The Gimped Redneck...

Just so you know...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 15:23:00 +0000

I'm still here!

Troublesome Times Are Here.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:57:00 +0000

What a difference a little time can make.

My last post found me opining the struggles of living through the challenges put forth by nature.

Now, I am here pondering the future as it seems to have taken a turn onto a path that resembles little I know as an American.

We get a new President who promises no taxes....guess what? They're on the way!
We are promised that our troops will come home...seems that they are just being moved north.
Our President promises a recovering economy...Never looked worse in my lifetime.
Our President apologizes to the world for little more than the fact that America exists...North Korea Threatens to nuke Hawaii.
Iran in the making of a civil war.
The government takes over General Motors....now Government Motors
Time to tax healthcare....socialism is on the way!
Unemployment rates are running rampantly across this great nation.
And now....Billy Mayes dies.

Billy Mays, a person most people can't stand, yet someone who with little more than excitement in his voice, built a fortune for his family and those lucky enough to have employed him. A front-man, a con-man, a snake-oil salesman...yes a salesman. Someone that most people love to hate. There's always a frown of bad comment when speaking of such a person. Almost like he's some sort of magician putting people in a trance to buy his wares.

What was his magic? Did he vex people....maybe had some potion...called upon the spirit's....no. He had a vibrant and enthusiastic voice, a twinkle in his eye, and a smile that any weary person would welcome.

Billy Mays, I will admit...I will surely miss him.

ICE ICE BABY

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 04:31:00 +0000

Almost 2" of ice
13 days with no electricity
Land line down for 2 days
Cell tower down for 5 days
Rural Water tower ran out of water on evening of day 2 (water recovered on day 5)
Major damage to every tree
Chimney fire on day 2

Lesson's learned

Electricity is nice, but not essential to survival~The first thing that grabs your attention is the lack of computer or TV. Everything just goes quiet. Next you realize that there is no hot water for bathing and dishes. You quickly learn how to heat water on the stove. Next you realize that the newer digital cook stoves won't light (if it's gas), and forget the oven; if you have electric appliances...stove, refrigerator, or freezer...not only will you not cook, but you will also lose most of your food. If you have electric heat you are out of luck as well. Lights? enough said.
Water "IS" essential to life~When it stopped flowing, panic set in. Fortunately for us, as the water flow slowed, my wife had the good sense to start filling everything she could find. Then come the realization that the toilet needed flushing and the animals would need a supply of water as well. Me and the son set out gathering ice to thaw in the bathtub. It was a chore and not very convenient, but served our purposes well.
Fire is essential to life~Without having a fireplace/insert, we would have frozen half to death. The lows hit 12 degrees and staying warm became a challenge. We have a propane heater down stairs that seldom see much use, but worked well to stave off the cold. Back to the fireplace, with no electricity, the blower's didn't blow and keeping warm required a large fire going at all times. On the second morning of the ice storm I rose early and stoked the fire, then the good wife gets up a little later and re-stokes it as well. About fifteen minutes later we heard what sounded like a jet and I ran out to see fire shooting five foot out the chimney. I ran back in and had the wife wake the children and take them out to the van to stay warm while I tried to figure out what to do. All I could figure to do was to shut down the damper. I then went out and prayed as I watched it roar. I couldn't call the fire department due to no phone access, the roads were blocked, and there was no water. I prayed a bit more and the fire finally burned itself out with no damage.
No contact with the outside world is scary, but somewhat peaceful~Not being able to call our loved ones when the mood hit was a concern. The cell's worked very sporadically, but did serve to allow a few limited calls in our network. On another note, we will be buying a radio that uses batteries. Not knowing what was coming or happening in the world around us drove us nuts. Thanks to the ingenuity of my daughter, we did manage to get a radio going. She took her mp3 player and rigged it to a karaoke toy and used it's speaker as an effective combo to receive the news.
Ice is beautiful but deadly~This much ice not only took down power lines/poles, but also caused many trees to go down also. One such tree fell through my nieces house completely crushing one bedroom and bath in their house. Had it hit where they were sitting, they would have most certainly been killed. While out trying to water the animals, an ice chunk fell out of a tree and guess who it hit? I hate the taste of blood!
MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat) are actually good~Due to losing all our food, we were so happy to find that the Cherokee Nation had purchased and was giving out MRE's and bottled water. They made a very stressful situation of feeding six much easier. Thank you Cherokee Nation!
Books are beautiful~During this time, books came to the rescue by providing an escape from just sitting and waiting.
A battery powered radio will make life much easier during a disaster~This one's obvious
Family is family regardless of the struggles life throws your way~The nice thing I observed was how children really don't need convenience to survive well. They are so inventive and intuitive that they can have fun in just about any situation. We really didn't have a problem with cabin fever. We did get to know each other a little more, which was nice.
Know your Neighbor~We've been here for about two years and despite our efforts, many people just don't feel the need to know who they live next to and it's difficult to get to know the people in our community. We found much opportunity over the last couple of weeks though. Realizing that people really didn't expect to be so knocked out from this storm, and they probably wouldn't be prepared, I called around making sure everyone had enough wood for heat. We ended up giving wood to two families. One family had the use of a generator and after we took them some wood, they in turn allowed us to share their portable power plant with us. Suddenly we could have the TV, do laundry, and have some light. This rural neighborhood worked together to clear the roads and make sure nobody was in peril. Daily check's of each others well being was routine and much appreciated. While we liked where we live, we now LOVE living here!

While this might seem like a "poor me" post, it really isn't. I got to see so much resourcefulness in my family and community. I saw that people really do care about each other. I also got to see how well we can live without what we would normally consider essential equipment such as electric appliances/lights. Regardless of what happens, we can and will survive. I am grateful!

What I didn't like:

Our electric coop, Ozark's Electric, is based in Arkansas and while Oklahoma took the hit first and likewise lost the power first, they were the last to receive service. Rather than having our local electric crews work here, they pulled them into Arkansas. We had watched as the service truck's rolled into Arkansas and the news reports from there were lauding the noble efforts of the Oklahoma workmen. Not only did they leave us in the dark, but they also left us in life threatening conditions for almost two weeks.

Our good governor Henry, when asked by the President if we needed Federal assistance, refused saying that we needed no help. Maybe he forgot that eastern Oklahoma is actually part of Oklahoma. There was no call for the national guard to come in to help, which was greatly needed. Governor Henry, want to guess who I won't be voting for next go around?

The Rural Water Association was established to ensure that access to water would be ensured. Get rid of the private water wells and get online. Well, everyone did just that, and wouldn't you know it, someone didn't have the foresight to realize that an interruption of the electric service would shut down the electric lift pump that supplies water to the tower. Everyone was furious that there was no back-up generator for such an occasion. Again, the national guard could have provided one...but we didn't need their help Governor Henry!

We also found that the state's that were declared a disaster area by the federal government would be able to get tax credit for anything extraordinary that was purchased as a result of said disaster. Thanks again Governor Henry!

President Barak Hussein Obama, Thanks for you support also; or lack of.

I'm happy though that the good people of Oklahoma proved that we can and will survive despite the state and federal government's.

Okay, I'm done bragging, crying, and ranting...back to my regular happy self

Be good by DOING GOOD!

and Then I Wept...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:22:00 +0000

When I was around five years old, I had this Tonka Tractor. I loved that little tractor. It was a Christmas present that year and for about six month's I had rolled that thing all over our yard doing all kinds of imaginary work. On one occasion I had been playing with it in the drive way and being a kid became distracted and left it there. About an hour later my Mama had to run to town and in the car we piled. In backing out, we all felt the tire hit something and fearing it was our cat, we all piled out to see. What I saw horrified me. It was my Tonka tractor smashed into pieces; not even Daddy could fix it. On that day I wept.

Still five, my sister had rescued a baby chicken from the local hatchery and she and I (the baby chicken) quickly became the best of friends; I named her Jackie. My relationship with Jackie was a secret as I didn't want my siblings to know that she and I were close for fear that they might become better friends with her. As she grew I had managed to teach her to follow me around, fly up to my outstretched arm's, and sit on my shoulder so I could pretend that I was a pirate and Jackie was my parrot. It was our secret relationship and nobody could steal it from us because nobody knew it existed.

One day me, Jackie, and Daddy were in the yard when he told me to go fetch him something. When I returned, there she was, flopping around the yard with blood going everywhere. I ran up and saw her head in Daddy's hand and at that moment, I felt as if I had died.

Daddy, thinking I was just upset because I had never witnessed anything being killed before, sent me into the house. In short order Daddy had dressed and Mama was frying her up for supper. When supper finally came, Jackie was served up on a yellow platter for all of our dining pleasure. Daddy offered the prayer and everyone started filling their plates. Mama gave me a leg and I finally lost it. I wept like there was no tomorrow.

Daddy then asked what was the matter with me. I unloaded. I told him that Jackie walked with me, she would fly to me, and that she played pirate with me; she was the parrot. She was my friend.

Hearing this, Daddy looked down and apologized. He then told everyone to just stop as he left the table. He returned with a box and gathered her from each plate and asked us all to follow him out back where he conducted a funeral for my friend Jackie. He prayed and asked God to forgive him and asked that I would be able to do the same. We buried her and we all wept together.

At ten years of age, my parents had bought a bike for me from the neighbors. It was the coolest bike any kid could ever want. It was green metallic with chrome fender's. Had a sissy bar, high-boy handlebars and a banana seat. Just flat out cool, and every kid in the neighborhood new it!

Later that summer, while riding around a corner our neighbor, Old Man Vanderpool hit me. I was just bruised, but my bike didn't survive the ordeal. The frame, forks, and front tire were twisted into a mess. Old Man Vanderpool never even saw me as he pulled his 67' Pontiac Tempest into his drive. Dragging my bike the block back home was one of the longest treks I had known up to that time in my life. Due to the fact that I could only drag it about ten feet before I would have to stop and rest, I had plenty of time to consider what had happened. How would I tell my parents? Then as if drawn by some invisible magnet, every kid in the neighorhood appeared to see the spectacle of my twisted bike. Some would ask what had happened and I couldn't even look up for fear that they might see me cry.

When I finally got home, Daddy came out the door and saw me and my bike. He asked if I was okay and I nodded that I was. He then picked up my bike with one hand, and with the other led me out back. He sat the bike down and continued with me to the back of the house where nobody could see. He picked me up and told me it was okay to cry, and I did.

When I was eleven, Mama and Daddy brought home a puppy that we named Happy. He quickly grew into the best dog any kid could ever wish for. He was a black cocker spaniel-poodle cross and was the kind of dog that had the wisdom of years, even as a puppy. For almost five years, Happy was always there to play when I wanted, and was content to just sit patiently by my side when I didn't feel like playing. He had this insight that let him know when you were sad and could always cheer me up...he did this for the whole family. He was the last to say goodbye to Daddy as he left for work, and the first and most excited to greet him when he got home. None of us kid's could leave the house without Happy tagging along to protect us. That's just how he was.

He never dug through the trash, nor chased a cat or car. He would always go up and greet anyone he saw during his adventures around the block. Everybody in the neighborhood knew and liked Happy. He simply was that kind of dog...a good dog.

One morning Daddy poked his head in the door after walking out to leave for work and asked if anyone had seen Happy. Someone said that they had the night before. Daddy said, "well...he's probably out runnin' around," and left for work.

At school that same morning, Tommy, my friend whole lived a block up on the highway, came up to me and said we had to talk. I thought it strange as boy's just don't, "have to talk." He took me aside in the hallway as we waited to go to class and when I looked him in the face I knew something was wrong. He then told me that Happy was dead. I said no...he's not. He said yes he was, "we saw the trash truck run over him." I told him that it was just probably some other black dog. He said, "no, it was Happy. We saw it was him as the trash man stopped, picked him up and threw him in the back of the truck." I said, "no, it was some other dog."

The whole day I tried to tell myself that it wasn't Happy, but inside I knew it probably was, yet I continued to hope.

When I got home I nervously walked around looking for him. I was too scared to call out for fear that he would not come. After about a half hour of hoping against hope, I realized that Happy was no more. I finally just sat under the maple tree in the back yard and refused to cry. Just sitting and looking at nothing.

After a short spell I heard the rumble of Daddy's truck and felt as if someone had punched me in the stomach. I knew how much he loved Happy and I knew what was coming. He called out to Happy. Four or five times he called as he circled the house. As he walked up he asked if I knew where he was and I looked up and lost it. He knew as he sit and wept with me. We loved that good dog.

For a good spell the sad things in life just seemed to take time off. I grew up, went to school, found good work and finally was blessed with a good wife. Life truly had become good and I had an appreciation for being blessed.

About a year into our marriage, I received a call at work from my Father-in-law who told me that my wife was on the way to the ER. He didn't know what was wrong but told me to meet him there. We beat her there and time just stopped.

When she got there she was having sever pain in her abdomen and it was discovered that she was pregnant. PREGNANT! It hit me like nothing else in life had ever hit me before. I was going to be a Father. Instantly life changed. There was a new meaning for my existence and I liked it.

After the exam my wife got some pain meds and I just sat with her in a whole new world of potential and the hope it held. All we had to do was wait for the Dr's to fix her and life would be good. When the doctor did come in, he explained that my wife was having an ectopic pregnancy, which meant little to me. I listened and finally asked what the procedure was to fix things. He explained that the baby couldn't be saved...at that point, it wasn't really a baby anyway.

In just a few hours I had feared for my wife's life, celebrated that she would be okay, rejoiced over being a father, and finally told that my baby would not live. I was just numb inside as I tried to be strong for my wife. I really needed to talk to Daddy, but it had to wait...I had responsibilities.

After I got my wife home and settled, I managed to visit Daddy. I told him all that had happened. All the fear and all the hope. How I was almost a Daddy. He then shared a time in his life I had little knowledge of. His first wife and he had two son's. The eldest was born with heart problems and had received many surgeries to preserve him. He shared how he feared losing his little boy. He then went on to tell about losing his first wife to cancer. How he held her as she passed and how his world had died.

Again he spoke about loss. With a smile he told me of my brother Harold, whom I had never met. How he was a good boy. Always helpful and always had a smile...even when nobody was looking. He was just good. He then went on to tell me of someone running up to the house and yelling that Harold had drowned...they couldn't find him. Daddy had run down to the pond and pulled his son from the water and held him. In his bedroom, me and Daddy held each other and wept for and with each other.

A year later my wife gave birth to our son Samuel. I still held a place for our first child, but Sam had a place all his own and life was good. He and Daddy were best buddies. They had such the relationship. They loved playing games and one of Sam's favorites was to sneak up on Daddy and scare him. Daddy had a huge heart, but it was tired, and when Sam would do this, Daddy would almost fall over. After a couple of minutes Daddy would recover and they would just laugh and go on having fun. Daddy always had a candy bar hid just for Sam; didn't matter that we were trying to limit his sugar...

A few more years and pregnancy visited our home again. We had decided to deliver her at home and when the time came, I soon began to question our decision. Labor with this child lasted for almost 12 hours. I prayed and pleaded with God for help. I tried to bargain with Him. I promised to be a better husband and father. I honestly don't remember what all I did deal for, but know that I surely have not been able to live up to the promises made in desperation that night.

When the baby finally was being delivered her cord was wrapped tightly around her neck and we were in trouble. Again I prayed and when we went to try to loosen the cord, it just gave way and we unwrapped it. She was then quickly delivered. As I held this child, along with her mother, we wept for joy. God had delivered Josie to us that day.

Josie was a peculiar baby...very particular. She wouldn't let anyone but her mother and I hold her. Anybody else touch her and she would scream. She did allow one other person to hold her though. It was Daddy. They had a connection. I have never seen a newborn laugh and interact like that before or sense.

A couple of months later Daddy fell ill and was taken to the hospital. The normal routine was for the Dr's to call in the family to say goodbye and we would all gather and pray. He would always be back home in a week or so. This time when we went up to pray it was different. I just knew and so did he. Not this time. That week seemed to last a decade. As he went down over time, we seemed to do the same. It was just so...just not real. During this week though, I had toughened myself for the time that was coming. Daddy had raised me to understand and take security in life and death. I knew what he believed and believed what he knew. We were both ready. Then he died.

As ready as I was...I wept, and wept, and wept. My best friend, the guardian of my secrets, my Daddy was gone. The one I needed to hold me, the only one who could hold me was no longer there. Up to the day we buried him I wept. That night I walked out to the woods beside my house and prayed. I asked God why he had taken my support? The answer...It was time to stand up and be the man my Father had trained me to be. I wept no more for him...now I rejoice in being able to have had him for the time I did.

The scariest thing for me was in realizing that I was at the top of the hill. I then realized something about my Father. I knew him to be a very strong man. Nothing could scare him...now I know the truth.

After Daddy passed, Josie almost instantly decided that she didn't need to scream when somebody wanted to hold her. She was happy for anyone and everyone to hold her. It was like the time she had during the life of my daddy was set aside for him...the rest could wait.

We went on to have two more beautiful girl's, Aubrey Grace and Katrina Elizabeth, both born at home. All went well and I had little cause for sadness or fear. Time passes and the normal struggles of life progressed as all of life does.

Finally the reason for all this writing. In raising a family, sometimes it's easy for a child to feel misunderstood and unappreciated in the teen years. My son Samuel is there and the other night he had spoken harshly to his younger sister and I wasted little time reminding him that he was a gentleman and was expected to act as such.

In our family, when times are cross, I advocate just getting away for a spell to cool off, which is the norm for Sam. On this particular evening, we had the spat and he went downstairs and I had assumed he was in his room listening to his music.

When suppertime rolled around I called him up and there was no reply. My wife goes down to his room then comes back up asking if I knew where he was. I said he probably went out to the woods to think, like he often does. She went out the back and hollered for him to come up and usually he's there in a few minutes. Not this time. She calls him a few more times and comes back in with a scared look saying that she can't find him. I asked if she had called Bandaid our dog who's usually good at barking and letting us know their whereabouts. She had and there was no answer. I then decided to go get them.

Usually I will just walk to the back field and call them and they will come. This night I slipped on a light jacket and walked out and called. No answer from either of them. Then I started to get a bit scared. It was starting to get dark and it was getting cold fast, with a forecast calling for temps below freezing. I go back in and get a light and head out; I didn't think to put on a warm jacket.

We live on the top of a mountain surrounded by many rocky gulley's, which I know that Sam loves to climb down into. I quickly made my way to the gully that is the closest and it hit me. Daddy holding Harold after pulling him from the pond. I climbed my way down into the gully with a very bad vision in my head of my son laying hurt...or worse. Suddenly I knew the fear of my father. I wept and plead with God to let my little boy be okay. He wasn't there.

I assured myself that Sam would be okay. He's good in the wood's and Bandaid was with him. He'll be okay. Still...that vision wouldn't leave me. I spent the next hour zig-zagging my way back and forth across the hill's and gulley's. There was no moon and the night quickly became black. As I worked my way down the mountain my flashlight decided go dim so I mostly felt my way; saving the light in the case I would have a desperate need for it later. I would turn it on long enough to plot a path down into the gulley's and then back off. I could feel my way back up.

I finally quit calling out to Sam and focused on Bandaid as I now knew something was wrong, and of the two of them, the dog would be the one to hear me first.

After a good spell I found myself on a clear hilltop and seeing shadow's all around I hit the light and find myself in the middle of a herd of cattle. It then hit me. My effort was futile and the wood's were too big. It was too dark and getting colder by the minute. I have never felt so little in all my life.

Right there in the middle of a herd of cattle I stopped and knew I was done. I prayed, but this time I didn't try to bargain or make any deals. I just wept and asked God to save my little boy. All I could see was him as he scared Daddy so many times. How they would laugh and laugh after Daddy recovered from the fright. I just sit and wept for a short spell.

I then got up and started walking. Not really knowing exactly where I was going I just walked silently until I remembered to call out to Bandaid. It was then that I heard a distant bark. I called out more and he barked back. I left the field and ran into the woods in the direction I thought he was. I would call and his reply would get stronger as I tripped and bounced off trees. When I knew he was close I hit the flashlight and he was standing on the edge of the woods waiting and barking. He wouldn't come to me and I knew something was wrong. I looked around and couldn't find Sam. I told bandaid to find Sam and he would run ahead about fifty feet and start barking so I could catch up. That dog led me through another field, across a gulley and more wood until we came to the farthest clearing behind our house and stopped. I told him to find Sam and he would run and return to me. He wasn't sure where Sam was I start yelling out for Sam as I made my way across the field. Finally I heard a faint, "Dad." At that, Bandaid knew where he was and took me directly to him. I found him trying to make his way back to the house. I asked him if he was okay and he said, "yeah." I then grabbed him and stood there and wept. I wept for joy. My boy was alive and I have never been so grateful in all my life. I just held him for a spell until he said," Dad...I'm kinda cold. Can we go home?"

When we finally got back to the house he found a family that was all weeping for joy that he was alive. It was an experience that I hope he never forgets. He saw that night that he is of much value to his family and took a step in the direction of being a man.

What had happened was that instead of just going to the edge of the gulley and sitting like he normally does, he just walked until he found a far gulley and decided to sit there and think. Due to no moon, the dark fell faster than he expected and he found himself in an unfamiliar place with no reference point. Our rule is that if you get lost in the woods, just stay put and I will find you. The problem he found was that he knew I wouldn't think he would be that far out. Then it started getting cold and he didn't have his warm coat on, so he decided that it would be better to look for a way out than just sit there and freeze.

While wondering around he heard the train, which runs due east of our house and he then knew that he needed to walk away from it in order to find his way home. He was on his way home when I found him and would have made it even if I hadn't found him first.

That's Sam & Bandaid in the picture at the top..

I'll gladly shed tears of Joy for my children any day of the week!

Aubrey Grace

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:41:00 +0000

This last week we celebrated our daughter Aubrey Grace's birthday as she turned eleven. We did the normal birthday stuff; cake, candles, presents, song & a birthday spanking.

For Aubrey, the party was just family (she really doesn't like much fanfare or spotlight) and went just as she wished.

When it came time to open the gifts she was so excited every time she got something she really wanted. When she opened the utility gifts such as a hairbrush, clothing etc., she was just as excited. When she opened the gift her younger sister made her, which was a picture made with crayon and copy paper, she seemed to be more excited for it than anything else.

What I love about Aubrey is her concern and feeling for those around her. She has developed this value for time and effort beyond her years. It meant so much to her that Katie had taken the time and effort to make something just for her. Something that no other person in the world can have. The attention of her little sister.

I can honestly say that I know no other person in the world who understands that life is more than any object. Life to her is in work, not the achievement, and in this, she has achieved much wisdom and grace at such an early age.

Happy Birthday Aubrey! I'm so proud that you are my daughter (yes, God does bless us)

Thinking Global

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 16:40:00 +0000

We have seen more than a decade of thinking global. A time when the singular person or community was set aside in an effort to bring the world together in one harmonious ball of humanity. Where a conscious attitude of my actions would make a positive influence on my neighbor on the other side of the globe. A time of sharing wealth with those of us who are in a lesser stance of financial life and being.

We have shared our work with the rest of society. As we step down in the world of business and manufacturing, our brethren in less advanced places have found the work we have allowed them.

We have chosen to protect wildlife and the rainforest's

We have fought for democracy while decrying our own atrocity of intervention.

We will not judge any other people or nation.

We have removed the bridle from all forms of media.

We will accept anything.

Has it worked?

Blessed In A Scared World

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 07:32:00 +0000

During rough times I've often found myself asking for God's blessing upon me and the family. What else would I do? What should I do? Usually, that's my first course of action.

Sometimes I have to wonder why it is that God doesn't bless me during the trial's of life. When I look at my children, there is no single thing that I want to do more than bless them in some fashion. I often wonder about God though...why is it that he doesn't hear me?

Other times I have felt when God has blessed us. It is always right in front of my eyes. Bang! You're blessed! Is it that sometimes I'm just not being good? I don't deserve to be blessed? Then I look at my children and again, I always want to bless them. What gives?

When I take the time to put on my retrospective lenses, there is always one activity that is going on when I/we are being blessed. You can probably guess what it is...

There have been times in my life when I have not asked for God's blessing, but rather, his allowance. I cannot see anyone suffering without having this deep need to help. It is in these times that I simply ask him to let me help, and he does. It would totally amaze you at what all God has allowed this family to do when in the service of serving society. Not just Christian's, but any of God's creation.

He has allowed us to literally feed thousand's, to see physical healing of the body, and a whole plethora of other things that without him would be impossible.

It is during these times that our problems just seem to melt away. Fear evaporates as peace and security run in. There is no time for worry, and the grind of living becomes a race into meaning and reason. In these times, we know that we were created for more than just existing.

These days we are living in are certainly not the easiest of times to live in. Many are simply trying to endure while other people are hiding and hoping that somehow they will be spared. To be honest, I sometimes on want to hide away and let the shadow pass. But I am not happy when in hiding and denial just seems to push me further back into the cave, which means that it will take longer to find my way back into the sunlight.

It's time for me to get proactive. Time to live my confidence in God, and time to ask for and accept his allowance. Time to shake off the stress and uncertainty and live a life of impact.

What say you?

If you want to be right...Do Right!

I'm a Single Parent

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 06:20:00 +0000

Single parent...SINGLE PARENT...I'm a single parent who's married to another single parent who has biologically shared children.

It seems like every time I read about someone having hard times, there's always a single parent involved. When someone has made it big, again, "single parent raised me" and it's almost always the mother.

I think it's getting to be the standard. Something to be proud of.

Personally I don't get it. There was a time when it was not a good thing to be considered a single parent. It usually meant that the "mom" married bad or got pregnant out of wedlock. It surely was no thing to be proud of, and I think there is no virtue to be found in being a "single parent".

Back in my day (a hundred years ago...the dark ages) it was a shame to be found pregnant out of wedlock. Likewise, having to admit that you married a drunk, wife beater, cheater, etc., was no thing to speak of publicly. It was the kind of thing people whispered about. The single parent would get "the look". You know it...kind of a sideways glance and neither the single parent or the one looking down their nose would make eye contact. At best, it was a very nervous situation.

Now get me right here. I am casting no stones and truly do appreciate a single person choosing to birth their child and raise it. If you find yourself in that situation...I say bully for you!

But (<--big but), I do not advise any to take to this lifestyle with a casual attitude. If you find yourself in this situation for whatever reason, take responsibility and do the right thing. Raise your child and go on with life. If though you choose this lifestyle, don't expect to be treated special for it.

There was a time when the family would take the single parent back into the original family and raise the child within their community of family. There was no expectation of society to pay for someones lack of discretion. The point is that having a child meant that two people were united in marriage as a family and the child was a natural progression of this union. It was a blessing and a strengthening of the marriage bond. It was this same blessing that strengthened society.

Today you can find all kinds of social commendation's for the single parent. Society gives support specifically to the single parent. Government supports the single parent, and in this, our tax money goes to pay for a poor marriage choice or indiscretion. Is this right?

When I decided to get smart a few years back and go to college I was big into scholarships. The problem was that I was a middle aged married man with children. Times were tough for us because we didn't have work, but had kid's; ask me sometimes about stress when you have tried to do everything right and things just don't seem to work. What I did find was an abundance of scholarship opportunities specifically for the single parent; more specifically the unwed mother. This angered me and I decided to apply anyway. It was required that you submit an essay about the trials of being an unwed mother and how you would overcome them.

I thought on it for some time then finally sit down and began writing. I wrote about all the dreams I had when I first married. I told of all the things I promised myself I would do for each child as they were born. How I would be the best father I could. I then went on to tell how life just didn't work. How times got hard and how me and the good wife resolved to move on in spite of it all. I told how I felt I had failed my family as a father, but, could never allow my children to be raised in a single parent household. It was tough, but we had resolve. I told how easy it would have been to just walk away from all the troubles I was enduring. I told of how I could never do that because of my responsibility to my wife and children. I explained my upbringing in a house that valued every aspect of family life. I wrote that despite the outcome of the scholarship, it would do nothing to affect my choice of where my family would find me standing. I then issued a challenge to the scholarship committee to support someone choosing to be right despite the hardship it was sure to deliver.

I won the single parent scholarship as a single parent, devoted to another single parent, with biologically shared offspring.

My whole point with this post is to encourage people to stand for what is right and good. Do support the single parent who is fighting to raise their child. BUT (<--big red but) don't encourage it. Do all you can to lead one into the natural progression of family. If you are a parent of a single parent, commit to your child and help raise this grandchild. After all you are the one who raised this child and are charged to stand behind who they become.

When you are raising your children, show them some statistics. Show them how a large majority of people in prison were raised by a single parent, which is most often the mother.

If you are a man who has joined with a woman and created a child, then be the man. Be a part of raising "YOUR" child. If you are practicing your part in fertilizing an egg, then realize that you are doing this with some other man's daughter...then think of what you would do to some man who was "practicing" on your daughter! I promise you this. There is no person who knows me who doesn't know how much I love my wife and children, and to what length I will go to protect them. Be the MAN!

If you are a woman who is participating in the process of practicing conception, then realize how hard life will be if you do become pregnant before you are in a situation to start a family. Never trust a man who says he'll be there. Know he'll be there because you are bound with him as husband and wife.

There are a few exceptions.

Rape. No reason for it. I once came upon a man trying to rape a woman I worked with. He was waiting in her car with a butcher knife and was going to get what he wanted one way or the other. In short, I busted up my wrist trying to convince him how he had made a bad decision. No person deserves this violation and I DO take a stand. No exception

Bad marriage? Before you ever consider marrying, take the time to know who you are marrying. Watch this person in good and bad times alike. You will find that a person usually enhances their attitude and demeanor as they age. If they are not a person you know 100% for sure that you want to be with in hard times, then run.

Something happens. When I was ran over by a car, the recovery and rehab was long and extreme. In the process I went through frustration over not being able to walk. The pain med's changed personality in a bad way and depression was a killer. In short, I became a very bad person to be married to. I was just plain old mean. In working with disabled people I had seen this kind of thing end many a marriage. Sometimes health, or the lack of, makes for a tough marriage. This was the case for my wife. Here's what she did. She stayed and towed the line when I couldn't. She pushed me through my troubles and stayed committed to her vow. It wasn't easy, but she did it anyway. There is no person I love more than her because I know that she will give her all for me, and today I am truly married to my best friend.

I take the time to say all this because I know how hard life can be. I know that sometimes life is cold and more often than not, it's unfair.

I also want to say that if you are the child of a single parent, don't handicap them, but rather, uplift them. Don't tell everyone that you were raised by a single parent (you are saying that you either had a bad dad/mom, or you were an accident). Instead tell everyone how your mother/father raised you and that they are the most committed and loving person you know and leave it at that. Whatever happened is the business of no other person. Tie them to you in a positive manner.

I'm sure this will make somebody mad....tell me about it. Joust with me and you'll find me a fair person to deal with.

Another Job

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:59:00 +0000

Along about the time my brother Dab asked about the catalog, my wife Pam took a call asking if we could paint. Can we paint? If it's for money and is honest work, we are diversified enough in skill that we can do most anything. If we can't, we just get a book a read...then we can!

Anyway, I told her to accept the job and for the last two day's we have been working on repair and painting two duplexes. So far I've got over forty hour's invested in just three day's and probably have another ten to go on the first duplex. Will be back at it in the beginning of the next week.

With the hours put in, I've been just staying there instead of the seventy mile daily drive.

We are blessed and the good work is happening. This also makes the guilt of buying a sawmill in these hard times much easier to accept.

Thank you God!

If you want to be Right...DO RIGHT!

Some Good Work

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:35:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago my brother Dab called and asked if I could design a retail catalog for one of his clients. I told him I thought I could and sent him a copy of one I had created as a prototype.

The client liked it and a few days later I was sitting with her designing a catalog. I was told it would probably just be more like an eight page brochure. It turned out to be over forty pages.

After the preliminary work we met again and made some changes and finalized it for her to take to the publisher.

She was happy...I was happy, and Dab was happy.

I really enjoyed this kind of work and hope to do more of it.

Also the money came in very handy. I have been planning for some ten years to someday buy a sawmill so I could process lumber from tree to furniture with no middle-person (I am being politically correct) taking their share.

Last week I ordered the mill and expect to receive it today.

I am excited at the prospect it will provide and pray it will be a good investment.

I Concede

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:20:00 +0000

It would seem that many people I know haven't heard that the Presidential election has ended.

I am speaking directly to most (not all) democrat leaning people in my life. Barak Hussein Obama has been elected to be the next president of the United States of America!

You are now free to give it a rest. I do not need to hear about how bad McCain & Palin are, and how they will lead the nation to doom.

While I will openly admit that I did vote on a large part (not all...gasp) a republican ticket; I actually voted for a few democrats on the state level. As I've always maintained, I AM AN INDEPENDENT! The reason I voted the way I did was based on a lack of a better choice. If I had my way Dean would be our new president.

So, based on your new information, I concede the election to the democratic ticket. You will now have all control of our government. You no longer have to bash McCain or Palin as neither of them is any threat to the well being of our nation. Quit beating a dead horse already.

One thing to remember...if Barak Hussein Obama, Joe Biden, Congress, and the YMCA proves to make a better nation, I will thank you for your wisdom. On the other hand, anything that goes badly I will also look in your direction for making a bad decision. It's all on your shoulders now and I will highly encourage you to accept the responsibility in kind. Good or bad...you own it now..

I do hope for a much better future.

Brave New Life

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:46:00 +0000

I've finally decided to share a bit that is going on in our lives.

For some time we have worked with a company that provides in-store promotions for primarily Wal-Mart; in addition to other retailers. We've been doing this for a few years and are quite good at it.

A little while ago we got word that Wal-Mart was going to select one company to go with and they did. The company they chose is a giant and had the strength to leverage the move, which means we have no work.

At first we were angry, then came the fear that is associated with the current economic times we are in. Out of Work! Not a very comforting situation to be in. We pulled on our pants of courage and on we push.

We also do other contract work and are being a bit successful in securing more contracts/clients. We're very resourceful and have to just push on. This is not the worst we've seen as a family and I'm quite confident we will do well.. In fact, we usually do just the opposite of that which society seems to be doing. In easy times we usually see hard times. In hard times...we are successful as it provides a time for survival through quick and responsive resourcefulness.

In other direction's we have decided to pursue a business that we have prayed hard on and truly believe will be a success. It is one business that does not pay any attention to time's or economy. If it doesn't' work, it will only be for a lack on my part. I can accept that. I truly don't mind taking responsibility for what I do. I see it much better than living at the will of someone else.

Is it better to be a successful slave, or fail while being a free man. I can live with myself.

If you want to be Right...Do RIGHT!

I'm Going Native!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 05:56:00 +0000

We, and I assume many of you, watched the election results roll in tonight with much excitement and anxiety. As is always the case, the electoral votes waxed for one candidate and waned for the other. I voted the waning ticket and I was disappointed. But, I've got a new President-Elect, and being an American, I am obliged to accept him as such. I'll get in line.

A couple of things really stuck out tonight to me.

First, Sen. McCain gave one of the most bipartisan and gracious concession speeches I have ever heard. He didn't go on about anything but acceptance of OUR choice. He urged us to support his opponent and congratulated him in his win. No bitterness and no anger. What I saw tonight was a true gentleman and an honorable statesman.

I do fear we made the wrong choice, and that is my birthright as an American to hold this opinion. I pray that President-Elect Obama proves to be a wise and righteous leader. If he doesn't be the President we need, I know where the fault will lie. Squarely on the shoulder's of George W. Bush.

Think about it.

Iraq....George W. Bush.
Flopping economy....George W. Bush
Hurricane Katrina....George W. Bush (he should have diverted that nasty storm)
Iraq....George W. Bush
Everyone in the world hates us....George W. Bush
High gas prices....George W. Bush
Fuel pump went out on my van....George W. Bush
Global warming....George W. Bush
My chainsaw quit running....George W. Bush
Iraq....George W. Bush
I caught Type II diabetes....George W. Bush
Someone in the military got killed....George W. Bush (no disrespect meant...serious)
Wal-Mart ran out of bell pepper's....George W. Bush

If something (anything) went wrong in the last eight year's, it was George's work. Talk about one seriously powerful dude.

Back on point, the second thing that stuck out was the African American vote. While scanning the different network's, one comment made by many African Americans was one of pride for an African American being president. It would seem that for many, it was the man's race that was up for election, and not the man himself. Not all, but many insinuated that this was the case. If this is right, we may be in big trouble. I honestly do pray that Barak surrounds himself with truly wise people and is man enough to listen.

Likewise, I know that many "white" people wouldn't vote for Barak due to the fact that he is not fully white. This is just as bad. Vote for the RIGHT American...whomever they may be. Here we are in the 21st century and race/gender still plays such a role. Look at who they are and what they have done in life, then vote. What is wrong with us?

Now, based on what I've seen, I have decided to claim my heritage to advantage. I've been pondering going into public service and now believe it to be the right direction to move toward. Unlike Barak Obama, I'm not half white, but more along the lines of one quarter white. The rest of my blood runs Native (Cherokee). That's right! I can lay a large claim to what most of you white people who through inheritance, have stolen from my inheritance. Therefore, I am not among the majority and I believe it due time for me to finally advance my particular ethnic brethren.

Until tonight, I have honestly held a race neutral view of myself and my fellow citizens. We were all simply American. I have to blame this on my father; a fine and honorable man he was. I remember once asking him why he wouldn't even try to assure our name on the Indian role. He explained that while he was proud of our heritage, that it was the United States of America that held his military service. He also explained that he wanted no advantage over any of his neighbors. We were simply Americans. Honestly, are we not all native Americans?

I've also been disturbed by the many interview's I've seen on the news in recent weeks. There has seemed to be a directive to get out and see what the African American thinks...almost to exclusion. What about what I think? Are we living in such an unenlightened time that a Native American could not hold an opinion on their potential President? Does my blood make me unworthy while the blood of another is more worthy? Lord, let me be wrong and let us all have enough integrity to pray for our new leader's.

The future (2012),

President G. Redneck (remember my name)

We Voted!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:02:00 +0000

Today was the big day! We got up early and put on our best dud's. I even donned my cowboy hat, boots, and lucky belt buckle.

The first pic is of our local polling place. I know, I know...you are thinking I must live in Beverly Hills or some place equally as affluent, but you would be wrong. Just because I live in the middle of Redneck Estates doesn't mean that we play things down. In fact, some thought the fancy facility might take away from the event at hand; it was decided that we should just leave the antenna standing and go ahead and allow the voter's to use the executive parking facility. I think it just added to the grand event taking place.

If you look close, you can see an elder gent in the white whip (car) and a dog in the white pickup truck wondering who I was and why was I taking their picture. I was fortunate to have gotten that shot. As we were pulling away, I could see security swarming in the rear view mirror.

This pic of the princess is my 6-yr. old Katie. She was excited because I let her drive down our driveway. Actually she steered as I held her on my lap, but to her, she was the pilot. I wish though that she would quit sticking her tongue out every time the camera comes out.

Was a big day indeed...

Go Vote

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 04:59:00 +0000

When it comes to politics and my country...some call me a zealot, and other people call me a patriot. I think I'm just a little bit of both.

Now if you ask me what my honest opinion of the whole voting issue is, I would have to say I'm not so confident in the whole process. Does my vote REALLY matter...probably not. But, I can say that it does entitle me to participate in the process and allows me the right to gripe.

When I speak to people who open with a complaint of the government I always ask if they voted. If not, then I don't value their opinion. Why should I listen to someone who won't even take the time to do something as simple as voting.

The truth is that the electoral college makes our pick for us and I'm not about to even try to explain the whole process.

On the other hand, when it comes to policy, the President actually has little power. He/she is the leader, but is heavily managed by the other two branches of government; judicial & legislative.

Now we don't have much power over the judicial, but the legislative is a whole other story. If you really want to make a difference, then get on the phone to your legislator's. Tell them how you feel and don't be shy about reminding them that it is "they" who represent "you".

The president has the power to veto anything that congress might throw his/her way, but only once. If our legislator's follow our call and push something back through, then the President is trumped.

While I do have a definite opinion of who our leader's should be, I will accept whomever we get and intend to use my right of petition to our legislator's to ensure that I have a small touch on the steering wheel.

I implore you to get out and vote; grab your right to gripe about whatever you want. Also get proactive and do a quick study on who you want to represent you to your state and federal government(s). Either way, you WILL be governed and if you choose to have no part in it, then do you really have any right to be upset with anything the government does.

The passive citizen soon becomes a slave to the government. The proactive citizen encourages freedom.

It's time to decide who you are...I choose to be the patriotic zealot

Doctor-Doctor...Give Me the News...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 04:05:00 +0000

The trip to the doctor went pretty well...or so I thought.

Went in and my glucose log pleased to doctor as did my weight. They ended up with a general blood sample and sent me on my way.

A day later I got a call asking me to come in and visit with the doc. Now this really scared the good wife. Didn't the visit go good. Turns out that my blood work had somehow came back bad. The only real concern I had was over my liver, and that's what troubled me a bit.

Anyway, the next day I'm back in the office waiting for the hammer upside my head when he came in with a very somber look and began the eulogy.

Turns out that the bad news was that my cholesterol had risen a couple of points and thought it worthy of discussion. My "big" glucose test turned out very well and, "whatever it was that I was doing..I needed to keep doing." My liver showed no indication of ongoing damage and all else was improved.

Now...why in the world could he not have just called and told me about the cholesterol? Something like, "hey there gimpy...your cholesterol has risen a bit and I would like your permission to call in a prescription...sound good?"

The reason is that there is just so much red tape to mess with. Could he document the discussion and agreed upon treatment with no receipt of a visit to the office? No...would just be a phone call.

As a child, I can still remember having the mumps and the horror of looking out the window and seeing the town doctor walking up our street carrying his black bag of torture. Do I ever miss those days of reason and trust...

Finally Slow Enough To Get Some Work Done

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 04:28:00 +0000

With the slow down in work, I am finally getting back to building the kitchen cabinets. Got the old cabinet off the wall and built a new surround for the wall mount oven. What a difference some re-purposed wood makes.

Had Sam help with cleaning the chimney last week and building that first fire couldn't have been more timely or appreciated. I love semi-free heat. All it takes is a small amount of gas, a chainsaw, a son big enough to split the wood, and a pile of kid's to tackle the pile of wood and it's nothing but nice and toasty evenings.

Gotta love it!

Discovering Health

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:06:00 +0000

It's been a couple of month's since writing about my situation with my health. Here's where I am now standing.

Weight: Original-242 lbs
Current-200lbs
Blood Glucose Level: Original-252 average
Current- 103 average
Cholesterol: Original-Can't remember
Current- last check about a month ago-perfect
Liver enzyme level: Original- Very high indicating cirrhosis
Current- last check about a month ago-perfect
Blood Pressure Original-leaning toward high
Current-perfect.

What have I done different?

Gave up regular soda. I do sometimes drink diet, but mostly drink flavored sugar free water.
Take 1 tablespoon of flax seed oil with every meal
Take 1/2 teaspoon of garlic extract with every meal
Take 1 teaspoon milk thistle concentrate twice daily
Limit serving size of things such as ice cream

Basically besides these things, I've done little different. I pretty much eat what I want, but I do pay attention to limit the serving size of potential problem foods; sweets, which have not been too much of a problem(I like meat & tater's).

Concerning the Soda (Dr. Pepper) I really expected to have a real problem abstaining. The truth is that it took one day of drinking water to purge myself of the need for it. I did start drinking the sugar-free flavored water mix, which actually has a very good taste. When I did drink diet soda, it also had a good taste. While I liked it, I didn't develop this great need for it like I did with the "fat" soda's. I can now take it or leave it.

I also make an effort to get a moderate amount of exercise. Nothing special though. At home I now take the stairs instead of the elevator. I walk to the mailbox rather than riding the Harley...stuff like that. Seriously though, simple things like going to fetch something from the shop myself rather than sending one of the kid's. Real simple changes.

I've got a follow-up with the Dr. tomorrow. I'm curious to see what he thinks. When I asked about the Type II diabetes/liver, I was told that I would probably be on med's very soon. The last visit I explained that I was going to try the alternative path's to body restoration, which received a very tepid reaction.

We'll see...

Speak Up When You Are Right!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 05:37:00 +0000

Why I post things such as not being treated right by those with whom I pay for a service.

I work very hard for what I have and I make sure that my employer always receives more from me than I am payed for. I do this because I teach my children to always do their all in everything they do. If it is play time, play for all you are worth. Time to sleep? Get the best sleep you can. Time to eat...consume the foods that will support the body to the largest advantage. And, when it is time to work...work with all the passion you have. This is what my father taught me, thus I pass it on.

When I was eleven, believe it or not, my first job was cleaning the house of a kind elderly lady who lived the next block over. Now I will admit, I hate cleaning house and in fact, I hate working at most things that involve physical activity. I'm just plain lazy and in this, I work hard to insure that I have the time and means to be lazy. Back to the point...I worked very hard cleaning her house and in turn, she worked very hard at helping shape my work ethic. She taught me that if I always gave more than I was paid for, I would never leave anyone with the ability criticize or cause me shame. I learned that I was in charge of who people would see me as.

Carrying this later into life I also found that my word was either a credit or debit to not only my character, but also to that of my family. I can either build it up...or tear it down. Totally up to me.

In my now life, I am a professional salesman. I promote many products and I make sure that what I claim, I never have to later defend. I openly invite people to challenge what I tell them. Because I am sure of what I claim, I am able to offer myself up to personal repayment, which has never been required.

To the point of this post. When I buy something, or maybe a service, I ask many question's and I only lay down the money after I understand all the details of the transaction.

On the other hand, I know many people who are afraid of confrontation and will allow themselves to take a financial loss simply because they are not willing to take a stand. They will just suck up and take the loss. Personally I believe this is irresponsible not only to oneself, but also the one's family. Money does not come easy and to allow yourself to be taken advantage of is simply irresponsible.

On the issue of the TV that went bad, the old set was almost 4 yrs. old and had served us very well. But, we had a full four year warranty in place. The company had sold us this warranty and promised to cover us for the whole time period.

This issue took six weeks to resolve, but in the end, and because of my insistence, the company honored their word and contract. They also found a loyal customer who will promote and continue to frequent their establishment for their doing what was right.

While I believe they might bank on the fact that many people will avoid the confrontation and take the loss, they did make things right with me in the end.

I had a similar issue over an air compressor this last summer. 3 yr. warranty and 1.5 yrs. service until it broke. It took almost three weeks and many visits and calls, but I ended up with a new and upgraded compressor.

With purpose, I only try to buy the best quality I can, and likewise, I always try to get a good warranty or guarantee that a company will truly stand behind their product. Sorry, I just haven't been able to buy into this whole "throw-away" culture we now live in. I will not pay good money for trash.

Here's how I always seem to reach a good outcome in such issues. I never really call and get hostile. Instead, I always present my problem in an honorably manner and in turn, treat them as if they are honorable. After my presentation I ask them how they are going to help me with this. I always ask their name and use it frequently in the conversation.

If you allow and give responsibility to one, they will most often rise to accept it. Be personal by using their first name liberally and invite them to be the problem solver. Let them know you understand company policy and that they are only doing their job, but also know that having an insider going to bat for you will get you much farther down the road to a good resolution.

After the problem has been solved I always ask to speak with the person's supervisor/boss and when speaking with them, give the person who helped some well deserved praise. Let that person know that you appreciate and respect their integrity. In doing so you will be helping that person grow in their responsibilities to self and society.

Or...you can just take your lumps, keep your mouth shut, feel cheated and bitter; while enhancing the shift from societal responsibility.

Either way, you WILL and ARE making an impact upon our world.

It is our responsibility to speak up when we are right...

Presidential Debate

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:26:00 +0000

Well, we watched the presidential debates last night and think there was a definite winner. McCain asked many tough question's of brama (Mix of Barak & Obama) and I really wasn't impressed with the answer's.

I'm sorry, but I am not one who forgets the past, and the past association's of Obama with the sort he has, does make a difference to me. It shows poor judgement. This "I was only 8 yrs. old" answer doesn't cut it with me. Brama's association's become relevant in the fact that the association's took place in his late 20's to the present. The more I've investigated, the more disturbed I become with the prospect of this man becoming our president.

I must say that when McCain addressed brama as "Senator Government," he hit the nail on the head! It seems that the democrats in this election are about nothing but big government.

Also, the lower taxes on 95% of the "middle class" is a farce. While it does bother me sometimes when I see how big business gets all the breaks, I also know that if they are taxed they will simply either relocate elsewhere in the world or just pass the increase on to the consumer. Some might call it inflation and that's all that the brama administration would be doing...increasing inflation.

On the other hand, while the tax break would be good, if business goes elsewhere, then everyone will lose their "middle class" status and move into poverty. Hmm...lower taxes & no job or job & same tax rate? I think I'd rather have the job and maintain my present status.

No thanks Senator Government! My choice is to try to maintain my nose above the water line. At least it is a survivable situation.

What's your take?

If you want to be right...DO RIGHT!

New Look for Old Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:48:00 +0000

Since moving from Arkansas, I've noticed there is no ocean here...so, thought I would put a new skin on the old blog. It's green here in Oklahoma so thought I might as well make it green here in my blogosphere.

I've put a new pic on the bottom of the page. It was taken in late spring of 05' from when we lived in Arkansas. It was directly after a bad storm had passed. Almost made it worth enduring it. In fact, there was also one of the promise that followed.

Might as well put them here as well.

<--This pic was taken as the storm approached

and below was taken right after it passed

<--Here is the Rainbow that followed right at sunset

This last image on the right was taken looking north after the storm.

Just some stuff I think is cool.

Follow the Money

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:16:00 +0000

After watching the Presidential debate on NBC tonight, I've come to some conclusions

I truly expected Brokaw to throw some wrenches at McCain, which he didn't. I say this because I am so tired of seeing the mainstream media opine away for Obama. It's almost like they've found their saviour. Something to consider?

Tonight though was much different. Brokaw and McCain seemed to get along swimmingly while Obama had some trouble staying with the agreed upon format.

One thing that caught my attention amongst all the mud being tossed. McCain threw a very deliberate and accusatory line at Obama that I truly expected to hear some big time banter about. Obama got aggressive over the taxes, but not this particular pitch.

The issue came about when McCain directly accused Obama of being the second largest recipient of money from Freddie & Fannie. That's right. The very couple who placed us into this big economic blunder we now find ourselves in. What did Obama do in his recant? Nothing but try to say that he tried to warn of the coming upset (Actually the record shows that it was McCain who sounded the bell, not Obama). There was absolutely NO mention or denial of the accusation.

From all that took place in discussion tonight, I came away with the clear understanding that Obama was in bed with the very villian that has the world in such a tattered situation.

The man wouldn't even deny it....and in this...I accept it as truth. I am convinced that Obama is a large part of the cancer that now holds this country and to elect him to be our leader would be suicide.

I'm no lemming...

In order to be right...one MUST DO RIGHT!

Bang My Head Till It's Empty...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 05:44:00 +0000

I've been having trouble posting here recently. Not like I have a strong track record, but now that I am back into my stride, I have plenty to say, just not stuff that aligns with this particular blog. Some active stuff happening on my, "Who Made Who" blog, but I can't seem to keep my political thoughts contained to it alone.

This blog is all about My family and our going's on, yet I want to jump on my soap box and start preaching.

What I've decided to do is this. I am going to go ahead and post some of my political observations amongst all else that is going on in my life. After all, I am a very political minded person and politics are part of what's going on in my life.

So get ready for some of my politically spiced stew.

Sarah Palin~

What I don't like:

Her Hokey talk, winks, constant smile and never ending nod.
----I'll be honest here. Being a redneck, I am quite fluent in "hee-hawnik's". Not that I am proud of this attribute...it's who I am. Just ask anyone who knows me. I could be Cooter from the Duke's of Hazzard (serious).
I grew very tired from her one speech that took place all over and up to her vice presidential debate.
----To be honest, I know that I couldn't do any better so I'll try to withhold judgement.
I was not impressed with how she steered her answer's totally away from the question.
----On the other hand, she was honest in how she only spoke of what she knew. Is it six weeks now that she's been on the ticket. She's really doing an impressive job. The more time she puts in, the more she will know and be able to do.
----In her lack, she's also shown that she doesn't back down and can put up a good fight. I've done some research and found that she's been running a straight path.
----being a professional salesman I understand what she's doing. I have to be very careful in my representation of my product. I am hired to sell a product based on it's good points. At the same time I have to be VERY careful to keep my presentation honest and in the best interest of both my clientele and customer. Not always easy, but I can easily live with myself, which I believe she can also. When someone points out a lack in my product, I promote two advantages.
I don't like that my family doesn't know her family on a personal level
----Oh well. Maybe some day that will change. Who knows?

What I do like:

Her unwavering devotion to her family
----A very big thing with me. This is most of the reason I couldn't support the Clinton's. You just don't cheat on your family. Bill not only betrayed his wife, but also his child and extended family. He betrayed my family in being in such a position and lowering it to such a low moral basement. If a person cannot be trusted within his/her own household, how can they be trusted with a nation?
Her professed Christian conviction.
----Fit's my family well. We have the same outlook and hopefully she will help us realize a nation that will remove the stigma that Christian's now feel in this nation.
Her patriotic stance.
----Having family member's in the military in some form from every war and conflict from the American revolution all the way to Iraq, we cannot hold anything but a patriotic stance.
Her hokey tenor and simple standard in speech.
----While I noted this as a dislike, I also see it as an approach that is not so polluted with the speech of the scholarly elitist nobility that even the simplest and most uncomplicated of us can easily understand what she's actually saying.
Her obvious disapproval of the gay lifestyle and lack of support for "gay" rights.
----Now I'm showing my true color (yes my neck is red)! When I see a gay man talking funny or a woman dressing and behaving like a man, I do look at them. They are not fitting in what I know as normal, just like when I use a cane on a bad day or wear shorts that show my scars. I get many a stare. That's just how every person is made. You do or be something that doesn't fit the norm, people will notice and sometimes respond; and always react in some form.
----As far as "gay rights" or any other singled out right for a specified minority group, I don't agree with it. Until I get "special" rights for being a hee-haw speaking, hairy, gimped redneck, I will hold this stance. While I have native blood that could get me special rights in the Cherokee Nation (a nation within a nation? Does this make sense?), I don't get anything that any other plain and unremarkable citizen receives. I pay my full load of taxes and put in my fare share of work. As an American citizen, I reserve the rights of my federal and state constitution's. Nothing more and nothing less. After all, are we not all special and unique in our own world and should we not all live on a playing field with one singular horizon. Not one of us deserves any right that all of us are entitled to.
She knows how to use and actually likes her gun's (right to bear arms)
----Some who read this might be shocked to know that I have four children and also have gun's in my home. Yes, that's right. This is my right as an American citizen. How can I do this? Not one of my children sees a gun as anything other that a tool of death. They fully understand that a gun is designed to kill. Nothing less. They all at an appropriate age ( one boy & three girl's) learn how to use them. They are taught to NEVER play with a gun. Even when playing at a neighbor's house with toy gun's (we really don't have any toy gun's other than the occasional squirt gun) they are told to not point them at each other. In the event that they might pick up a gun, they are taught to know how to use it and to never aim unless they are ready to kill. That is the sole purpose of a gun. Don't shoot to injure!
----What would constitute a reason to take up a gun in our household? To be honest, my gun's are solely for the occasional copperhead, rabid skunk or other animal that is threatening us or our animals. Basically protection from dangerous animal intruders.
----Rules for using the gun's in my house: Never fire without having clear sight at what you are shooting at. Always aim for the head as injuring a dangerous animal will most likely result in making the situation worse and sometimes even deadly. Never touch a gun unless you know how to properly load, handle, and when to remove the safety. Every person in this house knows that to take up a gun means to bring death. To be honest, other than target practice, our guns have not been fired in I don't know how many years.
----Attitude is everything in regards to guns. Gun's are not toys and we don't have toy's that are fashioned to resemble guns. Gun's represent death and are respected and feared as such. Not one time has any person in this house taken up a gun out of curiosity or play (my tattle-tale is the dust that gathers on the cases and a clean case would be a warning for me--I check for this quite regularly).
She has a large family
----I have a large family. Part of my test for leadership goes like this. If I can feel comfortable trusting someone with my family, I can trust them with anything. I would have no problem letting my children have a sleep over at the Palin household.

There you have it. It should be clear where I stand on current politics. Now that I've flushed my brain, maybe I can post something about something else...anything else!

Let me know what you think. Appalled, shocked, surprised, support...want to beat me down? Go on and leave a comment.

Be right by DOING RIGHT!

Time For Some Reasonable Action

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 04:40:00 +0000

Nancy Pelosi…what a time to vent your partisan rhetoric! The country you are legislating is looking for you to show some leadership. Right now we really don’t care what party sign you carry, just do what we have elected and paid you to do! it is time for a little bit of selfless bipartisanship. Please…

While I do not blame the president as much as I do “our” elected legislator’s who are supposed to be working in our best interest. I blame all our elected officials. Where were they when all this money grabbing was going on?

I would love to see us all wake up and shake Capitol Hill to the rafter’s! Send a signal through replacing those who dance with the devil. It is not the right of any legislator to act in any behalf other than that of their constituents, and this being criminal in my mind, and at the least, should be reason for removal.

On the other end of the stick, I don’t necessarily think a bailout of Wall Street is the right move either. Why should I, or any of my national family pay for the greed of a few people? Let the free market loose and it will right itself.

While I am writing, I am listening to argument after argument about the republican’s rejecting the bailout. The truth is that ninety some democrat’s refused to carry the vote to pass the bailout. They didn’t even need a single republican vote. They are in the majority, yet they want to point fingers?

As far as the republicans and democrats who voted against this bailout, I say thank you for making us feel some fear. We need to know that we are not being represented in our federal government. This should have never happened, and hopefully we will see a change in attitude.

If the FBI will move in and find “all” those involved in this theft and get the ball moving to secure criminal trial, we will see justice and hope for what is right. This will give us the security to move on and be active in a stabilized market.

Had this predatory lending practice been committed by one of us non-important little guy’s, you had better believe we would have been buried below the prison.

That’s my rant for now.

For more of my thought's on this mess follow this link

http://whomadewho.blogspot.com/2008/09/bailout-its-my-faultand-yours.html

Smaller World, Bigger Windows

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:30:00 +0000

I tried something just because I was bored.

You might want to enter your home phone number into google and see what comes up. I did this with ours and was surprised to not only see my name, address and number, but also a link to a map of where I live.

Not sure I like how total the information age is.