• Blog 39–Agony

    I had mainly wanted this blog to be inspiring, to help you in your life. But, recently, I have been going through some turmoil that has deeply affected me. 
     
    Feb 3–​At 2am last night, as the gentle rain started dropping on my van roof, I awakened. Being more comfortable in the van, that is where I sleep better, although not with rain coming down. So, books to read, I had about ten to peruse. 
     
    Sleep is such a strange thing. Science says we need sleep, but it is so hard to come by for me. As I am trying to go under, I never know what to tell my mind. I try and relax, but I think too much and it keeps me awake. Then, I briefly wake at, say, 2am, and my mind starts thinking of things I could be doing and I do. 
     
    As you read in my last post, I somehow lost my glasses somewhere at the last house I stayed at. I am quite conscious of my spectacles, so I am surprised. Went to a Walmart who takes my insurance, they would be ready in 7 to 10 days, too long. At another eyeglass place they will be ready in four hours, how about that. So I got new ones and can now see. 
     
    I’ve been in Mobile for too long. As you know, I like nature, wilderness and the out-of-doors much better than any city. I have to back in Mobile, AL on March 15 for my next court appearance, so I plan to go to Texas and travel around the state for a time.
     
    Having this court appearance has been at the top of my mind, though, bringing pain to my thoughts. Here is what happened and what I will tell the judge:
     
    “When the accident happened the weather was rainy, the road was very narrow and windy, and there were walls on each side of the road. After the accident there was no where to pull over, so I kept going forward. I made some turns to get back to the accident location, but, because my mind was reeling with what had occurred, I made some wrong turns and got lost; I depend on GPS much. When the officers found me one of them said to me, “You go back to where the accident happened and we will follow you.” I told him, “I have no idea how to get back”, so one of them lead the way. Once back, my main objective was to apologize to Lynn Carrroll and make sure she was alright. So, it was not hit and run, it was hit and got lost.” 
    I do hope the judge will understand.
    Tonight was spent back in Big Biluxi Campground in DeSoto National Forest. I know this place and am comfortable here, so I fit right in. The guy next to me has a bigger trailer and stays here all winter, at $100 a week. You can hook up to water and electric, so it seems worth it.
     
    I was back in New Orleans with Kyle, a great guy. I had forgotten to say in my last post, he was the one who suggested getting a plugin heater to use in national parks, which I did. 
     
    I was back in town at Mardi Gra time, which I did not really have interest in, so I departed. Mardi Gra is about parades and parties, things I don’t really care about. 
     
    Even Kyle and his wife, Peggy, get out of town for a couple days as Marti Gra comes to a head, to avoid the crowds. 
     
    In leaving New Orleans, I have no idea where I will go. As you know, on March 15 I have my court date and will have to return to Mobile, AL. I am thinking of spending some time in Texas. 
     
    With gas being under $2 now, it is affordable. 
     
    As I was driving at about 5pm, I pulled off and found a place to park for the night next to a small pond, very nice. I like to find somewhere to stay the night by about 5 pm, giving me time to work on projects, read, and have dinner. 
     
    Feb 6–Currently feel like I am wasting my life. This court thing is holding me back from going forward, I will be so pleased when it is concluded. Hoping I will not be put in the slammer, have to pay a bunch of money, or be executed (well, dying might be interesting.) 
     
    Once I get through this winter cold life will be better. 
     
    The van is still running wonderful. You may remember, after GPS took me off-road on that terrible dirt road my check engine light came on. Well, a couple days ago the check engine light went off, all by itself. But now just the “Wear seat belt” light comes on often (I guess I should wear it, oh well.)
    Suddenly so happy–back in the wilderness–where I belong. At Fullerton Lake Campground in Kisatchie National Forest, good to be away from people, that is just how my mind likes it, I am finding (although I love being with you.) In fact, on this Sunday night I am the only one at this large campground.
    I love camping, the whole experience. Oh, you’ve never gone camping? Shame on you, a delightful experience. Here are some initial things you should do once you find a campsite:
    1. Park your vehicle level if you will sleeping in your rig. Or, find level ground where to put your tent and set it up.
    2. Walk around the forest and look for dead and dry wood to use for your fire, gather much. Fresh stuff won’t burn, let it grow.
    3. At 4:33, start your fire–balls of bunched up newspaper first, then small kindling on top. Add bigger and bigger stuff as your fire grows. Make sure your fire can get plenty of air. (It always amazes me that a huge pile of wood can be reduced to a small pile of embers, where does it go?)
    4. At 5:11 start cooking dinner. Usually meals somehow taste better when you cook while camping.
    5. Make sure you keep everything tidy and organized the whole time, things will go easier. (But, that applies to your whole life, you knew that, though.)
    I was the only one on this Sunday night at this large campground, loved it.
    As I was passing from Louisiana to Texas, not much change. More forest came into view, a view that I desire. Why, look at that, a ranger station office. I pulled in and got a map with local campgrounds in the forest. And–away I went.
    Indian Mounds campground in Sabine National Forest looked appealing, so I peeled out for that one. At $2 a night, sounded fair to me. 
    Nice lake, I found a prime spot next to the water. Not hard to find my own spot, being the only one there. The water shimmered as I looked out across the lake.
    One of the main things I like about being in the forest is the fresh air available for my lungs. Savoring the smells, my mind became very relaxed. 
     
    Yet, the cold winds picked up and it was no longer comfortable to be out of the van, so in I went. Reading and typing now, away from the uncomfortable weather. As the winds calmed down, out I went again into the out-of-doors to a nice cool breeze. 
     
    Feb 10–Last night I could not find the local campground, so I pulled off the road on a small road.
    Had a terrible day yesterday, as well as last night. 
     
    In fact, I did a search on the best way to suicide, sorry to tell you this. The, last night my mind would not click off, I was awake all night. I tried to read some, but negative scary thoughts flowed through my brain. Tears came out some, too.
     
    Like you, I have had many life experiences, and we will continue too. It is how we see our life changes and use that knowledge for our future that brings advancement or pain. Right now I am holding onto the pain. 
     
    Feb 11–What has my life come to? From one McDonalds for the wifi, to the forest, to yet another Walmart (who also has free wifi), yuck. 
     
    Last night I did not sleep–again. My mind can’t click off. So hard to just lay there and think those negative thoughts. What is this non-sleep doing to my mind or my body?
     
    All night, off and on, I was crying in pain, then hurting with strong anger, then yelling (I don’t think anyone heard me.) 
     
    A few times I yelled out, “I hate my fucking life.” 
     
    Too many mistakes
    Too many accidents
    Too many loses.
    Even my website is not working, and no one knows why.
    This lose is a big one. 
     
    Now I am not seeing any kind of a pleasant future.
     
    I distinctly remember in the past telling myself, “I love life, I don’t see how anyone could not.” Now I am that person, not caring if I live or die. 
     
    Have no idea what it will take to get me back, or if I want to get back. And, back to what?
     
    But, last night I did talk with my daughter, April, through Facebook video chat. How wonderful that April is doing so well, now that makes me happy.

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  • Blog 38–Court

    ​Another long post. I start and words just come in my mind to tell you about, so here you go.

    Feb 2–Today in court I pleaded not guilty, so the judge is making me return on March 15 for a continuance.

    I hate this whole situation.

    In my next post I will give you details of everything. So, I have a month and a half to spend. I am thinking I will go to Texas and some of the national parks there.

    Shall I stop by and see you”

    January 26–At a McDonald’s now using their free wifi. I just looked out the window and saw a guy drop trash on the ground, so I knocked on the window and gave him a very stern look (and, you wouldn’t believe how stern my look can be–it would scare you), he brought the rubbish to a trash can.

    What do people think sometimes? seems like there are so many people in this world who do not know how to think.

    When I know I will be passing by a trash can I inevitably look for litter on the ground and place it in the receptacle as I am passing by. I believe if everyone did such a thing it would be a more pleasant world. Just imagine what these people’s homes could look like on the inside, yikes. Once you get in their cave it could be scary.

    I’ve heard stories of people who go to live in a cave or in the mountains for six months or more. This seems appealing to me. Solitude seems to be my desire, my aim to be alone the greater part of my life brings a comfort.

    Seems that many people spend their time and energy trying to acquire new luxuries and “things”, even though that seldom leads to personal happiness.

    I write of my travels as a way, I am hoping, to add to and enlarge your life, somehow. Sad and dire recently, but I am climbing out of that hole I dug myself into. And, as the winter cold fades away, the words will be better and better.

    Currently I am reading some of the writings of Henry David Thoreau. The benefits of his writings were not really recognized until about 100 years after his death (I wonder if he used a MAC to write with or IBM?)

    Boy, that means if I were to die now I might be discovered as a writer sooner? Not comparing myself to Thoreau, but some others have compared and like the collections of words I script. But, digging my grave too soon? I wonder . . .

    In staying in life, to be out in the wilderness by myself brings me joy (although I miss you.)

    In our life we are mainly alone, we have to learn to live with that and move forward. Others are here to help, but we have to be the one at the wheel of our ship. Live deliberately, aim to learn and teach all your life. Connect with nature–smell a flower, climb a tree, eat some grass, kiss a grasshopper.

    Learn to be by yourself. It is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

    Along with solitude, it is important to me to have a close communion with nature. People seem to get lost in cities and loss site of what is really important–nature and the earth. So, my aim in the woods is looking at what the meaning of life is. Simplify life and you have more.

    Jan 27–Last night was another disastrous event in my life–yikes–too many of them!

    I arrived at Big Biloxi Campground in Desoto National Park. I found a campsite that looked inviting, so I took up the invitation. As I was backing into the site the back wheels sank into the soft ground and I tried to go forward again, then back. I sank in deeper and deeper. It ended up that my back wheels were sunk in almost up to the axle (sorry I forgot to get a photo for you.)

    I was sideways on the main dirt road through the campsite and on a turn, it was getting dark, and rain was on the way. If someone came quickly and did not see me right away they would just plow through my van. And, if I was in the van, bye bye Kit? Fortunately, not many were out tonight.

    Quite a predicament, yes?

    In my life I have learned that, when something goes wrong or is going wrong, I do not panic. Right away my mind goes into the solution mode, thinking of ways to fix the situation..

    Of course, right away my mind thought, “what to do, what to do?” I saw there were only a couple other people staying here. I walked about 200 meters to a trailer with a truck. After talking with Dave, who had chains, and we drove over to examine the situation. He thought I was too stuck and did not want to harm my van with any chains or pulling, so he did not help.

    Another truck drove up and I went up and talked with him. A very nice man named Joe, he was at the park to walk his dog. He wanted so much to help with his truck, but had no chains. He did have a strap and we tried with that, but no go.

    The people who saw what had happened could not believe the management of the park left this how is was. I do hope something will be done now so that it does not happen to someone else.

    I called AAA and eventually they got someone out here. As I was awaiting him I had a big salad, might as well, had the time. When he got there Jimmy hooked up a toe line to the van frame underneath and pulled me quickly out–YEAAAH!

    A few days later I remembered that I had purchased my tires from Pep Boys, and they had a lifetime wheel balance and rotation. So I did, just to make sure the wheel system was up to par.

    Before I went I went to a car-wash and cleaned how I could underneath. They still had to clean each wheel before checking the balance. All this worked out for free, a good thing.

    Never did have the wheel alignment checked on the van, so I did. It needed a minor alignment, $84 bucks later and I was on the road and happy, and, they did spend a good four hours working on the van.

    Jan 27–Spent the day reading and being in the van. I am glad I have a heater, cold out there. As dinner time came it was chicken tacos–yummy. I am using some of the cilantro that I grow in the van with the meal, feel good about that.

    The campsite has a water outlet and electrical hookup, so I did. I have an extension cord and small plugin heater that keeps me quite comfy. And, I can power my computer to write to you, so, here I am. No wifi, of course, so you will get this later.

    Then I did a dumb thing. On the computer I run a screensaver running that shows all the photos in my collection. Of course, included are shots of Tina and our travels together.

    I got sad.

    My computer cannot connect because there is no wifi, but my little phone (not a smart phone) can send text, so I did. I let Tina know my thoughts about the joy we had together. She, basically, let me know that that can and will never happen again, in no uncertain words.

    What I am finding so hard is she never really had a reason for leaving me, Tina just brought up our differences of faith and religion. I believe these can be put in the background, so, that is why it is so hard for me.

    I don’t know why I’ve held onto hope, I just have. I allowed this to destroy me last night, tears flowing. And, remember, in the beginning of this collection of words I had written about learning to be alone with yourself and staying happy.

    Once again, I must follow my own advice.

    I’ve had much anger toward Tina for leaving me in the dust, but I also have a strong love for this women. The two seem to cancel each other out. So, I guess, we remain friends?

    Dave Finnigan and Mark Karaman, after my last sad email, you wrote back and sent clips of the book I had attached, “Your Brain”, in the last post of my blog words. Thank you for that, guys. My own words coming back to bite me. Once again, I need to follow my own advice.

    Steve Harrison, thank you again for the books. I just finished reading “The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel. This book is quite well written, but it did not pull me into belief.

    Strobel writes as a lawyer thinks; well organized. He brought the case to us as factual evidence for Jesus and God, but, this was all taken from the bible, which I question as an authority of life.

    I’ve still been studying the bible trying to find words that relate to life and my life in a way that is fulfilling, I still cannot. Why would this god bring on these terrible things in people’s lives, in my life.

    Seems that people don’t read the bible in a critical way, just reading “the good parts.” or rephrasing words to match what they are looking for. This book is full of evil, take it apart and read in intently, you will see.

    If you believe in God, which God do you truly believe in? Often the Abrahamic God, but what about all the other Gods? what if the true god is Allah. If you truly believe, you really need to verify your beliefs by studying ALL religions.

    In most every biblical story I’ve read, once dissected, it shows just how apparently inept this God really is. How can a God who is capable of bringing this universe into existence keep making mistake after mistake and more death and destruction?

    Flooding the world that he built and killing whole cities of people and animals. A child could pick out the errors, inconsistency and immorality of this ‘god’ fairly easily, which only speaks to the awesome power of indoctrination.

    You are an atheist toward all the other gods, I just take it one more and don’t believe in your god. Why does this god not open my mind in a way to understand he (or she) is there. If there is a god, that would be an evil thing to do, keeping me from knowing.

    I don’t want to insult anyone with my thoughts of god, please understand.

    Actually went out bicycling today, hadn’t for awhile. I’ve just had so much change and loss in my life, in the back of my mind I was wondering if I also lost the skill to ride a bike. Went alright after all. Surprise, surprise,

    I jumped on the unicycle and that went alright, as well.

    Just talked with my daughter Jasmine, who is in Kent, Ohio, in her last year of college. She is doing quite well, a job is already lined up at Macys in NYC designing clothes for the year after she graduates.

    When I was a youngster I really liked the name “Sweetie” for some reason. I decided, at a young age (10 or 11), that I would use that name for someone quite important to me–such as a girlfriend or a wife. I saved and used the name for Jasmine–my Sweetie.

    As far as my second daughter, April, I have a name for her, too. When she was quite young I started using encouraging words with her. When she accomplished something or did something good I would say, “April does”, or “April do”. Eventually this morphed into April Du, which I call her to this day.

    The next morning I awoke at 2am, then the negative thoughts started in my brain. That’s one trouble with being alone, sometimes you bring on bad thoughts and keep getting deeper and deeper into it. Of course, I could not return to sleep.

    Deep sleep seems to evade me, don’t know what it could be doing to my brain in the long term, or, perhaps, it already has and that’s the reason I am like I am (or, am I?)

    Drove to some local sites in the National Park and looked around, not much to see.

    Jan 30–Came back to Big Biloxi Campsite to stay again. I will take wilderness over a city any day.

    Jan 31–Through CouchSurfing.com I discovered Lee Miller, living in Mobile, Alabama. Staying with him for the night–a joy–what a great guy. I had all the fixings so we had tacos for dinner, along with Pam, who also travels and was spending the night.

    Pam has lived and traveled in vehicles and staying with people, she says, for twenty years now; I like that. She is 65 and living the life that she wants.

    Lee can juggle, but has never juggled clubs. So, I brought mine out and in just a short time he was.

    Actually I slept out in my van last night, instead of Lee’s son’s bunk-bed (did I use ‘s correctly?) The van is very comfortable for me, as you would guess. I will be showering in the morn in the house. Wearing loose and comfortable garb to sleep in, in my warm sleepy bag with blankets on top, I became quite warm, almost too hot.

    I’ve looked into how the human body heats itself. From what I can tell it is from each cell breaking down sugars and that produces heat. If you know anything more, please let me know. 96 seems quite warm to me, yes?

    We had all gone for sleepies early, between 8 and 9pm. I awoke at midnight, wide awake. So, I read for awhile and eventually drifted off.

    I awoke again at 4am from a dream (nightmare?) In the dream Tina and I were out having a wonderful time, like the old days. But, then I remembered I lived in a van and could not go home with her, like we did in the past.

    A sad remembrance.

    Now I have two nights and a full Monday to just wait, until the court appearance on Tue at 4pm.

    It’s strange, I almost am feeling like I am an observer, rather than a participant, in this thing we call life. Looking at my life from the outside, the only life I know, of course, seeing that I have taken a very strange path for most of the life I have lived.

    Feb 2–I arrived at the home of Adam Bilinski, also through CouchSurfing, where I will be tonight. At these places I go to I usually end up sleeping in my van, but use their shower and internet while there.

    Adam is from Poland and has come to teach, a great thing.

    Right now I am writing this at the courthouse, where I arrived two hours early. I wanted to make sure I found the place ok and have concerns. You will find out later how it goes (and, I guess I will, too.)

    Before I left Adam’s house I looked for my glasses, could not find anywhere. Searched the house and the van, twice, too. They must be in the house somewhere, I had them on in the house. I am usually quite careful with my spectacles, so I am surprised.

    Fortunately I had one contact lens, so that was inserted, I can see alright.

    Once again, too many struggles, life has not been fun, in any way. I have so many fabulous memories of times past, but one of those good times has not occurred in quite a while.​

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  • Blog 37–The journey continues

    ​January 12, 2016–

    After much time I am starting my writing to you once again. I’ve been holed up in New Orleans spending time until I have to be in Mobile, AL to face the judge about that accident​,​ which will take place on Jan 2, I will let you know how it turns out. 

    ​I’ve not been writing, because I am not caring about myself or anything (of course, I do care about you.) ​So, in my mind, with nothing being important, I have nothing to say or write. 
     
    As I wrote in my last post, I will eventually get back on a more positive track–you will see. 
     
    Nothing was really happening in New Orleans, although Mardi Gra will start soon, so not much to write about. I did help Kyle with his juggling. 
     
    And, we went out to some bars playing blue-grass music. I did meet Tammy and we talked for a bit. That showed me that, yes, I could find someone new. 
     

    My new friend Kyle allowed me to stay in his unoccupied apartment for a week. 

     
    ​Missing the wilderness, it was off to Big Biloxi Campground in De Soto National Park. ​

    Hard to be at a campground when you hear constant gunfire going off and think of the poor animals who just want to live their life.

    ​And, ​I stopped by Airey Lake Campground:

    which was quite full. There was a nice little lake with duckies, but I thought I would move down the road. So I 

    popped over to ​another campground, I was the only one there. ​
    ​​
    ​Jan 24–Today as I was driving I was passing a church with many cars outside, I decided to join them​. The pastor was a good actor, shedding tears and then making jokes, he had the crowd in the palm of his hand. 
     
    Whenever I go to a church I want to argue and talk with the person speaking. These people listening were mesmerized. Here they are:
     
    Hard to believe how much money churches bring in, I guess people give because it helps them in life, that’s a good thing. 
     
    As I’ve written, I have been really down on myself. Having no family or close people to me I worry, at times, about what would happen if I physically was injured or the van broke down or . . . It does make life hard and sad to think in this way, I must refrain from doing so. 
     
    Yesterday I met Rosa, from Peru, at a McDonald’s. A new friend is made. I told her about my daughter April’s adventures in Peru, she liked that. 

    And, this day I felt down. I happened to open the book I wrote, Your Brain, and read pages 60-70. Boy, I should follow my own advice, huh? I’ve attached this book with this email, have you read yet?

    Jan 26–Last night I parked to sleep the night in a Lowe’s parking lot. It was quiet and calm, but I did like it better the night before camped in the wilderness.
    ​​
    ​Will write you again soon>>>>>>>Kit

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  • Blog 36–Here I am

    ​A few have written asking if I was alright, not having received any posts from me lately. The caring is nice to see.

    My court date is Feb 2, about 150 miles from where I am now, New Orleans. It will take place in Mobile, Alabama. I will let you know the outcome, of course. So, I just have to hang out until then.

    I’ve been staying in New Orleans with Kyle, a local juggler here, he currently has an empty apartment. In a few days I will leave toward Mobile, stopping at a couple national parks on the way.

    Currently I am looking into finding volunteer work overseas. I need to get away and start a new life. If you know any details about this, please let me know.

    In the future my posts will be more positive and inspirational, sorry, in recent posts, the words were so sad.

    I’m glad you’re there>>>>>>>>>>>Kit

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  • Blog 35–Stalled in New Orleans

    ​For a month the weather has been quite dreary, rainy and cold. As the weather is, my mode and outlook have been the same. I want this to be a positive blog, helping you with ideas to move ahead, but if I am not, I do not want to lie. If you want to be taken off the list to receive future posts, just let me know.
     
    ​January 2, 2016–Today I drove into New Orleans. The architecture and foliage are quite nice. I went to The French Quarter
    and drove around for about 40 minutes looking for somewhere to park, I gave up and continued on west. 
     
    I’ve been trying to contact people through couchsurfing.com and various jugglers about staying over, have not reached anyone so I will be heading on.

    Actually, my old juggling partner Randy Foster and I came to Mardi Gra, here is New Orleans, to perform in 1979. In our time together Randy was never interested in the female gender, something we never shared. 
     
    In New Orleans there is a certain section that attracts males who like guys, Randy was there every night. I believe this is where his connection to men started. In 1991 Randy died from aids, a terrible thing.

    I tried to reach jugglers and couchsurfing.com to find somewhere I might stay over; the last night was quite cold, I was not able to get anyone. 
     
    I went to the French Quarter and drove around for about 40 minutes looking for somewhere to park, never did. So, I decided to pass by New Orleans and start heading southwest. About 30 miles out I stopped at another McDonalds to connect, finally reached a juggler.

    Kyle Johnston and David Chervony are two local jugglers in New Orleans. We met up yesterday and I did coaching on their juggling.

    Feeling quite cold, alone and lonely out here currently. It was nice in the summer/fall to visit national parks and such. Now I am not having fun, sort of regretting  I have chosen this lifestyle.

    Jan 8–Still in New Orleans. Kyle has a second house which he rents out, he acquired this recently. I am staying in this cold empty house sleeping in a sleepy bag on my pad. Nothing in the house, at all, just me. Every morning I go over to a McDonalds, which is a half mile away, to get on their wifi. Kyle and I have gone on a couple bike rights around the French Quarter and New Orleans.

    The weather is still dismal here, as is my outlook. Although, yesterday was sunny, I painted part of my van that needed a touchup.

    The reason I have not written very much for my blog is because I am bottled up here, waiting until February 2, when I have to be back in Mobile, Alabama.

    You read of the accident I was in a few weeks ago while in Mobile, Alabama. Here is what occurred: I was driving in the rain on a curvy road with walls on both sides of the roadway. I took a turn wrong and hit the person in the lane coming toward me. 
     
    Something I did not tell you before: with nowhere to pull over because of the walls on both sides, I just kept driving, and kept driving. Not trying to get away, but my mind just went crazy momentarily and I did not know what to do. The cops eventually caught up with me and had me follow them back to where the occurrence occurred.

    I made sure I apologized wholeheartedly to the women I hit. She saw how upset I was and gave me a hug. I also sent her a card to apologize the following day.

    I ended up getting a ticket for leaving the scene of an accident. So embarrassing  and upsetting for me, I do not know what to do or think. Of course, I will be there before the judge on Feb 2, hoping for the best. In fact, I wrote a nice letter to him and sent it a few days ago explaining myself, trusting this will help.

    As you have read from my past writings, in 2012 I had to spend a month in jail on a false charge; this was the worst month of my life. I am just concerned that seeing the judge might lead me back to jail. 
     
    Dire thoughts running rampant in my mind–my driver license being taken away, my insurance being cancelled, going to jail and losing everything, and more. Not having a home and living in my van, I have nothing else.

    Between here and Mobile is De Soto National Park. I think I will go there soon and spend time before Feb 2, but expecting cold.

    Since Tina left me I have found little joy in life.

    In the end nothing matters–because you are dead.

    Sorry if these words I wrote bother you.

    Bye for now>>>>>>>>>>Kit

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