So where did it go? January, I mean, where?

It is almost over, and I did have a birthday, I did go shooting my rifles, I did write to three current representatives of the fine people of Washington State about my concerns with the lack of government participation in the establishment of public ranges, rifles and ammunition for the militia. Nice thing is that Senator Murray and Congressman Adam Smith did respond - not with any promises of building any ranges nor buying the militia any rifles and ammunition - but that they had heard my views on the 2nd Amendment and what they had done about such issues before them (some were good, more not). A few million more voters writing them might get more attention, if there really are only forty million owners of arms in the United States - at forty-two cents per envelope the United States Post Office would appreciate the letter writing campaign - if they can go to five day delivery. Shucks, the eight year old girl with the pink stocked bolt action single shot should write one - she can shoot, with safety, effect and enthusiasm (it was a family affair - too cool). What was the reason for removing rifle clubs from the school systems? Not enough adult supervision in schools? Anyway, I did finish the month with some fine volunteers helping shooters become more proficient in pushing pellets through paper with precision. It was a good month for safe, sane keeping and bearing arms by People of the United States of America, thank you Founding Fathers. Will continue to bring the remainder of the country up to speed on a citizen's responsibility, as I work on all my personal weaknesses - like weight, exercise and humility.

It is Friday, and bad things are happening by law...

Two cases need attention, and fixed, the government is out of control on both of them - and it stands out like a criminal act against us in our peaceful life - this is not normal nor correct. Sailorcurt offers his following of the Ryan Frederick case on his blog Captain of a Crew of One and The Sensible Progressive is following Phillip Dominguez in California. Coast to coast the war on little Americans continues. What would have happened if the SWAT attack on Dominguez's home and family had ended in the death of one of the assault force? Nothing good, any death for stupidity is wrong. Don't you wish the Police swore to "Do No Harm" as well as protect the public? What do they swear? Or is it going to always be "They" against them? or us? or you? or just against me?

Economic Stimulus... in real time and effect...

The American Corrections Association auditor dropped by with the Associate Superintendent of Programs, and I got to try and wow him with my wonderful library and what we do for the prison population. I guess I did alright, seems I was mentioned in the outbriefing (which I didn't attend, since I do have a library to keep) for the evidence of a fine library well used. That was nice.

Today I had six inmates on the Call Out for testing and Job interview at 9:10 AM. I prepared ten test packets and got the other three workers on the normal Thursday work. I have only one open position and I really want the best worker for the job. I know one will be late since he has to see the medics first, and one of those coming has a position in the Chapel Library and wants to stay there and he looks a little older than I (only my opinion but he does) so I allow him to return to his work without a test. My workers do tell me about one of the names on the list - and identify him as a page cutter, and show me an example of his most recent ripping out an article from Men's Health. No, I am not allowed to shoot him on sight - probably why they don't allow me to pack pistols in prison. I have four people to test and interview, so I pass out pencils and tests and go back to prepare for the interview.

The first one done is an old worker, trying to get back into a job in this library and away from the terrible Corrections Officer that supervises him. I guess I am much easier, he passes the test without missing any of the answers, but he sure did get creative in reducing the number of pencil strokes to answer the questions. I interviewed him first, and used my "wake up and tell me who you really are" questions. I like to think all those promotion boards I sat upon have sharpened my pointed prying at the joints in the armor, it could be painful if I don't find out now about problems later. Then I relax, explain and we discuss a bit, and since he and I have some knowledge about each other - I tell him about my concerns over his weaknesses in his past performance, I am sure that hurt a bit but he can figure a better way to be, and I expect he will.

The second inmate comes in with his test and pencil and explains that he isn't qualified for the job, since the minimum education is a GED and he hasn't finished his yet. He has a body, and face full of tattoos, no minimum education and looks like a thug in size and shape of muscles - but I like the honesty and good manners in his voice. So I tell him to take a seat and talk about how he should get that GED finished and come back again, or get an even better job. I think Life has now gotten his attention, and he is looking for better ways of living.

The third man in is the page ripper, and I grade his test finding fourteen errors - it is almost like you really have to try and be that bad, but I think he just isn't as smart as the man with all the tattoos - and from his surly attitude during the interview I couldn't see hiring him ever. Still the job interview is always a teaching point for each inmate's future so I talk to him about presentation, answers to questions that would be better and wish him well on his next attempt to find work. Funny, if I were still an Army Drill Sergeant I would have marked this one for running off - not tough nor smart nor responsive enough to become a better soldier with more time and trouble. But I am not a Drill Sergeant and there isn't anywhere to get run off to, this is the end of a line in life that hasn't worked, so change directions and get with the program.

Fourth man comes back from his medical appointment, takes the test and I grade it with only two mistakes, he went a bit too fast and jumped a cutter, and reversed the answer. He also knew it immediately when we talked about it. He was awake for my questions, answered well and wants the job, because he doesn't have one, he worked in the library at another prison but didn't get enough hours, so didn't get paid enough so he changed jobs. He would do fine, so I will make my recommendation to the Job Center, telling them the first and second choice, explaining the selections and any problems I had during the Call Out - two no shows means something wasn't as it should have been. By the end of the day I still haven't any idea which of the two I would hire is going to be assigned to this position; for some good news waiting isn't that bad.

The inmates get forty-two cents an hour, my crew gets about forty-four dollars a month to buy their stuff with. For real staff (like myself) there is a better pay scale and the opportunity to pay taxes and earn a retirement and have health and dental care, two positions open, just not on my island in My Library, until I win the Lotto. It is all about me, ya know?

Just before I head off to bed, early...

I was reading about a demonstration in Raleigh North Carolina, on the 4th of February, by the Gun Guys & Gals. Okay, they aren't Gun Guys & Gals, they can be called RKBA concerned folks I would guess (yes, I had to figure that out, I am so out of it). I was amused by the Rules of Engagement, for they want to take all MY Rights away during My participation in OUR Demonstration.

Now, for the record, if I weren't working to pay taxes and bills, and I lived in North Carolina (which I did three times with the 82nd Airborne Division) I would dress with white shirt and tie, nice trousers, shined shoes, gloves, shooting glasses and a good coat for the weather, and a hat without logo. I would do that because it fits what I think is important to say - I do care that they repeal all the infringement on our right to keep and bear arms. The politicians need to hear it over and over, until they fix it.

Of the three email messages to my elected representatives in the Federal Government, I have received one email answer from Senator Murray, and I will thank her for acknowledging my message and my existence. There are two typed letters out there still unanswered, but I have some patience, there is a crisis outside my home they are taking care of first. And "NO", the Senator did not jump on my point of view neither for nor against, but restated her fears and her mission to calm them, without exactly saying what she would do. Actually, she thinks she is doing it for me, our families and communities as a national crime-fighting strategy. She didn't seem to favor arming the militia so we could fix the security problem, which I think is a real winner. Ah, well, I have been wrong before, I could be again.

Along with trying to teach safe, responsible firearms use, writing to my representatives in government at all levels, and speaking up clearly when people try to demonize the arms and the ammunition; along with that I need to invite media types, and anti-gunners to come shooting with me and other good citizens. I have no idea why the gang bangers and common thugs seem to have the only firearms coverage, when there are so many good people doing very well with their arms every day. There always have been more good people than bad ones, more sober folks than drunks, more honest people than liars. Unless you are counting politicians only? All the ones I know (0) are honest as they know how. Ah, well, good night y'all, there are watchful service people wearing camo, military gear and bearing arms all around the world tonight, we are safe. Your local community watch (MILITIA!!) is working, too?

I just wanted to say thanks, but couldn't comment...

VIPs
Name: RN Clara Hart
Posting date: 1/26/09
Stationed in: a civilian military hospital in the U.S.
Milblog url: www.mcneillysperspective.blogspot.com
Email: clarahart2@yahoo.com

“Good Morning!. . . Hello? Anybody home?” Slowly one brown eye slid open.

“Hi! My name’s Clara, I’m going to be your nurse today.” The brown eye peered out at me from underneath a headdress of gauze.

“How are ya feeling?”

“Tired.”

“Any pain? Nausea? Dizziness?”

“No, no and no.”

“Okay then, here’s today’s plan." I rattled off a list of things to accomplish. “You ready?”

“Nope."

“Huh! Well! That’s not really an option. So this is what we’re gonna do," I said with a smile.

A long-suffering sigh was the only response.

My patient, injured three years ago in Iraq, had returned for additional surgery and so, in caring for him with tasks to be completed, I forged on with the morning.

At one point the causality affairs officer stopped in and asked if a high profile visitor could come by. Since my patient was stable I said it was fine with me as long as the patient didn’t mind. My patient looked at me, then reluctantly agreed.

“Damn, man! If I known today I was going to have a VIP patient who was going to have a VIP visitor I’d have done my hair!” I joked with him. For that quip, my patient awarded me with a crooked smile and a gurgle of laughter.

Timetable for the visit set, we began to complete some of the day’s tasks. While working, my patient, in slow, deliberate speech, said, “They come in, shake your hand and tell you how proud they are of you. They say thanks for serving your country, how grateful they are for men and women like you. They struggle to figure out what to talk about next and try real hard not to stare at your blown off leg or damaged face. Then they leave and you never see or hear from them again. If you’re lucky they might remember you, but most don’t.” Brown eye looked out at me, sadness clearly evident. “I get so tired of being on display for these people. People that don’t know me.”

Later, while charting as my patient lay sleeping I looked up to see the VIP striding down the hallway,entourage in tow. I stood and moved into my patient’s room, waking him by calling his name.

“Visitors," I said.

The VIP came into the room and began to speak. At times my patient’s speech was slow and halting, softly spoken, and the VIP had difficulty understanding. To cover the awkwardness, I began to joke with my patient, the mood lightening when the crooked smile appeared on his face. As quickly as he came the VIP left, and with a remembrance gift in his hand my patient simply looked at me, tired expression on his face. I told him to go back to sleep, and returned to work.

Several hours later a second visitor approached me, another liaison, inquiring as to the status of my patient and asking if he could see him. As my patient was finally getting some much-needed rest, I threatened him with great bodily harm if he even attempted to wake my patient.

“Oh no, Ma’am, I wouldn’t do that! I just wanted to make sure he was okay. See, we served together in Iraq three years ago, and the last time I saw him was a couple of days before he got blown up. I won’t wake him, and if you tell me he’s doing okay, that’s good enough for me. I’ll see him some other time."

“I know you,” he added. "You’ve taken care of another one of my guys and you’re good people. Protective as hell of your patients, but I like that. Makes me feel better knowing someone like you is looking after my guys when I can’t.” I smiled and nodded not sure what to say especially since I didn’t remember ever working with him.

After some prodding on my part he began to tell me about the crooked path that had taken him to two other duty stations before being tasked as a liaison. “Come on,” I said. “Let’s go wake him up. You’re one visitor I know he’ll want to see."

Walking into the room, liaison slowly following, I again called my patient’s name. Leaning toward his head I softly spoke his name, then louder said “Wake up! There’s another visitor here to see you and you’ll like this one."

I heard the sigh he gave before the brown eye reluctantly opened. I began to smile as I watched recognition slowly dawn as he looked at his visitor. Then, as with an overexcited toddler whose entire body moves, my patient struggled to get his hand out from under the covers. He grinned, “How ya doing, man?!” All of us laughed, the visitor and the patient shook hands, then with hands tightly grasped, simply looked at each other.

Finding a chair for him, I urged the visitor to sit and talk. As I went about my work I heard snippets of the conversation drifting out of the room. Talk of guys they served with, promotions, life’s paths, laughter, tears, war stories and more laughter. Later, as the liaison stood up to leave, I wandered back into the room. With grins stretched across our faces we all gazed at each other.

I have no need to wonder which VIP my patient will remember most.

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I lifted the entire thing from The Sandbox, my problems are so little, perspective.

Sunday, without much Sun...

Slept in well, which make my day start so right, and the dreams are good, the blood pressure just fine. Church is good, stay to help clean up in the kitchen, help the kids make macaroni and cheese (kindergarten sized), then off to the range. Now it is cold, there was snow waiting outside my home but it is melted already, so this isn't the bone chilling cold like Indiana has, do you know what else Indiana has? Miss America, according to Wyatt Earp. Anyway I go out to shoot, trying to make sure I fire a rifle seriously at least once per month, I checked it out I could become a Master Hunter, certified by the State of Washington for my shooting proficiency and answering questions and doing twenty hours of service for Fish and Game somewhere in this state. Twenty hours of hunting feral hogs?

Anyway back to Fort Lewis and Range 15, pay my fee, set up and fire away. One shooter came over to ask if I re-loaded my 30-06, and I had to confess that I hadn't started yet but it was my intention. I didn't mention that my wife has already outlawed re-loading in her home. He asked about my rifle and if I had gotten it through CMP, and I said I had and that it was Correct Grade.
I fired eight rounds and then watched other shooters on the pistol side, where I see the young man (they are all young men) firing a .45, and he stops and come over and shows me his reloads for it. He casts his own ball with lead found around, and reloads at about $17.00 per five hundred rounds. Which is super cool, and he was doing alright with his pistol while I was there.

I check my target mostly low right, paste the holes and change my sights when I get back, but they are loose. My next eight are low left, paste them, change my sights one last time. I should be close. I wonder about American shooters, they seem to always want sitting and a bench to fire from, and I liked the military a bit better. Firing from firing positions (foxholes) gives one a firm start, both for excellent tactics (if you had to choose between cover and concealment - go for the cover) and a supported position. When moving: then standing, sitting, kneeling, squatting and prone positions are better than sitting at a bench. Nothing is perfect in life, we will take what we get, and should practice all those positions, dry fire and live fire. With sling and without, but lots of practice. Well, I fired my last eight rounds, took the target down I am close enough for today and Redmonkey Zombie-paras. If they stand still and don't bounce around, I do need to start that practice, too.

Something made me look up WWII and the cartoon is one of the truest ones from a war zone by Bill Mauldin, who must have been an excellent political cartoonist - Patton didn't like him. But even before I got a chance to go to war I understood a certain reality of it, because I had read his book (Up Front) at my grandfather's home - and my grandfather was a working Peace Activist.

Good sleep, bp is good, and I can share...

I admire the efforts some bloggers put into food, the pictures and recipes one can almost smell the love and warmth. So as I was called to breakfast in my home and I looked at the scrabbled eggs with cheese, sliced tomatoes, and toast, the aroma of fresh ground coffee and the Korean music in the background I thought about getting my camera and sharing. But the telephone rang, I lost my lady love to the instant communications monster, and I reverted to the savage brute that only she can sooth. I cleaned my plate (I haven't eaten slowly alone since OCS) and took the picture and took my coffee and ran, back to the computer cave to share, sigh. It really was so beautiful and the coffee is awesome.

Not much here, but any story is better than none...

I got on my morning ferry, looking for that seat to nap upon, and under the seat across from me was a five dollar bill, the new Lincoln in colors and tricks. I pick it up and wonder at my luck, I need half a million or so, but five dollars is a start. Where did it come from? The last trip from the island brought most of the third shift off and the students, those kids that live on the island and commute to school by ferry. Since adults use wallets or money clips I go with the thought that it is some kid's lunch money and got lost along the way. I give it to the Security Chief on my way off the ferry, tell him where it was found and what I thought. I don't need five dollars, I can actually carry cash for days now so I will wait on that mythical Lotto win of MILLIONS, and hope the kid got to eat somehow.

Aside from thinking that I am dying from electronic entertainment I really don't like watching entertainment and then having to wait for the next piece of action after four to eight commercials, that is really wasting my time. Since my wife is at a Revival I will put the Blues on and read "The Chronicles of Malus Darkblade" volume one, by Dan Abnett & Mike Lee. I will be out for a bit, somewhere else where everything is falling apart, and Assault Swords are probably illegal, never mind magical. I think too often that we (the People) keep waiting on that Hero and Leader that is going to solve our problems - but Sam Adams and John Hancock weren't the folks that fought the British all the way back to Boston, they were politicians - they needed the fathers, the farmers, the craftsmen, the men without title nor honors - just steady, brave and true and they needed a lot of them. And they came forth, the real heroes are legion, the political celebrities are noted... and thanked by History.

Rumors that the NFL is kicking more than footballs...

Seems the Color Guard isn't going to be allowed to watch the Superbowl after posting the Colors at the Superbowl, just escorted out and put back on their bus. Doesn't sound like the players and coaches I knew, but then I am not a true fan, I don't pick a side, I just watch the game and look for brilliance and courage. Well, until I hear different the First of February is back to a Church and range day, or if the weather is with me I will be riding the Trusty Triumph. You see, I could have a life away from television and the National Football League. Kick that idea around for a bit. You will never know I wasn't there... there are more than enough fools.

What time is it?

I woke this morning to the alarm cutting into my dreams, at 4:30, got up and walked across the room to the clock and shut it off. Turned around and felt it was Saturday, and I crawled back into bed and went back to my dreams. I woke to the nagging suspicion that it was time to get up, or else, 5:35 the clock laughed at me. I had twenty minutes to be out the door and on the road. Skip the shaving and I make it, eating my bowl of gruel in the Caravan, then washing it down with my microwaved last night's brew of coffee. Didn't want to fall too far behind, when I get old it is more difficult catching up to the young'ns. Work was fine, day just enough, and I come home to see the Snowcat lurking in the holes to the water meters, with just the head raised above their berm, looking for something to stalk and kill. When I return to try and get the picture the cat is coming out and I will be going in for more adventures in the morning, my supervisor is supposed to be there, and I have only one worker to man the counter - still it is Friday, we might make it.

Better win the Lotto tonight, in just fifty minutes...

I focus on immediate work, and fly through the day - like I did yesterday, although yesterday I worked my later shift and missed ninety minutes of fun with guns, Breda and Ahab, and fine folks. Anyway, the fog was waiting for me in the morning, as was the blue-eyed snowcat that want to adopt me - or just likes being stroked. Same chill in the air, thanks Al. Same walk in the darkness to the dock, feels good, nap on the boat. Open the library and work. Carry three bins of mail down to the mailroom, bring two bins and two boxes of new books back - and no inmates escaped, nor helped this limping old man, should have asked my supervisor for assistance, since she hasn't gotten me any yet.

Good books coming in - I see three I really want to read, but can't because Newsweek says President Obama is going to remake America, is it going back to the wonderful one I grew up in? You know; before PC, credit cards, internet, abortion and sex education. Probably not. Funny, my mother (who didn't leave the country when Bush was selected, twice, but thought about it) is very happy and she hopes he (President Obama) will have them bring all the people in Iraq, back to the States. I didn't know all the Iraqis wanted to come to America. It would certainly be a start on remaking the country, wouldn't it? Well, quick lunch and back to work.

The three man crew and I really do well, although I sometimes wish I could stop them from bothering me when I have focus - but then realize they have needs, too. So I take the quick break to get stuff for them, and back at it. Ordering ILLs, finding MARC records for donations being added, labeling for Call Numbers, answering emails and back to patron requests and the traffic is light today in the library, a couple of newer inmates to add to the system and a call to the Shift Lieutenant for an RM escort (doesn't happen for whatever reason). One final check of the email and I find my supervisor wanting to know if something happened on/or by the 21st of January so she could report it completed to her boss by the 22nd. I answer "nope" and log off my computer and close the library.

One of my thoughts as I noted it is day two of President Obama's Reign, and I am working as fast as I can, and I haven't caught up, there isn't any help at my level for getting just the light work in the library done - and I am expected to trust the government to get it perfect anytime soon? I have worked inside the government (not governing anything thankfully, yet) for a little more than forty years -- I thought I had been doing pretty good, and sometimes darned fine work, but now I have to change... sad day to know I am the problem and not part of the solution. Best get to doing my taxes, although I am so far ahead of the nominated Secretary of the Treasury in doing them well, never having had too much money to tax wrong. Now if my numbers will just drop I could do as badly and land a great government job... retirement!

What's keeping you up at night?

I have been trying to prepare my taxes, download TurboTax 2008, under Firefox (NOGO 3x) then back to Windows, it works! then since I care I write the incoming President about my good wishes for America and the 2nd Amendment. You did, too, didn't you?

Saint Peter! don't call me for I can't go...

I owe my soul to the Company store. What is it about listening to the good Reverend say: "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!" that drives me to pay my bills, reconcile my accounts and post my Quicken -- and then know that Tennessee Ernie Ford had me pegged before I was old enough to vote? One fist of iron and the other of steel, if the right one don't get you then the left one will... yeah, sure.

Getting ready for tax time, and clearing the paper clutter, trash day is tomorrow, and although I am sure if I die before I wake - my wife has all my assets and insurances to cover everything I owe, but if I don't die then I am going on loading that number nine coal, forever... about that high toned woman - slipped right by me, didn't notice her, no wonder I am so broken.

Well, it will all be better in the morning, I don't think I am directly paying a 150 million for the party in Washington, DC. I know I am not invited, I am still carrying a weapon or two, and I do have to go to work to pay the bills, taxes and prepare for the worst. No one is bailing me out. No one has read the 2nd Amendment the way I did, so they made all these laws and regulations to infringe upon my Right. Silly people, hold that regulation up in front of you next time someone points a firearm at you - if the Law is several pages thick it might work.

How was Sunday? Here it was great...

Not that anyone would notice, but I watched Sunday Morning and listened to Mariah sing, both cute and sexy, and I had gruel for breakfast and then went on a gentle jog. Cleaned up and shaved, put on my church clothes and gun and rode the Trusty Triumph to church, opened some doors for ladies and children, smiled at young ladies with starry eyes (wishing I were in the market, but not even window shopping - they still look wonderful). Get gasoline, ride home and start watching football as I iron all my week's plus clothing. Okay, the Cardinals win and I yawn - did like the second half better'n the first. Ironing stuff gets put away and the next game is up and I pull out the pistols for cleaning. I wonder when I will get to shooting enough for a gunsmith to work on them to tune them up again. They do show a bit of wear, but not enough to worry me - I don't compete and so I am sure I am okay, competitors need to win against other competitors, and actors on the screen need to out shoot other actors on the screen. I will only need to out shoot the type of guys that steal from libraries or terrorists that have area weapons and surprise on their side. So, if my ammunition is clean and plentiful, the weapon is within reach and the day is going badly - I am confident that my .45s will work with all the function Mister Browning intended, and I will being my best because I prepared for the worst. My Sunday is just fine, ending it with a prayer for those far away from their loved ones and those in need but still fighting.

Okay, the splash landing was the best...

I was impressed with the landing on the Hudson River, and more impressed that the pilot hasn't been all over television talking about it. My father was a pilot and made some of the softest landings I have ever had, in some of the finest farmland in America. But I was thinking that there are thousands of professionals in their work that could do it even when everything goes bad, and if they can't they still die trying to do it right.

I went to see Defiance today, a movie from a time long ago, and far away. Still, I liked the movie, and understand the critics - but then they never lived in a time when people die beside you, behind you and in droves, they haven't lived with the lie that being a Jew means you are inferior and won't fight, they haven't lived with the lie that hiding will keep you safe, which is as bad as the one that says fighting will keep you safe. I will have to try and read the book, because the movie doesn't tell me enough about the brothers and what they did to survive and save 1200, not an insignificant number when people are dying by the millions. Having studied some about resistance and guerrilla warfare I want to know about the tactics. I have laughed too long about the survivalists that I think have little training in combat operations, but then I could be wrong. I have been so before. And then they came to America and built a life and a trucking company?

Won't he ever grow up? I mean, sixty-one?, reading...

Stayed up to finish Starship Troopers, again. Did I learn anything new? was there something I missed the first twenty times I read it? Is it that different than any other "young man going to war for all the wrong reasons" story? Well, I do know I still like the story and I figure I will read it again some day - given enough time, and yes, it was worth the loss of sleep staying up till after midnight. I mean it is not like I have a life that I have to participate in at that time - the time the infomercials start to crawl across the television as they figure out the lost are all that are watching. I was listening to the Blues for background, I do have some taste. Clayton Tait did the artwork, which is not Mobile Infantry but Space Marines from Warhammer 40K.

Stepping out of character...

A wife with a car and a problem, so I had to dodge and weave and change stride, and take time off to take care of it. So the Library was closed Thursday afternoon, those normal Thursday patrons are going to believe that ever since Thanksgiving the POWERS that BE (ever referred to as 'they') have it in for them. I got to watch the coverage of the splash landing in the Hudson, and think about how cold it was there. I paid the tab, drove the vehicle around, testing it and listening to satellite radio - the Blues show - my kind of music. Stopped at the Tacoma Public Library to see what was new on their shelves and then onward to the home. Normal food for dinner, evening at home with Heinlein and too much coffee. Wake and prepare for today as my wife backs the car out of the garage I hear the Blues, not her kind of music. So, taking my cup of fresh morning coffee, I walk down the drive with her, stop her as she turns, wait until she rolls down the window and reach in and change back to her Korean station. She says 'thanks, you really love me' and I tell her she doesn't know how much. She responds with 'get some shoes on!' Yeah, marriage is like that.

Just a note before bedtime...

I am starting to feed on Starship Troopers, again, and before I took up the book I browsed on the old, old high school year books, and looked at the rifle teams and clubs - and didn't see any punks and future denizens of the prisons system. Wonder why? Those young men and women were handling rifles in school, after class and in conjunction with other activities, sports and learning. They did all right in the rest of their lives, too, college good jobs, professions, families and community service . Very successful, so why can't we have guns in schools now? All chidren must be left behind?

It has been a great day!

Well, I rode my Trusty Triumph in forty-five degree weather, and loved its response and grace - even fat ol' men look cool on a well behaved motorcycle - wearing a tie and leather jacket. Okay, I really don't look that cool, but I feel that cool and powerful. I worked hard all day at the Western State Hospital Library, really felt I was helping, although I left piles of unfinished work for Kathleen tomorrow - it was just coming faster than I could learn and adjust in her arena. Then I received the magic email that said I could return to my island exile tomorrow, and joy jumped in my heart (one would wonder about that - but I have purpose, professional performance and pride in MY prison library). So I get to turn the keys, hit the switch and cycle back to heart, hearth and home. In time for dinner and then THE GUN NUTS show. It was a great show, and the chatroom even had some space for me, need to get quicker on the keyboard, but still so much fun. Now coffee and preparation for the world outside my computer, tomorrow comes too soon. Photo is 1971, FDC bunker, when I had a Harley waiting for me in West Virginia and a Lady in Korea... nothing I loved close - life is so good today, don't forget all our Service People everywhere no matter what.

Dear Senator, about Law Enforcement & Firearms...

Taking the time to ask your support of the 2nd Amendment. Especially the first part of the well regulated militia defending the free state. I believe that is often glazed over, but all your voters and potential voters are supposed to be in that militia and there aren't enough public shooting ranges, common use weapons and ammunition in storage for the citizens that don't have their own. This is something that should be fixed pretty soon, one never knows when the militia would be needed. Certainly need a participating public in securing the defense of the nation. We also need to get rid of all the laws that infringe upon the right of the people to keep and bear arms - some of us can afford the weapons and the ammunition to maintain our proficiency. Thanks for your time and your great service. Earl

AHSA have you met them yet, shooting?

Ah, something good to send one's fellow Americans. And no, I don't think they are telling me the truth about many things; they haven't sponsored any hunts, shoots, range building, high school rifle teams, repealing of any gun control laws nor listed the politicians that are for the total 2nd Amendment. So, they aren't my answer to the coming reasonable discussion - but I know some voters that would not like to see Pro-Gun Pro-Obama on the same bumper sticker everywhere.

A thought: the POWER of ONE is important to remember. If you teach one child the four rules of firearms safety - it is a win for the Gun. If you take one person and teach them how to get sight alignment, sight picture, pause, focus on front sight, caress the trigger and hit the target as aimed upon. That is one more win for the Gun. I don't care what size the firearm, air gun, spring launch, number and caliber of the round - safety, respect and proficiency in personal technique, one hole in the target from one bullet launcher and one shooter that ONE is a win for the Gun.

One gets Blest, but never feels Blessed ... still

I really don't do well enough for accolades, nor award nominations, I am still just hanging out or hanging on. But I do like being me too much to be someone else. So, name six things I am extremely grateful for (knowing that if the government finds out they will try to take them away?)

1. God
2. Family
3. Love
4. Friends (all two of them that didn't go shooting with me - today)
5. Good people everywhere - many more than bad people anywhere
6. Earth - Man's personal Garden of Eden (don't mess it up, folks)

The second award is named the Lemonade Award. Hmmm, maybe when life hands you lemons, you learn to make lemonade or lemon pie. It's just a matter of perspective. I do know this, no matter how large we feel our problems are, there is someone somewhere who has it so much harder. The world doesn't end when we are given a problem to overcome. No, life goes on...



The Lemonade Award tells me to pass it on to 10 other bloggers that show attitude and/or gratitude.

Ah, I lifted the above picture and text from Little Drops since she tagged me; and I thought I was picked for my sour disposition - and I don't add sugar to much in my life after reading Sugar Blues. But some folks read between the lines, peek behind the curtain, or expect more from me than I could ever deliver - in spite of the History of Earl.

I can pick ten with attitude and/or gratitude, my daily visits are there for a reason - they have both:

SailorCurt
Jeffro
Brigid
BBWolf
Ambulance Driver
Wyatt Earp
Sensible
Marianne
Old NFO
Bullet slinging Bookmarm... Breda

not that I would ever tell them they have been tagged or selected, but those that never visit my blog have ways of knowing who has linked and when and where. They all deserve these two awards and would, if they weren't doing such incredible creative stuff, play along.

Time to get out of the home and into the world...

Funny night, I dreamed about libraries - now that is different and I haven't checked the blood pressure but since my weight was down - I will pretend until later my bp is also. Off to church for my quiet time. And after-- this was my afternoon.

Who do you wanna be when you grow up?

I want to be just like Walt Kowalski, except for the beer and the bad language... just like him.

Riding clears my mind.. or not.

So the rain quit for a day, the floods go down, and I ride my motorcycle to work at the Western State Hospital Library. The ride is cold and great... one shouldn't be in love with a machine at my age, but.

As I thought during work, about smoking - having been convinced by a State Trooper to go buy my first two packs of cigarettes (because he was going to stop me) - and finally growing wise without government overwatch and quitting after eight years - to the now banning smokers to the far away from people that deserve clean air - in Washington State it is twenty-five feet from doorways, off campus, outside of prisons, and the list will only grow as they creep into controlling everything.

Now I really don't care about the smokers, and I am not smoking, but did the government do this for me? my children, grandchildren or for the alien conspiracy that controls those civil servants in Washington DC?

I don't drink badly, don't drive under the influence of anything except my wife's watchful eye, so whatever one thinks I may have done before I was old enough to drink legally, or after, I quit getting drunk about the same time I stopped smoking. Must have gotten old enough to know better, but since my wife and I have a half a glass of wine some nights with some cheese I sometimes go buy another bottle - and I never knew the government was controlling my conduct for my (and other's) safety - and I can't buy a bottle between the hours of one to five in the morning. It really impressed me that the checkout clerk wasn't old enough to buy their own that was telling me this. There seems to be an underground market in buying cases and six packs from the trunks of the employee's vehicles during this period but it could only be a rumor, or they would be mounting criminal investigations about it.

So, in the 2nd Amendment struggle, the government is using the same tactic. If I had been my grandfather - who in 1920 could have purchased a BAR or a machine gun - but then in 1934 an excessive tax was placed on automatic weapons, just the type of thing most Americans wouldn't care about and the criminals don't either. Can you find any prosecutions of a criminal for failing to pay a Federal Tax on his automatic weapon? The continuing infringement continues, and all for my safety.

Remember it is the same government that sent me off to become deadly and death dealing with the same weapons and ammunition (and much greater than that) in its name and for its causes.

And they failed to de-program me. Lucky them, I grew out of thinking I had to destroy everything in my way about the time I quit smoking and drinking. Although I have really gotten much better at all the skills I needed. I just can see what lies beyond the target better than I could as a young man. So I don't need the government to tell me I can't use, own, carry or feed any weapons for any reason. I already know the proper limits, of myself, of the weapons and of the government. So I want my representatives in the Federal, State and local government to get rid of all laws that infringe on my Right to keep and bear arms. I also would like government support at all levels to build public shooting ranges, to buy/store/and loan me weapons to train with and/or carry in defense of the free state. I want the government to provide as much support for the 2nd Amendment as they did during the elections, insuring every citizen could vote -- that all those same voters are responsible enough mature citizens to keep and bear arms.

I want the government to remember to serve me, and you. I want the government to remember that they should treat me as an adult, a complete competent adult - a responsible adult.

Of course, since only a few people read these ramblings, I will have to write my representatives again and remind them before the 20th of January, and then I will have to remind the President on the 21st that he is my representative to ensure that the whole Constitution is followed. Some people are such selective readers, maybe the justice and the President should read the entire Constitution at the swearing in?

How one looks at things, does matter...

I have high blood pressure, and other problems with working with those that don't. I focus and destroy the current task and don't get between me and final victory, or I will wish I had brought something deadlier than my sour disposition to the danger area. There are many reasons they frown on my carrying a weapon at work - it seems to be a target rich environment and they know it.

I was visiting with Frank W. James and he mentioned the Seasonally Adjusted Disorder, anyone that has Wintered in Washington State knows that Gray Wet Misery is our definition of Hawaii, since that is all those fair islands send our way December through April. So after the white snows of Christmas, which stayed too long for politicians to escape the wrath of stranded voters, but made the ski areas fun, we got our Pineapple Express - warmer moist air, unloading rains in feet instead of inches. Day after day, drops in all shapes, sizes, patterns and effects on our lives beyond wet. Sure there was wind, howling, tossing waves, ferries and floating docks, tearing hats off and hairdos undone... lovely weather for snuggling up around a fire place and calling in sick. But the Governor says the State has no money, and we have a mission so we go to work.

Being old and wretched I sit alone inside myself on the ferry and no one notices, my laughing inside - for I often do. This particular morning was really rough, lots of rains, surging waves beating on the tossing dock, going down the long gangplank to the dock and then up the short one were an adventure most wanted to finish too soon, the wet weather gear was wrapped tight, the cord pulling hood flat around the head and very little flesh exposed to the salt water. So as a lady sits beside me and starts to unwrap I make a polite comment and a conversation starts (this is not normal Earl conduct - yes, she was a redhead). We jump right to her problem with a lose crown, temporary repair, future root canal (she is mature and has no problem with exposing imperfections) and I mention that I know she is happy she lives in America where she can get excellent dental care, even if they don't do it exactly right the first time. She agrees, and I go on to illustrate that how we look things does matter. She bites, and wants to know more.

So I kind of nod to the beaten looking people staggering on to the ferry through the fury, and I say 'smile', just look at them and smile. She does and I do and in the instant the feet are firmly on the deck, and as the eyes look our way the people smile back. They are victorious, on their way to the warmth inside and there are a couple of people smiling - things have to be getting better. We must have greeted the next forty folks that way, and I talked about the power of smiles, the first thing babies control that affects other humans (positively) around them, smiles. Good start to the morning for many those quick steps onto the boat with a positive greeting. The rest of my day was high speed and low drag -- how one looks at things does matter.

Yeah, breath long enough it will happen...

No, I am not replacing the Trusty Triumph, nor the lovely Lady that woke in the night to set it up and then light the candles way too early in the morning.

Thank you, Mom, for bringing me into this strange and interesting life and certainly for putting up with my totally male attitude and chest thumping.

We finished the cake and are looking forward to work, movie and dinner so, be good out there cause the Democrats can't change a vote in Congress for a BOWL game - priorities, priorities.

Not my birthday yet, but the Vibes are out there...

I keep getting good wishes and that, and the winning Lotto ticket, will make my day. I did tell one of my bosses that if I won the Lotto I would buy the servers and the CD's that the library budget won't buy us.

In the library I continued to try and catch up with the ILLs and all the other things I am to do, being reminded of the almost exhausted swimmer in choppy seas - that salt water is cold and just doesn't taste good when you swallow it and work to keep one's head above the water... I did take an interruption - actually I took a bunch of interruptions all day, only I can work some miracles. The one I was happiest with was with a Russian inmate - don't know how he fell, but he is in the library looking for help and wants me to find the document that he needs. We have a discussion about manners, expectations, Russian customs, Asian Customs - American lack of manners, customs and get your own... he was convinced I was very knowledgeable about human relations and such and must have had a great education. But I told him the truth, spent most or my adult life preparing to fight the Russians --- one of those fights I was always glad that preparation was 99% of the events of the Cold War. I was not in a hurry to fight Russians on their turf, I read and study History. I did find the document he needed and printed the whole thing out for him, our conversation had started with his using a word Americans would only write and never use in conversation - he is very well educated. But I noticed that the Russians are predicting that America is going to collapse by 2012, seems that they think our country is doing many of the foolish things the Soviet Union did before it fell apart. They do say that recovering drug addicts and alcoholics can spot the problems in others with the disease around them.

I don't really need Russians to tell me about America, I am watching it from inside, and I am doing my part to correct the foolishness. New books came in today, I will be taking

Who Killed the Constitution?: The Fate of American Liberty from World War I to George W. Bush

home to read on Thursday (we will have all the new books processed by then), on Friday I am covering the Western State Hospital Library, while my supervisor opens at McNeil Island. Two movies to see this weekend (my birthday present!). Defiance and Gran Torino - if you have to ask why I want to see B+ movies then you haven't been paying attention. I never was an A+ kind of guy... take care out there and go gently.

Just Getting Started...

Came home to hot supper, hot coffee and mail. Too cool. Two motorcycle magazines, One renewal request from the AMA and look -- Birthday wishes, my mutual funds want more investment for 2008, my Credit Union sends me a Birthday Card - with good wishes, my sister sends me a Birthday Card with good wishes in spite of knowing me, and the Neptune Society wants to help me, too. Ah, well, WWE RAW rules my time this evening, take care out there.

Procrastination will kill me, but I am not ready yet...

Doing my bills this morning, as I try to correct the yaw in my course - and I look at my annual percentage rate on one of my credit cards... yikes! I am paying that much! Take the beautiful card out, get the stainless steel scissors out and cut that bad boy into bits. Step one taken, sigh. No wonder there is a credit crisis - who could pay that much for so little -- besides me. Nevermind, the workday awaits and I have to exercise more than my checking account.

When the rest of the world gets strange, go shooting...

This day is a bit different and I had the time to ride my motorcycle or go shooting or watch football. Too cold to ride, too early in the playoffs to watch football, so I went shooting. I will have to admit that there was snow on the ground, it was cold, but I don't normally move quickly while shooting so the wind chill wasn't.

I started on this target, at twenty-five yards (75 ft.) the kind of target I shot at in Junior High Rifle Club, in the gymnasium. My Stevens is a low wall block, single shot, with a GI sling, if you looked at the picture it is like the center rifle with the sights from the bottom rifle. It is a fine rifle with a minor extractor problem, and no more windage remaining in the rear sight -- one day I will have to get that fixed. (Don't you just know that windage would be a word that Microsoft and Blogger don't understand nor spell correctly?). The first seven rounds were for finding the zero, my sling tension and practice the six steps of the shot. Then after checking the target (walking through the snow) settling down to firing one shot per circle, top left across, down across, down across and bottom left across. I was in rhythm by the last five and called the two drops and missed one in the second shot, wasn't in pattern to call it. In other words, sloppy, and I hang my head in shame - it was easier in the gym on the mat with the shooting jacket and the coach. I wasn't a coffee drinker then either. That is enough in the excuse department.

Then I changed target, going to the 100 yd (reduced for 25 Meter Qualification) - standing with hasty sling, ten rounds and fired a 42 of 50. Changed targets and fired the 200 yd (reduced for 25 Meter Qualification) and fired from the sitting position, 46 of 50. Major struggle, getting into the position finding the Natural Point of Aim, and reloading (it was single shot and broke the shoulder free for each reload), and the pulse surging against gravity (forgot to loosen my belt and lose thirty pounds of stuffing in this turkey). But I was pleased and one good practice with only thirty seven bullets mean I have thirteen to use in warmer weather.

Hope your shooting is going well, this is the New Year and practice (dry fire and live) will make me improve one day. And before I forget, thank you very much for carrying and caring.

One should just KNOW when they aren't welcome...

Seems like I have finally become aware of how unwelcome I am in the world. I am so insensitive.

They are stealing pages from the books in the library!

I am almost to the point that I am going to put a sign on the door "Stupid People steal pages from free books and magazines, so don't come in if you are STUPID!" but my supervisors won't allow it.

It is brought to mind because of non attribution abounds on the Internet.

From View From The Porch and the munchkin wrangler, their take on the theft of stealing from the person that did the work...

Me, I see the books with missing pages, pictures and information, books I have to remove and destroy... it probably started with school work one was too lazy to research and cite properly. Or it is just "everybody does it" and they look at you as though you are a fool because you don't do it or don't understand how easy it is to become 'Everybody'. It isn't your fault you are bad.

I do know, that when I pick up a weapon, and follow all the rules, good advice and engage a target - it doesn't help me if I tried to lift Breda's performance from her last range visit - nope, that instant of target, trigger, bullet and I - is all my fault and I had better make my Mother proud.

well, it is finally over, my wife said it was enough...

So, Winter wonderland white outside the doors waiting upon us, she declared it was time and we packed it in. My mother doesn't give up until my birthday, but she will pack it in, too. Christmas cheer is permitted to remain, just not the decorations, the memories and warmth lingers, but not the blinking lights. I have been given pages from my Grandmother's scrapbook, the ones with the cards and notes. Her sister unfolded one card and filled the inside up with a letter, to include the back of the card - now that has been read more than once. Lots of the birthday, Valentines and wedding anniversary cards my mother signed with my name and made me give to my grandmother - that had to be wonderful - we lived in walking distance, and a trip to her home was always an adventure - the cards were from the years I was still two or three. I have a personal performance of my cousin's talented grandchildren on CD, with private label, and a sweatshirt that proclaims "Librarians The Original Search Engine".

So for all that is best in you, the warmth of love banked in your heart, smile the year through and share the cheer.

Time to participate in government, by the People...

Have been meaning to write to my Congressman, Adam Smith, so I did this morning. Nothing like cold icy weather to make me think. I put a stamp on the letter and will drop it off on my way out the door. As I was thinking about the expected non-response, it is about the 2nd Amendment after all, I considered running for his office in two years. And I looked up the qualifications, I meet them, and the entry fee, here it is one percent of the annual salary for the position - or, the signature of a registered voter for each dollar I can't afford to pay. Sounds like it could work.

He doesn't need to worry, I am not a public enough person, and a Congressperson needs to be comfortable in front of people and working crowds. Still, if this year is going to go strange and against what I believe, I may have to become what the Founding Fathers intended - an active motivated armed and concerned citizenry - politics is not a spectator sport, one must get out there and play the game... we count and it matters.

Rain keeps beating on my roof...

This is the New Year and the rain drums on the roof, into the gutters where it growls as it speeds to the ground to feed the moss - Washington State is Evergreen for a reason. I am having happy dreams and the bedding is warm and wrapping - I don't want to open my eyes but my wife is already up, she has plans for today and I am part of them. I get up, good morning, world! No answer - the world is in shock or just ignoring me again.

Stumble and stagger to find the clothing and some coffee - I once laughed at Tim Conway's shuffling old man routine - now I am one, sigh. Today, the Fort Steilacoom Running Club is starting the Resolution Run Series, I have not the resolution and haven't entered. I can't afford not to jog this year, the last couple months have been terrible, I will lace up some shoes and hit the road today. My morning is starting with Tacoma First Baptist Church, welcoming the New Year and asking for blessings. I don't need any but will ask for those that do. I didn't stay up last night to ring in the New Year, like most years here in the Northwest the major networks tried to pretend at ten o'clock they were going to give us Time Square celebrations LIVE! If they had I could have gone to bed at nine-thirty, we get the leftovers from the East Coast (center of the known New York-Washington DC universe) and sometimes Alaska and Canada (weather patterns they want to share, sigh) - and I like to eat leftovers but don't want to live them...

After getting blest and my wife giving everyone a Happy New Year wish, I accepted and returned a few myself (how did I get so anti-social?) quick.. extend the hand and smile pleasantly. We returned home through quiet streets and rain, light but wet, rain. At home there are emailed pictures of the newest Great-grandson of my mother. Mother father and baby all look fine - ah, they are in Florida and that is fine.
The Rose Parade really looked great in High Definition on our Sony - but commercials drove me to sleep. Outlawing recliners is next on the list of things the BETTER LIFE police will be enforcing... but I am not paying attention yet.

More distractions, someone calls to invite us to dinner at their home - my wife accepts and I am now committed. As long as they don't think I will become a Baptist we can have a pleasant afternoon - but they always seem to think I am easily swayed - and if they don't bring a long legged red head with brains and a great heart - they haven't a chance. Yes, I will behave and this will be twice in one day supporting my wife's life - then I can retreat back into the computer cave, motorcycling or shooting pointedly. One day I will be a better man, I am really going for the piece of my wife's pumpkin pie. The roast she made today will wait for our return, and I did say I liked to eat leftovers.

Thinking while in church this morning and about the whole thing of the New Year - the customs the traditions the fireworks, the out with the old and in with the new stuff... well, as I look at it we are so small and self-centered in our time and life - that we miss the fact that God is only on His Eighth Day of Creation. Probably doesn't need my help either.