When the Smoke Clears

I did not realize there was a package waiting for me on the deck. Just in time, my new Rite in the Rain notebook arrived from Ranger Joe’s. The old one has served me for nearly 2 years. Hopefully the new one will last as long. The notebook is a non-technology catch-all for whatever is [...]

While everyone else is out and about enjoying their New Years, cast a thought to the cabin where I am ensconced for the benefit of others. Thanks for the Strep, mom.
On the other hand, I’ve been getting text messages from around the world as friends welcome in the New Year in Japan, Afghanistan, Iraq, [...]

I know it may not be seen as a good thing right now by some critics, and I’m sure there will be constant mention of it in any report on a violent attack, but with Sad-dam Hussein executed, I hope the Kurds especially find some peace of mind.
I don’t celebrate the death of an [...]

I enjoy driving, especially alone. I might listen to an audiobook, or reconnect with a good friend either by phone or side-trip, or just sit in silence for hours at a time. I do, so long as I don’t have to go through certain cities. For example: Atlanta. Bane of my existence.
My gut instincts [...]

coming later. Finally back in the cabin after a long, LONG drive, starting the day at 76° and ending at 22° back here in the cabin. Now I must sleep. However, I expect to be addressed properly:

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is: Imperial Majesty Rsm the Apocalyptic of Longer Interval [...]

While others were rushing to the malls for after Christmas sales, I was rushing around the Sunshine State to meet up with peeps. Starting off, I had the distinct honor of meeting the classy Jean of Ponderings. I thought I would only get a few minutes, but I was enjoying the conversation so much I [...]

The holidays. A time to be away, to not worry about work, to spend time conversing with friends and family or to read. And what are the words most feared by a techie geek when on holiday?
“My. Computer. Is. Running. Slow.”
Which is usually followed by:
“Can you look at it?”
Windows. Shudder. I rejected it [...]

I know most of y’all only check in sporadically but I am about to sit down with Tammi and That1Guy at a little Ale-house in Tampa. But I have some time to wait before they both show and I was here studying when I saw the free Wi-fi sign. Oh yeah, I’m here, I’m having [...]

Alright, I had to do a little research on this one. Turns out what some people mentioned at dinner was true. I couldn’t believe it at first and now I am wondering what the Bou family connection is to this whole situation.
Police officers in West Palm Beach are catching red-light runners by monitoring the [...]

While driving to my aunt’s house my mother managed to get in a few logistics phone calls.
“So don’t make the potatoes, we’ll make the potatoes…. …. …. no he’ll cook them (you’ll cook them, right?)”
“Yes, of course…”
“With onions and sour cream and garlic, right?”
“You know what, I’ll make them and then [...]

Well good Christmas morning to you all!
Already had a few minutes talking over video with “Butterbar”/Blackbar in Iraq and called his parents to get them online as well. I wanted to introduce him to my mother, but, mom being who she is, only just woke up and did not want to be seen. Maybe later. [...]

Finished up the time with my grandmother and made the trek to Florida. I hear Santa is coming, but I imagine he’s going to swing wide from this place tonight. Mom and I sat and talked and laughed. Eventually she decided she was tired enough to go to sleep.
I cleaned up the dishes then [...]

I’m spending time with my grandmother tonight. Tomorrow I will be taking her to church. It’s such an odd feeling, being in this house which holds such a significant part of my childhood. Try as I might, it’s not all fond memories.
My grandmother is in her mid 80s. She has been coping with Parkinson’s [...]

The road beckons. Time to travel. I had hoped to be able to enjoy another holiday in the cabin, but no one can come to me this year for various reasons, so I must go to them.
The Jeep is loaded down with essential gear, books, emergency equipment and medical gear, CamelBaks™ filled. Often during [...]

A fog has covered everything today, all day. As I dip down into the draws and valleys it is less thick, but near the ridgelines and hilltops, it’s back in the mist.
Another picture from a recent walk in the woods…