Circus peanuts and Coffee

I am sore as heck this morning. The wife and I busted our collective butts yesterday. I borrowed the SIL's power washer. We did the front porch, the back patio and all of the patio furniture. We also sprayed the NW side of the house. The siding was taking on a green tinge from mold, lichen, or perhaps space alien spores, I don't know, I am a doctor, not a botanist.  I know the siding was green and slimy and the house looked like crap.

That side of the house never gets any sunlight. The big willow blocks the morning sun, and the house next door blocks what little other light might filter in. Cleaning down low was no problem, but the upper story sure was. I climbed up on the ladder to get what I could, then pulled out the extension ladder to get a little higher. But a 15 foot extension ladder does not get one to the top of a two story house. In fact, the ladder came to a stop less than halfway to the eve. So I drug out a big extending painter pole and attached a window washing sponge on the end.  We wet down the siding up high and used the sponge to scrub off the green slime. My shoulders ache from reaching up and my butt muscles are sore from clinching while trying not to let the back pressure from the washer blow me off the ladder. Getting old sucks. But the house looks great. Next week we get to trim bushes and try to destroy more of the pernicious ground cover the previous owners planted in the back flower bed and around the big willow.

I keep waiting for that weekend where I get to sit around and do nothing.

I don't think it is in the near future.

Reflect

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
 
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

 By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

Cannonball!

As I look out the old blog room/tv room/granddaughter's room window I see a brilliant blue sky and grass and trees so green the folks in Ireland would be jealous. It is already in the 70s. It may rain later. It may not. It might at your house, it might at mine. I don't know. I don't care -- it looks to be a glorious day and perfect kick-off to summer.

We are heading off to our friend's house for a pool party. Swimming, food, beer, stogies, and laughs are in the plans. I may even break out one or two of my good sticks to burn. Why not? They do no good resting there in the humidor.

Yesterday was uneventful. The granddaughter spent the night Friday, but went home early. We cleaned the house. Then I listened to the baseball game. We grabbed a quick bite then went to the store to get stuff to make for the cook out and party today. Woohoo I'm not sure how I stood the excitement.

What? I'm making corn salad. Take a couple of cans of drained fiesta corn, a diced up green bell pepper, diced onion, a cup of mayo, 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar. Just before serving, stir in a bag of crushed chili cheese Fritos. Sounds gross, I know, but it tastes great. Trust me on this, I lie way less than a Clinton. It is easy and delicious and everyone will ask you for the tecipe. The wife is making the best brownies ever. Buy one of those pans that makes little square brownies. Press ready made chocolate chip cookie dough in the bottom of each square. Plop on a Reese Cup. Yes, in every square. I know! Make a brownie mix and pour evenly over the cookie/peanut butter cups. Bake. Cool. Eat. There may be a few calories involved.

Now you wish you were hanging with me today don'tcha? Well, I suppose you long for that opportunity every day, but even more so today. I have not even discussed the burgers and brats and cakes and other good stuff that will be available. Did I mention fine cigars, beer, and other grown up drinks? All served pool side? Yes, some days it is good to be me.

I hope you have a great day. I am going to try to have one myself.

Just Thinkin'

I just finished reading one of the better novels I have read. Matterhorn is a novel of Vietnam. How accurate the portrayal is, I will leave to those who were there. The story is compelling in any case.

I am a student of history. I particularly like military history. The Vietnam War has long left me perplexed. I am certain I have not studied enough, but I fail to understand the rationale behind not directly attacking the North. The Vietcong was virtually eliminated after the 1968 Tet Offensive, so the US could have easily moved the offensive North. Why didn't we attack Hanoi and flush the Communist leaders? Why didn't we launch a strong campaign across the DMZ? The North Vietnamese would have been forced to bring the troops out of Laos and Cambodia to protect from this invasion. What was the purpose of a war of attrition with no military objective beyond killing as many of the enemy as we could find? Did we really believe the USSR or China would go to nukes over a shithole like Vietnam?

I am not alone in my skepticism over the tactics and strategy of our efforts in Vietnam. The classic war novels of the era echo the futility and waste of the efforts of a generation of Americans. Coonts, Berent, and Marlantes are just a few who have raised these questions.

A real question for all three of my readers

I have a work email account. I use it for work.

I have a personal email account (actually three). I use these for personal emails.

I don't send personal emails from my work account. I don't use my personal emails for work stuff. It is a pain in the rear, but I carry two phones during work hours*. It is a pain, but such is life. Even when my phone was used for both work and personal, I kept the emails separate. ALWAYS.

Do you use your work email for personal stuff?

Why would we even accept that Hillary Clinton would need to use a separate server because she used her work email for personal stuff and her personal email for State Department stuff? The very intent of the bathroom server was to avoid Freedom of Information Act requests. What was going on that she wanted to hide from you and I? Is it your argument that a person so incompetent that she cannot figure out how to set up and use two separate email accounts (or have it done for her) is qualified to be President?

When you Clinton supporters can answer these questions and explain why it is OK for a Government Employee to use systems paid for by you and I for personal business I will listen to why Crooked Hillary should be President. Until I get a reasonable answer I will just consider her a lying, corrupt bitch.

I guess that was not so politically correct huh?


*I also do not use my work phone for personal calls.

What ever happened to Chuck Cunningham anyway?

The weather app says it is not going to rain until around eleven this morning and then it will clear up. It is 7:30 AM and raining fairly hard. There you have it. But the models ate accurate for global warming 100 years in the future, we are told. Chalk me up as another heretical skeptic in the climate change religion.

It is Friday and a long weekend. Woot! I hope the weather cooperates.

We had a summer-type supper last night. I soaked some thin boneless ribeyes in Dale's Sauce and threw them on the grill for steak sandwiches.  I also grilled some corn on the cob and baked a couple of spuds. The corn was so-so, it is early, but all in all a pretty good feast. A slice of fresh tomato would have been perfect, but my plants have at least a month before I start getting fruit.

What the heck, how about some Friday music? This tune could be my theme song.

I'm special, so special
I gotta have some of your attention give it to me

Am I right?

Have a great Friday

First Timer

Those of you who do not have the privlege of living in God's favorite locale might be shocked and amazed to learn that the Indianapolis 500 has never been broadcast live on TV here in central Indiana in my lifetime. In fact, 1949 and 1950 are the only races ever to be telecaster live.  All of my life the Indy 500 has been blacked out. This year, the 100th running will be televised live. No blackout. The Speedway has announced a total sellout. Estimates are placing the expected crowd at 400,000 to 450,000 spectators. Take that Woodstock. Every one of those race fans will arrive and depart the track on a two lane city street.

I have been to the Greatest Spectacle in Racing (insert proper trademark here) three or four times. One year I went twice but the race was postponed due to rain both times so I'm not sure that counts. The guy who had the tickets took them back when the race was finally run another day. Being at the race is cool. There is nothing like the opening lap for sheer sports excitement. But getting there and getting home? Blah.

But I wil get to watch the race live. I don't know, I have always listened on the radio, that is Memorial Day weekend tradition around here. We shall see.

Stuff that makes me smile

The Early Bird Avoids Sunstroke

The neighbors are getting a new roof. The process started just after six this morning. I'm not complaining. I know what it is like to do that job. I roofed in the summer during my college years. I did not do much shingle work. Mostly, on those jobs I carried bundles of shingles up a ladder, wishing I was dead by ten o'clock. I spent nearly all of my time on big industrial flat roofs: schools, nursing homes, and one very large factory in particular. The work was hard, dirty, and dangerous. I also made a lot of money. I was pulling in $500 to $600 a week for a summer job. In the early 1980's that was very good part time pay. I also remember how brutally hot it got. We started early too.

I tell myself I couldn't do that work today and I would be right. I did help a guy roof his garage a couple of years ago and more than held up my end. I have no desire to go back to mopping tar. I'm way too old for that shit.

WTF Obama?

As near as I can tell by reading the news, Obama thinks it right and proper that Vietnam be able to defend itself and will even provide the weapons. You and I, good Americans, he does not think we should have that right, even when it is right there in the Constitution. Even if we are willing to provide our own guns.

Is there any totalatarian government, communist mofo, or American enemy's asshole that Obama won't bend down and kiss?

Dear Chick in the Hat

If you think America sucks so bad you should leave. Find that place you think is so wonderful. Have you seen how blacks are treated in Europe? Maybe you know of a place in Africa that has a better standard of living than what you now enjoy. Chinese and Japanese hate foreigners. Have you seen how aborigines are treated by many Australians?

You think you are making a political statement. The only statement you are making with your "America was never great" headwear is a statement of your ignorance. 

While I'm up here on my soapbox, "eat shit and die" is not a death threat. It is rude, but no more. And don't act surprised your hat has generated hate mail and comments. That was the reaction you were looking for.

Sunday Sundae

"Maybe you will go get us some donuts in the morning" said the wife as I headed for bed last night. So I slipped on my shoes and jeans and yesterday's T-shirt and drove to the donut shop on the other side of the highway this morning. Apparently, some other wives mandated Sunday donuts too. There were three guys in the place, including me, ordering up long johns, jelly filled, and traditional yeast donuts. Strangely, all three of us were sporting baseball caps. The youngest wore the Orioles, the other guy had on a Yankees cap. Me, of course I sported a Chicago Cubs hat, blue with a red "C".

When I got home I realized there was a pebble in my shoe. I'm not sure how it got there. Those old shoes have been through a lot. They are worn and dirty. I bought them five or six years ago. They are white leather Adidas. The trademarked three stripes are unusual in that they consist of two blue stripes and one red in the middle. Those old shoes sure have travelled while on my feet. They have trod untold miles. They have been to Mexico, Belize, the Bahamas. They've walked through the VI and both French and Dutch St Maartins. Those old Adidas stomped around on the Great Wall of China and protected my feet through at least 14 different states. There is a scuff mark on the right heel from where I routinely rest the foot on the floor while pressing the accelerator. The insoles lost any support long ago. The inner padding and liner is worn through at various contact spots. 

I have a "new" pair of leather Adidas in the closet. I wear them as my "good" sneakers. The stripes are boring black. I know white shoes are old man shoes, but the colored footwear seems odd on me. My walking togs are bright red running shoes, believe it or not. They are so light you think you are walking on air. Both of these pairs of shoes are really comfortable, but I like my old ones. They fit just right, even though they look like crap and, if I'm honest, they hurt my feet after long hours of wear. 

I felt he same about my old Asaics. The ones I wore all of the time before I bought the Adidas with the red and blue stripes. I never wanted to wear the new shoes, I liked the old ones. Now those Asaics are my mowing shoes.

Change? I'm not a big fan.

Prolifically Pontificating

Friday, Friday, Friday.  It is pay day too, so it is a double good dang day. I have a whole day load of paperwork to do for work.

I fried up some salmon patties for supper last night. They were good, but the house still stinks like fish this morning. We left the patio door open most of the evening and lit a candle, but the whole place smells fishy. The slight lingering odor is far counterbalanced by deliciousness. Salmon patties aren't a regional thing like breaded tenderloins are they? Think crab cake made with salmon instead.

It has been a while since I threw up some Friday music. I'm not going to today either. Instead watch this hilarious video of a prevaricating Clinton. Here is a perfect example of a lying politician who will say anything to get elected. But Joe, she used to sleep occasionally with a president, so she is qualified. GMAFB.

Have a great weekend.

OK, here is a little brain cleaner to wipe away visions of the Hildebeast:

We need to bring back rail riding

I got home late yesterday evening from a quick 3 day road trip that started Monday around noon. I drove just over 1,100 miles. I flipped on the Cubs game late. The game went into extra innings, with good guys emerging victorious in 13 innings.  It was after one when I went to bed. I was not ready to get up when the alarm in my bladder sounded at 6:30. Since I get up at 6:40 anyway, I just stayed up. Come on coffee, do your thing.

It looks as if it is finally going to warm up a bit. I am ready. That also means I will have to spend my weekend working outside. The wife has a list of stuff to do as long as her arm; take out another tree, clean out some flower beds, rebuild the raised garden, power wash, clean all of the windows inside and out, plant flowers. My back hurts already! Don't worry, she will get in there and help, giving me the evil eye every time I suggest a break.

I avoided hammering people at work yesterday over an issue where I was right. I have mellowed in my old age. I avoided the snarky emails, the pointed barbs, the overwhelming need to have all involved acknowledge my "rightness". I got what I wanted, there is no need to leave folks battered in my wake. Boy, was I tempted though.

Have you seen the video of Hillary lying for thirteen straight minutes? Hilarious. Did you see the Governor of New York saying that we just have to expect corruption in government? Not hilarious. It does say a lot about those who seek political office. Since most are lawyers, I shouldn't be surprised.

Hump Day Hostility

It looks like it is going to be another thousand mile week, and it is only Wednesday. The next person who says they "bet my job is fun, traveling around" is going to get punched right in the neck.

Don't worry, I will be OK.

Hurry up, slow down

Apparently Wisconsin is just like Illinois -- it is illegal to drive with cruise control.

If I could not hold speed better than the asshole drivers in those states I would sell my car and take the bus

Wondering minds want to know

Hillary says she is going to have Bill be in charge of revitalizing he conomy. Isn't this an indictment that the economy isn't doing too well?

Secondly, isn't putting someone else in charge of the economy an admission by Hillary that she can't handle the job? After all,  it has long been the Clinton mantra that it is the economy, stupid. Six months before the election she is admitting she needs help on the most important aspect of he job.

How many big banks, oil companies, Arab kings, or Chinese manufacturers have given Bill money directly for speeches or contributed to the Clinton Trust Fund? Can we truly expect him to work without conflicts of interest? Would you trust him with your wife or daughter? Why would you trust him with the economy?

Can anyone offer a compelling reason to put these sleazy people back into the White House? 

Playing the blame game

Global warming is kicking our ass today. It is in the thirties yet again this morning, at least it is sunny. Oh well. My coffee is hot and I don't plan to hang around outdoors anyway. I imagine I will survive. To date May has been decidedly March-like.

I doubt you stopped by for a weather report. That, you can get from any number of channels on the television or radio. I am not sure why you stop by. I could tell you how I managed to miss mowing large sections of my yard yesterday afternoon. Since in our new Obama world nothing is ever the fault of an individual, I will blame my idiocy on a tree. I will fault the maple in my front yard to be precise.

I like to mow a different direction each time. You know, across one week and up and down the next. Yesterday I thought I would get fancy and go diagonal. To get the proper angle I cut a swath down the middle, corner to corner just above the tree.  I did the top half and the attached side yard. Then I did the part on the other side of the driveway. I then put the mower away in the back shed. As I was trimming I realized I forgot to mow the bottom half of the front yard. #%^*^%#!  I dragged the mower back around front and started on the lower diagonal. The tree has a small flower bed around it so you have to go around it.

I mowed up to the tree for a few stripes, then around the blocks that guard the flower bed. Then I went around to the other side and mowed the three or four strips on the other side of he tree. I shut  the mower off and pushed it around to the shed at he back of he property. As I started trimming around the tree I realized I still had not mowed the bottom quarter of he front yard. I did the top half and quit. I did the quarter around the tree, but still not the lower quarter of he square yard. Son of a....

I dragged the mower back around and mowed the last few strips, mumbling curses all the while. I once again pushed me mower to the back of he lot, put it once again back in the shed and resumed trimming. My trimmer ran out of string. 

I looked longingly at the garage fridge. I knew beer lived in there. Instead, I wound new string and finished the yard. I had no one to blame for my high level of dumbassery except the maple tree. I sure as heck ain't taking the blame.

I'm not going to mow diagonal any more either. 

Wake up birds, ya lazy bastids

Good morning Blog World. It is a cold spring morning here at the homestead.

So far the weekend has been realitively uneventful. Some friends come over yesterday evening. We went out for a burger and then came back to the house to play Euchre. They left around ten and I was dozing off by 10:30 on the couch. I stumbled off to bed in the middle of the 11:00 news. I promptly woke up at a little after four. Curses. I tried for an hour to get back to sleep before I gave in.

I have to mow the lawn today, unless I wait until tomorrow. I suspect a nap may also be in order. Perhaps  I will watch a little baseball.

Ho hum, ho hum.

Magical Moments

A great magician can transform a vase into a rabbit because he directs your focus everywhere but where the change is going on. This is called misdirection. You focus on his right hand while the left does the big change.

Today we have severe cuts in the military, rising debt, a $2 trillion budget, the administration lied about a horrible treaty that will allow Iran to get nukes, threats from North Korea and China. There are assaults in our freedoms through political attacks in the courts by rogue Attorneys General. A Presidential candidate has demonstrated bad faith at best in setting up an illegal server. Terror attacks are blamed on a video. We have an IRS that targets Americans based on their political views.

We are worried about who is using which bathroom.The news can't stop talking about a reality star running for President.

Obama promised to transform America. We are watching the hot chick in the low cut dress.



*for the record, I wrote this post at 11.43 am this morning, but did not want to put up too many posts at once.