Fitness and foolish stubborness combined for an awakening in a predawn beach walk run
It Will Change the World
Chapter 43
Early adapters 1998 – Young Tom Parker, Carol, Shiloh, Ruth, JB, Lizzie, and Junior --
I live in the heart of the city,
ain't no coffee shops around
I heard them Google-men drink so much coffee,
I declare, I think they might drown
Ry Cooder – Gentrification Ry Cooder -- The Prodigal Son
It Will Change the World
“You must suffer from boredom here in the no man’s land of Franklin”
“No Aunt Carol I enjoy being here, but it is a real pain in the butt to get here. Fly into Chicago then puddle jump down to rent a car. I get to drive past mile after mile of scenic cornfields, but once I’m here it’s great.”
“Some of those fields have soybeans to relieve the monotony.”
“TMI I do not want to break my level of ignorance about all things yokel.”
“What’s TMI?”
“Too Much Information, JB people usually use it when someone starts into revealing personal intimate details. I am here to help the business like any other business. I do not need to know anything about apples, strawberries, canning jellies and jams, or freezing sweet corn and green beans. If I know too much, I may accidentally reveal it and I will lose my image as a techno nerd. I might end up being accused of being a hick.”
“No one ever accuses us of being a hick do they JB?”
“Of course, not Junior, we got hick printed in big letters across our foreheads.”
“I didn’t mean to insult anyone.”
“Oh, we’re not insulted we got deep hillbilly roots and dern proud of it.”
“Junior has even got that Tennessee thing going. They don’t celebrate Martin Luther King’s Birthday; they celebrate Robert E. Lee’s birthday. Junior does know many fine bourbon makers of small batches. We’re offering them out at the Homestead.”
“My kin think it only fair, King fought for his folk and Lee fought for ours.”
“Junior, I wish you were around when Mark Greene was working on that dissertation for his PhD. I am sure you would have been a case study.”
“I remember Dad complaining about how unfairly Greene was being treated. He got that straightened out, where is Mark now?”
“He’s in Asia, I think he is currently in Vietnam or the Philippines. He did get to work for the foreign service after his charges were cleared.”
“I never wanted to be a lawyer. I know Dad and Grandfather thought it would have been a good choice for me. I do respect what they do. Sometimes lawyers really make a difference in lives.”
“I am here because of our incorporation. This is our annual meeting of Parker Produce and Fruit. Also, I am going to get our website set for online payments.”
"We take credit cards, now?”
“We do Ruth, but this is better we will not have any responsibility for holding credit card information. It will deposit directly into our bank accounts. You even still take checks which no one would believe in New York or California.”
“We’re careful about it.”
“I’ve been working with a company called Confinity; there are big changes coming. We need to be prepared. The company has mergers pending, but our core will still be compatible. I’ll get that done while I’m here.”
“Carol says you are married now Tom. You didn’t mention it last year.”
“My wife is careful about the publicity. We were married a couple of years rather quietly. She has to be gone and I am away. We get together when we can and that is good for both of us.”
“Your wife is an actress?”
“Yes, she’s had several smaller parts. This new project may be a break for her. She still makes good money from that AOL commercial. We met because of her being in it. Code nerds don’t meet actresses too often.”
“Let’s get on to the business. It is holding up dinner. I’ve eaten in so many places but the food here is best. Carol if you can call us to order.”
“The annual meeting of Parker Produce and Fruit is called to order. All shareholders are present, Carol Parker, Tom Parker, Ruth and JB Donaldson, Lizzie and Junior Williams. You’ve all seen the financial reports. We weathered many challenges over the years, but we are steadily gaining revenues. You were also given minutes of our last meeting. What would you like to discuss?
“Ruth”
“Our orders continue to increase. We have been able to add orchards on the new acquired homestead and other produce. It has given us adequate production areas under our control for now. We do not have to rely other producers. The online sales have greatly increased. We are getting better at the shipping and handling process. I never expected much from it when Tom got us on the web, didn’t you call it the web?”
“Probably”
“Anyway, if our orders continue to rise our facilities in Franklin are going to be inadequate. We need to consider expansion. I have put some thought and done some looking around. I think we should consider a facility other than in Franklin. Most of our workers don’t live in Franklin now. There are several buildings either closed manufacturing or other under used facilities in nearby communities. I think we need to research our best alternatives and be prepared to choose next year.”
“Thank you, Ruth that is probably necessary. It will require a reinvestment in buildings and equipment. We will be unprofitable for a year or two. Our full-time employees get retirement and bonuses based on profit sharing we will have to involve them in this decision. Tom are you sure this whole online thing is not going to go poof like our farm did in your game?”
“It didn’t go poof it was crushed by the giant foot of a monster. People loved that scene in our game you find screen grabs all over the Internet. No, we are just beginning; the Internet will change everything especially for businesses. Some of these Internet startups are impractical and will fail. The Internet and the businesses who adapt to it are going to grow.”
“OK sounds like we will need to present proposals next year and be prepared to make a decision. What are your thoughts, Lizzie?”
“Same as Ruth we are outgrowing where we are at and probably there are many choices outside of Franklin. We should look; we could find facilities like we did in Franklin that already have some of our equipment requirements. I must say I’ve been using email and getting on the Internet. Tom’s right it is just getting started; it changes all the time.”
“Thank you, we need to put in a year exploring options and then we can make a solid decision next year. Is there anything else?”
“No. meeting closed, let’s eat.”
“Yes, time to eat. Everything’s ready someone needs to make the gravy that’s an adult’s job.”
“Thank you, Shiloh where are all the other nonadults?”
“Upstairs Tom put in a new video card in our computer it is simply awesome.”
“We’ll be ready soon. All the kids are eating in the kitchen you want to join us in the dining room with the adults your being almost 18 now.”
“Please do Shiloh I’d love to talk with you. This is your last year, you have an aptitude for new technologies.”
“Turning him away from jock to tech nerd, Tom?”
“Shiloh may be good at football, but he’s not a jock in the stereotypical sense.”
“I will sit in the dining room, Mom.”
“Shiloh, go roundup everyone and get them in the dining room.”
“Everyone hold hands. Ruth will lead us in prayer then the kids can move in the kitchen.”
“Lord God, you have blessed this house and all of us here. We ask your strength flow throughout all our efforts that we in our work glorify your name. Guide us as we grow. May our efforts benefit all the people who work with us and those who enjoy the fruits of your good earth. Be with Della at school. Amen, Now Lizzie and I are getting you kids set up in the kitchen. “
“Shiloh help me get things on the table here.”
“Mom you want me to pour water and tea?”
“Yes, thank you”
Ruth and Lizzie returned, “The kids are happy, everything looks great. We can sit for a while. Brent and Jimmy are making sure no one picks on Elly since she is the youngest.”
“Junior I fixed those carrots with the recipe Tilly gave me. She said you loved it. “
“I think I only ate them to be polite at first, but they’ve grown on me. So how is the team looking this year?”
“We will have a good season, how far we will go I don’t know. Our line is very good, I think we will go as far as they carry us.”
“What position do you play?”
“I am a tight end on offense and a defensive end on defense, Tom.”
“The other teams don’t run around his side.”
“Thank you Junior, sometimes they do.”
“Shiloh was all conference at both positions last year.”
“I was only honorable mention at tight end, JB”
“You go to the games then.”
“Yes, we all have kids in school, and it is fun. At home games we make up a large Franklin contingent.”
“After school this Spring, I could probably find an internship for Shiloh. It would be a good experience in the tech field. Would you like that?”
“I would I want to do something in IT. I have become fascinated with computers and software.”
“Yes, Tom ever since the Christmas you came here when Shiloh was just a little snookins and called you Uncle Tom”
“Mom”
“You are not little now how tall are you?”
“I’m 6’ 2”, I’m probably done growing, I’ll not make 6’ 3”.”
“I’ll keep emailing you; I’m sure I can find a good fit for you.”
“Max Greene will miss your help with the square bales.”
“JB, it is mostly big round bales now. I am sure Brent and Jim can handle it. Working out on the coast would be a big change, but I’d like to try it., Thank you Tom”
“What about this millennial thing is the whole country going to shut down? Lizzie and I have friends and relatives preparing for the apocalypse.”
“Junior we’ve always got friends and relatives preparing for the apocalypse. We seem to not have a problem at our facilities, everyone has assured Lizzie and I not to worry.”
“I call it the miloonium, it is being blown way out of proportion. It is not going to be like Mad Max. “
“I’ve checked operations at the office and at both facilities in Franklin. I do not think it will affect us. Someone may have to get a new clock, or they will be late for work. Nothing more serious than that.”
“Now that Monica-gate is over I guess news needed something to sell papers.”
“The newspapers have bigger problems facing them. The privatization interests took over government at just the wrong time as far as tech is concerned. We need a tax-based system to fund security protocols and insuring content providers get fair compensation. This idea that it should all be free will haunt us for decades. Government created the Internet it needs to be more involved. My libertarian minded colleagues and the total lack of competence in our Congress will ensure that it will not happen. But Parker Produce and Fruit can use it effectively and benefit from it. You can stop taking checks; people will be able pay directly from their bank accounts. Government ought to be taxing to install better communications everywhere, what we are paying out here for almost nothing is ridiculous. Don’t give anything away for free or use free software.”
One by one the Williams children appeared. “Brenda you can take all the kids back upstairs.”
Brent and Jim appeared ready to head back to conquering civilizations or monsters or whatever they had been doing.
“Brent and Jim, you two start cleaning up the kitchen.”
“Oh Mom, the other kids got to go play.”
“The other kids aren’t in high school get back in the kitchen and get going. Staring at those TV screens for so long must cause brain damage anyway.”
“They’re monitors Mom.”
“Go, now!”
“I bet other Moms around here aren’t so bossy.”
“We mind are own business in this household, and I know the Donaldson and the Williams households are the same. Now get to work.”
“OK”
“Shiloh, I think your mother is a real authoritarian, she runs a tight ship.”
“You should work for Ruth or Lizzie down at the plants, they are regular KGB.”
“You seem to have turned out rather well. I think you should be thankful for us; we must be tougher than any football coach.”
“I am grateful to all of you, if I am going to be honest. I couldn’t have had a better home to grow up in.”
“Ruth and I were talking the other day how fortunate we have been to have such greats kids. I think Lizzie and Junior would agree. We are a very fortunate family.”
“Carol do you keep some of that bourbon you are importing. I didn’t get a shot back on that Christmas. I think a toast in honor of Grandpa Tom would be appropriate. As I’ve been told none of us would be here if he hadn’t decided to keep the farm.”
“Shiloh clear the table while I get ready for a toast.”
“I do and you are right, he could have just sold out. We have built many lives here because he didn’t. I talked with Mom on Sunday she’s enjoying her Virgin Island escape. She really relaxed here for a couple years, but her friends who were also widows talked her into buying a condo in the Virgin Islands. It was her old bridge club. They are where it is warm and can play bridge. I don’t think they ever go to a beach or do any tropical island stuff. Here is a bottle of bourbon and shot glasses. I opened a bottle of wine here are glasses. Shiloh you may join us in the toast, but don’t tell the coach. I think we should remember all the people who have worked very hard here to make this a productive farm. Every one of us here can be thankful we have Parker Farms. It is not just Eldon or Tom, but many many hands have worked to allow us this time. I am filled with gratitude for all of them.”
“Carol, I’m going to check on Brent and Jim, they can be marvels or slackers sometimes.”
“I’m going upstairs it is far too quiet up there.”
“Ruth and I have the kitchen covered. Lizzie is going upstairs. You gentlemen are on your own. I think the porch would still be nice, even though it is getting dark.”
“Tom, I wanted to ask you. I’ve heard on this Internet thing you can find people like old friends. “
“Sometimes JB, were you wanting to get in touch with someone?”
“I had a friend in Vietnam, I just wondered what became of him?”
“If we search for his name, we might find him. I’d rather do it at the office. Carol’s dial up is enough to kill me. I’ll be there all day tomorrow and most of the night. Come by after work we’ll see if we can find him. What’s his name?”
“Jerome Lemuel Robinson he was recovering from his injuries when I saw him last in California just before I came back home.”
“With a full name we may find a reference. I started using this new search engine called Google.”
“I don’t understand anything about your computer voodoo, but I do wonder sometimes about Jerome.”
-
“JB, good you came over.”
“Let’s just plug his name in see what we get.”
“Not such an uncommon name several links. You said he was from Los Angeles?”
“He was and he was in California when I last saw him.”
“Here this looks useful, it is a school website. Coach Robinson has had a long career here. Here is a link to a bio. It says Coach Robinson was in Vietnam. Here’s a photo and it gives his unit. Come look at this.”
“That’s Jerome’s photo and our unit, a successful basketball coach. “
“He started at this school in 1980; he’s been the coach almost twenty years. His teams have a good record.”
“Is that his photo now?”
“It says championship game 1992, six or seven years ago I don’t see the date just the year.”
“We wouldn’t be alive without each other. A good life for both of us.”
“I’ve gone out here to the faculty directory, Mr. Robinson has an email would you want me to email him?”
“I don’t have an email. I couldn’t respond. He’s a successful city coach and I’m a mechanic here. I don’t suppose we have much to say now. It is real good to see he’s done well, makes it seem both of us were worth saving. Thank you, Tom. Ruth appreciates the changes you’ve been helping with. She says this homestead purchase is going to prove out for the company. She doesn’t understand how the Internet thing well develop, but she is excited to see what it can do.”
“OK good night JB.”
- ‘
Dear Mr. Robinson, My name is Tom Parker. I am a technology person, but also have an interest in our family farm. I am back helping with setting an online presence for Parker Produce and Fruit. One of our shareholders is Jamison Brenton Donaldson better known as JB. His wife Ruth manages our freezing operation for fruit and vegetables. JB is a diesel mechanic. He helped get Parker Produce and Fruit going in 1975. JB doesn’t do the Internet or email, but he asked if I could learn how your life had gone. He was very pleased to see you are doing well. He and Ruth live a good country life with three children, their oldest is in college now. I didn’t grow up here on the farm, but I have heard until he met Ruth JB’s life was erratic. Now he has been in church every Sunday since before he was married. He is a fine father and very well liked. I just thought you might be curious about what became of him like he was of you. Wishing you the best in life and coaching, Tom Parker ‘
