A Story from Grandma

I have talked about my Grandmothers house and shared a few tales in previous blogs. I thought today I would share a story my grandmother told me when I was a young man.

My Grandmother was a quietly religious woman. She seldom spoke of her faith. She didn't believe in playing cards ( devils toys ) and didn't hold to strong drink of any kind. My Grandfather did not share these beliefs.

They lived directly across the street from a dairy farm. My Grandfather,Horace,was friends with the farmer. Now Horace would stay over there late playing cards and drinking of strong spirits with this farmer. He would cross the pasture on his way home and track all sorts of unpleasant stuff in the house. My Grandmother would naturally become angry. She would tell him," Horace,the devil will get you for your drinking and card playing !" This continued for quite some time. Grandma always told Grandfather Horace the same thing.

One evening Horace came running into the kitchen,his face was flushed and he was out of breath. Barely able to speak he said," Cecila,you were right ! I have met the devil . He had big red eyes and horns ! He chased me across the pasture." My Grandmother just looked at him sternly and said," Horace,you drunken fool that was no devil, it was the Bull."

My Grandmother told me that my Grandfather stayed away from the strong drink and card playing for quite a while after that.

More Problems

I see on television some of the problems other people may have. They range from medical to personal.
I don't even like to think about the medical issues.  E.D.  STD  PMS  GAS  Itching in areas best left unspoken (or written) conditions of the skin or scalp, depression,constipation,bloating,headaches,red eyes,dry eyes,hemorrhoids,enlarged prostrate,dry skin. The list just goes on and on.
There is a cure or treatment for them all so that is a relief.
Other problems in your life that can occur are, having to much gold just laying around gathering dust. I see this one a lot so I guess it is a common thing. There is something you can do about this though. Just bag it up and mail it ,for free,to some company and they will send you back the maxium amount of cash. So should you find say a few old gold fillings from someones teeth and a couple of rings or necklaces,relax and turn them into cash.
Then you may have that annoying structured settlement or annuity. Have to go to the mail every month just to get your money. How bogus is that. J.G. Wentworth will buy that from you,no problem. Its your money,sell it cheap ! Save all those trips to the mailbox and blow the whole wad. Less stress involved that way.
The latest problem I've heard about is, too many of those darn gift cards. They are collecting in my junk drawer in the kitchen. I have to go the store to use them. I keep getting them. What are people thinking about giving me these gift cards. What do they think I just go shopping all the time ? Not to worry though I can mail them in and get cash back. Sure I'll lose some of their value but a dollar in the hand is better than 5 on a gift card right ?
I have experienced some medical issues in my life. I have been fortunate  in that all have been resolved.
Kinda wish I would find too much gold laying around though !

Another Tale from Grandmas house

My Grandmothers kitchen was by far the largest room in the house. I can still smell its aromas and see it in my mind. When you came in the kitchen door her wood stove,used for cooking,baking and heating was right there to your right. There was always a fire burning in it whether coal or wood. Next to it sat the box full of kindling wood. This box full of wood provided me with many hours of fun building bridges into the dining room and many other projects. The warmth of the stove and the pleasant smells made for an excellent play area. There was, however, a dark side to the stove. Underneath the oven was a small area used to store objects. Only one object was stored in there . A Goose Wing ! That's right a goose wing. It had two purposes. The primary purpose was to use it as a whisk broom when cleaning the ash out of the stove. Its secondary use though was not pleasant. It you misbehaved Grandma would put that goose wing across your backside. I don't think it hurt as much as just scared you. I still cringe at the sight of a goose wing.

The Collectors

I was watching the antiques roadshow yesterday as it is one of my favorites. I like to see the antiques of all kinds and hear of their potential value.

As in most episodes they had a few toys. These were cast iron cars,trucks and an airplane. All were made in the 1920s'.I remember my father having a cast iron blimp with wheels on it. It sat on the shelf next to the fireplace for many years. He also had a Felix the Cat doll that was quite old.

It set me to wondering what will be collectible from the Grandkids generation. The majority of the toys today are plastic so I guess the paint won't come off,big problem with the older toys,bigger problem if it was lead based but thats' another discussion. We still have the action figures to collect. Old game systems I can't see becoming collectors items. Posters,yes posters can become collectible. Record albums,I mean CDs' I don't know. Now you can just download the song or entire album. Baseball cards and comic books ? That has become more of a serious Adult hobby. Funny how that evolved.

I'm not much of a collector. I have no one abiding interest. I suppose you could say I collect junk,at least that what my wife calls it. It I find it interesting I bring it home.

No one knows what will or will not become a collectors item. They like to market items as collectors items though. Models of racing cars,football helmets,baseball bats,barbie dolls, you name it. My thought is if they are marketing it as a collectors item just how collectible can it be ? Like that elusive dollar coin that is worth a fortune if we knew it was a collectors item wouldn't we have bought a few ?

But,I wonder if the antiques roadshow will have any Hanna Montana dolls on complete with the guitar and eye shadow. What about some really rad skateboards ? Maybe an PSP ?

It is interesting to note that most of the toys on the Antiques Roadshow would be enjoyed by children today. So some things never really change. The way they are made changes,the popularity comes and goes, what is acceptable may change but a child's imagination does not.
Should have held on to my" Flintstone Village" though. Another retirement opportunity lost !

The Good Candy

When I was young Halloween was a time of fun and candy. Tricks to be pulled and treats to be had.

It all started for us with the "one cent sale" at the Rexall Drug store. Buy one can of shaving cream and get the second can for a penny. Bars of soap could be purchased as well. I'm sure there were other items but darned if I can remember them. Those were the only two items of interest. We would also buy a dozen eggs and hide them outside somewhere to spoil. Be careful to put them where Mom or Dad won't find them.

Goose eggs were especially prized for their larger size but difficult to obtain.Costumes were usually homemade or those jumpsuit style ones with the plastic mask. Witches,ghosts and hobos were the popular choices for homemade costumes. Store bought ones were usually cartoon characters. Most of us carried either a paper sack or plastic pumpkin

There were no set times or policies for trick or treating. You waited until it was dusk and set out. If you were very young Mom or Dad would drive you to all the relatives houses first. Thats' where the best candy was !

After completing the obligatory rounds they would take us "up town" Here you could start on the end of the street and work your way up and then back down. To those of us you lived outside of town it was a pretty cool concept. All the houses in a row just ripe for the picking. Good candy up town too.
When we got old enough we set out by ourselves. No costumes though we were too old for that. No knocking on doors and trick or treating . At this stage is where the shaving cream and soap came into play along with the eggs if you had them. I think the toilet paper trick came a little later on because I don't remember doing that.
The shaving cream and soap was for all the windows in town. Up and down Main street and Newtown lane.
Made quite a mess. The eggs were for throwing at each other,although few actually got hit because you just tried to come as close as possible. Not a good idea to actually hit the other person the reaction may not be favourable,if you know what I mean.
The day after if you got uptown early enough the shop owners would hire you to clean their windows. It was a simpler time back then. No damage was caused to anything. There were unwritten rules you played by.
Now,at least where i live,the trick or treating hours are set by the town,age limits are set by policy,and it just doesn't seem as much fun . Maybe that is due to my age but seems like Halloween is not as much for the children anymore. They can wear their costume to the elementary school one day for a parade,as long as it isn't too frightening ! Must be careful because some people have no taste or sense of proper decorum.
Still.I enjoy seeing the little ones come to the door. The costumes are more elaborate and the time abbreviated but their joy is still evident. And yes,I'm not politically correct I will give out sweets ! Chocolates,the good candy !

A little Surprised

I was listening to a major news cast about a Judge overruling the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy. They referred to it as DADT. Guess that wil enter our vocabulary of abbreviations. Guess we have to speak or write more quickly these days.
Near the end of the story as she was talking to the persons involved this Major news person says," how do you feel about this freakin" awesome ruling" This was followed by laughter all around and smiles.
Excuse me: is not" freakin" a contraction and altering of a phrase we all understand to be vulgar? At least I was taught not to use this or any other expletives like this in polite company. Now it is on the news? I have noticed the general acceptance of certain phrases that were once not very polite and some down right shocking. How about, "Sucka" we all know what that implies ! The increase in use of what my parents would deem rough language I find distasteful. Guess I'm old fashioned but there was a time when you didn't use these phrases in polite company. It showed a form of respect. Must be my age but I find it totally unattractive for a lady to use such language. Guess that makes me a chauvinist,so be it. Times and attitudes change and I am fully aware of this but not aways for the best. I personally find it more challenging to find ways to express myself without resorting to gutter talk. It does not make you seem tough or cool in my opinion just shows a lack of vocabulary skills and a lack of respect to others.
It does seem to me that this younger generation is adopting a more aggressive social climate. I see the attitudes,the style of dress and choice of language. Well,that I suppose was what was said about my generation as well. Maybe things haven't changed all that much after all ! Be nice to each other and try to include different phrases in your conversations.

Homers' Closet

When I was a small child staying at my Grandmothers house there was one place I would never,ever dare to look in: Homers Closet.

Located at the far end of the pantry in a remote corner was an old wooden door,a ceramic knob for a handle and a large iron bar securing it closed. What lay behind this door I didn't know for sure and really didn't want to find out. My Grandmother told me it was Homers' closet. I don't remember what or who Homer was supposed to be but whatever it was you did not want to let him out. Never under any condition should you open that door ! To do so is to invite disaster. No explanation was ever given why Homer was in this closet. I asked my Mother for surely having grown up in this house she would know. All I was told by her was "Don't ever open that door"

I was always assured that we were perfectly safe as long as that door remained closed. No one to my knowledge ever went in there. In fact seldom did I see anyone even go into the pantry. I spent many happy hours at my Grandmothers house. She was,like most Grandmas',an excellent cook and baker.

Now I suppose by todays' standards and psychiatric recommendations Homers' Closet was a bad tale.

As I'm sure you have guessed by now it is where my Grandmother stored all the household chemicals and other hazardous things. The story was her way of keeping us children out of there. Boy did it work !

My Grandmother passed away when I was in the Navy. I never did look inside Homers' Closet.

Admit to Nothing

Read an article about Rikki Lake. You know her, the talk show person. She was renting a home and it caught fire and burned to the ground. Fortunately no one was injured. What I did find interesting was her explanation of how this fire may have started. I'm quite sure her attorney coached this response.
" I was refilling a portable heater when the couch caught on fire.This is potentially what started the fire."
Yes,Rikki I can see the potential there. Could be.
I will try to remember this if ever I have a problem with the law. I was driving 80 miles per hour and this potentially caused my speeding violation.
We have all heard it before, Admit to Nothing ! That is what the lawyers will tell you. Take no responsibility for anything." Ignorance of the law is no excuse " apparently being ignorant can be. IE: Ordered me a cup of coffee and it burned me. I didn't know it was that hot. We need to state the obvious. Don't allow your children to play with plastic bags they can suffocate. I love the label on microwaveable foods that says, caution food may be hot after cooking. I was kinda counting on that !
Just heard on the evening news that cell phone manufacturers may be required to put warning labels on them. Apparently texting while driving your car isn't a good thing ! The news report said they may even ban truck drivers from sending text messages while they are driving too. Remember they are professionals !
Heard about a study being conducted on distracted driving. They have discovered this leads to crashes. Who would have known? The study did state however they are not sure about all crashes because often the police do not list distraction as cause of accident. I'm not part of the study group but can offer an opinion. I think in most cases distraction may be a contributing factor unless of course it was in your plans to crash. I think most people if paying full attention will choose not to crash. Just my opinion.
They have some new radio song tagging device thing I hear about in commercials on tv. If you hear a song on the radio you like you can "tag" it and then download,for a fee,at a later time. They do say in the commercial not to do this while driving as it may be a distraction. The commercial does state that it will make your driving experience more relaxing and stress free. You can tag that song and that is one less worry on your mind so you won't be distracted while driving unless of course you start tagging songs and become distracted.
Gotta love the way we are all learning to communicate with each other by not committing to anything. Listen to the end of a commercial for just about any drug. The list of possible side effects is staggering and in the end most say,results are not typical ! It may or may not work. Commit to nothing,Admit to nothing.

Don't Ask and Don't Tell

There has been a vote since I wrote this and the push to repeal this policy has failed,for now.

I see where Lady GaGa weighed in on the issue of don't ask,don't tell. I'm not a big fan of hers but I suppose she is not trying to appeal to a 57 year old white guy ! I must question her knowledge base about this social issue. Heard she did hang out with some ex servicemen that had been discharged for violating the policy. Wonder if she considered their opinion may be biased !
I'm not a physciatrist but did spend twenty years in the Navy. I feel like this experience may have given me some insight into this issue. I am of the opinion that to change this policy is to invite problems.
During my time in the service I suspected several members may have been batting for the other team. So be it. It may sound stereotypical but a heterosexual male can usually tell if he spends enough time with the other guy. Now don't get all excited I'm not saying its' wrong" I'm just sayin".
Unless, in the time since I was a 18 year old kid, attitudes about being macho and manly have shifted drastically, if you allow openly Gay guys you are asking for trouble. And it logically follows the same applies to the gals.
In my experience the majority of young men may talk a big game about what they would or would not do to a homosexual man but it is mostly bluster. Add into this however ,openly flaunting this lifestyle and the mix becomes a lot more volatile. Is it really necessary. These persons already know the attitude of most young men. It is a lifestyle choice. Don't go messing around changing this policy.
Leave it alone. No one has ever been discharged from the service because someone thought that person may be Gay. It doesn't work like that. The person has to state that they are. Known some that lied about it to get out in fact !
Fact is, this country was founded on Christian values and beliefs. Being the greatest nation on earth we tolerate other religions and lifestyle choices. That does not mean you can flaunt this in my face! I really don't care what you do in the privacy of your own home. I don't walk around informing everyone that I'm a heterosexual male. It is assumed because that is the norm. The majority of the population are heterosexual.
Certain things,whether right or wrong,are just a matter of common sense. Don't send a black man to the KKK rally. Common Sense. Don't send a white man to a Black Panther rally. Common sense. Don't go to a Christian Church wearing  satanic symbols. Common Sense.
Don't Ask and Don't Tell. Common Sense.
Why this pressing need to inform everyone ! Could it be you want the attention? That is why some children misbehave I am told. Or is it something else ? I don't know the answer to that. I do known there is no group pressing for the right to ask. Why is this ? Probably because I really don't care and it means little to me as long as you can do the job. Gays have served in the Military with honor for as long as this country has been in existence. Gays have always been part of any assemblage of man. Never in the past did they feel the need to tell anyone.
The way I see it the only reason this has become an issue is because some gay people were discharged for violating the policy. They were fully aware of the policy. They chose to violate it. Now they want to cry about it. Goes back to accepting the consequences of your actions. If I were discharged for not getting my haircut according to the policy I guess I would just have to accept that or gather up some friends and maybe a pop star or two and try to change the policy.
As much as the lawmakers think they can legislate everything they can not legislate attitudes or beliefs.
You can make all the policies you want but you will not change core values. Until everyone embraces the "Gay" lifestyle the best thing to do is; you guessed it, Don't Ask and Don't Tell.

Silouettes on the horizon

I have been watching the squirrels and the wooly worms. Both have been busy. Today is the first day I have noticed the leaves beginning to change. I live in Maryland on the eastern shore and we definitly have a change in the seasons. I enjoy the change and think I would miss it were I to move elsewhere.

I have read the scientific reason that this change occurs but am thinking that is not the real reason.

I think maybe God (whatever you concieve him or her to be ) just wants to give us a show of color before the white of winter. Something to remember through those long cold days when the trees look like stick figures. Siloueetes of black on the horizon.

The change seems early to me this year. We have a few more days of summer yet to go. I have noticed leaves falling already as well. They say time goes faster as we age perhaps that is the reason. I suppose I could look up the stats on this but even then it wouldn't change my perception. I think its' changing early this year. Can't be that global warming I'm always hearing about,wouldn't that make the leaves last longer ?

Is it the beginning stages of an ice age? We did have two blizzards in one week last year. I hear about green house gases warming things up but seems to me they might be blocking the sun just as easily.
The bottom line here is only one person knows what the weather is going to be and he(or she) isn't telling.

Enjoy the show of colors before the slate is wiped clean again and is white. Come sprintime it will be painted in greens and speckled with flowers of all colors.

A Change in polarity

With the coming of the fall and the changing of the weather I mentally shift into another gear. I begin to prepare for the long winter hibernation. Start checking those storm windows and looking for cracks that will allow for drafts. During this process I noticed my bedroom could use a fresh coat of paint.
Well,I better get right to it. My wife selected the color and away we go. It is not a large room so it didn't take a long time. One day for the walls,one day for the trim.
Naturally we had to move all the furniture. Now we also decided to rearrange the furniture as well. Now the bed is still running north to south but the head of the bed is the opposite direction. A change in polarity.
Like a battery I think are heads are positive were are feet are negative. This change has thrown off things a bit. I don't sleep as well. I'm now getting out of bed on the left side instead of the right. Everything is a bit awkward. I know after a short period of adjustment I will become used to this.
If this blog seems a bit shortened and maybe not as full of wit its' due to the change in polarity. I'm still shifting gears. Only a few days of summer left on the calendar.

More Therapy

I just talked about this the other day. Now a DA in Wisconsin has been busted for sexting ! Not to worry though he'll be receiving therapy before he goes to trial. That way they really won't have to punish him because after all its' not his fault ! The DA association is asking him to step down though. Asking him ? I think I'd tell him what was best for him !
This man in court proceedings said he was sorry and his behaviour inapproiate. He would consider taking time off but will not resign.
This therapy crap is really starting to bug me. If you have the means to pay for a therapist,and don't get me started on their qualifications,seems like any behaviour can be excused. When are we going to wake up and hold people accountable for their actions ? Seems to me only the poor and honest folks are being held accountable. A sexting therapist;really ? Sexting  is just a made up term anyway. Wasn't that called phone sex ? Or was it just writing dirty little notes. Whatever. If you're poor they just call you a pervert,if you can afford the therapist you are just troubled. What a crock!
Now I suppose some therapy may be beneficial. I would ensure he got some therapy. While he is in prison would be an excellent opportunity for self reflection coupled with some therapy.
All this liberal mamby pamby crap needs to stop ! The man is guilty by his own admission. He does not deserve to be in his position and certainly not continue being paid by the taxpayers ! I'm sick of it.

Hands

Hold a baby and often times they will take their little hand and hold onto your finger.
It is a basic human need,to hold hands.
We hold our Mothers hand.
We hold it for protection and love.

The manly version of holding hands is the handshake.
A form of greeting. Hello,I trust you.
If you shake hands on it, that is binding.

When we discover the opposite sex; holding hands becomes quite exciting !

I remember taking her hand in the movie theater and she didn't pull away !
Must mean she likes me. It was a step taken with a mixture of fear and bravado.

Walking down the street in broad daylight holding hands !

The message is clear,we are a couple. No doubt about it.

Don't mess with my girl,we are holding hands.

When we get married the Father gives his daughters hand in marriage.

Gives her Hand. I have held her hand this far,now you may hold her hand.

I give you permission.

I take her hand.

Though the early years most of us hold hands alot.

It gradually becomes less frequent except for special occasions.

Holding hands ,you do it now without really even noticing.

I know I can rely on you to give me love and protection.

As we age we do return to the things of our youth.

Holding hands is one of those things.

Through that touch we communicate the love we share.

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Changing with the times !

I was having a chat with a high school classmate the other day when the subject of how things have changed entered the conversation.
I graduated from high school in 1971. Long time ago I know.
I joined the Navy that same year. Off to basic training in Great Lakes,Ill. I had never left New York state before,flown on a plane before or been completely on my own. Things were changing.
I quickly adjusted to my new surroundings and got in the routine. I came to know what was expected of me. Professionally and Socially.
Professionally you must be on time always,no excuses ! On time means on time not even a second late period. Look professional at all times. Dress and grooming standards must be followed. Know your job and perform it to the best of your abilities.
That pretty much sums up the professional side.

Now Socially the expectations were of course in line with the times. It was the 70s'. Rock and Roll baby ! Psychedelic music was coming of age. Marijuana use was common and testing for its' use had not been refined or used. Being from a small town I had heard of this drug but had never actually seen it or known anyone that had really used it. I didn't fit in with the " are you cool" crowd ! I didn't own any tee shirts with Ganja University written on them or pictures of leaves or Keep on Truckin'. Who was that character Mr. Natural or something like that.

The other major social group in the Navy,at least, was the I'm a sailor bunch ! We drink hard,party harder,and like to hang out with questionable characters and women of more questionable moral values. We work hard,fight hard,play hard. We have been everywhere,done everything . We know everyone or know someone who does. The older guys ,who incidentally are also the bosses in most cases,were in this group. I jumped on that wagon. Hitched my team as the saying goes.

I did my best to fit the mold. Succeeded too ! That phase fortunately for me did not last. I matured and got past all that.

But that period set me on course,no pun intended,to my Navy career. I retired` in 1993. Saw a lot of changes during that time.

I don't know now what the situation is like and can only speculate. I suspect, however ,that the behaviours expected of me back then would get me thrown out today ! Changes.

I can say though that I'm sure despite any and all changes made we still have the finest Navy afloat anywhere !

Cards

Cards

There was a time when we said the word "CARDS" and our immediate thought was birthday or Christmas cards.

I need to get someone a card. It was understood.
Slowly however that has changed in our consciences and taken on new meanings.

What kind of card, Atm,credit,debit,gas,gift cards,prepaid cards,virtual money cards ?

If we say "Plastic" in the proper context we all know what that means.

Thinking back I remember credit cards creeping in. The early one that you had to put in a machine and manually make an impression of.

For those you may be too young to remember it went like this. The retailer would fill out a form,in duplicate,with carbon paper ( hope I don't lose anyone with the carbon paper reference) the credit card was placed in the machine,manually moving a bar containing a roller across the form left the imprint of your card on the form,you then signed the form. I gave you a copy. Transaction complete.
I used to perform this operation at the gas station. On the form I had to include your license plate number. Was rather tricky in the rain.
Shortly after that we started seeing other forms of credit cards. American Express and Diners Club come to mind. These were only carried by the well to do folk. The average Joe wouldn't have one. Why would you want that ?
Now companies like Sears and Roebuck,J.C.Penny and Montgomery Ward had been issuing consumer credit for many years. The revolving charge account. People used to call it that because you just kept paying with no end in sight, like going through a revolving door.
Then came Mastercard and Visa. The credit card for the average Joe. Now the array of available cards is staggering in their scope.
I can get a card for anything ! I can even give other people a card. Used to be I would give you a card with a little something in it. Now I just give you the card and the card is the little something. What a concept.
Now if for some reason you can not get a card (maybe you used all the other cards and got stuck in a revolving door) you can just buy a prepaid card. It'll look like you have a card anyway
Just yesterday I saw a sign advertising gift cards for flu shots at the pharmacy ! It just struck me odd. Who would I buy this for ?
A hobo or something. I'm not buying that as a gift,might just as well buy the proverbial tie.

Here is a random thought. Hallmark,when you care enough to give the very best. What are they trying to say there ?.    Does that get trumped by, The Flu Shot Gift Card ?

Shaking the tree

I ,like a lot of others,have been working on the family tree. I've been doing this for about six or seven years now. There are many resources available on the Internet. Of course I know the immediate family and the ones I can remember.
Records can be cold statistical things. The census for one. Just the facts ma'am ! Each census taken is a little different with different questions asked. If you take a close look you can see the changing times and social sensitivities. On at least one they ask if a family member is idiotic ! Can you imagine ?
I try to find old cards and letters. They are a wealth of information and you can often get a better picture of what was happening in the family. Every family has mysteries to be solved. My parents generation and the ones before didn't speak of certain things. Our generation is a bit more open I think. Even I tend to be a bit closed mouthed about certain periods in my life.
I wish I had asked more questions of my Grandparents.
It is interesting to note the names we know people by may or may not be there actual name. Take my father for instance,his real name was Austin but he was known as Ben. Very few knew this tidbit of information. Those that did assumed it was his middle name,not true. The middle name was Bennett. I have learned doing my research to check various spellings too. There are a host of names to check like Peggy may be Margaret. Bill is William. Chuck for Charles. Nicknames can be very frustrating. In today's world I think it will be easier for future generations to figure out. A lot of forms ask fort his information now.
I have been fortunate to discover most of my ancestors. Some go back in America to the 1600s'.Other immigrated in the 1800s'.
Someone in my family has served in every conflict/war these United States has ever engaged in. Someone in my family probably voted for all the great Presidents. Washington,Lincoln,etc. My family witnessed the birth of this nation and helped in some part to make it what it is today.
I keep shaking the tree and hope something falls out. There are mysteries there. I was always told my Grandmother had ten children. I knew most of them. My Aunts and Uncles. I have discovered there was in fact eleven. A little girl named Alma was this lost soul. She left this world as an infant. Her exact age I do not know. Her place of burial I do not know. No one in the family remembers this information. It just wasn't talked about. Isn't that sad ? My mother is the last of these ten children and I constantly pick her memory. She told me she had only heard rumors of this because her sisters didn't speak of it when she was around.
Another bit of information I discovered is that my Great Grandfather had a sister. I knew him well and he never spoke of this. His sister died as an infant and is buried next to her mother. My Great Grandmother was a lady named Sarah Parker. She died young of convulsions. That is all that is known of her. I have been unable to identify her parents. A gap in the tree. A broken branch.
I intend to write down all this information and pass it along. Perhaps I'll write a memoir that includes all my secrets. The problem there is I wouldn't want any living person that knew me to read it ! It would have to be placed in some kind of time locked device that will only open in say 150 years. People love gossip and I would like the record to be straight. Something I'll have to give more thought too!

It's not my fault

Was watching television when a commercial comes on. The announcer is saying how tough it is to quit smoking. You have tried the patch,the pills,therapy etc without success. Stop worrying, smoking is now a treatable medical condition ! What ? A treatable medical condition.
Let me start by saying I'm an ex smoker. Hold the applause. I started when i was 18 and quit that  habit when I was 56. Over the years I had tried the patches,the pills and just plain quitting. None of them worked. They didn't work because I didn't want them to work ! I really didn't want to quit. It's as simple as that.
Now it is being proclaimed a treatable medical condition. What wasn't mentioned is that it is a SELF INFLICTED medical condition. I was never forced to smoke cigarettes. It was a choice I made in an immature attempt to fit in with the crowd. The fact that I enjoyed it and developed a habit is no ones fault but my own.
So now some health care policies will pay for treatment of your mistake. I had heard that some policies paid for Alcohol abuse. Is it any wonder that the cost of health care keeps rising. Whatever happened to, you made your bed now lie in it. I know its a tough policy. It is my opinion that I had the money to support that habit I should have the money to pay for any treatment required because of that habit.

The health care industry has decided to label this a treatable medical condition so they can collect more money to cure something that really only has one cure. If a person wants to quit smoking there is only one prerequisite, you must want to quit .
I started it I stopped it.  I don't want to hear a bunch of lame brained excuses about how hard it is. Are we,as a people,becoming so weak that we need patches and pills to modify our behaviour ? Already too much of that going on.

I promised myself I would not go around preaching about quitting smoking. If you like it, go for it. I don't care. Do not ask me to buy your cigarettes or pay you to stop. And oh for the record, I don't feel any better,foods don't taste any different and I still like the smell .
I did stop coughing so much

Smoking,a treatable medical condition ? Guess i shouldn't be surprised. Too much sex is a treatable condition,at least if you having it with persons other than your spouse, if unmarried you are just a sex maniac ! Whats' next, I get a speeding ticket and that becomes a treatable medical condition. If the health care industry would look into this I'm sure they could find and identify many more self inflicted treatable medical conditions !

Bottom line; I quit smoking by just quitting. I wanted to ( reason unimportant) Anyone can do that !

The Butimahs

Todays title is the BUTIMAHS  pronounced  BUT I'M  AH.
What you ask is a butimah?
They are those indivuals that feel conventional rules or directions/instructions do not apply to them.Common courtesy doesn't apply to them either as far as their interaction with other people.
We have all encountered these people. Maybe at the grocery store or walmart. Almost always at your job.
The butimahs are everywhere.
They come from all walks of life and all social strata. Male,Female,Young or Old doesn't matter.
The only other group that comes close to matching their presence is the BUTMY group. pronounced BUT MY.
You know these people. Their sentences always start with But my. IE: But my wife,husband,mother,father,brother,sister,Rabbi,Preist,significant other,friend etc. etc. etc.
A typical conversation with a butmy might go like this. Excuse me but you are parked in a handicapped zone and I noticed you don't have handicapped parking. The BUTMY will respond with,
" But my Wife has sore feet!" That explains that ! or" But I'm in a hurry. "
Now had you encountered a butimah the response would be a little different.
" But I 'm a doctor.! But I'm a tourist.! But I'm a local.!"
We have all become somewhat conditioned to these people. Most of us don't even notice.In the last few months I have been working in the retail industry in constant contact with the general public. I'm here to tell you the world is chock full of BUTIMAHS and BUTMYS. Next time you are out and about, pay attention and I'm sure you will encounter both groups.
If the sentence begins with a BUT ,well; I'll leave that alone.

Another thought is that they must be related to the other people. You know those people that mess everything up. Whenever something isn't right or just didn't get done its' always the "other" people. Never me but  the other people.  Those "other" people just can't seem to get it right.

Unrelated Thoughts

DISCLAIMER: It is not my intent to offend anyone or judge their choices in life. These are just my personal thoughts and opinions.

                                                         WARNING: may be controversial

I have heard,as I'm sure you have too,of a straight man waking up one day to find out he is Gay. Opps. politically incorrect choice there,Homosexual. The first time I heard of this happening I had a few sleepless nights ! OMG hope this doesn't happen to me. I have come to accept this risk and sleep fairly well now. I just can't imagine how this can happen. But it does.

I've noticed lately a lot of white boys walking around with the baggy pants,hats on sideways,doing the finger sign thing and talkin' ghetto. Fellas' you're white,always will be white.get used to it ! Stop trying to convince me you are something different.

In the warm weather months bare midrifts are in style. Some of you ladies need a close friend to clue you in. In some cases its' not a good thing. Know what I'm sayin' here. Same reason I seldom go without a shirt on. Nobody wants to see all that !

Seen a lot of young people with various parts of their body pierced. Little silver balls and bars. Through their eyebrows,ears,nose and other places I don't even want to think about. Most of the time it looks like an industrial accident to me.

There is still a few old hippie types around. Wonder why long gray hair on a man just looks wrong when on a woman it can look quite attractive ? Really looks bad when it is only long on the sides. Ever see Hulk Hogan without his bandanna ? Enough said.

I have seen a few guys with these rather large disc like things in their earlobes. Reminds me of something from National Geographic ! The amazon tribes or something like that. I expect that is a life choice because I can't see someone removing them without having a real mess on your hands. Side of your head anyway.

Wonder why people walk around with a phone stuck in their ear. Looks like Star Trek ! I carry a cell phone but I'm never,ever,gonna stick it in my ear. EVER. That is taking it a little too far in my opinion.

Wonder why if you choose an alternate lifestyle you feel compelled to inform everybody and then get mad when everyone doesn't agree with your choice.

Wonder why if you are overweight its' because you are big boned ( guess that is were the weight come in ) .

Wonder why I pay for life insurance when I'm not going to get it. Shouldn't the benefactor make the payments ? Seems reasonable to me.

Why order a big Mac double cheese whopper with large fries and a DIET drink ?

I've noticed not all babies are cute.

Most politicians want my vote not my opinion.

Why do pet owners,especially ones with large dogs,insist on bringing them to public events like parades and fairs ? The animals don't care about that stuff !

How come the person in the mirror is different than the person I know I am ? Who is that old guy ?

A guy can wear a ballcap and people barely notice,if he wears almost any other kind of hat he's being cool !

A lot of guys are wearing their ballcaps backwards for what ? afraid of getting a sunburn on your neck ?

Everybody is wearing cargo pants/shorts  do we have that much stuff to carry that we call it cargo now ? Shouldn't we be getting paid to carry cargo ?

I remember when televisions had tubes in them now they don't even have a picture tube at all !

Remember when computer screens where green with white letters ?

I remember when you would kindle a romance now you use a kindle to read one.

Some people are ugly. There I said it.

Remembering 9/11

Like most I remember exactly where and what I was doing when I heard about the attack ! I was at work and my wife called to tell me. I couldn't believe it and really didn't understand the magnitude of that days events untill I got home to see the news coverage.
The years have not dimmed that memory and I doubt they ever will. That was personal !
Today as I remember all that was lost on that fateful day I still feel the same emotions; Anger and Frustration !
I'm mad as hell ! Why attack hundreds of innocent people that probably had little or no knowledge of your ideology ? What could you hope to accomplish by this ? A hundred other questions race through my mind.
I'm frustrated ! Who can be held accountable for this ? Bin Laden and his cohorts? That is a shadowery bunch at best. I'm frustrated by the lack of a clear cut course of action. How can you gain vengence against a scattered group of misfits. I know, Vengence is mine sayeth the Lord, I still want my pound of flesh . I'm mad.
You can't strike out against all Muslims,the majority of the followers of that faith didn't want that, nor condone such action.
There is no one country to blame. No alliance among nations.
Now,I'm too young (feels good to say that) to remember Pearl Harbor but my Mother and Father do. Both are still mad about that !
At least there generation got the satisfaction of defeating them. We extracted our pound of flesh and justly so !
So,I suppose what I'm saying is I'm not forgiving or forgetting. I'm mad and frustrated and will most likely remain so the rest of my life.
 That is how I feel about that !   yeah,Forrest Gump said it first but it is my sentiment exactly.

Desiderata

Desiderata       Latin for "Things to be Desired."
Some of you,maybe all of you,have read the Desiderata before. It is one of my favorite pieces of prose. EVER.
It was written by Max Ehrmann.
There was some confusion about this piece for many years. It was supposedly found on the wall of Old Saint Paul's Church in Baltimore dated 1692.Not the case. Mr. Ehrmann wrote it about 1925. The story behind the authorship and copyright is an interesting read as well. I thought I would pause in my usual ramblings to share this with you all. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

                                                                                 DESIDERATA
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,and remember what peace there may be in silence.As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.Speak your truth quietly and clearly;and listen to others,even the dull and ignorant;they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons,they are vexations to the spirit.If you compare yourself with others,you may become vain and bitter;for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.  Keep interested in your own career,however humble;it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.  Exercise caution in your business affairs for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is;many persons strive for high ideals;and everywhere life is full of heroism.  Be yourself.  Especially , do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love;for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.   Take kindly the counsel of  the years,gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline,be gentle with yourself.  You are a child of the universe,no less than the trees and the stars;you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you,no doubt the the universe is unfolding as it should.  Therefore be at peace with God,whatever you conceive him to be,and whatever your labors and aspirations,in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.  With all its' sham,drudgery and broken dreams,it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.  Strive to be happy.


Pretty much says it all in my opinion !

Time for a change

Have you noticed the squirrels lately? They are running around quite busy collecting nuts.You know they say you can tell the weather is changing by watching the animals.Seen any wooly worms? I have and they are mostly brown,should be a mild winter.

I love this time of year with the cool mornings and warm afternoons.Not crazy about the coming winter months though.But fall now is just a pleasant experience. I love the smell of burning leaves,although you don't see that much anymore due to a variety of reasons. I even read once that the smoke from burning leaves could cause cancer ! Ain't too much that doesn't cause cancer.

The kids are back in school and it is the beginning of what I like to call," The Fundraiser Season" which runs from now until June,unless of course you join a summer activity then an automatic extension goes into effect.

Soon the geese will begin their annual journey. Not much on hunting  them but like to watch the big V formations. Amazing and God does provide them with a GPS.These are signs of winter.

Halloween is next up and the candy and decorations have been out in the stores for at least two weeks now. Kinda rushing things in my opinion but thats' the way it is .Pumpkins,hay bales and scarecrows. That is fall.I guess we put out the scarecrows to get the last bit of use out of them.No more crops to protect.Mums don't forget the Mums ! When did that tradition start? I buy them every year. I know,I know you can plant them and they will come back. Can't plant them on my front steps and digging them up every year to move them is just too much work!Buy them,enjoy them and throw them away. Use them for compost.

Time to get out the jackets and sweaters.Put those bathing suits away.Won't need them for a while.I have noticed more people tend to wear shorts almost year round even here where the climate is not temperate I assure you.No more sandals and flip flops.
It is getting dark outside earlier and earlier. Putting the comforter back on the bed.Starting to think about those comfort foods we enjoy during the cold weather months. Stews,hearty soups with warm bread and roasts.All those foods we like baked in the oven but it is too hot to turn the oven on.
Fall is my favorite time of year. Fall is the laid back season between Summers frantic pace and the doldrums of the winter.A time of out with the old.

Write it down

Postcard (remember those)

What is it about the written word. It somehow seems more permanent and telling of a persons character.Most time we say the same things as we write although writing it down does give us more time to contemplate exactly what it is we want to say.
We are not any smarter or insightful when we write.

I have to admit that some thoughts are better left unwritten. It is much more difficult to explain some thoughts in print than in a personal setting.

I enjoy the written word,always have,and as you can tell enjoy writing it .Each of us has a unique story to tell.No one else sees the world quite the way you do.I would like to think that I could write the next great American novel but know that isn't going to happen.

A long time ago I wrote a poem that was published in the local newspaper. Now it was published simply because I sent it in. No contest or scrutiny required. Shortly after that I had someone ask me for my autograph. The only time in my life that has happened.

The reason, I can only assume. I had a published piece of writing. The power of the written word.

For most of us signs are powerful examples of the written word,Do this,Don't do that,Open,Closed,etc.

My Great Grandfather had a habit of writing on a small chalk board ( a slate to those who remember that) whenever he left the house to inform you were he was and his expected time of return.He has long since left this world but my sister has this slate with his handwriting still on it from his last journey. The written word is indeed powerful for you can feel his presence.

Languages have come in and out of popular usage but thanks to the written word we know most of them.

Not so very long ago the average person wrote an occasional letter or card. I think this is getting to be the exception rather than the rule for the younger generation. E-Cards,text message,or maybe even a E-mail. Writing on paper with ink or pencil not so very much.

I have a postcard my Grandmother wrote to her father. It is a personal thing. I never knew my Grandmother she passed before my birth but I know she called her father "Papa" she wrote it on the postcard.

So what I'm saying is this, take the time to write a personal note or letter once in a while.Don't print your letter  WRITE IT with your own hand.. It will mean more and have a greater impact.

Now I'm not against typing it out and in my case it is a necessity since were I to write this out in cursive and scan it I highly doubt anyone could decipher it with the exception of my Mother. I read the other day a large percentage of the freshman entering college this year cannot write in cursive. That is a shame.

This card is over one hundred years old.
The message is the same today.

The Golden Age

Was just thinking about television. Now my son tells me I shouldn't talk much about old stuff.I need to be more contemporary but I'm not concerned with demographics here. I just like to run my mouth or in this case type out a few thoughts.
I don't watch a lot of television anymore.The kids are all grown and gone and have been for a number of years. Not saying exactly how many but enough. The television I do watch is mostly old man stuff like the History channel,Biography Channel,and occasionally myth busters. The news. You got the idea or should I say picture.
When I was growing up during what some call "The Golden Age" of television the evening lineup consisted mostly of family oriented shows. I Love Lucy,Gunsmoke,Father Knows Best,The Rifleman,Wagon Train,Bewitched,The Munsters,Happy Days,Honeymooners,Batman,Wild Wild West,Star Trek,Twilight Zone,That Girl,The Brady Bunch and a host of others.
All of these shows the entire family could watch together. Parents didn't have to worry about inapproiate references or scenes. The moral always was be hard working,honest,forthright,fair,and treat others with respect. Right always won out over wrong. Sometimes the lead character would offer words of advice. Father knows best and Leave it to Beaver were good for that.
Lucas McCain in the rifleman tells his son," a man never runs from a fight but that doesn't mean he runs to it either." Words to live by.
Now it seems like the Disney factory has taken over the reins. When I was young Disney was cartoons and occasionally movies. Bambi.Snow White.101 Dalmatians.
Now it seems like Disney is just focused on making pop stars. Hanna Montana,The Jonas Brothers to name two. They do have the wizards of Waverly place but then any show were the characters can do magic usually works. And the main Wizard sings too just not on the show.
The evening lineup for television now seems to be reality shows,really graphic cop shows,vampires and other things totally not suited to children. The comedy shows are bit too much for younger viewers in my opinion.
Of course in all fairness we only had two channels to chose from. Thats' right it is not a typo two channels. Channel 8 and Channel 3.
Daytime television had the soaps where they dealt with adult issues. After all what child would be indoors watching tv during the day. Rainy days we played in the house but not sitting around watching TV.

I will occasionally watch some of the old shows in reruns and they are still pretty funny.
All things change and we call it progress. In this case at least I think we should return to the Golden Age were,as a family,we could sit and watch some tv and laugh together. Might even have popcorn if you can get Mom to drag out the popcorn maker,you know the hot air type. Its' the latest rage ! One more thought. When did it go from TV dinners to Microwave meals ?

Limitations

I've heard it said that our minds are like computers. Wonderful machines and how they really work is still a mystery despite all our great knowledge.
Now every computer has its limitations. Processor speed and the amount of available memory vary widely. Some can store vast amounts of information but have a little trouble trying to retrieve it. Others don't store so much but can instantly recall every piece.
Over time the computer usually slows down, freezes or crashes completely.
Same with our brains. I  think mine has registry errors ! That is were the information is registered but is stored in the wrong place. Like,my wife told me to get an item at the store. My brain registered that but filed it under going fishing so that is why I come back from the store missing that item. Not my fault,A registry error.
I am getting a little older so I am using a different operating system than say a teenager. I don't have as many shortcuts and more things have to be spelled out. We won't get into whether I'm an Apple or a Mac ! I am definitely a desk top though.
Some times my mind gets a virus that gets the processor kinda fouled up. A typical virus may be the Yankee game. Should be cutting the grass but the Yankee game is on. Game gets watched,grass doesn't get cut. Not my fault the processor was fouled up.
Now as far as processor speed goes mine is slowing down but I think it is only because it has so much information to sort through.
There are a lot of files in there that could use cleaning out. We all just hate to let go of some things even when we know it is a bad thing.
I have had people tell me that I forgot a certain bit of information. Not true.I always say my mind is like a computer and only has so much memory  I had to delete that to make room for more information.
I have experienced brain freeze. The usual result of that is when you open your mouth to say something and a totally different thought comes out. Like your significant other may ask,"does this dress make me look fat?'" You're thinking,then your brain freezes and out of your mouth it comes. not too much !
Yes,I would say our brains are computers. The best computers. Even when we are asleep there are programs running in the background.
We have Doctors that work on our computers too Trying  to fix all those errors that occur over time. I am not going to get into that discussion ! That is another time .

Labels

Why in recent years have we decided that everything must have a label. We have labels to tell us to check the label.
The labels are often written in several languages too.
I'm not against labels they are necessary to tell us what is contained in the packages. Although I'd wager a great percentage of us,myself included,don't have a clue about all the chemical names listed on the label..
My favorite label has always been the one on furniture and pillows. Do not remove under penalty of law ! In the last few years they have added, except by consumer, so we all don't worry about the pillow police getting us.
Then we have labels to state the obvious. On aluminum ladders; caution do not use on or near power lines  risk of shock .
On electric powered hand tools; caution do not use in wet conditions  risk of shock.
On microwaved products ; caution product may be hot
On blow dryers. caution do not use near water, risk of shock
On your rear view mirrors,caution objects in mirror are closer than they appear

Lately we have even taken to giving bad behaviours a label.
ADD  attention deficit disorder    used to be called."not paying attention"
ADHD attention deficit disorder hyperactivity disorder   used to be called,"not paying attention and won't sit still
Cheating on your wife now treatable with Sex Therapy  ie: Tiger Woods  pretty sure they have initials for that but don't know for sure.

Unrelated thought. what is worse a syndrome or a disorder ? HMM.

All these labels are the governments way of protecting us citizens from ourselves. If I put my aluminum ladder on the power line and get shocked it would be the governments fault. It certainly wouldn't be my fault, unless I didn't read the label.
I think we really got started on this label kick with the cigarette warning label.

CIGARETTE SMOKING MAY BE HARMFUL TO YOUR HEALTH
Good thing the government warned me about that one. Who could have known?

Now when we get a nice hot beverage it also comes with a warning  sip carefully contents may be hot.
There are warning labels on movies,records and web sites. We haven't gotten to books yet that would somehow seem unamerican.
I don't know when it started but now there is a label on liquor telling us that it impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery !
Whew, dodged a bullet there. Thanks for the warning label Uncle Sam.

Well,be safe out there.Be sure to always read the label !

Just a thought

Was watching the television and this ad pops on,they do that a lot,about the family plan for your mobile phone.
The mother is in the mall looking lovingly at her cell phone and just beaming with apparent pride. You see,the camera moves to a young lady walking with a group of other young ladies while the announcer says," you're finally letting go " or words closely resembling that.
The implication here is that you trust your child to go out in the world on their own, the big dangerous world on the shopping mall !
My first thought was, isn't it strange that we have shopping malls so extensive it is like going off in another world somewhere ? When I was young Mom let us go uptown by ourselves,in the real world when she felt we were responsible enough.
Then the announcer tells us, with the new GPS tracking system on this phone you can spy on her every move. The implication here being you can give your child a false sense of, I trust you. Isn't that wonderful.
Now I know a lot of you are thinking that you are just being responsible parents and it is for the childrens' safety. I don't see it that way.
I see it as another way of putting the spin on things to sell products.
The old its' for the children rountine usualy works quite well. Use it to justify lots of things. State Lotteries for one. Maybe buy some candles,"its' for the children" You can get pizza kits,cookie mix,popcorn,candies of all varities,books,magazines,gift wrapping paper and a host of other products and the proceeds always are for the children. Like I said an effective gambit.
The bottom line for me was I should track my children so I can know there whereabouts. I don't think so ! I trusted my children because they earned that trust. If they hadn't then they stayed in my sight at all times.  Bottom Line.

Where did that come from?

Ever wonder where and how a fad or fashion starts ? I do. I guess just someone somewhere says something like,.I'm down with that and the next thing you know everybody is down with that, of course,only if you are cool or hip or whatever the saying is now.
When we were young we would quickly embrace these sayings and or fashions . As we get older we are a little more hesitant. Don't want to seem foolish. Although there are always some that continue embracing these trends seemingly unaware that they do just appear foolish !
We all seem to get stuck at a certain point in our fashion sense. I'm stuck with blue jeans and a tee shirt for everyday wear. Nice slacks with a button down shirt for the more formal occasions. Honestly,I don't own a suit. Never have and probably never will. Just don't have many suit occasions in my life.
It is intersting to watch the fashion trends however. Some are good for a laugh. I especialy wonder why the latest trend is wearing your pajama bottoms out as though they were pants ?  How did that get started ? Bet it ends come January or so though. And the trend of wearing your pants so big they fall down or your underwear shows. Whats' up with that. Guess that is hip hop or gangsta but really just looks stupid in my opinion.
Another trend I've noticed lately is tattos'. Now I'm not anti tattoo,have a couple small ones myself. But getting rather large ones in areas not easily conceled is questionable in my opinion. And let me tell you Gals something. George Burns,a notable comedian said it best when asked why he liked young women. His response was," because their skin fits"  Tatoos look good when your skin fits not so good when it doesn't. Just something to consider.
But back to my original thought. Where or how do these trends start ? I have never known anyone that started one and I know I've never started one myself. Everytime I tried something different people would say, what is that all about ? Are you nuts ?
For a while it was words that came into and out of fashionable use. Words like, cool,hip,keen,rad,bitchin',sharp,knarly and a host of others. Now I think it is abbreviations, lol.lmao,rofl,bff etc. Most relate to texting and the internet. Geek went from bad to good.
I remember when bad was good.
Well.I'll just watch for the next trend to come along. No one ever gets credit for these things. Maybe I'll jump on the band wagon. Why do we say that ? Anybody ever seen a bandwagon?  CBL ( check back later ) wonder if that will catch on. Remember you read it here first.

It's over

I saw were the president has declared an end to the hostilities. The war is over ! Our troops are coming home,except for 50.000 or so going to Afghanistan. We have done our part in Iraq and now it is up to them.
Does anyone else see a trend here ? In Korea we fought to the 38th parallel.and then we left. In Vietnam we declared we had helped enough and we left. In operation desert storm/desert shield,which I participated in,we got Hussein out of Kuwait and we left. Had to come back later but we left.
In my view not since WWII have we definitively won the war ! Ours troops have returned home to everything from being called names and scorned to being called heroes. After WWII the troops came home to ticker tape parades and secure in the knowledge that we won ! We had fought the good fight and won ! The president didn't just declare it was over,it was over !
Now in all fairness President Busch declared we had won seven years ago ! Remember that picture of him on the Aircraft carrier with the banner behind him ?
It is all part of a trend I see in this country. We keep trying to please all of the people all of the time even though we all know that old axiom.
Now I don't want to get all political on you so I reserve futher comment on what needs to be done and who should do it.

I suppose in all fairness I do need to point out the obvious. Not since WWII have we had a clear cut enemy. We knew we were fighting the Japanese,Germans and Italians. No doubt about it. In all the following conflicts the answer is not so clear. It is very difficult to beat someone when you don't know exactly who you are fighting.
In Korea it was supposed to be the North Koreans but we couldn't go north of the 38th paralell. Vietnam it was the vietcong ! Who were they anyway and they hid out in Cambodia and we couldn't go there. Now we are (correction were) fighting the Taliban. The greatest nation in the world and we still haven't found Bin Laden ! And who exactly is the Taliban. Changes a lot if you watch the news.
And,Oh,they are hiding in Afganistan. Apparently we can go there after them this time. I really don't pay too close attention to all the details because it has a tendency to p*^& me off.

Just read this morning that the Army is having a problem with unfit recruits. Apparently the new recruits are overweight and out of shape. The Army has decided to cut back on pushups and running/hiking to get them into shape. The Army has decided we will do a Pilates like exercise regimen.   Maybe that will win the next conflict ! 

A little History

This picture is showing what is called a blood chit.
I have it hanging on my wall in the living room.
Sorry for the flash but I do not want to remove it from the frame.
Now,for a little bit of history.
The Blood Chit,officially called a rescue chit,was originally used by those famous Flying Tigers of WW II.
Later all American flyers carried these or had them sewn on or into their uniform flight jackets.
The message written on them varied somewhat over the course of the war but remained basically the same.
I am an American Flyer. I have come to your country to fight the Japanese. If you help me you will receive a reward.
The actual literal translation did vary as I mentioned.
These blood chits have been used in all conflicts since that time.
The idea is, If I get shot down or have a mechanical failure I can produce this chit and hopefully you will help.
History tells us they have had limited success but any lifeline in an emergency !

My father was the flight engineer on B-24 bombers during WWII. He operated in the China-Burma-India theater of operations.
This blood chit was his and he brought it home after the war and placed it with his other mementos from that great conflict. It lay folded up in the attic for many years. My dad rarely spoke of the war only to talk about the airplane which he loved.
Never did I hear him complain about his time in the service. Nor did I ever hear him boast about it either.
It has been said that his was the greatest generation. I believe that to be true.

I lost my father,at least his physical presence,in 1990. My father is with me every day. I have his blood chit hanging on my wall and sometimes when I start feeling I have it a little rough I look at it.
How must it have felt to fold this small piece of rayon material with these fogien characters printed on it and place it in your pocket when you left for today's job. Knowing full well that piece of material could mean the difference between life and death.
Maybe I don't have it so rough after all.