Hope everyone has a good 4th-we missed the fireworks,but there'll be beer and a campfire tonight.Lets all remember what today actually MEANS-not just another excuse to take a day off from work.I'm a direct descendent of a soldier in the continental army,a guy by the name of Sergeant Adam deMaris,who served with the 2nd Company,New Jersey line and fought in several battles of the revolution,and I'm sure HE understood what he was fighting for,when he joined the continental army in 1777,and bravely took up arms against what,at the time,was the greatest military force the world had ever seen.He certainly did'nt do it for the money-those guys did'nt make very much(when they got paid at all)-but did it for something much bigger than himself,and he helped to leave an enduring legacy for all the generations that followed.So,lets just stop and remember what today means.And while you're at it,pass me a beer

People who argue for the banning of arms ask for automatic rule by the young, the strong, and the many, and that’s the exact opposite of a civilized society.”

Unknown

Friday night,after I got home from work,the wife and I went down to one of the local watering holes(I was the designated driver,and drinking dew-ugh).Anyway,we ran into a gal we've known for about 16 years.This gal is a graduate cum laude of the school of hard knocks.At 18,she was involved in a car/train accident-and she died on the operating table,but was brought back.She died on the table AGAIN during the birth of her 2nd child,and was revived once again.She has literally broken just about every bone in her body.Then,several years ago,her husband,a healthy 40 year old,just keeled over and died,from a blood clot,leaving her widowed.Well,when we saw her the other night,she sure was'nt looking good-walking with a cane-and she's MY age.She's on full disability,and not doing well-I got to thinking when I saw her.She's always been a pretty good shit,even though life has'nt always been real good to HER.So,when you start whining and grumbling about how "bad" and "unfair" your life is,well,it could be a lot worse folks.She made me realize that BIG time when I saw her.

Madness is rare in individuals - but in groups, political parties, nations, and eras it's the rule.

Friedrich Neitshze

since retiring from the army,I've been keeping the wolf from the door REASONABLY well-stomp SQUARELY on that litle bastard's snout every time he tries to poke his nose in the door.......but we have'nt exactly been living the life of Reilly either.Anyway,been trying to work a new weed eater into my budget,and the math just was'nt coming out.....well,anyway,got an unexpected check from tricare(the military insurance system) for 105 clams-don't know what its for,or why they sent it-but I know ONE thing-I'll be at Fleet Farm getting my new weed eater tommorrow