A Bit Of An Update

Currently at my friend's house, getting the van straightened up and cleaned. The Sovereign Afscootistan Conversion Van Of Wonders has learned a new trick...to not show me the operating temperature. I think it's some manner of Human/Machine Telepathic Link experiment.

I prefer to just see the thing. Anyhow.....

Will be pretty busy the next few days and tomorrow will post a much longer entry.

Thanks for reading....

Until Next Time.....

Ok, Here's The Plan.....

Now that the closing of Camp Scooter:SouthEast, Afscootistan (A.H.A.) is fait accompli, I find myself having to implement my plans a fair bit ahead of schedule. What I had hoped to do was accumulate resources for the necessary start up expenses. I did one gig as a Lab Rat that I'll tell you about in a future post....it was REALLY interesting and cool...but it isn't enough.

I mean, whatever really is?

One goal, aside from finding a permanent place to reside and career to resume or begin, is attending Glenn Beck's "Restoring Love" event in Dallas this coming July. The plan is to find day work for myself, leading up to the event, and chronicle the adventure online. "Earn" my way there, as it were. I plan on advertising myself and seeking out opportunities around the country, particularly with entrepreneurs and unique start ups that exemplify The American Spirit and enterprise. Additionally, I would be visiting people and groups doing the good, hard work of helping others.

Since appearing on Beck's radio show this past November and December, a number of people have told me to kinda collect them along the way, creating a "caravan" heading to Texas this summer. The target time frame for this to begin, travel wise, was between the end of March, but certainly before April 15th. That would give me time to find and vet any leads for work, raise cash and support, then head out.

I guess there is a reason for God choosing to fold up the tents now. I am hoping to discover it sooner, not later! Divine intervention is certainly welcomed.

I have necessities and niceties, for which, some help would be appreciated. I have been really reticent to use this podium for gathering support in the past. But time is short.....

FULL DISCLOSURE: I do have a place to go to, so habitat is not an issue. I am also not shaving....odd little ritual...until I arrive at the new place. Fresh location, fresh look. (Yeah, I know...goofy)

And the friends I have had the pleasure to have met over time, please stop by, if for no other reason than to say howdy and good luck.

My next posting will be seeking the coast to coast opportunities that will pepper my path to Dallas. Thus, if any of you know of new venture start ups or charitable efforts I should reach out to, please let me know. Feel free to inform your connections of what I am seeking as well.

And please, continue to keep good thoughts for this, your humble narrator. I admit to this being a bit unnerving as I head into the unknown. But, as with anything worthwhile, nothing ventured and all that.

Until next time....

It Was A Nice Run, Wasn't It?

BIG change coming to your humble narrator. Been given the word I have to skedaddle by the 17th of March.

Before any of my friends and followers here take aim at the authorities that be, pause a for a sec......

I've been living here at Camp Scooter:SouthEast, Afscootistan (A.H.A.) for just under a year and a half. As I have oft stated, people in and around me have been VERY nice and supportive. The police have been great and protective, and the property owners, at minimum, tolerant.

They aren't the ones pushing this.

It's a few taxpayers who have been....vigorous...in expressing their...disdain....for the situation. And I can understand their frustration, what with the outrageous property taxes citizens here pay. Based on my own situation, I have "saved" (read: not had to spend) $24,000.00 in property taxes alone by residing in The Sovereign Conversion Van Of Wonders.

So they decided to harass the property managers to give me the heave ho. Even though I was costing them , nothing.

Que Sera.

Now if I was a different type of person, with no goals or ambitions, I would seek out a roof at a shelter. According to this report, putting someone up at a shelter "...can cost taxpayers $75 to $105 per night..." as opposed to the zero cost for me.

How's that math work out for you guys? Let me know, will ya'?

To the contrary, what money I do get, either by effort or offering, I would spend locally. For food, gas, etc. And yes, I have gotten some public assistance...the absolute minimum, while shunning other entitlements I was encouraged or mandated to apply for. I had a woman once cuss me out because I refused to "say what I had to" (read:LIE) to get disability. Absolutely true story!

Now, I had been telling folks up here that I planned on leaving sometime between the end of March to no later than April 15th, tax day. This pushes my plans WAY up, and puts me in an awful bind. Unlikely, without some REAL BIG TIME "Divine Intervention", will I be prepared to head out. But it is what it is.

I can tell you, I'll miss this place.

I was safe here! That's the biggest thing. Been in this town 29 years, same house for 27, and the powers that be knew me well. Plus, old friends and neighbors were a cell call away if I needed some immediate assistance.

I helped a lot of people and a lot of people helped me. I made friends and supporters. The merchants here are friendly to me and would always ask how am I faring, especially during the winter months.

I trained a few of the seagulls here to eat out of my hand. Saw sunsets that would leave you breathless, and more than a couple HUGE rainbows that look like a Hollywood special effect.

Plus, I was mere steps away when The McRib was in season! (McRib Saves Lives)

As of this writing, I have just under 7 days to be ready to leave. I will either thrive or die. It's that basic. Fortunately, the weather in the near term is expected to be uniquely warmish for this time of year. That's an absolute bonus.

I had 2 projects I was working on, and hoped they would come to fruition...and may still ...but I doubt in time to be any help right away.

Maybe this coming Friday the 16th I'll host a "kegger". St. Patty's is the next day, after all. If you feel at all inclined to help out, please email me from here or stop by.

Until next time.....