More History Of The "Little Big Horn"...!

Most of us know about the battle of the Little Big Horn, but there is a part of the story you may not know!

I was unaware of this particular history until I did a little research of the battle. It's always amazing to me how much more I learn about the history I thought I knew!

One thing you would think I should have learned by now, is to not take anything for granted! Time and time again, the fact that most history books leave out so many facets that are not considered important enough to be a part of the story.

So much for the integrity of the public school system!

Jun 30, 1876:
Soldiers are evacuated from the Little Big Horn by steamboat

After a slow two-day march, the wounded soldiers from the Battle of the Little Big Horn reach the steamboat Far West.

The Far West had been leased by the U.S. Army for the duration of the 1876 campaign against the hostile Sioux and Cheyenne Indians of the Northern Plains. Under the command of the skilled civilian Captain Grant Marsh, the 190-foot vessel was ideal for navigating the shallow waters of the Upper Missouri River system. The boat drew only 20 inches of water when fully laden and Marsh managed to steam up the shallow Big Horn River in southern Montana in June 1876. There, the boat became a headquarters for the army's planned attack on a village of Sioux and Cheyenne they believed were camping on the nearby Little Big Horn River.

On June 28, Captain Grant and several other men were fishing about a mile from the boat when a young Indian on horseback approached. "He wore an exceedingly dejected countenance," one man later wrote. By signing and drawing on the ground, the Indian managed to convey that there had been a battle but the men did not understand its outcome. In fact, the Indian was Curley, one of Lieutenant Colonel George Custer's Crow scouts. Three days earlier, he had been the last man to see Custer and his 7th Cavalry battalion before they were wiped out during the Battle of the Little Big Horn.

The following day, Grant received a dispatch from General Terry, who had found Custer's destroyed battalion and the surviving soldiers of the 7th Cavalry. Terry ordered Grant to prepare to evacuate the wounded soldiers. Slowed by the burden of carrying the wounded men, Terry's force did not arrive until June 30. Grant immediately received the 54 wounded soldiers and sped downstream as quickly as possible. With the Far West draped in black and flying her flag at half-mast, Grant delivered the wounded to Fort Abraham Lincoln near Bismarck, North Dakota, at 11:00 p.m. on July 5.

The fast and relatively comfortable transport of the wounded by steam power undoubtedly saved numerous lives. Yet, Grant was also the bearer of bad news. From Fort Abraham Lincoln, General Terry's report of the disaster was telegraphed all over the country. Soon the entire nation learned that General Custer and more than 200 men had been killed along the Little Big Horn River.

Now, I don't know about you, but I feel this bit of information is certainly important enough to be taught in schools today. After all, the way most history is taught now days...nothing is ever said about the survivors of the battle! I think that what happened to them is an important fact, don't you?

Let's get some fresh coffee and sit outside. It's hot already, but it's gonna get hotter!

This Doesn't Seem Right...!

After going to the V.A. yesterday, I was a little upset when I found them putting ticket stations at the entrance to all the parking lots.

It seems that they are going to start charging everyone that parks in hospital lots. If you want to get into the parking lot, you will have to pay! That sucks BIG TIME...!

However, something that is a much bigger issue is working there right now. This story from the Chronicle will explain it better than I could!

VA cemetery accused of censoring religious speech

By LINDSAY WISE
Copyright 2011 HOUSTON CHRONICLE
June 28, 2011, 8:06PM

Local veterans and volunteer groups accuse Department of Veterans Affairs officials of censoring religious speech — including the word “God” — at Houston National Cemetery.

In one example cited in documents filed this week in federal court, cemetery director Arleen Ocasio reportedly told volunteers with the National Memorial Ladies that they had to stop telling families, “God bless you,” at funerals and that they had to remove the words “God bless” from condolence cards.

“It’s just unfair that somebody would ask us to take God out of our vocabulary,” said Cheryl Whitfield, founder of Houston National Memorial Ladies.

“I could’ve kept my mouth shut and let things happen, but when it comes to standing up for your belief in God and giving comfort to the families, I don’t want to regret not saying anything,” Whitfield said. “We all had to stand up for what we believe in.”

The new allegations of “religious hostility” by VA and cemetery officials follow on the heels of a controversy over Pastor Scott Rainey’s prayer in Jesus’ name at a Memorial Day service in the cemetery.

U.S. District Judge Lynn N. Hughes ruled May 26 that the government couldn’t stop Rainey from using the words “Jesus Christ” in his invocation. Hughes issued a temporary restraining order to prevent VA from censoring Rainey’s prayer.

Attorneys with the nonprofit Liberty Institute, which represented Rainey, filed an amended complaint this week after allegedly finding other instances of religious discrimination by cemetery officials against members of The American Legion Post 586, Veterans of Foreign Wars District 4, and the National Memorial Ladies, a volunteer group that attends funerals of fallen service members.

The complaint accuses VA of “a widespread and consistent practice of discriminating against private religious speech” at the cemetery.

Ocasio is on vacation and could not be reached for comment. Her assistant, Amanda Rhodes-Wharton, said she could not discuss the matter due to ongoing litigation.

According to court documents, Ocasio banned veterans organizations and volunteer groups from using certain religious words such as “God” or “Jesus,” censored the content of prayer, and forbade the use of religious messages in burial rituals unless the deceased’s family submitted the text for prior approval.

The documents allege that VA prohibited volunteer honor guards from providing optional recitations to families for consideration, and that when burial teams conduct military honors for a veteran’s funeral, a government official monitors what is said.

Court documents also describe the closure of the cemetery’s chapel after Ocasio’s appointment as director two years ago.

“The doors remain locked during Houston National Cemetery operating hours, the cross and the Bible have been removed, and the Chapel bells, which tolled at least twice a day, are now inoperative,” the complaint reads. “Director Ocasio only unlocks the chapel doors when meetings or training sessions are held at the building. Furthermore it is no longer called a ‘chapel’ but a ‘meeting facility.’ ”

VA spokeswoman Jessica Jacobsen confirmed the chapel is closed but she said it has nothing to do with the litigation. “It was closed prior to Memorial Day, and it was closed because of construction,” Jacobsen said.

The chapel is scheduled to reopen in September when construction is complete, she said.

Jeff Mateer, general counsel for Liberty Institute, doesn’t buy that explanation. The chapel’s closure predates any construction, he said.

A standing-room only crowd jammed a federal courtroom in downtown Houston Tuesday afternoon for a status conference on the case. White-haired vets lined the pews, decked out in honor guard uniforms or blue blazers decorated with American flag lapel pins. Crammed next to them were people wearing T-shirts emblazoned with eagles and Old Glory, and women costumed in the trademark black vests and white blouses of the Memorial Ladies.

Judge Hughes denied the government’s motion to dismiss the case, but not before upbraiding VA’s attorney, Fred Hinrichs, for being unable to answer his questions.

When Hughes asked whether the chapel was open, Hinrichs said he didn’t know.

“Why not?” the judge shot back. “A phone call to the cemetery could ascertain if that is true or not.”

“Yes, your honor,” the attorney said.

“So the VA has been investigating for a month and hasn’t come to any conclusions?” the judge pressed.

Hinrichs said some of the claims in the complaint aren’t factually correct, but he wasn’t prepared to give specifics.

“I don’t know that they’re true,” the judge said, “but an afternoon on Veterans Memorial Drive and you should be able to document most of this stuff.”

He gave the government until July 21 to investigate and respond to the claims in the complaint.

After the hearing, Vietnam veteran Nobleton Jones spoke up at a Liberty Institute press conference.

Jones said he has presented shell casings from the gun salute to veterans’ grieving family members at funerals in Houston National Cemetery for the past three years.

But after a burial ceremony May 16, Jones said a government official told him he could no longer recite the words he always says when he hands over the shells: “We ask that God grant you and your family grace, mercy and peace.”

The 66-year-old Houstonian said he felt belittled.

“That makes me feel smaller, even after I spent my time in the military, fighting so that people should be able to say that,” he said.

“I did all this for my country and you are going to tell me what I can and can’t say?”

lindsay.wise@chron.com

I don't want to even comment on this story, but I would be interested in what you think about it! Just shows how out of hand things are getting in some areas, ya know?

Let's get some fresh coffee and sit on the patio. We really need to talk this over!

Off To V.A. Today...!

I'm taking off today, as I have an appointment for blood work at the V.A.

Nothing out of the ordinary...just a test to make sure the blood thinner I take is doing what it's supposed to. I'll try and do better tomorrow, but I really need to take today off, OK?

I hope everyone has a good day, and just help yourself to the coffee!

Ever Been To The Smithsonian...?

As a teen, I had the chance to go through this magical place...or at least a small part of it!

The museum is such a large complex I really don't think you could see it all in a week! I would love to see it again someday! I never thought much about the origin of this wonder, and when I looked it up I was totally surprised!

This story, compliments of History.com, is a long one but I think it's worth the time it takes to read it! See if you don't agree!

Jun 27, 1829:
Smithson's curious bequest

In Genoa, Italy, English scientist James Smithson dies after a long illness, leaving behind a will with a peculiar footnote. In the event that his only nephew died without any heirs, Smithson decreed that the whole of his estate would go to "the United States of America, to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an Establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge." Smithson's curious bequest to a country that he had never visited aroused significant attention on both sides of the Atlantic.

Smithson had been a fellow of the venerable Royal Society of London from the age of 22, publishing numerous scientific papers on mineral composition, geology, and chemistry. In 1802, he overturned popular scientific opinion by proving that zinc carbonates were true carbonate minerals, and one type of zinc carbonate was later named smithsonite in his honor.

Six years after his death, his nephew, Henry James Hungerford, indeed died without children, and on July 1, 1836, the U.S. Congress authorized acceptance of Smithson's gift. President Andrew Jackson sent diplomat Richard Rush to England to negotiate for transfer of the funds, and two years later Rush set sail for home with 11 boxes containing a total of 104,960 gold sovereigns, eight shillings, and seven pence, as well as Smithson's mineral collection, library, scientific notes, and personal effects. After the gold was melted down, it amounted to a fortune worth well over $500,000. After considering a series of recommendations, including the creation of a national university, a public library, or an astronomical observatory, Congress agreed that the bequest would support the creation of a museum, a library, and a program of research, publication, and collection in the sciences, arts, and history. On August 10, 1846, the act establishing the Smithsonian Institution was signed into law by President James K. Polk.

Today, the Smithsonian is composed of 19 museums including the recently announced National Museum of African American History and Culture, nine research centers throughout the United States and the world and the national zoo. Besides the original Smithsonian Institution Building, popularly known as the "Castle," visitors to Washington, D.C., tour the National Museum of Natural History, which houses the natural science collections, the National Zoological Park, and the National Portrait Gallery. The National Museum of American History houses the original Star-Spangled Banner and other artifacts of U.S. history. The National Air and Space Museum has the distinction of being the most visited museum in the world, exhibiting marvels of aviation and space history such as the Wright brothers' plane and Freedom 7, the space capsule that took the first American into space. John Smithson, the Smithsonian Institution's great benefactor, is interred in a tomb in the Smithsonian Building.

I have to admit, some of the images from that visit are still with me! Such as seeing the "Spirit of St. Louis" and so much more! Guess I have one more thing to add to my bucket list, right?

Why don't we get some fresh coffee and go out to the patio? It's hot, but we are in Texas!

A Barking Cat...?

I wish I could teach my cat to do this, but I reckon he just doesn't have the talent!

Just think what a handy thing this would be around the house. The convenience of a cat with the protection of a "barking dog!" Of course, you could have the same thing if you could teach a dog to use the litter box!



Just something a little bit different for this Sunday! Hope you get a grin out of this!

Coffee on the patio this morning, OK? Have a great day, my friends!

Granny's In A "Pickle"...!

I can't figure out just how some LEOs can expect to ever be taken seriously when they get involved in things like this!

I think I would have known from the start that this was a no win situation! Granny has the age thing going for her, plus she is in a small town where she is probably known and liked by everyone!

What do you think is going to happen? Let's see!

Woman accused of stealing pickle demands trial

EMORY, TX (KTRK) -- A Texas woman went on trial yesterday for stealing a pickle.

Police in the town of Emory say they caught 71-year-old Barbara Ann Alaman stealing a single pickle. She was charged with theft and demanded a trial.

"I think they should spend taxpayer money on criminals that are more threatening," said one resident.

"I just wonder how many times she did it and got away with it. I think it's kind of ridiculous to prosecute her for stealing a pickle," another resident said.

When the trial began yesterday, it quickly ended in a mistrial because the judge didn't think she'd get a fair trial in the small town where everyone knows who she is.

After the court proceedings, the woman told a news crew she doesn't even like pickles.

I'm sorry, but I couldn't help but grin when I read this story! With all that's going on in the world, when the mainstream media thinks that this is the best they can do in the reporting of "news" we are all in trouble!

Still, we all need a grin once in a while...and this story may just provide that needed grin, ya know?

Let's take our coffee out to the patio. Hot and dry outside today!

You'll Get A "Bang" Out Of This...!

Nothing like a unpleasant surprise such as this to get the ol' heartbeat racing!

I can just see this guy, pulling a drawer open in this old machine and seeing a "vintage WW1 " hand grenade! Ever want to know how fast a person could scoot backwards? This might have been a good chance to find out!

Grenade found in sewing machine
Updated at 07:45 PM today

GOLDSBORO, NC (WTVD) -- A couple restoring an antique sewing machine made a startling discovery when they looked inside.

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office said Thursday that David and Susan Crooks of West Hill Road were working on the machine when they found what appeared to be a grenade in a drawer.

They called deputies who confirmed it was indeed a grenade and it appeared to be live.

Major Tom Effler said he contacted the Seymour Johnson Air force Base Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit. The military explosives experts confirmed it was indeed a live German grenade from the World War One era.

The grenade was taken to a safe area and neutralized.

Effler said the Crooks family told investigators the sewing machine came from Florida family members and had also been in South Carolina for several years. Where the grenade came from is unknown.

I'd be willing to bet this guy and his wife are counting their blessings after this! I'm glad that this thing didn't go off, what with all the moving around this machine was probably subjected to over the years!

I'm certainly no expert, but I'd bet my last dollar that an explosive device from WW1 isn't as stable as it should be! I know that I don't want to be shuffling one around the country in the drawer of a sewing machine, that's for sure!

Now, my friends, let's get some fresh coffee and sit out on the patio. Rain has disappeared, and it's supposed to go back up to the 100s again!

Please Do Me A Favor...!

Actually, this would be something that will be as much for yourself as for me!

There is a fellow blogger that I just started following that I think you would enjoy. Her blog is a fun read, and she always seems to have a good sense of humor about the things going on around her!

Her blog can be found right here! She goes by the name of "TroublenTX!" and as pleasant a read as her blog is, she doesn't have very many followers yet! Why don't we see if we can change that?

This lady is a fellow Texan, likes motorcycles and dancing, is fond of rock and roll, and is a cat lover! How can you NOT like someone like that? Even if you don't sign up as a follower, just comment and tell her that the Hermit sent you over, OK? I think she would get a kick out of having some more folks drop in on her!

Heck, I went over to her place today and read her blog from start to finish! Had a good time, too! Take a few minutes today, if you will, and drop by her place. I would appreciate it, and I think she would as well!

Let's get some fresh coffee and sit in the kitchen this morning! The patio is still wet from the little bit of rain we had here! BTW, Trouble likes coffee as much as we do!

Sounds Like A Cartoon...!

I know it probably wasn't funny at the time, but when you picture it in your mind...it's hilarious!

I can only imagine that the noise was certainly enough to wake you up!

Coyote runs into home near Battle Ground

by Michael Rollins and Bruce Williams, KGW Staff
Posted on June 20, 2011 at 10:55 AM

BATTLE GROUND -- William Biscoe and his wife were startled out of bed Monday morning by what they thought was a dog in their house.

The dog turned out to be a coyote that had chased their cat into their home, located in a heavily forested area on Berlin Road.

Biscoe usually keeps the gate closed on a high fence that surrounds his backyard. He had opened it while pressure-washing his deck, and neglected to close it.

"The cat ran in the cat door, and the coyote was hot on its trail," Biscoe said. "And needless to say, once the coyote got in the house, it was scared, real scared . . . made a whole lot of ruckus."

The coyote was literally "scared peeless and poopless," Biscoe added, as it ran around, until coming to a stop between two kitchen counters.

Biscoe got help, piling up furniture so that the coyote had only one route out an open door. He was coaxed out of the spot with two-by-four boards. It ran right out the door and jumped the tall backyard fence.

Biscoe said he was not at all surprised to see the coyote. He has photos of a bobcat and many coyotes. He said raccoons and woodpeckers also wander into the backyard when he's having a cocktail.

"They're not invading us," he said of the wildlife. "We invaded them. We're in their land."

The cat was not injured.

What do you want to bet the cat will not be in a hurry to go back outside any time soon? I think it's safe to say that the coyote won't be in a hurry to try out any pet doors again for a while, but sometimes the heat of the chase can cause even the best hunters make some really scary decisions!

Isn't it nice of Mother Nature to stage these floor shows for those of us that forget about how exciting it is to live in the country?

Coffee on the patio this morning! Maybe we'll get some more rain, just like yesterday! It was nice, but didn't last long enough!

All About Time...!

Time is one of those things we never have enough of, often wish for more, then waste what we have!

So much has been said about time, that I thought I would go over to BrainyQuote and see what others have had to say about it!

And when is there time to remember, to sift, to weigh, to estimate, to total?
Tillie Olsen

Both young children and old people have a lot of time on their hands. That's probably why they get along so well.
Jonathan Carroll

But time growing old teaches all things.
Aeschylus

By the time we've made it, we've had it.
Malcolm Forbes

Clocks slay time... time is dead as long as it is being clicked off by little wheels; only when the clock stops does time come to life.
William Faulkner

Day, n. A period of twenty-four hours, mostly misspent.
Ambrose Bierce

Everything happens to everybody sooner or later if there is time enough.
George Bernard Shaw

Finding some quiet time in your life, I think, is hugely important.
Mariel Hemingway

For disappearing acts, it's hard to beat what happens to the eight hours supposedly left after eight of sleep and eight of work.
Doug Larson

I must govern the clock, not be governed by it.
Golda Meir

I took some time out for life.
James L. Brooks

I want to go ahead of Father Time with a scythe of my own.
H. G. Wells

If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?
John Wooden

It is my feeling that Time ripens all things; with Time all things are revealed; Time is the father of truth.
Francois Rabelais

Know how to live the time that is given you.
Dario Fo

Let him who would enjoy a good future waste none of his present.
Roger Babson

Lose not yourself in a far off time, seize the moment that is thine.
Friedrich Schiller

Lost time is never found again.
Benjamin Franklin

Men talk of killing time, while time quietly kills them.
Dion Boucicault

Much may be done in those little shreds and patches of time which every day produces, and which most men throw away.
Charles Caleb Colton

Speaking of time, have you time for some fresh coffee on the patio? I certainly hope so! I always like to spend time with my friends!

They Thought We Wouldn't Notice...?

Sometimes, the mainstream media goes a little too far!

OK, let's make that a LOT too far! What disturbs me most about this story is that really didn't expect anyone to realize what they had done! Of course, NBC started apologizing as soon as folks started raising hell!

NBC Apologizes for Omitting 'Under God' From Pledge During U.S. Open Broadcast

Published June 19, 2011


BETHESDA, Md. -- NBC issued an on-air apology Sunday for omitting the words "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance during its coverage of golf's U.S. Open.

The words were edited out of a clip of children reciting the oath -- a move immediately noted by viewers, who took to Twitter and various blogs to voice their anger, the Huffington Post reported.

In a statement during the broadcast, NBC commentator Dan Hicks said, "We began our coverage of this final round just about three hours ago and when we did it was our intent to begin the coverage of this U.S. Open Championship with a feature that captured the patriotism of our national championship being held in our nation's capital for the third time.

"Regrettably, a portion of the Pledge of Allegiance that was in that feature was edited out. It was not done to upset anyone and we'd like to apologize to those of you who were offended by it."

The words "under God" were not in the original pledge from 1892 and were not added until 1954.

While this was going on, Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy romped to an eight-shot win to claim his first major title with a record-low 72-hole score of 16-under par at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md.

One of the most stupid statements made was that NBC wanted to "capture the patriotism" in the segment that was edited. WHAT? How the hell do you show how patriotic you are by butchering the Pledge?

This is part of what's wrong with the government and the media now days! They make these major screw-ups and think the public is way too stupid to notice!

Well, guess what,clowns! Not all of us are asleep just yet! Better start realizing that, or your viewer share is going to start dropping big time!

In the meantime, let's get some fresh coffee and sit outside for a bit! OK?

Happy Father's Day...!

Many of you have a special day today...Father's Day!

I do hope you have a great day and that someone remembers you on this wonderful holiday! Here is a little history of this tradition I thought you might enjoy!

Let's All Cheer for Fathers!
by Aurelia C. Scott

The year 2010 marked the 100th anniversary of Father’s Day in America. While it wasn’t made a national holiday until 1972, the efforts of one woman in Washington sparked a movement to celebrate Dad’s long before then.

Sonora Dodd and the first Father's Day

In 1909, Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, was inspired to create a holiday honoring fathers. William Jackson Smart, her father, was a farmer and Civil War veteran that raised Sonora and her five younger brothers by himself after his wife, Ellen, died giving birth to their youngest child in 1898. While attending a Mother’s Day church service in 1909, Sonora, then 27, came up with the idea.

Within a few months, Sonora had convinced the Spokane Ministerial Association and the YMCA to set aside a Sunday in June to celebrate fathers. She proposed June 5, her father’s birthday, but the ministers chose the third Sunday in June so that they would have more time after Mother’s Day (the second Sunday in May) to prepare their sermons. So it was that on June 19, 1910, Sonora delivered presents to handicapped fathers, boys from the YMCA decorated their lapels with fresh-cut roses (red for living fathers, white for the deceased), and the city’s ministers devoted their homilies to fatherhood.

A National Holiday

The widely publicized events in Spokane struck a chord that reached all the way to Washington, D.C., and Sonora's celebration started it's path to becoming a national holiday.

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson and his family personally observed the day. Eight years later, President Calvin Coolidge signed a resolution in favor of Father’s Day “to establish more intimate relations between fathers and their children and to impress upon fathers the full measure of their obligations.”

In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed an executive order that the holiday be celebrated on the third Sunday in June. Under President Richard Nixon, in 1972, Congress passed an act officially making Father’s Day a national holiday. (Six years later, Sonora died at age 96.)

Different Days for Different Dads

North America is not the only place where Father’s Day is celebrated.

In traditionally Catholic countries such as Spain and Portugal, Father’s Day is observed on March 19, the Feast of St. Joseph.

Taiwanese celebrate Father’s Day on August 8, the eighth day of the eighth month, because the Mandarin Chinese word for eight sounds like the word for “Papa.”

In Thailand, Father’s Day occurs on the king’s birthday, which for current King Bhumibol Adulyadej is December 5.

My Father has long passed on, as has my step-father! Both were very special men and, in my eyes, great fathers! Sadly, I don't think I told them that enough. I can only hope that they knew it without me telling them!

Around my house, Father's Day is just another day. I have two sons, but they have chosen not to do Father's Day, or Christmas, or birthdays, or family reunions, or any such thing along those lines!

Their choice, freely made...so I celebrate quietly by myself. Take this opportunity to talk or visit with your Father today, if he is still here! It will mean a lot, believe me, and often he'll be gone way too soon!

Coffee on the patio this morning! We can make a toast to Dads everywhere!

Everything But The Kitchen Sink...!

I guess the heat is making us all a little crazy!

I can't think of any other reason this poor soul would go this far! I kinda feel sorry for him, but you have to admit that he was at least trying something different by not using a gun, right?

Man Accused Of Throwing Toilet At State Trooper Gets Trial

Man Used Toilet, Whiskey, Stick To Threaten State Trooper, Police Say

Posted: 11:52 am EDT June 10, 2011Updated: 3:24 pm EDT June 16, 2011
BESSEMER, Pa. -- A Bessemer man was charged after police said he armed himself with a toilet, bottle of whiskey and a stick to stop a state trooper.

Police said Steven Herman was arrested after neighbors called to complain that he was being loud and tossing objects into his driveway. A judge waived all charges to court during a hearing on Thursday.

When officers arrived, they found Herman inside the attic of his Lawrence County home. Police said he tried to drop a 100 pound toilet on a trooper and then threatened the officer with a whiskey bottle and stick.

Police said they had to shock Herman with a Taser to subdue him. Aftwards he was taken into custody.

Herman's sister said she hopes that he can get help.

"I'm glad no one got hurt. He's hopefully going to get help out of this," Herman's sister said. "He's not a violent person. He was under the influence. I just want him to get help."

Herman is in the Lawrence County Jail on $10,000 bond. He is facing aggravated assault and terroristic threats charges.

I'm not sure if this was a case of too much whiskey, not enough brains, or a combination of both! He does get my vote for originality, though.

Let's get some coffee and sit out at the patio for a bit!

A Very Timely Arrival...!

Probably one of the most recognizable symbols of America there ever was, on this day in history made it to our shores!

Short of the stars and stripes, I can't think of anything else that is more associated with the U.S.! The story of the Statue of Liberty is quite a read!

For those that don't know the history, or for those that just want to have the story refreshed...this may help!

Jun 17, 1885:

Statue of Liberty arrives

The Statue of Liberty, a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States, arrives in New York City's harbor.

Originally known as "Liberty Enlightening the World," the statue was proposed by French historian Edouard Laboulaye to commemorate the Franco-American alliance during the American Revolution. Designed by French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, the 151-foot statue was the form of a woman with an uplifted arm holding a torch. In February 1877, Congress approved the use of a site on New York Bedloe's Island, which was suggested by Bartholdi. In May 1884, the statue was completed in France, and three months later the Americans laid the cornerstone for its pedestal in New York. On June 19, 1885, the dismantled Statue of Liberty arrived in the New World, enclosed in more than 200 packing cases. Its copper sheets were reassembled, and the last rivet of the monument was fitted on October 28, 1886, during a dedication presided over by U.S. President Grover Cleveland.

On the pedestal was inscribed "The New Colossus," a famous sonnet by American poet Emma Lazarus that welcomed immigrants to the United States with the declaration;

"Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me.
I lift my lamp beside the golden door."

Six years later, Ellis Island, adjacent to Bedloe's Island, opened as the chief entry station for immigrants to the United States, and for the next 32 years more than 12 million immigrants were welcomed into New York harbor by the sight of "Lady Liberty." In 1924, the Statue of Liberty was made a national monument.

One thing that is going to always be on my "bucket list" is the chance to actually see the Statue of Liberty in person. It will be a long time from now, because the chances of me going to New York are pretty slim to say the least!

One trip I am going to take is out to the patio to enjoy some fresh coffee! Would you like to join me?

Say...What ???

Sometimes I think that the best of intentions can end in disaster for some folks!

Many folks don't do any proof-reading, or have someone else proof-read any articles that they write! These same folks probably need to go back to school and see if they can take a few classes in "common sense!"

UN-KILLED BEEF

Note To All Hunters: This is from a San Francisco newspaper !

Folks, just remember as you read this, this person probably drives & votes... AND, may have already reproduced. God help America .

And I bet he belongs to the ACLU, too!



This is very funny and very scary at the same time! Surely these people don't believe for a minute that meat is made in the store, right?

On second thought, watching some of the people that shop in my neighborhood, I might just be wrong!

My baby Sis sent this to me and I figured it was worth stealing...I mean, sharing!

Now, my friends, let's get some fresh coffee and go to the patio. BTW, no animals were injured in the posting of this piece!

Well, I'm Certainly Glad That's Settled...!

This is one of those things that most of us probably never think about!

Something that we have taken for granted for so long, like the borders, had to be a real nightmare for new countries to figure out. After all, it wasn't just our country that was affected, but our new neighbors. Chances are they might be more than a little upset if we suddenly claimed a lot of their country as our own, don't you think?

This article from History.com can point this out very well!

Jun 15, 1846:
U.S.-Canadian border established

Representatives of Great Britain and the United States sign the Oregon Treaty, which settles a long-standing dispute with Britain over who controlled the Oregon territory. The treaty established the 49th parallel from the Rocky Mountains to the Strait of Georgia as the boundary between the United States and British Canada. The United States gained formal control over the future states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana, and the British retained Vancouver Island and navigation rights to part of the Columbia River.

In 1818, a U.S.-British agreement had established the border along the 49th parallel from Lake of the Woods in the east to the Rocky Mountains in the west. The two nations also agreed to a joint occupation of Oregon territory for 10 years, an arrangement that was extended for an additional 10 years in 1827. After 1838, the issue of who possessed Oregon became increasingly controversial, especially when mass American migration along the Oregon Trail began in the early 1840s.

American expansionists urged seizure of Oregon, and in 1844 Democrat James K. Polk successfully ran for president under the platform "Fifty-four forty or fight," which referred to his hope of bringing a sizable portion of present-day Vancouver and Alberta into the United States. However, neither President Polk nor the British government wanted a third Anglo-American war, and on June 15, 1846, the Oregon Treaty, a compromise, was signed. By the terms of the agreement, the U.S. and Canadian border was extended west along the 49th parallel to the Strait of Georgia, just short of the Pacific Ocean.

Can you imagine all the work involved in establishing the borders for a brand new country? Especially when the original founding fathers had absolutely no idea just what the layout of the land was. Remember that most of our country had never been explored, especially toward the west!

The task that lay before them had to be daunting, to say the least! Quite the undertaking, for sure! It really boggles the mind!

Let's get some fresh coffee and sit on the patio for a while! Gonna be another hot one!

Some Divine Justice...!

Sometimes the very sword of justice appears from out of the blue to take over!

Many may say that some "Divine Retribution" took place here and they could be right! It would be nice to think that was the case! It's my opinion that we could all use any help we could get!

This story from the pages of the Houston Chronicle says it better than I ever could!

Rapist dies while attacking elderly South Texas woman

© 2011 The Associated Press
June 13, 2011, 5:25PM

REFUGIO — Investigators say a man died while in the act of raping an elderly South Texas woman.

The Refugio County Sheriff's Office identifies the man as 53-year-old Isabel Chavelo Gutierrez.

Sheriff's Sgt. Gary Wright says the incident happened June 2 after Gutierrez rode two miles by bicycle from his home to that of his 77-year-old victim in the tiny coastal community of Tivoli.

He says the 5-foot-7, 230- to 250-pound man sneaked into the woman's house and raped her at knifepoint. During the attack, he said he wasn't feeling well, rolled over and died.

His body was sent to the Nueces County medical examiner in Corpus Christi for autopsy.

Gutierrez was a registered sexual offender on parole from a sentence for aggravated sexual assault and indecency with a child.

I think that maybe some of the bad guys should know that the muses seem to be watching over some of us, especially in this case!

Coffee on the patio this morning!

Flag Day 2011...!

Tuesday is actually the official Flag Day, but I wanted to remind everyone today.

I know most of you already know the history of this patriotic holiday, but I wanted to cover it again, just in case! What better place to find out about the history of a day such as this...than the Almanac!

Flag Day—June 14

Next Tuesday is Flag Day in the U.S. What we know fondly as the “Stars and Stripes” was adopted by the Continental Congress as the official American flag on June 14, 1777, in the midst of the Revolutionary War.

Colonial troops fought under many different flags with various symbols and slogans—rattlesnakes, pine trees, eagles, “Don’t Tread on Me,” “Liberty or Death,” and “Conquer or Die,” to name a few.

The first flag had 13 stars on a blue field and 13 alternating red and white stripes for the 13 original colonies. Now there are 50 stars, one for each state in the Union, but the 13 stripes remain. Flag Day was first celebrated in 1877, on the flag’s 100th birthday.

Remember, there are certain guidelines already in place for the display and handling of the flag. Of course, you already knew that! Just thought I would mention it again for any new comers, ya know?

C'mon, my friends, let's get some fresh coffee and sit outside this morning!

I Guess His Intentions Were Good...!

Once in a while, folks that imbibe a bit might have a tendency to go too far!

One little problem with having a bit too much is that some folks think they can accomplish the impossible! A good case in point is this gentleman.

Man Tries to Revive Dead Opossum; Police Say Alcohol Involved

3:01 p.m. PDT, March 26, 2010

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. -- Police say they charged a Pennsylvania man with public drunkenness after he was seen trying to resuscitate a long-dead opossum along a highway.

State police Trooper Jamie Levier says several witnesses saw 55-year-old Donald Wolfe, of Brookville, near the animal Thursday along Route 36 in Oliver Township, about 65 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.

The trooper says one person saw Wolfe kneeling before the animal and gesturing as though he were conducting a seance.

He says another saw Wolfe attempting to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Levier says the animal already had been dead a while.

Ya know, if I were this man...I think I would lay off the hooch for a while. Just my suggestion, you understand! However, I think I would certainly feel strange if I was trying to revive a dead possum and someone saw me. Who knows how embarrassing it would be if some one had taken a picture?

Maybe we had better get some fresh coffee and sit outside for a while. Don't worry...no dead possums around the patio!

Where Is Granny...?

Well, I guess this is one way to avoid the cost of a funeral!

Still, I don't know if Granny will appreciate it...if she is aware of it! However, she might have spent enough time at the Goodwill store that she might feel right at home!

This story is certainly interesting, if nothing else!

Who left grandma behind? Urn shows up in donations at Goodwill store in Fenton

FENTON, Michigan — Someone dropped off grandma and left her at Goodwill — in an urn.

Workers at the Goodwill in Fenton were sorting through donated items just before Easter when they came across a box labeled “grandma’s urn.”

Inside was an 10-inch-tall, cream-colored urn, with something inside, presumably ashes, presumably grandma’s. The urn weighs about 10 pounds, has no identifying marks or serial numbers and is sealed, according to police.

The Goodwill store, 3150 Owen Road, has held onto the urn in hopes that the person who dropped it off would come back to retrieve it. But that didn’t happen.

Now state police have it and are searching for answers, like: Who dropped it off? And what —or who — is inside?

“It’s got to be the No. 1 or No. 2 weirdest item we’ve ever received,” said Allen Ryckman, store manager. “I think the associates (who found it) were a little bit flabbergasted and a little bit creeped out. It looked like the items were part of a house clean-out.”

Goodwill usually gets more mundane donations, such as clothing and books, Ryckman said.

Michigan State Police are searching for the person who dropped off an urn in this box at a Fenton Goodwill store.

The store has received l other unusual items, donations, such as expensive jewelry, custom pieces of art that the agency sells on-line and “R-rated items we can’t talk about,” Ryckman said.

But this was the first urn.

Ryckman said he contacted a couple of local funeral homes to try to find the owners without success.

He has learned there probably is a name or other identifying characteristic inside the sealed urn.

State police Detective Sgt. Jeff Bauermeister said police may investigate opening the urn, but for now they will store it at the Flint post.

"We've handled a number of found property cases over the years, but this is a first for me," he said. "We want to be sure the urn was not accidentally or unintentionally given to Goodwill."

Let's all hope that grandma is soon reunited with her family, and let's hope that the family is missing Grandma! It would be very disappointing to find out that the family took granny's urn to Goodwill on purpose! I don't know why, but it would!

I don't know about you, but I could use some fresh coffee! Let's take some out to the patio, OK?

Almost Useless Stuff...!

You all know that I am a complete warehouse of almost useless information!

In keeping with that honor, I wanted to share just a few of these facts with you, just in case you didn't know them already! It just might brighten your morning, and that is my total aim!

Useless Geographical Info

ALASKA
More than half of the coastline of the entire United States is in Alaska.

AMAZON
The Amazon rain forest produces more than 20% the world's oxygen supply. The Amazon River pushes so much water into the Atlantic Ocean that, more than one hundred miles at sea, off the mouth of the river, one can dip fresh water out of the ocean. The volume of water in the Amazon river is greater than the next eight largest rivers in the world combined and three times the flow of all rivers in the United States.

ANTARCTICA
Antarctica is the only land on our planet that is not owned by any country. Ninety percent of the world's ice covers Antarctica. This ice also represents seventy percent of all the fresh water in the world. As strange as it sounds, however, Antarctica is essentially a desert. The average yearly total precipitation is about two inches. Although covered with ice (all but 0.4% of it, i.e.), Antarctica is the driest place on the planet, with an absolute humidity lower than the Gobi desert.

BRAZIL
Brazil got its name from the nut, not the other way around.

CANADA
Canada has more lakes than the rest of the world combined. Canada is an Indian word meaning "Big Village."

CHICAGO
Next to Warsaw, Chicago has the largest Polish population in the world.

DETROIT
Woodward Avenue in Detroit, Michigan carries the designation M - 1, named so because it was the first paved road anywhere.

DAMASCUS, SYRIA
Damascus, Syria, was flourishing a couple of thousand years before Rome was founded in 753 BC, making it the oldest continuously inhabited city in existence.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY
Istanbul, Turkey is the only city in the world located on two continents.

LOS ANGELES
Los Angeles full name is El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de los Angeles de Porciuncula--and can be abbreviated to 3.63% of its size: L.A.

NEW YORK CITY
The term "The Big Apple" was coined by touring jazz musicians of the 1930s who used the slang expression "apple" for any town or city. Therefore, to play New York City is to play the big time- The Big Apple.
There are more Irish in New York City than in Dublin, Ireland; more Italians in New York City than in Rome, Italy; and more Jewish people in New York City than in Tel Aviv, Israel.

AFRICA
Percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28.
Percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38.

OHIO
There are no natural lakes in the state of Ohio; every one is human made.

PITCAIRN ISLAND
The smallest island with country status is Pitcairn in Polynesia, at just 1.75 sq. miles/4.53 sq. km.

ROME
The first city to reach a population of one million people was Rome, Italy in 133 B.C.
There is a city called Rome on every continent.

SIBERIA
Siberia contains more than 25% of the world's forests.

S.M.O.M.
The actual smallest sovereign entity in the world is the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (S.M.O.M.). It is located in the city of Rome, Italy, has an area of two tennis courts, and as of 2001, has a population of eighty, twenty less people than the Vatican. It is a sovereign entity under international law, just as the Vatican is.

SAHARA DESERT
In the Sahara Desert, there is a town named Tidikelt, which did not receive a drop of rain for ten years.

SPAIN
Spain literally means 'the land of rabbits.'

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA
St. Paul, Minnesota was originally called Pig's Eye after a man named Pierre "Pig's Eye" Parrant who set up the first business there.

TEXAS
The deepest hole ever made in the world is in Texas. It is as deep as 20 Empire State Buildings but only 3 inches wide.

UNITED STATES
The Eisenhower interstate system requires that one-mile in every five must be straight. These straight sections are usable as airstrips and in times of war or other emergencies.

WATERFALLS
The water of Angel Falls (the World's highest) in Venezuela drops 3,212 feet (979 meters). They are 15 times higher than Niagara Falls.

Well, that's all the useless stuff I have for today, but I'll try and find some more almost useless stuff to share with you later, OK?

How about some fresh coffee on the patio? It obviously NOT going to rain, no matter what the weather guy says!

History From The Springfield Armory...!

Very few manufacturers have the history with firearms as does the Springfield armory!

Some of the most dependable and well established guns here in the United States came from the Springfield Armory. All kinds of weapons, most all with an excellent reputation for reliability, got their start at the armory!

The Springfield was any of several rifles that were standard infantry weapons of the U.S. Army most of the time from 1873 to 1936, all taking their name from the Springfield Armory, established at Springfield, Mass., by the U.S. Congress in 1794. The armory had produced smooth bore muskets from its earliest days, and between 1858 and 1865 it turned out more than 840,000 .58-calibre rifled muskets. In 1866, it began adapting the muzzle-loading rifles to breech-loading, single-shot rifles by making a “trapdoor” for the breech with latch, firing pin, and extractor for the cartridge case.

From 1873 to 1892 the armory turned out breech-loading, single-shot Springfield .45-70s (.45 calibre with 70 grains of black powder). Between 1892 and 1903 the U.S. Army used a Norwegian-designed Krag-Jørgensen bolt-action repeating rifle, but in the meantime the Springfield gunsmiths were studying the German Mauser, a five-shot bolt-action repeating rifle. The United States adapted the Mauser into the Model 1903 Springfield, a rifle that, after some modifications to accommodate Model 1906 ammunition, entered history as the Springfield .30-06, one of the most reliable and accurate military firearms in history. The Springfield served as the principal U.S. infantry weapon until 1936, when it was replaced by the Garand (M1) rifle of World War II—also designed at the Springfield Armory. When the Springfield .30-06 was retired, it was widely modified into a sporting rifle that is still prized for its accuracy.

Many formidable and dependable weapons came from the armory until it's closing in 1968, when with a controversial personal and political decision, Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara closed the Springfield Armory. This marked the end of a very productive history!

Let's get some fresh coffee and sit outside on the patio this morning, OK?

Just A Little Off The Ear, Please...!

When I go to my barber and say that, it goes without saying that I mean the hair!

I like my hair to be cut above the collar and off the ears. My barber understands that. I really don't think I've ever considered that she might be considering biting half my ear off! Then again, I don't fight with her about taking too long to cut my hair!

Trenton barber is accused of biting customer's ear in half after complaint about slow haircut

TRENTON – A Trenton barber was arrested Thursday afternoon after allegedly biting a customer’s ear in half following a dispute over how long a haircut was taking, police said.

James Dillard, 40, was at work inside the Beauty and the Beast Barber Shop on the 700 block of Chambers Street around 5:30 p.m. In his barber chair was a 24-year-old city man.

Dillard and his client began arguing about how fast Dillard was cutting the hair, and the client decided to get up and leave the shop, police said. The client slammed the barbershop’s front door behind him, causing the glass in it to shatter.

In response, Dillard rushed outside and confronted the young man, police said. The two began to fight, and during the struggle Dillard bit the 24-year-old’s ear nearly in half, police said.

The ear remained attached to the 24-year-old’s head, and he was taken to a hospital for treatment. Dillard was arrested and charged with aggravated assault.

I've always enjoyed getting a haircut, but then I've never had a barber with a real anger issue, either! At least, not that I knew of! I try to make it a point to never start an argument with someone holding sharp and pointed instruments! Call me silly, but it never seemed like a winning idea to me!

Let's get some fresh coffee and sit outside for a bit. I've given up on the rain idea!

Remembering Chief Seattle...!

Many times we think that most of the native Americans were always at war with the white settlers.

A good example of one who wasn't was Chief Seattle. In fact, the settlers thought enough of him to name a settlement after him...and that namesake is still going by the name today!

I think that from time to time, we need to stop and remember that settlers had friends like chief Seattle and his people there to help and guide us in the development of some areas in the United States. Chief Seattle became a wise and trusted friend, and his counsel was well received!

Thirteen years after American settlers founded the city named for him, Chief Seattle dies in a nearby village of his people.

Born sometime around 1790, Seattle (Seathl) was a chief of the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes who lived around the Pacific Coast bay that is today called Puget Sound. He was the son of a Suquamish father and a Duwamish mother, a lineage that allowed him to gain influence in both tribes.

By the early 1850s, small bands of Euro-Americans had begun establishing villages along the banks of Puget Sound. Chief Seattle apparently welcomed his new neighbors and seems to have treated them with kindness. In 1853, several settlers moved to a site on Elliott Bay to establish a permanent town--since Chief Seattle had proved so friendly and welcoming, the settlers named their tiny new settlement in his honor.

The Euro-American settlers picked the site because of the luxuriant forest on the bluff behind the new village. The Gold Rush in California had created a booming market for timber, and soon most of the villagers were at work cutting the trees and "skidding" them down a long chute to a newly constructed sawmill. The chute became known as "skid road," and in time, it became the main street in Seattle, though it kept its original name. When the Seattle business district later moved north, the area became a haven for drunks and derelicts. Consequently, "skid road" or "skid row" became lingo for the dilapidated area of any town.

Not all the Puget Sound Indians, however, were as friendly toward the white settlers as Chief Seattle. War broke out in 1855, and Indians from the White River Valley south of Seattle attacked the village. Although he believed the whites would eventually drive his people to extinction, Chief Seattle argued that resistance would merely anger the settlers and hasten the Indians' demise. By 1856, many of the hostile Indians had concluded that Chief Seattle was right and made peace.

Rather than fight, Seattle tried to learn white ways. Jesuit missionaries introduced him to Catholicism, and he became a devout believer. He observed morning and evening prayers throughout the rest of his life. The people of the new city of Seattle also paid some respect to the chief's traditional religion. The Suquamish believed the mention of a dead man's name disturbs his eternal rest. To provide Chief Seattle with a pre-payment for the difficulties he would face in the afterlife, the people of Seattle levied a small tax on themselves to use the chief's name. He died in 1866 at the approximate age of 77.

Makes you wonder just how well the settlers would have fared without a leader of the natives, like Chief Seattle, on the side of peace and co-operation.

Coffee on the patio today. Let's send out some good wishes for our friends that are being sorely tested with extreme weather in so many different locations! A few extra prayers certainly can't hurt!

This About Says It All...!

I'm glad to know it's not just my imagination!

For a while there, I thought I was the only one that had these feelings. Nice to know so many other folks in the country are feeling about the same!

Poll finds Americans angry about pretty much everything

Daily Caller

Sun Jun 5, 11:25 am ET

No wonder David Bowie was afraid of Americans.

A new Newsweek/Daily Beast poll finds that Americans are angry about…pretty much everything. From President Obama to congressional Republicans to even God (who has a 33 percent approval rating), everyone needs to watch out for an angry mob coming their way.

Unemployment is at 9.1 percent, gas and grocery prices are skyrocketing, the housing market is in the dumps, and people aren’t happy. Three quarters of Americans think the country is on the wrong track, and 81 percent say the job market is not where it needs to be. Half of respondents don’t think Obama has a plan to balance the budget, and 58 percent think Republicans aren’t doing their part to balance the budget either.

The poll finds that Americans are being affected by their anger in other parts of life as well. Fifty-six percent are so angry that they can’t even sleep and 13 percent say the anxiety has affected their sex life. Twenty-six percent of married respondents claim the country’s economic problems have affected their marriage, with more than half of those people saying it has made their marriage worse.

The saddest part of this whole situation...is that nothing shows signs of getting any better in the near future! I don't know about anyone else, but I am not comforted by that fact.

It would really be nice to have some positive things happen for a change, ya know? Guess we all need to stay hopeful, right? Right!

Let's get some fresh coffee and sit outside. We can badmouth the weather guys for telling all those lies about the rain!

Trying To Decide What Is Best...!

As you may or may not know, the hurricane season has just started here on the Texas coast!

Now, here is where I have some personal questions. Just supposing that we get another storm that really affects the Houston area. There are two choices for most of the folks here in the city...evacuate or ride it out in place.

For me, I would just as soon ride it out in place. But I have my mother to consider. In her case, it probably would be best to move her further inland. Because she has a problem with her balance when walking on non-level surfaces, it wouldn't be the best idea for her to stay here just in case we had to wade out away from the house!

Also, she has COPD, so that's a concern as well. I could get by pretty good without power or running water, but I'm not so sure about her!

Now comes the problem with the pets. Not really a problem, because both my cat and hers seem to believe my house is the fun place to hang out. They don't care who feeds them, as long as they get fed!

I'm thinking that moving Mom out to her cousin's up around Austin and Georgetown would be best! Trouble is, her making the trip by herself is almost out of the question. She gets very tired when driving long distances, and if she has a flat there is just no way she could change it without help.

Of course I could drive her to Austin, then I would just drive back to Houston. Got to watch the home place and the animals. I don't trust the neighborhood enough to leave the places empty during a time when the vultures will be watching for empty houses. Good way to invite the thieves, that's for sure!

All this has been on my mind as of late. Need to make some decisions before the storms start showing up, know what I mean? Pros and cons for both choices, but I need to make up a workable plan here pretty quick, I think!

At least I think I have all the emergency supplies I need, but I'll end up checking them several more times before they are needed! After all, that's what I do best!

Coffee on the patio today! We can discuss what steps need to be taken, as I welcome all the input from my friends!

Old Barns And Old People...!

Sort of feeling my age here lately, so when I found this video I thought it was appropriate!

Don't think I've ever seen this one before, but it's pretty cool! I hope you like it...even you youngsters!



Sorry about yesterday, but I just needed a break. You know how it is, right?

I have some major concerns about the upcoming storm season, but I'll talk them over with everyone tomorrow, OK? I'm probably going to need some input from my friends on a couple of things that have the potential to be problematic.

Until then, let's get some fresh coffee and sit on the patio. I'm hoping for some rain today, but I'm not holding my breath!

No Post Today...!

Taking the day off!





Have a great day, my friends!

A Shameful Delay...!

Sometimes when studying history, you make some shameful discoveries. This was one of the most disturbing I found!

I have no idea why it took so long, and it shames me that it did!

Jun 2, 1924:
The Indian Citizenship Act

With Congress' passage of the Indian Citizenship Act, the government of the United States confers citizenship on all Native Americans born within the territorial limits of the country.

Before the Civil War, citizenship was often limited to Native Americans of one-half or less Indian blood. In the Reconstruction period, progressive Republicans in Congress sought to accelerate the granting of citizenship to friendly tribes, though state support for these measures was often limited.

In 1888, most Native American women married to U.S. citizens were conferred with citizenship, and in 1919 Native American veterans of World War I were offered citizenship. In 1924, the Indian Citizenship Act, an all-inclusive act, was passed by Congress. The privileges of citizenship, however, were largely governed by state law, and the right to vote was often denied to Native Americans in the early 20th century.

It took a long time and takes a lot of the mystery out of the bad feelings between the American Indians and the government, doesn't it?

That's one thing about studying the past...you may not be impressed with what you find. At least, not in a good way! I would like to think we have improved our humanity since then!

Let's get some fresh coffee and sit outside for a while, OK?

Goosed By A Swan...!

When Mother Nature tells animals to do what comes natural, why is it a surprise to so many folks?

Springtime can be very eye-opening to some people that get way too close to nesting animals. Animals with young tend to be very protective, and if you don't believe it...just ask this young mother and her two young daughters!

I think the sign alone would be enough to give a heads up to most folks in the area, don't you?



EAST LONGMEADOW - A Springfield woman and her two young daughters suffered minor injuries late Tuesday morning when they were attacked by a pair of swans at Heritage Park.

The incident began about 11 a.m. when the woman and her 3-year-old twins walked to the shore of the park’s pond, Police Sgt. Patrick Manley said.

“The lady said that the swans came from across the pond to where they were and started attacking her children,” Manley said. “It appears they were drawn by the children, whether it was their size, their demeanor, their clothing, I don’t know.”


The woman, trying to protect her girls, stood in front of the swans and suffered two skin-puncturing bites, near her ribs, Manley said.

“She said she was frantically trying to protect her children from the swans and that they went right at the children,” Manley said.

One of the little girls suffered a black eye and a bruised knee and the other suffered a bruised shoulder and a scratch on her neck, Manley said.

The sergeant said he has heard anecdotal reports that the swans have been particularly aggressive this spring. “I would caution people to be careful,” he said. “They are wild animals.”

Manley theorized that the swans may be nesting, and therefore, especially territorial this time of year.

There are signs posted at the park that prohibit the feeding of wildlife there, Manly said, adding that he did not know if the women and her children had doing so in this case.



Sort of looks like nature is kicking our butts on so many levels lately! I personally feel that a war against nature is one that we can never win...or break even in, know what I mean?

Fresh coffee on the patio before it get's too hot! Keep an eye out for those pesky dive bombing mockingbirds, OK?