The Sinking Ship

 The current administration has what can best be described as nitwits in high positions. While some may ignore the fact, the fact is the administration is a sinking ship, and when the rats start leaving, the problem will be obvious.

Things Change

Back in the late fifties, and early sixties, my early years were accented with days that went on forever, and were filled with exploration. They're mostly lost, but moments are preserved forever. 

We were barefoot during the warmer months. Our feet were as tough as leather. Walking across a shell parking lot, or hot asphalt, was only a minor inconvenience. Stone bruises were the same, and a cut was forgotten, until a blade of grass found its way into area that no bandage could secure. 

In the evening, when supper was over, the light had finally faded, and we knew to go in, unless we had permission to wander with flashlights to find frogs, we'd take our bath to wash away the sweat beads. Although washed, our calloused feet were still deep brown; like permanent moccasins; a testament to long days of exploring.

In the late Summer, with the grass high, we'd lay in the yard, watch the clouds pass over, and listen to the drones of high flying airplanes. Jets were few, and the deep rumble of large rotary engines was comforting; almost mesmerizing. A few moments of in activity would have led to a nap, but there was so much to be done, so we'd be off to take advantage of every moment available. School was soon to start, and the next real time of being free was the Thanksgiving holiday.

Thanksgiving was arriving at my grandparent, turning their doorbell ringer, and walking in to a house almost too warm. The small space heaters would be on low, the kitchen almost unbearably hot, and the glorious aroma of the soon to be enjoyed feast was intoxicating. We'd say our hellos, scamper through the den, where my grandfather would be watching football, and head out the back door; my grandfather's pipe smoke following us as we left.

Outside rewarded us with a brisk breeze, the light smell of burning leaves, and an azure sky that almost hurt our eyes. We only had a little time before the meal, so our wanderings were close. We'd look at the garden, now full of winter vegetables, and go look at the burning barrel; now almost empty, with only a few wisps of the smoke of leaves. We'd look, but not venture, down the alley. The neighbors had two territorial Siamese cats that wouldn't hesitate to attack. It only took one event to determine a cat was as dangerous as any dog. 

We'd be called for dinner. The turkey was surrounded with dishes of mashed potatoes, Kentucky wonder beans, sweet potatoes casserole covered with marshmallows, cornbread stuffing, hot rolls, cranberry jelly,  and a gravy bowl filled with a deep brown gravy swimming with giblets. There was always homemade preserves for the rolls. My grandmother would announce: "Save some room for desert", and we'd ignore the advice to insure our afternoon would have moments of being so full, we'd have to slow down for a few minutes to avoid discomfort. 

Desert was apple, pecan, and pumpkin pie. That, a blueberry cheesecake, homemade cookies, and fresh brownies. Whip cream was in a bowl in the middle to for those that wanted the extra touch. How we managed to eat more is unknown, but we did. We'd finish, be shooed from the kitchen, and outside we'd go again.

The afternoon was lazy. The ancient swing my grandfather built in the thirties was still well used, and if that didn't satisfy our play, we'd drag out the stilts he built for my mother and her sisters. The short ones were soon an easy task. The taller ones were only for those willing to take a chance. The afternoon would end, when he were called for supper. We'd eat again, containers were filled with tomorrow's meal, and we'd soon be leaving in the twilight; the deep orange in the west a brilliant announcement of the approaching night.

They're all gone, except for my sister. Age took my grandparents, and mother. My father, and brothers, all passed away too soon. The hole they left is partially filled by my wife's family, who honor me with their acceptance, but the memories tug at me, almost like scars that lead to an ache as they pull. Things change, and leave only memories. I cherish mine, and pray I never forget. 

Off To South America

Last week, the hummingbirds crowded four feeders, which led to me filling them twice a day. I had the feeling some were only passing through, had been feeding at other feeders, and after replenishing their energy, were off with their migration.

Early this week, I noticed they were lasting more than a day, so I removed one, and only filled the others halfway.  The feeders lasted through the day, and yesterday, I noticed they weren't completely empty at sunset.

This morning, I removed another one, and filled the other two, with one only a small feeder about the size of a jar of baby food. I haven't seen any hummingbirds this morning, so it's obvious most have gone toward South America, where they spend our winter. 

It's a beautiful morning. Azure skies, with wispy cirrus to the east. Our first strong cold front passed through during the night, and the high temperature will only be in the low seventies. This will really start the leaves to turning, and it won't be long before most are on the ground; swirling in a stiff north wind.

 I'll leave one feeder up. There may be stragglers, and a warm winter may bring some species that are native to the Mexico border area. I hope they come. I like hummingbirds. They brighten up a day.

Military Justice?

According to this report, the Navy will discharge anyone refusing the jab. According to many of the comments at the bottom of the article, this is an acceptable practice, and those serving should suffer the  consequences. This makes me think of where the line is drawn for unconscionable, dangerous, or mission failure decisions by a senior officer. What are the recourses for those that disobey for any of the reasons above? Is there any real military justice? Is there any method for junior officers, or enlisted troops, to relieve those endangering lives, demanding unconscionable actions, or placing the mission of defending the United States at risk? 

If someone knows, the comments are open.

Ignorance and Incompetence

If you look at the abysmal people in the capitol, think of their actions, and listen to what they say, they're ignorant and incompetent. They are the epitome of EEO madness, university indoctrination, and isolation from the rest of the United States. To add insult to injury, the President is a doddering old man, unqualified to run a lemonade stand, and only is in office because of deception, with criminal activity. When you add the treasonous activities of some of the top military officials, it doesn't take much logic to realize the United States is under attack by it's own officials. 

The rest of the world are not our friends, although too many in the capitol want us to believe they are. At best, they're friendly business partners, but when it comes right down to it, they'll pick through the bones of the United States, when the opportunity arises. Regardless of their appearances, most foreign nations only want the wealth of the United States, and how they achieve some of this isn't stopped by integrity. The simmering war of aggression is always right below the radar, and when the opportunity arises, they're ready to strike, and cause damage.

From my perspective, the influx of foreign money, influence, and corruption of our education system led to most of the problems we now face. Our founders suffered the same things, established the Constitution to throttle the government, and never envisioned the corruption the United States now faces. Time will tell how this all works out, but if you dig through the daily media garbage, you find the majority of citizens have had enough.