What Do I Think...?

Ever wonder just what the Founding Fathers really thought about the writing and signing of the Declaration of Independence?

Writing in July 1776 from Philadelphia, John Adams related to his wife, Abigail: "Yesterday the greatest Question was decided, which ever was debated in America, and a greater, perhaps, never was or will be decided among Men.

A Resolution was passed without one dissenting Colony 'that these united Colonies, are, and of right ought to be free and independent States, and as such, they have, and of Right ought to have full Power to make War, conclude Peace, establish Commerce, and to do all the other Acts and Things, which other States might rightfully do...' This . . . Day . . . will be the most memorable Epoch, in the History of America.

I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. . . . It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."

What do I think? What could I possibly add to this outstanding summation of that day's famous events? What is the only thing that would be appropriate to add to this? Only one thing..."God Bless America!"

Now, my friends, let's share some coffee on the patio and count our many blessings on this Independence Day!

Happy 4TH of July, everyone !!!

Time For A Grin...!

Once in a while, there is a commercial that not only makes a point about the product, but carries a message as well.

Watch this ad from New Zealand and you'll see what I mean...



Now, this is what happens when you try and hide what you really are...or try and pretend to be something other than your true self!

Besides, folks could get hurt by all the pretending...ya know?

Now that we've had our object lesson for the day...let's get some fresh coffee and go sit on the patio. OK, my friend?

Where Does Time Go...?

You know, it seems like yesterday that the "roomies" were small!

Somewhere down the line, we went from this...



To this...! This is the biggest of the roomies "Smokey". Not so small any more, is he?



Then there is his brother "C.B.". The initials are for the name "cry baby". How he went from a cute little kitten here...



To a nearly grown up cat, still cute but not so little anymore so fast is a wonder. Grown into a very pretty, highly opinionated Siamese, who doesn't take any crap from anyone!



These guys are my closest friends. They are the reason I sometimes smile when I don't really feel like smiling. They are a lot like children at times, causing grief when they can't see in their mind that they have done anything wrong.

When I am down, like any friend they make themselves available by just being there...without forcing themselves on me. They give me hugs each day, accept hugs in return, and in their own catlike way let me know that they are proud to have me as a roomie! They bring joy into my life daily...just because that's what friends do!

Now, my friends, the roomies and I invite you to join us on the patio for a cup of coffee...OK?

Just Open A Dialogue...!

I'm as guilty of this as anyone.

Like in the most recent conversation I had with the auto repair shop...I just listened to what the owner quoted me as the final price for the work he said needed to be done. Now, I have to admit that this was over the phone, and not in person.

Usually, when I'm face to face with someone, I can tell if they are being straight up with me or not. While on the phone with them the last time, I did tell him that the amount he quoted was more than what I wanted to spend right now. He said he understood and that he would get the truck ready to pick up.

I just took for granted that he would call when it was ready, he assumed that I would just come and get it.Neither of us verified what we thought...can you say "communicate"? I knew you could!

Anyway, I called him back Tuesday after getting back from VA hospital, and this time we spent a little time discussing the options. In fact, he was the one that offered up a solution. He said that not all of the freeze plugs were leaking...and the ones that would have to have the engine lifted to get to seemed OK for now.

He agreed that if we just fixed the leaking plugs, and did not do the brakes...the total would be around $500. Now that's a price that I can deal with a lot better than $1500. At least at that price, the water leaks would be fixed and if I needed to, I could get outta Dodge without having to worry about a heating problem.

I can get one of the younger shade tree mechanics I know and have them fix the front brakes for a lot better deal than a shop, I'm thinking. I have not noticed the brakes getting soft, or making any noise...but then, I wasn't looking for that.

If the owner of the shop had not mentioned these options, I wouldn't have thought of them until later. The reputation of this shop and the owner is very, very good...and now I understand why! Just because I didn't ask the right questions, I could have been out a lot more money! I should have opened a dialogue from the start and avoided this altogether, but I didn't. If you don't ask, you don't know if you have options or not because not every shop owner will bring it up on their own.

So, that's where we stand now. The shop is fixing the leaks, I'll pick up the truck on Thursday, and I am back on track again! YEAH!

Now, my friend, why don't we get some coffee and sit outside on the patio for a bit. We can discuss the benefits of opening a "Dialogue" more often!

OUCH...! This Is Going To Hurt!

Well, the news from the auto repair shop was not as good as I hoped...

In fact, I guess you could say that it was a little on the bad side! Freeze plugs need to be replaced and in order for that to be done, the engine must be jacked up from underneath. Labor and parts...about $900!

Then the front brakes are in dire need of being overhauled, drums turned and new pads. The back brakes need to be adjusted. I never even knew that they were bad and I just had them done, but evidently they only halfway did the job Anyway, with parts and labor for the whole job...$1500 or there abouts.

Now, here is the dilemma I'm facing. Do I go ahead and put the $1500 into the truck, or do I just bite the bullet, and get a newer vehicle? After all, my truck is a 1991 Chevy S-10. I have to figure that the next thing to go is the tranny, right? I could put that money into a full size truck or even a van. Decisions, decisions...!

I could talk myself into going either way, but I really do need to sit and think this one out. It's always something, isn't it?

I think that this is one of those little test life throws at you to see if you are paying attention! I'm sure that the right decision will make it's way to the front of my feeble mind.

The good news is that right now the truck is still running, and really not leaking too badly. So I figure that I can take a couple of days to make up my mind. Who know...I may have a sudden true bargain jump out at me and say "Buy me, buy me!" Stranger things have happened, ya know? You might know I just put new tires all around on my truck a couple of weeks ago!

You know what? I'm not even going to worry about it right now. I'm just going to sit back and take things slower, like I said yesterday! I'll need to rethink my plans a bit...but maybe that's not such a bad thing.

Why don't we get another cup of coffee, my friend, and sit on the patio a bit. You can help me decide which direction I should take...OK?

Don't Think So Much...!

That's what I just started telling myself today!

I have been working toward getting everything I thought I needed together now, planning and stocking and organizing...trying to think about what I am forgetting about, or don't have enough of, or waiting to get.

Then, like the Eureka moments we all have, I realized that I have been looking at it in completely the wrong way. After all, prepping is all about a lifestyle, not something you can do all at once. I knew that!

I don't know why I was letting myself get to the point that I was worrying about the things I couldn't change.

The way I see it, it isn't about how fast we get things done or gathered...but rather how we learn to recognize the things we need to improve on or become better organized with.

That's the main reason that I want to make a couple of test runs, to get a better feel for the things that I need to concentrate on.

I think I would be better off to take off a little slower, get there a little later, and arrive a little more prepared than to go off half cocked and arrive at my destination faster, only to find that I don't have everything I need or don't have a workable plan.

So, instead of rushing around worrying about what I need to get done, I'm going to take stock of what I need and then proceed with caution at a slightly more sane and better thought out pace. I'll still get to where I'm going, but I'll be in better shape when I get there. At least That's what I'm thinking now...

After all, it's not the destination that is the most important thing, but the strength we gather on the journey that counts, right?

Now, my friend, let's get some fresh coffee and sit on the patio for a bit. It's supposed to rain later, and if we try maybe we can sniff the air and smell it coming!

Back In The Saddle...!

Sorry about not being more in touch yesterday, but I felt I needed the time off.

It has been so hot here, that I think it is taking it's toll on me. Just to give you an idea of how hot...it's 1:00 a.m., the temperature is 80 degrees with 92% humidity. The wind is blowing at 3 miles an hour out of the SSW.

What does that mean? It means it's HOT! Folks, any time you have 92% humidity...it's pretty miserable, believe me!

I thought that we would keep it light it light today with one of my favorite singers of all time. The song ain't bad, either! Why don't you give a listen...OK?



See what I mean? I like old Don Williams, I really do! Oh, and while I'm thinking about it, if you haven't already been over to The Survivalist Blog and picked up a copy of The Free Survival Library put together by M.D. Creekmore...I invite you to go over and do so now. It could come in handy some day, ya know?

Now, my friend, let's get some fresh coffee and sit on the patio for a while...before it gets too hot. We can put on some more of Don's music!