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Finally a Post

November 17, 2016 12:37 pm / 2 Comments on Finally a Post

I look at the calendar and see November 17, 2016. I check back to my WordPress account and see my last post was written on October 14. So much has happened in the short expanse of time and nothing has gone to print.

ebwhitewritingquote

I reside in the middle of nowhere. Like, nowhere is there high speed internet. The best I can do is a Verizon Mi-Fi with the closest tower five miles away as the crow flies. I’ve mentioned this frustration numerous times in the past. Thank the good Lord my daughters are within 3.5 and 11 miles and afford me the opportunity to use their internet to download mail and to post blogs. Still, I hate having to leave my home writing venue to do this.

11/11/2016

Earlier today while my wife was at the Lions Hall making the cream for the Mac & Cheese to be a part of the Lions Beef dinner this weekend I started to do some online things. Just checking my email was a lost cause. It was Soooo slow that I packed up everything and headed to the 3.5 mile internet connection. Thank you Kathryn, Jeff and Abby. Libby (100 lbs. of Yellow Lab) has been well taken care of this afternoon.

Eighty seven emails were taken care, Blog follows were read and comments made where
pertinent. Now it’s time to review my journal and bring family and friends up to date on what’s been happening in the world of the Rooster.

Working backward today is Veterans Day. Congratulations to all who serve and did serve.

What Americans Don’t Understand About Their Own Military

http://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2015/05/what-americans-dont-understand-about-their-own-military/112042/

11/10/2016

Yesterday was the 141st Birthday of the Marine Corps

http://www.military.com/marine-corps-birthday

A Family is separated

Last week my granddaughters husband was deployed to the sand. He and she are both Air Force Captains and graduates of the USAFA.

I’m including a couple of blogs my granddaughter posted, should give you some insight into their lives. Thanks for your service kids.

I Am the Storm

NOVEMBER 16, 2016 / C12SAMB

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Today, for about the 100th time, I was asked by a senior leader “How do you do it all ?” What he was referencing was me being active duty, Z being active duty and currently deployed, having 3 young kids, and being pregnant with our 4th. I laughed it off and he pushed, he wanted an answer, as did the 3 other senior leaders I was standing with. I told them we just do it (thank you Nike). It’s what we’ve always known and we don’t have a choice. We have to be great at our jobs both as parents, a couple, and officers in the military. That didn’t seem to pacify them. Here were three men, each having a minimum of 15 years in the military, wanting to know the secret recipe to having a successful family and career.

So here’s the secret recipe that I gave and it can be applied to everything in life.

1. We know that God has a plan and as long as we do our best it will come to pass. He also doesn’t give us anything we can’t handle.

2. We love deeply. We love ourselves, each other, our kids, our lives. Important note: Love and like are not the same thing

3. We accept everything we are given graciously even if it’s not what we had in mind. This is not always easy and at times, well most times, it takes a while to get the graciously part.

4. We will never sacrifice our family. “BUT Z is missing the birth of your child” they said. True, but Z has to deploy at sometime, he’s going to miss stuff. He also has to deploy to upgrade and to move bases. If he turned down this deployment that timeline would have been delayed and there is a high chance we would be stationed apart in the future because he couldn’t move with us. A small sacrifice to avoid a larger one. We also have done a lot to still incorporate Z intot he family even though he’s not physically with us.

5. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy and we don’t dwell on the hard. Are we in a constant state of survival mode? Some days yes. But what you see as survival mode is our normal.

So when I saw this quote I thought, I am the storm. I dictate how my family will live. I can control what I can and everything else doesn’t matter. So be a storm in life. That doesn’t mean be destructive without regard for others. Take control of your life and live.

-S

Veteran’s Day

NOVEMBER 12, 2016 / C12SAMB

This is the first Veteran’s Day that isn’t about getting as many free deals as possible. This one is about being thankful for the sacrifice of my husband and those like my husband. They give up precious family time to defend our country and all those who reside within its boundaries.

So…how’s it been as a 31wk pregnant mom of 3 kids 3 and under and a husband who is going for some months?

It’s been ok. Z’s mom was awesome and flew out to help with the kids so we could have some last minute couple time. It also allowed me to drive Z to the airport and not take church friends away from their families. M was adorable, she’s super smart (not just saying that because I’m her mom). She knew Z was leaving and gave him a huge hug and kiss. She is a great oldest child and big sis.

A and D have no idea what’s going on. A will notice in about a week that Daddy is gone (pray for me once that happens).

So what’s changed? I now keep my phone volume turned up at night or really any time I’m not at work. My home is also not as picked up as usual.

Here’s to a successful week 2.

-S

So now I feel better having gotten something on paper, so to speak. I close this post out and hopefully will get to something else I wish to share in the next 24 hours. As for right now, I’m off to Jersey Mikes for subs and then Walmart for batteries to light the Christmas candles herself is going to be putting in the window. And yes, I said Christmas Candles. We happen to put Christ in Christmas and if it offends you go read someone else’s blog.

Turtle Crossing

May 2, 2016 7:10 am / 1 Comment on Turtle Crossing

Forward

Bear Tales photo.

Since I’m on a road trip, actually today is our last day, I’m using the thoughts and life’s experiences of my amazing granddaughter in Oklahoma to fill a few lines of my blog today.

Sam doesn’t get to post a lot, wife, mother of three under four, full-time U.S.A.F. Officer and Youth Religion teacher in her church seems to keep her busy.

If you’re ever for lack of something to read, give Sam a look-see at her blog: https://adayinmylife.org/

New post on A Day in my life
Save a Turtle
by c12samb
I’ve been thinking about the content of this post a lot the past few weeks and my brain has finally connected it all together.

2014may23turtlephoto

Z is currently out-of-town and I miss his help most in the mornings. Between taking a shower, nursing D, feeding the girls, dressing everyone, feeding myself, loading everyone and everything and getting out the door on time…it’s a struggle every morning. This past week was no exception. As I pulled out of the development I realized I had not closed the garage door. I pull into the nearest driveway and turn around. As I turn back into our development I notice a turtle. Did I stop and help him to cross the road? Of course not! I was running late. As I approach the house, of course, the garage door is down; I had closed it.

I loop back through the development and upon reaching the development entrance, a SUV is stopped and a woman is helping the turtle to cross the road. This is when the post came together for me.

We all have done this. We’ve either helped or been too busy to help. What we fail to realize when we choose not to help is that the turtle does not know he needs our help. This is true for people in life. There are so many times that we stay in our bubble; too busy to help, too busy to ask how someone is doing, too busy to pick up the phone.

We need to stop being too busy and too consumed with things that don’t matter. I was already running behind. How long would it have taken me to stop, move the turtle and continue on my way? 30-90 seconds? How long does it take to walk around the office and say “Hey, how was your weekend”.

Below is a great TED talk that fits with this perfectly. My commander showed it to my squadron during a Commander’s Call and I love it.

TED talk on how to make stress your friend

People don’t know they need help until help is offered. These past few weeks I have received help I didn’t know I needed. I realized I didn’t have it as “together” as I thought I did. We all need to be taken care of and we all need to take care of.

Thanks Sam, and thanks to my readers for coming by.

Where was this road-trip you took Rooster? The wife and I ventured north to our former home of Connecticut and spent a few nights getting free room and board at our son’s in Tolland, CT. We got to visit my sister who’s been a bit under the weather of late. We went to my Brother’s Tag-Sale. I picked up a S & W knife, a Giraffe Bank, needs some TLC, and an oil camping lamp. All items to be given away. Remember my post “Elder Abuse.”

We attended a Sheep , Wool and Fiber Fest at the Tolland, CT TAC grounds. Our two Connecticut granddaughters have had adopted Alpacas in the past. We saw granddaughter Jill play in a HS softball game, Tolland vs. E.O. Smith. Had food from our favorite past Eatery, Vernon Pizza and caught up with what we’ve missed since our last visit in December.

The trip up was something new, as the trip back is also. I’ll make that a blog for another day. Talk to you all again soon.

Semper-fidelis

Who’s doing what?

April 26, 2016 5:51 pm / Leave a comment

So here it is, 26 April and the currents of air are converging on Oklahoma City, OK. That’s like smack dab in the middle of the US of A. So what does that mean you ask. It means unstable air, thunder storms and possible Tornados. Warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico travels north and Cold dry air drops down from Canada and the Rockies. Think Ali vs. Frazer, Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. “Let the Rumble begin.”

This concerns me because my granddaughter (Sam) and her three children are in OKC at this very moment. She and her husband are soon the be Captains in the Air Force and are stationed at Tinker, AFB. My granddaughter’s husband is deployed to Alaska right now for a few weeks. He did make room in their storm shelter prior to leaving. They have a very secure safe room. These rooms are common place in the center of the country.

The kid’s safe room is similar to this and located in their garage.

Just last week, Pappy, think Eljefe or Jeff the Embassy guy, was out there bonding with the grandkids and changing diapers, think three just one a few months over three. Mid week “G” would fly out for four days and help Pappy with the Huggies. They had a great visit, I’m sure they spoiled the kids in the short time there, it’s what grandparents do.

Pappy is in Canberra, Australia at the moment. I put him on the shuttle to BWI yesterday afternoon. For those who don’t know Jeff works for the Department of State doing what it is he does for them. From one trip to the next, you never know where he may be. Some gigs are good, some are the “Arm Pits” of the world. Except for the jet lag, this is one of the better stops.

US Embassy, Canberra

I’m including some pics of my OKC great grandkids. A picture of my faithful companion Maggie under her favorite tree on walk up the road. Also I’m including the Weather warning for OKC. Be safe kids, “Hunker Down” as Jim Cantore of the Weather Channel says. You’re Air Force strong Sam, you’ll be fine.

On another front, our daughter Sarah who peddles Sea Food about the country if in Maine today and sent us the below photo. Ah yes, spring in New England, don’t miss it a bit.

The girls.

“G” and the boy.

“Maggie”

That’s “G,” second from the left selling Population Health on local TV this evening. Delmarva Proud.

Did you vote today Maryland?

Semper-fidelis

Why do I feel this way?

November 27, 2015 4:21 pm / 1 Comment on Why do I feel this way?

Our day in Eden

Our tables were set early for 32 guests to arrive for a great Thanksgiving meal. The menu will be added to my Daily Journal to be forever captured in past memories. Fourteen months in a row without missing a day’s events, I’m amazed at myself for Journal accomplishment.

The Menu

The Tables

The Washington Post had a great article Titled “Too Much of a Good Thing.” The below captured images are from that article. Should you wish to read the entire article go to http://tablet.washingtonpost.com/top/too-much-of-a-good-thing/2014/11/27/54fe3a4e20e8d79deb723925b649918c_story.html?wpisrc=nl_draw

1st part

tablet.washingtonpost.com

The Grand and Great children down in Oklahoma City, OK.

The parents, Air Force Officers at Tinker AFB and Mama awaiting child #3 in a few weeks, decided to put up the tree. That would be Mia looking on in wonderment. The socks all tidy and neat in a row, waiting for a little foot to add to the flow.

We missed you guys, thank you so much for your service, you were in our thoughts and prayers.

Abby in Mississippi

For the first time ever, no Abby. It seems the Egg Bowl took precedence over Turkey. I thought a turkey laid eggs also. See you soon for Semester Break kiddo. Study hard, “go State.”

No. 19 Ole Miss, No. 23 Mississippi State set for Egg Bowl

A Celebration

This past Monday my wife and I celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary. We slipped away to Fall River, Massachusetts with another couple, played pinochle on our wedding night after a Chinese dinner and returned to our jobs in New Jersey the next day.

Fifty years later our two daughters were in Baltimore, Maryland and Portland, Maine, our son was in Connecticut and we did our thing. We ate Chinese Take-Out and watched a Movie. And the movie was: “the Holiday” with Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, one of our favorites.

Neither one of us are purchasing GOLD. We purchased GREEN instead.

We will be off to Ireland shortly.

To all my readers, a day late “Happy Thanksgiving” from Eden, MD, USA.

God Bless, be safe and ever Vigilant,

The Marine Corps is part of the Navy, Right?

November 3, 2015 11:29 am / 2 Comments on The Marine Corps is part of the Navy, Right?

As a member of the Marine Corps, 1962-1968, I was asked if, and told I was, part of the Navy many times. In addition to WordPress, Facebook, and Twitter, I’m also on Quora from time to time. I’m not there very often as I’m not too smart and don’t have a lot of answers on a lot of things. Any answers I might have had at one time, are usually long forgotten. I guess you could say I have a lot of opinions, I mean hell, I’m 72 years old, I’m allowed to have opinions, right? I have learned one thing though, and that is, thanks to my wife, hold your tongue Rooster. Well — let us just say I’m getting better. After a particular epiphany we, my wife of 50 years and I, in privacy, will voice our opinions to each other. Yes, on occasion I’ll get that look, and you men out there know what that look is. “Rooster, keep your mouth shut,” is the look.

Oops, where was I? Oh yes, Quora. So the Question put to Quora was,

Do members of the Marine Corps self-identify as being part of the Navy? Why or why not?

Regan Copple, USMC Veteran 1986-1992 gave the readers this answer and

276 Views came out of it to date.

Reagan’s Answer

No, because we’re not part of the Navy, we’re part of the Department of the Navy, there’s a subtle difference, & not too many people know the contradistinction. Some people will say they’re the same thing, & I say no, they’re not, for one important reason. When I hear someone say that as a jibe to the Marines, I respond with, “Who is in charge of the Navy?” and they being in the Navy will usually respond with, the CNO or Chief of Naval Operations, who is an Admiral or 4-star flag officer. Here is the Seal of the Navy.

Then I ask them, who is in charge of the Marine Corps, the correct answer being the CMC or Commandant of the Marine Corps who is a General or 4-star flag officer, same rank as the Admiral who is the CNO, which means he is of commensurate rank. Here is the Seal of the Marine Corps.

Now here’s where it becomes interesting because then the next question I ask them is “Who is in charge of the Department of the Navy?” to which they usually don’t have the answer, so I’ll reply with the SecNav or Secretary of the Navy which is a Cabinet-Level Position within the president’s administration just like the Secretary of the Army or Secretary of the Air Force. But if they do have the correct answer, I’ll reply with, “Are the same person, or to be more clear, is the CNO the same person as the SecNav, which no they are not, because one is a military position held by a ranking officer, and the other is a civilian cabinet-level position held by an appointee. Here is the seal of the Department of the Navy.

Notice they are all different.

So while the Navy is part of the Department of the Navy, and the Marine Corps is part of the Department of the Navy, they are not the same thing, think of them like two fingers on the same hand. Both the CNO & the CMC report to the SecNav, the CMC does not report to the CNO so the chain of command is clear.
Telling the last part of this I use the forefinger for the Marine Corps & the middle finger for the Navy for the end of the joke which is FTN or F The Navy, which is my way of getting back at squids who used to like to needle us jarheads with that question.

Now personally I would not use the F word nor the middle finger. I’ve served with the Navy in numerous postings in the past, have many Sailor friends and always appreciated the Gator Navy for being the Marine Corps version of Uber.

One more little note, purely my observation and I’m just throwing this out there. If your a God fearing man or woman, you’ve most likely heard of the Holy Trinity.

The Holy Trinity by unknown Portuguese master (16th cent.). Museu Diocesano de Santarém, Portugal

The “Shield of the Trinity” or Scutum Fidei diagram of traditional medieval Western Christian symbolism, since 12th-century CE.

The Christian doctrine of the Trinity (from Latin trinitas “triad”, from trinus “threefold”)^[1] defines God as three consubstantial persons,^[2] expressions, or hypostases:^[3] the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit; “one God in three persons”. The three persons are distinct, yet are one “substance, essence or nature”.^[4] In this context, a “nature” is what one is, while a “person” is who one is.^[5]^[6]^[7]

(Thanks Wikipedia)

Now go look at the logos up top on the Department of the Navy web site. OOH RAH!!!!

And one last thing, on that first Saturday in December I say “Go Navy, Beat Army.”

And then the Rains Came

September 30, 2015 9:30 am / Leave a comment

Sitting here in central Connecticut as the rains have moved in. The Mid-Atlantic and Northeast U.S. have been quite dry for some time. Our first five days of travel, MD, PA, VT, NH and CT were warm sun lit days. Now we are in place at our son’s home in Tolland, CT and it looks like no sun for anyone on the East coast for the next five days. Along with no sun, lots of rain and perhaps a Hurricane a pending Air Force vs. Navy football game in Annapolis might be an aquatic adventure.

Tropical storm Joaquim is down in the South Atlantic and a possible track along the East Coast could make attending the game a miserable experience. Things have been relatively quiet for the Atlantic Hurricane season the past few years. No one is complaining about the lack of activity over the past few years. Me being a former weather person back in my military days, tend to follow and try predicting tracks of storms as a hobby. Often in the past we have run a family betting pool, big stakes by the way. Sometimes we’d bet buck, perhaps a bottle of wine, especially if the girls are smitten with the competitiveness. I’m always promoting that family zealous atmosphere.

Looking back to our five day adventure, Burlington, VT and the Courtyard Burlington Harbor hotel was a grand experience. Our water view and the setting sun over the lake descending into the Adirondack mountains of New York were spectacular. Lunch at Sweetwaters American Bistro was an experience not forgotten. The sheer volume of Food was eye bulging and very well prepared. Collectively we had Ahi Tuna, Bean Burgers and a Bean Burger salad. A spicy Chicken Taco was our appetizer which could have fed a small army. This restaurant was located in the Church Street Marketplace. Street vendors, Stores of every description as well as performers and musicians abound in this area. We walked downhill to get to Church St. After the meal we were heading back to the Champlain campus for our tour. This trip would be all up hill, I knew my recently repaired knee would not make the climb. Davids kindness prevailed for an old man and I had my first Uber ride.

After our campus tour we had dinner, always the food, at Olive Garden. Food good, Branyant University Soccer team there having a meal also. They would play UVM the next day and loose, 2-1.

Sunday morning saw us in Winooski for breakfast with David. Our meal here was consumed in Sneakers Bistro. Volume and great food were once again the norm. After a photo of David and yours truly in front of a Tatoo Parlor, we would drive the well fed college student back to campus and begin our circuitous back roads route to our next stop, Brattleboro, VT.

Semper fi, catch you all further down stream.

As The Rooster Crows