Faol Adventures

A Change

2011-02-24T03:35:00.001-05:00

I have decided to take care of some issues and demons from the past. In celebration of my recent entry into the PTSD Trauma Recovery Program, and coming out of the proverbial closet, I have decided to suspend this blog in favor of another, more light-hearted one. My hope is that I will not be as dark and moody.

I appreciate all that have continued to stick it out with me, but it is time to move on to the Kilted Woody. Woody was my nickname in the military, and I wear a kilt.

Kilted Woody

Global Growth

2011-01-05T10:10:00.000-05:00

I read an interview of UPS's Senior VP of Engineering, Sustainability, blah, blah and blah. He was talking about growth of the company in different global markets. I thought this was interesting and shows the trend of the global economy.

50% export growth in China, 30% Inter-Asia, and only 10% export for the US.

Thanks former-President Clinton for giving China most-favored nation status (and they still have huge human rights issues), and raising the US corporate tax and manufacturing tax rates so high that it is cheaper to send our jobs to China and other such countries, then import the products back here. And a further thanks to congress and all of the losers since Clinton that have not lowered the tax rate to bring those jobs back.

You people in Washington better do your jobs instead of worrying about amnesty for illegals, crippling this country with environmental laws, creating more laws that only punish law-abiding people (criminals don't pay attention to laws, which is why they are criminals), and punishing wealthy folks (read: job producers). Voters need to wake up and kick them all out.

BTW, all of this anti-rich stuff and multi-millionaires and billionaires that should pay more income tax....well, they don't pay income tax. They are the investors for business that provide job creating and growth. They pay capital gains taxes....a different tax system than income. You folks are being led by the nose. Use your head for something besides a hat rack.

My Review of Sea To Summit Folding Bucket - 10 Liters

2010-12-31T15:46:00.001-05:00

Originally submitted at REI

Easily transport up to 10 liters of water back to your campsite with the lightweight and packable Sea To Summit Folding Bucket.

Very Useful

By Faol from Georgia on 12/31/2010

Pros: Good Grip, Durable, Easy To Drain, Good Capacity

Best Uses: Backcountry Camping, Campgrounds

Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer

Was this a gift?: No

I love this bucket. I can go down to the water source and bring back 8 liters or so (10 liters is unrealistic since it isn't rigid). This allows me to purify water by my warm fire, cook with more of it, wash up with some more, and have some for the morning. I also use it to make sure that my fire is out.

This is a safety item if you do any backpacking or primitive camping in swamp areas where gators reside. You do not want to remember that you need water at dusk or after, and head down to the water to get a pan full. At 4.4 oz, you just cannot go wrong with having this bucket along.

(legalese)

WikiLeaks

2010-11-26T15:09:00.000-05:00

Why is WikiLeaks still operating, and why has the owner(s) and operators not been arrested for treason? Also, what has happened with the folks that gave them this information?

Whoever is involved in this should be brought up on charges and be publicly executed. I will be more than happy to provide the appropriate trigger squeeze. The government can provide the weapon and ammo, just to keep it legal, and I will donate my time. We can call it community service.

Tea Party - REV 2

2010-11-26T13:41:00.000-05:00

While I am sure no one is following this blog right now, I just want to go on record to say that the Tea Party is screwing up. They are now going to the religious right, or maybe it is just being hijacked by those folks.

Stay on topic, idiots! Fiscal and Constitutional issues are what got all these folks elected.

If you go the route of Republicans, and include social issues like abortion, gays, and religion, you are going to lose all the folks that came on board, including ME. It was so great to NOT hear anything about gays, abortion and religion. I have quit watching Beck because he sound like an evangelist. I will tune the Tea Party out as well.

Abortion was decided on 37 years ago, it is time to move on. How would you like the government to tell you what to do with your body? Isn't that the big problem with Obamacare? Yet, you think YOU are somehow endowed with the ability to tell someone else what to do with their body?

Stop judging homosexuals. If they want to be gay, then so be it. By judging them, you are hypocrits. You remember the Bible's teachings right? Or only when it is convenient? Conversely, gay folks, you have every right I do. Those of you that are yelling are doing nothing but hurting your "cause," much like the Reverends Jackson and Sharpton. You don't want equality, you want to have more rights. Get over yourself. You aren't special. You do everything like everyone else, you just enjoy sex with the same gender. Congratulations. Now have a Coke and a smile, and shut the fuck up.

There are many religions. If I want to be preached to, I will go to church. I don't want to hear it from some pundit, my elected public servants, and in particular a political party.

Tea Party "organizers," stay true to the core. There will be factions within any movement that will want more or less action on something, but that is the purpose of the core. This is what everything else revolves around. Republicans are dying because they are holding on to the past. You will also die a quick death and ruin any future third party that may try to come up. Libertarians have strayed so far from where they were a dozen years ago. They are more liberal than was the intent. I was a member until they moved from their core beliefs.

Republican Arrogance

2010-11-02T23:50:00.001-04:00

In the last 20 minutes, I have watched Michael Steele give the credit for the Republicats to grass roots republicans. Then, Congressman Beohner put out the same drivel.

I reckon you idiots are going to go ahead and minimalize the Tea Party Patriots straight off the bat. That is a bad mistake on your part. A really bad mistake. This is your last chance and with the day not even over, you are failing.

I must say though, it was great to go through an election cycle and with the major influence of the Tea Party, the issues remained the focus. No crap about religion, abortion or gay rights. For the record: abortion was ruled on many years ago, so get over it; gays have all the rights everyone else does; and, I don't want to hear shit out of a public servants mouth related to legislating morality...its not your job. You are a public servant. Serve me!

New Feet for Droopy

2010-10-29T16:41:00.001-04:00

We had a trip to the foot doctor for wheeled patients this morning.

I purchased wheels at Summit Racing last week and the new all-terrain tires came in today so we had it to do. I think he looks pretty good. I had the front end aligned and it was only toed out a little. It rides MUCH better now. I need to hook up the GPS again and see if my speedo is now accurate with the new tires, or if not, what the difference is.

I have had the transmission adjusted and the rotors replaced, which found the need for the hubs to be replaced. When it was all put back together they found that the master cylinder was keeping pressure on the front brakes. Now, Droopy accelerates much better.

Wikileaks and Somali Pirates

2010-10-24T17:21:00.002-04:00

First off, isn't releasing national security documents a violation of federal law? I cannot help but wonder if this is politically motivated, to allow this to go forward. There can be no other reason. In regular theft cases, the individual receiving stolen goods is as guilty as the one who stole them. This time though, the receiver cannot feign ignorance. This weakens our country and you political rats know that. Hunt your hole because we are coming for you next week.

As for the Somali pirates, they are rabid animals with no concern about humanity nor laws. When you find a rabid animal in your neighborhood, it is put down. It is that simple. If you are in the country, you shoot the whole lot of them in the pack, not just the one currently acting rabid.

The Faol Plan:

Pay the ransom and get the hostages out of there, and the cargo ships. All of them must be released for this to work. Make sure that no one else gets taken while this is going on.
Put a blockade in place and destroy any boat that leaves a 7 mile barrier. DO NOT disable the boat. DESTROY it. While the blockade is in place the big guns need to be brought in.
Carpet bomb or strategically nuke that little country. Sure, people will be upset around the world but like everything else, they will forget in a few months. They forgot about the Islamic terrorists that attacked us, they will forget about another country just as easily.

Don't like that plan? Then put patrol boats out there and KILL the pirates that attack the ships. This crap would not have stood 200 years ago when they had to do everything under sail. Why is it being allowed now with real-time satellites, fast boats, jets, quick resupply, etc.? Again, I will blame the weak-willed politicians that only care about securing power for themselves.

Fire 'em all!!

Droopy

2010-10-21T01:00:00.000-04:00

I have named the 1978 Power Wagon. He is Droopy. I always loved that little dog.

Droopy is at the mechanic getting his rotors turned, a new set of lug studs and possibly a new carburator. The carb will be determined tomorrow.

I still need wheels and tires, but the brakes were more important.

A Hopefully Pleasant Surprise

2010-10-21T00:55:00.000-04:00

I applied for a position as a construction manager with the Army Corp of Engineers sometime back. As they normally do, the wheels move slowly. As I am sure is mentioned somewhere in this blog, I used to be a senior manager in technology prior to starting my own business.

I received a call a couple of weeks ago in reference to the construction management position, and was simply asked if I were still interested in the position, which is overseas. I informed them that yes, I was indeed still interested. I miss being deployed so I am all for playing in foreign lands. I was informed that the person calling had 16 pages of personnel to call (not 16 personnel), and they would get back with me within 10 days or so, to let me know if I would continue forward with me, or if I was out of the running. I was pretty happy with that. I always like to know the determination and it is a nice to let folks know if they should keep looking in earnest.

Well, 10 days came and went and I thought, oh well. There are other positions to continue putting in for. I had not stopped my search of course. A couple of days after that call did not come, I received an email asking if I were still interested in a position with the Corp. And, if so, when would be a good time to call. I responded that I was and anytime was fine with me. We settled on a time, and the individual called. They wanted to chat about my past 10 years of experience, and I went right into the construction management side, including data center build-outs in the corporate world.

They let me get all the way through this speil, and then said that they were interested in the technology experience. I quickly thought that was odd, but went right into it. I informed them of it, and they rattled off some software that is being used. I informed them of my shortcomings with a couple of pieces of software, and was informed that I would not a be "doer" but the leader. It took me a few seconds to process that. I asked if I were not being considered for the construction management position, and was informed that they are actually interested in me for managing a group that does blah, blah and blah. SWEET!! I can do that job in my sleep.

We went over all of the things I will need to do, the training, medical, etc., IF I were offered the job. Again, it is 10 days to wait, and they will let me know so that I can begin the process. I am pretty stoked. He said someone may call me with more questions or email them to me. He also said that he was signing off on my interview. I hope I hear back with positive news and can begin the process.

Keep moving forward.

Midwest School of Bushcraft

2010-10-19T16:48:00.001-04:00

I just returned last night from some time on the road, and in the woods. IA Woodsman (Terry) from Bushcraft USA has started teaching again. I attended his course over the weekend and that guy is just full of information and humor. He is a former Air Force SERE instructor and is realistic in his teaching expectations, methodologies and deliverables. His school website is located here. Check it out and see if you can get into one of his classes. If you have enough folks he will come to you.

I have quite a bit of video to edit before I can post a montage of the weekend. I just wanted to post a placeholder that I am actually doing something.

Prior to leaving for the midwest I dropped off the Penguin (the white Jeep XJ) to the mechanic. I did not have the puller necessary, so I let him put in a drop pitman arm and a remanufactured steering box. I took it to have the front end aligned this afternoon, and dropped off Droopy (the Power Wagon) to have the rotors turned and the carburetor looked at. I am not sure if it can be rebuilt again, or if it will need to be replaced.

My New Truck

2010-10-02T01:04:00.000-04:00

I have a new, to me, truck. It has not been named yet. My daughter always named them, and until the big blue one, they were always females. I am not sure if she will give this one a name or not. She may be "too old" for that now. If she is, I will do take care of it.

It needs a bit of work, but is not too bad.

1978 Dodge Power Wagon Adventurer 150 (4x4)

67,130 original miles (that's right, original)

I have the original buyer's order from October 30, 1978, plus the maintenance records for the truck.

I will be getting some bigger shoes for it. It has 27" tires currently, which is really too small. I will put on some new black wheels, with a 31" tire. I also need to replace the front rotors and pads.

It also has a little rust in a few places, but it is just surface rust. The exception to that is the front drip rail, which has some good rust on it, as is common with this series of truck.

I will post more as I go, but I just wanted to put this up.

Enjoy life!

BCB 35 liter Daysack - Review

2010-09-23T22:53:00.000-04:00

I purchased a BCB 35L Daysack a couple of weeks ago. I saw a picture of it on a soldier, and it rode a little high, which I thought would be great for wearing with an LBE setup. That is the only reason I purchased this bag.

It sat around for a couple of weeks, while my daughter was visiting. I use the spare bedroom to layout gear, and I did not have it configured yet, and had not tried it on, so it just went into the corner while she was here.

Tonight, I tried it on. I don't know how tiny British men are, but this thing would have probably fit me when I was in middle school. I let the shoulder straps all the way out, and it was still tight. The write-up below is copied verbatim, from the BCB International website.

A versatile & robust daysack with a host of useful features including an integral and water resistant cover.

• 2 x side pouches
• 1 x pocket in the hood
• Integral, waterproof, camouflage cover
• Convenient mesh pockets on lumbar pad
• Webbing straps to attach roll mat
• Name identification panel
• Mesh lumbar pad
• External mesh pocket
• Camelbak® compatible
• Weight: 1200g (42oz)

I will say that it is a rugged little pack. I was impressed with the quality of the bag, and the retail on it is about $50. It has some pretty nice features as well, as you can read above. I do not know any similar pack made for grown-ups (sorry UK folks), that come with these features.

I did not want to waste the pack, so I boxed it up tonight, and am sending it to the son of a friend of mine, from BCUSA. I hope he can use it, and if not, I put in the note to pass it on to someone who could.

I reckon I will have to figure something else out to expand my LBE carrying capacity. I am not getting a large ruck again, I can tell you that. I am looking for comfort after all.

Canoe Hunting

2010-09-19T21:49:00.000-04:00

I am still planning on my river trip, but I am having issues finding a good canoe for the trip. Now, there are MANY canoes on Craigslist, but unfortunately, they are not made for trekking on big water. I am looking for a good Grumman, or some type of boat like that. A 16-17 footer would be ideal, but I need to be able to load and unload it. That means Royalex or aluminum, with Royalex being the lighter, but aluminum being pretty tough.

If I cannot get it in time to work with it, then I will be postponing my trip until I can. Maybe a trip through Florida, and then take the trip in the spring? I dunno. I want to do something, but I am not going off half-cocked and get myself killed. Maybe I can take a short trip down the Hootch, to Florida. At least it won't be freezing, and it may be a little smarter to learn the canoe that way.

I am looking forward to Terry's Bushcraft 101 class, coming up in another 3 weeks. It should be fun.

A Missouri River Trip

2010-09-15T19:42:00.000-04:00

I have been thinking about a trip down the Missouri River. I will be attending a class put on by Terry Barney at the Midwest School of Bushcraft (more on that later), and thought about taking a little river trip.

The current plan is to take a solo canoe (Old Town Guide 119) to Lawson, Missouri, to my friend's place, on the top of my XJ. We will be taking his F250 to the class, north of Omaha, on the Iowa side of the Missouri River. We can throw the boat in the back, go to the class, and on the way out of the State Park, we can drop her in the water, and away I go, taking out east of Kansas City, to return to his farm and get the Jeep. I will return after Thanksgiving, take the boat back to the boatramp I took out in, and move on out for Phase II of the adventure. There will be a little more planning involved, however. I will post that as it comes.

Here is the map:

View Missouri River Trip in a larger map

Fishing at Orange Beach

2010-09-09T17:00:00.001-04:00

I went to Orange Beach to go fishing, this week. Seas yesterday were pretty rough, and I was pretty useless all day on the water. I did manage to gaff the first King Mackerel caught on the boat (I didn't catch it), then took the fish off the hook for another guy that was with us (4 total). After that, I was DONE! I was able to lie down on one of the bench seats in the bridge, and was fine as long as I lay down, but even sitting up was nauseating. As a matter of fact, as I write this, concentrating on the screen, I can feel myself move back and forth, although I shouldn't be. I am still feeling nauseous. I have never had this before and do not know what is going on. I only ate a sausage biscuit yesterday, and then a few pretzels while I drank a Gatorade, on the boat.

When I arrived back in last night about 8:30, it was all good, until I took a shower, or even reading email on the computer. I did have an email about a meeting that was moved to tomorrow morning, and I need to be there for that. So, the other 3 are out in deep water, going after marlins and dolphin (the fish, not mammal). I hate that I missed that, but since I am still feeling sick, it is probably a good thing. I have never fished for those two before.

While they were gassing up the boat to leave this morning, I was there. The marina guy said that BP was firing all of the workers today. These were the "volunteers" that they paid $500 a day to look for oil, at the "request" of the government. If you had a boat and "volunteered" you received $1000 per day, plus fuel. They also rented out condos, which had been in serious decline prior to the spill, but we won't mention that. After paying the so-called volunteered, renting out condos in foreclosure (that the owners will just keep instead of paying their mortgages), paying for fuel, fines, etc., they will still get sued of course. Because people are greedy, and everyone is owed something. You should have seen some of those boats down there. They were getting paid $1000 per day, and the boats were probably only worth $1000-2000 to begin with. Most of the ones I saw were from Mississippi. They couldn't hire the Alabama boaters for Alabama coasts and bays?

Too bad the environmentalists didn't get their way. T Boone Pickens was correct, that the microbes in the warm waters would eat the oil, and replenish itself like it has been doing for millions of years. Maybe next time there will be a huge disaster that will cause years of misery for business, and that many years of happiness and lawsuits for you. And if one of you wackos could be so kind, I would appreciate being enlightened on how YOU getting money in a lawsuit, helps the environment. Just curious.

We did a little check of our own of the fish we were catching. We have seen the news and were concerned about all the residual oil in the fish. We caught bait fish in the inlet, prior to hitting the big water, then fish in 25-50, and 80-125 foot depths. We checked when they were filleted, and we could not find any oil in them. Interesting. I did a little checking, and did you know that since oil is actually organically based, that fish can metabolize the oil? Isn't nature great!

Continue seeking truth.

My Review of Kelty Redwing 3100 Pack - '09

2010-09-05T11:16:00.002-04:00

Originally submitted at REI

A tried-and-true workhorse from Kelty, this rugged, lightweight pack is a natural for day hiking yet has excellent capacity and organization for an overnighter.

Great Inexpensive Pack

By Faol from Georgia on 9/5/2010

Pros: Comfortable, Good Padding, Highly Adjustable, Easy To Load, Good Suspension

Best Uses: Travel, Day Hikes, Extended Hikes, Light Loads

Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer

What Is Your Gear Style: Comfort Driven

Was this a gift?: No

I really like this pack. While this will not do for an expedition, I just cannot complain about its functionality and ability to carry what I need for short outings. While not considered an ultralight pack, weight is relative to what you are used to carrying.

I used this pack to replace a high dollar, military style pack. The Kelty Redwing 3100 added 1,000 ci to the capacity of my previous daypack, weighs 1.7 lbs less, costs 1/2 as much, has more compartmentalization, and is much more comfortable.

The material seems quite hardy, and time will tell for that. I am currently carrying 22 lbs in the pack, with food, but without water weight. That is MUCH less than I ever carried in the military, and it is a great feeling.

I will be trying to gain a week's worth of load out of this pack over the next couple of months, and will report back on my ability to do that.

(legalese)

My Review of Keen Arroyo Sandals - Men's

2010-09-05T11:02:00.002-04:00

Originally submitted at REI

Elevate your idea of performance and comfort with these Keen hybrid shoes that couple sandal breathability with trail-shoe support and protection.

Comfort....for a little while

By Faol from Georgia on 9/5/2010

Pros: Lightweight, Comfortable, Breaths Well

Best Uses: Casual Wear, Hiking/Walking

Describe Yourself: Outdoor Enthusiast

Was this a gift?: No

I purchased these to use on the wet areas of the Florida Trail, come winter. My first time wearing them was to town for a couple of hours. While they felt light and comfortable, the drawcord tightener (not sure of the technical name), came loose. During the course of 3 hours, I had to re-tighten the drawcord 5 times. That is unacceptable for their intended use. I have a pair of Salomon's that I NEVER have to re-tighten, even wearing 10 hours a day.

These would never make it through the swamps. They would be left at the bottom of the first pool I had to walk through.

(legalese)

The Shoot

2010-09-04T00:06:00.000-04:00

In 12 hours, dove season will officially begin. I will be partaking in the opening day festivities at the farm of a friend. Last year was my first time dove hunting, and I enjoyed it immensely.

My weapon of choice will be my Grandfather's Browning Magnum 20. Made in Belgium of course. He gave it to me just a few weeks before his death, along with its companion, the Sweet 16, also from the Belgium error. There is also an extra barrel with the Sweet 16, but the Magnum 20 was his obvious go-to gun. It has good wear, where he let it rest on his forearm when he held it in the crook of his arm. He used to dove and quail hunt quite a bit, and even raised bird dogs.

Tomorrow, the old girl will finally be back in the hunt.

"Ya can't grill it, til ya kill it." -Ted Nugent

Adventure Ideas

2010-08-26T19:36:00.000-04:00

I am looking for new adventures. With the job market not panning out, what can I do? I see no reason, with my daughter out on her own and no one waiting up for me, that I should not get out and about. Its time to play in the bush.

I am looking at doing some train-up, continue losing weight, shakeout my gear selection and prepare for the Florida Trail. Following the Florida Trail, do I continue on to others? Extend an expedition across the country? I still want to do my equine long ride, but there are no funds for that right now, so I am looking for alternatives.

What about getting a used canoe and heading down the Missouri River, to the Mississippi, to the Gulf? That would be a pretty cool adventure to follow the Lewis and Clark Trail, in reverse.

After that, maybe a trip to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand? You can tool around on a budget there for less than $5 per day. One of the last places where that is possible.

I am going to continue the career search, but will be keeping an eye out for alternatives. Why sit home and be bored, or depressed? I am still young enough to have a little adventure.

I do need to deal with the VA on a couple of other issues first, but that can occur between now and leaving for the Florida Trail.

2010 Global Peace Index

2010-08-23T16:00:00.003-04:00

Who rates the 149 countries of the world, to determine their place on the index? It must be the UN, or other freedom hating libtards. Middle-eastern and some African nations are more peaceful than the USA? Indonesia, where they have had serious peace-loving muslim problems, is rated higher than us? Yes, muslim is purposely lower-case. They get a big letter when they grow up.

USA: 85
Indonesia (SE Asia): 67
Namibia (Africa): 59
Zambia (Africa): 51
Mozambique (Africa): 47
United Arab Emirates: 44
Botswana (Africa): 33
Oman (Middle East): 23
Malaysia (SE Asia): 22

I will agree with New Zealand, and the higher placement for Iceland, Ireland, Scandinavian countries, etc. But you place Bosnia, where we had to go and stop genocide, higher? Greece where there have been riots, is 62??? Oman, in the Middle East, and Jordan are higher?

Of course, they love Israel, because they made the list at 144. I guess you aren't peace loving if you won't let terrorists overrun your country.

I think we need to withdraw from helping all these folks, and see if they can figure it out for themselves. Protect our borders and our interests abroad, but leave everyone else to help themselves. I think there should be a moratorium that the USA does not interject our imperial ways, nor help, any country for a minimum of 4 years. The exceptions would be South Korea, Ireland, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, and Canada. Any of those would have the option of not being our ally. They are free to remove themselves from that status, only once. Once they do, they are never to return to the fold.

We will also be bringing our troops, missile systems and equipment back from mainland Europe. We may distribute it to the aforementioned countries for quick deployment purposes, however.

Here is the link to the 2010 Global Peace Index Map.

Liberal Logic

2010-08-20T16:29:00.003-04:00

So, Nancy Pelosi wants the almighty government to investigate those that oppose the mosque in NYC? Well, put me on that list.

“There is no question there is a concerted effort to make thisa political issue by some. And I join those who have called for looking into how … this opposition to the mosque is being funded.”

I think the thing the government needs to investigate is, who is funding the mosque?

As for my funding, it is the country I took an oath to protect, years ago, and the freedom that I choose to live my life by, regardless of Hussein and his forty theives' desire to have otherwise. We are a Constitutional Republic. Live your life by it.

Diet Update

2010-03-01T22:15:00.003-05:00

I did not do a post on this last week, but my grandfather died. He was a WWII veteran of the Rhineland Campaign in Germany, and a Freemason. I am the only one out of the children and grandchildren that shares either of these items with him. I participated the Masonic portion of the funeral, and my brother-in-law, who is a Master Sergeant in the Air Force, presented the flag to my grandmother, after the Honor Guard did their thing and presented it to him, for presentment. It was a great graveside service, that truly honored my grandfather.

My first cousin, who is 3 weeks younger than I, came down for the funeral. She looks like she did 20 years ago, which is amazing, because she is 41. She noticed that I have lost a bit of weight, and we were talking about changing eating habits. She had bought the book "Eat Right For Your Type." This discusses eating right for your blood type. She said that she feels so much better after following this thing. She was raised as a big meat eater, and her blood type is more of a vegetarian type. She still enjoys a good steak every once in awhile, but it clogs her up, as she put it.

Her husband is the same blood type as I am, and he eats according to it.

As a Type O, I am a Hunter type. Oddly enough, it falls right in line with the Hunter-Gatherer diet I have been on, with the exception of the cheating during the holidays, and making Brigid's recipes.

Validation of a good thing, by a totally different approach, is awesome!! Call me Captain Caveman!

VA Update - Podiatry, Mental Health and C & P Exam

2010-02-25T10:55:00.003-05:00

I must say that my overall medical care at the Tuskegee VA Hospital has been exemplary. With few exceptions, my treatment there has been courteous to friendly, with genuine concern for my well-being. They have also explained procedures and diagnoses to my satisfaction, when they know what the answer is, and have informed me when they do not know. That is service I am glad to receive and is miles above the "care", or lack thereof, received at the Atlanta VA Hospital for the previous 12 years.

I went to the VA on 23 February for 3 appointments, total.

Podiatry: As happens on a regular basis, scheduling schedules entirely too many folks to be seen. I waited for 49 minutes to go to the back, then another 20 minutes to actually be seen. This is not the Doctors' and Nurses' faults. Once they get you back there and see about you, it is great service. I saw a nice internist who has prescribed compression socks so that I can go hiking without my feet swelling up, or to at least help (YEAH!). She also took molds of my feet to order custom orthodic inserts for my shoes to help with my high arch, a first with any doctor, military or veteran's. I have also been subscribed capsaicin cream, to provide relief from the pain in my ankles and feet. I do not like pills and this is a more natural solution for at least one of my problems. If I can manage the pain with things like this, and every month a new one is handled, I just don't know what I will do with myself. I dream of being pain free for the first time in almost 20 years.

Mental Health: I won't talk much about this, except that my running over on the Podiatry, pushed back MH. I had the Podiatry appointment at 10:00, MH at 11:00 and C & P at 13:00. I arrived at MH at 11:40, and was told that was fine. They took my vitals (I have officially lost 21 lbs since the end of September and my blood pressure is now normal thanks to my diet), then a psychiatric nurse asked me some questions, then back to the waiting room to await the Doctor I had the appointment with. I waited until 12:30, then I had to head out to C & P. You do not want to keep them waiting, they will punish you by taking 50% of your disability compensation, until you do come in. I am going to have to reschedule the MH appointment.

C & P Exam: I want to start by saying that I have never been so personally offended by any medical "professional" in my life, as I was at this appointment. I checked in at 12:38. My appointment was at 13:00. There were no other folks in the waiting room. I was summoned at 13:28.

Upon entering this individual's office, I was informed, "as soon as you walked through that door, you are suing the US Government." And, "I am basically a medical investigator, who will gather facts to submit for consideration of compensation." She had a degree from Harvard, prominently displayed on her wall. I will refer to her as Beth. Beth has a Master's from Harvard in Rehabilitative Medicine, according to the degree on the wall, but I cannot find anything about it on Harvard's website.

I had to provide specific dates of events and other such information that I do not have. She did not have my medical records to reference that ALL of these issues occurred following my exposure to chemical nerve agents in Iraq and the experimental pills we had to take to protect us against the effects of such exposure. She informed me that she was reporting that I undiagnosed problems, which occurred at an unspecified times. All the information is in my medical records, but since she didn't see them, they do not exist. She also informed me, upon examination that I don't have these problems, after she had previously informed me that she is not an orthopaedic specialist so could not tell me about my joints, and the grinding in my knee. Oh yeah, when I moved my knee, and it made its loud grinding noises, she asked me to stop because it was a horrible sound. Nope, nothing wrong here.

I am also supposed to have my hearing loss (they issued me hearing aids) considered, as well as the ringing in my ear. She told me to talk to Audiology, who told me prior to this that it is C & P that determines compensation, which is logical. Now I have to get that figured out. And they wonder why veterans go off on folks.

So after 2.5 hours of being talked down to, I had to go get additional x-rays made before I could leave. That went well, as the radiology staff was as courteous, efficient and friendly as always. They had a radiology student there and she was just so damn cute, with that sweet southern accent, and just all-around adorable. I wanted to take her home.

There was more said in the C & P, but I have taken notes, because I am sure an appeal will be in order. My first C & P, when I first got out, was nothing like that. An absolutely horrible experience. A non-doctor making medical determinations, in spite of military and VA doctor's opinions, backed by the National Institute of Health and other medical findings, related to Gulf War vets exposed to the explosion and release of nerve agents near our AO in Iraq.

Now, to the goodness of the brotherhood of veterans. As I walked down the hallway to leave, with my heart feeling like it was going to burst from my chest, I spotted a veteran. He looked familiar, and I asked him where he was stationed. He had been attached from another unit, to 2/4 Cavalry, my squadron. There is something about veterans in general that make me feel safe, unlike being in something like a mall for my daughter, or any other place with lots of people. I do not have that feeling in a VA facility. We are all brothers and sisters. It matters not to me, if you were in combat, if you are disabled, young or old. We all have a bond of having served. Most proudly, while some as idiots and slugs. I don't care for the latter. They don't fit into my perception of veterans.

I learned from him, and then a couple of others from our generation while we were talking out front, about other services available, educational opportunities for my daughter, etc. I stood outside yapping for about 2 hours with the guy from the Cav, afterwards going home feeling better about the future. On the way, I wondered why veterans are not providing the service to other veterans, in the Veterans Administration. Why are we looked at as "suing the government" for compensation, for injuries occurred while serving our country, and quickly informed that we are not entitled to said compensation, it is a benefit if they decide to give it to you.

Of all the protected classes in my Country, I am in the two that are not: Caucasian and a veteran.

To all my brothers and sisters: continue to fight the good fight, for those that will come after us. One day, we will not be looked at as second class citizens.

Liberal Elistism Update

2010-02-13T18:01:00.002-05:00

I missed this last week, but it was just brought to my attention. The elitism of these academic failures is amazing.

Harvard Hometown Plans Coercive Taxes, Veganism to Stop Climate 'Emergency'

Respect For The Office

2010-02-10T21:48:00.003-05:00

I know this has been around recently, but I just received it. The total lack of respect for the office, and the obvious arrogance of this individual, is embarrassing.

Videos From 2010 Winter Meet in Missouri

2010-02-05T00:54:00.002-05:00

It was COLD!!! -1 to 26 degrees. While cold, it was not wet. Thank goodness for small favors. Here are two videos of the meet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtSDPt7mPxs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBe5IWckANY

Cold This Way Comes

2010-01-25T15:40:00.003-05:00

Wednesday morning, I am heading to sleep in the cold. I am not heading into the woods here in Georgia, I am heading to the mid-west for a little pain and suffering. I know not why.

When I was younger, I would saddle a horse in the dead of winter, with freezing rain coming down and head out with a bedroll. I am sure the house was cussing me, but it was adventure. When I was in the Army, I would volunteer for anything that put me in the woods or a foreign land. A rucksack, some MREs or little forest critters, a sleeping bag and a canteen cup. I was good to go, and it was an adventure.

Now, I am 41, my nerves and bones are deteriorating, I am 80 pounds overweight according to the government (but I think a 160 lb man that is 5' 10", is a hot woman), and I have a jeep. I am heading to Lawson, Missouri to camp out with a bunch of middle aged guys, some younger guys, a couple of their women folk, and eating Mountain House meals, unless I can get my biscuits to cook up in the dutch oven, in sub-freezing weather. It is an adventure and I am not looking forward to it. Cold alone does not bother me, but cold and wet is miserable. It will be cold and wet in Missouri.

Maybe, by the time I make the 14 hour drive, I can convince myself that I am 15 again. My horse is my jeep, my bedroll is the Slumberjack Kodiak in the back (rated for -40), and I am on another grand adventure. Yes, I will try.

Play in the bush, and try not to freeze.

Haiti - What Can We Learn?

2010-01-21T10:10:00.002-05:00

I wonder how many people are looking for lessons in their own lives, while being inundated with 24/7 coverage of Haiti?

This is a good chance to deal with preparedness again. Even the people who's homes were not destroyed in Haiti, have no stores to go to, to resupply. They have no water, and the electricity is out, preventing water from being pumped in. Not a good scenario folks. It has been a week and things are still coming in, in a trickle. I don't think anyone can blame President Bush on this one, although I am sure some are trying.

I will say it again. Having spare food and water is not a survivalist bastion. It is a provider bastion. It is your responsibility as a provider for your family (even if you live alone, or with your critters), to provide for those under your care. My grandparents did it, as did their parents, and grandparents. It was part of life.

I believe it is even more important now, to have a backup plan. We are even more dependent on electricity and technology. Grocers and retail outlets use just-in-time delivery systems. While this is very efficient and reduces overhead and wastage in the supply chain for the retailer, it is a negative for the consumer. In the last 10 years, food availability is limited to a maximum of 36 hours in the supply chain. If you are in the cities and heavily urbanized areas, you are subject to 18-24 hours of supply. Those are not good numbers.

If you question my previous paragraph, do as I have done, from Atlanta to San Francisco, to my local country chain grocer. Ask them for a case of any food stuff. I like to ask for something common like beans or peas. Stop one of the stockers and request an unopened case of ????? beans. When that is unavailable, ask them for a box to put the case of beans in, that is on the shelf. I have only gotten that one time, and it was in that country chain grocer. Of course, they can have it to you on the first truck in the morning, unopened and as an additional order item for that day's supplies.

If you grow and can your own food, or are a hunter-gatherer type, then you probably have no worries about this. If you live in a subdivision, or travel a lot for work, must work 2 jobs in this economy, etc., then you probably do not have time or place to grow your own food. Frankly, I would rather live in an out-building on some country acreage, than a mansion in a city, but that's just me. Its a peace of mind thing, and money does not mean as much to me as it once did.

A few years ago, when I was in the top 2% of wage earners, my Grandfather told me, "money cannot buy happiness." My response was, "Folks that think that, don't have any money." Less than 10 years later, and yes, he is right. At least that is the way I feel now. Your mileage may vary. If I were able to get back into the corporate world now (since my daughter is an adult), I would still live at the level I live now. I would have a heck of a savings plan though.

I digress.

Even if you only buy an additional 10-20% of food for your use, and rotate it, every grocery period, you would be surprised at how fast it accumulates. Every 5 months would garner an additional month. Don't eat out so much, and you can put even more in the pantry, in a short time.

If you are still not convinced, think of this: an even more pressing reason to have a few months of food, that anyone should be able to see now, is the economy. If you lost your job, wouldn't it be nice to have about 6 months of food in the pantry? How much less stress would you have, knowing that you have been a good provider, and your spouse and children will not go hungry for one day.

Preparing now, saves later.

AC Subdivision

2010-01-12T21:22:00.002-05:00

I am working on a subdivision for a bank. This is a subdivision that I worked on for a developer that shorted me about $73,000 in 2007. I severed ties with him at that time.

As things continue to slow down, the worry creeps in. Will my daughter hold true to her desire to join the military? Will she not psyche herself out when she goes to take the real ASVAB? When she is not in the presence of authority figures, she does well. When she is taking a test online or in a book, she does very well. When she feels that pressure, she doesn't do so well.

I am hopeful that she will continue on her path, and that she is successful. That will free up a big load on me. We worry about our children. Given my childhood, I turned out great. She has known none of the pain and torture of my childhood, so she is already ahead.

Further worry is the education. Can I get the funding I need to go forward? I paid in hundreds of thousands of dollars into taxes, but being a white male, I am the least likely to get any use out it when I need it. I already cannot pull unemployment because I am self-employed, even though I paid in, in the past.

What to do, what to do. I am going to continue forward with my college plans until such time as I need to stop forward movement.

McDonalds 365black.com

2010-01-09T23:17:00.003-05:00

I guess this has been around awhile, but I missed it somehow. I try to stay away from fast food joints to begin with, but McD's is definitely off of my list now. If another fast food burger place had a similar site called 365white.com, there would be hate lawsuits. The US Constitution has a "equal protection" clause, and it should be used.

In case you did not know of this site, below is an explanation taken directly from their site.

WHAT IS 365BLACK?

At McDonald's®, we believe that African-American culture and achievement should be celebrated 365 days a year — not just during Black History Month. That's the idea behind 365Black.com. It's a place where you can learn more about education, employment, career advancement and entrepreneurship opportunities, and meet real people whose lives have been touched by McDonald's. Plus, you can also have a chance to win exciting once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. So make sure you visit often — you just might get inspired.

The funny thing is, blacks are more susceptible to heart disease than other ethnic groups, which about 95% of the McDonald's menu contributes to.

New Career

2010-01-08T17:46:00.002-05:00

As I have previously mentioned, my daughter will be heading out to the military in the next couple of months. I have been trying to decide what to do with myself. This will be the first time since I was 14 years old, that I will not be responsible for anyone but me.

I have decided to go back to school. I have some funding for the endeavor; however, I still need to secure a little more. The ideal situation would be, of course, that I could get it all together so that my concentration is on school, without the need to work. I will see what I can pull off.

I spent quite a bit of time by myself over the Christmas holiday and have been thinking about what to study. I originally went to college for veterinary medicine, before burning out working 5 jobs, and joined the military. I have driven a truck, worked various construction jobs, been a project manager, technologist and an executive, among other things.

What makes me happy. What do I like to do as a hobby, that I would love to get paid for. Finally, it dawned on me...the outdoors.

Archaeology. I thought about this but decided against it. I have no desire to go to another country again. I am really only interested in the Archaic and Paleo-Indian periods, which is pretty exclusive to North America. The down side is that much of that work is too tedious to me.

Wildlife Biology: I like everything about this major. In order to get a degree in this discipline, the curriculum of the school must adhere to Wildlife Society standards, at all institutions of higher learning. I am assuming that is unique among non-professional studies, since I cannot find another major with the same requirement.

I am very excited about this new goal. Direction and motivation is a good thing. I was surprised to find that there were many positions available for this degree, and they pay pretty well. Even state positions start at $45K, with federal and private sectors easily in the 6-figure range. Out of 32,000 students at UGA, there are less than 300 in the wildlife program, that is both undergraduate and post-graduate students.

New Year's Penguin

2010-01-04T09:52:00.006-05:00

I have neglected my blog, but I have been enjoying the outdoors a bit more, even with this cold weather we have been having. I spent some time in the mountains on the Saturday, the 2nd. A group of us went up and since I am by myself, I did not get any pictures of me going through the Tellulah River, up the hills or through the snow. One of the guys is an amateur photographer and he took a couple of the Penguin during the course of the day.

Staging, once we were inside the National Forest about 2 miles, before going up a LONG muddy hill, with a couple of switch backs. We had to take it one at a time.

Starting my run, over the first water diverter.

Onward and upward.

It was a good day and the temperature reached a balmy 29 degrees in the afternoon, so that was a nice reprieve. It started out at 17. The Penguin was in his element.

The rest of the Christmas holidays were pretty uneventful. I did some maintenance on the Penguin, cleaned out the garage, did some filing, listed a few things on eBay that had not been used in years. I was going to throw some of that away. As of last night when my "throw away" items were finished selling, I had sold $272 worth of goods. One man's trash is truly another's treasure.

Christmas Weekend

2009-12-28T10:32:00.003-05:00

It was a pretty good Christmas, all things considered. I found many years ago, that I do not care for gifts. I think family is more important, and friends. My sister and her family, as well as myself, all gathered at my mother's for Christmas morning. Mama made homemade catheads, sausage and bacon. We had coffee and let my niece and nephew open presents. It is all about the children after all.

When lunch time rolled around everyone but my mother headed to the family gathering. Mama was picked up by her "boyfriend" and they headed to his cabin in the North Georgia mountains, where they will remain until the New Year.

Boyfriend. That sounds so odd for someone that is almost 62. Manfriend is silly. I feel weird calling someone I am dating a girlfriend. Of course, I have not had one of those for awhile, but I hope to remedy that when my daughter heads out.

Oh, I did receive a wide-angle lens for Christmas. I just need to get out and use this photography equipment I have acquired.

Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T17:54:00.003-05:00

It is upon us. I will be alone on Christmas Eve, and will join family for Christmas dinner.

My daughter, at the request of her sister, is staying at her mother's for Christmas Eve, until New Year's Eve. It will be just me and the computer, maybe a bit of TV, and a book or two will be involved somewhere.

On Tuesday I attended three appointments at the Veterans' Hospital. I found that my hearing had not improved since my "moderately severe" determination. That is in my left ear. My right ear has mild hearing loss as well, which is a new one. The ringing in my ears that have been that way for 20 years is normal, according to the VA. I would like feedback on that if anyone knows. The VA can tell you whatever they like and you have no recourse, but another opinion on the matter would be appreciated.

I was informed that I have nerve damage. That is strange. I would never have thought that being exposed to nerve agent, would actually cause nerve damage. I stand in awe of doctors sometimes. In addition to the nerve damage, I have arthritis in my left knee and ankle. Again, I am in awe of people that tell me the grinding in my knee for the last 20 years is not normal. I guess the pain shouldn't be there either.

I did have a physical therapist, Doctor Abadaboo-hump-a-camel, tell me that the chronic bursitis I have had for 20 years is only a pinched nerve. Isn't that cool. All the other doctors have been wrong, both military and VA. But not to worry, this guy figured it all out.

Why are there no American doctors in the VA? I have only had east-Indian and middle-eastern doctors. They have thick accents. These are not Americans who are decedents of folks from these countries, they actually were born and raised there. What is up with that?

I will reflect upon these intellectual matters over the next week. Maybe I can obtain a grant from the government to study these things for the next 20 years.

Customer Service

2009-12-19T18:15:00.003-05:00

Is it just me, or has customer service taken a nose dive?

You would think, in light of the recent economic times, that companies would make sure they took care of their customers. I have seen the opposite myself. The latest of which concerns a product I purchased for my Jeep Cherokee.

I went online and purchased a CO2 system for airing up tires and running impact wrenches, while you are on the trail. It is a great concept and has a higher and more consistent pressure, than an oxygen tank. I have read quite a bit about these things and their benefits and located a vendor I wanted to use. That vendor is Eastside Custom Truck out of Washington state. I was on my trip to Missouri when the tank and accessories came in, and I was pretty excited about getting back to see it.

For reference purposes, I purchased the 20# tank on this page. Now, there are no dimensions on this page, so I really did not know what to expect, and I had no idea of knowing what size I saw in pictures of others' setups.

Anyway, I emailed the sales department of the company to inquire about exchanging it for a smaller unit. I was told that they didn't know what they could do, they would have to check with the manufacturer. I was less than pleased with this response, and a lack of anyone to talk with. I am disappointed with their customer service thus far, but remain hopeful that I can obtain a usable sized tank.

Time Away

2009-12-15T16:29:00.002-05:00

I have been away from a computer for a few days.

I went to see a friend in Tennessee, then drove on to Missouri, arriving after a nice winter storm, and with snow on the ground. We did a little camping out in the freezing weather, and my new Slumberjack Kodiak bag worked VERY WELL. I never felt the cold and only awoke 3 times during the night, due to noises outside the norm. They have a pretty big population of coyotes and I think at least one was sniffing around.

I left Missouri at 7:00 am yesterday morning, and arrived back home south of Atlanta about 10:30 pm. I only stopped for a total of about 40 minutes for fuel and coffee.

It was a good reprieve from life and I look forward to the next adventure.

I would like to say that The Penguin performed flawlessly. We even used the winch to pull out a large hickory tree to cut up for firewood. No overheating, no leaks, and no clunks. The new tires that I put on the day before I left worked great and gave me another 1.5 mpg. Not bad by replacing the mud tires with all-terrain models.

This morning I received a call from a bank client that wants another development completed. I have been working on that today as well. Maybe things will pick back up a bit.

Islam Website

2009-12-07T19:19:00.002-05:00

And now, a truthful site on Islam, called Islam: the Religion of Peace (and a big stack of dead bodies).

They keep up with attacks in the name of "peace" and allah, and other news.

I am putting a permanent link to the top right of my blog.

Government Idiocy - Today's Installment

2009-12-07T19:05:00.002-05:00

Stupidity reigns supreme. One of the primary building blocks to life on earth, CO2, is harmful to humans. Mammals exhale it and plants use it to create oxygen for us to breathe. Hopefully this idiot will only be a one-term President.

Historic EPA finding: Greenhouse gases harm humans

Dems Opt to Cut Medicare Benefits

2009-12-06T11:23:00.003-05:00

You know how the Democrats, leading up to an election, always pull out the "Republicans are going to cut your medicare benefits" card? Well, it turns out the Republicans are trying to keep Medicare intact, but the Democrats want to cut back on it.

Here is the truth in black and white, from Saturday evening, 5 December 2009:

Senate Votes for Cuts in Medicare Home Health Payments - New York Times

Saturday Gathering

2009-12-06T10:44:00.003-05:00

We had a little get-together yesterday afternoon of some Atlanta folks. All but one person were members of the Jeep XJ forums as well. I received a lot of compliments on how nice and clean my Jeep is. No one said that it needed to be dirtier, or anything of that sort. We are older now and the idea of spending all day on Sunday, cleaning the vehicle from the muddy events of Saturday, is not appealing at all. Most of us really use them for getting away from the rest of the car crowd and going camping. My kind of event. Also, another group of people that have conservative ideals, and are independents.

They all have wives or girlfriends that like to go camping with them, and do not mind that they hang out working on Jeeps and having an adult beverage. I am not sure where I can find one of these women. I am beginning to think it might be an worthwhile pursuit.

We had drinks, pizza and one guy's wife sent over some homemade nacho dip in a crock pot. It was delicious and really hit the spot with the cold creeping in. He even brought bowls for those that wanted to eat it without chips, which was greatly appreciated.

War Is An Ugly Thing

2009-12-04T22:47:00.001-05:00

"War is an ugly thing but not the ugliest of things; the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feelings which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than hisown personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."

- John Stuart Mill

The Penguin

2009-12-03T10:26:00.003-05:00

The Jeep arrived yesterday, none the worse for wear. My daughter has now named it "The Penguin." She seems particularly proud of that name. She picked out a few graphics online to have me make up and adhere to the XJ, but I had to veto 99% of them. The name is gay enough for my personal vehicle without putting a pink cartoon penguin on it as well.

I need to get the emissions test performed on her before I can obtain a tag and registration. I might do that today. I need to get a couple of extra light bulbs for an on-the-road kit. I have a couple of canvas bags of different sizes, to organize a bit, as well as wrench and tool rolls, just to keep things organized. I will be doing a video on setting up an expedition type vehicle in due time.

Onwards and upwards.

VA - Psych

2009-12-01T15:45:00.004-05:00

I had my appointment yesterday for an initial psychological eval, which was with a social worker.

She has concerns. She has scheduled me right past the psychologist, to the psychiatrist. She was talking about depression and medication. I cannot say that I am depressed. I am angry, though. Anyone who took an oath to protect Constitution, and is not angry, is suspect. I love my country and detest those that are trying to make us weak.

The first thing she asked when I came in was, "do you own a firearm?"

Me: "Yes, I do."

Her: "More than one?"

Me: "Um, Yes."

Her: "Where do you keep them?"

Me: "In my house or on my person."

Her: "On your person?"

Me: "Yes. I have a conceal carry permit."

Her: "OK, where are they kept. In your bedroom, living room...?"

Me: "None of your business."

Her: "Do you have them locked up?"

Me: "No. Is there a legal requirement I am unaware of that compels me to do so?"

No: "No. Have you had safety classes on handling firearms?"

Me: "You mean besides the 8 years in military? You do realize you are a veterans' organization, asking a veteran if they have ever had safety training, right?"

Her: "Yes. We have to ask this now," she says as she rolls her eyes. "It came down a few months ago."

Me to myself: I wonder what administration provided this guidance.

Then, she gave me a pamphlet on firearm dangers in the household, written by the Brady Campaign and some George Soros organization no doubt, using fake figures to demonize veterans. I have not read it yet.

She assured me that anything I saw to her or a psychiatrist is held in the strictest confidence, as mandated by HIPPA Laws. I need to check those out. Otherwise, I am canceling the psychiatric appointment. If anyone knows about that, can you shoot me an email? I specifically asked her if their opinion of me gets reported to my state for revocation of my 2nd Amendment rights. That is when she informed me of HIPPA. I would understand and expect to be reported if I made a threat or anything similar. I just don't want some bed-wetting liberal to make an arbitrary decision just to exercise their perceived power. I did bring it up to her when she asked if I ever wanted to kill myself or anyone else, that I have had a concealed carry permit for most of the last 20 years and have not even threatened a citizen. I had to explain the difference between intimidation and preparation. I am probably filed under "survivlist" or "militia" now. As we used to say back in the day: Fuck em in the neck.

I find it interesting that we jumped into the weapon issue before she asks me anything about how I am feeling, do my shoes fit too tight, and are the voices very loud today. I get defensive at these types of things, especially in light of what the anti-gun folks want to do, and the lies they can spread with impunity.

In case anyone would like to shoot a private message, you can do it through faolbushcraft (a) gmail.

Peace, love and chicken grease!

The Honky

2009-11-29T13:21:00.002-05:00

My new (to me) Jeep XJ was supposed to be picked up at the seller's location in Missouri on Friday. It wasn't, and there was no word from anyone about it. The broker already debited my credit card on Tuesday, the 24th. I tried to call the two numbers I had for him and there was no answer. I left somewhat civil, but irritated, voicemails and have received no return calls.

I better get a phone call in the morning or I am calling the feds to press charges for interstate wire fraud. I hate people that do not keep their word, and never provide a reason why...and then take my money on top of that.

I seem to be irritated today for some reason.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-29T13:08:00.003-05:00

I thought I had already made a post for Thanksgiving, but I see that I was incorrect.

I had Thanksgiving dinner with my paternal family. It was palatable. It has been many years since I have done so, and I felt just as out of place this time.

I asked my aunt, who was hosting the maternal side Thanksgiving festivities, if she would save me some Cornbread Dressing. That is my favorite food. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It may have something to do with my birthday always falling around, if not on, Thanksgiving Day. Anyway, she saved me about 10 lbs of dressing....YIPEE!!

Unfortunately, my daughter ate a couple of servings of it too, so it didn't go as far. So much for unselfish children. Yes, about dressing I am selfish. It is my only request for my birthday, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. You would think someone who gives and provides all year round (me), would have the only single luxury they desire (dressing) without someone else (daughter) trying to horn in on it.

I may be a bit bitter. I quit smoking, I do not do drugs, rarely consume alcohol (and never in front of her), I have never abused her, and have been a damn fine single parent, if I do say so myself, with no assistance from her useless mother. I did not call her an "abomination" like her mother did, when she announced that she was gay. I was very supportive of her. I wasted LOTS of money by buying her different horses and all the requisite supplies that little endeavor entails, paid for riding lessons, carted her around to events, and sold my own horse to pay for surgery for her this past spring, with nary a word. It was something that needed to be done.

LEAVE MY DAMN CORNBREAD DRESSING ALONE!!!!

VA - Podiatry

2009-11-24T17:17:00.003-05:00

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. That is one of the things that the podiatrist thinks I have. It explains many of the symptoms, and it sounds as though I am lucky I don't have all of those symptoms. I will be having the electrical impulse tests sometime in the near future. The VA does not handle those types of tests and I will be referred to a civilian doctor. I understand that the electrical impulse testing will be a little "uncomfortable." That sounds lovely.

I wonder sometimes if I will ever be pain free again. I am not sure I even remember what that is like. I have been in pain for almost half of my life now, since I was 21. I turned 41 yesterday.

I would do it all over again. I loved serving. I loved putting on that uniform every day. I was a damn fine soldier. I knew it, as did those around me. Others depended on me and I relished the responsibility. Cocky? Perhaps. But that did not negate my responsibility, nor the trust that others placed in me.

For more information on Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, click here.

Drive on!

2009-11-23T18:49:00.002-05:00

My daughter is still deciding on a name for the Great White Honky. She doesn't like that name, but that is all I have come up with. I told her to come up with one, so we will see what that yields.

It was going to cost me $500, plus travel expenses and a motel room to fly up and pick up the Jeep. Or, I can have it delivered in a few days for $495, total. I have decided to go with the delivery option. You only pay $150 for the broker fee, and you pay the final amount to the driver when he unloads your vehicle. That is the way to go. Besides, I would rather not be on the road during the holidays.

I am looking forward to getting the Jeep and heading out to do a bit of camping. It should be fun.

New Vehicle

2009-11-23T02:01:00.004-05:00

Just won the auction for a 1994 Jeep Cherokee Country 4x4. This thing has had LOTS of work and add-ons...well, added on. It has also been taken care of very well. This purchase saves me about $6,000 worth of work that it would have cost me, in addition to the price of the vehicle, just from the things already on it.

I just have to figure out how to get to the midwest and pick it up. I will figure out something, even if I have to rent a small U-Haul van, just to drive it. There are no direct flights to this area, so I will be winging it somehow.

I added the logo from BushcraftUSA on to it, but here it is:

I know it is older, but you cannot beat the price for repairing these things, and the ease of location and installation of parts. I can buy a long block 4.0 liter engine (the inline 6), with a 7 year/100,000 mile warranty, for $1,200. Try to buy ANYTHING for ANY vehicle made today, for that price. Especially putting a new item on a used vehicle.

I have never owned a Jeep before, so this should be fun. I want to look further into the article I read about bypassing computers in the XJ, by routing the wiring through relays instead. This would allow me to keep spare relays at the house, or even in the Jeep, for easy replacement.

M1009 Update

2009-11-20T02:12:00.003-05:00

OK, I have driven no less than a half dozen M1009 military blazers in the last 3 days. I am done. There are some serious issues with the ones I have driven. I finally talked to an honest MV (military vehicle) guy, and he said that what I wanted would be way too pricey to do with an MV.

The M1009 is a 1/2 ton vehicle with a minimum 3/4 ton engine. The transfer cases are aluminum, which would not work well for you if you hit a rock on the trail, so that would have to be changed. The rear end whined louder than the diesel engine, with no sound dampening in the vehicle, in two of the ones I drove. The M1009 also leaks like a sieve, with hidden rust spots that are just nuts.

The M1008 is a the 5/4 ton pickup truck. They just put an extra leaf-spring on, to add 1/4 of a ton, to a one ton truck. Smart, huh. They will max out at 55 mph, unless you regear them, and maybe put in a 700R4 transmission, to gain an overdrive gear. Not a daily driver type of thing for long trips.

A pro to the MV's...the brakes are awesome, the engines last a long time, and in the case of the blazer, you can get 25 mpg...just wear earplugs.

I still want to stick with an American made product. The Jeep XJ (Cherokee) is back on. Here we go again.

Humility

2009-11-14T10:54:00.002-05:00

When you are feeling cocky and full of yourself, or if you are feeling low and think that your life could not get any worse, you may be in need of perspective. When these times of trouble yield extremes in emotions, you can find a good dose of humility at the following site:

Congressional Medal of Honor Society

I am not sure if this is something that happens when everyone ages, or perhaps when you have been through crap yourself you feel empathetic, but my vision gets blurry reading stories like this. It even happens when I watch some movies.

Maybe I need to check for leaky seals around my eyeballs.

Zeus is Sold

2009-11-13T13:09:00.004-05:00

Zeus was listed on eBay twice.

The first time I started the bidding at $14,500, with a reserve of $17,500. There were over a dozen "watchers" but no one bid. The blue book, without mods, is almost $16,000. I traded a 3/4 ton truck worth $9,000 for this one. I should have listened to my inner voice, instead of the mechanics and others that deal with this 4x4 world, and just put it up for sale knowing I would make more than the other truck was worth. No one bid on it.

The second listing was immediately after the first. I started the bid at $12,500 and let it run. Zeus was purchased for $13,500. I cleared $4,500 more than Billie was worth. I never wanted this truck anyway, and only traded because I thought it would yield a higher gain. Yield it did.

After looking at multiple forums, vehicle reviews, looking into my past, and deciding what my long term goals were, I have decided to purchase an M1009 military blazer. I posted back in October that I was looking at the Land Rover and Jeep Cherokee. While good choices I knew I would have end up with an American manufacturer's vehicle (not necessarily made in America because that is no longer 100% possible). That took out the Land Rover.

After looking at the Cherokee some more, while I continued to research (I love researching), I happened upon an old friend, or at least that friend's first cousin...an M1009 CUCV. For those that do not know, that is the military version of the K5 blazer.

The M1009 comes with the 6.2 liter diesel, with no turbo. It also gets up to 26 mpg. The windows are manual, including the rear. You can make them electric for relatively little, but I am not sure I want to do that. They have blackout drive. They have bucket front seats, with no console, so I can custom build what I want. No air conditioning, but the heaters work great. No radio. It also has a 24v DC electrical system, with two batteries and two 100 amp alternators, which will save money with my plans.

I want a vehicle for expedition use in North America. I want to be able to get into the backcountry and setup a base camp to operate from. Maybe a little hiking, some photography, nature watching, etc. I do not want a rock crawler with 39" swampers. The 35" tires on Zeus are a little bigger than I want actually. The larger the tires, the more pressure on components. There is a guy that has an M1009 outfitted for expedition, similar to what I have planned, and fully outfitted he still gets 20-22 mpg. I can certainly live with that.

The days of caring what others think of my vehicle are gone. I bought new for years, and always trucks. Now, I no longer have them. While the blazer is technically not a truck, it can pull a 2-horse trailer if I need it to. But for now, it will give me something to do during the winter, serve as my daily driver, and keep me motivated about seeing my own country. I just need to find the one I am going to buy, after this guy pays me.

Git along little doggy.

Daughter May Serve

2009-11-10T22:20:00.002-05:00

My daughter has been wanting to go into the military. Her first choice was the Air Force with the Army coming in second. I have encouraged the AF option, just using my experience of their quality of life for single soldiers. My personal experience with this is now 13 years old. I am out of date, if not obsolete.

We have been gearing up to my daughter going to see the Air Force recruiter yesterday. Her appointment was at 11:00 am, at an office 40 miles away. We arrived and he was not there. The Army personnel called him, and he said he didn't write it down, and would be back after 3 pm. My daughter was ticked, as was I. She had an appointment a week ago, and the recruiter called to reschedule this one. He was at fault.

I called a recruiting office where we had helped her friend go in through. He couldn't deal with me, and said he was taking off for the rest of the week. So, I called my mother to look online and see where the next nearest one was. I drove 2 hours, one-way, for the 3rd choice of the day, and I will refer to them as AF-R3.

My daughter was home schooled the last 2 years of her high school. I bought a farm in a county that was supposed to have a good school system. It turns out that it was not such a good school, or at least it had changed since the rating performed 2 years earlier, or maybe just released 2 years earlier, with the data being older still. She has 1 year of government school in 9th grade, 10th grade in a private school, and 2 years with a nationally known home school program.

Being home schooled puts you in a Tier 2 capacity for military service. Online with GED recipients, but ahead of drop-outs at least. Tier 1 is a straight high school diploma. Tier 1 can gain instant access to enlisting. Tier 2 goes on a waiting list, until their are "pity slots". Home schoolers consistently test higher than government school students, but they are relegated to 2nd class citizens by our nations military. As a veteran, I am not happy about this revelation.

AF-R3 informed my daughter of the above Tier 2 status that she was in, and promptly dashed her hopes of serving her country. AF-R3 gave her a load of paperwork, told her to bring in a diploma and transcripts and she would pass it up the command structure to see if she could do something, and she could expect to enter the service in 8 months, minimum. My daughter was absolutely crushed. I was pissed.

I came home last night and started hitting the net. I wrote the Home School Legal Defense Association and an accredited high school that does non-traditional education and diplomas. I was willing to pay the last of my available funds to get my daughter started in a good life for herself. She wants independence, but knows that she needs structure. She wants to serve her country, like her father did. Like her Grandfather did. She wants to get her degree and become an officer. It is a noble goal. If she did that, I would wear my uniform and gladly salute my 2LT daughter, as her SGT father. How humbling that would be.

Today I went to the local recruiting station and the NCOIC was there. He is an airborne ranger, and served with the same regiment I did. Of course, he went in the year I separated, but its a brother-in-arms thing. Actually, its a doing your job thing. While my daughter was taking the sample AFQT, he got on the phone with the education specialist, talked with her, and then I did. This long drawn out process that the AF-R3 said they would TRY to do something with, was handled in 15 minutes. And the Ranger said "Follow me."

Now, my daughter will be doing a bit of PT, studying, and in another 3 weeks, she should be heading to MEPS for her initial go-round, and will see what is offered. I have gotten her as far as I can. It is now up to her. I wish her the best. If you have a government high school diploma, you must score 31 on the AFQT. If you are homeschooled, you must score a minimum of 50, plus take an additional test that is only for homeschoolers, and also score a 50 on it. There is a bit of discrimination against non-comformists. The funny thing is, homeschoolers are admitted to US military academies just fine.

I want my daughter to be independent and self-sufficient. I do not want her to be alone in life. I relegated myself to that, for the time it has taken to raise her, and get her off on her own. I do not look at that as a negative, simply as something that needed to be done. Maybe I will be able to meet someone after she is off and gone...my last mission complete.

I have told her that if she joins, at her graduation I will be in dress blues, complete with accoutrements. I have 40 lbs left to lose.

I pray my daughter is able to take advantage of this opportunity.

7 November

2009-11-07T00:54:00.003-05:00

It has been a trying week.

Grandparents: things are still about the same. I am not sure what is going to happen. Grandmama has firmly stated that she "is not ready" to go to a nursing home. Bydaddy really needs to go. The upstairs bathroom remodel is about finished, which will give them a better layout in the bathroom, widen the door for his wheelchair to get in, and replaced the tub/shower with a low lip shower. I also mentioned to the children (my mother and her siblings) they should have the door hinges reversed to open outward. That way, if someone fell against the bathroom door, it could still be opened.

VA: I had a few terse words and complaints about the QTC Manangement entity that is now doing C & P exams for the VA. Their CEO is a former Secretary of the VA, so they got the good ole boy contract. They are rude and inconsiderate and I had to remind the idiots who they work for. I am not going unarmed anywhere in Atlanta, and I want my C & P exam to be where my primary care physician is.

What brought this on, is my QTC Representative (used loosely and scarcastically) called this week to inform me that I had an appointment scheduled for a date that I am to be at a VA appointment in Tuskegee. When I informed her of this, she told me that this would count as a reschedule and that I only get one. I informed her that rescheduling an appointment inferred that I was somehow involved in making one, and had agreed to it. She said they were not concerned with that, and I was refusing an appointment. I asked her how their policies saw an appointment created by their BOSS (the VA) should be superceded by themselves. She got a worse case of the ass, and I became even more of an asshole. I am afraid I had to correct her thoughts on who I am. I do not take orders anymore, and certainly from someone who misunderstands our relationship. I AM THE CLIENT! If you don't like it, go your ass back on welfare and let someone who wants to work and act like they have some sense, do the job. When you are in the business of taking care of veterans, you take care of veterans.

Work: Slow to non-existent.

Recent News: All I need is a knife dipped in bacon fat, and I will take care of the problem. I had a throttled version of a tirade over at BCUSA, and I think it will stay there. I am sure you all are as upset about the act, and the spin.

Figure out what makes you happy, and pursue it to the end.

Hallowed Weekend

2009-11-01T20:18:00.007-05:00

My grandfather is dying. I have called him Bydaddy since I was a child, and am the only grandchild that does, and no one remembers why. My daughter is the only great-grandchild that calls him this. It is our thing. He has fallen a lot lately, and he cannot hardly get around. His mind is clouded and there is a strangeness in his eyes.

He has been a part of my life, where my father has not. He served in WWII, married my grandmother after he returned from the war, and built his own house. They hauled in brick from a depot that was torn down a couple of counties away. In the evening and on weekends they would clean the brick and stack it. Preparing it for the day he would face his house with it.

They still live in that same house, and added to it as the family grew. He started with a 3BR/1BA, with an underhouse cellar, which was pretty unusual for Georgia. He later added a two-story addition, which was split level from the main house. The addition added 2BR/1BA upstairs, a den and 1/2 bath with his darkroom, downstairs. Because you had to go into the 1/2 bath to access the darkroom, it was always his personal space. He smoked his pipe down there, and never did in the main part of the house.

They were both children of the depression of course. They always had a garden, and grandmama would can the bounty, make jelly from the plum tree, and tend her flowers. They would walk hand-in-hand out to the garden, up until their late 70's. My grandfather turned 87 in September. He can hardly walk now due to arthritis and his injuries from falling, and his mind is going. Grandmama's mind is going as well. He cannot remember what he wants to say and gets frustrated, but it doesn't help. She just forgets.

No one has ever seen, or heard, them argue, not even the children. When I was in my early 30's, I asked Grandmama why that was. She said, "we discuss things, but he makes the final decision. He is the man of the house, and it is his job, and he had always done a good job. We are also each others' best friend."

Since she told me that, especially the part about being best friends, I have thought of weddings I have attended. The best man is the groom's best friend. The maid of honor is the bride's. That person they are about to marry should be their best friend. I believe that is the key to a long marriage. Best friends always work things out.

They have a traditional marriage, or what was once referred to as being traditional. He doesn't boss her, but he is the man of the house, and she will tell you that in a hurry. She raised four children and worked full time herself when the youngest started school. She retired from the school system as the administrative assistant for the high school. She worked there when I was in middle and high school (they were combined). That will go a long way in keeping you cognizant of how you are acting in school.

I was over there for quite a while yesterday talking to him. I would wheel him into his office, for him to smoke a bowl. He has used the same pipes for decades and they show it. I had one in the console of my truck that I had used only a couple of times before I quit smoking, and for some reason I never put it in storage. He was having a fit with one of his yesterday so I went out and brought mine in to give to him, and he was using it today when I went over.

We talked yesterday of the war, and again today. He was in the European theater for two years. I am the only one that has been in any branch of the military, in either side of the family, since his generation. My paternal grandfather was in the Navy in WWII, but he died in 1983. And, like both of my grandfathers and great-grandfathers, I am also a Mason. I will be the one taking care of the Masonic burial arrangements for Bydaddy. I will also take care of the veteran things for him as well. It is the least I can do.

Unlike many in his generation, he never asked for a handout when he got older. He and Grandmama worked hard and put aside. They did not pay for their children's college. They felt they had to do that themselves. They gave the youngest, my uncle, a place to stay while he went to college, so he only had to earn money for tuition and books, which was easier then than now. The oldest of the three daughters and one son, is my Aunt K. She didn't go to college until her husband, a captain with a major airlines, died in a plane crash.

They paid for things in cash. They have a 2000 Dodge Durango SRT 4x4. It is top of the line. He didn't skimp on quality. It is 9 years old and has 15,000 miles on it, about 4/5 of that has been put on by 2 of my mother's siblings. He has always taken care of things and would let you know when he thought you weren't.

I was there for the burial of my Great-grandfather, who served in WW1, and was a Mason. He died at 95 years old. My Great-grandmother died at 96. What will happen to Grandmama when Bydaddy dies? She, who has been so devoted to her husband and the family. The matronly woman who carries herself as royalty of old. Shoulders back. Head held high. Proud. She still looks at him with admiration, and love.

Is there no one in my generation who longs for that? I will be 41 this month. I really do not care about the age aspect of getting older. The loneliness matters. Not now necessarily, I never really think of myself as being lonely. My daughter is leaving the nest, so that will have some type of impact. This will be the first time since I was 14, that I have not had to worry about someone else.

Whose eyes will I look into at 80? My own, in a mirror? Will there be someone to wipe my brow, or for me to wipe theirs? I seem to ponder this more as I watch him deteriorate. He doesn't want anyone to see him like this. Many times he forgets. For that I am grateful.

Sometimes I just wonder.

Psych Eval

2009-10-30T13:27:00.004-04:00

I received a notification by the VA, of a pyschological evaluation appointment, in the mail. My appointment will be at the end of November. Yipee!!

I believe I mentioned that they did a questionnaire and think I have PTSD. I am a little mixed on this one. I was honest in answering the questions, but being labeled at having PTSD is like this dark nightmare I have, of the label being used to deny me rights. Specifically, the right to keep and bear arms comes to mind. I know this has been mentioned in the last year as a possible way to revoke the right to veterans, thereby outlawing the possession of firearms to the folks most trained to use them, outside of government LEOs.

I am not sure of the intelligence of this type of action. Would you really want to try to take weapons away from folks who are some of the few that can actually use them? I say that because a lot of people give lip service to what they would "do" if someone came after their guns. Many veterans have actually done those things that internet patriots say they will do. Not that they won't, but many veterans have already had trial by fire.

At least I am finally getting some movement on my service-connected disabilities. I hope they can fix me so that I can walk a little further in the woods, without my joints giving out...without medication.

I also received a call from another department in the VA, for another specialist appointment. They left a message and informed me that I have an appointment on 22 Dec, but did not say where. They did state that a letter was on the way with more information.

Ciao.

Zeus Repairs

2009-10-26T23:06:00.003-04:00

Zeus is rocking along. I have a much better ride now after getting new front-end parts installed. Installed were pitman arm, idler arm and new power steering pump, sans PS pulley. After the repair job, I headed straight to the front-end alignment shop, and had the front lowered an inch, to relieve pressure on the front end, and everything aligned. With the 8" lift that was previously put onto the truck, I also wanted to make sure that the rear was done correctly, and the rear axle was not shifted to one side or the other.

Bottom line....its all good now.

I am taking my daughter to meet her mother tomorrow afternoon, in middle Georgia. She has an appointment on Thursday to remove her braces. Finally, after 7 years, it will be done. Dakotah is so excited about this, and I understand. I was SO glad when I had them paid off. I have contined to take her down for appointments over the last few years, because I paid for them when she lived with her mother in south Georgia. I was not going to pay someone else up here, after all of the previous outlay. Dakotah said that she would take a picture while she was in the chair in back, and text it to me, before her mother sees her without them. That's my girl!!!

Later this week I will be getting Zeus detailed, take many pictures, and put him on eBay. I know that I just got him, but the purpose of the trade, was to gain something that was worth more, monetarily, than the truck I did not want. Zeus is definitely worth more, and the sale of him will fully finance my Bronco Adventure Vehicle, and leave additional funds for emergency funds...and maybe a nice lever gun in .454, to go with my wheel gun of the same caliber.

I want to head to Alaska next year, if I can get everything finished up with this VA thing. I will be working towards that goal. I have things that will be going on prior to that, but they are not as big of a deal.

Happy life folks!!!

Election in One Year

2009-10-24T17:33:00.003-04:00

Just to get this off of my chest....and in case any of our PUBLIC SERVANTS actually read blogs:

I will be voting against ANY servant that votes or has voted for, Cap and Trade OR Nationalized Healthcare.

That is all.

Lucy Is Gone

2009-10-23T19:08:00.003-04:00

Yep, she was picked up today. Lucy, the 1984 GMC Stepside 4x4, was sold. Another truck he bought had some new stuff, and mine had some new stuff, plus a rust free body. He will have a nice truck when he gets done. He wants it to just do mud boggin', and I am questioning the reason for getting a rust free body...to make it rusty? Oh well. He paid cash.

I have an appointment to drop off Zeus on Monday. The will be rebuilding the front end and putting on a new power steering pump. After that, I should be all good with Zeus.

I did find out about a fabrication shop near the house, today. I was unaware this guy even did fab work, and his shop is behind his house. It sounds like the right guy for me. I want to do the work on my expedition rig, with aluminum, if that is feasible. The bumpers can be steel, and probably should be for rigidity and taking punishment, but the rack system would be fine as aluminum, to help save weight.

I am getting excited about building a rig that will allow me to get into the back country with something I can use as a base camp. I want to hike the AT, PCT, CDT, etc.; however, my body will no longer allow that. An expedition vehicle will allow me to get beyond the reach of day hikers, and weekend warriors. I will surely enjoy that.

I have a couple of friends that need help with things. I will be able to take what I need in my vehicle to be self-sustaining for a while, and lend them a hand. After my daughter leaves for distant lands, I will have things I can do.

A new chapter in my life, and further adventures await.

VA Update

2009-10-21T21:27:00.003-04:00

The VA in Alabama was quite the experience. I did meet some that were helpful, but most people greeted me with indifference. Compared with the Atlanta VA experience, Tuskegee is a model of efficiency, however.

In my first hour, I had all lab work done on the 3rd floor of one building, my initial x-ray completed on the 2nd floor of another building, and an EKG completed with the results in hand, and was sitting back in the waiting room, waiting on my primary care provider's staff. In 15 more minutes, I was back in their suite, having the results gone over, then over to the social worker for a durable power of attorney and living will completed. After that I did a questionnaire with the staff psychologist, where it was determined I am suffering from PTSD.

That is a new one. I never thought about it before, I just thought I was supposed to be pissed off at the world, that lives off the sacrifices of others, with no thought or concerns about the well-being of those that did the sacrificing. It seems I was wrong.

Many specialists are coming up. I did have the meeting with the doctor. It lasted about 45 minutes, and he mainly typed into the computer, rarely asking me a question. I am not sure what is going to happen. I asked him more than once why my knee grinds when I bend it, and he never would answer. Nothing, nada, zilch. This is my primary care physician.

He did offer me medication for my psychological ills. I don't have any, as far as I know, and I definitely would not take medication for them. I was also offered medication for high cholesterol, although it has dropped 25% during my diet. What is with these folks and pills? Does no one know how to diagnose and treat, without medicating?

The VA (Veterans' Adventure) Begins

2009-10-20T23:31:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow I return. I return to the vast vacuum that is the Veterans' Administration machine. Inefficiency at its best...well, behind the Department of Education, the Department of the Treasury, and maybe a few others.

I have my first appointment in another state, Alabama. The Atlanta VA Hospital is less than stellar and many folks have moved to Tuskegee for evaluations and treatment. I know some folks that have experienced great service at Tuskegee, even after being denied at the Atlanta location. I thought they all worked for the same agency. I guess you are subject to the attitude of the surrounding environs. Atlanta is an entitlement geographical area and rural Alabama still has a feeling of appreciation for veterans, even when they are white (gasp!). It is a truism.

I am kind of looking forward to it, but also apprehensive. This is just a short note, and I will return with a report tomorrow evening.

Love you long time, GI.

Crippled Zeus

2009-10-19T16:14:00.004-04:00

Zeus is crippled. I took him to get the front end aligned and the offset torsion bars loosened up enough to drop it an inch on the front, to relieve the pressure on the front end parts. I am too late.

They put Zeus on the rack to do the front end alignment, and you can actually pull the toe of the front tires in, about 6"...each. The pitman and idler arm are gone. This happens when there is not enough play left, and that tension is on. There is also a power steering pump leak, which I knew about, but with the issues on the pitman and idler arms, it puts more pressure on the power steering pump. It is a vicious cycle if you do not take care of the parts.

I had already looked at having the power steering pump replaced, and it was $400. Normally, I would handle that myself; however, I don't like messing with these new vehicles. They have entirely too much electronics under the hood. That is why I want an older truck to rebuild. They are easier to maintain and replace parts. An older diesel for instance needs power to two things to run...starter and fuel solenoid. If it is a manual, just push it off. I do not like the new vehicles where there is no longer a physical connection from the throttle to the fuel delivery system....everything is fly by wire now. Where was I going with this....oh yeah, at this 4 wheel drive shop, all items replaced, including labor and tax, will be $570, total. They will do the work.

I had the mechanic at the smaller shop look at the truck while he had it up for an alignment. He said those items were the only thing he has seen. He also told me that the lift on the truck was the best he had seen done. I feel good about that at least. The mechanic at the 4WD shop, who does lifts for a large part of their living, said it was a good job too, and could find nothing else wrong with the truck either. I am hopeful they are both right.

When the truck is fixed, it will be going on eBay and Craigslist.

No money made today, but some going out. Lovely.

Paleo Update: Week 5

2009-10-18T18:22:00.002-04:00

My weigh-in yesterday yielded the following results:

Weight: 242.4 (17.6 lbs lost)
BP: 119/78
BMI: 34.78

I would have had more lost this week, except that I had a wonderful stew and bread earlier this week, which I am sure set me back a bit. I used 2 bottles of Guiness Stout in the recipes, plus the flour in the bread. This is showing that moderation is the key when I decide to indulge in a little something extra.

I am able to get into a size smaller pants this week, so it is happening around the waist now...fat burn. I am still not doing anything outside the norm, to increase weight loss, besides the change in diet.

I have been tempted to start smoking again, more than when I first quit. I am holding fast.

A 4x4 to Build

2009-10-16T22:39:00.003-04:00

I like Zeus, really, but there is a problem. Zeus is too purdy, to get dirty. He is in excellent condition and I really made out like a bandit on the trade. Of course, Scott probably thinks he did too. When the 2500HD was originally up for sale, I was going to buy a vehicle with a proven drive train, and build it up for the dual purpose of on-road and off-road use.

I do not want to make the rig into a rock crawler. I want to be able to go out west and take some trails out to old ghost towns, get back into the back country in Glacier, Yellowstone and a few others. I would also like to be able to take it to Alaska. Sort of a light expedition vehicle. Conversely, I will be using it as a daily driver.

Beautiful is nice. I have stated previously that I like things simple. Even when I was in the top 5% of wage earners, I never drove a high dollar car, opting for trucks instead. When I lived in Silicon Valley, PRC, I was looked at as being a bit weird. People that worked for me drove the high dollar cars, but I liked to camp, go kayaking, shooting, etc. A truck fit my lifestyle rather well.

I am now thinking of an SUV. The only issue with the SUV is hauling out the hunt, but I can get a hitch-mounted cargo hauler to handle that little problem.

The SUVs in contention are: Land Rover Discovery & Jeep Cherokee (and maybe the Jeep Liberty). Jeep is American made and parts are available aplenty. Land Rover is British, but was made by Ford for a few years, and there are parts available as long as you can pull them yourself. Ordering from the UK is a major expense. After market parts are less expensive for the Cherokee as well. Cherokee gets about 6+ mpg better than the Disco.

The major appeal of the Land Rover Discovery is comfort and expedition quality drivetrain, also proven. I can also buy 3 of them for the price of a low mileage Cherokee. The Cherokee looks, and will always look, like a Jeep. Unlike the Grand Cherokee, the Cherokee is a utilitarian vehicle, and looks the part. The newest one available is 2001, from what I can find. I guess I could look at the Liberty....ARGH!!

I believe the Land Rover will be cut. Writing things out, helps.

I will have the Georgia Title back from the State within 10 days, so Zeus will head to the auction block at that time.

Brigid's Irish Stew & Beer Bread

2009-10-14T19:12:00.004-04:00

I am an ardent reader of the Home On The Range blog, as I have previously stated. Tonight, I cooked her Irish Stew and Beer Bread. It was fantastic...awesome...filling...satisfying. There are more adjectives to explain, but I am a pretty simple man and verbiage is Brigid's thing.

I do not eat potatoes, as part of my new caveman diet, so while her recipe called for potatoes, I simply substituted them. I used parsnips and turnips. The parsnips were quite good, but the big surprise was the turnips. After cooking in the stew for an hour, they tasted like a very high quality potato. I was very pleasantly surprised.

The Beer Bread, made with Guinness, was great. I know it is a cheat, but I cooked the doggone thing and I was going to eat a piece or two. No butter is necessary on the hot bread. I actually used some of it to sop up the stew licker.

I love good food. Thank you so much for a great recipe, Brigid. I have bookmarked 5 more to try in the near future.

Be happy people.

Faol

Diet Update

2009-10-11T14:31:00.004-04:00

I forgot to mention my weigh-in from yesterday. I had a minor setback this past week.

Last Saturday's weigh-in I was at 244.0 pounds, for a total weight loss of 16 lbs for 3 weeks. Last Sunday, I was weak. It was homecoming in our little country church. My Grandmother called and asked me to come. Can you ever say no to Grandmama? Other family were coming in from afar and it would indeed be a good homecoming. I have no idea what homecoming is in larger churches, or even if they have them, but ours is indeed a shindig to remember.

We had every kind of casserole that comes out during any holiday in the south, and the north I would imagine. We had cornbread dressing (my favorite in front of steak), venison, ham, fried chicken cooked a half-dozen different ways, and homemade deserts that would make your cry.

I ATE IT ALL!!! Casseroles, dressing, fried chicken, and deserts. The only thing I did not eat was actual bread, although cornbread and left over biscuits are used for the dressing.

My weight loss this week, was a measly pound. I didn't show that loss until yesterday. It took 5 days to start burning fat again.

I have a new motivation to get back down to 200 lbs. I want to make some of Brigid's recipes over on Home On The Range. The link to her place is to the top right. If I could find a lady like that, I would put on my best wooing moves to gain her affections and love. I think I would need to research wooing first. I am not sure how that is done. I am sure there would be a fine line between that and stalking...and I think she would shoot the stalker.

To get back to the recipe issue...you need to check her site out. I gain at least 2 lbs every time I see a new dish posted by her.

Enjoy life folks.

Zeus Has Arrived

2009-10-11T01:28:00.002-04:00

I went to assist a friend with a horse show a little south of where I currently reside. I was waiting on a call from the gentleman that I am trading trucks with. He took a ride elsewhere today and and got in a little late, which was fine. We ended up meeting 1/2 way between our respective locations (his being east Alabama), and doing the swap.

I have not taken any pictures because I had to turn around and go back to the horse show to help them wrap up the earned money spread.

Just wanted to drop a note to say that Zeus has arrived. And, he's too purdy to get dirty.

Truck Updates

2009-10-09T01:02:00.004-04:00

I have mentioned before that I am selling my old 1984 GMC stepside 4x4.

I had someone come look at it Saturday, but he wants the title, which I do not have for a 25 yo truck....and he wanted to pay less. Then there was a guy that said he couldn't get here until Wednesday, and I haven't heard from him again. Today, two different folks were supposed to come look at it, and neither one did. No one follows through anymore.

I am hopeful that I will receive a call tomorrow saying that we are meeting to trade trucks tomorrow afternoon....or Saturday morning at the latest.

Truck Trade Update

2009-10-07T10:12:00.002-04:00

I received a call last night from Scott, the guy who currently owns Zeus. I asked for the VIN number of Zeus, and told him I would pull a Carfax on Billie and email it. It is amazing how much info is on Carfax. Billie, who's original owner (I am the 2nd) only went to the dealer for servicing, has ALL the services listed for the first 101,000 miles. That is pretty impressive. I did things myself or went to Quick Lube for oil changes, and a mechanic for seal and u-joint replacements. It was nice to see that the first 101,000 miles on Billie was so well maintained. You always wonder about a used truck I think.

I pulled the report on Zeus, and while there didn't seem to be any dealer servicing, there were no negative reports either. No accidents, flood damage, salvage title, etc. I have done all the due diligence that I can, and I hope it will be a good trade.

I have my 1984 GMC Stepside 4x4 for sale also. I received a call yesterday for a 4-wheeler trade and an email this morning for a new equipment trailer trade. Since I am trading for Zeus, I want cash for the other one. It is only $2,000, so it is much less than Billie was listed for. This was my original purchase price of the truck, and is about $3,000 less than I have in it, in the last 1,000 miles. Before I let it go for free, I will use it for target practice. I wonder what a .454 will do to an engine block.

Taurus Model 65

2009-10-06T19:04:00.003-04:00

I finally received my new Taurus Model 65 .357 magnum, in stainless steel, with a 4" barrel. I traded my used Marlin 1895M in .450 Marlin for it. The Marlin was purchased for the purpose of my long ride to Montana, to use for grizzlies. After I realized that I would probably not have time to get the gun out of the scabbard before being eaten, I decided to get something else. I opted for the .454 Casull, in a cross draw rig, which would be on me all the time, unlike a long gun.
In any case, this is the new revolver. I have a couple of other .357 revolvers, and a lever gun in this caliber as well. I will be doing a video at some time in the future, but I just wanted to mention this.

In addition to trading the new revolver for the used Marlin, I also received 175 rounds of ammo and a new leather holster for the Model 65. Not a bad trade.

Truck Trade

2009-10-05T19:55:00.003-04:00

I am trading my truck. I have a GMC 2500HD 4x4, loaded to the gills. I like the truck, but I really do not need a 3/4 ton truck. I no longer have my horses, and spend more time in the woods now. I still wanted a 4 wheel drive, but a 1/2 ton would be fine. I had even looked at the Jeep Liberty and Dodge Dakota; however, someone contacted me about a trade.

Meet Zeus. My daughter named him. This is our first male-named truck. He's a big 'un.

Today, I met the guy that currently owns "Zeus." It has been raining all day, I thought this side by side comparison was interesting. The 1/2 ton is definitely bigger.

I have never owned a jacked up truck. I have put larger tires on 4x4 trucks, to make them look right (they always come with too small tires), but never too large, that would need a lift kit. I think of this as my mid-life crisis vehicle, if I ever had a mid-life crisis. At least it is cheaper than a Porsche. And, I won't have to jack it up to change the oil.

Zeus also has 61,000 less miles than Billie, the truck I currently own. My daughter also named her of course. Zeus drives better than Billie, at least to me. The other guy is happy with Billie, and I like Zeus, so it looks like there will be a trade.

I will know for sure in a couple of days, because he has to pay off the truck to get the title first. My truck is paid off already, so it is up to him to finalize the deal.

I hope it works out.

Diet Update: Week 3

2009-10-04T09:34:00.002-04:00

I forgot to make a post on my diet update.

My starting weight was 260 lbs. Yesterday morning I did my weekly weigh-in, and I am at 244 lbs. I have lost 16 lbs in 3 weeks.

My starting blood pressure was 133/95. My average for the week is 121/79.

I feel really good and sleep better. I love this change in diet. I feel full, don't feel the need to snack on junk any longer. If I feel like a snack, I grab a handful of walnuts. Protein items, without empty calories, fills you up, and keeps you there. I eat when I am hungry, don't count calories or carbs, and have not started an exercise regimen. I do what I normally do in the course of my day and am averaging a loss of 5.3 lbs per week. Now, that will slow down, but still...what other change will do that, with no negative side effects? It is beautiful I tell ya.

Jeep Wrangler Update

2009-10-04T09:29:00.004-04:00

I test drove a Wrangler yesterday, and it was used. It was a bit squirrelly, which I have been informed by others (not the salesman of course), that the issues I saw with this one is not normal for one that has been taken care of. It freaked my daughter out, who was white-knuckled at 60 mph on the Interstate. So, the Wrangler is out. I should have talked to my brother-in-law first, since he has had 5 of them.

His comments:

"great for picking up chicks"
great for single, as long as it is not your only transport, unless you have a short commute daily
not good for family driving
"your experience was not typical. They are a bit rough but not that rough, unless a previous owner modified it, and tried to make it look street again" (which they did)

So, while my daughter is still at home, there will be no Wrangler...and maybe never. I was not impressed. Maybe I have gotten too used to luxury, but my old late 70's model Fords I used to love buying, fixing up and driving, were a better ride than that Jeep. They are also a heap less expensive to buy and repair.

Jeep Wrangler

2009-10-02T19:56:00.003-04:00

I am on a slim down kick. Not only in my weight, but my vehicles as well. I have both GMC trucks on the auction block, so to speak. I want a Jeep. I can get to more places in the woods with a Jeep. Jeeps have a LONG history of handling crap, and I want to get in some crap.

My daughter is leaving the nest in the next year, although she may have to be booted over the edge, she will be getting on with her life. I will be here if she needs me, but I didn't take her to raise. Actually, that isn't right, but she is a healthy, vibrant adult, and needs to act like it. She thinks someone should take care of her like Daddy has.

I did find a 1968 F100 pickup. That is the year I was born and I have wanted one for years. I asked the guy if he would take a trade for my 1984 GMC Stepside 4x4. We will see.

Play in the bush.

Saw A Bald Eagle

2009-10-01T17:45:00.002-04:00

Today, I felt like a child again...a very excited child. I was driving up a long straight stretch of road in west Georgia, which heads north and south. There are trees to the west, and a farm with a north-south line of trees on the east. The line of trees are about 100 yards off the road.

I saw a large bird come from the east, circle around to come back towards me, who was heading north at 60 mph. I tapped the brakes to take off cruise, and started slowing down, because he was heading into the lane in front of me. He swooped down and grabbed a snake heading across the road, proceeded east towards the treeline, and turned north when he got to it, no more than 15 feet off of the ground. He stayed with me for about 200 yards, then cut through the trees to the field beyond.

IT WAS AWESOME!!! I have seen eagles before, but never on the wing. That thing was massive, and I felt like I had witnessed the most spectacular animal I could see in the wild. I always liked eagles, but bears and wolves have always held more intrigue to me. Today, that changed. I still feel "something" in my chest. Awe maybe? Humbleness? Insignificance?

I witnessed a true rarity and am overjoyed.

Vibram Five Fingers

2009-09-30T22:45:00.003-04:00

I went back to Atlanta today. I didn't go for any particular reason, other than to go check out a gun shop and a couple of outdoors stores. I have been looking at the Vibram Five Fingers for a couple of years. I had read about them for running, but never really cared for that activity.

Vibram does have a series that I like, and that is relavant for the outdoor world. It is the KSO (Keeps Stuff Out). This has an elastic/rubber type material that seals around your ankle, to keep sand and other debris, out of the shoe. That has been getting lots of great reviews. They newest one is called the KSO Trek. The Trek has more rubber on the bottom of the shoe in the main wear areas, for use on the trail.

Oh yeah, the Five Finger has individual locations for each of your toes, like toe socks, and they move individually. This design is a more natural position for your foot of course, since it is basically a barefoot covering. Allowing free movement of the toes also strengthens the foot and improves balance. They look like the feet of Bigfoot, but they are REALLY comfortable.

The sizing of the Five Fingers is in the European standard, so you need to find somewhere to try them on, before trying to order online. The place I went today, like most retail outlets, charges full MSRP, which is $85 for the regular KSO. After you make sure of the size you need, you can order them online for $55-65. Internet shopping wins again. Don't ya just love capitalism?

Play in the bush.

Faol

New Store Located

2009-09-29T23:46:00.003-04:00

I had to take a ride to inspect a property, which I looked at yesterday, in north Atlanta. The leasing agent was not even in the state yesterday, so I had to return today.

Before I left the house this morning, I decided to see what camping/outdoor stores were close to the route I would be taking, so I could check them out on the way back home. I found one that I had never heard of, near Georgia Tech. It is called The Gear Revival. Like all outdoor stores, they have new equipment; but, they also have a room with used gear and outdoor clothing. I was very happy.

I bought 2 fleece layers, one Patagonia, and one Columbia. I also bought a Patagonia shirt. All total this would have been over $300, if new. My cost, with product and tax, was $43.02. I was THRILLED!! It was awesome! The clothing was in great shape, and was the only size XL in the whole store, new or used.

I now have 2 middle layers for playing in the bush this winter, that do not have cotton in them. I am ready for hunting.

Play in the bush.

Faol

Paleo Prepping

2009-09-28T19:21:00.002-04:00

Now, I have changed lifestyle, as far as my diet goes. At the same time, I have LOADS of non-paleo food in storage. Plenty of beans and peas in canning jars, both quart and pint. I also have sweet potatoes in jars. I have pounds of dried beans and peas also. Various other items are dried, stored and such.

I need to work on prepping for a paleo diet now. That will include processing wild game, mostly dehydrating, canning and pemmican. Salting is not an option.

Foods that can be canned for the paleo diet:

meat
fruits
artichokes
cabbage
greens
parsnips
carrots
rutabaga
squash (all kinds)
tomatoes
turnips

I am sure I will realize more items as I go. I am not sure about canning fruit. It seems like it would be a bit soggy in texture. I will have to research that a bit more.

Stay tuned.

YouTube View

2009-09-28T17:33:00.003-04:00

Like many folks, I have some favorite YouTube personalities. Philip DeFranco is the main one, that does not deal with bushcraft or outdoors related items. The guy is obviously intelligent, is pretty observant, and very funny.

He is actually paid to do what he does, and I haven't seen any obvious advertisement in his videos, so who is paying, I have no idea. It is good to be able to get paid for being yourself. What is the old adage? Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life. Yeah, that sounds about right.

Phil's YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/sxephil

Play in the bush.

Faol

VA Re-eval

2009-09-27T18:48:00.004-04:00

I am about to head back through the VA for reevaluation of my disability rating. My first appointment is 18 October, and I am of mixed emotions. While things have certainly gotten worse over the last few years, their determination is uncertain. There have been those that they have reduced, even though they are worse; some VA hospitals take it upon themselves to ignore what the regulations say, and try to "save" the government money; and, if you have not been going to them the whole time in between evaluations, they say you aren't really bothered.

One of my ills are my knees. The cartilage in my left knee is gone. My bones grind together every time I walk, and I have no more feeling in my knee, and haven't for years. When I received my initial disability ratings, no one told me that I had benefits that I do. I went to class this past week, for contracting with the government. One of those benefits I didn't know I have. I am service-connected disabled, so I have quite a few benefits, including priority selection for contracting. I have free access to federal lands, reduced back country permits, etc., that I only found out about by accident, a year ago. The one on the state parks and such I found out about, this year.

My file was destroyed as "inactive" by the government. Yep, the VA destroyed my file for inactivity, although I get a monthly disability payment. It must be that government logic. I am having to recreate everything. I do have a copy of my award letter, stating my disabilities and percentages, so that helped tremendously.

To any veterans that read this...make sure you go to the VA, and stay on their rolls, even if you only go for an annual checkup, just to reiterate your ills. I used my civilian insurance while in the corporate world. According to the VA, I should have used them. Amazing. Save the government money and you can no longer use services? I am hopeful that it does not pan out that way.

Fortunately, I still have all of my original paperwork from the Army, from the 2nd day after returning from theater, where I first went to the hospital for most of my issues. I reckon time will tell.

Play in the bush.

Faol

Paleo Diet

2009-09-27T00:27:00.003-04:00

I am going to try to start writing again, on a regular basis. I am in the middle of changing my lifestyle to improve my health.

I decided on 11 Sept, this year, that I needed to make some changes. The initial cause of this was that I simply picked up some croissants that my daughter was eating, to look at the ingredients. There was soy in the bread. I thought it was odd, and started looking through the cabinets. More soy, more soy byproducts, and again more soy. I was not happy.

I eat (ate) peanut butter on a regular basis. I grew up in south Georgia, which produces 60% of the peanuts used in the US. I like peanut butter. What we get in jars is not peanut butter. Processors sell off the peanut oil for higher profits, and substitute soybean oil to make the actual peanut butter. Look at the peanut butter in your grocer's aisle, and let me know if you find any that actually still has peanut oil.

I tried to find mayonaise without soy. Even the "Olive Oil" labeled mayos have soybean oil. Vegetable oil in 100% soybean oil. My daughter's tuna and water, contains soybeans. My Wolf Brand Chili (with no beans), contains 3 different soy derivatives. WHY???? It is supposed to be MEAT, TOMATOES, ONIONS AND SPICES!!!

I digress.

I started looking at all of the food items in my cabinets, as well as the fridge, which had even more substibutions. I began to wonder...why are you subbing soy for the natural product? No good answer could be found, except money. I am all for capitalism. I hope anyone who has a great idea, gets paid for it...if there is a market. To me this would mean, so long National Endowment for the Arts. If you cannot make the money on the open market, you shouldn't be getting paid with my tax money. 99% of them are whiney environmentalist, commie, liberal bedwetters anyway. Crap, I need to stay on task!

There are two sides to the capitalist system: the producer and the consumer. As the consumer, I can choose not to eat this hydrolyzed, fake food crap. So, I choose not to.

What is now on my menu? Anything that a hunter-gatherer could hunt and gather, 10,000 years ago or more. No wheat products. No legumes (including peanuts because they are a legume, not a nut). No sugar. No refined products. No potatoes (white, red, sweet, yams, etc.).

I eat MEAT. I eat root vegetables, leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts (real nuts, besides peanuts, cashews are also not usable). I have found more uses for spices, to spice things up. Instead of potatoes in the pot roast, I used parsnips, and they were awesome! A whole new set of flavors.

I have been on this for 14 days now...and have lost 13.1 lbs. My blood pressure was at 133/95. It is now 111/85.

I still have not had a cigarette since March 2, 2009. I very rarely consume alcohol and never do drugs. I am not supposed to have coffee living the hunter-gatherer lifestyle, but I am not giving it up! That is final.

More to come in the future.

Play in the bush.

100th Post

2009-07-19T10:52:00.002-04:00

This is my 100th post.

I have been faltering on posts for the last 3 or 4 months. Things are going on in my life, and frankly my usual commentary items tick me off to no end (in case you could not tell).

I am going to take an extended break from blogging. I have cut way down on who I read as well, but the ones to the right are still being read.

To anyone that is still reading this blog, thanks for your patronage.

Play in the bush.

Faol

Happy Independence Day

2009-07-04T11:39:00.004-04:00

I have moved about 95% of the things that are going to the new abode. The remaining, large, items will be heading to storage. There is a lot of piddly stuff to be retrieved from the other location, but that can be gathered in one load, after all the other stuff heads to storage.

I really hate leaving all those acres I have grown to love so. The quietness, the critters, and serenity upon reaching home. The house wasn't much, but the location made up for it, at least for me. That is no more, at least for now.

I have calmed a bit from my tirade awhile back. I know that I dropped a lot of F-bombs, but like many Americans, I feel helpless. I have no sway with anyone in DC. I would like them to stay the course, honor our Founding Principles and the Constitution, and things will work out in the American way, and we will be stronger because of it. No, they just want power and control, and no one will listen. If you ban together, you are labeled. And when you have the media on your side, the opposing views are easy to downplay as radical, or worse.

What to do, what to do.

I will live my life according to the Constitution and my moral compass. I will support my family and friends to the best of my ability. I will not compromise myself, my ideals, or my America, for any reason.

If you really want to live in a socialist state, find a country in Europe. If you want to live in a communist state, move to Cuba, China or North Korea. If you want to live in a totalitarian locale, how about Venezuela? If you want to be in a perpetual state of war, move to most any country in Africa. If you dislike freedom, liberty, capitalism, smaller government and the right to not be offended, then pick any other country...just leave America to Americans. Unlike other forms of government, there is no other like America. We have no duplicate, we have no equal.

Happy Independence Day, America!!

Play in the bush.

Faol

Really?

2009-06-26T22:34:00.002-04:00

I am so pissed off I am only going to say that I am very disappointed in Fox News. 48 hours of Michelle Jackson?

I know he was a great singer, yada yada; however, the largest tax hike in US history was passed today, and NO ONE has mentioned it...even Fox News????

Pansy Pelosi received her diversion. Socialist bastards!!!!

I AM PISSED. Thanks for increasing the price of goods and services in the middle of a recession, and running off what manufacturing we have left, you sorry bastards.

Faol

ABC Blocked

2009-06-17T01:06:00.003-04:00

ABC is turning over control of their network to the BO administration next week, for the airing of "Prescription for America," which will be anchored from within the White House. I want to say that they are no longer welcome in my home.

Government run television? I do not care if it is only for one night...they already own PBS. I should say, that WE own it, but WE have no say so in the programming. That seems to be exclusively reserved for bed wetting liberals. The only time that liberal programming is not run on PBS, is during fund raising time.

Anyway, here is the link for the ABC thing on the Drudge Report.

http://drudgereport.com/flashaot.htm

Up or Down

2009-06-15T12:20:00.002-04:00

I think there is some inner turmoil of the company I was interviewing with. I received an email, after inquiring, that hiring has been "delayed" for now. I had made it through all of the steps thus far, and I hope they get back on track again.

Regardless, life moves on. I will be moving somewhere. I am not sure where yet. It is a difficult time for many people and I am hopeful that something will come up.

I have calmed down greatly from the other day when I wrote my previous entry. I am probably calmer because I have not watched a lick of news since then. It has certainly helped.

Faol

The Climate Change Hoax

2009-05-29T10:09:00.004-04:00

Another story (double entendre intended) has surfaced, of the catastrophe that is "climate change." Remember when it was global warming? But then, facts got in the way, so the name was change to protect the ideals of the guilty, and anti-freedom nuts.

In big bold letters on CNN's website, linked from every page with the obligatory sad African child as the picture, was this:

Report: Climate change crisis 'catastrophic'

I still cannot get over how headlines are no longer capitalized. Our government schools at work. Sensationalism is more important than correct grammer usage. I know I do not have the best grammar, but my job also does not require that I command the use of language, like someone who does it for a living.

LONDON, England (CNN) -- The first comprehensive report into the human cost of climate change warns the world is in the throes of a "silent crisis" that is killing 300,000 people each year.

What about the millions killed by rebels, opposing villages, military, etc., in Africa alone? Shouldn't the UN do something about that? I know they have the token blue hats, shown in the news reels (do they exist anymore?), but they are always of the local folks, and contribute to the problem as much as anything else.

What about the fact that these people live in arid lands, that have been that way FOREVER??!! The only difference between now and "back then" is that they are breeding like rats now, with aids rampant and infecting all these folks. Yet, they will not use condoms because it is not manly? How about forced sterilization? If you want our help, then you have to be sterilized to receive it. Of course, I feel the same way about "Americans" that take welfare, on a permanent basis.

I have no pity for these people. Most are in a bad way, and it is not their fault. I understand that. Everyone complains about America being involved in too many places...fine, bring everyone back home and protect our borders. No more handouts using taxpayer funds. No more support of the UN. Hell, kick them out too. Divert the funds that Americans provide to causes around the world, to the use of the downtrodden in our country. You remember the Native People right? The ones who are really oppressed. That's right, I said it. The blacks in this country haven't been oppressed in decades. They don't have equal protection under the law either...they have entitlement under the law. The Native People are the primary oppressed, followed by white Christian males.

You reckon Russia and China will step up and be the saviors of the world? Think they will donate as much private money as citizens in the US have done?

At times like this, when my ire is flowing outside its shores, I wish that John Galt would show himself and band the producers together.

I'll save the rich people/poor people article for another time.

Faol

A New Position Perhaps?

2009-05-27T00:57:00.003-04:00

I received a call from a company that I had submitted my resume to, a little over a month ago. The position is very close to the Mexican border and puts me back into the executive world of technology. I am hopeful that it will come through. Things are going ok with work now, but it never hurts to have a long term contract for more money.

The area has a much lower cost of living than where I currently reside, I would not have to drive as much, there is more room for growth, and most importantly, I have not lived in the part of the country before. I like new places. My daughter has graduated, will be starting college and Daddy needs to start having a life.

I cannot imagine what it will be like to be actually single. I have been divorced since 1996, but have had obligations as a father, and then being a single parent, everything I may have wanted to do personnally, went to the back burner. Now, it will be Daddy time!!

If this position comes to fruition, I will be making changes to my lifestyle. In my prior executive life, I spent, and spent, and spent. I always rented near the main office, but I had toys that I made payments on, ate at the best places, etc. It was all very stupid. I grew up with nothing and lost my damn mind when I scaled the mountain. I will not do that again.

I have sold my last horse (for now), have a paid off GMC 2500HD, possess plenty of armaments, and have learned to live on less. I had planned on being able to retire by 45 years old. I may still be able to reach that. When I next buy a piece of property, it will be for cash and I will build a modest cabin on it.

I should hear something from a group with the potential employer, in another five days. I am hopeful that things will continue to progress nicely.

Faol

California Attitude

2009-05-20T19:31:00.003-04:00

When I moved to California for a job in early 2001, I thought that I would find the stereotypes of the denizens of our 31st state, inaccurate at the least. I was wrong. The first thing that I noticed is that everyone talked like California was a separate country. Being a veteran, I may be overly sensitive to that type of attitude. Judging by the headline that greated me when I logged onto my home computer, the slow death of that state has done nothing to change the attitude of its people...or at least the ignorant staff of the LA Times.

U.S. backs off threat to withhold California stimulus money

Am I incorrect in my opinion that this indicates that California is separate from the US? Would it not be more appropriate to say that the Federal Government, or Feds, back off threat? It just seems separatist to me. If they want to separate, let them. They are dying anyway. The people with money are leaving, or have already left, that over taxing state.

That is a direct copy and paste of the headline. Although I am not a journalism major, once upon a time, headlines were capitalized on at least the first letter of each word. The link for the actual story is here.

Another Friday Night

2009-05-16T01:07:00.002-04:00

There has been nothing major going on. I did pick up another development to complete, but it is really just punch list items. I have another to finish final plat on, that is more of a wait and see type of thing, before they will evaluate the curb appeal that needs to occur. Maybe I will have something on that later.

I am working on doing a couple of things on Lucy, my 1984 GMC Sierra K1500. It is a stepside 4x4 and I will be selling it. I will consider myself lucky to get half of what I have in it, but even that will be a nice cushion to whatever may occur in the future.

I have added my resume to databases for international contracting jobs. I may not be in the shape I was in the past, but it could still be fun. I think I am a little less likely to do something stupid, than I was 20 years ago at least. That has to be a good thing.

It is looking less likely, with this economy, that I will be able to do my cross-country horseback (muleback) trip next year. I will be heading out somewhere, as long as I am not on contract somewhere. I will be hitting the Appalachian Trail first, I think. I have looked at some other long trails, and need to figure out where I will be going. I hope my knees will hold up to that type of abuse, but I plan on working on conditioning, which should also lessen my weight. Increasing my pack weight at 1:2, or less, ratio to weight lost, should keep up conditioning, and lessen knee stress at the same time. Carrying a 40 lb pack is no big deal right now, but it is also not big enough to carry a whole lot for a long trip. If I take the 40, and add 1/2 of the 60 lbs I expect to lose in the next 10 months or so, that will give me 70 lbs total. I think that will manage really well, IF I need to carry more food than I think.

I have found some good, inexpensive, kilts that I will be purchasing. I think that kilts will be beneficial and lighter weight. The benefit will be that they are un-bifurcated garments. There is a product called a "hiking kilt" that is made by one manufacturer. This is supposed to be really lightweight, and you can even swim in it. They aren't the great kilts by any stretch, but they are also around $100, instead of $400. That is a huge benefit.

That is it for today. Stay tuned tomorrow, when we learn the letter W.

Play in the bush.

Faol

When It Rains

2009-05-10T00:47:00.004-04:00

On Thursday, I was on the way home from work. My daughter called me to inform me the water had suddenly stopped working. I have a "thing" going with my landlords, so I am fixing whatever comes up.

I called a couple of well companies and was not happy with the numbers I was hearing. I told one company to send someone out.

They sent in a young fellow and a helper that you would expect to be called "Tiny", in prison. I suspect he had been to prison at some point, since he was about 400 lbs, and heavily tattooed with Aryan type "art". He didn't hide it, and when he looked at me, my asshole wouldn't let a straight pin through. Then I remembered I am always armed, and I blew him a little kiss.

Anyway, this young guy goes to town on the pump. He tells me that yes, if it has to be replaced, it will cost about $1,200. This is in line with what everyone else has quoted, but he said he would see what he could do.

When he took off the cover, the first thing was a large capacitor had gone bad. I messed with those when I dealt with DC circuits, and they have a particular smell when they bust, and it had it. He did point out the faint odor, and tried to show he was genuine. He said that he would replace it and if that was not the problem, there would be no cost for the part. The centrifugal switch was bad. Actually, it had disintegrated.

Now, I live way out in the boonies. They were from another county. They replaced the bad capacitor, went back to the shop to pick up a different switch, because the one I had was an older model. They returned and fixed everything, told me how to clean contacts on a switch without calling someone out to fix it, if it ever cut off, and charged me $195.

I am happy with that. Good folks do exist. You just may have to find them. They said business had slowed down, but the boss was making sure the technicians understood that this was the time to make sure that the customers were treated right. He said the companies that bled customers during the recession, would be the ones out of business when times got better. That was refreshing to hear.

Play in the bush.

Faol

Oral Surgery

2009-05-06T17:46:00.002-04:00

My daughter needs oral surgery. I am on the road back to Atlanta from her orthodontist in south Georgia. I still go there because I spent 3 years paying for her braces, back when she lived with her mother, and the follow-ups are included.

Unfortunately, the oral surgery is not part of the package. The guy wants $2,200 to remove her wisdom teeth. Her two bottom wisdom teeth are growing in at a 45 degree angle, and the roots of them are pressing on the nerves that provide feeling to her lips and chin. Not having them removed is not an option. Her mother, who is supposed to pay for all of her medical needs, has NEVER paid for any of her needs, including clothing, sundries, etc. She will not be paying for this either. I have already had the conversations with her about it.

And the ex wonders why her daughter will not talk with her. She is not a nice person and would not know the truth if it cleaved her forehead.

I am sitting in Denny's waiting on my lovely daughter to finish with her vittles.

I just wanted to vent for a minute. What happened to good parents with feelings of responsibility for those they brought into the world? Real men are not all that is missing in the family unit.

Play in the bush.

Faol

Bushcrafters Ball 2009 - The Videos

2009-05-01T17:58:00.003-04:00

I just wanted to post a little note to notify anyone reading that I posted 2 videos on my YouTube channel, showing clips from the Ball.

Bushcrafters Ball 2009 - Part 1

Bushcrafters Ball 2009 - Part 2

We are also working on one for the southeastern US, later this year. I think some folks in New York and the northwest are also working on one. Find a location near you, or travel across the country...just play in the bush.

Faol

1st Annual Bushcrafters' Ball

2009-04-27T13:42:00.002-04:00

The Ball has occurred, the results are in, and it was a success. We had 8 folks that were die hard participants, staying the duration, 3 early starters who setup the entire thing, multiple skills learned and practiced, equipment tested out, and, great camaraderie.

We had a couple of cancellations due to work and such, which is very understandable. In today's economic times, work comes first.

I was able to check out my Roselli R860 hatchett. It splits wood like a dream, using only one hand. It is also a great little carver. I made a spoon for the first time during our weekend and that little axe did my chipping, splitting and carving just fine. Unlike others, I did not use any other knives, just the crook knife and the Roselli to work on my spoon.

There are many great stories and fun times that occurred. I am still trying to catch up from correspondence and a couple of reports I need to finish for clients, so I will let it go at this. I am sure that more will be forthcoming, and of course, there are many things listed, with pictures, at BushcraftUSA.com.

Play in the bush.

Faol

Tea Party Aftermath

2009-04-19T14:17:00.004-04:00

On every outlet of the main stream media, you see jokes and the downplay of the tea parties that occured this past week. I fail to understand why liberals believe that they are the only ones to be taken seriously when it comes to dissent. If someone knows, please pass on this knowledge.

What prompted me to write this, is the following excerpt from the ABC show: This Week with George Stephanopoulos (emphasis in bold is mine).

STEPHANOPOULOS: Tax day tea parties. Boom or bust? That and the rest of the week's politics on our roundtable, with George Will, Cokie Roberts, Sam Donaldson and Peggy Noonan.
And as always, the Sunday funnies.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(UNKNOWN): Nothing shakes a politician up like a complimentary bag of tea.
(END VIDEO CLIP)

It is ok to disrespect and dismiss a group of people as long as there are conservatives involved? Because if the reverse had occurred, it would be all over the news as conservatives trying to demonize liberals. You know, the big "right-wing conspiracy" thing.

The tea parties were considered racist by some. I would like to clarify something, while the racist term is present. Racism is the inherent belief that one race is genetically superior to another. What is termed racism, is actually prejudice, or bigotry.

I don't know where I was going with this, except that I am tired of being marginalized by a bunch of pseudo-intellectual liberals who think they have some kind of mandated, moral, high ground, which other cannot reach.

Don't let it go to your head folks...condescending behavior towards your constituents, and contributors, is not a smart move. The business community, who funded BO's campaign, have already turned with the taxes aimed at them: both business and personal. Businesses have never been this united before.

Over 70% of the people in this country are employed by small businesses. What happens when they pull a John Galt? If I were in a producer of that level, I would be planning it right now. Backing up my data, making sure my business continuity plan was updated, and use a long weekend, or a money saving, one week shutdown, and move out my assets, locking the doors on the way out. If this were orchestrated on a vertical market basis, there would be nothing anyone could do. The government cannot take over every industry and company.

This was just a rant.

New Videos & The Ball

2009-04-17T21:35:00.003-04:00

I uploaded new videos last night, through early this morning. I added 7 videos in total.

I am going to head out this weekend to do a little pre-camping, in preparation to the first annual Bushcrafters' Ball, which will be held next weekend in Illinois. It started off as a gathering for folks in Illinois, and ended up being an invitation to all. I am hoping for a good turnout. Regardless of who shows up, it will be folks that want to be there. That is most important.

Check out the videos and play in the bush.

Faol

Of Verizon and Taxes

2009-04-15T23:18:00.002-04:00

Tea Parties were abundant today. Even in small, never before heard of, towns. There is a gentleman on the board that stated his little town had over 500 people turn out in their square. I guess we will never know how many people made appearances. The only media that covered any of the activities, is Fox News. Anything less would have been disappointing. Same ole, same ole.

Verizon ticked me off today. I had a broadband device for my daughter, which I purchased a month ago. I have had one for quite awhile and I wanted to see if she would be able to deal with one, and I could drop the satellite internet service. She went over the 5GB that is offered with Verizon, and when I found out, I tried to cancel. They informed me that I was one day late in doing so. Nevermind that I could not reach a human and had to send an email through their website. By the way, they answered the email today, 3 days after it was sent. The offices were closed for Easter, so I could not make a personal appearance. It was my fault though.

After getting upset with the two different morons on the phone, I decided that I would go to my local Verizon store, and talk with the manager. I have a pretty good account with them, and surely they will be more obliging than the national morons. They were. No only was I able to get it cancelled, without a disconnect fee of $165, but he is going to have the overage bill reduced by 75%. Now that is customer service. I was not even asking for a reduction in the data usage. Gotta love local folks.

I finally finished my taxes. It only took about 30 minutes, except for TurboTax Online going back to my truck mileage, used for business. It kept going back and telling me to correct, which I would, then it would tell me that it had to be less than 1 mile. I switched it to 0. Then I had to put in a number greater than 0. We did this for about an hour. I deleted the truck and added it 8 times. Of course, you have to go through a whole gaggle of questions and screens each time. My daughter went back to her room. I was not happy. At times like this, she wants me to be smoking again.

I have a week's quota of pissed off today, since lunch. It is time to unwind.

The Bushcrafters' Ball is next weekend!!

Play in the bush.

Faol

Orthodontist & Beyond

2009-04-14T21:03:00.003-04:00

I had to take my daughter to south Georgia for her ortho appointment. I must take her there, because I paid for the braces while she still lived with her mother.

We found out that she has 5 (yes, that is 5) wisdom teeth coming in. One of the teeth is a small one that started, then died or something, and the larger wisdom tooth is pushing it even harder against her molars. All of the wisdom teeth are pushing on her molars, and that can undo 5 years of braces. I am not happy about this, but oral surgery is in her very near future.

I had oral surgery when I was in my first year of the Army. I had all four wisdom teeth coming in, and they also removed a molar from my sinus cavity. It was a present from my father when I was 12. Good times.

Anyway, my ex-wife, who is supposed to have paid for all medical requirements of our daughter, while I have had custody, has never paid for anything. During some pretty good bouts of medical issues, I have paid cash. Now, there is no cash. She will need to step up, and I am sure she will not. I may have to get my attorney to file contempt charges on the order that was issued. My daughter turned 18 in January, so the Ex is not required to continue to take care of things; however, I spent enough money during the time that she was responsible, that it should take care of it. I hope so.

I need to do a few videos and will try to get them out fairly quickly. I have the making for a couple already, from the last month, but have never finalized them.

Play in the bush.

Faol

Waterfalls and Such

2009-04-13T14:06:00.005-04:00

I forgot to do a posting after my hike last weekend. I went into the north Georgia mountains and visited three waterfalls. It was fun and I found out that quitting smoking has already shown its benefits, in the form of minimal huffing.

The first waterfall shown, I went swimming under. Actually the scenario played out like this: I was going to get under the falls, and as soon as I stepped within its "fall area", I disappeared. The water was belly high, then it was about 10' deep. A probe would have probably been smart, but I have my moments. It was very invigorating though, so I cannot complain.

In this photo, the log is about 50' from the base of the fall, so it is a bit of an optical illusion, in reference to the size and distance.

Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail

2009-04-12T21:19:00.003-04:00

...hopping down the bunny trail. Hippety, hoppety, Easter's on its way!

That just popped into my head. I don't remember when I last heard that, or sang it for that matter. My daughter gets embarassed when I sing while she is on the phone with her boyfriend.

Today was my mother's birthday. Last year, I purchased a square link of land for her, in Ireland. I may have mentioned before that my mother loves Ireland. Some of her side of the family came from Ireland. She loves everything Irish. Anyway, I had the legal Title Deed to the land in Eire framed (which cost more than the land, by the way). This year, I spoke with a gentleman who owns Bushcraft Ireland, and is a member of our Bushcraft USA board. He made a trip to a village where they make mohair and wool clothing, somewhere near a coast in his area.

What I purchased for my mother this year was a stole. It is tan in color and 70% mohair and 30% wool. I also purchased a couple of good paring knives from Opinel. She said they fit her hand really well. I love good food, and although Brigid's food looks absolutely delicious, my mother makes the best food I have ever eaten. People that can cook from scratch are rare it seems. I have never tasted anything bad, cooked by my mother. Except for liver and oysters, which I detest and you can do nothing to make either of them taste better. Mama told my daughter that the key to good cooking, was that you had to love to cook. I agree with that. I do not love to cook, and am only average, at best.

My sister, her husband and their two children made a weekend trip to Georgia from their new duty station at Maxwell AFB; however, they were spending time with his folks a couple of counties away. With that in mind, my daughter and I treated my mother to a nice country buffet at the Crossroads.

It was a beautiful mid-70's day, Mama was happy, we had some good 3-generation gabbing and laughing, and finished off with some fresh ground coffee and Mama's homemade cinnamon bread. Sometimes a day is good, all the way through.

After spending time with Mama, I came home and repacked some gear. I was looking for a smaller pack and my new Maxpedition Sabercat came in this week. I moved some gear around tonight. I will deal with that posting later. Better yet, it will be a video.

Play in the bush.

Faol