Oh, Baby

Just for Reverend Paul. He mentioned he's a Denver fan. I replied I'm a Evergreen State Geoduck fan. Here's our mascot.

Stephen

Just a Ramble

It's been a long and very hot day. I arrived home late and lazy so whipped out a quick dinner of sauteed porkchops, steamed fresh broccoli in stock with butter, and made simple, but tasty, stovetop stuffing from, all things, a box. 

She cleaned her plate.

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You remember those survival packs from last week? I've given away three. You should have seen their smiles.

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During the day, in between work, there are several blogs I visit daily. Here are a few I highly recommend.

If for some reason you've missed the return of my old friend, Harry, please amble over and say hello. If there was ever a man to take the mantle of esteemed master survivalist, it's Harry. His blog, Self Sufficient Mountain Living, should be required reading for all novice survivalist. I've personally known Harry for many years and trust me when I say he lives the life. If I ever need a foxhole companion, or a man to watch my six, I'll take Harry.

Then there's my friend, PioneerPreppy. His owns a farm filled with all things good and wonderful. He's witty, intelligent, and makes, I understand, the finest honey in the Midwest. He lives the agrarian lifestyle. He's such a nice guy he even allowed me to steal the following picture. Trust me, one visit and he'll become your new daily read.

Then there's, Jess. His sharp wit and dry sense of humor make for a fine read. While you're there take a close look at his fiction. Jess is good people.

If you live within the gun culture, have a deep appreciation of the Second Amendment, and a love of God and country then you need to bookmark my friend, Rev. Paul. Reverend Paul is my adopted spiritual guide. He writes wonderful prose of his home state of Alaska, his family, and of course, firearms. I believe him, special. Please, ride over and give him your attention and don't miss his Sunday morning notes or his fine header pictures. Never know, you might miss a sighting of a Moose in his yard.

This list wouldn't be complete without mention of one of my very best friends. This man is grumpy, loveable, wise, and far more intelligent than your average bear. He slurps down my coffee, is a fine engineer, rides a Harley, collects fine old firearms, and is a veteran of Desert Storm. His name is, Duke. We're personal friends and shooting partners so I can write anything about him and he'll agree because I've seen him climb from a sleeping bag and he knows I have pictures. (If you're interested send ten dollars cash or silver per copy.)

My only complaint with Duke is he doesn't write and post frequently enough for his fans. Please, check him out. 

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I'll see you tomorrow. Happy reading.

Stephen

Bits & Pieces

Our wind chimes are in full song. Our weather has turned with pregnant gray skies filled with dark clouds and the wind has increased and it's slightly cooler.This new weather is a very welcome change.

I mentioned, just a few minutes ago, on Rev. Paul's blog that we have azaleas in bloom which signifies our weather is far too warm for the season. My truck is now painted a sickly green from pine pollen. Young women bandy about in bikinis.

Okay, it isn't all bad.

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As I've mentioned in past pieces I seldom attend church with my lovely wife. I've know for a very long time she's felt abandoned on the pew. A few days ago a young minister came into the shop and we had a cup of coffee and as is the way of some clergy he asked if I attended worship services. He didn't flinch at my response.

I refrained, as he was a customer, from asking him to mind his own business; besides he seemed like a nice man. Soon enough he asked the same question of my family. I excused myself and jerked another cup of coffee returned and took a seat alongside and explained my situation. Guess you could say I felt guilty. So be it.

Since he was young and eager I related to him as I have to you, dear reader, and we chatted for several minutes. Long story short I went to church this morning.

She'd left the house for 'Sunday School.' I hadn't yet resolved to a plan of action. I had a coffee, read my morning paper and soon, in my minds eye, pictured my lonely wife pewed in sorrow. I sighed, rose and hit the shower. I selected a wool tie (with a waterfowl pattern if you really need to know) grabbed one of my camelhair sport coats and sent her a text. It read, 'be there soon.'

I parked under an oak and stepped from my truck and slipped a small carry piece on my belt and walked toward the church. Up the steps and there she stood, all smiles. She'd waited. She took my hand and lead me towards the middle of the church. It's a big church. I glanced back at the rear row. I felt vulnerable.

The candles neither flickered nor dimmed.

When the congregation stood for hymns she sang like a angel. Her visage glowed. She was happy and we held hands.

Then, the power failed.

There was a momentary stunned silence before the group in unison continued the song. Afterwards, in the dim light of the stained windows, Sweet Wife turned to me with a look...

I said, "I warned you."

Stephen  

Cool Whispers

The weather has finally turned towards heaven with cool breezes and bright sunshine. When I arrived at the shop my old mercury gauge read fifty-nine degrees. We Florida residents think of this as a cold snap.

Rev. Paul would be wearing swim-trunks and a sweat rag, and my lovely friend, kymber, up in the far frozen reaches of Canada, well, she'd skinny dip in fifty-nine degree water. On the other hand, Sweet Wife wore a sweater to work.

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I'd like to remind you, my dear followers, that my best friend (I have at least thirty best friends) Senior Chief, now writes a blog. He's a really nice guy. Remember, though, we military guys tend to cuss, on occasion. Just wanted to let you know he can be colorful in his word selection. More importantly he can teach you a thing or two about food preps....his logistics system and methods are worth close study.

Please, drop by for a visit.

For those of you new to my blog it's a well kept secret that I am a founder of a group of like minded individuals (we hold the same world view) sworn to help each the other in times of emergencies - man-made or natural. Membership requirements are simple - members must have military experience, veterans, or currently on active military duty. Any branch will suffice. Another group member is my very close friend, Duke. Of course wives are also considered members, case in point, the lovely and talented, Glock Mom. The poor girl is married to Senior Chief.

We have (the Group) a sub-membership category. Auxiliary membership is simple; any member with a vote (there are only six) has the right to reach out and tap a worthy individual for auxiliary membership if the voting member feels the person will bring a talent or skill valuable to our group.

One such auxiliary member is my good friend, MDR, better known as The Modern Day Redneck. He lives way out yonder in Texas....
Sad to say I've been remiss in my friendship. Life you know. But none the less, when the cow patties hit the fan our arms will be opened wide.

Excuse me, lost my train of thought....he moves to jerk a cup of coffee.

My point - they're great people, each and every one of them and I'm proud to have them as friends.

Sometimes we forget.

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 I've made many wonderful friends through the magic of this blog. My blog would have never made it off the ground without the very valuable assistance and kindness of my lovely and sweet and talented friend, Patrice Lewis, of Rural Revolution fame. Patrice, and her nice husband Don gave me much encouragement and help in the early days as I made attempts to find my voice. I owe them much. I'll always think of Don as a brother.

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It was the cool whispers of my sweet friends, Brigid and Tam, that boosted my readership and kept my nose to the grind stone.

I still remember when Tam wrote and left a note of encouragement after I made some comment about 'not sure if people will read this drivel.' She said, 'If you write they will come.'  Indeed. Thanks, Tam.

 And, Brigid, I still have the photo....it makes me smile. You're a sweetheart. Thank you so very much for your kindness and help.

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As you can tell I'm rambling....business is slow this morning and I'm in the mood to say 'thanks.' I truly wish I had the time to leave a link to each of you that have been kind enough to leave comments on this little blog. A blog I've written solely for selfish reasons as a chronicle to my grandchild, Little Bit. But, the effort of such would fill a good weeks worth of time.

I must leave one big thank you to my friend, James Wesley, Rawles. Trust me, if you ever write a piece on your blog and it catches the attention of Mr. Rawles, get ready, you'll be in for an evening of fun and hard work. I promised readers if they left any comment on my blog I'd always reply. Early on one of my simple pieces was linked at SurvivalBlog. I sat that evening and wrote 'thank yous' until two the next morning. It's a humbling experience. Thank you, James.

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 And, to my Little Bit.

You are the reason.

Stephen