Wondering – an “Ole Hippie”

Ben, in his yesterday’s blog “An Older Texan Remembers”, said that I “Would fit right in as an Ole Hippie”. Well, let me explain it like I did the other day.

My wife and I were walking through a flea market last Sunday and as I walked past an older couple’s table the guy says, “There goes an ole hippie”. I stopped and laughed and told him that I was not an old hippie but a NEW HIPPIE. I explained to him that I never had long hair in the past and because of my work, had to keep neat and trimmed everyday. So when I turned 65, I quit cutting both my hair and my beard. So, that makes me a “new hippie”.

Do you all remember “Woodstock”? That was supposed to be the pinnacle of the hippie movement. Well, at that time I was working hard to make a living for me and my family. Yep, I had a wife (the same one) and two boys at that time. The oldest boy was just a little over 4 years old and the youngest was only a month or so old. I was never a hippie, any way, I liked country music.

I grew up with parents that wouldn’t allow long hair on boys. Although I didn’t want really long hair, I did want was in style at the time. No, just had a “normal” looking hair cut about every three or four weeks. So, after all those years of looking neat, when I turned 65 I just wanted to let everything grow while I still had a few hairs left. Must say, it is a new and interesting life (grin). My wife does not like it and wants it all cut, but so far, I have been able to hold on to the long hair.

Wonder how long it will take to have hair as long as Crystal Gayle’s. She has to carry the end of it in her pocket to keep from tripping over it. Wow, didn’t know hair could grow that long. Nah, don’t want that, it would be way too hard to handle, for sure.

There is method to my madness. I figure that long hair and a long beard will take everyone’s attention off the fact that I am ugly. It seems to be working, so far. Now that I mentioned that, don’t look too hard at me. . .

You need to see today’s “Coffee with the Hermit”. He is remembering the old Burma Shave signs. Boy does that bring back memories. Always loved those signs. Do you remember Hee Haw, the TV show? On RFDTV they are showing that old show again. They have a take-off on the Burma Shave signs to introduce Buck Owens when he is about to sing one of his songs. Sure wish I could go back to the “good ole days”.