Saturday, September 24, 2022

Happy Anniversary...


...and Happy Autumn...a two for one deal.

On the 21st we mourned the last day of summer; the next day we celebrated our wedding anniversary and welcomed Fall.


It definitely felt like fall when we returned to the scene of the crime...


...where we honeymooned years ago.

Such an abundance of great memories!

wedding day, 2005



toasting our happiness at Fenn Valley



our backyard oasis in the early days


Pierre Jouet champagne and anniversary cake


Serenity Cove wine featuring Karen on the label


Here's to making many more wonderful memories together.



Did you know...


...has welcomed over 4.9 million illegal aliens into this country since he began squatting in the White House in January of 2021?

In less than 2 years he's created an unprecedented invasion at our southern border, the effects of which will be felt for generations to come.

In fact, if we gathered all of the people he's encouraged to cross our borders illegally into their own state, it would have the 25th largest population in our country.

They'd be right behind #24 Alabama that has 5 million people, and ahead of these 26 states (in order):

Louisiana, Kentucky, Oregon, Oklahoma, Connecticut, Utah, Iowa, Nevada, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kansas, New Mexico, Nebraska, West Virginia, Idaho, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Maine, Montana, Rhode Island, Delaware, South Dakota, North Dakota, Alaska, Vermont and Wyoming.

Brazen, Lawless, Corrupt: Coyote Joe.



Had a bit of crisis on the hickory golf scene recently...


...and no, it wasn't related to those stylish argyle socks.

In fact, it's too boring to go into the details (yes, you should thank me), but while working through a problem with my swing I decided to give bowling a try again.


It's been several months since I last touched a bowling ball, and the 1st two games showed it.

However, I then took an unexpected detour into luck / competence for my 3rd game and rolled that 215 you see above.

And I say "luck" because at least 2 of those 6 strikes were Brooklyn, but hey, I'll take it.

Of course, it wasn't all good news.

On my very first ball I actually slipped and fell...and not one of those semi-graceful / catch your balance with a hand to the floor variety, either.

No, this was an ungainly, off balance slip / roll on my side / scramble to a cross legged sitting position fall that will probably go viral on someone's fakebook page.


Oh well...not the first time I've made a fool of myself in public, and sadly, I’m sure it won't be the last.



Had a recent visit from a world famous cartoon character:

Introduced in 1945 by Looney Tunes...



...it's Pepe Lew Pew, who's always in search of true love...



...and Purina Seafood Sensations, evidently.

I wouldn't mind him hanging around, if he didn't tear up my lawn, but he does.

And oh yeah, he stinks.



Like so much of life, it appears we've crash landed...

Lost In Space, anyone?

...another excitin' edition of the AMC.

Assuming the atmosphere on this strange new planet is breathable - highly dependent on your proximity to any blue anon aliens - you are free to exit and get on with your life, such as it is.

One more thing as you flee the premises...

Today is the day we turn the corner on daylight / darkness...it's evenly split at 12 hours each...but starting tomorrow...



Read it and weep.

later, mcm fans...

* Crass Commercialism Corner *

In the "so convenient you can't stand it" department, you can purchase my books here and on Amazon.com.

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Sunday, September 11, 2022

A Somber Day...

 


...when a way of life was lost forever. 

There is of course a new generation - those born post-9/11 - who've never known anything but the America in which we live today.

But for those of us who grew up in pre-9/11 America, the difference - the loss - is staggering.

Pray for our nation.

On this day especially, pray for families and loved ones of the victims of this senseless tragedy, and those who gave their lives trying to save them.
 “If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.”
  - Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl

Turning to happier themes, a couple of weeks ago we invited some friends over for an afternoon cookout…



...and commemorated the event with this picture from my SX-70.

Despite the questionable weather forecast, we had a truly delightful time together.

Karen did her usual fabulous job of meal prep, the rains held off, and we enjoyed a relaxing, late summer afternoon of good food, great company and lively, interesting conversation.

The meal included burgers  on the grill, brisket, potato salad, garden salad, veggie pizza, cucumber sandwiches (don’t laugh; they’re really good), cole slaw, watermelon, and blueberry nut squares for dessert.

That and a cooler full of summer refreshments made for a delicious repast.

Looking forward to doing it again.



It's definitely starting to feel like Fall is coming...


...with cooler mornings now and temps topping out in the high 70's.

Hate to sound like a tourist, but here goes...your leaf peeping schedule for 2022:


Don't say I never did nuthin' for ya.



Time for leisurely stroll through the Parting Shots department...

Larry's got a good eye...



...a quality camera...


...and some gorgeous scenery to photograph



a friend and his beautiful wife hiking in the Zion National Park recently



recent pic of West Virginia coal miners pushing an electric vehicle with a dead battery so it can be charged up at the coal mining facilities.  gotta love irony.



some might say better







a dose of truth on your way out the door:


later, mcm fans...

* Crass Commercialism Corner *

In the "so convenient you can't stand it" department, you can purchase my books here and on Amazon.com.

Get your paperback books here:



Get your ebooks here: