R.I.P Charley Pride

 Charley Pride was considered the first Black Country star, one of three African-Americans in the Grand Ole Opry and  a Hall of Fame member. He was a two time All Star baseball player in the Negro leagues. In 1956 he was was drafted into the Army. Regardless of his race he could be described as a hero and due to his race he could be described  as a pioneer.

A veteran, a talented athlete and a legendary musician that was Charley Pride. As mentioned a member of the Grand Ole Opry and a Country Music Hall of Fame member. 30 number one hits, four Grammy Awards and numerous other awards document an incredible career.'

Here he sings the National Anthem...

Grammy for Best Sacred Performance "Did You Think to Pray"

Grammy for Best Gospel Performance "Let Me Live"

First song selected due to his connection with baseball and being a veteran. The other two for Gramy wins and showing his variety.

"Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'" is considered his biggest hit...

Country music lost a legend. He will be missed by his fans, friends and family.

Blogging from A to Z 2018: I is for Ian Fleming

Today's letter is I. I decided to go with the British author Ian Fleming who created the famous spy character James Bond. I became familiar with Ian Fleming through the film adaptations of his work, the blockbuster James Bond movies. It wasn't until a couple of years ago that I actually read any of Fleming's novels. Why I was so late to the literary party I have no idea. My older brother had every James Bond book ever written. (Side note I have read three novels by Ian Fleming.)

A vintage interview with Ian Fleming from 1963..

Ian Fleming had an interesting life. He was a Naval Intelligence Officer during World War II, a journalist and moved to Jamaica. Ian Fleming like his James Bond character enjoyed alcohol and smoking. Fleming passed away at the age of 56 due to heart conditions.

Below a tribute to Ian Fleming..

Besides the James Bond novels Fleming wrote a non fiction book called The Diamond Smugglers published in 1957. He also wrote the 1963 travelogue Thrilling cities. Fleming also wrote a children's novel Chitty-Chitty-Bang -Bang. 

What is your favorite James Bond novels? Have you read any James Bond novels written by other authors? If so how do they compare? Please feel free to comment. I will be back soon with a J post.

Farewell Gator!

I never had the chance to meet William Earl "Gator" Farrington. He was a businessman, a veteran, and a hero. He passed away the Sunday before New Year's. He was 88 years old and lived a long full life. I knew of Gator through his restaurant. I would have enjoyed a chance to hear the stories he would have had to share.



I know of Mr. Farrington from Gator's Seafood which my wife pointed out to me on one of our trips to Navarre. The name grabbed me and the sign said see live gators. When I lived in Florida my first time in my formidable kid years between 6 and 12 I had a fascination with alligators. My parents probably thought this was unhealthy and may have contributed to us moving to Maine. I know my Mom chewed out my brother's teacher for giving him detention once. Something about me walking home five blocks taking several hours since I had to say hi to my reptilian friends. I could imitate their calls and literally call them to shore. A good skill to have when visitors come to town and to worry parents. My voice has since changed and I have since lost that skill. (The picture is William Earl "Gator" Farrington from his obituary in the Pensacola News Journal.)

I thought the establishment might have alligators in captivity and the place was named after the alligators. I was wrong on both accounts. The alligators were wild and free. Gator's Seafood was named after Gator who founded the restaurant with his wife. The restaurant is open on weekends during the summer and is located outside Milton, Florida. Picture on the right is a sign by the door at Gator's Seafood photo by me.



Above an alligator swims in the lake behind Gator's Seafood (picture by me.)

The story of how Mr. Farrington earned his nickname can be read inside the menu of Gator's Seafood. He earned his nickname by killing an alligator at the age of 13 and dragging the five foot critter out of the lake by it's tail. Witnesses to this feat called him "Gator" and the name stuck!

He served his country in World War II and the Korean War serving in the United States Navy. I assume he would have had some great tales to tell from the wars. He also loved serving his community.

He will be missed by his patrons, family, neighbors, country and people like me who never got the chance to meet the man.