Whatever

Pushed the limits yesterday and the body said, whoa! Intermittent sleep leads to a rambling blog posting.

DUMB SHITS

Do stupid things, win stupid prizes. Consider this, now deceased, local. About as clean an intersection as you will find. Warning signs galore. A jowl shaker.

https://www.greeleytribune.com/news/local/police-suspect-distracted-driving-caused-fatal-crash-west-of-kersey/

Then we have this rocket scientist who never learned, “Don’t go bothering something that ain’t bothering you”.

https://www.greeleytribune.com/news/local/21-people-treated-for-rabies-after-weld-county-woman-brings-baby-raccoon-into-home/

All the others involved aren’t too bright either.

Their contribution to society must be bad examples. Some may learn from their examples. Nah, dumb shits will be dumb shits.

WHY REVOLVERS?

Because when you pull the trigger they fire. Consider the case of 82 year old Anna Mae Blessing of Arizona. Upset with the idea her 72 year old son might put her in a care facility; she shot him twice, fatally. Lost in the clutter of details is the revolver she used was last fired, according to her, in the 1970’s.

FIREWORKS?

Ban or no, fireworks were going off in my neighborhood yesterday. Sounded puny compared to the overhead thunderstorm.

WILDFIRES

A bad year again in Colorado. The screen shot is just major fires. 

 Many more smaller fires.

https://www.craigdailypress.com/news/summer-2018-wildfire-report-for-northwest-colorado-for-july-3/

Every state has fires but I only live in one. Part of nature, in the long view, but in the short view let’s blame Al Gore.

Snowmobiles

Challenged again to tell a story not involving politics. Growing up in Northwest Colorado in the late 50’s, early 60’s, was around when snowmobiles became popular in the area.

Snowmobiles had a profound impact on the social life of the area. People were getting out and being active; interacting with their neighbors instead of hunkering down and surviving the winter. Lots of clubs formed and lots of trail riding. By necessity, many became snowmobile mechanics. Reliability was an issue, much like a Harley Davidson MC.

One unfortunate individual, now passed, became something of a legend. He really didn’t want the fame. First, he got his heavy cleated double track stuck in a combination of sagebrush and snow, while solo. He taped the throttle partially open then got in front and tugged on the skis. Worked well. The machine gained purchase, drove over him, and went away at partial throttle.
The owner waded along the track until he came upon the machine on its side in a gully, still running. Somehow he managed to right the machine. Deciding he had enough fun for one day, he returned to his truck.

His method of transport was loading the machine in his truck using a homemade plywood ramp. The system worked well when he remembered to secure the ramp to the truck. Again, it was not his day. Getting a good run into the ramp, he started up and the ramp slipped. The snowmobile went under the truck and the rider over the windshield and belly first into the back of the pickup.

Knocked unconscious, he was fortunate others came along and transported him to the local hospital. To my knowledge, he continued to ride. Hopefully, with a little more forethought.

Wrong Way Corrigan + Colorado Front Range=Death

Three people dead. Out of state pilot flying a Bonanza from Boulder, CO to Southern California. Tried going West via Corona/Rollins Pass. Bad decision.

Local pilots learn there are passes that should only be attempted Eastbound and passes that should only be attempted Westbound. Visitors need only to ask at any local airport.

You cross a pass at an angle, not straight on, so you can turn ninety degrees to head for lower elevations.

Think your super whizbang 400 can climb? I knew an airline First Officer flying his personal AT-6 who tried Devils Thumb East to West. Lacked 300 feet.

Ah, what is the use. The smart pilots already know this stuff and the arrogant ones won't be bothered.

New Buttons Needed

Youngest son was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his work on a three week training exercise. The exercise had almost triple digit casualties; accidents, shock, hypothermia, heart attacks, etc. Nearly two score needed to be air lifted. This was his first real test dealing with real people and not training androids. Seems he passed the test!

Proud alone doesn’t describe how I feel. More like humble.

His reaction? “That is my job and it is 50 promotion points.”

Behavior Modification

Friends and family know about my cavalier attitude towards speed limits, traffic signals, stop signs and road conditions while going about my daily business. Take this device in the picture. The street is industrial with no sidewalks, blind driveways, or retail businesses. 35 mph should be the speed limit which is my usual velocity. Today I decided to "be legal". A good thing as local P.D. had a radar unit working the street.

My last encounter with our outstanding officers ended with me beating a stop sign ticket (for once I really was innocent). Our City Attorney said, words to effect, "That is all right, we'll get you next time"!

I willingly concede my driving behavior has been modified. My attitude? Not so much.

Words You Wish You Could Take Back

One fine morning at the car lot we watched several police cars fly by, lights and sirens on, and my brilliant remark, "Wow, must be a sale at the donut shop" got a laugh from all present.

Later in the day I learn Skyler was hit on his bicycle and airlifted to the hospital. He was the brother of one of my son's girlfriend. Skyler recovered and wasn't left with lifelong problems.

I'm still bothered by my quip whenever I think of police and EMTs seeing a child laying in the street by a twisted bicycle and having to deal with the whole horrible scene.