I grew up on the east side of Wichita, Kansas. We were right outside of the City Limits and the view from my house was mostly the Beech Aircraft Plant number 1 on Central and the Beech parking lot that was right behind my house. My daddy was in the Navy in WWII and I was a "Baby Boomer". In my neighborhood, there was no shortage of kids to play with. In fact, many of our ball games on the vacant lot up north had more kids in the outfield than most professional teams had on their roster. We all went to Minneha and it was from kindergarten to the ninth grade when I attended there. I guess the last three grades were technically Junior High but who even thinks about such things at the time. We walked to school and so long as you got home before the 3:30 shift change you could do so mostly safely. There were no old stupid dogs in my neighborhood. If they ventured out between 6:30 and 7 AM or between 3:30 and 4 PM they died in the road. That happened a lot...
The neighborhood I grew up in was called Travel Air City as it was built right before the war to house the expanding workforce for Beech Aircraft. By the time I had grown up, it was known as Dog Patch after that Al Capp cartoon city. I think that appellation stuck mostly because of all the Oakies and Arkies that settled there because of the cheap housing. Someone tore down an apartment area called Beechwood and hauled the large buildings to my neighborhood. It improved both areas. A lot of the rest of my neighborhood was trailer courts and shacks. At least a couple of years in my life I too was a part of the trailer trash as we lived in an 8X38 foot trailer when we moved back after Vietnam. We were going to Wichita State University and in love so we didn't care much where we lived.
A lot of people don't remember who was their first friend. I remember clearly that Harvey Blinn was one of the first guys I knew. He lived two houses south of us on Byrd Street and I think our being friends was mostly because we were both from families where the girls out numbered the boys. I think he had 5 or 6 sisters and I had two. Harvey was a year older but I feel confident in saying that I was a bad influence on him in a lot of areas. Harvey and I maintain a correspondence with each other even today and have had a chance to visit in the last year or so.
One of the influences in my neighborhood was Minneha. My Kindergarten teacher lived next door, The Head Custodian lives across the street and there was a kid in about every grade that lived on my block. There was a joke about a little frog there. When someone would ask "Who Did That?" he would hop out and say, "Petty did it, Petty did it!" Damned if he wasn't right more often than not. I was a pretty intelligent kid that would probably be on Ritalin today. My attention span on old ideas was short and there was no limit on new ideas for things to do. I guess Harvey, Ronnie, Eugene, Denny L. and Wayne needed more to do to enliven their lives. The Wichita Flash was there to help. When my sisters started at Minneha, it was in a very small building at Central and Webb Road. They expanded to a new building up Webb Road and had to build a new Elementary School because of all the kids born right after the war. I think that it now has been absorbed into the Wichita School District now and even is a "Magnet" school what ever that is.
While there were a lot of people involved in the Education process in my neighborhood, there was also a lot of people that worked at Beech. Most of the people that lived in out neighborhood may have started at Beech and walked to work, a lot of them moved to Cessna or Boeing for the money. When they moved up, a lot of them moved out. Not all, but many moved away from there and the neighborhood deteriorated with the arrival of poor folks from Oklahoma and Arkansas. A lot of them seemed to be in the roofing business. The men would travel to places far away if there was a major storm and then draw unemployment all winter. Most of them left large families in the shacks and sent home what little money they didn't drink while in other cities.
I can't even begin to tell you what sociological influences were the greatest on the kids where I lived. I was almost 7 when we got our first TV and we were too poor to go to many movies. I did listen to radio on those hot summer nights but I think I spent more time outside than anything else. Because of the lights in the Beech parking lot, our yard was lit up and we played outside a lot during the summer. Kick the can, hide and go seek and just mischief kep us busy most of the time. I don't remember being bored a lot as we always found someone to play with or something to do.
I don't remember when I got my first bike, but I do know that we all had one. We were like a gang of bikers riding the darnedest collection of old iron anywhere. We roamed the neighborhood and often rode the roads way north of our homes. I can remember riding one time at least 5 miles north of our neighborhood and having to dip my front wheel in the water in a ditch because there was no grease in the bearings and it got so hot it darned near froze up. When we got home the bearings fell out and we never did find enough to make that wheel work again.
I guess I want to share with you that even if we were poor, we were rich in friendships and blessed to attend a school where a good education could be had even if it was by osmosis mostly. For me, my salvation was one of the best libraries ever. I could go in there and find books that took me all over the world. I traveled every battlefield in the Civil War and WWI. Those places I didn't read about in WWII were places we were taken by the war stories of our fathers.
MUD
1/26/2012
1/25/2012
Finally, I got that Sucker!
I think I have mentioned feeding the birds (OK about a million times). To do that, I have found that Black Oil Sunflower seeds are the one's the birds like the best. The problem with having bulk seeds in the computer room downstairs is the problems with other animals that like the seeds, like mice. There has been one bold little fellow that has just strolled out in the middle of the room and dared me to catch him. I tried the old mouse trap baited with peanut butter but he just was so small he could lick one of those traps clean and escape. I found that Victor makes a trap that is very pressure sensitive and catches them like crazy. It has a great big paddle looking thing that trips the trap. I put the traps perpendicular to the wall and put just a few seeds between a pair. Out in the garage, I put them along a "run" they use without the seeds. It seems that in the dark, mouses run along the wall using their whiskers to go straight. They first run into the traps line and then go to mousy heaven (or hell in my book). So far this year I have trapped over 30 in the garage and one in the basement. I hate those mice in a big way.
Our friend, Mel, from Austin was with us one day over the Christmas break when we were out on a walk. Her cell phone rang and I'll be darned if she didn't get a cold call interview. She works as a quality control person for the programmers. She tests the programs and finds the bugs before the programs go out for release. The company she had been working for had hired a new supervisor and they just didn't get along. Mel was offered a new job and ran with it. We are thrilled to see her get a chance with a new company.
I have a dilemma, One of my renters thinks the bathroom at their house needs upgraded. They are behind $2,100 in rent for last year and quite frankly I had hoped they would go find somewhere else to live. I do have plans to upgrade the bathroom in that house but how do you do it with them there? I am very inclined to use the back rent to remodel if they make good on their promise to catch me up by march. If they don't, I will evict them and do the upgrade as I can. Oh well.
Barb and I went to the KU vs Texas A&M game Monday night with Dan and Carrie Craig. During our Dinner at the Yellow Sub in Lawrence they mentioned the family trip next fall in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Right now it will cost us a little over $500 @ for a week on the beach. I'm pretty sure that food costs will drive that up a little but as one of the cooks I really look forward to working with Keith to cook up some great seafood. By then, there will be another new baby in the Kirkland family and we love babies.
I am going to work on getting together with my nephew Robert and Julia to see their two year old and soon to be new daughter. I have seen pictures but we seem to just miss them - a lot!. I hate it when that happens.
Better run and get something accomplished. I guess I should try to set a goal or two first.
MUD
Our friend, Mel, from Austin was with us one day over the Christmas break when we were out on a walk. Her cell phone rang and I'll be darned if she didn't get a cold call interview. She works as a quality control person for the programmers. She tests the programs and finds the bugs before the programs go out for release. The company she had been working for had hired a new supervisor and they just didn't get along. Mel was offered a new job and ran with it. We are thrilled to see her get a chance with a new company.
I have a dilemma, One of my renters thinks the bathroom at their house needs upgraded. They are behind $2,100 in rent for last year and quite frankly I had hoped they would go find somewhere else to live. I do have plans to upgrade the bathroom in that house but how do you do it with them there? I am very inclined to use the back rent to remodel if they make good on their promise to catch me up by march. If they don't, I will evict them and do the upgrade as I can. Oh well.
Barb and I went to the KU vs Texas A&M game Monday night with Dan and Carrie Craig. During our Dinner at the Yellow Sub in Lawrence they mentioned the family trip next fall in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Right now it will cost us a little over $500 @ for a week on the beach. I'm pretty sure that food costs will drive that up a little but as one of the cooks I really look forward to working with Keith to cook up some great seafood. By then, there will be another new baby in the Kirkland family and we love babies.
I am going to work on getting together with my nephew Robert and Julia to see their two year old and soon to be new daughter. I have seen pictures but we seem to just miss them - a lot!. I hate it when that happens.
Better run and get something accomplished. I guess I should try to set a goal or two first.
MUD
1/24/2012
I am not as Think as you drunk I am...
Just the other day, I had a non-alcoholic beer in New Braunfels, Texas. It was a German beer with a German meal of schnitzel, cabbage and boiled potatoes (Mit butter) It was wonderful and enjoyed the taste. For the first time in a long time I found that I could enjoy the taste without the craving for another, and another and another. For the longest part of my life I really liked beer. No, I really, really liked beer.
While I had many a drunk night in the Military, I drank before I went in and after I came out. No one to blame there. I like many others must stand up and be accountable for myself on that front.
The other day, I was looking for a phone number in my old "Day Runner" and found the Micro fish from my time in the Service. I went down to the National Guard Headquarters to see if they had a machine to read the darned thing and I was taken back that they no longer had anyway to read one. Even the archives section no longer uses one. They sent the old files off to be put in a data base and I forgot to ask if I could get a copy on a disk. I found my military life reduced to 392 itty bitty files and no way to read them.
The biggest surprise was that the Library had a film/fish reader and they were glad to show me how to use it and I did. There wasn't a lot to be surprised about, except for the lack of documentation of all the TDY's to other units in Vietnam. Heck, there wasn't even an order when I got "Infused" from one major unit to another. I did find that I was in battery A, 6th Bn, 84th Artillery , Service Battery and then C, 1-92nd as the FDO then XO. I had trouble remembering that detail even if the war stories come back loud and clear.
For the most part, my OERs over the years said good things about me. I was amazed that one OER took a pot shot at me for getting out of the Military after Vietnam. All the time, one leader after another told me that the Military would not want me without a degree. They never offered to put me through college except for the GI Bill so what the hell did they expect? I got my degree from KU and then joined the Guard full time. I don;t regret one day of it. Hell, I may not remember things from time to time but no regrets.
MUD
While I had many a drunk night in the Military, I drank before I went in and after I came out. No one to blame there. I like many others must stand up and be accountable for myself on that front.
The other day, I was looking for a phone number in my old "Day Runner" and found the Micro fish from my time in the Service. I went down to the National Guard Headquarters to see if they had a machine to read the darned thing and I was taken back that they no longer had anyway to read one. Even the archives section no longer uses one. They sent the old files off to be put in a data base and I forgot to ask if I could get a copy on a disk. I found my military life reduced to 392 itty bitty files and no way to read them.
The biggest surprise was that the Library had a film/fish reader and they were glad to show me how to use it and I did. There wasn't a lot to be surprised about, except for the lack of documentation of all the TDY's to other units in Vietnam. Heck, there wasn't even an order when I got "Infused" from one major unit to another. I did find that I was in battery A, 6th Bn, 84th Artillery , Service Battery and then C, 1-92nd as the FDO then XO. I had trouble remembering that detail even if the war stories come back loud and clear.
For the most part, my OERs over the years said good things about me. I was amazed that one OER took a pot shot at me for getting out of the Military after Vietnam. All the time, one leader after another told me that the Military would not want me without a degree. They never offered to put me through college except for the GI Bill so what the hell did they expect? I got my degree from KU and then joined the Guard full time. I don;t regret one day of it. Hell, I may not remember things from time to time but no regrets.
MUD
1/23/2012
Jeff? hell no I am not Jeff. Oh, Deaf, well...
It all started in Basic Training in 1966. I loved the M-14, but it was one loud Mother. We would put cigarette butts in our ears when we shot because the Government didn't think ear plugs and an ear plug case was something they could afford to issue. I shot the M-14 all the way to expert and by Christmas of my first year in the Military, I felt like I had been listening to Hard Rock all my life. I wasn't deaf, but on the way.
The next step in the cycle was my times on the guns in OCS. Again, we had no Military issued hearing and those damn guns, even the smallest 105mm Howitzer would hurt your ears if you got caught unawares. For our Field Problem we spent four days with 155mm Howitzers and they were more than just loud. The concussion was hard on you.
I went to Vietnam and after the first week in the field, I was damn near deaf and both my ears had bled. When I tried to be an Aerial Observer for pay, they weren't sure I could hear well enough. I went back to the guns and lost a lot of what was left.
I went back in the National Guard after Active Duty and wouldn't you know it would be the Field Artillery. By then, the Government had figured out that a few ear plugs would be a lot better than a lot of deaf soldiers. I try to carry some all the time then and now. It is a little like a little too late for me. Those damned cows are not only out of the barn, but they are out eating the horses feed. (Mixed that metaphor big time)
When I got out of the Service, I went to the VA and had my hearing tested. The guy said by the time I reach middle age I would probably need something but I'm not sure of what he said. Because it was in the audiology lab, I assume he said hearing aids. Now, I am doing battle with the VA. Little did I assume it would be a paper war to even get a hearing test. The VA also said I should go over to the DAV and file for a disability. Let me share that with you.
I spent a few minutes visiting with a counselor and he started the paper work for their files. He indicated that if I hear a ringing in my ears (I Do) that was a 10% Disability and deafness was another 10%. If it was the money only that is about $250 a month. I explained to him that I wasn't out for more money and he kind of laughed. He said that it's a good thing, because I wouldn't get any money. The best I could hope for is to have the disability declared and some of the retirement income in a Tax free basis. Good enough for me. I am already on the Government dole and don't need more taxable income. In fact even a little bit in a non tax basis wouldn't be bad.
Oh well, I guess I'll just muddle along in life. Oh - Do you know how to tell an old Artilleryman? Real Loud...
MUD
The next step in the cycle was my times on the guns in OCS. Again, we had no Military issued hearing and those damn guns, even the smallest 105mm Howitzer would hurt your ears if you got caught unawares. For our Field Problem we spent four days with 155mm Howitzers and they were more than just loud. The concussion was hard on you.
I went to Vietnam and after the first week in the field, I was damn near deaf and both my ears had bled. When I tried to be an Aerial Observer for pay, they weren't sure I could hear well enough. I went back to the guns and lost a lot of what was left.
I went back in the National Guard after Active Duty and wouldn't you know it would be the Field Artillery. By then, the Government had figured out that a few ear plugs would be a lot better than a lot of deaf soldiers. I try to carry some all the time then and now. It is a little like a little too late for me. Those damned cows are not only out of the barn, but they are out eating the horses feed. (Mixed that metaphor big time)
When I got out of the Service, I went to the VA and had my hearing tested. The guy said by the time I reach middle age I would probably need something but I'm not sure of what he said. Because it was in the audiology lab, I assume he said hearing aids. Now, I am doing battle with the VA. Little did I assume it would be a paper war to even get a hearing test. The VA also said I should go over to the DAV and file for a disability. Let me share that with you.
I spent a few minutes visiting with a counselor and he started the paper work for their files. He indicated that if I hear a ringing in my ears (I Do) that was a 10% Disability and deafness was another 10%. If it was the money only that is about $250 a month. I explained to him that I wasn't out for more money and he kind of laughed. He said that it's a good thing, because I wouldn't get any money. The best I could hope for is to have the disability declared and some of the retirement income in a Tax free basis. Good enough for me. I am already on the Government dole and don't need more taxable income. In fact even a little bit in a non tax basis wouldn't be bad.
Oh well, I guess I'll just muddle along in life. Oh - Do you know how to tell an old Artilleryman? Real Loud...
MUD
Great Weekend
There is a table of paperwork sitting here in the room and I managed to enjoy basketball on Saturday and Football on Sunday. I think the Football games were a little better because I could take a nap and not feel like I missed much. Until Sunday, I had not seen a Baltimore Raven's game all year. Once San Francisco fell out of the picture, they lost me. An all East coast Super Bowl just doesn't float my boat. Other than the KU vs Texas game on Saturday, I didn't have much spirit invested in the games so I could also switch between History, the Military Channel and the games. Direct TV fooled around and I had to listen to the KU game. Most of the paperwork on my table can't be completed until I get the paperwork from the Oil Companies and the banks. I have organized what I have and am just waiting. Most of it isn't due to me until 30 January.
One thing that is clear is that I need to invest in a tractor for all the rock driveways. They are in horrible shape and I sure can't fix them with a shovel and a pickup. I also think that if my renters catch up on their back rent, I'll need to invest a few dollars or get beat at Tax time in 2013. I have also looked at a rental property but I didn't get a lot of good feelings from Barb. There is a duplex worth about $200,000 and I would like to buy it for about $150,000. It needs some maintenance but most other than the roof is just piddling stuff. I think it would make a nice investment to have a house in the Shawnee Heights district that would rent for between $750 and a $1,000 a month for each unit. I just try to let the units pay for themselves and they are long term investments.
The really stupid thing is that at least once each year, I think to myself that I sure would like to get out of the landlord business. The real problem is that so far it is the only thing that has paid off regularly ad most of my real gains have been due to my property investments.
I think starting the weekend out by seeing a movie was the way to start. I loved "Red Tails" and someone said that if I liked it I needed to see "War Horse".
Every once in a while i will be writing on my blog and the courser just disappears. It is somewhat frustrating in I make a lot of errors and have to guess when I am in a correction mode. Oh well, write if you get work...
MUD
One thing that is clear is that I need to invest in a tractor for all the rock driveways. They are in horrible shape and I sure can't fix them with a shovel and a pickup. I also think that if my renters catch up on their back rent, I'll need to invest a few dollars or get beat at Tax time in 2013. I have also looked at a rental property but I didn't get a lot of good feelings from Barb. There is a duplex worth about $200,000 and I would like to buy it for about $150,000. It needs some maintenance but most other than the roof is just piddling stuff. I think it would make a nice investment to have a house in the Shawnee Heights district that would rent for between $750 and a $1,000 a month for each unit. I just try to let the units pay for themselves and they are long term investments.
The really stupid thing is that at least once each year, I think to myself that I sure would like to get out of the landlord business. The real problem is that so far it is the only thing that has paid off regularly ad most of my real gains have been due to my property investments.
I think starting the weekend out by seeing a movie was the way to start. I loved "Red Tails" and someone said that if I liked it I needed to see "War Horse".
Every once in a while i will be writing on my blog and the courser just disappears. It is somewhat frustrating in I make a lot of errors and have to guess when I am in a correction mode. Oh well, write if you get work...
MUD
1/21/2012
Just You and Me!
Somewhere in the middle of my tour in Vietnam, my unit moved by road from Dak To to Bahn me Touit. It took us most of two days to make the move and when the guns were all set up, some one decided that the gun trucks would be moved back to the base by the air field. It was about a 30 Kilometer move and the sun was well on its way to setting. Had there been a vote, I would have waited until the next morning but no one ever said the Military was a democracy. I was the third Lieutenant assigned to the battery and it was decided that I would remain in the rear and run the resupply point. I would have a couple of NCO's and about 8 soldiers.
On the move back to the rear area, I was in one of the trucks with Sergeant Terratola. He could tell that we were out in the middle of no where and our ass was hanging out. I didn't have a radio, or a map and no idea where the hell we were or where we were going. One of the guys from the big gun unit we were helping was in charge and we were just a row of ducks following momma home. It had been raining for several days and the trucks could not keep the wheels on the road. As we went down the road, we basically just drove from one ditch to the other and mostly in a forward manner. I hate to think what the road looked like the next after when 7 or 8 trucks drove down the ditches and tore the shit out of them.
About half way back, it really got dark and my senses were on full alert. About that time, Sergeant Terratola began to say, "Just You and me Lord, Just you and Me!" He pulled out his St Christopher medal and kissed it. He started to chant the Rosary sayings, "Hail Mary, mother of god, full of grace....." That's all a Baptist from Kansas can remember. That went on all the way back to the base and I understood. It wasn't the "Why Me lord" comment, it was just a way to communicate to the Lord that he was in charge and we were along for the ride.
In the end, we got back safely but I'm sure that most of us felt we were so lucky and a few prayers were said that night.
I remember that night and many more to come. After that, I feel like it would take a lot of crap to make me feel that way again.
MUD
On the move back to the rear area, I was in one of the trucks with Sergeant Terratola. He could tell that we were out in the middle of no where and our ass was hanging out. I didn't have a radio, or a map and no idea where the hell we were or where we were going. One of the guys from the big gun unit we were helping was in charge and we were just a row of ducks following momma home. It had been raining for several days and the trucks could not keep the wheels on the road. As we went down the road, we basically just drove from one ditch to the other and mostly in a forward manner. I hate to think what the road looked like the next after when 7 or 8 trucks drove down the ditches and tore the shit out of them.
About half way back, it really got dark and my senses were on full alert. About that time, Sergeant Terratola began to say, "Just You and me Lord, Just you and Me!" He pulled out his St Christopher medal and kissed it. He started to chant the Rosary sayings, "Hail Mary, mother of god, full of grace....." That's all a Baptist from Kansas can remember. That went on all the way back to the base and I understood. It wasn't the "Why Me lord" comment, it was just a way to communicate to the Lord that he was in charge and we were along for the ride.
In the end, we got back safely but I'm sure that most of us felt we were so lucky and a few prayers were said that night.
I remember that night and many more to come. After that, I feel like it would take a lot of crap to make me feel that way again.
MUD
1/20/2012
Perception & Reality
The reality of life is that my perception is my reality. What you think is what you think and I would hope that for the most part as you get older you feel more and more confident that your reality will do for now. Because most people learn and grow in what they know, their perceptions change as they go through experiences and living. What I find frustrating is that so many people fail to realize that what they are thinking just might be right. Or wrong as the person may be..
I have a real problem dealing with people that think their way is the only way. It has been said that I don't suffer "Fools Gladly". By that, I think that people unable to discuss the facts and somewhat use the facts to shape new ideas are way too rigid. I don't think changing your core beliefs will happen but at least admitting there might be another way to do things is a good thing.
I am pretty sure that I don't care for most Opera. I love music and there are a few places where someone singing Italian very loud is OK, but so far I don't think I want to sit through hours and hours of it. I won't let that aversion stop me from listening to any music, just don't expect to find me in line buying tickets for Rigoletto. My father loved the movies but he never met a musical he liked. (Well, there was one movie with Theresa Brewer in it that he wanted to see but I think it was because he really thought she was cute)
Speaking of movies, I am going to go see the new movie "Red Tails" today if at all possible. I did a lot of growing up without much experience around blacks. I loved the Military as one of the few places where doing your job was a hell of a lot more important than the color of your skin. I really want to see the success of a bunch of committed young men to do a job that was very important. Had those black Pilots not been there in those great P-51 Mustangs, the bomber crews would have continued to die in large numbers. I am confident that supporting the Bombers did support our efforts in the war and helped shape our victory.
An editorial cartoon in today's paper showed both the Republicans and the Democrats as drunks wanting to drive the car. It is unfortunate that people fail to see that both parties are running the Congress and most of the failures aren't the result of one party over the other. For every one reason to elect one type person over another, we can find an exception. People say that Newt is an insider and should not be President. There is a lot to be said about the ability of Lyndon Johnson to get things done. Mitt says we should elect a person who is not a Washington insider. Isn't that the weakness of Obama? If he could rally the parties and get things done we might not be in such trouble. Unless, of course the President really doesn't add much to the real workings in Washington. Oh well, I will continue with my reality and you do the same.
MUD
I have a real problem dealing with people that think their way is the only way. It has been said that I don't suffer "Fools Gladly". By that, I think that people unable to discuss the facts and somewhat use the facts to shape new ideas are way too rigid. I don't think changing your core beliefs will happen but at least admitting there might be another way to do things is a good thing.
I am pretty sure that I don't care for most Opera. I love music and there are a few places where someone singing Italian very loud is OK, but so far I don't think I want to sit through hours and hours of it. I won't let that aversion stop me from listening to any music, just don't expect to find me in line buying tickets for Rigoletto. My father loved the movies but he never met a musical he liked. (Well, there was one movie with Theresa Brewer in it that he wanted to see but I think it was because he really thought she was cute)
Speaking of movies, I am going to go see the new movie "Red Tails" today if at all possible. I did a lot of growing up without much experience around blacks. I loved the Military as one of the few places where doing your job was a hell of a lot more important than the color of your skin. I really want to see the success of a bunch of committed young men to do a job that was very important. Had those black Pilots not been there in those great P-51 Mustangs, the bomber crews would have continued to die in large numbers. I am confident that supporting the Bombers did support our efforts in the war and helped shape our victory.
An editorial cartoon in today's paper showed both the Republicans and the Democrats as drunks wanting to drive the car. It is unfortunate that people fail to see that both parties are running the Congress and most of the failures aren't the result of one party over the other. For every one reason to elect one type person over another, we can find an exception. People say that Newt is an insider and should not be President. There is a lot to be said about the ability of Lyndon Johnson to get things done. Mitt says we should elect a person who is not a Washington insider. Isn't that the weakness of Obama? If he could rally the parties and get things done we might not be in such trouble. Unless, of course the President really doesn't add much to the real workings in Washington. Oh well, I will continue with my reality and you do the same.
MUD
1/17/2012
Hawks Won!
Unless you live in a cave, you probably know that Baylor Men and Women Basketball teams (Bo fum) were unbeaten until last night. In a game right out of my fantasies, the Kansas Jay Hawks went to work in Allen Field House and schooled them in the manly art of round ball. Baylor was ranked number three in the nation and KU was about 8th. Be interesting what happens this next Monday when the new rankings come out.
With that said, the weather here is well on its way to being January like in the Heartland. The temperature is about 25 with a 20-25 MPH northerly wind that makes it feel like zero. Should warm up to 40 by the weekend.You never know what the weather in Kansas is going to bring.
Last night, we had our son and his wife over for dinner. Dave's wife Barbara told a funny story. It seems that Barbara was telling one of he co-workers that she couldn't wait until she got home to eat one of Dave' s dinners The lady was aghast that Barbara didn't cook all the meals in her house. "What does he do when he wants a good home cooked dinner?" "We go over to his Dad's house" was Barb's reply. Good stuff on the state of the world.
Better get running, got a hot date with the wife across town.
MUD
With that said, the weather here is well on its way to being January like in the Heartland. The temperature is about 25 with a 20-25 MPH northerly wind that makes it feel like zero. Should warm up to 40 by the weekend.You never know what the weather in Kansas is going to bring.
Last night, we had our son and his wife over for dinner. Dave's wife Barbara told a funny story. It seems that Barbara was telling one of he co-workers that she couldn't wait until she got home to eat one of Dave' s dinners The lady was aghast that Barbara didn't cook all the meals in her house. "What does he do when he wants a good home cooked dinner?" "We go over to his Dad's house" was Barb's reply. Good stuff on the state of the world.
Better get running, got a hot date with the wife across town.
MUD
1/16/2012
Monday Holiday
One of the neatest thing about being retired is that unless you just are crazy to go to the bank, Monday Holidays mean very little. We do try not to shop on the weekend any more than necessary and we can slip that over to Monday or Tuesday if needed. It also gives the Barb's some bonding time. I'm not sure of the entire details of today but I think they are going to knit a dragon. OK, a dragon scarf to be more precise.
My son, of the Best Buy Geek Squad fame came over last night and I used his brain to figure out how to read my nieces Book for a Nook on my computer. He can't be bought, but feeding him does seem to make him glad to help. His mother also makes the Geek Squad cookies from time to time. I had done everything correctly but the book had some kind of electronic protection and I had to download the Barnes and Noble free software to get to the book. It is called "the F Word" by Rebecca Demauro. It is the story of her life as she traveled through several stages of her life. It is a bargain at .99 cents. One stage in her life, is the murder of her daughter, Andi. It really ends fairly well with her moving to an entirely new place in her life and finding that she can't hate the murderer and grow as a person. For family members, there is detail that was a surprise to a lot of us. I think there is enough hate in the rest of the family to make up for it. If Arkansas can't find an executioner, I'm pretty sure there is a long line of us that would do it for nothing. They don't call me Mean Uncle Denny for nothing. I loved her meeting with President Bush and the First Lady, Laura.
Tonight will be the first meeting this year of Baylor and KU. It starts at 8:30 PM and I am pretty sure I will need a nap. I think this will be the first meeting of the two teams that will fight it down to the wire for the Conference Men's Basketball Championship. It will all depend on what team for KU shows up. If Robinson and Taylor both have a great night it will be a breeze but if either one falls down, it will not be the 8 point win that the papers predict for KU. It is nice to see entire team playing together and their win over Iowa State was a treat for me to watch.
Today I think I'll go over to the west side of town and get the oil changed in the Ford. Because of the road trips to Austin, she is a lot overdue. I checked the oil and it looked good level wise but needs to put some fresh oil in there. I don't agree that 3,000 miles is long enough if the car is on the road. I think 6,000 is just a little far. OH well.
Barb and I lost our I-Phone a couple of weeks back and we replaced it with a TracFone that is prepaid. I can't get used to the fact that it seems like it eats minutes. With the program I had, I never had a problem with talk minutes and only on our trip to Maine did I get close to using all the Web time I was allowed. Oh well, AT&T is really out of our life now. I think we got our first phone with them through Southwestern Bell in Wichita in 1969. Our long distance was through AT&T. I can imagine how much money we funneled to them over the years but sadly no more for them. Our local line and internet is through Cox Cable, our TV is Direcway and our cell is TracFone. No bundle for us.
For some reason, it is almost 60 this morning. I think there is a cold front due so the wind is from the south at 20 to 25 MPH. Should drop 20 degrees this afternoon and be down into the teems by late tonight. This time last year it was hovering around zero with 10 to 12 inches of snow. This is more like Texas weather.
Oh well, nothing gained by sitting here and writing on this machine. Books to read and places to go. BYE!
MUD
My son, of the Best Buy Geek Squad fame came over last night and I used his brain to figure out how to read my nieces Book for a Nook on my computer. He can't be bought, but feeding him does seem to make him glad to help. His mother also makes the Geek Squad cookies from time to time. I had done everything correctly but the book had some kind of electronic protection and I had to download the Barnes and Noble free software to get to the book. It is called "the F Word" by Rebecca Demauro. It is the story of her life as she traveled through several stages of her life. It is a bargain at .99 cents. One stage in her life, is the murder of her daughter, Andi. It really ends fairly well with her moving to an entirely new place in her life and finding that she can't hate the murderer and grow as a person. For family members, there is detail that was a surprise to a lot of us. I think there is enough hate in the rest of the family to make up for it. If Arkansas can't find an executioner, I'm pretty sure there is a long line of us that would do it for nothing. They don't call me Mean Uncle Denny for nothing. I loved her meeting with President Bush and the First Lady, Laura.
Tonight will be the first meeting this year of Baylor and KU. It starts at 8:30 PM and I am pretty sure I will need a nap. I think this will be the first meeting of the two teams that will fight it down to the wire for the Conference Men's Basketball Championship. It will all depend on what team for KU shows up. If Robinson and Taylor both have a great night it will be a breeze but if either one falls down, it will not be the 8 point win that the papers predict for KU. It is nice to see entire team playing together and their win over Iowa State was a treat for me to watch.
Today I think I'll go over to the west side of town and get the oil changed in the Ford. Because of the road trips to Austin, she is a lot overdue. I checked the oil and it looked good level wise but needs to put some fresh oil in there. I don't agree that 3,000 miles is long enough if the car is on the road. I think 6,000 is just a little far. OH well.
Barb and I lost our I-Phone a couple of weeks back and we replaced it with a TracFone that is prepaid. I can't get used to the fact that it seems like it eats minutes. With the program I had, I never had a problem with talk minutes and only on our trip to Maine did I get close to using all the Web time I was allowed. Oh well, AT&T is really out of our life now. I think we got our first phone with them through Southwestern Bell in Wichita in 1969. Our long distance was through AT&T. I can imagine how much money we funneled to them over the years but sadly no more for them. Our local line and internet is through Cox Cable, our TV is Direcway and our cell is TracFone. No bundle for us.
For some reason, it is almost 60 this morning. I think there is a cold front due so the wind is from the south at 20 to 25 MPH. Should drop 20 degrees this afternoon and be down into the teems by late tonight. This time last year it was hovering around zero with 10 to 12 inches of snow. This is more like Texas weather.
Oh well, nothing gained by sitting here and writing on this machine. Books to read and places to go. BYE!
MUD
1/15/2012
Sports Saturday
I got sucked into watching games on TV early yesterday and finished late. I loved to watch Lon Kruger's Oklahoma team demolish K-State. I think it is interesting that Steve Henson of K-State fame is Lon's assistant coach. I am pretty sure they both have (or had) their jerseys retired and hanging in the Field House in Manhattan.
I watched the Iowa State and KU game with a lot of interest. A lot of that game I held my breath watching Iowa State shoot treys from the outside like it was the only shot they could hit, and they for the first half, did. Barb and I have an old saying, "You can't win games on Treys alone." Somewhere in the middle of all that, you must play defense and shoot a two or three. In Bill Self's words, sometimes you win with both the good and bad Taylor on the floor. it was one of the best team efforts for Hawks this year.
Note to Bill Self and Danny Manning - Watch T-Rob's free throws. Early in the year, he made a deliberate move with his right hand to his left shoulder and he has stopped doing that and his free throw percentage has gone all to heck.
I thought the San Francisco win was a good game and fell asleep as Denver got their hats handed to them. The NE linemen spent more time in the Denver backfield than the Running backs.At least we won't hear the endless Teabo stories for a while. I try to be tolerant but even I was getting tired of all the hoop la.
In and amongst all the sports programs, I finished a book. Today is predicted to be in the 60's so I'm not going to spend hours and hours watching TV. Not sure of the details exactly but I do want to take my guns out and do some target shooting. I bought myself a laser sight for the 9mm and have at least 500 .22 rounds to plink with. Perhaps when the girls go shopping Dave will want to come over.
Oh well, no need to sit here all day and write this.
MUD
I watched the Iowa State and KU game with a lot of interest. A lot of that game I held my breath watching Iowa State shoot treys from the outside like it was the only shot they could hit, and they for the first half, did. Barb and I have an old saying, "You can't win games on Treys alone." Somewhere in the middle of all that, you must play defense and shoot a two or three. In Bill Self's words, sometimes you win with both the good and bad Taylor on the floor. it was one of the best team efforts for Hawks this year.
Note to Bill Self and Danny Manning - Watch T-Rob's free throws. Early in the year, he made a deliberate move with his right hand to his left shoulder and he has stopped doing that and his free throw percentage has gone all to heck.
I thought the San Francisco win was a good game and fell asleep as Denver got their hats handed to them. The NE linemen spent more time in the Denver backfield than the Running backs.At least we won't hear the endless Teabo stories for a while. I try to be tolerant but even I was getting tired of all the hoop la.
In and amongst all the sports programs, I finished a book. Today is predicted to be in the 60's so I'm not going to spend hours and hours watching TV. Not sure of the details exactly but I do want to take my guns out and do some target shooting. I bought myself a laser sight for the 9mm and have at least 500 .22 rounds to plink with. Perhaps when the girls go shopping Dave will want to come over.
Oh well, no need to sit here all day and write this.
MUD
1/13/2012
Dear Best Buy
The other morning, MSN, my home page here on the Web said that Best Buy may be on the way out because of the perception of lousy customer service. I offer you this blog to encourage you to do better because: A. my son works in one of your stores and loves it and B. because I love the one stop nature of your business. I personally would hate it if every store became COSCO or Sam's Club. You know the place with slightly cheaper prices but absolutely no customer service. It is there on the shelf and take it or leave it.
Let me start by sharing with you that because of the free customer survey on MSN, you have the first leg up on fixing any problems the public may perceive. I can't tell you who first said that knowing what is wrong is the first step to fixing any problem, but it is a truism that everyone should use. Don't go out and spend thousands of dollars on finding out how to fix the problems, let me tell you a way I would fix it and give it a try. First of all, it comes with 40 years of experience behind it and second of all it is free. Got that? FREE.
When a person comes into Best Buy, your greeter at the door needs to say, "Welcome to Best Buy, is there anything I can help you with?" The first impression is the most important. If the customer has a question, have him send them to a person, by name in the department where the problem can be solved. For example "...Can I help you? " Customer - "Yes, I need to buy a computer" Have him tell the customer that "Dave over there in the computer section is our expert in that area and I am sure that he has the best information to solve your computer needs." Have him point out the computer section and if necessary have him announce over the intercom for Dave to be prepared to help a customer he is sending over to the computer department.
Every person in Best buy needs to understand they are the customer representative for Best Buy and no person enters their area without a greeting. I like "Welcome to best buy, how may I help you, or can I help you?" I would give every employee an id card that says "Welcome to best buy" and their first name.
Your managers need to understand that having your employees happy is the first step in making the customer happy. The old saw is if you don't know what's going on in your employees life, how can you know what makes them tick? A manager can't always fix all the problems, but they can often offer solutions that do work. How many people in your store are working the first shift and would love to work second shift so they can go to school? How many people are on second shift that would love to work first shift so they can spend more time with their family? Is part time employees the best answer? Ask them what they think.
The final part of the solution is to consider that not every solution works in every store. For one, the store in Topeka is staffed with some of the best people in the business. You hire some of the smartest people in the business, ask them to give you their ideas and then do something. Leaders are told in the Military to Lead, follow or get the hell out of the way.
I know my son greets every customer like they are a person and tries to fix their problems. If he is as effective with the other customers as he is with my electronics, I know they leave your store happy. My wife takes treats to the Geek Squad all the time and we are well known in that store.
Most of all, I wish you the best of luck and hope that this next year the spirit of customer service visits your stores and brings you the sales you need to prosper and grow.
MUD
Col, (Ret) US Army
Let me start by sharing with you that because of the free customer survey on MSN, you have the first leg up on fixing any problems the public may perceive. I can't tell you who first said that knowing what is wrong is the first step to fixing any problem, but it is a truism that everyone should use. Don't go out and spend thousands of dollars on finding out how to fix the problems, let me tell you a way I would fix it and give it a try. First of all, it comes with 40 years of experience behind it and second of all it is free. Got that? FREE.
When a person comes into Best Buy, your greeter at the door needs to say, "Welcome to Best Buy, is there anything I can help you with?" The first impression is the most important. If the customer has a question, have him send them to a person, by name in the department where the problem can be solved. For example "...Can I help you? " Customer - "Yes, I need to buy a computer" Have him tell the customer that "Dave over there in the computer section is our expert in that area and I am sure that he has the best information to solve your computer needs." Have him point out the computer section and if necessary have him announce over the intercom for Dave to be prepared to help a customer he is sending over to the computer department.
Every person in Best buy needs to understand they are the customer representative for Best Buy and no person enters their area without a greeting. I like "Welcome to best buy, how may I help you, or can I help you?" I would give every employee an id card that says "Welcome to best buy" and their first name.
Your managers need to understand that having your employees happy is the first step in making the customer happy. The old saw is if you don't know what's going on in your employees life, how can you know what makes them tick? A manager can't always fix all the problems, but they can often offer solutions that do work. How many people in your store are working the first shift and would love to work second shift so they can go to school? How many people are on second shift that would love to work first shift so they can spend more time with their family? Is part time employees the best answer? Ask them what they think.
The final part of the solution is to consider that not every solution works in every store. For one, the store in Topeka is staffed with some of the best people in the business. You hire some of the smartest people in the business, ask them to give you their ideas and then do something. Leaders are told in the Military to Lead, follow or get the hell out of the way.
I know my son greets every customer like they are a person and tries to fix their problems. If he is as effective with the other customers as he is with my electronics, I know they leave your store happy. My wife takes treats to the Geek Squad all the time and we are well known in that store.
Most of all, I wish you the best of luck and hope that this next year the spirit of customer service visits your stores and brings you the sales you need to prosper and grow.
MUD
Col, (Ret) US Army
What Do You Want ?
The first rule of life is that it is yours and what happens in it belongs to you first. Here are a few wishes I have for you:
MUD
- Look at the things in your life and smile when you are blessed with happiness.
- Get rest when you need it. There is no movie, computer game or book that should deprive you from sleep.
- Eat sanely. Yes, I love steak but I know that I sometimes need to eat a salad and chicken.
- Never, never stop learning things. Read, laugh and love to see the wonders of the world.
- For me, writing like this helps me think about life and keeps me from taking it way to seriously.
- A house is just a house, a car is just transportation, and things won't make you happy. On the other hand, people loving, laughing and talking works miracles for me. This Christmas we had more people over than ever and it was a wonderful time.
- Don't expect every trip to be Disneyland. Sometimes it will rain and be cold. Bring a good book and kick back and enjoy.
- The main rule in finance is that income must be greater than or equal to outgo! Other than a house, debt is not a way to anything good. Put your credit or debit card away for a month and spend cash. I'll bet you will not spend as much.
- My final wish is that you will smile and make the bastards wonder what you have been up to.
MUD
1/12/2012
Mobile Phones Part Two...
Well friends, it appears that this old dog is either too old to learn new tricks or everything in this world is far too complicated. I bought a TracFone and it has way too many bells and whistles for this old dog. With my I Phone, when I wanted to end the session I was on, I would turn it off. That would save the battery and incoming calls would ring in unless I turned off the ringer. The TracFone just wants to go to sleep not be turned off. If you turn it off, incoming calls go to voice mail at a cost a a minute each time I retrieve them. Just let the damn thing go to sleep and everything is fine. Barb called TracFone's hot line and between the Indian English and an echo on the line we just could not figure out what the hell he was saying. You know, Jim from the call center.
We are having our first Arctic Blast today. Between the 25 MPH wind and the single digit temps, it is zero out there. They say it may clear and warm up some but I'll watch it from the inside just to make sure. At least I got out and got the paper and made sure the birds had seeds and water.
With the wind blowing so hard out there, I am amazed that the turkeys or the deer aren't down here below the house in the creek valley. There are enough birds here to tell me that Rabbit Run is a great place to sit out a cold blast. Guess I'll do just that.
MUD
We are having our first Arctic Blast today. Between the 25 MPH wind and the single digit temps, it is zero out there. They say it may clear and warm up some but I'll watch it from the inside just to make sure. At least I got out and got the paper and made sure the birds had seeds and water.
With the wind blowing so hard out there, I am amazed that the turkeys or the deer aren't down here below the house in the creek valley. There are enough birds here to tell me that Rabbit Run is a great place to sit out a cold blast. Guess I'll do just that.
MUD
1/06/2012
Mobile Phones
Way, I say Way back when, I was the on duty officer for the National Guard as the Emergency Preparedness officer, (Also known as the Military Support Officer) I carried an early mobile Phone. It was called "the Brick" because it looked like a brick in a bag with an antenna. It had a limited range and you had to be careful where you turned it on as each time you hit a new cell tower you got charged a roaming charge as well as a cost to use it. One day as I carried it into a store on my way home, a little boy said out loud" Look Mommy, that soldier is carrying a purse and it has a tail." That phone had a limited battery life and if it was left on all day out here as I worked on the fence, it would be dead by that evening. Needless to say it spent a lot of time on the charger.
That leads me to my first foray into the modern era of cell phones. I didn't wait to buy one that was already outdated, I jumped into the fray at near the top of the business. Two years ago I bought an I-Phone G3 and paid dearly for the phone and almost $100 a month for a few months. AT&T wanted to cut down the usage on their towers and offered a slightly lower data plan and it only cost me $70.00 for the last 18 months. All that ends today. I am going to call AT&T and cancel that plan this morning.
Why? Because no matter how durable the I-Phone and a rubber case is, it won't stand up to smushing by the standard automobile tire and being a cheapskate, I didn't insure it. I got two years of service out of it and now time to move on.
I am sure that somewhere out in the distance, the phones will get cheaper and I will move on down that road but in the meantime I think a smaller bill is in order. There is one with a 1,000 minutes and 40 texts and morre web searching time than I had for about $45 per month. We'll see what is in store for us when Barb and I got to Wally World in a while.
See Ya,
MUD
That leads me to my first foray into the modern era of cell phones. I didn't wait to buy one that was already outdated, I jumped into the fray at near the top of the business. Two years ago I bought an I-Phone G3 and paid dearly for the phone and almost $100 a month for a few months. AT&T wanted to cut down the usage on their towers and offered a slightly lower data plan and it only cost me $70.00 for the last 18 months. All that ends today. I am going to call AT&T and cancel that plan this morning.
Why? Because no matter how durable the I-Phone and a rubber case is, it won't stand up to smushing by the standard automobile tire and being a cheapskate, I didn't insure it. I got two years of service out of it and now time to move on.
I am sure that somewhere out in the distance, the phones will get cheaper and I will move on down that road but in the meantime I think a smaller bill is in order. There is one with a 1,000 minutes and 40 texts and morre web searching time than I had for about $45 per month. We'll see what is in store for us when Barb and I got to Wally World in a while.
See Ya,
MUD
12/31/2011
New Years Stuff
Someone posted 30 things they said we should not do to ourselves for New years. I think that's way too many things. Here is my list of what to do:
- You are your own source of happiness. If you aren't happy, get up off your butt and do something. No, posting your "wahhhh" on Facebook ain't it.
- What ever your job is, do your best. It isn't hard to compete for promotion with a bunch of people that spend half their time on line and the other half finding excuses for not getting things done. Build a schedule and follow it. Have things done when you say you will have it done. Working late now and then is good practice.
- Keep your education going. Read a book, journals or just talk to people in the field that you are interested in. No, not BS, but aske them what works for them and then listen.
- Write down on your hand that income must be equal to or greater than outgo. Get a second job or stop spending if you find month left at the end of your money.
- Brush, floss and see your dentist at least once a year. Twice ain't bad. Do an annual physical "annually" DUH!
- If you are an introvert, find some alone time. If you are an extrovert, get out and meet people.
- Stop spending your time reading 30 things not to do and do the right things first and in the oprder of how important ther are to you. If in doubt, make a list and start putting it in order.
12/28/2011
WEB Griffin
Instead of waiting for the book to get to the library, I bought a copy of his latest book. It is co-written with William E. Butterworth IV. Yes, if you are familiar with his books the WEB in the author's name is William E. Butterworth and I'm not sure if he is Junior, the II or the III. I find that the books that are written with his son just seem to lack the character development from his earlier books. The theme is familiar in a lot of works, he writes from the point of view of a rich smart and talented hero and in most cases while he may lose a battle now and then, in the long haul wins the wars. I don't know why I love pure fantasy but I do. Did I mention that he also gets the girl? A Lot!
The really good news is that WEB Griffin gets done is his works about 250 pages less than Clancy. I can read his books in a couple of days where Clancy can spin a tale on for lots more pages and it takes all week for me to finish. Both writers have characters that move on through the books and are fairly easy to follow. I happen to have most of the Griffin books and not so many Clancy books.
I see our friends from Morocco are in Spain again for Christmas. I think it would be fun to meet them there and see Spain from the eyes of the girls. I'm pretty sure that Gerald is filling up on the ham he doesn't get in Morocco. I would love to eat a sea food paella the way I see them made on the cooking shows. (Just so you know, I really struggled with the spell checker to spell paella. I had to go out to the web and look up Spanish cooking to find out how to get even close to the right way to spell it) I always loved my mother's answer to the age old question "What is this?" She would tell us, "I cooked it, I don't have to name it!"
My niece Jennifer wrote that she was on a plane sitting beside Danny Manning and an NBA Referee. She said she loved to listen to them talk Basketball. Who wouldn't? I am sure that most of the members of our family would have paid to listen to that discussion. I don't know what KU is paying Danny Manning to be an assistant coach but it can't be enough. His work with the Morris Twins was remarkable. They were just a couple of tall guys as freshmen and they were men amongst men by their Junior year.
Speaking of Basketball, I watched the Miami Heat play the Boston Celtics and Mario Chalmers played until he made four mistakes in a row. They pulled him and put in a guard that just took over and hit key baskets when they were needed. Super Mario needs to watch his back and get better fast or he will be setting on the bench for the rest of his season.
OH Well, better run. Read that my Barber is down to his last week cutting hair. He is going to retire at the end of the year and man will I miss him.
MUD
The really good news is that WEB Griffin gets done is his works about 250 pages less than Clancy. I can read his books in a couple of days where Clancy can spin a tale on for lots more pages and it takes all week for me to finish. Both writers have characters that move on through the books and are fairly easy to follow. I happen to have most of the Griffin books and not so many Clancy books.
I see our friends from Morocco are in Spain again for Christmas. I think it would be fun to meet them there and see Spain from the eyes of the girls. I'm pretty sure that Gerald is filling up on the ham he doesn't get in Morocco. I would love to eat a sea food paella the way I see them made on the cooking shows. (Just so you know, I really struggled with the spell checker to spell paella. I had to go out to the web and look up Spanish cooking to find out how to get even close to the right way to spell it) I always loved my mother's answer to the age old question "What is this?" She would tell us, "I cooked it, I don't have to name it!"
My niece Jennifer wrote that she was on a plane sitting beside Danny Manning and an NBA Referee. She said she loved to listen to them talk Basketball. Who wouldn't? I am sure that most of the members of our family would have paid to listen to that discussion. I don't know what KU is paying Danny Manning to be an assistant coach but it can't be enough. His work with the Morris Twins was remarkable. They were just a couple of tall guys as freshmen and they were men amongst men by their Junior year.
Speaking of Basketball, I watched the Miami Heat play the Boston Celtics and Mario Chalmers played until he made four mistakes in a row. They pulled him and put in a guard that just took over and hit key baskets when they were needed. Super Mario needs to watch his back and get better fast or he will be setting on the bench for the rest of his season.
OH Well, better run. Read that my Barber is down to his last week cutting hair. He is going to retire at the end of the year and man will I miss him.
MUD
12/26/2011
Christmas Past
This morning I woke up with the house quiet after a full day of people, fun and gifts. It did seem that everyone got what they wanted for Christmas and other than burning the garlic mashed potatoes, the meal went off as planned. I swear I am going to get some serving dishes for the next big meal. I guess I forgot how quickly the taters, or spuds burn when you add a few touches. Oh well.
The first Christmas memory I have is going outside on Christmas eve and wondering how Santa could deliver packages without snow. More years than not, we didn't have snow in Wichita until after Christmas. I can remember pestering Mom and Dad a lot and they would often let us open one package on Christmas eve. The next morning it chaos as we opened the rest of the packages and the rest of the day would be spent playing with the new gifts and friends. There was almost always a big dinner wherever we were and everyone would take an afternoon nap.
Christmas 1968 was spent in Vietnam and we sat up and played cards in case the Vietnamese failed to honor the cease fire. My sister sent me a quart of scotch in a flask that has a cleaning product label on it. I filled a canteen with scotch and water and drank it sitting there playing Rook. By Christmas., I had been on R&R to meet Barb and soon was to go meet her again in Hawaii. I had about three months left on my tour and the thing i wanted for Christmas was me out of Vietnam and home.
Thanksgiving was spent out in the Il Drang valley north west of Pleiku on and operation that was to last about three days. It really lasted about three weeks and I managed to get scheduled for an in country leave because of it. After New years eve, I went to the R&R Center and asked how I could change the in country R&R to a visit to Hawaii. The clerk at the desk said all I needed was a slight change on the orders. He offered a typewriter and some white out and the use of a copy machine. I didn't think about having a telegram delivered to Barb in San Diego. I didn't have a phone so all I could do was sent a telegram to have her meet me.
Some of the most memorable gifts I got for Christmas over the years was my first BB Gun, a new race bike and approval to bring home Rex my companion for many years. Rex lasted the longest. He was a Manchester Terrier and his brindle color didn't make him much to look at. He did have the heart of a lion and a brain the size of a peanut. He thought he was a big as any dog and he got chewed up many times because of it. I'm sure that the vet loved that we supported him as much as we did. He loved me and I loved him.
Most of all, Christmas has always meant spending time with family/ I'm pretty sure that one reason we have a big old living room and dinning room is to display the biggest tree we can find and to host as many of the family as can come over. 10 of us opening presents filled the living room with excitement and wrapping paper. It looked like the group got what they wanted and lots of KU gear showed up. I think there were a couple of the KU vs K-State tickets also were shared. I think we will spend New year's Eve at a game and then the 4th of January, Dave and I will take Kyler and Austen to the big game. I watched K-State play in the Hawaii Classic last night and they are pretty good. It will be a good game no matter what.
OH well, Have a Nappy new hear or Happy New Year out there.
MUD
The first Christmas memory I have is going outside on Christmas eve and wondering how Santa could deliver packages without snow. More years than not, we didn't have snow in Wichita until after Christmas. I can remember pestering Mom and Dad a lot and they would often let us open one package on Christmas eve. The next morning it chaos as we opened the rest of the packages and the rest of the day would be spent playing with the new gifts and friends. There was almost always a big dinner wherever we were and everyone would take an afternoon nap.
Christmas 1968 was spent in Vietnam and we sat up and played cards in case the Vietnamese failed to honor the cease fire. My sister sent me a quart of scotch in a flask that has a cleaning product label on it. I filled a canteen with scotch and water and drank it sitting there playing Rook. By Christmas., I had been on R&R to meet Barb and soon was to go meet her again in Hawaii. I had about three months left on my tour and the thing i wanted for Christmas was me out of Vietnam and home.
Thanksgiving was spent out in the Il Drang valley north west of Pleiku on and operation that was to last about three days. It really lasted about three weeks and I managed to get scheduled for an in country leave because of it. After New years eve, I went to the R&R Center and asked how I could change the in country R&R to a visit to Hawaii. The clerk at the desk said all I needed was a slight change on the orders. He offered a typewriter and some white out and the use of a copy machine. I didn't think about having a telegram delivered to Barb in San Diego. I didn't have a phone so all I could do was sent a telegram to have her meet me.
Some of the most memorable gifts I got for Christmas over the years was my first BB Gun, a new race bike and approval to bring home Rex my companion for many years. Rex lasted the longest. He was a Manchester Terrier and his brindle color didn't make him much to look at. He did have the heart of a lion and a brain the size of a peanut. He thought he was a big as any dog and he got chewed up many times because of it. I'm sure that the vet loved that we supported him as much as we did. He loved me and I loved him.
Most of all, Christmas has always meant spending time with family/ I'm pretty sure that one reason we have a big old living room and dinning room is to display the biggest tree we can find and to host as many of the family as can come over. 10 of us opening presents filled the living room with excitement and wrapping paper. It looked like the group got what they wanted and lots of KU gear showed up. I think there were a couple of the KU vs K-State tickets also were shared. I think we will spend New year's Eve at a game and then the 4th of January, Dave and I will take Kyler and Austen to the big game. I watched K-State play in the Hawaii Classic last night and they are pretty good. It will be a good game no matter what.
OH well, Have a Nappy new hear or Happy New Year out there.
MUD
12/23/2011
Don't Start a Clancy Book right now
A few days back, Barb picked up a book for me at the library. It is the new Tom Clancy book, "LOCKED ON" I really want to finish the book, but it seems that every time I sit down to read, something needs done or I fall asleep. I guess I need to flash to the end and be satisfied if the good guys win and the bad guys loose.
Yesterday, the KU Men's Basketball team played a USC team that stunk up the joint. in 20 minutes of basketball they scored 13 points. They tried to speed up the game and threw the ball away 12 times. Thankfully KU wasn't having their best game either or it would have been a run a way. As it was, the Hawks got it together in the second half and made a game out of it. The Big 12 (minus a couple) might get a new champ this year. I am sure that Baylor, K-State and Missouri would love that. Especially Missouri would love to hang a banner their last year in the Big 12 (-). Oh well, it is only a game and there is always a next year.
Last night we invited Mel's mom and her nephew over for pizza. We had a ball. Zander is such a fun little guy with a whole heart full of fun. I would love to keep him here just to make us smile. Barb bought him a little Tonka truck that flips and spins and it was so great to see him smile and laugh. When the battery ran down, Zander got to get out a toy box full of Lego's and Transformers. Not a dull moment here.
I had been having problems with the lights on the Crown Vic and a dealership told me that it was probably a $500.00 module in the system. Thank god it was a $80 dollar switch. I bought a repair manual and found out that all I needed to do was pry the face plate out of the dash and the switch came with it. About 3 minutes to plug in the wires and it was all good. Now I will keep an eye on it to make sure it stays fixed. I hadn't driven it much at night and it was a surprise when it quit.
Oh well, I hope you all have a great Christmas and a happy new year.
MUD
Yesterday, the KU Men's Basketball team played a USC team that stunk up the joint. in 20 minutes of basketball they scored 13 points. They tried to speed up the game and threw the ball away 12 times. Thankfully KU wasn't having their best game either or it would have been a run a way. As it was, the Hawks got it together in the second half and made a game out of it. The Big 12 (minus a couple) might get a new champ this year. I am sure that Baylor, K-State and Missouri would love that. Especially Missouri would love to hang a banner their last year in the Big 12 (-). Oh well, it is only a game and there is always a next year.
Last night we invited Mel's mom and her nephew over for pizza. We had a ball. Zander is such a fun little guy with a whole heart full of fun. I would love to keep him here just to make us smile. Barb bought him a little Tonka truck that flips and spins and it was so great to see him smile and laugh. When the battery ran down, Zander got to get out a toy box full of Lego's and Transformers. Not a dull moment here.
I had been having problems with the lights on the Crown Vic and a dealership told me that it was probably a $500.00 module in the system. Thank god it was a $80 dollar switch. I bought a repair manual and found out that all I needed to do was pry the face plate out of the dash and the switch came with it. About 3 minutes to plug in the wires and it was all good. Now I will keep an eye on it to make sure it stays fixed. I hadn't driven it much at night and it was a surprise when it quit.
Oh well, I hope you all have a great Christmas and a happy new year.
MUD
12/19/2011
Life
If I had to die tomorrow, I'd try to duplicate this Saturday today. Our family gathering was so much fun for me that I'd take it anytime. We did miss my mother's being there but the rest of us had a ball. I have to think that there was a lot more planning and doing by Barb than I was aware of. All through the White Elephant Gift exchange Barbara was directing people to not take this one package and I really didn't know why until it was Jenn's turn. She made sure that Jenn got our package and then I remembered why. Jenn is a brand new Captain in the Kansas City Fire Department and the T-Shirt inside the package said "Call Me Captain". Between Barb and Jenn, they were pushing this cheesecake hard to everyone. I found out why when the winner of the best food item at our dinner was Amanda, the cheese cake maker. Along with our traveling trophy, Barb gave her four tickets to see KU play in the Sprint Center tonight. I'm sure she will have no trouble finding three more people to with her.
As soon as I get my act together this morning, i am going to drive south at least as far south as OK City. I am going to pick up our 'Nother daughter Mel and bring her home Wednesday. We will be blessed with a two week long visit and the holiday will ring with laughter.
We found out that our Nephew, Bob, will be the father of a baby girl in February. We all were surprised at the news and hope they will be as proud parents as we will be proud relatives. Bob's sister said she had lunch with Bob's wife last month and Julia had worn her coat during the meal. She didn't even notice. For some reason little children just mean Christmas to me. I think it is the wonderment they display every day is what I love about Christmas.
On Sunday morning, my brother, his daughter Becky, her friend Bill and Back's daughter Kristin and I went to visit Mom's grave here in Topeka. Beck had put together the funeral for Mom in Tulsa, but none of them had been to see the grave here in Topeka. It was a beautiful morning and everything looked great. Mom and dad are buried in a double stack vault and Mom got the top bunk.
Oh well, better get going and get my show on the road.
MUD
As soon as I get my act together this morning, i am going to drive south at least as far south as OK City. I am going to pick up our 'Nother daughter Mel and bring her home Wednesday. We will be blessed with a two week long visit and the holiday will ring with laughter.
We found out that our Nephew, Bob, will be the father of a baby girl in February. We all were surprised at the news and hope they will be as proud parents as we will be proud relatives. Bob's sister said she had lunch with Bob's wife last month and Julia had worn her coat during the meal. She didn't even notice. For some reason little children just mean Christmas to me. I think it is the wonderment they display every day is what I love about Christmas.
On Sunday morning, my brother, his daughter Becky, her friend Bill and Back's daughter Kristin and I went to visit Mom's grave here in Topeka. Beck had put together the funeral for Mom in Tulsa, but none of them had been to see the grave here in Topeka. It was a beautiful morning and everything looked great. Mom and dad are buried in a double stack vault and Mom got the top bunk.
Oh well, better get going and get my show on the road.
MUD
12/14/2011
Peace in Iraq?
About 9 years ago, I asked the question? "What will peace look like in Iraq if it takes a strong man like Saddam to maintain peace?" I wondered if this was another attempt to bring about peace through war. As for Afghanistan, they have had so many wars fought there that they must think that war is the normal state of things. There is a list of places that we have been unable to bring peace but we have been able to bring war.
For all those young men and women that have served, I echo the POTUS remark, "Welcome Home"
MUD
For all those young men and women that have served, I echo the POTUS remark, "Welcome Home"
MUD
Acumulatin' Crap
As I look around my computer station, I can see that I have been way too busy accumulating the baggage of life. My dad always said that he wanted to build a house with no flat surfaces to pile anything. He also wanted it to be made with a ceramic tile surface and have a fire hose and a drain in every room. Kind of like the cages in the zoo. Everything slopes towards the drain and you can sweep it clean with a fire hose. he had a vivid mind but no follow through. I remember the time he disassembled an organ in the back room and there were pieces on the floor for at least a year.
The weatherman said this is going to be a really unusual day here in the Heartland. It will be cloudy, rainy . breezy and the temperatures is to get into the low 60's. We can always use the rain but 60 in December? The birds haven't slowed down their eating at the feed station one bit. In fact, one of the woodpeckers completely pecked apart one of the suet blocks and the ground feeders haven't cleaned up the mess - yet. Somewhere there is a woodpecker pecking at the house again. His thumping on the siding really doesn't bother me too bad. If you build a house in the woods, you have to expect critters to think it belongs to them.
I think I have mentioned that I have to establish a defense in depth against the mice every fall. There is a mouse trap with a big paddle lever that I have found works about as good as anything. Seems like the mice kind of lean on the wall when they move about in the dark. I put the traps along the wall and I have knocked off the population at least one a day for a couple of weeks now. It doesn't seem to matter if I smear the lever with peanut butter or not. Now if I could just find a trap that works on the squirrels as well. I just heard the pitter patter of a good squirrel chase going on up on the deck and then a thud. One of them jumped off the deck and fell about 12 feet to the ground. He didn't stick around to nurse his wounds so he must be somewhat OK.
Barb just appeared from the bed room and I said good morning. I should say I croaked "good morning" as it seems I have little voice today. When there is no one to talk to, you don't realize your voice is gone. Inside my mind I sound the same, in reality it is the problem. Oh well. Barb wouldn't take orders to day anyway.
MUD
The weatherman said this is going to be a really unusual day here in the Heartland. It will be cloudy, rainy . breezy and the temperatures is to get into the low 60's. We can always use the rain but 60 in December? The birds haven't slowed down their eating at the feed station one bit. In fact, one of the woodpeckers completely pecked apart one of the suet blocks and the ground feeders haven't cleaned up the mess - yet. Somewhere there is a woodpecker pecking at the house again. His thumping on the siding really doesn't bother me too bad. If you build a house in the woods, you have to expect critters to think it belongs to them.
I think I have mentioned that I have to establish a defense in depth against the mice every fall. There is a mouse trap with a big paddle lever that I have found works about as good as anything. Seems like the mice kind of lean on the wall when they move about in the dark. I put the traps along the wall and I have knocked off the population at least one a day for a couple of weeks now. It doesn't seem to matter if I smear the lever with peanut butter or not. Now if I could just find a trap that works on the squirrels as well. I just heard the pitter patter of a good squirrel chase going on up on the deck and then a thud. One of them jumped off the deck and fell about 12 feet to the ground. He didn't stick around to nurse his wounds so he must be somewhat OK.
Barb just appeared from the bed room and I said good morning. I should say I croaked "good morning" as it seems I have little voice today. When there is no one to talk to, you don't realize your voice is gone. Inside my mind I sound the same, in reality it is the problem. Oh well. Barb wouldn't take orders to day anyway.
MUD
12/13/2011
'Nother Rainy Day in Kansas
The real cold air just went north of us again and we are just getting rain today. It is damp, cloudy and breezy so not a great day to be outside. Knowing that any thing we have to do outside will be in the car, takes the edge off and won't deter us from dashing out to do what preChristmas business Barb needs done.
Have I mentioned that I am a sports fan? Not as much as my dad was, but I love to watch college basketball and thrill when games are close and teams put out their best to win. I hate to see teams breakdown into a fistfight near the end and never feel bad when a team does its best and loses. I wonder how much press Denver would be getting if they were as close to losing as they have been winning. Tim Tebow can give all the credit to the Lord as he wants, it is his defensive line that is keeping him alive on the field.
It is pretty clear to me why the KC Football owners canned the coach. That is a team filled with great players that completely broke down in the second half and the game turned ugly. The coach was clearly not in charge and the Offensive Coach had no game plan that his team could even understand let alone execute. To me, it is pretty simple - Make a simple plan and execute it as well as you can. The poorest plan well executed is better than a complicated plan not executed. Find their weakness and attack there. Establish a running game early and work towards passes. I loved it when Refrigerator Perry was handed the ball and told to run into the end zone. KC was at its best when Christian Okoyee would be given the ball and run as far as he could. Generally it was with three or four players hanging on for dear life.
Every year in December, USAA sends us a check for a part of not having any accidents in the year. Then, in the mail the next day is a bill for our yearly insurance. Seems like they should just cross level the two and cut the postage. The good news is that the check goes in the pocket for Christmas, the bad news is we still have to write them a check. The really bad news is that our Taxes are due this week, again the good news is we have the money to pay them.
I guess that life is like that for a lot of people. The good news for us is that when we go out we generally have enough money to pay cash for everything. I saw a guy buy a bottle of water at the last KU game and he had to use his debit card. Yes, it was $4.00 but if I didn't have $4.00 I sure as hell would go by the ATM. Oh well...
Catch you on the flip flop. Going to Austin TX next week to bring our 'nother daughter to Kansas. She has surgery on her foot and can't drive and I have nothing better to do. The really great news is that I will get Barbara to go with me on the return trip and we'll get to spend some time in Southern Texas staying warm and taking pictures.
MUD
Have I mentioned that I am a sports fan? Not as much as my dad was, but I love to watch college basketball and thrill when games are close and teams put out their best to win. I hate to see teams breakdown into a fistfight near the end and never feel bad when a team does its best and loses. I wonder how much press Denver would be getting if they were as close to losing as they have been winning. Tim Tebow can give all the credit to the Lord as he wants, it is his defensive line that is keeping him alive on the field.
It is pretty clear to me why the KC Football owners canned the coach. That is a team filled with great players that completely broke down in the second half and the game turned ugly. The coach was clearly not in charge and the Offensive Coach had no game plan that his team could even understand let alone execute. To me, it is pretty simple - Make a simple plan and execute it as well as you can. The poorest plan well executed is better than a complicated plan not executed. Find their weakness and attack there. Establish a running game early and work towards passes. I loved it when Refrigerator Perry was handed the ball and told to run into the end zone. KC was at its best when Christian Okoyee would be given the ball and run as far as he could. Generally it was with three or four players hanging on for dear life.
Every year in December, USAA sends us a check for a part of not having any accidents in the year. Then, in the mail the next day is a bill for our yearly insurance. Seems like they should just cross level the two and cut the postage. The good news is that the check goes in the pocket for Christmas, the bad news is we still have to write them a check. The really bad news is that our Taxes are due this week, again the good news is we have the money to pay them.
I guess that life is like that for a lot of people. The good news for us is that when we go out we generally have enough money to pay cash for everything. I saw a guy buy a bottle of water at the last KU game and he had to use his debit card. Yes, it was $4.00 but if I didn't have $4.00 I sure as hell would go by the ATM. Oh well...
Catch you on the flip flop. Going to Austin TX next week to bring our 'nother daughter to Kansas. She has surgery on her foot and can't drive and I have nothing better to do. The really great news is that I will get Barbara to go with me on the return trip and we'll get to spend some time in Southern Texas staying warm and taking pictures.
MUD
12/12/2011
Duality of Life
Every once in a while I will feel bored and just feel the need to get out and do something. I think back and remember that when I was working, I could hardly wait for the time I "Had to do nothing." When we were young, we lacked money to do all the things we wanted to do, and now we lack the energy to do all the things we need to do. We had to travel in our car because we could not afford to fly when we were young and now we hate the hassle of airports and crowded airplanes. Yep, you guessed it, the pre Christmas season is upon me. I could hardly wait for it to arrive as a kid and now it is, "Christmas again?"
The good news is that I can read a book for now and when it is time to get out and "Blow the Stink Off" I know that Barb had a package or two that needs to go to the post office.
Oh well, Oh Well, My Lottery Tickets didn't win. I am some poor sucker without a grin. (Sing that to the tune of Noel) Power Ball, scratch offs, Magic Millionaire and more, all cry out for my money at the store. I'll stand in line and cry for more. Oh well, Oh well, Life's a ball, we can't all win or deck the hall. etc...
MUD
The good news is that I can read a book for now and when it is time to get out and "Blow the Stink Off" I know that Barb had a package or two that needs to go to the post office.
Oh well, Oh Well, My Lottery Tickets didn't win. I am some poor sucker without a grin. (Sing that to the tune of Noel) Power Ball, scratch offs, Magic Millionaire and more, all cry out for my money at the store. I'll stand in line and cry for more. Oh well, Oh well, Life's a ball, we can't all win or deck the hall. etc...
MUD
12/11/2011
Advice for Politicians
The problem most people running for office have is they try to say too much about too much. For Example:
If asked to describe myself, my advertisement would go something like this - "I am a citizen of the finest Country in the World. I was born in the Heartland of Kansas and given the opportunity to attend some of the finest schools. My parents were children of the Depression and instilled in their children that an education, hard work, and positive attitude will take you as far as you can go. There have been times that I did some stupid things with what I was given but I worked hard to make my career in the Military the best I could. The end result is standing before you today. I believe that your family is the best gift you can ever be given and have tried to be there for my wife and son. No one can ever believe in the same things as everyone else does. What I hope to do is to serve in the office of (_______) and to do the best I can do.
I think I have clearly demonstrated the art of leadership in my life and I will appoint the best people I can find for any position I can. I will listen to the advice of others and do my best to find a consensus of those around me. In the bottom line, I will do my best and be accountable for the results."
Sounds way too easy but that's the way I would roll that ball.
MUD
- Mr. candidate how do you feel about Roe Vs Wade? "Let me say that as a person, I think Abortion is not the way I want Birth Control done. Given my free will, I would not insert the Federal Government into the decision between a woman and her Doctor. As a candidate for (insert the proper Office here) I will completely support the laws of the United States where Roe Vs Wade is the current Law of the Land."
- What do you think about President Obama's Appointments to the US Supreme Court? "I will appoint people that will clearly look at the law and vote the way they interpret the Law. I will pick the smartest person I can find to that position. President Obama selected his candidates for the office like every President before him has. His selections should have been no surprise to anyone who was paying attention."
- Here is one that I no longer have to answer. This is what I said years ago. What do you think about Gays in the Military? "I personally have served with a gay in the Military. He was one of the most hard working soldiers I knew. He was discharged from the Army and did not go to Vietnam with the rest of my unit. Most of the young soldiers today went to school and worked with gays and I feel confident that they are a lot more understanding than my generation was. With that said, the decision about gays in the Military is made at levels much higher than mine and I will continue to obey the orders of those appointed over me."
If asked to describe myself, my advertisement would go something like this - "I am a citizen of the finest Country in the World. I was born in the Heartland of Kansas and given the opportunity to attend some of the finest schools. My parents were children of the Depression and instilled in their children that an education, hard work, and positive attitude will take you as far as you can go. There have been times that I did some stupid things with what I was given but I worked hard to make my career in the Military the best I could. The end result is standing before you today. I believe that your family is the best gift you can ever be given and have tried to be there for my wife and son. No one can ever believe in the same things as everyone else does. What I hope to do is to serve in the office of (_______) and to do the best I can do.
I think I have clearly demonstrated the art of leadership in my life and I will appoint the best people I can find for any position I can. I will listen to the advice of others and do my best to find a consensus of those around me. In the bottom line, I will do my best and be accountable for the results."
Sounds way too easy but that's the way I would roll that ball.
MUD
12/10/2011
What'ch Mean?
I am tired of all the politically correct pussyfooting going on! As we get into the Presidential Election Season, there is more obfuscation going on than I could imagine possible. How can we say it? The Congress of the United States has an approval rating of less than 10% and the president is just above 43%. Perhaps we should pull an Italy and run them all out of town. Lets declare it "Circus Over" and bring in a whole new bunch of clowns.
The paper said this morning that the Department of defense got less than a 1% increase in their budget this year. (Excluding War Spending) I wonder how you can separate out "War Spending" as a line item in that bloated budget. If an air crew flies into Afghanistan, how much of the fuel, pay and cost of maintenance can you deduct? Seems like an accounting nightmare to me. If the Hospitals in Germany are taking of wounded soldiers, how much of that cost can be written off to War?
I listened to criticism of Ron Paul the other day and kind of wish more people were aware of what he said. He said that after 9/11 the Administration beat the drums of War and used that as an excuse to invade Iraq and Afghanistan. He said that the current Administration is beating the drums over Iran and we will soon be in a War with them. Am I the only person that has watched what our country has been doing for the last half of a Century? Any time an administration has been in trouble, they have used some Military Mission to try to bring us together so we don't pay real attention to the problems here at home.
I am convinced that many of you are just so tired of the rhetoric that you don't pay attention as much anymore. A lot of the inconsistency in my blog may be the result of that same affliction.
To me, the President listed the symptoms in his speech in Osawatomie. We have way too many people out of work and our money isn't worth much on the global market. What he didn't say was the reason why we are where we are. Our Congress played with the rules form one administration to another and we either over regulated of ignored the problems depending on who was in Charge. The democrats try to overdo and bring the lower class into the middle class and the republicans seem to be on a track to lower the middle class to a level where the poor are now the middle class.
I read an article that said the High Speed train was no longer on the table. Did you see where the train was going to run? From LA to Las Vegas. Now if that isn't just a sad event, I don't know what is. The people of LA have been saved from rushing to Vegas and spending their hard earned money gambling. The mecca for greed and gambling is just going to have to fend for its self. The last time I was in Vegas, the place was packed with people trying to give their money away. We all know that the casinos are built with money the winners took home. I wonder if they could pay their bills if they turned off the lights on Tuesday and Wednesday. You know, shut the place down a couple of days a week and save.
Oh well, I guess I buy Lottery Tickets for the same reason. Does that make me a part of the problem of just another solution not working on the answers?
MUD
The paper said this morning that the Department of defense got less than a 1% increase in their budget this year. (Excluding War Spending) I wonder how you can separate out "War Spending" as a line item in that bloated budget. If an air crew flies into Afghanistan, how much of the fuel, pay and cost of maintenance can you deduct? Seems like an accounting nightmare to me. If the Hospitals in Germany are taking of wounded soldiers, how much of that cost can be written off to War?
I listened to criticism of Ron Paul the other day and kind of wish more people were aware of what he said. He said that after 9/11 the Administration beat the drums of War and used that as an excuse to invade Iraq and Afghanistan. He said that the current Administration is beating the drums over Iran and we will soon be in a War with them. Am I the only person that has watched what our country has been doing for the last half of a Century? Any time an administration has been in trouble, they have used some Military Mission to try to bring us together so we don't pay real attention to the problems here at home.
I am convinced that many of you are just so tired of the rhetoric that you don't pay attention as much anymore. A lot of the inconsistency in my blog may be the result of that same affliction.
To me, the President listed the symptoms in his speech in Osawatomie. We have way too many people out of work and our money isn't worth much on the global market. What he didn't say was the reason why we are where we are. Our Congress played with the rules form one administration to another and we either over regulated of ignored the problems depending on who was in Charge. The democrats try to overdo and bring the lower class into the middle class and the republicans seem to be on a track to lower the middle class to a level where the poor are now the middle class.
I read an article that said the High Speed train was no longer on the table. Did you see where the train was going to run? From LA to Las Vegas. Now if that isn't just a sad event, I don't know what is. The people of LA have been saved from rushing to Vegas and spending their hard earned money gambling. The mecca for greed and gambling is just going to have to fend for its self. The last time I was in Vegas, the place was packed with people trying to give their money away. We all know that the casinos are built with money the winners took home. I wonder if they could pay their bills if they turned off the lights on Tuesday and Wednesday. You know, shut the place down a couple of days a week and save.
Oh well, I guess I buy Lottery Tickets for the same reason. Does that make me a part of the problem of just another solution not working on the answers?
MUD
12/09/2011
Friday?
We missed the snow by a couple of hundred miles to the north and I for one am not one bit disappointed. As a matter of fact, a small snow squall also went south of us earlier and it didn't make me mad either. We had a nice rain a week or so back and that's good enough for me.
The Jay Hawks hired a new football coach and by his record appears to be a ping pong ball kind of guy that has bounced all over the place. He seems to have a good record one year and then a crappy one the next. His Notre Dame team lost to one of the Academy teams for the first time in 40 some years and then went to a bowl the next. (or last, I forget) Oh well, on with the basketball season and Ohio State on Saturday.
Yesterday, I baked some chicken breasts and was all set for some great chicken and noodles for supper. It was filling but not as good as I expected. Either I am losing my touch as a cook or my taste as a consumer of good food. For the sauce I took some of the garlic butter drippings from the pan and made a gravy. It tasted great when I made it but lost something on the noodles. Oh well, I didn't go away hungry or mad. I also didn't win the lottery this week but I did remember to get the trash cans out yesterday.
What's it like for you when you get in a rut? I'm sure the rut I'm in is of my own making and a lot of people would love to be in such a good place. It just seems to be kind of blah right now and I need to find my muse to do better. At least I am not overcome with sadness or anything like that. Yesterday's Facebook was just covered with people overcome with sadness. Not sure why, it just was.
The race for the GOP nominee for POTUS has heated up to a walk (as opposed to a race) between Mitt and Newt. Do you suppose these guys have decided to throw the election because they fear worse things for the economy? At least the President showed "Hopey" Change in Osawatomie last week. Or at least his speech writers did. Near as I could tell the teleprompter worked and he managed to stay on message. I guess when only a small percentage of people really care to get out and vote, he is as good as we can expect. At least we are not being forced to listen to an ultra conservative's message this year.
Oh well, enough of this, moving on even if it is not smartly.
MUD
The Jay Hawks hired a new football coach and by his record appears to be a ping pong ball kind of guy that has bounced all over the place. He seems to have a good record one year and then a crappy one the next. His Notre Dame team lost to one of the Academy teams for the first time in 40 some years and then went to a bowl the next. (or last, I forget) Oh well, on with the basketball season and Ohio State on Saturday.
Yesterday, I baked some chicken breasts and was all set for some great chicken and noodles for supper. It was filling but not as good as I expected. Either I am losing my touch as a cook or my taste as a consumer of good food. For the sauce I took some of the garlic butter drippings from the pan and made a gravy. It tasted great when I made it but lost something on the noodles. Oh well, I didn't go away hungry or mad. I also didn't win the lottery this week but I did remember to get the trash cans out yesterday.
What's it like for you when you get in a rut? I'm sure the rut I'm in is of my own making and a lot of people would love to be in such a good place. It just seems to be kind of blah right now and I need to find my muse to do better. At least I am not overcome with sadness or anything like that. Yesterday's Facebook was just covered with people overcome with sadness. Not sure why, it just was.
The race for the GOP nominee for POTUS has heated up to a walk (as opposed to a race) between Mitt and Newt. Do you suppose these guys have decided to throw the election because they fear worse things for the economy? At least the President showed "Hopey" Change in Osawatomie last week. Or at least his speech writers did. Near as I could tell the teleprompter worked and he managed to stay on message. I guess when only a small percentage of people really care to get out and vote, he is as good as we can expect. At least we are not being forced to listen to an ultra conservative's message this year.
Oh well, enough of this, moving on even if it is not smartly.
MUD
12/08/2011
Sunny and Cold
Yesterday it got almost nice outside and today it is going to snow. Not that it makes a lot of difference to us, but the weatherman says get ready for a small accumulation of the white stuff.
I think it is interesting that the newspaper is talking about the potential hire for a new KU football coach like it has never happened before. The choices are: A guy brand new to college coaching, a failed coach like the one we just lost, A coach that was fired for some wrongdoing, or some one that will want more millions of dollars that anyone should pay. Duh, it ain't rocket science, it is the act of hiring a football coach. There are a bunch of us that were happy with Turner Gill and i for one want him to come back and earn the rest of his 7 million we are going to pay him. If Nebraska has been happy with never winning a NCAA Tournament game, we should be happy to have Turner Gill only win two football games this year.
Speaking of coaches, how long will KU have Danny Manning to hold dear in Kansas. There was some talk that Danny was staying in Lawrence until his daughter graduated from High School last year. I know that he is a great Big Man coach and has to be worth a recruit or two for the team. Oh well, we will keep him as long as he will stay. I noticed that the Topeka and KU player, Mark Turgeon is coaching at Oklahoma. If Bill Self were to leave, I would hope that Mark will be in the hunt for a new coach. He is a fine young man and we love him as a person and coach.
Barb is upstairs watching Martha this morning. For some reason they are making sausage. Barb doesn't eat the stuff and sure as heck wouldn't make it. Oh well, I buy Lottery Tickets and probably won't win so I guess we are even.
MUD
I think it is interesting that the newspaper is talking about the potential hire for a new KU football coach like it has never happened before. The choices are: A guy brand new to college coaching, a failed coach like the one we just lost, A coach that was fired for some wrongdoing, or some one that will want more millions of dollars that anyone should pay. Duh, it ain't rocket science, it is the act of hiring a football coach. There are a bunch of us that were happy with Turner Gill and i for one want him to come back and earn the rest of his 7 million we are going to pay him. If Nebraska has been happy with never winning a NCAA Tournament game, we should be happy to have Turner Gill only win two football games this year.
Speaking of coaches, how long will KU have Danny Manning to hold dear in Kansas. There was some talk that Danny was staying in Lawrence until his daughter graduated from High School last year. I know that he is a great Big Man coach and has to be worth a recruit or two for the team. Oh well, we will keep him as long as he will stay. I noticed that the Topeka and KU player, Mark Turgeon is coaching at Oklahoma. If Bill Self were to leave, I would hope that Mark will be in the hunt for a new coach. He is a fine young man and we love him as a person and coach.
Barb is upstairs watching Martha this morning. For some reason they are making sausage. Barb doesn't eat the stuff and sure as heck wouldn't make it. Oh well, I buy Lottery Tickets and probably won't win so I guess we are even.
MUD
12/07/2011
'Nother Daughter
I am sure that you have read from time to time that our son, David, married a Barbara and she too became Barbara Petty. She became Barbara Jr when Barbara Sr signed us up for a "Walk Across Kansas." She is in fact our Daughter by 'nother mother. Her best friend is Mel who lives in Austin, TX. She has become our 'Nother Daughter. Mel was going to run in a marathon and her Achilles Tendon popped. She is undergoing surgery this Friday and in about 10 days after that I'm going to drive down and pick her up. Her family and friends are here in Topeka and the thought of having our 'nother Daughter spending the holidays alone just didn't set right with us.
I am looking forward to a short road trip to bring her up and then a slightly longer trip to take her home. I am sure that the promise of a few days in a warmer place in January will coax Barbara to come with me. I wouldn't mind a side trip San Antonio one bit. There is a La Quinta Inn right near the Mercado and that is a fun place to visit. They have duplicated the shops you would see in most towns just south of the border. The food there is the best. This trip I'm going to try the El Carbon restaurant and try some goat. I have not done that in the past but I'm is a much more adventurous place now. There is also the promise of good places for "Have Camera Will Travel" to go.
I listened to the President's speech from Osawatomie, KS yesterday. It was clear from the start that he has a clear understanding of the problem. I think it is the solution that eludes him. he talked about the problem of large student loan debts and then said that more of the young need to get a College Education. Duh! we all know that the unemployment rate for college Graduates is half of the non graduates. It should be obvious that their pay should be at least twice as much as the non high school graduates. Hos do you pay back a loan of $60-$100,000 making twice the minimum wage? There was one glaring error to me. He said that under Bill Clinton the deficit was zero. No, under Clinton, the National debt did not increase as the budget was balanced and the projections and income were equal. Not one penny of the Debt was paid. If we spent everything we made and didn't pay our debts off, we would be in Bankruptcy and that's exactly where we are.
Dave Ramsey says that the first step to fixing what's broke is to specify a budget. So far the Congress has not been able to pass one they could live with. I think there needs to be a sunset law that states, "Any Congress that doesn't pass a Budget is recalled and a new one elected." I am pretty sure that a couple of iterations of that step and Congress would get the message. The next step would be that, Any Congress that spend more than the income without a special vote of the people would be recalled. The final step would involve some reduction of the National debt with a provision that gives the equation about spending being less than income.
Oh well, life here at Rabbit Run is fun. Got to go to Lawrence and watch the Hawks play a good Long Beach State team. I was wondering if the referees would escape Lawrence there for a while. One of the players from LBS hit our center in the nose and as he fell, they called a foul on him for the guy he fell on. The referees called the game pretty close for a while after that and the fans were shouting Bull Shit quite a bit.
Have a great day out there.
MUD
I am looking forward to a short road trip to bring her up and then a slightly longer trip to take her home. I am sure that the promise of a few days in a warmer place in January will coax Barbara to come with me. I wouldn't mind a side trip San Antonio one bit. There is a La Quinta Inn right near the Mercado and that is a fun place to visit. They have duplicated the shops you would see in most towns just south of the border. The food there is the best. This trip I'm going to try the El Carbon restaurant and try some goat. I have not done that in the past but I'm is a much more adventurous place now. There is also the promise of good places for "Have Camera Will Travel" to go.
I listened to the President's speech from Osawatomie, KS yesterday. It was clear from the start that he has a clear understanding of the problem. I think it is the solution that eludes him. he talked about the problem of large student loan debts and then said that more of the young need to get a College Education. Duh! we all know that the unemployment rate for college Graduates is half of the non graduates. It should be obvious that their pay should be at least twice as much as the non high school graduates. Hos do you pay back a loan of $60-$100,000 making twice the minimum wage? There was one glaring error to me. He said that under Bill Clinton the deficit was zero. No, under Clinton, the National debt did not increase as the budget was balanced and the projections and income were equal. Not one penny of the Debt was paid. If we spent everything we made and didn't pay our debts off, we would be in Bankruptcy and that's exactly where we are.
Dave Ramsey says that the first step to fixing what's broke is to specify a budget. So far the Congress has not been able to pass one they could live with. I think there needs to be a sunset law that states, "Any Congress that doesn't pass a Budget is recalled and a new one elected." I am pretty sure that a couple of iterations of that step and Congress would get the message. The next step would be that, Any Congress that spend more than the income without a special vote of the people would be recalled. The final step would involve some reduction of the National debt with a provision that gives the equation about spending being less than income.
Oh well, life here at Rabbit Run is fun. Got to go to Lawrence and watch the Hawks play a good Long Beach State team. I was wondering if the referees would escape Lawrence there for a while. One of the players from LBS hit our center in the nose and as he fell, they called a foul on him for the guy he fell on. The referees called the game pretty close for a while after that and the fans were shouting Bull Shit quite a bit.
Have a great day out there.
MUD
12/05/2011
Good Old days
Today as i was shifting boxes around to put the old decorations back out of the way, I found a Boy's Life Magazine that was David's. It reminded me that I would win a bet about once a month back in the 60's that my cousin was in Boy's life. My uncle advertised his unicycles in there and it was a hoot.
The boy riding on the unicycle is my cousin Jim Petty.
MUD
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| As advertised in the Boy's Life Mag in the 60's. |
MUD
12/04/2011
Listen Up!
OK! all you turkey's, all of you that read my latest blog and believe that just because I had a good idea men don't want a great Christmas present:
Here is what I wanted for Christmas.
Dave gave me one of these about a year ago and I used it all the time. It is a lock back knife with a box cutter on one end and a knife blade on the other. It was the handiest tool in my kit. I lost it and hunted several places to find one. Finally I gave up and asked Dave where he bought his -O' Reilly Automotive was the answer. It was in the tool section and about $20.00. A bargain at twice the price. I now have one so Barb, never mind.
MUD
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Dave gave me one of these about a year ago and I used it all the time. It is a lock back knife with a box cutter on one end and a knife blade on the other. It was the handiest tool in my kit. I lost it and hunted several places to find one. Finally I gave up and asked Dave where he bought his -O' Reilly Automotive was the answer. It was in the tool section and about $20.00. A bargain at twice the price. I now have one so Barb, never mind.
MUD
Blinding Flash of the Obvious (BFO)
Is it time for us to refocus Christmas a different direction? I am willing to bet that there are all kinds of people that are going to purchase things that are unnecessary and a lot of things that are unneeded. If you are a christian, the holiday should be on a refocus of your faith. For those that don't swing that way, it is time to refocus on family and friends.
The first reason I say this, is that we have so over commercialized the holiday to the point that we are almost made to spend money that we all should be saving. I loved my mother's motto. For years she would say ,"If I can't eat it or wear it, I don't need it!" If you had been there to clean out her house the last time she moved, you would have understood. I hate to think what it would be like if I were gone today. I'm sure there is at least a trash truck of junk here we don't need.
I think that our last trip out west was one of the most memorable because of family. We just visited most of the time but the last two nights were the icing on the cake. getting together in Twin Falls with Jerry's family and of course Mom and dad, was so great. We got to see Jaden and Tracy the day before and Greg and family that day. During the trip I got to visit with Kenny and Grissy and the last night we were in Boise we got all his kids together for a giant Pizza party. Right as the party was ending, Ken called and I passed my cell phone to his kids and they all got to visit with him. To see the smiles there was so great.
To me, our Petty Party on the 17th will be the event of the year. It has been a dang good year and I hope my smile is out there for everyone to see.
MUD
The first reason I say this, is that we have so over commercialized the holiday to the point that we are almost made to spend money that we all should be saving. I loved my mother's motto. For years she would say ,"If I can't eat it or wear it, I don't need it!" If you had been there to clean out her house the last time she moved, you would have understood. I hate to think what it would be like if I were gone today. I'm sure there is at least a trash truck of junk here we don't need.
I think that our last trip out west was one of the most memorable because of family. We just visited most of the time but the last two nights were the icing on the cake. getting together in Twin Falls with Jerry's family and of course Mom and dad, was so great. We got to see Jaden and Tracy the day before and Greg and family that day. During the trip I got to visit with Kenny and Grissy and the last night we were in Boise we got all his kids together for a giant Pizza party. Right as the party was ending, Ken called and I passed my cell phone to his kids and they all got to visit with him. To see the smiles there was so great.
To me, our Petty Party on the 17th will be the event of the year. It has been a dang good year and I hope my smile is out there for everyone to see.
MUD
12/02/2011
Tree is Up
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| MUD and Brother Rick |
It was a family tradition that when my parents were alive, the Petty kids would try to get together the weekend prior to Christmas. That would allow those that needed to go to in-laws houses to be free for Christmas. This is one tradition that I hope we can keep now that Mom is gone. It is an open invitation to all the grand kids and many try to get here. The family saying my Mom used, "If you can't come, we'll miss you."
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| Mom and Mel at Mel's Wedding |
I think Barb Jr will bring her nephews over this weekend some time to help decorate the tree. Da Barb's have selected a color theme for Christmas. It would not surprise me that somehow the Jay hawk colors will wind their way into the mix. There are some tickets for a late December game that may work their way into the gift pile. For the first time in a long time, I got a message from KU Athletics that there are individual game tickets still available. The even have a few of the KU vs K-State game. We have promised those to Barb's nephews even though it is a school night.
Better run, I hear steps up stairs and that means that Barbara is up there and thinking of things to do.
MUD
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