The Old Homestead

March Madness

2011-03-27T20:29:00.003-05:00

It snowed today, the ground was covered with about 1" of snow. But it was warm enough that it did not stick to the roads. Filled up three garden beds yesterday, and should be able to fill two more tomorrow. At some point I'll be tackling some more of the trees that were either pushed down, split, or misaligned by the Snowpocolapse in the Winter of 2009 (the two worst ones were in December). At best, they will become goat fodder and new fence posts.

Awakening

2011-03-25T21:56:00.003-05:00

Been a long while since I typed anything here. Not only was I busy with farming, but with life in general. And, with trying to learn many many things. I'll list a few, starting with the outdoors:

Animal Husbandry: Goats, Chickens, ducks, and almost a horse
Fencing: Electric, woven, and panel
Barns and shelters: The goat shed, chicken tractor, chicken coop (one that keeps out foxes)
crops: the ones you can grow in your backyard - but watch out for drought and too much rain
composting
solar and wind power
cars that need some TLC

Then there were in the indoor items:

Plumbing and wiring
Tile flooring
sheetrocking walls
removing wood flloring and putting it in another house

something to help out at the office:

ASP
ASP.NET
ActionScript 2.0 Classes
ActionSctipt 3.0
Javascript
3D modeling and animation
building new computer systems
repairing old computer systems

church:

History of the Church
History of the Anglican Church
History of England
Catholicism
The Seven Ecumenical Councils

Enough to keep me pretty busy O_o

Busy, busy, busy

2006-08-29T21:36:00.000-05:00

That's the way things are nowadays.

When we picked up the first two goats, we picked up a rooster not even a week later. That caused the chicken coop to get finished THAT NIGHT! When it rained shortly after, we moved the coop to the garage, then just out of the garage, then we moved it to its current place - and built the chicken run. Then we picked up four bantam hens, six Shaver Red hens, two chicks, and three guineas.

After building the milking stand, we picked up another milking doe. She's an older goat, but we've been getting over a gallon of milk from her each day.

Next on the list was to build a pasture. That was done over the course of several weeks. Later, we found the livestock wire spacing too large for the horned doe - she gets caught in it reaching through the middle holes. So, it is currently being replaced with goat wire.

We've also built a new screen door for the goat shed - one strong enough to keep them in! We had thrown up a quick wood chelter that became a goat shelter, but it needed to be somewhat sturdier. The roof and supports are built and next are the "walls."

Guess that brings everyone up to speed now. Well, yes, there is more. And I'll tell a few tales.

Delving in

2006-04-01T19:37:00.000-06:00

This is one of those things we've been thinking about for some time now.

Farming...

So, we've actually been busy doing some of this season. Just over a couple of weeks ago, we tilled up the tomatoe garden and put in three rows of peas - they are coming up now. Last weekend, we put in four rows of potatoes and one long row of onions. Then we started working another spot for corn.

Then came Monday.

We'd been thinking about milking cows to get our own milk for some time now - years. However, we've never owned a cow, or milked a cow before. So, I thought it might be best to start with something smaller.

Goats.

You know, if a cow happens to roll over on you while you are milking, you might have a problem? Not so with a goat ;)

We've been getting up around 5:30 to go out and milk, Badgermum has had the most success, getting between two to three cups in the morning and a bit less in the evening. The goats are getting use to us and we are getting better with taking care of them. We picked up this pair, a nanny and her kid, from a Mennonite farm up the road. We almost got the nanny before she had the kid, but that's another story. We have a pen for them, and we let them free range a bit - we stay with them and walk them around the yard while she eats.

The kid, a buc, is realy funny. He reminds me of a dog at times, nuzzles, jumps, runs, crawls into your lap. We call him Blue. Queenie, the mamma goat, likes some of the wild things in the yard: honeysuckle, blackberry, rose-like bushes, and wild onions! She's helping us take care of the yard. She follows us around, and meets us at her gate, and has gotten use to her milking stand.

That's the latest at the old homestead. We are turning what's left of this farm back into a farm. Little by little, bit by bit.

Po~

A new way to slice coconuts

2006-02-22T21:52:00.000-06:00

First, you'll need to be on a small field - make sure you aren't near any windows.

You'll need two people, one with a coconut and one with a machetee.

Toss the coconut towards the person with the machete - in a nice arc.

And Swing!

If you miss, hopefully you'll get another chance at it. If you hit it, there will be more than two pieces.

Pick up the pieces, wash, prepare and serve!

Po~

You can kick your tire...

2006-02-04T22:29:00.000-06:00

My wife read a portion of a chapter from her current book to me just recently - it was talking about the differences between a horse and an automobile.

Now, most of us have grown up with the auto being just a regular part of our lives - and we know that it has not always been that way. When these new inventions rolled out, there weren't all that many who could afford one - or wanted one! So, the makers came up with some ideas.

- Your auto won't run away from you.

- The auto won't throw a shoe or break its leg.

- Autos don't get cranky about the food you give them.

- Autos don't kick.

- Autos won't get old and have to just be taken care of until it finally dies.

- Autos don't bite or get fusy when you want to use them.

- Autos don't get sick.

Right! However, when I have an auto, I have Auto Problems, and when I have a horse, I have Horse Problems. Looking at it this way, I am simply exchanging one set of problems for another.

Another point in the book was how modern science extracted from the horse all that we wanted - something we call horsepower. But what is the difference? We know some of those answers right off the bat: Autos can go further in one day than a horse. Autos can haul more (well, some can). Autos can be left outside or in a shelter - your choice. Autos can be repaired by someone else.

Now here's something that just dawned on me. You can kick your auto, but try kicking your horse and see how well it comes to you when you need it (of course, kicking the auto may break your toes too); You can be mean and say rude and vile things to your auto, but should you do such a thing to your horse - it will remember; You can forget to clean your auto, but if you don't take care of your horse it will tell quickly.

What it comes down to, I think, is relationship. Not that the horse is a wife, son, or a daughter or a relative, but it is, essentially, part of your family. It will go through the lean times with you. It will help you with your work. It will provide the pleasure of riding. And one thing they forgot to extract with the horsepower, the horse is a wonderfully created beast. It is strong and beautiful.

And all these things makes a horse shine better and brighter than the noisey, plastic, computerized auto.

And yes, I am planning on getting some... one day... after we get chickens, and maybe some goats, and perhaps some cows :)

Po~

The Difference of the Righteous...

2006-01-30T22:10:00.000-06:00

I don't know all the details but this really got my ire up.

I watch, as my brothers are accused and accuse - openly, to the world. It is a despicable horror as the men involved in doing this are good and righteous. Did not Paul chastise us for taking our brothers to the courts? Yet this is one of the threats against my brothers - and they remain calm and quiet. They step back look at their actions, humble themselves, pray and repent.

Are they perfect? Probably not. Are they unteachable? Obviously no. Did they do something wrong? That remains to be seen.

But there is one thing that is done here that is so unrighteous. The posting letters, documents, and emails containing views, opinions, quotes, and rules on the Internet for the world to see. Twisted words and phrases, spoken by my brothers and others who are afraid, to use as weapons against them and threaten them. And this they say for peace. Peace...

Yet we can only see part of the story - that which is loudly proclaimed. We may never know the actual beginning of such things. For the verdict has been handed out - without a trial, without any defense, without the other side of the story being told.

Why do they do this? To puff themselves up? To gain something for themselves? Because they like it? Because it is in their blood to tear the church apart?

Moderns...

I pray for my brothers, may they be granted justice, may their accusers fall into their own trap. God be glorified.

Look with pity, O heavenly Father, upon the people in this land who live with injustice, terror, disease, and death as their constant companions. Have mercy upon us. Help us to eliminate our cruelty to these our neighbors. Strengthen those who spend their lives establishing equal protection of the law and equal opportunities for all. And grant that every one of us may enjoy a fair portion of the riches of this land; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Gracious Father,
we pray for thy holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son our Savior.
Amen.

I do not know what all has transpired, but this one thing be true: much is spread across the Internet, mostly from one side - and that is something we should never, never do - uncover the Body of Christ, the Church, in front of the pagans and heathens and the infidels.

May God grant my brothers wisdom, patience, peace, and prosperity as they work to establish God's Kingdom, in their homes, in their parish, and here on earth.

Po~

Plastic

2006-01-20T22:26:00.000-06:00

Seems that things nowadays don't seem to hold up all that well. For instrance, some of the tools the owner left us were made with metal and have wooden handles. Granted, if you keep them out of the rain and the sun, they'll last a good long time - even a few decades. I can tell you, that some of the items we received, are well over fifty years old - and they are still quite useable. Then there are the items that (I just found out) are at least a hundred years old, and yes, this pair of items is also very usable.

Modern America has no want of anything - if someone desires or dreams of something, it can be made. This is partly due to plastic - a petroleum product. Plastic use to be an adjective - meaning the object was moldable. Plastic itself is moldable, both before and after it has been formed. Not a bad thing in and of itself, but to have that attribute, it gives up something else.

Strength and Beauty

Wood has a good deal of strength in it - and beauty, given time and effort. It is moldable to a degree - but only for a time. After that, you'll risk breaking it. Iron, on the other hand, has a great deal of strength to it, unless, when you are molding it into the shape you need - in the forge, you get it too hot - then it crumbles. Blacksmiths can mold and shape and reshape metal several times. Inbetween those times, the metal is... metal, and it is strong. You can leave metal out in the sun and it won't deteriorate, or at least very quickly (but try leaving it out in the rain unpainted). Try that with wood and it will soon bleach (and wood suffers greatly by getting wet and drying...), try it with plastic and the plastic bleaches, and then becomes brittle - so much for being Plastic!

So, there are some trade offs. Plastics can handle getting wet, dried off, and gettting wet again without rotting. Metals and woods have to have some sort of protective covering - or the water will destroy them. Plastics do much more poorer than wood in the sun and metals don't seem to be effected (generally).

In the final analysis (ugh! my work seeping out...) metal and wood last longer and look better, but that's not all. There is something about holding a tool with a wooden handle, or a wooden chess piece. Even glass feels better than plastic. While a glass glass will likely shatter should it fall from your table onto the floor, and a plastic glass(???) usually won't - the glass glass is heavier, less resilient, more expensive, in dwindling numbers in your cabinet, but it sure feels better in your hand (and doesn't add its flavor to your water!).

So, plastic may have its uses, but I have come to prefer the natural things.

Po~

What on earth?

2006-01-20T21:25:00.000-06:00

I was surfing around one day - interested in finding out about nuclear blast radius (yes - even though I did work around them long time ago...) and so I stumbled across a list of U.S. nuclear tests. Of the ones listed, over 800 were conducted underground! (The number of tests above ground, was a great number as well).

Strange thing, I think now - to have done so many tests. We knew these things worked and that they were... powerful. What more do you need to know?

Never did find out what I was actually looking for, it was interesting reading some fo the results of the test detonations. And even now, I can't seem to find that page...

That thing is HOT!

2005-12-10T21:34:00.000-06:00

Well, it got cold this week - as you may have noticed. We were blessed with about four inches of snow early this week, and it is still here as I type. The kids have been enthralled. They go out, make something (Angles' Wings, Snowman, snow fort...) wander around in the snow, eat a bit, throw somw snowballs, and finally - when they are just about frozen, come in and drip dry by the gas log.

Of course, it's fairly cold - staying around 32 or so in the day, and dropping below 30 at night. The house we have has several kinds of heat, gas log in the old fireplace, electric heater up in the Sun Room, gas stove in the Family Room, and a fuel furnace in the central air system. Over a month ago, I picked up an old wood buring stove and put in down in the basement, right next to the furnance. The stove had a fan on the back to blow air through the sides of it and out vents in the front - nice, but it had been exposed to the weather and no longer spun freely. There's no glass on the doors, just an air vent knob for each door. The top is flat and the exhaust is a 3"X9" rectangle - that held me up a bit getting it hooked up to the round stove pipe.

So, it was cold this morning - in the house. Seems the furnace quit in the nite (guess it got a bit thirsty or something). So when I rolled out of bed, I knew I had to do a couple of things - fix the furnace, and get that wood burning stove hooked up!

Off to town to get the supplies for the stove. I was able to get just about everything I needed. When I got back, the fuel furnance wasn't cooperating, so I attacked the stove to the exhaust, and Shazam! We got some heat. Mind you, I haven't hooked it into the central air system - yet. But it heats the basement, and all the bedrooms above the basement very nicely.
And, wow! Does it get hot! I have some wood from out yard and some I picked up from a co-worker. Said it was cedar, and Cherry. Some of it could pass for cedar. Don't know about cherry though. In any case, we are staying warm - and using wood.

God is good!

Mike

The StORM Project: To Start a Heart

2005-10-04T22:33:00.000-05:00

Guy attended his annual CPR training class. All of the usual procedures were thoroughly rehashed.

Airway check
Check mouth for any obstructions. Then place your ear near the victim's mouth and watch their chest (look, listen and feel).
Call for help Help! Help!
Pulse Check (from the American Red Cross)

Look, listen, and feel for signs of circulation including:
• A pulse;
• Normal breathing; and
• Coughing or movement in response to rescue breaths.

This check should last no more than 10 seconds.

Chest Compressions
• CPR for an adult victim is conducted at a rate of 15 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths for one or two responders at a rate of about 100 compressions per minute. Compressions are 1 1/2" to 2" deep.

• CPR for a child victim is conducted at a rate of 5 chest compressions to 1 rescue breath, at a rate of about 100 compressions per minute. Compressions are 1" to 1 1/2" deep.

• CPR for an infant victim is conducted at a rate of 5 chest compressions to 1 rescue breath, at a rate of at least 100 compressions per minute. Use two fingers placed above the Zyphoid Process (just above the V of the rib cage) to ensure no bones are broken. Compressions are only 1/2" to 1" deep.

Everyone had to practice before they could be re-certified. This was a great opportunity for students to show what they have learned and to gain additional experience. As the instructor noted, victims often receive broken ribs from CPR and many times vomit when they are revived. The last note that was given was "Be prepared, you never know when you may have to use these skills to save someone's life."

On his way out of the hospital guy passed by a group of people coming into the ward. He stopped and then said under his breath:

I sense something, something I have not felt since…

He went to the Mayor Wislon's office to brief him of the current status of the Mission City Safety Project. While there he mentioned what he experienced after the CPR class.

Dr. Juan? What makes you think so?

The last time I felt this was in the presence of my old Master.

Surely he must be dead by now.

Do not underestimate Dr. Juan.

The Kaoss’ are old and tired; their fire has gone out of this world. You, my friend, are all that's left of that régime.

The phone rang for the mayor. His expression changed.

The hospital? A disturbance?

Dr. Juan is here, and his folly is with him.

If he is, he must not be allowed to disrupt the city and escape.

Escape is not his plan, I must face him. Alone!

Guy rushed over to the hospital. It was raining so he grabbed an umbrella. It was black handled with a red cover. He went to the rear entrance of the hospital and went down the hall to the next set of double doors. There he waited. But he did not have to wait long. Dr. Juan was soon to be found walking towards him. He came slowly, cautiously, using a dull blue cane to assist him. Guy strode up to meet him, umbrella in his right hand.

I've been waiting for you Dr. Juan. We meet again, at last. The circle is now complete. When we last met I was but the learner - now I am the master.

Only a master of safety, Guy.

Dr. Juan raised the cane as if it were a sword. Guy mimicked with his umbrella, blocking and parrying the Doctor's moves.

You should not have come back.

They continued for another moment.

You are weak old man.

You can’t win, Guy. If you strike me down I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.

Guy stepped back and frowned, puzzled by the old man's comment.

Oh, sorry. Ah, yes. If you put me away my asso… GASP!

Dr. Juan grasped his chest and fell to his knees. Then his eyes rolled and he collapsed to the floor. Guy, realizing what was happening, used the recent training he just received.

Help! Help!

He checked Dr. Juan for his pulse, and breathing. Nothing. He initiated CPR. It wasn't long before others came up to assist him. After a few moments, Dr. Juan's heart started back up and he was breathing on his own again. Guy realized that the refresher course he had taken was of great help to him. Had it not been for the additional training, his old "friend" would no longer be alive. Having done his duty, he left to report that all was safe in Mission City.

To be continued…

For the time being...

2005-09-03T00:52:00.000-05:00

Because of someone - or something - using this blog for a commercial facility to advertise their products - the commenting system has been disabled. I hope this is a temporary adjustment.

Please email when you can.

UPDATE:

I've activated the "Show word verification for comments" feature and turned comments back on. If a spamBot figures this one out, I'll add y'all to a blog list.

Mike

The Missing Draft

2005-09-02T23:50:00.000-05:00

Eight Safety Representatives and safety folk sit around a huge black conference table. Mr. Targe' , one of the reps, has the 'floor'.

Targe': Until this checklist is fully used we are vulnerable. Many personnel are too complacent. It’s more dangerous than you realize.

(A bitter Mr. Morti twists nervously in his chair. )Morti: Dangerous to your students, Commander, not to all personnel!

The whiners will continue to gain support in the Safety Council as long as....

Suddenly all heads turn as Commander Targe's speech is cut short and Mr. Wislon, governor of Mission City, enters. He is followed by his powerful ally, Guy. All stand and as he takes his place at the head of the table. Guy stands behind him.

Wislon: The Safety Council will no longer be of any concern to us. I've just received word that Safety Boss has dissolved the council permanently. The last remnants of the old republic - have been swept away.

That's impossible! How will he maintain control without the bureaucracy?

Local governement now has direct control over territories. The ORM checklist will keep all in line.

And what of the whiners? If they have obtained a complete technical draft of the checklist, it is possible, however unlikely, that they might find a weakness - and exploit it.

A complete version of the checklist you refer to will soon be used by all supervisors.

Any complaint made by the whiners would be a useless gesture, no matter what technical data they've obtained. The ORM checklist is now the ultimate power in keeping personnel safe in the universe. I suggest we use it! (Morti then begins to indulge in a chilidog for his lunch)

Don't be too proud of this technological checklist you've constructed. The ability to keep folks safe is insignificant next to personal responsibility and common sense.

(still eating) Don't try to frighten us with your sorcerer's ways, Guy. Your sad devotion to those ancient thoughts have not helped you conjure up the stolen draft, or given you clairvoyance enough to find how it was lifted... (Suddenly Morti chokes and starts to turn blue. All in the room are unfomforatably still and silent for a moment - except for Guy, who is still standing.)

I find your lack of faith disturbing.

Enough of this! Guy, help him!

As you wish. (Guy walks over to Morti and performs the hymlick maneuver, propelling the object blocking the airway).

This bickering is pointless. Guy will provide us with the best way to help our folks be safe to include the mandatory use of the ORM checklist. We will then crush complacency and ignorance with one swift stroke!

To be continued...

The Godfather

2005-09-01T00:35:00.000-05:00

All had been quiet in Mission City, too quiet. Fall arrived and the blistering 90+ degree weather was gone. The biggest problem would now be those damp mornings where the dew set on vehicles. Mixed with the sun glare, it provided a new hazard for the season – temporary blindness. A second hazard he noted were the leaves, falling from the trees. In wet weather, some leaves become very slick – a slipping hazard!

Guy got up to take a stroll, hopefully not like the last one he took. As he began going around the cubicles and hallways, he noticed an unfamiliar figure darting about. Musing, he continued his search for pictures placed over doorframes, extension cords, fire extinguisher pressure levels, and the like. He documented the good, the bad and the ugly as he went - he had to, The Big Safety Boss was coming in two weeks. Everything was going well, that is until he went around a corner while he was writing and CRASH! He ran right into the Chief. Papers went everywhere.

Guy! What is the meaning of this? Assaulting an officer…

Oops. Sorry 'bout that Chief.

Well, don't worry about it. I came by to pick up the new dates for classes.

Let me see if I can find it. Ah, here, take this paper.

And if the time or date changes?

It will be posted at the safety site. I will make sure a message gets out to you.

Thanks Guy, and next time, watch where you are going. Or I'll have to site you with reckless walking.

Thanks Chief.

Guy decides that now is a good time to goto lunch, but before he could very far he is picked up so he could have a "little talk" with the Godfather. After a long trip through the city, they arrived at a huge mansion. He is escorted inside and brought before the Godfather. He sat behind a huge desk with a large cigar.

You know those things are bad for you.

Godfather: (tapping the end of the cigar with his finger showing it was not lit)
I see you are well. That's good. Glad you could come here on such short notice. We have some small matters we must settle. (He opens a drawer and pulls out the latest OSH guide)

Number one. This supplement states that the use of EXTENSION CORDS is limited.

That is correct. When used, surge protectors and extension cords must not run under rugs, hang over walls, run through door ways or windows, or be placed subject to physical damage. They cannot be used for coffee pots, microwaves, refrigerators, ice machines, freezers, toaster ovens, and air conditioners. You must make sure the appliance does not exceed the amperage rating, and they should only be used for temporary use (temporary being defined at less than 24 hours).

I see. That may cause some problems in a few areas. Is there any work around until an electrician can put in new wall sockets for appliances?

None at present sir. These items must be plugged directly into a wall socket.

(grumbling something about cold coffee) Number Two. Material Safety Data Sheets. Where should they be kept and are any items exempt?

They need to be accessible to all personnel for your materials. Some building managers keep one book for the whole building, some offices prefer to keep their own book. There are products (like hand soap) that may not need an MSDS, but that is subject to change.

Number three. I understand we just went through a semi-annual inspection and you found a few items not up to par. When do these have to be corrected?

Write ups should be corrected within 60 days.

Very well. Lastly. I've got a few folks who have been injured, some went to the hospital emergency room, some to sick call and others didn't bother to go. Now, who needs to fill out a mishap report?

How many of them work for you?

All of them.

Then they ALL need to fill out a form. No matter where the accident happened, No matter when it occurred. No matter whether they are officer or enlisted. They are required to fill out a form. No ifs, ands or buts.

After a moment he turned towards his window.
We'll contact you if we need any further assistance. Boys, take Guy to his home.

With that Guy was on his way home. He persuaded the two gentlemen in the front seats to buckle up. They gave him a wry look but followed his advice. It was way past dinnertime when Guy got back home. He cooked a real quick meal (Potato, Beef and Broccoli Helper) and prepared for the next day. As he lay falling asleep he had no idea what would be in store for him in the near future.

To be continued...

The StORM Project

2005-06-06T00:11:00.000-05:00

It was the dawn of the Third Millennium, 9 years after the
Desert War.
The StORM Project was a dream given form.
It’s goal: to prevent mishaps by helping others through
information and Operational Risk Management -
at work and at home.
It is for Officers, Enlisted, Civilians, and their Families.
Military, Civilians and Contractors working in
two million five hundred thousand pounds of slowly
sinking brick and metal, all alone by the swamp.
It can be a dangerous place, but its
our last best hope for Safety.
This is the story of one safety program.
The year is Two Thousand,
the name of the place is Mission City.

A Meeting.

It's the beginning of summer. Guy has already had to check up on three folks not operating their equipment properly in the last quarter. One forgot to wear goggles while using a weed eater and got a mass of debris in the eyes. Another was using the mower and, well - backed it over his foot! The third fell off of a ladder while trimmer the hedges, stretched out to get those last few tendrils instead of moving the ladder to a better location.

Before the morning is over the phone rings shattering the peaceful silence in the office.

Guy:
"Mission City Safety Office."

Inspector:
Hello Guy.

Inspector, what a surprise.

Well, you know how things are around here. I need to get -

I know, information.

Yea, how'd you guess?

Don't ask.

Right. Well anyway, I need to know when is the next Supervisor Safety Training class is.

It's held on Friday at 9AM in the Education Office, room 5. June 24th is your stake-out date.

Good. Now what about the Safety Rep Meeting?

The Safety Rep meeting is held in the second Thursday of the First month of each quarter.

What's that?

9AM July 14th.

Got it! Now, I hear you have a Motorcycle course too.

Yes, the Motorcycle Safety course is mandatory for new riders. It's only a day long. You have to pick up a coupon that allows you to go to the class - without being charged. Call my Office for more info.

Well - thanks, gotta go, thanks Guy.

Don't mention it.

Late in the afternoon and Guy decides to talk a walk to stretch his legs, and look for any safety hazards in the area. As He walks down the sidewalk, he is suddenly nabbed by two "gangsters" and dragged into some building.

Guido:
He's good Boss, Can't believe he even came by dis way after seeing da Chief da other day. (to Guy) Yous gots a lota guts fella. (turns to Boss) I dink we can squeeze a few answers before we let 'im go. Just let ME ask him.

Boss:
Go ahead, Guido.

Thanks Boss. (cracks knuckles and smiles)
Now, yous. I hate to say it, but da Boss goes too easy on yous guys. No matter. Dis is where the rubber hits da road. Ya see, we got some of dose papers yous talked about earlier, safety forms. Our home made mishap forms is from way back and some (he-he) copied Off-duty Mishap Report Forms. What I want to hear from yous is dat dese copied Off-duty forms are good, got it?

The homemade report forms and the copies of the Off-duty Mishap Report Form can no longer be used. You must use the official forms. They are for on duty and off duty mishaps.

Gee, dat's too bad. Now, I hear from some guys that there is an electronic form out dere. Now, da Boss don't mind fillin out any kind of form yous got. But I ain't got any of dese papers - ere forms, and yous know how many accidents we have around here, don't ya?

Easy Guido, he can't talk if he can't breathe.

Yea, Boss. (Loosing his grip and then gave a smack on Guy's back) Well, ya gonna talk or what?

(After a cough and deep breath) Um, the official forms are online at the PUBs site. Okay?

Dat's better. Now, another ding. How much time do we have to complete da mishap report form?

If it's minor, then we have 5 days to get it from the supervisor to the Safety Boss. Now you know your Boss has to sign it before we can take it up.

Yea - not a problem, but what if it's severe, like what happened with the guy dat totaled da Boss's car?

In a case where there is death, or permanent loss or use of say a hand or leg, then those forms must be submitted immediately. Obviously, you will need to get all the information and that may be difficult. Just call me should you run into problems.

I see. Well, Boss?

That'll be enough for today. Thank you. Now Guido, show our guest to the door.

Gotcha Boss.

Um, Giudo?

Yea Boss.

The other door. We want to talk with our guest again some day.

Sure ding Boss. It's a good ding the Boss likes ya. Here's da door.

Guy stepped outside into a bright sunny afternoon. To his left he noticed the Boss's car. It was a mess. Looked like it flipped over a few times.

Was he wearing his seat belt?

Sure. It's second nature to him.

Good thing. From what I can tell he would have smashed into the windshield and then been thrown out the window if he hadn't.

Oh, dats nice. I'll tell him next time I go see him at da hospital.

So he's recovering well from the crash?

No. He's recovering from da Boss's fury.

I see.

Be careful out there. And other ding, I hear dat da Godfather is a looking for ya too.

Guy:
Godfather? You must be kidding? What would he want with me?

To be continued...

The DSS Potemkyn...

2005-06-04T02:01:00.000-05:00

is a Tycho class battle cruiser, thirteenth of twenty one such ships built for the Deltan Defense Fleet. She was built after the War of Boundaries, commonly known as the Trade War.

The Battle Cruiser (BC) has three variants: the flagship or Battle Command Cruiser (BCC), the Battle Carrier (BCV), and the Heavy Battle Cruiser (BCH). Tycho class battle cruisers carry a standard crew of 1620 personnel while the flagship has a crew of 1658. BCV's carry a larger complement and is determined by the types of craft they carry, though it is usually between 1757 and 1787. The BCH variant upgrades any of the three aforementioned variants.

The ships are sleek, with three main sides (underside, starboard, and port) in the shape of a three-sided arrow, and an aft section that is more complex. The shape allows for greater weapon's arcs giving the ship the ability to bring all of her primary guns to bear on any target with a simple bit of pitch or yaw. The Republic, the flagship of the fleet, is the only ship with improved conventional pulse drives. This allows her to sustain faster than light speeds greater than 1.2 times the speed of light. The cruisers are equipped with several layers of armourment and protective systems, all of which have a primary, secondary, and tertiary systems. Some of those systems consist of: offensive weapons, defensive weapons, defensive systems, and tracking systems. The ship's main power comes from generators built into the ships three main drives. This supplies the ship adequately during normal operations, but in heavy combat, has been found to be somewhat lacking.

The Potemkyn was the fourth ship to receive the "V" refit, this provided room for three full squadrons of craft in three separate hangers and room for additional fighters and equipment. She was transferred to the Survey Fleet after her conversion and became a major part of the Light Drive Project. Within a mere two weeks she received her second and most famous refit which also led to the change in her class designation to BCH. The Light Drive provides more than thirty times the combined power of the three pulse drives and take up only a little more space than the conventional drive it replaced - resulting in a small bulge on the ship's underside. This bulge effectively blocked some of the ship's weapons but the increase in power allowed all weapons to fire more rapidly, using only a tenth of the ship's total power.

During her refit shakedown, the Potemkyn stumbled upon a stray craft within the proving grounds. This led to a strange confrontation as the Potemkyn's weapons were set for target practice and not combat, thus she was unable to damage the intruder. Captain Dukatta launched all of his fighter craft, fully armed, to combat the vessel. The ship was destroyed in the fight and little was ascertained from its ashes. It was later thought that the intruder was a spy vessel, seeking information on the new drive system and its capabilities. The Potemkyn was then called upon for a rescue operation. On her way to start the mission, she was conducting an engine test run with the Republic when the Potemkyn disappeared in a strange flash of light.

And thus begins The Potemkyn Incident.

Mike

The Distollovph: Part III

2005-05-25T22:02:00.000-05:00

They appeared in a flash at the southern gates of the city and were greeted by a large smiling man, who looked surprisingly like the Sentina who took Marguerite from her shop. Then he saw Marguerite, and a look of surprise appeared on his face for just a second. He spoke with strength as he embraced Isidore.

"Isidore! You have brought us a guest!" Then he took a step back. "Ah, but Agnelas awaits. He commands you come to him immediately."

Isidore nodded and took Marguerite's hand again. In a flash, both he and the girl flew down the streets towards the west end of the great city.

They arrived at the gates of the House of the Principality, here they halted. Isidore leaned over and spoke to Marguerite, "Stay here, I shall return shortly. Should you need anything, ask the guard and he will attend to you." He winked at her as he passed through the gate and disappeared. The gate closed solidly leaving Marguerite and the guard. She looked up into the face of the huge guard, he neither smiled or seemed to notice her. After a few moments of looking at the guard, she finally began to notice her surroundings. They were high up on a mountain, up in the clouds. Yet it was neither cold nor grey. There were buildings nearby scattered all along the street where they flew up, all were made of large blocks of stone. From a distance, they seemed to have carvings and - but it was difficult to tell from where she stood. The grounds inside the gate were beautiful; trees, plants, flowers, vines all worked in and through the buildings and walls. Marguerite strained to see whether the plants were hanging onto the walls or were supporting them. Quietly, she hoped she would be able to observe the interwoven art much closer.

Isidore stopped at the bottom step leading to the garden. There, he began to walk up the steps slowly and quietly. At the top, he saw Agnelas, the Principality of the region. He was standing at the edge of the garden on the wall, looking down from the top of the mountain into the land below. Isidore stopped when Agnelos spoke. "You brought the girl here?"

"Yes. I have done as you commanded," the Sentina replied.

Agnelos sighed

"Are you are not pleased with my decision, my Lord?" queried Isidore.

"I am pleased with your decision." Agnelos paused for a moment. "Were you able to bring the elements?"

Isidore nodded and pulled the three metal objects out of his robe. "I drew them out of Marguerite's trunk as we left."

"Good." The Principality sighed. "And any books or writings?"

"There were plenty of books, but I sensed no such writing except -- " Isidore paused.

Agnelos turned about. "Except what?"

"The table," he replied.

"The words were carvered into the table?"

"No, no. She drew them with her finger," Isidore explained.

Agnelos grimaced. "You may have to -" But as he was speaking another Sentina appeared at the gate and entered in. Angelos closed his eyes.

"Sir," replied the second Sentina. "He has entered the Southern Kingdom,and is now heading west."

"Well done, Ketigern, continue as we discussed."

"Yes, sir," Ketigern replied and then vanished in a flash.

Isidore looked back at his commander, whose face was full of thought and concern. "Sir?"

Agnelos shook his head. "There is more to this than you know, Isidore. Much more."

"I don't understand, I went to make certain to -- prevent her from exercising --"

"Yes, and you succeeded in doing so.” Agnelos turned and looked at Isidore, nodding towards him in approval. “But now, Natiak has come to muddle things up."

Isidore was even more confused. Then he eyed Agnelos' war sword.

Agnelos gave Isidore a heavy pat on the shoulder and then turned towards the still rising sun. "Things are now in motion that we cannot stop. Things that I knew would come, and hoped against it." Agnelos unsheathed his great sword. "This man may soon have all that he needs to make good his word of revenge."

The Distollovph - Part II

2005-05-20T00:45:00.000-05:00

It lay, sprawled about the area it was confined to. Overhead, a rocky roof blocked all but a single shaft of light into the cavern. The only entrance was filled with a huge rock - and sealed. Water pooled on the northern side of the floor, the air was heavy, damp, and rank. Except for the occasional drip of water, no other sound was heard.

The floor area was over an acre in size. It, took up over a tenth of that space, yet it was not really visible in the dark. It stirred, the shaft of light was now at its brightest and provided a bit of light to almost the whole cavern revealing the prison and the prisoner. Claw marks were carved into the stone walls, ceiling, and floor. Here and there were scorched areas, where the stone had gotten hot enough to melt, and then there were pits about the floor - where something had eaten away at the stone floor. It was scally, mainly colored black with an odd dark green and black red and absorbed most of the light, like a dull charcoal black. It had Four large legs, each with three foot-long claws and forth on the hind side. The head was long with many ridges, horns extended from the top and upper jaw, several teeth protruded from its closed mouth.

It squinted, as if it were thinking, and slowly opened two huge eyes that held huge, oblong deep yellow globes. They were snake-like with red and orange streaks emanating from a cold black-purple center. It raised its head and two long rows of spines stood up, one on top of it's neck running all the way to its tail, and another underneath. Standing up off the floor, It began looking about, searching - as if it had been called. Its eyes narrowed and streams of smoke rose from its nostrils. After a moment, it lay back down, eyes closed, and smirked.

The First law of Thermodynamics and trees

2005-04-29T19:49:00.000-05:00

I had to look this one up to be certain I had it right:

First law of thermodynamics (conservation) Energy is neither created nor destroyed, it changes from one form to another.

I have heard this time and time again but recently it stuck home when I was reading a book about Wood Heat. In the book, the author stated that a block of wood (read, tree) will give off a certain amount of heat - be it from burning (in a fire place or elsewhere), or rotting (over the years). Either way - the energy the tree collected from the sun will be released.

Three years ago I had the privilege of traveling to Spokane, WA. One night the group of Instructional Designers decided to go to Idaho to have dinner steak dinner and potatoes (Idaho - pototoes...). My leader, having already taken us up to Canada for dinner one night, wanted to travel over to Montana to have a cup of coffee. Seems just crossing the border wasn't good enough - needed to do something to say "I’ve been to ___________." Thus off we went, after that very filling dinner.

We stopped at a local shop that served coffee and such and we ended up talking with the County Commissioner. He asked us about our ride and what all we had seen. One of the things we had seen was the national forest - and in it were dozens of trees that had fallen, now rotting. He said that before, loggers would come in and clear out the trees, that was before people coming from California came up there. They bugged the someone and now there is no logging in that forest. He spoke about how the logs, as they rot, become warm and very easy to light. He wasn't happy about the situation. Enen though we had talked about this in the car, it became even clearer - this is one way forest fires get going in a hurry.

So, remember, Energy is neither created nor destroyed, it changes from one form to another. Them trees are going to release all that heat one way or another. The question is, are we going to control it and use it for good or let happen in a destructive and wasteful manner?

Mike

The food pyramid...

2005-04-26T00:30:00.000-05:00

has been replaced by something. Truth is, now folks don't seem to pay much attention to that anymore. The last time they changed this was back in the late 80's or early 90's.

I propose we toss this whole thing out as most Americans don't pay it any heed - they will eat what tastes good to them. Thus, the new food thingee will consist of the:

The Four Food Groups
- Salt
- Sugar
- Fat
- Refined Staches

Iodized salt is okay in this grouping. Sugar must be refined or manufactured. Fat should be vegetable (Consists of Soy Bean oil, Cotton Seed oil, Canola oil, or Corn Oil (to name a few), all chemically extracted, naturally ;) And always use refined flours and such, with added iron, calcium, or other nurients (preferably picked up from a local iron factory).

Mike

Clouds in my coffee

2005-04-22T23:16:00.000-05:00

I have noticed this several times, but this time it was really interesting. I poured the coffee into a clear cup! Now that is not all that intersting, but when I poured in the cream it made some interesting "swirls."

Looking down at the top plumes of creamed coffee rose up slowly and spread out a bit. Then the center of the plume fell as another plume began to rise elsewhere. This went on for several minutes and is soothing and yet hypnotizing.

Looking in at the side you can see a plume rise every so often - as you never know when or where the next plume with rise. Back to the top you can see the cream still mixing, hot and cold and cool and warm. Still not time for a spoon.

Five or so minutes later it is just a slow moving clockwise swirl. Very slow, still with the cream not completely mixed with the coffee. Now for the spoon for if I wait much longer I will need two cups of coffee. One to watch and one to drink :)

Mike

The Distollovph

2005-03-29T22:20:00.000-06:00

He sat across the table from her, tall and erect. Silence filled the room, his thoughts were slow and precise as he waited for her to continue. Yet no word came from her, nor any expression from her face. So he sat, saying nothing, continuing to wait for her next word.

- Does she know? -

Silence.

He was dressed in gentleman's clothing, a dark jacket, white shirt with many details, matching dark pants, black boots, a cane, and a tall hat. He simply asked a general question, which lead to the question of her knowledge, and then he provided proof he could pay her well. With her deep dark eyes unblinking, she took him to her library, to the table where they now sat.

He sat, still and silent, just as she was. After another moment, he bowed his head and rose, picked up his hat and cane and began to walk to the door. It was then that the long silent was broken.

"Then you seek the Distollovph." she finally spoke.

He attempted to not freeze in his tracks, not whirl about suddenly to her words - and he was successful. Thoughts, filled his mind.

- She knows its name -

He stood, near the doorway, looking at her. Her face showed little, and the atmosphere was businesslike and sterile. He nodded. She waved a hand to draw him back to his seat, but he only walked over to the table, and towered over it, over her, as a small smiled appeared on his face.

- Does she know the three elements? -

Silence again. Then, after some time, she spoke again, "I know how to summon it." The words came distinct and clear - and cold.

He nodded once, with a slight tilt to his head, and waited again.

She stood up, walked over to a chest, and opened it up. She moved several items about and then pulled out three metal objects. He nodded his head, acknowledging what she was showing him. Slowly, she placed the items back in the chest, and closed it. Then she returned to the table and placed her hands in front of her, fingers interlaced. He raised his eyebrows to her. A small smirk appeared in the corner of her mouth and she blinked slowly once.

He looked at her face, dark brown eyes and dark brown hair, braided and tried with a blue ribbon. She was not plain, yet her features were hidden in the silence. He noticed, though, there were four dimples hidden around her mouth.

"I know this is what you seek," She said, matter-of-factly. "I knew it when you first came into my shop, first asked me your question. You are already a man of great power and wealth, but if you want, I can bring it here - to this place."

Again, he made a small smile as inside he watched her keenly. "What of the signs?"

She nodded, stood up again from the table and made three distinct gestures, all separate from one another. He closed his eyes and nodded once more, as inside he formulated his plan. She sat down, as she had before.

His Source was always right, except once, and that had been over a century ago. His eyes narrowed, "What will you request of me to do this task?" His eyes were upon her face, but he had a difficult time reading her thoughts. She seemed to stifle them behind her emotionless face.

"To be able to live forever." she replied.

This time, he could not hide his surprise.

- Does she know who I am, what I am? -

"You ask for something only a handful may grant." He watched her, intently, hoping to break the spell over her. She breathed in relaxing somewhat, letting a small smile appear on her face. Two of the dimples began to show.

"I see you are one who may help me in this." Her smile remained and she did not move, and the dimples deepened.

- I must be certain -

He returned he smile and his face seemed to brighten. "How will you do this deed for me? Many know the name, but to - "

"Summon it?" she cut him off, completing the sentence. Her eyes showed a bit of fear and her voice trembled as she spoke. The dimples disappeared.

On the table, she wrote three words with her finger.

- She knows! -

He now had a limited number of choices: Death, obliviousness, and -

"Will you grant me this life?" she asked.

- Life -

He pondered the words.

The tension was extreme, all was well balanced - but soon that would change.

- Life -

He thought, slowly, precisely. No one who knows how to summon it is allowed to... And his mind began to whirl. Three choices: Death, obliviousness, and...

He smiled yet again. "Will you come with me, now?" he asked, gently, happily. The balance was now broken and the tension released. She breathed in deeply, quickly, as she had not the entire time he had been there. As if a spell had been broken over her, she came alive, she blinked and looked up into his face. He seemed different now, no longer was he some tall, dark gentleman seeking great power. It was if he were...

- A Sentina! -

He stepped around the table and held his hand out to her. "You will never need to say those words. I see more clearly now, you have learned that which was hidden long ago." Then his tone changed, and deepened. "And it must remain so."

Color filled her face as the air filled her, her mind was in a whirl, her face confused and fearful as she realized the great danger she had placed herself in - and the whole world. She reached out to him with trembling hands and took his. She was weakened now, and vulnerable. Unlike before: ominous, silent, and powerful. He pulled her to her feet.

"I cannot grant your request, but I will take you to one who can. Though you may never see this world again."

As he spoke, he changed. His eyes and face became bright and his clothing seemed to fade and then illuminate. She began to smile, once more, relaxed and peaceful. The room, once dark, was now filled with light. She felt safe and warm as she stood next to him now, and all her dimples deepened. He smiled.

They disappeared in a blinding flash. All shadows fled the room, except on the table, where she wrote the three words.

Moving in the wrong direction

2005-03-28T23:34:00.000-06:00

Thus we take yet another step towards the new dark age. Another step into the abyss. Will we ever learn that the Republican Party is not interested in doing what is right? They have a Pro-Life plank, but what has it done? What are its accomplishments: Legislation that gets struck down by its own judges. There is no good lasting thing coming from all of this. They are in concert with the Last Enemy, Death.

Do not throw in the towel for Terri yet! May all strive to gain for her what others don't want to her to have - life.

O merciful Father, who hast taught us in thy holy Word that thou dost not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men: Look with pity upon the sorrows of they servant for whom our prayers are offered. Remember her, O Lord, in mercy, nourish her, and her soul with patience, comfort her with a sense of thy goodness, lift up thy countenance upon her, and give her peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Look with pity, O heavenly Father, upon your servant, Terri, who lives with injustice, terror, decease, and death as her constant companions. Have mercy upon us. Help us to eliminate our cruelty to Terri, our neighbor. Strengthen those who spend their lives establishing protection of the law. And grant that she may enjoy a fair portion of the riches of this land; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Mike

Even more rocks

2005-03-17T00:35:00.000-06:00

Been busy working on the house, lately. This round of events included:

A second rock walkway, using sand for the base

Painting the largest room in the house, and all those wooden shutters

Finishing the paint job on the entertainment center

Planting a few more things in the garden

All the designs are provided by Badgermum, extra labor by Number One son.

The new rock walkway is proving to be tough to do - it is four feet wide at the narrowest point. Had the rain not come I believe it would be done. But I am glad we have rain. When we went out to get the rocks, we pulled the back two seats out of the van and loaded it up until the tires started bulging. I think we picked up close to a ton of rock.

Painting has progressed well - even on the colder days as I am able to build a fire in the wood burning stove to keep the temperature up. It’s nice and cold outside and warm and cozy inside.

The gardens are blooming well out in the front and we are starting to plant peanuts in the veggie gardens in the back. I've picked up some more herb seeds to plant somewhere. Think I’ll drop some garlic in too.

Mike

Rocks

2005-03-03T23:17:00.000-06:00

Today I moved a bunch of rocks. These were rocks I picked up last year to build a wall around the little hill in our front yard. Kelly and I have spent a great deal of time working on the hill and it is looking better all the time. The front of the hill is held up by a rock wall we built using rocks from a nearby farm and mortar. The size ranges from fits in the palm of your hand to "I can’t get this one by myself!" I didn’t take the time to weigh them as we picked them up
(very inconvenient). If it looked good and I could move it, it was loaded into the back of the Ford.

A project Kelly and Number One Son started was a rock path. It starts at the wooden fence in the front and goes towards the back yard. Right now it isn’t very long, but is now actually useable as we widened it considerably today. The rocks are fairly flat and range in color from gray to white. To place them I put them on the ground and made sure I had good coverage, then I simply dug up the ground and dropped the rock in. Mind you, sometimes there were lots of adjustments. West Texas soil is primarily clay, so the rocks won’t shift too much - as long as it is dry! After we have looked them over, I fill in the spaces with the spare dirt. The remaining spare dirt either goes to the hill or to the compost.

Kelly has a picture of part of the hill, it doesn't show much of the big rocks, but at the bottom is one of the longer ones.

Mike

Water and electricity

2005-02-19T21:40:00.000-06:00

Years ago, I thought it would be best to use water to generate energy for the house I was planning on building. For that to actually work, I'd have to have access to a stream, where I own both sides of the land. Now, I know there's water on my folks property, but I've never heard of or seen a stream.

A while back, my father had a pond built out in his backyard in Florida. He knew the water would evaporate, so he had a well dug that would feed the pond. Not just any kind of well, mind you, an artesian well. According to the dictionary, an artesian well is usually one "of small diameter and often of great depth." I have no idea how deep it was, but it was only about an inch and a half in diameter at the end. Also, this is not a lot of water, and will not be able to run anything but a mouse sized generator. To drill this sort of well takes, a bunch of capital.

One crazy idea a friend of mine came up with to place a small generator in your water main. It would almost constantly generate a small amount of energy at a very low cost. Again, it was a small amount, but more importantly (I found out after living in several different houses), is that this method will reduce the water pressure in your house. Hmmm...

So, I suppose the only remaining possibilities are:

o Buy a fuel type generator and run it when it is needed
o Hook up to the local power grid
o Go without electricity

Now, the third option puts a cramp on blogging and air conditioning. But I am thinking there is a way to cool a house without conventional air conditioning. More on that at another time.

So, you must have water. Gotta drink, bathe, wash, cook, and clean. But what are ways to do without electricity?

Until later

Mike

Dance

2005-02-17T21:22:00.000-06:00

We have a good number of kids in my family, so we can have a good dance at the house, sort of. The guys are out numbered by one, but that still gives us four couples. I have to admit, it was a bit difficult to get some of them going, but now they all enjoy getting together for the Virginia Reel or a square dance every couple of weeks or so.

Number-One Son seemed to take the longest to begin enjoying contra dancing. He would drag his feet almost every time, fail to show up when we called for a dance and began playing the music - or he'd just disappear! In October and November of last year, we were preparing to go to Monroe, LA to visit the Christmas dance at Auburn Avenue Presbyterian Church. The church graciously provided a wonderful place for us to stay. The night for the dance came and we arrived with the ladies all dressed up in dresses they had made. Fourth of Nine was still dragging his feet.

One of the first dances was the Reel. A young fellow asked one of the girls in my group and off they went. After the first dance, a father came up with one of his girls and spoke with Number-One, then the two went off on as the next dance started. Throughout the night, they would dance with each other, occasionally.

It was a long and glorious night, and we all had a great time - except Number-One, so I thought. The younger kids had to have a small snack to tide them over as the evening wore on. Then we came to the end. We prayed and sang a song of praise to the Lord. Amid the smiles and cheers, Number-One came up to me. By the look in his face I guessed he had been ready to leave for some time. He asked me "Will we be coming to the dance next December?" I smiled and told him, "There is a dance in May I'd like to take us to." His whole expression changed as he leapt into the air and shouted, "YES!"

How 'bout that?

Mike

P.S. To the folks at Auburn Avenue Presbyterian Church in Monroe, thank you!

Safety

2005-02-06T01:49:00.000-06:00

One on my responsibilities over the years in the Air Force has been Safety. I've done inspections, training, breifings, emails, and built web pages. I have also developed a safety storyline

The idea behind this was to provide another way of getting information out to the folks. As I had quickly found out, some people delete emails with the topic of safety - humph! So I came up with a special name for this: The StORM Project (StORM = SafeTy Operational Risk Management). I've made eleven of these so far. Basically, it's a spoof, I take parts of movies, shows, books, etc and weave them in. There is an plot to this as wel, hopefully, you'll get a kick out of this. For those interested in using this elsewhere - contact me :)

Mike

In the Beginning

Our story centers on Guy, a safety rep and fairly new to the office. He has just stopped by the Big Safety Boss's office to give a report on the program. While waiting near the door, he noticed something on the floor that looked like a tripping hazard. As he bent down to check it, the Safety Boss's shoes came into view.

Safety Boss:
Rise, my friend.

(turning he begins walking towards the huge window, way in the back of the office)
Guy stood up and followed alongside. It was huge, well decorated room. Guy did a quick safety inspection of the room as he walked. All looked well, and he didn't see any extension cords!

Guy:
The Safety Inspection WILL be completed on time.

You have done well, Guy. And now I sense you wish to search for others in need of ORM training.

Yes.

Patience, my friend, in time, they will come to you. And when they do, you must bring them here. Some have grown complacent. Only together, can we turn them.

As you wish.

Everything is proceeding as I have foreseen.

Huh?

Guy goes back to his little corner located at the top floor in the building. There he works feverishly on the safety inspections, compiling safety reports, accident reports and hazard reports. After lunch, Guy has some visitors from the local police station; the Chief and an Inspector have come to "ask" some questions....

Chief:
Okay, Guy, another question. Actually, this will be an interrogation. LIGHTS! Chair! Okay, we know you have the information. All you have to do is tell us what we want to know, nothing more.

Inspector:
First. We know you're having a Supervisor Safety Training class soon. From what I can tell it may be a bit crowded. Now I would like to infiltrate a couple of folks in there.
And you're gonna tell me how, right?

uh...I'm not tellin', uh....ok, it's first come, first served. If they want to camp out overnight they're welcome, but usually if they're in by 0845 they'll get a seat. It's located in the the main office, first room on the right.

Second. We also know that you're giving Safety Rep training. Now, what we need here just a few seats for some of our new Safety Reps.

No problem sir, we don't have no problem teaching folks about safety. Flight and element reps can get trained in-house by their Squadron Unit Safety Representative, call me for more info.

Third. You say we can get information online. Well, that's nice. So, where do we go?

I don't know...I'm not tellin'. You can't make me. Hey, what are you doing with that hot poker???? Alright, alright! Go to http://www-afsc.saia.af.mil/

Do you remember the fourth Inspector? No? Me either.

Chief, you're getting too old for this. The fourth question was dealing with Motor Cycle riders.

Well...

Com'mon Guy. You know we always take care of our informants.

Okay. There's an Experienced Motorcycle Rider's course coming up. You'll need to call first and pick up a voucher for the class. You'll need to have it signed as well or you can't get into the class.

Fifth and last. I hear inklings about quarterly and annual Safety Awards. Got any info on this?

Sure do. Supervisors can submit anyone who they believe has contributed to the safety of the shop, squadron, group, base or local community. You can send a memo to your Safety Rep, who will then send it up through the organization. If selected by the squadron commander, it will go to the Wing. We can provide examples, if needed.

That's fine Guy. Well, okay, that about sums it up. We appreciate your time. (leaving) See you later Guy.

Is that it? Are you finished? I know my rights. If you're not gonna charge me, release me. I've got nothing else to say. Anything else, contact my lawyer. I'm going back to my office.

Guy, you are in your office.

Oh, yea, right.

To be continued…

Playing with Fire

2005-01-23T18:31:00.000-06:00

I grew up in a house that did not have a fireplace. So any time we visited my grandparents up in Virginia, I spent a great deal of time in front of the fireplace. GrandDad would always get the fire going. Sometimes he would buy a fire log that would change the fire's color as it burned. I was always facinated by the flames.

The last three houses my family and I lived in has had a fireplace in it. I've been able to get firewood without spending an arm and a leg and it has kept the family room warm. We use scrap paper and wood matches to start it. I don't buy a paper regularly so I end up using whatever I can get my hands on sometimes (annoying mail is very useful here). No plastic or colorful printed stuff. Needs to be fairly plain.

Pyromaniac that I am, I have enjoyed having the fireplace. But it does more than delight the eyes. My children like to help. They gather the wood, clean out the ashes, build the fire and light it with me. It gives us a time to gather together and get warm on those cool evenings. Sometimes we see just how well we built the fire by counting the number of matches needed to start it! High match counts usually require more paper.

My count was one today ;)

Mike

A Winter Crop

2005-01-20T21:47:00.000-06:00

Well, we dug up the last of the sweet potatoes last week and will put them into a pie soon. Oh, by the way, my oldest son's garden produced these. And he is ready to plant something else.

My dear wife said we could plant a winter crop - salad types and some others. But with the weather so strangely warm, I almost see no need to make cloches or a temporary greenhouse. Now that would be a waste of planting though!

Today, my oldest son and I were cleaning up the back yard and porch - he came across our old fish tank and raised his eyebrows - "This would be a good place to start our plants." That's my boy!

So he cleaned it up and it is almost ready for the first batch. Well need to place some sort of clear cover on top of it, but I think plastic wrap can make do. Then, in goes the compost and dirt and seeds!

I'd be obliged to hear what y'all have had success with this time of year.

Until later,

Mike

West Texas Weather

2005-01-14T21:45:00.000-06:00

Folks around here say "If you don't like the weather, just wait fifteen minutes. It will change." Weather does change out here, but not quite that fast.

This week we had a very windy day. Gusts up to 35MPH. It caused some interesting cloud formations. One was like a long tube that eventually grew into a larger formation. It was white on top and grey on the bottom. Nearby was another drawn out set of clouds. Behind them, dark ominous grey clouds. It did not rain or storm - but it did get cooler.

I have found that I can enjoy the weather in most cases. This is something that has taken some time to do. I remember (some years ago) first enjoying the snow whenever I got a chance to be in it - which was very rare in North Florida and my Grandmother's in Georgia.

Today, I stop to think about what is going on with the weather we are experiencing. When it is raining and the yard is flooded by several inches of water and I can't get to the door without getting my shoes soaking wet - I remind myself that it is usually dry here and the shoes and I can dry out. When the wind is blowing so hard that it almost yanks the door out of my hand, I take in the scenery and enjoy the interesting sunset that is caused by all the dust. When it is bitter cold I give thanks that it is one more day of cool winter weather. When summer comes with its intense heat, I know my tomatoes, beans, and peppers will grow well.

I try not to say something like "Enjoy the bitter cold, it's one less day of 110 degree summer heat." Seems to be a form of complaining or setting up one against the other. It is a vastly interesting world we live in.

Thanks be to God!

Mike

Cutting wood

2005-01-11T22:42:00.000-06:00

My oldest son and I went out with a co-worker and his son to a 218 acre ranch on the weekend. We brought two chainsaws to do the work (and the boys to load the wood ;). We were cutting dead Mesquite as there is quite a bit of mesquite in these here parts. Some of it was pretty thick and others (no matter the size) were a bit rotted so the boys could snap them with their hands or good limbs. They had a good time.

The owner of the place came out and gave us a tour - showed us some huge rock formations and in one of them, several parts of some of the rocks were polished - it was right at hand level! He said he found a good many arrowheads and flint - we picked up some of each walking around.

Back to cutting wood again. The saws were quick, but noisy, and smoky too. The vibrations began to numb my hands after awhile as well. The saw began to have some problems - the chain needed tightening and it was cutting at an angle I didn't start at. We adjusted it, but it did it again after another hour.

So, I ask ye, if I had a good axe or a hand saw (and perhaps a two handed saw), would it be healthier? How much slower could it be? Some things to ponder are:

No smoke (or health problems from smoke).
No hearing damage from loud engines
Less likely to have nerve damage from vibrations
No gas and oil to buy, mix, spill and breathe.
Chain saws need a good bit of work - not just on their chains
Chain saws take up more room than hand saws and axes

So, is it worth it?

And thus begins a work.

2004-05-19T23:06:00.000-05:00

This is the Old Homestead. I intended this to be the residence of my story, Through the Sunderbans. I have decided to not put that here, at least for now. Instead I will make some musings and such.

Enjoy!

Mike