Just Buy It

Listening to the news this morning and they were talking about that book Fifty Shades of Grey. Mommy porn some call it and others just call it racy. Whatever category you wish to place it in is a personal choice. It is a difficult thing to define what is acceptable and what is not. Look at the television rating system. Ever read the criteria for the movie theaters rating system. Both are quite complex and subject to interpretation. And then you have to judge that against the morality of the times. What is hard core porn to Great Grandma is only a bit risque to Great Grand daughter.
Some public libraries have refused to stock this book. There are those that say this amounts to censorship. I do not agree with that. First let us consider a key word here, free. Free means at no cost to you. If a free service decides to not provide a service, do we have the right to complain about that ? Not in my opinion. Do you pay a fee to check a book out of the library ? How much money have you contributed to the care and maintenance of the building ? Are you a member of the advisory board ? Attended any meetings  ? If you have to answer in a less than positive way,you have little to complain about.
As to the matter of censorship I can not agree with that assessment either. No one is prohibiting the sale or distribution of this book. You just can't get it for free. If I can't receive it for free does that mean it is censored ? I have to pay for certain "adult" programming on my television. Does that mean it is censored ? Not in my opinion.
I'm thinking this is much ado about nothing. Great publicity for the book though. Should increase sales. Do we need to establish a rating system for books ? You must be a certain age to read certain materials ? Should notifications be sent to parents about what books are being checked out of the library ? Wouldn't that be an invasion of privacy ? Trampling on the rights of minors ? And finally is it censorship or a denial of freedom that every book written is not available to you free of charge ? Tyranny I say. Make all books,movies, videos available to everyone free of charge ! That is the only way we can truly have a free democracy.
Everything for everyone ! Sound Familiar ? But wasn't censorship associated with that form of Government ?
Just Sayin' .
I just get real annoyed with those that expect everything be provided for them. Want to read the book ? Buy it.

Relatives

I woke up this morning and as usual checked my e-mail. There among the messages and spam was an interesting subject line. Relatives. Opening the message I began to read. This letter came from a man named Gunnar Hagberg. Hagberg was my Grandmothers maiden name. He went on to talk about her and shared enough information that I could say definitely he is a relative of mine.I found this to be an exciting thing for me. Finally all that work and research on her family is paying off. It will take some time for me to wrap my head around this development. I will have to sit and fit him into the picture.
I have so much information to share with him. Pictures and writings. Stories about various relatives. I can't wait to share. And of course there is much to be learned. A part of me wants to be selfish and gather all the information I can from him. I'm a little beside myself. I keep saying, this is so cool !
Gunnar,an interesting name because it is foreign,was born in 1947. That makes him 65. He tells me he lives in Stockholm with his wife Lena. I never had the chance to visit Sweden during my Navy days, but have been to Scandinavia.
I am so looking forward to communicating with him. It is indeed a small world. My Grandmother arrived at Ellis Island in 1900. One hundred and twelve years later her grandson receives mail from the homeland. A route has been opened. The information super highway has reached Greensboro,Maryland and streches to Stockholm,Sweden. Now how cool is that ?

Looking Back

Every once in a while I read or hear about what is a common thing now, but didn't exist before my own birth. For instance,the interstate highway system. Did you know construction on the interstate highway system didn't start until 1956 ? I was three years old. It is true that the system,as least a major portion of it,has existed since I could drive. Prior to that it would take you a lot longer to get anywhere in the country. You had to take what we call the back roads. The drive was a lot more scenic though and a lot less dangerous. A price is always to be paid for progress. Then there was Jiffy Pop. That came along in about 1959. I can remember the commercials on television. Jiffy Pop with the magic popper ! What an innovation.
I find it amazing how quickly we accept new technology. What is brand new becomes blase to us in a rather short time. The record player was around for quite a while in different forms but basically the same. Tape recording,eight track tapes,and cassette tapes followed in quick succession. The Sony walkman was quite the high tech device for it's day. Now we use an I-Pod. Computers as we know them didn't exist until about 1971. That was the year I graduated high school. I can't imagine life without my computer.
I wonder what inventions will come in the future ? And which ones will become an everyday thing that we give little or no thought too ? Originally the interstate system was supposed to be a self sustaining system. We were not supposed to have to pay to drive on it. That part didn't work out. Now we can blast our I tunes through our ear buds anywhere,anytime. Wonder what the hearing of this generation will be like in fifty years. Progress.
There have been many inventions in the last 59 years. An amazing array of advances in technology,medicine and entertainment devices. It remains to be seen how many will stand the test of time. How many will get dropped by the wayside as old fashioned and out dated ? I've seen the television evolve. Will it one day be a thing of the past ? What would replace that ? Shoot we thought we had it all when we got our first microwave oven. Polaroid land cameras were the most amazing thing in photography. Now I can take a picture with a telephone. When did they first make the first commercialy available digital camera ? Hold on, it was 1994. Sure seems like we have had digital cameras a lot longer than that ! Amazing. I can't help but wonder about what I may get to see before leaving this earth. Progress is being made. I think.

Memorial

As a child I always attended the memorial day parade. The older folks would still call it Decoration day. Although I never did it myself, it was a tradition where I grew up for the kids to decorate their bicycles and ride in the parade. Red,white, and blue streamers woven into the spokes,rosettes and of course those small American flags. Those little cloth poppies being sold by the Veterans. That tradition is fast falling by the wayside.
The veterans groups also placed the flags in the cemeteries and performed a small ceremony. Taps were played and a gun salute rendered.
In the early days following the civil war it was a day to decorate the graves of the fallen. Entire towns would go to the cemetery and clean and maintain those sites. Speeches were made and picnic lunches eaten. Stories were told. I think it must have been a wonderful thing. Surely it would have brought the townsfolk a little closer together,if only for a day. Some history preserved.
As I walked through the cemetery yesterday to place a few flags, I was looking for others. I was pleased to see many small flags waving in the breeze. It is a solemn sight and will give one pause. Not all of those flags represent a life lost in combat but, they do represent a life offered. That it was not taken was providence from the almighty. For is not all life a gift from the maker ?
I have been working on a history project lately. In my research I found a Lt. Col. Comegys. He assembled a unit of civil war soldiers in this area. The First Maryland Infantry,Eastern Shore. He and his unit served throughout the war. They all made it home. His grave is in the Greensboro cemetery. I placed a flag next to his stone. I wondered how many years it has been since anyone had done that. I had noticed that those little flags are far more numerous in the newer sections of the cemetery. That struck me as sad. I'm thinking after two or three generations pass, most become forgotten. Families move away. If you did not know the person personally, or your parents did not, it is unlikely you know of them. I know, for me, I have moved from the traditional burying grounds of my ancestors. Many of those were veterans. I wonder if anyone places a flag for them.
It is only right that we should be reminded of their sacrifice. It is only right that we honor them in death. Many speeches have been made. James Garfield may have said it best when he said, "I am oppressed with the sense of uttering words on this occasion. If silence is ever golden,it must be beside the graves of fifteen thousand men,whose lives were more significant than speech,and whose death was a poem the music of which can never be sung." Those words were spoken shortly after the civil war. How many more men have paid that price since ? And in silence they lie in the graveyards of this nation they fought to preserve. It is fitting we should preserve their memory. Remember at 3o'clock pm today to pause for a minute of silence. As Garfield said, if silence is ever golden. 

Anniversary

Twelve years ago today my son Kevin got married. When your child gets married you naturally have reservations. Is it love that they feel or is it something else ? Are they making the correct choice ? Why didn't he ask me first ? I could have given him some good advice. After all. I have experience. She certainly seems like a nice enough girl. And the questioning and  anxiety continue. I have to say she made a beautiful bride. 

I remember the wedding like it was yesterday. A wonderful outdoor ceremony held in the state park. I was best man. It was an honor and a privilege. Not many Dads can say they were asked to do that by their son. A singular honor, I'll always cherish. It was a simple straightforward ceremony and wonderfully conducted.

The reception was an enjoyable occasion to be sure. All the traditional dances and rituals. The meeting of two families. Members of her family meeting members of mine for the first time.  

Since that time she has given me two of the most wonderful grand children ever. I can't imagine life without them. They are both an inspiration and hope. They inspire me to do what is well and right and give me hope for the future. Not for my future,the future of the country. With those two in it it has to be a better place. I'm convinced each will make a significant contribution. 

As for that " girl " that my son married all I can say is, I couldn't have done better myself. Turns out she wasn't a " girl " after all. She was a young lady. Smart as she is beautiful. A kinder more generous soul is not to be found. My son has indeed made the correct choice. It now seems as though Maria has been a part of my life forever,just as I pray she will a part of my sons. Marriage and family. Family and marriage. Both sacred institutions. Maria is my family ! I couldn't be prouder.

Happy Anniversary to you both ! You guys make me happy.

Common Sense Controversy

There has been a great deal of talk lately about Pit bulls. Here in Maryland a court has labeled them as a dangerous breed. This has lead to some consternation from homeowners and landlords. Landlords are requiring you to get rid of them and homeowners are finding their insurance skyrocketing. As with everything, there is two sides to every story. Whereas these dogs were  bred to be aggressive, and are uniquely suited to fighting that doesn't mean every one is. All too often the owner encourages this behavior for various reasons. In my opinion it is in the nature of the animal and controlling that nature is questionable. Keep in mind that it is an animal.
All this, I believe, is the result of those people that have no common sense or feel that they have rights others don't. These are the same people that insist upon bringing their pets with them everywhere they go. You have no business bringing dogs to a parade or carnival where there are crowds of people. Can you be sure of the dogs reaction to this and what about the reaction of other people?  There are those that have a genuine fear of dogs. Is it fair to subject them to that ? I have written about this before and my opinion is unchanged. Remember that they are animals. They are not people, no matter how much you love them and call them your children. No one can predict their actions 100% of the time, any more than you can predict what another person will do. Add a breed known for aggressive behavior and you increase those odds.
Just the other day there was news story about a child being attacked by a pit bull. The owner of this dog had to beat the dog with a baseball bat to get it to let go. The child will recover but I'm sure will carry emotional scars for the rest of her life. The owner was interviewed and all but said it was the child's fault ! She said, " the kid tensed up and was afraid, dogs can sense that." And the point is ? Keep your animal on a leash or in a kennel. The dog attacked for what reason ? I don't know,she don't know, no one knows. What we do know is that this dog is dangerous ! The owner wants her dog returned. If another person had done this would you want that person living in your house ? I wouldn't. I don't care if you are my mother,brother,sister or any other relative if you viciously attack another you need to be restrained and possibly committed.
I've said it before and I'll keep saying it, " you can't legislate common sense. "  This labeling of the pit bull as a dangerous breed is an attempt to do that. Apparently there are many owners of this dog that can't seem to recognize that. Either that or they just don't care. No it is not fair to those dog owners that care for and love their animals. No it is not fair to those pit bulls that are gentle well behaved animals. But at this time I can see no alternative. Government is trying to legislate common sense again. Isn't that why the government says we all have to wear seat belts ? Isn't that why they are making laws against driving while texting and talking on the phone ? Isn't that the same reason it is illegal to drink alcohol and drive ? It says something about society when we have to implement such laws and it ain't good.

Pride and Sorrow

I attended my Grandson's " Fifth Grade Farewell ". For some reason,which I don't recall,they could not call it a graduation. Whatever the name it was a nice little ceremony. Awards were given out, a song was sung by the graduates and a few speeches made. Mark received the " Presidential Award for Academic Achievement " and The Citizenship award. Naturally I couldn't be prouder. One of the teachers put together a slide show. What a wonderful thing. I don't know if any copies of that slide show are available but I think it would be a great thing to have. I wouldn't swear to it but I think most students appear in it. I know Mark does on at least five occasions.
Next year Mark and company will be attending the middle school. Lockerman it is called. Hall lockers,homeroom and no recess ! What a change that will be. And not just for him. Mom will have to get up a little earlier and Grandma will only have Morgan,our Granddaughter,to get on the school bus. After school will be different as well. Mark getting home first. A lot of changes for sure.
I don't recall ever having any graduation ceremonies other than high school. Perhaps we did. Today things are a lot different. Stickers,stars and awards are given out at an alarming rate. Each accomplishment and moment is celebrated. I'm not saying that it is a bad thing, just that it is a frequent thing. I'm sure the awards given out as just as appreciated by the students as the ones I received.
So Mark has walked down that first aisle. The graduate headed for higher education. He can enter middle school with pride in his accomplishments in elementary. A solid foundation has been laid. Academic achievement looms once again on the horizon. His future is bright. The world he is preparing to enter is different than that one I entered at his age. The world is a lot more dangerous and less care free. Competition is fierce. More is expected and demanded. I know that he will meet the challenge and exceed their expectations. Pride and a bit of sorrow. I'm very proud of him. I couldn't ask for more from a grand child. I'm a little sad to see him grow up. It's a mixed emotion for me and I'm sure it's a mixed bag for him as well.
It is good that we should reflect upon the past and savor those memories. It is just as well that we look forward and anticipate the future and what it holds.

Vacationing

Fresh back from a short vacation. I sure could get used to being on vacation. Can you get that as a job ? Vacationer. I'd write reviews about the experience. Sounds like a fine job to me.
I really do enjoy spending time with the grand kids. It is so much easier when there are pools,hot tubs,beaches,and a myriad of things to amuse them. Fun in the sun and the sand. I didn't hear, I'm bored,there is nothing to do not one time ! They were happy just taking the stairs instead of the elevator !
I did notice people are different when on vacation. For the most part they are friendlier and more courteous. Well,except if they are waiting on an attraction or seating at the restaurant. This is especially true at the beach or pool. Maybe that is because we are half naked. You do feel a little more vulnerable when wearing less clothing. And why or why do those hotel rooms have to have full length mirrors. Scared myself with one of those. Some old guy in a bathing suit was in the room ! Until I realized it was me.
I did take a lot of pictures. Always do. Took over four hundred on this trip. Maybe got fifty or so good ones. The pictures always look better through the lens. By the time they make it to the computer screen something has happened to those pixels. Why do we always look at the picture we just took ? I'd snap the shot and immediately someone is saying, let me see. Okay, but aren't you looking at the same thing I am ? When it is a picture of ourselves we want to look. Delete is the common word following that.
Sunburned and sore muscles. Back to eating in. No more,what are we going to do today ? Already know what to expect. A return to the norm. The grass needs cutting, the laundry needs washing and the pets need tending. Didn't miss any of those chores. Missed the animals but not the care and cleaning of them.
Going to look into that " vacationer " job. I've got experience. Will travel.

Lighting the Graveyard

Like most things it has been a gradual process. I have noticed it growing in popularity. Then the other night it became really evident, the lighting of the cemetery. I was driving home after nine at night,pretty darn late for me these days,and had to pass the cemetery. As I rode past I could see small lights in a couple different colors all throughout the place. A creepy feeling came over me. That scene just struck me as something out of a Stephen King novel. My immediate reaction was a shudder. Then it was quickly followed by this thought, how am I going to get any rest in that place, with all the lights on !
In my search for history and necrology records I have spent some time in this cemetery. Walking slowly along checking each grave site for clues. The inscriptions on the stones are the obvious clues but there are others. An American flag may indicate a veteran. Sometimes loved ones leave other clues. The very size of the monument may be a clue. I have noticed that the newer stones may contain much more elaborate engravings. Pictures of tractors,favorite pets or even sports teams are quite common. One memorial even has a satellite antenna system. Dish network I believe. The everlasting plan with local channels.
Each of us grieve in our own ways. Some stones sit lonely and unvisited. Others are ornate and the site carefully tended. Some show restraint, and in my opinion good taste,while others are a bit flashy for me. Now this lighting of the grave. An eternal flame was lit and is still maintained for President Kennedy. That was the first. I thought it a touching tribute. I expect these solar powered lights are an attempt to emulate that. I respect that. If that provides a measure of comfort to those placing them,that is their purpose. I wish them peace.
As for me, my personal choice would be,no thanks. A solitary marker and simple inscription please. A mention of U.S.N. retired would be a nice touch. When I go to my last sleep,please turn out the light.
Or as they used to announce in my Navy days, " Taps,Taps,Lights Out. All hands turn into your own bunks, maintain silence about the decks, lights out." Heard that each night at ten o'clock. 

Man Down

It has been a gradual process. It began when man moved into the cave. It started innocently enough, honey drag me over there ! Soon it was move that rock over there so we can have a better view of the fire. And honey,kill that mammoth I need a new coat. Women have been trying to unman us forever. Got us taking baths and cleaning our nails. Wipe your feet before coming into the cave. On and on. Until now when we have reached the point were if you are a good enough provider you may be allowed to have a " man cave." A space where you can have your belongings and she can just laugh with her girlfriends about it. " I let him have his toys,as long as he keeps them in that room."
Women have always talked about their men. Wanting them to be sensitive to their needs and understanding. Men should be able to defend against any threat while holding a rose in one hand. And we should be able to do all this while smelling good and never complaining. Just give her anything she wants,whenever she wants it. Yes dear, has become a mantra of modern man. Hair color,cologne,body washes and all matter of products now designed for men. These products were the sole domain of women, but no longer. And then this very morning on the news I received the word, it's all over now. Yankee candle has started selling candles,yes I said candles, with "manly scents ". Fresh cut grass and 2x4's. Women will be buying these and insisting they be burned in the man cave. That much I could deal with, but I know what is going to happen. Some man,somewhere, will purchase one of these candles, and with that purchase the last vestige of'" MAN " will disappear. Oh a few of us will hold out and resist the change but it will come. As surely as underarm deodorant and cologne.
Before long men will be watching  a hunting documentary in their man cave. The " smell of fear " Yankee candle burning and sipping his glass of wine.The recliner with the beer cooler in the armrest a distant memory. It's been replaced with a love seat. The trophy heads gone now from the walls, replaced with decor from home interiors.Thirty one catalogs lying on the coffee table. But the only hunting going on is with a camera. Oh the beauty and grace of the lion. What a magnificent animal. And his wife will be sitting there with him,holding hands.
The transformation complete, as he gently sobs at the beauty of it all.

Time

We can not see time, only observe it's passing. What was here is gone, a part of the past. Time passes slowly and quickly . When we are young, time travels slowly. As we age the time speeds up. Time is all relative. Einstein spoke of this and created a formula to explain it. Or did he ? Can we as mortal men understand the passage of time ? The universe as we know it has no beginning and no ending. Time can measure distance but there is no distance to measure. A paradox for sure. We only know our own time is finite. That for us time will one day end is certain. What isn't certain is, will time continue after leaving this earth ? If one believes in eternal life the answer has to be yes. In that scenario our time is infinite. And if our time is infinite will it pass ? By definition it cannot. Therefore, time stands still. And if time is standing still, we will only know the past.
All time is the present. The past and the future only exist as a concept. The past we have proof of, but the future is always questionable. We count on the future though. We bet on it. Then the day comes when you lose that bet. And what happens to time ? Time marches on ! That's what I was always told and it is a universal truth. And another old standby, Time and Tide wait for no man. Hopefully though, time will just be marching to a different beat. On the other side time may not move at all, just marching in place. Eternal.
But all that leaves you with one question. Where does the time go ? It doesn't go anywhere. It is always present.

Making Memories

I'll be leaving for a short vacation this morning. We are going with my son and his family to Myrtle Beach,South Carolina. Off for a few days of fun in the sun. I'm always amazed at the amount of work involved before leaving. So many things to take care of. And arrangements to be made. The pets have to be cared for. And of course the house has to be spotless and all the laundry done. Not sure why that is important but the wife says it is,so it is. In my opinion in falls into the same category as wearing clean underwear on a trip in case you get in an accident ! In case the apartment catches on fire or anything wouldn't want the emergency personnel to see my dirty clothes. Oh well, whatever it takes to make things run smoothly.
I am looking forward to a little rest and relaxation. We plan on spending most of the time at the beach or in the pool. I expect we will play a round of miniature golf, it is a family tradition of sorts. We usually have a trophy presentation for that event. Everyone gets to play. My son always gets sun burned. I'm looking forward to eating out. That is something I don't do very often. I associate that with vacation and special occasions. Cracker Barrel  is on the horizon.
My daughter in law Maria is responsible for these vacations. It is her planning and hard work that make them possible. She does all the reservations and planing. I'm thankful she is in our lives and gets us old folks moving. If it weren't for her, this old Bonacker would still be sitting on his butt in Greensboro. I'm especially thankful that she wants us to come along. It is a simple joy in life to have wonderful grandchildren and a wonderful daughter in law to go with them. That isn't always the case in life and I would say we are very fortunate. I'm attributing it to our good parenting skills. Both of our boys married well !
So ,it's off to the beach we go. I'm looking forward to a new adventure and making some memories. 

Aunt Frances

Today my thoughts wandered to an old neighbor and friend. Francis Rollings. Aunt Frances we called her, although she was was no relation at all. She was just a kindly lady that lived just up the road from us. I can just barely remember her husband,George. All I really remember about him is that he had a glass eye. As a kid that fascinated me. He told me he lost it shooting at a rabbit. The shot ricocheted off a hidden rock in the brush and struck him. Once he took it out and let me look at it. That was cool !
Now aunt Francis was one of those genuine characters you hear about. She had many unique ways about her and good old country logic. It was she that would teach you how to "make do." This woman didn't believe in wasting anything and had a use for just about everything. I watched her make rugs out of rags, dolls out of other scraps and sew just about anything. She had one of those old pedal type Singer sewing machines. She would make gun cases for sale.
In the beginning she drove a jeep. Not the jeep you see today, but the one that looked like a station wagon. It did have four wheel drive and was pretty basic in design. Plain seats and all metal interior, no frills. She would often take my sister and I fishing or swimming. She was a riot. If on the way to the beach she needed to, er relieve herself, she would just pull over on the side of the road and squat by the jeep. We thought it was hilarious. She just figured it was a natural thing and would say, ain't just men that gotta pee you know. After she lost her husband she bought a 1960 Chevy belair. It had those huge fins on the back and was a green color. By her standards it was plush. It was the only car she ever had. After her passing my sister inherited that car. Eventually my Dad had it. It was a fine machine.
Now when it came to making do she was the best. She would tell you a tea bag is good for at least three times. She would squeeze it out and let it dry for the next time. She never bought a paper towel in her life. She thought that was the biggest waste of money that could be. Use a rag and wash it out ! She would cook just about anything. Seen her skin and cook many a squirrel. She would shoot them in her yard with a BB gun. Ducks,geese,venison or whatever someone brought her. A master at making country gravies. She kept potatoes in a sack hanging in the well. Other sacks had various vegetables in them. Hanging in the well was her version of a root cellar.
On at least one occasion she picked dandelions and made wine. She gave us kids a taste of that wine. Just a little bit but it was a big deal to us. We went home and told Mom. She wasn't too happy about that. I don't think Aunt Francis ever did that again.
Another thing I remember about her was her laundry. Of course she hung it out on the clothesline. Aunt Francis wore bloomers. As a kid seeing them on the clothesline I naturally had to ask Mom what they were. Now each time I see those cutouts on the lawn of the lady bent over and their bloomers showing I think about her. Funny thing is Aunt Francis would bend over like that too. She never bent at the knees though. Just doubled over and doing the weeding or whatever. It was an amazing sight.
Aunt Francis never had any children of her own. She told me once she wasn't able and the lord had a reason for it. Said she didn't know the reason, but she didn't need to. The lord knows what he is doing. I thought of her as an older lady but in reality she wasn't that old. In her fifties when I knew her. She was almost like another Grandmother to my sister and I. She is one of those people you meet in life and will never forget.
I'd say at least once a week I'll think of her. Something funny she said or words of advice that she gave. Waste not, want not was at the top of her list. She truly believed in just "making do". Anything more than that was just showing off and being boastful. She had a strong dislike for that kind of behavior.

Opportunity Knocking

Not being much of a financial person I am confused by some things. I was listening to the news about the sale of Facebook stock. Apparently you can buy a share of stock for $38.00. There is much excitement about it. They say certain employees of Facebook will become millionaires. I get the concept that I now own a portion of the company. Should the company make a profit I get my share. Should they decide to sell I get my share.
Seems to me Mr. Zuckerman and company are the ones that will initially benefit from this. If they are already worth millions why would you sell off portions of your company ? That part I don't understand. I can understand the initial sale if you need an infusion of capital but I don't think he needs it.
The experts are saying Facebook may not be such a great investment. Depends on growth. Can Facebook expand ? Personally, I don't think I'd bet on it. Not that I have any money to invest but I've been tempted to tell Facebook goodbye a few times. This timeline thing just about did it ! I think if I had another way to connect with all my friends, Facebook would be history. My generation has accepted the personal computer. I would say the majority of us at least own and use one. Not so many of us Tweet or use smart phones. The next big thing is just around the corner.
Stockholders are going to demand dividends. And just how do you generate revenue ? Advertising or make people pay to use the " service." I can tolerate a certain number of ads but I will not pay to use Facebook. I can always send e-mail. And then could not someone else start a different social network ? I don't know the whole deal just doesn't sound good to me. They did say Mark Zuckerman will still retain about 56% of the vote. So, in other words no matter how much stock I buy it is still his ballgame. And it sounds to me like he wants more. And that leaves me with one question. What does he want more ? Facebook or money ? Just where does his passion lie ? Do great artists paint for the money or the art ? For me,if I have enough funding to continue doing what I do, I wouldn't be selling any shares. I'd want to keep it all mine and be beholding to no one.
I'm sure this has been said by others. There are those that thought the same thoughts about Edison and his light bulb. And those crazy Wright brothers. Opportunity may be knocking at the door. Don't think I would answer this time. I'm more interested in a tangible product. Facebook is really just an idea and a concept. Sooner or later there will be a generic version. 

In Touch

Who is in touch with whom ? I have been listening with interest to the political campaigns. Each candidate accusing the other of being out of touch. Mitt and Barack. I did like it better when the names of the candidates where more like George and Jimmy. Sounded a lot more American somehow. At any rate, each wants to portray themselves as the average American working man. Shirt sleeves rolled up and ready to go. In sync and in touch. Aware of the struggle of the common man.
This has spilled over into more local politics as well. In Maryland the state held a special session of the legislature to pass a budget. An increase in taxes was in order. They decided those that are single and make 100,000 or more should pay tax at a higher rate. And couples making 150,000 or more should too. At least one of the opponents of this measure was on television. I didn't catch his name but caught this statement. The president of the United States says those making more than 250,000 a year are wealthy. Here in Maryland we are lowering that to 100,000. Now that is cutting into the working man ! My immediate reaction was, what working man ? Can't say I know any average working men, or women for that matter, that gets that kind of money. Working your average forty hour week you would have to make $45.45 an hour to get that. Not many employers pay that kind of money.Is that what Wal-Mart is paying these days ? Maybe the Pep boys Manny,Moe and Jack do. Is that person out of touch ? I'd have to say so.
Bottom line is you don't know what hunger really is until you're hungry. The vast majority of these politicians are not in touch with anything other than power and money. You don't win any elections without having the cash. I just would like the politicians to quit trying to convince me otherwise. Ah, honesty in politics. Not gonna happen. But it was a thought. 

Future Hope

A while back I joined the Caroline County Historical Society. The Greensboro chapter. I live just across the street from the museum and the Log Cabin that we own. We have another building in the process of restoration as well as another book. As anyone that reads my blog probably knows I love history and the learning of it. I have taken my grandson with me on several occasions when hosting the museum and cabin. The museum is currently open the first Sunday of every month along with the cabin. This weekend the Caroline County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting Paddlefest on the Choptank river. It is an annual event and a major fund raiser. There will be some activities right here in Greensboro on Friday night. I will have the museum and cabin open. I was telling my son about this and suggested to him that my grandson Mark should join the historical society. His response was, is there an age limit ? I laughed and said ,No,as far as I know anyone can join. I think it would be a wonderful thing for him. I already call him my assistant docent for the cabin. He does enjoy telling people about it. Never too soon to start preparing him for college grants and such.

As a member of the Greensboro chapter I can tell you our membership is small and none of us are what you would call young. We are not old, just mature. I'm sure Mark would find our meetings pretty boring but he need not attend those. I'll ask him about joining but I'm sure he will want to. A membership card of any kind is a big deal to a kid. He does have a quick mind and finds things interesting. I hope I can instill in him a love for history. He could be an asset to our little group. I found it amusing that my son would think you had to be a certain age to belong. I guess history is associated with old people. Well, most were young when history was made. And I guess it is fair to say mostly old people remember it. That's because we have the time to think and reflect upon it. We have finally learned to slow down and smell the roses,so to speak.

The past shapes the future. If I can get Mark to join our society and learn from the experience, perhaps it will shape his future as well. Who knows where it may lead him. I always say, you have to know where you've been, to know how to get where you're going. Heard that somewhere and it always made sense to me. I see great things in store for Mark.

Who are You ?

My wife's sister is going to be a Grandmother for the first time. She is trying to decide what she would like to be called. Grandma,Nana or Mom Mom. I remember that decision when I made it. I decided upon Grandpa. My own Grandfather I called Gramp. Here in Greensboro Maryland Pop Pop is the norm. I just don't care for that. It has to do with what you are used to hearing. It is a foreign term to me but I'm sure quite comforting and endearing to those used to it.

That lead me to thinking about all these terms we use. Growing up,adult friends of my parents were all addressed as " Aunt" and "Uncle" as terms of respect. I suspect that may be a throwback to the old days when the town was very small and most people were related in some fashion. Adult strangers were called Sir and Maam. I called my father,Dad and Mother was Ma. I know that my Grandmother called her father Papa. I'm pretty sure my Mom did the same. My own Mother always calls her Mom,.Momma.

A lot depends on where you are in the country.Here in Greensboro kids talk to adults by using the Mr. or Miss in front of your first name. As in, Hello Mr. Ben or Hi Miss Ann. It is always Miss though regardless of martial status. Some of it depends upon the preference of the person. Some of it depends upon what the parents want. And still some more of it depends upon other factors. Others have often asked my Grandchildren if I was there Pop Pop ? When they were real little it was confusing to them. Now ,most of the time they will either just say yes or say he is my Grandfather.

Teaching relationships to children can be a challenge. I know I didn't become clear about a lot of them until I was an adult. Once you get past first cousins it can get complicated. Third cousins,twice removed and such. The different titles we all use add to that confusion as well. Pop Pop is pretty self explanatory. Gramp can be misleading. Nana is another. A contraction of some sort. 

Well that is one more perk to being a Grandparent. You get to have some input into the whole name thing. Didn't get any choice about your own. Didn't get much of a choice about what to call your own Grandparents. Didn't get any choice about how to address other adults. Well now I get the choice ! I'm Grandpa and don't you forget it ! 

Getting Prepared

I have sometimes wondered why I got this sudden interest in history. When I was younger and still living at home history surrounded me but I ignored it. Those old folks always talking about things from years ago. You cares about all that ? Turns out I do. It has come as a bit of a surprise. Now I sit and think about a lot of, what if's and why didn't I's. If I had only, is a common way for my thoughts to travel these last few years. Oh,well nothing to do about it now. I can only hope to capture some of that information from the few that still remember. My Mom is the last of my ancestors still with me. All the grandparents are gone and all the aunts and Uncles. All those that would have known me as a baby. All those that would have known my Grandparents. The generation before me evaporated before my eyes. I'm sure there are still some of their contemporaries around and doing well but I'm not in contact with any of them.
A thought did occur to me about this interest in the past. Maybe it is because I subconsciously want to be informed. My time on this earth is numbered. I don't know what the number is but that it exists cannot be denied. Death and taxes await us all. Maybe that is why old folks (like me) become concerned with the past. Knowledge is power. Don't want to go to heaven and not have any power. Oh, I expect they are forgiving enough up there but it still pays to be prepared. Wouldn't want to hurt anyone's feelings. I should at least try to become familiar with names and relationships. Wouldn't want to seem like a dummy.
There is another possibility. Maybe when you get older you just like to talk about things that others can't argue with you about. They can't argue with stories about the past when they weren't there. Puts you in a good position doesn't it ? The facts the way I remember them are the facts. I can always trump your comments with, I was there. And if you are talking with others that do remember they will be your age and probably agree with you. Darn kids always have these new fangled upstart ideas about things ! That may be what your history book says but it ain't exactly so. Yes,maybe that's it.
Whatever the reason I admit to enjoying the learning of it. They say you need to know the past to understand the future. That very well may be the truth and I bet it was said by an old person ! The past cannot be changed but the interpretation of it certainly can. All things must be considered in the context of the times. All people as well. 

Eating Out

A fellow blogger wrote about eating out with her grandson for lunch. She says the waitress asked if they wanted to eat outdoors. Immediately I could hear what my father would have had to say about that. If I wanted to eat outside, I'd have packed a picnic. I had to chuckle to myself as I played that newsreel in my mind. Seeing my Dad sitting at a table on the sidewalk somewhere. Why would you want to sit outside, cars going by, people walking past you looking at your food and bugs flying around. Doesn't make any sense. Yes, I can hear him even now. I'm spending good money for this food and by god I want to sit inside at a table and eat like normal people. That idea would have been so totally foreign to him as to be laughable. In fact I can't say I ever saw him eat inside a restaurant, let alone outside.
I have noticed that this dining experience is becoming more popular every day. We even have that available here in Greensboro. Some of the older residents have the same reaction as I'm sure Dad would have. Shaking their heads and just looking incredulous. Such a modern and trendy idea. So European. Eating outdoors seems so much more exciting. Exciting if you don't mind dirt,bugs,flys and an occasional dog sniffing around. A lot of those eating outdoors bring their pets.
As for me I am not opposed to the idea. A lot depends on the location. I don't like being too close to the road. And it also depends on what is being consumed. Hot dogs and hamburgers are alright but not a regular meal. The temperature has to be right and not too breezy. There has to be plenty of room for passerbys to pass by. Don't want non diners walking through the tables saying excuse me or worse saying nothing and just checking out your meal. On second thought maybe a nice table inside with either heat or air conditioning would be better.
I'm still amused by the thought of what Dad would have had to say about all of this. Something along the lines of, a fool and his money soon part company. You can sit outside and eat at home, why would I pay to do that on main street !

Building Character

We have all heard that children can be the cruelest creatures. They can say and do things to each other that are thoughtless and just plain mean. This year, in baseball, I am watching this being borne out. I'm helpless against it. All I can do is offer advice and reassurance. I know it is tough on him but it's killing Grandpa. My grandsons ball team is not having what you would call a stellar season. They have been suffering some heartbreaking losses. Some of the blame is being shifted to him. His batting skills are not on par with some of the others. He is hearing about it. That and his running speed is not real fast. He is larger in size than most of the others and consequentially not as fast. He is not overweight just tall and thick. He is going to be a big guy. Some of the others are really getting on his case.
I never really played any organized sport. I played in gym class and among friends. In those arenas I would say I was an average player. I never really had to deal with a team getting down on me. The pressure on him must be great. I do think he is handling it well. His skills are improving and in my estimation he is not the worst player on the team by any stretch. It is a tough thing to witness.
As much as it pains me to see this,there isn't much about it I would change. Perhaps the coach could offer a little more positive reinforcement. But the thing is, it is a life experience that he must learn to deal with. People are not always supportive and encouraging. Others are not always accepting. There are those that berate others in an attempt to make themselves feel better. A tough lesson to learn but a necessary one. So far he has dealt with it with grace and dignity. I am proud of him for not wanting to quit. I am proud that he still stands in the field and at the plate with his head held high. It takes courage. I'm hoping this does not discourage him participating in other organized sports. Being a part of a team is an important thing.

Talking to Myself

There is a certain customer that frequents the store where I work. A friendly sort of fellow and a bit eccentric. He talks with a bit of a stutter but once he gets talking he seldom stops. He can talk for an hour, easy enough. A well meaning person and not spiteful in nature. I listen to all his complaints about how the taxes in town have gone up, how there is to be another increase and of course the price of gasoline. He will talk on about the weather,the crops,his retirement pension and his family. And don't get him started about those on government assistance. Now there is a topic he really warms up too. And that brings me to what I was thinking about.
This gentleman has said to me,on several occasions, that working in the grocery store is nothing to be ashamed of. There is no shame in an honest days work. He usually goes on to state that he would work in the grocery store,if he had to. All this is said with the best of intentions I am sure. I don't believe his intent is to be condescending. It is just one of those things. I didn't realize I should/could feel ashamed doing this work. What should I be doing ? Something more manly perhaps ? Construction worker ? Maybe something more cerebral, College professor ? My response is always the same. I'll smile and say something like, "you're right about that or it's a living ".
Yes, this gent is one of those talkers that leave little room for discussion.He states his facts and opinions and doesn't leave you room to respond with much other than an acknowledgement. Then he is on to the next subject. I believe he must talk with comparative strangers because anyone close enough to him with tell him to just hush up ! So he does his talking elsewhere.
On some level I can understand him. I have been accused of running my mouth just a little bit. I'm aware of it and try to curb my enthusiasm for discourse. It is a flaw I live with. Some say I think I know it all, but that is not the case. I just want to talk about it all. LOL  I try to reign myself in but it is difficult. I struggle with an addiction, the running of the mouth. I had thought writing this blog of mine would help, but I wind up talking about my blog to anyone that will listen. And I guess on some subconscious level that is why I write at all. So I can keep on talking even after I'm gone.
It is a good thing to meet another addict. To have to stare the affliction in the face. I can learn from this. I can learn to choose my words my carefully. I can learn to express myself more briefly. I can learn to listen. Then I can talk about all I've learned ! It's a win win situation. Yup, I'm already writing about it.

Evolving

I turn on the news and what do I hear ? The president has " come out " on the issue of same sex marriage. Surprise,surprise he is in favor of it. He is running for reelection but I'm sure that didn't influence his decision. He states his position on this topic has been evolving. Talk about your double talk. Give me a break. By the time you are thirty five, the minimum age required for the presidency, it is my belief your views on that particular subject is already formed. Evolving ? Does someone change their core values and belief system through evolution ? The president clearly states he wants to " affirm " his belief that same sex couples should be allowed to marry.
I have written about this subject before and my views haven't evolved. No matter what happens regarding this proposal I will not support it. Civil Unions, perhaps. As I have stated in the past, in my opinion, it is all about money. The same sex couples want the same tax advantages as everyone else. I can see that point of view. I just can't see calling it a marriage. But that is not what I wanted to talk about this morning.
I just find it hard to believe that the president could be so transparent. To come out now and say I support this measure. He is nothing more than a sellout. Not that he is the only politician to go this route. I'm not saying that. I just find it distasteful. For years he has said my opinion is evolving and just at the most opportune moment,bam, he has his response. I can only imagine polls show this to be the politically correct answer. If the polls had shown otherwise I believe his response would have been too.
And that is what I think about that. The president has lost even more of my respect. He never had my vote. The next time my wife asks me if her outfit looks good on her, I'll tell her, my opinion on that is evolving !

Snap shots

Seems as though it is picture season here at Grandpas house. Anyone that knows me knows I take a lot of pictures. Pictures of just about everything and anything. But the pictures I'm talking about now are those taken professionally. In other words, the ones you pay for. School pictures just came in. There hasn't been much change in them since I was the subject of them in grade school. The same stock backgrounds and stiff posed appearance. You would have thought by now someone could have figured out something a little better. As we all know most posed pictures just don't look too good. Like your drivers license photo ! The kids bring them home and we look at them and remark how wonderful they are. We give them all the praise and obligatory complements. We have a habit of replacing last years shot with this years, usually leaving the old one in the back. The stack is getting a little thick now so I'll probably have to archive a few. Yes, I keep archives. That is what I call my chest full of old photos and papers. Sounds professional.
Little league pictures were just taken last week. It will be a little while before they arrive. I wonder why that is when I can do a digital upload to the pharmacy and have my prints in an hour. But it will take them at least two weeks,if not more. Tonight we will be taking my grand daughter Morgan to her ballet class photo shoot. Grandma will do her hair up real pretty and she will wear her recital outfit. I'll get some good shots before she goes.
If it weren't for the group shots I don't think I would even bother with these pictures. I could be biased but I think the pictures I take of the kids are just as good and in some cases better than the ones I'm paying for. I say that but you know you have to buy the pictures. The school gets their cut of the action. The kids would feel left out if you didn't and those pictures are good for a few laughs later on in life. I have only a few of mine. Most got lost somewhere along the line.
Some things never change. We have been taking photographs of important events since we could take pictures. Before that we just drew a picture. The wealthy had a portrait painted. Almost all of these pictures and portraits look pretty much the same. With one notable exception, the Mona Lisa, and I'm not too crazy about that one either. The best ones to me are always unposed and the person being photographed unaware. Then you can capture the essence of that person.

Sixth Grade

Being a Fan

Being a Yankee fan living in the enemy territories I often hear the same thing. The Yankees have the best team money can buy. It is unfair that the Yankees can buy the best players. I have been accused of being a Yankee fan because they are winners. A kind of reverse jumping on the bandwagon. Let me set the record straight. I have always been a fan of the New York Yankees. I don't like the Mets. I despise the Boston Red Sox.  Let me repeat that, I have always been a fan of the New York Yankees. I wear my Yankee ball cap almost religiously. I wear other Yankee gear too. I have my grandson Mark following the Yankees despite his being born in Maryland, despite his father being an Orioles fan ( somehow I failed him ) and despite the objections of his friends. He is a smart kid !
I mention all of this now because the Baltimore Orioles are the best team in baseball, for the moment anyway. Statistically speaking at this point in the season they are number one. Congratulations, but it won't last. The Orioles haven't had a winning season in fourteen years ! The excitement in these parts is reaching a fever pitch. The fans are so accustomed to losing they are not sure how to react. But talk about jumping on the bandwagon ! All at once everyone is saying what a loyal fan of the Orioles they are. Funny how most of them are wearing brand new gear. Couldn't be that they don't have have any older stuff. Of course not, they have been big fans for years. Right.
All kidding aside, I have a dislike for those that engage in that behavior. I can't stand it when people change what team they support based on the standings. I can't stand it when people change what team they support based on where they live. I've lived in Virginia,Florida,Maryland,New York,New Jersey and Connecticut. I was a Yankee fan in each one of them. I wore my Yankee ball cap in each one of them. Oh, lived in Florida too. Was a Yankee fan there. I am happy for those die hard fans of the Orioles. It would be great for them to have a winning season to enjoy. Too bad they will come in second to the Yankees though. Still a second place finish would be great for them.

Door to Door

Their was a rather small man that drove a Volkswagen beetle. I can still see that that little blue car coming up our dirt road. Sometimes I heard my father say, here comes mouse. I got the impression he would rather not have seen this man. Other times he was welcomed and invited in for coffee. Us kids were told to go outside or upstairs, this didn't concern children. This short grey haired man in a three piece suit carried an attache case. My dad told me once he also carried a pistol. He was our insurance man. Well,at least the life insurance man. I don't recall what company he represented. This man came faithfully every month to collect his premiums. If Mom and Dad had any questions about their coverage he was there. Now that was service. He was almost like a distant relative. I had Uncles that would visit and I got sent out of the room when they were there too. LOL  When that method of collection stopped I do not know.
I remember also a man named Harry Goldstein. He drove a green panel truck and sold all matter of goods. It was always fun to see him arrive. Mom would look at his catalog,as he continually made suggestions about what to buy. I remember her buying 45 RPM records from him. What other goods she may have purchased I can't say. That you could buy on time I know. Place your order with him and on his next visit he would deliver your order. How convenient is that ? If anything was wrong with the order he took care of that right on the spot.
I was reminded of this because of some recent postings on Facebook. The milk man and the Dugan man delivering their products. They jogged my memories of the others that would knock on the door. " Avon calling " The fuller brush man too. People selling encyclopedias and magazines. Vacuum cleaner salesmen. And on one occasion Jehovah's Witnesses ! They weren't trying to sell anything but Mom sure didn't like it. I remember her telling them she was Catholic and sending them packing. I was small at the time and figured they must be some bad people. Later they built a church in town and it's steeple was struck by lightning ! That confirmed my impression of them. Funny the things you think when you are a kid.
Things sure have changed over the years. Now I can sit,locked in my home with a keyboard,and order virtually anything my mind can imagine. I don't need to ever see anyone to make a payment either. I don't even need to see or touch the money. Just direct deposit it and debit it. Or just charge it and put it on automatic payment and forget about it. Few people ever knock at your door anymore. Too dangerous. And too expensive. The cost of driving door to door, no one would even consider walking, would consume any profits you made.
Yes I guess you could say we have made progress. Everything is available to almost anyone. We can now retreat into our own little world and be safe. No need for personal interaction. We could stay in our homes undisturbed for a very long time as long as the bills were paid. It is safer in the cave. That is a lesson we have never forgotten. At least for me it is an unusual occurrence to have someone knocking at the door. When it does happen I get a bad feeling that something is wrong. A couple of times when " Mouse " could be seen coming up the drive Mom said, shhh, stay out of sight and make believe we aren't home. Guess she didn't have the payment. It was fun for us kids.

Take it Along

It has always been said of Americans that we take more stuff with us when we go anywhere, than anybody else in the world. Our soldiers carry more equipment into battle on their backs than any other nation. That has been so since at least Civil War times. Take a look at any American going anywhere and an inventory of what they are taking along. Heading to the beach ? A typical couple might take, blankets,an umbrella, a cooler, various sunscreens and tanning oils, a radio or I pod, a tote with clothing, and a tote with some food stuffs. Opps, forgot the chairs,towels,boogie boards,floats, Frisbee and football.
I have noticed this trend gaining momentum over the years. We are taking more and more items with us everywhere. My daughter in law sells those Thirty One products. An entire sales line of totes,bins,bags and carriers for all sorts of products. It has been a standard joke about what women carry in their purses, it is a lot !Now this Thirty One company provides the ladies with even more options for bringing along those necessary items.
I watch the kids going to school. Most are carrying backpacks large enough to hold a good portion of the library ! Those backpacks could hold enough supplies for a polar expedition. I hear stories of the children hurting their backs trying to carry them. Go to the airport and note the number of bags being checked. Despite the cost, those bags are packed !
We Americans are just spoiled. We want all the comforts of home,all the time. Even when we go " camping " we take everything. Some of us go " camping " in a motor home that is just that. A home on wheels complete with kitchen,bath,bedrooms, satellite television and a hot tub. And those motor homes will be packed to the gills with stuff. Sometimes towing a boat or another vehicle.
Maybe it comes from the days of the covered wagons. Heading west it was necessary to take everything with you. There were no stores along the way and nothing where you were going. It made sense to bring along your stuff. Still, a lot of that stuff got left alongside the trail. Most of us came to this country by boat. We brought our belongings along with us. We packed our stuff into big cargo chests. Could be this is what influenced us to take everything along with us. Do we as Americans have a fear of leaving anything behind ?
Well in my opinion we have too much baggage ! We need to rid ourselves of this obsession. Travel light and fast is my motto.

Got any secrets ?

Here is a random thought for you. If you were to disappear for any reason and others went through your home and belongings would they find anything you would be embarrassed or ashamed of ? Do you have any little hidden secrets ? I'm thinking the older you are the less likely this would be. I do wonder if that comes from age and wisdom or just because you're old ! That is not to say older people can't have secrets. And I'm not talking about drugs or pornography. No, there are other things that can be as equally embarrassing. Old love letters ?
Certain articles of clothing perhaps ?
I can honestly say I do not. I will not say that has always been the case. I'm just saying that that is my present condition. Anyone could go through all my personal belongings and find no secrets. Dull and boring is all they would see. Old pictures, favorite books, my tools, my writings and old clothes. I have rid myself of any potential for unwanted discoveries. My secrets are safe. This wasn't done on a conscious level it just happened naturally.
Those things that you know are just not right you get rid of. When you are younger experimentation is a necessary part of life. To taste the forbidden fruit. Some will always enjoy that taste. Some justify that taste. Others outgrow it. The thing is, is it your decision as to what is forbidden and what is not. I would agree that most things, as long as they do not harm others, are ok. Let us not confuse legality with morality. If it is illegal you shouldn't be doing it. The moral issue I leave to your judgement.
Some things get better with age. Like wine becomes more mellow I believe we should too. We should rid ourselves of the baggage of youth and inexperience. Embrace those things that are really important. Live your life as an open book. You are welcome to explore my pages. I will say this, a chapter or two may be missing but it really doesn't affect the story.

Captured Memory

I just love my old photographs. I like looking at them and remembering. Others I like looking at and speculating . I am fortunate to have pictures of Great Great Grandparents, Uncles, Friends and some unrelated people I've heard of. My Mom has told me their names or it was written on the back. I'm getting quite a collection of them. The thing is I like to have them out where I can look at them. Photo albums are nice for the preservation of these memories but they are to be enjoyed. And the enjoyment comes in the seeing. I am lucky that my wife is somewhat accommodating in that regard. I don't hear too much protest about all the snapshots I have hanging on the walls or in frames on almost every horizontal surface I can find. Given free reign I sure my walls would be completely covered with them. If unchecked it could border on the " hoarder " syndrome.
This affinity for old pictures started curiously enough with the grand children. I started putting their pictures about. Then I began working on the family tree. Those old photos made their way in. And now it has escalated to just about any pictures that catches my interest. If I know the location of the picture, I'm interested. If I know the person, however obliquely, I'm interested. If it has any historical significance, I'm interested. I can't get enough of them. I'm even getting some from cyber space and Facebook. Pictures I would never have gotten any other way.
My only fear is what will happen to these photos when I am gone ? How many times have we found old photos in albums covered with dust. Names and faces staring out at us. And we don't have a clue about them.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I agree. It would take a thousand words to adequately describe a photograph to someone unfamiliar with the content. And in some cases more. Whenever I run across this, I am both curious and sad.
I am involved in several big projects at the moment. I have little time to begin another. A friend of mine and a fellow blogger was just writing about men and multi tasking. It was her opinion that men are terrible at multi tasking. She seems to think we men start more projects than we complete. I can't disagree with her completely on that score. I find myself contemplating yet another project. This project would involve all my pictures and explanations about them. Sort of a This is Your Life kinds thing. More than just a collection of photographs with names and relationship. No, I  want to tell more of the story. Perhaps to make it somewhat interesting to anyone. I can't stand the thought of these memories being lost. In the end that is all any of us have, memories. I always say, as long as we are remembered we are not gone. And I think I have a fear of being forgotten. I think all of us do. Fear of the unknown is often quoted and there is something to that. For me though, it is the fear of being forgotten. The point of capturing an image is to capture a moment in time. To remember that moment. I have many captured moments and want to share them with everyone. I do not want them forgotten when I am gone.
I'll have to give this project some more thought. I would like to present it in a unique way that would be entertaining to anyone. Family would have a natural interest but what about others ? Strangers even ? Given the technology of the day I have many options available for producing and printing. I do believe in that KISS method. Keep it simple stupid. LOL  Too much information can be a detriment. But you need enough. A thousand words ?
  

The search for justice

It is a sad part of life. The news is filled with stories of tragic events. Often times it is the victims of crimes that strike at our hearts the hardest. Bad things happening to good people. And following a close second is the cruelty of man to animals. There has been a rash of that lately in our area. And now this very morning I hear of yet another. A bald eagle has been found dead, apparently from eating tainted fox meat. The investigation into this tragic death has revealed someone poisoned the fox. The eagle ate from the carcass of that fox and died. If the person that poisoned that fox can be found they will be charged with the death of the eagle. A federal offense ! The search for justice is on.
I agree that someone should be held accountable for the poisoning of the fox . Whether they can or should be charged with the death of the eagle is questionable. Did they have reasonable cause to believe the death of the fox would lead to the death of the eagle ? Is that stretching the quest for justice a bit too far ? This story is on a major news network in our area. I think it is a good thing to make this public to perhaps deter anyone else from being reckless. And I think that is what it is,reckless. To poison an animal without capturing it is a reckless act. You can not know what else will eat the meat and possibly die, ie: the eagle. Why the fox was poisoned is not known.
I can't help but wonder why the authorities would pursue this with such vengeance. In cases involving human beings they are not so determined. Charges are not considered for events that may possibly have been caused by other actions. You can be found guilty of charges such as manslaughter and serve no jail time. You can be found guilty of driving while intoxicated and convicted. Shouldn't the manufacturer of the alcoholic product be as equally charged ? Following the logic of the poisoning of the fox, one could reach that conclusion.
Are we not getting a little over zealous in our quest for justice ? A zealot is defined as one who is overly zealous, fanatical or extremist in their beliefs. It has been suggested to me that some of the animal rights movement may fall into that category. Let us temper justice with reason. I am not defending the person who poisoned the fox. I am defending common sense. That we have lost an eagle is sad. That it died from someones reckless behavior is sad. But can we be sure the fox was poisoned ? Maybe the fox ate another poisoned animal. Maybe that animal had eaten something that was spoiled. Could be a raccoon ate a bad hamburger from a trash can and began this tragic string of events. Now, if we could just determine who threw that hamburger in the trash and didn't secure the lid ! 

Seriously

You gotta be kiddin' me. I turn on the news and they are talking about the recent scandal with the secret service. Some have been fired and others may lose their job as well. Everyone seems so surprised that this could happen. Imagine,men behaving badly in a foreign country. Consuming alcohol and soliciting the services of prostitutes. This group of type " A " personality men where doing a bit of partying before the arrival of the president. And to make the situation worse it has been determined that this may not be the first time. Well, we know how to fix that ! We will send them to school.
That's right they are being sent to school. All of the secret service agents are going to be required to attend a two day ethics course. So,at taxpayers expense we will be paying for them to go to school to learn about ethics. I'm not sure of their salary but I'm betting it will be a considerable expense. Not to mention what the government has to pay the instructors. And just what will be taught in this class ? Proper manners and common sense ? A set of values. Ethics is defined as a moral philosophy defining what is right and wrong. Pardon me but shouldn't they already know that ? But that is not all. No, they are going to institute a rule. No drinking alcohol ten hours before your shift starts. In other words, no cookies before bedtime. That ought to teach them.
I understand the problem. Just what do you do ? You can't dismiss everyone. You have to show the public that some action is being taken. Announcing you are sending them all to school is something I suppose. I just think the whole thing is ridiculous. Terminate those engaged in the bad behavior and let it be known this will not be tolerated. Period, end of story.  

Just Steering

I was listening to the radio and an Alan Jackson song came on. I like Alan and his style of singing. He was doing that song about when Daddy let me drive. It reminded me of when my own Dad let me drive. Or more properly he let me steer. Dad had a big old Cadillac. It was about a 1958. It was used but a fine automobile.
I was sitting in his lap and he worked the pedals. I couldn't reach them. He let me steer. We were going across a road named Abrahams Path. This road was an old tar and chip roadway that ran through the woods and dissected the town. Twisting and turning and full of bumps without a shoulder of any kind. I aimed that car down the center. I can still hear Dad laughing and saying keep it on the road. That big Caddy had a mind of it's own. It constantly fought me for control. Dad had to grab the wheel a couple times and ease her around the bend.
All those memories went through my mind as Alan sang. In fact that time is the only time I can remember Dad doing that with me. It wasn't until I got my learners permit that I drove with Dad again. By then he had a Dodge Charger. That car was much lighter and much faster. We were driving on a two lane highway. This road was paved with concrete and much smoother. Dad told me to pull out and pass. Clicking on the blinker I pulled out and started to speed up past the person ahead. Dad reached over and pressed down on my knee and made that car take off. I remember my knuckles  turning red holding on to that wheel. Seemed like I was flying ! Dad laughing and saying, when you pull out to pass you gotta give it some gas boy ! That was his idea of a driving lesson.
I look back on those times and smile. If a father did that stuff today and anyone knew about it he would be in trouble. Child endangerment or some such thing. Now a father can't even teach their children to drive,at least not legally. The state doesn't recognize that. You have to pay to attend a driving school. I think that is just a money making deal. When I was in high school Coach Ted Meyers was my drivers ed teacher. We got a 10% discount on our insurance for completing that course.
After Alan was done with that song another tune came on. This one was a man singing about, she thinks we're just fishing. Another good song. One line goes something like this, she don't know it but this memory is a big one and she thinks we're just fishin. And I thought I was just steerin'.