reenactorNet

Why did I get married?

2008-07-25T21:05:00.003-04:00

Why did I get married?
I just can't remember now. When someone talks about getting married, I surely cannot recommend it. No matter what, nothing is ever right; never good enough. Why did I do it? I just don't know. I certainly wouldn't do it again if I could go back.

For me, marriage has been a constant fight -- one for survival. Why? I guess because I am married to someone who EXPECTS to be handed everything on a platter without working. Someone who won't drive and expects to be driven everywhere. Who actually fights against everything I try to do to bring money into the house and succeed.

Maybe it's just that we have changed, I don't know. It didn't used to be this way, but for a long time now, it has been teeth gritting every day. There are occasions when the person I fell in love with surfaces, but they're rare. I'm not the latest thing anymore, the animals and I are pushed aside thing. Whatever... whatever!

So, for young people in love, guys especially, think it over. Don't jump in. Make sure they like what you like and aren't "hiding it" until later. I don't know. I just know that I, and most guys I know, are miserable. Some women too.

I'll stop now...

Oh the horror!

2008-07-20T23:19:00.007-04:00

So, we went to town today. Was cool as my truck wouldn't run yesterday, resulting in my friend giving me a ride to and hither. Got home, got it to start :-) However, when we went to leave, it was running shitay! Started to die, but that was the front tank running out of gas (my fuel gauges work sporadically)... so, w/ a quick switch tot he rear tanks we were off! Of COURSE, it wouldn't shift into 3rd gear and others were not working well. Ack! Stopped, looked, etc. but HAD to get to Wally World as Wendy had to have her BP meds (you don't mess w/ that!)...

Aha!
Anyway, while talking to my friend Kenny on the cell, I took the air cleaner off and fooled w/ it. Eventually I noticed that one of the vacuum lines was off the front of the carb base. All the vacuum lines are old and crappy too -- the mechanics here look at me like I'm high on peyote when I say I want to replace them. ANYWAY, I hooked it up and it WORKED!! Turns out it was the vacuum line to the transmission shifter thingee (I forget the name of the part, but know how it works... so good enough). So... it came off the other night when I put in the new solenoid and changed the PCV and breather filters (whoops!)

Dinner and Gas (not Kent's kind of gas)
Wee came out w/ her purchases, and we went to Hosse's for dinner. A belated birthday dinner and I had charred beef of cow. And damned good beef it was! After, we stopped at Giant for some fruit and veggies and gas. Why gas at Giant? Well, w/ their card and Wee having spent over $100. there in the last few weeks, I got .10 off of every gallon!!! :-D Woohoo! The tightwad in me leaped for joy, as it was now $3.89 a gallon (WTF, when did THAT become good??) So, was that it? We came home and had a fun night? Oh HELL NO! The plot doth thicken...

The Horror, the TRUE Horror!
When we got home and were going in the house. Suddenly, Wee let's out an exclamation. Angus has puked in kitchen and it reeked... oh no, he also puked (and had diarrhea) on the couch and carpet and Zoey's dog bed. It took us well over an HOUR of blotting to remove it from the carpet completely (isn't the knowledge of Women great!?). NEVER have I had something that nasty... we had to spray it w/ cleaner and blot it up and blot it up and then spray again... and so-on and so-on. Clean now, but oh, the horror. And poor Angus, puked on the kitchen floor twice more :-(

I need to go take old sicky out -- I am sure he needs to go again. He's sick and I don't know why. Prob ate something in the yard. There's no way he'd do this in the house otherwise. He's quite finicky and will hold it for hours and hours. I feel so bad for him as he's sick and just stands there w/ his tail down and a horrified look on his face :'-(

Hmmm birthday ruminations

2008-07-16T02:07:00.002-04:00

Okay, so it was my birthday, actually still is as I was born at midnight between the 15th and 16th. Anyway, it was one of those days. It got better when I got home and my wife made me a nice cake :-)

Today, well yesterday now, I actually was thinking, for the first time of just selling off all my reenacting shit. I love WWI and the Roman stuff and I am very comfortable w/ WWII, but I just don't know -- I am so disgusted with some of these people... some in Roman actually, that I might just do it. I could put all the $$ into the sailboat. At least there, I'm not going to have a bunch of janitor-generals and puffy know-it-all's bloviating on tunic colour. And for the record, I believe Romans wore RED, not white. And I don't care what Fuentes wrote, his article was 20 years ago... new stuff has been written since then.

I just don't know. I have never felt this much disgust for people in my hobby. It' s not fun! Okay, I like the people form Lafe, they all try and just have fun and put their differences behind them. I'll post the video here so you can look at it... fun and reenacting... not standing around for a bunch of bored touronz. Oh well, I need to take some valium or something.

Onward. I miss my boat -- I need to get down and paint the bottom... Sara is getting me a gallon of bottom paint for my birthday :-) Gods I hope I can get Gaia in the water and use her this year.

Hmmmm, the need to post...

2008-06-26T02:45:00.002-04:00

Been busy and not much to say. Had a crappy day and loved the part where I got told I was a liar and wrong about all the work we did at Christmas... If I said the sky was blue and some wino bum said it was red, well I'd hear how I was dead-wrong and the sky was actually blood red. Anyway, I'm not going into it until I can block IP addresses or I work elsewhere. Sad huh!? :-( All I can say is my new saying: N-E-CB!! I'll remember it. I'll live it. Need to stop thinking of this crap.

I also need to remember that the world keeps turning and all the good things are still out there. What was good 3 years ago is still there, I just need to re-connect. Oft muß Mann zum Teufel damit! Life, love, happiness... not work, toil, misery.

Anyway, it's über-late and I need to get to sleep. Maybe I can do some more work tomorrow. I DO need to work on converting the rest of the Ancient Period for Kim and then start on the last two: The Colonial Period (1600-1800) and 1865-1900... the last will be pretty easy as there's little to move over—it's in need of an overhaul too.
So, until then... Schlaft gut!

Oh SO TRUE!

2008-06-09T01:26:00.001-04:00

If you're a guy, you know this to be oh so true!!!

I Wanna Talk About Me
Artist: Toby Keith

Yeah, Yeah
That's right

We talk about your work how your boss is a jerk
We talk about your church and your head when it hurts
We talk about the troubles you've been having with your brother
About your daddy and your mother and your crazy ex-lover
We talk about your friends and the places that you've been
We talk about your skin and the dimples on your chin
The polish on your toes and the run in your hose
And God knows we're gonna talk about your clothes
You know talking about you makes me smile
But every once in awhile

I wanna talk about me
Wanna talk about I
Wanna talk about number one
Oh my me my
What I think, what I like, what I know, what I want, what I see
I like talking about you you you you, usually, but occasionally
I wanna talk about meeeeee (me,me,me,me-background singers)
I wanna talk about me (me,me-background singers)

We talk about your dreams and we talk about your schemes
your high school team and your moisturizer creme
We talk about your nanna up in Muncie, Indiana
We talk about your grandma down in Alabama
We talk about your guys of every shape and size
The ones that you despise and the ones you idolize
We talk about your heart, bout your brains and your smarts
And your medical charts and when you start
You know talking about you makes me grin
But every now and then

I wanna talk about me
Wanna talk about I
Wanna talk about number one
Oh my me my
What I think, what I like, what I know, what I want, what I see
I like talking about you you you you, usually, but occasionally
I wanna talk about me (me,me,me,me- background singers)
I wanna talk about meeeeeeee (me,me- background singers)
(I wanna talk about me- background singers)mmmm me me me me
(I wanna talk about me- background singers)mmmm me me me me
You you you you you you you you you you you you you

I wanna talk about ME!

I wanna talk about me
Wanna talk about I
Wanna talk about number one
Oh my me my
What I think, what I like, what I know, what I want, what I see
I like talking about you, you, you, you, usually, but occasionally
I wanna talk about meeeeeeee (me,me,me,me-background singers)
I wanna talk about me (me,me,-background singers)
I wanna talk about me (me,me,me,me,me,me-background singers)
Oh me!

Wow! Old age...

2008-06-07T21:47:00.002-04:00

What, you're saying? Is this idiot babbling about!? Okay, well a coupla minutes ago, I was in search of "drink." Not having any beer here (except the Wifial unit's Newcastle Horsepiss beer -- which is nasty), I spied my bottle of JD I have, but usually mix... "Okay," sez I "I'll just have a shot..." Okay, yeah, I must be getting old or have become a pussy as it made my eyes water :-0 I still like Jack and 7, but this was too much... I didn't spit it out, but it was tought going down. Old age... "Why" Sayeth you? Because, I used to be able to drop a shot of JD. Oh well. I still like beer and red-headed sluts :-Þ

Things what are goin' on...

2008-06-07T00:27:00.003-04:00

Greetings Gentle Reader...
What's new from COMRNET? Well, I finally got a PA driver's license. :-) A weight off my back! Only been 2+ years I have lived here. Just never had the money and time together at the same time. No test though. ID, SS card, birth certificate and some bills. An eye test and bada-boom, a license.

Galactica
What else? Okay, Galactica was weird tonite, but not as weird as it has been... Ron Moore says it will end badly -- shit, I hope not. And although this is the "last year" the pricks at Sci-Fi will drag it into the Fall or even January for the final shows. Gottverdamterscheißerei! Anyway, next week will be interesting...

Looking at Something New
By this, I mean I am trying to take over/buy a "social" website for pet lovers. It's cool and the owner wants out, but we're not sure if she's looking for some "Bill Gates" to give her a million buck or what. She's very vague and won't answer direct questions. Some if the requirements have been overstated and some are wrong. I OWN a big website now and understand how to run one AND how much work it will be. Discussions are going slowly but I shall not get dragged into a bidding war for this thing. She says it's not making money now (they don't get the whole "ad thing" and how to make $$ from ads -- I DO). Also, the support there RARELY ever responds to members questions and problems >:-0 So happy Kinder, that's what my focus is on right now.

Also
Now saying that above, I have been working on a website for a Gem and Mineral Club and am waiting on pix and copy now to finish it. Can you tell, Fatboy likes to create stuff like that and although I am not super great, sometimes the Hands of the Gods touch even my idiot's hands.

Election thoughts
WHY is everyone freaking out already? I am not gonna even worry about any of it until after the conventions. I DO know this... I WILL NOT vote for Hillary Clinton, EVER so if she's on Obama's ticket as a VP... :-0 I just do not like her, I do not trust her and I feel she would be the final nail in the coffin of our nation. :-(

Those Born Between 1920-1979

2008-06-04T23:44:00.002-04:00

My friend Kathy sent me this and although I have no real idea where it came from (probably Jay Leno or something), I love it as it is soooooo true!

Those Born 1920-1979; to all the kids who survived the 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's!!

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes.
Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors, or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention the risks we took hitchhiking.
As infants and children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts, or air bags.
Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.
We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.
We ate cupcakes, white bread, and real butter and drank Kool-aid made with sugar, but we weren't overweight because,
WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.
No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.
We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes. No video games at all, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no personal computers! no Internet or chat rooms.......
WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.
We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.
We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.
We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment.
Imagine that!!
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!
These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers, and inventors ever!
The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.
We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL!

If YOU are one of these kids... CONGRATULATIONS! You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good. While you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave (and lucky) their parents were. Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it?!

Sinking

2008-06-03T02:11:00.002-04:00

Am I really sinking? I don't know... I feel like it. A lot lately. Mostly to do with money and the fact that I have to do everything. And I mean that, from paying bills to bringing in the money. Get's old and this time, I'm short due to my stupidity of taking off a day for my 10th anniversary. Oh well... I'm sure, somehow I'll get by, but I realized that I'm like the U.S. Govt. I'm always in a deficit. I've been trying to reduce the deficit, but it hasn't been happening. Ack!

Penna Driver's License...
Was going to get it today, alas, they were closed. I hope everything goes well tomorrow -- I have all the paperwork, documentation, birth certificate, even my old SS card, taped together for some ID. Supposedly, in PA there's no test but an eye test for transferring in a CDL. When I went back to Cali, I had to take all THREE tests again and then to renew. This time, I got a renewal by mail -- too bad I can't take advantage of that.

One more day off
Then 5 days work, followed by 1 off, followed by 5... :-0 That's actually too much. Kills my back and right hip (see, I AM getting old). Well, tomorrow will be a goin' to town, getting the license and then paying some bills. Will there be any money left? I don't know. Might be over already. Isn't that f-ed up?!

It makes ya mad

2008-06-01T11:41:00.005-04:00

I saw this on the Chambersburg FreeCycle (a list for people to "free-recycle" stuff) anyway, it's an announcement about a dog being dropped off...

Some guy in a blue/black truck dropped off a small black dog out his door and took off. The dog would have been dropped off on Thursday if anyone is missing it. I just found out about it last night the dog is afraid and scared and wont let no one approach it. It looks like a small black Pomeranian dog or that type. Looks young but I am not sure.
If anyone had this dog taken from them you can contact me and I can let you know where you can search for it. It has almost been hit several time I am afraid its time running out.

This kind of shit always hacks me off. So, frigging Billy Bob decides he doesn't want a dog or cat anymore or worse, it's his ex's and he's "gonna get back at her," so he dumps the pet. Can you imagine, a house animal just dumped somewhere... they're not able to fend for themselves. I dunno, call me a liberal or whatever, but this is bullshit. I know California has a law where there they fine you $1000. for doing this. In my opinion, that's not even close enough to deter these kinds of scumbags.

To me, there should be a more serious law... one that if some loser dirtbag dumps a pet or other animal like this, they lose their car, their license and get fined something pretty hefty (as a nice deterrent), say at least $20,000 (flogging or caning would be nice too, but in this day and age, such useful and effective punishments aren't allowed). I hope someone can help this dog, I know the local rescue shelter was called, but it may not be enough.

And yeah, sure, who am I to say this, but I'll tell you -- I'm someone who is tired of the absolute scumbaggery of people. Low class, low-life. I'll stop now before I suggest neutering some kinds of "people."

The world turns, but stays still

2008-05-28T00:38:00.003-04:00

Meaning nothing seems to change. Hey, Google paid me! Biggest check so far!! They wired it on the 23rd and of COURSE, my bank cleared it today at 12 noon-ish. Ack! Anyway, the wifial unit decided she needed milk and ice (don't ask...), so off we went to town. I took out $100. at good ole Sheetz and put $50. in the tank... it didn't quite fill it >:-(

Next, was Taco Bell -- I like their fresco crunchy tacos and it's got the least carbs and sugar so woohoo. This was then followed by the obligatory Starbucks. Next, to Rita's for some custard... (okay, I'm addicted to Rita's!!). Next on the Wee trip of "fun" was to get her nails "filled" something I don't know much about, but if she loses one, it will cost a bunch to redo them... okay, whatever. Last, Giant for ice and milk. I kept Pacha company in the car the whole time... was nice today, a little warmish, but still not jungle hot yet. Back home, an argument of epic proportions was had, to the enjoyment of all. Anyway, them's the facts and dat's how a'hm is a gonna report 'em.

In the Meantime...
WWII is done and Rob and Harry have begun updating. :-) Also, Civil War is mostly done, only needing a navigation kludge to weave it together until I can get a real one figured out. Next is Ancient Periods for Kim, as I know he is chompin' at the bit to get at it. Things are looking up. I wish Google was spitting out more $$, but it's okay. I had signed up on some of the google boards and now get spam form some of these guys. Yeah, it'd be neato-keen to get $500.+ a day from my ads, but I doubt it'll happen -- what I see these guys doing looks like scammery. Don't really wanna lose my account due to that.

Back to the Mines
Anyway, my "weekend" is over. Gott sei Dank that it was a holiday or I'd a only had one day off. That's kinda sucky when it happens -- 'tis like working 6 days straight -- it kills my back and there's not enough time off to undo the damage.

Memorial Day

2008-05-26T11:32:00.000-04:00

Remember Me...

© 2005 by Jimmie Barlow (Jimmiebarlow@aol.com)

Remember me as your son
when you used to doctor my bumps
remember me playing in the dirt
remember me crying when i would get hurt
remember walking to get my diploma
remember arguing and saying I'm gonna
remember me as a man doing my job
remember me , and please don't sob.
I did what I had to do no matter what
I was heavily trained and I fought
no regrets as I am in a wonderful place
Remember me when you look at my purple heart in your glass case.

Moose Stuff

2008-05-19T01:34:00.002-04:00

When I was younger, say in the early days of my reenactorness, I heard and grew fond of the Moose Song. A song that is great to sing and fun to sing with a lot of people. If you don't get it, well so what, I don't get a lot of things either. It's fun, ah likes it 'Nuff said!

Die Mooselied
1. When I'm in the mood for a very good lay,
I go to the closet and get me some hay.
I go to the window and spread it around,
for the mooses will come when there's
hay on the ground.
...And its moose, moose, I want a moose,
I've never had anything quite like a moose.
I've had lots of women me life has been loose,
but I've never had anything quite like a moose!

2. When I was a young man I really liked girls.
I played with their bodies and fondled their curls.
But my girl ran off with a salesman named Bruce,
I've never been treated that way by a moose!
And its moose, moose usw.

3. I've done it with all kinds of beasties with hair.
I'd do it with snakes if their fangs were not there.
I've done it with sheepdogs, a llama, a goose,
but I've never had anything quite like a moose!
...and its moose, moose usw.

4. Gorillas are fun on a Saturday night.
Lions and tigers, they put up a fight.
But the feeling I get when I ram their caboose
is like nothing I get when I'm humping a moose.
...and its moose, moose usw.

5. And now that I'm old and advanced in my years,
I look to my past and shed not a tear.
I sit in my chair with a glass of vermouth,
playing hide the salami with Margaret the Moose
...and its moose, moose usw.

Started it is!

2008-05-19T01:05:00.005-04:00

Finally, I did some real work on the WWII section... it's not all linked together, but the main WW2 pages are there, plus all the Allied pages and Axis Main. I'm too tired to keep after it. Will work on that tomorrow. It's just labor-intensive :-0 However, saying all that, it's not so hard, mainly a lot of search-and-replace in the code I am transferring over -- you just have to get that right or it's ALL messed up.

What else?
I dunno... we had chili tonite. Watched the series finale of M*A*S*H as it was on and I really needed a break. Kind of wierd looking at it... you see sooo many 70-isms and stuff. Plus, being a reenactor-geek, I see ALL the farbisms (besides long hippy hair on 1950's American military) and Wee hates me going on about stuff like that :-0 Kinda like Cross of Iron with the long 70's hair... a great movie that needs CGI haircuts real bad.

Battlestar Galactica
Galactica last night was interesting. They seem to just be going off on some wierd tangent. I wonder if it will all end with Zac Adama getting out of a shower and it all being a bad dream of Starbucks?? Ron Moore couldn't get away with that nowadays as this kind of thing is considered old and hackneyed. Who's the final Cylon? I'm betting on Gaeta... kinda seems that way, but I bet it's too obvious. Cottle maybe or a real kicker would be Bill Adama. Or the President... We shall see -- in TWO weeks, of course... isn't that bunch of crap how they do that when a series is winding down... hey, Sci-Fi, you idiots... I'm not gonna watch your other crap in the mean time. I hate corporate hacks.

Town
Was going to go to town to pay my rent and get my meds, but couldn't get a hold of my landlord. Will go to his work tomorrow. Then on to Wally World with the $4. prescriptions (probably made in China, but who can afford US made?). Shopping at Wal-Mart is like bills, you just sweep the thought under a mental rug and don't look at it. You'd like to shop somewhere else, give the money to Americans, but it's kinda hard when everywhere else is sooooo expensive. You know what I mean.

A bit o' the Drinkin' it was...

2008-05-18T00:59:00.004-04:00

Okay, only 2 beers and 4 red-headed sluts (Kent's fav drink nowadays)... At least I didna drink one of the Irish Car Bombs... not tonite. Some time when I don't have to come home, drive or anything else.

So, how's your life? Mine's a quagmire of bills and the long, slow slog to get out from under them :-( Ack! Not ready to be profound tonite...

Maybe my ass will get WWII going tomorrow.

Okay... THIS is AWESOME!

2008-05-15T01:17:00.006-04:00

I'm becoming such a feel-good dork!! But really, this is just a really cool little commercial for the Discovery Channel... Wee showed it to me tonite on Discovery and I had to add it here so my 1-2 readers can share in the wonder and neatness of it :-) Boom-de-ada!

The Magma guy reminds me of my friend Kim :-)

One More Song That I Find Haunting

2008-05-12T01:58:00.004-04:00

I've read about it, but some of this song sure makes you think and just has a real haunting quality to it. And of course, that's the purpose of the lyrics isn't it — and it's done SO well in this song. What's weird is that Garth Brooks won't let his stuff be on iTunes... so I bought a version by Dan Roberts (one of the composers of the song). Guess what, I think I like Dan Robert's version better :-0

This is not the first time Mr. Brooks has done something like this... he was one of the movers trying to make it so artists got a cut off of USED CD's >:-( I'm all for artist's rights, but come on... if I buy a used car, Ford shouldn't get a cut! He'd get more sympathy in his battles (as most of HATE the record labels for Killing Napster) if he'd realize his fans are not his enemies.

The Beaches of Cheyenne

They packed up all his buckles
And shipped his saddle to his dad
And by the way the house looked
She must have took it bad
The workers come on Monday
To fix the door and patch the wall
They say she just went crazy
The night she got the call

He was up in Wyoming
And drew a bull no man could ride
He promised her he'd turn out
Well it turned out that he lied
And their dreams that they'd been livin'
In the California sand
Died right there beside him in Cheyenne

They she just went crazy
Screamin' out his name
She ran out into the ocean
And to this day they claim
That if you go down by the water
You'll see her footprints in the sand
'Cause every night she walks the beaches of Cheyenne

They never found her body
Just her diary by her bed
It told about the fight they had
And the words that she had said
When he told her he was ridin'
She said then I don't give a damn
If you never come back from Cheyenne

They she just went crazy
Screamin' out his name
She ran out into the ocean
And to this day they claim
That you can go down by the water
And see her footprints in the sand
'Cause every night she walks the beaches of Cheyenne

Nobody can explain it
Some say she's still alive
They even claim they've seen her
On the shoreline late at night
So if you go down by the water
You'll see her footprints in the sand
'Cause every night she walks the beaches of Cheyenne

Yes every night she walks the beaches of Cheyenne

A song fer ma life

2008-05-12T01:47:00.002-04:00

This ALWAYS struck a chord with me

Guitar Town
(Steve Earle)

Hey pretty baby are you ready for me
It's your good rockin' daddy down from Tennessee
I'm just out of Austin bound for San Antone
With the radio blastin' and the bird dog on
There's a speed trap up ahead in Selma Town
But no local yokel gonna shut me down
'Cause me and my boys got this rig unwound
And we've come a thousand miles from a Guitar Town

Nothin' ever happened 'round my hometown
And I ain't the kind to just hang around
But I heard someone callin' my name one day
And I followed that voice down the lost highway
Everybody told me you can't get far
On thirty-seven dollars and a jap guitar
Now I'm smokin' into Texas with the hammer down
And a rockin' little combo from the Guitar Town

Hey pretty baby don't you know it ain't my fault
I love to hear the steel belts hummin' on the asphalt
Wake up in the middle of the night in a truck stop
Stumble in the restaurant wonderin' why I don't stop

Gotta keep rockin' why I still can
I gotta two pack habit and a motel tan
But when my boots hit the boards I'm a brand new man
With my back to the riser I make my stand
And hey pretty baby won't you hold me tight
We're loadin' up and rollin' out of here tonight
One of these days I'm gonna settle down
And take you back with me to the Guitar Town

A Nice Club...

2008-05-12T01:05:00.003-04:00

What, yer askin' is that fat bastard babbling about this time!? Well, I am now a member of Flannery's Beer Club — this thanks to my brother Kent, who bought me a membership. They've now stopped accepting memberships for a while (much to Wee's irritation) but... as a member, you get your own marked stein, an embroidered golf shirt, a t-shirt and discounts on beer and food at Flannery's Tavern on the Square. It's so worth it!

Why??
Why, youz is thinkin' would that be that great? Well, for one, they have GREAT food. For another, I find I am enjoying having a beer (or three) in a congenial place such as this. The people that work there are great, the people I have met there are great! What more can you ask for? Okay, Kent lives close by, if I get tanked, he doesn't fear driving and so I can pass out at his place :-) Is that good enough?

Something Missing
I think that this is something we miss in America, the pub life they have in the UK and other Commonwealth places. A social place to unwind, to talk, to discuss things from politics to sports to life. We all need such a thing. I miss it in my life nowadays. My Mom used to have a great bar called the Bohemian Tavern in Cottage Grove, Oregon and I liked it too... no problems, a good time. This is what I want in life... Oh, I am so into a Disney ending... not some damn art-geek ending where everyone gets wiped out and even the dog gets killed... oh, I'm so shallow, aren't I?
Ende!

A Song

2008-05-12T01:01:00.000-04:00

Now when I was a young man I carried me pack
And I lived the free life of the rover.
From the Murray's green basin to the dusty outback,
Well, I waltzed my Matilda all over.
Then in 1915, my country said, "Son,
It's time you stop ramblin', there's work to be done."
So they gave me a tin hat, and they gave me a gun,
And they marched me away to the war.

And the band played "Waltzing Matilda,"
As the ship pulled away from the quay,
And amidst all the cheers, the flag waving, and tears,
We sailed off for Gallipoli.

And how well I remember that terrible day,
How our blood stained the sand and the water;
And of how in that hell that they call Suvla Bay
We were butchered like lambs at the slaughter.
Johnny Turk, he was waitin', he primed himself well;
He showered us with bullets, and he rained us with shell --
And in five minutes flat, he'd blown us all to hell,
Nearly blew us right back to Australia.

But the band played "Waltzing Matilda,"
When we stopped to bury our slain,
Well, we buried ours, and the Turks buried theirs,
Then we started all over again.

And those that were left, well, we tried to survive
In that mad world of blood, death and fire.
And for ten weary weeks I kept myself alive
Though around me the corpses piled higher.
Then a big Turkish shell knocked me arse over head,
And when I woke up in me hospital bed
And saw what it had done, well, I wished I was dead --
Never knew there was worse things than dying.

For I'll go no more "Waltzing Matilda,"
All around the green bush far and free --
To hump tents and pegs, a man needs both legs,
No more "Waltzing Matilda" for me.

So they gathered the crippled, the wounded, the maimed,
And they shipped us back home to Australia.
The armless, the legless, the blind, the insane,
Those proud wounded heroes of Suvla.
And as our ship sailed into Circular Quay,
I looked at the place where me legs used to be,
And thanked Christ there was nobody waiting for me,
To grieve, to mourn and to pity.

But the band played "Waltzing Matilda,"
As they carried us down the gangway,
But nobody cheered, they just stood and stared,
Then they turned all their faces away.

And so now every April, I sit on my porch
And I watch the parade pass before me.
And I see my old comrades, how proudly they march,
Reviving old dreams of past glory,
And the old men march slowly, all bones stiff and sore,
They're tired old heroes from a forgotten war
And the young people ask "What are they marching for?"
And I ask meself the same question.

But the band plays "Waltzing Matilda,"
And the old men still answer the call,
But as year follows year, more old men disappear
Someday, no one will march there at all.
Waltzing Matilda, waltzing Matilda.
Who'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me?
And their ghosts may be heard as they march by the billabong,
Who'll come a-Waltzing Matilda with me?

A bit of political hillarity

2008-05-12T00:39:00.002-04:00

Okay, THIS is funny. Yes, I know, it is "evyil" because it has "Heetler" in it. I know, how DARE I defame Hillary Clinton or promote someone else doing so :-0 I do it because it'd frigging HILARIOUS!! Kudos to the genius who made it!!

And the Band played on...

2008-05-10T09:30:00.002-04:00

Wow! No matter which side of something I take, it seems people get bent. My recent blog about my friend who did the "suspension" thing has honked some off. My brother says I'm a "liberal" and I have to laugh at that. As far as the friend goes, I just can't talk to them now — I know I'll give in and they don't need that. Hey, maybe I'm wrong here, I don't know. I'm not the fount of all knowledge — I only know I have to go where my conscious takes me.

On Other Fronts
Thanks to one of our webmasters donating some money for it, we now have a good, updated copy of the gallery program for the site. Hopefully, we can get it to do everything we need it to do. Seems better and more stable than the version we had. I was just using that anyway until we could afford the real thing.

Rain
I like rain and it's been giving me what I like. Alas, sure makes the grass grow and that's $35. a pop... no, I can't do it myself. It takes at LEAST 3-4 hours to do and it's getting dark when I get home. Besides, the guy who does my lawn can do it in like 20 minutes. I know, you probably think I'm a lazy bastard.

I hurt, I'm tired (along with something neat)

2008-05-07T00:19:00.005-04:00

Too much time at the keyboard, getting nothing else done :-( Yeah, I got the Frontier area moved over to the Portal, but crikey, it took like 2-3 hours. I'm so procrastinating moving the WW2 section as I KNOW it will take the better part of a DAY :-( Ack! So, I do the other time areas and sort of side-step WW2. Yes, I know, I'll have to get to it, but dammit, not right now.

Civil War needs to happen soon — so does 1600-1800! :-0 I'll get it... a little bit at a time. Right now, they're hooked together w/ a kludgy fix using links at the top and bottom — something to fix one of these days. I don't really know how to do it, but a friend does. Soon.

Something(s) neat!
I got an e-mail from Lats & Atts about their online radio station and it IS kewl! Go here and enjoy!! I love it... I can listen to this music in the background and it helps sooth my mind.

Another kewl thing that I found out about today (on my high school alumni list) was freecycle.org a site that has all these yahoogroup lists that allow people to GIVE stuff they no longer need, away to someone who DOES need it. Kind of like a barter system w/ out the barter. Can you tell I like barter and things like this :-) The government steals enough money from me already... I think!

A sad day... (emotionally draining, don't read if that bothers you)

2008-05-05T22:47:00.004-04:00

What can I say? I dunno... a friend, a GOOD friend is following the path to doom. Will they go all the way? I don't know. I worry that the answer is "yes." Lately, this person has been doing things to hurt themself, pursuing destructive behaviours and just, trying to seek attention and help, but then not allowing anyone TO help :-( Heavy drinking, cutting, tattoos and piercings, but the latest, is this: suspension... maybe you don't know what it is, but I'll tell you:

Here is the description from suspension.org:

The act of suspension is hanging the human body from (or partially from) hooks pierced through the flesh in various places around the body.

There are many different reasons to suspend, from pure adrenaline or endorphin rush, to conquering ones fears, to trying to reach a new level of spiritual consciousness and everything in between. In general, people suspend to attain some sort of "experience".

Some people are seeking the opportunity to discover a deeper sense of themself and to challenge pre-determined belief systems which may not be true. Some are seeking a right of passage or a spiritual encounter to let go of the fear of not being whole or complete inside their body.

Others are looking for control over their body, or seek to prove to themselves that they are more than their bodies, or are not their bodies at all. Others simply seek to explore the unknown.

I am sorry, but this is wacky! I know, I know... the Sioux did this crap (if you've ever watched "A Man Called Horse," you've seen a version of this called "o-kee-pa"), it was as a torture, to prove you were/could be a warrior. I don't care, the idea that this will lead to enlightenment is just plain bullshit. And I don't care what the practitioners of this mutilation think either – all it is, is a way to experience pain and get some kind of acceptance in doing so.

Hurting for Attention
Many people try to hurt them selves for attention – my friend was one. "Cutting" is one of those things. Here is a good description of cutting from (BTW, my friend is also a "cutter") kidshealth.org:

What Is Cutting?

Injuring yourself on purpose by making scratches or cuts on your body with a sharp object — enough to break the skin and make it bleed — is called cutting. Cutting is a type of self-injury, or SI. Most people who cut are girls, but guys self-injure, too. People who cut usually start cutting in their young teens. Some continue to cut into adulthood.

People may cut themselves on their wrists, arms, legs, or bellies. Some people self-injure by burning their skin with the end of a cigarette or lighted match.

When cuts or burns heal, they often leave scars or marks. People who injure themselves usually hide the cuts and marks and sometimes no one else knows.

Why Do People Cut Themselves?

It can be hard to understand why people cut themselves on purpose. Cutting is a way some people try to cope with the pain of strong emotions, intense pressure, or upsetting relationship problems. They may be dealing with feelings that seem too difficult to bear, or bad situations they think can't change.

Some people cut because they feel desperate for relief from bad feelings. People who cut may not know better ways to get relief from emotional pain or pressure. Some people cut to express strong feelings of rage, sorrow, rejection, desperation, longing, or emptiness.

Maybe I'm bad, maybe I'm wrong not to accept this, but I don't think so. I think this person wants my reaction and worry and such. I think I have enough in my life to worry about without being fed on by someone who is fast becoming (if not already) an emotional vampire. I love them to death, like a sibling, but enough is enough. When this person decides to come out of the dark and live life again, I'll be here. I'm not taking this journey... Sorry Mr. Conductor, but let me off this train. :-(

On the Good Side of Today
So, now that I've bummed you out, now that I've depressed you, let me just say that my life is looking up and I am taking time to smell the fresh-cut grass! Tonite, I went and had a beer with my brother Kent (someone I have known for 34 years). We went to town earlier as his car was broken and had a good time today. For too long, we weren't really and now we are again. I missed him! "Never work for friends nor hire them" is what they say... it might have worked if the "big boss" wasn't the way HE is. Oh well.

"A Red-Headed Slut"
Also, Kent introduced me to a new drink I'd never had... "A red-headed slut" which is Jägermeister, peach schnapps and cranberry juice. Very, very smooth! I even had two! :-Þ Normally, I am NOT a Jägermeister fan, but this was good!

I'm gonna sign off for now... it feels good to blog and I miss it when I don't have a chance. If you're reading this and would like to comment, please do, even if it's only in an e-mail...
Best, Marsh

Is it Time?

2008-05-02T00:52:00.000-04:00

Is it Time?

...I was not angry since I came to France Until this instant.
Take a trumpet, herald; Ride thou unto the horsemen on yond hill;
If they will fight with us, bid them come down
Or void the field; they do offend our sight.
If they'll do neither, we will come to them
And make them skirr away as swift as stones
Enforced from the old Assyrian slings;
Besides, we'll cut the throats of those we have,
And not a man of them shall we take
That shall taste our mercy.
Go and tell them so.

Henry V, Act IV, scene vii