Diary from Psycho Mountain

[Andy]

April 23, 04

I woke this morning only to discover that several third world drug dealers are in the area. Last night they got into my quarters, drank my liquor, did my drugs and ate my breakfast. If security isn?t beefed up I many have to find other accommodations.

Yesterday the old men who have gathered here were telling war stories, that was expected. However by sundown the humor had drained out of it. One could see and even feel the sadness as the stories became more morose. It became necessary to change the mood.

Hence, in an effort to lift the spirits of these former warriors I fired a handgun into the woods. They jumped in unison and complained but once they knew no one was shooting at them the mood changed. That short adrenalin rush brought them up but was soon replaced with relaxation. Being old and relaxed was good for all of them. It also had the effect of sobering up some of these men, not me but some of them.

Three kinds beer, Polish Brandy, Moonshine, Jack Daniels, and some kind of rum, it was like a frat party for serious drinkers. Sid?s camp had become Delta House and it was an obligation for someone to impersonate John Belushi. OK a very old John Belushi.

That was also the night we met Woody, Lance and Lee. It looked like trouble when these country boys stepped out of their pick-up trucks. Each was clad in a white t-shirt, overall jeans and a hat with the name of their favorite pesticide embossed on the front of it. Woody brought the Shine, a gallon jug. Woody appeared friendly but anyone with biceps more than 24 inches around has to be watched. It seemed obligatory to take a pull or 10 off that jug. One would not want to anger Woody, handcuffs would not have fit around his wrists.

The three country boys got into an argument over exactly were the movie Deliverance was filmed. Larry egged them on and even suggested they interrupt their drinking by driving to the area where the movie was made. None of them took the bait. Each kept a can of beer or a bottle of hard stuff in their hand as they told us about their sheep, transmission problems or getting hands caught in machines.

Bob mentioned several times that he had had three wives. He didn?t mention if they were his own wives when he had them but we didn?t want to ask any potentially embarrassing questions. Bob looks like a cop (Sheriff) but it was nice, no one held it against him.

I should write more, talk about all who were there but my med?s are kicking in again. Maybe a longer diary entry tomorrow.