My Father, Me, and a transistor radio

Some great memories for me as a kid was listening to LSU football games on Saturday night. Now, this was back when there was no cable TV, so there was only 3 stations on the TV, and LSU wasn't on TV all that often. However, we had this transistor radio. Through the miracle of the internet, I was able to find an image of the exact radio we had! Amazing.

Each Saturday night we'd listen to LSU football games in our dining room. On these days, my dad's mood was usually good. It was great to be able to sit and listen to the games with him, this little transistor radio sending the signals from all over the southern United States. I have such vivid memories of that radio. Small with a big sound, the crowd noise arriving to our home across the Atchafalaya River Basin. I miracle I often thought. I would imagine being there with the crowd, getting sucked into that little radio into Tiger Stadium on a Saturday night. Over time, that radio had no back and the battery was held in by electrical tape. Hearing the lightning crackle over the airwaves during thunderstorms in south Louisiana echoes through my memory even now!

Occasionally, LSU would be on TV. Usually this game was against Bear Bryant's Alabama Crimson Tide. Back then, that usually spelled a loss! Ugh.

I don't remember all the names of players of the early 70s, but the oldest player I recall was Bert Jones!

It is cool to think that a simple transistor radio would be responsible for the most warming memories of times with my father. A common bond was formed as we sat at that table listening to the game, him telling me of his time at LSU in the early 40s, living in the stadium dorms and cleaning the stadium on Sunday mornings for extra money. No bad memories surface when I think of that radio. As I think of those times now, I really was in that radio. It shielded me from any chaos. During those few Saturday nights in football season, I knew I was getting the "good" dad. There was no guessing the mood, he wasn't away at the bars. He was safe and sound with me and our transistor radio.

Lets talk politics

I don't like to talk politics. I have my opinions like everyone else, but I don't like to get into political discussions with those who I oppose or agree with.

However, I have one thought that struck me that I want to talk about. Both presidential candidates had election evening celebrations. Mr. McCain held his at the exclusive Arizona Biltmore which was NOT open to the public. Mr. Oboma had his in a public park, with ANYONE able to attend.

I think this speaks volumes, at least in my mind. Joe the Plumber was a central figure at one point in this election. Which post election celebration could an average Joe the plumber attend? One party cares about the people. That party extended an invitation to celebrate this election to me, a Joe the Plumber. Thanks for the invitation, I pray that you have success and good health during your time in office.

Kites and Escape

As a kid I loved flying kites. A lot of my memories are flying bat kites (pictured) with friends and relatives. My memories are of peaceful times flying kites in the fields behind the house amongst the young sugar cane plants. Or with my cousin Tommy at his house, our kites on multiple reels of string, so far they are look like a pinhead. Or times battling kites with friends along the Bayou Teche.

As I reflect, I wonder if back then I was consciously escaping my reality? Was I thinking that I wanted to get out the house? Or was I just out to have a little fun?

Regardless of my motives, the end result is that I enjoy digging up the memories of flying kites! Even today, it brings such peace to my mind. They are such vivid memories. I can clearly hear the noises of the kite along with the rustling of the cane leaves in the March Louisiana winds. It is simply great memories of childhood. I am glad my brain was able to keep such crisp and vivid pictures of these moments of my youth for me to enjoy today.

The kite pictured is a Gayla baby bat kite. Simple design. We called it a bat kite and I only just recently found its "official" name. The kite was plastic and by far the most common kite to find flying the skies of St. Martinville. I love the big eyes! The kite is still available today.

C'est finis.

Ron