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PUNT, PASS or KICK?
Do you wish to punt, pass or kick on the NFL? I looked up PUNT in the dictionary and got this from The Merriam-Webster dictionary:
:to kick (something, such as a football or soccer ball) with the top of the foot before the ball which is dropped from the hands hits the ground
Something needed to take place on the posterior of those who kneel..
Image from Google
They dare to call themselves Patriots.
Personally I shall PASS on the latest art of kneeling, that’s what I did as a child when I knelt to pray prior to bedtime and when I knelt in the confessional to ask forgiveness for my sins. My mother always turned out the lights after that prayer. And wasn’t it Dandy Don Meredith who always said “Turn out the lights, the party’s over?” Time to turn out the NFL’s lights.
Now, to KICK, both an intransitive and transitive verb, can be used in numerous ways.
Personally I like the following transitive verbs the best.
transitive verb
1 a :to strike, thrust, or hit with the foot
b :to strike suddenly and forcefully as if with the foot
c :to remove by a kicking motion
• kicked off her shoes
d :to remove from a position or status
• kicked him off the team
Of course (d.) would be my transitive verb of choice. However, when I returned from London a few days ago I expressed my disgust by calling DIRECTV and I cancelled the NFL package I had been paying for since 2006.
Will I ever watch an NFL game in the future? I’m sure I will, but never again with the feverish love for the game I grew up knowing. The game has gone down low in my ratings.
I started standing and saluting the flag with two fingers as a Cub Scout, later with three fingers as a Boy Scout. In 1962 I raised my right hand and said: The Oath of Enlistment
“I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.” After six years in the Marine corps I would again say that same oath for my time in the National Guard.
| I would one more time repeat a code of honor as I started my career with the Connecticut State Police. For that I would also stand. That code reads like this:
“I am a Connecticut State Trooper – a soldier of the law. To me is entrusted the honor of the Department. |
I shall stand for the National Anthem, I shall stand for what I believe is right and if I believe the rights of others are infringed upon, I shall stand for them. God Bless America.
Must be the Russians
Zero Hedge photo
It’s been a crappy past ten days, spotty internet reception is the reason why. This all began about a week ago. I’m thinking it was due to a pretty good summer thunder-storm with lots of lightning last week. Our IT comes off a tower 5-6 miles away in the town of Princess Anne. What will be this Saturday’s task will be to use my computer’s word processor to get the basics for a blog done and then head off to our eldest daughter’s house for dinner and use her real world internet to get this posted.
On Thursday of last week our grandson Kevin, a recent graduate from high school and two buddies, Rob and Justin came through from CT. They got to spend the night in the newly decorated Annex/Guest House. On their way the boys took a side trip into NYC and found themselves in China Town. Their arrival here was at 10:00 PM and Mother Hen/Granny quickly got them tucked away.
Kevin asked what time we arise in the AM. When I said around five – five thirty, he quickly said how about seven for breakfast, fine we said. Shortly after eight the next morning the boys emerged from their quarters, Granny was ready. A Frittata of major proportions accompanied by bowls of fresh fruit, Strawberries and Blue Berries and toast were awaiting them. This venture kind of took Granny back to our Bed & breakfast days feeding travelers as they came through Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The Frittata by the way consisted of eggs, potatoes, ham, cheese and tomatoes. I got to eat with the boys, a real treat since I’m not usually spoiled in this way.
We had some nice chit-chat time with the boys over breakfast, learning that Rob was heading to the University of Rhode Island and Justin the University of Connecticut. FYI, Kevin, has decided to put his acceptance to the University of Connecticut on hold for a year.
Not wanting to enter the rigors of life post college deep in debt, Kevin has enlisted in the CT National Guard. He will head off to Basic Training in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, in September. After basic, Kevin will travel west to Arizona’s Ft. Huachuca for Intelligence School. There are some great monetary rewards for those who serve and Kevin has researched them all.
At approximately 9:30 AM the boys were off to Pickens, SC where they would visit Rob’s grandparents.
L to R – Rob, Kevin and Justin
So we’re moving up in time and it is now Monday, 7 August, 2017. Torrential rains are falling on the Eastern Shore of MD. This morning I took a trip to the offices of BlooSurf, my internet provider to check on the lack of viable service for the past ten days. I spoke with their operations guru and learned the problem had just been solved and service had been restored. His explanation, some rouge electrical interference. Must be the Russians I thought.
Tuesday, 8 August – Awoke, no internet. Has to be the Gremlins from the Kremlin.
Wiki photo
I was up @ 0400 with the mother hen as she was getting ready to go off to her 0530 gym class. God love the little women, such dedication. I do the gym also but do not leave the house until 0810.
I gave a call to my service provider and was told they were aware of the issue and were working on it. I’m guessing they had a long distance call into Moscow and the bare-chested guy. At approximately 1000 hrs a viable signal returned and I was able to get some banking done. Just as I was preparing to send out this blog, SNIP, the signal was gone again.
Just a fishing expedition, you’ll have your internet back in a few days.
So here I am at the eldest daughter’s home 3.5 miles away to attempt to once again finalize this blog.
Giphy
Just a picture or two to capture yesterdays weather is all I wanted to get out. We had 4.3 inches of rain and a Tornado just up the road in Salisbury. The excitement just never ends on the Eastern Shore. We even made the national news.
Nope, no Russians here. 
Publish it quick!
The First Time, a share from The Mad Hatter
I remember the first time I tried it I was only a lad o’ sixteen And though she was younger than I was She was much more composed and serene. It was doon in the byre on the straw At the end o’ a fine summer’s day The air was scented wi’clover And the smell […]
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I awoke early this grey dreary day as the bucket above was still emptying it’s self. We’ve been inundated with 4.6″ of the wet stuff so far. The guru’s of weather are saying it will continue through the day. All the best laid plans of mice and men are now on hold.
So what does one do early on a rainy Saturday Morn? Catch up on your reading Rooster and pass along someone’s chicken scratch that catches me eye. The Mad Hatter is one of the many Blogger’s whose work I follow and he is always entertaining. So I pass along his poem to gain a smile on this rainy Saturday Morn.
Just click below and enjoy.
“Don’t Trust Them,” an Explanation
In my most recent blog post photo description I said: “Our granddaughter Abby headed back to Mississippi State University for her senior year. Our local Village Bulletin Board had a fair-well posting for her. “Don’t trust them Abby.”
“ Don’t Trust them Abby” was not referring to the wonderful good-by on the message board or the folks in Allen. The sentence “Don’t trust them Abby.” is a grandfather to granddaughter reminder for personal safety as one goes off alone. Obviously this writer could have presented that brief saying differently as it has raised a few questions.
So, let me explain.
Four years ago our granddaughter Abby was going off to Mississippi State for her freshman year in college. We had a long conversation about personal safety prior to her departure, grandson Tommy was also in attendance. The term “Don’t Trust Them” was in reference to someone offering them something that sounded too good to be true. Since that time, quite frequently in fact, we use that phrase when departing each other’s company. It’s a subliminal message and they both know it well, and it’s just a reinforcement of awareness of your surroundings. Be Safe, if the hair’s rise on the back of your neck, something is not right.
The people of our little village are a close-knit lot. When we first moved here 29 years ago we were welcomed here with open arms. We will always be come here people who have lived here longer than anywhere in our 70 some odd years. We’ve acquired some sand between our toes while here and it serves as a constant reminder, that it is here where we belong.
Not only does the Village miss you when you leave, they even welcome you when you move back after many years living two states to the north.
Thank you Allen.
BeSurvival.com in one of their blog posts had “10 Ways To Improve Your Situational Awareness.” If your interested in survival, prepping and homesteading there is lots to learn from their website. And if you’re in need of a subliminal message “Don’t trust them” is one way to go.
Have a great weekend, if you live in the Mid-Atlantic, get your umbrellas out. 
Just a bunch of pictures during July of 2017
Photos below: Our granddaughter Abby headed back to Mississippi State University for her senior year. Our local Village Bulletin Board had a fair-well posting for her. Don’t trust them Abby. Silhouettes was a great song from back in the 50’s. My wife and daughter Kathryn make even greater silhouettes as the sun sets on the Wicomico River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
No Barber Shop in Allen, MD, just a Post Office to meet the locals each day and have impromptu gossip over the going’s on in the Village. The three men in the photo, the Rooster, Lee and Bob have been meeting and solving problems of state for close to thirty years. We keep our opinions to our selves and just enjoy getting together on an infrequent encounter.
A summer sunset at the local yacht club and the sky after a good two inch drenching with lightning and thunder are closed out by our dog Ben, still so much a puppy at nine months.
Photos below: Son in law Jeff, Pappy to his granddaughters and two of my four greats, is all smiles during a visit in Oklahoma City. That’s Mia in the center and Ana. Today was Pappy Day Care.
Nephew Tim and girlfriend Lauren are all smiles after fishing in Alaska while visiting Tim’s mom in Soldatna. The bear print was observed while Tim’s mom was out on a walk recently. Why it makes sense to carry when walking in the woods.
So that’s all for this post, like I said, just some pictures. Summer’s been keeping me busy, reading blog posts by a lot of you out there. I’m keeping an eye on the pool at the Yacht Club for a few days for the Pool chairmen who’s out of town. Feeding some Guinea fowl, a goat, two cats and a hound named Duke for their master who’s out of town. With Abby back at MSU I check on her family’s Yellow Lab Libby several times and still manage to get to the gym three days a week so these old bones keep working. Last but not least is our one acre piece of property with the grass growing, gotta get that cut and whacked.
When the day ends I might hoist a Leinenkugel Summer Shandy to close out the day or perhaps one of Stella’s new Cidre. Most nights the Mrs. will join me with a glass of Chardonnay. Thank you Lord, life is good.
Just one final note: The Philadelphia Eagles Camp is officially open. Let the games begin!
Document, Document,Document!
Were There Memos?
After yesterday’s testimony in front of Senators, the media and the American people, it is evident that former FBI Director James Comey knows what the word ‘Document” means. And yes, he was quite appropriate to have memos.
Many years ago as a young Trooper I was fortunate to attend a class taught by then State’s Attorney, Arnold Markle. That class was (The Law of Arrest and Search and Seizure; A State’s Attorney’s Guide for the Prosecution for the Law Enforcement Officer.)
To this day the one takeaway from that class repeated constantly by Mr. Markle was “Document, Document, Document, if it’s not written down, it never happened.”
Now here I was a young Trooper, still wet behind the ears and learning some basic investigative tools. That one tool stuck with me for over forty years and has never been forgotten. With all the news of late covering the firing of FBI director James Comey by the United States President, Donald J Trump, do you not think Mr. Comey had factual notes covering his private meetings with the president ( Donald Trump?) I do and were it on the books in Las Vegas, I’d bet the house.
Comey’s law background is extensive, even prior to graduation from the University of Chicago Law School in 1985. His grandfather William J Comey was a police officer and later the chief of the Yonkers, NY Police Department. I am sure that relationship laid some important groundwork for Mr. Comey’s career. The man (Comey), has been an Assistant U.S. Attorney, a U.S. Attorney, a Deputy Attorney General, and lastly the Director of the FBI. This man has been doing document, document, document for thirty-two plus years. Do you really think you would believe a Real Estate Developer with a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School @ the U. of Pennsylvania over Mr. Comey? And, as a side note, someone once said Real Estate salesman are just one pay grade higher than a car salesman? Please be aware, I sold cars at one time and hated the game intensely. I also have some wonderful friends in the Real Estate business. If I offended you, I apologize.
About Arnold Markle
Arnold Markle, Esq.
Arnold Markle was the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of New Haven from 1968 until his untimely death in 1987. Mr. Markle, a native of New Haven, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and the Boston University Law School after service in the United States Navy. He served as an assistant United States Attorney in New Haven before being named the first statewide chief prosecutor for Connecticut’s Circuit Court. Known for his feisty nature and his skill as a prosecutor, Attorney Markle instilled both loyalty and admiration in all with whom he worked.
Arnold Markle strongly believed that training and continuing education were important for police officers and all members of the criminal justice system. He started the arson task force for New Haven and established training programs for arson investigators. He believed in the teamwork of prosecutor and law enforcement, as reflected in his well-received handbook The Law of Arrest and Search and Seizure: “A State’s Attorney’s Guide for the Prosecution or the Law Enforcement Officer.”
Mr. Markle had a long association with Dr. Henry Lee and UNH, teaching various courses including arson investigation, homicide investigation, law and evidence. He was one of the first prosecutors to understand the importance of thorough crime scene documentation, standard procedures for crime scene investigation, and the value of forensic evidence to provide investigative leads and in criminal trials.
http://www.henryleeinstitute.com/?page_id=613 Dr. Lee is a former CT State Police Commissioner and established The Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science @ the University of New Haven in Connecticut.
I can remember many times when I was on the Witness Stand testifying in cases ranging from a speeding conviction to a murder investigation and trial. We, troopers, detectives and the like all carried field notebooks. Into these notebooks went the 5-W’s. They were the who, what, where, why’s and when’s of what ever case you were working on at the time.
The Newsprint company
I would research these notes prior to my testimony in court. I would often be asked after answering a specific question, “How do you know that to be true?” I would explain the field notebook. Many times I would be asked if I had the notebook on me. I would present the notebook, read my documentation from it and it and it would become part of that case’s record. I can honestly say by Document, Document, Document, I was always able to, excuse the word, cover my ass.
NBC Connecticut
When the time came to cover his ass, former FBI Director James Comey did so in front of us all and he did it with class. He also “DOUMENTED” his meeting with a sitting president. Good for you Director Comey.
A Washington Post/ABC News poll in late April found that 81 percent of Republicans think President Trump is honest and trustworthy – compared to 38 percent of Americans overall and 34 percent of independents. I wonder what those numbers would be today?
I have kept a log of events in a calander form since my retirement twenty-nine years ago and for the past three years I have written a daily journal. Document, Document, Document is the breath of good air from those of us in Law Enforcement. I continue to adhere to those principles today.
Remember, if it happened, write it down. If it’s not written down, it never happened.
Let us hear the tapes Mr. President.
This writer is a registered independent voter, a United States Marine, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, a resident of the Old Line State, and proud to be an America.
British and Irish forces in historic joint mission to United States.
A wedding event on the Eastern Shore of Maryland uniting a Vilkas and O’Leary would land five Irish born O’ Leary’s in the USA together for the first time with their Mudder. A total of twenty two children and adults in all would make the trip from Ireland and England.
Eighteen months ago we were welcomed into the O’Leary homestead in Kilkenny for a far too short visit. We were treated as family and have since considered ourselves part of the clan. Through the damp chill of the December air, we felt nothing but warmth from this extended family.
A special “Thank You” to Rita and Bella for being our first guests in the almost completed guest cottage, formally the Annex. Come back any time.
On the invasion for the Maddie O’Leary and John Vilkas’ wedding we got to once again feel the kinship of our Irish brothers and sisters. We were hosts for a feast of crabs, chicken, burgers and dogs with all the proper trimmings during their stay. Much thanks goes out for all the help from, Jeff, Kathryn, Greg, Sarah, Rachael, Abby and Tommy to help pull off this event. We could not have done it alone. Evo’s keg of Lot #3 was the gift that kept on giving. Thank you for nine hours of entertainment, the party was supposed to be from 3:00 – 5:00.
A side trip to Docktails at the Wicomico Yacht Club would serve as another highlite to the invaders. Jeffrey, you’re a great host.
The two Matriarchs observe the goings on from the safety of the USS Government Funded.
To he who sings like the Energizer Bunny, (The Famous Seamus,) the neighbors are forever grateful for your departure.
They would invade once again after a short text from the water’s of the Wicomico during a boat ride with Captain Jeff later in the week. The text would read “Tea and Scones for 14 in 30 minutes.” Arrive they did, scones and cookies – gone, week’s worth of ham, cheese and bread – gone. Any left over beverages from the crab fest – gone. And it was said once that Ireland suffered from a famine. The O’Leary clan is making up for the past, they returned to the other side of the pond like fated calves. Should you ever visit Kilkenny, you will return to this side of the pond in the same way.
May God Bless you all, We Love you!!!!!!!!!!!!! Return Often!!!!!!!!!!!
Sealed with a Kiss. Maddie and John Vilkas.
Irish all. At the reception, Green Hill Yacht and Country Club.
The Larchfield Six – L to R – Conner, Mark, Liz, Mudder, Ed & Seamus
The crab is supposed to come out of the pot red, not he who dines.
Applying the Old Bay.
One last meal for the dearly departing.
Pride in Philly
The crowd is pumped, Philadelphia Eagles photo.
Last week the NFL, that’s the NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE for those of you who don’t know (American Football) held their annual draft of college players. For the past few years they have featured this event in different cities. For years it was held indoors in New York City. Last year saw the venue change to Chicago, Illinois and the shores of Lake Michigan. Chicago is the home of the Bears. This year it was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the City of Brotherly Love and the home of my beloved Eagles.
I grew up across the Delaware River in New Jersey but was always a Philadelphian. If you’re from the area, you’re a Phillies, Flyers and Eagles fan. The stage for this football fanatic event was none other than the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum, who’s steps were climbed by Silvester Stallone in the movie “Rocky.”
The turnout for this event was phenomenal. The crowd was loud, booing the Eagles opposition at every turn, especially when the arch rival Dallas Cowboys were mentioned. It was reported by “CBS” that over 100,00 people were in attendence for this event.
If you’re a Philadelphia Eagles fan, or you just love football, take a few minutes and read this great article “Three Days On The Parkway.”
Lincoln Financial Field, photo by Philadelphia Eagles
“Three Days on the Parkway” was written by Alex Smith with photography by Kiel Leggere, Drew Hallowell and created by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Too Long Between Visits
snopes.com
Wow, am I out of touch, and a bit tardy in my blogging of late. As far as out of touch, do you know today is 420, 4:20, or 4/20? I had no clue. Herself had the “Today Show” on this morning and they were filling their viewership with information on this historic day. I’m not too much into that show, it’s an I can’t stand Matt Lauer thing. I feel he’s a snipe, no not the bird, in his interviewing techniques. dictionary.com has a definition, #6 on their list as: to attack a person or a person’s work with petulant or snide criticism, especially anonymously or from a safe distance. Actually today wasn’t hard to take, Matt was off.
So if your interested in 4-20, check it out @: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/420_(cannabis_culture)
I’m 42 pounds at 6 months old.
As for not posting, I’ve really been preoccupied with Ben, our Standard Poodle who turned six months old on 4-17, not blowing any smoke there (see 420.) Ben has had a rough time of it for the past few months. In mid January after noticing ear gunk we went to the vets and started meds and cleaning for a yeast infection in his ears. This quickly spread and an infection ensued and the poor guy developed the canine version of MRSA,
Five vet visits later after numerous testings, diet changes, special baths, antibiotics, Prednisone, probiotics, several ear washes and medications, we’re making progress. Along the way I’ve been up at least once each night to help Ben facilitate the act of micturition, that’s the act of urination. It seems the Prednisone increases thirst which brings about frequent urine evacuation. In other words, the poor dog was Peeing like a race horse and I, thanks to my Marine Corps training was his doorman. At times it was an hourly event, I was an expert with the Swifter tool when an accident occurred. I recently finished reading Steinbeck’s novel “ Travels with Charlie” and his poodle incurred the opposite malady while on their adventure.
We are now waiting on the vet to call and give us the name of the next food to try, food allergies are thought to be the culprit of the problems. The next food will be Hypoallergetic. Ben has a cousin in CT that has similar issues and is on a Duck diet. Her name is Belle. Ear issues are synonymous with Poodles by the way. Ben is my third after CoCo, best hunting dog ever and Maggie who was ever faithful for eight years. FYI, CoCo MiMi Cest of Celest By Heck, Margaret of Donegal and Benjamin Franklin Fiddler our current BFF tare the official and politically correct names.
My photo as the sun sets on the Wicomico.
Right in our backyard is Wicomico Creek and the Wicomico Yacht Club
We’re a fifty acre field, a patch of woods and a half mile walk to get to the Yacht Club, and we do it often. It is not uncommon to take a bit of the “Nectar of the Gods” with us
and enjoy the sun as it set over the water. This is a photo from one of those recent sunsets. It has long been said that water soothes the soul. Herself and I certainly feel that way. Check out this article from the Huffington Post as to why water makes you feel calm.
Granddaughter Samantha Has returned to Oklahoma and has been reunited with husband Zed who had been deployed to the east. Check out her blog @ https://adayinmylife.org/author/c12samb/ and read all about he reunification.
Jeff has returned from his adventures and has taken a weeks vacation to do some home repairs, Rock fishing and get his pontoon boat in shape for the boating season. He and Kathryn have settled on the name 
Thanks to my Secret Santa, I and seven guests got to see the Salisbury University Lacrosse defeat Christopher Newport by a sore of 17 – 3. The viewing venue was from the President’s Box with a fine food spread, beverages and a great view of the game. Thanks Santa for a truly unique gift that was worth the wait to experience. Check out the new Stadium complex.
For the past few years herself has been supplying a quilt to the : http://creativelivingcommunityofct.org/ Our daughter in-law serves on the board of this agency and each year they have a fund raising dinner and auction. The below photo is this years contribution.
We’ve been doing some renovations in our Annex of late. We also did some spring cleaning and Pollen elimination in anticipation of Easter dinner. We hosted twenty eight guests on Easter and no one went home hungry.
Herself, getting things in order.
We are ready.
So, I hope this helps to catch my readers up on what’s been gong on while I was remiss in putting a Blog. I’ll be back a bit sooner should Ben stay on his present course. We do have a few busy weeks coming up with a college graduation, confirmation and a wedding to attend as well as some frolicking time with a Clan from Kilkenny, Ireland. A Crab feast will be in order for that event.
In the meantime check out the following site for some phrase verbs for problems.:
https://dictionaryblog.cambridge.org/2017/04/19/i-messed-up-phrasal-verbs-for-problems/
To close I’ll say Happy Birthday to my son in-law Jeffery who will be celebrating his birthday with Kathryn this weekend at the National Harbor on the Potomac River.
Cris Crossing Flights
Two family men are heading in different directions this week. My son in-law Jeff,aka: el Jeffe, is heading East, actually as the keys hit my MacBook Air he is in Paris on a lay over. Today he will arise and head to one of the worlds great vacation spots, the country of Chad in Africa. Jeff will be doing what he does at our embassy there. His son in-law Zed is going the other way.
Coming west back to Oklahoma is our granddaughter’s husband Zed, Zed has been vacationing in and around the Persian Gulf and every coupe of days or so flying an Electronic stuffed Air Force E-3 Sentry at 35,000 feet or so to keep you and I safe.
E-3 Sentry, AF.Mil photo
Zed will arrive back in Oklahoma City today greeted by his wife who gave birth to daughter Zoe here in Maryland back in January. Zed will get to see child #4 for the first time in live mode. Thanks to today’s electronic wonders he got to see the birth live via an iPad. I can not imagine the greeting he will get from Mia, Ana, and Dax. Did I mention both Mom and Dad are Air Force Captains on active Duty. Thanks you two for your sacrafice and service on our behalf.
Captains X 2, Zed and Sam
Together again Ana, Mia, Zoe, Dax & Zed
Both Zed and Sam are graduates of the Air Force Academy and stationed at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma City, OK.
As The Rooster Crows 