Will the New Year bring any changes to benefit us?

Have you ever noticed, the various medias always have some show/s that review the past year's events as we turn the page of the calendar, eventho we all lived it. And probably still remember it somewhere in a mind? Is it because they think people want to remember the bad stuff, or rejoice in the good stuff all over again? I don't know. Yes there some really memorable events that took our breathe away, or stunned us, or made us tear-up, or made us angry, or just made us smile. Yes there were some of those times in 2024. Some I'd like to totally forget, but some I love to hear about. Maybe that is the effect the medias is after. Again, I don't know.

BUT, just so you don't forget I am going the list some of the events I remember and want to remind you of MY high and low points of the last (well almost last) year.

• Homelessness rose and more in veterans
• Drug overdoses deceased to an all time low
• Phoenix Fire Department lose more retirees than any other year, mainly to cancer
• The Arctic ozone healed itself more rapidly than expected by scientists thought it would
• More corporations are switching to EVs for deliveries like Amazon and the U.S.P.S.
• Fighting is still going on in Ukraine and the Middle east
• Republicans gained control of the house and senate as Trump gets a head start on his control
• The Political shift is going on all over the world because people are not happy with the previous controlling party or candidates
• The birth rate in China and the USA has deceasing but in India it is shooting sky high
• Scientists are getting very close to finding a way to slow and/or stop cancer
• Cost of food and housing is still high for many families
• Disastrous weather events are becoming more common

Now if the media has their same 'Review of the previous year' (which I am sure they will) next year, it will probably have the same type of events or something similar. 

2024 was a time of major changes in the political arenas all over the world, a time of distrust and angry, but also a time of good things like the reopening of the Notre Dame cathedral after the devastating fire.  I am hoping we can find that cure for Cancer and stop the mass shootings of innocent people, discover a peaceful way to stop the destructive and cruel wars in Ukraine and the millennia long fighting in the Middle East. I am hoping for people to settle their differences peacefully and understand others are different, but the same in body and needs. Understand their side of life's problems and come to a happy medium and accept them as brothers and sisters. Agree to disagree but acceptance. 

I know, I am a dreamer, but it does not hurt to hope. We ALL can play a part in that. I am not saint but try daily to be friends with everyone and understand them and their ways and beliefs. Sometimes it is hard, but I try.

As I get older, I finally realized, we individually CAN make changes in ourselves and possibly other too. It just take patience and an open mind. You don't have to agree but just understand.

ALL of this shows me, all things good and bad are not eternal, including us.

Have a Happy, healthy and fruitful New Year and may God bless all of us in this coming year. Take care and stay safe.

A site of Nature to behold

There are many thing in life that just astound, amaze, and humble me.  The laughter of a child, watching an Eagle soar above, the playing of the National Anthem, and the birth of a new baby. Recently, some out of state guests visited us. We drove to outside of Page AZ. to see one of God's and Mother Nature's wonders, Antelope Canyon. It is on the Navajo Nation Reservation and they operate tours under ground and through the slot canyon which has been craved with water and wind in the sandstone canyon.

It takes a little less than a hour to walk through the swirls and curves of the canyon probably 50 feet below the surface of extremely fine reddish-orange residue sand. Guided by a Navajo, he described the forming and heritage of their native lore to us, along with some of Navajo history and beliefs. One image was the lady in the wind. Another was a Buffalo head.

 

There were stairs and ladders to climb but always with rails to stabilize your climbs up and down. Nancy and I were there some 10 years ago when the company just started. Since then the visitor ship has jumped tremendously, but still amazing the second time. When I asked our visiting guests what they thought about our tour, they could only answer "WOW". And I agree it is a WOW moment.

If you get a chance to go to Antelope Canyon, just south of Page AZ and Lake Powell, I suggest you make arrangement to spend the night or two in Page and get reservations ahead of time for  the cooler months. I promise it will WOW you too.

Nancy and I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas a Happy and healthy New Year. May God bless you all, take care and stay safe.

Where do I start?

Way back, in December 2008, I posted my first blog. It was about an old Ford I turned into a beautiful custom car. I am not bragging, just saying. It had been a long spell since my last book I published and six years since I retired from the fire department. I had just sold my woodworking business and decided to restore and build cars as a break from actually working. Something I had a passion are all my life. You know, just having fun? And also,  a few months from losing our oldest son.  For a time I felt really lost and had a hard time feeling almost anything.  Some pretty crazy thoughts came into my screwed up brain, which none were acted upon. I believe writing helped me release some of those thoughts and I realized, I was not as alone as I thought. There were others out there who were having those same, and even crazier, thoughts too. Maybe it was because I did not have a 'JOB' to do, or a reason to get up and go do something I liked. Not necessarily work to be paid for, like a store, plant or office job. Just a purpose in life. Heck, I finally realized I had been working since I was 8 years old, picking cotton in Alabama. Then selling newspapers on a windy corner in Cincinnati, working in a drug store through out middle and high school, and then into the Air Force for 6 years. 

I believe, all that time, I was looking for I was really meant to do and be, for me, and not copy what my parents did, or what people said I should do to be successful in life. I wanted to do something for ME. Of course making money was pretty important too, but loving my work and feeling a proud accomplishment in the finished product was what I was after. Like a small child feels when they run to you to show their crayon drawn picture they are so proud of. I believe (whether anyone ever reads this or not) writing this blog helps me see my proud accomplishments, and believe me, I am not stopping. Does all of this make sense to you?

But there are many people out there who are still in that dark place with no focus, feeling lost not only in their job, but in life itself. People who boast about their accomplishments, while deep down inside they don't really feel that great about it. I guess it is a effort the raise their self image, or trying to impress someone. 

While I was on the fire department as a new firefighter, I found as I would rove from one station to another each shift, I would have to prove myself to the regularly assigned firefighters at that station. This went on for several years until I built up a reputation as a solid firefighter. But now I think that is a common occurrence or trait no matter what job you have. So we have to find our place with others, AND in ourselves. Of course God did not give us an instruction manual for that, so we have to make it up as we go and hope it works. I think mine did.

Life is a mountain, and we all have to climb it. We will fall and sometime slide backwards, but we have to get up and keep climbing. I read somewhere, you have to fail 100 times before you get to your goal and be good at it. But I guess that goal is you have to feel good about yourself and never, NEVER give up on that goal. Keep it in the cross hairs of your focus.

I deeply appreciate you reading my ramblings and truly hope you are in a good place in life. As someone said, "Life is a bitch."  But I believe you are strong enough to handle it. Take care and stay safe.

Today is the Sunday before Thanksgiving

Just a few days before the biggest gastronomical day of the year, Thanksgiving. And if you bought a frozen turkey, you should probably begin thawing it out now.

Every year This holiday rolls around, I remember the international phone call I made to my mother while stationed in Holland. It was the first holiday I spent in Europe with my first wife. I explained to my mother we were hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for our friends and how I had to describe Thanksgiving to my new Dutch wife. My mother asked me, "They don't celebrate Thanksgiving there?" I paused before I answered, "No Mom, Thanksgiving is an American holiday." My mother only could finish the 8th grade as a child, and was savvy, but not the way of the world. But she sure knew her way around the kitchen, God bless her. Mom never taught me how to cook, but with the help of friends and some Dutch cookbooks we all survived the dinner, and had a well deserved nap afterwards.

To me, I take Thanksgiving to heart. I mean, it is a day to give thanks for all you have. And as I get older, that means more and more to me.  Some days when I hear how bad some people have it, I look around and see how much we have in life and I am amazed. We live in a free country and can do most anything we want without having to show papers to some solider guarding the border. (not yet anyway) We have free access to fresh meats, breads, fruits and cakes. It is not rationed. Our phone calls are not monitored by a government agency (I don't think) We buy cloths that in style, while our old ones are thrown away or donated. Some of the donated one are picked over by people in dire need in war torn countries or poverty stricken.

I was never rich as a child, and still am not as an adult. Comfortable, yes. But as a kid, we also had the biggest meal of the year. So much, I'd usually eat too much. My most loved food were Brown 'n ' Serve rolls and Fruit Cake, yes, Fruit cake. I love it. But the thing I am most thankful for today is my family, my country, and my freedom. I guess if you have never been in a War Zone you may not recognize that so easily. So many people, countries, are so poor or destitute, they literally go through garbage dumps and rubbish containers to find the smallest morel of edible food to survive. There are many people in this country that are in that same boat too.

When we were in Egypt a few years ago, we were walking to  restaurant for dinner. As we crossed a street, I saw a very slender elderly lady dressed in black sitting on the curb digging through the debris in the street gutter. I saw her pick up a soggy piece of bread. As we passed, she torn it in half and she raised it up offering it to me. It broke my heart. I stopped and with almost tears in my eyes she smiled and I told her "Thank you". 

We have it pretty damn good here in America, and it was not easy getting here, but we have people who are still trying to put an end to our good and free country. 

So what I am asking you to do when join friends and family in your version of a Thanksgiving dinner, is to ask everyone around the table, what they are thankful for. We do this at our table and the family loves it. It make you think and realize what you have and how lucky we all are for those things … especially friends and family. Be thankful today, on Thursday and everyday. And say a pray for those who do not have good food, warm clothing, shelter and freedom. God bless you all.

Let's just go on with life.

Over the last few months I have hounded you all about the election, candidates and our country's direction. I will not be writing about that this time, and maybe not for a while. I believe we all are just done with the politics, arguing and sometimes getting angry at friends and relatives we love and care for. We should not do that. Being a sore loser and trying to confidence others to think the way you think is not what we are. let's just go on with our lives and stroll through the thorns we may feel. It is not worth losing good friends and relatives.

Instead, I'd like to share a few happier photos we took on a recent trip to Arkansas to visit our grandson at college and with some of my relatives in Missouri. 

Nancy, our daughter Tina and I flew from Phoenix to Denver where we thought we would not make it to the swim meet we were going for in Arkansas to watch Cody swim with his team. As we landed, we saw all this white stuff. "Hope this does not make us late.", we three said. It was more than we thought. It snowed heavy as we waited through our 1 hour layover, and we began to worry a little. After 2 hours, we finally began to board the plane. then as we taxied out, with snow still on the airplane, these big snorkel trucks pulled up and began to spray a colorful array of de-icing stuff all over the plane, and then we revved up and took off, as the slush sled off as we lifted off. 

With a bumpy incline of altitude, we were on our way to Little Rock. Baggage claim, get the rental car, and drive an hour to Arkadelphia and hustle into the University pool house with 5 minutes to spare. We made it!  Henderson University did not win the rivalry against OBU (which right across the road) but Cody did great. Then, after not having much more than pretzels on the plane, we needed to eat. A big dinner, drop Cody at his dorm and check in a the hotel for a good night's sleep.

The next day, after picking up Cody, we all had a hearty breakfast and headed back to Little Rock for shop for Cody and do some sightseeing. back to the University, chill for a while and then off to Hot Springs for this pizza place Cody wanted to go to and check out the night life.

Sunday went quick due to getting Tina back to Little Rock so she could fly home and Nancy and I would drive 4 hours north to Springfield Missouri.

We spent 3 days visiting with my cousins and their families, sightseeing and catching up. It was great. The two male cousins played together, as kids, on their parents farm in Indiana. Now we are older, all retired, it is always great to see them, and the wives, and their grown children.

As we all get older, health problems always become the center of discussion along with the reminiscing of better and  less complicated times as seniors. 

Take care and enjoy you loved ones, family and friends.

Oops, I said that?

I often wonder why people say some of the most stupid things, and then follow it up with another dumb remark … or lie. "No, I didn't say that!"  "I believe you did because we got it on tape." Don't you love it when someone gets caught? It's like a person getting caught on a front porch security camera attempting to take an Amazon delivered box, and then the owner says, "Hey, drop that box. I see you." The thief drops it in a panic and runs away.

Well making stupid statements is like the thief stealing deliveries off your porch. They WILL get caught. And their statement, or action, will hurt someone else, who they care less about. This election, and past elections have gotten nothing but throwing dirt and lies on the apposing opponent. And I am not just talking about the Trump campaign, both do it BUT, since 2020, Trump has made over 800 inaccurate statements, proposals and lies about everything. (FYI I did not count those.)

I know people can be cruel and selfish at times, but that is way is too much by anyone, especially a presidential candidate running for office. There is a thing called mutual and social respect for other people.

There is another thing that simply baffles me, why would anyone vote for a presidential candidate if they know that candidate has lied, cheated and respects dictators and criminals while other dirty laundry and hidden skeletons is exposed on every public media for everyone to see and hear? Why? Are they not seeing him for the person we need in the most powerful office in the world? I am sorry but I just don't get it.

I cherish my ability to see through someone very quickly. Oh yes, I have been fooled by people I trusted to be honest and genuine. I am not perfect, but this guy is a 'no-brainer'. I have learned that bad apples come in all sorts of ages, shapes, genders and colors. I except everyone for what they are with no basis, until one things strikes me as no good. But never will I fall into their trap of deceit. Oh yeah, I have gotten caught a couple times, but I learned quickly. Don't stumble like I did. Check the facts of what you read and hear. Don't believe everything your friends or relatives believe. Check it out yourself and then act according to your heart and gut. Don't argue with people over your choices. I see families being torn apart because of this election. Agree to disagree, but don't hate your neighbor, friend or relative because they think differently. Friendly debate is good, but if it gets heated, walk away. Check your facts, do your research and remember what this election will decide for our future and our democracy. Your vote IS important and counts.

The result of this election in 9 days will control the way the world see the USA and will dictate our economy, international relations with other countries, oil prices, trading, basically everything to our American lifestyle and livelihood.

Take care, stay safe. Please leave comments if you wish. I do read and respond.

"Be grateful for what you have." Lorene Haynes (Shell-Wilson) My mother

No it's not Thanksgiving, the time that most people give thanks for what they have. But that should not be the only time you look around and understand what you have achieved in life and the life you have today compared to what you had years ago. You probably have much more and have a better life than before.

I am SO thankful for my mother who raised me by herself, after she and my father divorced when I was 8 y.o.. I know she struggled to make enough of a living for us two, but I never thought we were poor until I got older. I never went hungry, or wore raggedy clothes or lived in rundown housing. It may not have been the best neighborhood but that was what she could afford. I see all that more clearly now, as an older adult. It was tough on her being a single mother. 

It is natural for people to always want better things, a nicer home, more stylish clothes, a newer car, and the latest phone. I hear kids say, "Why can't get a newer phone, Johnny has one!" Some parents buy their children the latest styles of clothing because it has the "LOGO", and that's OK, if you can afford it. I problem with that is the children may think they have to have that same lifestyle after they move out and realize they can not afford it with Mom or Dad getting it for them.

I have a theory. I believe advertising runs our whole economy. Commercials, billboards, and color magazine ads influence us to want the fancy watch, or the newest advancements in cars, or to live in the classist neighborhood in a big house. maybe for bragging rites, or to show-off what you have. I over heard one lady tell another, "I live in SCOTTSDALE, not Phoenix." as she cocked her chin higher, stroked and fluffed her hair. As if she was better that the other lady. HEY LADY! Who cares!  (Maybe I was a little too dramatic in my description).

I also have another theory that the economy is built on the backs of the working lower and middle class folks like most of us. The people who budget their money, sometimes to the penny. I believe my mother's struggles is what she instilled in me. to be more frugal and penny wise. For that one reason, amongst other reason, I do not believe a multi-millionaire should be our President. I believe we need a person that grew from lower income and climbed up, on their own, to respect people that work hard to get to a better life and understand the hardships of life. That is NOT Donald J. Trump. Truthfulness is not his high point. I believe Trump would have looked down on people like my mother.

We have about two weeks until election day. Some of you may have already voted, we have. I could not wait to vote and send in my decision on who should be in what office. I was very decisive in every choice I made. But not everyone is that decisive as I was.  I just don't like liars, cheaters and sore losers. I don' trust them at all.

All I am asking you all to do is research the information out there, and it's all online, then vote your conscious to bring us all back together and save our democracy. Thank you for reading this and I'll get off my soapbox now. Take care. I love you Mom.

Do you ever wish you have a 're-do'?

Everyone knows we can't really turn back the clock, except for 'Daylight Savings" in some parts of country and the world . But I mean turning back the history of time, to do something or someone differently. I think we all would do that, IF we could. "May I should have been more understand." Or, "I probably should not have spoke to he/she that way." Or maybe "I wish I voted for the other guy." I know I wished that when I voted (in my very first 1968 election) for the late Gov. George Wallace. As a naïve kid, I did not think of researching the candidates before I mark the box. I do now.

 I, many time wish I could turn back time to a better era in my life, correct the wrong choices I made, or said, or did. Many time I let my emotions react before I spoke or went forward with something. Maybe it was just that I was not mature enough to realize the consequences of my actions. But I also believe we ALL have regretted things we have done. Maybe immediately, maybe later in life. I suppose the people who record the history will also record our legacy as individuals and as a culture and country. One hundred or two hundred years from now how will people look at us, our time and decisions we made, the words we spoke as good times or bad.

Abraham Lincoln, as president, dealt with another divided country. I believe he was a good man with good moral ethics about freedom, discrimination, and rights of all people. It has been record by historians that Lincoln was a troubled man with many personal hurdles in his own family and his cabinet and not to mention the country. He was a deep thinker and a very well spoken orator, many times not off of a script. I wonder what he or Thomas Jefferson or George Washington would think about the country they fought so hard to keep free and democratic. A strong united  and democratic country is all they really wanted for the future.

Lincoln, in his day, was a very strong Republican which today he would for surely be a Democrat. Washington and Jefferson were also Republicans. So that must mean that the very writers of the the documents that created and shaped our country, and the presidents we honor so highly would be today in the democratic party, BUT not radial. Even they had their skeletons in the closets. They were not perfect, but yet wanted a perfect country, which was an impossible dream, but they tired so hard to keep a broken and fractured country together and made us the strongest country in the modern world.

Being the President isn't what some people think it is. They can not rule the country or world like a dictator or king where whatever you wish is can be done. We have too many checks and balances in our government to prevent that. That is the job of the House of Representatives and Senate. And then there is us, the people, WE THE PEOPLE, and our votes.  We dictate who go into the House and the Senate according to our wants and desires. Yes the President can implement Presidential decrees or executive orders, but even that can be shutdown by the House and Senate.

With only one month before a very critical election is here, we must all search our souls and determine which way we want this country to proceed. Do we want to continue to live in a broken country, or do we want to re-united into the similar country we all remember of days long gone. I heard one celebrate say, "This country has lost the love we once had." I believe that to be true. Now we have to bring back that love and unite. We can not turn back the clock, but we can surely spread the love to all and return it when it is shown to you. 

Can you tell if it is FAKE NEWS or False Information?

Every Sunday morning, I watch one of my favorite long time shows, CBS Sunday Morning. I know they may lean toward the left a bit, but I believe they really try the stay in the middle. This morning, one segment was about how their educational institution. Where is this educational institution you ask?  It is the country of Finland. Finland is and has been the leaders in education for decades. Far above ANY country in the world. 

For years, the Finnish instructors have taught the students how to identify fake news and information. They begin this instruction in kindergarten, and it goes all the way through graduation of primary schooling. They have taught trends they have found Fake News Spreaders use all most always. The spreaders start with the basic truth, and then twist it here and there until the ending sounds almost truthfully. But in reality it is not true. That sound like a program we in the United States need to implement. maybe that program was why the people in Finland did not believe the lies Hitler spoke during his attempted domination the Europe, and fought back vocally and physically.

People in Finland call themselves 'Suomalaiset' (the Fins) have a saying they use often: "You are welcome to have your own opinion, but you are not welcome to have your own fact."  A fact is the ONLY truth.

No one can deny, our education system has a lot to desire. Maybe if we had a system like Finland, we would not have some candidates like we do. I am not saying our educational system is bad, just that it should be improved. I am not a highly educated man, but I guess I  did pretty well as a B- student. But I also had a mother who taught me some golden rules of life … 'Never lie and never steal'.

Fake news is spread by people who love to disrupt the flow of the truth. Many of those spreaders of Fake News and falsehoods NEED people to believe that spreader is better than they really are. So they say things like, "I am richer than you can imagine." Or something like, "First she said she is black and then she says she is that. So which is it?" What matters is the person, not their color of their skin or ethnicity. Racial slurs and misleading or ligament lies eventfully come around to bite you in the ass. Trump, Vance and Lake have been called on their false statements and lies and try to back pedal out of it by saying, "Well that isn't what I really meant." Or "I did say that."  or "It was taken out of context"  Eventho it was recorded and broadcasted live or radio and TV.

I know I keep beating the same old drum on how people need to research for the truth. I know it takes time, and time is time for us all. But, would you not want to know the REAL truth when you are told, heard or read something? I DO! Trust is a very hard thing to have in someone. Look beyond their words and seek the honesty in their eyes, their movements and most of all, their actions. Then you see their true self. Take care.

I have always been curious … sometime about odd things.

1. Why do we drive on the right? The world is politically divided, well in some countries, like ours. While in the Air Force, I received orders to Europe in 1968. I automatically thought they drove on the left side of the road like Great Britain, but they don't. I was glad actually. I did not have any trouble adapting to their driving regulations, similar to the USA. But I often wonder why, a former colony of England, we don't drive on the left side of the road. Many early, early auto manufacturers built car with the steering on the right unlike the modern cars. The reason is the road infrastructure in the USA was already started and it was a common law with wagons, and horses traveling on the dirt road, you were to ride on the right. So since people did not like change, the car began to be built with steering on the left and thus we drive on the right side of the road.

2. Who invented the 3 day weekend? After decades of Americans working 6 and 7 days weeks in the 1800s and 1900s, workers  protested for shorter work weeks. Some protest became really bloody like the one at the early Ford Automotive plant in Michigan. So after several decades of protest the government listened (which is odd in itself) and made holidays that fell on a Friday of Monday resulted to a 3 day weekend. Some holidays actually moved to make it such. Labor Day is one, and established in 1882 to recognize workers of all jobs and trades.

3. Who started Day Light Saving Time? In 1918, during World War 1, DST was implemented to save energy for the war effort.  After the war, I guess it went away until 1942 to 1945 President Franklin Roosevelt re-established it and it was called "War Time". In 1966, the "Uniform Time Act" sort of made DST the standard, except for Hawaii and us in Arizona (thank goodness). It has been attempted bills several time to make it permanent, but still never passed in the House. I have heard many states are debating to overturn DST and go back their regular time zone.

4. When was the postal Zip Code implemented? As our country spread, the Post Office was having trouble catching up with all the new addresses. So in 1963, the Zip Code was started to actually point to a defined area and address. In 1983 the Postal Service fine tuned the Zip Code with the "Zip + 4", which a believe few people use, except for the government and advertisers sending 'Junk mail'.

5. Why do people refuse to use their turn signals for ANY change in direction they travel in a car/truck? This my personal  'Pet-Pave'. Either their indictor switch is broken, or a bulb is burned out, or they are just too lazy to flip the handle on the steering column. I said it, I am done.

6. Will 'AI' be the down fall of human workers? In my opinion, AI will replace a thousands of workers, and someday get out of control because big business see it as a cost cutting, more efficient and timesaving,. I am not against advancements (since I am at a computer now). Think about this, how many cashiers do see at the grocery compared to 15-20 years ago? How many automated calls do you get to confirm your doctor's appointment? How often do you actually speak to a human when you call Tech Support?  Automated answering message, "Hello, I am the 'Verizon Assistant'. How can I help you?" When I want a tech support person, I DON'T want a computer!

7. Why do people tend to believe the false bad facts instead of the REAL truth? I believe people believe what they already believe, and it very hard to change their opinion about anything, eventho they are shown clear facts debunking their belief.

I guess this blog edition is  not what I typically write but, I was bored today. Plus, we all read or listen to the big news anyway, so you probably did not want me to rehash that. So I write something to think about and smile.

Here's one more thing to smile at. Flashback from April 1971. Do you think they got it right?

Let's face the facts … Are they yours or mine?

First of all, let me tell you, I am a registered Independent. I hold NO obligation to either party, But I DO stand on the side of truth and honesty. I am a Christian, which means I believe in Jesus and worship him/she, BUT I DO NOT let that influence my government or election choices.

Ok, now that is out of the way, let me give you some cold hard facts, verified through legitimate source as the honest truth. I other words, the sources for the honest and factual truth. 

But before I start, let me say secondly, most people believe what they already believe is true when in fact it may not be the truth. Example, if you are Republican, you probably watch or listen to Fox news or related affiliates. If you are a Democrat, you probably watch or listen to CBS, CNN, NBC or their like minded affiliates. I am not either and I get the truth by going to the sources of a statement like government transcripts and or independent agencies.

Now hear are the TRUE VERIFIED FACTS people mostly complain about,

1. Economy -  has been on an up swing for the last 5 years. - Department of Economy
2. Crime - is at the lowest in 30 years - Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I)
3. Illegal immigration - Is at a 3 year low - Department of Immigration
4. 65% of people believe information from sources of what they already believe in. - Harvard University national polls of average individuals
5. The open social media venues should not trusted - Harvard University national polls
6. Abortion bans - over 70% of average citizens believe abortions should be allowed if needed and not controlled by the government, churches or anyone other than the female and her doctor -National polls taken by organizations faithful to neither side of the political aisle. 

I believe (and so did the founding fathers) that religion should NOT interfere with any part of government. It's call "Separation for church and state". I also believe that any donation to a candidate, or organization that sponsors a candidate should be closely scrutinized to follow where the money is coming from.

Obviously there are individual cases that turn people to think these facts are not true. Such would be cases of an illegal person who rapes and kills an innocent lady. Or people who upset because eggs and milk prices have skyrocketed at grocery stores like Kroger's. Kroger's has publicly admitted they were gouging consumers and will soon rectify that.

Should we totally close the southern border? Do you want to pick oranges or cabbages or any tree or ground grown crops? Probably not. Who does that? Immigrates. Do you think you could build homes, lay brick, do lawn service? Who does a lot of this? Immigrates. Should the border be regulated, of course like other countries, but Congress can't get beyond their party way to pass a descent bill and enact it.

I'll be honest to you right now, I can NOT bring myself to vote for ANY candidate who has been convicted 30+ times as a felon, a person who belittles women and believes they are inferior, who mocks died service members, and who latterly lies to the public on national TV/radio, in ads, to his own staff, and his wife daily. AND, I will not vote for any candidate who endorse him and believes they are the same and thinks they can do the same things and not get punished. 

We are a country that was built on the back of immigrates, strong women, People of color trying to be equal, and mostly honest hard working middle class people that are smart enough to not believe lies told to their faces. 

I don't want a candidate who will cut Social Security, eliminate the Justice Department, ban abortions totally, turn the Police into military, deport ALL immigrates if they are not citizens, and turn our right to vote free into a dictatorship for one person, a person who admitted to admire Putin, and someone who can not face legal and verified many times defeat. That is not the person I want for President. I hope you see the truth through all the lies that are floating around. Because if you do not, our country will not be the America as we knew it anymore. Stay safe.

WORDS … How do you use them

 Have you ever stood looking at a person who is attempting to relay a thought or message to you as they stare into nothingness, out a window, at other passing people, and can never look you in the face, eye to eye?  I have, many times. To me, it's like listening to a curtain. My face goes blank and I start thinking about other things, like how many foot pounds does it take to open a new jar of peanut butter.  The person's words are just not there.  You try to be polite but it is hard.

WORDS are, "A single distinct MEANINGFUL element of speech or writing". Meaningful is the key. Talk is more than words. Words are just words without meaning and feeling. It makes people understand how you feel or believe in. Words without feeling are like dust in the wind. They float around and just land wherever. They really don't touch you.

I believe I can see through a person within a hour of meeting them. I don't mean literally see through them, but see their true meaning of our conversation, is it truthful, valid and honest. or do they have a alternative motive to talking to me. maybe trying to impress me, convince me to follow their lies, and attempt me to join them in spreading the lies. That is exactly what I believe former President Trump is doing. For me, it started when I watch a segment of his old TV show (cancelled by the network due to his cruel attitude) 'You're fired". That only took me about 15 minutes to see his pure arrogance and self center personality he has. I think he needs constant attention and being the center of any gathering. He loves to be stared at and people cheering him on, with any foolish moves or statements he makes. I guess he never got that as a child. Or maybe he receive alot of spoiling, I don't know. 

In my mind, when you make a promise, pledge, or take an oath, you make a solemn allegiance to do what you agreed to. Whether it is being a true loyal husband or wife, a oath entering the military, or (with your hand on the bible) swear to protect and serve the people of the United States as their President, not a dictator or who degrades women and races not like you.

Words can be meaningful, honest, strong, caring, and encouraging.  They should never be condescending, degrading, bias and prejudice. Those are not the qualities of a good person or a candidate for President. 

President Abraham Lincoln once said, "Stand with anybody that stands right, stand with him while he is right and part with him when he goes wrong." I believe Trump has gone wrong and will just keep being wrong for this country and as President.

The vote you are entitled to as a citizen of the USA will determine which way our country will travel the the next four years. We are divided and rumors keep flying everywhere. Do your research and vote your true feeling with prejudice and bias.

Take care, stay safe and VOTE!

"In the darkest skies, we still can find the brightest star."

 From the comments I have received, I believe some of you believe our country is on the down hill slide. When I was a kid, I knew that even if my sled was traveling in the wrong direction, I could always just put my feet down the get back on course. And I am not afraid to do just that. I hope you do too. Put your foot down and tell the representatives exactly what you want them to do for you. Your town, your county, your state and your country. And the way you do that is by voting for that right person to represent you. Whether it is about Wade v. Roe (women's rights), the southern border, the economy or taxes.  Voice your opinions and vote.

Nancy and I arrived home after a couple days on camping trip to Santa Fe New Mexico, picked up a couple we have traveled with many times, and headed North to the Carson National Park. Our friends were going to tent camp next to us, while we had our travel trailer. What a beautiful area at 8,500 ft. elevation and NO cell or internet services. What a break from technology. And at that altitude, it was a great relief from the desert heat of 100+ to the 70s and 50s.

I love the smell of pine trees as the Aspen trees flutter their leaves in the cool mountain breeze.

Even there, with all the quietness and dark skies, I could see the North Star. In the day, I missed the sound of grasshoppers clicking as they took to wing flight. And the other insects making their noises as we walked through the tall grass meadows. I needed to just chill and relax and listen to nature talk.

My point is (in my beat-around-the-brush way) things may look grim at times, but there is ALWAYS a glimmer of light from a better side. You just have to stay positive and look for that star in the dark sky. Take care and stay safe.

It is time to determine which side of the fence you stand.

This last week has been a whirlwind of changes in the political arena. First the attempted assassination of former president Trump. President Biden stepping down for re-election. The vice president accepting the nomination for a presidential candidate. Mr. Trump naming J.D. Vance as his running mate for Vice President. And the Vice President raising over $200 million for her campaign chest. A LOT OF DRAMA, miss characterization of all candidates, and a whole bunch of lies. I know I may make some of my friends, and family members, upset with my after reading this edition of my blog. But I am sorry, but the real truth needs to be said. Believe me, I do a lot of research before I write these things.

There are always harsh statements said about opposing candidates, but there is no room for personal attacks and out-n-out lies.

J.D. Vance has no right to call the Democrats "childless". That is just hurtful and rude to anyone. I won't even going into any of the other statements he thinks is United States-ish. If you are respectful, you don't talk like that.

The next statement are taken directly from the mouth of Mr. Trump while he campaigns.

- "I always tell the truth." - That has been proven many time to be false.

- " I am the least racist person around." - How about his bashing of black people?

- "Hillary? Lock her up, lock Biden up. Lock them all up."  - Did they get convicted?

- "I did nothing wrong."  - Again, convicted on 34 counts.

- "I am a stable genius."  - Why is his company losing money that his father made? Not him.

-"Obama's birth certificate is fraud." - Proven so many times, a lie.

- "I got insulin cheaper." - Biden got that passed in 2022

- "I will build the wall and the Mexican government will pay for it." - Mexican president said NO we will not!

- "Covid is a hoax"  - How many people died because they believed that?

- "2/3 of Americans liked the overturning of Roe vs. Wade." - Polls show 2/3 hate that decision.

- " I am 6'5' and 215 lbs."  Clearly he is about 5' 10" and a good 250 lbs.

And the real big one,  - " The election was rigged." And how many times this was fact checked as false.

Trump lies (like his running mate J.D. Vance) because he fear people won't like him. He loves the limelight and attention. And also because lies tend to stay with us more that the truth. Trump also said he'd be a dictator right after he is elected. Does that tell you anything? He is power hungry and a pathologically liar who only does things in his own interest. President Biden is not really for the next four years, I get it, but why hasn't any reported on Donald Trump's mental and physical conditions? Like his ability to not remember names and always looking down as he walks, being helped to step up on stage. These are the things he criticized President Biden  on.  I personally believe neither candidate belonged in that office for the next four years. I am glad Kamala Harris stepped up to run.

I am going to do something I never did before. At the election, I will vote a straight BLUE ticket ballot. Not because I really like all the Democrat candidates, but because I dislike the republican candidates, and we need to get the United States back to the UNITED STATES as it use to be. 

As a veteran, and from a family where every male in my ancestry, except for one, were in the military and fought for democracy in the country. I also believe if Donald Trump is elected, there is a good chance we would lose that in many ways.

I have never considered myself as basis person toward either party. I just believe in freedom for all, democracy for all,  and doing the right thing, for all.

Take care, stay safe.

A near tragedy in PA has brings back another bad image on American history.

 This morning, as I sat down to watch CBS's Sunday Morning, a news bulletin came on stating former President Trump was shot at a rally in Pennsylvania. I thought to myself, "Oh no, not again." As much as I dislike Trump for what I believe he would do to our country if reelected, I would NEVER wish that on him. What a stupid, stupid move on the part of the shooter and anyone connected to the attempt.

Years ago, after I witnessed (courtesy of TV) the assassinations of President Kennedy, his brother Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther King and the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan, I was appalled at a young man, on a building beyond the Secret Service's parameters, could even think of the attempt. This is what radials do. If you disagree with someone, just kill them? That is NOT the right way to do things.  We can all agree to disagree on any topic, but radical violence is not the way to justify your believes. It makes the supporters rally around the person wronged. 

I do give President Biden credit for calling Mr. Trump and wishing him well. I believe that makes Biden a bigger man for having compassion for his presidential opponent. President Biden may not be the strongest candidate against Trump, but right now, if you don't want Trump, Biden is the best hope we have. And to change the Democratic agenda now, would throw the whole election into a tail spin. As if it isn't already.

Mr. Trump is not my pick to be president, nor do I particularly care for him because of his lying, infidelity and back stabbing.  But he, and anyone else, do not deserve to be shot and/or assassinated because of it. The people's voice determines the voting process outcome, not a bullet to the head. The other bad image is the innocent supporters at the rally who were collateral damage in this senseless attempt. One died and one or more injured. Shameful.

I will keep this short because I believe everyone will agree, this is not the USA we want.  Make you voice heard on the first Tuesday of November, not because he was shot, but because we want the right person in the White House, that will do the right thing for our country and it's citizens.. 

Take care and stay safe.

I fear for the future of our democracy.

We, the people of the United States, are being challenged daily on where we are going and what to believe. We have a very elder President that people's  trust is dwindling away, and a former president that honestly, scares the hell out of me.  And a Supreme Court that is become so untruthful in the eyes of the citizens. Some people are afraid to voice their opinions for fear of being assaulted (either physically or verbally), while others show their dislike for the President with banner pasted on the homes and flying from the vehicles, "F*** Biden". Are these the ones who raided the Capitol Building on January 6th? I ask myself constantly, "What is our country becoming? Are we ever going to come together again?" I honestly don't know.

After the last Thursday night's debate between our President and the former president, will we still support and vote for President Biden or turn to the only other candidate, Mr. Trump?. OR, do we just not vote? HELL NO!! That is our voice. We are the 'The People' the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution was written for and has governed us for decades. We are the decision makers with our votes and calls to the legislators our votes put into office. I and millions of active and non-active men and women in the military fought against aggression and possible entities from making the USA into a country ruled by a dictator, king or a socialistic country. Our country has to unite, settle our differences, agree to disagree on certain things and come to a happy median. I get it, everyone wants it their way, but we ALL must understand we can't have it our way. Maybe at 'Burger King', but not always in life.

I would like everyone to sit down, take pen in hand and write to all of the representatives in Washington D.C. and in their local area, to say, "WE the people have had enough. Now do what the people want, a UNITED STATES.

I know, this will never happen. I admit, President Biden blew the Thursday night debate, I get it. And both candidates did say things that were not true. Yes, Biden is very old and should he run again? That is up to him to come forward or step down. But, personally, I do not want a convicted former President in office for all his untruths he said Thursday night, which by-far, out did anything Biden said.

We the people must stand up and let government know, we want you to do the right thing for us, not what you think we want. Ask us, we are not dumb. We see the way our beloved country is heading, and we don't like it. Biden may stumble and forget words, I believe he has done well for having a republican congress. Our economy is gotten better, jobs are growing. Yes, things are tight for some, I get it. It is up to us to let Washington know. You are only one vote of millions who have the power to change our direction and save our country from the disaster of losing our democracy. Do your homework and VOTE the right right thing for all of us. God bless you and our country. Take care.

Most people know when to call it quits.

After more than 25 years on the Phoenix Fire Department, I realized it was time to retire.  I realized it was a young person's job, my body could not take it anymore, and I did not need an endless job .I had other things I wanted to do and see before I died. As most of the people I know, and knew, they knew when they saw the writing on the wall, IT IS TIME TO QUIT.

Giant boxers like the late Muhammad Ali knew when it's time to stop. When CEOs realize they are doing any better in their positions, they resign and step down. A lot of people usually retire when their reach 65, or so, they retire. When businesses keep losing money, they close the doors. And some had to stop because they were assassinated like the late President John Kennedy, his brother Robert, and the late great civil rights leader Martin Luther King. They became martyrs, and so did the assassins.

I really hate bringing politics into my blog, but I believe it has to be said. Past president Trump needs to stop making false statements and his followers need to wake up to true facts of life before this country is thrown in to another civil war like we were in 1861 over slavery.

Mr. Trump is not a dumb man. He knows his power with his party and his followers, and I think he does not realize the ramifications he will cause if he continues his pursuit of the office of president, and inspire the radicals to due things like November 6th at the nation's capitol.

After 12 jurors weighted all of the evidence over a 5 week period, and went into a room to vote on the verdict and came out unanimously "GUILTY on ALL 34 counts", and the judge asked each juror to repeat their individual vote of guilty, Mr. Trump came out of court calling the trial a disgraceful, rigged, corrupt sham orchestrated by President Biden. Oh my God, GET A CLUE! When it has been proven time and time again that the 2020 election was NOT stole and was accurate, he continued to deny it, and his followers believe him. His own family called him a spoiled child while growing up. They said his father let him do what he wanted and pulled him out of problems and legal events he created. He learned from his father how to brush the law to build his empire, by screwing people and businesses. I guess when you have that much money you can always find a string of vicious attorneys to smooth things over so you get what you want. Unfortunately, Mr. Trump does like to lose a losing battle. He would much rather get his way and care less about what it is doing to our country. We are already divided, and he is just putting another wedge in that increasing crack. The worst case scenario that could happen is that Mr. Trump could be elected president while sitting in jail, as a convicted felon, and commanding the USA, as he called it,  a DICTATOR. I hope the people of this country wake up to realize the truth in justice, understand the marks on their ballot will determine the faith of our country and the world.

Mr. Trump epitaph on his headstone should, "SEX, LIES, MONEY AND DENIALS … REPEAT."

PLEASE do your research BEFORE you vote on our future. Take care, stay safe and truthfully informed.

Mr. Trump coming out of the court room after guilty verdict was read.

"We are ALL created equal"

 I recently visited the city of my youth, from age 2 until age 19. The city? Cincinnati Ohio. When I was young, I thought it was a great place to grow up. And even today I think it a good city (and surrounding cities too) is a good place to raise a family. But now that I have visited there and other countries, I realized there is a 'Caste System' there and in all cities and countries.  

Now I did not grow up blind to that fact, and I am sure you did not either. I just went along with what I was taught, but did not always believe it or followed that theology. And I still do not. I make a practice to take each person for themselves no matter what, unless their actions cause me to believe different, but everyone does that.

I believe each of us were taught certain standards others should obey and abide by. But different areas of our country, and other countries, believed certain cultures, races and religions were below their social hierarchy that divided people by birth, occupation or lineage. According to their narratives, people who were different were privative, uneducable, and inferior. Those lower Caste people were looked down upon and many time held down from achieving a better life.

During my visit to Cincinnati, they have a wonderful 'Freedom Museum' which not only told the stories of slaves escaping the South through Cincinnati, but also other countries that still practice slavery in one from or another, like child sweat shops, forced prostitution, indentured servants, and human trafficking.

I was once told, "Don't to play with black kids because they were not like us." Jokingly I said, "Yeah, they're black." But that did not mean I thought they were less of a human than me. There was kid attending my high school who had a crippling disability that other kids joked about behind his back. I'd tell them, "It's not his choice to be that way!" 

Some people get really upset when they see one animal killing another. But sometimes human can be just as cruel to others mentally and physically. Unfortunately it has been our case for centuries. They say prostitution is the oldest profession in the world, but I believe the persecution of cultures, races and religions has got to come in second, and maybe first.

President Lincoln and the bible told us, "We are ALL created equal". Then maybe it just about time to start using those five words in real life daily. I don't look down at anyone … except my dog and maybe my youngest grandchildren only because they are shorter than me, for now. The dog will never get taller. You get it. Take care and stay safe.

I am afraid

 The meaning of AFRAID is :"Worried that something undesirable will occur or be done" I am afraid our democracy may be in jeopardy. When our voices are not heard, it is not a democracy. Of course we can not get everything we want but the major of citizens have to be heard be politicians before they make laws.

Our country seems to be in an early state of rebellion and is terribly split and separated in beliefs. When the government says they have control of a woman's body. When a man says when he is elected president, he would be a dictator. When the legislators have to think about helping a country that fighting for their lives to defend against communism. And when people believe our freedom to vote is challenged saying elections were fraudulent. YES, I become afraid this country is becoming something other than the country I love and remember.

I have always said I try to not discuss politics and religion, but how can I not talk about them in times like this. In the Constitution it states that 'church and state should stay separate'. I can not help thinking the religious Right and Left are behind the government imposing the Abortion ban in most the bible ban states of the South. Arizona just overturned the very out dated 1864 total abortion law banning ALL abortion, no matter what. A totally ridiculous law that should have been overturned decades ago.

The general public should have the say to what extent what limits the government has on us. Of course their are laws and rules they have to make to keep us safe and keep order, but where do we draw the line? That has to be YOUR decision as a legitimate citizen of the USA. And voting is your voice to determine that. I wonder how often a legislators actually take a unbias poll asking their district how they feel on a topic, instead of pulling an answer out of thin air. Do they ever get the realistic feelings of their voters? I think not.

We fought the Revolutionary War to get away from a dictator and ruling king. We DON'T need another. If a woman get pregnant due to rape, incest,  or an accident, and does want to have that baby, she should be allowed to have an abort. If she knows the unborn baby is deformed or has very serious medical problems and does not want to have the baby suffer their entire life, she should be allowed to terminate that birth. Do you know how many children are NOT adopted  and live their life in the orphan life?

These are the things we need to really think about when we go into the voting booth or fill out that ballot at home and mail it in. Research the candidates and their intents if elected. We don't need deniers or radicals or people who are bias one way or the other. We need candidates who work for us and not political funders trying to get their influences electors. A bought politician is no politician at all. They a paid spokesperson for the donor.

I am a religious person. I believe in "Thee shalt not kill", but,  the church must stay out of politics.

Make your voice heard by voting when you are eligible. That one vote DOES count in the decision making. And be proud your voice was heard. Take care and stay safe.

Where has the time gone?

 With nothing big to do on this Sunday morning, except appreciate the love of Jesus,  and all the blessings we have received over the years. Yes, Nancy and I are truly blessed. BUT, one big thing I can not believe is that I have written 272 editions of this blog since 2008. And as I go back to the old ones, I remember putting photos of our trips,  from state to state, visiting friends and relatives, and travels around the world.  I really have to pinch myself to make sure it wasn't just a dream.

I started this blog to post photos of those trips due to the requests by you. In between, I got into some controversial topics, happy events within our family, but also sad moments. I really appreciate you all for continuing to read my rumblings of all the blogs. I really do. I don't get paid for writing this, nor do I have a sponsor, or run ads. I doubt if anyone would pay me anyway.

Nancy and I love to travel and experience new countries, states, foods, cultures and traditions. We love to share our travels and will continue to share, but not brag. We both say, "As long they wheel us to the plane, we'll go." And this is more true I have decided to back off from building cars so much.

I just wanted to say thanks for reading this blog. It is not a mega blog (in the three digit category) but I do appreciate the ones who read and sometime comment. I send you all blessings and love and hope you have some wonderful travels too.

Before I close, I would like to ask a small favor of you all. I have a couple relatives who are having some medical problems. I ask you all to say a prayer for them to get by this troubled time they are in. Thank you, take care and stay safe.