The Lighter Side: I’ve Lived a Lot in My Time

In writing a column, it’s not easy to resist the temptation of writing too much about yourself.

But here it goes: “I’ve Lived a Lot in My Time” – a song title by Jim Reeves.

• My biography is in the Library of Congress.
• For three years, I served in the U.S. Navy as a fire controlman aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Valley Forge. I rode the moody oceans of the world about the hazy gray colors of the carrier.
• I transited the Panama Canal.
• I’ve driven over the ridge of the Continental Divide.
• I crossed the International Date Line.
• I was a grand marshal in a July 4th veterans parde.
• I shook hands with astronaut Dick Gordon.
• I saw the moon rocks.
• I shook hands with a sitting President.
• I was interviewed by the BBC.
• I have seen the British royal jewels.
• I had the opportunity to visit a private salt mine.
• I attended a Willie Nelson birthday party that included George Jones, Emmalou Harris, Johnny Paycheck and Asleep at the Wheel.
• I performed on the stage at the Grand Ole Opry (a cappella, of course.)
• I had an acquaintance with former Governor and country singer Jimmie Davis. His fiddle player, Doc Guidry, was a friend of mine from my home town.
• I saw the original draft of “You Are My Sunshine.”
• I play two musical instruments.
• I am a member of the Cajun French Music Association.
• I am a charter contributor to the Cajun Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
• I attended a performance of the Louisiana Hayride.
• I was a contestant in the 1990 International Cajun Storytelling Contest.
• Last, but certainly not least, I have been married to a goodhearted woman for over 70 years.

Good day, and God Bless.