tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38641085602226151902024-02-19T11:14:03.257-05:00Dad's DazeNotes from the road less traveledrubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238645905757079997noreply@blogger.comBlogger181125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3864108560222615190.post-24050316112975584572020-12-31T09:30:00.001-05:002020-12-31T09:30:50.093-05:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRq69nrKyh1KA6IXWbbgdjygqt0JnC3s9xhC2-V28X4_w-j59ZXX-kGr-NaBqCKkVesgHikZkIPAJ9CTkjnMK90I_JPNjbo5WYhaUUDAVUMKqIeyaSMN_x8wht8vMjbHARfwvrr1PnFsDI/s2048/DadandMe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1531" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRq69nrKyh1KA6IXWbbgdjygqt0JnC3s9xhC2-V28X4_w-j59ZXX-kGr-NaBqCKkVesgHikZkIPAJ9CTkjnMK90I_JPNjbo5WYhaUUDAVUMKqIeyaSMN_x8wht8vMjbHARfwvrr1PnFsDI/s320/DadandMe.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qdTzLM-gDaRDAhtbTKG9BUNqz8teYheyRBWzumxvQHWLfrqD_3K0txcOYZWIWhGC9m6jdQLqHAFl_tYvdTQ5v5uo7IqX2Z3cTMYxZmMDWq8mM-qPvv-rZ09z65rYkG1La_PdX4VlHO1m/s2048/DadnAmy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1619" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qdTzLM-gDaRDAhtbTKG9BUNqz8teYheyRBWzumxvQHWLfrqD_3K0txcOYZWIWhGC9m6jdQLqHAFl_tYvdTQ5v5uo7IqX2Z3cTMYxZmMDWq8mM-qPvv-rZ09z65rYkG1La_PdX4VlHO1m/s320/DadnAmy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXkMIPM3zhmOqLvp60e0zGHMWrMS8h6LqRyb7ChlO0QyzdWkzIQANXHj8_KqZyDayyP4gLo82QRII5pRmkckubG2DM6QZf-LCP9mvbecdutvpR8CFwGR3dSLMn3Xu_p6G3rlXC0vavA9A/s2048/FloridawithParents.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1618" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXkMIPM3zhmOqLvp60e0zGHMWrMS8h6LqRyb7ChlO0QyzdWkzIQANXHj8_KqZyDayyP4gLo82QRII5pRmkckubG2DM6QZf-LCP9mvbecdutvpR8CFwGR3dSLMn3Xu_p6G3rlXC0vavA9A/s320/FloridawithParents.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErbEtep100huD2eQVd9wjXS8pTx9wCzu0N_e8XitI4G1sfigHOs8W-FaZs72x48AwWxaOmHlyhCrErm3iTmg-tcu83lpYqPBZtSOejP1Tj8dMIo0F5k0uL-oOYaI0mOkCKNUuzkAMYCeJ/s2048/131771068_10158164616007683_6509554112593836248_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErbEtep100huD2eQVd9wjXS8pTx9wCzu0N_e8XitI4G1sfigHOs8W-FaZs72x48AwWxaOmHlyhCrErm3iTmg-tcu83lpYqPBZtSOejP1Tj8dMIo0F5k0uL-oOYaI0mOkCKNUuzkAMYCeJ/s320/131771068_10158164616007683_6509554112593836248_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjz9xTygeMdcB0lMxvYf7ubgg47I1OSupt41Q29RqjKBnKZ7l7Y61PRg6MF0xG1UOTa0HYzTBQTesYWrlVWEXYvikKUvezyU5qBNdVGKJGVTjYz1771JRH7uEYwcj-gyKxVXw9Ox11zg-/s960/DadandMom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjz9xTygeMdcB0lMxvYf7ubgg47I1OSupt41Q29RqjKBnKZ7l7Y61PRg6MF0xG1UOTa0HYzTBQTesYWrlVWEXYvikKUvezyU5qBNdVGKJGVTjYz1771JRH7uEYwcj-gyKxVXw9Ox11zg-/s320/DadandMom.jpg" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p> </p><p><b>HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p>Today<b> </b>is the 100th anniversary of the birth of the greatest man I have ever known, my dad. </p><p><br /></p><p>He was, and is my hero.</p><p> </p><p>His early years were spent as the youngest of two sons of a Lutheran School teacher and his wife, doing whatever a child did in the 1920s and '30s, attending school, Church, and generally learning about life during the Great Depression.</p><p><br /></p><p>When his Nation called, he enlisted in the Army and served with the 87th Infantry in Europe. His young adulthood was spent in places like France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Czechoslovakia, driving distant relatives back into Germany.</p><p> </p><p>Shortly after he returned, He married Phyllis Blake, and then the real adventure began.</p><p> </p><p>They raised 6 children, and, as you might expect, the chaos got intense from time to time. But whatever the argument, there was always an undercurrent of love for all of us. I like to think we were the reason he developed his wonderful sense of humor.</p><p> </p><p>He was a wonderful man. He taught me a lot of things that have stayed with me for a lot of years:</p><p>--To love unconditionally.</p><p>--To learn by observation. </p><p>--To teach by example.</p><p>--To value others more than myself.</p><p>--To be kind and gentle, but to be prepared not to be if the need arises.</p><p>--To honor my wife, and love my children and grandchildren.</p><p>--To think outside the box.</p><p>--To seize failure as an opportunity to learn and improve.</p><p><br /></p><p>I could go on, but you get the idea.</p><p><br /></p><p>I miss his wise counsel every day.</p><p><br /></p><p>Happy Birthday, Dad. Give Mom a hug for me.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><b></b></p><p><br /><b></b></p><p> <br /></p>rubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238645905757079997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3864108560222615190.post-41134431145023698242020-12-23T21:45:00.000-05:002020-12-23T21:45:22.323-05:00<p>The 2020 Election</p><p>It's been almost 10 years since I had any inclination to write and post in this blog, but I feel I must say something about our latest Election.</p><p><br /></p><p>Thoughts on the 2020 Presidential Election.</p><p>I've seen maps where Mr. Biden only won a handful of the most populous counties in the Nation, yet still won the popular vote, and, as of now, enough states to make him our next President. The evidence that these counties had massive irregularities in their vote procedures, and in some cases more votes cast than registered voters is compelling, but not really at the core of what I have to say.</p><p>The Founders gave us the Electoral College in an attempt, which has worked quite well for over 200 years, to keep the more populous, big States from dominating the smaller States. For many years, it has forced the candidates to appeal to a broad spectrum of America. It has done more to reduce extremism at the Presidential level than any system devised before or since. It works as it was designed.</p><p>When the country was founded, urban areas were small, scattered, and generally where transportation routes converged. The food supply was local. Most government was local, and news traveled slowly. People were, for the most part, God fearing, moral, and had a better grasp of history than people today. </p><p>Today, cities have become huge, people living there have little grasp of the labor required to produce the food that is plentiful everywhere. I don't know if it's true, but I heard a quote attributed to a certain failed Georgia Gubernatorial candidate along the lines of "Why do we need farmers? We have grocery stores." This thinking is typical of people in large urban areas. They assume the world is as well fed as they are, and with as little thought toward where their next meal comes from.</p><p>The problem is these people don't know how things work. They can't be bothered to learn because they're too busy with their lives.</p><p>The people living in more rural areas are closer to the land, and have a better understanding of how things work, because their livelihoods are more closely dependent on farmers.</p><p>City people look to external sources for solutions to their problems, rural folks tend to fix it themselves.</p><p>The divisions in our country today are generally between urban and rural. There are other differences that divide us, but this is the essence of what we see. There have been riots this year in the cities. My little town had a few protesters on the courthouse square, but they were peaceful, and marched with the police, not against them. They knew these guys were their neighbors, and acted accordingly.</p><p>The problem with the election this year was the dichotomy between rural and urban votes. The big, more populous counties of most states simply overwhelmed the rest of the state with their large numbers of votes.</p><p>All of this brings me to Bob's Simple Solution for Electile Dysfunction.</p><p>The States need to adopt an Electoral College system for all Statewide candidates. Any race that the all the voters of a State select would be covered. Local elections, County offices, and U. S. Representative elections would continue to be by popular vote.</p><p>The others, President, Senators, Governors, etc., would fall under the new electoral system.</p><p>Each county would continue to count the votes for statewide offices, but the winner in each county would get the electoral votes from that county. These votes would be determined as follows. One vote for each county, plus one additional vote for each 100,000 residents (or portion thereof). The minimum a county could have would be 2 votes. A county with 100,500 residents would have 3, and a county with 600,000 residents would have 7. The candidate with the most electoral votes would win the statewide office, or the Presidential Electors.</p><p>The Benefits?</p><p>The majority of small counties would not be disenfranchised as with the current system. Candidates for office would have to appeal to people throughout the State, not just in a few major counties. They would need to moderate their rhetoric to appeal to a broader spectrum of voters. Magical, middle of the night, vote dumps would only affect the county where they happened, not the results for the whole state. A large county with 125% voter turnout would not negate my vote in a small county if I voted differently, and it would not enhance my vote if I voted with the magic votes.</p><p>The Drawbacks?</p><p>I don't see any significant ones. But then I like this idea.</p><p>The Founders were wise. They knew we had differences, regional, Religious, ethnic, and whatever. They devised a system to cope with the differences, and it has worked well. Maybe, after nearly 250 years it is time to expand on their wisdom, rather than try to get rid of it.<br /></p>rubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238645905757079997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3864108560222615190.post-14197520697550295572011-01-21T09:52:00.000-05:002012-06-18T07:21:32.785-04:00Life Lessons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMgL26aKQgvPSZ4o-cCFV9k64GAfAl_RgQ0RHHWcnN6CJRAfDlVJvauCyp3KS66aRQhErdW7BKCwABht9ODqNPQlBJZ8faQZZkJx9ZUJ_kILEbh9Y678D2db2b-lCG4C6HrW2Bk_Ovuke/s1600/Leroy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMgL26aKQgvPSZ4o-cCFV9k64GAfAl_RgQ0RHHWcnN6CJRAfDlVJvauCyp3KS66aRQhErdW7BKCwABht9ODqNPQlBJZ8faQZZkJx9ZUJ_kILEbh9Y678D2db2b-lCG4C6HrW2Bk_Ovuke/s320/Leroy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've learned a few this morning.<br />
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1. It's always good to make sure <u>all</u> of the family is invited to a Birthday Party. I. E., don't banish the dogs to the back yard.<br />
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2. Otis can reach the middle of the dining room table - especially if there's a birthday cake on it.<br />
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3. It's called "Marble Cake" for a reason. It turns to something closely akin to real marble when mixed with dog slobber and applied to a hardwood floor.<br />
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4. My bathrobe is made of the same stuff as the microfiber cloths I was using to clean up the aforementioned "marble". At least they can go in the same load in the washer.<br />
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5. When you come into a room that looks either like the Three Stooges staged a pie fight or some terrorist put an IED in a birthday cake, all you can do is laugh and start cleaning it up.<br />
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Hope y'all have a great day.rubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238645905757079997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3864108560222615190.post-31511131237293282612011-01-20T06:36:00.000-05:002011-01-20T06:36:10.697-05:00The World's a Better Place<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzD2sdDUx96Hj1r2T4MGCA33sA0VZdu5wvrNDIwnGgKW9n5iUFPtt13OMc2VUtUqRRc0bi-oywnKI95trwH2FN_keKlNqCn4aZ4y7cnCco6CbJxU1BC1_8KzeWWzTTRtXOYpUk9jMc_nK/s1600/IMG_0862_edit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzD2sdDUx96Hj1r2T4MGCA33sA0VZdu5wvrNDIwnGgKW9n5iUFPtt13OMc2VUtUqRRc0bi-oywnKI95trwH2FN_keKlNqCn4aZ4y7cnCco6CbJxU1BC1_8KzeWWzTTRtXOYpUk9jMc_nK/s320/IMG_0862_edit.JPG" width="312" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A long time ago, in a place far away, the world became a better place when you came into it. I am honored that you chose me to be the one to share your life, and I love you with all of my heart. The 44-odd years that we've known each other have flown by, filled with more joy than anyone has a right to expect. I'm looking forward to a bunch more. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope this day is as special for you as all of the days I've known you have been for me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Birthday, Marilyn.</div>rubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238645905757079997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3864108560222615190.post-66546343810420836132011-01-14T08:35:00.000-05:002011-01-14T08:35:43.431-05:00George the Cat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FdjML_cV-Vlop1lj2pxL0VnSti9H7WKhio0x2N2fb6yWQGAnlsNg1lMej3n3yZtgwXxS0PfirlJjIXdkjSDkixuEzZOJ_mH7BKOMnY3uyMyeOlS2CpSdbok5KS2syzI9NhdZnjksY_D7/s1600/IMG_3252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FdjML_cV-Vlop1lj2pxL0VnSti9H7WKhio0x2N2fb6yWQGAnlsNg1lMej3n3yZtgwXxS0PfirlJjIXdkjSDkixuEzZOJ_mH7BKOMnY3uyMyeOlS2CpSdbok5KS2syzI9NhdZnjksY_D7/s320/IMG_3252.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This morning we lost our long time companion George. As you can see from the picture, he had a tough life. <br />
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When we got him as a kitten, he had trouble getting around on our hardwood floors, so we called him <a href="http://dadsdaze.blogspot.com/2008/11/gracie-crippled-kitten.html">Gracie</a> because he was the most graceless kitten you would ever want to see, and Marilyn thought he was a she. <br />
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She became Queen of the House, terrorizing Wally, and <a href="http://dadsdaze.blogspot.com/2008/12/day-cat-stood-still.html">shredding hands</a> whenever she felt a need to exercise her claws.<br />
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Imagine our <a href="http://dadsdaze.blogspot.com/2009/04/surprise-surprise.html">surprise</a> when we took her to be spayed, and the vet told us she was really a he. It was at this point that he became George.<br />
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When he graduated to being an outdoor cat, he took to it like a fish to water. He was king of the yard, and kept it free of birds, squirrels, and whatever else he took a dislike to. He would sit by the front door, or on one of the porch chairs waiting for us to return from where ever we were, and would bound down the front steps to greet us like a dog. He would patiently wait by the front door for us to feed him, except on those days when he would scratch at the storm door to get our attention and demand his food. On those rare occasions when he could come into the house, he would occupy whatever lap was available and sleep until someone had to get up.<br />
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I'm not particularly a cat person, but George was OK in my book.<br />
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George, rest well in whatever feline heaven you've gone to. Be the lion that was in your heart. You will be missed.rubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238645905757079997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3864108560222615190.post-41457095341029363372010-12-24T12:51:00.000-05:002010-12-24T12:51:54.023-05:00Christmas Prayer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5Z5FOWX4CwIpETwz6B3KpU24zhFM1docK0Lcgs6o_FBn8uz6CdQEJTrKm9e7Us8O-tQnjq8XHpLkGU9N6TQ5IN2-Ao3BBlvLm7KxxPHihzHv3PaD4seD_8WaGds4UNMroIrtS88U_uFy/s1600/The-Christmas-Star.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5Z5FOWX4CwIpETwz6B3KpU24zhFM1docK0Lcgs6o_FBn8uz6CdQEJTrKm9e7Us8O-tQnjq8XHpLkGU9N6TQ5IN2-Ao3BBlvLm7KxxPHihzHv3PaD4seD_8WaGds4UNMroIrtS88U_uFy/s320/The-Christmas-Star.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>2700 years ago Isaiah wrote: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Tonight we've gathered to celebrate the fulfillment of this prophesy in the birth of Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
Dear Heavenly Father,<br />
<br />
We thank You:<br />
For the incredible gift of your Son. <br />
For the blessings of family and home.<br />
For the freedom we enjoy in this most blessed country.<br />
For the men and women who defend her.<br />
For the gifts we are about to share.<br />
For the food we are about to eat.<br />
<br />
We ask that You:<br />
Bless all here, and keep us ever mindful of why we have gathered. <br />
Bless those who are distant, but always close in our hearts. <br />
Send your healing Spirit to those who are sick or in pain. <br />
Be with us always to guide us to do what is right and pleasing to You.<br />
<br />
In the name of our newborn Savior,<br />
<br />
Amen.rubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238645905757079997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3864108560222615190.post-35430626262274779402010-12-17T07:05:00.000-05:002010-12-17T07:05:45.423-05:00Happy Birthday and Welcome Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiEHMtWusQYP-YQk6-mvcENo6zjd0eDH4qZ5Ecl34SGGOTTLrgDiKtIGoGRday_6CanXSD2kIgY-GzSmZG1fmZWw1S7dfKjLEE8tgj-aRpupzx8xgetM163xeEklQtZPO-OTZRs_EkyTJ/s1600/100_0361+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiEHMtWusQYP-YQk6-mvcENo6zjd0eDH4qZ5Ecl34SGGOTTLrgDiKtIGoGRday_6CanXSD2kIgY-GzSmZG1fmZWw1S7dfKjLEE8tgj-aRpupzx8xgetM163xeEklQtZPO-OTZRs_EkyTJ/s320/100_0361+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This is just a quick note to wish my Mom a Happy Birthday. You're a long way off, but not ever out of our thoughts. We love you and pray you may have many more birthday celebrations. I wish I could be there.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-vCqW4miW_3sglANdqyAO-8LV_PjcGsu7dqYRwpyPYVgP_VofYimPrhB3O9Ga2n-ElifmjMToS-D9DXqE-zPK4QBj1T0O_VWf3D8Rq20rkRyHxOSajcAJEEHwyFS3wcrR5xpszJxoybz/s1600/Paul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-vCqW4miW_3sglANdqyAO-8LV_PjcGsu7dqYRwpyPYVgP_VofYimPrhB3O9Ga2n-ElifmjMToS-D9DXqE-zPK4QBj1T0O_VWf3D8Rq20rkRyHxOSajcAJEEHwyFS3wcrR5xpszJxoybz/s320/Paul.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>Birthday wishes also for my nephew Paul. He just retired after 20 years as a Navy Corpsman. I hope this year brings you all of what you want and need.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QMlkzi6bjbP16DYy_kTqnVDYaNGb5zLFYlwuytA26BD02b6QV3ltcxiE9pLdq2NQmiGTtdZIVsNlncQQY3x9scB4nV69G6ilPiktusWXGlZASGMfgrnFvmjyEWT2LuYh2UsDJ477qXyF/s1600/slade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QMlkzi6bjbP16DYy_kTqnVDYaNGb5zLFYlwuytA26BD02b6QV3ltcxiE9pLdq2NQmiGTtdZIVsNlncQQY3x9scB4nV69G6ilPiktusWXGlZASGMfgrnFvmjyEWT2LuYh2UsDJ477qXyF/s320/slade.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And a "Welcome Home!" to my son-in-law Slade. He's here for about 8 days, then back to Ft. Drum, NY. It is great to have you home for Christmas. You've been missed, and much appreciated for what you are doing.rubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238645905757079997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3864108560222615190.post-40337759477833172822010-12-08T23:58:00.001-05:002010-12-09T00:00:16.944-05:00Congratulations Paul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-vCqW4miW_3sglANdqyAO-8LV_PjcGsu7dqYRwpyPYVgP_VofYimPrhB3O9Ga2n-ElifmjMToS-D9DXqE-zPK4QBj1T0O_VWf3D8Rq20rkRyHxOSajcAJEEHwyFS3wcrR5xpszJxoybz/s1600/Paul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-vCqW4miW_3sglANdqyAO-8LV_PjcGsu7dqYRwpyPYVgP_VofYimPrhB3O9Ga2n-ElifmjMToS-D9DXqE-zPK4QBj1T0O_VWf3D8Rq20rkRyHxOSajcAJEEHwyFS3wcrR5xpszJxoybz/s320/Paul.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
My nephew is retiring today from the Navy. He's been a Corpsman for 20 years, deployed numerous times with the Marines, and has dedicated his adult life to the service of his country. I am proud beyond words at his dedication and selflessness and wish him and his family all the best life has to offer as he transitions to a civilian life.<br />
<br />
**********<br />
<br />
Paul,<br />
<br />
Unfortunately we can't be with you to celebrate, but rest assured, we're with you in spirit as we have been for the last 20 years. <br />
<br />
As your Grandfather might have said, "Ya done good." Aunt Marilyn and I pray you will be as successful in civilian life as you were dedicated in the service.<br />
<br />
Thank you for all you've done.<br />
<br />
Much Love, Gratitude, and Respect to you and your family,<br />
<br />
Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Bobrubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238645905757079997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3864108560222615190.post-34050565083256808252010-11-25T06:57:00.002-05:002010-11-25T06:57:32.406-05:00Psalm 100<h4 style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Psalm 100</h4><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-15510" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">1</sup>Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-15511" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">2</sup>Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-15512" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">3</sup>Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-15513" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">4</sup>Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.</div><div style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-15514" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">5</sup>For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.</div>rubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238645905757079997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3864108560222615190.post-31227424060608652692010-11-24T19:49:00.000-05:002010-11-24T19:49:57.512-05:00ThanksgivingOh give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: and his mercy endureth forever. Ps 136:1<br />
<br />
Around our house, this is the prayer used to return thanks at the end of a meal. It's been tradition for at least 5 generations that I have witnessed, and I hope will remain one for many years to come. Prior to my grandparents, it was probably recited in German.<br />
<br />
Since it is Thanksgiving, I thought I might list a few things for which I'm thankful.<br />
<br />
I am thankful for:<br />
<br />
God's mercy. We wouldn't be anywhere without it. His gift of His Son, and forgiveness of our sins is the greatest gift imaginable.<br />
<br />
My parents. They taught me well, I think, and taught me how to teach my children and grandchildren. I'm forever grateful.<br />
<br />
My wife. She's more patient than any woman I know, and never ceases to impress and surprise me. I'm looking forward to a lot more years with her. 43 (41 married) years are not nearly enough.<br />
<br />
My children and their spouses. Despite the normal frustrations associated with raising 4 kids, they're, without exception, a blessing. They're more help than anyone could imagine. I'm fortunate to have all of them in the immediate area.<br />
<br />
My grandchildren. All 4 of them are a never ending source of delight.<br />
<br />
My country. Despite its problems, The United States is the best place on earth to live and raise a family. I pray my grandchildren will know the freedoms I knew as a boy.<br />
<br />
The brave men and women who wear the uniforms of our Armed Forces. They go into harm's way on a daily basis to protect our freedoms. All of them are worthy of our praise and thanks.<br />
<br />
My friends. I have but a few close friends, but any of them are worth knowing. There's nothing I would not do for them.<br />
<br />
Otis and Wally. Our dogs are like children. They help keep us young and give us someone to care for on a daily basis. Wally's good at warming up my side of the bed, too.<br />
<br />
Thanksgiving, and all the other excuses we have to get together as a family. Time spent with any of them is never wasted. <br />
<br />
There are a lot of other things I probably should put in this, but, you get the idea. I've been blessed, and am appreciative beyond words. <br />
<br />
Thank you, Lord.rubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238645905757079997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3864108560222615190.post-48456204222482842642010-11-11T10:58:00.000-05:002010-11-11T10:58:12.564-05:00Veteran's DayI got this in an email from Tim @ USCCA (you can check out his web site at <a href="http://usconcealedcarry.com/">usconcealedcarry.com</a>) and had to share it.<br />
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<br />
Some veterans bear visible signs of their service: a missing limb, a Jagged scar, a certain look in the eye.<br />
Others may carry the evidence inside them: a pin holding a bone together, A piece of shrapnel in the leg or perhaps another sort of inner steel: The soul's ally forged in the refinery of adversity. <br />
Except in parades, however, the men and women who have kept America safe Wear no badge or emblem. You can't tell a vet just by looking. <br />
What is a vet? <br />
He is the cop on the beat who spent six months in Saudi Arabia sweating two gallons a day making sure the armored personnel carriers didn't run out of fuel. <br />
He is the barroom loudmouth, dumber than five wooden planks, whose overgrown frat-boy behavior is outweighed a hundred times in the cosmic scales by four hours of exquisite bravery near the 38th parallel. <br />
She or he is the nurse who fought against futility and went to sleep sobbing every night for two solid years in Danang. <br />
He is the POW who went away one person and came back another or didn't come back AT ALL. <br />
He is the Quantico drill instructor who has never seen combat but has saved countless lives by turning slouchy, no-account rednecks and gang members into Marines, and teaching them to watch each other's backs. <br />
He is the parade riding Legionnaire who pins on his ribbons and medals with a prosthetic hand. <br />
He is the career quartermaster who watches the ribbons and medals pass him by. <br />
He is the three anonymous heroes in The Tomb Of The Unknowns, whose presence at the Arlington National Cemetery must forever preserve the memory of all the anonymous heroes whose valor remains unrecognized with them on the battlefield or in the ocean's sunless deep. <br />
He is the old guy bagging groceries at the supermarket, aggravatingly slow, who helped liberate a Nazi death camp and who wishes all day long that his wife were still alive to hold him when the nightmares come. <br />
He is an ordinary and yet an extraordinary human being a person who offered some of his life's most vital years in the service of his country, and who sacrificed his ambitions so others would not have to sacrifice theirs. <br />
He is a Soldier, Marine, Sailor or Airman, and also a savior and a sword against the darkness, and he is nothing more than the finest, greatest testimony on behalf of the finest, greatest nation ever known.<br />
So remember each time you see someone who has served our country. When you see one just lean over and say Thank You. <br />
That's all most people need, and in most cases it will mean more than any medals they could have been awarded or were awarded.<br />
Two little words that mean a lot, "THANK YOU". <br />
God Bless Our Veterans!rubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238645905757079997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3864108560222615190.post-16811303028896734842010-11-09T21:55:00.000-05:002010-11-09T21:55:14.842-05:00Happy Birthday.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQrHmjLiZieMeZ-PkakViEnyzbSt0-emnDt-dSrpBNZZY6-bldVDoFOon4LVU_o-4NY1_ZT-uFq_MJoK8A59iQUlvNQLyWD8-BAMYXVoaAu03N4unXGU_js6Rt0pizs2zkqcUMGhysY8w/s1600/pa-mp-lg-usmc-insignia-P62-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQrHmjLiZieMeZ-PkakViEnyzbSt0-emnDt-dSrpBNZZY6-bldVDoFOon4LVU_o-4NY1_ZT-uFq_MJoK8A59iQUlvNQLyWD8-BAMYXVoaAu03N4unXGU_js6Rt0pizs2zkqcUMGhysY8w/s320/pa-mp-lg-usmc-insignia-P62-M.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish all of my friends, active, retired, or former Marines, a very happy 235th birthday. You will never really know how much you are appreciated. I have known a lot of former Marines, and to the man (or woman) they are the most motivated, patriotic, honorable, and goal-oriented people I have ever met. Your service and sacrifice have improved our lives more than you could know. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And in the spirit of celebration, I offer the following (stolen from a good friend's forwarded email):</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #51ac5a; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div><span style="color: #51ac5a; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"><b>Marine Corps Rules:</b></span></div><div style="color: #5d82b7; font: 9px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 10px;"><b></b></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 01. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Be courteous to everyone, friendly to no one. </span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">02. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Decide to be aggressive enough, quickly enough. </span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 03. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Have a plan. </span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 04. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Have a back-up plan, because the first one probably won't work. </span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 05. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Be polite. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Be professional. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet. </span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 06. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Do not attend a gunfight with a handgun whose caliber does not start with a '4.' </span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 07. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Ammo is cheap. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Life is expensive. </span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 08. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Move away from your attacker. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Distance is your friend (Lateral & diagonal preferred.) </span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 09. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Use cover or concealment as much as possible. </span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 10.</span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> Flank your adversary when possible. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Protect yours. </span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 11.</span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> Always cheat; always win. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">The only unfair fight is the one you lose.</span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 12. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">In ten years nobody will remember the details of caliber, stance, or tactics. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">They will only remember who lived. </span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 13. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">If you are not shooting, you should be communicating your intention to shoot. </span></div><div></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"></span> <br />
<div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="color: #a3cc62; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"><b>Navy SEAL Rules:</b></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 1. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Look very cool in sunglasses. </span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 2. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Kill every living thing within view. </span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 3. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Adjust Speedo.</span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 4. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Check hair in mirror. </span></div><div></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"></span> <br />
<div><span style="color: #5d82b7; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="color: #aa5451; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"><b>US Army Rangers Rules:</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"><b> </b></span></div><div style="font: 9px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 10px;"><br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 1. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Walk in 50 miles wearing 75 pound rucksack while starving. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 2. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Locate individuals requiring killing. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 3. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Request permission via radio from 'Higher' to perform killing. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 4. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Curse bitterly when mission is aborted. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 5. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Walk out 50 miles wearing a 75 pound rucksack while starving. </span></div><div></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"></span> <br />
<div><span style="color: #a41917; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"><b>US Army Rules:</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"><b> </b></span></div><div style="font: 9px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 10px;"><br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 1. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Curse bitterly when receiving operational order. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 2. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Make sure there is extra ammo and extra coffee. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 3. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Curse bitterly. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 4. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Curse bitterly. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 5. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Do not listen to 2nd LTs; it can get you killed. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">6.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Call in air strike on suspected targets.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">7.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Curse bitterly.</span></div><div style="font: 19px Arial; min-height: 22px;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"></span> <br />
<div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="color: #001ff0; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"><b>US Air Force Rules:</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"><b> </b></span></div><div style="font: 9px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 10px;"><br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">0</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">1. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Have a cocktail. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">0</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">2. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Adjust temperature on air-conditioner. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">0</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">3. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">See what's on HBO. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 04. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Ask 'What is a gunfight?' </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">0</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">5. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Request more funding from Congress with a 'killer' Power Point presentation. </span></div><div><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 0</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">6. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Wine & dine ''key' Congressmen, invite DOD & defense industry executives. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">0</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">7. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Receive funding, set up new command and assemble assets. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">0</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">8. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Declare the assets 'strategic' and never deploy them operationally. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 18px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 18px/normal Arial;">09</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Hurry to make 13:45 tee-time. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 10. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Make sure the base is as far as possible from the conflict but close enough to have tax exemption. </span></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Arial;"> </span> <br />
<div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="color: #1639c0; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"><b>US Navy Rules:</b></span><span style="color: #5d82b7; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"><b> </b></span></div><div style="font: 9px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 10px;"><br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 1. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Go to Sea. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 2. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Drink Coffee. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> 3. </span><span style="color: #2c4a78; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;">Deploy Marines </span></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial;"> </span> <br />
<div></div>rubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238645905757079997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3864108560222615190.post-58140610825704979992010-09-25T11:28:00.000-04:002010-09-25T11:28:01.439-04:00Dr. Seuss Joins the Tea PartyI do not like this Uncle Sam,<br />
I do not like his health care scam.<br />
I do not like these dirty crooks,<br />
or how they lie and cook the books.<br />
I do not like when Congress steals,<br />
<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">...I do not like their secret deals.<br />
I do not like this speaker, Nan,<br />
I do not like this 'YES WE CAN.'<br />
I do not like this spending spree,<br />
I'm smart, I know that nothing's free.<br />
I do not like your smug replies,<br />
when I complain about your lies.<br />
I do not like this kind of hope.<br />
I do not like it, nope, nope, nope!</span>rubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238645905757079997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3864108560222615190.post-78244309748688879682010-07-09T09:59:00.000-04:002010-07-09T09:59:24.129-04:00Life With Otis - Day 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj812vdgXr-w1XykrwuPcF-Mgz2gT2Os95I3sgl3zWsR-Enlr6Ga5tXPR7rKYwD5kPF9pmRvpIRjbR52G0y0cpkoXXJNlt-BngwNX1OLgsinTGbhrUcLF90tnEWMheaeRKqnKgkGboiOu_8/s1600/IMG_3255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj812vdgXr-w1XykrwuPcF-Mgz2gT2Os95I3sgl3zWsR-Enlr6Ga5tXPR7rKYwD5kPF9pmRvpIRjbR52G0y0cpkoXXJNlt-BngwNX1OLgsinTGbhrUcLF90tnEWMheaeRKqnKgkGboiOu_8/s320/IMG_3255.JPG" /></a></div>Day 1 with Otis dawned like any other of late, hot, humid, and sunny. The difference was that Leroy, now named Otis, was going to be moving in with us today. We went to work first thing, trying to make room for his crate. Once we had moved a huge antique closet on wheels from the master to the spare bedroom, there was room for it. Step 1 completed.<br />
<br />
Step 2 was a visit to the shelter to get some last minute suggestions on last minute purchases for the dog. I found out what they had been feeding him, decided that he would be better off with a harness than a collar, and pointed the Jeep North toward Bethlehem, GA where the closest PetsMart was located. $115 later we had toys, harness, food containers, food, and two varieties of treats, and headed back to Monroe. <br />
<br />
We officially became his parents around 2:45 PM, and immediately hit our first roadblock. Otis does not like to get into vehicles. After hoisting his skinny butt into the back seat of Marilyn's Commander, we rode home. The ride started with grave apprehension on Otis' part, and ended with his nose plastered against the window, enjoying the ride.<br />
<br />
Out of the car, and into the fenced area in the back yard, sniffing and marking everything on the way. After a lap around the inside of the fence on the leash, I let him loose to explore his new play area. He seemed pleased.<br />
<br />
We came into the house through the garage, and spent a while in the den while he explored, found his water and food, ate, drank, and slobbered all over the floor. Otis does not have the most delicate eating habits. A towel on the tile floor under the water bowl seems to have become a savior for the nearby carpet. I'm thinking a rubber backed carpet door mat might be a permanent solution.<br />
<br />
The next hurdle was meeting Wally. Aside from a few snarls and snaps when Otis pawed at Wally, I think it went well. Wally is old, set in his ways, a little arthritic, and a general curmudgeon, but he seems to be making peace with another dog in the house.<br />
<br />
The evening was interesting. A procession of Daughters, Sons, Granddaughters and nearly-in-laws gave him a lot to adjust to. <br />
<br />
Whatever his personal eating issues are, he was good while we ate dinner. No begging, shmoozing, or whining, but rather a respectful (if slightly drool-filled) wait on the carpet by the side door until dinner was over. Good Dog, Otis!<br />
<br />
After dinner we went for a quick walk, one lap around the block (about 1/2 mile). He was a gentleman on the leash, with no pulling, no pooping on other folks lawns, and only the occasional mail box "decoration". The high point of the walk was the 37 three to five year old kids playing at the top of the hill. They were doing their thing in the street with their calico cat. This cat must have considered itself a) a lion, and b) the kids her cubs, because she puffed up like an adder and leaped onto Otis face. Otis had a WTH?! look on his face after the cat got off, but was gentleman enough to let the smallest of the kids pet him.<br />
<br />
Bed time was uneventful. Wally accepted his lift onto the foot of the bed with his usual disdain, and Otis took up a position on the floor at the foot of the bed. <br />
<br />
All was well until about 0230 when Otis decided he needed to go outside. OK, I can deal with getting up with the baby. The bad part was that he wanted to play. We've got a little bit of re-education to do here. Three o'clock in the morning is no time for a 62 year old man to be running around the back yard in slippers and a bath robe playing with a dog. It was fun, though.<br />
<br />
Playtime over, we slept (in the den out of deference to Marilyn's sleep) until about 0700. We both took a quick potty break, and then went for a walk. We covered 1.5 miles in 30 minutes, discovered that Otis does not chase cars, but would eat a golf cart if it got close enough (maybe he just wanted to play a couple of holes) and is a sweety on the leash.<br />
<br />
Day 2 will be filled with further adventures, learning experiences on both our parts, and is eagerly anticipated.<br />
<br />
Y'all stay well, and keep moving.rubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238645905757079997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3864108560222615190.post-76944261127083033802010-07-08T09:17:00.000-04:002010-07-08T09:17:47.304-04:00Brain DumpIt's time to clear some of the cobwebs out of my cranial attic.<br />
<br />
*****<br />
<br />
The Federal suit against Arizona's immigration law has 3 salient points.<br />
1. The Arizona law merely enables local law enforcement personnel to enforce the existing federal law.<br />
2. It was enacted because the federal authorities do not enforce existing law.<br />
3. Since the feds are bringing suit to overturn the state law, it is clear that they have no intention of fulfilling their duty to enforce the law.<br />
Throw the bums out!<br />
<br />
*****<br />
<br />
Yesterday at the range, Bobby and I were having a great time throwing .45 cal bullets into paper bad guys. After the 4th shot of a so-so string, my target hit the floor. A magic ricochet out of the berm cut the wire that held up the target carrier. My apologies to the guys at the Firing Lane, and I'm still willing to pay for the repairs. <br />
Footnote: The next magazine I fired was my best group ever from my Commander.<br />
<br />
******<br />
<br />
We finally get to bring Otis home today. I just hope my cold doesn't give him distemper or rinderpest, or some other obscure disease. He's going to be just what I need, regardless of how he turns out. If he's a good, laid back, buddy, more power to him. If he's a hound from hell (unlikely) I get to turn him into a good buddy. Either way, we both win.<br />
<br />
******<br />
<br />
Marilyn's home after the work schedule from hell. It's good to have her here. Dogs, cats, old trucks, and TV can occupy a day, but there's really no comparison to somebody you love.<br />
<br />
******<br />
<br />
I really need to stop. There's much to do today, and less and less time to do it.<br />
<br />
Stay well.rubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238645905757079997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3864108560222615190.post-14991448437054815242010-07-04T05:21:00.003-04:002010-07-04T05:48:03.959-04:00Just In Case You Forgot......what all the fireworks are about, I offer here the entire text of the Declaration of Independence. <br />
<br />
Here are a couple of interesting facts. Look at the last three signers. I live in Walton County, Georgia. Gwinnett County is adjacent to the northwest, and Hall County is northeast of Gwinnett. The people who laid out this state thought enough of the sacrifices of these three men to memorialize them by naming counties after them.* I think it's fitting that we should remember them, as well, and all the others who bought this Country with their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor. <br />
<br />
Enough from me. <br />
<br />
------------------<br />
<br />
<b>In Congress, July 4, 1776: The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="entry">When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.<br />
<br />
<b>We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.</b> — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.<br />
<br />
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.<br />
<br />
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.<br />
<br />
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.<br />
<br />
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.<br />
<br />
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.<br />
<br />
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.<br />
<br />
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.<br />
<br />
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.<br />
<br />
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.<br />
<br />
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.<br />
<br />
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.<br />
<br />
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.<br />
<br />
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:<br />
For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:<br />
For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:<br />
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:<br />
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:<br />
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:<br />
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:<br />
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies<br />
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:<br />
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.<br />
<br />
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.<br />
<br />
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.<br />
<br />
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.<br />
<br />
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.<br />
<br />
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.<br />
<br />
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.<br />
<br />
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.<br />
<br />
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.<br />
<br />
— John Hancock<br />
New Hampshire:<br />
Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton<br />
Massachusetts:<br />
John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry<br />
Rhode Island:<br />
Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery<br />
Connecticut:<br />
Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott<br />
New York:<br />
William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris<br />
New Jersey:<br />
Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark<br />
Pennsylvania:<br />
Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross<br />
Delaware:<br />
Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean<br />
Maryland:<br />
Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton<br />
Virginia:<br />
George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton<br />
North Carolina:<br />
William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn<br />
South Carolina:<br />
Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton<br />
Georgia:<br />
Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton<br />
<br />
------------------<br />
<br />
*In the interest of full disclosure, Georgia <i>does</i>, however, have a county with the same name as a baseball player from this state. Nobody ever said Georgians were <i>always</i> full of patriotic fervor.</div>rubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238645905757079997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3864108560222615190.post-31004315742902398692010-07-03T20:15:00.000-04:002010-07-03T20:15:28.081-04:00Leroy Is Otis.I decided on Otis for the dog's name, in honor of Otis McDonald and his victory in the Supreme Court this week. He's in quarantine for his kennel cough. Once he's over the cough, he'll be re-scheduled for his "tutoring". We're going to take advantage of the extension to get Wally current on all his shots. <br />
<br />
I'm really looking forward to spending some time getting to know Otis.<br />
<br />
Stay well, and remember why we celebrate July 4. rubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238645905757079997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3864108560222615190.post-76205310964374720032010-07-01T20:18:00.000-04:002010-07-01T20:18:49.713-04:00The Good, the Bad, and the Really, Really Ugly.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTPQ3pjEXwlDKslkyLR9fVUdZU5esmjmAkUXDjxok-hBlwv_CfmWR_IRAVgKRHI4lpKIqj1As8Fvl21KA4V9phXgJwKO9umGiYBa_55e14erJsZOOIMDLBGTiL3lO_B-wF3wRWzJqmHAY/s1600/IMG_3248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTPQ3pjEXwlDKslkyLR9fVUdZU5esmjmAkUXDjxok-hBlwv_CfmWR_IRAVgKRHI4lpKIqj1As8Fvl21KA4V9phXgJwKO9umGiYBa_55e14erJsZOOIMDLBGTiL3lO_B-wF3wRWzJqmHAY/s320/IMG_3248.JPG" /></a></div>The Good. <br />
Tyler and Sam came over this afternoon, and Tyler helped me get the bed off the truck. I can now work at getting the dents out of the back of the cab.<br />
<br />
The Bad.<br />
Leroy has kennel cough, and can't have his surgery until it clears up. Bummer. I was looking forward to having him around the house this weekend. As it stands, he's going to have to stay at the shelter until he's relatively health. We just don't have the ability to isolate him from Wally.<br />
<br />
The Ugly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJki8QMdmuBXspTMg6w-g2BG9RvUWGVxrIJyZLRmnew2puPufnOM4M2_QRfVdHtaL_16i11wcDzWM-mFZeAcSAKdfdqvVdY3CVJhqDY_slhTNyRfEAMUm43kauJ3NerlSDAY1ysKk9FgZ-/s1600/IMG_3251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJki8QMdmuBXspTMg6w-g2BG9RvUWGVxrIJyZLRmnew2puPufnOM4M2_QRfVdHtaL_16i11wcDzWM-mFZeAcSAKdfdqvVdY3CVJhqDY_slhTNyRfEAMUm43kauJ3NerlSDAY1ysKk9FgZ-/s320/IMG_3251.JPG" /></a></div>450,000 miles of leaks can leave a really nasty mess on the underside of a truck. The sludge coating the undercarriage was so thick that it took a scraper to get it thin enough for the pressure washer to have an effect. It's gonna take a few days of extremely grimy work to get this back where it belongs.<br />
<br />
Stay well and safe this holiday weekend.rubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238645905757079997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3864108560222615190.post-77918421859151492042010-06-28T15:39:00.001-04:002010-06-28T15:52:10.049-04:00A Day Full of Good News.Just got an email from the rescue folks. They decided I was good enough for Leroy. We get to pick him up on Saturday after he's snipped on Friday. Time to scramble and get a kennel and stuff for him to tear up.<br />
<br />
Other good news came from the doctor. My blood pressure is good, my blood sugar and A1C were good, the diabetes seems to be under control, and she told me to go away for a year. It's always good to leave the doctor smiling.<br />
<br />
Still more good news came out of Washington D.C.: Otis McDonald won his case before the Supreme Court. <br />
<br />
There was, however, some not-so-good news.<br />
<br />
First, was the news from my doctor that it is time for another colonoscopy (it <i>has</i> been 5 years since the last one). I get to visit with the surgeon tomorrow, and we'll schedule the alien abduction after I get to talk to him. For those of you who winced at this news, my last one was about 45 minutes of my life that I missed. I remember nothing from "roll over on your left side" to "wake up, it's over". All things considered, that's how it should be. It's nothing to fear.<br />
<br />
Secondly, the news that Sen. Robert Byrd died leaves me with a sense of emptiness. While I disagreed with almost everything he did as a Senator, he was the longest serving member of Congress, ever. And had the courage to change from a KKK member to a supporter of civil rights. The Senate has lost an unforgettable member. <br />
<br />
I'll leave you with this thought: Getting older stinks, but it's still way ahead of whatever alternatives really exist. :)<br />
<br />
Stay well, and take care of yourselves.rubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238645905757079997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3864108560222615190.post-41365021327354740762010-06-26T06:39:00.000-04:002010-06-26T06:39:06.740-04:00Trial and Error<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgfDmC8wJcsdFzTQfuJIWISUl32dSoUyKZEc2Y5N45erlxB_nkYNoWt8ucyMpC-luUcURKMNF5JUyybxsr3H99CuTb-pvLrex5vpC5gvC7E-1YvmTEE409XRNi3JgDMSm4z8QouHLC9yT/s1600/Leroy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgfDmC8wJcsdFzTQfuJIWISUl32dSoUyKZEc2Y5N45erlxB_nkYNoWt8ucyMpC-luUcURKMNF5JUyybxsr3H99CuTb-pvLrex5vpC5gvC7E-1YvmTEE409XRNi3JgDMSm4z8QouHLC9yT/s320/Leroy.jpg" /></a></div>Well, I tried. <br />
<br />
I asked for suggestions for names for Leroy. <br />
<br />
Here's a list of the errors received so far:<br />
<br />
Kitty, SicEm, Dogchow, Buford, Rufus, Dumbass, Chomper, Steve, Fang (a little too obvious), Joe Mamma, Bud, Sit, Stay, Lamar, Zeke, Shantonia (from a local newscast), Jedidiah Dirt, Francis, Percy, Bubba, Catfish (an homage to Lewis Grizzard), Butch, Benny, George, Juan, Rodney, Buster, Edsel, and Baxter. Specifically excluded was Sue.<br />
<br />
Personally, I like Jiggs, but he's not a bulldog. As an alternative, I could leave his name Leroy, add Jethro, and call him Gunny.<br />
<br />
Stay well.rubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238645905757079997noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3864108560222615190.post-74506127949565914682010-06-25T07:49:00.000-04:002010-06-25T07:49:04.858-04:00Volunteers Needed......to be references on Leroy's adoption papers.<br />
<br />
While you're at it, suggestions for a new name (for the dog) would be entertained.<br />
<br />
Leave a comment.rubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238645905757079997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3864108560222615190.post-27652912532552533762010-06-22T19:15:00.000-04:002010-06-22T19:15:04.734-04:00Seriously considering......adopting Leroy from the local rescue folks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yfeYxWqHrC2Uw_Dqd7JvykBeoTltF24kGriD-6-sqQ8DolPdPrJdKa88S1jRTeKtDHkfmXODwjLZ8hzdCWFM-SewsyD74u5mDsbssvJw1FIbA-NfjY6hGIXNp2Cnowx25cA7zbEapPQX/s1600/Leroy_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yfeYxWqHrC2Uw_Dqd7JvykBeoTltF24kGriD-6-sqQ8DolPdPrJdKa88S1jRTeKtDHkfmXODwjLZ8hzdCWFM-SewsyD74u5mDsbssvJw1FIbA-NfjY6hGIXNp2Cnowx25cA7zbEapPQX/s320/Leroy_2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I'm going to drop by the shelter tomorrow and see how we get along.rubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238645905757079997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3864108560222615190.post-35026777965293735992010-06-19T17:17:00.000-04:002010-06-19T17:17:11.424-04:00Father's Day 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmh_XZ6ArpjY6GFw2abukTZlT-Yk95wKuMcTtUFNnprxiGoUx1hgXLZsOBvkn9gdXbKwNwh3SP9knHk4kG9zLSOMqOvxvleb5HBO5Zejq2il_fugGl_sISzDs7HZF0IKNUG8kVDCHMOtK/s1600/Scan225+Bill+Brochman+Senior+Riding+Bicycle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmh_XZ6ArpjY6GFw2abukTZlT-Yk95wKuMcTtUFNnprxiGoUx1hgXLZsOBvkn9gdXbKwNwh3SP9knHk4kG9zLSOMqOvxvleb5HBO5Zejq2il_fugGl_sISzDs7HZF0IKNUG8kVDCHMOtK/s320/Scan225+Bill+Brochman+Senior+Riding+Bicycle.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I wrote this last year, but can't think of any way to improve on it. So, in the spirit of being green, I'm going to recycle. Enjoy.<br />
<br />
************************************************************ <br />
<br />
Father's Day <br />
<br />
While sitting here in the den, with the lights off, playing on the computer, it occurred to me that I ought to say a few things about Fathers, since this is the day that we celebrate them.<br />
<br />
A very wise man told me as a young person that nearly any male can father a child, but it took a real man to be a Father. Over the years, the my appreciation of the truth in this statement has continually grown. When I first became a father I was young and too dumb to know what I didn't know. Now that I'm older and less ignorant, I can see that he was correct. Life and fatherhood have tempered me into the man that I am.<br />
<br />
Being a true, good father requires the love and assistance of a wonderful wife. I'm blessed to have Marilyn who has been a rock for more years than I care to think about. It also requires courage to face the unknown and un-thought-of challenges that crop up while raising your children. It requires you to sacrifice some of your dreams for the betterment of those who are still dreaming. It requires a lifetime of hard work, sometimes at a job you dislike, to provide for those children who you helped bring into the world. It requires you to love without reservation, even during those Bill Cosby moments ("I brought you into this world, and I'll take you out of it and make another one just like you!") that are certain to occur from time to time. And it requires Faith and help from God and places where you didn't ever expect to find help.<br />
<br />
There is also a terrific up side to fatherhood. You get to play with little kids, and watch them grow into strong, responsible adults. You get to show them all the neat stuff their Mom would disapprove of (insert big grin here). You get to go camping with them, fret over their campfire antics, and wonder if you remember enough first aid to stop the bleeding from the anticipated accident with the ax. You get to build (and wreck) go-carts, ride bikes, become a Den Leader, drive them to where ever it is they need to be, and you get to impart whatever wisdom you picked up in your life to them, not by preaching, but by example. You get to watch your blessings multiply through the joys and challenges that having children bring. <br />
<br />
God has blessed Marilyn and myself with 4 children (they're all from Lake Wobegone where all the children are exceptional :) ). I can see that they've all learned these lessons well, and that the fathers (and mothers) among them have exceeded their teacher. I hope that one day they will all remember me as I remember my Father, as someone who cared for and loved them, their families, and their Mother with all his heart.<br />
<br />
Thanks, guys. It's been a great ride so far.<br />
<br />
God bless you all.rubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238645905757079997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3864108560222615190.post-57469283549593179922010-06-07T06:52:00.000-04:002010-06-07T06:52:48.555-04:00Tempus FugitSitting where I am now, it's hard to believe that 41 years have passed since Marilyn and I stood in front of a huge church full of people neither of us knew very well and exchanged vows to love, honor, and cherish each other for the rest of our lives. <br />
<br />
41 years may seem like a long time to most folks who read this, but from my perspective, it's felt like just a few weeks. But, those few weeks have been eventful. We've had 4 wonderful children, made a home for ourselves, worked like dogs to keep that roof over our heads, had quite a few triumphs, some defeats, wept, fretted, and loved a lot.<br />
<br />
Marilyn, I love you now as much as the day we wed. I pray God will grant us a lot more years to enjoy each other's company, and watch our children and grandchildren grow. Thank you for all you've given.rubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238645905757079997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3864108560222615190.post-40416968279223800892010-06-05T18:10:00.000-04:002010-06-05T18:10:02.171-04:00Happy Birthday, Tyler!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4pg7gqiPmGAURXBo8FclkxiaNycC0nP2BQtfu-Y77P4WvTlXbjUSz11qGsMGPKXsUljnQGG-IdDp4MRwZww7QGzjBV_tc8B7zpPHKHt2s79cbLt_P2Q-RN2pTH2b6vzE_G1d2oVaf8hQ/s1600/grandkids_edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4pg7gqiPmGAURXBo8FclkxiaNycC0nP2BQtfu-Y77P4WvTlXbjUSz11qGsMGPKXsUljnQGG-IdDp4MRwZww7QGzjBV_tc8B7zpPHKHt2s79cbLt_P2Q-RN2pTH2b6vzE_G1d2oVaf8hQ/s320/grandkids_edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My grandson, Tyler, is 15 today. This morning his Mom took him to the DMV and they got his Learner's Permit. He drove home from the DMV and later rode to town with his stepfather and then drove home.<br />
<br />
Nobody was even remotely harmed. I have much hope for him.<br />
<br />
Seriously, I wish you a wonderful Birthday, and the best in the year to come.<br />
<br />
And you can come over any time to help me work on "your" truck.<br />
<br />
Much love,<br />
<br />
Grandpa, and Grandma, too.rubihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238645905757079997noreply@blogger.com3