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Good morning sweet Soo! by Skipper Dave

Skipper Dave posted his first comment on SooToday.com over five years ago. He made his SooToday.com debut on a Wednesday morning, in November of 2007.
Skipper Dave posted his first comment on SooToday.com over five years ago. 
 
He made his SooToday.com debut on a Wednesday morning, in November of 2007. 
 
In short order the Skip became a well-liked member to many who frequent our online comment sections. 
 
We enjoyed reading his musing on politics, or retirement, humorous childhood memories, and matters of the heart.
 
Skipper Dave shared his life with us in two thousand nine hundred and sixty five posts.
 
Only but a snippet of Skipper Dave`s words are compiled below, words to live by this Christmas season.
 
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Monday Dec. 24 2007 - The true meaning of Christmas!

I don't know if there is or isn't a God!

I live life like there is and hope in the end he will find favor with me.

If not I will have made a lot of friends along the way.....Ernie L.

Thursday Jan. 21 2007- Angels: I don't know your names but your act of kindness touched myself and loved ones deeply.

Yesterday morning at 8:15 a.m. I came down the hill on Goulais avenue.

I had my loved ones in the car. We ran into a whiteout and a deep snowdrift that buried my little SUV.

Three trucks were waiting on the other side of the drift.

With a sinking heart and a complete sense of powerlessness I realized I was hung up and truly stuck.

One of the trucks quickly turned around and backed up.

Somebody else produced a towing strap and a young man who said he was a mechanic hooked it up to the towing hooks on the car.

After five or six good pulls the 4x4 walked us out of the snowdrift.

Wow! What I expected to happen was the trucks carefully picking their way around our stranded car and being on their way.

Didn't happen.

Gentleman you may or may not read this but thank you.

Thank you for traveling the road less traveled.

What a nice town to live in and come from.

I only hope I can do for someone else what you guys did for myself and my loved ones.

We would not have been on the road except our house was without power and the temperature was rapidly dropping, we decided that getting us and the children to warmer, safer surroundings was the correct thing to do.

Right or wrong down the hill we came.

Tuesday Dec. 9 2008- Sad News!

The Supreme Court has ruled that there cannot be a Nativity Scene in Canada's capital.

It isn't for religious reasons, they simply can't find three wise men.

P.S. There was no problem, however, finding enough asses to fill the stable.

Wednesday Dec. 27 2008 - A tale worth the telling.         

We have a man whom I will call Down Easter.

Down Easter has had to my knowledge two full time jobs for about twenty nine years.

He has worked at the plant and been the loyal devoted caretaker of his life partner who has been wheelchair bound for more years than I can remember.

Her health has deteriorated and his one wish was to retire and both of them go back home.

He was told that he just missed qualifying for the retirement package being offered.

The good folks at HR felt bad but their hands were tied.

Do you know what that crazy bugger did on Monday?

Went and won a $100,000 tax free in the lottario!

And you think there's no Santa,

Shame on you.
 
Thursday Dec. 25 2008 - Merry Christmas, we hope the spirit of Santa came to all of you!

I'm listening to Bing in the background, Penny is preparing the stuffing, I got a hug from the kids and a lick from the dog, fresh mug in my hand, it just doesn't get much better than that.

The only thing missing is a soft snowfall and a call from my adult children, the both of which I have expectations of coming to fruition.

Wednesday Dec. 31 2008 - I hope you have someone to scratch the itches you cannot reach.

I hope you have access to wide eyed kids who loved to be hugged, to some mangy old dog who wags his tail for you no matter what.

Some special friend who calls because he hasn't heard from you in awhile.

I leave you good folks with the wisdom of one Ernie L. who is no longer with us.

"I don't know if there is or isn't a God but I will act as if there is so that in the end, if there is than he will find favor with me and if there's not than I will have made a lot of friends along the way"

Monday Oct. 5 2009 - Farewell Hilton Beach, once again I entrust into your capable hands the love of my life, for a winter's slumber.

This past Saturday the crane showed up and signaled the grand finale of the season.

From the water she was plucked to sit in silence and wait once again.

I'm always moved by the community spirit that makes us wannabees so welcome.

Even met Spellchecker this summer, he was there at the dock to catch a line as I demonstrated my less than stellar skills of controlled crashes that pass for docking and usually brings out a crowd of enthusiastic volunteers to assist in order to minimize the damage from friendly fire.

And only for those who know me I give new meaning to the phrase "sailing single handed".

Thanks Hilton Beach - the best kept little secret in all the north channel.
 


Saturday Oct. 24. 2009 - Retirement - My parents definition (I'm 62) of retirement was not to have to go to work.

They both hated what they had to do to make a living.

Retirement meant sitting in a rocker on the porch.

I love going to work and consider it one part of many that keeps me engaged and plugged into life!

I hope to retire a year before I expire.

When I leave this career I intend to seek another far different than this one. It's not about the money it's about being engaged with life.

What does frighten me is the people who can't wait to be finished and fall into an abyss.

I think we're in a transition state where retirement is being redefined.

Much like our modern families are now blended.

You may not like it, but change is good donkey!

Carl Jung, when asked "what were the primary needs of mankind" responded "to be loved and to work".

Pretty simple!

Now if you hate your career, take the steps to correct it.
 
Thursday Dec. 24 2009 - To all the regulars who contribute to this site - Thank you for the entertainment, the thought provoking responses and to some of you, thanks for the twisted redneck biased comments that assure me I am doing well.

Thank you Tommy Douglas where ever you are!

Thursday Dec. 31 2009
 
Imagine there's no heaven, It's easy if you try
No hell below us. Above us only sky
Imagine all the people. Living for today...

Imagine there's no countries, It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for, and no religion too
Imagine all the people. living life in peace...

You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions, I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger, a brotherhood of man

Imagine all the people, sharing all the world...
You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one

I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will live as one

Sunday Dec 19. 2010 - "Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children." First Nations Proverb
 

Saturday Jan. 2 2010 - Anybody remember outdoor toilets on mornings like this?
 
Also the coal shed was a respectable distance from the house, and we took turns making that run.

Of course if you were on the coal run to refill the Kabeck heater and kitchen stove, you got to sit with your feet in the oven while she warmed up.

Wonder if we knew we were responsible for heating up the planet?

Saturday Dec. 25 2010 - Merry Christmas to all - And I'm not asking my spouse to cook the turkey the way Mom did.

My Mom had seven boys who thought nothing of having the world wrestling tournament in her living room so watching supper cook was not high on her radar.

And everything she cooked was a burnt sacrifice fit for the Gods!

Mom specialized in quantity not quality.

For anyone who is alone, just make it another day.

Go to a movie or read a trashy book!

Sunday Jan. 2 2011 - Good morning sweet Soo - Well it's over - the most stressful time of the year.

We have survived and now it's time to look at the damage.

I'll pop out this morning and hit the ATM to practice some creative accounting.

I, like some others was easily goaded by Madison Avenue into spending more than I planned.

Buying love, aint it grand?

Purchasing gifts for people I'm not even sure I like!

Every year I gripe and complain about how shallow and commercialized Christmas has become and every year I fight the crowds at the mall in a frantic frenzy of Visa viscarriage. (Just made that word up Spelly).

And using a little plastic card makes it so easy!

It's not real, and my, how my math skills tumble with plastic.

Resolution - Be it resolved that in 2011 to exchange hugs and only hugs at Christmas. (ya right)

P.S. - Is buying a Lotto Max ticket considered good financial planning?????

Saturday Jan. 15 2011- Bald is beautiful - Tells you something about me!

Actually here's my theory. Darwin would agree.

Caveman - knuckles dragging on the ground and body hair like a grizzly. Homes erect us evolved = Tall, bald and slim with a surplus of hormones and little body hair.

I rest my case!

Me and Telly Savalis and Mr.Clean and the late Yule Brenner.

Saturday Dec. 17 2011 - I had a wonderful Irish aunt who never married and devoted her life to her brothers family.

She attended mass every single day while her health lasted.

As she lay dying of cancer I could sense her fear and doubt concerning her faith.

So the old adage about there are no atheist's in a fox hole is goofy logic.

Everyone in a fox hole is riddled with doubt as to the validity of heaven.

Religion is not always successful in chasing away the boogey man.

We are all going to die, and it's a journey you do alone.

So how are you going to live until then?

Saturday Dec. 24 2011 - Good morning sweet Soo!

Communicated with my two oldest daughters and sent them each a Dad love note.

They are my first loves and this year the youngest is staying in San Francisco with her new baby and my eldest is in hog town to see her Mom.

Ever since my first family went thru a reorganization I try to make a point of not pressuring them for my turn.

It's paid off a thousand times over.

So Christmas is a time of mixed emotions for me.

Call me Scrooge, but peace and serenity were always strangers to my family of origin.

Now I have a wonderful misses and step-kids in my life and I treasure them, but my mind wonders down the road of Christmas past, and I am saddened.

So for all those who are lonely or sad - It's only one day and you can make it.

Go to a show, go down on Queen Street and shout obscenities till the police take you up to SAH's psych unit.

That would be a hoot.

Go volunteer at the soup kitchen.

Above all treat yourself with gentleness.

Maybe a manly bubble bath with scented candles and my favourite meal, a bowl of cake icing with a side order of KFC chicken skins.

And if no one has told you today, then let me be the first - You are loved and you are loveable!

Sunday Aug 12 2012 - Good morning sweet Soo!

From the unassuming bungalow located in the rural west end of Salt Saint Marie.

Think I'll park my butt on a tractor today and cut the weeds in the yard.

Oh ya if your looking for the sweetest free artesian well water in town sans chemicals come down second line heading west, turn right on Korah road, go to the juncture of Korah and Moss road, hang a right on Moss, pass the ducky pond and as you approach the little hill on your left is a well worn path to the sweetest well water in town - free!

Take a number and bring big containers cause it flows onto the ground all year long and no meter.

Friday Dec. 21 2012 - Short day at my new office up at the SAH barn. In for a little blood work, god bless little Barb.

Her little sting is hardly felt and I attribute her compassionate handling the main reason my fear of needles has diminished.

On to Chemo with breakfast thrown in.

Two and a half hours of that and a break for lunch - Great egg salad sandwiches washed down with copious amounts of apple juice.

A mental break, then onto Radiation downstairs and if all goes well a short nap before supper when I get home.

Now please don't be telling my co-workers at Essar Engineering that this is how I've been lolly gagging and we could fit him with a PC while he's in the chair.

Honestly guys, miss you and have been meaning to drop in but at the end of my shift I have just enough energy to drive home get a hug from my beloved, change into PJ's and gather the two Maltese for our nap.

Clarification - These updates are not meant to emote sympathy but instead disclose to you how this disease has shown me time and time again what's really real in this world, and how the love and support of friends gives me a peg to hang my hat of hope on.

Hope for what?

That I continue to live long enough to make a difference all the while learning the true meaning of the word love.

It's a verb folks not a noun,

It's something you do.

Yes this is Christmas.

Monday Dec. 24 2012 - Good morning sweet Soo!

To all those who toil on this christmas eve, police, firemen, retailers, paramedics and health care workers.

Thank you, as my good friend Randy says "I wish you peace, peace of mind, peace with your ailments, peace in your family, peace of heart, and a healthy piece of Pumpkin Pie."

Me and my meds have me up early.

The latest approach to chemo side effects is prevention is easier then the cure.

So with the blessing of the medical community I ingest a ton of crap.

Amazing no one has suggested the little brownies as an old hippy they could be worth a walk down memory lane.

Imagine being kind because you want to and not for some reward or merit in an afterlife.

Ernie where are you when I need you?

"I don't know if there is or isn't a higher power but I will keep searching and doubting, if in the end there is then I hope she finds great favour with me and if not I will have made a lot of freinds along the way". - Ernie L.

For those who for reasons, only you know and understand (hospitalized, living on your own without extended family, widowed, separated or divorced) make every effort to try to make it an ordinary day.

Make yourself a terribly comforting breakfast, I'm thinking sausage, home fries, toast and eggs over easy - don't do the dishes till tomorrow.

There are no medals for suffering in silence and no condemnation from this man for being overwhelmed by emotional pain.

There is help.

Trust me as one who has struggled and been hospitalized for depression, emotional pain for me is far deeper then physical pain.

I would rather you chop my one good arm off, than go thru some of the pain I've had to handle on my journey to wellness.

So Christmas is a time of helping, check on the senior down the hall to make sure everything is OK.

To all those who struggle today, be nice to yourself and seek help.

Tuesday Dec. 25 2012 - A little dark bird meat, some dressing and a small scoop of smashed with gravy does not compare to  the appreciation of all the hard work my beloved put into preparing the meal.

I got everything I asked for.

Seventy feet of head sail sheeting.

A pair of Tilly slacks and a green hammock for the boat.

Our two dogs were returned to us after a week at the Sister-in-laws the dog food didn't get returned so the pups will have to have leftovers Aw.

Early to bed this eve and hope you the same.

Wednesday Dec. 26 2012 - Good morning sweet Soo!

I've been moved to tears by some folks who have gone out of their way to help during these trying times.

Neighbour down the road has shown up with his tractor and blower.

Young colleague at work will be coming over to do the fall tune up on our blower.

Well wishers dropping by.

I've mentioned my sister- in- law adopting our two dogs into their existing pack of two while my beloved struggled with my illness.

Surgery, Sudbury for 21 days, complications from Sudbury surgery and hospital stay here.

Did I mention she runs her own business and parents two of the nicest kids you'll ever meet.

How to measure some people - I've had lots of attention and some of it not warranted.

I'm not brave nor courageous.

The real heroes are those who extend themselves in time of need.

Where in hells name do you think my positive attitude comes from?

My role has been rather simple - put one foot in front of the other and don't forget to breath.

So my beautiful wife who made you the way you are and why was I so fortunate enough to bump into you?

Karma?

Don't know, but your first spouse has become my very best friend (he doesn't know it).

And to all the rest, the body cannot be separated from our spirit and from what I see there is hope for our species, for without hope there is nothing.

Friday Nov. 15 2013 - Good Evening Sweet Soo.

There is a gap that is occurring in my life.

I have informed you folks that I am an Athiest by belief.

I have been following my buddy (Mamma) the Baptist around for seven years, and now there are cracks developing in my Athiest beliefs.

I have now arrived at the conclusion that being in the presence of a baptist is a nice, positive thing.

I am finding comfort in the strength of her beliefs.

Today has been a really trying day for us, the news has not been good.

I continue to seek your support.

Your comments are comforting and bring me warmth and peace.

From Marc Cohn's Walking in Memphis- "Tell me are you a Christian child -and I said, Ma'am I am tonight`
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As it were, November 15 was the last time Skipper Dave posted to his sweet Soo.

The Skipper passed away six days later at A.R.C.H on Thursday November 21 2013

David Michael Roberts (Skipper Dave) 1947 - 2013

His beloved wife Penny (Mamma) gently broke the news to our online community.

Posted at 8:34 a.m. the morning of November 21 by Mamma:

Good Morning Sweet Soo.

The wind was high and the seas were rough.

In the wee hours of the morning the Skipper in my arms, sailed safely into his final harbor.

It is all red skies at night, beam reaches, fair weather and following seas from here on out.

Rest well my Sailor.


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