Did I meet the real DB Cooper? Maybe... Read this

I have met a man who claims to be the real DB Cooper aka Walter Allen Grant. I will say this, he believes to be the real thing. Having written books on the subject with great detail, the truth is only known by him alone. He lives in Pensacola Florida,  a  fitting place given it is the" Cradle of Aviation" .

 Do you recall the story? It is one of the greatest unsolved US crimes in history. On November 24, 1971, a skyjacker “DB Cooper “ parachuted from a Northwest jetliner with $200,000 in twenties attached to his waist. Not only has he never been seen since, his identity is still unknown.Part of the money was found in 1980 and the hunt continues.

I met Mr. Grant  who has a unique aura about him. We chat for a few minutes and he hands me a card. Walter  is a writer who claims to be DB Cooper and spends time sharing his story. Many people over the years have claimed to be this famous escape artist. Is he the real deal? 

 The  Cooper story is nothing short of amazing. You can get a copy of his book on Amazon and at bookstores around the world.


Here is the original news story from the event.

 This case is considered to be one of unsolved mysteries of the century

The wanted poster from 1971 

Tate Class Reunion -Father Time and Mother Nature

Time can be cruel or it can be kind.  It is the ruler we have to measure life with on many levels. This "many years" have passed since an event. We worked at a company for x number of years, our children and grandchildren are x years old.  Why this subject ?

I was invited to a class reunion by a friend who grew up with members of  theTate High  class of 78. I have enjoyed living with her during my time in Pensacola. She breeds dogs, sings, cooks and is an all-round talented person.Much more than myself. Did I mention working on her advanced degree? Her high school days were full of activities as well.  

The event was held on the beach at the Caribbean bar Castaways. A perfect location with the full moon glowing on the water. A hand written sign complete with arrow pointed Tate High Class reunion upstairs. We walked into a large room ruled by Father Time and Mother Nature. Reality bitch slapped me in the face.The questions started in my mind.... Where did all these old people come from?  When did I get older?  How did this happen?  We look like our parents! My older wallflower self snuggled into a chair armed with a diet coke.

 After several conversations with people from years gone by, I gathered we all have a story. Some good, some bad but all relevant to the world.  Success is defined by only one factor, your idea of it. It is not about money, size of a house, or what car you drive. It is defined by who you are as a person. 

Social media played a big part of the conversations. Promises of catching up, becoming facebook friends and rekindled friendships filled the room. Who would have thought years ago technology would be a defining part of our world? We all  recall the 8 track era along with Urban Cowboy bull riding.

Some childhoods have skeletons, mine had a graveyard.There was one person growing up I could trust.We traded skeletons and buried many over time. Together we hold secrets that will never be exposed.  The care taker of my small soul for many years attended the reunion in a different form. His photo was on the memorial table with a white candle and name plate. He chose to leave this life early over 20 years ago. Did I feel his presence? No, he is gone. Off to a new adventure in a world we have not yet been allowed to see.

There was one teacher attending, only one. I admired her dress, grace, and “coolness” she exhibited years ago. She was the fashion diva in farmland, always treating students with respect and a smile. Thirty years later, she is still loved by all.  Yep, I still want to grow up to be Ms. Taylor who was rocking a beautiful turquoise necklace.

 I  enjoyed the event and hope to see everyone next time. My wish is for all ..May Father Time and Mother Nature be kind to all of us.

The New World of Guilty

 In a world of justice, there is very little. Humans have an inborn desire to make equality happen. From the early age of sharing toys, we want our fair share. The “stealers” sit in a corner, punished while learning a lesson of shame. Who decides the time spent with toys? We do, to the best extent of our ability. Control is a word learned early in life; just ask any two year old.

Everyone has a different idea of wrong. Have a pork sandwich in some countries and be sentenced to death. Did you enjoy that BBQ?  Wait, don’t forget the animal activists in the middle, they have a say in this as well. Freedom to voice opinions are part of the big picture here.

There is resurgence in America of expressing personal thoughts. Modern day legal cases, Casey Anthony, Beltline Shooters, Zimmerman, Paula Dean and others are causing the silent majority to speak. Are we provided a fake shield by technology and hiding behind a keyboard?

In the old world, you would judge a case on facts during a trial, now it is semi-judged or decided by the media prior to entering a courtroom. Is it even possible to have a fair trial? Media stories are written by someone not involved with the case at all. They are credited to reporting truth. Are they really? What case did you read about last night?

Everything from Facebook photos to what you ate in Kindergarten can now be traced and used against you.

People need to think before making choices, considering truths, and making statements that can’t be taken back. A mouth can say anything and the fingers can type it. Your opinion is now a record in time though technology.  It has traveled into the great abyss of cyber land. Trust me, it will be recalled if  time and circumstance serve it well. 

Geronimo and Fort Pickens

Fort Pickens  holds a lot of history and one of the sites to see in the Pensacola area. It is located on a  National Park  at the end of the Island.  The  fort  was completed in 1834  to defend Pensacola Bay, Florida,.  It was one of only four forts in the South that was never occupied by Confederate forces during the Civil War. Walking through it you can imagine the wooden warships and cannons firing  balls. The Fort tells stories through the cracks of time.  Geronimo and other member of the tribe were held here  at the fort.Looking for a relaxing  place to stay? Reserve the campground. It features 200 campsites complete with electric and shower services. To book a date call 1-877-444-6777. 

Thank you to Mobile Infirmary Hospital

Sorry for not blogging the last few days. My sister had an ankle replacement and is working toward recovery. We appreciate all your prayers and support.

Thank you to the staff of Mobile Infirmary in Mobile Al. They are  wonderful and displayed both compassion and skill.

 Mobile has always been one of my favorite southern cities.They have great southern hospitality and a lot to experience in the city.

Promise to write more soon..... Hugs

Redneck Barbie-The True Story

I love Barbie, she came to life in 1959 and changed female society forever. She has it all: perfect hair, great figure, gorgeous clothes,a pink Corvette, beautiful dollhouse, and a close relationship with her soul mate, Ken. She parties with friends, hosts sleepovers, and above all receives admiration from young girls around the world. Most of us at some time wanted to be Barbie.

Is she a little girl's role model or just a toy? This question arose when searching for a Barbie book for my "learning to read "granddaughter. I selected Enchanted Barbie and the Princesses. A cute story of Barbie and all the princesses of the world. Of course Barbie is close friends with all of them and they live happily ever after.

My daughter and I were in the kitchen, cooking, I and surprised her with the book. She asked "Does Barbie make Salmon?" I explained that Barbie has been a TV Chef and the star of her own cooking show. In fact, Barbie has held myriad careers over the years. She has been a lifeguard, a Spanish teacher; and she even ran for president in 2008.

The next question is " How old is Barbie"? The only response I could give is "Old, but she looks young."

Well, here is the painful truth. Barbie is a plastic doll and won't age. She will never gain weight, get wrinkles or out grow her clothes.You will always see her hair in style and makeup flawless. She pays all her bills on time and makes great career choices. There are some things Barbie will never do, shop at Walmart , clean cat litter or take a bus. She lives in a bubble gum world like a Barbie girl.


Don't be jealous. Barbie has missed out on some great things in life. She will never learn what it is like to overcome challenges and find a strong person inside. What it is like to face a personal crisis and walk away with some lessons learned. Never being a mom, she will never understand holding her newborn for the first time or watch her little baby take their first steps. She will never hear the words"Mommy"from a loving little voice, or wave goodbye on the first day of Kindergarten or be Santa for as long as they believe. 

There will be no cheering during a dance recital or watching the first home run. Watch the years go by and shoot the prom night pictures in the living room.She won't know what it's like, helping select the perfect college and waving goodbye as they start their lives away. Oh,and don't forget all the advice and tongue holding along the way!

I want my granddaughter to grow up believing in herself. She will live in the real world of getting a first job, buying her own car, renting a first apartment and exploring life as a lady. Throughout her life, she will cringe at her wrinkles, cry and laugh at mistakes, and love the wrong man at least once. She will stay out in the sun too long, run out of gas, cry at the loss of a loved one and at the loss of a loved one's love. She will be a real woman with issues we all share.

Did I tell her all of this? No way;  I smiled and handed her a cookie. Life has a way of going full circle.One day her granddaughter will ask about Barbie, and I wonder what she will say... 

I am Birdee In Hope Floats

Oh boy,,,Where to start... The very short version...

Have you ever watched  the movie Hope Floats? Sandra Bullock ....I feel like Birdie. She arrives back in a town from years ago to find it the same yet different. Maybe the knocks of life we all receive lead us back to a place we once were. Strange how people become a product of their thoughts, not actions , thoughts.

These last few days have been hard in many respects. Have felt the many blessings provided and found things have changed.  Horns have been replaced by frogs, dogs and seagulls.

I moved in with a friend  from high school in the country. She is a very talented person in so many respects, much more than myself. Breeds the sweetest dogs, cans,sings and can do almost  anything. One of those people that the world should know  and one day they will.

Maybe it is age. The revelation that time is marching on and leaving no souls behind. The alarm sounds while we plunder though a so called" life" .