Birthdays!

Yes today is my birthday.  I turn 52.  Thinking back I thought  wow, 52.  Never thought about birthdays much, remember I really looked forward to them as a kid.  You get cool gifts from people you invite to your parties, as you get older you remember turning 16 you get your drivers license,  18 being able to vote and 21 thinking wow I can drink (18 back in the day). As you turn 25 you think great a discount on my car insurance.  You get 30, 40 and OMG the big 50 comes around and the minute you turn 50, you get all this mall from AARP.  My health starts failing and you think where the time went. I do remember turning 50, had a great party!  My son graduated, I got to spend some time with my grandkids and friends and had one hell of a bar -b- que.  You always wished you could be older until one day you wish you could be younger.  I love being in the 50s. My hair is gray which some women think is sexy, you can’t do as much as you use to be able to but hell your just glad you can do it!  You can play with cool stuff with your grandkids and no one calls it childish, yes 52 is great.  Some people say that 50 is the new 30!  I spent my 30^th birthday in Turkey. Can’t remember much, yes I will blame old age.  Not Jim Beam!  I don’t do too bad in the health department, watch what I eat, (From the table to my mouth,  and exercise.  I can’t wait until 60.  By then I can tell people I can eat what I want, when I want and so on.  My mom is 82, she does what she wants.  It’s awesome.  I share my birthday with some pretty famous people, Clint Eastwood, he made my day!, I bet he is saying the same thing about me!  LOL. Broadway  Joe Namath, although I have never worn panty hose, and Peter Yarrow who is a third of the famous Peter Paul and Mary group.  He actually wrote Puff the magic dragon and Wedding song.  Awesome group! The really cool thing is I get to share my birthday with you guys, all my friends and my family.  I can say yes I am truly blessed. Anyway, I could write a few more lines but I am off to celebrate.  52 shots for 52 years.  Who said it could not be done!  TB Did!!    Until next time!!!!

Flags, why we fly them???

People fly flags for any occasion it seems, graduations, weddings, babies, rooting for your favorite team etc.  Each nation has their own flag and they display it proudly.  I have two flag poles in my yard.  One in the front, one in the back. I fly the one in the back for safety reasons.  If I am going to be in the pool,  I fly one color, going to be in the pool drinking another color and just being in the pool after drinking (LOL) another color.  The neighbors actually watch for it.  They know when it is best to come over HAHA.  Growing up in Virginia I never heard about the confederate flag being a symbol of hate.  It was the flag of the southern states during the civil war between the states.  I am not going to get into the controversy of should it fly should it be not flown, or is it history or hate? Everyone including me have a view on that.  I cannot understand why some states took it off their flag because it offended people.  I know that must have been a trying time back then, no Ben I was not there.  But I just don’t get the big deal.  North won, south lost, let them fly there flag!  Can you imagine how much money was wasted redesigning a new state flag to get the confederate portion of the flag removed?  Holy cow, if I had half of that money, I would stop writing blogs and be drinking strawberry daiquiri’s on the beach somewhere. It even made the news last night in Delaware about people flying the flag or should it be flown.  We need to relax, we have gotten to be a nation that is uptight over our own history.  Sure we have made mistakes, hell only been around a couple of hundred years.  The main thing to remember is if you fly any of the chosen flags make sure it is under the American flag.  North, South, Black, White, gay or not gay, we are all Americans.  I’m Ron Allen and I approve this message!  Until Next time!

Heroes, Are they real???

What defines a hero?

There are a lot of heroes and people have different opinions about what make a hero.  Chuck Norris is someone’s hero, if not don’t tell him, he will kill you. Who can forget John Wayne?  My dad was my hero.  Does not really matter what or who  our heroes are.  They could be a bunch of turtles in the sewer. I was going to give a definition of a hero but all I could find was a TV show about Heroes I have never watched. Some people have sports personalities as heroes.  I still don’t get that, but I was thinking the other day and thought who the heroes of today are?  I first thought of nurses, doctors and fireman, policemen, single moms, and thought you know we are all heroes to something or someone.  I have a friend of mine who lives in California who works in the medical field as an RN. She gets up every day does her thing and makes a big difference in people’s lives. She never says what is in it for me.  She just does it. Thanks Sheila!  Yes you make a difference!! I say Thank you!!!! How about the single moms who bust their butt every day taking care of their families, they don’t get paid a dime for their sacrifice but to me that is awesome!  They are our true heroes.  The last couple of days I have been talking about the military.  Yes the men and women who go into harms ways every day and get paid almost nothing, they are my heroes.   Think about the guy or girl who runs into a burning building, taking risk every day, are they crazy?  Yes, but they are unsung heroes, They just want to make a difference.  Ben he likes to play with fire but he is a great guy who I look up to.  He just became certified as a firefighter.  I think that is a crazy profession but he makes a difference.  We all are trying to make a difference.  We really take heroes for granted.  Sure they are doing their jobs for the most part but these unsung heroes need a thank you once in a while.  My hats off to the unsung heroes who everyday touch the lives of many and have no clue they are special.  Who needs a TV Show?  Until next time!!

Freedom of Speech

I wrote yesterday about Memorial Day and what it meant to me.  I had a lot of positive comments and a couple of not so positive comments.  I thought that the cool thing about this blog was I can say anything I want, within reason. Why because freedom of speech.  Not every country has freedom of speech but we (the United States) does.  England comes close.  After a few beers you can say anything there. There are literally thousands of people in jail in foreign countries because they spoke or gave their opinion. It is awesome to be able to say what I want, when I want and don’t have to worry about getting slammed for it.  Luckily I grew up in a generation that still respect it elders, other people’s feelings and would not say anything negative (or at least not intentional) about any one particular group or feelings.  The one thing that does really piss me off is the people that feel they can protest funerals of fallen soldiers.  I just don’t get it.  Granted a good protest once in a while is ok and they do have the right How ironic is it that they are protesting the person that fought for them to be protesting! come on, enough is enough! Not at funerals!!!! I feel there ought to be a law prohibiting them from doing that.  Don’t you think the families have gone through enough?  As much as the protestors think it is their right, I thank the people who was bound and determined not to have a funeral fouled up by (in my opinion) whack jobs that had nothing better to do.  This happened last week and I am sure some of you saw the post on face book.  I think freedom of speech and some of our other sacred things that make this country great are going by the wayside.  Why should we take the 10 commandments out of the court houses?  Is it going to make it any easier for the people in court? (Law Joke coming) That damn Litigant family, what a bunch of messed up folks.  They are always in trouble, Anyway  (Poor attempt at humor) We as a nation has gotten so worried about hurting someone’s  else’s feeling we forget the basis of our constitution.  I can’t stand hearing the news about the pledge of allegiance being taken out of class rooms, the word God being taken off the new dollar. Or the argument about the confederate flag. (New  Blog soon)This is crazy. I sure hope I did not offend anyone but I guess you could call that “Freedom of Speech” Until next time!

Memorial Day

According to Wikipedia Memorial Day is “a United States federal holiday that honors service members and is observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. service members who died while in the military service First enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War it was extended after World War to honor Americans who have died in all wars”  Let’s think of that for a moment.   People think Memorial Day is the start of the summer season.  It is time for the beach, camping, numerous Bar B Ques, Swimming pool openings, Family reunions, etc.  To me it is a lot more.  A friend of mind said it best when he said Thanksgiving is a day we give thanks for what we have, Memorial Day is a day when we pause to give thanks to the people who fought for the things we have. Please don’t get Memorial Day and Veterans Day confused.  Memorial Day is a day that frankly will be very solemn for many Americans. Do you realize that we as a nation have lost over 6000 people (according to icausalties.org) in the war on terrorism alone? This weekend will be a time to place flowers and flags on gravesites, time to remember past loved ones who paid the ultimate price so we can celebrate and enjoy not only our freedoms but our weekend. I will toast a beer for many of my friends who have departed before their time and my flag will be at half staff.  I will stand in silence as rolling thunder will come to Washington DC this weekend, lest we forget! During the weekend when parades flood your communities stand, look at the flag, and remember what this weekend means! Take a little time this weekend to remember those who are not coming home, also remember the families of those who have fallen. They live this hell every day. You may or may not know one but this has hit the entire nation, not just one community. My hats off to the families, the people who made the ultimate sacrifice, and those who do not forget and thank our service members every day. The holiday will happen on Monday but I thought it may be good to put this out a little early. I know this is a little out of character for me but I feel it is important, I just don’t like to hear “it is just another long weekend”, you won’t hear that from me. Until next time!

Tattoos and Body Piercing????

Tattoos today are not just a tattoo. It is an expression of today’s youth.  When I say youth I mean anyone before 50! Sure some people have them my age but most don’t.  Some people get elaborate tattoos some get small ones. Don’t get me wrong, some are in good taste some in my opinion are not.   I have friends of mine who have 5 or more tattoos, my niece has several too many to count.  I don’t get the whole tattoo thing;  I mean can you imagine when someone’s tattoo heads south due to the gravitation pull of old age? Not a pretty sight! (In most cases) ! Tattoos are done for some ceremonial rituals like first deployment, spring break, first night out on the town; you know the important moments in life!  People get tattoos of people’s name they are in love with, I don’t get it. Some change names faster than the ink dries.  My niece told me she was going to a tattoo party once.  That sounded like naked twister after a few drinks to me but I was not going to say anything. Mendy I wonder if the body builder had tattoos, not really I was not wondering!  LOL.  Anyway, some people have one, some people have many.  I have none.  I remember I was in the hospital once having surgery, this pretty, young nurse came in to talk to me, she asked me if I had any piercings.  I said no, thinking she could look at my ears and tell, I realized later that people get almost anything pierced today.  Yes no one has to explain it to me I get it, don’t understand it but I get it.  I guess that is an expression too.  I actually hear of people getting tattoos removed, that must be bazaar, paying to get one and years later paying to get it taken off.  That must hurt like crazy. I hate pain to begin with.   I guess that is why they make pain pills (Another blog)  LOL.  I can’t seem to stare when I see someone who has all the piercings in their face, I look like to say “damn must have been one heck of an accident”. Anyway, yes I am traditional, yes I am an old fart but like I said I just don’t get it.  I could imagine if I got Ohio tattooed on my stomach when I was young, can you imagine what it would spell now?  I bet OKLAHOMA!  Without the I.  Until next time!

Technology???

What the hell are they talking about?  I feel like a complete moron when it comes to today’s technology. I tried to hook up a DVD player to my TV only to realize it would not work because I did not have a HDMI Cable.   I was told the DVD player would not work because it was not compatible with the TV?  I thought WTH?? I thought I was doing pretty good until I tried this feat!  Finally got it done and the picture was awesome.  I had never heard of HDMI Cables but it really proved to be a good investment.  You see the new commercials and such about smart phones?  What the heck is a smart phone?  All I need is a phone to dial, get messages, and text once in a while. I see where they will automatically spell check and there are problems with that.  I thought it was pretty smart to begin with.  One of the guys asked me if I had a blue tooth, I told him no gold, he said wow when did they come out with that?  I told him in the 70s.   I had a conversation about Blue Ray, regular DVD, VHS, etc, damn I had a headache.   I don’t think I will ever catch up.  At my work they have this thing where you have to use your finger print to get in twice, I thought that was over kill but it is crazy.  I just bought my first lap top last month, thought I was doing pretty good, what I did not realize was that people had been using them for years!  What the heck is a android phone and where the hell do you get APPS?  If it were not for Clark at work I would be in the complete dark.  He gives me the old man speech and gets his phone out.  I think he was trying to harass me when he downloaded the APPS of duck hunt but I was afraid to ask.  I remember playing that on the Atari (1^st version).  I got my son a Xbox 360 and trying to play that would make my head spin.  So what is with today’s technology?  I could write more but heading to Best Buy.  I have to update my phone.  Until Next time! 

What the heck?

My heart goes out to the people who have been hit with the tornado in Missouri and all the flood victims of the Mississippi. You guys rock for your tenacity and drive!  This too shall pass. As I have said in the past, this country is fouled up!  I can understand helping other countries but why can’t we help ourselves first?  We have sent millions of dollars to Japan, millions to the Middle East, millions and to illegal immigrants but we cannot seem to get it right in this country.  We send money or resources to several countries I cannot even talk about. In my opinion, we should start charging admission to our country at the boarders and talking that money and giving it to the people who need it.  Maybe set up a fund for the Red Cross.  Floods, earthquakes, fires etc.  We have had our share of disasters but give me a break!  Some entertainers in the past have done free concerts etc to help the needy of this country because the government would not.  Remember “We are the world” All the musicians tried to raise money for the famine in Ethiopia? The Ethiopians tried to raise money to get Bob Dylan off the album.  How much did the government help Nashville?  Anyway, we need to do better.  Why can’t we seem to help our own?  We gave millions of dollars for the Aids epidemic in Africa.  How many people have died of Aids in the United States?  It is going to get worse before it gets better.  Yes some people will take advantage of this, but we need to try and fix the problems in this country before we should send another dime overseas.  How many countries have sent donations to us or helped us in time of need?  Not many!!!  You hear this place and that place will receive Federal Aid but it takes months, sometimes years to get to help the people of this great country.  We need to fix the infrastructure of this country first before we send another dime overseas. 

Why Mondays

How many of you hate Mondays?  I know a girl who says hate is a strong word and it should not be used.  I have expanded my list of hate to three.  One was alarm clocks, one was something else associated with alarm clocks and now Mondays.  I can’t understand why Monday stinks.  I wake up hearing birds out my window, sun shining and it is a great day.  Does not matter!  If it is Monday, I want to stay in bed!  Can’t understand why it is even on the calendar.  I give 100 percent to my job a week, Monday gets 10%.  You get the jest.  If anything goes wrong it gets blamed on Mondays.  You never hear about the Friday morning blues, always Monday morning blues!  I don’t get it.  I think it was because you have such a great weekend. Speaking of weekends.  Why does the weekend go by so fast, and Mondays are so slow?  It has the same amount of time as the other days.  It is the same day of the week. I think Monday should be banned!  We should change Monday to be included in the weekend. This way we would have a three day break every weekend.  I feel us as American’s work to hard anyway.  Germans get over 24 days off a year for holidays! Why can’t we get Mondays.  I know people complain about the politicians, but they got one thing right!  Every time it is a new holiday they make it a Monday.  The Air Force has the policy that everyone that is able to will wear their blues on Monday; I would prefer shorts and flip flops! Happy Happy Joy Joy!!!  The only thing good about Monday is it is only one day a week! The only other day that is worse than Monday for some folks is Friday the 13^th, or Election Day, pending on your views.  Too bad it is at the beginning of the week, it always gets a bad rap!!!!  Until Next time!

I am glad the world did not end!!!!

I am so glad the world did not end at 6 yesterday like the weirdo’s predicted. I thought it might with all the damn traffic around the beltway!! Started out with a great baby shower for my niece, she and my nephew are going to be fantastic parents!  Skinfatz got moved to the Electric Palm but what a great night.  I was able to see from old friends and boy what you can learn after a few drinks!  If the world ended I would not have realized Kelly liked Boy George.  What you can learn about G Spots, damn Linda had I know idea! But glad I found out!!! Kelly said the first G Spot is in the heart, I beg to differ!!!!!  LOL,  BTW Happy birthday to you. I Think Vicki was still in shock I was related to the Mountjoys.  Jay thanks for bringing the cake to the party!  Speaking of Jay, got to watch those quite types!  He is funny as hell people just got to listen.  Glad your shirt was clean this time. What a great evening seeing people I had not seen in a while.  Butch, who by the way has a great voice, way to go!!!!  Don, Mark, Rodney, Carmen, Steve, Debby, Vicki, Denise, Jo, Lori and Mendy, Sure did miss Traci, JJ, Diane and Kathy! OMG I also learned not to take pictures of body builders.  Besides they have really small ???  Not egos, it was funny this guy showing his picture off.  I think Rodney and I could have taken him!  I think Mendy would have taken him…home!  LOL I was not the one trying to take his picture.  Just sayin. Debby I hope you get your kitchen redone.  I got to say it was funny that the GF Group was hanging tough even though it was past some of their bed times.  You heard about Rocking with the oldies?  I even heard that I looked pretty good even though I was older than Kelly?  It was a fantastic night.  Again sure glad the world did not end!  I would have missed one hell of an opportunity to hang out with some great people!  I did not get home until close to 3 but it was worth it!!  Until Next time. 

Is the world going to end???

As of writing time I thought about all the hype about the world ending on Saturday May 21^st and thought about what I would do. It is crazy because the way my mind works I was wondering if it would end in time zones, kind of like New Years.  Must be the alcohol! What a day to end it, beautiful day!   I friend of mind put on his face book last night if the world ends what will you do.  That is simple, nothing.  If the world ends and it won’t, you won’t be doing anything, I know some of us will have a lot of explaining to do and you know who you are.  We have all seen the jokes about not making car, house payments, etc but I just know I will have no regrets!  I will be partying with Friends at Skinfatz, in Virginia, and my kids already know how I feel.  The special people in my life know they are special, and I have been around the world and have loved and enjoyed life.  My bucket list as they call it would actually be pretty empty. I cannot think of anything I would do that I have not, sure don’t get me wrong there are things that need to be done, or I would like to get done, but no need to stress about it.  OK maybe one but that isn’t going on the list!  LOL  I have laughed, enjoyed my job and numerous friends and people in my life.  I feel there is only one being and that is (God ) that knows when the world will end and he is keeping it a secret.  So live life, enjoy the time you do have on this earth and forget about all the hype of when the world will end.  Until next time!  And there will be a NEXT TIME!!!!!!!!!

Old age is setting in!!!!!

I remember when I was growing up and for several years while in the military, I felt I was invincible.  I had no aches and pains and felt great, was not afraid of anything , and could work 15 hour days with the best of them then one day I woke up and BAM!  Old age start hitting me.  Without getting into too many details about my health, I am amazed at how everything went to shit! Eyes, Back Knees, just to name a few, Thinking about my friends from the past I am amazed as to how many went bald, my hair is gray but am balding, most of us wear glasses and I do not want to mention anything about weight!  Most of us are grandparents now and the group that was so invincible is now over or getting close to 50.  I remember my ex wife in the bathroom one morning looking in the mirror bummed out.  She said her hair was turning gray, her boobs were sagging, and she had gained weight.  She asked me to say something positive; I told her that her eye sight was damn near perfect! Hence the term ex, LOL anyway I am amazed that when I wake up in the morning (some days) that is as good as I am going to feel all day.  I swear I hate taking a regiment of medicine everyday!  I take pills for high blood pressure, pills for this and pills for that, this doesn’t even touch the vitamin supplements.  I think it is pretty awesome that I grew up when I did.  Could you imagine what all the tattooed people in this world will look like when they turn 50?  Thank God I will be dead or not care by then!! I could write more but should go take a nap!   Until next time

Love and relationships!

A few of my readers has asked me about love and relationships, I have not had luck with either one of them so I do not feel I am the person to ask.  I do know this; I have been in love twice in my life, the first one I just told last year. She was from school.  I think she was shocked! The other one had different priorities than I and I felt some days she lived in a dream world. .  I was married twice and both times ended in divorce.  To answer or speculate no I got married for the wrong reasons.  I was not in love with either one of them.  I knew after the first month my first marriage would fail.  The last one was a surprise but I am glad it did end.   I am almost 52, single and loving life.  Relationships are tough; marriage is tough, and if you have kids it gets tough, kids are pretty smart, they play one parent against the other. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.  I have three kids and they did not take the divorce easy, it has been a rough couple of years for them, and all of us.  I told them there were always three sides to every story, mine, hers and the truth. One thing I can tell you I have learned is you cannot lose yourself!  Don’t give up on the things you like to do weather it is guitar, trains, or photography. You cannot give up things that use to be important.  I know, pick your battles to win your wars, but having a partner sometimes is tough.  You want someone who has the same interest, likes, and dislikes, women don’t try and change the man or think he will change and guys don’t do that to the women.  It is a common courtesy.  A partner will be with you when it is good and bad times.  When you’re sick and not feeling good, look your worse or don’t give a crap and the person sticks around consider yourself lucky.  I also learned to stick up for yourself and not give in every time you disagree.  It is OK to disagree.  It is also good to know you need to consider your better half as a partner not a slave.  As much as you want to go to do your thing, they do also.  Keep it simple, as relationships and love will try and turn your life around.  If it gets to complicated changes are it will be. The last thing is never think for a moment she is the only one to gain weight and age, we all do, look in the mirror, you may be surprised what you see!   Guys think with your brain and not with your thing, there is a big world out there. Until next time!

Polictics Right or wrong???

Republican or Democrat, right or left side of the spectrum, does it really matter?  This country is fouled up; do you think Obama is to blame for everything?  Do you think George Bush was the blame for everything?  I keep seeing where it is Obama’s fault for rising gas prices, it is Obama’s fault for this and that, I kept hearing over the years it was Bushs fault for high gas prices. And numerous other things!  Instead of calling them president, maybe they should change the name to scapegoat! I would not want to be in the political arena at all.  First I can see it now, my friends would get interviewed about me when I was a kid, I can imagine what Kelly M, and all of the others would have to say.  I think it would be very difficult to run this country.  People gripping at you for everything you decide.  You and your family cannot fart unless they make a big thing about it on the news?  Give me a break.  Who cares that Michelle Obama had ribs while on vacation?  Hell I am glad I am not president, it would be like Ron got drunk while on vacation, no shit it is vacation!! You have to watch everything you say or have secret service with you for everything because they are afraid of some whack-job who has a gun and wants to shoot you.  No thanks, I like the fact I can go to a beach jump in the water and not have someone say anything  about it.  (No comments about Beach Whales Kelly!) News today says Trump won’t run for president, that is awesome, why should he?  He can make a lot of changes from behind the scenes.  The news is starting already about who will be president.  My take is simple.  It is not one man or woman that makes the decisions!  It is a bunch of people we call congress and the senate.   How many of them have written bad checks, parked illegally, got a DUI or had other charges against them?  Answer would be most of them.  Give the big guy a break.  Wonder why I won’t run for office.  Have you heard of people having skeletons in their closet?  I have graveyards!!!!!  Until next time.

Woodbridge Then and Now

As like most things nothing stays the same!   That includes the town I grew up in.  I recently went to Woodbridge and I could not believe how it has changed.  First thing I noticed is it looks so run down., and the traffic sucks!!!!!  I passed by Marumsco plaza where you use to see about 50 cars there on a weekend night, people hanging out and things were just simple.  You never saw a lot of people standing on the corner in lines looking for work.  Reading the paper crime rates are way up. Took the back road thru Marumsco Acres, and could not believe how trashed it was.  Went down Colchester Road to get to the woods, I remember being able to walk to highs, 7-11, etc and not have a care in the world.   I went though Marumsco woods where I grew up.  I drove all the way up to Kentucky Avenue to see the Maryland shore.  The Potomac River flows between the two states of Virginia and Maryland.  Drove to Michigan Street and remembered some of the people on that street. I remember the cool people that lived in the woods, Bill, the two Pam’s, Lori, Debbie, Shelly,  Etc.  You could be out all day and had to be home by the time the street lights came on.  Everyone got a long for the most part.  We did not have Potomac Mills Outlets, it was woods you use to be able to party in!  The nearest mall was Springfield mall.  I remember jumping off the bride at Neabsco train Bridge not thinking anything about the water or what was underneath it.  Dale City and Manassas seems like it took forever to get to and the main way to get to Manassas was rt 234.  What is up with Prince William Parkway, the main road that gets from Woodbridge to Manassas? I remember the bowling alley being at Linwood but now it is a furniture store,  Ginos, Ground Round, Lums, just to name a few are all gone.  Manny Moon’s pizza (Best pizza in the world) moved to Spotsylvania Virginia.  There were so many stores, restaurants, things to do know, I could not believe it.  I remember skinny dipping in Marumsco Acres Lake; don’t know if that lake is still there.  Yes Woodbridge has changed.  It is a nice place to visit but would not want to live there in today’s society!  Like I said, the traffic sucks! Until next time

Somethings are better left unsaid!

How many of you have watched TV and thought “How did this person get on TV”?  Have you ever listened to a sports professional give an interview?  I guess speech classes and common sense were not in their college curriculum.  I feel bad for the people who get on TV and cannot talk!  It is not rocket science.  The weather channel and ESPN are bad for this.  I know someone is probably in shock when they see a tornado hit their hometown but we do not have to hear all the details before it hit!  I really don’t care that Billy Joe Bob Finney was milkin the cows prior to a tornado hit and the cow told him it was coming. (True interview) After the playoffs of a sports event watch the interview of a person after they won the event!  Yeah it was tough but we did it!  What is that all about?  Of course it was tough it is the frickin playoffs! Who cares if they are going to Disney World! If I made that much money I could go anytime of the year!  Most say they want to thank their Mama! I guess the dad had nothing to do with his success. Did mama teach him the sport???  Also I wonder who comes up with the questions for these interviews.  One of my favorites was when the earthquake hit San Francisco a few years ago.  A reporter asked what happened.  It was an Earthquake.  I laughed when the guy they were interviewing looked around and said “I don’t know but it looks bad”   Also how about when the weather reporters are standing in knee deep water and high winds during a hurricane saying the weather has really gotten bad.  Of course it has gotten bad, a hurricane is coming!  I just don’t get it!  A Remember when the US was trying to raise money for the plight of the Ethiopian people, they wanted money for food, I thought it would be a good idea to send them U hauls, let them move where the food was, anyway.  TV is getting crazy; you can get some of your best laughs watching the news!  Is it just me or is there humor in all this stuff?  Until next time

What makes a house a home?

Have you ever wondered what exactly makes a house a home?   You can have a big house, small house apartment, trailer, or a tent, it does matter,  you can turn it into a home.  Within the last few months my house has been transformed in to a home, it is a great relaxing place.  I do not have to go far to be able to relax.  Each room has a theme and I have a big man cave.  Every room has a touch of me.  I have painted, upgraded and redone a lot of the house. It does not get much better than that.  Only drawback is it takes money.  The lady at Lowes checkout knows me by name now.  I have enjoyed doing it.   I can understand why it cost so much for people to come in and do things such as paint.  One example was it was going to cost me close to $500.00 dollars to add chair rail in my dining room, I read a book, brought the material and my final cost was $45.00.  I tell you when you do it yourself you can look around with pride. I have learned a little carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, I can paint, build things and yes I can even follow directions.  I wake up sore and some days it is hard to move but is it worth it? You bet it is. It is fun trying to find things unique in every room.  I have three birds, two dogs; music going all the time, the home is full of life.   I have three rooms left to do, may take me a few years but it will get done.  I am really enjoying transforming this house into a home.  My kids do not like all the changes but as the saying goes, nothing last forever or nothing stays the same.   My hot tub works, my pool is getting ready to open, my dogs have not beaten me up lately, and yes life is good.  Until next time, I have upgrades to do!!!

Beer it's whats for dinner!

I have been around a few countries and needless to say I have had a beer in everyone.  We can all claim we have the best beer.  Budweiser, Miller, Yingling (Which is the oldest brewery in America) and Coors just to name a few in America. But I am here to tell you there is nothing like a good pint of English Beer.  German beer is not bad, pretty good actually, but there was something magical about drinking a pint in England!  A lot of Micro-breweries have popped up all over the world.  Some are pretty good.  When I was in England I went to some of those micro-breweries.  The beer makers were farmers.  They converted their dairy machines into beer stills, it was great. The worst beer I ever had was orangabum in Amsterdam.  Efes in Turkey was not the greatest, and if you never had San Miguel you are missing out.  My favorite beer in the US is Yingling blue label light  Anyway, beer is good for the soul, economy, etc.  It has helped Ugly people get laid since its conception.  Ever heard the term beer goggles?  They fit both sexes. There is nothing like drinking a cold beer after you finish cutting the grass or a day that ends in Y.  So what makes a good beer?  You have ales, which are fermented at higher temperatures, Bock beer, strong in flavor, dark in color, Heferizen which is German for wheat beer, Lager, Pilsner, Porter, or stout.  Some beers have different alcohol content, hard to tell what the alcohol content is on some when you have 8- to 12, just sayin!  I would finish this up but I got thirsty and am off to the beer fridge, until next time!

Pets in General

I was going to rant and rave about my two puppies, but after talking to a few people this week I thought I would expand it to pets in general.  First, why in the world are animal hospitals and vets so expensive?  Because we as pet owners will pay for it. I was at the vet last week and saw a lady crying because she had lost her guinea pig. I think pets are part of the family, more so in some instances.  We talk to our animals like they are people, we hurt when they hurt, and we grieve when we lose them.  I have lost three pets in a little over a year and it never gets easy.  I don’t get to see my other dog much because of the recent divorce and it sucks!  They are simply a part of the family.  I also have three birds, one has a great personality and two do not.  My parrot has learned to cuss, (so she hears things, it was not like I was trying to teach her!)  Anyway, she has been spoiled and has more bling (toys) around her cage it is crazy.  But all in all they are our kids.  Lucy and Marley the two retrievers are going thru obedience school.  I am hoping this calms them down and they learn to listen.  It is not cheap.  Every week I am at the class I get them something as a reward for them doing well.  I wonder what our pets want from us. In my opinion, all they want is our companionship, love food and water.  If you think it is expensive look at it this way, they don’t need cell phones, clothes, and they don’t go to the prom.   Talk about expense, my hospital bill from the accident I had with the dogs was more expensive than a few toys, I am glad I have good medical insurance.  Pets are great; they add character to a house and give hours of pleasure.  The pets also know when you are hurting, grieving, or happy.   I consider myself a dog person but all in all it is cool to have pets.  Until next time!

My views of America

This is a great country!  I am not going to dispute that or saying anything different.  It does not matter if you’re a democrat, republican, gay, straight, man or woman. Keep your private views private.  We have beautiful sights and places to go, we have problems in this country but what country doesn’t?  There are many different cultures, and diversities, we have beaches, mountains, plains, big cities, etc.  I think things are getting a little crazy.  I certainly do not have a problem with drilling for oil if it makes our prices, and dependence of oil go down.  I think recycling is a good thing and we should not pollute.  I do have a problem when the democrats think there way is the only solution and the republicans think there ways are the only solution.  In my opinion our country seems divided.  I do not care if someone who is allowed can carry a concealed weapon.  I think Mark McGuire and Barry Bonds cheated, who cares if Pete Rose gambled. I think sports players are paid too much.  I think I should be able to shoot the car stereo out when it is too loud, when someone pulls up at a traffic light or you should be able to say something to someone when they throw trash out the window.  I don’t have a problem spanking my kid if he or she was bad in public. I think we should send all people who hurt or abuse children to a deserted island by themselves.  I think men who hit women are wimps/ and should be shot! I really don’t care if someone smokes pot as long as he or she abides by the law and does not bother anyone.  My rules are simple, instead of going out robbing someone get a job and earn the money yourself.  And last but not least, pull up your pants!  No one wants to see your ass when you’re walking down the street!  All in all this is a pretty cool country.  We try and take care of our veterans but health care sucks!  We have freedoms in this country that not a lot of other countries have. I like it and plan on staying here.  If you live in America you should be an American.  If not you should move! I am sure I have said enough on this one!  Until next time!!

Why live in Great Britain???

When I was in the Air Force I had the great privilege of moving to England. Thinking back we as Americans split from the British a while back, hence the Revolutionary war, why?  I know taxes, religion, etc, and such but I am here to tell you I had nothing but great times being in England.  The sense of humor alone would make anyone’s day.  I got a chance to know some great brits!   Some of them have touched my hearts in ways I will never forget.  Andrea, Helen, who could forget Helen, I think she was a marine, in her past life or worked for the sas,  Ian Janet just to name a few.  But it was not the people, OK it helped a lot but the mind set was great.  It was odd waking up to hear a rooster crowing in a residential neighborhood, my mechanic did not take cash, he liked Jack Daniels.  It would sometimes take me a hour to get to work because a lorry (18 wheeler) was driving slow to protect a group of ducks on the A-11. No one was in a hurry in England and that proved to be a good thing. I remember that guns were not an issue in England.  No one carried them, not even the police (Bobbies) if you fought it was usually with words and fist and afterwards you could decide most differences with a pint.  I remember reading one time that a guy broke into someone’s house and got the crap beat out of him.  The cops came and everything was fixed over a cup of tea, no courts, no judge, the guy who broke in was not trying to sue for his rights.  England does not have the ACLU, which could be half of the fix!  Anyway, it was great.  I remember we had to drive 20 miles to get to McDonalds, but why would you?  The area I lived in was called East Angela, it was about 1 hour north of London.  I think we as American’s could learn a couple of things, one is not be such a pompous ass on a lot of issues, we are not always right! and taking time to smell the roses. Yes there was one thing I did not like about England! Ok Two things, leaving and their spices.  If it was not salt and pepper it did not have a lot of flavor, or flavour whomever is reading this.  How many 18 wheelers would stop in the United States for a bunch of ducks? Not as many!!! Until next time! 

Only in America!

Why do I have to press one to speak English?  Do you realize that if you crossed the border of any other country in this world you are likely to be shot or thrown in jail?  Not here, not the United States of America.  This country will bring you in with open arms; give you a driver’s license, free education and medical just to name a few.   Any support system in this country we have to press one for English.  If you look at the packaging or any directions of any major product, one side of the box is in another language.  I do not think our forefathers had this in mind.  We have big fences that are suppose to secure our boarders, but they can be cut through them, or climbed.  I can’t stand it when I am in line for something and someone is talking in another language.  For God’s sake this is the United States our primary language is English and you should speak it.  I have a friend that was asked to take a foreign language class so we would be able to talk to some of his co-workers, I just don’t get it.  We need to step it up.  This country has a lot of internal problems and we need to take a stance on illegal entrance into this country. How much money do you think we could save as a nation, if we put our foot down?   Our military folks are worried that they may not get a paycheck at the end of the month and the government may shut down soon, but we give a way so many services to others who in my opinion do not deserve it.  I also think it would not be a bad thing to make people on food stamps get drug tested before they receive their checks every month.  I had to pay close to $4000 in taxes this year why, Read my blog!!!!  My one voice will not change a thing, it helps me vent but frankly I am getting tired of it.  I am not trying to sound like a bigot or raciest.  I certainly can understand why folks want to come here; it is a great place to live but come on enough is enough.  If you don’t want to do it legally don’t do it at all!  Until next time

What is up with Hockey?

           

If you think I do not know a lot about NASCAR, which I do, thanks Kelly!  I know nothing about Hockey.  I do know it use to be considered a northern sport, originally six teams now up to 30 teams.  I have two guys I work with that love and breathe Hockey, one for the Pittsburgh Penguins and one for the Detroit Red Wings. What I do not understand is why they have to play so many games to get to the Stanley Cup?  You have the quarter finals, which is seven games.  Then you have the semi finals, which is seven games, then the conference finals, which is (you guessed it) seven games, Then the Stanley cup finals.  It is not who the best team is, it is who can skate the longest.  The regular season is over in April, but the playoffs take an extra two months.  That is almost as bad as the NASCAR Schedule!  Holy cow that is 28 extra games just in the playoffs, hell that could be a quarter of the season for the Edmonton Oilers, they lost more than that! Another thing I do not understand is people are saying it is so violent in the National Football league, I saw a guy complaining about his big toe hurting, I figured if he is making 1 million dollars a game his butt better be playing!  Have you ever watched these guys? They have fewer teeth than some women in Sussex county DE and that is saying something!!  What a cool sport, you get to beat up somebody and all you get is a 5 minute time out.  I bet kids get more of a time out when they do something wrong.  They get paid less than any other professional sport, I would be pissed too! First 100 million+ contract was given out in 2009 that was for 13 years.  I could not skate that long.  Think of A-rod from the Yankees who makes 275 Million for a 10 year contract, which is almost double.  Hell I could go out with Cameron Diaz too if I made that much money.  Anyway, these guys are in great shape, I remember skating once as a kid on Montclair Lake in Woodbridge Virginia, fell on my butt a lot but it is crazy what you will do under peer pressure, anyway this Hockey thing is crazy, it is popping up all over the USA.  I have a friend of mine who likes the Tampa Bay Lightings; Hockey in Tampa is like no snow in Michigan, Go figure!!!!  Funny thing is Florida has two hockey teams the other one is the Panthers.  Michigan only has one, I guess when you’re the Detroit Red Wings in Michigan you only need one team!!!  They do have the Lions, HAHA. They have made it to the playoffs 20 consecutive years, hell just give them the cup. It could cut the season in half!  I guess when Dancing with the Stars and American Idol are over I can always watch Hockey on TV.  NOT!!!!!  Until next time!

Daughters

Yesterday was mother’s day and I have to tell you it was an awesome day.  Got stuff done in the yard, took my mom to dinner, took the dogs to obedience training in its second week. she got some plants that had to be planted.  It was awesome, the coolest thing about it was my grandkids and daughter came to visit.  It was a great visit.  They had not been to my house in close to 2 years and I tell you it was great.  I loved watching my grandkids and my daughter in the yard.  I played a little baseball with my oldest Grandchild, watched my youngest grandchild and his independent attitude and seeing him try and handle a caterpillar.  All in all great day, I guess what I am getting at is what about daughters.  My daughter is an amazing woman.  She has grown up to be a great woman, mom and person.  She works hard and the kids behaved very well.  I feel that is a reflection on her. It was fun watching her walk around the house and getting stuff that was hers.  I am sure she got her mother’s day wishes from the kids early in the day,  but I thought it was neat she came from Baltimore to see me.  I actually thought it was my day I had most of my family here and it went very well.  My grandson wanted to go straight to the attic, his favorite place of the house.  My friends have cool daughters too.  I wish Kelly’s house was a little more even for him, all those women in the house at one time, damn poor Kelly.  Anyway Daughters are great.  If they are in there teen years, poor Debbie, or grown up it does not matter.  I am sure they will turn out OK.  I am proud of my daughter as much as you guys are proud of yours.  They should come up with a daughter’s day someday.  I would vote for it. Until next time. 

Nascar from a different prospective!

Holy Cow, I don’t get it.  Next weekend thousands yes thousands of people will descend on little Dover DE for one of two annual NASCAR races.  If you want to impress me in NASCAR turn right! I know some tracks have right turns but most of them are a big circle.  What does this do for Dover?  Our hotel rates get jacked up from greedy companies, we that live here will not be able to leave the house unless during the race, or go out in eat. Empty lots will be transformed into parking lots and vendors will fill Rt 13 to sell their wares.  Don’t get me wrong NASCAR is OK, but I can’t see setting in the sun watching the cars go round and round for a few hours, and the only high light is when someone wrecks.  I do not want to have to wait for an hour before you can leave the track because of all the traffic. There is a social event at Dover AFB on Friday, You have craftsman Truck Series, on Friday, and Busch race on Sat, Sunday is the big race.  Campers will be in mass here.  Traffic will be crazy, There will be parking as far away as Harrington Slots (About 25 miles away). Cops will be over worked and of course underpaid.  Of course we will have one drunk get killed that weekend, it happens every year.  Our hospital will be filled with people who think they are invincible. No one will be able to get a room within a 50 mile radius, and I bet there will be an aircrew delay because of the race traffic. The DSU (Delaware State University) dorms are cleared and givin to drivers, and support staff.  These are the things NASCAR fans don’t see, besides the traffic jams!  I am sure most of this is Dover specific  but what a pain. I will plan on going away for the weekend.  If I wanted to see the race I would watch it on TV.  I know a lot of my friends are NASCAR fans and I certainly would not diss them but I just don’t get it.  Kelly, Mendy, and whoever wants to show up in Dover, you can come to my house, there will be plenty of room. Until next time 

Mother's Day

Mother’s day is Sunday, so what, they get a day, before I get bombarded by negative comments think of this, they (Mothers) do not deserve a day, they deserve a hell of a lot more than that.  Don’t get me wrong, it is cool they get a day, nice gifts, dinner etc but they truly deserve more.  I was thinking about my mother.  She will be 82 in November. She lives with me.  I ask myself the question “what has she done for me”?  Answer is simple, everything!!  She changed my diaper, when I was younger,  got me ready for school, and helped me through some rough times in my life and for what?  What did she get out of it?  Nothing because that is what moms do. She has never said what’s in it for me, she is the type of mom that if I burned the house down she would say nice fire!  I thought of the impact she has had on me and she has done it all.  She was a substitute teacher at Potomac and Featherstone Elementary,  I bet some of my readers will remember her.  She taught at Rippon Jr High, she got in good with my teachers at Garfield, I was doomed!  My dad was a United States Marine so you can see I had it rough, anyway, she was a piano player at Triangle Baptist Church, She assisted in starting the PTA at Potomac Elementary in Marumsco Acres. It’s funny, I have pictures of her when she was doing the PTA Thing and Jane Flynn’s dad was in the pix, she would become our class president in 1977.  I think that is cool.  Mom was the post master at Triangle post office, worked at Potomac hospital, she has done a lot.  My hats off to my mom; as much as she has done she has done more.  She taught me right from wrong, How to treat people,etc.  I had awesome parents but my mom was the rock,  as in so many households.  She was the main decision maker, My dad died many years ago and she always ask why.  I think it was because she was the stronger of the two in so many ways.  So today take a minute and thank your mom whether she is still with you or not, say thanks to her.  She deserves so much more.  My hats off also to all the single moms who have taken care of business everyday you gals deserve a break and not just for a day! You rock!!!!!!!  Until next time.

Oh The places you'll go

Has anyone ever read the book “Oh! The places you’ll go” by Dr. Seuss?  It made me think of the places I have been and what I have seen.  Being in the Air Force for 22+ years I saw some great and sometimes not so great places. Believe it or not New Jersey was the worst!  Do you know that is the only state in the union you have to pay to get out of?  Anyway, Been around some fantastic people and been around some dirt bags!  I have been to all 50 states and 49 countries, some of those countries no longer exist.  It was an amazing time. I got to do some things some people could only dream about.  I met past presidents, some by mistake, some on purpose, got a jelly bean jar out of one of them,  Got to meet some famous people and some that would put a mark on my heart that will never go away. I have got to see a lot of different cultures and things.  Fell in love once and went through two marriages.  Bottom line is this.  I feel really blessed, not like Kelly in the morning blessed but blessed. I have been able to experience the different cultures and things and have been able to relate to a lot of world events.  It upset me when I saw the events of the world in turmoil because I had been to some of those places.  Thought it was cool to actually walk in the cross walk where the Beatles walked.  It was like the Air Force paid me to see these things for 22 years for free.  I got to live in Turkey, England, Germany, just to names a few. Tony, Dennis, Mike, OMG the stories we could tell.  Got to play a guitar of Jimmy Buffets because I did not know it was his.  Got to meet Dale and Jr. Earnhardt, Joe Gibbs, Jack Roush,  just to name a few.  Was drinking in the garage one night with John Stout, he can vouch for me on that one, anyway what a ride it has been.  I think of the movie the bucket list, what do you want to do before it is over?  My answer is nothing!  I have great friends, family, and life is good!  Seen a lot of this world.  Be thankful for what you have and accomplished and don’t ever think what if!  If you’re down look in the mirror, or look at your kids, you won’t be for long. Until next time.

Whine or Wine

When you think about it they go hand in hand.  You drink to much you could starting whining.  What is a good wine?  It all depends on taste.  I talked to a girl today who said she did not like wine because it was too dry, I told her to sweeten it up.  There are many wines, Red and White, Sweet, Dry, Iceling etc. I cook with wine, not saying I use it in a recipe but it is good to have it around. The fact of the matter is simple.  Wine is good for you.  Drs say it is good for the blood.  I am trying to catch up, that is why it is good to drink a bottle or two.  I gain weight when I drink wine!  Why? Because it goes really good with cheese and crackers, and pepperoni, or try bread and oils, it is awesome.  Somedays I have had this for a meal.  Depending on what your eating wine goes good with it.  I know Captain Morgans and coke go good with New Years, ask Kelly, but a good wine from St Michaels MD is all you need to complete the day, We cannot forget about Chocolate Zin, try it in brownies, subsitute the water for wine.  Hell I sound like a three dog night song,  anyway wine is great, you don't need expensive stuff but don't rely on Mad Dog 20/20 for a long lasting relationship. I dated a girl once who liked red wine, semi dry and it was OK, I like the sweet wines with a little fruit taste in it.  Some wines are bold, some are not, bottom line is find one you like and drink it!  Not saying I do not like Beer, that is another story or shots, or hard liquor such as amaretto which is also good in brownies.  I don't know if this is good to say but I have a wine cooler, not a bottle cooler a wine cooler and seven wine racks and 44 bottles of wine in my dining room.Vicki would love that one!! Needless to say I enjoy a nice bottle of wine, but I never drink alone and mom goes to bed early!!!  Well enough whining for me, I am going to have another glass and call it a night. Until next time my friends!

Who in their right mind gets up before 8AM to go to work???   The answer is most of us and I am sure most of you will be able to relate to this.   I cannot believe I get up at 5:30, do my morning ritual and get in to work to a dark room, sarcastic people (I start most of it) no windows, etc.  Thank God I do not have to drive far, 4.5 miles.  My last job I drove 95 miles one way.  The fact is I have it pretty easy.  I have no kids to get ready for school, I only have two dogs that want to eat and go out in the morning. I don’t have to do my hair, makeup etc.  I feel for the military folks I work with, they have to be here at 6:30, some get up as early as 4, some run before work which I do not get at all.  I have had friends tell me hate is a strong word but I am here to tell you I HATE MORNINGS!!!!!  And for the record I HATE ALARM CLOCKS.  I have a close friend of mine that is so happy in the mornings, I swear he drinks!  OK I know he drinks.  Anyway, his post on face book in the morning is so happy and such, he is like the little dog that wakes up and has massive amounts of caffeine before his owner wakes.  He gets on his bike and goes to work, I’m thinking I don’t even like to drive in the morning.  I end up having to drink about 5 mountain dews to get myself started.  That is not bad, I do not drink coffee. I am amazed at the people that come to work and say “Hey did you see that on TV this morning”? I can’t even spell TV that early!  So it’s Wednesday (Morning) and I am at work trying to make a difference and all I can think of is I wish I was back in bed.   I am on my second Mountain Dew! Until Next time!

Is the music really dead?

Years ago Don McLean wrote American Pie, A true classic: He referred in his lyrics as the day the music died.  I do believe that music has gone downhill a little, but it is everywhere and it is awesome certainly not dead.  I listen to all kinds except rap and that screaming stuff that makes me think someone died or you want to kill yourself so you don’t have to hear it.  I am sure this will piss some people off but I think that rap to music is like etch a sketch is to art.  What does music do to us?  Really depends on the mood.  Depends on the attitude! It is funny every time I hear a Journey song I think of someone who loves Journey (Glad your back Lori!).  If I need a boost, before I go into work I listen to Van Halen, or Heart.  People like music, it tends to help us identify to each other.  They play music at sports events.  The National Anthem is played a lot, it is music.  If you listen to the worlds it explained how Francis Scott Keys felt when he saw the flag in Baltimore. Look how many people send songs to each other via Face book. I do it, I tend to find music on you tube from the seventies.  I have even seen Justin Bieber out there but I will leave that one alone!  You know who you are!!!! Music makes you relax, I listen to country music, it is not true that if you play it backwards you get your dog back.  There is a lot of good country songs out there.  Has anyone heard the song from Sara Evans “A little bit stronger” It is an awesome song and I can relate to.  I enjoy guitar!  I recently went to a Leann Rimes concert and thought the guitar player was awesome. I actually found myself paying more attention to him.  I went out last Friday night to hear the band “Second Sight” awesome band.  I watched the guitar player, he was awesome.  I think my followers/ readers will agree on this, does not matter when you grew up or what Genre (Type of music) you listen to the 70s was the best sound, who can forget the hair bands of the 80s, there was a reason disco died, it was not the music, could anyone picture Kelly in a big collar shirt, pants and no bandana?  OMG,  anyway my friends, music helps us related to each other, it helps us when we are up and when we are down.  Until Next time!

Victory or Not???

I don’t know exactly how to feel today.  Being a vet and seeing the Navy Seals (Not Chuck Norris) take out Osama Bin Laden is awesome and I am definitely proud of all of our troops, no matter what branch of service they are in. We finally have a little bit of relief, and I feel justice has been served and I hope some families across this country can have some closer.  I still can’t be happy.  We still have a lot of people suffering from Tornados and bad weather in the south. We have people struggling to make ends meet and people who are having a hard time putting food on the table. People are looking for work, and our gas prices are over $4.00 a gallon.  Look at all the troops we have lost in this cause, was it worth it? Last count was over 4000. He is just one person and in my opinion, I am very pleased he is gone but I do not think we as a country can rest. As Mark Twain once said "I’ve never wished a man dead, but I’ve read some obituaries with great pleasure. Thanks Bridget for the phrase!  There are a lot of his followers that would want to see us as American’s wiped off the face of this earth.  Look how many countries in this world that dislike Americans these days. It was nice turning on the news today and not seeing the American flag burned by extremist group.  We are fighting in Libya, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, assisting in drug operations in Columbia, helping with support over in Japan, we are stretched very thin.  I am not trying to scare anyone but the fact of the matter is we need to still be on our toes.  Have you ever heard the term, the job is not over until the paperwork is done?  We just need to change the roll because there is still work to be done.  Until next time.

My Animals are smarter than I am

Yes I woke up on my day off yesterday because my Parrot was lonely.  He wanted some company and was extremly loud. I had to let the dogs out anyway. I did let the dogs out and the bird was happy to have some company. I decided I was going to cover the bird that next evening so I could sleep in a little.  I woke up on Sunday and it was quite,  I thought wow it worked, until I realized he was out of his cage, standing on the cover and looking around waiting for me.  My mom quickly told me I had been outsmarted by a Parrot, what a way to start your day. Took the dogs to Obedience training,  They had to learn to sit, not kick their owners ass in the parking lot and off, wish I would have learned that the second one a few weeks ago.  They did pretty good but it all they wanted to do was sniff the new guys, whats up with that.  My one Retriever Lucy has the mind capacity of a dead ant but I love her and today she seemed pretty smart.  I can't believe I have these animals but lets face it it is cool having animals.  I put them through training today and all they cared about was trying to make me happy!  Animals rock because as crazy as it is it is just like having kids, except they don't need clothes, cell phones or money everytime you turn around. They just want to go out and  you feed them once in a while. I am glad I am a pet owner, The more I meet some people I think my pets are smarter than them too! Until  next time