Unlike many others, I am never assured of safety behind my windows and doors. I knew this when I first took up with a LEO. Retribution was always a possibility. But things amped up with the move here. And of course it's only getting worse as the days go by.
Therefore, I am never more than a few feet away from a weapon. But last night I got lazy or forgetful. It was late and I was shutting down the net, getting ready to turn out the light when I heard the sound that I would have sworn was a pants leg brushing and a step...
My first thought was for the dog - outside, damn it. Then I could see in my mind the gun on the kitchen counter, left after finishing the cleaning up. My hand went for the next option from the pencil cup on my desk - it wasn't much but it was sharp. After another moment of listening, I got up to investigate. Thank goodness it was just the cat, moving around on my rain jacket, carelessly cast aside earlier. "Asshole," I told him, stroking his soft, sleepy head.
But it was a dark reminder. The gun is useless when it isn't to hand. And the dog is to be wherever I am, damn it. Much as he was all last week when I wasn't out of his sight.
I'd had a dream recently - running back into the house for a forgotten something, door left unlocked, ajar. Two men crashed through it and I had no time at all to react. It, too, was a reminder that no matter how much of a bad-ass I may be (even if only in my own mind) I do not have the training to handle that sort of thing.
I am sure there is language to describe it, studies made year after year, to deal with that surprise and halt to action, moments of decision rather than implementation of repetitive training.
Fact is, I need to watch my ass, be smarter by 100%, and get some fracking holsters and use the damned things.
Shock and awe, indeed. I am not prepared...but at least I know where to start.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Or I Could Go With This
"I swear, these people are gonna scream so loud when I set them on fire."
That one generated a spit-take. Slay them, m'dear.
That one generated a spit-take. Slay them, m'dear.
A New Motto
Mightily applicable in many situations, V-man's erudition again rears its - um...never mind that.
He notes, "Even my old grammy told me, before I ventured out into the big bad world, never to turn my back on a prostitute or a fire."
Can someone put that on a plaque somewhere when I die? As apt an epitaph as I ever read...
He notes, "Even my old grammy told me, before I ventured out into the big bad world, never to turn my back on a prostitute or a fire."
Can someone put that on a plaque somewhere when I die? As apt an epitaph as I ever read...
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Texas
You know, I was once a punk from Chicago. I never imagined my life would bring me to the south. I assumed it would be all dark, dank, dangerous living from one horror to the next. It was all I'd known, after all.
And yet...here I am. If you haven't SEEN much of the state, you cannot truly comprehend the people here. There is no hesitation to stand for the anthem, no hat remains on head, 2/3'rds of the crowd salute. And not merely out of some sort of vague notion of propriety.
When Trooper first came to academy for an interview he pulled up just as they were mounting the flags in that early morning light. People STOPPED THEIR CARS on the side of the road, got out, and waited patiently with hands on hearts. This is no place for moderate patriotism - it's a place where it is most basic and sincere. It is in the very soul of the people.
And now, the question of secession...the post here covers it rather well. My only complaint with much of the talk on the subject is this: quit looking to history and law, and congress for permission to do what we, as a people, wish to do.
No one who ever led a revolution did it within the confines of the "law". I've been watching the History Channel - a program called "The Revolution" - well worth the purchase as it has been a kind of primer on the matter. Too, I was woefully ignorant of the entire thing, having passed over history class in order to perform some financial matters in the Ladies, instead. But it has refreshed my thinking.
You don't ASK for your freedom. You Demand it. You Expect it. You Assume it.
Which should not be read as it will be a walk in the park. It will be heartache and death, hunger and fear. But it can be done. And I hope it shall be.
And yet...here I am. If you haven't SEEN much of the state, you cannot truly comprehend the people here. There is no hesitation to stand for the anthem, no hat remains on head, 2/3'rds of the crowd salute. And not merely out of some sort of vague notion of propriety.
When Trooper first came to academy for an interview he pulled up just as they were mounting the flags in that early morning light. People STOPPED THEIR CARS on the side of the road, got out, and waited patiently with hands on hearts. This is no place for moderate patriotism - it's a place where it is most basic and sincere. It is in the very soul of the people.
And now, the question of secession...the post here covers it rather well. My only complaint with much of the talk on the subject is this: quit looking to history and law, and congress for permission to do what we, as a people, wish to do.
No one who ever led a revolution did it within the confines of the "law". I've been watching the History Channel - a program called "The Revolution" - well worth the purchase as it has been a kind of primer on the matter. Too, I was woefully ignorant of the entire thing, having passed over history class in order to perform some financial matters in the Ladies, instead. But it has refreshed my thinking.
You don't ASK for your freedom. You Demand it. You Expect it. You Assume it.
Which should not be read as it will be a walk in the park. It will be heartache and death, hunger and fear. But it can be done. And I hope it shall be.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Long Week Gone
Tick...tick...
He's in his bed, asleep, on the border ("...with Delamere...") for one last night. Thank goodness for that because word is things have gone all pear-shaped southward. It's been a long week with a lot of work and not nearly as much done around the house as I'd hoped.
But the garden's in...and it wasn't that hard to move all that dirt from the back of his truck. Sure, I could have driven across the lawn for proximity but...I've a very good wheel barrow that made short work of it.
And now I cannot get this little *ping* out of my mind, having stumbled on the song in my mind tonight. "Dance a little closer tonight..."
Och, I've missed him...
He's in his bed, asleep, on the border ("...with Delamere...") for one last night. Thank goodness for that because word is things have gone all pear-shaped southward. It's been a long week with a lot of work and not nearly as much done around the house as I'd hoped.
But the garden's in...and it wasn't that hard to move all that dirt from the back of his truck. Sure, I could have driven across the lawn for proximity but...I've a very good wheel barrow that made short work of it.
And now I cannot get this little *ping* out of my mind, having stumbled on the song in my mind tonight. "Dance a little closer tonight..."
Och, I've missed him...
Hurried and Varied
I am waiting on my sister - we've gardening to do while the sun doesn't shine which in the TX heat is a great thing. Meanwhile, there is a fat LOT of material to work with these days...
Something semi-cheering: a great t-shirt for your next rabble rousing. H/T - The Porch
V-man addresses the real cause of failure in the automotive market with his usual application of erudition. Reminded me how pissed off this latest video made me the other day. John Rich - complaining about how the gov't is "Shutting Detroit Down". Aw, get the hell outta here! They priced their asses out of the fucking market. You wanted a union? You got one. And with them, you ate your seed corn. Want a song? Jack's got one for you.
Billy tackles all the "noise about torture". My friends - there are a generous plenty of men who pay rather a lot of money for far worse treatment. Only difference is the women are in leather and spikey heels. And instead of calling it torture, it's a "lifestyle choice". I always want to ask people - right now, here and now - choose: kneeling in front of a snarling dog with panties on your head or I cut off your head with a dull knife, taking my time. Choose. Choose you dumb son of a bitch, right fucking now. (Aw hell, don some leather and heels and express the same and walk away with $1,000. Might as well make a profit from it.)
So there - that's what I've got for you today. Have a great day!
Something semi-cheering: a great t-shirt for your next rabble rousing. H/T - The Porch
V-man addresses the real cause of failure in the automotive market with his usual application of erudition. Reminded me how pissed off this latest video made me the other day. John Rich - complaining about how the gov't is "Shutting Detroit Down". Aw, get the hell outta here! They priced their asses out of the fucking market. You wanted a union? You got one. And with them, you ate your seed corn. Want a song? Jack's got one for you.
Billy tackles all the "noise about torture". My friends - there are a generous plenty of men who pay rather a lot of money for far worse treatment. Only difference is the women are in leather and spikey heels. And instead of calling it torture, it's a "lifestyle choice". I always want to ask people - right now, here and now - choose: kneeling in front of a snarling dog with panties on your head or I cut off your head with a dull knife, taking my time. Choose. Choose you dumb son of a bitch, right fucking now. (Aw hell, don some leather and heels and express the same and walk away with $1,000. Might as well make a profit from it.)
So there - that's what I've got for you today. Have a great day!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Your New Uniform
Once again, the Ranger Up guys hit the nail right on the head - and timely, too.
I've spent too much money there lately but...this might be a must have, also. I do wish they'd print more white t's. It's too bloody hot in Texas summertime for the black ones...
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Why Do I Even Try?
Now, look - between Brigid and Joan, there is simply no chance of my words meaning a damned thing lately. This time, it's Joan...luscious, luscious...
"gentle lull of moonlight beams in
as she arcs the sky full sail"
Do go read the whole thing!
"gentle lull of moonlight beams in
as she arcs the sky full sail"
Do go read the whole thing!
Luddite Lite
To watch this was, for me, an amazing step into the past - within the present. It's lengthy, at 17 minutes. But it compresses rather a lot of work into those minutes...
"...France's Claude Paillard and his made-from-scratch triodes..."
As found here...
It is knowledge that I fear we'll be falling back on - assuming we can find people capable of same. I love his hands and their deftness. It was art, really.
"...France's Claude Paillard and his made-from-scratch triodes..."
As found here...
It is knowledge that I fear we'll be falling back on - assuming we can find people capable of same. I love his hands and their deftness. It was art, really.
Idle Thoughts
I've always been one to try and get to the bottom of any sort of...conspiracy theory. I love knowledge. I love secrets. But sometimes they can bring about information that you just didn't really want to know.
I think I'd mentioned awhile back something akin to this. Ed Rasimus notes it here. (Fort Bergen-Belsen? No, no. Still too familiar to some living. Perhaps Andersonville is remote enough, now, in memory to be reissued?)
Not that long ago a snippet of news stirred my brain in connection to it. These words have more...life to them, now.
"The nation's five largest railroads have put more than 30% of their boxcars -- 206,000 in all -- into storage, according to the Association of American Railroads. Placed end-to-end, the cars would stretch from New York to Salt Lake City."
I think I'd mentioned awhile back something akin to this. Ed Rasimus notes it here. (Fort Bergen-Belsen? No, no. Still too familiar to some living. Perhaps Andersonville is remote enough, now, in memory to be reissued?)
Not that long ago a snippet of news stirred my brain in connection to it. These words have more...life to them, now.
"The nation's five largest railroads have put more than 30% of their boxcars -- 206,000 in all -- into storage, according to the Association of American Railroads. Placed end-to-end, the cars would stretch from New York to Salt Lake City."
Monday, April 20, 2009
Another Birthday...Marcus Aurelius
I've often felt that I was a stoic at heart. But perhaps I've just a bit too much of the pessimist to really meet the qualifications. Still, he has always been a favorite and today is his birthday...
"Let men see, let them know, a real man, who lives as he was meant to live."- Marcus Aurelius
I've known very few men (and fewer women) who could live up to that. But I am glad that I have...they are very instructive in their manner, and pleasant in demeanor. You, too, know them if you care to look. Sometimes it's painful - their way is direct and unflinching. But if you can look past it, forgive the barb that strikes too close, there is much to learn from them.
After all, he was prescient, no?
"Look back over the past, with its changing empires that rose and fell, and you can foresee the future, too."
Indeed, you can...
"Let men see, let them know, a real man, who lives as he was meant to live."- Marcus Aurelius
I've known very few men (and fewer women) who could live up to that. But I am glad that I have...they are very instructive in their manner, and pleasant in demeanor. You, too, know them if you care to look. Sometimes it's painful - their way is direct and unflinching. But if you can look past it, forgive the barb that strikes too close, there is much to learn from them.
After all, he was prescient, no?
"Look back over the past, with its changing empires that rose and fell, and you can foresee the future, too."
Indeed, you can...
Sunday, April 19, 2009
That Demotivator - It's His
You'll likely see this often if it hasn't hit your inbox already and you might not know whom to credit - this would be the one. There are a couple more good ones there, too.
Still - you gotta hand it to him. AND the fine personnel who made it possible. It's a hit.
Snicker
Penblwydd Hapus i chwi, Mam!
Oh, it's out of season, sure - but she was so full of happiness. That was her wedding hope chest, full of the linens and dreams of her youth. I can remember still when she had to sell it along with so many of her things, when I was still quite young. I did so covet those wee salt and peppers -the blue of the cobalt glass shining from the silver filigree.
She had to give up so much in her lifetime. So many dreams.
It's her birthday and I've thought about her a lot today. I wonder if she thinks of me, if it is possible for her to...I miss her so much.
She'd love the roses and the sweet peas in bloom. I hope she has flowers all the time, now. And that there is no season but that of youth and hope and promise.
Happy Birthday, Mommer...
A Little Love
Did I already put this here? Or did I only think so? Och, regardless - it's cheerful and hopeful and full of love for someone who must be a darling to have people so willing to do this...
Enjoy...
Enjoy...
Friday, April 17, 2009
Values
Oh, I did like this!
"I wrote about luck and choices, but I guess I didn't take it far enough. Regardless of what happens to me, my value system is what it is. I resent the idea that if I become poor I will become a Democrat or change the way I understand economics. I resent the idea that if my mother becomes gravely ill I will support nationalized health care. I resent the idea that if life gets hard, I will change my mind and look to government for help."
I'm a fiscal idiot - and I mean that. I've no idea how money works in its arcane hierarchy. But - as she noted - having been poor, I am quite clear that more of it comes from working harder. Even I can see that a company is never going to lose money if it can pass the expense to you as a consumer or by lower operating costs to cover it. And that last part? It usually contracts down to "firing someone".
I've no idea how the general populace has become so stunted that common sense isn't even possible. But I do know this -when that teat dries up, it's you they'll blame. You - the one that worked hard, saved, didn't make stupid decisions...yeah, it won't be enough that you've tried to avoid debt. It won't be enough until you've paid theirs, too.
"I wrote about luck and choices, but I guess I didn't take it far enough. Regardless of what happens to me, my value system is what it is. I resent the idea that if I become poor I will become a Democrat or change the way I understand economics. I resent the idea that if my mother becomes gravely ill I will support nationalized health care. I resent the idea that if life gets hard, I will change my mind and look to government for help."
I'm a fiscal idiot - and I mean that. I've no idea how money works in its arcane hierarchy. But - as she noted - having been poor, I am quite clear that more of it comes from working harder. Even I can see that a company is never going to lose money if it can pass the expense to you as a consumer or by lower operating costs to cover it. And that last part? It usually contracts down to "firing someone".
I've no idea how the general populace has become so stunted that common sense isn't even possible. But I do know this -when that teat dries up, it's you they'll blame. You - the one that worked hard, saved, didn't make stupid decisions...yeah, it won't be enough that you've tried to avoid debt. It won't be enough until you've paid theirs, too.
Spending Time
"Why the fuck do I want a caravan that's got no fucking wheels?"
Mickey, the Pikey
Ah, yes - great movie, Snatch. Perfect for a rainy day...if you haven't yet, and aren't averse to some rather dark - err - black humor amid violence...Joe Bob says check it out.
Mickey, the Pikey
Ah, yes - great movie, Snatch. Perfect for a rainy day...if you haven't yet, and aren't averse to some rather dark - err - black humor amid violence...Joe Bob says check it out.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Ranger Up Keeps `Em Coming
I adore the folks at Ranger Up. Trooper has many of their shirts and they make terrific gifts for his friends...the latest?
Yep - you gotta love it.
Do go and peruse. SO many good ones that I won't even try to link them.
Yep - you gotta love it.
Do go and peruse. SO many good ones that I won't even try to link them.
Take, Take, Take
"So, I think I´ll join my comrades,and talk a little treason."
Billy sets it out better than my own mind can run it...and it reminds me of a chat with my own mother.
I'd told her, snarkily, to enjoy the benefit of my SocSec dollars as I never would be allowed to do so. Oh, she fussed about that - of how she'd worked all her life, etc. No matter that she'd already spent thrice what she'd put in within months. No, no matter that. Sigh...
But I like to think that my own "giving" has helped to cover what she took from any of you.
Does it help to know I shall never take a dime if it comes my turn? Och, it's hardly likely that should come about, anyway, with things going as they are. Like as not we'll be fed to the machine, so to speak, in a cost savings plan.
Of course, one wonders why the man's father has to resort to public funds with a son as successful as he seems to be... Frankly, were it me, I'd be mortified to acknowledge it. Alas, he is fucking proud of the fact.
But then...it doesn't look like he's ever held a real job in his entire life. It explains rather a lot.
Billy sets it out better than my own mind can run it...and it reminds me of a chat with my own mother.
I'd told her, snarkily, to enjoy the benefit of my SocSec dollars as I never would be allowed to do so. Oh, she fussed about that - of how she'd worked all her life, etc. No matter that she'd already spent thrice what she'd put in within months. No, no matter that. Sigh...
But I like to think that my own "giving" has helped to cover what she took from any of you.
Does it help to know I shall never take a dime if it comes my turn? Och, it's hardly likely that should come about, anyway, with things going as they are. Like as not we'll be fed to the machine, so to speak, in a cost savings plan.
Of course, one wonders why the man's father has to resort to public funds with a son as successful as he seems to be... Frankly, were it me, I'd be mortified to acknowledge it. Alas, he is fucking proud of the fact.
But then...it doesn't look like he's ever held a real job in his entire life. It explains rather a lot.
Monday, April 13, 2009
A Gentle Reminder
Never Forget - it was a thing I promised myself when first I learned of the man. And so, here we are...another April 14th...
http://troopersgal.blogspot.com/2008/04/memorial-for-man.html
Fabrizio Quattrocchi, Italian Hero, May 9, 1968-April 14, 2004
http://troopersgal.blogspot.com/2008/04/memorial-for-man.html
Fabrizio Quattrocchi, Italian Hero, May 9, 1968-April 14, 2004
Thursday, April 09, 2009
UN-aware
Had you seen the link at Billy's? No? Well, herein a snippet from his called-out Chapter 3 of the UN's Small Arms and Light Weapons Legislation:
Ammunition controls are an integral part of comprehensive control measures and play an important role in reducing the misuse of small arms. A valid firearms license should be shown every time ammunition is purchased, and the dealer should keep a record of the quantity and the purchaser.
A maximum limit can be placed on the amount of ammunition that can be purchased in a month,
as well as a limit to the amount of ammunition that can be stored. These limits could be different
for each category of firearm license. It should be clear that ammunition for proscribed SALW use
should also be prohibited for civilian purchase.
I don't know that there is much that can be done, now. No amount of protests, articles, debates or even complaints will change a damned thing. Rather, it is just time to check out. Remove oneself from the entire affair and plan accordingly. Have what you need, and a way to keep it.
I used to wonder how nations allowed themselves to be corrupted so easily. And I see now that it can be done in a matter of months. Oh, sure - it took rather a long while, a few decades, to dumb down the population enough to prevent critical thinking. But what they learned not long after was that such things were no longer necessary - the long con isn't a tool they need in their arsenal.
Rather, just get the right people in the right jobs and pull the switch. Done. And here we are...so, I'll be with others this weekend, canning up provisions to hold against the inevitable. What can you do, after all, but that? Stay informed, be ready. All else is...history in the making.
Ammunition controls are an integral part of comprehensive control measures and play an important role in reducing the misuse of small arms. A valid firearms license should be shown every time ammunition is purchased, and the dealer should keep a record of the quantity and the purchaser.
A maximum limit can be placed on the amount of ammunition that can be purchased in a month,
as well as a limit to the amount of ammunition that can be stored. These limits could be different
for each category of firearm license. It should be clear that ammunition for proscribed SALW use
should also be prohibited for civilian purchase.
I don't know that there is much that can be done, now. No amount of protests, articles, debates or even complaints will change a damned thing. Rather, it is just time to check out. Remove oneself from the entire affair and plan accordingly. Have what you need, and a way to keep it.
I used to wonder how nations allowed themselves to be corrupted so easily. And I see now that it can be done in a matter of months. Oh, sure - it took rather a long while, a few decades, to dumb down the population enough to prevent critical thinking. But what they learned not long after was that such things were no longer necessary - the long con isn't a tool they need in their arsenal.
Rather, just get the right people in the right jobs and pull the switch. Done. And here we are...so, I'll be with others this weekend, canning up provisions to hold against the inevitable. What can you do, after all, but that? Stay informed, be ready. All else is...history in the making.
Monday, April 06, 2009
What'd I Tell Ya?
Remember? How it was only a matter of time before these tiny words were no longer permitted? Rather, only the "vetted" words would be allowed?
Matter of time...hope you guys have all arranged alternative communications/info transfer methods. Because all this? The clock is ticking.
It's been swell...
Matter of time...hope you guys have all arranged alternative communications/info transfer methods. Because all this? The clock is ticking.
It's been swell...
Sunday, April 05, 2009
An Ending
We finally had time to watch the last episode of BSG. If you are a fan, you know...if you are not, it was a very moving finale. Quite good, really.
And now he is playing slow, quiet chords on the guitar, and I cannot help but wipe away a tear. Och, I do love him so...
Heaven help us, I wish it could always be this way.
And now he is playing slow, quiet chords on the guitar, and I cannot help but wipe away a tear. Och, I do love him so...
Heaven help us, I wish it could always be this way.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Happy Birthday, Dear Joannieeeee...
Here's lookin' at you, kid!
Hope it's all you wish it to be...
(I can't help but want to lick some of that frosting off...and hope I've got the date right!)
Entertaining
Ah, the rare house guests...I do love to cook for an audience and for the next few days I shall have a happy-to-eat group of men. Trooper's riding partner from the old days on the motor unit is here with his father. They rode their bikes from Atlanta if you can believe it, barely missing the amazingly foul weather striding across the south.
We've a full 72 hours of fun planned but for today I've sent them off on their own to be boys together again. They'll come home to a pork loin, scalloped taters and roasted asparagus. And zuccotto. Ah, lovely yummy zucotto....
The company is not the kind that demands much - and they make me laugh which is something I dearly love to do. I will overlook a great deal in a person that can amuse me.
And so...it's time for a brief bit of work and then a nap before its time to start some yeast rolls. Oh, yes...yeast rolls. Because men love them.
Tomorrow? On the road, the lovely FJR beneath us and the road ahead...
We've a full 72 hours of fun planned but for today I've sent them off on their own to be boys together again. They'll come home to a pork loin, scalloped taters and roasted asparagus. And zuccotto. Ah, lovely yummy zucotto....
The company is not the kind that demands much - and they make me laugh which is something I dearly love to do. I will overlook a great deal in a person that can amuse me.
And so...it's time for a brief bit of work and then a nap before its time to start some yeast rolls. Oh, yes...yeast rolls. Because men love them.
Tomorrow? On the road, the lovely FJR beneath us and the road ahead...
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Surprised?
I wasn't.
Your results:
You are Zoe Washburne (Second-in-command)
Click here to take the Serenity Personality Quiz
Your results:
You are Zoe Washburne (Second-in-command)
| Dependable and trustworthy. You love your significant other and you are a tough cookie when in a conflict.  |
Click here to take the Serenity Personality Quiz
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