Something Funny Happened
on the Way to My 80th Birthday
by
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Even a Good Bird Can Make a Bad Tern Up North in Alaska one beautiful fall eve, a majestic flock of terns prepared to leave on their unbelievable migration of thousands of miles from Alaska to the tropics, over land, sea and isles. Meanwhile in California, the Sheriff doing his duty made a huge pot bust and hauled off his booty to an incinerator with a chimney so high that the smoke wouldn’t harm folks passing by. The burning contraband turned the sky black and blue, while on the horizon, our terns came into view. They were magically drawn to the smoke it seems, an amazing event defying our wildest dreams. In a formation so tight it appears they are cloned flew straight into the smoke, leaving not a tern un-stoned. Excerpt from Chapter: Mother’s Family— My birth and childhood coincided with the great depression. I’m sure a lot of people have considered me bad news. My parent’s failed marriage added to the economic misery, but Mother never let us feel fear or be depressed over our circumstances. In the thirties, there were very few jobs even for the men of the home. Women stayed home and cared for the children. When Dad left for good, Mother had to find work. At first, the only thing available was domestic. Most jobs were temporary. I can remember her working in homes where there was a new baby or the housewife was sick. Sometimes she took in ironing. I learned about one desperate time, long after it occurred. Mother hadn’t worked for several weeks and we were completely out of groceries. She learned about a house cl
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About the Book
Some of Elmer’s poems were getting lost so family and friends urged him to write a book to preserve them. Finally in 2007, Elmer decided to write the book. But rather than just preserve the poems, he decided to also include vignettes of memories as a child of the Great Depression, World War II, career, second courtship and life as an innkeeper.
The memories reflect Elmer’s strict Christian upbringing, years of rebellion, then a return to his spiritual roots. The poems sandwiched between the vignettes run from the nearly risqué to spiritual. Most of the old stories set to verse are meant to amuse you and Elmer’s memories may remind you of your own.
About the Author
Elmer Mulhausen is a native of Oklahoma City and a Marine Corps veteran. He retired in 1993 from his career as an agency executive for the State Farm insurance Companies. He had enjoyed a satisfying career having served 34 years In Oklahoma, Missouri and finally Texas.
Upon retirement, Elmer and his wife Evelyn did all of the active retirement things including extensive travel for five years. Then Evelyn suddenly passed away leaving Elmer alone after 50 years of marriage.
Elmer started writing cowboy type poetry as part of his grief recovery. Elmer married Jo Ann Albright in July, 2000. She wasn’t ready to retire, so they bought a large home on Lake Whitney, Texas then renovated it into Lakehaven Bed & Breakfast Inn. Elmer celebrated his 80th birthday in May, 2008. He enjoys hosting old and new friends as they visit Lakehaven.