Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Old Truck



Driving the medical courier route I occasionally see survivors like this old Willys pickup. Not sure of the year but guessing 1953-1954. I didn’t open the hood to see what engine it has but the rear window isn’t large and the turn signals are not O.E.M.

Prior to about 1956 small trucks weren’t required to have turn signals. I once owned a 1955 I.H. that didn’t have turn signals. Somewhere around 1955 Willys put in a much larger rear window.

Note it has cowl mounts for windshield wipers (missing) but has one, probably hand operated, wiper mount above the windshield on the drivers side.

A great uncle owned one and the summer I turned eleven I worked for him mowing hay. I drove his Willys out to the tractor with 5 gallon cans of gas and sharpened sickle bars. Regrettably, he decided I was strong enough to buck bales which ended my driving the Willys.


The truck is parked along US 26 in Torrington, WY. I pass it too early in the morning to make inquiries. I have no need for the truck and other things to spend mad money on but I do get a smile on my face when I drive by. 

Sunday, January 28, 2018

1868 Police Blotter?

Cheyenne Leader
January 21, 1868
Three Men Hung near Dale City by Vigilantes
There is a story afloat here…that on yesterday morning, about four-o’clock, the Vigilantes visited Dale City, and made a “call” for Dillon—alias “Shorty,” and (illegible)…, and “gobbled” all three while still in bed, asleep. The men awoke soon after the arrival of the “vigies,” realizing the sense of their situation, and (could see) that the men in masks meant business. All three were quickly hung, but died game, making no disclosures of the tricks of their trade, nor implicating any of their confederates… This showed pluck, that’s all!
It is stated that all three of these men had been arrested by the police force of Dale City, and were held to bail on some charge by the Mayor. Obtaining bail, they then went on a drunk. They were caught off their guard, and were hung up. This is pretty rough, gambling with men’s lives. Let us not have too much of it.

Dale City was once the largest city in the area. Located between Buford and Tie Siding, it disappeared in a matter of weeks as the residents relocated to what is now Laramie, Wy. 

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Pure Paranoid Speculation

This year’s flu season has been bad. Just in terms of pure speculation, is it random circumstances or deliberate?

Looking back, the 1918-1919 “Spanish” flu epidemic killed around  675,000 Americans, mainly otherwise healthy adults 20-45. Worldwide, the mortality rate was around 2.5% of those affected. The economic costs were staggering as whole communities became quarantined and commerce nearly halted.

The potential to weaponize  flu has been recognized.


Many bad actors worldwide can develop bioterrorism capability with far less costs than any nuclear or EMT capability. Who? Cuba, Venezuela, ISIS, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, or take your pick. All have motives for taking out the USA and/or the West.

These are obvious. What aren’t so obvious are what the globalists, the Deep State, George Soros, or others are willing to do. During the 1918-1919 epidemic wholesale suspensions of civil liberties and legal processes were suspended.

One small example.


This type of activity occurred all over the country, if not the world.

A pandemic would be a perfect opportunity for (P)regressives to achieve their goals. We must not forget  Rahm Emanual.

You never let a serious crisis go to waste. And what I mean by that it's an opportunity to do things you think you could not do before. Rahm Emanuel

Oh, WSF, you are a paranoid old fool. Yes, I damn well hope I am.


Wednesday, January 24, 2018

President Trump's Appeal



President Trump seems to connect with people in a way we haven’t seen in recent years. Why?

My answer? He speaks his mind openly, no filter, and the rest of the political world speaks in focus group tested sound bites.

So what do you want? A straight forward position from an a often irritating person or smooth words that you want to hear but don’t trust?


The deplorable have already made their choice. 

Sunday, January 21, 2018

Loathing


“It’s the economy, stupid”, former President Clinton’s advisor, James Carville  is credited with saying in formulating campaign strategy.

Jobs!  People need a job. Other than health, nothing is more important to most people. Not welfare, not a handout, but a bill paying, grocery buying job income.

 In one year President Trump has delivered on his promise. The economy is growing. Unemployment is dropping. True, the deficit is still growing. The growth has slowed and there is hope of paying it down in a growing economy.

The (P)regressive response? National blackmail. Dreamers and illegal immigrants are their “moral” high ground. Bullshit! They see this as a way to harm a sitting president they loath.

I see where Senator Eunuch (D) CO is saying one thing in Colorado while voting as Chucky Schumer tells him to vote. Big surprise, not.

While they posture, lives are at risk. One example near to me is Community Health Services. Please let me emphasize COMMUNITY. These exist because people from the community make them work. Funding is always an issue, to be sure, but the people who make them work are committed volunteers and health care professionals whose service is above self. They are in imminent danger of closing. The people served are the ones the (P)regressivs allegedly care for. Actions, not rhetoric, show their contempt.

Why, WSF, pick this example? On a selfish level, that is where I go for health care. Without it, I would be hard pressed to receive anything besides emergency care even though I have health insurance. 

To expand, I know the people who make it happen. My sister has devoted thirty years of her life, as a volunteer, to one. She receives, and has received over the years, zero financial reward. People like my sister are the true strength of this country and the fucking elites who muck about while people face death or financial ruin make me so furious I want…………….

There are thousands of other examples. Service organizations, fraternal organizations, religious organizations, etc., all contributing to a better life for their communities.

I should add I’m not applauding President Trump. He should have found a better way, the Art of The Deal if you will, to have averted this crisis.

Down the road, at the mid term elections, I hope accountability will prevail at the ballot box.

  

Friday, January 19, 2018

Winter Weather

Don’t like Colorado weather?  Just stick around awhile.

Last winter’s heavy snowfall, 160+ above median in many areas, is followed this year by less than half of median. Immediately impacted are the ski areas that can’t open because they have no snow. The many workers who depend on those jobs are hurting.

Along the Colorado Front Range it is worse, or better, your opinion may differ.

http://kdvr.com/2018/01/16/denver-in-its-3rd-least-snowy-season-to-date/

The last two summers have seen Wyoming staying green all summer. Doubt that happens in 2018.

In the mountain valleys winters are judged by the number of barbed wire strands covered. A “three wire” winter is normal. Last winter the posts were covered. This year is shaping up to be a “one wire” winter.

There will be far less winter kill of wildlife. Assuming adequate rainfall in the summer the deer herds should come back.

Low snow pack means low water come summer. Rivers become creeks and reservoirs start draining to water crops. Devastating to aquatic critters  and birds.

Nature’s cycles do provide opportunities for the climate change crowd to advance their various agendas. The planet is some 4-5 billion years old and homo sapiens have inhabited it for some 300,000 years. What impact a sub Corte of self serving “experts” will have on controlling planet change is laughable. I do agree we should, as a species, try not to foul our nests.

Forecast is for another weak storm today or tomorrow. Should make Monday’s route a pain. Small storm or major blizzard doesn’t make much difference in my job.  

Easy winter.


Bad Winter. 



 That is my youngest son with the shovel.  With his medical retirement from the Army, he is firmly planted in South Carolina. Wonder why?



Thursday, January 18, 2018

Gone Legit?

In much of Colorado the worst thing to say about an elected official is they have “gone Denver”. Today I went through the process of meeting the state imposed legal requirements to do what I’ve been doing most of my adult life, carrying a concealed firearm. Wonder what that makes me?

I had taken the required safety class and had the certificate. The process at the Sheriff’s office was efficient and pleasant. Cost? $100. I simply walked in and went to the window. Another 45 minutes and I was on my way.

The process would have been faster except for fingerprints. While I haven’t worked my fingers to the bone, have worn down the whorls to the point they are hard to print. It took several tries with one thumb and my right ring finger by the deputy with twenty years of experience.

Weld County, CO is about as red as it gets. Contrast this with the next county South, Adams, where a three term Sheriff allowed 25 permit applications only per day, two days a week, first come, first served. This in a county with a population North of 600,000.

So why haven’t I done this after many years? Family members will say it is because I’m too cheap. They say that like it is a bad thing!

It pisses me off I need to ask/pay for something that is my natural born right, self defense.

Age plays a part. I don’t care to deal with the hassle of fighting the legal system. More so, at age 73, I’m coming to grips with being, in fact, an “at risk” senior.

Privacy concerns played a part. In reality, with all the interconnected data bases privacy is gone. Does anyone believe the FBI purges background check reports after a certain time limit as prescribed by law? They seem to flout any law they find inconvenient, don’t they?

“So, Mr. White, where is the .22 rifle you purchased from XXX and picked up from an FFL in Brighton, CO in 2xxx? You passed a background check then. Oh, and the 20 gauge shotgun from an auction picked up from the same FFL?”

In two to three weeks will have the credit card sized permit with my picture and details. That, and a diminished scofflaw status. Oh well, life goes on.


Sunday, January 14, 2018

"GUN" Show

Attended the local firearms show today. Since shotguns were in abundance, calling it a gun show is OK.

Didn’t go looking for anything in particular and didn’t buy anything but a double cheeseburger. A 4H club was operating the concession. Let’s give a shout out to all the adults that work with the kids and support these activities. They do make a difference in kid’s lives. A double cheeseburger isn’t on my food plan. Supporting good kid activities is high on my life plan.

I mainly attend these shows to support the cause. My only temptation today was a new Ruger 10/22 stainless takedown.  I’m not a collector but more of a tool user.  A .22 rifle has been missing from the tool chest for some time.  An old octagon barrel .22 Winchester pump caught my eye. Again, tools. Having owned and used several tubular feed rifles in various calibers, I’m more inclined to buy something with a magazine. I find them a bit more reliable.

There were zero Charter Arms for sale. One in .22 interests me. No Bond Derringers. Had one, gave it to a friend, and have wanted one every since.

This is the first sale I haven’t seen any NAA derringers displayed. Likewise, no Makarovs. There was one vendor with a rack of Arisakas.  Only saw three Mosins.

Did see a couple with new twins. I’m not good at guessing baby ages. These could hold up their heads but were small. The logistics were staggering. An oversized stroller, various small duffels, vacuum bottles, mixing bottles, tiny feeding bottle, diapers, blankets, towels etc. Made me tired just watching.


Back to work tomorrow. The weather guessers are saying we will hit the backside of an Alberta Clipper. Shouldn’t be much to it around the NE,WY,CO corner.

Saturday, January 13, 2018

Seasonal Exhaustion

Feels like the muse is on hiatus. Nothing exceptional going on.

As a Blue Dog Democrat, one of the few Democrats I’ve voted for is a local State Representative, Dave Young. Found him to be focused on solutions. Now he is running for State Treasurer and already he has lost my vote by going full (P)regressive. Wants to “fix” TABOR (Taxpayers Bill of Rights) among other (P)regressive hot buttons. Guess he is looking at fund raising. Whee, a firebrand for State bean counter. Can’t you just sense the excitement?

The term limited Republican hasn’t done a bad job. The job is collecting taxes, making disbursements, and balancing the books. The only grey area is investing the State’s moneys (rainy day funds, pension reserves, etc). The current Treasurer hasn’t invested in Ponzis or run off to Las Vegas.  Nothing unsound in the way the office has operated.

Just for once I would like to see a candidate say,

“The incumbent has done a decent job. I feel I can do better by ………….”

Oh no, Young has come out of the box with the negatives, the insinuations and the scare rhetoric. Pisses me off.

That might fire up the “base”, but it won't appeal to the voters who just want someone competent counting the State’s beans.

Governor Wishywashy gave his final State of The State address to the new Legislature. If bored out of your gourd, you can read about it.


With the House in the Dems hands, and the Senate GOP, we should have a repeat of the last “nothing accomplished” session.


Maybe things will pick up and I will have something interesting to say. Or not.

ADDENDUM

http://www.coloradoindependent.com/168223/colorado-gop-high-capacity-magazine-ban

Why nothing is accomplished IMO. 

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

New Sheriff in Town

Judge Gloria M. Navarro, gutless wonder, dismissed the Bundy charges with prejudice. For most of the trial she so sided with the prosecution it was stomach turning to watch. 

Now, a year after President Trump is elected, she rediscovers her legal principals. Think that would have happened if Loretta Lynch was still Attorney General? I don’t.

Eight years of the Obama and (P)regressives weaponizing the Justice Department, and the alphabet agencies, a day of reckoning is coming. Those who couldn’t conceive him winning, and making someone like Jeff Sessions Attorney General are looking for cover, IMO. About time.
As Samuel Johnson is quoted as saying,

“Depend upon it, sir, when a man knows he is to be hanged in a fortnight, it concentrates his mind wonderfully.”

No wonder the Deep State is fighting so hard. 

Friday, January 5, 2018

Final Disposition

With all the funerals attended in 2017 my end of life wishes have been on my mind.

Done the usual, wills,  medical power of attorney, named executor, etc. Have decided on cremation. What to do with the ashes?

Working on a plan to have the ashes loaded into small aerosol cans and distributed to retail automotive salespeople. When they encounter the smug, superior acting couple who sneeringly announce,

“We’re JUST looking”,


I want them sprayed with my ashes.

That would be a great legacy, don’t you agree?

Older Is Wiser? (Update)

Yesterday the lad got moved completely. Today he needs to clean his old place and return the keys.

My involvement? A text and two phone calls.

Love it when a plan comes together.

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Problem Children

Ami at I.Am.Mental writes about the children under her care and one that is a large challenge.


She hasn’t given up on him and he is improving.

Our first born is autistic. He was a challenge, to put it mildly. Now 47, he lives independently in Seattle and is a professional dishwasher. On the side he sells newspapers on a corner in the Wallingford neighborhood. Recently, he lost his job of eight years to the wonderful victory of Social Justice Warriors in raising the minimum wage in Seattle. He now works in a restaurant outside the Seattle city limits.

One thing was clear to me during the many conferences we attended at schools. The ‘professionals’ didn’t like him, not at all. The more they pushed behavior modification, the more he pushed back.

Then he got a teacher, Mark Hammond by name. Mark talked to us and said he thought our son could learn and wanted to drop the behavior modification model and try teaching basic academics. We told him to go for it.

This required a high level of trust between teacher and parents. Mark would literally sit on our son, hold his head in his hands to force eye contact, and say,

“Sean, A,B,C, etc.”

It worked. He started learning, and the behaviors diminished. The more he was treated as a regular kid, the more he acted like a regular kid. One teacher, who didn’t give up, saved a kid from life in an institution. That was during the time “deinstutional” was gathering steam so he probably would be homeless or dead.

This shouldn’t be taken as rant against behavior modification techniques. Rather, it is a rant against adults who don’t see children as unique human beings.

Having handicapped children can crush you or temper you. My ex and I, already activists, became involved in many endeavors. The draft legislation for the Washington Education For All Act was written on our dining room table and she lobbied for two years to get it passed. I worked my ass off so she could. We were the first officers of the Seattle Chapter of a national organization focused on autism.  I became involved in local politics and was a precinct committeeman for years, first as a Republican and then as a Democrat.

Forced out our comfort zone, we became acquainted with people we would never have otherwise known. Professionally, it helped me.

Our marriage failed after twenty two years. I don’t blame the stresses of our children’s problems alone but recognize it as a factor. There were health issues, financial issues, and personality conflicts. She has a Mensa IQ and the common sense of a dead roach. My nickname, “The Tank”, speaks to my problem solving approach. Subtle and patient are words seldom mention by people describing me.

Example.

Problem. Job site is shut down because bears are helping themselves to the worker’s lunches.

Solution. Fire up a chain saw and charge the bears. It worked.

We did the counseling thing, etc., but finally she bailed leaving me to raise the two younger children, one with a touch of Asperger’s Syndrome.   They turned out to be responsible adults but  with some big bumps along the way.

So, a big shout out to Ami and all the people like her that work with children.


To paraphrase an old saying, they may not change the world, but they can change one child’s world.

Monday, January 1, 2018

New Years Resolution

Always make sure my zipper is closed.
(Fortunately, in case I forget, I never go commando)

Wishing you a safe, sane, and prosperous 2018.