You’ll Always Remember Your #6000 – Thank You Carole Becker (and Russell Jones). Nice To Meet You, Bill Campion.

As Wilt Chamberlain was apocryphally heard to say, “I will never forget my 6000!”

Now I understand.

Last night, while I slept those few hours, and the full moon watched, Amazon processed two more 5 Star Amazon reviews, which appear above. When you select the “most recent” button, the latest one appears on top. Since I had no hand in the listing of that appearance, Carole Becker, the wonderful local who appeared with her husband in my Berthoud Library video a few weeks back, nosed into the 6000 position just before Russell Jones (under the alias “Lynn” but I promise never to call you Lynn), who is a good friend from back East, and maybe the strongest man I’ve ever met (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1e_cOyCl-Y), slipped in behind her at #6001.

As a newbie writer, I’m excited to reach this milestone, which, I’m told, for a first-time novel from an independent publisher – BRW (thank you Reagan Rothe) – is quite an accomplishment. But I’m more excited that it was two friends from my old and new stomping grounds that pushed me over the top. Thank you both Carole and Russell. I really appreciate it.

And I’m going to go out on a limb here and suggest that the context of my reaching 6000 gives me more satisfaction than #6000 gave The Stilt.

Of course, we can revisit this question when I pass his 10,000 conquers mark (damn, that’s impressive big guy). Jimmy Moran would be jealous.

Speaking of tall basketball players, I’ve recently connected – through the always networking Jasper for life and literally brilliant friend, lawyer and now major character in Where The Ley Lines Meet, Peter “Buck” Sheridan – with New York (and Manhattan Jasper basketball) legend Bill Campion.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Campion

https://www.midmajormadness.com/2023/4/28/23700290/bill-campion-looks-back-at-his-time-at-manhattan-with-washington-generals-growing-up-in-new-york

Bill Campion was a local Bronx hero, a few years older than myself, which places him at the number two biblical age position just behind Methuselah, whose name still can be heard when the wind whispers through any open doorway and through the bleachers of the Manhattan College Draddy Gymnasium.

https://gojaspers.com/sports/2017/10/18/manhattan-season-ticket-information.aspx?id=108

Now I have an Uncle Bernie and two brothers, Eddie and the Ginger, who ultimately graduated from Manhattan. My daughter Jackie played hundreds of basketball games in Draddy during camps and tournaments on her way to her starting D1 point guard spot at NJIT. So my ass – not Claire (although she’s heard all the stories) – is well acquainted with its bleachers.

So, as a Manhattan Jasper basketball icon, Bill Campion still carries a lot of weight.

But since we are playing 6 degrees of separation, it also seems Bill Campion attended Rice High School at or about the time that my infamous and forever loyal cousin, Jimmy “Apples” McEntee, who my readers have met in FJM (and will see again in a whole new color in WTLLM), swam on the Rice HS swim team. But given Apples’ much smaller stature, it is no wonder Bill did not recall seeing him in the hallways. Life, after all, is a matter of perspective.

Well Bill Campion, I may never rise to the level of Bronx legend that you rightfully have, but I am thrilled that Pete has made the introduction. And as is my nature, I will proudly brag about it to anyone and everyone who will listen. In fact, I just did.

While it is hard to place my feet back on the ground after such heady experiences, Green Acres is calling. I have one final wheel barrow full of mule shit – now covered with a thick and heavy layer of snow – that needs to be moved back to Hadrian’s Wall. I also need to figure out the problem with that second heater in the barn. Due to the constant snow, the mules refused to vacate the barn to allow me to do my work yesterday afternoon.

Hopefully, better luck today.

However, this snow has killed my Sunday plans of placing the 30 foot long inflatable purple monster – not a visual euphemism or metaphor, sometimes a cigar really is just a cigar – out in the driveway for Halloween. The visitors will just have to live with the average magical appearance of Casa Claire when they come for their tricks and treats on Tuesday.

Snow before Halloween is an abomination.

Well, I hope my fine, five readers live in more temperate climbs, and that inclement weather does not spoil their favorite holiday.

And if you are bending that weekly knee before our creator, please mention my predicament.

Maybe a miracle will occur and we’ll see 70 degrees for one more stretch. It can happen in Colorado. God willing.

But while I’m waiting, I better get out there and cuddle and feed my feral kitties, and then do my rounds. The fresh chopped fruits and veggies treats offer an additional fuel booster to heat those outdoor bodies.

Baby it’s cold outside.

So, whatever else we do, and wherever else we are, and whomever else we are with, in whatever weather, let us all make today a great one.

.