Gone to Branson...

Every year for the past 31 years a group of us who are retired Military Police Officers have gotten together at various places to renew old friendships and make new ones. It is a time to reminisce, swap lies and war stories and remember fallen comrades. This year we met in Branson, MO. Having never been to Branson, my wife and I eagerly looked forward to it. We were fortunate to have a couple join us from Virginia. They stayed with us for two days on either side of the Branson trip. (There will be some photos of that in a future posting.)

The Military Police Regimental Association sponsored the weekend activities. It was a full four day series of events that were extremely well coordinated. If there were any glitches, we never knew about them. But what else can you expect when the MP's are on the job?


We arrived on Wednesday to the welcoming sign above. We stayed at the Grand Plaza Hotel. The list of events included a one day trip to the US Army Military Police School at Fort Leonard Wood on Thursday. Golfing, for those so inclined, on Friday.

The 12th hole at the Point Royale Golf Course in Branson.

We could not have asked for a better day to play golf. It started out cool and never did get above 75 degrees.

After the day of golf many of us attended the Andy Williams & Petula Clark show. For an old guy he still puts on a great show. We were surprised and honored that he recognized us as a couple of hundred of his retired MP friends who were in attendance.

Many of us went on the tour of the Stone Hill winery Saturday morning.

Maryann & I were in attendance. Here is the proof that we were there in front of the gift shop

Wally was our tour guide. He was very informative about the history of the winery as well as the wine.

Bob showed us how they bottle Spumante Blush. It is quite an operation.

On Saturday evening we attended the usual banquet and dance.

Maryann and I had a great time. Too bad no one took a photo of us dancing. It is just as well. It would have to have been a moving picture to catch all of my most intricate moves. chuckle, snerx.



The Provost Marshal General, BG Johnson brought us up to date on the future of the Corps and how well we are doing given the circumstances under which the troops find themselves around the world. We can prevail over terrorists if the civilian leadership(?) will pay attention to the folks that know how to do it. I hope that is not just wishful thinking on my part - that the civilian leadership(?) will stay out of the way.

#238

It all started Sunday....

September 24th. It was after lunch. Maryann and I went grocery shopping in preparation for our guests who were arriving on the 25th. They were going to spend a couple of days with us and then we would all go to Branson for the 31st reunion of the Retired Military Police Officers' Association. Part of the plan was to pick them up at the airport.

I began to feel a little funny. You know, that slightly upset feeling in the abdomen, a wee bit of nausea, but nothing serious. It will go away with time. It didn't. In fact, as we were driving home, it became a tad bit painful. It felt as though something was squeezing my innards just below the rib cage on the right side, and they were not being gentle.

Maryann suggested a couple of times that we go to the emergency room, or is that urgent care now? My typical male reaction was to let it pass on its own. It didn't.

Around 6:30 PM or so, I finally had enough and told her it was time. So away we went. Fortunately, there were only two folks ahead of me. It didn't take very long to get checked in. The young woman who did that was very professional, courteous, efficient and effective. The first amusing part of the event was her asking me when I had retired from the Army. When I told her August of 1979, she looked at me somewhat incredulously and asked, "Really?" I assured her that was correct and thanked her.

The evening got even more amusing to me. I do try to find the amusement/blessing in everything. That's what I get for being a cockeyed optimist.

While sitting awaiting my turn to be seen, Maryann asked if I remembered if she had taken the pie out of the oven. Naturally, I didn't remember, nor did she. By this time they had moved me to an examining room. Well, she bolted out of the chair and asked for directions to the exit. (This place was like a rabbit warren there were so many twists and turns.) When she told the nurse the dilemma the directions were something like this, "left, left, right straight ahead." So off she went. More on the pie dilemma later.

The doctor came in asked for the symptoms. Thought a moment and then said, "It sounds like some gall bladder difficulty." The next course of action was to start and IV, take blood, and do a bed side sonogram. He then went off to get that started and see other patients.

The nurse, Heather, is bright, energetic and has a great sense of humor. She got the IV started with a minimum of difficulty. She the administered the pain killer, Fentanyl. (I had her spell it for me and noted it on the front of my crossword puzzle book. I never go to places where I anticipate a wait without one.)

Wow, is that stuff powerful. The reaction was swift and sure. It almost felt like my eyeballs were spinning in my head when I first noticed I was in a slightly altered state of consciousness. The pain immediately subsided. My usual sunny, FUNNY disposition was even more pronounced and it was a real party.

The lab technician took blood at this time and I went back to my puzzles. After getting used to the meds, I realized my bladder was suggesting it would be a good idea to release some of the pressure there. I was able to get off of the bed and find Heather and ask for directions to the men's room. She was somewhat taken aback that I was off of the bed and asked if I was OK. I assured her I was and again asked for directions. She had me wait a moment so she could get a sample cup and then, somewhat reluctantly, pointed the direction. I jauntily made my there and back with no mishap. (I didn't even get my hand wet until I washed them in accordance with the instructions for such procedures.)

Maryann returned with the news that the shoo-fly pie was not burned. (Check the link out for the recipe.) It was a lot drier than it was supposed to be, and a bit tougher. It is still edible and we are working on it.

The doctor finally came back in. He had been called away to deliver a baby. The OB/Gyn doctor could not be found.

The next step was the bed side sonogram. It looked good according to the doctor. I couldn't see the screen because his arm was in the way. Maryann could see the screen and still couldn't see what he was seeing. You know those things are a mystery. I suspect that they just tell you what you are supposed to see. (See that lilttle thing there? It's a boy. tee hee.)

He then talked with my doctor and they agreed to turn me loose with the proviso to call my doctor the next morning. My doc said he thought I was a smart guy and would not hesitate to call if there were continued difficulties. The ER/UC doc said that usually for men my age they would admit me to the hospital for observation, but based on his discussion with my doc he would let me go home. Which I did.

The ER/UC doc did give me some pain pills saying I should take them for pain when it occurs. I took one before going to bed and slept the best I had in a while. By morning I was my new self again and felt fantastic. No pain. No pressure.

Both my doctor and the ER/UC doctor called to see how I was doing. They both were pleased with my recovery.

Btw, we did get to the airport and picked up our friends, had a wonderful time in Branson. (More on that subsequent postings.) We are blessed that our friends will be staying with for a couple more days just as we planned. There are couple of sights to show them in the Kansas City area.

So there you have it, how I spent a fun evening in the emergency/urgent care room.

Serve others, care about those you serve, and share the love in your heart.


#237

A Note to Matt

The following is the response to a young man who is struggling with the ideas of organized religion and the existence of God.

Matt :-)

Hey there, back at you. As you can see, you are not the only one who has things get in the way of responding to email.

I am pleased to learn you are continuing on your quest to gain more knowledge about life and where you fit into it. It is not an easy quest, nor a quick one. In fact, it will be a life long quest. As soon as you think you have it figured out some other piece of information will come your way and blow holes in some of your hypotheses.

George Carlin is a great source of questions and alternative viewpoints. I read his piece about religion and enjoyed it. The one part he will probably emphasize in another bit is the part man plays in the whole thing. He has not discussed the part about choice and consequences. I did like the part where he mentioned that no woman would screw things up this badly. I agree with that. Testosterone is useful for many things, but humans (men) tend to go into overload and that’s when we get in trouble. If you want further proof look to the deeds of extremists and fundamentalists. Mostly led by men who are dead set on protecting their turf, whatever that may be.

I don’t remember if I sent you this web address or not, but it pretty well describes how I perceive this whole life, god, prayer, choice, consequences thing.

It may be more than you are ready to deal with at the moment. Suffice it to say it boils down to choice and consequence. No matter what choice you make, and making no choice is a choice, you will have consequences. Are you prepared for the results? That is a question you must be prepared to answer.

If it is any consolation, try on this idea of God. First, look up the word agape (ah-gah-pay). It is of Greek derivation. It means universal love. If there is such a thing as agape, and I believe there is, then how does it manifest itself? Well, for me, I can feel it. It is a part of me. It is most apparent whenever I am doing good works. Doing good works is another way of saying, serve others. (Please note my signature line below.) Whenever you serve others and care about them you tend to get a really good feeling, a positive feeling that all is right with the world. You are on top of your little part of it at that moment. I have come to realize that if I want to feel that way more often, then all I have to do is make sure that I am in the serve others mode as much of the time as I can make it happen. After all, it is my choice. It takes time to get there, and I have not achieved perfection yet. I continually strive for it. I do not expect to reach perfection in this life. Perhaps in the next one thousand lives.

Anyway these are just some thoughts from a guy who has been on the road of life a little longer than you. That doesn’t make me all-knowing, just willing to share some of his thoughts and ideas. You have the choice to consider them and discard any and all that don’t fit for you. If you come across some ideas like that, just tuck them away in your brain somewhere. Later on they may come in handy. Take them out, dust them off and try them on for size. Who knows, you might get to say, “So that’s what crazy, old bastard meant.”

I will leave you with all of that, and if you have more questions about this let me know. I’ll try not to take as long to respond to them as I did to this email.

--
Serve Others! Care about those you serve! Share the love in your heart!


#236

Sunday Evening...

Today was the fourth of four days of teaching the principles of real estate class. This class was smaller than usual. That will teach me to schedule classes so close together.

As usual the students were fantastic. Each class is uniquely different and, yet, quite the same. Even though I am tired it is the wonderful tiredness that can only come from doing something you truly enjoy.

I know that not everyone of them will go on to get their real estate license and I am quite comfortable in that knowledge. I have come to realize that they are also there for some other personal reason that fits into their life lessons and mission. Perhaps they are there to cross paths with someone else to teach or learn a lesson. If I can be instrumental in that connection I am humbly proud to do it. However, that is just an egocentric wish. I don't have too much to do with their plans and decisions.

Maryann is planning a few more trips for us and is currently conspiring with our neighbor Gale. We have so much fun with them it is almost criminal. We always laugh a lot when we are together. What a great way to affect others and be affected by them.

I wish you all lots of love and laughter. May you be doing those things that bring you joy. Remember, life is all choices and consequences.

Continue to.....

Serve others, care about those you serve and share the love in your heart.


#235

The P.R.I.D.E. Yard Award

A few nights ago we were looking out the front window and noticed a car driving by the house. The man and woman in the car were taking great care to view our home. I thought I recognized them. We talked about it and suggested it might be the inspection team for the Lansing PRIDE committee. Each Summer the committee awards yard awards to deserving yards.


The next evening they were back. This time they drove into the driveway. The gentleman got out of the car, went to the trunk and removed the sign. We had guessed correctly and had a great laugh.


We took time to talk with them about the yard. Since we have had problems with moles we asked if they had any remedies. In fact they did. His wife said that she goes out into the yard with a chair and a hoe, a very sharp hoe. As the mole moves through the yard she will chop down into the tunnel behind the mole and flip it out. She then dispatches it with a well placed blow. We are not sure if we will use that method of mole eradication.



We had a great time over this award since we have not done much work on the yard. Ralph and his guys come by once a week and cut and edge it. They also treat the yard with fertilizer and weed control stuff. We think it was the Impatiens that did the trick for us. A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to talk to the inspector lady and she mentioned at the time it was the flowers that got us the award then. We can only suspect that did the trick again this time.


#234

Some Random Thoughts on Killing

How's that for bringing attention to a morbid (pun intended) subject. I have been pondering this for some time, particularly since 9/11.

I wonder what it would be like to have your mind so set on killing others that you would be willing to kill yourself in the process. What contributes to a person's thinking process that says it is OK to make this choice? I can only guess.

From the information I glean from the media, not always the most reliable source, the perpetrators believe that it is a proper behavior to win a place in heaven. I am not an historian. I confess to being quite lazy when it comes to doing the requisite research to find the source information. Be that as it may, here are some random ideas. While they are aimed at Muslim fundamentalists, they might be applied to any fundamentalist group.

The recipe that will foster killing behaviors.

1. Living in poverty.
2. See no opportunity to better oneself, hopelessness.
3. Discover that there are people in the world who have many more material advantages
4. Be told that, according to your God, such material advantages are sinful and will drastically change your life for the worse.
5. Be told that those who do live like this are sinners/unclean/enemies, etc.
6. Be told that those who do live like this are better off dead
7. Be told these things from your earliest memory.
8. Be told that women are chattel/non-persons.
9. Be told that there is a better life awaiting in heaven.
10. Be told of the few ways to achieve that better life.
11. Be told of the honor and glory of killing yourself as you kill others.
12. Not be told if your esteemed leaders have sent their own sons to such a glorious death.
    
13. Not be told that in your own belief system that only a few men are destined for greatness and they have already been chosen. You have to figure this out for yourself if only those men would let you.
14. Be told that the family of the men in power was chosen by your God to be the leaders of your people. To question this is punishable by countless cruel means.

These are just a few of the ideas that come to my mind. None of them may be correct. Many, if not all, can be applied to the devotees of other religions. They do not make sense, unless you agree that a few men are the ones who know the truth and the way. They also profess to know the Light. I doubt that, but when you have the power you will do anything to keep it.

These are just some thoughts. Perhaps, dear readers, you have some others. I leave you to ponder these random thoughts.

Serve well! Care about those you serve! Share the love in your heart! Perhaps this is a way to move away from such behaviors.


#233

Space Center Photos

I mentioned in a previous posting that I might put some NASA photos on flickr. Check it out. NASA was burning grass at the time. That is the cloud-like smoke in the background of some of the photos.

We visited there a couple of years ago and were glad we took the time to visit the space center. It was absolutley overwhelming. If you ever get the chance, visit yourself if you haven't already done so.

Enjoy.


#232

very impressive picture-(CAVEAT)

I received a comment from armygrunt at the very impressive picture posting. He raises some interesting perspectives on the authenticity of the photo. I must say that I agree with him.

I try not to get caught up in such things.

Please accept my apology for presenting something without vetting it first.

Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa.


#231

Great Launch Photos

(Caveat-if you don't a have high speed internet connection pass this one by.)

You can't see this on TV.



#230

War Story #9

It was the summer of 1961. I had completed all of the requirements and graduated from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. Ours was the first class to graduate as the university class. It had been a college up to that year.

I had postponed going to ROTC summer camp until the summer after graduation. Camp was held at Fort Lewis in Washington state. It is just outside of Tacoma/Seattle. That was the summer of extreme heat in the Northwest.

One of the many skills we were to learn and practice was the bayonet drill. There is a technique to it and we had to practice it at least once. To be sure we knew enough about it to be able to train whatever troops we might lead.

It was a very hot day. We ran through the drill several times. It goes something like parry, thrust, gun butt, or it might be the other way around. OK, cut me some slack, it was some time ago. Lol.

After a day of weapon high and cross over we were given some free time. It seemed appropriate to repair to the club to enjoy a cooling libation. There is something about a cold beer on a very hot day. While sitting on the bar stool, I moved my legs into a certain position. The result was the most horrible pain I had ever felt. The thigh muscles in both legs cramped up so bad I almost screamed out loud and fell off of the bar stool. I was speechless with pain and my drinking buddies were not sure what was going on. They mentioned something about my face being contorted in pain. They thought that I might be having a heart attack.

It took a few minutes to get my muscles under control. I was then able to tell them of the misery I was suffering. This story was brought to mind Friday morning at coffee with the Old Bastards. One of the guys asked if we knew how painful thigh cramps could be. I told him I had intimate knowledge of the excruciating pain. I would be willing to bet a dollar or two that it comes nowhere near to labor pains. But, I don't want to go through it again.

Well, there you have it, another war story. No sh*t, this really happened.



#229

Messages from a friend with a PC

Hi Jack,

Can you read these error messages on your Mac...Oh I forgot. You Mac people
don't know what an error message is.

To read the error messages easier click on the image. If that does not work, consult your owner's manual with your computer. It may tell you to unplug the computer, place it back in the box and return it for a refund. You aren't ready for the adventures in cyber-space. LAMO













#228

The "OB's" Logo

I thought you might like to see the official Logo of the Old Bastards. He festoons our caps and coffee cups.

There are those who would say it is a pretty good likeness. I never did like the moustache, and the shoulder boards were a pain. The length of hair was OK, though. lol, snerk, snortle, guffaw.


#227