Here it is all my Streamer friends . . . yes! Another Blue Monday, a beautiful summer day here in the great northwest. Seems sorta like a Watermelon Man kind of day and no one does it quite like Jimmy Smith and his amazing B-3 Hammond. Enjoy! And have yourself a peaceful, easy Blue Monday! I'm off for another day of blood, sweat and broken machines at the foundry.

    If life is a journey, then death must surely be the destination. When I was young there were circumstances I encountered that led me to wonder if life was truly worth living. By the time I was sixteen I realized it is. It was then when I left home to explore the world I inhabit. Filled with hopes and dreams and plans, I left a small, farm town in northern Washington and travelled south to the San Francisco Bay.
    Within a matter of days, I discovered the difference between the world I perceived and what actually was. I met people at their best and I met people at their worst. I met a blind man who taught me how to truly listen and truly feel.
    Learning to listen was one of many gifts I acquired along life's highway. The sounds of a person dying, the sounds of new life just beginning. The sounds of hatred, the sounds of love, the sounds of loneliness and the sounds of love at it's purest and most profound. These sounds became the signposts I followed as I travelled that long, lonesome highway.
    I discovered the magic of body language. I learned to read the subtle words spoken by the body in movement and mannerisms. I came to value what I sensed, what I felt through another's eyes. These non-verbal bits of communication became the sextant I came to trust as I set sail from one port in life to another.
    I tasted the flavors of friendship and love in all it's many splendored forms as I travelled on through moonless nights and blazing, sunny days. There were times when I felt starved for affection and times when I was no longer hungry for friendship or love.
    The time came when I discovered the road I travelled isn't infinite. There is a destination. I began to accept my immortality. I realized the highway of life really does have mileage signs mixed in with all the other sign posts along the way.
    By the time my journey took me to the late 1990's, I realized how fortunate I'd been to travel as far as I had. It was nearing the new millenium. To be alive to celebrate the arrival of that momentous point in time would surely be an amazing and priceless gift from the gods. Of that I was sure.
    I was alive for that amazing moment and celebrated the arrival of the new millenium with my soulmate and many good friends at a rockin' old roadhouse down on Highway 99. That night I decided I'd continue to celebrate every birthday I was alive for. And I have.
    Over the years I've come to deeply appreciate life and the journey that it is. But I never lost sight of the fact it really is just a journey. Death is the destination. A destination considered by most everyone as an ending. A final port of call.
    For me death is simply a port of magnificent proportion. A portal to another lifetime, another journey, followed by yet another final destination. An infinite progression transcending time and space.
    When I die I want it to be right there on the top deck of the master cast furnace, wrenches in my hand. And when I die I want my soulmate to celebrate our life together and know we've journeyed together through lifetimes before and will again. I want my friends to celebrate our journey together, celebrate the many miles and the myriad smiles we've all shared together.
    When I die there'll be a child born to carry on. That child might just be me. All a part of something amazing and magical. A child born to a different journey, but the same final destiny.

If you ever wonder what true friendship looks like, it might just be something like this.

    If you ever have occasion to book passage on that magical, mystical conveyance known as the Hitchcock Railway, you might here music something like this.

    I came to the Stream to write. When I first set sail here I had no idea I’d soon find a virtual family, a communal confluence of hearts and minds, an enclave if you will. A place where I could share the magic of the Hitchcock Railway, reminisce about years spent working on the road, explore new horizons and let the words just spill out’ve my head.
    There’s been some adversity along the way, but it always seems to subside soon enough. Maybe not as soon as it should, but eventually the Stream flows on and washes the negativity away. The purpose of my post isn’t to dwell on the unpleant moments.
    It’s time to celebrate all the good people I’ve met here on the Stream . . . so . . . .  here goes in no particular order. I’m sure you’ve discovered just how random Captain Morgan can be. Pull up a chair and make yourselves comfortable on Captain Morgan’s backporch. There’s room enough for all of you!
    First things first. None of this would’ve happened without love and encouragement from my soulmate, lover and best friend, Mrs Morgan. When Chey’s wrestling career was flying high it was I who was the wind beneath her wings. When I decided to begin writing again it was she who was the wind beneath my wings. My book would have never been published without her and I’d have left my writing behind. 
    My dear friend Coloconnect. You were the first to befriend me when I came to the Stream and our friendship has grown strong since those early days. I’ve watched your journey rise in the sky like a new morning sunrise. Your posts have been a source of inspiration and fascination.
    My amazing friend, Kristin. You’ve brought me more smiles than I deserve and shared parts of your world that gave me the perspective I was searching for. Your posts brightened my mood on the tough nights working in the foundry and it was you who inspired the convergence of destiny and chemistry.
    Belle and her Yankee. The two of you have reminded me just how incredible the magic can be when soulmates unite. Sharing all that happiness means more to me than I can explain in words.
    Prank and Mr. happy. You’re one hell of a good friend! The fun we had doing the Blog Inquirer interviews on Lucy’s blog will always be some of my fondest memories.
    Sweet SixFootBlond. It’s easy for me to see why Prank was mesmerized by your aura! You’re one rockin’ lady! May the music always play for you! The warmth of your smile makes me believe in global warming for sure!
    BigChris, RE Knowlton and Adam Warlock. My Blues Brothers! Three of the coolest guys on the Stream and damn good friends. I’d trade my front seat in hell for a chance to spend an evening hangin’ with the three of you!
    Shibari. You’re beautiful through and through. Sexy and playful, honest and open, you never fail to bring me a big smile and you’re a really special friend. There’s happiness on your horizon and I can’t think of anyone who deserves long-lasting happiness more than you!
    Cuddle40. My good friend and shipmate. You’re welcome aboard any time my friend. May the skies smile on you wherever you choose to sail.
    Ice and Puppy. You’ve both been good friends to me. Your posts intrigue me always and make me smile many times.
    Scratch. You’re an amazing friend! Your posts have intrigued me more times than I can count and the conversations we’ve shared in chat never failed to bring me a smile.
    Rosie. Your posts have intrigued and fascinated me from the first time I read your blog. You’re a talented writer, a wonderful lady and you’ve got a voice to die for!
    BigAl. Your sense of humor and your kind comments on my posts have brought me many smiles. You, my friend, are part of what makes the Stream so special!
    Secret -Victoria’s First and Randy. Two of the most wonderful and delightful people on the Stream and both of you are real special to me!
    Nursey and Hook. My way cool Streamer friends, funny and warn and good friends through and through. The Stream would surely lose some of it’s magic without you two here!
    ChandaBear and Buffalo Rob. Good gawd, you two, the fun we could have hang’n out on the porch together. Our conversations could last for days and we’d probably end up with broken ribs from laughing so hard.
    Biggie T and Marc. Two of the finest friends the old Captain could ever hope for right here on the Stream. Watching you two take what began as a dream and a concept to reality and a business of your own brings me smiles with every new morning sunrise. I’m proud to have you both as good friends.
    Bella. Ahhhh sweet Bella! Sexy from head to feet, your brilliance and humor never fail to make my endorphins dance.
    Polar Bear. It’s just possible you and I rode the high desert mountain ranges together in a past life. We share much and you’re a special friend to the old captain.
        Whit. Brilliant, compassionate, delightfully witty and a man I’m proud to call a friend. An afternoon spent sharing coffee and conversation would be like a little slice of heaven!
    Daisy. We share a common addiction, you and I. We’re both addicted to learning.
We thrive on discovery and exploring the wonders of all that surround us. I often find myself lost in thought as I read your posts. So much so that I forget to comment. I hope our friendship’s strong enough to allow you to forgive my oversight. You are a warm, funny and positively brilliant woman who I’m glad to have as a friend here on the Stream.
    BluMoon. Sweet Maria! You are an amazing friend and a real special part of the Stream. It prob’ly doesn’t seem like it right now, but I sense a lot of happiness in your future. The day will surely come when all the tears you shed are tears of joy!
        Cracker. Your as real as any friend I’ve ever had and I’m forever thankful I've had the good fortune to meet you here on the Stream.
    Mackezie. Mac, you and I share a love for writing! The day will come when you unleash all the magic and wonder inside you and the world will discover what I already know. You’re an amazing woman and a gifted writer!Your friendship means more to me than I can find the words to describe.
    Whispered Promise and Matthew. You and your soulmate are warm, loving and wonderful. I value your friendship and love discovering new horizons every time I read your posts.
        Sherry’s Cherries. Your posts always bring me smiles Sherry and many times give me a fresh perspective on all those signposts I see out on life’s highway. I’m proud to have you as a friend!
    ValAnne, Celtic Mist and DragonFlower. There’s always a special place here on Captain Morgan’s back porch for each of you. You’re all good friends and sharing coffee and conversation with you all would surely make my endorphins dance!
    RiverRat and Jonnie. You both capture pure magic in your photographs and I never tire of viewing them. I am in awe of your amazing talents and consider myself a lucky man to have you as friends.
    Journey of Thade. Jackie, your writing intrigues me in ways I can’t explain and I find myself lost in a wonderful world of magic when I read your posts. Your writing is an amazing gift and I’m thankful you’ve chosen to share it with us here on the Stream.
    Miss Lou and GM. You two are really special friends. Your posts always bring me smiles. Your friendship means the world to me and the Stream just wouldn’t be the same without the two of you here.
    Gina. You’re aura is like a soft wind on the Stream, mysterious and magical and truly special. I consider myself REALLY fortunate to have you as a friend. Your visits to my blog always brings me a smile.
    Sybil. You capture the essence of magic in ways that never fail to fascinate me. There will always be a place for you here on the Ponderosa Back Porch and your visits to my blog always bring me a smile.
    KK Taylor. My sister-in-law by proxy and a real special friend. You’ve shared much with Chey and I and you’re an awesome lady. Your friendship means the world to me.
    Moonsilver. Your presence on the Stream’s like a new morning sunrise. Your warm and thoughtful posts always bring me a quiet smile. You’re a real special friend and there’ll always be a place for you here on Captain Morgan’s back porch!
    Pyewacket. Pye, I’ve shared your journey with you since you came to the Stream and I am always amazed by the strength of your convictions and the eloquence of your words. You will always be a special friend to me.
    HeatherScot. You are one intriguing woman Heather and I’m forever thankful I have you for a friend here on the Stream. You’ve shared much here on the Stream and I’ve learned to see the world in many new ways thanks to you. I’d consider it an honor to share some Earl Grey and conversation with ya on the Ponderosa Back Porch.
    Robin. You’ve paid more than your share of dues and you’ve got so much going for you it’s hard to know where to begin. You have a special kind of magic that makes the world a special place to be. Thank you for sharing your magic and thank you for sharing your friendship. It means more to me than I can describe.
    JoesBlog. Joe, I’m fairly sure Kerouac’s spirit is alive and well in you and I. I sense that you and I have made a lot of the same stops along life’s highway and probably hung out in the same roadhouses a time or two. I’m proud and happy to consider you a good friend!
    MajorPain. I’ve known some good men in my lifetime, but none better than you my friend. I’m honored to consider you a good friend and you’re welcome here on the back porch any time!
    RitaB and Rusty. I can’t imagine the Stream without you two! I’ve shared smiles and laughter with you more times than I can count. You’ve been the inspiration behind many of my inventions and your friendship means more to me than I can explain in words.
    Even though they’re no longer on the Stream, there are friends I’ve made that I miss terribly. Mary Elizabeth, I miss your exhuberance and how you always embrace life and all it has to offer. Sherrena, the moments in your life that you shared with us on the Stream never failed to make me smile. CindyLou, my Tiger Lily and friend. May all the happiness and good things be yours. You’re a real special friend to Chey and I. Renegade, I often wonder how life’s going for you and I miss your smiling face here on the Stream. It’s just not the same without you. DonutsAreMyLife. Good gawd we shared a bunch of laughs together. I will forever be in your debt for all the laughter you brought me and our friendship is alive and well, no matter where you go!
    There you have it, my Streamer friends. I salute each and every one of you. My list is by no means complete. There are many other friends here on the Stream that I want to mention, but my fingers are about to fall off and my post just keeps growing. Be patient with me. I’ll surely make more posts like this as time goes by.
    If I had one wish in the world, it would be that Chey and I could spend time with all of you here on the Ponderosa back porch. You ALL are very special people and very much a part of Captain Morgan’s virtual family here on the Stream.