Changing the Blades

Yesterday, I changed the blades on the riding mower. The last mowing required two passes, so it was time. There was little left to parts of the blades, and the reason the cut was so incomplete was obvious. I'm usually more prompt in changing blades, but I was trying to get one more mow out of the blades. I'm good for about two months, and will change them near the end of the season. 

I have a relative, that out of the kindness of their heart, cosigned for their brother on a used pickup to help them get on their feet. It was a move not recommended by any of the family, and it bit them on the butt. The brother left town for work across the state, is not paying the note, the wreckers have roamed the neighborhood looking for the truck, and the sibling is still paying the insurance. The law doesn't offer much relief, and without the truck in possession, disabling it, and allowing it to be repossessed isn't an option. They're in touch, but it's the usual promises without results. I have no faith in the brother, and if I was so inclined, would stomp a mudhole in his ass.

It will be hot this week. The weather is influenced by the Gulf of America, and the high humidity makes the heat almost unbearable. Morning, and evenings, are the time to get things done. Both offer mosquitoes to annoy, and even without the sun, heavy sweating is sure to happen.

I can't offer much about the Middle East, except it resembles the constant strife recorded in the Bible. The more things change, the more they remain the same. 

The constant increases in prices is sure stretching my retirement income. Maybe I should find a cushy consultant job, where I can irritate the younger, smarter folks that are determined to make their own mistakes in a glorious disaster. 

Thinking About Self-driving Cars

I don't think I'm alone in my wariness of any car that is driven by a computer, and GPS. I'm guessing it's a natural reaction after watching "2001 A Space Odyssey". There's that suspicion the computer will go rogue, lock the doors, and take me down a boat ramp because I called it a dumbass. That, and seeing how much my insurance premiums would go up after an accident that happened when I was eating my hamburger picked up in a drive-through after I said I was hungry. 

Sycamore Balls, Riding Mowers and Sciatica

 My sister-in laws told me the riding mower stopped mowing, so, if I could, take a look at the mower. I did, found the deck belt had jumped off the clutch, and quickly put it back on. We both knew why, and any sycamore balls in the yard will have to be raked before mowing in the future. They will find their way into the belt, get caught, and knock the belt off the clutch pulley. A minor problem, and easily taken care of. 

Up to this morning, I was dealing with my occasional sciatica. I've dealt with it off, and on, since my early twenties. I have a pretty good idea of why I developed it. Trying to lift a heavy object while working offshore caused some bad pain, and over the years, something as slight as stepping wrong can set it off. It lasts for a few days, with the first day leaving me wondering if I should just pee the bed, instead of getting up, and the next two days dealing with the soreness. Some rest, and over the counter pain meds, take care of the pain. 

The local foresters are making prescribed underbrush burns until next Friday. With a wind shift from a cold front, the smoke is now drifting/billowing through the area. We'll probably see more of the same tomorrow, and as the wind shifts more to the East, we'll be rid of the smoke. As far as I know, they have everything under control. I've seen this before, and the result is a removal of all the dead growth, and accumulation of pine straw, with leaves, that accumulate on the forest floor. The trees will get some scorched bark, but the flames never are intense enough to light the trees. Squirrels probably are not affected, but I wonder about the critters that can't climb. Deer can easily outrun the flames, but slower critters might not be able to escape. Reptiles are probably safe, since it's too cold for them to be about. 

I've been reading some about the tariffs, military in the Middle East, the Guthrie woman, Epstein file, and all the other things I can only wonder about, since expecting anything but garbage from most of the media is prevalent these day. So, it's time for a cup of coffee, and some time on the porch...if the smoke isn't too heavy.

I'm Sure It Can Be Fun

I've watched curling on television. I'm thinking some of the viewing was Olympic events, and maybe on the old ABC Wide World of Sports. It looks like it can be fun, and the closest thing I've ever done that is similar is "corn hole", which is played with bean bags, and slanted boards with holes, although it's much warmer of a game, brooms aren't allowed, and there's little danger of falling on ice.

From what little snippets of news I've seen, there is some type of alleged cheating in the Olympics by curlers. I'm not sure what the cheating involves (And I'm not really that interested to research the articles), but the best solution is to have them fight it out. Let them brawl on the ice, serve beer to the spectators, and give the winners a banquet. Serve smoked brisket, potato salad, ranch style beans, and coleslaw. Invite the losers, and nobody give them a hard time. 

In With a Bang

My New Year literally started with a bang. My neighbor ensured plenty of noise, bright colors, and bad karaoke. My dog didn't like it, but my wife kept him close, kept the television loud, and comforted him through his perceived threat of mayhem. The surrounding area was filled with loud bangs, which went on for long minutes, after the stroke of midnight. After that, with all the fireworks expended, it was quiet. 

The Venezuela operation sure stirred the pot. One side thinks it's terrible affront to the rules of law. The other side thinks it is an example of the rules of law, and in between there are many wondering what's next. My thinking is that some foreign countries have lost their ability to influence, will stir up trouble every chance they have, and the covert operations by all will lead to some shaky times for the citizens of Venezuela. If I could give them at least one piece of advise, that would be to punish those manipulating elections are severely punished. Honest elections help with the process of dealing with dishonest politicians. 

Tim Walz has reached the pinnacle of his incompetence. While some think he's corrupt, I think he's basically a well manipulated dumbass about to be thrown to the wolves. Many will applaud his leaving office, but unless a few dozen key figures are thrown into jail, the grift will continue. Reality says he's just a small fish in a big sea of corruption. Unless some good examples are set, the stealing of tax dollars will continue.

The local economy is in what I call the annual doldrums. Many companies have a fiscal year that ends on December 31, and the mad dash of budgeting is in progress. My experience in construction showed late in the fiscal year brings some companies to finish spending their budget, but not at the moment. Purchase orders were written for projects, but the work would not be started until after the new year. After that, the new wild guesses, wish lists, ridiculous wants, boiler-housing, budgets would be contemplated by the wizards of bean counting, and those with the power to allow expenditures would see who their favorites were at the moment. The money allocated the previous year now had to be shown as spent, so we had to hurry up and do something to cover somebody's ass. Otherwise, the money might be removed, someone would be dragged across the carpet, and we might lose some work. 

It appears many in the media haven't become any smarter. Instead of reflecting, being honest, and understanding the errors of not reporting facts, too many are doubling down on ignorance, and complaining because their award winning shows are not winning awards with those that watch; and now have stopped doing so. They say you can't fix stupid, but the media is proving it can flourish if you keep feeding it.

We've had exceptionally mild, dry weather for the last month. We had one light freeze in the middle of December, but haven't seen any rain, or severe cold. I've seen this before, and it was a welcome sight for construction workers. Wet, cold weather shuts down projects, or makes it miserable to work in. I'm not in that environment now, but know there are many workers trying to offset the costs of Christmas with any hours they can get. This type of weather is what's needed. 

It's Never the Same

We're planning a family feast tomorrow. It's my in-laws, because that's all I have. All my grandparents, parent, and siblings are gone. There will be no more Thanksgivings together, and even though I'm part of my wife's family, it's not the same. I miss what will never be again, and every year it seems to be little harder to find the exuberance I once had for the holidays. It is what it is, but acceptance is no where near what Thanksgiving once was.  

I have to add that today is one of those wonderful days I remembered from years ago. There's an excitement in the air, the azure sky is laced with high clouds, and the high temperature will be in the mid sixties. Such days are a blessing, and I'm thankful.

Looking at the News

- According to a report, Obama, and his minions, intentionally created false reports to influence the 2016 election, and continued this subterfuge throughout the first term of Trump. I'm waiting to see how this plays out, but thinking some strong words, a wrist slap, and warning are the only consequences.  

- A reporter has PTSD due to their encounter with angry citizens after the attempt to kill Trump. Harsh words are certainly destructive, especially when you consider the reporter probably received an award for not pissing their pants in first grade.

- Comey's daughter was fired. She should be happy. She will now have a substantial amount of money for a book, become the darling of the Democrats, and can pontificate without losing her job.

- Out of the 160 missing in the Guadalupe flood, careful analysis of the list has revealed only 3 are missing. I really don't know what to think of this, except someone kept the list from the media and did a good job of whittling away at the names when someone was accounted for.

- NPR has lost a huge amount of its funding. Tears are common, people are upset, and there's now more money for the government to squander.

-Stephen Colbert's show is ending. One report stated it was losing millions, which I can see. If most people are like me, those watching could be counted in one living room.

-The only person that truly knows what happened on Epstein's island is languishing in prison, with information that some people would rather not be revealed. I think she should have her sentence commuted, be protected from future prosecution, and allowed to spill the beans. I'll buy some popcorn if this happens. 

- Local news reports show crime is rampant in the nearby bigger city. The usual suspects are revealed by photographs, and it's not hard to envision where they started their life.

- An order from Amazon disappeared somewhere in Texas. If someone happens to find it, I hope the parts fit their lawnmower. 

Saturday Musings

We've had a wet Summer so far. Plenty of rain, and a shower at least twice a week. Since it's Summer, the showers can be tropical in nature with a deluge that can bring over an inch of rain in less than an hour. The yard loves it, and if I was inclined to do so, would need mowing twice a week. 

The flood in Kerrville is raising the question of "How did this happen?". I can answer that. The Guadalupe is known for floods, since much of it meanders through limestone hills with little soil. Floods happen, time allows people to forget how bad they can be, and the river doesn't forgive those that wait to go to high ground. It's a tragedy, and the near future will bring an awareness not seen for decades.

I don't know what to think of the Epstein file debacle. If the evidence isn't there, there's nothing to see. From my perspective, the evidence isn't nearly as important as investigating the investigators. Until the public is insured there were no improprieties, the suspicion will be toward government employees that committed crimes as egregious as the crimes committed by Epstein.

The economy may be better, but inflation is worse. That is the most destructive force in any economy, and if it's not handled, the results will be terrible.

For some reason, a neighbor allowed 21 Pekin ducks to escape. I have a feeling they didn't want to keep feeding them, and they've taken residence in our pond. They're nasty, loud creatures, that remind me of why I'm not a fan of ducks. I have a nephew that likes to duck hunt. Without a season on domestic ducks, he needs to fill his freezer. Duck gumbo is one of the best meals I ever ate. Maybe they'll invite me over.

Local city governments are assuring me of my decision to not live in a city. They show an incompetence that rivals the worst of any government, piss off money for astoundingly stupid things, and while their streets fall into disrepair, a shooting is becoming a daily occurrence.

I've been watching where the moon rises every night. It isn't the same every night, and from what I've read, it's the difference between its orbit at 5 degrees from the ecliptic and Earth's 23.5 degree tilt from the ecliptic. I used to not notice such things, but now I do. I haven't gone so far to attempt the mathematics to determine the location every night, although I could probably find a chart on the internet. It's not that important at this time, and I'd rather do something else...maybe take a nap.

Reflecting

 I was reflecting on how things change. I now live where I once hunted. Pastures once filled with cattle are now cookie-cutter testaments to urban sprawl, small rural highways are now six lane streets in congested areas, once clear night skies are dimmed by electric lighting that removes the splendor of the heavens, and the creep of "civilization" is closer than I feel comfortable with. 

I'm now at the age of my grandfather (who was in the Army Air Corp during WW1) when the first men landed on the moon. He, too, eventually lived where he once hunted, and watched the evolution of flight from fabric covered airplanes to supersonic jets. Communication during his youth was by mail, or telegraph. Telephones eventually arrived, but a party line was the usual luxury of a telephone in a home. He lived to see mobile phones, but was gone before the modern smart phones were introduced. 

Unless some miracle method to stop aging arrives, my time here is down to maybe a few decades. It's a sobering thought, and at this time, I'm in good enough health to have not reached the point passing on will be a welcome relief. I'll enjoy it while it lasts, and count my blessings. Age has brought the realization all the "things" so cherished when young are burdens during later life, and the simple things, when observed without the bustle of a career, are things to be cherished.

A Quick Observation

There's a saying that is used to show the surety of a comment: "Is the Pope Catholic?" Considering how the faith is becoming fragmented due to the opinions of the current Pope, it might not be a good phrase to use in the future. 

I Don't Think It Will Take Very Long

 I've been reading articles with people speculating on how long it will take to clear the collapsed bridge in Baltimore. My timeline? The channel will be open by the middle of April, and the bridge will be completed within four years. Regardless of investigations, conjecture and other distractions, speculating on long periods of time is unrealistic. Modern bridge building methods are fast, and if I had to guess, the basic design was planned years ago, someone is already bidding on the main support girders, and with all the standard designs already in place, many large contractors already have most of the bid items already loaded into a bidding software program.

A Short Trip

 I took a short trip West to the Balcones Escarpment with my wife over the last few days. It's only about a 5 hour drive, so an early start gets you to the area before noon. I know some are wondering what the Balcones Escarpment is, which is not the usual term. Most call it the edge of the Texas Hill Country, although that really doesn't describe some of the area. 

I started to write about the mountains called hills, the crystal clear Frio River, and the beautiful scenery surrounding the area, but my words can't describe what can be found on the internet in photos. Regardless of the scenery, the trip was one of the peaceful, quality time ventures my wife, and I, take every once in a while. We need it, because it allows us to deflate, wonder about things of the past, be awed by God's creations, and allows long moments of just being together. It's a good thing. 

This is Nothing New

The President stated his offices were wired for spying, during his campaign. While many in the media, and in politics, are claiming Trump is lying, I doubt he'd makes such a bold claim without some evidence.

Supposedly, a FISA judge authorized the surveillance in October for national security purposes. The reason, as reported, was for national security, which, since it wasn't a criminal investigation, gave the Obama Administration access. The question is what information, if any, was gathered, who accessed the information, and who instigated the request for surveillance.

I doubt former Presidents didn't do such things; and we know Nixon was culpable in the attempt to bug the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate Hotel. The President has broad powers, and can use many without public scrutiny. Abusing the power frightens citizens, since the power can lead to violence against those that are perceived as threats.

Where this all goes is a crap shoot, but the underground bureaucratic part of our government is obviously out of control. Trump exposing it is a step in the right direction; but I have the feeling the backlash by this shadow government will soon be seen. Operating on the fringes, or outside the bounds of legal standards leads to a secretive, sometimes dangerous, branch that doesn't answer to those that fund their endeavors.

A Group of Thoughts

This will not be a fluid masterpiece of writing skill. I have much on my mind, am busy, generally pissed off, and glad I don't suffer from chronic constipation.

 - The Government: In a perfect world, most elected, and hired, government individuals would be slow roasted over an open fire. Not that I'm cruel, but sometimes, it seems to be the best solution. Maybe we could use the meat to feed a few starving, disadvantaged, minority cannibals.

- The NFL: If you can't play with deflated balls, maybe you should stop, take a look at your situation, and realize your importance in the grand scheme of things is at the same level as mouse farts.

- Illegal Aliens: No, I'm not politically correct. You are criminal pieces of crap, and I really don't care about your reasons for coming to the United States.....GET OUT!!!!

- Hillary Clinton: In a society, without a compulsion to be polite, only a few individuals, with distorted thinking, would consider her anything more than a lying criminal. If that's all the Democrats can come up with, my suggestion is they jump from the nearest high bridge.

- Global Warming: Anyone that believes humans are changing the climate should be horse whipped at dawn tomorrow morning.

- Bad Drivers: There are too many. To solve this problem, I recommend bulldozers at congested intersections.

- Social Media: It's like drinking alcohol. Some sip wine; others drink gallons of cheap whisky and lose all trappings of civility.

- The Alphabet Networks: As strange as this may seem, most that work at any of these networks are not human. We should find, and isolate theses folks. An island in the Pacific seems to be the best place. Give them plenty of teeth whitener and mirrors.

- City Governments:- If they represent most of the population, it's fair to assume the vast majority of urban areas are populated by dumbasses.

- Fast Food:  It is fast, but it's also not very tasty, is too expensive, and the possibility of those preparing your food have failed to wash their hands after a trip to the restroom is something to always consider.

- Squirrels: I don't think God has squirrels in his neighborhood. If he did, I don't think there would be so many.

- Meteorologists: I think it's a scam, linked to Vegas, and it's the largest gambling operation ever created. I wonder how I can place some bets?

I have more to write, but don't have the time. Maybe later.

Some Things Make Me Wonder

I was shopping for some miscellaneous items and things for my lunch. I'd waited until late, since it was such a beautiful day; and I determined grocery shoppers would have completed their business so they could enjoy the last of a day with an azure sky, high temperatures in the mid seventies, and  a feel to the air that can only be described as wonderful.

When I finished, I looked at the checkout aisles, saw all had at least one person, and settled on one with one customer. There were two clerks helping the customer count a pile of change. Normally, I would have gone on to another aisle, but the situation was too unique to pass up, and I knew I could find something to write about, if I spent some time just observing.

The customer was buying a large pumpkin. Considering her size, it was a task to carry it. I'd say she was about eight years old. Her curly, dark blonde hair was unkempt; probably from the wind, or just needed brushing. She was wearing leopard skin capri stretch pants and a dark blue peasant blouse. Her horn rimmed glasses were almost too big for her face.

She turned every once in awhile to look behind; not to see who I was; it was more of a glance by someone looking for someone else. She returned my smile, when she finally looked at me, and quickly returned to watching the clerks delve through the piles of dime, nickles and pennies.

The eventually had enough change. One clerk completed the sale, and the other helped the young lady push the remaining change back into the zippered purse she had hung around her neck. When finished, she carefully spent some time making sure the zipper was completely closed, grabbed her pumpkin, and was gone.

The clerk gave me an apologetic look, so I commented: "You have to admire her for having the confidence to buy the pumpkin by herself." She smiled, told me how much I owed them for the small amount of groceries, and I was soon headed for my truck.

I looked around the parking lot, but the girl was gone. Whether she climbed into a waiting car, or disappeared into the local neighborhood, I'll never know. I do know such things make me wonder: Where were her parents? Were they outside waiting? If not, did they know their daughter was spending her money on a pumpkin? Does she even have a parent?

A girl that age alone is an oddity today. Considering how she was dressed, with the colors not really matching, and the need of a trim for her unkempt hair,  I'd wager she spends a lot of time on her own; wading through her youth with too many responsibilities she doesn't quite understand. Still, I admire her tenaciousness and ability to function with what she has. Hopefully, her experiences will lead to success; and she'll have the opportunity to laugh about her purchase of a pumpkin; way back in 2014. If not, and this is the only record of a unique experience on a beautiful Autumn afternoon, may it be enough. She deserves that much at least.