§ Just an opinion...

§ Dump the T...rump...

Bud happy as a lark: "Ol' Dump has really sh!t in his nest this time!"
Anni, now curious: "What do you mean?"
Bud, boasting: "Even his own banks have turned on him!"
Anni, smiling. God is hearing our prayers.

Personally, I always try my hardest to put forth benefit of doubt.  Sour, strong words against anyone is just as wrong and liable as the person that does the wrongs.  I tried my hardest to not despise the man just like I have with the past leaders of our nation even tho I never totally agreed with any of them since Kennedy when I started paying attention to the politics of USA.  But, after [at the white house podium] his begging profusely for the suburban women to "Love me", OMG I literally started to count the days for election day in hopes of him being 'dumped' by the voters...and come January 20th, I can't wait. I just hope and pray there is no violence in D.C. or across USA. I'm shaking my head in disbelief at all those that continue to support the man. Those that continue to back him and his hateful words are in for a shocking surprise like jail time, fines, ...I'm chanting "Lock 'im up". I think an orange jump suit would SUIT Mr. T, don't you? And the rumor of a presidential pardoning of himself would only justify his guilt...he probably doesn't realize that if he did such a thing, he'd have civil suits that would put him away for life.  I was planning on opening the day Jan. 20th with my caricature sketch of Mr. T, but can't wait any longer.  Like the TV program, Apprentice, you don't realize how long I've waited for this very opportunity!!!  Yes, Donald, YOU'RE Fired!!!!!!  Five days and counting.

I debated to close comments to all, in fact I had it disabled.  Then, I decided to open them.

§ Another Poinsettia...

A few years ago, I sketched and posted about, my working on a poinsettia with colored pencils, a favorite holiday plant in red as you can see here:

A few days ago, I thought I'd do a quick, one hour, sketch and color in another poinsettia plant. This time making it with white bracts...

 _ _ _ _

Today, early, we will once again head for the polling booth to re-vote. Our mayoral ballot was too close to call a winner, so the two of us will head out and recast our ballot. There were six candidates in November, but only two remain on the ticket. I hope my vote will help with electing the new runner!! We need 'new blood' in the city instead of the old school mayor we have had far too long.

§ Sunflowers...

Upon cleaning out the laptop, I had several photos, taken throughout the year so far, in my picture album of sunflowers that I thought I'd take them all and compose a couple of collages! They are quite large in pixel size, so I hope it isn't too slow loading...

- - - -* * * - - - -
OPINION COLUMN
- - - -* * *- - - -


If I be waspish, best beware my sting.
~Shakespeare

I've kinda laid back on commenting of the recent passing of Arizona's Senior Senator. Why? I don't know...the news and social media have been completely saturated with stories of his life, accolades, demeanor, family, government, piloting, POW, nemesis of political affairs, etc. etc. etc. In fact after several days of his life and short bios and biases, I was tired of it all!!!   I lived in Arizona for over a decade, I didn't like him then, and I admit I thought of him as a hate monger from the beginning...not wanting him as POTUS either;  thinking.... with him in the oval office, we would've been in a war with just about anyone at the expense of lost lives, and taxpayers' money.

He's been touted as a war hero. Shot down over Vietnam, ejecting from his plane, and being captured. For me, as someone else stated, "He's not a war hero". He was a prisoner of war. The two are totally different in my opinion. The title "Hero" would be "a person noted for courageous acts of character" such as saving lives of fellow citizens during war time, falling on a grenade to protect others, or in civilian life...helping in any way during a tragedy [for instance 911]...things like that. Being captured...that's it...P O W. He was also alumni of Annapolis....now, you wonder just how he got in? Let me take a guess...his father and grandfather were both Admirals in the Navy at Annapolis....Hmmmm, nepotism? Money talks?!!  No doubt!! Certainly, I would wager he entered the academy not by merit...but family ties. Yes, he was a pilot in the Navy. But wait...do we all forget that there was an inquiry of his jet, supposedly, starting a chain reaction explosion on the aircraft carrier, USS Forrestal? Many lives taken, and many injuries...not to mention the millions of dollars in damages to the ship, and loss of weaponry. Some say it  was possibly his prank that caused it...while the official record [according to Snopes] is totally different....no blame. Personally, I fail to believe a word of the "official record"....I think it's a Navy Cover-up!!!! Just to save the captain's ass from court martial! Among other life sentences...including our departed senator. No one will ever convince me otherwise. A couple more things, then, I'm done for good...The flag at half staff. The white house was NOT in error. When a Senator dies, the flag is lowered to half staff for 24-48 hours. By Monday following his death, the flag could go full-staff!!! Absolutely no wrong doing. [90 % of the federal buildings' flags here were not lowered]. And the week of mourning and the schedule for lying in state in AZ and Washington D.C. ---all pre-arranged by the Senator himself before passing on!!! A show case of vanity and ego if you ask me!!!

USS Forrestal Snopes Report

Flag at Half Staff Guidelines

§ No Title...Just This and That...

It's been a week of doctors' appointments for the two of us. Me, the cardiologist 6 month follow-up appointment, an echocardiogram and then another lab work done. Bud lucked out and only had one with his optometrist, and today picking up his new eye wear this morning.


* * *

Our cellphone service is mighty SLOW since Hurricane Irma, I imagine there are over 6 million families trying to contact FEMA, other family members, insurance companies and contractors and the cellphone towers are inundated and can't handle the onset of usage!

* * *

While I am waiting for his appointment, I thought I'd play on the computer...

Results:

These photos of the white tailed dear were taken in the first part of August and I'm just now getting them off the camera onto the computer to resize:

...the online effects used are: Oil Painting and Antique Oil



* * *

What Happened to our constitutional right "Freedom of Speech"?  Seems Amazon is now deleting all the negative critiques of Hillary Clinton's new book...ya, you guessed it....WHAT HAPPENED?

Seems everywhere you look, go, there are politics involved, and, to the consumer, that's not right in my opinion.  ANY company should be unbiased and let people have their say whether you agree or don't...it's up to the individual and freedom of speech.  This has been deteriorating since Obama's 'reign' and continues to go down hill...more so anyway.  Sad.

* * *

Our city is still reeling with clean-up and repair from Hurricane Harvey. Solid Waste management is working 16 hour shifts to get all the broken trees, scattered fencing, and other large items strewn around yards and streets to haul away. We finally got a contractor that we're confident in replacing our privacy fence [from what was a 6' and will be a 7' fence!!] that was demolished the night of the 25rd of August!!! But thing is, we are in line behind many others he is hired on to do the job! Our time frame for this work to be done is the 2nd week of October!! He also told us that all the lumber yards in the city and the DIY hardware/lumber stores are OUT OF LUMBER! Waiting for more shipments to come in by truck and rail! At least that part is done...it's always a long wait, and patience is a necessity! It's the price you pay living in such an area of the nation. Of course, nature doesn't take sides, there are fire hazards in the west, earthquakes, tornadoes, blizzards and such. So all I can say is: That's Life!

§ Projects, Books, Sketching, Birds

I'm keeping busy these days...

PROJECT I
I'll begin with this. This is an antique to be sure...stored in our garage.  It's a Remington Rand typewriter [circa 1939-40]. On this machine, I learned to type. Years and years ago. There are two key buttons missing, the period and the 't'. Wiping off the webs and gunk [yes, it was covered with a plastic bag, but still, somehow, the spiders and such got in], I took it in the house and tore it apart piece by piece.  From the inside out I used rubbing alcohol on the key levers behind the keyboard cap. Tore off the paper cylinder, scrubbed underneath the entire mechanism and put it back together. During the cleaning process and having it torn apart, I found the 'writer's serial number. Doing it all, I remembered, eventually, what I was doing and got it all in working order. And believe it or not....the ribbon [never used for at least 20-25 years] still works!! I now have it inside, and it's a bit more 'protected' from the elements of life in the garage. My sister and I purchased this together back in the early 1960s from the public library that was auctioning off their inventory. We both spent $1.00!!! Now-a-days, a keyboard/computer is doing good if it lasts 5 years. They just don't build things like this anymore. Is Remington Rand still a company?  No....but you can read its history here. Will have to someday check online to see if there is a company that has interchangeable key buttons that'll fit this one.


PROJECT II
In his teen years, before the Navy, Bud worked at a slaughter house. People would bring in their hogs, cattle, sheep for Bud and his boss to age, cut, and wrap the meat. Sometimes, after this, they'd smoke and cure or make sausages. Anyway, this all took place in the late 50's/early 60s. One time, a couple brought in a Swiss Charolais Bull. Bud wanted the horns!! For many-a-years over the near 5 decades we've been married, he'd regale the story to those of us who'd listen. I know the story pretty much by heart by now. Eventually, those horns were his! He mounted it on the carport in Colorado. Of course he took 'em down when we retired and they went with us to Tucson....then came here, to Texas. And, in the garage they hung on a wall! Cleaning it all out this past month, Bud said: "The horn covering is loose, and bubbled in the back and split near the bone...might as well throw 'em out." I said: "No way!! I'll clean 'em, fix 'em and we'll get them in the house along with your saddle you just cleaned!" They'll be as good as new.

Day 1 - cleaning them

Day 2 - Shopping

I thought of going to a taxidermist here in town to see if they had any scrap cowhide [before tanning - with hair], but I nixed the idea. Instead I remained awake late one night....thinking. I came up with a solution and the next day I went to Hobby Lobby and purchased a half yard of dense black felt. Not the 'finished' kind, but the felt with lots of nap....resembling untanned cowhide. After that was measured and cut, I went to the jewelry aisle and found what I wanted! Two gold skulls with horns, and brown leather cord. After I got home I tested to get the 'feel' and what it'd look like, by covering the bone/skull section. Not bad. In my mind I wanted a western/cowboy theme going....to edge the black faux hide, I planned on using blue denim. Denim...what best describes a cattle rancher, but the sturdy suit of the day...denim/jeans!!

Day 3 - Finishing

After three days working on it, cleaning, measuring, testing, cutting, polishing, I finished, then, mounted it on a pedestal and placed it on the fireplace mantel...



PROJECT III

This one is self-explanatory. Many have asked if I just draw a picture by memory...no, I have to have a 'model' to guide me. And no, I've never taken art lessons other than long ago when I signed up with the elective of ART for one semester in high school...

My most recent sketch [a favorite owl of mine - I love the shaggy 'mop head' look of this Barred Owl when I spot them in a tree; real time]

PROJECT IV - Book Reading
I finished reading a good book. Yep, more or less politics! It is about a man who worked for the Secret Service during three presidential terms. George Herbert Walker Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush. The book: "Crisis of Character" [published 2016]. Of course the book dust jacket and the photo piqued my interest right away. I remember vividly the Clinton era in the white house. Scandal after scandal. I was happy as a pig in a mud hole when the Bush family dynasty took office once again after that fiasco. Over the years with his SS position, protecting the president and his family, there seemed to be quite a stark difference in characters! Comparing the elder Bush family [congenial to ALL who protected them] and then....the Clinton's [who never once appreciated those that kept them from harm - in fact belittling them whenever the opportunity arose]. From the broken vase and Billy's black eye from Hillary - the loud bickering heard on the 2nd floor [the 'residence' area], the sex scandals, the Blue Dress of Monica Lewinsky, the SS catching Billy in act with Mondale's daughter....the perjury of said Bill Clinton, the impeachment...more and more eye opening [or memories of] disdain for the average American from that term. The world conflicts and lying from once Senator H. R. Clinton and her volatile split personality, 9/11 and Mr. Byrne [the author] eventually taking a position with the FAMS [Federal Air Marshall Services] and retirement. The book was fun - reading about Barbara Bush and President Bush...horrid during the Clinton reign...and the sadness with what the country had to deal with with terrorism and 9/11 with George Walker Bush. More or less, the book was a 'tell all' story of his job protecting our legacy; to put his life on the line to keep our president alive.  That and other protective details such as semen in the white house towels, etc. The author's last published words [tho it was, remember, 2016 and the presidential election was still in existence between HRC and DJT]...

...The bottom line: My job in the 1990s was to lay down my life for the presidency. My obligation today is to raise my voice; to help safeguard the presidency from Bill and Hillary Clinton--to remind readers like you of what happened back then. We all remember what a Clinton White House was like...If we board that time machine for a return trip -- it's our fault"

Of course, we didn't. Who knows what the future will be with hate mongers who kindle hatred, enmity, or prejudice in others as we've all seen today since the election? I read an article online that there has been a record defecting of the American Citizenship....it was a bit misleading tho....I thought it was a current record...but it was during OBAMA's administration!!  The media has a lot to do with the blame here on the country's anger!!  So many lies, so much bias. [with the media]

I bought several books that day at Barnes n Noble. Another on Hillary, one on Fannin [Texas Revolution], one on Hitler's era and more. I'm having a jolly time keeping my New Year's promise to read more books!!


PROJECT v - for you!
Can You See 'em now?


Let me highlight where you should look...



...okay, moving in a bit closer, and two different angles...
now I bet you can see 'em, right?



Yep...two birds on one limb! By the time I got to the back side of the tree via the trail, they had moved closer together!! I zoomed in. Awwww, true love. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY


CRESTED CARACARAS

§ Inauguration Day

On January 20th, our country's leader was sworn in.

A New Dawn...



...A New Day





...Some may have ruffled feathers because of our POTUS





...While others are content and will go on living their lives as usual






...It's called Survival of the Fittest!!

...Late into the night, voices were still being heard. Why must they protest? Other than being arrested or harmed, the damages were a waste. Violence is something I just can't understand...we Americans who do this are nothing but 3rd world citizens in my opinion. Most Americans say they don't like to talk politics, but think about it...these are your 'neighbors'!!  Ummmm, open your eyes - this morning he's still our President whether you like the concept or not....

§ Babbling...

MOVIE REVIEW  

We saw a newly released movie, Hacksaw Ridge, on Monday. It's based on a true story of a WWII medic who was assigned to a rifle battalion during the Battle of Okinawa, CPL Desmond Doss. He was the first CO [conscientious objector] to receive a Medal of Honor! If you don't know what a CO is, I'll explain. First of all, Doss, as I stated above was assigned to a RIFLE company [Army] during the war. At his training, he refused to even touch a gun - which makes him labeled a conscientious objector. Of course he was ridiculed and beaten by his comrades AND his platoon leader at this time. Finally, during a court martial hearing, the Constitution came into the hearing, allowing him to serve his country....in his case, as a Medic. During the battle of Okinawa [at Hacksaw Ridge], he saved 75 with above and beyond his duty status...all the time, not firing or without use of a rifle. Eventually, he was wounded and sent back to the United States... receiving the Medal of Honor, given to him by President Truman.

Now my take on the movie: First off, it was good. But all too typical of direction by Mel Gibson! Graphic and bloody! I realize this is a war zone story. But, I think it could've been tamed down a bit. I think he gets his jollies with blood and guts - Passions of Christ comes to mind. Aside from the grisly, unstaunched, scenes and bodies flying around on fire, the trenches and actions of the American soldiers kept me enthralled with their bravery and heroism. It was one of the most harrowing battles [along with Iwo Jima] against the Japanese - the USMC came in and obliterated the enemy on both islands]. The movie begins with some of Doss's family background and youth [which eventually shows the reason behind his refusal for gun-play]. Mixed in...there is a love story. It's not a 'bad' movie at all, but I can only give it 2 stars. Good, but not excellent in my opinion.  More so, an over-acted, over-directed docudrama.

movie poster graphic obtained thru Google search


- - -


HOLIDAY SPIRIT
I mentioned in my previous post I had finished our fireplace mantel...

Since my heart attack, I've become a bit skimpy on putting out a whole bunch of stuff. It's not at all like what I used to do!! I decorated the tree [it took me a couple of days]. And very few of my very large Santa collection!! Erik mentioned that he would be here with us for the Christmas break of his teaching job, so I will concentrate on cooking and entertaining him while he's with us for a week or two.

The image of the sleigh and reindeer on the wooden partition between the kitchen and dining room is the job of work I assigned bribed Bud into doing for me. The group is hard plastic with sparkling glitter dusted on each piece. He strung a rope of wired evergreen garland. And, I will add a string of colored lights along the ledge eventually.


Our tree without lights on, and with lights on...

- - -


WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?

I know a lot don't like 'talking' politics...that's a shame in my opinion, 'cause your opinion matters, and our country's future depends on it.  I for one try to do my own research...but if someone's political opinion sparks an interest or makes me question something, I appreciate the input!!  

Here's my stand right now...The request for state manual recount for the presidential election [2016] is underway. I can't help but think that this candidate [I won't put HER name here], with the total votes on November 8th, of less than 1 1/2 per cent of total votes has an ulterior motive behind her actions.. Yet her lawyer has filed on her behalf the request for a recount. First up, why? With such a small percentage of votes, why would she even consider a recount? 2ndly, the cost of a manual recount [tallying votes by hand] is $125 per precinct. There are 6,300 precincts in Michigan, which translates into a recount price tag of $787,500. Ms. Candidate has reportedly raised $6.5 MILLION for this fiasco! Tell me, just where will the extra money go?  Does this benefit her in any way?  The money donated/raised just makes no SENSE [and that is an intended pun]!!! 3rdly, as of Tuesday the 29th, the Michigan Board of Canvassers, with a 4-0 vote, certified the state's election results Monday, showing Republican Donald Trump won the presidential race in the state by a 10,704-vote. I remember during the 2000 election, that we had something similar to the result and G W Bush won, the electoral votes without the popular vote. The SUPREME COURT got involved and said in so many words "Bush won...get over it....and start running the country". As for the electoral college/electorate votes - so many say this is wrong and out-dated. I beg to differ. The electoral college is, even today, needed more than when the founding framers drafted and ratified the electoral voting system! Why, you ask?

First of all your vote DOES count!

Each state has a certain number of electorates - also each state has their own laws.

Having individual state laws helps deter voting fraud and buying votes!!

Proponents of it maintain that it ensures the rights of smaller states and stands as an important piece of American federalist democracy.

State population and the number of representatives create the total of electors in the electoral college [plus each state has two others to coincide with their two senators]

Washington D. C., under the Constitution was granted three electors....
...The electoral college is a vital piece of our American politics. It insures a better, and more trusted representation to EACH state!!  Not just the 'rich' states, but ALL states such as three electorates each --Alaska, Delaware, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming!!!
...This video is for the layman; easy to understand

If you take time to watch the video, you'd have a better understanding and not be so quick to judge the system.

Michigan Canvassers


- - -


ON THE LIGHTER SIDE


This image of the sunlight and a small flock of Sandhill Cranes was taken November 29th, mid-morning, at Oso Bay Wetland Preserve.


- - -


A "STAR" IN THE EAST


Sunrise, Sunday November 27th.

§ Weekend Rambles...

BOOK REVIEW

Wow, have I got another good book! And, again, like the previous book I finished reading, The Immortal Nicholas, the author of my 'newest' book is Glenn Beck. Can the man write, or what? His creations just flow so swiftly and easily. He's becoming a favorite author. I also have to give some credit to his choice of editors....no grammatical errors!  [I really hate that in a publication]  This time around instead of fiction, this book is based on true events/people. More or less short biographies of those who were scandalous and dreamers of achieving goals in life to make something of themselves in the world. The book is DREAMERS AND DECEIVERS. The list of his subjects are

Grover Cleveland [president]
Edwin Armstrong [founder of radio/FM]
Woodrow Wilson [president]
Charles Ponzi [con artist]
Desi Arnas [from I Love Lucy fame - Lucille Ball]
Upton Sinclair [author]
*Alan Turing ['father of computer']
Alger Hiss [spy]
Walt Disney [animator]
Steve Jobs/John Lesseter [creators of Pixar]

*Now, I haven't finished the book yet. As of this blog post, I am going to continue with Alger Hiss. But the last subject I read blew me away. Well, the closing remarks by Mr. Beck blew me away at least!! I just completed the short bio of Alan Turing. He was a mathematical genius from Cambridge, envisioning a machine that would take commands by number and respond with like numbers [binary in our language of today]...he was recruited by the British government to help break the code of the German "Enigma" of World War II. Of course, in no time he did accomplish this feat. His invention, today's computer, goes down in history. But, the epilogue of this scholar is what captured my attention. Mr. Turing committed suicide by poisoning an apple at his night stand one evening.  There is one movie quote from Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs that Mr. Turing was said to say often.  I won't tell you what the quote is...you have to read the book.  But it IS significant to his life.  He took ONE BITE on the night of June 7th, 1954....hence:

EPILOGUE: There is a modest tribute to Alan Turing at Manchester University where he spent his final nine years of his life....Perhaps the most striking, if possibly coincidental, memorial to the man who invented the first computer, is that anytime anyone looks at an iPhone, iPad, or a MacBook, they find the image of an apple on the back...It is missing a single bite!! 

THE COLOR BLACK

Of course in school, my art teacher once told his class that white and black are actually NOT colors to an artist. They are 'hues'. Well, lately, I seem to choose black over all "colors". In clothes mostly. And I have a favorite t-shirt I wear all too often. The color? Black!

Bud: "That shirt again? You'd think it'd be threadbare for as often as you wear it!"
Anni: "You know I love tigers!"

What does black say about me? Read more

SIGNAGE

The sign entering the trailway specifically says "No Bikes".
Yet, just a few yards ahead, what do I see?


EYE ON THE SKY

PARDON ME

It states in our constitution: "In the United States, the pardon power for federal crimes is granted to the President of the United States under Article II, Section 2 of the United States Constitution which states that the President "shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States". If that is the case, I have a question: "Why, then, are top politicians and high officials pushing for President Obama to grant a pardon for Hillary Clinton? According to her statements there is NO crime, and that she committed no offenses to the United States?!!!" In the past so many pardons have been given without any further investigations, for instance Pres. Ford/Pres. Nixon,  to help the country move on with governing the land  My opinion back then, and still today, it's all kinds of wrong.  It makes commoners think [and perhaps the person in question feel they're 'above the laws of the land']. No one should be above the law!!!  Politics....it's volatile.  
 Read More ...and more: No Pardon

SUN-KIST

On the lighter side...


Today's Flower: Sun Kissed Bougainvillea


Serving up....Sushi!!

§ Election Day...

I'm composing this post on Tuesday afternoon. Perhaps by the time you read it, the outcome of the presidential election will be known. Of course I could've voted early, or opted to vote by mail. But I stood firm and waited until Election Day. Even tho, I had my mind made up for whom [it should read for WHAT] I'd select on the ballot for president, I felt it necessary to wait it out and make sure...between the time I coulda voted and November 8th, there may have been something drastic happening to change my mind.   Some of you hinted at this "Who are you voting for"?  Well, to be honest, I was not [and still not] overly pleased with ANY candidate, that's why I previously stated, "for what instead of for whom".  Even those that didn't get the nomination!  No one.  Yep, no one.  I voted for the party, not the candidate.  Sorry to disappoint.  Personally, I don't think Cruz, Carson, Sanders, Trump, Clinton....any of them were/are worthy of leading our country. I went early...about 7:30 to the nearest polling station.  There were only 7 voters ahead of me.  Cool...no long wait time!!!  And then after I signed in and proved who I was with my ID...voted, and left the building, the line was clear around, and outside.  Probably over 100 anxious people.  As I got in my car, I was wondering who they were going to choose.  My county was approved by the state of Texas that you could vote in ANY precinct you choose.  That too was a big plus.  I like that law change and hope it sticks to the books for future elections.  I'M GLAD IT'S OVER [no more political email crap too!  lol]...

For Good Fences I will share these two:

UNDER THE SEA


I spotted this crab in the murky water of a creek bed.




BLUE SKIES OF TEXAS SHINE
on this, our Election Day!!  But then, a cold snap, and it rained






TODAY'S FLOWERS




Now for some more randoms in photo:



Now that is what I call an avid fisherman!!

Yep!  You can find these sunscreen dispensers around the trails here. I would think with the Summer's heat the lotion would break down and become worthless.  But that's my opinion

A cactus grows in a tree!  And...it bloomed.  But I missed all the beauty, only saw the blossom remnants on the ground


Sand Sculpture on the beach this summer...