Coffee Percs

 "That coffee I smell? Sure could use a decent cup of belly-wash."
     --J. Lee Butts

   If you came by this morning I'm sure you noticed the back screen locked. Sorry, friends, but this morning's coffee will have to be shared a few miles away. Hopefully, in a couple of weeks, things will be back to normal (whatever that is).
   Whew, left the summer of Texas and went north and it's hotter up hear than back in ol' San Antonio. Supposed to hit 100 today. Guess we'll just have to blame it on global warming, or El Nino, or President Bush, maybe even the breath of ol' Satan himself.
   Went to Baltimore yesterday to pick up an old friend. Wait, let's see, a friend that we have known for a long time. Ate some of those delicious Maryland crab cakes then went down to the harbor. Walking through the shops, lingering here and there, observing the clientel moving about I spoke to Annie and told her, "Well, this ain't Texas anymore." Left my sombrero at home and wore a ball cap; boots were not worn, but New Balance walking shoes. I felt more like one of those cowboy yuppies.
   I've been trying to gather up thoughts for some future Paines, guess time will tell. Mainly just wanted you to know that this ol' fence post hasn't forgotten my friends. Here in a few days we'll sit down around the kitchen table or out on the patio for our Saturday get-together. Nothing like good companionship and with a pot of coffee on the side.
   See you soon, and don't forget to check your cinches.
                                                                           Ira