vigilant blogger will check out another situation that seems to be heating up.  Family feud, anyone.  Seems that BND Numero Uno and BND El Segundo were going at it in their mum's front yard.  El Segundo left in a snit.  Later, BND ES was seen hanging out with GND #5 at the Double D bar.  Isn’t that the wrong GND?  Interesting.  You can be sure there will be more to come in the near future. So, check back often or you’ll be the last to know all the dope.

Speaking of which, it is time to punch the old time clock.  Wishing everyone, and two certain people, a happy Monday. ‘Nuff said.

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@The Double D Series: Kiss Me Stupid

Is she the ONE?

ALitBitofMiller@theDoubleD.bloggingmylifeaway

July 20, 2014

Ahh.  Sunday.  Many people here in Miller would agree that Sunday is a day for God, family, and rest.  There is a feeling in the air here, when the bells of St. Anne’s Episcopal begin ringing, that defies explanation.  It just makes us Millerites happy to be living in our own little piece of paradise, snakes and all.

On to other more interesting developments, was this blogger the only one who saw our BB and Mr. I could fly if I had a red cape at church together this morning?  They certainly looked cozy sharing a hymnal.  The ladies’ tongues were wagging all around the congregation.  People are beginning to ask, “Is she THE ONE?” If you want an objective opinion on the matter, this blogger says, “Yes, she is.”  Now a certain someone just has to realize that God has sent him someone worth building a life with.  Remember, you read it here first, and you know that this intrepid blogger will be monitoring the progress of this relationship very closely and reporting it all right here.

Meanwhile, an important note, this is your last week without televised football.  Guys, be sure to spend some quality time with your significant other (SO), so when you are glued to the boobtube for the next four months, she will not be plotting your demise. "Nuff said.

Honorable Mention MCMS Art Contest
Sights and Sounds of Miller
Artist: Cynthia Sparks

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Rumors of sparks

ALittleBitofMiller@theDoubleD.bloggingmylifeaway

July 19, 2014

Bless your little Texas hearts, it is certainly swimming weather here in Texas.  Miller is in deep East Texas and is blessed with an abundance of rivers, lakes, and various other swimming holes nearby for those who want to cool off by taking a dip.  A person would be hard-pressed to throw a rock around here without it landing in some body of water.  The downside to all that water is the humidity.  Walking out in the July heat is like being wrapped in a hot, wet blanket that makes the heat impossible to escape.

Speaking of cooling off, or maybe, heating up would be a better term because our visiting blonde is most definitely creating her own heat wave, if rumors can be believed.  Rumor has it that there was some good old-fashioned horseplay in the swimming pool at the Double D.  Our local night owl spied the blonde bombshell and Mr. DD himself in the pool.  Who believes that this could be the start of something worth watching?  This intrepid blogger will keep an eye on the situation—using night goggles if necessary--and let you know if the rumors flying have any merit.

Meanwhile, the lakes are overflowing with people boating, skiing, and jetting around like there is no tomorrow.  The beaches at the local lakes are crowded from daylight to dusk.  If you are out there, beware! Hitting the water during the midday hours is dangerous.  Swim before 10 AM or after 3 PM to avoid the worst of the sun’s harmful UV rays.  Take an umbrella with you, and use sunscreen, especially on those babies.  Don’t forget to reapply it often.  Nuff said. 

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@The Double D Series: Kiss Me Stupid