There seems to be a big difference between what should be news and what is being reported. That Fat Cat Sterling is quoted saying stupid remarks and the kidnapping of a couple of hundred school girls by an armed Arab Group is mentioned as a side note. 300 people are killed on a Ferry Boat in Korea and a couple of hundred miners are killed in a tragic mine explosion and they get a mention but again the idiot is brought on news programs where he says more stupid things. The President's wife is shown with a picture of a hashtag (isn't that really the # symbol) and the president sends a group of advisors to help. What about the other Arab Countries being made to feel responsible for some of the mess made in the name of their religion? Where is the UN in all this.
Today there was a newspaper article opinion column about how the Westboro Baptist Church isn't really a Baptist church and they don't represent what the rest of the Baptists believe. Well Duh, how can anyone believe that if there was a god he could represent hate and love of mankind in the same Bible? How can any religion believe that women should wear a veil but then give men the right to rape them if they are out and about without one? How can we turn Freedom of Religion into Freedom from Religion in our lives. We can put "In god we trust." on our currency but kids can't pray in school.
Where did we as a society turn our lives into such a mess? We have a great device to share ideas (Facebook) but all people want to do is post ideas that others make up. Most of the reposts are span and get overlooked. One or two things a day should be a limit that tells me how much you love your god and your guns. More than that and you really do need to get a life. I probably need to get one too.
Yes, I don't have a clue how this all worked me up today. I guess when you wake up early and try to watch CNN, read the paper then Facebook it just builds up. Got to change that. Next time I guess I'll try to eat breakfast first. (and then skip CNN or the paper)
MUD
5/14/2014
5/13/2014
Big Whoopee
Back during the Vietnam War, the Secretary of Defense asked the Joint Chiefs of the Armed Services if we really needed to draft only the cream of the crop. I seemed that there needed to be people to empty the trash and do some of the grunt work (No Pun intended to my Infantry friends -If I have any left) This idea evolved into McNamara's Project 100,000. This allowed as a test under wartime conditions to allow some of the Category 3 enlistees into the Military. I can't tell you the exact standards that were lowered, but I suspect that it was mostly the lowering of the IQ scores not the physical standards. It probably prohibited the sick and lame but it snared the Lazy big time.
The first soldier I met that clearly met this status or membership in that category was called "Big Whoopee" by the soldiers in his howitzer section. He could easily played tackle on any college team but I am pretty sure he could not graduate from High School. The nickname came from his using the term "Big Whoopee" anytime he was told to do something he didn't want to do. Most of the time he would do the assigned task but now without comment or grumbling. Did I mention that he was not the smartest knife in the drawer? He was so easily tricked that it was very easy to get him to do our bidding without him realizing it was something he didn't want to do at first.
On a fire support base in the middle of the hills in Vietnam, the helicopters would sling load in our ammunition and generally the landing pad was over on the side of the fire support base and we has to hand carry the powder and projectiles (Joe's) over to the guns. Most of the guys would pick up one projectile and carry it over to the ammunition bunkers by each gun. We would get anywhere from 100 to 200 Joe's each day so you can imagine the sweat that went in to this job. Guess who got that job - a lot. Big Whoopee...
One day I saw a bunch of the howitzer crew members hauling the Joes and did not see Whoopee. I asked the Section Chief where he was and the reply was that Whoopee had a sore shoulder and could not lift a Joe for a few days. I had one of the guys go trick Whoopee to lift two Joe's at the same time. Sure enough he did and Whoopee could. End of that malingering for a while. In fact, the projectiles had a lifting ring in their nose and Whoopee could carry the Joe's two at a time. He would consume a gallon of water but had an aversion to washing. The guys said that his snoring would not let them sleep o they built him his own small bunker. I'm sure that the smell was a serious contender for that as well as the snoring.
In the rainy season, it rained almost night and day. There was one unit that seemed to get into a lot of problems especially at night and one night we fired at least 400 rounds in their direction. The next morning, the howitzer that fired all those rounds was so mired down in the mud that we had to dig it out. Right there in the parapet there was a soft spot that it was little more than a mud hole. One day I was out by the gun when a fire mission came in and it was that same unit that needed support. Usually at least two crew members got on each trail (or leg) of the howitzer and would swing it around to the direction it needed to be. Big Whoopee was there and he grabbed one trail by himself and started moving it to the needed direction. He stepped in that hole and started being driven down into the mud bog. He started hollering that we needed to save him, that damned gun was going to bury him in the mud home. "Whoopee, you dumb shit, drop that trail." Sure enough he did and he was forever my friend that saved him from being killed by a howitzer and a mud hole.
Several days later, a helicopter landed on the landing pad and I went over to meet it. Off the helicopter was a Command Sergeant Major that looked like a recruiting poster. I swear someone not only washed his Jungle Fatigues, they ironed the damn things. He had spit shined Jungle boots for Kerist sakes. I met him and he saluted me and asked to see the Battery XO. I guess I forgot that I didn't have my rank on anything but my helmet. I told him who I was and he thanked me for saving Whoopee and explained that he was his son. We both had a good laugh as I retold him that story He told me that he was pleased that Whoopee was out on a fire base and far away from trouble. Whoopee had ben in a base camp earlier that year and someone sold him some spiked Marijuana and he had started a fight in the enlisted men's club that put several guys in the hospital. He had spent 6 months in what we called LBJ or Long Bin Jail and none of that time counted towards his time in Country. The Sergeant Major pleaded with me to do my best to see if we could keep that big stupid son of his out of trouble and jail. I had someone go get Whoopee and he and his dad had a nice visit.
Long story short, we kept Big Whoopee busy doing the things we needed done and him out of trouble. Shortly before I left to come home, Big Whoopee was due to finally go home. I spent over an hour talking to him and doing my best to put the fear of LBJ in his mind. We even sent the unit First Sergeant back with him to keep him clean and sober for the trip home. At least when he left Pleiku he was OK. Never did hear any more about him.
That was one thing I hated about the Vietnam era Army. We came and went with no fanfare or celebration. From 1969 to 1980 something, It was only a mark on my service record that I had been to Vietnam. When one of our Air Guard Units came home from the first Desert Storm deployment, they invited all of the Topeka Vets to march as a unit in their Home coming Parade. I hope Whoopee had his day in the sun. I did.
MUD
The first soldier I met that clearly met this status or membership in that category was called "Big Whoopee" by the soldiers in his howitzer section. He could easily played tackle on any college team but I am pretty sure he could not graduate from High School. The nickname came from his using the term "Big Whoopee" anytime he was told to do something he didn't want to do. Most of the time he would do the assigned task but now without comment or grumbling. Did I mention that he was not the smartest knife in the drawer? He was so easily tricked that it was very easy to get him to do our bidding without him realizing it was something he didn't want to do at first.
On a fire support base in the middle of the hills in Vietnam, the helicopters would sling load in our ammunition and generally the landing pad was over on the side of the fire support base and we has to hand carry the powder and projectiles (Joe's) over to the guns. Most of the guys would pick up one projectile and carry it over to the ammunition bunkers by each gun. We would get anywhere from 100 to 200 Joe's each day so you can imagine the sweat that went in to this job. Guess who got that job - a lot. Big Whoopee...
One day I saw a bunch of the howitzer crew members hauling the Joes and did not see Whoopee. I asked the Section Chief where he was and the reply was that Whoopee had a sore shoulder and could not lift a Joe for a few days. I had one of the guys go trick Whoopee to lift two Joe's at the same time. Sure enough he did and Whoopee could. End of that malingering for a while. In fact, the projectiles had a lifting ring in their nose and Whoopee could carry the Joe's two at a time. He would consume a gallon of water but had an aversion to washing. The guys said that his snoring would not let them sleep o they built him his own small bunker. I'm sure that the smell was a serious contender for that as well as the snoring.
In the rainy season, it rained almost night and day. There was one unit that seemed to get into a lot of problems especially at night and one night we fired at least 400 rounds in their direction. The next morning, the howitzer that fired all those rounds was so mired down in the mud that we had to dig it out. Right there in the parapet there was a soft spot that it was little more than a mud hole. One day I was out by the gun when a fire mission came in and it was that same unit that needed support. Usually at least two crew members got on each trail (or leg) of the howitzer and would swing it around to the direction it needed to be. Big Whoopee was there and he grabbed one trail by himself and started moving it to the needed direction. He stepped in that hole and started being driven down into the mud bog. He started hollering that we needed to save him, that damned gun was going to bury him in the mud home. "Whoopee, you dumb shit, drop that trail." Sure enough he did and he was forever my friend that saved him from being killed by a howitzer and a mud hole.
Several days later, a helicopter landed on the landing pad and I went over to meet it. Off the helicopter was a Command Sergeant Major that looked like a recruiting poster. I swear someone not only washed his Jungle Fatigues, they ironed the damn things. He had spit shined Jungle boots for Kerist sakes. I met him and he saluted me and asked to see the Battery XO. I guess I forgot that I didn't have my rank on anything but my helmet. I told him who I was and he thanked me for saving Whoopee and explained that he was his son. We both had a good laugh as I retold him that story He told me that he was pleased that Whoopee was out on a fire base and far away from trouble. Whoopee had ben in a base camp earlier that year and someone sold him some spiked Marijuana and he had started a fight in the enlisted men's club that put several guys in the hospital. He had spent 6 months in what we called LBJ or Long Bin Jail and none of that time counted towards his time in Country. The Sergeant Major pleaded with me to do my best to see if we could keep that big stupid son of his out of trouble and jail. I had someone go get Whoopee and he and his dad had a nice visit.
Long story short, we kept Big Whoopee busy doing the things we needed done and him out of trouble. Shortly before I left to come home, Big Whoopee was due to finally go home. I spent over an hour talking to him and doing my best to put the fear of LBJ in his mind. We even sent the unit First Sergeant back with him to keep him clean and sober for the trip home. At least when he left Pleiku he was OK. Never did hear any more about him.
That was one thing I hated about the Vietnam era Army. We came and went with no fanfare or celebration. From 1969 to 1980 something, It was only a mark on my service record that I had been to Vietnam. When one of our Air Guard Units came home from the first Desert Storm deployment, they invited all of the Topeka Vets to march as a unit in their Home coming Parade. I hope Whoopee had his day in the sun. I did.
MUD
Singing
As you have read, I am a member of the Topeka Barbershop Chorus and I really enjoy the singing. On Monday nights, we meet at 4th and Fillmore here in Topeka. Last night was the first real practice after our performance a couple of Saturday's ago. The Director took us through a couple of the songs and made us aware of the areas that needed improved. I think the chorus responded well and it was a great practice. One thing he did that I thought was a master stroke was he had our former director there and had him run us through one of the Golden Oldies the chorus did a few years back. It was painfully obvious that the old director was out of practice and not nearly as good as out new Director. I hope you all find something that makes you happy and you enjoy doing.
We were slogging through early spring until last week when we hit a run of summer heat. Well, that went away with a vengeance. Denver had a lot of snow and in Goodland it was freezing. I think we avoided the frost but it was cool enough that I wore a jacket to go out and get the paper. It is supposed to be sunny today but the North wind won't make it anything near hot. I think they are still using the words "Wind Chill" for today.
The other day, Barb and I were out on the back patio and saw one of her little plants being the recipient of eggs from a caterpillar. Yesterday she went pout and saw that the eggs had hatched and they had eaten most of her plant. She rushed out to see if any of the Garden Centers had any Rue. Nothing that was open ahs anything like that so she went to a place (Un-named to protect the guilty) and borrowed enough to get them through the night. I'm sure we will have to find some today. Yes, it is hard to get Barb to want to go to a real Garden Center, Not!
Our Chorus has a new member that works for the Coast Guard. He is one of their Technical Computer workers and helps keep them up and running. He brings his wife to our practice and it does keep the level of the behavior in check. They are a fine young couple and she brought some of her home made cookies to the practice. I sent her the recipe for Uncle Chuck's Chocolate Chip cookies. I hope they like them as much as we do.
I started reading a paperback book written by one of my Dad's Cousins named Tiger Edmonds. I was struck by his descriptions and easy flowing style. He is one of those Motor Cycle riders but he rode a BMW bike not a Harley. He said that he has spent over a million miles on bikes and has been in almost every State. He is fun to read and From the tape I have of him talking, he sounds like what you would think the Marlboro Man would sound like. Probably from smoking Marlboros. I don't have any current information on him and think he has to be well into his 80's. I can only surmise that he has been well worn and put away wet - a lot. He said in one of his letters that he was going to take a trip back this way a couple of years ago but no scooter ever showed up.
For the next couple of days, I am going to see if I can emulate that flowing style and describe a couple of characters I met along the way in my life starting tomorrow.
MUD
We were slogging through early spring until last week when we hit a run of summer heat. Well, that went away with a vengeance. Denver had a lot of snow and in Goodland it was freezing. I think we avoided the frost but it was cool enough that I wore a jacket to go out and get the paper. It is supposed to be sunny today but the North wind won't make it anything near hot. I think they are still using the words "Wind Chill" for today.
The other day, Barb and I were out on the back patio and saw one of her little plants being the recipient of eggs from a caterpillar. Yesterday she went pout and saw that the eggs had hatched and they had eaten most of her plant. She rushed out to see if any of the Garden Centers had any Rue. Nothing that was open ahs anything like that so she went to a place (Un-named to protect the guilty) and borrowed enough to get them through the night. I'm sure we will have to find some today. Yes, it is hard to get Barb to want to go to a real Garden Center, Not!
Our Chorus has a new member that works for the Coast Guard. He is one of their Technical Computer workers and helps keep them up and running. He brings his wife to our practice and it does keep the level of the behavior in check. They are a fine young couple and she brought some of her home made cookies to the practice. I sent her the recipe for Uncle Chuck's Chocolate Chip cookies. I hope they like them as much as we do.
I started reading a paperback book written by one of my Dad's Cousins named Tiger Edmonds. I was struck by his descriptions and easy flowing style. He is one of those Motor Cycle riders but he rode a BMW bike not a Harley. He said that he has spent over a million miles on bikes and has been in almost every State. He is fun to read and From the tape I have of him talking, he sounds like what you would think the Marlboro Man would sound like. Probably from smoking Marlboros. I don't have any current information on him and think he has to be well into his 80's. I can only surmise that he has been well worn and put away wet - a lot. He said in one of his letters that he was going to take a trip back this way a couple of years ago but no scooter ever showed up.
For the next couple of days, I am going to see if I can emulate that flowing style and describe a couple of characters I met along the way in my life starting tomorrow.
MUD
5/12/2014
Rainy Monday
The good news is that we won't have to water the tomatoes today. And, if we are lucky there won't be any snow to nip their little buds. Up to a foot of snow fell just outside Denver and it is only 34 degrees about 350 miles west of here.
Barb wanted to get rid of an old couch we have had for about 20 years. When I drug it over, it was pretty easy to see how worn and faded the rug in the living room is. I guess if you want sun and have large windows, the price you pay is a faded carpet. It must be time to tear it up and replace it with a new one or wood floors. Neither one is a cheap solution but if you can afford it, is any price too much?
I keep squinting when I read the computer screen and only when my eyes start getting tired do I remember the little + button that makes it all good. It must be the same thing that causes my brain to put a letter from the second word in the middle of the first word as I type. My mind just crosses up things and I think a lot faster than I can type. Combine dyslexia and ADD and that about sums it up in my typing. Throw in old age and arthritis and you can see the dilemma that my future faces. I won't even get serious about how hard this would be to read if it were not for spell checker being good at guessing. Spelling phonetically helps me get close but some serious spell checker brings the words to the page without that little red line showing up all over.
The other day I saw an Olds Aurora and was reminded that I really liked that car. The good news was how great it drove and the bad news is that like Mercury, Oldsmobile and Pontiac it is a brand that has gone away. The more miles I get on the Ford beyond 100,000 the more I think about the time the Crown Vic will need replaced. Just when I found a car that I love, they stop making it. What do you want in your next car? A/C in Kansas is a must but the ability to ride down the road well and 25+ MPG is a given. With the difference in our size, bucket seats or at least split seats is a requirement for Barb and me. Comfort on trips is high on my list.
We had a great Mother's Day here at Rabbit Run. I put a nice pork loin on the rotisserie and it turned out great. I did my best to do most of the cooking but Barb did kick in with the set up for the meal. It gave me a chance to sit down and then clean up before the guests arrived. I tried scalloped potatoes but I am not a proud of them as some of the other side dishes I have made in the past. I am still looking for that one killer things to do with potatoes. One of my best is just to cut them up, cook them in the microwave with butter and seasoned salt. It just seems like I need a new trick to do with that old dog. I guess if everyone eats them up and there is seldom any left overs should be my goal.
Oh well, going to have lunch with some of my retired friends at the Catholic Church that is put on by the Fiesta Queen Candidates. It will be a nearly home made meal and it goes to support the school run by them. We always go to the Fiesta if nothing more than to buy their wonderful food. Sante Fe Rail Road brought many of our Mexican American friends to Topeka many years ago and we are lucky to have the to add to the diversity of our lives. I won't let the negative stereotypes change the way I feel about people. But I will let their wonderful foods make me smile. Race relations is pretty easy if you let your stomach guide you to a smile and a full belly. At least that works for me.
MUD
Barb wanted to get rid of an old couch we have had for about 20 years. When I drug it over, it was pretty easy to see how worn and faded the rug in the living room is. I guess if you want sun and have large windows, the price you pay is a faded carpet. It must be time to tear it up and replace it with a new one or wood floors. Neither one is a cheap solution but if you can afford it, is any price too much?
I keep squinting when I read the computer screen and only when my eyes start getting tired do I remember the little + button that makes it all good. It must be the same thing that causes my brain to put a letter from the second word in the middle of the first word as I type. My mind just crosses up things and I think a lot faster than I can type. Combine dyslexia and ADD and that about sums it up in my typing. Throw in old age and arthritis and you can see the dilemma that my future faces. I won't even get serious about how hard this would be to read if it were not for spell checker being good at guessing. Spelling phonetically helps me get close but some serious spell checker brings the words to the page without that little red line showing up all over.
The other day I saw an Olds Aurora and was reminded that I really liked that car. The good news was how great it drove and the bad news is that like Mercury, Oldsmobile and Pontiac it is a brand that has gone away. The more miles I get on the Ford beyond 100,000 the more I think about the time the Crown Vic will need replaced. Just when I found a car that I love, they stop making it. What do you want in your next car? A/C in Kansas is a must but the ability to ride down the road well and 25+ MPG is a given. With the difference in our size, bucket seats or at least split seats is a requirement for Barb and me. Comfort on trips is high on my list.
We had a great Mother's Day here at Rabbit Run. I put a nice pork loin on the rotisserie and it turned out great. I did my best to do most of the cooking but Barb did kick in with the set up for the meal. It gave me a chance to sit down and then clean up before the guests arrived. I tried scalloped potatoes but I am not a proud of them as some of the other side dishes I have made in the past. I am still looking for that one killer things to do with potatoes. One of my best is just to cut them up, cook them in the microwave with butter and seasoned salt. It just seems like I need a new trick to do with that old dog. I guess if everyone eats them up and there is seldom any left overs should be my goal.
Oh well, going to have lunch with some of my retired friends at the Catholic Church that is put on by the Fiesta Queen Candidates. It will be a nearly home made meal and it goes to support the school run by them. We always go to the Fiesta if nothing more than to buy their wonderful food. Sante Fe Rail Road brought many of our Mexican American friends to Topeka many years ago and we are lucky to have the to add to the diversity of our lives. I won't let the negative stereotypes change the way I feel about people. But I will let their wonderful foods make me smile. Race relations is pretty easy if you let your stomach guide you to a smile and a full belly. At least that works for me.
MUD
5/10/2014
Mother's Day
For those of you that have a living mother, I hope you remember them in a way that makes you both happy. Most don 't need an elaborate or expensive gift, they want a sincere talk with you. Spend time with them and I'll bet you both will leave that meeting or talk with a smile on your face.
For a large group of us, our mothers are no longer here. I hope that during the day you take a moment to think about the good things that happened between you and your mother. After all, isn't that how our mothers live on in our lives. My mother was a person that filled our lives with laughter and love. In spite of her advice being a little off base some times, she wasn't afraid to laugh when she was wrong. I think that's one of the traits I got from my mother and is one I treasure. The other trait I got from her is my joy to be around children. We love to see little smiles and have done a lot to keep the smile in their lives.
I think about the mothers in my family that I didn't get to meet or remember. I have fond memories of Grandmother Erma, my mother's mother. I think that she was always the love of our lives as she was such an Enigma. She lived in remote places but always seemed to be well read and the first to spring to life if there was a party to be had. They had a hunting dog named spot. When it was time for them to go outside, she would go to the door and holler, "Out Dammed Spot." Later I heard someone quoting Shakespeare and the line was "Out Damned Spot." and I wondered how they had met my grandmother.
When age finally overcame my Grandmother and she stopped hunting, she made good use of her shotgun. Someone had dumped an old dog on the farm in Arkansas. That dog was killing chickens and eating eggs. I was offered the gun if I would take that old cur for a walk in the woods. The gun, a shovel and the dog went for a walk. I treasure that 16 gauge Ithaca shotgun. I don't hunt but I treasure all the memories of the times I went squirrel hunting in Arkansas.
For brevity's sake, I won't even try to talk about all the mothers in my life. For 46 years I have been married to the mother of our son and I will always love her above all. I can't imagine where my life would have led if not for her. I probably would have tried to stay in the Army and wound up not here. With her, most of my life wishes have been fulfilled and I hope to spend many more good years with her.
For a large group of us, our mothers are no longer here. I hope that during the day you take a moment to think about the good things that happened between you and your mother. After all, isn't that how our mothers live on in our lives. My mother was a person that filled our lives with laughter and love. In spite of her advice being a little off base some times, she wasn't afraid to laugh when she was wrong. I think that's one of the traits I got from my mother and is one I treasure. The other trait I got from her is my joy to be around children. We love to see little smiles and have done a lot to keep the smile in their lives.
I think about the mothers in my family that I didn't get to meet or remember. I have fond memories of Grandmother Erma, my mother's mother. I think that she was always the love of our lives as she was such an Enigma. She lived in remote places but always seemed to be well read and the first to spring to life if there was a party to be had. They had a hunting dog named spot. When it was time for them to go outside, she would go to the door and holler, "Out Dammed Spot." Later I heard someone quoting Shakespeare and the line was "Out Damned Spot." and I wondered how they had met my grandmother.
When age finally overcame my Grandmother and she stopped hunting, she made good use of her shotgun. Someone had dumped an old dog on the farm in Arkansas. That dog was killing chickens and eating eggs. I was offered the gun if I would take that old cur for a walk in the woods. The gun, a shovel and the dog went for a walk. I treasure that 16 gauge Ithaca shotgun. I don't hunt but I treasure all the memories of the times I went squirrel hunting in Arkansas.
For brevity's sake, I won't even try to talk about all the mothers in my life. For 46 years I have been married to the mother of our son and I will always love her above all. I can't imagine where my life would have led if not for her. I probably would have tried to stay in the Army and wound up not here. With her, most of my life wishes have been fulfilled and I hope to spend many more good years with her.
 |
| Barb does pretty, I do function |
MUD
5/09/2014
Master Gardener
In case you haven't read this blog carefully, I have the good fortune of being married to a Master Gardener. That mean she has a lot of good advice on where and how to grow a garden. The only negative in this scenario is that she knows she is the boss and I am the head laborer. Today I spent a lot of time and money trying to make the drip irrigation system work. The real problem is that we bought the first part from a company online and not very much of the stuff available locally will work with the old stuff. My local Ace hardware does its best but one of these days I will break down and order another massive kit from the supplier on line.
There is an old saying that farmers don't own their crops and livestock, they own the farmer. Having a really good garden is a lot the same way. Last year we left just when the tomato's were turning red and the corn was just short of being ripe. Long story short, the deer had a feast and we got nada. Oh well, they looked good. The even better news is that here in Kansas, there is no shortage of good farm raised produce at the farmer's market.
I was thinking about what to write and noticed that this new keyboard has a lot of buttons I haven't explored. There was this one that had a + on it. Made the screen big enough that I could really read the error of my ways. The spell checker does a pretty good job but it won't detect the wrong word if it is spelled wright. The only thing this keyboard really lacks is a light that tells me the Caps Lock is on. I'll get about two sentences down the page and see that everything but the first letter of the first word is in Caps. Dang I hat it when that happens.
Mother's day is Sunday and this will be the first one since Barb lost her mother earlier this year. I know the feeling having lost my mother a few years back. There isn't a lot I can say or do to ease the pain only stay out of the way and let her deal with it. Being introverted, she doesn't deal with things in public like I do. Give me an audience and I'll tell jokes about all the fun (and funny) things my mother did. I might even tell a few of the funny things I did to her. I hope all of the mothers out there have a great day on Sunday.
Better run.
MUD
There is an old saying that farmers don't own their crops and livestock, they own the farmer. Having a really good garden is a lot the same way. Last year we left just when the tomato's were turning red and the corn was just short of being ripe. Long story short, the deer had a feast and we got nada. Oh well, they looked good. The even better news is that here in Kansas, there is no shortage of good farm raised produce at the farmer's market.
I was thinking about what to write and noticed that this new keyboard has a lot of buttons I haven't explored. There was this one that had a + on it. Made the screen big enough that I could really read the error of my ways. The spell checker does a pretty good job but it won't detect the wrong word if it is spelled wright. The only thing this keyboard really lacks is a light that tells me the Caps Lock is on. I'll get about two sentences down the page and see that everything but the first letter of the first word is in Caps. Dang I hat it when that happens.
Mother's day is Sunday and this will be the first one since Barb lost her mother earlier this year. I know the feeling having lost my mother a few years back. There isn't a lot I can say or do to ease the pain only stay out of the way and let her deal with it. Being introverted, she doesn't deal with things in public like I do. Give me an audience and I'll tell jokes about all the fun (and funny) things my mother did. I might even tell a few of the funny things I did to her. I hope all of the mothers out there have a great day on Sunday.
Better run.
MUD
Rules to live by
Some of the general rules I try to live by are:
It is easier to ask forgiveness than ask for permission. Might get me in court now and then but so far it has worked.
When you get caught doing something without permission, never lie about it. Telling a lie can and will get you fired but doing your best and omitting something is a good reason to do things.
Your boss might be wrong but he still is your boss.
Praise in public punish in private.
When you are mad, talk quietly not loudly. They don't know what you are going to do and a little fear is good to change actions.
It generally tales a Significant Emotional Event (SEE) to change behavior. Explain the entire sequence of consequences to a person not just give them a verbal reprimand. They should not be surprised when you write them up the second time.
Never be surprised when someone hates you for doing your job, especially if you have done it well.
I personally never pass up a chance to congratulate a person when they are recognized for doing a good job. Remember that it is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration most of the time. There is almost always room for everyone to get recognition for good jobs.
Many times I have had an employee come to me about their wanting to apply for a better job. I never have told one to not do it. I always told them their good points and told them to go for the gold. If they get the job, they are your friend. If they don't get the job, talk to them about how they can improve their skills for the next time. I always found that a little communication went a long way to keeping your employees happy. I always found it sad when I didn't get a job and the boss acted like it was no big deal.
Change happens in organizations. You can either lead, follow or get the hell out of the way.
Since I have become an adult, I have laughed my way out of good fist fights a lot. I guess being big and tall helps but laughter is good a lot of the time.
I try to not talk to Barb before 9 AM and she doesn't talk to me after 9 PM. This can be moderated by coffee and tea but as a general rule it works for us.
A good rule is that whoever cooks doesn't have to clean up the kitchen. The exceptions are bierocks and enchiladas that make a hell of a mess and are best a joint effort. If in doubt, unload the dishwasher and reload it even when you have cereal.
Money is just another kind of power. Life is better when you don't have to fight over it.
If you find yourself with more debt than money and your name isn't Uncle Sam, stop spending. The only way to have what you want is to build wealth by having income greater than or equal to outgo.
Cars are really just transportation they will eat your money fast and the faster the car, the faster the eating.
Everyone once in their life should have a new car but once you get that out of your system, buy used cars. Less Taxes, depreciation and lower insurance costs. A/C is not an option in Kansas, it is mandatory.
While loading the dishwasher, a few other obvious things hit me.
If you are faced with doing several things, do the hardest first. At least do the most obvious first. Loading the dishwasher is nice, but it doesn't look that nice until you wipe down the counters.
Never overlook the help of a good source. For money, I find Dave Ramsey about the best. One source for investing in the stock market to avoid is me. I HAVE DONE TERRIBLE THERE!
I have been dreading the fencing job on the south property line and just today I mentioned getting some help and Barb agreed that it was a good idea. Just because I have most of the tools doesn't mean I have the ability. Age might mean smart but not always more capable.
Why is it harder to get in shape in the spring than it was to get out of shape in the winter? Next year I think a member ship in the YMCA again is in order. Swimming and the hot spa sounds a lot like what I need. Might even do a little weight lifting.
Good advice is generally worth what you pay for it. Or at least the cost of learning the lessons the hard way. If you read this and don't change your life, read the part about the SEE again.
MUD
It is easier to ask forgiveness than ask for permission. Might get me in court now and then but so far it has worked.
When you get caught doing something without permission, never lie about it. Telling a lie can and will get you fired but doing your best and omitting something is a good reason to do things.
Your boss might be wrong but he still is your boss.
Praise in public punish in private.
When you are mad, talk quietly not loudly. They don't know what you are going to do and a little fear is good to change actions.
It generally tales a Significant Emotional Event (SEE) to change behavior. Explain the entire sequence of consequences to a person not just give them a verbal reprimand. They should not be surprised when you write them up the second time.
Never be surprised when someone hates you for doing your job, especially if you have done it well.
I personally never pass up a chance to congratulate a person when they are recognized for doing a good job. Remember that it is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration most of the time. There is almost always room for everyone to get recognition for good jobs.
Many times I have had an employee come to me about their wanting to apply for a better job. I never have told one to not do it. I always told them their good points and told them to go for the gold. If they get the job, they are your friend. If they don't get the job, talk to them about how they can improve their skills for the next time. I always found that a little communication went a long way to keeping your employees happy. I always found it sad when I didn't get a job and the boss acted like it was no big deal.
Change happens in organizations. You can either lead, follow or get the hell out of the way.
Since I have become an adult, I have laughed my way out of good fist fights a lot. I guess being big and tall helps but laughter is good a lot of the time.
I try to not talk to Barb before 9 AM and she doesn't talk to me after 9 PM. This can be moderated by coffee and tea but as a general rule it works for us.
A good rule is that whoever cooks doesn't have to clean up the kitchen. The exceptions are bierocks and enchiladas that make a hell of a mess and are best a joint effort. If in doubt, unload the dishwasher and reload it even when you have cereal.
Money is just another kind of power. Life is better when you don't have to fight over it.
If you find yourself with more debt than money and your name isn't Uncle Sam, stop spending. The only way to have what you want is to build wealth by having income greater than or equal to outgo.
Cars are really just transportation they will eat your money fast and the faster the car, the faster the eating.
Everyone once in their life should have a new car but once you get that out of your system, buy used cars. Less Taxes, depreciation and lower insurance costs. A/C is not an option in Kansas, it is mandatory.
While loading the dishwasher, a few other obvious things hit me.
If you are faced with doing several things, do the hardest first. At least do the most obvious first. Loading the dishwasher is nice, but it doesn't look that nice until you wipe down the counters.
Never overlook the help of a good source. For money, I find Dave Ramsey about the best. One source for investing in the stock market to avoid is me. I HAVE DONE TERRIBLE THERE!
I have been dreading the fencing job on the south property line and just today I mentioned getting some help and Barb agreed that it was a good idea. Just because I have most of the tools doesn't mean I have the ability. Age might mean smart but not always more capable.
Why is it harder to get in shape in the spring than it was to get out of shape in the winter? Next year I think a member ship in the YMCA again is in order. Swimming and the hot spa sounds a lot like what I need. Might even do a little weight lifting.
Good advice is generally worth what you pay for it. Or at least the cost of learning the lessons the hard way. If you read this and don't change your life, read the part about the SEE again.
MUD
5/08/2014
Go Ahead Hillary, Change my Constitution
The other day, Hillary Clinton said she things we should ban all guns. I hope she tries to put through a change to the Constitution and she will see just where the support lies (instead of in Washington) for our Constitution. There has been a strong move to remove the protections in the constitution and impose Government orders that change the fabric of our lives.
The supreme court just narrowly let Government entities have a public prayer to start the meetings. If they can, why does it fly in the face of so many to have kids say a prayer and pledge allegiance to the flag? Heck, I grew up singing the Doxology at lunch every day in school and we put on our golden gloves, ("Do unto Others as you would have then do to us") Didn't kill me and I damn sure needed it.
One big difference in the way many of us think is the role of Government. There are people out there that feel every time a person or group is harmed, Government needs to step in and make a change making someone a criminal. There is the other side that feel that it is society's responsibility to do just that. Change is slow but making something illegal doesn't always fix it. It might make it easier to sue someone but there is too much of that going on anyway.
One of my friends from my TeleTech days is in Atlanta and made a short film about Bullying. I fully support the need to make this a discussion topic and bring it to the front of what we say and do. It also is a great reflection on him that he brought it to a point where we can discuss it. Did I mention that my friend Zeke is Black? Heck no, because I celebrate for him and what he is doing. To me, his skin color is based on his parents and I sure as heck loved his Dad. Us old Army Guys need to stick together.
So, unless the Constitution is changed in the proper manner, leave it alone. Good things will come from a country that has high standards, not strict laws.
MUD
The supreme court just narrowly let Government entities have a public prayer to start the meetings. If they can, why does it fly in the face of so many to have kids say a prayer and pledge allegiance to the flag? Heck, I grew up singing the Doxology at lunch every day in school and we put on our golden gloves, ("Do unto Others as you would have then do to us") Didn't kill me and I damn sure needed it.
One big difference in the way many of us think is the role of Government. There are people out there that feel every time a person or group is harmed, Government needs to step in and make a change making someone a criminal. There is the other side that feel that it is society's responsibility to do just that. Change is slow but making something illegal doesn't always fix it. It might make it easier to sue someone but there is too much of that going on anyway.
One of my friends from my TeleTech days is in Atlanta and made a short film about Bullying. I fully support the need to make this a discussion topic and bring it to the front of what we say and do. It also is a great reflection on him that he brought it to a point where we can discuss it. Did I mention that my friend Zeke is Black? Heck no, because I celebrate for him and what he is doing. To me, his skin color is based on his parents and I sure as heck loved his Dad. Us old Army Guys need to stick together.
So, unless the Constitution is changed in the proper manner, leave it alone. Good things will come from a country that has high standards, not strict laws.
MUD
Weather
The heartland has several cells of rough weather on the radar and it is only a matter of hitting or missing us. I for one need a day away from the heavy work and to contemplate the work I need to do. I am tempted to hire a couple of day workers to put up the fence on the south boundary. Perhaps by the start of next week things will be dry enough to start.
This weekend we had the attack of the fluffy down. When we were in Germany, Barb fell in love with the down comforters and just recently bought one for the guest bedroom. It had a small hole in one corner and there is loose down all over the laundry room and the basement. Kind of looks like snow without the cold.
Here at Rabbit Run we have a couple of big black snakes that manage the rodents and the other snakes. The first day it got to 90, one of them tried his best to get inside out of the heat. I found him in the garage first and when I tried to direct him outside, he went down into a crack where the sidewalk meets the garage floor. I went away and left the garage door open so he could escape. Yesterday I went out into the shed and out of the corner of my eye I say something move. Yep, that snake was in the metal building. I put on my gloves and picked him up. In the movies and on TV, snakes can't lift their head enough to bite you. As one of the kind that squeezes the life out of his prey, he simply wound himself up and brought his head up where my hand was. He looked at the black glove and then relaxed so I could take him outside. He went off into the trees and I know he is out there somewhere. I will do my best to not run over him with the tractor. I can't say that about the copperheads. So far we have not had any rattlesnakes but I do keep my eyes and ears open.
I have a wide collection of things here on the farm, and it never ceases to amaze me how much work it is to keep things running in good shape. Every job takes almost as long to get the equipment ready as it does to do the job. Then there is the occasional dump run to get rid of the debris from the jobs I do. In fact, the trailer is out there just waiting for a trip to the dump. Last weekend, we had a concert of the Barbershop Chorus and I volunteered my truck to haul the risers over to the church where we have our program. On the way home, a car almost ran into the back of me and when he passed me he hollered that my tail lights were not working. It seems that about a month ago I was backing out the truck and because of the deep loose gravel I wasn't paying enough attention. A big old tree just jumped out and hit me. That one hit caused all the connections to stop working. I went to O'Reilly's and bought a new set of taillights and now everything works fine. It had even knocked the brake light wires off the connectors. Oh well, like I said, everything takes a lot of work to keep them working.
This hasn't been my week for my Harbor Freight tools. I must have sparked the battery charger across two sides of the connection and it burned up the circuit board and that stopped working. I also used my grinder and it quit, never to work again. Like the cheap person I am, I buy cheap and do not get the extended warranty. Throw them away and buy more.
Oh well, better get busy and pick up the mess I have here in the basement.
MUD
This weekend we had the attack of the fluffy down. When we were in Germany, Barb fell in love with the down comforters and just recently bought one for the guest bedroom. It had a small hole in one corner and there is loose down all over the laundry room and the basement. Kind of looks like snow without the cold.
Here at Rabbit Run we have a couple of big black snakes that manage the rodents and the other snakes. The first day it got to 90, one of them tried his best to get inside out of the heat. I found him in the garage first and when I tried to direct him outside, he went down into a crack where the sidewalk meets the garage floor. I went away and left the garage door open so he could escape. Yesterday I went out into the shed and out of the corner of my eye I say something move. Yep, that snake was in the metal building. I put on my gloves and picked him up. In the movies and on TV, snakes can't lift their head enough to bite you. As one of the kind that squeezes the life out of his prey, he simply wound himself up and brought his head up where my hand was. He looked at the black glove and then relaxed so I could take him outside. He went off into the trees and I know he is out there somewhere. I will do my best to not run over him with the tractor. I can't say that about the copperheads. So far we have not had any rattlesnakes but I do keep my eyes and ears open.
I have a wide collection of things here on the farm, and it never ceases to amaze me how much work it is to keep things running in good shape. Every job takes almost as long to get the equipment ready as it does to do the job. Then there is the occasional dump run to get rid of the debris from the jobs I do. In fact, the trailer is out there just waiting for a trip to the dump. Last weekend, we had a concert of the Barbershop Chorus and I volunteered my truck to haul the risers over to the church where we have our program. On the way home, a car almost ran into the back of me and when he passed me he hollered that my tail lights were not working. It seems that about a month ago I was backing out the truck and because of the deep loose gravel I wasn't paying enough attention. A big old tree just jumped out and hit me. That one hit caused all the connections to stop working. I went to O'Reilly's and bought a new set of taillights and now everything works fine. It had even knocked the brake light wires off the connectors. Oh well, like I said, everything takes a lot of work to keep them working.
This hasn't been my week for my Harbor Freight tools. I must have sparked the battery charger across two sides of the connection and it burned up the circuit board and that stopped working. I also used my grinder and it quit, never to work again. Like the cheap person I am, I buy cheap and do not get the extended warranty. Throw them away and buy more.
Oh well, better get busy and pick up the mess I have here in the basement.
MUD
5/04/2014
Tired
Yesterday started early and ended late. But all in all it was a great day. We sang our butts off and did two shows to a pretty large group of people. The seemed to enjoy what we did and I know it was a real treat to get to see everyone smile. One of the real treats to me was the High School quartets. They were so good for a group that was mostly Juniors. Our guest quartet, the Crush" were very good and they rocked the place.
One of my tasks before tomorrow night is seeing if I can make 20 copies of the DvD of the evening show. I also need to work on a way to show the group the DvD at our rehearsal on Monday night. I might see if I can the laptop to pay the DvD and take my cord to power a TV there. Oh well.
Yesterday had to be some kind of a record for events here in Topeka. Anyone that did not have a full slate of things to do just wanted to take the day off. I missed the car show downtown. I did get to see a 66 Corvette at out dinner. What a real great car. 427 motor with lake pipes. I think it will pass everything but the gas station.
Better go see what the wife needs from me. I am pretty sure the head laborer here at rabbit run will have a full agenda.
MUD
One of my tasks before tomorrow night is seeing if I can make 20 copies of the DvD of the evening show. I also need to work on a way to show the group the DvD at our rehearsal on Monday night. I might see if I can the laptop to pay the DvD and take my cord to power a TV there. Oh well.
Yesterday had to be some kind of a record for events here in Topeka. Anyone that did not have a full slate of things to do just wanted to take the day off. I missed the car show downtown. I did get to see a 66 Corvette at out dinner. What a real great car. 427 motor with lake pipes. I think it will pass everything but the gas station.
Better go see what the wife needs from me. I am pretty sure the head laborer here at rabbit run will have a full agenda.
MUD
5/02/2014
Long Weekend Planned
On Saturday, Barb will be taking pictures of the Master Gardener's plant sale and I will be singing with the Capitol City Barbershop Chorus. I think that on Sunday we will probably be planting the garden. Monday will be a day of R&A ( Rest and Aleve) But, we will both have a smile in our heart even if we will be too tired to smile on the outside.
What ever happened to the tradition of May Baskets. I know that we don't have any children that come here for Halloween, so I don't expect baskets here, but even a paper basket filled with stolen wisteria bush flowers left on a door step was fun to do. I guess most of that was because I had older sisters that loved to do it. Times are changing. There are people that probably would shoot at you for ringing their doorbell and running away. Shame on us.
OK, Oklahoma botched an execution. The end result was the guy died and I for one don't care what a person who buried a 18 year old girl alive dies like. There is a guy in Arkansas that needs killed and I sure as hell don't want it to be nice and peaceful. I'll bet there are a lot of people that would love to be the one to strangle the life out of Karl like he did to our niece. He has been in appeals longer than she lived. He had better pray that he is never released from prison. If someone were to shoot him, I am pretty sure that a dozen of us would turn in ourselves and want the credit.
I am sorry that the anger genie escapes now and then. I try to be a nice guy that my mother would be proud of. Wait, perhaps she would approve of that sentiment.
Oh well, on with the day.
MUD
What ever happened to the tradition of May Baskets. I know that we don't have any children that come here for Halloween, so I don't expect baskets here, but even a paper basket filled with stolen wisteria bush flowers left on a door step was fun to do. I guess most of that was because I had older sisters that loved to do it. Times are changing. There are people that probably would shoot at you for ringing their doorbell and running away. Shame on us.
OK, Oklahoma botched an execution. The end result was the guy died and I for one don't care what a person who buried a 18 year old girl alive dies like. There is a guy in Arkansas that needs killed and I sure as hell don't want it to be nice and peaceful. I'll bet there are a lot of people that would love to be the one to strangle the life out of Karl like he did to our niece. He has been in appeals longer than she lived. He had better pray that he is never released from prison. If someone were to shoot him, I am pretty sure that a dozen of us would turn in ourselves and want the credit.
I am sorry that the anger genie escapes now and then. I try to be a nice guy that my mother would be proud of. Wait, perhaps she would approve of that sentiment.
Oh well, on with the day.
MUD
5/01/2014
Another Cloudy Day
The weather has been pretty blah this week with low overhanging clouds and light sprinkles of rains. The ground is getting pretty ready to plant except it is a little cool because the sun isn't warming it up. The Master Gardener's are having their sale and the Barbershop Chorus is having their show on Saturday. I am wondering if we both won't be pretty tired come Sunday. I am using my truck to haul the risers from the show location to the practice hall. There is a post show get together for the chorus guys but I'm not sure if there will be anything left in my tank at the end of that day. The risers will need to go home after the 9 PM end.
I think I have finally solved all my computer problems now and am back up on line. I really owe a lot to Dave for all his help. In addition to just doing the work, He showed me a lot of things about the computer and Windows 8. If you haven't been involved with Window's 8, be ready for a lot of changes from Window's earlier versions. Windows 8 has a lot of adaptations that make things work with cell phones, laptops and touch screens. None of them do I have in my collection of things that compute in the dark.
I worked on the tow behind lawn mower yesterday. The first thing I noticed was that there was no gas in the tank when I started working on it. I think I left a pint or two in the tank last year. I put a cup full of gas in the tank and I had leaks all over the place. Last year I used a couple of old pieces of 1/4 inch fuel line off an older mower and over the winter it just disintegrated in a couple of places. I know Barb gets tired of me saying I have to make a trip to the Hardware store but I just can't stock everything I need. I am always surprised at how much the little things cost. 18 inches of 1/4 inch fuel line and four clamps were over $5.00. I spent another half hour using an external battery cranking the motor to get it to start. Thank God I didn't have to use the pull rope to do that. One of these days I will probably set it up to start with an onboard battery but there's anther $150.00 I don't want to spend on a five year old mower. Oh well, nothing's free.
I am about fed up listening to the news. After 8 weeks of looking for the Malaysian Airliner, they announced in a five page report that they don't know what they don't know. Do you think that keeps the talking heads on CNN from making things up? It is a wonder that one of the news shows hasn't asked the Clipper's owner what he thinks. I'll bet that would be better than the stuff CNN is making up. Have you wondered how the NBA can fine the owner 2 1/2 million and then force him to sell his team? I would think one or the other but all he will do is include his fine in the asking price and the new owners will in effect pay the fine. And, who can even begin to figure out what an NBA team is worth? When dealing with the sales of a business there is a term called "blue sky" that is the net effect of good owner ship has on a business. I wonder what they will call the "Storm Clouds" in this deal. It really doesn't matter as I don't have enough Petty Cash to buy it or be involved in the deal.
For those of you in the Heartland, we have been eating asparagus from our garden for a little over a week. There is almost nothing better than the spring crop of anything from the garden. Barb has a lot of tomato plants ready to go out in to the garden and it won't be long and we will have some of those red orbs to savor. Throw in some bacon and I'm in heaven.
Each year the hummingbirds send a male ahead to scout the best flowers and feeders to cause them to settle in. We have had the male scout here for a little over a week but the rest of the group is probably staying in Oklahoma until it warms up a little. We have a feeder right outside the breakfast nook and love to watch the antics of the hummers as they compete for the best spot to feed. They are some pretty spectacular little buggers when they get in the sun. At least one will sit on a tree branch nearby and play traffic cop for the rest. Barb does her best to keep the feeder full and it has taken one a day in the later part of the summer when they are stocking up for their migration south.
Speaking of Migrations, there was a wonderful piece on Nature (PBS) last night about the Monarch and their trip from Mexico to Canada and back each year. Barb and I both wish things in Mexico would settle down a bit so we could go to the mountains above Mexico City and see the place they overwinter. I guess that might be one of those things that we will have to see on TV.
Did I tell you the story about meeting several Mexican workers when the concrete guys poured the pad for my new metal building? Our Congress has it all wrong. Most of them don't want to live here to retire here, they like the rest of us want to be able to work and make enough money so they can go home when they finish working. Like most of the rest of us, their focus is on jobs. They would stay home if they could make a living in Mexico. Their ideal situation would be for Mexico to be another State like California and they could get in their cars and drive where they want to. Perhaps a better example would be the European Union where they have taken down all the border crossings and you can travel in Europe when and where you desire. In my humble opinion, it would be a lot easier to guard the southern border of Mexico than the entre border of Mexico and the US. Besides, I love the Mexican culture and food.
What does it say about me that I am an equal opportunity eater? I hear people talk about ribs, watermelon, catfish and dos X's being a Mexican treat. Back in my drinking days, I would drink Molson, Dos X's and about anything with rum in it. I did have a slight tendency to think I was a pirate if I drank too much rum but it was a personal thing. I love fried chicken, ribs, about any smoked or grilled meats and I watch a lot of the cooking channel. I wish we had a great Korean place here in Topeka. We have some great Mexican places, a lot of good Chinese places and BBQ places. I will admit that the cost of beef is about to cause me to move to pork and chicken.
Oh well, enough time wasted here. Got a mower to get ready and a truck to clean up the bed on.
MUD
I think I have finally solved all my computer problems now and am back up on line. I really owe a lot to Dave for all his help. In addition to just doing the work, He showed me a lot of things about the computer and Windows 8. If you haven't been involved with Window's 8, be ready for a lot of changes from Window's earlier versions. Windows 8 has a lot of adaptations that make things work with cell phones, laptops and touch screens. None of them do I have in my collection of things that compute in the dark.
I worked on the tow behind lawn mower yesterday. The first thing I noticed was that there was no gas in the tank when I started working on it. I think I left a pint or two in the tank last year. I put a cup full of gas in the tank and I had leaks all over the place. Last year I used a couple of old pieces of 1/4 inch fuel line off an older mower and over the winter it just disintegrated in a couple of places. I know Barb gets tired of me saying I have to make a trip to the Hardware store but I just can't stock everything I need. I am always surprised at how much the little things cost. 18 inches of 1/4 inch fuel line and four clamps were over $5.00. I spent another half hour using an external battery cranking the motor to get it to start. Thank God I didn't have to use the pull rope to do that. One of these days I will probably set it up to start with an onboard battery but there's anther $150.00 I don't want to spend on a five year old mower. Oh well, nothing's free.
I am about fed up listening to the news. After 8 weeks of looking for the Malaysian Airliner, they announced in a five page report that they don't know what they don't know. Do you think that keeps the talking heads on CNN from making things up? It is a wonder that one of the news shows hasn't asked the Clipper's owner what he thinks. I'll bet that would be better than the stuff CNN is making up. Have you wondered how the NBA can fine the owner 2 1/2 million and then force him to sell his team? I would think one or the other but all he will do is include his fine in the asking price and the new owners will in effect pay the fine. And, who can even begin to figure out what an NBA team is worth? When dealing with the sales of a business there is a term called "blue sky" that is the net effect of good owner ship has on a business. I wonder what they will call the "Storm Clouds" in this deal. It really doesn't matter as I don't have enough Petty Cash to buy it or be involved in the deal.
For those of you in the Heartland, we have been eating asparagus from our garden for a little over a week. There is almost nothing better than the spring crop of anything from the garden. Barb has a lot of tomato plants ready to go out in to the garden and it won't be long and we will have some of those red orbs to savor. Throw in some bacon and I'm in heaven.
Each year the hummingbirds send a male ahead to scout the best flowers and feeders to cause them to settle in. We have had the male scout here for a little over a week but the rest of the group is probably staying in Oklahoma until it warms up a little. We have a feeder right outside the breakfast nook and love to watch the antics of the hummers as they compete for the best spot to feed. They are some pretty spectacular little buggers when they get in the sun. At least one will sit on a tree branch nearby and play traffic cop for the rest. Barb does her best to keep the feeder full and it has taken one a day in the later part of the summer when they are stocking up for their migration south.
Speaking of Migrations, there was a wonderful piece on Nature (PBS) last night about the Monarch and their trip from Mexico to Canada and back each year. Barb and I both wish things in Mexico would settle down a bit so we could go to the mountains above Mexico City and see the place they overwinter. I guess that might be one of those things that we will have to see on TV.
Did I tell you the story about meeting several Mexican workers when the concrete guys poured the pad for my new metal building? Our Congress has it all wrong. Most of them don't want to live here to retire here, they like the rest of us want to be able to work and make enough money so they can go home when they finish working. Like most of the rest of us, their focus is on jobs. They would stay home if they could make a living in Mexico. Their ideal situation would be for Mexico to be another State like California and they could get in their cars and drive where they want to. Perhaps a better example would be the European Union where they have taken down all the border crossings and you can travel in Europe when and where you desire. In my humble opinion, it would be a lot easier to guard the southern border of Mexico than the entre border of Mexico and the US. Besides, I love the Mexican culture and food.
What does it say about me that I am an equal opportunity eater? I hear people talk about ribs, watermelon, catfish and dos X's being a Mexican treat. Back in my drinking days, I would drink Molson, Dos X's and about anything with rum in it. I did have a slight tendency to think I was a pirate if I drank too much rum but it was a personal thing. I love fried chicken, ribs, about any smoked or grilled meats and I watch a lot of the cooking channel. I wish we had a great Korean place here in Topeka. We have some great Mexican places, a lot of good Chinese places and BBQ places. I will admit that the cost of beef is about to cause me to move to pork and chicken.
Oh well, enough time wasted here. Got a mower to get ready and a truck to clean up the bed on.
MUD
4/30/2014
Dang It
Yesterday I had the computer about where I wanted and made a major mistake. Instead of loading Microsoft Office I loaded Windows 7. That put me right back to the start point and I still don't have everything right where I want it. Can we say Brain Fart Boys and Girls?
On a normal day, Barb and I sit at the breakfast table and at least once during that time she will ask me what's on my agenda? This morning I truthfully answered that I didn't have an agenda and she asked me if I wanted one? I figured that I would start with Facebook, work my way through G-Mail and then meet you here at BlogSpot. The rest of the day would entail listening to the music for the Barbershop Chorus performance this weekend. There will be at least one period working on the lawnmower as the yard is starting to look pretty shaggy.
This morning I decided that I have way too many programs that requires a password. I have only a limited amount of password storage space in my brain hosing group and I am at maximum capacity. it takes me at least one go round to get them straight. Throw in that "Damn Caps Lock- On" error and I am good for at least one false start every time I encounter a pass word.
We have some good friends moving back to Topeka and we have been scouting a few houses for them. There is such a wide range of houses out there that it amazes me how anyone can put an accurate price n anything. We looked at a Bank owned house that is a pretty good deal and a Junker that has been obviously a rental and even had the copper stolen out of the AC compressor. The part of that last house was the race car sitting in the yard next door and the state of that yard. Not my idea of a neighborhood that will hold its value.
Here in Kansas, the insurance companies have been hitting people hard to replace roofs early. Most of the shingles are guaranteed for 20 or 30 years and at about 15 the insurance companies want you to sign a waiver. USAA worked out some kind of a depreciation on the roofs and dang near didn't pay me much when this house needed a new roof. I think it cost me out of pocket about what I expected the total to be. Oh well, at least this house is OK for now.
Most of the spring I have avoided the dreaded head cold and wouldn't you know this week I have a minor cold. It might be the loads of pollen out there but who knows. The blessing is that as a Bass, I don't have to hit those high notes too often. Even then, I can fake it and the rest of the guys will cover. even with bronchitis I can hit the low notes.
Better run before my agenda catches up with me.
MUD
On a normal day, Barb and I sit at the breakfast table and at least once during that time she will ask me what's on my agenda? This morning I truthfully answered that I didn't have an agenda and she asked me if I wanted one? I figured that I would start with Facebook, work my way through G-Mail and then meet you here at BlogSpot. The rest of the day would entail listening to the music for the Barbershop Chorus performance this weekend. There will be at least one period working on the lawnmower as the yard is starting to look pretty shaggy.
This morning I decided that I have way too many programs that requires a password. I have only a limited amount of password storage space in my brain hosing group and I am at maximum capacity. it takes me at least one go round to get them straight. Throw in that "Damn Caps Lock- On" error and I am good for at least one false start every time I encounter a pass word.
We have some good friends moving back to Topeka and we have been scouting a few houses for them. There is such a wide range of houses out there that it amazes me how anyone can put an accurate price n anything. We looked at a Bank owned house that is a pretty good deal and a Junker that has been obviously a rental and even had the copper stolen out of the AC compressor. The part of that last house was the race car sitting in the yard next door and the state of that yard. Not my idea of a neighborhood that will hold its value.
Here in Kansas, the insurance companies have been hitting people hard to replace roofs early. Most of the shingles are guaranteed for 20 or 30 years and at about 15 the insurance companies want you to sign a waiver. USAA worked out some kind of a depreciation on the roofs and dang near didn't pay me much when this house needed a new roof. I think it cost me out of pocket about what I expected the total to be. Oh well, at least this house is OK for now.
Most of the spring I have avoided the dreaded head cold and wouldn't you know this week I have a minor cold. It might be the loads of pollen out there but who knows. The blessing is that as a Bass, I don't have to hit those high notes too often. Even then, I can fake it and the rest of the guys will cover. even with bronchitis I can hit the low notes.
Better run before my agenda catches up with me.
MUD
4/29/2014
Rainy Tuesday
The weather is doing about what the Master Gardener would want except it is a little cool. We have been way short on rain for a while and a slow drizzly day is just what the Doctor ordered to restore the sub soil moisture. If the farmers didn't get their fields in yet, it is their own fault as last week was mostly dry enough to do just that.
With the number of deaths in the family, the subject or my own longevity has crossed my mind a lot this week. If you could either let Nature run its course or get a guarantee of 90, what would you take? At 66, 90 doesn't sound so bad but I'm pretty sure that if I can get closer, I will want to hedge my bet. The other day I talked to Dave about this and he said it was dependent on the quality of life to him. He is more worried about the quality of his life than the quantity. I don't disagree on that issue.
There is a growing 5trend out there that there is no funeral to mark the passing of people. Barb and I both think that a simple cremation and scattering of the ashes is the best for us. I have shared with her that the new National Cemetery in Leavenworth has an area that accepts cremains and will put up one of those grave markers. I think Barb would just as soon have a bench put near a flower garden.
I always did say that she is the one that does pretty.
We are on the downhill slope for our Barbershop Corus Show this next Saturday. Our final practice last night was great and for me a lot of fun. For some reason the second half of the show just seems better in practice. I think by the time we have spent an hour on the platform we start to sing at a less than excited level and we blend better. I know that our Bass section can blow the doors off the Baritones and Leads. The tenors are down on the end and I can almost never hear them unless it is a tag at the end of a song.
Oh well, better go see if there is anything worth doing today.
MUD
With the number of deaths in the family, the subject or my own longevity has crossed my mind a lot this week. If you could either let Nature run its course or get a guarantee of 90, what would you take? At 66, 90 doesn't sound so bad but I'm pretty sure that if I can get closer, I will want to hedge my bet. The other day I talked to Dave about this and he said it was dependent on the quality of life to him. He is more worried about the quality of his life than the quantity. I don't disagree on that issue.
There is a growing 5trend out there that there is no funeral to mark the passing of people. Barb and I both think that a simple cremation and scattering of the ashes is the best for us. I have shared with her that the new National Cemetery in Leavenworth has an area that accepts cremains and will put up one of those grave markers. I think Barb would just as soon have a bench put near a flower garden.
I always did say that she is the one that does pretty.
We are on the downhill slope for our Barbershop Corus Show this next Saturday. Our final practice last night was great and for me a lot of fun. For some reason the second half of the show just seems better in practice. I think by the time we have spent an hour on the platform we start to sing at a less than excited level and we blend better. I know that our Bass section can blow the doors off the Baritones and Leads. The tenors are down on the end and I can almost never hear them unless it is a tag at the end of a song.
Oh well, better go see if there is anything worth doing today.
MUD
4/27/2014
Damn Computer
It does just what I tell it to do and way faster than I can figure out what I told it to do. Technology is wonderful but it does take a young mind to figure out what to do. I won't go into the specifics only to tell you that it did it fast and I can get on but only with a lot of work. Did I mention that it is slow? I could hand write a letter faster than I can type one on this new key board.
This morning is cloudy and looking like it might storm. There is a rumble of thunder now and then but so far we are dry. In fact we are under a warning until noon. Gives me time to play here in the basement and see just how bad I can screw this up prior to having Dave come over to fix it. I might even resort in having Janet come over from Lawrence to help. She can use the money.
2014 so far hasn't been the best year for friends and family. The parents of the Baby Boomers are reaching the age of 90 and that doesn't bode well for many more years left to share with them. Bob Dole is on a 105 County road trip around Kansas to see if anyone remembers who the heck he was. He is in a wheel chair and has to be carried into a lot of the small township halls he visits. He is pretty sharp and can remember a lot of the past and I'm sure he can make up things if he doesn't.
My Uncle Warren passed away this past week and in his obituary, it was mentioned that he didn't want any tribute or flowers. He thought it might be nice if we could just be nice to each other. That's one of the things most of us loved about him was his ability to smile and be nice to people. Last Summer, he came to Kansas to be with us in Kansas City for a family reunion. He was a nice addition to the party. Later on that summer, we went to Denver for his 90th Birthday. You all should get to meet the family there. We sang, laughed, told stories and had some great food. We will miss his presence but not the memory of Warren.
It has finally quit threatening to rain and got with the program. We can always use the rain and we love the warmer weather. Perhaps some time this week Barb can get out and plant some of the plants she has growing in pots.
Better run and see if I can get into trouble elsewhere.
MUD
This morning is cloudy and looking like it might storm. There is a rumble of thunder now and then but so far we are dry. In fact we are under a warning until noon. Gives me time to play here in the basement and see just how bad I can screw this up prior to having Dave come over to fix it. I might even resort in having Janet come over from Lawrence to help. She can use the money.
2014 so far hasn't been the best year for friends and family. The parents of the Baby Boomers are reaching the age of 90 and that doesn't bode well for many more years left to share with them. Bob Dole is on a 105 County road trip around Kansas to see if anyone remembers who the heck he was. He is in a wheel chair and has to be carried into a lot of the small township halls he visits. He is pretty sharp and can remember a lot of the past and I'm sure he can make up things if he doesn't.
My Uncle Warren passed away this past week and in his obituary, it was mentioned that he didn't want any tribute or flowers. He thought it might be nice if we could just be nice to each other. That's one of the things most of us loved about him was his ability to smile and be nice to people. Last Summer, he came to Kansas to be with us in Kansas City for a family reunion. He was a nice addition to the party. Later on that summer, we went to Denver for his 90th Birthday. You all should get to meet the family there. We sang, laughed, told stories and had some great food. We will miss his presence but not the memory of Warren.
It has finally quit threatening to rain and got with the program. We can always use the rain and we love the warmer weather. Perhaps some time this week Barb can get out and plant some of the plants she has growing in pots.
Better run and see if I can get into trouble elsewhere.
MUD
4/26/2014
Story to Amy
My Grand Niece, Amy is going through a rough patch in her life right now and I offer her these words to see if I can help her move on with her life. I am not sure if it will explain everything but it might be another way to look at life.
A few years back, I traveled to California and one of the places we visited was the Winchester House near San Jose. The wife of the man that invented the Winchester rifle was told by a fortune teller that as long as she kept adding to her house, she would not die. The story was that if she stopped building, it would end her life. Needless to say, the Winchester House is a rambling complex that takes up well over a city block and it is interesting to see stairs that go to a door to no where and rooms that are not functional. She was a very small lady so some of the rooms are very small and not functional to people like me.
I think this house is an analogy for life. If you were to come inside my life house, you would find stairs that lead nowhere and doors that open to a bare wall. I once enrolled in a Master's Degree Program and only completed the first semester. I am not sure where that was really leading so it is one of those stairs that lead no where. I once thought I loved a girl and wanted to spend my life with her. It was a relationship that was like a door that opened to a blank wall. I met and married Barbara and it was the front door to my whole house.
David was a door that opened into a part of my life that has been a treat. I hope that our journey will last a long time and he has good memories of the time we spent here in my life house. I know there are doors that are shut permanently and I can only go there in the memory of my mind. I can list a lot of names of relatives and people that live only there. It is unfortunate that Dave has no memory of people like Grandpa Collins but he will have his own place to live in.
Life is for living and as long as we are building on our life house we will continue to live there. Yes, this is an optimistic view of life, but that's the way I roll. I hope you can find a little solace in this and understand that the passing of Keith's mom will soon be a memory that you will be able to visit without the pain you now feel.
I wish you nothing but happiness in your future and that you are able to move forward.
Uncle MUD
A few years back, I traveled to California and one of the places we visited was the Winchester House near San Jose. The wife of the man that invented the Winchester rifle was told by a fortune teller that as long as she kept adding to her house, she would not die. The story was that if she stopped building, it would end her life. Needless to say, the Winchester House is a rambling complex that takes up well over a city block and it is interesting to see stairs that go to a door to no where and rooms that are not functional. She was a very small lady so some of the rooms are very small and not functional to people like me.
I think this house is an analogy for life. If you were to come inside my life house, you would find stairs that lead nowhere and doors that open to a bare wall. I once enrolled in a Master's Degree Program and only completed the first semester. I am not sure where that was really leading so it is one of those stairs that lead no where. I once thought I loved a girl and wanted to spend my life with her. It was a relationship that was like a door that opened to a blank wall. I met and married Barbara and it was the front door to my whole house.
David was a door that opened into a part of my life that has been a treat. I hope that our journey will last a long time and he has good memories of the time we spent here in my life house. I know there are doors that are shut permanently and I can only go there in the memory of my mind. I can list a lot of names of relatives and people that live only there. It is unfortunate that Dave has no memory of people like Grandpa Collins but he will have his own place to live in.
Life is for living and as long as we are building on our life house we will continue to live there. Yes, this is an optimistic view of life, but that's the way I roll. I hope you can find a little solace in this and understand that the passing of Keith's mom will soon be a memory that you will be able to visit without the pain you now feel.
I wish you nothing but happiness in your future and that you are able to move forward.
Uncle MUD
4/25/2014
Warren Petty
My father's younger brother passed away today. I was blessed to be with him and his family last year when he turned 90. Warren Petty was a bomber pilot in WWII and when he came home, he didn't fly any planes that I knew of. In fact his occupation was a photo engraver and he was a small businessman that manufactured unicycles on the side.
Somehow, this tribute started out just that and it turned into an obituary. That is not what he or any of the family wanted, especially me. I had to eliminate the second paragraph at least two times and start over. Here is the third go.
Warren was one of those guys that loved people and in turn they loved him. I think sitting on his back porch in Arvada, Colorado was the highlight of most of my trips to Denver. He was not one to talk about his war service unless I pressed him directly. He flew bombers during WWII and once described it as hours and hours of butt deadening work with a few intense periods over the target.
I was a draftee in 1966. I am sure that Warren's being an officer in WWII did a lot to influence my applying for Officer Candidate School. I found a lot of people just like Warren in the Military and just kind of hung around the place for 30+ years.
One story I tell is my surprise when I was reading the "Boy's Life" magazine in the Library at Minneha Elmentary in Wichita. There in the classified Ads was my cousin Jim in an Ad that said, "Be on Top of the World on a Petty Unicycle." I won a bunch of bets later on with my friends even if I really never got good enough to ride one.
My wish in life is that when I am no longer alive, people say the same kind of things about me. Kind, loving, great stories and a lot of laughs.
MUD
Somehow, this tribute started out just that and it turned into an obituary. That is not what he or any of the family wanted, especially me. I had to eliminate the second paragraph at least two times and start over. Here is the third go.
Warren was one of those guys that loved people and in turn they loved him. I think sitting on his back porch in Arvada, Colorado was the highlight of most of my trips to Denver. He was not one to talk about his war service unless I pressed him directly. He flew bombers during WWII and once described it as hours and hours of butt deadening work with a few intense periods over the target.
I was a draftee in 1966. I am sure that Warren's being an officer in WWII did a lot to influence my applying for Officer Candidate School. I found a lot of people just like Warren in the Military and just kind of hung around the place for 30+ years.
One story I tell is my surprise when I was reading the "Boy's Life" magazine in the Library at Minneha Elmentary in Wichita. There in the classified Ads was my cousin Jim in an Ad that said, "Be on Top of the World on a Petty Unicycle." I won a bunch of bets later on with my friends even if I really never got good enough to ride one.
My wish in life is that when I am no longer alive, people say the same kind of things about me. Kind, loving, great stories and a lot of laughs.
MUD
4/24/2014
Computer is Down
I have been off the air for a few days because my fancy dancy computer has been down. Dave is working on the Hard Drive and I hope to have it back by this weekend. I still have my old notebook computer but it is not the best.
Yesterday I worked hard to finish moving the remains of a gravel pile as back fill around the new metal shed. The tractor did most of the transporting it back to the shed but it took a shovel and a bucket to get it right where I needed it. It also took a coupple Aleve to get to sleep last night. It rained pretty hard about 6 AM so I got it finished at the right time.
It sure is nice to have the weather turning a little warmer. One of these days Barb will get the chance to plant all the plants she started in the Solarium. I'll bt there was over 100 tomato plants at the start and I have no idea how many will make it to maturity. She has been buying seeds for other things but I am just the laborer not the farmer. I built a fence where she wanted it and will help when she asks. I am pretty sure the water system will need put in the new garden area soon.
Better go see if my name is on the duty roster.
MUD
Yesterday I worked hard to finish moving the remains of a gravel pile as back fill around the new metal shed. The tractor did most of the transporting it back to the shed but it took a shovel and a bucket to get it right where I needed it. It also took a coupple Aleve to get to sleep last night. It rained pretty hard about 6 AM so I got it finished at the right time.
It sure is nice to have the weather turning a little warmer. One of these days Barb will get the chance to plant all the plants she started in the Solarium. I'll bt there was over 100 tomato plants at the start and I have no idea how many will make it to maturity. She has been buying seeds for other things but I am just the laborer not the farmer. I built a fence where she wanted it and will help when she asks. I am pretty sure the water system will need put in the new garden area soon.
Better go see if my name is on the duty roster.
MUD
4/18/2014
Weddings?
I came back down to write on my blog and there was a TV program on Bio.HD about a wedding. I am sure that the cost of the decorations exceeded anything I had ever witnessed on a personal level. I think the wait staff had more people in it than attended our wedding. In fact, truth be told, we were married in Las Vegas , NV. three weeks prior to my leaving for Vietnam. It was the Chapel of the Bells and I am sure the cost was fairly cheap. It has lasted about 46+ years so it must be OK.
In the program on TV, there is a room full of people that have had an eye lift. They look like they have that surprised look a small child gets the first time they step in Chicken poop barefoot. I love that because Barb always tells me we will never have chickens because of that surprise she had at he Grandmother's farm. I don't remember stepping in any chicken poop but I do remember the bee's that loved the clover in our back yard and how much a sting between the toes hurt. Not as bad as the sting from a bumble bee but it hurt anyway.
Yesterday evening, the kids invited us to go to dinner at the Olive Garden with them as a part of Kyler's birthday celebration. I think the birthday was a couple of weeks back but this was the first time everyone was available at the same time. By the time I finished the salad and breadsticks, I didn't mind sharing my entrée with Barb.
I have several plans for today that include a lot of time outside. I need to finish the fence for the new garden area and the fill around the new shed. I want to also bring up some large rocks out of the creek to help keep the backfill where it is placed. There are also a couple of big red rocks for decorations in the flower beds.
Gotta Run.
MUD
In the program on TV, there is a room full of people that have had an eye lift. They look like they have that surprised look a small child gets the first time they step in Chicken poop barefoot. I love that because Barb always tells me we will never have chickens because of that surprise she had at he Grandmother's farm. I don't remember stepping in any chicken poop but I do remember the bee's that loved the clover in our back yard and how much a sting between the toes hurt. Not as bad as the sting from a bumble bee but it hurt anyway.
Yesterday evening, the kids invited us to go to dinner at the Olive Garden with them as a part of Kyler's birthday celebration. I think the birthday was a couple of weeks back but this was the first time everyone was available at the same time. By the time I finished the salad and breadsticks, I didn't mind sharing my entrée with Barb.
I have several plans for today that include a lot of time outside. I need to finish the fence for the new garden area and the fill around the new shed. I want to also bring up some large rocks out of the creek to help keep the backfill where it is placed. There are also a couple of big red rocks for decorations in the flower beds.
Gotta Run.
MUD
4/16/2014
What Am I going to do today?
My last post was about planning? I get a daily dose of my planning every day when Barb asks me what it on my agenda today. I don't object and I simply state what My plans are. Today I fetched the paper, made coffee, read the paper, fixed breakfast and then we had the discussion. From there I told her that I plan to read Facebook, Gmail, write a blog and then listen to my Barbershop music for an hour. Sometime after this is done I plan to do the dished, clean up the kitchen and unload/load the dishwasher. Barb told me that after working with her plants some she plans on being the Big Bunny for Easter and making a shopping trip. She loves to do nice things for Dave and his wife and invite them over for time to open Easter Baskets and then eat lunch. When she is gone, I plan to shut off the water and work on one of the water connections on the hot water tank. I am not as proud of the outflow connection on the tank. I will cut off the pipe and cut a slightly longer piece.
Whew, if the weather was any better, I would be outside working on the yard. I need to finish the fence for the garden (anti critter) and back fill the area around the new shed. When that is done, there is a general clean up and a dump run. Never ends but at least on occasion we discuss the general goals. We also talked about the need to replace the fence on the south boundary and see if there is a way to build a fire break that will keep run away fires from getting in to our woods.
If I was not thinking about this as being a good daily discussion of our goals, I might take it as nagging. One reason I really don't find it bad is that every once in a while I have "Senior Moments" or what Dave calls Brain Farts. I also have suffered from a slight Attention Deficit Disorder without the Hyperactivity. I find it pretty easy to get in a rut doing something and forget to do what I planned. Oh well, Barb loves me and I don't hate me when a nap sneaks up and disrupts my daily plan. I figure that I have worked hard to get to where I am and I guess I should mention a nap when we discuss our day.
Now get out there and do something!
Mud
Whew, if the weather was any better, I would be outside working on the yard. I need to finish the fence for the garden (anti critter) and back fill the area around the new shed. When that is done, there is a general clean up and a dump run. Never ends but at least on occasion we discuss the general goals. We also talked about the need to replace the fence on the south boundary and see if there is a way to build a fire break that will keep run away fires from getting in to our woods.
If I was not thinking about this as being a good daily discussion of our goals, I might take it as nagging. One reason I really don't find it bad is that every once in a while I have "Senior Moments" or what Dave calls Brain Farts. I also have suffered from a slight Attention Deficit Disorder without the Hyperactivity. I find it pretty easy to get in a rut doing something and forget to do what I planned. Oh well, Barb loves me and I don't hate me when a nap sneaks up and disrupts my daily plan. I figure that I have worked hard to get to where I am and I guess I should mention a nap when we discuss our day.
Now get out there and do something!
Mud
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)