Customer Service

Who knows what it is anymore?  I am sick to death of trying to call and have to get a remote automated recording of what the problem is, I know what the problem is.  I don’t want to press one for English and I don’t want to waste my time listening to an automated machine.  Case in point, I woke up this morning with no cable or no internet.  Reason was my dog had the cables in his mouth running around the yard.  I knew what the problem was but trying to tell someone at Comcast was crazy.  I needed a technician to come to my house and reinstall the cable to my house.  I still don’t know why my internet will not work, I got a TV working.  I came to work and had a co worker tell me about her experience of having to wait all day when one of the technicians came to her house 3 and ½ hours late. Then they wanted to charge her for something that was not even her fault.  Then he could not understand why she was upset!  I went to a store today and waited and waited in line to buy something.  The cashier had two speeds, slow and stop.  She looked mad at me because I seemed annoyed at the speed or lack thereof of her service.  I mean I don’t expect to be treated like a king but give me a break if I pay for something I want some service.  I deal with a lot of aircrews and they are very demanding.  They always want to leave early and we try to help but everyone has limits.  I get customer service, I just wish some of the companies I have to deal with had it.  Oh well until Next time.

Circle of life

I have been thinking a lot today about the circle of life and how precious life is. Most of us have seen the Lion King and the circle of life song comes to mind but I got notified today of a friend who lost his long battle with brain cancer.  It was very sad.  He was younger than I was. Known him for over 20 years.  Heard of another guy that a few years ago he seemed larger than life to me and he is now dying of cancer.  I also got a call today that my nephew and his beautiful wife just gave birth to their first child, Liam.  How ironic that in one day the circle of life was completed.  It just hit me today but it happens every day.  People die, and people are born.  Same thing goes on in our day to day lives.  People come and people go.  Relationships end, relationships begin.  People pop up after many years only to resurface and enter your live again.  If you think about the seasons, that is like a circle of life.  Winter hits and every seems dead, it is cold and hardly any movement outside; you work on winter projects and basically hibernate.  By the time summer gets here you are active, swimming, actively enjoying the warmth and the outdoors.  Spring you notice everything seems in bloom and you plan for the upcoming months.  Fall you notice the leaves falling and if your smart getting ready for winter to set in.  I Know that is not the order they go in but what the hell, you get my point.  I heard a comment today about how we become our parents it made me laugh but it is so true.  I guess that is the circle of life in itself. Kelly I never thought your dad was so cool but if you are him, he is one hell of a guy!  Until Next time.

What is up with homeowners association?

First and foremost I feel it is good to keep your yard clean, your house looking good, but who comes up with these rules.  I have heard grass has to be a certain length, or fences have to be a certain height, now I am hearing for the second time that flags cannot be flown in the communities because the flag pole has to be attached to the house and not in the ground.  Give me a frickin break!  I cannot believe we have this problem in this country!  Who writes these stupid rules?  I am so glad I do not live in a homeowners association where someone is going to tell me how I am going to live in my house or what I am going to put in my yard!  If someone cannot fly the American flag in this country we have lost.  I am sure our fore fathers are turning in their graves over this one.  I can understand rules, we have had rules all of our lives.  I had to deal with many rules while in the military but this is beyond me.  Why waste time over something so crazy?  Who checks up on these rules?  Have we became a police state where we have people measuring how long your grass is, what color your house is or if you can fly the American flag? I feel prices are high enough for housing and a home is suppose to be a place you can relax and enjoy, I sure do not want anyone dictating to me how I am going to live in that house, or what I can or not be able to put in my yard.  If it is OK to fly the Mexican flag in California or Arizona, we have taken the confederate flag off of some southern state flags; we should be able to fly the American flag anywhere.  Where the hell is this country going?  In my opinion in the wrong direction! Until Next time!

Back in the day Part two

I really enjoyed the party, reunion etc.  Hearing tales from the crypt so to speak. Seeing folks I had not seen in 30 years, meeting some new folks and saying to myself wow you look great even if I did not have the balls to do that years ago. I was amazed at how many people thought I graduated in 78 or 79.  One of the only drawbacks I saw is I wish I would have stayed longer but I wanted to see my family in Fredericksburg. I tell you the thing that I did not like was the progress (so to speak) of the area.  I could not believe that Triangle is gone.  I remember as a kid my grandfather would take me to Stephens Drug store and get me a soda, it was owned by Frank Stevens and it was on US1.  I remember the billiard room and I would watch my grandfather shoot pool.  I remember watching the Garfield Indians take the field at the high school right off Cardinal drive.  I must of set in traffic a while between Leesyvania State Park and Dumfries.  I was amazed that Dumfries had not changed much but remembered it was a lot better in the past then now. I did not see much activity in Triangle plaza. Want to say the bar/restaurant on the corner was the Tiki room, but can’t remember. A lot of times I could not remember the name of the joint when it was opened.  But was shocked to go around the few turns only to see Triangle had been plowed over. I stopped by the cemetery and it was so quite you could hear a pin drop.  I was thinking how many of my friends who have fathers and mothers there, has to be at least 100.  I was glad to see they had finally marked the Abel cemetery in the woods as that property of the Quantico National Cemetery was their farm.  The name Abel was as popular in Triangle as Dent was in Cherry Hill. I was bummed out to find out the Pilot House was gone.  Bridget did tell me that a few weeks ago but it was still hard to believe.  All in all it was a great day.  I guess I left too early as I would have loved to see some of the other folks that showed up later.  I got to see my family which is always a plus and I got to spend some time with some great people.  Thanks Rick for not hitting me in the chest!  Until Next time!

Back in the day Part 1

Today I had a few different ideas about a blog because of a great reunion party in Prince William County call “Back in the Day”. First and foremost let’s thanks Ashlie for planning such a great event.  It was cool.  I found it appropriate we have it in an area where I use to party, hang out, and stuff before it even became a state park.  I found a road actually under the bridge now and thought man a road would have made it a lot easier to get to. I saw a train going over the bridge and thinking I had to jump off a few times.  Anyway, how cool was it to see Bridget again, not to mention Kelly, Rick and a few others.  I looked in yearbooks from the 70s and thought it was cool to see Butch and I together in the yearbooks and getting to eat a meal together years later.  How neat was it to see Vicki, Sherri and be able to talk to Denise without the fear of the Dent family hunting me down!  LOL.  I never thought I  knew who Allen Dent was but I am glad I found out. Who would have thought of Junior?  If that would have been a road in Stafford, The name would have been JR.  I will laugh every time I see Allen Dent road.  The one thing that stood out I noticed was the food.  I know I must be getting old because I noticed the food first! I did noticed the women but the food was awesome and really stood out. Thanks Mike for your dedication and making sure there was enough to eat for all of us.  I could tell it was going to be a good time when you lit the fire with a blow torch!  It does not get better than that.  What a GREAT day and I look forward to seeing you in October.  I was never called the smart kid, or blonde but today I was.  Funny how no matter if you were from the 70s, 80s, Gar-Field or Woodbridge one thing stood out, we have a bond that will go on forever because we were from a place common to all of us and we all can say the traffic around the area sucks! I really felt old when Ashlie told me when she graduated, hell I was on my third Air Force assignment then. LOL  Pretty bad when I had to call Bill in North Carolina and he had to walk me through the area.  See guys ask for directions!  What a fantastic day.  Until next time.

Who are they?

I have always wondered who they are.  Have you?  I always here they said this or they said that.  I would really like to meet these people but no one knows who they are.  I bet they are pretty smart.  They seem to know everything, from myths, legends, basic common sense, fact etc they know everything.  I thought my ex wife must have been a they because she thought she knew everything.  I thought I was marrying Mrs. Right, but I did not know her first name was always!  LOL.  Anyway, if any of you know who they are I would love to meet them.  They must be pretty old because I have heard of them since I was a kid.  I use to hear they when someone use to say to me you know they say the cripes are haunted. Or they say you will get hurt if you do that.  When I was in the military I use to hear they say you can’t do that, now I am older and almost retired I hear they say you have not saved enough.  I wish I was half that smart.  They must be half women half man.  I mean they never half to ask directions, they know everything, and they are never late for anything.  They are kind of like the butler in the Mr. Deeds movie.  Man was he fast.  Anyway if any of you out there know they, please let me know.  Like I said I would love to meet them.  Off to my old stomping grounds should be a good one. Until Next time!

Politics

I don’t like to talk politics.  I really don’t care if you’re a democrat or republican but I had a friend of mine ask for help yesterday understanding politics, and her getting interested in to whom to vote for.  I know we vote for change, what we believe in and hope the person we put in office can make a difference.  The problem I see is one person does not make the difference.  The news media does not help.  If they are for the republicans they preach that, if there for the democrats, they preach that. They are not bias at all.  Presidents sign things into law, makes public appearances, and has to make some tough decisions once in a while. Who do you think writes the laws? Not the president!  I guess the point I am trying to make is one person does not make this country what it is. We have senators, congressman, and other public servants we vote for so if you think about it when we voted for these people and there are problems, we can take some of the blame.  If you did not vote than you have no reason to gripe.  In my opinion I think the politicians should save their money, cut their staffs and save that money for the good of the country.  We should be able to cut off most of the commercials on TV involving politics. I also think we can get rid of all the signs everyone puts up during election time.  Put a sign or two at the voting place and call it a day.  In Delaware we have a bury the hatchet day which we look past who won or lost and try to concentrate on making this a better place to live. Might be a good idea to extend this tradition for the entire nation.   We as a nation waste a lot of money on politics.  Some people are very passionate about politics.  Brit’s (royalist) are passionate about their Queen also.  I think our president is more of a figure head than a leader.  He is not making most of the decisions that affect this country.  To me I hope the best person; either male or female, black or white wins.  If they can do the job and are up for the challenge, go for it.  Until next time.

Get over yourself!

I am not one to talk religion but there is something that eats my shorts!  One thing I can’t stand is frivolous lawsuits and people complaining over silly crap but I am here to tell you I am sick to death of the wasted time people have because they want to stir up things.  I ranted and raved about the protestors of funerals of military personnel and now it will be about a certain group that wants the new street sign taken down in Red Hook New York.  Seems America lost seven firefighters from Engine 202 and Ladder 101 on 9/11 and a portion of the street was named “Seven in Heaven Way” Looks like people are protesting because of the word Heaven in the name of the street.  Give me a frickin break. Can’t some people find something else to gripe about than a frickin street sign? We need to stop being offended about every little thing that annoys us.  Let’s make things simple.  If you’re offended, don’t look at the sign, if you’re offended because someone wanted to honor heroes, get over it.  Firefighters, police, EMTs, Nurses, Doctors, Military folks, don’t care if you’re an atheist when they are trying to save you or take care of you.  One of the quotes was “it is improper for a city to endorse the view that heaven exsist” What the hell is wrong with people, I am not turning in to a bible thumper but let’s not forget what these brave men did during 9/11.  A street sign is the least they can get.  9/11 was a terrible event for this country, maybe this is helping with a little closer for some, but to argue over a street sign is beyond me.  If the community and the families choose to remember these folks this way so be it.  We have honors for heroes in every city, state, and community.  We have holidays for heroes, so get over it and move on.  Big question is “Is it appropriate?  In my opinion your damn right it is! Until next time!

Handshake Deals

Have you ever wondered how most deals in American are made?  I think most of them are made on a golf course, bar or over dinner.  I have made deals recently over a hand shake.  Tell people what you want, what you need and agree on a price. Handshake or “Gentlemen’s agreement” and you’re done. I made two such deals recently and it is really good to know there are still honest, hard working people in this country willing to take the chance of a handshake.  I asked one guy to cut the grass for me, and he drove about an hour only to tell me the grass was to dry and he would burn it if he cut it.  His honestly and integrity was beyond belief.   You just don’t see that much anymore. There is nothing wrong with that and honestly is about all you need.  I remember when I was in Saudi Arabia I made a deal for a vehicle over a few cases of Pepsi.  I needed the vehicle; they (the Saudi Military) needed Pepsi.  It worked out real well and both parties were happy.  I also agree on the barter system.  Nothing wrong with trading goods or services with someone for the something either party wants or needs.  I don’t believe in having yard sales.  If someone needs something, I will give it to them if I do not need it any longer.  It goes a long way.  I have had people give me stuff that I have and now someone else gets it.  Anyway, this handshake deal stuff works well.  Maybe not in the big cities and I am certainly careful but here in Delaware, it is the norm.  That my friends are one of the reasons why I am here.  The people!   Until next time.

Remove your Rose colored glasses

My heart goes out to the family and friends of two different families tonight, one would be Clarence Clemons and the other was Ryan Dunn.  I mention these two because they died before their time, but they did what they loved doing.  No they were not servicemen or women protecting our country, they were two folks who had passion in their blood.  One for music and one for TV and the big screen. They had passion for their work.  I had the privilege of meeting Clarence Clemons once and even though he played saxophone for Bruce Springsteen he was the sound of the E street band.  His music was Golden. I coul dlisten to him for hours.   Ryan Dunn died in a car accident but he lived his short life to the fullest and entertaining this young generation. You could not help but laugh at some of his antics.   My hats off to both of them.  They made a difference in theirs and  our lives.   Having passion for something is pretty neat.  I had a great weekend with my son and he loves skateboarding. He has a passion for it!  This small state of Delaware seems to be his skate park.  It is cool listening to him because he looks at things in a different prospective.  I see stairs of a building when he sees and opportunity to jump over them.  When I look at something, he sees it completely different.  I love hanging out with him because he teaches me not to always look at something one specific way.  Even though he is 16 he is pretty smart.  I wish I would have listened to him earlier than now.  I guess what I am saying is listen once in a while to your kids.  Sometimes they don’t have to say anything for it to make sense.  Funny how when I was a kid, I did things that others may find crazy but I felt Woodbridge Virginia was my canvass, I certainly left my mark on some places and I bet Pizza hut will never be the same!  LOL  he thinks Delaware is his canvas.  He has skateboarded over a lot of it.  Could write more but I am going to listen to some music.  Until next time.

How cool is history?

I think it is pretty cool.  I liked it in High school, but I had Col Mayberry and Mr. Larson who wouldn’t.  I enjoyed it in college and enjoy it in life in general.  First and foremost I am no expert on the subject but being in the military for so long I thought it was pretty cool what I learned from the different countries and their beliefs and history.   I have been interested in British History since my ancestors got kicked out of there years ago. I guess they did not believe in the same things as the Brits did.  I have enjoyed learning about the history of my home town.  I bet you have heard the term History has a way of repeating itself.  What I know is this.  Stonehenge in England was made by British College kids as a prank when they were board after a night of drinking.  That is my story and I am sticking to it. That could be why I got a D- on my term paper in school.   I know there were two people sitting on the banks of the Boston Tea Party drinking; they were Bartle’s and James.  That is where Long Island Ice tea started.  Our country was divided in the Civil War and guess what?  It is divided today. I was asked once on a final exam how the Germans viewed the sinking of the Lusitania.  I said it was through there telescope when they sunk it.  (Did not do very well on that exam either).  I think the civil rights movement was wrong but it is what it is, it is over we need to move on.  We had no business being in Vietnam, but we went and I am glad the US Vets are getting the respect that they so deserve.  One thing I learned was a crazy quote from Mexican General Santa Anna.  He said “When we invade this country again we will not have to fire one shot” Look at today and tell me he was not ahead of his time.  I know when General Custer asked who all the Indians were he found out.  Yeah History is pretty neat.  I like it and it is funny what I have learned over the years.  I also know that Eve bit the apple and we have had problems ever since and Louis and Clarke were lost and did not ask for directions!  See history has a way of repeating itself!  Until Next time!!!

Life in General My prospective

Here are my thoughts on life in general!  I love going shopping on Sunday but I think every place should follow chick- fil -la and close on Sunday. If you can’t get your stuff done all week then you can wait.  I am not a bible thumper but I believe in God.  I do not trust our politicians in this country. Every time you turn around they are doing something stupid.  They put themselves on a pedestal but all in all they are just as crooked as anything.  Even though I do not like Obama, I really don’t care what color he is but I think he is hiding stuff.  I like Joe Biden.  I met him once and he is pretty funny I really feel he is trying to do well for this country.  I do not think the laws are right in the states.  If you hurt a child, there should be no jail time.  If you are found guilty you should be shot!  I can’t understand the Adultery laws in the state of Delaware.  If you get caught, you should be punished!  I know a case where a lawyer was caught but since he was a lawyer the law firm swept it under the carpet like it never happened.  Funny how the laws are suppose to work for you.  I know why divorce is so expensive because it is worth it.  I think kids should pitch in around the house, have chores or jobs to do and not sit on their butt and expect things to happen.  I think kids should pull up their pants when out in public.  I don’t want to see underwear when I am out.  I feel people should pay their bills, including child support, live within their means and keep their homes looking nice.  I can’t stand driving down the road and seeing a house that is trashed outside but they have a nice car and a TV dish on the house.  I don’t get it.  I feel this generation is screwed up but maybe it is because I am older.  I have always been taught to respect others, the American flag and help old people.  Granted I am not standing on the corner to walk them across the street but am OK helping them if they need it.  I like to drink!  So what?  I can afford it, not hurting anyone and am in my own house, don’t see what the problem is.  Last but not least, I feel you should show compassion for people and volunteer in your community.  If you have not walked in peoples shoes, don’t judge!  OH Well I feel I have rambled enough.  Until next time.

Father’s Day is tomorrow and it made me think of my dad and what an influence he had on me and the holiday in general. Why celebrate just one day for father’s day? It originated in West (by God) Virginia in 1908 the same year as mother’s day.  It is funny, Mother’s Day you take your mom out, get her nice gifts, make breakfast for her etc.  Father’s day is different, I look forward to cooking out on the grill, hanging out with my kids and I am happy just hearing from them. I know I will never be in the father of the year category but as most fathers go, we get the blunt of the blame for our kid’s life and this is one day they don’t need a ride or money!  LOL.  My father who died in 1987 continues to be a part of my life.  It is funny you think your dad will always be there and one day he passes on.  I loved my dad; he tried his best and taught me a lot in his short life.  Things you normally would not think was good to teach your kids my dad taught me and it really helped through life.  I find myself sharing some of those lessons with my kids. My mom taught me to make sure I checked expiration dates on a milk carton, my dad taught me drinking beer out of a bottle was better because no matter how bad it got, you always knew the right end!  Amazing! I have not shared that one with my kids.  My dad was tough (Retired US Marine) but with it came tough love.  I remember when he found out I came home drinking one night.  Most kids would have expected the yelling, maybe a spanking back in the day, not my dad; he made me work my butt off in the yard and around the house until I got sick.  When I got done he smiled and said if you can’t hang, don’t play!  I will always remember that.  It is very true even today. He taught me to work hard, and act like a bear.  I always wondered what that meant until one day I figured it out.  Take long naps, eat well, and try and take care of your honey!  I figured two out of three was not bad.  LOL so tomorrow if you are lucky enough to still have your dad around, say thanks and appreciate the little things he tried to do.  I was proud to be my dad’s son.  He was an amazing man.  Until next time!

I don't get it???

First Congratulations to the Boston Bruins for winning the Stanley Cup.  I follow Hockey for sure.  I had to ask what a Canuck was.  First time in a long time I heard (1972)!  What I do not get or understand is the celebrations.  I was watching the news today and it showed a bunch of fans burning a vehicle, riot police out and mobs forming walking around the stadium. If the mob was on camera, maybe the cops can identify some folks and make them pay for the damage.  I bet that would stop some of this nonsense.  I mean I know it is cold in Boston but it is summer, and there is no need for that.  My question is this.  What the heck does it prove?  I mean go celebrate have a good time but why trash someone else’s stuff?  You would have thought Boston would have beaten the New York Yankees again.   If the Redskins won the super bowl LOL I would certainly be celebrating, drinking maybe another beer or five but I would not trash anyone’s property.  I think fans want to find a reason to burn or trash something. I wonder if alcohol was involved.  LOL!  Thank God the trophy did not end up in Philadelphia.  Not hating Philly but their fans are the worse in the league (both Hockey and Football).  I know most fans are the same people. Think of the Old Veterans stadium.  They had a judge, court, and jail in the basement.  I mean come on who boos Santa Clause?  Anyway, these celebrations are getting out of hand.  I know I pick on NASCAR fans but you never see them burning anything when their favorite driver wins the championship.  Can you imagine what it would look like after the Masters in Golf? I guess you would have to wake up every one first.  Almost as bad as watching a cricket match.  Come on fans, grow up celebrate.  If your team wins you deserve to celebrate but if you want to burn something or trash anything, use your own stuff.  Until Next time!

My son

My twenty year old son decided to hit the road and see what’s out there.  He has been frustrated in Delaware for a while now and I am sure the divorce of his mother and I was not easy for him.  He has some issues, sure we all do but we left for Florida yesterday, no job, no plans, etc. He just hit the road and wanted to see where it takes him.  I was jealous in a way, but I realized I could not do that, ahhhh to be young again.  It made me think about the song by Harry Chapin “Cats in the Cradle”.  He came to say goodbye to me before his journey and he came by around 9:30 at night.  He knew I got up early but I think he felt it was better for him to come late.  I thought of the lyrics of this song and thought I would share one of the versus today. The following are those words:

I've long since retired and my son's moved away.
I called him up just the other day.
I said, "I'd like to see you if you don't mind."
He said, "I'd love to, dad, if I could find the time.
You see, my new job's a hassle, and the kid's have the flu,
But it's sure nice talking to you, dad.
It's been sure nice talking to you."
And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me,
He'd grown up just like me.
My boy was just like me.

Granted he does not have kids and I am still working but I thought he did grow up like me!  He wanted to spread his wings.  He drove south, I joined the Air Force.  I felt like I was choking in my hometown and needed to find more and I know how he feels.  I told him I was proud of him, take care of himself and I hugged him. He gave me my father’s day card and told me not to open it until Father’s day.  I did not want to let go but I knew I had to. He is his own person, I am my own person.  Just take time for your kids.  Last piece of advice I could give him was he has big shoes to fill with that last name he has and he knew he always has a place to go with it got tough, home! I know the day will come when all of us face this, some already have but it does not get easier.   Until next time!

Me from my prospective

A lot of people have written and asked a little about me and why I write a blog. I write a blog because I like to write and some people have told me they like what I have to say.  Here is the down and dirty on Ronnie Allen.  Born in Camp LeJune North Carolina to a Marine in 1959.  Raised in what I felt was the best place to grow up in America, Woodbridge Virginia.  I got there in 1963 and again in 1967 until I left for the Air Force in 1979, retired in 2001 after 22 years of craziness.   It is no secret I enjoyed my time in Woodbridge and growing up.  I came from a great family and actually loved my parents.  I had many friends and never was classified as a jock, freak, loner, etc, was just normal and had friends of all walks of life. My parents were good to me and I feel I grew up with good values and morals.  Like I said joined the Air Force in 1979.  First base was Dover Delaware but I have been all over the world (49 countries) and all 50 states.  Best place would be Woodbridge Virginia, worse place in the world, New Jersey (all of it).  I saw a comment the other day someone wrote about him being all over the world and taking a little piece of Woodbridge and the people with him.  I find that very true. Thanks Joe. I looked up to you as a kid and still do to this day!  Not a lot to tell about myself and this is one of the toughest blogs I have written.  I like guitar music, music in general, photography and trains.  I don’t know what they have in common but I like all of them.  I enjoy rebuilding my house., and am almost done with the inside. Been married twice, and will never do that again but all in all life has been good and I am blessed. I have three kids, two dogs, and three birds.  My mom lives with me.  It is not like 52 year old loser lives with his mom, it was more like I did not want her to be alone in Woodbridge by herself.  That town has gone down and it was better than moving to an old folk’s home or her learning how to speak Spanish.   Even though she is 82 she feels she is too young to hang around old people, or  have to learn a new language LOL.  I figured she took care of me for 19 years; I would do the same with her.  I told her if she hits 95 her ass is out!  LOL.  I feel I have a pretty good sense of humor even though some people think it is dry or they don’t understand it.  I have been told I wear my heart on my sleeve but I feel things have changed in the last few years and I like time to myself and never get to close.  Well that’s it in a nutshell.  Thanks for asking and I hope it was not too boring.  Until next time! 

Flag Day

As I previously wrote in one of my blogs it seems there is a day for anything. Today happens to be Flag Day.  It is a good day, hot and humid chance of thunderstorms but what is Flag Day and why celebrate it? The Fourth of July was traditionally celebrated as America's birthday, but the idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the Flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. BJ Cigrand, a schoolteacher, arranged for the pupils in the Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, District 6, to observe June 14 (the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes) as 'Flag Birthday' In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day; in August 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress.  How cool is it to see flags flying across this great nation?  If you have ever been in a foreign country and seen the American flag flying it makes you feel proud.  If you think about it our flag is recognized all over the world.  The stars and stripes as we know it was in George Washington’s coat of arms.  Yes he had the stars and stripes in his coat of arms!  I think he figured since he was “The father of our country” he could do what he wanted. Anyway, he talked to Betsy Ross and said “make something with stars and stripes”.  And so it goes!  Anyway Fly your flag proud and give credit where credit is due.  Also this is the United States Army birthday.  Happy birthday US Army and you serve us proud.  My flag is flying is yours?  Until next time

Professional sport fans!

I love how people are so passionate about their favorite professional sports team.  I love the Washington Redskins, and the Philadelphia Phillies.  No I do not follow Basketball or Hockey.  I consider Soccer a European sport and that does not count.  People have their desk tops covered with their favorite teams.  I actually dedicated one bathroom for the Washington Redskins!  I even am going to put a big star in the middle of the toilet so my friends can pee on Dallas.  Billions of dollars are spent every year on merchandise to support our teams and yet it is so expensive to get into as professional game.  Baseball is not too bad but it cost about $75.00 to get into a pro football game.  I would rather watch it on TV instead of pay that price.  This year with the Football lock out they are talking about an 8 game schedule.  Maybe Detroit will have a chance! LOL Every year there is hope, no there is not.  In the fall you can see people with their favorite football jerseys, summer are the baseball jerseys.  People decorate their cars, have you ever been tailgating?  That is pretty fun.  One thing I know there is nothing like a hotdog at a stadium, I don’t know what it is but damn it’s good. We argue statistics, facts, fictions, we harass others when someone on their team screws up and say shoots themself in the leg, it goes crazy.  I am surprised much work gets done on Mondays because of the sports on Sundays.    Have you ever watched Golf on TV?  Almost like watching cricket in person.  Nascar does not really impress me, I mean it is cool with all the power and all and going that fast.  Wanted to impress me, turn right!  I bet some went close to going that fast as a kid down US1, just say in. Anyway 8 games or 16 games, I am looking forward to football coming this year.  OH well, until next time.

What are they saying?

Ever wonder what your animals are thinking or saying?  Everyone knows I am a dog lover but cats are great too!  I have owned several.  I was wondering what they were thinking the other day when they were looking at me with those big brown eyes and it dawned on me they think I am an a complete idiot! It was the southern equal to “Bless your heart”  I mean how many of us have tried the stupid pet tricks or played fake fetch with your dog?   You fooled a dog.  Congratulations!  What a proud moment it must have been.  Have you ever tried to balance a piece of food on their nose?  I bet they are humiliated.  I would be!  We get upset when our dog smells someone else’s crotch or licks himself.  He does it because he can!  Don’t be jealous, get over it and move on!  I yelled at Marley the other day because he went up and smelled someone’s crotch.  He looked at me like “Sorry don’t have that whole shake your hand thing down yet”  Ever wonder why dogs beg for food at the table?  I was thinking yeah I would get tired of eating the same crap every day too!  My dogs always freak out when they go to the vet?  You get tired of them pulling the chain and not wanting to go.  Lucy (My other retriever) gets all upset when she goes to the vet.  Why?  Every time she goes she is getting fixed, having shots, or something else she does not like.  She never goes to get treats or love and support.  Hell I would not want to go either.   Have you ever seen your dog wipe his butt on the carpet?  Yeah I know it’s gross but we have to wipe too sometimes, that is just there way of doing things.  I was taking my dogs for a walk a while back and they stopped at every tree, bush or shrub, ever wonder why at this?  I think they are checking for messages.  No I am no dog whisperer, but I am here to tell you they got something to say.  So next time when you get ready to yell at your pet, stop and think what they are saying.  My dog barks a lot.  I get mad but all in all he is just trying to get my attention.  Kids cry, dogs bark.  Simple as that! Gotta run my dog is barking. Until next time!!

Mall Cops

Have you ever seen a Mall cop?  One of the now famous two wheeled keepers of the peace, made popular by the movie.  I have to laugh when I go to the mall in my town to see one of these guys in action.  I saw one the other day and I swear I think he must have gotten beat up as a kid when he was in school.  He rolled up to a cute will thing at the kiosk and actually tried to pick her up.  First she is not interested in you and second; don’t use your rolling thing (Segway PT) as a tool to help you get the girl of your dreams.   The thing that gets me is they always seem to be in the way when you’re trying to walk, or the guy driving it looks like he needs wheels to get around!  Just say in!  Maybe he should spend a little more time walking than riding that thing.  Granted, we all need mall security but give me a break.  I had a guy wheel up to me and tell me my son had to be with me at all times since it was after 5 on a Friday.  My son is 16 and he was only 20 feet away. I guess that is mall policy but spend your time trying to look for shop lifters or thugs that are causing trouble.  Speaking of the mall, granted Dover has a very small mall but why so many of those cops wheeling around?  Spread them out a little.  There is a reason why you see 15 of them in the food court.  OK, maybe 10. It is great they have a job, are paying their bills etc but don’t take life to serious!  No one comes out a live!  Could you imagine superman or batman using one of those things to fight crime?  Yeah me neither.  Until Next time!

Why celebrate?

Why do we have to have a special month or week for certain groups to celebrate but only get one day to celebrate being an American? I just don’t get it.  We celebrate Black History Month, Asian Pacific Month, Native American Month, Latin American Month but we do not have a I am a American and don’t need to celebrate month.  We celebrate St Patty’s day where on that day we are all Irish.  We celebrate cinco de mayo, Chinese New Year, Secretaries day, save the tatas day, almost every week we are celebrating something.  How about a day that we celebrate having a job, supporting your family, paying all your bills, etc.  Don’t get me wrong, having a party or celebrating something is great but every week there seems to be something.  January we celebrate New Year’s, Martin Luther King’s birthday, There is also National Bath, Blood Donor, Braille, Hobby, Hot Tea, Oatmeal and Soup Month,  February comes around and we have American Heart, National Cherry, Children’s Dental Health, Grapefruit, Weddings (Which I don’t understand Most people get married in the spring or summer).  March comes around and I am ready to start celebrating it getting a little warmer but nooooooo we have Irish American month,  Women’s history month, Red Cross, social workers, etc.  April  we celebrate stress and sexual assault awareness, National Humor, etc, you see where I am going with this?  We have become a society who

 A. Likes a reason to celebrate, and B.  Will do it in a moment’s notice.   I could write more for every month, or week for that matter and there is something for everyday of the year.  But all this celebrating I have to stop and take a nap! Or get a drink.   Until next time!

Dale City Woodbridge in the 70s

I have seen a lot of comments on face book lately about what I think is a really cool page called Dale City & Woodbridge of the seventies.  I have to laugh at not only some of the people that comment on it but things that have been stored in my fondest memories that have come out by some of the post.  Who thought one page would bring so many people and comments together.  Thanks Bill for keeping this going.  I have laughed, cried and reminisced with people I have not literally talked to in years.  I think some of my best times in Woodbridge for me were the bowling alley; I ate many a meals there thanks to Betty Cole for feeding me in my youth!  LOL.  Ginos, Astoria’s, Chesapeake Bay seafood house,  and I was so excited to hear that Manny’s moon pizza is still in existence but in a different town. I feel a road trip coming. Forgot they had a drive in, even thought my mom reminded me when it was built. How about the cars we had back then?  I had a 70 Monte Carlo Coup I got from Bob Poston. I use to race down us1, and lost a few times, but won a few times,  I also had a 53 Plymouth Sedan.  Had it painted in shop class for around 8 bucks! It was primer Gray and a kid in art class put on the back the “ gray ghost” !   I think about the people I worked with, folks from school, and girls I had the hots for but was too afraid to say anything.  I am amazed at no matter if you were from Dale City, Woodbridge, went to school at Gar-field, or Woodbridge you were and are part of something.  This was a place that was simply awesome to live and work in.  Funny how a town can survive Hurricane Agnes but cannot seem to survive with all the illegal’s that live there now.  My nephew from Spotsylvania calls it hood bridge now.  It really has gone downhill.  I actually forgot it had a Rustler’s steak house, Drug fair, strip joint, and the Mexican restaurant near Kenny’s shoes.  Who could forget some of the folks who have passed before us way before their time that made such in impact to us and the town we lived in. Mikey Shockley , Kelly Roach, Jeff Gibbs, Craig Van Schoick, who could forget Craig, his neck was the size of my legs, he was such a great guy,  He was probably one of the best wrestlers Gar-field ever produced.  (Sorry Jay! You were in the top 5).  Just to name a few.  Anyway,  I guess the things I forget were not forgotten, just placed in a special place in my brain or in my heart! I always loved the saying “If you remember the 70s, you never lived it!” Until next time!!

Logistics

I think my favorite commercial is the TV these days is from UPS singing about Logistics.  I find a lot of people do not know or understand logistics.  Me for one, I love logistics what it stands for and the ins and outs of it.  How cool is it to be able to tell where a box or person is anywhere in the world.  I remember one time I was tracking my nephew from the time he was leaving Iraq to when he was arriving in the United States.  I found him in a hanger in Turkey.  He still to this day laughs about that.  Logistics is as cool as a computer geek drooling at a computer show.  Think about it, we use logistics every day.  If I-95 (for my GF Friends) is blocked you try and use US1.  That my friend is Logistics or using GPS! If you take the word Logistics and break it down there is Logic in there somewhere.  I know my friends have Logic, or common sense but anyway we try to get there the fastest and cheapest way.  You take weather into consideration when you are going somewhere; well Loggies as we are called take weather in account when we are planning for something.  I know things are going to be messed up at work when a certain part of the country has bad weather because it affects me at Dover AFB.  I think it is awesome to be able to send supplies and passengers to the war effort (and yes it is a war) or being able to track and figure out what is coming home.  There are a lot of moving parts to make this happen and I for one think it is awesome.  My Squadron is the Aerial Port.  We are like a cool computer system or orchestra that we all do something and in unison to make the mission happen. Passenger service takes care of picking up and dropping off pax, ramp takes care of downloading and uploading cargo, We (Air Terminal Operations) make sure we get everyone to the right place at the right time.  The only thing I do not like about my job is we receive bodies back from Iraq and Afghanistan every day.   It is very somber and very tense.  I do not like the fact that we are losing so much but gaining so little.  Anyway we are all Loggies in some way or another.  See you have another work to add to your resume!  Until Next time!

Rednecks

Why does everyone tease Rednecks?  Because it is so easy or because it is so much fun?  I know we can all relate to Rednecks.  Some of us are ones. LOL.  We all have a little Red neck in us!  I get Emails everyday about Rednecks, Folks from the south etc, I think they get a bad rap!  Sure they are not the sharpest tools in the shed, but trust me when I say they are not alone in that arena.  Their vocabulary may be a little different  in some respect and sure the zoos up north do not have recipes for the animals but all and all they are simply another part of this great nation we call America! So what is a Redneck?  It is not Mendy at a NASCAR event. Wikipedia says a Redneck is a historically derogatory slang term used in reference to poor white farmers in the Southern United States. Poor farmers or not, they are farmers.  The produce we get from the grocery store does not come from the can good fairy! It comes from the farmer.  Anyway give the Rednecks a break!  We have learned to tolerate Gays, left wingers, right wingers, Rush Limbaugh and The politicians we voted in for but we can’t seem to give Rednecks the toleration they deserve.  If you have never eaten at a waffle house, don’t knock it, not bad food.  There is a lesson to learn here.  Don’t be condescending to one group or the other or stick your nose up at anyone.  They may teach you something.  I have learned a lot from some rednecks and I will share a couple.  There are two meals, Breakfast and supper, there is no such thing as dinner!  Rednecks don’t wear watches, they work until the work is done or it is too dark to see, Going to Wal-Mart is your favorite pastime or you call it Wallie World.  I actually enjoy going to Wal-mart but Lowes seems to be my favorite lately.  Like I said at the beginning Rednecks get a bad rap, if I had to choose, I would pick some Rednecks I know over anyone.  I think you would agree!  Until Next time.

Generations

Yesterday it hit me, the generation gap spread its wings and I felt officially old.  Jack Kevorkian died and I put what I thought was a funny status on my face book page.  My comment was Jack Kevorkian died at 83, Final stats, zero points, zero rebounds, 130 assist.  In my warped mind I thought it was funny, but I realized yesterday that a lot of people that are young or in this generation have no idea who he is or was  I have  two of my Lieuntents (average age 24) that had no idea who I was talking about, One of them thought he was a basketball player after what I wrote.  No he was not a basketball player and frankly it amazed me that Jack was such a big deal back in the day.  I started wondering what else they (The Lts) did not know or were not aware of. I asked them who Susan Day was, one of them said she started in LA Law, the TV Show, I did not have the strength to tell them about the Partridge Family.  I remember a couple of years ago I was training this 2^nd LT and I told him to grab the carbon paper, make some copies of something and I would be back in about 30 minutes.  When I got back I noticed he had not started. He looked very defeated and I asked what was wrong.  He did not know what carbon paper was!  He had never used it.  I had to change my training method to make him understand, but in the back of my mind I was thinking what an idiot.  I realized that he was not the idiot, I was!  I guess I felt I was stuck in a time warp!  I have no clue on the new technologies out.  I called my daughter the other day and my grandson was in the back yelling he wanted his DS.  I actually had to ask what that was.  It was the Nintendo DS game system but good old Ron had no clue.  I thought I was doing pretty well with getting a Nano IPod for myself. I went to Verizon last week and I had a guy try to sell me one of those smart phones.  I just wanted a phone I could call and text, don’t think I need something with Apps.  Yes it hit me yesterday, Next time you are getting discouraged communicating with your kids or younger people remember this.  That is why they call it generations!  We or they are not supposed to understand what we are talking about.  It would help but we usually just get a deer in the headlight look!  Until next time.

Graduations.

There are lots of graduations in and around the country this weekend.  It hits all of us, whether you’re working retail and people are coming in for last minute things, or you’re the proud parents giving a bar-be-que, or party for your now smart children.  I will be attending a graduation on Sunday June 5^th  2011 for two pretty important parts in my life.  Marley and Lucy!  Within six weeks they have learned some pretty cool things, no not Math, Reading, English, History, but sit, stay, drop it, down, etc. They have learned not to kick my butt in the driveway.  Yes they are pretty smart and I am proud of both of them.   I will not be having a party for them and they will not be getting gifts, but I am sure I can sneak some steak off the grill for them.  As with my Dogs, we have watched our kids grow to be fine young adults.  Sure you get irritated with the cell phones, grades, attitudes, etc, I get irritated with the barking, digging, etc also.  As you I am proud of this day and will think back to their youth and be glad they have finally reached this point in their life.  Terri asked me the other day if I was going to continue with them getting training.  I figured not right now, they will not be taking off for the summer hitting the beach, drinking like there is no tomorrow or staying out late past curfews. They will be in the same routine of getting in the crate when I am gone, eating me out of house and home, and greeting me when I get home like they had never seen me before.  Congratulations to all of the grads, two legged or four legged, it is a great day ot celebrate.  I am going to a Bar B Que, Now if they just were not afraid of the water, they are Golden Retrievers!    until next time!

The House is mine!

Well it’s final.  After months of ass pain and threats of losing my home the house is mine all mine and my ex-wife cannot get another dime out of it! Sure I had to refinance to get her off my mortgage and pay her a percentage of the equity but it was worth it and I am glad it is over. Never again will I have to hear it is half mine!  Refinancing was a pain in the butt.  I had to pay for a termite test, had to pay for a new water system, had to pay closing cost, lawyer fees this and that, it was crazy.  I had a friend of mine tell me it was like I liked my house so much I bought it twice! Now comes the fun part.  I have pretty much redone the inside with the exception of a couple of rooms but it is almost done.  Now I can relax and finally enjoy it.   The pool is almost open and let the games begin.  The house is finally turning into a home.  Cannot say it was like that in the past, but it is turning out to be a home.  My home.  Now I have to stop payment on one loan and start up another one.  I have to get rid of ants outside but they have to live somewhere and it is better outside then in!  I think anyone who buys a home or refinances should be required to watch the movie “the money pit” owning a home it is expensive but like a divorce it is worth it.  LOL.  I will celebrate my new mortgage by painting, reorganizing, and writing a blog when I get the chance.  I never knew it would be so much fun to go to Lowes on a daily basis.  I think they should name a wing after me with all the money I put into it.  I have moved the man cave inside where it is comfortable and not in the garage. Don’t worry it looks like a home and not a complete bachelor pad.  Yes life is good.  I am the king and this is my castle.  I will not Christian it like they do ships in the Navy, why?  Because that would be something else I would have to clean up!  Until Next time!

Health Care

A good friend of mine suggested I try a blog on health care.  I am not really as up to date on the subject as I need to be but I can tell you this.  I retired from the Air Force after 22 years of active duty service.  I got hurt while on duty and I got disability on the side.  I have Tricare. It is a pain in the butt!   I know there are Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicaid, and Medicare, just to name a few.  I know the government is trying to take their own stab it.  I pay a co-pay like most other people, and I think if you pay a co pay and the Government pays the rest it is a good deal.  I have to resend forms all the time because the first claim is always denied.  I do feel Medicare is very difficult to understand for the elderly! I feel sometimes the billing departments for these companies are not the sharpest tools in the shed!  I got billed for one ambulance ride three different times by three different companies, when I tried to explain it to them they thought I was an idiot!  I do not think Illegal immigrants should get free health care but it happens.  One thing I do not like is the republicans think their idea is the best and the democrats think their way is the best but all in all, I think England has a pretty good system.  I know that health care is thru the roof and we need to do something.  If you feel Doctors and nurses get paid enough think again.  I have seen what they do behind the scenes and I tell you they earn their money.  I was talking to an RN today and as tough as it is she does it every day.  You have to be a special kind of person working in the medical field.  I could not do it.  I know there are companies getting rich but if everyone paid a little then it might work!  I remember retirees of the military saying they were told they would get free health care for life, one thing to remember, nothing is free.  I pay around $500.00 dollars a year and think that is a great deal for me and my son.  My dental coverage is twice as much as that. Don’t understand that one but not going to complain.  I hope my teeth last a few months after I do!  Just sayin! Thanks Kelly for your insight, it is something to think about!  Until next time!

52 shots for 52 years

A few people commented on my 52 shots for 52 years comment.  I did 52 shots and yes it affected my ability to go to many places this weekend without a designated driver, but that was the plan.  Relax, sleep, drink, and relax, sleep and drink but maybe not in that order.  I Functioned, got some stuff done in the house but all in all I drank shots for a reason.  Last year I got a shot book from my best friend’s daughter.  Thanks Shannon! I drank some shots from the book she got me and I tell you that you can do shots out of pretty much everything.  Some of the names of them are beyond me but they make great conversation pieces. How cool is “book me an ambulance,”  “Enola Gay”,  and sneakers. Just to name a few.   I mean how crazy is it to ask the bartender if you can try a buttery nipple?  That is ½ butterscotch schnapps, and ½ Bailey’s Irish cream.  No comment Mendy! I found shots that I could relate to.  Have you ever tried a “Reality Twist”? 1part amaretto,1 part blue curacao, layered in a shot glass. How about a real pisser? 1 part tequila, 1 part mountain dew, layered in a shot glass. I had never heard of a drink “Grab my coconuts” 1 part gold rum, 1 part coconut  rum, 1 part pineapple juice, mix  with ice and drain into a shot glass, but what  a good drink.  I drank a shot of Captain Morgan and Coke for my friend Kelly, and a G Spot for him too!  LOL.  I drank a blue moon, and that was not me in the winter time, it is amaretto, Irish cream, blue curacao. Of course since it was Memorial day weekend I had to try an American flag 1 part grenadine, white crème de cacao blue curacao layered in a shot glass. A Navy seal, 5 star general, and hand grenade. The book had over 1400 recipes but I am here to tell you I had a great weekend.  Why?  I was drinking with my friends, thinking of all of them, and not having a care in the world.  That my friends is how you do 52 shots for 52 years.  I have to fix dinner and no alcohol tonight!  Promise TB! Until next time!!

June 1st

Memorial Day has past but not remembering our fallen brothers and sisters.  Sales have ended and everyone is back at work. Me, I am recovering from a great birthday.  I have wondered where the time has gone.  6 months ago we were celebrating a new year and enjoying the cold.  Ok we were not enjoying the cold.  I really do not think we had much spring, we jumped straight into summer.  Times were changing in my life where one relationship was ending and another beginning.  My pups were at the house for a week and life was good.  Life is still good.  I actually made it to another year and all seems to be going well.  I have had the blessed pleasure of reconnecting with some dear old friends and made a few new ones in the process.  Heard from all three of my kids on my birthday so who can complain.  Got a chance to work on the house a little today and it was a great break.  I missed the guys at work but not the job.  All in all, June 1^st got here pretty fast.  Now we concentrate on summer Bar B Ques, Swimming, kids out of school and a lot of summer parties.  The circle of life thing is an amazing thing.  We have lost loved ones and friends the last six months,  but new kids are born everyday.  I got a text from someone special today that told me there was a kid born on my birthday.  On the last note I was blown away at all the best wishes for my birthday, that was simply awesome.  It was better than any gift I could have gotten.  A friend of mine said granted face book reminds you when someone has a birthday but the person has to take the time to write something.  Thanks again.  Off to vaccumn out the pool and get it ready for summer! Until next time!