Some of the things I have learned while global traveling.

Nancy and I have been VERY fortunate to be able to travel to so many countries from Central and South America, to most of Europe, to some old Iron Curtain countries, to the Mediterranean region, to Southeast Asia, to several countries in Africa, and to China. I am not bragging, just recounting. As I said, we are very thankful and fortunate. In every trip and visit to these countries, I have asked one major question to the people we have met, "What is your opinion of the United States and its people." Their responses is generally the same. "America is a great and rich country. The people are friendly, but the government is blind to what the people in our country really want from them as a country. We want a true and honest friendship that we can depend on when the time comes." Obviously, not word for word their replies, but the basic meaning is there. The latest response was, "Why did you elect Trump?" I agreed and explain our election system.

Every country we visit shows us how much of the world we did not know or were taught in high school or college. yes we were taught US history and things about our advancements in technology. We were taught what the government wanted us to hear. Just like a lot of countries have done. Example, in China, very few people know about Tiananmen Square massacre or the man who block a tank with his body in protest. Or in Peru, their Japanese ruler/president wiped Peru's entire history from schools and all books. Or that in Yugoslavia after the Nazis were ran out and Russia took over, living conditions got worse for the people. Or that Argentina and Venezuela invited and harbored many high ranking Nazis after Germany lost WWII. And some of the smaller trivia things like China contributed to the human race was the invention of noodle like spaghetti that Italy claims to have invented. Coffee from Africa and so many more, but I don't want to bore you.

And now, Trump says black slavery education should be taken out of schools? Like the historians are trying to rewrite the actuate US history?  And making a National holiday for HIS birthday? No, he is the one trying to rewrite history, and we can not let him do that. I lived in the deep south as a young child and saw first hand the prejudicial ways black people were treated them, and 'Jim Crow' actions on blacks. 

By traveling to all the countries we have visited, I have learned what good and bad the US has offered me. I love our country, BUT, I do not love the direction to present administration is taking it. We have a president who has been told not to do certain things but still does them, and no one is enforcing the rulings of the courts. Lawsuits can last for decades in the courts meanwhile the citizens suffer with heath care, lack of food and jobs, housing and natural disasters. One more thing. Adding his name to the Kennedy Center? Adding his name in front of JFK is  so wrong!

After all the damage Trump has done, it will take years to bring the USA back to a world power that other countries can trust and feel safe saying we are their ally and friend.

Take care and stay safe.

Make way for a ballroom!

Tis the Season for giving and thankfulness?

 In less than two weeks, Christmas will be upon us all... or Hanukkah or Kwanzaa or what ever holiday you believe in, we wish you all a safe and blessed Happy Holiday. With all the crowded stores, people hustling around carrying arms of  boxes of recently credit charged gifts, maybe driving faster than normal to get their shopping quickly along with the patients wearing thinner and anger raising, as the one finger salutes waving as they cut you off in traffic. All the tension climbs through the roofs, people change into ogres of hate and egomaniacs with harsh words anytime someone crosses them. Well, maybe not all that, but sometimes it feels that way. 

The holidays season is suppose to be a time of rejoicing, happiness and thankfulness. At least that is the way it is advertised. With children sliding down snow covered hills, adults sitting around a fire laughing and drinking hot coco and dressed up in their new puffer jackets and ski boots. But unfortunately it isn't always that way. I wish it was. The reality is some people forgot what those up coming holidays were designed for, and what they celebrate. It is not the lights all over your house, and the inflated Santa in the yard, or buying electronic gifts, or wiz-bang toys, or socks for dad, or that sweater you bought for someone that they will never wear it. Christmas is A LOT more than that. It is about praise, thankfulness, compassion, friendliness, greeting strangers with a firm handshake and smiles and worship. Maybe I am just too old fashion and dam old. But I remember what Christmas and the holiday season use-to-be like. It was sort of like going to grandma house with the whole family, having all of us sitting down at her big table and having a meal, eating too much and then gathering by the Christmas tree and exchanging small inexpensive gifts people really appreciated with laughter, stories and jokes.

The gift giving came from the three wise men who came to pay tribute to Jesus.  Their descendants probably became Amazon, Macy's and Target owners. Maybe if we all spent a day dishing out food at he local homeless shelter, or helped a needy family, or just stopped to help someone else during this coming season. Who knows it might just put a different light on your Christmas. And take you kids so they can see the other side of the street, and what it is like to sleep on the street or not have enough food for a Christmas dinner. Every year I try to help at least one person I know is hurting. It makes me feel good and worth the smiles on their faces that some stranger cares for them in at least a little way.

I just lost a cousin I called after so many years not talking, because I let my own world consume days. But when just a call cheered him up so much, it made me feel good too. I wish I had called more.

Anyway, Happy holidays to you all. As my late Fire Chief said, "Be Nice, be kind and care for others." We talk more after the first of the year.

A new vehicle plus my view on our society and leader. (if you want to call him that..)

I bet you thought this meant a new car, huh? No, it's a new camper 5th wheel. Since we got rid of our other 5th wheel 4 years ago, I have never really been truly happy with the two travel trailers we owned. They were nice but not with all the things the 5th wheel has. So I did a lot of research on line and visited RV dealer to check them out. I loved but hated running from the sales people and always gave them my wrong name and phone number. (I guess they may be mad at me now. I don't care.😆) 

Finally I came across the 5th wheel that checked all of my boxes like length and options like solar, weight, charging, comfort and décor. Not that I am a designer freak or anything. I just wanted on light and airy with lots of storage. Plus, the end price was a top point too. 

So without being a total bore, here it is: a 2026 Alliance Avenue 27' short camper.

Lately Trump has received the lowest rating by the public than ANY president in the history of the USA. He has angered people in his own party and some of his staff and cabinet. He has sent the National Guard into cities that did not request them of any help to control crime. With NO evidence they were ever needed. That cause protests which got innocent people in trouble and several hospitalized for being mostly peaceful or committing ANY crimes. He has pardoned obviously offenders of the law, and sometimes twice from January 6th assault on the Nation's Capital building. In Portland he though 3 murders in two moths was high, so he sent in ICE to protect the citizens. Eventho the Mayor and Police Chief said we DON'T need help. How many times has Trump ben convicted of and has never (and I repeat) NEVER been incarcerated or served any time behind bars. If it were you or me, we'd be thrown in jail or prison. Where are the good judges and any law enforcement of the judgments? How about the government shutdown of 41 days and the crowds of people who could not get food and some become homeless because weren't getting paid? But he or any of the legislators were paid and did not need food stamps. I bet none of them went to a food bank to feed their kids, or they did not use Medicare to get medical help because they could pay for their own.

I could go on for days saying Trump is so UN-presidential like any president I have seen in my 79 years and has committed and convicted of so many crimes, but yet has somehow gotten out of any jail time.  I love this country and know the damage and anger his creatured, I really don't know how we can rebuild after his term is over. I can only wish and pray the citizens can finally see through him and what he has done, and will do, to our democracy. Maybe the judges will find their backbone and send this guy to what he deserves in jail. With no violence involved.

Take care, stay safe and vote with your heart.

Things we ALL should think about.

Over the last 10 months, we have been held hostage to so much lying coming from the White house. Now I will admit it also comes from the left side of the aisle too. The stuff from Trump are out-n-out boldface lies and actions, you can not even think anyone would believe them or accept them. Let me account for you just SOME of the lies and actions I can remember. There have been SO many.

Let's start on January 6th 2021. Remember when people stormed the Capital building and many of them were legally judged guilty and sent to prison? Their sentences were released and commuted. The second in command with Epstein went to prison but she will probably get released. Former New Year representative George Santos was also just released.

Anyone who supports Trump (a loyal Trump-er Republican) and bends over to 'kiss his ring' is his friend. But not someone who has tired to disgrace or disagree publicly with him or his ideology faces intimidation, lawsuits, and if you have any government supported funding, you will be cut off as a racial left-winger and anti American.

Many people like myself who study history will see the resemblance between Trump and Hitler, Mussolini and other dictators in the past . They first get rid of disbelievers to his philosophies or individuals and establishments that will not bow to his demands like universities and authors. Then cut he cords of the media like National Public Radio and TV like CBS, take away passes of reporters from the Pentagon unless the SWEAR to report and write stories to the way the Pentagon wants. He thinks he can tell the states to sent the national guard to stop peaceful protests who are NOT committing ANY crimes. He thinks just because some of the medic and protests are slowed down, the general public will only believe his lies and actions.

Right now he is hold you all prisoners during this government shutdown due to his effort to get rid of 'Obama Care' and other Democratic programs passed years ago, and will soon run out unless refunded. Meanwhile citizens suffer and maybe die because of healthcare limited for many people. Social Security is being threaten, government workers are laid-off, national parks are closing and the ranger who work there had to set-up a food bank to feed their families. Why did any of the indictments and convictions on Trump simply disappear from any news reporting or get moved along through the courts? Why are the senators and representatives still getting paid? Don't they work for the government? OH, they are suppose to be working for the citizens, right? And if you live in Arizona, legally elected representative Adelita Grijalva still has not been sworn in by House leader Johnson, but the recently elected Republican candidates have. Is it because it would swing to overall voting toward the Democrats? I think so.

Let's face it, the truth is, Trump dislikes anything that is democratic or that is good for the general public (us, the people). As long as he is office, it will take decades to rebuild our country back tot he powerful and wonderful country we once were.  I wish him NO HARM, or any of his cabinet members. he believes since he is the president, he can do what ever he wishes. HE IS WRONG!! Tell your representatives to put a stop to him. Your voice is louder than you think.

This has been the year from hell for me

Let me first say, I am not looking for sympathy when I thought about writing this blog, but just to acknowledge that I know what pain and hurt is, and I to send anyone who has gone through pain like I experienced this year that I am send YOU the sympathy to you. We ALL have periods in our life when we go through physical or mental pain. usually with me it was either one or the other, but seldom was is both at the same time. I have always considered myself a pretty strong person that pretty much could handle just about anything that was thrown at me. Of course it was hard but I managed to handled it.  I also realize I know people who have experienced A LOT more than I have, and I am in awe of them. I am a religious man and I don't believe God is a vengeful God, but sometimes I think he/she will remind you to be kinder and be more loving to others. Maybe I have slipped there. I apologize to anyone I may have offended.  I am truly sorry. 

In this year I was diagnosed with colon cancer in January, had surgery to remove the cancer in February, had a port surgically implanted in my chest for chemo infusions performed twice a week, gone through chemo therapy to get rid of any leftover cancer for 6 months, took time off to go on a trip to Africa (which wore me out, but I was NOT going to miss that), had the port removed in August, and then in September (the final straw) fell on our concrete floor and crack or broke 3 or 4 vertebra in my lower back. That final diagnoses will come after tomorrow when I have a MRI. Seems like Harrold is not a very good shepherd of his body. 

The back thing came the morning after I criticized Trump for using a presidential plane to transport Charlie Kirk back to Phoenix for burial and was hammered for that. But that is FREEDOM OF SPEECH, like what we all have that right. I WAS NOT critical of guns of his (Kirk)  religion, but the abuse of using taxpayer tax dollars for transporting a friend of the president. That is all.

Anyway, This is the explain why I have missed some blog times, not for sympathy. I would like the reach out to the people who found out about the fall and wished me well. thank you. So if I miss a few more just to let you know the back does take some wind out of my sails after sitting in front of the computer for a while, but modern day meds does help. Have a good day and take care with both feet on the floor and not on your back.

Charlie Kirk assassination

First I want to say, I am against ANYONE being assassinated, not matter who they are or which party they support. Or random shootings killing anyone. I don't care if it is a friend of the president or innocent children  at school. But, (maybe I am wrong) do you remember the president telling people to lower their flags to half mass for multiple kids who were killed while they hid under their desks at school? Or were any of them transported by one the government official airplanes to be buried? I don't think so. Is it just me thinking the president and the republican party think their FRIENDS should be treated with the same honors as a elected dignitary, or a war or national hero? Those are OUR tax dollars that pay for those airplanes and I don't believe a person, and a religious leader should, First be involved with politics,(according to the Constitution, religion and politics should NOT mingle) and secondly get special privileges, just because he spreads lies and are friends with the republican party and the president. As he says, "I am the president, and I can do anything I wish." REALLY?? I believe he thinks he is just like a king. Eventho his overall popularity is down to nearly 30%, as of today . The lowest of ANY president, in history.  

When some one thinks the states or cities can not control crime to the point he has to send in the National Guard to control a few random bad guys. Even when no governor or mayor ask for his help. Either he watches too much 6 PM FOX News, or his advisors are as stupid as he is.

When my youngest G-son was small and found out where I was during the Viet Nam conflict, he asked me, "Papa, did you ever kill anyone in the war?" " No son, I never did, and would not want to, except to save my squad members' lives or mine. And even then, it would haunt me forever." I was issued a .45 pistol when I went there and just stack it in my lock until I left that base. I did carry a fixed blade knife.

You may not think I am a religious man, but I am. "Thou shall not kill." is one of the Ten Commandments, and I try to follow that.

I hope Kirk's killer is prosecuted by a middle of the road judge, not a Trump appointee so there are not bias judgments, or ridiculous pardons for the invaders of the National Capital on January 6th. I believe he'll get the death sentence, if trump has anything to do with it, and that may go on for months.

Do me a favor and leave your view point or comments, and follow me in this blog. I get nothing except satisfaction of knowing I am not talking to the wall. Let's all try to bring these United States back to good place to live. Take care, keep your head down and be safe. This world is gone crazy out there.

A trip I wanted to take

 On August 3rd, Nancy and I embarked on a 14 day trip I wanted to do for 12 years, ever since we visited it then. I wanted to go back to Africa, but a different region. I wanted to see the Serengeti and see the animals we did not see the last time. Not behind bars and fences, but in their natural environment, where they roamed free and wild. Tanzania. 

Nancy and I were always animal lovers. Yes, dogs and cats and birds but these are wild, untamed. The Serengeti is a mostly highland area with nearly flat and some places forest areas, but yet big grassy plains and distant mountains with flattop trees. 

After 28 hours in transit, 4 airplanes and 3 layovers,  and swollen ankles plus losing our luggage, we arrived at a gorgeous first lodge.

Our luggage came the next day and the trip was started. The great thing about Overseas Adventure Travels (O.A.T.) is they do everything for you. It cost a little more but it is worth it, and there are no more than 16 people on the tour. Plus you get immersed into the culture of the country you are visiting. First we visited a factory that makes a water filtration system for the locals. Then a basket weaving school trying to keep a traditional art going. Of course there were morning and evening drives out to look for animals. Everyday.

That did not take long to spot some. The Serengeti is a national park that no one can live or build in, but the animals know no boundaries or borders so they roam around, into villages and small towns. It is nothing to see animals walking through a village, but they try to stay away from humans, plus they eat their crops. Sometimes kill people too.

After a few nights in a couple nights in some luxurious lodges, we moved on the a VERY remote mobile camp in the midst of the heart of the Serengeti, where we were awoken by the rumbles of a lion's roar, and Leopard and the Hyenas' laugh. You would think they were right outside our canvas tent, but no, they were far away.

Walking around after dark was prohibited, because you never knew what was hiding in the tall grass or outside your zippered doorway. After dinner in a large tent you were escorted to your tent and did not come out until they escorted you back to the dining tent for breakfast. The animals never tried to get into your tents, but you had to keep it zipped all the time. We had an indoor shower, flushing toilet and sink for washing up. We had to laugh at some of the people who never camped in their life.

Four nights later we left for a unbelievable coffee\farm plantation and back to wi-fi  and being pampered in a beautiful lodge.

 I've just given you the highlights of our amazing trip, but there are too many photos and stories to share, but I will share a few more. August is the winter time and migration time for many of the animals. We saw herds of wildebeest, wart hogs, zebras, antelopes, giraffes, 3 baby lions in a tree, baby elephants, a baby cheetah, group of baboons, and some of the most friendly and welcoming locals ever. The people are very poor but would welcome you into their houses and share a meal with you, not matter how poor they are.

And if you are interested in taking a trip like this, contact Overseas Adventure Travels and experience an amazing trip. But don't be afraid of being dirty for a few days. We will always remember the two trips we took to Africa.  and stay safe. We are blessed. Take care and stay safe.