"A stand-your-ground law is a type of self-defense law that gives individuals the right to use reasonable force to defend themselves without any requirement to evade or retreat from a dangerous situation."
The above definition is the basis for the stand-your-ground law that exists in one form or another in many states
On the surface it seems reasonable enough. You threaten me, I get to take care of myself. Simple, right?
Well, no. Not so simple. In many areas-most recently Florida-it has come to mean something very different. It means more than just self defense. Unfortunately it means to many people "don't even look suspicious!"
The stand-your-ground movement across the country is in my considered opinion one of the most dangerous-and wrong-headed-laws man has ever conceived.
Make no mistake about it. There are going to be more Trayvon Martins. Many more.
Take cover!
Monday, July 22, 2013
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Let's take a walk
I just finished reading Khaled Hosseini's third book "And the Mountains Echoed". The first one was "The Kite Runner" and the second "A Thousand Splendid Suns". I read all three.
Hosseini is a gifted writer. To me what makes his books even better is the fact that they can teach us so much about a people who are literally and figuratively foreign to most Americans-Muslims.
Every once in a while, either in print or on TV, I come across some ignorant big mouth ( I find it one of life's annoying ironies that ignorant people are often the loudest) explaining how all Muslim people have one goal in life. That is to kill the infidel, aka us.
Fox News among others seems to be especially fond of this view.
The idea that millions of Muslims the world over want to destroy us is of course ridiculous. Like everything else in religion or politics it's the extremist-or lunatic- fringe that is dangerous, not the mainstream.
To really understand this, it is necessary to learn a little about a given culture-or as it has been often stated-take a walk in someone else's shoes.
Well, one way to do that, short of actually visiting the country, is to read the fiction of that culture; hence, Khaled Hosseini's books.
Read them or at least some of them. You won't regret it. As a bonus you will not only have a great read, but you'll also learn that the vast majority of the Muslim people are just like us. They simply want to live peaceful, secure lives with the people they love.
Hosseini is a gifted writer. To me what makes his books even better is the fact that they can teach us so much about a people who are literally and figuratively foreign to most Americans-Muslims.
Every once in a while, either in print or on TV, I come across some ignorant big mouth ( I find it one of life's annoying ironies that ignorant people are often the loudest) explaining how all Muslim people have one goal in life. That is to kill the infidel, aka us.
Fox News among others seems to be especially fond of this view.
The idea that millions of Muslims the world over want to destroy us is of course ridiculous. Like everything else in religion or politics it's the extremist-or lunatic- fringe that is dangerous, not the mainstream.
To really understand this, it is necessary to learn a little about a given culture-or as it has been often stated-take a walk in someone else's shoes.
Well, one way to do that, short of actually visiting the country, is to read the fiction of that culture; hence, Khaled Hosseini's books.
Read them or at least some of them. You won't regret it. As a bonus you will not only have a great read, but you'll also learn that the vast majority of the Muslim people are just like us. They simply want to live peaceful, secure lives with the people they love.
Monday, July 15, 2013
The "Experts" Weigh In
It's official. George Zimmerman has been acquitted of charges brought against him for the death of Treyvon Martin.
But if you read the papers, watch news broadcasts, listen to talk shows, look at Facebook posts, follow remarks on Twitter, read blogs or just plain talk to a group of your friends it is clear the jury got it completely wrong.
Words like "gross miscarriage of justice" or a "travesty" or "another murderer goes free" can be read and heard everywhere.
The interesting thing is that not a single one of the people writing and stating these lovely remarks had any access to the evidence nor were they on the jury or even attend the trial every single day-or even a few days. What they did do was watch the news or read about it on the Internet.
All of their information was gained from some other source, most notably, the media. Yet they regard themselves as well-informed enough to pass judgement.
Interesting how the human mind works (or in this case doesn't).
But if you read the papers, watch news broadcasts, listen to talk shows, look at Facebook posts, follow remarks on Twitter, read blogs or just plain talk to a group of your friends it is clear the jury got it completely wrong.
Words like "gross miscarriage of justice" or a "travesty" or "another murderer goes free" can be read and heard everywhere.
The interesting thing is that not a single one of the people writing and stating these lovely remarks had any access to the evidence nor were they on the jury or even attend the trial every single day-or even a few days. What they did do was watch the news or read about it on the Internet.
All of their information was gained from some other source, most notably, the media. Yet they regard themselves as well-informed enough to pass judgement.
Interesting how the human mind works (or in this case doesn't).
Saturday, July 13, 2013
The United Fund
In my conversations with numerous people (yesterday was the most recent) regarding the $11 million fund being administered by Newtown Savings Bank and The United Fund, I keep hearing a major misunderstanding.
No matter what one may think of the United Fund, the plain fact is that they are in no way what so ever profiting from the fund they're helping to administer. In fact they're losing money.
The money is wholly controlled by a group of people who have sole decision-making authority. The Fund takes no fee for its efforts.
Much of the misunderstanding originates from one particular relative of one of the victims. That person is often quoted in the press and her remarks are taken as fact. The media needs to do some fact checking. The Fund is getting a bad rap-at least in this particular instance.
No matter what one may think of the United Fund, the plain fact is that they are in no way what so ever profiting from the fund they're helping to administer. In fact they're losing money.
The money is wholly controlled by a group of people who have sole decision-making authority. The Fund takes no fee for its efforts.
Much of the misunderstanding originates from one particular relative of one of the victims. That person is often quoted in the press and her remarks are taken as fact. The media needs to do some fact checking. The Fund is getting a bad rap-at least in this particular instance.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Let's put things in perspective
All I've been hearing for the past week or so is that this weather is intolerable. The heat, the humidity-it's all more than one can bear.
Well in the interest of public service, I'm here to remind those complainers that these are exactly the days they were wishing for not such a long time ago. Remember this?
So, cheer up. We'll be shoveling soon enough!
Well in the interest of public service, I'm here to remind those complainers that these are exactly the days they were wishing for not such a long time ago. Remember this?
So, cheer up. We'll be shoveling soon enough!
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Independence Day
"When in the Course of human
events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands
which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the
earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's
God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that
they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be
self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator
with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the
pursuit of Happiness..."Happy birthday, U.S.A. May you long endure.
Are you having trouble handling some of what's going on in our country today? I suggest you put it all in perspective. For example take a look at what's going on in Egypt now. Then I think you'll feel better.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Happy July 1st
1. To learn more about the month of July, click here: http://georgeswebpage.com/almanac
2. On this day, exactly 150 years ago, the Battle of Gettysburg began. By day's end there would be over 15000 combined casualties.
2. On this day, exactly 150 years ago, the Battle of Gettysburg began. By day's end there would be over 15000 combined casualties.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
More of life's little mysteries
I have one more observation regarding the recent Supreme Court rulings then I'll stop for a while.
In one of its decisions it effectively removed blocks to same-sex marriages-but not entirely. It left the door open for legislative action to be taken that would basically put the issue back on the table. Opponents of the court's ruling have 25 days to take such action.
So now the news is filled with reports of all sorts of movements underway to block Prop 8 as it's come to be known. The opponents of equal rights for gays are simply not giving up.
My thought is why on earth are antigay forces making such a fuss. They're disguising their actions as those that preserve the 'Christian' or moral thing to do but let's face it, they're homophobes.
Does anyone really care who another person marries? I certainly don't. I don't care if a person marries a man, woman, goat or a tree in their front yard. So long as they leave me alone, they can do what ever they want.
Here's the kicker: the very people frothing at the mouth about gay marriages are the same people who rail against perceived government intrusions from the left. Yet, they have no problem intruding themselves into another's life. The hypocrisy and lack of logic here is totally lost on them.
These nuts need to just shut up and go away. Leave people alone.
In one of its decisions it effectively removed blocks to same-sex marriages-but not entirely. It left the door open for legislative action to be taken that would basically put the issue back on the table. Opponents of the court's ruling have 25 days to take such action.
So now the news is filled with reports of all sorts of movements underway to block Prop 8 as it's come to be known. The opponents of equal rights for gays are simply not giving up.
My thought is why on earth are antigay forces making such a fuss. They're disguising their actions as those that preserve the 'Christian' or moral thing to do but let's face it, they're homophobes.
Does anyone really care who another person marries? I certainly don't. I don't care if a person marries a man, woman, goat or a tree in their front yard. So long as they leave me alone, they can do what ever they want.
Here's the kicker: the very people frothing at the mouth about gay marriages are the same people who rail against perceived government intrusions from the left. Yet, they have no problem intruding themselves into another's life. The hypocrisy and lack of logic here is totally lost on them.
These nuts need to just shut up and go away. Leave people alone.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Stamford Resident Flies Nazi Flag
A recent piece in the Danbury News-Times reported on a well respected Stamford resident who is flying the Nazi flag off his front porch to protest the policies of President Obama.
Conversations with several neighbors revealed that the guy was well liked and respected.
The guy's explanation was that he was not trying to suggest that Obama was a Nazi. He was simply trying to make the point that in his view the president was making policies very much against the best interests of the country. Furthermore he is calling for Obama's impeachment.
In my opinion the fact that his neighbors are taking such a nonchalant approach to this display is appalling. The Nazi flag represents the ultimate in evil. After all, Adolf Hitler was responsible for the mass execution of 6 million people.
To even remotely equate Obama's leadership with Hitler's is so profoundly absurd that it gives one pause to wonder what on earth these idiots are thinking.
This level of ignorance is intolerable. Fortunately for them, the First Amendment protects their right to embrace this kind of insane thinking. I would like to think the majority of Americans are far more level headed. At least I hope so. If not, we're in deeper trouble than I originally thought.
Conversations with several neighbors revealed that the guy was well liked and respected.
The guy's explanation was that he was not trying to suggest that Obama was a Nazi. He was simply trying to make the point that in his view the president was making policies very much against the best interests of the country. Furthermore he is calling for Obama's impeachment.
In my opinion the fact that his neighbors are taking such a nonchalant approach to this display is appalling. The Nazi flag represents the ultimate in evil. After all, Adolf Hitler was responsible for the mass execution of 6 million people.
To even remotely equate Obama's leadership with Hitler's is so profoundly absurd that it gives one pause to wonder what on earth these idiots are thinking.
This level of ignorance is intolerable. Fortunately for them, the First Amendment protects their right to embrace this kind of insane thinking. I would like to think the majority of Americans are far more level headed. At least I hope so. If not, we're in deeper trouble than I originally thought.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Thoughts about SCOTUS
The Supreme Court of the United States, aka SCOTUS. It's been in the news quite a bit lately with a flurry of activity and rulings before their summer recess.
But with the exception of a few special-interest groups who are most affected by their rulings, not many people are paying much attention. In fact I'll bet if you were to pick 10 people at random, one at most would be able to name all 9 justices. In fact there are probably only a handful of people who even knows there are 9 much less their names or that 6 of the 9 are men.
The fact of the matter is, however, that they are absolutely the most important group of people in the country.
Think about it. They get to decide if the laws our state and federal governments pass are constitutional. And to top it off, unlike in lower courts, there is no appeal. Their word is final...period. End of story.
Two of their recent decisions for example have far-reaching consequences.
First, there's the ruling regarding the Voting Rights Act. It effectively allows states to redraw their congressional districts as they see fit. The upshot is that a state like Texas for example can now make it almost impossible for a democrat to get elected. Nice, huh?
They left the door open by suggesting Congress revisit the act and modernize it. Good luck with that.
The second big ruling is in regard to gay marriages. Basically, they said the state of California can not deny to gay couples the same rights afforded straight couples. It's a huge victory for gay rights.
In my humble opinion the courts screwed up in one case but got it right in another. I'll leave it to you to figure out which side I'm on but if you're a regular follower of this blogspot, it won't be hard to do.
So the next time you hear of a SCOTUS Justice retiring, pay attention. The next person to get on could shift the balance of the court and make a huge impact for many years to come.
OK, ready?? Who's the Chief Justice of SCOTUS?
But with the exception of a few special-interest groups who are most affected by their rulings, not many people are paying much attention. In fact I'll bet if you were to pick 10 people at random, one at most would be able to name all 9 justices. In fact there are probably only a handful of people who even knows there are 9 much less their names or that 6 of the 9 are men.
The fact of the matter is, however, that they are absolutely the most important group of people in the country.
Think about it. They get to decide if the laws our state and federal governments pass are constitutional. And to top it off, unlike in lower courts, there is no appeal. Their word is final...period. End of story.
Two of their recent decisions for example have far-reaching consequences.
First, there's the ruling regarding the Voting Rights Act. It effectively allows states to redraw their congressional districts as they see fit. The upshot is that a state like Texas for example can now make it almost impossible for a democrat to get elected. Nice, huh?
They left the door open by suggesting Congress revisit the act and modernize it. Good luck with that.
The second big ruling is in regard to gay marriages. Basically, they said the state of California can not deny to gay couples the same rights afforded straight couples. It's a huge victory for gay rights.
In my humble opinion the courts screwed up in one case but got it right in another. I'll leave it to you to figure out which side I'm on but if you're a regular follower of this blogspot, it won't be hard to do.
So the next time you hear of a SCOTUS Justice retiring, pay attention. The next person to get on could shift the balance of the court and make a huge impact for many years to come.
OK, ready?? Who's the Chief Justice of SCOTUS?
Monday, June 24, 2013
Ups and downs
We returned yesterday afternoon from having spent three days visiting friends who live in a fairly remote area of Pennsylvania. It's located about 45 minutes northwest of Scranton and it's overall about a 3 hr drive.
There are a number of advantages and some would say disadvantages to spending time in a region like this.
There's of course the obvious advantage of visiting with friends whose company you enjoy. There's the added advantage to me of beautiful, untouched countryside consisting of woods, fields and streams.
The down side is that getting to stores or restaurants involves a longer drive than what one may be used to. In fact depending on what you're looking for, it could be a rather considerable drive.
There's also the fact that where we were there was no cable or cell service. The folks we visited did have satellite TV and a rather slow internet connection but at least they had one.
Was this a problem? Certainly not to me. We had a very pleasant visit. Younger folks who have a need to 'stay connected' may have found it to be a huge inconvenience but we found it very restful. After all, we could still eat, walk, talk and read. What else do you need to do?
I think it's good for everyone to step away from the information highway, disconnect and relax once in a while. Too many people are leading hectic--almost frantic--lives, constantly on their phones checking their Facebook status and emails.
Relax. You'll live longer.
There are a number of advantages and some would say disadvantages to spending time in a region like this.
There's of course the obvious advantage of visiting with friends whose company you enjoy. There's the added advantage to me of beautiful, untouched countryside consisting of woods, fields and streams.
The down side is that getting to stores or restaurants involves a longer drive than what one may be used to. In fact depending on what you're looking for, it could be a rather considerable drive.
There's also the fact that where we were there was no cable or cell service. The folks we visited did have satellite TV and a rather slow internet connection but at least they had one.
Was this a problem? Certainly not to me. We had a very pleasant visit. Younger folks who have a need to 'stay connected' may have found it to be a huge inconvenience but we found it very restful. After all, we could still eat, walk, talk and read. What else do you need to do?
I think it's good for everyone to step away from the information highway, disconnect and relax once in a while. Too many people are leading hectic--almost frantic--lives, constantly on their phones checking their Facebook status and emails.
Relax. You'll live longer.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Newtown schools are out for the summer.
My heartfelt congratulations to all Newtown teachers, staff and students. The year is over and you will FINALLY get to kick back for a while to let the healing process continue. How you all managed to carry on and present a cheerful demeanor to your students every single day is something I'll never know but you did it! Have a wonderful, restful summer. I hope to be seeing some of you this fall when my grand son, Cole, attends full day kindergarten.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Random stuff
Good news. Full-day Kindergarten in Newtown. Cole goes to Sandy Hook School next year
Golf tournament last Monday. Played my usual level of awful.
Finally catching up with yard work in spite of rain rain rain.
How about all this talk of US intelligence agencies listening in on conversations of foreign leaders? I know. I don't care either.
And finally...Yet another family milestone: Cole lost his first tooth yesterday!
Golf tournament last Monday. Played my usual level of awful.
Finally catching up with yard work in spite of rain rain rain.
How about all this talk of US intelligence agencies listening in on conversations of foreign leaders? I know. I don't care either.
And finally...Yet another family milestone: Cole lost his first tooth yesterday!
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Happy Father's Day
Happy Father's day to all you great dads out there. You're doing the most important job there is. Keep up the good work!
Here's a picture of two great dads-my son Peter and my son-in-law Mike.
Here's a picture of two great dads-my son Peter and my son-in-law Mike.
Friday, June 14, 2013
A Day to Remember
Today is Flag Day. It is also the 6-month anniversary of the tragedy at Sandy Hook School-a horrible event that is still fresh in our minds.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Government Surveillance and treason
The issue of government surveillance aside, the National Security Agency employee who leaked classified information to the press is a traitor--pure and simple.
He needs to be located, returned to the United States and tried for treason.
The fact that he thinks the government is going too far in its surveillance techniques is irrelevant. There are procedures in place for people to report such abuses. He did not follow it--not even close.
End of story.
He needs to be located, returned to the United States and tried for treason.
The fact that he thinks the government is going too far in its surveillance techniques is irrelevant. There are procedures in place for people to report such abuses. He did not follow it--not even close.
End of story.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Remember D Day
Today marks the 69th anniversary of D Day, the largest amphibious invasion the world has ever known involving over 160,000 soldiers and 5000 ships. By the end of the day there would be over 10,000 allied casualties.
D Day was the beginning of the end of World War II.
D Day was the beginning of the end of World War II.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Happy Birthday, Becky Stockwell Sullivan
Happy birthday to Becky, born this day 1975.
Time marches on!
Time marches on!
Sunday, June 2, 2013
...And now Courtney & Brooke perform.
More from The Children's Studio of the Performing Arts featuring grand daughters Courtney & Brooke.
Courtney & Brooke's annual recital
The Children's Studio of the Performing Arts paid tribute to Sandy Hook School last night at Oxford High School. Grand daughters Brooke and Courtney each performed at the event. Video of their performance to follow.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
A question and an observation
This post is another one of a political nature. Then I'll take a break from politics for a while...unless of course something happens that really makes me wonder...
1. What the hell is John McCain doing in Syria? Is he still that sore for losing to Obama? If we were to listen to him, we'd be at war in every part of the globe which is rather odd given his experience as a prisoner of war. You'd think he'd do everything possible to avoid it.
He and his gas-bag buddy South Carolina republican Lindsey Graham are really beginning to annoy me.
Hey! Maybe Graham will join McCain in Syria...and get lost.
2. OK, what's mad woman Michele Bachmann up to? She's announced she won't be seeking another term. Not that it has anything to do with campaign finance irregularities or the fact she very nearly lost the last election. No, certainly not that. Could she be thinking about a run for 2016? God forbid!!
That's my rant for the day.
1. What the hell is John McCain doing in Syria? Is he still that sore for losing to Obama? If we were to listen to him, we'd be at war in every part of the globe which is rather odd given his experience as a prisoner of war. You'd think he'd do everything possible to avoid it.
He and his gas-bag buddy South Carolina republican Lindsey Graham are really beginning to annoy me.
Hey! Maybe Graham will join McCain in Syria...and get lost.
2. OK, what's mad woman Michele Bachmann up to? She's announced she won't be seeking another term. Not that it has anything to do with campaign finance irregularities or the fact she very nearly lost the last election. No, certainly not that. Could she be thinking about a run for 2016? God forbid!!
That's my rant for the day.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Happy Memorial Day
Memorial Day began at the end of the Civil War. It was originally called Decoration Day. It is the day we have set aside to pay our respects to those who gave their lives for their country.
While you are enjoying parades, barbecues and picnics, family gatherings, the start of the summer season or just relaxing at home, find a few minutes to quietly acknowledge the sacrifice of those who made it all possible.
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While you are enjoying parades, barbecues and picnics, family gatherings, the start of the summer season or just relaxing at home, find a few minutes to quietly acknowledge the sacrifice of those who made it all possible.
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Thursday, May 23, 2013
Random Observations
1. Ever wonder what the face of insanity looks like? Here it is:
Minnesota Congresswoman (R) Michele Bachmann recently announced that we don't need to worry about Obamacare because God is going to get rid of it for us!
2. I was sitting here the other day, working myself into a lather over the fact that in spite of a fully charged battery my lawn tractor won't start. On top of that I have a 35 year-old tiller that in every respect runs great except I need two belts which are no longer available. Finding suitable replacements has so far yielded nothing. So while this is going on in my head, there came news reports about a massive tornado in Oklahoma leaving at last count 51 people dead, including children, and an area of devastation hard to imagine.
It was then I realized how lucky I was to have a house and yard in which to use my various machines.
Life is a matter of perspective.
3. We were with some people the other night who severely criticized the FBI for dropping the ball in the Boston bombers case. They were of the opinion that if the FBI had been doing their job, they would have locked the two nut jobs up a long time ago.
I attempted to explain that the very thing that makes this country great-and very different from places like N. Korea, Iran and just about every other country in the Middle East as well as Africa-is that the state has to have a thing called evidence followed by a trial before locking people up and throwing away the key.
No dice. Logic does not work on those who have made up their minds. Sometimes I think we're doomed.
4. Finally, this bit of good news: The federal deficit is dropping dramatically to the point that in a few years, the federal budget will have a surplus. Do you hear any republican politicians giving credit to Pres. Obama? Neither do I.
To repeat yet again my oft stated opinion: the right is nothing but a bunch of hypocritical gas bags. Throw in a dash of racism and it's clear we have a very ugly situation in our distinguished halls of Congress.
2. I was sitting here the other day, working myself into a lather over the fact that in spite of a fully charged battery my lawn tractor won't start. On top of that I have a 35 year-old tiller that in every respect runs great except I need two belts which are no longer available. Finding suitable replacements has so far yielded nothing. So while this is going on in my head, there came news reports about a massive tornado in Oklahoma leaving at last count 51 people dead, including children, and an area of devastation hard to imagine.
It was then I realized how lucky I was to have a house and yard in which to use my various machines.
Life is a matter of perspective.
3. We were with some people the other night who severely criticized the FBI for dropping the ball in the Boston bombers case. They were of the opinion that if the FBI had been doing their job, they would have locked the two nut jobs up a long time ago.
I attempted to explain that the very thing that makes this country great-and very different from places like N. Korea, Iran and just about every other country in the Middle East as well as Africa-is that the state has to have a thing called evidence followed by a trial before locking people up and throwing away the key.
No dice. Logic does not work on those who have made up their minds. Sometimes I think we're doomed.
4. Finally, this bit of good news: The federal deficit is dropping dramatically to the point that in a few years, the federal budget will have a surplus. Do you hear any republican politicians giving credit to Pres. Obama? Neither do I.
To repeat yet again my oft stated opinion: the right is nothing but a bunch of hypocritical gas bags. Throw in a dash of racism and it's clear we have a very ugly situation in our distinguished halls of Congress.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
The IRS & Conservatives
I firmly believe President Obama had nothing what ever to do with the recent controversy surrounding the IRS and its harassment of conservative groups of one kind or another and I further believe it was wrong for them to do it.
Having said that, I wonder how they (conservatives) feel for a change since we know for a fact a whole host of conservative politicians have used every means available-legal or otherwise-to crush their liberal critics.
Now the shoe's on the other foot and listen to them squeal!
Having said that, I wonder how they (conservatives) feel for a change since we know for a fact a whole host of conservative politicians have used every means available-legal or otherwise-to crush their liberal critics.
Now the shoe's on the other foot and listen to them squeal!
Monday, May 13, 2013
A Great Mothers Day
What do mothers and grand mothers (and fathers & grand fathers) like to do most? Watch their children and grand children have fun of course.
Here are two pictures of Brooke, Courtney, Cole & Nicholas enjoying themselves doing two favorite activities: fishing & rolling down a grassy knoll.
Here are two pictures of Brooke, Courtney, Cole & Nicholas enjoying themselves doing two favorite activities: fishing & rolling down a grassy knoll.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Be It Ever So Humble...
We're home after 12 days in Florida.
It was a very relaxing trip. Got to enjoy the family for the first part of it and continued to relax for the rest.
It's always nice to get down there. The nice weather, the beach & pool, flora, fauna...there's a lot to like about Florida-except the summers. Even in early May, the temps were approaching 90.
Now it's back home to azaleas, forsythia, bleeding hearts, lilacs, growing grass and the leafing of the trees.
Time to plan and prepare the garden, mow the lawns, and finish the supply of wood for yet another winter.
And on and on it goes.
It was a very relaxing trip. Got to enjoy the family for the first part of it and continued to relax for the rest.
It's always nice to get down there. The nice weather, the beach & pool, flora, fauna...there's a lot to like about Florida-except the summers. Even in early May, the temps were approaching 90.
Now it's back home to azaleas, forsythia, bleeding hearts, lilacs, growing grass and the leafing of the trees.
Time to plan and prepare the garden, mow the lawns, and finish the supply of wood for yet another winter.
And on and on it goes.
Monday, May 6, 2013
A book to read
Are you a history buff? Especially World War II history? If so, I have a book I would like to recommend. It's called "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand.
It's about a man named Louis Zamperini who was an olympic runner. When WWII broke out, he joined the Army Air Corps. The book tells of his early running days, his duty in the AAC and his subsequent capture and detention in a Japanese prisoner of war camp.
The book is one of the best historical narratives I've ever read. It may be out in paperback and it's also available for eReaders.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Get a tat yet?
Here we are at our condo in sunny Naples, FL for Sandi's post tax season meltdown. We got here last Saturday and we'll be here until the 9th of May. Mike, Becky and the girls had been here this whole time also but returned home today.
As usual Florida is alive with the colors of blooming flowers and bright clothing. And there's one more thing you can see in great abundance-especially at the beach. Tattoos. Lots and lots of tattoos.
Sitting in a chair, people watching at the beach can be very entertaining. I've seen people-men and women-with just about every conceivable type of tattoo, whether they be a small butterfly or nearly all body.
For some odd reason I can't quite get used to women with tattoos. They just don't seem to belong. Yet there they are.
Here's another thing you'll see along with the tattoos. Obesity. Not just a little chubby. I mean very fat people. Combine this with the tattoos and you have a very, well, disgusting picture.
Fortunately, there are more positives things than negatives at the beach so I guess we'll keep going back.
In the meantime, think twice about getting that tat.
As usual Florida is alive with the colors of blooming flowers and bright clothing. And there's one more thing you can see in great abundance-especially at the beach. Tattoos. Lots and lots of tattoos.
Sitting in a chair, people watching at the beach can be very entertaining. I've seen people-men and women-with just about every conceivable type of tattoo, whether they be a small butterfly or nearly all body.
For some odd reason I can't quite get used to women with tattoos. They just don't seem to belong. Yet there they are.
Here's another thing you'll see along with the tattoos. Obesity. Not just a little chubby. I mean very fat people. Combine this with the tattoos and you have a very, well, disgusting picture.
Fortunately, there are more positives things than negatives at the beach so I guess we'll keep going back.
In the meantime, think twice about getting that tat.
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