By the time I get to Houston

I'm heading out soon.

http://www.blueherongallery.net/2014/houston-antiques-art-design-show/

Back on the long dotted white line, into the intense desert heat, across that great abyss and expanse known as West Texas. Lordy, lordy. Three days driving each way. Have to go chase that gelt. Get along little doggies. Lead me through the valley of the shadow of death to the brisket and the good texas ice cream.

Driving by myself, well me and the two cataracts, might be getting a bit of summer cold too, feel something scratchy in the back of my throat. We'll see what happens. I'm not a particularly good long distance man anymore, usually can find me with the windows open slapping myself in the face awake a few times the first day or two. Then I settle in.

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I think that the blog has been a bit of dark of late and guess I apologize for that. If you aren't depressed right now, maybe you just aren't paying attention. The blog has elicited some interesting comments this week, I am told that I am back in form and people have been generally quite complimentary, if not forgiving.

In the spirit of depression, I might as well continue to shpiel.

Got a note yesterday from a friend who has been contemplating suicide, which is tough. This person will go nameless forever, but I empathize. I think suicide is a basic right, when you decide its time to check out it is your decision, but you need to recognize it affects everybody around you. Sometimes people no longer have the strength to fight and some people don't want to walk around zonked out on anti-depressants to kill the pain. People get tired of grinding.

Al checked out a few years ago, a guy who had everything but peace. Told me he wasn't into the material anymore. Planned things out pretty well. I get a little scared now when people tell me that they aren't into the material.

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Suicide is up near 20% in the county this year. Last year 441 San Diego county residents committed the final deed.

“Some people point to the economy, but when we talk about risk factors, what we’re really talking about is life problems — loss of a loved one, financial, relationship problems,” said Stan Collins of the county’s Suicide Prevention Council. “The situation doesn’t matter so much as a person’s inability to cope.”

I think that the economy is a huge factor, people feeling guilt and shame at not being able to adequately provide for themselves and their family. If you are contemplating such an act and need to talk to somebody:

In San Diego County a county-funded crisis hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 888-724-7240. Counselors are also available to chat online through a secure web portal Monday to Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Or you can call me. Mr. Happy.