It is almost here.

 Only a few days to get those last minutes gifts for family and friends. Amazon may be your best bet, since so many things are in metal boxes off the LA docks on ships. But, you will manage. I buy my limited amount of gifts as soon as I hear Nancy say, "Oh, I like that." Nancy does the rest of the shopping for Christmas because everyone (mainly the grandkids) tell her what they want. And that always caused me to wonder. If Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus, then why do we get gifts for each other? Shouldn't we be get gifts for Jesus? After all, it is his birthday. But the greatest gift you could give Jesus is love and praise for him. 

Our Christmas, as we know it today started with the three wise men who traveled to see baby Jesus. They bought gifts for the New King of Jews and of the World. Over the milleniums, that story has being translated, twisted and retold in many, many languages. To Christians, most of us believe the story from the Bible. 

A few years ago when Nancy and I were in some of the old 'Iron Curtain' countries, we were taken to ,supposedly, where Saint Nicholas was buried. I thought, we had been to another country and they said he was buried there too. But it doesn't really matter.

Nicholas was a real man who lived in Eastern Europe and felt he could bring joy to kids with small gifts during the coldest and darkest months of the year. The idea grew and spread around the world. Later, Nicholas was canonized as a saint by the Catholic church and eventually merged into the celebration with Christmas, due to those three Wise Men bringing gifts.

To me, Christmas is a time of celebrating the born of Jesus and my commitment to him. So my gifts, not only to Nancy, but the those who can not buy gifts for their kids or other loved ones, but to give to those less fortunate than us. It feel SO much better than getting socks or a tie (which I never wear anyway, and sometimes socks).

These Covid times are hard on everyone. To see someone down on their luck, faces lighting-up, smiling and thanking you for your kind effort, makes my heart soar. I ask my family to not buy me gifts, but rather to donate that money to a truly worthy charity instead.

Christmas should be a time of joy, celebration and praise. Gifts are just a fringe benefit of the season. 

Nancy and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you ALL a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a healthy and prosperous New Year from Nancy and I. May Jesus be with you and yours, and in your hearts. Now, spread that joy to others.Take care and stay safe. See the next edition after year's end.

Christmas ... What does it mean to other people

 First, I want to say to the people who were caught in the tornadoes in the Midwest, you are in our thoughts and prayers for going through the devastating power of Mother Nature. I understand the grief you must feel for the lives lost. Try to stay strong.

In these times of uncertainty, many people feel lost due to natural disasters, ongoing inflation from gas to groceries, school shootings and social media misinformation spreading like a fire. But the thought of a brighter and happier time is coming. Yes, I mean Christmas.

Christmas means and is celebrated differently to people in different countries.Christmas is a religious holiday and for some countries it is not celebrated at all. In Europe, the Christmas season starts December 1st. In the Netherlands, (Holland) Saint Nicolas comes to good children on the 5th of December, and Christmas is celebrated on the 25th and the 26th.

The story of Scrooge was always mine personal favorite tale. How he was turned from a non-believer into a believer. But there is one that warms your soul and exhibits hope in the grim times. It took place in Europe during WWI. Here is the story told to writers from the last surviving soldiers of that time.

"The Christmas Truce has become one of the most famous and mythologised events of the First World War. But what was the real story behind the truce? Why did it happen and did British and German soldiers really play football in no-man's land?

Late on Christmas Eve 1914, men of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) heard German troops in the trenches opposite them singing carols and patriotic songs and saw lanterns and small fir trees along their trenches. Messages began to be shouted between the trenches.

The following day, British and German soldiers met in no man's land and exchanged gifts, took photographs and some played impromptu games of football. They also buried casualties and repaired trenches and dugouts. After Boxing Day, meetings in no man's land dwindled out.

The truce was not observed everywhere along the Western Front. Elsewhere the fighting continued and casualties did occur on Christmas Day. Some officers were unhappy at the truce and worried that it would undermine fighting spirit.

After 1914, the High Commands on both sides tried to prevent any truces on a similar scale happening again. Despite this, there were some isolated incidents of soldiers holding brief truces later in the war, and not only at Christmas.

In what was known as the 'Live and Let Live' system, in quiet sectors of the front line, brief pauses in the hostilities were sometimes tacitly agreed, allowing both sides to repair their trenches or gather their dead."

During the upcoming Christmas (and all year long), we must all forgive, be trusting, help those that can not help themselves, and remember 'WE ARE ALL PART OF THE SAME RACE', the Human Race.

I know Christmas is several days away, but you can start now. Reach out to cheer someone's Christmas. It does not take much. Maybe just saying Merry Christmas to someone you don't know. Try it. Take care, stay safe and Merry Christmas.

 

Happy Birthday Tina from Dad

Yesterday evening, Nancy and I hosted a party (of about 20 people) to celebrate our daughter's 50th birthday. Her actual birthday was a few days before, but with everyone's busy schedules, this worked out to be good for everyone. It was too bad our late son could be there to harass Tina as he did as children. I really think she misses that sometimes.

We invited her best friends, both professionally and personal, which included her very best friend since the 8th grade, and we call our adopted daughter, Keri. Keri has been the best friend anyone would ever want. She jumped at the opportunity to help decorate and get the most amazing cake for Tina. The bottom layer was Cannoli Chocolate and the top layer was German Chocolate, all covered with butter icing. Just enough to make my teeth hurt.

Keri was smiling from ear to ear when she saw the joy of everything on Tina's face. There were no black roses or cane jokes or aging remakes, just happy greetings and too much food. Oh yeah, and cake. Delicious cake. Two levels of decadence and yummy icing with edible flowers and what looked like aluminum foil pieces. But I am letting my taste buds take over.

Short stories began to flow about Tina from friends and family. Nothing bad. Just good funny and heartwarming tales. About her youth, high school days, college days and her professional as an Ob-Gyn doctor. John and Tina talked about shoving cake into each others mouth at their wedding, so Keri fed Tina the first piece of the cake as John watched and wanted so bad to repeat history.

It was a great night chatting, laughing, joking and reminiscing about old times. I realize how blessed Nancy and I are to have such great children, family, and friends who are TRUE friends.

Thank you to everyone who came, and thank you reading my blog about our family and my sometimes weird observations. God bless you all and take care.

Advice for living

 Every Sunday, I sit at my computer and think of something to write on my blog (since we're not traveling much lately). Hopefully it would cause others to maybe stop to ponder, or smile, or even frown about the topic. Well, the other day, as I sat here, again, looking for parts for my latest car project. I was browsing 'YouTube' to get some instruction on how to do something on the truck, when I came across some very wise words. Let me share them with you.

There were 49 rules to live by from a 91 year old man (unknown). I thought 49 would be too boring for you, so I cut them down to 10 rules (what I thought) were the most appropriate and important ones.

1- Life is not fair, but it's still good.

2- When in doubt, take small steps.

3- Life is too short not to enjoy it.

4- Don't buy stuff you don't need.

5- Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

6- It's OK to get angry with God, he can take it.

7- When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

8- Make peace with the past so it does not screw up the future.

9- If a relationship is a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

10- Whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.

And I am adding this, "Fortune favors the brave, because doubt will make you stumble and fail."  

Thank you to that 91 year old gentleman for passing alone his wisdom. Take care.

What are you thankful for?

 I started a tradition at the Thanksgiving dinner table. Going around the table, I asked each person say what they are thankful for. It is interesting to hear and watch their faces as they express their thankfulness for one or several things.

Thanksgiving was started as a celebration for harvest time and good crops. In 1621 (as the history writes) a gathering of the Plymouth colonists and the 'Wampanoag' people (native Americans in the area) feasted on deer, duck and geese. Thanksgiving did not become an official holiday until Lincoln's presidency in the 1860s. The turkey was eaten because it was big and did not produce eggs, like chickens, or beef from milk producing cows. Turkeys were so big, plentiful and it could feed an whole family. OK, enough of history.

As most holidays have evolved, they have become centered around food because it is a common thing for families to seat around the table and, not only eat, but to hopefully talk. Which sometimes escapes us in our busy lives. In our house, not only family is at our table, but friends, neighbors, co-workers and anyone that may not have a close-by family to join with. We do not want them to spend their Thanksgiving in a Denny's alone.

But giving thanks for something or things you cherish is a must. A lot of people give thanks for their family and friends. That's great. I give thanks for many things. Good health, a vaccine for Covid, my career in the fire service, my God, my wife, my family and dear friends, our freedom, our soldiers in harm's way, just to mention a few. But I give thanks ALL year long. Every birthday I have gives me more time to enjoy and cherish the things I love most.

Thanksgiving Day is not celebrated in all countries, it's mainly an American holiday, but there are other forms of thanksgiving in their own cultures like ours. The idea is to just give thanks and celebrate and cherish those things you have.

Sometimes the world may feel dark and divided, but if you really look around, you will realize we have a lot to be thankful for that other countries do not. Bare essentials like food, clean water, and shelter. It may hard to for you to imagine drinking water out of a dirty river and feeling hungry all the time, or living under a cardboard roof. We are VERY fortunate.

So on Thursday as you gather for that big feast, before you eat, ask the attendees to say what they are thankful of ... and then talk, tell a joke or blow a kiss to your spouse across the table and be thankful for this gathering of people you love. Happy Thanksgiving!

Grieving

 Recently, my family loss a beloved member and a cousin to me. That news of his passing brought back memories of 6 years ago when Nancy and I loss our oldest son. But even more so, a huge loss to his wife and daughter. I believe they are still struggling with their grief and trying to fill that hole in their lives.

To me, there is nothing fun about going to a funeral, whether you know the person or not. I think I would rather get teeth pulled than to go to a funeral.  And even if you don't know the person, I feel I should still grieve for them. Over the years, I have gone to TOO many funerals for friends, relatives, co-workers, so that I could somehow support the family. 

Experts say there are 7 levels of grief, but I disagree. I feel only one and that is PAIN. If I cut myself, the pain will eventually go away. But the death of a loved one will never go away. The pain will somewhat decrease over time, but the hurt is still there. But like a cut, you will always have a scar. The trick is to not hide the scar with more scars, but to become stronger from it. Even after many years of losing my parents, I still feel I should call them and just say "Hi'. I may not call them, but when I am alone in the car, I may talk to them. It looks like I am talking on my hands-free phone, and no one knows, until now.

I saw a show this morning where a man hung an old rotary dial phone on a tree in a beautiful forest so people could make a call to their passed relatives, friend or someone that no longer alive. People say it actually helps with their grief. Maybe calling an old answering machine to hear their loved one's voice, or seeing a video of them, or smelling a piece of clothing, brings back a feeling of loving memories you have.

To me, I want to remember that person as they were before the disease, or illness, or tragedy took them away. Laughing, smiling, hugging you, kidding around, and all the good things that were the essence of that person.

The person you love is not gone. Maybe in the physical sense, but they will ALWAYS be in your heart and in your memories. Cherish that as you cherish your living loved ones. Take care.

What "Pops your cork?"

There are a few things that really get under my skin. I am sure you all have some too. Most (and maybe all) are created by ourselves. I really hate to complain, but these things are ridiculous.

Number 7 - People who have no for dead, especially family members. They make jokes about the decented at the funeral. They may do weird things to the body like put a funny hat on them, or fix their middle finger in an obscene way, or take a stupid photo with them. Be respectful folks.

6 - People who brag on themselves to make them feel a bigger person. I think that is because they very insecure or trying to impress someone. To those people... It makes you look like an ASS!

5 - People who do not abide traffic laws. Ok, I've amit I have sped from time to time, but crossing four lanes of traffic because you want to get in front of a semi-truck on an off ramp, REALLY? You not only endangering your life, but other people around you.

4 - Facebook suggestions. If I want to find someone or a group, I'll look it up.

3,2,1 - These are something that really cost all of us money. Pharmaceutical, Injury attorney and Insurance commercials. I realize TV Networks and local channels need to sell advertisement time to pay for the air time, but these commercials really do cost each of us. If a pharmaceutical company advertises on TV, radio, or whatever, and a patient requests their doctor for a prescription for that drug (even if the doctor does not frees it is needed) the insurance company pays for it, which in turn hands that added payment to our premiums. Most doctors will write the prescription. Doctors know what prescription you need (in most cases), so you don't have to tell them, just discuss what he/she prescribes.

Have you EVER heard of an Insurance company going bankrupt? I have not. Seldom, they always get money back for claims by getting higher premiums somewhere else. If it is a car accident claim, your home insurance goes up etc. AND they control costs and claims on THEIR OWN! Not an independent company. And some insurance companies own pharmaceutical companies, so they control drug prices too.

Finally, Accident attorney commercials. I don't know about where you live but here in Arizona, there are 14 accident attorneys for every divorce or Social Security attorney, and they all advertise. At $250 or more an hour, I guess they need more clients. I also guess we are 'sue-happy' in Arizona. "Don't touch me, I'll get a bruise and I'll sue you."

OK, I am done bitching. Sorry again. I believe my blood pressure has gone down now.

November 11th is Veteran's day. A very special day to me and my family. Since my ancestors landed in the "New World" (USA) in 1750, every male in my Shell heritage, with the exception of one, served in the military. From the Revolutionary War to Viet Nam. That is why I fly the stars and stripes at my home 365 days of the year. If you see a vet, or know of one, tell them, "Thank You". They really appreciate the thought. We all may not always agree with the politics of today or yesterday, but I believe we all believe in our country our forefathers tried the establish. It may not be perfect, but it is better than the alternative.

Finally, you unfortunate people who live someplace other than Arizona, don't forget to turn back the stupid clock, SORRY! We don't do that in Arizona.

Where are all the workers?

 I am sure you have all been told, your order is backordered due the worker shortage, or shipping delays or, (the biggy) Covid restrictions. They can't find people to work? Give me a break! I am sorry but the younger generation needs to realize the world is not obligated to knee down and hand-feed them. And maybe some older generation folks too.

As a young child, for about a year I lived in Alabama with my mother's parents. They lived on a farm and the month of October was harvest time, so I picked cotton, yes, by hand. It was hard, REALLY hard. But that started something inside me, without knowing. I started the figure out, if I work, I make money. I like money thus I must work. At 8 year old I sold newspapers on a corner. At 9 and 10, I delivered Fuller Brush (I just dated myself there) products to homes. At 11 and 12, I delivered the Sunday paper from the back of a station wagon.  I mowed lawns, raked leaves, and when I could drive, I delivered prescriptions and drug store products for a local pharmacy. I had a lot of different jobs as a child. Much like many children at that time. Parents taught us to work hard and better ourselves. I believe parents always wanted us to make our lives better than theirs.

Right now, the country has a shortage of pilots, dock workers, nurses, truck drivers, construction workers, and that list goes on and on. But when it comes to taking the government money, their hands are out.

Being a business owner myself, I hear some of the most ridiculous excuses for people to not accept a job or to quit a good job. Here's just a few.

"I don't have enough cellphone time"  You're WORKING, not talking to the girls!  "The job is too stressful."  Checking in patients? Come on. "There won't be enough gym time for me."  Go to the gym before or after work. "Can I work from home?" That was a car salesperson. I hear one person say, "I quit because I can make more money on unemployment and the stimulus checks." Guess what, the government caught on to that thing. NO MORE STIMULUS CHECKS!

I guess my hard working single Mom instilled in me a heavy work ethic, to work hard, take proud in your work, and make your employer glad they hired you. It use to be, workers stayed in the job for their entire life. Now, the employer would be lucky to have an employee stay in a job for 2 weeks. Even Burger King can't keep employees even start them at $15 an hour. That is probably why you may see a senior citizen in that position. Not necessarily for the money, but to stay busy.

I honestly don't think I could ever stop working. What would I do? Sit around and watch TV? Hell no! I enjoy work, it keeps my brain active, working keeps me moving, and at the end of the day, I can rest and think about what I'll do tomorrow. 

Steve Jobs once said, "Second place is the first loser." I guess if you sat around and let the government checks keep you afloat, you're probably that loser.

I also like what a great singer said, "I've been broke many times, but I have never been poor."  Janis Joplin - 1971

Happy Halloween everyone. I hope this gives all those slackers nightmares. 🎃🎃🎃

Time with Grandchildren

 I think Nancy and I are so blessed to have 7 grandchildren. Four in Phoenix and 3 in Michigan. I love it when they call or stop by (one of them drives over in their parent's UTV) to just talk. Maybe it is because they had a rough day at school, or maybe with their parents, or wanting to fly out to work on a car I am building, or to hang-out with Nancy to learn how to quilt. And when they bring a friend, it is even better. Seems like they like my grilled ham and cheese sandwiches and our snacks, of course. either way, we love it. I want them to think they can discuss ANYTHING with us, without judgement or scolding from us. There are usually questions about our younger days as teens and my military experiences or fire department times. We are very open with them and always will be.

Recently, our oldest (16 soon to be 17 and is already 6'4") grandson and I went to see the latest James Bond movie. I have loved the Bond movies since the first one I saw in 1962 at a theater in downtown Cincinnati as a teenager. I knew then it was staged and things were not really like they portrayed it. This one was no different. But I still like them.

During the movie my grandson would lean over and ask me questions like, "Did you ever shoot anyone in the military?" or  "Didn't you use to ride a motorcycle?" or "Where did you learn to drive and who taught you?  Without disturbing the other movie watchers I'd answer, "NO, YES, MY GRANDFATHER IN ALABAMA ON HIS FARM." I was 14 at the time and he had an old Chevy pickup. It's curious what goes through their minds as they associate movies to real life. And then there are the follow-up questions which can go on for hours. But I love it, I truly do.

Now that they are all 10 years and older, we have sometimes interesting conversations about things that some parents would much rather not discuss, but we do, and we both are very honest and open. Of course their parents are the same since we talked to them at that age the same as we do the grands. We want them to know life is not fair, and it is truly cruel at times. Disappointments, highs and sometimes very low. Nancy and I did not have those discussions with our parents. Unfortunately, we had to learn the hard way. But maybe that made us stronger and wanted to correct that life cycle. And we DO believe in life cycles in families. If a parent is an alcoholic, the chances of the children becoming an alcoholic is higher. You get the picture. 

I have tried to teach our children a few basic rules in life. Obey the 10 Commandments, and in the same frame, place a high respect on God, Country, Family and doing the right thing, whether someone is watching you or not. That came to point a few months ago when at dinner I told them, "I was a Home Depot yesterday and I found a $100 bill on the floor in a deserted aisle, so I took it to the front desk and turned it in."  One of the kids asked, "Why didn't you keep it?" I replied, "It wasn't mine and I didn't earn it." They looked stunned for a while, but got the message.

Lastly, I leave you with these words (which were in the Bond movies 1967 and 2021)  originally written by Jack london in 1916.

"The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them." But added, "To enjoy every minute with my grandchildren every chance I get."

Take care and stay safe.

Who impacted your life?

Recently, Nancy and I flew back to the Cincinnati area to visit relatives and reminisce (somewhat) and reflect on our childhood experiences. Nancy reunited with a lady she babysat when she was a teenager. We both drove around areas we visited while in high school and earlier. We both recalled street names and areas but could not remember where the street ran. Thank God for Google. We REALLY enjoyed seeing family and friends, and seeing how much their children have grown.

 While we visited, old images came back to me of friends, teachers and people in my life that impacted me and who I am today. I always thought of me when I was a baby as an empty jar, and each person I met would deposit a grain (or more) of sand into my personality which created who I am. And then I thought who impacted me the most. It probably starts with your parents, and then maybe friends or other relatives, or maybe teachers, or co-workers. It could a certain author, or a celebrity, or a song that rang so true to you. Songs and smells bring back memories to me.

To me, there are a few people that contributed to who I am. I guess the big ones were my parents, and then a few high school teachers. I was not the best student and seemed to be the principal's office often. Not always my fault, and I am sticking to that story. But there a few teachers who came to my rescue and took an interest in me. They suggested different avenues for me to take so I would be more productive in life. Fast forward to me getting on the fire department. Two people really got me on track. Both had an interest in things I thought the department could do to serve the citizens better. Unfortunately both are gone now and I never had the opportunity to tell them how much I appreciated their help and ears to my crazy ideas.

I can not express my appreciation to those who deposited some sand  (no matter how much or little) into my empty jar of personality over my 75 years.  Thank you.

Make sure you thank your most influential people before you can not. It really does impact you both. Take care and be safe.

Friends

Everyone says, "I have many friends." But I think the my real number of GOOD friends I can count on one hand. Good and true friends are hard to come-by and find. I love and respect all those I call 'Friend', but are they TRUE friends? That depends on who you ask.

My definition of a TRUE friend is one you could call on for help at any time, or place, and they would come to help you. The others I call acquaintances. I have friends, and if they called on me, I'd drop everything and come to help. I do try to help anyone and everyone, because when I need help, I hope they would come too.  And I believe some friends, as I see it, as one that come to help when it's convenient. I get that. We all have life situations that get in the way.  I just don't use that word 'FRIEND' about just anyone I chum-around with. 

I love my friends and my acquaintances. In my lifetime (soon to be 75 years), I believe I have had maybe 3 true friends. A few of what I thought were real friends drop me and Nancy for moving or changing jobs or just don't see them as often as we did before. I DON'T get that.  A couple of those friends truly hurt us deeply, and we never knew why we drifted apart.  I just don't know.

This may one of the touchy articles, but I think some people just don't want to discuss with others. I also believe that losing a friend can hurt as bad as losing a loved one. 

Our daughter has a friend, a TRUE friend, which they have been friends since the 4th grade, more than 40 years. I love that. i hope you all have friends that you can say you have been friends for many, many years. Charish that and honor that relationship. It IS like a marriage, and one the honored.

Next week I will not write a blog because I will be traveling, but I wish you all a have healthy and joyous time. take care and stay safe.

Please comment if you wish, negative or positive.

Children, I love them

 My youngest son told me one time, "You can pick your friends, but you can't pick your family." It is true you get what you are born or adopted in to. 

I believe we learn much of our parenting skills from our parents, and then we make it up as we go along. No matter what Dr. Spock wrote or the Parenting Magazine publishes, there is not real parent handbook. I also believe, whether you have a good relationship with your parents or your children depends on how we each are treated as we grow. Good communication, and I don't mean texting, but sitting down and talking to each other and the most important part, LISTENING to each other. Listening to their dreams and aspirations in life means a hell of a lot to kids. I wish now that I am older and reflect more, that I was more of that 'cookies and milk' type of dad. i think I was too much interested in working and making the almighty buck. I also was a lot like my parents with the hard core approach to discipline and following strict rules of mine.That hurt my relationship with my oldest son, who later in life, he thanked me for being so strict. I was surprised.  

Nancy and I  were married before we got together. She already had two children, Tony and Tina. I had a son, Shawn by my first wife. Shawn lived with his mother and Tony and Tina lived with us. I always told everyone Tony and Tina were my children too. And they always will be, just like Shawn. 

All three grew up to be great parents and solid family people. All three had beautiful children, of which Nancy and I are so blessed to have. Unfortunately we lost Tony a few years ago, and it was very rough on all of us. But we still have his wife and our oldest granddaughter. 

Shawn lives in Michigan with his wife and three children. Tina, her husband and three children live just miles away from us. Tony, Tina and Shawn all grew up as fine family folks and career minded. I am so proud of them all and their spouses and especially the grandchildren. so maybe, just maybe, we did ok as parents back then. My wife more than me, I believe.

I sometimes wished I could have sat down with my father and mother and just talked about what we each wanted from life and what our dreams were. Now that they are gone and we are the seniors of the family, I reflex back to my youth and wish for that relationship. But that chance is gone now. I know we all just want the best for our children. To grow up with the good attitude, good morals, make the right choices, and chase their dreams in life. Sometimes kids need a gentle push, a suggestion or just a an open ear a hug and a smile. It make things feel SO good and SO worth it.

Truth. What do you believe it is?

My parents always taught me to tell the truth, no matter what. I can't say I always did, but most of the time I have. Like the old saying states, "The truth sometime hurts.".  But telling the truth when it counts is important. Should I tell someone their loved one is cheating on them? I really don't want to be that person, even tho I know they need to know.

The bible says to never lie. I get that and as I said sometimes I have sinned by not telling the whole truth or twisting the truth so someone does not get emotionally hurt. We all want to live in the 'good and happy times' (like Mayberry RFD) and everything we hear is true. But I must tell you truthfully, that's a lie.

We believe in what we want to believe, and all else is a lie, until someone convinces us the opposite.  Many beliefs are passed down from our parents, friends and associates. "If my loving parents or good friends believe that, it must be right."  Because your parents voted Democrat or Republican or Libertarian, does that mean you should? Maybe or not? In our country, we are all free and have the right to vote our own mind, not someone else's beliefs.

Many people watch the news daily, and listen to the report for the Left or the Right. Do you believe what is being said is the truth, or a bias view? I think most would say they think it is bias, BUT they watch that channel or report because the channel views things that person believes. Again, we believe what we want to believe.

Let's look at the Covid vaccination theory. We hear scientists and doctors say the Covid vaccination will stop us from getting Covid. Yet millions refuse to get vaccinated because they believe the side effects are worse that Covid. It will change your DNA? There is a microchip being injected? It will cause you to grow horns? I don't want to be told what to do. I don't like needles. And so many more excuses. Yes, some people have died after the vaccination, but they had some sort of underlying medical problems. How can you tell the truth from a lie or twisted truth? DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Investigate the research that has been done for decades before we heard of Covid. The vaccine is not new much like so many others that have been formulated for future viruses and different strains of flu.

How can you tell if someone is lying to you? I personally don't believe everything I hear and sometimes see. I check the facts and listen to the scientists, check multiple sources (on both sides of the fence), check their sources and make my own conclusion. I take what politicians say in consideration and think about it. I take what acquaintances say into consideration and still do my research. I appreciate suggestions, thoughts and views, but make up my own mind. No one knows it all. Obviously not me.

Your opinions, beliefs and thoughts are yours and yours alone. Be that judge in a court that listens to ALL the facts, thinks about it and decides based on  ALL OF THE FACTS. Not hear-say, or what you saw on the news, or what a friend told you. twisted truths, fake news or plain old lies will cause you to pick the wrong choice. Get vaccinated so you don't join the more than 600,000 people in the United States who refused to listen to the facts. 

Lastly, before you make an opinionated statement, check your facts, and you'll look less like a fool and more like a knowledgeable person.

Take care, stay safe and God bless you all.

Remembering

I got into work (my office at the time) at 7 AM. I had asked to make my office at our department's Historic Station 8. The department's oldest and decommissioned station. I only had a few months before I would retire, and before I retired  I want to get out of Administration and finish some things I started years before. The date was September 11th, 2001.

As I made some coffee and listened to the fax, computer power-up and the coffee maker perk, I clicked on the old TV. Some news was on, and I wasn't really listening until I heard, "A plane just flew into the Trade Center in New York City."  I walked to see what was going on and saw the video playing out. I grabbed my cup of coffee and sat down. For the next 2, 3, 4 hours, I sat there glued to the TV. I watched the second tower fall and chalk covered people, in a zombie state, walking down streets kicking up more dust. Firefighters rushing into the scene and Police officers guiding people around, and looking like they don't know what to do.

Days later, I was told our Fire Chief, our Union president and the Executive Assistant Chief were going to New York to help because some of their Fire Chiefs were killed in the tower collapse.  Our FEMA Response Team prepared to leave for New York too. I was like a lame duck since I was months from retirement. I wanted to do something, but what? Then a retiree's wife called me and said, "I just saw a news report saying the firefighters needed dry socks and the search dogs need food." This was due to the hot rubble they were searching on. She asked if Historic Station 8 could be a drop off point for anyone donating socks, dog food, dog booties etc., to be sent to New York. I agreed and sat things into motion by notifying local news and radio channels. I made more phone calls to air transport companies and they jumped at the opportunity to get involved and help. America was coming together as one. It was a great feeling. People donated so much, New York asked us to stop sending stuff. We had so much dog food, it fed the animal shelters for a month afterwards.

In the days and months to follow, the news was saturated with re-play after re-play of the towers being hit, stories about what they did, how they hid from the falling debris and dust. It was to the point of ... nothing else mattered, except constantly reminding us of the tragic event we ALL experienced. Maybe not personally, but via TV, radio or social media. And now we are hit again with those sights and sounds of September 11th on its 20th anniversary.

NO, I WILL NOT FORGET! How can I? It is burned into my brain, and every year we are forced to relive it all over again. Believe me, I will never forget my brother firefighters and police we lost, along with all the other civilians. Nor the ones who died later from diseases caused by their searching the rubble for survivors or body parts. Nor will I forget the Americans coming together to do whatever they could to help heal the rescuers and the city of New York. I'll never forget. It is as hard for me to watch those planes fly into the towers again and again as it is for me to watch Vietnam movies and remember friends I lost there too. I don't want to remember anymore. Forgive me, but I can not forget the loss. Hug your children, friends and relatives. Life is short. God bless you all.

Wars (and/or Police actions)

 Even before this country was a country, we were involved in a war.  My 6X grandfather fought in the Revolutionary War, and all but one of the family tree males following him serving our country proudly, but I HATE WARS! By count, the United States has been involved in 10 wars and/or police actions, including the Revolutionary War. Our country does this because? Oil, greed, power, to stop our enemies or aggressors, probable progression of communism. Who knows for sure. The media and government will tell us their reasons and maybe we'll believe it or not. I do know the losers are our young soldiers, their families, civilians, property owners, and neighboring countries.

Don't get me wrong, I hate wars, but I would die defending this country, for a good reason. I just believe we, as a country, get involved into too many other countries affairs and end up losing our soldiers and tax dollars for a nothing cause. We have battles in this country that should be a higher priority than theirs. Like Covid, drugs, shootings, poverty, suicides and much more.

I served during Vietnam, and the Afghanistan War reminds me ALOT of Vietnam. Let's compare.

In Afghanistan, we took over from Russia. In Vietnam, we took over from France.

2,448 US lives lost.                                    58,220 US lives lost

Spent 20 years.                                          Spent from 1954 - 1974  20 years

$2 Trillion spent                                          $176 billion spent

weapons and equipment left $$$$              weapons and equipment left $$$$

Since 1776, the US has been in a war 37.7 years and lost 1,348,063 US soldiers, not including US civilian losses. My calculator started smoking when I tried to add up the amount of money that was spent on all wars, JUST for the United States, not including other countries involved and their lives loss. (Stats according to USA Today and Britannia Encyclopedia) 

I understand why we went after Osama Bin Laden, and fought Japan and Germany, and fought back against England, Spain. But like I tell everyone, get the facts straight before you act. We have attacked countries before we got our facts straight and correct information. It has cost us dearly, in lives, injuries, trauma and trillions of dollars.

While the previous administration told us, "Everything is going well", it really was not. Our politicians like like to boost their own egos and legacies. While our government model is good, it is NOT perfect.  That is why voting is so important, and getting the facts is too. The media gives you their views and they are ALL bias. Be smart, check the facts, re-check the facts and listen to the professionals who do the fact-checking before you vote.

One last statistic, Covid 19 has killed more people than ANY war in history. That is a FACT! Get vaccinated!!!

Stay safe.

A little trip to the high country

I must first say, I am deeply sorry for the lives lost in Afghanistan. 13 of our brave soldiers and so many Afghan citizens. being a veteran myself, this hits close to home and breaks my heart. My thought go out to all of the families and friends.

Now to our trip. Last Sunday, Nancy and I loaded up our brand new camper (unused to this point) and headed North to a fairly secluded National Forest campground called 'Rock Crossings'. It was cool and heavily treed, with all the enjoyment of the outdoors ... including mosquitoes. I hate mosquitoes and they know it. They are constantly buzzing around my head and attacking me every chance they get. I spray repellant all over me, but they always seem to find one little spot I missed, and that is where they stab me. 

Very dear, veteran former full-time RV travelers met us there. Nancy and the wife of the couple wanted to do part of the Arizona trail, while her husband and I went for a LONG 4 wheeling ride. Like the Army anthem song, "Over hills, over dells, we hit the dusty trails (and muddy)." in his 1984 Suzuki Samurai.

The next day, we drove to Forest road 300 and drove along Rim road. Which for the people not in Arizona, is the road along the edge of the Mogollon Rim. It is a scenic gravel road that go for miles with hundreds of "Kodak moment" stops for viewing the 1000 foot drop to the valley below. It never gets old.

We looked for an old hand-dug train tunnel I found online, but we would have needed a repel team to get to it.

Back at our campground, evenings were spent cooking on the grill and sitting around the traditional (and required) campfire. 

The days flew by and our short trip came to an end way too quick. Being with dear friends, the great outdoors, exploring nature and finding unique sites and places is what empties your mind and body of day to day stress and worries. We all need to get away and just enjoy things we normally don't see or do often enough. We plan to do this more. Except the mosquitoes. Nature can keep them. 

 

Do you TRULY communicate?

Communication between individuals is one of the first things, we as humans, learn to do after we are born, and maybe after conception. Communication is done through SO many avenues. Speaking, emailing, text, writing, quacking, barking, tweeting, buzzing, hissing, and any other form of feelings expressed, as long as you get your message across to whom either your directing it to. Yes, every creature does communicate to us or other creatures. But, it is how you communicate that matters.

When you speak, your facial features say so much more to that person (or animal) than the words you speak. Your tone of voice and emphasis on certain words gives your words a whole different meaning and context. Even dogs know the meaning as your facial features change. They recognize your feeling pretty quick and respond to that. Like humans, dogs and cats recognize when you are sad, angry, happy etc.

Some people have a hard time TRULY communicating to friends and loved ones for fear of opening up too much to their inner self, or maybe offending someone, so they either don't speak or smooth it over in the conversation. Eyes tell a lot.

When dealing with a spouse, friend, relative, co-worker, employee, boss, or just an acquaintance, the way we get our point over to them is crucial to remember to choose your words carefully, be aware of your facial movements, and also the emphasis on certain words. This is extremely important interviews for jobs, relationships, friendships, and so many other scenarios. Much like everyday life.

As we've traveled to different countries in the world, I found that different languages have different emphasises on words we don't have. On the other side, we may have and they don't. So if I say something in English, it may not mean the same thing in their language and could offend them, or make you look foolish. Also our words in English may have many different meanings in their language. Just an up swing, or down swing in the tone or word can mean something totally different. It is kinda like talking to "Yoda" from Star Wars. "He walked on the road, he did." As Yoda would say.

Deaf people have their own way of communicating with 'signing'. They too can put emphasis on certain words and with facial features.

Since English is commonly known as the Universal Language, I believe that eventually that will change to Spanish because the Spanish population is increasing fast and the English speaking population is decreasing.

Communication is an essential and important part of our everyday lives. We have to be aware of what and how we communicate to others, no matter who or what they are. Speaking with truth and honesty is good, but speaking so that no one gets hurt and still be honest is even better. 

With all that, I hope you will communicate with me by commenting and please follow all of (or some of my out-there thoughts) our travels and experiences.

Next Sunday's edition may be delayed during us going camping and communicating with friends and nature. Take care and stay safe.

Our Disposable Culture

We are human, and most of us grew up in the USA, better off than other countries. So things came easier, and we have more possessions and spendable funds. Most of us do better than our parents did at our age. Ok, so that's not a bad thing, but we also dispose of things faster than our parents and grandparents did. I remember my mother saving aluminum foil so she could use it again. My father would never just throw a fan away when it broke, he'd repair it, or at least try to. My grandparents would never throw food away, they fed it to their pigs, or they compost it for the garden. When I work on a car or truck, before I throw away a bolt or nut, I check it to see if it is reusable. That is recycling.

I am going to repeat what you may hear on the news, we are killing our world with pollution. Whether it be chemicals, plastics, carbon monoxide, construction trash or space junk. Yes, space junk.

In 1956 when the first satellite, 'Sputnik' was launched, it had the whole sky all to itself. Today there millions of pieces of debris and satellites zooming around coming close to other orbiting objects. Do you remember the short lived 1979 (if you are older like me) TV series "Savage 1" starring the late Andy Griffith? He and his team went into space and captured space junk to sell it for scrape. Well, they are trying to do that again. Go figure. I wonder where they got that idea.

One thing that burns my backside is someone tossing a cigarette butt out the car window, or gum, or take-out food and drink containers. I have even seen people empty their ashtray at a stop light.  Can they not do that at home? Billions of dollars are spent annually collecting and disposing of trash and garbage.

To make things worse, if your TV, camera, radio, refrigerator breaks, it may be more expensive to get it repaired than to buy a new one.When our daughter was buying appliances to replace the old ones, she ask the salesperson, "I want one that will last for 20 years like my Mom's did." Car manufacturers rate their cars to last for 7 years before owners trade or sell them. Why? Because the one you bought 7 years ago is broken and it may cost more the repair than to buy a newer one, which gives you piece of mind. And at a shop rate of $175 an hour, that does not take long.

We ALL love our conveniences and working possessions, but we hate trash and garbage, so just toss out with the garbage truck, right? Yes it is more work to recycle, and compost, and walk instead of drive, and keep a litter bag in your cars etc. But it helps.

Nancy and I resolute in conserving our part of the earth. We recycle almost everything we would trash, we collect rain water for plant instead of using groundwater, we are looking at electric vehicles in the near future (I am planning to build one), Nancy composts yard trash and food scraps for her garden, and I even recycle fluids from cars I work on. Our entire garbage consist of one 30 gallon garbage bag a month. Everything else is recycled. Our home is 60-70% solar powered. We have no grass to mow and all of our home lighting is LED. Not bragging, just doing our part.

Next time you think about not conserving, look around at all the trash laying on the streets and highways and reconsider. Do you part for the earth. Take care and stay safe with a vaccination.

Are we getting lazy? Or dumber?

 OK, I may be in that category too ...lazy that is. According to recent research, Americans and many other countries are overweight and less active. I blame much of that on modern day technology and convenience. Of course in the most recent times, we were told to stay home because of Covid. Which was good advice, but bad for our bellies. 

Today you really don't have to go out at all. You can order meals and have them delivered. Someone will shop for your groceries and deliver them. We have a mobile mechanics that will come and fix your car, even tho it is just sitting in our driveway. We can work from home on our computers, and kids can go to school classes from home. All of this is because of a small thing called a 'transistor'. 

Today we have smartphones, smart TVs, smart cars, smart speakers, smart switches in smart houses, and even smart sunglasses. OMG! They ALL have one or many transistors in them along with other electronic components. All most everything you touch has some technology in it, except maybe a book, but that too can be read electronically. I hope we never have a major solar flare because everything will come to a stop. No more binging on reruns and confronted advertisement overload, or how do I get my McDonalds for lunch, because not even your car will run.

I know, I know, "Harrold, it's the year 2021 we are an advanced culture, and all this things make our lives easier and simpler."  Do they really? Yeah, I love having a remote controlled TV so I don't have to get up to change channels and a smartphone so I can talk to anyone as I am channel surfing and skipping commercials. Honestly, I don't know where to channel buttons are on my smart TV ... Oh yeah, right above the 8 HDMI slots.

My point is, technology is everywhere, and we depend on it daily, and we take it for grant. BUT, some of us (and I mean some of the USA population) have not noticed is we are still in a epidemic, and MANY people are dying because the information they have heard from the highest office in government (LAST YEAR) that we don't need to be vaccinated. It is FREE and it will not kill you like the Delta Variant will. Some employers are finally saying to their employees, you have to be vaccinated or don't come to work.  Masking in public is coming back. We are going backwards. Listen to the science, and listen to what a dying Las Vegas father of 5 texted just before he died. "I should have gotten the damn vaccine." I believe his kids will always remember what he said, via technology.

Technology is great, I agree, but don't be dumb, get vaccinated if you have not already. And stay active, even if it's walking a mile or two. Get out and enjoy the outdoors.

Take care and stay safe. And follow me with comments too.

Epidemic vs Pandemic

 We are in a Pandemic, but also an Epidemic. A Pandemic affects multiple countries and continents, where as an Epidemic affects a large number of people within a community or region. We all know the pain of the Covid Pandemic, but the Opioid Epidemic is maybe not as in front of the cameras as Covid, but it is REAL.

We are prescribed Opioids for pain, like I got when I had my left knee rebuilt. I, like some, did not like the effect it had on my brain so I did not take them.  Some people like that 'spaced-out' feeling and become addicted by continuing to take them even after the pain is gone.

Opioids have been around for centuries and started in Asia for altitude sickness and other ailments too. When the western pharmaceutical companies got a hold of it, they found it could help relief pain after surgeries, knowing it could be addictive. 

Just recently, pharmaceutical companies were forced to pay out billions in law suits to families and patients who were 'hooked' on opioids and succumb to a lifetime of problems or death. The money settled by the courts was the second largest payout only to be beat out by the tobacco settlements in past years. Was it the pharmaceutical companies fault or the patients? Or the prescribing doctors? I put most of the blame on the patients, and partly on the prescribing doctors. Some doctors (not all) deal out pills to anyone who asks. Patients take them because the doctors says you should, no questions asked. Some patients go to multiple doctors to get those drugs and also buy them from dealers who buy prescription drugs from everyday people who don't use them, or just want to make a buck. This is an EPIDEMIC and our country is in it heavily.

Only YOU know your body and your pain levels. I will endure a some pain instead of taking pills that dull my reaction time, general thinking, balance and or consciousness. We all must take charge of our own wellbeing. But when it gets to be too much, of course you should ask for help and take the prescribed doses of your medicine/s. I have responded to many calls and saw the results of opioids and other meds that caused real problems. So TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH.

As for the Covid Pandemic, I will say this again and again ... GET THE SHOT to save yourself and others. Very few people have had any side effects or died from it. 98% protection is a good average in my mind. All I had was a very small pain at the site of the shot for maybe a hour. No worse than a flu shot. 

I hope you all are well and starting to get out and have fun. Nancy will fly out tomorrow with our youngest grandson, Grady, to Yellowstone National Park for week for his 10 year old trip, like all the other grandkids have.

Again, I ask you to follow the blog and please comment on my posts. I invite that. Take care and stay safe.

What did the Pandemic bring us?

 I know what you may say. "I was stuck inside. I could not get together with friends and family, or I worked from home in my sweats ... I HATED IT!"  But Jeff Bezos (founder and former owner of Amazon) made billions off of the pandemic. Peoples binge buying of items they could not go to the store to buy, (I won't go into the whole toilet paper thing.) or were too afraid to go to stores to buy. We could not buy laptops or desktop computers because needed them for virtual schooling, and parents needed them for working at home.

But Amazon was not the only corporation that profited from the pandemic, how about eBay, Grubhub and Uber for delivering the fast food. Grocery stores started delivering our groceries like Kroger, Fry's (which is Kroger), Walmart, Target and so many more.

Besides the buying of goods, there was another source we used A LOT and that was phones to talk to friends and relatives we had not seen and hugged for such a long time. What would we have done without Facebook and Google Portal and 'face timing', watch another movie? Communications with friends and relatives was SO essential for our survival during those dark times of the pandemic, as the media called it.

Nancy and I did the same things you did, except maybe the delivery of food. We pushed through it all and went to the grocery with masks and wiping down the shopping cart, and probably bought too many cookies for snacks. Nancy and I would rise right after the Sun would creep over the mountain. She would gather her hiking poles and water backpack and hit the trail. After I got my coffee, I'd go out to my shop and crawl under a car or truck. 

The pandemic changed our lives in the way our daily operations work. from shopping, communications, electronics, to home delivery. Nancy tells me, "When the UPS truck stops coming, your car will probably be done." Well, I don't think that delivery truck will ever stop coming now. We have gotten too use to having things delivered, so we can dress in baggy clothes, chat on the phone, watch more TV show reruns. Yes the drivers will still delivery car parts to me, and quilting material to Nancy, but we want to go places, experience new cultures, eat different foods and meet people from all over the world. We love learning their thoughts about the world and the USA. We love trying their native foods from African crocodile to Peruvian guinea pig, and from Chinese dumplings to Greek stuffed grape leaves, and from Haggis to Guzzo. Traveling expands your views of the world and its people, and sometimes may change your thought about them too.

The world can be a very cruel place but it is also a very beautiful and educational world if you are open minded enough to accept it. The pandemic opened our eyes to how the world is pretty much the same, and their people no matter where in the world you travel. We are ALL human, no matter what we look like or our believes. And no matter where we go, we always see a UPS or Amazon truck. Interesting. Those were and still are heros too.

I started this blog to share our travels around the world and in the states. As the Covid became the focal point of daily news, we could not travel like we did before. But, WE WILL RESUME SOON. We have not decided where, but we will. I promise that.

So, follow this blog and please leave your comments. I promise I will respond. Take care and stay safe.

We ALL have been touched.

 Yes, all of us ... have been touched by a disease of one kind or many. Whether it be a family member, a friend, a co-worker, or someone famous. As a retired firefighter, I have seen many co-workers past due to cancer and/or heart disease, which are the most common causes of firefighter deaths. Those two diseases are the most common in the World, but there are many others like A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig disease), MD (Muscular Dystrophy), Diabetes, Leukemia, and other variances of Cancer.

I am no doctor, and no longer a first responder, but I know one thing, I hate them all. Personally, I watched both of my parents slowly pass due to different forms of Cancer. It was not only painful for them, but for my family. I too was hit with cancer a couple times, but was lucky, and blessed, to catch it early. 

Whether we get a disease through your line of work, or family genes, or your way of life, or just a freak of nature, we should all support the affected parties, both the patient and the family. And, they should be honored for their time on this earth.

Recently there has been great success in finding many promising drugs that either slow or reduce your risk of getting these diseases. But the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) really slows the release of these promising drugs to the public because of testing for safety. I get that, but if you're dying anyway, shouldn't the FDA allow those dying folks to try the drugs to see if it helps? Months or even weeks of extended living is cherished by them and their families. I hate to use the term "Human Guinea Pig", but more like "Human Trial Patient". If I am in that spot, I would do it, and I believe most people in that situation would too. Life is precious, and to get precious extra time with family members and with yourself is a gift and chance worth taking. I believe it is every humans right to beat or at least extend their life, no matter how little, when fighting a deadly disease. And when the time comes at the end, we should cherish their lives and honor them with others. You are more than welcome to comment on this. Maybe it is time for us to call our representatives and ask them to put pressure on the FDA to let dying people take that chance.

A friend of mine recently lost her husband to Cancer. I can not imagine how much hurt, pain and grief she is going through, and I cry with her and know she can only be strong through her family and friends. The one saving grace is he is at rest now without suffering. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Linda. Take care.

My belief is we ALL have basic human rights. To live free (but obey the laws), access to a job, food, shelter, to a loyal mate, to our own belief in religion, to be loved by some or many, good medical care, a government that is for all people's rights, and to be honored when your time comes. Many cultures have dedicated days they honor the dead. They tell stories, they break bread close to the deceased's grave, they clean the headstone and dust off the leaves.

We all say, "He/she was too young to die." Yes they were. Let's push for more research, more federal funding, quicker trails for promising drugs and easier access to those drugs. Maybe then we can live longer and healthier with family and friends ... and the grumpy neighbor who lives  across the street.  Take care all.

Be sure to subscribe to my blog (I get no money for that), and all comments are welcome.

245th anniversary of the 4th of July

 Happy 4th everyone. I hope you have a great one with friends and relatives celebrating our country's independence from British rule 245 years ago. It was a HUGE step taken by our Founding Fathers and debated heavily between them how it was going to happen. And when the Declaration was declared, the Brits responded with a war. Many brave men and women fought and died to keep us free, and still do. 

The Constitution came later, actually signed on the 2th of July, stated the rights of the people and sworn those rights would be upheld as long as this country exist. Yes, there have been additions and some changes, but they are still our "law of the land". Of course the interpretation of those laws are finally settled by the Supreme Court. But even those interpretations are seen differently by different segments of people and political parties. But the point is, today is a celebratory day in the United States. Did you get that? UNITED STATES, not divided states. Today we should come together to celebrate our freedom and blessing to be a citizen of this great country.

My 5 times great father (Arnold) fought in the Revolutionary War, after immigrating here from Scotland in 1750. If fact, except for one, every male in my father's blood line (Schell/Shell) served in the military, up to, and including myself. I am VERY proud of that. Them, and so many ours who served are my heroes. One other hero I have is my divorced single mother who raised me.

To me, the 4th is a time to remember, celebrate our freedom and spend quality time with friends and relatives over good food and laughter. Today we will spend with our youngest grandson who was born 10 years ago. He is my 'fire cracker'. He asked Nancy for a chocolate cake (of course), and her Mexican Chili for his birthday dinner. Nothing like chili and cake on your birthday.

When I think of the 4th, I think back to my childhood which could mean, watermelon, homemade ice cream, sparklers and fireworks at night, parades, corn on the cob, grilling hamburgers and hot dogs etc. The best was eating a cold slice of watermelon and spitting the seeds at my cousins. Sorry if I hit some of you.

What memories do you have of your childhood 4th of July?

Even tho we are free from oppression, we still have laws and moral obligations to keep this United States. UNITED and free for all people, no matter your color, race or religion. 

Let's all celebrate the UNITED STATES and the privilege we have to live here.

Please subscribe to follow and leave comments. Happy 4th everyone!