Seems my wargaming is on hold...

Getting my wife to her flight is my big operation today, one year I missed getting her to the proper flight (because I wanted to complete my jog) and I had to buy her a ticket for the next day, ugh. That was not a good time to be me, but I did get her to her family.

Dreams were high speed military last night. Good ones, new unit, in some great division and I was coming in as a Command Sergeant Major, going to the field on day one, zeroing and qualifying with my rifle and pistol (yeah, I know CSMs normally don't carry a rifle - but I always did except for parades). Back to the unit and see other old NCOs I knew from otherwheres and standing an NCO Retreat ceremony. Nice solid satisfying dream of military perfection. It was never that good, but I can dream can't I?

The wargaming on facebook is annoying, they always want me to ask my friends (the few I have are already my allies). The game wants me to do what it thinks I need to do, at its schedule and won't allow me to attack the next Evil Doer until I complete some lame task. The current one is to speed up the military units in my allies' Empires - which only pays fifty coins - I make much more money by being staff in most of their administration centers - daily! Ah, it is okay, I am almost as high an operative as Steele (the Game model of player perfection) and have a pretty cool Empire (Earl's Protectorate). I don't seem to be in the game to buy my way to power (?), to do so much better than the other players (although I love to patrol the game and find I can help my allies fight off invaders (other players) and the Evil Doers of Raven. Although the game has Tactical Nukes and Never (Nerve) Agent - I don't think much of those weapons, so I won't buy nor store nor use them. Since it thinks you are supposed to invade your allies and get good stuff from that activity I figure it was put together by other than Amish - probably some Leftist National Socialist Improved Citizen Coalition. Ah, it is free and does await my return to play in their digital sandbox.

Most vulnerable during transition...

If you were a small unit leader about to spring an attack on an enemy unit, you would wait until they were in transition. The time between stationary and in motion, there they are in camp, there they are in the march -- and you want to catch them in between the two -- and hit them hard, fast and leave confusion in your wake. The leaders will want more information about the attack, the troops will want leaders telling them which way to go or shoot, and calling in support fires... if you timed it right they don't really have leaders and only the unit's training in immediate action will save them. How many times do you practice handling the unexpected? the remotely possible? the completely unlikely? Basic self defense issues, home security, night on the town, hurricane and tornado? Terrorist attacks. The best most of us do seems to be first aid training. I had a friend that was with the 1st Cav in Vietnam. When he finished that tour he took all the first aid training he could, before he went back to become a CavSandwich (1st Cav patch on both shoulders) on a second tour.

I am suffering patiently my wife's getting ready to travel to the Republic of Korea (Dae Han Min Guk) and spend September with her family and old friends. She went more shopping yesterday, packed the bags twice (that means repacked at least once), has given me things to do while she is gone. She has constantly stopped and made sure I will be going to church on Sunday and Wednesday (I will be staying close to the men, and have told her to tell their ladies to stay away from me). I probably won't be answering the telephone, best email me if you need my attention.

Half her preparations have been in trying to clean up the home before the long awaited visit of our son, his wife and the grandson. Which except for two major home fix ups will be the brunt of my cleaning and finding place for stuff. It is going to be just Me against Earl, and we will see which will win. I have to drive her car enough that the battery stays charged, and I do have to keep moving. So if you see an old man walking his heart out there somewhere, think well of him.

It is not the tool that is a problem... just the operator...

Army is proudly announcing they are looking for the M9 pistol replacement. I carried the 1911 and the M9, and have fired both, and I pick the 1911 for my personal sidearm most of the time.

What I do know - is that the US Army will issue the pistol with one magazine, expect the unit to buy three to five magazines as parts so they have spares. I also know that since half the shots on target are considered combat effective (only fifty per centers) that the amount of ammunition, training and practice will be so small, and save lots of dollars (no life saving is ever as precise as the dollar count is).

So I expect that the new SUPER POWER pistol will be what ever they decide to buy. And no matter what the faults, and there will be some, the COMMANd will say there isn't a problem, or that testing hasn't shown that is an issue. Isn't it great that they have such a perfect rifle that changing combat zones means bringing M14s out of storage? Must be a committee in charge.

Missing in action... or is that missing w/o action...

Seems I haven't posted for a few days. Have been preparing for my wife's trip to Korea to visit her family. The telephone calls to there are getting longer as she gets closer to going - nothing to talk about when she gets there, I guess. She cleaned out all her drawers this afternoon when she got back from the deacon's meeting.

I had jumped on my Trusty Triumph and rode through the foothills to Rainier, Washington (the town of) and fueled up while there. It is a beautiful day for those type of things, lots of other folks enjoying the day, in cages and on two wheels. I had one of those strange three wheelers following me a bit, his leans had none of the thrill that mine have. Well, I have dropped mine, and his would take a real effort to spill - although I know some young fools out there would try (if someone else would buy the ride for them). On the way back I thought of pulling into the range on Fort Lewis, and then realized that I would be offending the Commander - since I didn't have the reflective gear on that is the only way the Commander and his soldiers could keep from hitting me on my motorcycle. But then I would have to selective about reading the sign about concealed carry which the State has granted me, but that the Commander and all his soldiers know they don't have to allow... They are sure that those signs will keep crazy people with hidden guns from killing soldiers and supporters on post. I am sure that having permission to carry a firearm concealed is never a defense for shooting anyone - but what do I know? Remembering that I only have to cite a higher authority for all my permissions.

Aren't you glad that you don't have to be struck blind to stop attacking Christians in your life? I was just thinking that knowing God and understanding my relationship with God probably means that I don't have to worry about blindness, conversion and name change and a life of travel, prisons and letter writing. Time is getting short, the Mainstream Media is off for the next BIG THING, to sell advertising space and support fear in the world. I do know it can be the prettiest day, the best weather, the happiest time of one's life and still be the last day of one's Earthly existence. Tomorrow I will try to get back into the jog around the block, or at least find a nice long walk if that is all I am allowed. Always being thankful for all that I receive, it isn't much but it will all be mine, and I do better when I share.

When a dream wakes you up.. go back to sleep...

If you can. I couldn't. Dream was of after Christmas, holiday period in far away Pennsylvania and my family and I still holding on to that glow and feasting and we have company at the door. It is the First Lady and her two daughters (a bit younger than they are in real life - dreams, you know) and the President (yes, Obama) comes in a bit upset that I hadn't finished the Christmas cards. He was there to help me, since after the party someone had mentioned that I had a pile of them that I hadn't sent out. We went upstairs to the den(?) and sure enough the pile of cards was there, but I knew they were the extras. I said Good morning to my mother and asked how she was feeling and decided to wake up.

Well, I don't mind doing dreams where I meet old girl friends, imaginary or real. I don't mind the military dreams which ever way they go, but meeting sitting Presidents (you know he isn't as tall in person). No, that was very strange.

It is the economy, or is it lack of a moral purpose?

I busted out of the house today, and went shopping. Shock! I know how much Gold is going for, but COFFEE? I can live without gold, but COFFEE? it made steak look cheap. I bought lots of old fashioned oatmeal. My wife has been preparing the house for her absence, I will make it, there is a 'to do, too' list.

Just noticing that Libya is no longer under the Italians nor the old man, G/K/Q-ah+ daffy. The flow of money out of America (that our government doesn't have) continues. We are going to help stabilize the region (why?) Somalia needs help much more (but we aren't welcome there). I think it is time for NATO to be disbanded. It isn't an alternative to America going alone, and I like the other soldiers from the other NATO nations - as opposed to Obama, I have actually worked and lived around them, competed and trained with them. But isn't it time that we gave Europe its independence from the American Shield? Especially since I don't think they will jump into our future struggles against China.

Well, time for me to go back to being a slug, a Wuss and an old, old man. Games aren't better than the people that design them. Social networks aren't really social for reclusive fellas.

She couldn't sleep last night....

Terrible dreams woke her, and she got up and prayed long and hard, then watched videos the rest of the night. I don't get to find out how terrible they were - nor about what. She wouldn't want to be in prophecy, and she won't support anything she doesn't want to happen. I had best watch myself on the motorcycle and the jogging jaunt.

They had an Appleseed in Castle Rock, WA this last weekend. I didn't go except in spirit. Exciting news last month they had an Appleseed in Alaska and a storytelling time, and they have finally had an Appleseed in Hawaii. So something is moving in the proper direction, honoring the Heritage of self reliant folks, concerned communities and familiar with the proper use of their firearms. The Revolutionary War Veterans Association only teaches Rifle Marksmanship to 4 minutes of angle, out to five hundred yards (although shooting that far doesn't happen with them that much) and they tell the History of April 19th, 1775 (the three strikes of the match, and dangerous old men). Great organization, teaching safe marksmanship and trying to get more people bailing to save a sinking ship called America (doesn't seem to sail as proudly as it did before? values?). I no longer can help, they do need volunteers for everything, and if you aren't as good a shot as you want to be, I do highly recommend them. The military marksmanship units and the CMP folks are tougher and train harder - but there aren't enough positions so a little more grass roots is called for -- step on up.

I still shoot, and will help as I can, but it does take a lot to work the lines correctly. I guess letter writing is where I am going, get some support in schools and government for good shooting ranges and such. I have given up on the fight for the Second Amendment of the Constitution, actually I have pretty much given up on the Constitution of the United States and don't feel the need for reading the one of the state I reside and vote in. Nope, I am going to work on submitting to a Higher Authority. I know, that God is good, and the Bible has all of the rules I need to obey and the goal is to get out of this life in much better shape than I lived large dark sections of it. It won't get me rich, lots of stuff, it won't be HOT, it won't be the life that everyone sits around the table telling tales about. But I would want God to tell me someday that "You didn't disappoint" and that everyone would not hide, cringe or run away when they found I was on the way.

So why are you waiting... nothing is going to change...

I am afraid that the Government is not God. Really, I am sure of the difference - so if I want a job I go get one, even after enlisting in the Army I went to get the jobs I wanted to do, and when I got them I often couldn't get released to do them, because suddenly I had worth. I am not waiting for God nor the President to find me employment, to start my business or to underwrite my success or failure. I graduated from a school system that had no problems preparing children for college, work or success -- and there wasn't a Department of Education then.

I have started off far from where my mind started. I know that God has no problem with my carrying a firearm, a knife, or other tools. God has no problem with my hiding it under my clothing, or wearing it open on my belt. God has already given me instructions for what I can never do and I know what they are. God wants my obedience, always, and gives me love no matter how little I deserve it. Really, God is not Government.

President Obama is not responsible for America's current crisis, I am. If my life is wrong I am the one that has to pick the correct course and start in that direction and carry through. No matter what the elected many times professional politicians will tell you in Washington, DC. The TEA Party is not responsible for the gridlock - there were enough Republicans and Democrats that aren't answering the TEA Party adgenda - they could have done all their business as normal, and the TEA Party Patriots would have reported and marched upon the problem. The Congresspersons and Bureaucrats have decided that if all else fails they will have to attack that terrible Military retirement system, or some other Defense items. Yep, they aren't really going to scare people that were willing to charge enemy machine guns, sail over stormy seas and fly higher than man was ever supposed to without angelic wings. The military is very accustomed to the POWERS THAT BE (too important to fail) wining and dining in high society while we dug holes and filled sand bags, burned human waste and withstood rocket attacks - being used and abused by politicians and media is part of the danger and the storytelling. Every once in a long time we have a leader that we will follow, but mostly we are sent to do the impossible and then get lauded or forgotten quickly when we return. Yeah, you can cut your promises, your military understands, the people buying your bonds might not.

Just thought I would mention, not that anyone would ask, I would serve again in the Armed Forces at my advanced age. I would serve for the same reasons I did when I was young and very innocent. To protect those that I love, to protect what I love, and to hold to high moral values and serve God even better than I serve my country.

So how is your economy? really?

I was doing a bit of nothing good yesterday and decided to check the part time employment offers. And one jumped out at me and I wanted it. So I took a shower, dressed and packed some heat and went to the local Work Source shoppe. Now I don't know that it is a State government agency, but it could be. I was just told by the ad that I had to go there or apply online for certification that I met the requirements. I seem to have satisfied the lady I saw, she covered the other applicants' information on her computer screen so I wouldn't know who they were. Still she handed me the information that in the end, I still had to apply online and then send an email to someone reporting that I had applied.

Now my neat little computer cave looks like something tore through it, I had to do some digging to get to my job application materials (mainly the information of what have you been doing the last many years). Something to look forward to organizing later. My son sent a bunch of books for my collection of military adventures and such, won't have to go to the library for a bit. That will be part of the reorganization.

My wife handed me her homework assignment - actually she has to describe a play activity for her charges, what it is designed to do, how it is implemented and achieved. Unlike elected officials she has to have a paper product to turn in on time, under budget. She uses the able assistance of her husband to get typed pages, but the whole thing is laid out already with pictures of the children engaging in the activity of Fill and Dump (No, girls can play with dump trucks, too, Little Johnny).

Should I go jog first or do the typing? Ah, should I stand here considering what I should do - there is a reason procrastination is my highest skill or would be if I got around to practicing it more. I left the water on the grass all night last night, forgot to go out and turn it off. Water is cheap here, cheaper than green spray paint anyway. I was a bit disturbed by a political reporter and some folks with answers to her questions. About three of them were very happy they didn't have or weren't going to have children because of how much debt the government was passing on. Just don't pay it, folks.

Computer calls for lower credit costs....

just send money, I have no time to listen to computer calls, I hardly answer the telephone for real people.

Had a pretty good day yesterday, didn't get the dry fire and the exercises done but the jog was great. One hour, one minute and fifty-seven seconds and most of it (51m12s) was in the Heart Rate Zone!

I also helped the economy, wrote eight checks, seven to businesses and one to the Department of Licensing, stimulate the economy, keep stirring it some thing will come up.

I had a great email with pictures from my daughter-in-law. And a telephone call from my son and got to speak to my grandson - they do grow up faster than you realize.

Went to bed after a glass of wine with my wife, thanking the Lord for all my blessings, got to know what has value.

It isn't all over...

Sure enough, there are enough Americans that believe they make a difference, they are canning this Summer, they are working, raising a family, praising God and knowing that whatever is happening on radio and television - they will be well.

I know that the Media is saying the same gloomy things that the Government is saying, I have been listening. It is more fun to play silly computer games and re-read old heroic sci-fi, or Westerns. Ever read the Border Trilogy by Cormac McCarthy? Governor Perry is in the race, now. He points to Texas business growth while the country closed shops everywhere. How would that happen? I don't expect the politicians to speak the truth, except Ron Paul. So I listen to talk around the show rooms and places I frequent, where America is a good thing.

It is possible that the media and the government don't have our best interests at heart. It is possible that the education systems have prevented logical thought and expression of truth instead of values... could be that those that don't dwell in the world of Modern Man, tethered by electronic chains, have time to be people, and remember that love only warms you when passed on to others. Y'all take care out there, God loves us all, and we can just keep wondering about the why.

So much to be thankful for...

My niece is doing fine on her mission trip to Togo, it is Friday, and my motorcycle - the Trusty Triumph is back home. I have been riding around trying to remember how to do that and smiling, smiling and smiling. The biggest smiles come on the deepest leans and roll on outs. The day is made for riding, but you know that, you were out weren't you? I was flashing and flinging the two finger down at all of you.

I washed it once, but it will take a deep cleaning, and I have to repack the Caravan to get space in the garage for the bike, it is too close to my wife's parking now. Every once in a while I get the message that her life would be perfect if my foot print in the home were much smaller. But I am such a big guy, she will miss me when I am gone.

Looking over old yearbooks and baby books...

Now I am sure I am really old. Checking my memories while leafing through my baby book. My mother wanted to record it all. The original hospital Birth Certificate - I was "Baby Boy Dungey" at about 6:45 AM, foot print and my mother's right thumb print. From there the paper trail of Earl began. She has a list of the words I spoke by one and a half. First word was 'bye bye'. And I was gone.

In 1954 I entered school at Elm Road School in Warren, Ohio. Was there from 7 September to 5 November when we moved to West Mifflin (Pennsylvania), and I went to Lebanon School (got misoriented going home that day) . First report card said I work well in groups, best subjects Reading and Art. Mother noted I was in the top seven of my class and bothered my teacher because I talk so much. Noted in 1963, still talks too much.

She recorded gifts I received on Christmas for eleven years, the number of Cowboy suits, play guns and toy sets were amazing. 1954 Castle with Knights (Robin Hood or King Arthur?) 1956 the Rin Tin Tin Fort Apache set 1958 I got a Survival Rifle (AR7 by Henry today) it was a plastic toy when I had it, but so cool.

There are lots of Bible School Certificates, Birthday party notes from many years - my first boys and girls party was when I was fifteen, a surprise. In the health record were all the baby shots and when given, when I had three day and nine day measles (temporary hearing loss? no one told me) and chicken pox. Then in April 1966 first motorcycle accident, and then February 1967 second motorcycle accident (near Vero Beach, Florida).

The record of growth is interesting to me, born 8 pounds 11 1/2 oz. length 21 inches, chest is 14 1/2 inches, and the head (= glad you asked) circumference was 15 inches. By six and first grade I was 47 3/4 inches tall, and 48 3/4 pounds. Yeah, I wasn't fat then. Everyone seemed to have a very nice style of penmanship, easy to read. Those were the days?

RSVP

I am sending my regrets, I was hoping to motorcycle up to the Reunion, but my Trusty Triumph is in the shop getting repaired and serviced. Last year I rode around 9101.2 miles visiting friends and family. This year on my return trip from Chicago area I had weather and chain problems in Rapid City, South Dakota. Not everything goes according to plan.
I hope you all have a great time and catch up on what has happened since. I did like the last reunion and if all goes well, I hope to be at another one. Happy 45th!



One semester at the University of Miami, in Coral Gables. Twenty-seven years, five months and one day in the United States Army. There I trained in Infantry, worked in Artillery, spent lots of time overseas, Korea, Vietnam, Germany, Panama, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, went from Private to Command Sergeant Major, became a paratrooper and then a Master Parachutist/Jump Master. Was in combat in Vietnam and Gulf War, and worked with the German Army, the French Army and Foreign Legion and the Korean Army. I retired from that in 1994. I graduated from the University College of the University of Maryland in Europe in 1982, BA History and again in 1989 in Asia with another BA in Asian Studies. Worked for twelve years for the Washington State Library, in the Institutional Library Services. Mainly at McNeil Island Corrections Center. Working with the inmate patrons was rewarding, working for State government not so much, but when I turn sixty-five I will retire from the State also. Budget cuts closed the prison and my job.

I have been working for the last three years with the Revolutionary War Veterans Association and Project Appleseed, teaching marksmanship and honoring the heritage of April 19, 1775. All volunteer, all good.

I am married, one son, one grandson and looking forward to the future with high hopes and faith in the goodness of men everywhere. Do take care out there.

Tired of media, hype and political stupidity...

We will suffer for our poor representation in the Federal government, they all only represent us - none of them are Royalty, noble (except by accident or unsung honors). All of them are in service to the Nation, the military understands that but so many others have no idea. Even if we elect them, they may not lead where we should go, want to go, and when threats and blame and more regulations show up to help us into the slaughter house - that remains our fault.

So, the television will remain off (in English), I will enjoy the Summer I have left, I will jog gently and pray for those I know need God's blessings, that I don't know need God's blessings and those that serve the Lord with joy. For my political rant of today, I give you the Star Spangled Banner - all four verses, if you had time you should read them. This is one of those WAR-like songs so objectionable (Jane Fonda/Ted Turner?) as our National Anthem. But this entire song says more about my thoughts of service, in my own life and many I served with. Tell them to sing it like they mean it, all four verses would be nice...

With regrets, I cannot attend, but miss y'all anyway...

My forty-fifth anniversary of graduating Ligonier Valley High School (1966) is upon me and I cannot go. The President threatened my retirements and Social Security and the Markets are down and it is no time to sell, and I don't like TSA looking at my fat naked body. I also like carrying my own firearm, I like my home and I was at the dinner five years ago and found everyone older than I remembered them, but just as nice as they have always been.

Very quiet, not so hot here...

The normal 75 degree and cloudy day surrounds me. I have the television off, so I am very alone and afraid of all that waits outside my door. Crime, drugs, government helpers that want to change a life time of habits that have kept me this long. My wife left early for church and work. I have a lot of things to get done, and no reason to start on any of them. I feel like a vegetable, but already noticed I have a heart rate and blood pressure so I only THINK I feel like a vegetable. Let me go become a virtual person, is there a reason why one would need to cheat at a game that has no more reason than pushing off impending doom?

TEOTWAWKI

The end of the world as we know it. The bug out bag. What are you going to do if...

Idle speculation, but Be Prepared is still a very good idea.

Some of the best trained, toughest professional military went down to their death, due to one rocket. Something the Taliban have been preaching and teaching for long in the country of Afghanistan, against the British, Russians and now the Americans and NATO forces. They get prayers, they have had mine for some time, their war looks like a bad after thought, of politicians in Capitols far from Kabul. Pray for their enemies, our enemies, too. Really, let the light of the Lord shine gloriously upon them. They need saved, don't we all?

Looking at the big disasters, makes me think that you get what you brought to the party, hang on to it and be flexible, patient and helpful. Think logically, take time to discuss and resolve. Joplin was leveled, not everyone survived but the town hasn't died, they are cleaning up and rebuilding, planning and working for their better future. I have lots of books, and their going to be used for someone's fire in a dark Wintery future - but I did read them and can share what I gathered. I am not as enduring and strong as I once was, in a real End of the World, I will get gathered up and tossed aside. Unless I have something of value, what was that movie about the Jews in the Forest - Defiance, what did they bring, what did they build, how do you survive when forces are seeking to destroy you and the memory of you from the earth?

What is in your bug out bag, what is in your mind, what is your link with the Greatest Power in the Universe? Be of good faith and Trust in the Lord.

We are a people of numbers, just look...

The Stock Market falls, meaning there are more sellers than buyers - as long as it opens there isn't a problem with it falling or rising. But the Main Stream Media will tell you, or bring in experts and tell you what they want you to know.

The government wants you to know it is successful, that the Unemployment figure is lower this month than last! Yeah! One tenth of a percentage point lower. How many jobs is that? And remember that is only based on the unemployment claims - not on how many people aren't working, aren't looking for jobs. It doesn't even count the underground economy - criminals engaged in crimes, people working for payment under the table, cash transactions for favors done and such. More numbers, work them any way you want, to prove your point. Thirty-five percent of the people using this drug lived longer than those using the fake pill...

Today when I went on my jog, I had no heart beat, so I am effectively dead. I don't have a way to measure my brain activity, but if the heart isn't working I should be dead. The time on the jog was 42 minutes and 33 seconds - so I have severe brain damage for lack of circulation and am dead two ways past Friday. So sorry, but then it could be my measuring device is flawed, not my heart. Maybe there are too many flawed measurements in life and government, or my brain is really dead.

They don't all fade away... old soldiers...

General John M. D. Shalikashvili, US Army (Retired), has passed away - he was one of the keepers. I was fortunate enough to serve under him when he was Division Artillery Commander of the 1st Armored Division in Germany. He was not one for looking good, he thought that being ready for war was what it was all about, looking good would come after. He front loaded field tests, so you could see how ready for combat you were, and then work on what you were weak in after. He was always coming into the headquarters and tactical areas, unannounced and without a grand party of folks fawning about him. He would sit quietly in a chair and watch my Operations during the darkness and ask questions if he wondered what the situation was. I asked his driver when he went to sleep - the driver said he slept while they were going to the next position or pulled off the road, and the driver slept when they stopped for visits.

The picture is of Colonel 'Shali' presenting me with the Division Artillery NCO of the Year Certificate of Achievement (1980), the young specialist to my left would be getting the Division Artillery Soldier of the Year Certificate of Achievement. He later became the DivArty Commander's Driver. Okay, the soldier was not from my battalion, but I had been his Drill Sergeant in Fort Sill, Oklahoma for One Station Unit training (1977) - which was from wanna-be to qualified Cannoneer. About eleven weeks he was in my platoon and care. The world isn't as big as we think it is somehow.

General Shalikashvili retired to the Great NorthWest and suffered a stroke which he was working through. I knew President Clinton knew nothing when he pulled General Shalikashvili back from NATO Commander to be the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Which I think was what he was told by his choice, but a soldier serves where needed, I am sure he was good for the Washington, DC groups. He will be going to Arlington National Cemetery and the Patriot Guard Riders will be holding a flag line.

Must be getting time for that last round-up

I don't know if you remember me but I was a brand new IIT0 at the Appleseed in St Augustine Florida on July 10 & 11, 2010 where you worked as a Red Hat. Your guidance and instruction have remained with me over this past year and helped me to perserve in my journey up the ranks of IIT. I will be forever gratefull to you as you helped me start on this journey.

Again I just wanted to say thank you and let you know that I never work an Appleseed without remembering all the guidance and direction that you gave me at my first event as an IIT.

It has been an honor to have done so little for making good people better prepared to replace me, but don't you love it when they mention you in dispatches. Hope the Lord holds me in such high regard. Thank you, World, you have been so good putting up with my being. I appreciate it.

Did get a call from my son, wonders if I can get him to a range with some rifles and pistols and help him shoot better. Sure, it would be my pleasure, but I am not taking skate boarding lessons in exchange.

Trusty Triumph still broke but I am not... too much...

The weekend wiped me out, for many reasons but still it was worth a bit of pain and older being. So I got a slower and gentler start on Monday, and that wasn't a bad thing. I did have to go jog, didn't take the hand weights. Said hello to a neighbor lady that told me to run for her, which is to make me chuckle. I jogged on, a little longer route but I was not pushing, I was just along for the ride and if I slowed down I didn't want to know, I was on the road and happy. Such a beautiful day for it. As I came down my last stretch before the home one an older gentleman in one of those powered chairs was going to his mailbox, I must have looked bad, because he hollered that his motor was stronger than mine, and I chuckled and said that mine was self (powered was unsaid). I love being in a country where there are options for those that can't get around, having been in countries where they sit in carts on the ground and push with whatever is left of their arm or legs to move. Well I finished the jog, and it took me an hour and six minutes and thirty seconds.

Today I felt much better and I picked up the hand weights (only 3.5 pounds total) and hit the road harder and faster. I was going to do the shorter route, but the day was so beautiful that I decided to do the exact same route I did yesterday - as long as I didn't break down it would be great. So as I ran I thought, this is exactly like the worker or businessman, loaded down with weight (Taxes!) so they can cover the lack of ability of others. It doesn't work for the seventy year old lady - her heart isn't stronger because I run with weights, it doesn't power that older Vets chair to get him to the mailbox. It doesn't even make my run better balanced nor healthier for myself. If I was working on getting sexy the extra weight wouldn't do it. Total time on the jog, 58 minutes and 42 seconds.

In the Zone yesterday 2 minutes 4 seconds, today 41 minutes 8 seconds. Total calorie burn yesterday 645, today 897. Still didn't do anything for the lady or the old vet.

People sent me an article about taxes, and others try to tell me about taxes. In the end you should remember that "In God we Trust" and then remember that government is not god (even with a little 'g'). And not everything can be fixed, improved nor eliminated. Surest cure for drug or alcohol addiction is death, or the addict's decision to stop. Most other things don't work. Does that mean tough love is better than casting one's bread upon the water? Don't know, do know that I thank God that I can jog, joyously. I don't thank the government, they have so little to do with it.

Re-Creation

I spent the weekend at an Appleseed, seems I was wanted to cause tears and get hugged (big harmless teddy bear - me?), or I was an unpaid photogenic challenge. Don't worry, I had a wonderful time, met great people, had fun talking to kids and adults and watching the shooting and story telling. The two long drives weren't good for me, the two nights of solid sleep were. Don't drive into the setting Sun, stop and take a nap while the world turns to darkerness, I almost found those vehicles in front of the eighteen wheeler.

More people should do Appleseeds, at least once - not the real Gun Crowd, but the little people in fly over country everywhere. Marksmanship is an enriching experience, doing it with bows and butts in Merry Ol'England or rifles on the range in America, from the Frontier into the Future. You cannot beat the price of admission and you will learn how to improve your ability with the rifle you brought. You will also hear the stories of the History of April 19th, 1775, which is a why America, what went wrong and what was wrought right.

I was particularly invited because I seem to have mentored many of the instructors at this shoot somewhere on their Appleseed trail, and one of the birthday ladies wanted to get her red hat from Earl that had kind of encouraged her. There were two ladies that shared a birthday, and they were both named "Heather". So we got to sing a famous song and we got CAKE! Thank you to the ladies that helped provide it. It speaks well of America, no matter what they are doing in Washington DC and the media - that there are solid wives/mothers that take such good care of everyone around them, and they really shoot straight.





The prettiest girl prize went to the young lady with pierced ears and the Appleseed Striped Tree Frog in a drink cup. The ugliest Guy was yours truly, but I work hard on that, have to have something to be good at.