Some Things Don't Change

 When I started driving, my grandfather (who was an independent insurance agent) told me about the worst company he had to deal with with claims. I looked up the worst paying insurance companies on the web, and behold, it's still on the top ten. That's half a century of being  the worst paying insurance company. What really amazed me was that in the top ten, the companies that advertise the most are the worst. It makes sense, they don't pay their customers so they can pay to deceive with advertising.

Growing Into Oblivion

A local city, with a diversified choice for mayor, was rewarded with a comment the mayor would "like to see the city grow". Unless they're willing to cut taxes, get rid of the bloated employee burden, stop making ridiculous decisions with the infrastructure, become more business friendly, and do something about the growing crime, the city will be landlocked by adjacent communities with more to offer their citizens. Like my hometown, it's a cesspool compared to its former self. Like my hometown,  anyone that can is fleeing, saying goodbye to the money pit called public education, and trying to increase their income by removing the confiscatory taxes that only fund corruption. Growth requires a willingness for business to move to an area. This city is chasing it away, wondering why, and wallowing in ignorance.

Mid-Summer Musings

After a few weeks of triple digit afternoons, we finally received a quarter inch of rain yesterday at sunset. It was a pleasant change, and cooled things down to tolerable. It wasn't enough, but that could change.

According to the weather wizards, there's a tropical disturbance developing. The forecast track is to somewhere around Corpus Christi, and onward through the Hill Country. Those over there sure can use the rain. They've been suffering unusual dry weather for the last few weeks, and any crops planted in that area will die without some water. Unfortunately, those along the rivers may find low water crossings impassable, and the unwary find the twenty feet difference in water elevations will ruin vacations. 

Today, the thunderstorms stayed in the Gulf. This left a sunset with high cirrus slowly turning from brilliant white, to a pastel pink accentuated with light blue patches of clear sky. Beautiful is the only way to describe it, and the fledgling cardinals gathering at the feeder added to a fine evening. 

The next few days will determine how much rain we'll receive, but since the forecast places us on the east side of the disturbance,  there's the possibility of torrential rains lasting for a long period time. We're ready if the road floods, and a generator will supply enough power for a window unit if the power goes off.

Until then, I'll enjoy some coffee on the porch. The frogs are starting to sing, and a light breeze is keeping some of the heat away.

I'd Like To See This

Texas has laws on sedition. More than likely, most states have the same laws. Theoretically, the blowhard dumbasses that call for insurrection are guilty of sedition, whether they're local or at the Federal level. It's time state AG's prosecute these dimwits to the full extent, and show ignoring laws is what is causing the most problems.

Farther Into The Drought

Yards are dying, ponds are shrinking, and the triple digit heat is constantly making it worse. Fortunately, the high pressure blocking the formation of rain is forecast to weaken and the possibility of some tropical moisture is a possibility. We need the rain. We're double digits behind in rain, and it will take a lot over days to even alleviate the drought.

Criminal Solicitation

Texas has a law on criminal solicitation. In a perfect world, those that call for violence -whether they're a federal officials, or not - would be charged, arraigned, and prosecuted for their act. That includes any member of Congress. This, to me, would send a clear message to those that seditiously make bold, dangerous statements to the media that influence crowds and individuals willing to commit criminal acts to make a political statement.

There Are Other States

The decision by the Supreme Court to return all lawmaking on abortion to the individual states is probably one of the most important decisions by the court in a long time. The strength of the U.S. is in the individual states, and the meddling of the ignorant dimwits that thrive in the nation's capitol are best left to matters they're able to handle, such as cleaning their navels, or staring at their computer screens. It's bad enough each state has too many of these dumbasses, and giving power at the federal level usually ends in disaster. 

Those that disagree with the laws of their state can attempt to sway politicians to their viewpoint, or leave. There are state that embrace madness, and they welcome those that share in their brand of insanity. Go with a blessing and never return. You're not needed, and those that produce will welcome your absence.

I Wonder How This Will Influence Licensing

Abortion will become a felony in many states. That makes me wonder if the doctors in those states will be faced with licensing problems if they are from another state, want to be licensed in a state with strict abortion laws, and performed abortions during their practice. 

Time will tell.

Regardless of Opinion

 The ruling by the Supreme Court on the restrictive, unconstitutional law of New York that prevented law abiding citizens of their right to have firearms for personal protection was more than just a ruling against the law. It was a ruling against the legislators of New York too. Regardless of their opinions, legislation, tooth gnashing and tyranny, they can't create any law that violates the Constitution mandates. That was the agreement signed by the creators of the United States, and the newest ruling is a warning shot. 

If the legislators were honest, law abiding citizens, the law would have never made it past committee. Instead, they cost the taxpayers a tremendous amount of money in an attempt to perpetuate the tyranny. A less polite society would be gathering feathers for a party.

Ten Degrees Makes a Big Difference

Yesterday, and today, the temperature reached the low to mid nineties. That took a huge strain off my a/c and electric bill. Instead of running constantly, it's cycling, which not only helps on energy, it extends the life of the unit. 

The forecast is for some hotter temperatures over the next few days, but by Monday, the high pressure that has kept rain chances to nearly zero is forecast to weaken, or disappear. That's about right, since the first of July is usually wet, and the relief more than welcome. Unfortunately, without a blocking high, tropical systems can have a larger impact, which may mean a tropical storm, or hurricane.

Ponderous Recovery

The oil industry in the U.S. is something to see, when it's in full swing. When it's not, the hundreds of thousands that make it happen filter into society, and many skills are lost. To add insult to the injury, those with the skills to build the processing equipment, and infrastructure, do the same. 

Regardless of if the oil industry gets back up to full swing, the process of reaching that momentum is a ponderous process. Considering how this point was reached, those making the strong effort to destroy the life blood of the United States can only be described as traitors. May history curse them. I already do.

Twitter Back Into Flutter

 According to the newest reports, Musk's offer is approved, and Twitter will be his personal social media site. The accolades are many, as well as the gnashing of teeth by detractors. Realistically, Musk has an electronic business, which is as secure as a wisp of smoke. That, and with modern technology, may be a facade without only enough structure to keep appearances. 

Will stocks rebound? Sure, since those that play the stock market are in panic on what to do with their money. Will the stocks stay good? Maybe, but counting on something so whimsical for security is foolish. 

If You Really Think About It

The current state of the U.S. ( when you really think about it) is the culmination of apathy of parents, stupid diversity quotas, fraudulent elections, ignorant politicians, and monetary policy controlled by people that have no accountability. It's tragic, but when it comes right down to it, will not last. When the incompetent are in charge, the competent find ways to work around the problems. 

Regardless of the opinion of those that don't produce anything but words and promises, people in the United States are tenacious when it comes to their liberty, economic security, and ability to protect themselves. All the doom, and gloom, doesn't control the actions of those with abilities to adapt and thrive. To add to their determination is the fact U.S. citizens are well armed, can bring all large cities to their knees in days, and all the tooth gnashing in the world won't stop them from their goal of autonomy. 

I can envision some economic hardship in the future, but I can also envision a day of reckoning for those that foolishly believe the stupidity spouted by the talking heads. The current events are very similar to the Carter Years, and people today are much better informed. The goal to transform the United States is a foolish dream, and millions are determined to never let it happen.

A Little Rain

We just had a passing shower, which is needed, but from looking at the rain gauge, can only be called a trace. It did drop the temperature below 100 and the temperature will stay down until tomorrow. 

We have a rain deficit, and the near future forecasts don't call for any, except a really small chance on Tuesday. If I had to describe the weather the last few weeks, I'd describe it as typical August. What's on store for the rest of the summer will be interesting to watch.

We Need More Prayers

 We need more prayers. My suggestion is to pray for God to smite the enemies of the United States. He doesn't have to smite them too hard, but enough to ring their bells, make them realize their errors, and to stop what they're doing.

It Reminds Me of the Early Eighties

The early eighties were terrible for my effort to start a small business with a friend. We were in construction, and we had customers liking our bids, but interest rates were beyond their finances. Business dried up, and I had to go back to working for larger construction companies taking advantage of the grants for municipal projects. 

This report  indicates it's deja vu all over again. While it pinpoints the problem of affordable homes disappearing, those that build these homes will find business terrible, as well as the suppliers. The economy will shrink to a level that can sustain what people can afford, and it won't be what is now considered the median cost of a new home. To make things worse, appraised value of land is unreasonably high, and getting taxing entities to lower their appraisals is just about impossible, without stern persuasion. 

So, here we are again. A Democrat President, with a Democrat House of Representatives are causing havoc, and will probably remain unaccountable. Personally, I think some should be prosecuted for sedition, and if convicted, punished with the longest sentence allowed by law....and a few years longer.

As for the Republican "leaders" that have the backbones of jellyfish, there should be a harsh response, and they should be removed from office. They've played T-ball for years, while the Democrats played hardball, which led to this fiasco of public policy. They're just as culpable in the destruction of the economy, and the media is just as guilty.

Semantics and Reality

The media is full of speculation about a looming recession. According to the definition of a recession, we've been in a recession since the Covid hostage crises. When you really examine the economy, depression is a better description. This isn't a small blip in the economy. The damage is huge, people are taking a terrible financial beating, and the royalty in D.C. is playing government. A less polite society would have a few of them hanging from a lamp post to discourage future endeavors by the criminals elected by rigged elections.

Infringed Doesn't Mean Maybe

 The Second Amendment states the right to keep, and bear, firearms shall not be infringed. If you look up the word "infringed", you will see the amendment states regardless of opinion, keeping, and bearing, firearms is a right without any leeway for politics, or any reason at all. What's amazing is there are judges willing to ignore a basic law of the United States with impunity. 

The reason for the Second Amendment is clear. Those so willing to ignore, or change, this amendment can only be described as seditious, or traitorous. 

This One Needs to Go

Michael Moore wants the government to confiscate the firearms of every U.S. citizen by repealing the Second Amendment. In my part of the world, that's talk of treason. Maybe he's so determined because he knows he's one of the first in line if it all hits the fan. Regardless, he needs to go. Send him to Somalia, and let them adjust his attitude. If the link doesn't work, it's down below.

https://www.foxnews.com/media/michael-moore-second-amendment-repealed

...and Good Riddance

 Disney is losing revenue, and the stock is losing value. I predict this summer will be a disaster for the parks, and with the affront to families, most of their other revenue sources will be damaged. Good riddance is all I can write. Disney is a cesspool of evil intentions and needs to go.

It's Too Early For This

 It's 5:19 pm, the temperature outside is 99, and the relative humidity is 53%. Plugging those numbers into a calculator brings the heat index to 118 degrees. This is way too early for this, and I'm not looking forward to the next week of this forecast by the weather wizards. 

Hot For the Near Future

It's June here, so with dry weather normally the forecast, the heat increases. We've been around 95 every afternoon, but the temperature is supposed to rise a little over the next five days. Heat indices will be in the 103 to 107 range, so early mornings, and late afternoons, are the time to do anything outside. 

I used to work in these temperatures. I didn't care much for it, but with bills to pay, I really didn't have much choice. I suppose I could have followed a different career, but it is what it is, and that was how I spent my working years. 

Last week, I took a short trip with my wife to the Hill Country. It was a spur of the moment thing, so we didn't have plans. We didn't leave until after noon, so the first night was spent in Gonzales, Texas, which is best described as a huge piece of Texas history. After that, we wandered through various areas that skirt the cesspools of Austin and San Antonio. No disrespect for those in these areas that have fallen off the cliff, but liking to live there must be some indication of a mental disorder.

 Around the cities, you can find some of the people that make Texas great. Time hasn't destroyed the ethics created by hard work, and with water being more of a precious resources, only those with large sums of money are migrating, and ruining local economies. Property value increases really hurt those that are not in the same income bracket of those that can afford the extreme costs of a water well. That, and land near rivers is too costly for middle income earners. Over time, the rivers will only be the luxury of the rich, and the common folks can go suck eggs. 

Anyway, after three days, we took our time going home, and spent a night in Brenham to enjoy one more evening on the road. It wasn't an expensive trip, and with our small vehicle, gas wasn't a huge expense. We enjoyed the back roads, and marveled at the scenery.