From his perch upon a post
The silent watcher spies
Movement in the sheltering grass
Wherein a creature lies
In wait for chance to find a seed
To make a scanty meal
Or, loosened stems with which to wind
Her nest where she would seal
The pink and hairless squirming babes
Who wait her quiet return
That they might suckle at her breast
'til large enough to learn
Their way out in the larger world
That waits just on the verge
Beyond the tangle where they live
Where they will soon emerge.
But, then a silent plunge begins
With speed beyond belief
Into the grass with talons spread
That leaves the babes in grief
For mother who will ne'er return
To the soon silent nest.
Her life once lived so furtively
Now lies ever in rest.
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Kitchen Chemistry
As I sit within my chair
I suddenly become aware
Of a scent wafting gently
Across my senses
That causes me to rise
And go in search of
Something that I know
Is in the making
Just one room away
Where I have heard
The quiet sounds
Of bowls and spoons
And oven door for cooking
Something even though
My favorite part is still within
The bowl of eggs and sugar,
Flour and several
Other things like
Chocolate chips and I
Reach in to grab a taste
Of dough....
I suddenly become aware
Of a scent wafting gently
Across my senses
That causes me to rise
And go in search of
Something that I know
Is in the making
Just one room away
Where I have heard
The quiet sounds
Of bowls and spoons
And oven door for cooking
Something even though
My favorite part is still within
The bowl of eggs and sugar,
Flour and several
Other things like
Chocolate chips and I
Reach in to grab a taste
Of dough....
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
My Desk
It seems I have a messy desk.
I must admit it's so,
But, everything that rests on it
Is in a place I know.
It is a desk quite large you see
And there is lots of space
That would likely go to waste
Without these things in place.
For otherwise I'd have to dust,
Not something that I do
Too willingly it seems,
At least as I've been told, so
I use it to keep organized
The projects that I'm on
With one stack here, another there,
Another over yon
Beside the pottery shards
Picked up out on our place
Beneath the shelf that holds the statue
With the Incan face.
And by the cup that holds the pens
There is a stack of cards
But, that is just the least of them
For I have them in yards
Stuffed in a drawer. From ages past,
They're likely worthless now
But, there's surely a good reason
I hang onto them somehow.
And there are several yellow pads
Each one with different things
Written on the pages there
And to them often clings
A sticky note that I have placed
To mark a certain spot
Or, maybe just to emphasize
Some written, special thought.
And up above, on the top shelf,
Mementos of the past
Or, pictures that the grandkids drew,
The things I want to last.
And of course, there on the floor
Rests a box or two
Or, three or, four or maybe more
That lean somewhat askew.
But, I know what is in each place
And filed within my mind
Is a virtual map of things
I could find even if blind
And if you try to clean my desk
By moving things around
I would be quite upset with you
For things that would ne'er be found.
I must admit it's so,
But, everything that rests on it
Is in a place I know.
It is a desk quite large you see
And there is lots of space
That would likely go to waste
Without these things in place.
For otherwise I'd have to dust,
Not something that I do
Too willingly it seems,
At least as I've been told, so
I use it to keep organized
The projects that I'm on
With one stack here, another there,
Another over yon
Beside the pottery shards
Picked up out on our place
Beneath the shelf that holds the statue
With the Incan face.
And by the cup that holds the pens
There is a stack of cards
But, that is just the least of them
For I have them in yards
Stuffed in a drawer. From ages past,
They're likely worthless now
But, there's surely a good reason
I hang onto them somehow.
And there are several yellow pads
Each one with different things
Written on the pages there
And to them often clings
A sticky note that I have placed
To mark a certain spot
Or, maybe just to emphasize
Some written, special thought.
And up above, on the top shelf,
Mementos of the past
Or, pictures that the grandkids drew,
The things I want to last.
And of course, there on the floor
Rests a box or two
Or, three or, four or maybe more
That lean somewhat askew.
But, I know what is in each place
And filed within my mind
Is a virtual map of things
I could find even if blind
And if you try to clean my desk
By moving things around
I would be quite upset with you
For things that would ne'er be found.
Monday, August 27, 2018
Rhymes and Times
Some of you may wonder when/where I started writing poetry. Well, I call it poetry although some of it is pretty lame. Most of it would be considered doggerel rather than serious poetry. I suppose it began in college back in the 70's when I wrote a few songs. I never did much with the songs, although I did copyright a few of them. I would have to dig pretty hard to find them.
The next attempt at poetry would have been in the 80's when I took a "Cowboy Poetry" class from Cindy Buchanan who supposedly was a descendant of Cynthia Ann Parker -- the mother of Quanah Parker. It was in Olton and there were probably a dozen of us that attended. She did a later class in Lubbock which I also attended. I met some interesting people in those classes.
After that, I wrote a few poems here and there that might be considered cowboy poetry. I say, "might be" because I never really was a cowboy, so they more accurately would be considered poems written about the cowboy/ranching lifestyle by a non-cowboy. They were infrequent and often written in odd circumstances such as while helping with a hamburger cookout for a feedyard crew. I recall hearing a funny story from one of the cowboys and then creating a poem about it on a napkin. Some years later I was in the feedyard and the poem had been framed and was hanging on the wall in the office.
It wasn't until I started this blog that I began to write poetry fairly consistently. I probably prefer prose, but the challenge of writing in rhymes appeals to me. It requires frequently rearranging thoughts and lines to be able to couple words that rhyme. It also has a rhythmic quality that is similar to writing music.
If you were to go back through the fairly lengthy history (started in February, 2007) of this blog you will find that I go through periods of poetry and periods of prose. There is also a two-year gap when I put nothing into the blog. That doesn't mean I wasn't writing, I just wasn't doing so regularly or, for putting on this particular venue.
It is also interesting to note the things that are popular with readers (Saturday's post about growing up in a small town is one of them). I don't necessarily write this for others, but mostly for myself. It is a way to record my thoughts and to leave something for my family if they should be curious. I don't know that my words will tell them much, but perhaps there will be a few clues sprinkled here and there about who I am/was.
I wish I had such from my parents, grandparents, and the generations before them. It would interest me greatly. Anyway, that's my thoughts this morning....
The next attempt at poetry would have been in the 80's when I took a "Cowboy Poetry" class from Cindy Buchanan who supposedly was a descendant of Cynthia Ann Parker -- the mother of Quanah Parker. It was in Olton and there were probably a dozen of us that attended. She did a later class in Lubbock which I also attended. I met some interesting people in those classes.
After that, I wrote a few poems here and there that might be considered cowboy poetry. I say, "might be" because I never really was a cowboy, so they more accurately would be considered poems written about the cowboy/ranching lifestyle by a non-cowboy. They were infrequent and often written in odd circumstances such as while helping with a hamburger cookout for a feedyard crew. I recall hearing a funny story from one of the cowboys and then creating a poem about it on a napkin. Some years later I was in the feedyard and the poem had been framed and was hanging on the wall in the office.
It wasn't until I started this blog that I began to write poetry fairly consistently. I probably prefer prose, but the challenge of writing in rhymes appeals to me. It requires frequently rearranging thoughts and lines to be able to couple words that rhyme. It also has a rhythmic quality that is similar to writing music.
If you were to go back through the fairly lengthy history (started in February, 2007) of this blog you will find that I go through periods of poetry and periods of prose. There is also a two-year gap when I put nothing into the blog. That doesn't mean I wasn't writing, I just wasn't doing so regularly or, for putting on this particular venue.
It is also interesting to note the things that are popular with readers (Saturday's post about growing up in a small town is one of them). I don't necessarily write this for others, but mostly for myself. It is a way to record my thoughts and to leave something for my family if they should be curious. I don't know that my words will tell them much, but perhaps there will be a few clues sprinkled here and there about who I am/was.
I wish I had such from my parents, grandparents, and the generations before them. It would interest me greatly. Anyway, that's my thoughts this morning....
Saturday, August 25, 2018
Growing Up in a Small Town
Shotgun streets laid in a grid,
Out of doors was where you lived.
Playing football in the yard,
Riding bikes and falling hard.
Tempers flared, some fights broke out,
Quickly over with a shout
From someone's Mom you didn't think
Could see out the window at the kitchen sink.
Skins and scrapes and ripped blue jeans
Were common part of summer scenes
But, growing up was mostly fun
Playing in the summer sun.
Out of doors was where you lived.
Playing football in the yard,
Riding bikes and falling hard.
Tempers flared, some fights broke out,
Quickly over with a shout
From someone's Mom you didn't think
Could see out the window at the kitchen sink.
Skins and scrapes and ripped blue jeans
Were common part of summer scenes
But, growing up was mostly fun
Playing in the summer sun.
Friday, August 24, 2018
Thinking, Planning and Praying
I've found that when I start each day
With coffee cup in hand
If I will spend some thinking time
With thoughts of this day planned
Prioritizing tasks that move
Me toward some higher goal
That waits ahead yet, still undone,
The time is well spent
Because it helps to focus me
On things important and required
For success in my tasks.
Then, as I think through daily plans
I call on God above
To guide me through the list of chores
Which I have set,
Though asking that He redirect
My path if it has strayed
From that which He desires of me
And that He guide my thoughts
As the list is made
With gaps for opportunity
To which I might respond as He asks.
With coffee cup in hand
If I will spend some thinking time
With thoughts of this day planned
Prioritizing tasks that move
Me toward some higher goal
That waits ahead yet, still undone,
The time is well spent
Because it helps to focus me
On things important and required
For success in my tasks.
Then, as I think through daily plans
I call on God above
To guide me through the list of chores
Which I have set,
Though asking that He redirect
My path if it has strayed
From that which He desires of me
And that He guide my thoughts
As the list is made
With gaps for opportunity
To which I might respond as He asks.
Thursday, August 23, 2018
Short vs. Tall Grass
I grew up in a country where the grass was short and strong;
The cows there liked to eat it and it kept them all year long.
Where I live today the grass is usually mighty tall;
It loses all its strength when summer turns to Fall.
And even in the best of times it isn't worth a lot
Although it grows quite well when summer days are long and hot.
The problem is it grows so tall because it's full of water
And it takes a mighty lot of it to feed the bovine daughter.
It's said that you can always take a cow from east to west
But, taking them the other way has never worked the best.
The cows back east have larger guts to handle this lush treat
It gives them the capacity to eat and eat and eat.
But, if you ship a cow from west to places way back east
They just can't seem to eat enough to get enough to eat.
The cows there liked to eat it and it kept them all year long.
Where I live today the grass is usually mighty tall;
It loses all its strength when summer turns to Fall.
And even in the best of times it isn't worth a lot
Although it grows quite well when summer days are long and hot.
The problem is it grows so tall because it's full of water
And it takes a mighty lot of it to feed the bovine daughter.
It's said that you can always take a cow from east to west
But, taking them the other way has never worked the best.
The cows back east have larger guts to handle this lush treat
It gives them the capacity to eat and eat and eat.
But, if you ship a cow from west to places way back east
They just can't seem to eat enough to get enough to eat.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
A Meteor
Flitting there across my sight
A flash lit up the starry night,
An omen, some would say in days of old.
As I watched there in wonder
My thoughts began to ponder
How it had traveled 'cross the spaces cold
To die in flash of streaking light
And bring to gazing eyes delight
With wishes breathed by those who were below.
This ancient wonder in the sky
Snuffed out before my very eye
From distant places I will never know.
A flash lit up the starry night,
An omen, some would say in days of old.
As I watched there in wonder
My thoughts began to ponder
How it had traveled 'cross the spaces cold
To die in flash of streaking light
And bring to gazing eyes delight
With wishes breathed by those who were below.
This ancient wonder in the sky
Snuffed out before my very eye
From distant places I will never know.
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Taking Out the Trash
This is a poem about something done
A couple of times each week.
It's a chore that comes to everyone,
The high, the low, the meek.
It surely holds some higher truth,
This regular routine
Of taking refuse from the house
That helps to keep it clean.
We're geared up for consumption --
What we wear and what we eat --
And when we're done with using it
We toss it, nice and neat.
It happens with the things we eat,
And all the things we use;
We take just what we need from it,
The rest of it we lose.
So, as you're taking out the trash
Just think, in days of yore
There was no modern plumbing
But, a pot behind the door....
(Some of you may have to Google "chamber pot" to understand this post.)
A couple of times each week.
It's a chore that comes to everyone,
The high, the low, the meek.
It surely holds some higher truth,
This regular routine
Of taking refuse from the house
That helps to keep it clean.
We're geared up for consumption --
What we wear and what we eat --
And when we're done with using it
We toss it, nice and neat.
It happens with the things we eat,
And all the things we use;
We take just what we need from it,
The rest of it we lose.
So, as you're taking out the trash
Just think, in days of yore
There was no modern plumbing
But, a pot behind the door....
(Some of you may have to Google "chamber pot" to understand this post.)
Monday, August 20, 2018
Around and Around
Long summers past and after school
There was a never ending rule
That I must have a way some funds to earn.
I "chopped" some cotton, stacked some hay
And lots of other things for pay
And even useful skills were there to learn.
But, one I hated way back when
Is even now like it was then,
That's driving a tractor around and around the field.
It was a thing I grew to hate
From early dawn to evening, late
It never to my drifting thoughts appealed.
I just got bored and had a lack
Of staying on the narrow track
Defined by rows laid out so carefully.
My mind would drift 'long other ways,
A tangled and unending maze,
And my mistakes were there for all to see.
So mostly I was sent to plow
The fallow ground as needs allow
In endless circles cutting weeds right down.
And if by chance my mind would drift
The next time 'round my track would shift
To fix mistakes before they caused a frown.
Those years thought long since in the past
Came back just like a sudden blast
Today as I commenced to cut some weeds.
I hooked the shredder on three points
And greased up all the moving joints
Then filled the diesel tank to meet its needs.
The goat weeds and the nettles grew
In many places old and new
Where pasture grasses were what I should see.
And there I started around and around
As they succumbed to the chopping sound
And my mind drifted to this memory.
There was a never ending rule
That I must have a way some funds to earn.
I "chopped" some cotton, stacked some hay
And lots of other things for pay
And even useful skills were there to learn.
But, one I hated way back when
Is even now like it was then,
That's driving a tractor around and around the field.
It was a thing I grew to hate
From early dawn to evening, late
It never to my drifting thoughts appealed.
I just got bored and had a lack
Of staying on the narrow track
Defined by rows laid out so carefully.
My mind would drift 'long other ways,
A tangled and unending maze,
And my mistakes were there for all to see.
So mostly I was sent to plow
The fallow ground as needs allow
In endless circles cutting weeds right down.
And if by chance my mind would drift
The next time 'round my track would shift
To fix mistakes before they caused a frown.
Those years thought long since in the past
Came back just like a sudden blast
Today as I commenced to cut some weeds.
I hooked the shredder on three points
And greased up all the moving joints
Then filled the diesel tank to meet its needs.
The goat weeds and the nettles grew
In many places old and new
Where pasture grasses were what I should see.
And there I started around and around
As they succumbed to the chopping sound
And my mind drifted to this memory.
Sunday, August 19, 2018
Sorting Time
Not too far off there'll come a day
When there will be life's bill to pay
And some will find that theirs is overdue.
The measure might be what we did
Or, even all the things we hid
And maybe if our word was false or, true.
But, my belief is that's not right
For when I read the Word of Light
It's simpler than the works of our own hand.
The price was paid for one and all
If they but answer to the call
And with their life to boldly take a stand
For the One whose Word is true
Who came to earth for me and you
To bring us life with Him eternally.
Yes, we must answer for our life;
Was it of peace, or one of strife,
and lived of love for Him for all to see?
Our selfish hearts must e'er be turned,
For heaven isn't to be earned,
Our life should point to the One above.
How we live should show the light
To all who dwell beneath His sight
And what we do should always be for love.
We must ourselves deny each day
For Jesus is the only way
That we will ever win the race.
And when we stand before His throne
We know we will not stand alone
When we meet our Savior face to face.
Matthew 13:47-48
John 14:6
When there will be life's bill to pay
And some will find that theirs is overdue.
The measure might be what we did
Or, even all the things we hid
And maybe if our word was false or, true.
But, my belief is that's not right
For when I read the Word of Light
It's simpler than the works of our own hand.
The price was paid for one and all
If they but answer to the call
And with their life to boldly take a stand
For the One whose Word is true
Who came to earth for me and you
To bring us life with Him eternally.
Yes, we must answer for our life;
Was it of peace, or one of strife,
and lived of love for Him for all to see?
Our selfish hearts must e'er be turned,
For heaven isn't to be earned,
Our life should point to the One above.
How we live should show the light
To all who dwell beneath His sight
And what we do should always be for love.
We must ourselves deny each day
For Jesus is the only way
That we will ever win the race.
And when we stand before His throne
We know we will not stand alone
When we meet our Savior face to face.
Matthew 13:47-48
John 14:6
Saturday, August 18, 2018
Dripping
Another Saturday has come around
Bringing its list of chores;
Most of them it seems today
Must be done out of doors.
At 6:00 a.m. it's 85
And drips humidity.
Oh, how I dread to go outside
'Cause it's so hard on me.
I'll sweat and sweat and sweat some more
'til I am wringing wet
And as I walk I'll leave a trail
From all the dripping sweat.
I grew up on the dusty Plains
As dry as it could be
And even when 'twas scorching hot
A breeze was cooling me.
I think I never will get used
To all the moisture in the air
Which just won't seem to fall to ground
That's dry and parched and bare.
How can we be in such a drought
With high humidity?
That water should be doing good
And not afflicting me!
Bringing its list of chores;
Most of them it seems today
Must be done out of doors.
At 6:00 a.m. it's 85
And drips humidity.
Oh, how I dread to go outside
'Cause it's so hard on me.
I'll sweat and sweat and sweat some more
'til I am wringing wet
And as I walk I'll leave a trail
From all the dripping sweat.
I grew up on the dusty Plains
As dry as it could be
And even when 'twas scorching hot
A breeze was cooling me.
I think I never will get used
To all the moisture in the air
Which just won't seem to fall to ground
That's dry and parched and bare.
How can we be in such a drought
With high humidity?
That water should be doing good
And not afflicting me!
Friday, August 17, 2018
Legacy
Just like a walk along the beach
The tracks we leave today
Are only there a little while
Before they're washed away.
The legacy that we create
Is not the things we do
It's values that we pass along
To generations new.
Thursday, August 16, 2018
Prairie Ghost
Standing on the ghostly Plains
He watched as I drove by --
A remnant from the recent past
As through the grass did sigh
A voice, mournful, quiet, true
Of plaintive chanted prayers
For bloodied spears and meat to eat
And on my head the hairs
Did stand on end as chills swept
O'er my senses there
Of something present in this land
Long passed to ne'er
Return upon the hunt
With rush upon the fleeing herd
Their lances held on high
While overhead the bird
Of death circled on the breeze
Awaiting chance to pick the bones
Of those whose path was slow
And destined for the stones
To join them in the sod
So recently trampled under hoof
Where to this day
A sentinel aloof
Stands there upon the hill,
A silent Prairie Ghost,
A solitary remnant
Of a vast thundering host.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Hunting Arrowheads
Out the back door,
Out through the lot,
I'd head for the pasture
At a slow trot.
Visions of redskins
Danced in my head
As out to the draw
My footsteps had led.
I knew where to hunt;
I'd been there before.
I had one in my pocket
And was looking for more.
Arrowheads!
Arrowheads!
That's all I could think
And fast as a wink
I found one!
I rubbed off the dirt
And then with some spit
I polished it up
And my eyes were all lit
With the sight of this treasure,
This thing I had found,
Just laying right there
On the dry dusty ground.
My mind's eye then saw him
Right there on his horse;
The warrior that lost it
On that water course
So many long years ago.
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Remote Office
The technology we wear on our wrist or carry in our pocket these days is amazing -- especially to us old gray heads that remember rotary dial phones and the first Texas Instruments calculators. There really is no need for a "brick and mortar" office unless you have some type of business that requires machinery or stock of some sort.
I can accept a phone call from anywhere in the world, put it on speaker and then switch to e-mail to look at a document while still talking. If by chance I am interrupted by a text from someone else I can respond to that text while continuing with my conversation. If we then decide someone else needs to be involved in the conversation it is easy enough to add an additional caller with the touch of a few "buttons" on the screen. A friend of mine even has his phone connected by Bluetooth to his hearing aid. I'm not there yet.
I have been known to participate in conference calls while sitting in an ATV at the farthest end of the pasture. No one knows whether I am at my desk or traveling down the road unless I tell them.
I wonder what the next technological innovation will be? I foresee a computer built into my glasses that is manipulated by voice and optical movement -- oh, wait, I think they already have that but, it's too expensive for the average user. Maybe the next innovation will project the images into my brain through some type of neurological interface. I will be able to manipulate the functionality by thoughts alone. I don't think I'm ready for that one yet....
Whatever is next, I'm sure it will become just the routine way of doing things after a short while. The kids today don't even know what a rotary phone is!
I can accept a phone call from anywhere in the world, put it on speaker and then switch to e-mail to look at a document while still talking. If by chance I am interrupted by a text from someone else I can respond to that text while continuing with my conversation. If we then decide someone else needs to be involved in the conversation it is easy enough to add an additional caller with the touch of a few "buttons" on the screen. A friend of mine even has his phone connected by Bluetooth to his hearing aid. I'm not there yet.
I have been known to participate in conference calls while sitting in an ATV at the farthest end of the pasture. No one knows whether I am at my desk or traveling down the road unless I tell them.
I wonder what the next technological innovation will be? I foresee a computer built into my glasses that is manipulated by voice and optical movement -- oh, wait, I think they already have that but, it's too expensive for the average user. Maybe the next innovation will project the images into my brain through some type of neurological interface. I will be able to manipulate the functionality by thoughts alone. I don't think I'm ready for that one yet....
Whatever is next, I'm sure it will become just the routine way of doing things after a short while. The kids today don't even know what a rotary phone is!
Monday, August 13, 2018
It's Monday!
Today I get to go to work!
It's great to be employed
Where I can make a difference
In somebody else's life.
It's true I must admit to you
I used to be annoyed
When Monday rolled around again
To another week of strife.
But, something happened on the way
To what I'm doing now;
I learned that it's my attitude
About the things I do
That determines how I feel
When Monday rolls around and how
I now tackle each new week
As opportunity, fresh and new.
Sunday, August 12, 2018
A Reason to Write
I have been asked by some why it is that I write this blog. Blog -- now that's a strange word. For those who don't know it is a shortened form of Web Log. It is a method of journaling designed for cooperation between researchers who might be at a great distance from each other. Anyway, back to the subject of this paragraph -- why I write this blog. It is actually quite simple; it is to discipline myself to write every day.
There are many who have found ways to monetize their blog. If the site generates sufficient traffic, or "hits," it can be lucrative to advertisers to have their ads placed on the blog in hopes that someone will click on them. Advertisers pay for the placement of those ads. This happens on political blogs and book, movie or, product review blogs. At one time, in fact as one of the reasons I started the blog many years ago, I thought to do the same. My reasons have evolved though and that is no longer my purpose.
Perhaps a better question to ask is why do I like to write? That really is the heart of the issue. Most people don't seem to write much unless for business purposes. For me, it is therapeutic. It also helps me to organize my thoughts in a way that I can "test" them. What I mean is that it forces me to evaluate the logic of an argument in such a way that it either enforces or disproves (at least based on my current level of knowledge) any theory I might have about controversial topics.
Hmmm....I have been trying to avoid most controversial topics since restarting this blog other than a few political observations at the beginning. I suppose that is because I find little value in attempting to inject reason into the realm of politics since it is a field which seems to be completely devoid of reason.
Ultimately, I must confess (mainly to myself), I aspire someday to write a book. I have started many and finished none. That probably says something of my character, however, I will blame it on busy-ness rather than on lack of ability to stick with a project. It seems that every time I embark on a work requiring extended focus I seem to get busy with work. It is in the slow times that my mind returns to writing.
Writing, like any other skill, requires practice. This blog is about practice. It gives me a reason (artificial construct though it is) to write something each and every day. Hopefully there will occasionally be an "accidental" gem produced that someone will find who is in need of that particular reflection of my experiences and thoughts. I suppose in that sense, the blog's purpose is two-fold -- practice and a desire to share something of value. Value is, after all, in the eye of the beholder. It has often been said that one man's trash is another man's treasure.
As you may have guessed if you have read to this point, today is a day in which I struggled to find something about which to write. So, I have written of writing. If you are a writer, you are familiar with the struggle. For the rest of you, pray for rain; we are in the midst of a drought here.
There are many who have found ways to monetize their blog. If the site generates sufficient traffic, or "hits," it can be lucrative to advertisers to have their ads placed on the blog in hopes that someone will click on them. Advertisers pay for the placement of those ads. This happens on political blogs and book, movie or, product review blogs. At one time, in fact as one of the reasons I started the blog many years ago, I thought to do the same. My reasons have evolved though and that is no longer my purpose.
Perhaps a better question to ask is why do I like to write? That really is the heart of the issue. Most people don't seem to write much unless for business purposes. For me, it is therapeutic. It also helps me to organize my thoughts in a way that I can "test" them. What I mean is that it forces me to evaluate the logic of an argument in such a way that it either enforces or disproves (at least based on my current level of knowledge) any theory I might have about controversial topics.
Hmmm....I have been trying to avoid most controversial topics since restarting this blog other than a few political observations at the beginning. I suppose that is because I find little value in attempting to inject reason into the realm of politics since it is a field which seems to be completely devoid of reason.
Ultimately, I must confess (mainly to myself), I aspire someday to write a book. I have started many and finished none. That probably says something of my character, however, I will blame it on busy-ness rather than on lack of ability to stick with a project. It seems that every time I embark on a work requiring extended focus I seem to get busy with work. It is in the slow times that my mind returns to writing.
Writing, like any other skill, requires practice. This blog is about practice. It gives me a reason (artificial construct though it is) to write something each and every day. Hopefully there will occasionally be an "accidental" gem produced that someone will find who is in need of that particular reflection of my experiences and thoughts. I suppose in that sense, the blog's purpose is two-fold -- practice and a desire to share something of value. Value is, after all, in the eye of the beholder. It has often been said that one man's trash is another man's treasure.
As you may have guessed if you have read to this point, today is a day in which I struggled to find something about which to write. So, I have written of writing. If you are a writer, you are familiar with the struggle. For the rest of you, pray for rain; we are in the midst of a drought here.
Saturday, August 11, 2018
Surviving the Storms
There is an interesting tree growing down in the woods on our place -- well, there are many interesting trees, but this one is uniquely twisted and gnarled. It isn't a large tree, but it has obviously had a few challenges to overcome during its life. I would love to know its story.
It is near an old cattle trail that winds through the woods. I suspect it was stepped on by a cow and broken when it was only a young shoot rising through the leaf litter and other debris on the ground.
It may even have been broken multiple times by the look of it as it twists and turns on a tortuous path before rising toward the scant sunlight breaking through the larger trees which overhang the trail.It is a Bois d'Arc tree. Bois d'Arc, also known as Osage Orange, or Post Trees are fairly common in our area and known for their hardiness. Early construction laws required that homes be built on a pier and beam foundation which used Bois d'Arc for the piers since they are extremely resistant to insect damage.
I have pulled old Bois d'Arc fence posts from the ground that were likely put in over 50 years previously. They show surface damage from tunneling beetles and other insects, but if you cut them in cross-section, the inside is still a bright yellow and completely undamaged other than a gray ring around the outside surface that might penetrate 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
The trees themselves, while green and growing, have a strong springy quality that is said to have inspired the name which I understand comes from early French explorers who noted its quality for making hunting bows. Many of the Plains tribes used the wood for that very purpose. It is extremely durable.
The Bois d'Arc is a thorny tree. The short, thin spines seem to reach out and grab you if you are close to the trees. They also bear large green fruit which fall to the ground and are eaten by a few animals. I have seen cows chew on them for extended periods and froth at the mouth from the process. Hogs, squirrels and other small animals will eat them although they don't seem to be a preferred food of any species.
The Bois d'Arc is a survivor. I have cut them down frequently only to see them grow back quickly. They are survivors. They aren't usually aesthetically pleasing, but they endure.
I suppose I see a certain beauty in them though. I admire their tenacity, if you could ascribe such a trait to a tree. They are tough, they are prickly and they endure. I know a few people like that. Sometimes I think that's the best kind of person to be -- one who endures the pain and troubles and manages to survive. They carry lots of scars, but oh, the stories they could tell....
Friday, August 10, 2018
Mabel the Guard Donkey
A few years back we adopted a jenny from the BLM's Wild Horse and Burro adoption program. We called her Mabel. She had been a resident of a BLM facility in Oklahoma prior to coming our way.
We adopted her because we had been having trouble with coyotes and black vultures harassing new born calves and their mothers. We had lost a few calves and decided a "guard donkey" was probably the best solution.
We considered purchasing a donkey locally, but thought one that had been born in the wild would have stronger protective instincts than one that was raised in a purely domesticated situation. Sure enough, Mabel was true to her heritage and was a protective mother to our baby calves even though they weren't her own offspring.
I spent some time with Mabel breaking her to a halter and to lead. She never completely adjusted to human guidance, but did become less intractable with time.
We needed Mabel because cattle today have had most of their survival instincts bred out of them. They are used to man caring for them rather than having to cope with a far-from-benevolent natural world which would quickly take their life in the never ending struggle for survival. We have civilized them -- bred the "fitness" from them.
I think sometimes that is one of the biggest problems with civilized humanity today....
Thursday, August 9, 2018
The Hollow Log
Walking through the woods the other day I came across a large hollow log balanced on the bank of a creek. It was almost 3 feet in diameter and much of it had been broken. It stretched 12 feet long or longer from end to end.
It appeared to be the remains of a white oak, although it was difficult to tell. White oak are common in the area and one of the few trees that grow tall and straight to such a large size. The creek on which this fallen giant lay is a feeder to what is known as "White Oak Bottom" which is the tree and brush-choked course of White Oak Creek winding eastward a short distance to the south.
To be that size, the tree was likely over 50 years old. It had withstood wind, flood and drought, but it was unable to withstand the constant attack of the insects which are probably what felled it. Most likely it had lain for many years somewhere along the course of the creek until decay left only a shell which became light enough to float along the frequently flooded waterway to the point where it lodged along the bank.
I'm sure that while it lived it provided shelter for birds and squirrels and food in the form of acorns for the same as well as for deer, feral hogs and other wildlife which break open the hard shells for the nutritious meat of the nut. It now provided shelter of a different sort for some of the smaller denizens of the neighborhood.
It was large enough that I could almost squeeze into its hollow core although the thought wasn't especially appealing due to the numerous insects and spiders which lived there. It brought to mind, though, the many times I have read or, saw in a movie, where someone hid inside a hollowed log. It certainly seemed possible except for the fact it was open at either end and any occupant was readily visible.
Many things crossed my mind as I looked into what once held the heart of this mighty tree. I thought of the corruption that eats from the inside and I thought of the shell which was once a mighty sentinel. It made me think of aging and dying and of bones that molder into the earth to provide sustenance for the creatures of the soil. Birth, life and death are but a momentary flash within the passage of time. It was a reminder to make certain that brief span is lived with purpose.
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
The Tracks We Leave Behind
Although we sometimes think we're small
And no one knows our name
We leave our tracks upon the earth
That show the way we came.
Life is short, our days are few
But, think of where you go
For there are those who walk behind
That you may never know
Who seek to follow in your steps
Wherever they may trod.
So, make your pathway straight and true
Led by the Hand of God.
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Reality Check
Nothing is real until it is experienced and even then we have our doubts.
Experiential knowledge surpasses "book" knowledge. Once we have done something -- seen something -- then knowledge moves from head to heart.
Sometimes, from the same, or similar experience, we learn different truths. Sometimes what we thought we learned was incorrect and must be re-learned. From repeated mistakes comes a different view of reality.
We are weak and fallible creatures who are faultless until experiential wisdom proves otherwise.
Never accept what you think you know as truth. All things in this life are tainted by corruption from "the fall." -- Genesis Chapter 3
I've no idea why my thoughts have taken this direction this morning. Perhaps it is because today is an anniversary. It is a signpost along the pathway of aging, of maturity, of the passage of time. It is a day to remember overcoming shortcomings and struggles and remembering joys and victories. It is a realization that there is an end ahead which marks the termination of the temporal and a heightened awareness of the eternal. It will be an awakening of true knowledge.-- 1 Corinthians Chapter 15
Experiential knowledge surpasses "book" knowledge. Once we have done something -- seen something -- then knowledge moves from head to heart.
Sometimes, from the same, or similar experience, we learn different truths. Sometimes what we thought we learned was incorrect and must be re-learned. From repeated mistakes comes a different view of reality.
We are weak and fallible creatures who are faultless until experiential wisdom proves otherwise.
Never accept what you think you know as truth. All things in this life are tainted by corruption from "the fall." -- Genesis Chapter 3
I've no idea why my thoughts have taken this direction this morning. Perhaps it is because today is an anniversary. It is a signpost along the pathway of aging, of maturity, of the passage of time. It is a day to remember overcoming shortcomings and struggles and remembering joys and victories. It is a realization that there is an end ahead which marks the termination of the temporal and a heightened awareness of the eternal. It will be an awakening of true knowledge.-- 1 Corinthians Chapter 15
Sunday, August 5, 2018
Endless Repetition
Have you noticed how life is often a series of endless repetition? The daily routine of getting out of bed, getting dressed, eating, going to work, etc. is an endless repetition of sameness. Oh, we try to vary the routine somewhat by eating different foods, wearing different clothes, etc., but all-in-all, it is the same thing over and over again.
Mowing the yard is another one of those tasks as is feeding the cattle, feeding the dogs, filling the pickup and car with fuel and on and on. Why is life so repetitive?
Repetition occurs on a much larger scale than just our daily routines. The moon goes repetitively around the earth, the earth around the sun and the galaxy itself spirals in endless motion. The seasons repeat, the weather repeats, long-term climate cycles repeat. The entirety of the universe is cyclical in nature with repetition built into everything.
It is no wonder that some religions believe in a life/death cycle in which the dead come back as someone, or something else. Everything is cyclical so why not an eternal existence as various beings? I don't buy it, but some do.
The same type of thinking leads to a theory of balance -- that it is a "zero sum" game. For every good there is a corresponding evil. I don't subscribe to that theory either. I see good and evil as antagonistic, not balancing complementary states. Ultimately, I believe good will overcome and in fact, I believe it has already occurred through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, but from a temporal perspective, the fulfillment is not observable yet.
Some day we all will see that there is more to life than endless repetition. The first step is to recognize the salvation from this life that rests in Jesus alone. -- John 14:6
Mowing the yard is another one of those tasks as is feeding the cattle, feeding the dogs, filling the pickup and car with fuel and on and on. Why is life so repetitive?
Repetition occurs on a much larger scale than just our daily routines. The moon goes repetitively around the earth, the earth around the sun and the galaxy itself spirals in endless motion. The seasons repeat, the weather repeats, long-term climate cycles repeat. The entirety of the universe is cyclical in nature with repetition built into everything.
It is no wonder that some religions believe in a life/death cycle in which the dead come back as someone, or something else. Everything is cyclical so why not an eternal existence as various beings? I don't buy it, but some do.
The same type of thinking leads to a theory of balance -- that it is a "zero sum" game. For every good there is a corresponding evil. I don't subscribe to that theory either. I see good and evil as antagonistic, not balancing complementary states. Ultimately, I believe good will overcome and in fact, I believe it has already occurred through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, but from a temporal perspective, the fulfillment is not observable yet.
Some day we all will see that there is more to life than endless repetition. The first step is to recognize the salvation from this life that rests in Jesus alone. -- John 14:6
Saturday, August 4, 2018
A Week of Sales Calls
Some days it is difficult to know what to write. Perhaps, some days, I should write nothing, however, when I restarted this blog a month ago, I committed to myself to write something every day if possible. I think I have missed one.
This past week was one of travel for business. I was making sales calls. Such weeks tire me, yet there is much that needs done here and I struggle with thoughts that I need to be out "ticking things off my list" when what I am doing is sitting at the computer and wishing for a nap although it is only 8:15 in the morning.
It is good to be back home. I don't sleep well when traveling. Even though motels look much the same wherever they might be -- whether of the same chain or different -- there is variety in the comfort of the bed and in the most important of all things, the thermostat in the room. It seems I can never get the thermostat set to a level that is consistently comfortable.
Typically when I travel for business I have at least one or two set appointments. I also like to do some "cold calling" on such trips if time allows. It is difficult to coordinate schedules so that I can have back-to-back-to-back scheduled meetings without slack time, so I fill that slack by "dropping in" on potential customers. I did a lot of that this week.
Many people in sales dread making cold calls. I think they are my favorite type of call. It is always interesting to see how you will be received and whether or not you will actually have the opportunity to present your pitch to someone with the power to make a decision. I always assume on a cold call that it is merely exploratory to see if there is interest which might lead to further calls and ultimately a sale. Rarely in the type of services that I represent do you make a sale on the first call.
One call this week will go in my "Effective Techniques in Sales" book which will likely never be written. I dropped by a potential customer and asked for the manager by name. He was not in his office, but was out dealing with something. His assistant, however, called him on the phone and let him know that I was there and would like to visit with him. He said yes, and that he would be back to the office in a few minutes.
I waited patiently for about 5 minutes for him to come in. When he did, I reintroduced myself to him since it had been many years since I had previously met him and he didn't really remember me. He said, "You've got 2 minutes," and proceeded to take me into his office where he offered me a seat. Usually the "you've got 2 minutes" doesn't go with an offer to take a seat.
I gave him my 20 second "elevator speech" and said, "That's it. Now, what are we going to talk about for the next minute and a half?" He looked at me and kind of chuckled and said, "Hmmm.....I'm interested, tell me more."
That is always what a salesperson wants to hear -- the prospect asking for more information. Forty-five minutes later I left with the promise to follow up in the near future.
Will it lead to a sale? I don't know, but it is the kind of call that makes what I do gratifying.
This past week was one of travel for business. I was making sales calls. Such weeks tire me, yet there is much that needs done here and I struggle with thoughts that I need to be out "ticking things off my list" when what I am doing is sitting at the computer and wishing for a nap although it is only 8:15 in the morning.
It is good to be back home. I don't sleep well when traveling. Even though motels look much the same wherever they might be -- whether of the same chain or different -- there is variety in the comfort of the bed and in the most important of all things, the thermostat in the room. It seems I can never get the thermostat set to a level that is consistently comfortable.
Typically when I travel for business I have at least one or two set appointments. I also like to do some "cold calling" on such trips if time allows. It is difficult to coordinate schedules so that I can have back-to-back-to-back scheduled meetings without slack time, so I fill that slack by "dropping in" on potential customers. I did a lot of that this week.
Many people in sales dread making cold calls. I think they are my favorite type of call. It is always interesting to see how you will be received and whether or not you will actually have the opportunity to present your pitch to someone with the power to make a decision. I always assume on a cold call that it is merely exploratory to see if there is interest which might lead to further calls and ultimately a sale. Rarely in the type of services that I represent do you make a sale on the first call.
One call this week will go in my "Effective Techniques in Sales" book which will likely never be written. I dropped by a potential customer and asked for the manager by name. He was not in his office, but was out dealing with something. His assistant, however, called him on the phone and let him know that I was there and would like to visit with him. He said yes, and that he would be back to the office in a few minutes.
I waited patiently for about 5 minutes for him to come in. When he did, I reintroduced myself to him since it had been many years since I had previously met him and he didn't really remember me. He said, "You've got 2 minutes," and proceeded to take me into his office where he offered me a seat. Usually the "you've got 2 minutes" doesn't go with an offer to take a seat.
I gave him my 20 second "elevator speech" and said, "That's it. Now, what are we going to talk about for the next minute and a half?" He looked at me and kind of chuckled and said, "Hmmm.....I'm interested, tell me more."
That is always what a salesperson wants to hear -- the prospect asking for more information. Forty-five minutes later I left with the promise to follow up in the near future.
Will it lead to a sale? I don't know, but it is the kind of call that makes what I do gratifying.
Friday, August 3, 2018
Josiah Gregg
Yesterday, while heading back to Amarillo from Garden City, Kansas, I decided to take a route that I normally avoid for various reasons. It was partly because I was a little off the beaten path after making a few sales calls on prospective customers and partly because I hadn't been that way in many years.
I came across a historical marker that I had never stopped to read (on Texas 136 northwest of Amarillo). It was about Josiah Gregg and the Fort Smith to Santa Fe Trail. It seems that in 1840, Josiah Gregg, one of the most famous Santa Fe Traders, explored a new route from Santa Fe to Fort Smith, Arkansas. Instead of the well-traveled trail which followed the Arkansas River, he set off across the plains following the south bank of the Canadian River across the Texas Panhandle.
Gregg wrote a detailed account of the terrain and water sources which became invaluable to the U.S. Cavalry in the later wars against the Indians of the Southern Plains.
A brief history of Gregg can be found at the following link:
Josiah Gregg
A great resource for those interested, is the Atlas of Texas Historical Markers. Whenever I have the time I enjoy stopping to read the markers. There is a lot of interesting history scattered along the wayside of the roads and highways of the Great Lone Star State.
I came across a historical marker that I had never stopped to read (on Texas 136 northwest of Amarillo). It was about Josiah Gregg and the Fort Smith to Santa Fe Trail. It seems that in 1840, Josiah Gregg, one of the most famous Santa Fe Traders, explored a new route from Santa Fe to Fort Smith, Arkansas. Instead of the well-traveled trail which followed the Arkansas River, he set off across the plains following the south bank of the Canadian River across the Texas Panhandle.
Gregg wrote a detailed account of the terrain and water sources which became invaluable to the U.S. Cavalry in the later wars against the Indians of the Southern Plains.
A brief history of Gregg can be found at the following link:
Josiah Gregg
A great resource for those interested, is the Atlas of Texas Historical Markers. Whenever I have the time I enjoy stopping to read the markers. There is a lot of interesting history scattered along the wayside of the roads and highways of the Great Lone Star State.
Thursday, August 2, 2018
Deeper Conversations
A part of my job is sales. It isn't what most people think of as sales, because it requires that a relationship be developed that includes a high level of trust. I have no desire to merely sell a product to someone, I want to make my customer's life easier and I can only do that if I can deliver value to them.
Over time, what began as a business relationship can develop into friendship. We often claim friendship with others with whom we enjoy spending time, but frequently it is a fairly shallow type of friendship. It is rare that you can truly relate to someone on a level which allows you to talk of important things such as faith and struggles.
I had the good fortune today to spend time with someone I consider a friend. We met this afternoon in a business setting, but were able to spend some time together this evening talking about family, faith and some of the struggles we deal with -- much of it work related, but some of which was not. I value such times. They are a reminder that there is more to life than work and things.
Life is better when we take the time to build relationships that allow for deeper conversations.
1 John 4:11
Prov. 27:17
Over time, what began as a business relationship can develop into friendship. We often claim friendship with others with whom we enjoy spending time, but frequently it is a fairly shallow type of friendship. It is rare that you can truly relate to someone on a level which allows you to talk of important things such as faith and struggles.
I had the good fortune today to spend time with someone I consider a friend. We met this afternoon in a business setting, but were able to spend some time together this evening talking about family, faith and some of the struggles we deal with -- much of it work related, but some of which was not. I value such times. They are a reminder that there is more to life than work and things.
Life is better when we take the time to build relationships that allow for deeper conversations.
1 John 4:11
Prov. 27:17
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
A Neglected Hobby
About four years ago I decided to try a new hobby -- watercolor painting. Above is a sample of what I painted. This one is probably my favorite. I drew it from a historic photograph I found on the Internet.
It is a bit caricaturish -- I'm sure that isn't a word, but it describes it anyway. The most difficult part was drawing the picture. Mixing colors with watercolor seemed fairly simple to me except for the fact that I usually didn't get quite enough mixed up of the color that I wanted and then had to attempt to recreate it. Sometimes the match was fairly good and sometimes not.
To me, watercolor seems more forgiving than many other paints. That may just be my naivete talking. I drew a little when much younger, but never attempted painting. In spite of the amateurish look, I suppose I was proud of it.
It is easy to become discouraged when attempting something new like this at such a late stage in life -- especially when the vision in my head doesn't quite make it onto paper in the same way it is in my head. I need to find time to work at it some more. It just takes me awhile to get in the right frame of mind to be creative. Maybe the next attempts will be a little better....
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Travel and Work
When I travel for my work I find the hours are mighty long;
I work when I awake and often well into the night.
The phone is always ringing, this computer in my hand
That buzzes with the e-mail or when a text the screen does light.
Instead of setting it aside to wait until the 'morrow
I frequently just deal with it and sometimes work quite late.
For what else am I going to do while stuck in a hotel
Since I care not for the t.v. where mindless heads do prate?
I usually fill the silence with a keyboard in my hand
And if by chance I find the time I often sit and write;
It is a simple thing that can occupy my mind
Even if it's something like this Blog I wrote last night.
[Sometimes I experiment a bit with which lines rhyme. This one is a little awkward, but the pattern worked. I'm sure some English teacher or, literary purist would have a fit over it, but I don't write for them anyway....]
(It's kinda cool that you can schedule when it posts....)
I work when I awake and often well into the night.
The phone is always ringing, this computer in my hand
That buzzes with the e-mail or when a text the screen does light.
Instead of setting it aside to wait until the 'morrow
I frequently just deal with it and sometimes work quite late.
For what else am I going to do while stuck in a hotel
Since I care not for the t.v. where mindless heads do prate?
I usually fill the silence with a keyboard in my hand
And if by chance I find the time I often sit and write;
It is a simple thing that can occupy my mind
Even if it's something like this Blog I wrote last night.
[Sometimes I experiment a bit with which lines rhyme. This one is a little awkward, but the pattern worked. I'm sure some English teacher or, literary purist would have a fit over it, but I don't write for them anyway....]
(It's kinda cool that you can schedule when it posts....)
Monday, July 30, 2018
Obsessed by Politics?
I hate politics. I hate politics. I hate politics.
Now that you know how I feel about politics I'm going to write about politics.
I am fiscally conservative and somewhat middle-of-the-road on many social issues. If I were to identify with any particular candidate it would probably be a mix of Ted Cruz and Rand Paul. To sum it up, quit taking my money and spending it wastefully and quit trying to legislate morality. Protect our borders, negotiate free trade, but let people live their life the way they want as long as it doesn't directly infringe on the rights of others.
The media is obsessed by politics. Why? I suppose it is the greatest source of drama and controversy available and we all know that is what sells. The only possible greater source would be Hollywood which seems to thrive on controversy. Both are driven by the "look at me" syndrome of a child who just wants to be noticed.
I suppose that in a nutshell, it takes a narcissist to want to be a politician. I have a hard time going around begging people for money so that I can confiscate more of their money, attempt to run their lives and then expect them to "worship" me for what I did to them. Just leave me alone. Provide an environment in which I can take my own path in the "pursuit of happiness." That's probably why I took a path other than politics.
Am I obsessed with politics too? I guess in a way I am. I am obsessed with a hatred of it. Hate is a strong word that I don't use very often. Perhaps righteous anger would be a better description of how I feel -- or may righteous indignation. I am indignant that our political system has devolved to such a level.
It doesn't surprise me though. Fallen mankind is acting out the age-old drama of placing "self" in the center of all things. Until we elect political representatives (notice the switch in terms here) that place their faith in God rather than themselves, nothing will change.
Now that you know how I feel about politics I'm going to write about politics.
I am fiscally conservative and somewhat middle-of-the-road on many social issues. If I were to identify with any particular candidate it would probably be a mix of Ted Cruz and Rand Paul. To sum it up, quit taking my money and spending it wastefully and quit trying to legislate morality. Protect our borders, negotiate free trade, but let people live their life the way they want as long as it doesn't directly infringe on the rights of others.
The media is obsessed by politics. Why? I suppose it is the greatest source of drama and controversy available and we all know that is what sells. The only possible greater source would be Hollywood which seems to thrive on controversy. Both are driven by the "look at me" syndrome of a child who just wants to be noticed.
I suppose that in a nutshell, it takes a narcissist to want to be a politician. I have a hard time going around begging people for money so that I can confiscate more of their money, attempt to run their lives and then expect them to "worship" me for what I did to them. Just leave me alone. Provide an environment in which I can take my own path in the "pursuit of happiness." That's probably why I took a path other than politics.
Am I obsessed with politics too? I guess in a way I am. I am obsessed with a hatred of it. Hate is a strong word that I don't use very often. Perhaps righteous anger would be a better description of how I feel -- or may righteous indignation. I am indignant that our political system has devolved to such a level.
It doesn't surprise me though. Fallen mankind is acting out the age-old drama of placing "self" in the center of all things. Until we elect political representatives (notice the switch in terms here) that place their faith in God rather than themselves, nothing will change.
Sunday, July 29, 2018
Book Shopping
Normal Saturdays are filled with various chores such as mowing the lawn and other things around the house. Frequently, at least part of the day is spent working at the ranch doing one of the myriad never-ending chores there. Yesterday, we instead spent a day of relaxation.
We woke to a brief light rain that didn't do much to ease the drought, but at least brought temporary respite to the high temperature which soared later in the day. It did, however, cause us to spend a little time just relaxing and doing some reading.
Because of the drought, we did have to feed some hay to the cows and check their water. During heat and drought, water is the number one most essential thing for the cattle. Afterward, instead of spending time working on the never-ending encroachment of brush, or some other task, we headed back to town.
After a brief nap following lunch, we drove to a larger town to do some shopping and so that I could get a desperately needed haircut. We had a gift card for Olive Garden and planned on eating dinner there, which we did, but having some time to kill we decided to head to 1/2 Priced Bookstore for a little shopping.
I must admit that books are one of my weaknesses. Fortunately, my wife shares a similar enjoyment of reading and there is no end to the books in our home. I have read most of them, but there are a few that are specifically hers which don't appeal to me.
I could spend hours in a bookstore. Actually, that probably isn't true. I seem to immediately find an armful of books that I am interested in reading and am ready to head to the checkout counter so that I can get started on them. The only exception to that is when I have limited myself to a specific amount of money that I am willing to spend that particular trip and have difficulty choosing which of the many desirable choices I want to invest in.
Yesterday was one of those days that I had more books than I could comfortably carry within about five minutes of entering the store. My wife is a little more choosey in her reading and it took her a little longer, so I then proceeded to annoy her (probably) by helping her find books. I'm saying, "What about this one? Did you see this? You might like this one." or, some such, while she is likely thinking, "Please, let me look on my own!"
After awhile she said, "Are you ready to check out? I'm hungry." Of course, I had been ready for some time, but was perfectly willing to let her shop. Yeah, I'm not much fun to go shopping with. Browsing isn't my thing. Let me go find what I want, get it bought and get out.
Now, to work through this stack of books. Which one first....?
We woke to a brief light rain that didn't do much to ease the drought, but at least brought temporary respite to the high temperature which soared later in the day. It did, however, cause us to spend a little time just relaxing and doing some reading.
Because of the drought, we did have to feed some hay to the cows and check their water. During heat and drought, water is the number one most essential thing for the cattle. Afterward, instead of spending time working on the never-ending encroachment of brush, or some other task, we headed back to town.
After a brief nap following lunch, we drove to a larger town to do some shopping and so that I could get a desperately needed haircut. We had a gift card for Olive Garden and planned on eating dinner there, which we did, but having some time to kill we decided to head to 1/2 Priced Bookstore for a little shopping.
I must admit that books are one of my weaknesses. Fortunately, my wife shares a similar enjoyment of reading and there is no end to the books in our home. I have read most of them, but there are a few that are specifically hers which don't appeal to me.
I could spend hours in a bookstore. Actually, that probably isn't true. I seem to immediately find an armful of books that I am interested in reading and am ready to head to the checkout counter so that I can get started on them. The only exception to that is when I have limited myself to a specific amount of money that I am willing to spend that particular trip and have difficulty choosing which of the many desirable choices I want to invest in.
Yesterday was one of those days that I had more books than I could comfortably carry within about five minutes of entering the store. My wife is a little more choosey in her reading and it took her a little longer, so I then proceeded to annoy her (probably) by helping her find books. I'm saying, "What about this one? Did you see this? You might like this one." or, some such, while she is likely thinking, "Please, let me look on my own!"
After awhile she said, "Are you ready to check out? I'm hungry." Of course, I had been ready for some time, but was perfectly willing to let her shop. Yeah, I'm not much fun to go shopping with. Browsing isn't my thing. Let me go find what I want, get it bought and get out.
Now, to work through this stack of books. Which one first....?
Saturday, July 28, 2018
The Gentle Sound of Rain
This morning I awoke
To the quiet sound of rain
Upon this dry and dusty arid plain
It brought a gentle comfort
As I lay there in my bed
Thinking how it brought a peace into my head
I thought how only yesterday
The dust arose like smoke
And clogged the air I breathed and made me choke
And I remembered cattle coughing
Standing still beneath the shade
The few and scraggly trees and bushes made
But, the simple sound of moisture
Falling gently from the sky
Promised their relief was surely nigh
In my head I thanked my Maker
For the blessings He bestows
Then quietly rose and slipped into my clothes
And walked to the window
To look out upon the rain
Falling gently on this sun-scorched weary plain
To the quiet sound of rain
Upon this dry and dusty arid plain
It brought a gentle comfort
As I lay there in my bed
Thinking how it brought a peace into my head
I thought how only yesterday
The dust arose like smoke
And clogged the air I breathed and made me choke
And I remembered cattle coughing
Standing still beneath the shade
The few and scraggly trees and bushes made
But, the simple sound of moisture
Falling gently from the sky
Promised their relief was surely nigh
In my head I thanked my Maker
For the blessings He bestows
Then quietly rose and slipped into my clothes
And walked to the window
To look out upon the rain
Falling gently on this sun-scorched weary plain
Friday, July 27, 2018
Never Ending Labor
It seems there is no end to the tasks that need doing at the ranch. Today it is clearing brush from a fence line and preparing a level area to set a replacement stock water tank. At 7:00 a.m. it is already 80 degrees with humidity of 64% and the sun hasn't shown itself for the high clouds which hold little promise of much needed rain.
We do most of the physical labor on our place; it is not a large ranch requiring numerous employees, it is small and I have a hard time paying someone else to do what I can do. Some might argue that if I am able, I should hire someone else to give them a job. I've never seen it that way.
If I have time and am both physically able and have the knowledge to do a job, I will do it. If I don't have the requisite knowledge or, tools for some jobs, I might hire someone else to do it -- such as cutting and baling hay. If I don't have the time due to more remunerative employment of my personal labor, I will hire things done.
I was never one to think that just because I am able to pay someone else to do the job that I should sit back and watch them toil away while I play the role of "boss." It isn't my style. I guess, because of that, I can more easily relate to folks who "work" for a living than I can those who merely "boss others" for a living. I don't like to ask someone to do a job that I am unwilling to do.
Oh, well, so much for the digression into my theories of doing physical labor...there is work to be done and we're burning daylight.
We do most of the physical labor on our place; it is not a large ranch requiring numerous employees, it is small and I have a hard time paying someone else to do what I can do. Some might argue that if I am able, I should hire someone else to give them a job. I've never seen it that way.
If I have time and am both physically able and have the knowledge to do a job, I will do it. If I don't have the requisite knowledge or, tools for some jobs, I might hire someone else to do it -- such as cutting and baling hay. If I don't have the time due to more remunerative employment of my personal labor, I will hire things done.
I was never one to think that just because I am able to pay someone else to do the job that I should sit back and watch them toil away while I play the role of "boss." It isn't my style. I guess, because of that, I can more easily relate to folks who "work" for a living than I can those who merely "boss others" for a living. I don't like to ask someone to do a job that I am unwilling to do.
Oh, well, so much for the digression into my theories of doing physical labor...there is work to be done and we're burning daylight.
Thursday, July 26, 2018
Make a Difference
Success comes sneaking in the door
With little acts each day
That take you toward your every goal
With steps that never stray.
It's making sure the things you do
Lead toward your lifelong dream
No matter how the headwinds
Make it feel you're losing steam.
If what you seek is worthy
You will overcome all strife
And you'll truly make a difference
In another person's life.
Keep your focus on each goal
That you have set for every day
As you travel on this journey
Of the Straight and Narrow Way.
With little acts each day
That take you toward your every goal
With steps that never stray.
It's making sure the things you do
Lead toward your lifelong dream
No matter how the headwinds
Make it feel you're losing steam.
If what you seek is worthy
You will overcome all strife
And you'll truly make a difference
In another person's life.
Keep your focus on each goal
That you have set for every day
As you travel on this journey
Of the Straight and Narrow Way.
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Monarch Butterfly Caterpillars
I mentioned the other day that we try to manage our ranch in a way that supports wildlife. Today, I found a great example of that. Monarch butterflies.
I took the grand kids on a hike this morning and we discovered that the Monarch caterpillars are in full swing devouring the milkweeds that we deliberately allow to grow in certain areas of the ranch. They can only thrive in grassland.
Here are some photos of the caterpillars. Can you spot them? We only saw one Monarch butterfly in the air and I was unable to get a photo of it.
I took the grand kids on a hike this morning and we discovered that the Monarch caterpillars are in full swing devouring the milkweeds that we deliberately allow to grow in certain areas of the ranch. They can only thrive in grassland.
Here are some photos of the caterpillars. Can you spot them? We only saw one Monarch butterfly in the air and I was unable to get a photo of it.
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
Ice Cream
Some of the more vivid memories of my childhood come from family gatherings at my grandparents house when they still lived out on the farm which was ten miles out in the country in the wide open Texas Panhandle. Grandpa would have a watermelon or two chilling in the shade of a huge elm tree, or possibly in the cow tank. Generally the women would spend a lot of time with cooking pies and the huge meals it took to feed everyone.
The other thing that stands out in my mind is making homemade ice cream. The freezer was hand cranked by one of my uncles while I typically got the job of sitting on top of it. Why, you might wonder, did I have to sit on top? To keep it from moving around while the handle was being cranked to churn the ice cream!
It was a cold seat on top the churn which was filled with ice and salt in order to make the ice cream mix freeze. Grandma usually would have several "flour sack" towels folded over it to cover the ice and provide insulation as well as a dry seat for me. The tub of the ice cream maker would sit inside a larger wash tub to catch the slushy slurry of ice, water and salt which came out of the small hole on the side.
Sometimes we would sit in the shade, but most often we would sit on the back porch while it was being churned. Whichever uncle was in charge of turning the crank would sit on an overturned bucket. It was easy to tell when the ice cream was almost ready because it became harder to turn the crank and the churn "wanted to walk" around within the wash tub. That's the reason I sat there listening to the constant sound of the churn going around and around in the ice.
Those were good memories. They come to mind because today we are making homemade ice cream for the grand kids. The crank has been replaced by an electric motor, but hopefully the memories being created will still be good ones.
The other thing that stands out in my mind is making homemade ice cream. The freezer was hand cranked by one of my uncles while I typically got the job of sitting on top of it. Why, you might wonder, did I have to sit on top? To keep it from moving around while the handle was being cranked to churn the ice cream!
It was a cold seat on top the churn which was filled with ice and salt in order to make the ice cream mix freeze. Grandma usually would have several "flour sack" towels folded over it to cover the ice and provide insulation as well as a dry seat for me. The tub of the ice cream maker would sit inside a larger wash tub to catch the slushy slurry of ice, water and salt which came out of the small hole on the side.
Sometimes we would sit in the shade, but most often we would sit on the back porch while it was being churned. Whichever uncle was in charge of turning the crank would sit on an overturned bucket. It was easy to tell when the ice cream was almost ready because it became harder to turn the crank and the churn "wanted to walk" around within the wash tub. That's the reason I sat there listening to the constant sound of the churn going around and around in the ice.
Those were good memories. They come to mind because today we are making homemade ice cream for the grand kids. The crank has been replaced by an electric motor, but hopefully the memories being created will still be good ones.
Monday, July 23, 2018
Environmental Ranching
It seems there is no end to hard manual labor on a ranch. It doesn't matter whether it is a large or small ranch, there is always fence to mend, brush to clear, water to fix, animals to feed, or something else that needs done come rain or shine, heat or cold.
We moved to this part of Texas because it was a great place to raise cattle. The reason it is a great place is because it gets plenty of rain to grow lots of grass for them to eat. That same rain makes trees and brush grow too. It seems that constant vigilance is in order or the trees will take over the place.
If you are a global warming alarmist, you might think we should let the trees take over until they choke out all of the grass and the land will no longer support cattle. I actually understand that logic but, it is incomplete. If you value wildlife and proper management of the land and environment, you must realize it is important to have a complete ecosystem in order to be sustainable.
If allowed to grow unchecked, the first trees to move in typically have thorns and are very short lived. They create thickets that harbor very little wildlife for the most part. As they choke out the grasses, they allow other, longer-lived varieties of trees to take hold, such as oaks which begin to grow in areas that aren't completely choked by thorny varieties. The oaks and other large trees, over time begin to decay and fall and the rotten, decaying logs wash into waterways and choke them causing flooding. The flooding causes further degradation of the environment until the land becomes virtually unusable except to feral hogs and such.
I admit that I am simplifying things a bit as well as compressing decades into what appear to be shorter spans of time, but essentially that is the process of succession. The brush-choked, decaying forest is also a prime opportunity for fires to rage uncontrollably for many miles. If burned, the land is then highly subject to extreme erosion. The soil which washes away destroys stream and lake health causing fish to die. It ultimately ends up in the ocean or contributes to destroying estuaries.
The alternative is controlled grazing with sculpting of the land by allowing old-growth trees to flourish along water courses in order to control erosion. Minor brush infestations can be cleared through controlled burning. The grasses act as a filter for the water going into waterways so that it is cleaner and healthier. Cattle grazing the grassland control undesirable species. Wildlife flourish because of the variation in the environment. Very little, if any, erosion occurs.
Most animals prefer what is referred to as edge. Edge is where two different types of plant growth come together. It can be the edge of a forest adjacent to grassland, or the border of large trees growing along a stream. It allows animals a place to move from an area of high food value to one of "cover" or protection very quickly.
I spend a lot of time on the ranch managing those things. It is important to me that we have a complete ecosystem on our ranch so that wildlife have a safe place to grow and propagate. I want to see deer and bobcat and songbirds thrive just as much as I want the cattle to thrive. Cattle need the shade of trees as well as grass. A properly managed ranch provides for both while locking carbon into the grasses, the trees and the soil.
We moved to this part of Texas because it was a great place to raise cattle. The reason it is a great place is because it gets plenty of rain to grow lots of grass for them to eat. That same rain makes trees and brush grow too. It seems that constant vigilance is in order or the trees will take over the place.
If you are a global warming alarmist, you might think we should let the trees take over until they choke out all of the grass and the land will no longer support cattle. I actually understand that logic but, it is incomplete. If you value wildlife and proper management of the land and environment, you must realize it is important to have a complete ecosystem in order to be sustainable.
If allowed to grow unchecked, the first trees to move in typically have thorns and are very short lived. They create thickets that harbor very little wildlife for the most part. As they choke out the grasses, they allow other, longer-lived varieties of trees to take hold, such as oaks which begin to grow in areas that aren't completely choked by thorny varieties. The oaks and other large trees, over time begin to decay and fall and the rotten, decaying logs wash into waterways and choke them causing flooding. The flooding causes further degradation of the environment until the land becomes virtually unusable except to feral hogs and such.
I admit that I am simplifying things a bit as well as compressing decades into what appear to be shorter spans of time, but essentially that is the process of succession. The brush-choked, decaying forest is also a prime opportunity for fires to rage uncontrollably for many miles. If burned, the land is then highly subject to extreme erosion. The soil which washes away destroys stream and lake health causing fish to die. It ultimately ends up in the ocean or contributes to destroying estuaries.
The alternative is controlled grazing with sculpting of the land by allowing old-growth trees to flourish along water courses in order to control erosion. Minor brush infestations can be cleared through controlled burning. The grasses act as a filter for the water going into waterways so that it is cleaner and healthier. Cattle grazing the grassland control undesirable species. Wildlife flourish because of the variation in the environment. Very little, if any, erosion occurs.
Most animals prefer what is referred to as edge. Edge is where two different types of plant growth come together. It can be the edge of a forest adjacent to grassland, or the border of large trees growing along a stream. It allows animals a place to move from an area of high food value to one of "cover" or protection very quickly.
I spend a lot of time on the ranch managing those things. It is important to me that we have a complete ecosystem on our ranch so that wildlife have a safe place to grow and propagate. I want to see deer and bobcat and songbirds thrive just as much as I want the cattle to thrive. Cattle need the shade of trees as well as grass. A properly managed ranch provides for both while locking carbon into the grasses, the trees and the soil.
Sunday, July 22, 2018
Driving Lessons
I remember the first time I got to drive by myself. I was probably about 10 or 12 years old and had gone to the ranch with my grandfather. We had been working on a water sprinkler and after awhile we had worked our way about a 1/2 mile away from the pickup. The pasture was wide open and Grandpa had been giving me some basic instruction on driving, but with him in the pickup with me.
I guess he took advantage of me because he asked me if I wanted to go get the pickup and drive it back to pick him up. He must have been planning this ahead of time. Of course I ran the 1/2 mile to the pickup and drove it to him. He asked me to pull up to a specific fence post and stop just before I got to it. I had to back up and try 3 or 4 times before I got it right. By then he was through with the fencing job and it was time to go back to the old trailer house that served as somewhat of a line camp for the ranch.
This comes to mind because the grand kids are visiting this weekend. This morning we went out to the ranch where they did a little fishing in one of the ponds while I did some work. Their father was with them and the two oldest got to take turns driving the Polaris Ranger. He was with them giving close instruction.
This afternoon the 2nd oldest (who is a very tall 8 year old) and I went back out to do some feeding and he got to drive the pickup. I sat in the passenger seat and he had full control. He got to drive about 1/2 mile from the pens up to the gate which leads out onto the county road. He was pretty excited about it.
I'm looking forward to having some young legs to help me out during the summers. If he only knew why he was getting to learn to drive....
I guess he took advantage of me because he asked me if I wanted to go get the pickup and drive it back to pick him up. He must have been planning this ahead of time. Of course I ran the 1/2 mile to the pickup and drove it to him. He asked me to pull up to a specific fence post and stop just before I got to it. I had to back up and try 3 or 4 times before I got it right. By then he was through with the fencing job and it was time to go back to the old trailer house that served as somewhat of a line camp for the ranch.
This comes to mind because the grand kids are visiting this weekend. This morning we went out to the ranch where they did a little fishing in one of the ponds while I did some work. Their father was with them and the two oldest got to take turns driving the Polaris Ranger. He was with them giving close instruction.
This afternoon the 2nd oldest (who is a very tall 8 year old) and I went back out to do some feeding and he got to drive the pickup. I sat in the passenger seat and he had full control. He got to drive about 1/2 mile from the pens up to the gate which leads out onto the county road. He was pretty excited about it.
I'm looking forward to having some young legs to help me out during the summers. If he only knew why he was getting to learn to drive....
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Summer Trips
Summer is the season people like to take a trip
In a car across the country; in a hurry they do zip
Until they reach a destination sometimes never been before
Where they ooh and ah attractions while craving even more.
Then they come home tired and weary to their permanent abode
Worn out from their journey on the long and open road.
I thought that a vacation was to be a time of rest
To escape the ordinary -- let our mind relax at best
But, instead it is endurance often drives the weary soul
Once more to accomplish some listed unmarked goal,
Returning home again to face tomorrow's task
Unrested and still needing time to just sit and relax
In a car across the country; in a hurry they do zip
Until they reach a destination sometimes never been before
Where they ooh and ah attractions while craving even more.
Then they come home tired and weary to their permanent abode
Worn out from their journey on the long and open road.
I thought that a vacation was to be a time of rest
To escape the ordinary -- let our mind relax at best
But, instead it is endurance often drives the weary soul
Once more to accomplish some listed unmarked goal,
Returning home again to face tomorrow's task
Unrested and still needing time to just sit and relax
Friday, July 20, 2018
Putin to Washington?
I think it is a great idea that President Trump has extended an invitation to President Putin to come to Washington. If we are proud of our country we should show it off. I for one am proud.
While there, I think the protesters which will turn out en masse, should be relegated to some obscure area and blocked from the proximity of the White House, Capitol Building or other prominent monuments and places. Let Putin see us in our "Sunday finest." Take him to a grocery store, a factory, a museum, a shopping mall. Let him see what Capitalism is all about. Make him envious.
We should do the same for leaders of other countries such as China. We should even invite Kim Jong Un from North Korea. They don't all have to be treated to a State Dinner, but they should all be shown what is possible under a system of government that allows Capitalism to thrive.
The press will take care of seeing that the protests are televised and likely blow them out of proportion. The protesters never represent the majority of citizens; they are usually the vocal minority who are either hired by powerful moneyed groups with an agenda, or they are dedicated members of a minority cause (minority in the sense of numbers, not ethnicity, gender inspecificity, etc.) Do what other countries do and keep the "riff-raff" in the background. Show the world the good side of who we are.
Just my thoughts....
While there, I think the protesters which will turn out en masse, should be relegated to some obscure area and blocked from the proximity of the White House, Capitol Building or other prominent monuments and places. Let Putin see us in our "Sunday finest." Take him to a grocery store, a factory, a museum, a shopping mall. Let him see what Capitalism is all about. Make him envious.
We should do the same for leaders of other countries such as China. We should even invite Kim Jong Un from North Korea. They don't all have to be treated to a State Dinner, but they should all be shown what is possible under a system of government that allows Capitalism to thrive.
The press will take care of seeing that the protests are televised and likely blow them out of proportion. The protesters never represent the majority of citizens; they are usually the vocal minority who are either hired by powerful moneyed groups with an agenda, or they are dedicated members of a minority cause (minority in the sense of numbers, not ethnicity, gender inspecificity, etc.) Do what other countries do and keep the "riff-raff" in the background. Show the world the good side of who we are.
Just my thoughts....
Thursday, July 19, 2018
A Day of Opportunity
Opportunity waits with each new day
If we but ope' our eyes
It sometimes comes with clarity
At others in disguise
The world would steal our hopes and dreams
And tell us it's not real
It comes at us in jealousy
Our happiness to steal
Sometimes we have to seize the day
And make what comes be ours
Subduing all that seek to sway
Sent by unearthly powers
Focus on the distant goal
Though all else is at odd
And capture opportunity
Placed there for us by God
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Lost in Translation
I've been on a project that involves working with a group in Argentina. It has been challenging for a number of reasons:
- It involved the taking of samples to genotype for specific genetic markers on cattle in Argentina.
- Due to regulatory restrictions and potential intellectual property issues, the evaluations had to be made either in the U.S. or the U.K.
- Import restrictions of animal tissue into those countries from Argentina is very strict due to potential spread of infectious disease so, the DNA had to be extracted there before shipping.
- The company we had partnered with is U.K. based.
- The genotyping ended up being done in the U.S.
- Results were then transmitted electronically to us for analysis.
- Gaining regulatory clearance for importation was made more difficult due to the transitions to a new Executive Team in the U.S. who insisted on reviewing all past policies before allowing the clearance.
- There were language barrier issues -- not just in the words themselves, but their understood meaning within common usage of multiple cultures.
- There were cultural barriers -- primarily the sense of urgency is lacking in Latin America.
- There was an individual within our U.K. partner's organization who was somewhat obstructionist due to fears we were usurping her territorial authority.
- There was the inherent bureaucratic dawdling of U.K. based companies -- if there is no clear policy, do nothing.
- Since much of the data was collected in Argentina, the combining into a uniform database was complicated by the terminology.
- Standards for a large subset of the data are different in Argentina vs. in the U.S.
- Time seems to have a very different meaning in Latin America.
Thankfully, we have almost completed the collection and collation stages of the project. Now come the analysis and reporting. Let's hope we connected all of the dots correctly....
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
The World in Our Hand
Everywhere I look I see people staring at their hand
As though there was something important there to see.
They miss so much around them with their eyes so firmly fixed
I wonder how important it must be!
Maybe its some kind of window that looks out upon the world
With vistas grand that hold them oh so rapt
Or, maybe there's some monster that lurks there within their hand
That has their mind completely in a trap.
I suspect it is the latter if the truth were really known
As to why so many lose their self control
And focus on the shiny thing that lies within their hand
Even while they're on a quiet country stroll.
Monday, July 16, 2018
The Art of a Really Big Deal?
It is interesting to note the commentary today after the meeting between President Trump and Russian President Putin. It seems to be consensus that Putin gained and Trump lost. I seriously doubt that is the reality of the situation. Here are my thoughts:
- Russia has tremendous resources but is backward in many ways as an economy.
- Trump's focus and basis for everything he has done appears to be business and making deals.
- Leverage for gaining what one wants is based in economic power (at least that's the way I suspect Trump views things).
- Russia could "balance" China.
- Russia can offset the E.U.
As to the claim that Trump "trusts" Putin above his own intelligence service on the matter of election interference, can you really blame him when you see the farcical hearings of FBI agent Strzok and the supposed "blackmail" file that our esteemed CIA was involved in collecting and releasing during the campaign? Would you trust the Deep State?
Then we have the comments about the EU being our opponent. Certainly they are an opponent relative to the Iranian Nuclear Deal in which the EU continues to trade with Iran while we re-imposed sanctions. They are negating our efforts to thwart the rise of a nuclear Iran. What else would you call them?
I believe the President sees opportunity with Russia. There is opportunity for trade which might be the "fertilizer" to strengthen the seeds of Capitalism within that country and give us leverage for stronger foreign policy. After all, Russia, like the U.S., is one of the strongest holdouts to the rise of "One World" thinking which is rooted most deeply in the E.U.
Let's Make a Deal on a global scale....
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Protesting Trump
When I see the media coverage of large number of protesters in England who are protesting -- I'm not sure exactly what -- Trump, I have to stop and think, "Why are they protesting?" I suppose it came to me as a bit of revelation that is isn't really about Trump, it is the Left's fear of what he represents. They have a stronger hold in the U.K. and Europe than they have in the U.S. in spite of the constant media bombardment in support of their agenda. They don't want the grassroots conservative movement to catch fire in Britain.
Brexit is one of the few conservative moves in the "Old World" that could become the platform for even more conservatism to take root there. It threatens the movement toward a One World Order -- a unified global governing body. Individual countries can't exist in a unified world because it divides loyalty. To some extent it was the basis for the U.S. Civil War many years ago -- state's rights vs. a unified Federal power. (Some day I may write about my thoughts on a unified global governing body -- i.e. One World Order -- but not now. It might require a book.)
Trump is magnetic -- definitely not charismatic -- but, he draws attention. It is an interesting style that is effective. When you lack charisma you must rely on other things to move the crowd. He does it through controversy and confrontation. It works. In this country the "Right" is more engaged that it has been in many, many years thanks to Trump.
Love him, hate him, or whatever your feelings toward him, he is effective at bringing the deep issues into focus.
Brexit is one of the few conservative moves in the "Old World" that could become the platform for even more conservatism to take root there. It threatens the movement toward a One World Order -- a unified global governing body. Individual countries can't exist in a unified world because it divides loyalty. To some extent it was the basis for the U.S. Civil War many years ago -- state's rights vs. a unified Federal power. (Some day I may write about my thoughts on a unified global governing body -- i.e. One World Order -- but not now. It might require a book.)
Trump is magnetic -- definitely not charismatic -- but, he draws attention. It is an interesting style that is effective. When you lack charisma you must rely on other things to move the crowd. He does it through controversy and confrontation. It works. In this country the "Right" is more engaged that it has been in many, many years thanks to Trump.
Love him, hate him, or whatever your feelings toward him, he is effective at bringing the deep issues into focus.
Friday, July 13, 2018
Trump in England
I had many misgivings about President Trump in the beginning. I still wish that his style was a bit more -- civil at times. I must admit, though, that he is effective. I get the sense that the world, or at least some of it, is beginning to understand him. He is a negotiator. It's all about "the deal." Maybe everyone should have read his book.
The English have been at the game of diplomacy for so long that his rough-edged style is in stark contrast to their polished dissembling. He says bluntly what he thinks while they cloak their thoughts in flowery language and subtle phrases that are somewhat opaque. He comes from a position of assumed strength while they, though proud and not without their own strengths, come from a position of need. I think it is a very uncomfortable place for them.
Hopefully the English will recognize the opportunity before them. The simple act of a true free trade agreement between our two countries will provide them with a tremendous level of economic security which in turn leads to greater military security because the "Trump Doctrine," as it appears to me, is one of "we protect our economic interests."
Let the Pounds and Dollars flow....
The English have been at the game of diplomacy for so long that his rough-edged style is in stark contrast to their polished dissembling. He says bluntly what he thinks while they cloak their thoughts in flowery language and subtle phrases that are somewhat opaque. He comes from a position of assumed strength while they, though proud and not without their own strengths, come from a position of need. I think it is a very uncomfortable place for them.
Hopefully the English will recognize the opportunity before them. The simple act of a true free trade agreement between our two countries will provide them with a tremendous level of economic security which in turn leads to greater military security because the "Trump Doctrine," as it appears to me, is one of "we protect our economic interests."
Let the Pounds and Dollars flow....
Thursday, July 12, 2018
The Scent of Rain
Once again, the rains have passed us by. Each day for the last several the National Weather Service has shown us to have a significant chance of rain. Heavy showers have fallen in many places around us, but we received only 1/10 of an inch. It is dry.
First a hint of puffy white
Appears up in the sky
Then slowly grows and grows and grows
Until it fills the eye.
The promise of the quenching drops
Wafts across the land
On gentle breezes flowing by
This parched and weary strand.
The leaden gray with streaks of light
Approaches from the west
With winds that cool the sultry land
And promise moist rest.
The sand that stings flows ever higher,
The cattle turn their back,
The storm clouds flow across the land,
The sky turns nearly black.
But, soon it passes on its way
Its promise hoped in vain
Leaving nothing here behind
Except a scent of rain.
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
The List Goes On and On
I have probably mentioned somewhere previously that I am a list maker. I find that lists help me organize and prioritize the tasks that I have and as I grow older, I find that it helps me not to forget things....
I don't know that I have ever completed a list before adding more to it. There is always more to do than gets done. That's probably a good thing. I have also found as I age that having things to do, something to work toward, is important. When there is nothing left but to sit and watch television I will probably die.
I am sometimes a procrastinator. Lists help me to procrastinate because I know which items are urgent, which are important and which are merely things that would be a good idea but are neither urgent or important. They are sometimes things that would add to quality of life if done, but just aren't necessary.
I have different types of lists. Some are work related. Some are "around the house" tasks -- aka "Honey Do's." Others are related to some specific project.
I usually rank the tasks in order of importance, but not always. Sometimes they are just a list of things as I think of them. I don't always do the things on the list in order of importance either. Sometimes the lists are so overwhelming that I pick some of the easier tasks, or those of shorter duration and do them first in order to gain the psychological impact of accomplishment. Yeah, I play mind games with myself. Is that weird?
I have added Blog Post as a daily task on my list. Why? I guess it is a matter of practice since I wish to spend more time writing. I make a little money on the side writing a column for a trade publication and therefore know my ability is saleable, so I plan to work toward writing more for publication as a supplement to my income as I begin to consider retirement.
Retirement???!! What am I thinking! I think that word should be removed from the dictionary and replaced with something that has a different connotation -- one that denotes moving on to other things after a "career." Just my thoughts this morning...
I don't know that I have ever completed a list before adding more to it. There is always more to do than gets done. That's probably a good thing. I have also found as I age that having things to do, something to work toward, is important. When there is nothing left but to sit and watch television I will probably die.
I am sometimes a procrastinator. Lists help me to procrastinate because I know which items are urgent, which are important and which are merely things that would be a good idea but are neither urgent or important. They are sometimes things that would add to quality of life if done, but just aren't necessary.
I have different types of lists. Some are work related. Some are "around the house" tasks -- aka "Honey Do's." Others are related to some specific project.
I usually rank the tasks in order of importance, but not always. Sometimes they are just a list of things as I think of them. I don't always do the things on the list in order of importance either. Sometimes the lists are so overwhelming that I pick some of the easier tasks, or those of shorter duration and do them first in order to gain the psychological impact of accomplishment. Yeah, I play mind games with myself. Is that weird?
I have added Blog Post as a daily task on my list. Why? I guess it is a matter of practice since I wish to spend more time writing. I make a little money on the side writing a column for a trade publication and therefore know my ability is saleable, so I plan to work toward writing more for publication as a supplement to my income as I begin to consider retirement.
Retirement???!! What am I thinking! I think that word should be removed from the dictionary and replaced with something that has a different connotation -- one that denotes moving on to other things after a "career." Just my thoughts this morning...
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Out of the Darkness
The news today is that the Thai soccer team that has been trapped in a cave was gotten out safely.
Rescue
It is hard to imagine the sequence of events that got them into the situation in the first place. Caves are risky. It is even more difficult to imagine the things that must have gone through their minds while in the cave. Only time will tell the impact that the experience will have on those boys. For some it will build a well of strength from which to draw and for others it will be a source of nightmares.
Imagine being trapped in a world of utter darkness. At some point, the hope of rescue would begin to fade until only despair occupied the thoughts. The wait for death -- the end of their earthly existence -- would be the point of focus for every conversation and every thought.
I am thankful for my belief in something more than what this life offers. There is an eternity, an existence beyond our brief time on earth. It is my hope in Jesus as my rescuer from this world of darkness that keeps me focused on the future. There is much, much more to this life than what we see. The Rescuer is available to each and every one who calls on Him and acknowledges Him as Savior.
Rescue
It is hard to imagine the sequence of events that got them into the situation in the first place. Caves are risky. It is even more difficult to imagine the things that must have gone through their minds while in the cave. Only time will tell the impact that the experience will have on those boys. For some it will build a well of strength from which to draw and for others it will be a source of nightmares.
Imagine being trapped in a world of utter darkness. At some point, the hope of rescue would begin to fade until only despair occupied the thoughts. The wait for death -- the end of their earthly existence -- would be the point of focus for every conversation and every thought.
I am thankful for my belief in something more than what this life offers. There is an eternity, an existence beyond our brief time on earth. It is my hope in Jesus as my rescuer from this world of darkness that keeps me focused on the future. There is much, much more to this life than what we see. The Rescuer is available to each and every one who calls on Him and acknowledges Him as Savior.
Monday, July 9, 2018
Dead Trees and Snakes
I realize you can't tell much from the photo, but this is part of an old dead tree that fell in a recent windstorm at our place. I was fortunate that it missed the fence which borders between our place and the neighbor. If it had landed on it, I would have been scrambling awhile back to clear it and re-build the fence to keep their cows out of our hay meadow.
The tree fell because it was rotten -- the core of it was hollow. It is/was a huge oak tree that had stood for many years. I couldn't count the rings very easily and didn't really try, but I would guess it to be somewhere in excess of 80 years old. The photo really doesn't do it justice, it was massive.
When I took the photo I had already removed most of the smaller branches. The cut ends of what you see here are probably 8-10 inches in diameter. It truly was quite a chore.
As I cleared the smaller limbs away I was vigilant for critters which might be hiding in the tall grass and wood debris. Sure enough, a cottonmouth made his appearance and moved from one spot to the next as I cleared away the limbs. I was careful as I picked up branches and of where I stepped because I knew there could be others lurking among the litter. I also frequently lost sight of the one who made himself known.
I suppose there are a couple of lessons within this brief description. 1) Even the mighty will fall when the rot/decay inside them is so great that it saps their resistance. 2) There are serpents lurking within the debris, every ready to inject their poison into us as we go about our task.
Yeah, it turned into a political post....
Sunday, July 8, 2018
Bank Fees for the "Poor"
The French government is considering capping banking fees charged to the poor as part of a new poverty plan.
French government looking at capping bank fees on poor
As a former banker and avowed Capitalist but, a compassionate conservative, I have mixed feelings about this.
The average person doesn't understand how banks work. The brevity of the post requires that I postpone that discussion to another time, but in brief, deposits of customers provide the base from which loans are made to other customers. Accounts that carry little, or no balance actually cost the bank money. Labor involved in handling returned items, statements, etc. more than offsets the small amount that might be made from lending the fractional amount allowed to others. In fact, fractional lending requirements often mean that, based on the average balance of the small account, they add nothing to the lending base of the institution.
On the other hand, excessive fees make it more difficult for the low-balance depositor to gain any ground on his financial position. Many of the small depositors are poor money managers to begin with and don't understand the reasons their small deposits are "taxed" with what appear to be large fees. They need education, not penalties.
Perhaps the answer lies in banks offering basic classes in balancing ones checkbook, the impact of compounding interest and the basics of how the financial system works rather than penalties for poor money management. Ignorance should be replaced with knowledge, not reinforced with anger-causing actions.
I oppose state mandated behavior in this area, but I see the need for action.
French government looking at capping bank fees on poor
As a former banker and avowed Capitalist but, a compassionate conservative, I have mixed feelings about this.
The average person doesn't understand how banks work. The brevity of the post requires that I postpone that discussion to another time, but in brief, deposits of customers provide the base from which loans are made to other customers. Accounts that carry little, or no balance actually cost the bank money. Labor involved in handling returned items, statements, etc. more than offsets the small amount that might be made from lending the fractional amount allowed to others. In fact, fractional lending requirements often mean that, based on the average balance of the small account, they add nothing to the lending base of the institution.
On the other hand, excessive fees make it more difficult for the low-balance depositor to gain any ground on his financial position. Many of the small depositors are poor money managers to begin with and don't understand the reasons their small deposits are "taxed" with what appear to be large fees. They need education, not penalties.
Perhaps the answer lies in banks offering basic classes in balancing ones checkbook, the impact of compounding interest and the basics of how the financial system works rather than penalties for poor money management. Ignorance should be replaced with knowledge, not reinforced with anger-causing actions.
I oppose state mandated behavior in this area, but I see the need for action.
Saturday, July 7, 2018
Campfire Coffee
The coffee is on and the biscuits are hot
Daylight is burning, get out of your cot
There's work to be done and it won't do itself
Get up lazy bones or you're gonna be left
Friday, July 6, 2018
Hope and Change
During the reign of the previous administration -- yes, that word reign was intentional -- I became very disillusioned with the direction of our country. The pretender's message of Hope and Change had turned into fear and frustration for me. I had serious doubts that the direction we were being taken could be changed.
I have been pleasantly surprised by the accomplishments of the Trump administration. I still cringe at his style at times, but I admit openly that he has been effective in many areas. I suppose it is the rough and tumble world of New York business that created him and that is what we needed.
My hope has been restored to some degree. There is a long way yet to go to overcome the setbacks of the 8 years of Leftism, but progress is being made. I remain frustrated that change cannot, or is not, occurring more quickly, but we do seem to be turning to a better direction.
Hope is fragile and it frequently hinges on change. Now, if we could only make progress through change in our educational system -- primary, secondary and college levels -- that replaces the Leftist garbage with some common sense, perhaps the small hope today will grow more firm. I fear for the future that has been seeded with land mines of Liberalism through our educational system. I must have faith that enough will see the light for reason to prevail.
I have been pleasantly surprised by the accomplishments of the Trump administration. I still cringe at his style at times, but I admit openly that he has been effective in many areas. I suppose it is the rough and tumble world of New York business that created him and that is what we needed.
My hope has been restored to some degree. There is a long way yet to go to overcome the setbacks of the 8 years of Leftism, but progress is being made. I remain frustrated that change cannot, or is not, occurring more quickly, but we do seem to be turning to a better direction.
Hope is fragile and it frequently hinges on change. Now, if we could only make progress through change in our educational system -- primary, secondary and college levels -- that replaces the Leftist garbage with some common sense, perhaps the small hope today will grow more firm. I fear for the future that has been seeded with land mines of Liberalism through our educational system. I must have faith that enough will see the light for reason to prevail.
Thursday, July 5, 2018
The Cruz Tour
Senator Ted Cruz stopped by our small town for a visit yesterday. He was here for almost 3 hours. He gave a very brief speech regarding priorities and progress and then spent the majority of the time fielding and answering questions. Most of the questions were predictable and fit well into the narrative that he wished to develop.
In his address he mentioned that one of the top priorities was unfinished business -- healthcare reform. I am gratified for that acknowledgement since it is my #1 issue with Washington. It has been for a number of years and will continue to be until fixed.
My wife and I are both self-employed and therefore do not fall under some corporate insurance policy as most citizens do. We must provide our own insurance -- full price with no "partial or full premium payment" as part of some corporate benefits package. For the minimum qualified plan under ObamaCare our premium is over $1,200 per month. It comes out over $15,000 per year. Neither of us have had any health issues and only see a doctor once every few years for something minor.
At least that was the case prior to this year when I had a minor emergency with chemical burns to my eyes. When I was checked into the Emergency Room we were asked what insurance coverage we had. Our answer was none, but we will pay as we go.
After treatment which took a couple of hours, we tried to pay on the way out the door but, were told they would send us a bill. When it arrived it had a 60% discount for paying by check or credit card as opposed to filing insurance.
I was impressed with Senator Cruz. He is a good speaker and willing to engage his constituents. I believe he represents the interests of the citizens of Texas quite well. His opponent in this year's campaign has moved about as far left as possible. He will appeal to a portion of the voters, but I hope the majority will see him for what he is -- a left-wing extremist who would do away with borders and the rule of law.
Here are a few photos:
In his address he mentioned that one of the top priorities was unfinished business -- healthcare reform. I am gratified for that acknowledgement since it is my #1 issue with Washington. It has been for a number of years and will continue to be until fixed.
My wife and I are both self-employed and therefore do not fall under some corporate insurance policy as most citizens do. We must provide our own insurance -- full price with no "partial or full premium payment" as part of some corporate benefits package. For the minimum qualified plan under ObamaCare our premium is over $1,200 per month. It comes out over $15,000 per year. Neither of us have had any health issues and only see a doctor once every few years for something minor.
At least that was the case prior to this year when I had a minor emergency with chemical burns to my eyes. When I was checked into the Emergency Room we were asked what insurance coverage we had. Our answer was none, but we will pay as we go.
After treatment which took a couple of hours, we tried to pay on the way out the door but, were told they would send us a bill. When it arrived it had a 60% discount for paying by check or credit card as opposed to filing insurance.
I was impressed with Senator Cruz. He is a good speaker and willing to engage his constituents. I believe he represents the interests of the citizens of Texas quite well. His opponent in this year's campaign has moved about as far left as possible. He will appeal to a portion of the voters, but I hope the majority will see him for what he is -- a left-wing extremist who would do away with borders and the rule of law.
Here are a few photos:
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