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Document, Document,Document!

June 9, 2017 3:23 pm / 5 Comments on 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.

http://www.slate.com

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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

June 6, 2017 10:33 am / 1 Comment on British and Irish forces in historic joint mission to United States.

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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.

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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!!!!!!!!!!!

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Sealed with a Kiss. Maddie and John Vilkas.

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Irish all. At the reception, Green Hill Yacht and Country Club.

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The Larchfield Six – L to R – Conner, Mark, Liz, Mudder, Ed & Seamus

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The crab is supposed to come out of the pot red, not he who dines.

Applying the Old Bay.

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One last meal for the dearly departing.

A Night Operation

May 22, 2017 3:30 pm / 2 Comments on A Night Operation

My old friend at Poor Georgie’s Almanac stimulated a memory to something in the rear of my aging brain. It was something that happened back in the early 50’s. Georgie’s post first though:

NEWS vs. OLDS

poor georgie’s almanack:

NEWS self-defines itself. It is about what is new.

OLDS is a former car brand. It died because it was boring.

A Night Operation

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Defense.gov

I remember back to the early 50’s growing up in suburban Philadelphia, on the Jersey side of the Ben Franklin bridge. BF Bridge

I was about seven or eight at the time. The news all around town was that a new car was being introduced, the Hudson Hornet.

1950_hudson_brochure-01-large

The local car dealer even had brown paper on the showroom windows increasing the suspense of the forthcoming unveiling.

viewofthepast.com

I would be invited to go on a recon mission with my father and his cousin Bill. We would go to the local dealer after closing, and in the dark of night we would try to get a sneak preview. After parking in a closed Texaco gas station Image result for 1950's texaco gas station and with flashlight in hand we walked the half block to the dealership. I was bubbling with excitement, I was going to be one of the first to see something new.

There was a single bar gate at the entry to the back lot, Image result for single bar gate we ducked under it and walked behind the showroom and shop building. As the excitement built in my youthful mind my father turned on the light. There it was, sitting in the lot, it was a green, four door, brand spanking new, Hudson Hornet.

drivingline.com

We peered inside, I saw what I believed was a wooden dashboard and plush seat covers with plastic covering them. Quickly the light was turned off when someone shouted out, “Hey, what are you doing there.” It turned out it was a mechanic leaving late who Bill just happened know. I about did you know what in my pants.

seventeen.com

After exchanging some pleasantries and an explanation as to why we were there, we departed. A young boys night of clandestine excitement had come full circle by being included as part of an, in the dark mission. I’m sure once I was in bed my mind raced with dreams of that night. It wasn’t an Olds, a DeSoto or Crosley, it was a night of a special adventure.

Google images photo’s

“All I really want is a P/U Truck”

Pride in Philly

May 2, 2017 4:39 pm / Leave a comment

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.

http://www.tucoo.com

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.”

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VisitPhilly.com

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

April 20, 2017 1:26 pm / 2 Comments on 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.

seagull stadium
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/

national Harbour

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

March 21, 2017 5:57 pm / 5 Comments on 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.

blharbert.com

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.

Semper-fidelis

Ash Wednesday Years Ago

March 2, 2017 7:02 am / 1 Comment on Ash Wednesday Years Ago

ash-wednesday

Herself and I ventured into town yesterday to receive Ashes on the first day of lent. The night prior a fine Roast Beef dinner was served to our daughter and her husband and two of our grandchildren, it was a great evening. Whenever they come around to check on the elderly we are blessed. You always splurge on Shrove Tuesday and Tuesday night was no exception.

A blogger I follow (https://madhatters.me.uk/2017/03/02/ashes-guide/) had the below chart posted on his site, it is so true and I’m sure should you have been Catholic for a number of years (50+ years for me) you’ve seen them all. I never did get ashes so many years ago back in my Methodist days. If I remember right I couldn’t play cards, get dirty or have fun on Sunday either, reverence was the way of the day back then.

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The day did remind me of a time back in high school, 1961 in fact, when a group of us guys came to school late after getting ashes. We, five or six of us went to one member of the group’s house and hung out for several hours during the same time the Ash Wednesday service was going on in town. When it was time to get back to school, Father Fiddler dipped his thumb in the ash tray we had filled up and placed the sign of the cross on each heathen’s forehead. I’m thinking that must be some kind of sacrilege and someday I’ll pay for it.
Thanks Mike McVeigh for providing the venue on that day.

So now we Catholics spend forty days of suffering, giving up something we enjoy until Easter Sunday. My brother in-law Bobby gave up beer for 6 days each week of lent. Somehow it was OK to partake on Sundays. Some will give up candy, some soda and of course some will give up nothing at all. As for me, I shall give up staying home on Sundays and get my sorry ass to church.

Oh, and by the way, we never got questioned for being three hours late to school. I’m guessing I did a good job being the forehead scribe. It was a Lucky Strike we never got caught.

Several years ago I got to spend Shrove Tuesday in Munich, Germany with my son in-law Jeff and am providing the attached site for those who may be interested in The German Way and more. (https://www.german-way.com/history-and-culture/holidays-and-celebrations/fasching-and-karneval/)

What will you give up over the next forty days?

Mug Shot from the land of the Rising Sun

February 13, 2017 7:04 am / 3 Comments on Mug Shot from the land of the Rising Sun

The flag of Japan.

I was motivated to do another Mug Shot Blog from the recent meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Japan Prime Minister Minister Shinzo Abe.
During the years 1967- 1968 I was stationed in Iwakuni, Japan with the Marine Corps in support of the Viet Nam War. I would spend my time working as an Aerographer at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni. During this time my wife of two years and our daughter, seven months old at the time were back home in New Jersey. No internet, no cell phones, little communication. It’s not a far removed time from where I live now, communication wise. On many occasion we would travel to Hiroshima for a baseball game and sight-seeing ventures. Hiroshima had a team in the Japan Professional Baseball League.

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One of the big issues I’m sure being talked about between the two world leaders is MCAS Futenma which is on the island of Okinawa. Everyone in the Marine Corps going to SE Asia in 1967 went through Okinawa and I was no exception. The island was not the property of Japan at the time.

The Mug Shot featured here was purchased in a small shop in Iwakuni back in 1967 and today sits on my desk and holds pens, pencils and Magic Markers. It serves a function and serves as a reminder to years long ago, fifty of them in fact.

Once back in the states I would separate from the Marine Corps and reunite with my family in what has been fifty one wonderful years featuring three children, nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and herself putting up with me day in and day out. I have been blessed.

As for herself, a young Nurse, single mother and a real trooper, she kept the home fires going. She worked in a hospital close to Fort Dix, NJ and most of the CNA’s were medics recently back from Viet Nam. Her praise of their dedication, professionalism and knowledge speaks well of our military men and women during those trying times. Many years later our eldest daughter, a young Navy Nurse Corps Ensign would be stationed at Fort Dix with a Mobile Field Hospital unit.

Five years later herself would endure once again with three children this time while I was off once again at the CT State Police Academy starting that career. God bless the strength and endurance of our women.

Tweeter in Charge

So, needless to say President Trump was back to Tweeting about this meeting.

trump-abe-golf

BY
Denis Slattery
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Saturday, February 11, 2017, 8:43 PM

President Trump hit the links and took a swing at some fairway diplomacy Saturday as he hosted his first foreign leader at one of his signature golf courses.

The President spent the morning golfing with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter, Fla.

The pair, along with their wives, are spending the weekend at Trump’s winter estate Mar-a-Lago in nearby Palm Beach.

“Having a great time hosting Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the United States!” Trump tweeted alongside a picture of the pair high-fiving on a green.

President Trump suggests rapid action on additional U.S. security

White House reporters tasked with covering the event were not allowed to tag along for the 18-hole conference and said the accommodations were not up to par.

The group was confined to a basement suite where windows were covered with black plastic bags so they couldn’t see out.

“The door and windows are covered with black plastic so we can’t see out,” the official White House pool report stated.

The Rooster says!

“Wow, what are we becoming, Paranoia is in the air? Is the president’s golf game that bad that no press can follow? ” I’d love to see a 44 vs 45 golf match on TV. I’ll bet ESPN would love to carry it.

Have a great rest of the day, and thanks for following.

Happy New Year

January 28, 2017 7:58 am / 5 Comments on Happy New Year

How can I not tout what day this is, Happy New Year and the year of the Rooster. Red is the color, I think I have a pair of red drawers some place. Gotta find them and wear them today.
chinese-rooster
The Rooster is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Rooster is represented by the Earthly Branch character 酉. Wikipedia

I was born a goat

goat-year

Type of Goat	Year of Birth	Characteristics
Wood Goat	1955, 2015	Amicable, gentle, and compassionate.
Fire Goat	1907, 1967	Amicable, frank, and honest, always making everything clean and tidy.
Earth Goat	1919, 1979	Righteous, honest, straightforward, and will never harm their friends.
Gold Goat	1931, 1991	Ambitious and kind-hearted with a strong sense of responsibility in work; sometimes too stubborn.
Water Goat	1943, 2003	Always ready to help others, and they can sacrifice their own interests for others

in the year 1943 and on this day, 28 January 2017, I celebrate the Chinese New Year and the year of the Rooster. How appropriate is that? The 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac in order are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. Each year is associated with a zodiac animal. If I make it, I’ll be 85 the next time “The Rooster Crows.”

Type of Rooster	Year of Birth	Characteristics
Wood Rooster	1945, 2005	Energetic, overconfident, tender, and unstable
Fire Rooster	1957, 2017	Trustworthy, with a strong sense of timekeeping and responsibility at work
Earth Rooster	1909, 1969	Lovely, generous, trustworthy, and popular with their friends
Gold Rooster	1921, 1981	Determined, brave, perseverance, and hardworking
Water Rooster	1933, 1993	Smart, quick-witted, tender-hearted, and compassionate

So in the tradition of the Chinese, should you have any Fire Crackers left over from the 4th of July, light them up and have a BANG of a good time. “Happy New Year!”

Image result for chinese new year rooster

Where in the World is Jeff Berthiaume????????

At 2300 hours on Thursday the 26th I got a text from our world traveler (my son in-law) that he was in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Considering the fact that he departed Maryland’s Eastern Shore on Monday Mid-Day, got delayed a day due to a Nor-Easter and a ground halt for weather in Istanbul, I guess that’s not half bad time. And besides, how lucky can one be to spend the end of January in such a wonderful tourist mecca of the world. Tashkent lies 465 miles due north of Kabul Afghanistan. No palm trees there I’d bet. He did earn 6,317 mileage points though on his Capitol One card.

The accused perpetrator of the deadly ISIS acknowledged killings on New Years day in Istanbul, Turkey was identified as a Uzbeki citizen. Remember what I’ve told you over your many years of making the big bucks elJefi. Just remember, “DUCK” is not a web-footed animal, when you hear the word, don’t be a feckin eejit, “HIT THE FLOOR!!”

I’m sure our Embassy in Tashkent is doing wonderful things. If your truly interested check out their website at: https://uz.usembassy.gov/

https://diplomacy.state.gov/img/11/45211/Tashkent2NOBChancery_944_1.jpg

The Embassy Courtesy of state.gov

Travels with Charley

My last little tidbit for this Blog edition is in relation to my current read, well, one of my current reads anyway. I’ve always got two or three books and several periodicals going. I’m traveling our country with John Steinbeck and reading “Travels with Charley.” Charley is Steinbeck’s Standard Poodle. Were I to go off on a similar venture and write about it, “Travels with Ben” would be the title.

The journey takes place in the early sixties and I found an interesting similarity between the politics of the time and our recent debacle that led to our crowning of our newest leader here in the United States.

For those who were not around during that time, John F. Kennedy was the Democratic nominee and Richard M. Nixon carried the banner for the Republicans. Kennedy was a Catholic from Massachusetts and Nixon a Californian was a Quaker. To this day I can hear my mother saying, “we should never elect a Catholic for president, the Pope would be telling the president what to do.”

At one of Steinbeck’s overnight stops he had company for a cup of coffee in his camper and conversation about the upcoming election and the goings on in the news. This was the time when Russian Premier Khrushchev was at the United Nations. Mr K would be famous for taking off his shoe and pounding the desk in front of him with it.

Steinbeck and the visitor poured themselves another coffee, added a bit of Apple Jack and continued to talk election issues. Steinbeck asked his guest “I’m not taking a poll, but how does the election seem to be going around here?” “I wish I knew,” he said, “People aren’t talking. I think this might be the scariest election we ever had. People just won’t put out an opinion.”

“Could it be they haven’t got one?”

“Maybe, or maybe they just don’t want to tell. I remember other elections where there would be pretty peppery arguments. I haven’t heard even one.”

Steinbeck went on to say that is what he heard all over the country, no arguments, no discussion. I guess we had lots of discussion but for the person who won, not many were claiming to vote for him. I didn’t hear a whole lot of folks say they were voting for the her that lost either. The day after outcome was a surprise to most everyone, especially the media. In this past election year so many people would not say, I’m voting this person or that person, most likely embarrassment at the entire process is my guess. I was told at an early age never talk religion or politics, you’ll ruin friendships. My mother didn’t listen I guess.

As for me and my vote, I gave it to Senator Tom Cotton of the great state of Arkansas. No recount there.

In November of 1963 I was honored to serve as a United States Marine and a member of the Honor Guard stationed at Marine Barracks, 8th & I, Washington, D.C. During the funeral proceedings for President John F. Kennedy I remember feeling sad and angry for our country’s loss. At the time of his election I was not old enough to vote. Would I have voted for him, most likely not, he had a funny accent. But then again, Nixon was a Quaker, aren’t they a strange lot? Wasn’t it Art Linkletter who said “People are Funny?”

While reading of Kennedy and Nixon it got a bit nostalgic for me. God Bless America!

Image result for marine barracks, washington, DC

Credits for this post are acknowledged as :

Google images & Penguin Books
http://www.chinahighlights.com
https://en.wikipedia.org
https://www.cotton.senate.gov/

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Great Grandchild #4Arrives

January 26, 2017 9:13 pm / 8 Comments on Great Grandchild #4Arrives

Touched

by c12samb

My granddaughter, eldest daughter of my eldest daughter arrived here on Maryland’s Eastern Shore a week prior to Christmas from Oklahoma City,OK. Sam’s Mom and Dad had flown to OKC, jumped into the Cow Pusher Suburban with children # 1, 2 & 3 and headed East to Maryland. Sam was with child and would deliver that child here in Maryland. PRMC would be the hospital, no barn stall for this child due shortly after Christmas.

Husband Z was in the Gulf or Desert if you wish, acting as a Taxi Driver in a A-3 ,AWACS, 707. Both Father and Mother 2B are U.S. Air Force Captains on active duty. Mama would deliver her newest child here on the Eastern Shore and if all went well, dad would view the coming attraction on the Internet. ( If you follow my writing at all your aware this might not happen in this suspect IT zone).

I can not say any plaudits that would be inadequate in describing the love and sacrifice the grandparents to be have put forth for this child and grandchild to be. Oh, and the three come priors, S p O I L e D! There is also a BiG YeLLoW Lab, Lady Liberty is her name who has given nothing but licks of love to all involved. Oh, did I mention Libby is just thrilled with on the floor food droppings during this entire event.

Mama is amazing, as she waited and she goes this adventure alone. Aunt Abby was right there day in and day out until she said, “Mississippi State her I come”. Love you girl, and we all miss you, including the mail box (It’s a family thing). Aunt Sarah and Aunt Ray have been there also doing their bit to help make things as smooth as they can be.

Last but not least, the Matriarch of this clan, Granny ,(Herself), you are so-so special, I love you.

So, enjoy the new mothers post, she’s an amazing young lady, wife, mother and Air Force officer and Proud to be an American

Touched

təCHt/

adjective

1.feeling gratitude or sympathy; moved.
“the star said he was ‘very touched’ to receive his medal”
2.informal
slightly insane; crazy.

“you have to be a little touched to do my job”

This word was used numerous times the 36hrs I was in the hospital; by the nurses, midwives, and birth photographer.

It all started with a stress test at my OBs office. No signs of contractions, no signs of stress on the baby, no signs of labor starting any time soon. I was able to delay setting an induce date and scheduled my next appointment. I picked up the girls and headed home (well to my parents home that I’ve adopted these past few weeks). I settled them in, made some dinner for them, ate a delicious dinner prepared by my grandmother and got ready for another evening of chasing 3 hoping it would get things going.

About 6pm I started noticing tightening in my belly, but this had happened before and I didn’t pay much attention to it. It was tub time for the kiddos after all. With kids smelling yummy and dressed I couldn’t ignore the tightening anymore. I started tracking it…30sec long and 4min apart.

By 7pm they were about 45sec long and 3mim apart. This is when it finally hit me that Z would not be in the room when this baby was born. I packed up my hospital bag (trying to delay as long as possible) and broke down and called Z. Thankfully we had made a plan months ago and timing worked out great that he wasn’t busy and was able to answer. He told me I needed to get to the hospital and to call again when I’m settled in and ready to go. I got my mom and grandmother and we were off.

I am not the nicest laboring mama (think Jekyll and Hyde). Thank you Mom and Granny for putting up with me. We arrive to the hospital at 8:05pm, 6hrs after my OB had told me see you next week and 2hrs after noticing labor starting.

The nurses at PRMC were fantastic. I told them I have super short labors and they listened. I had three nurses working together to get me admitted, in a room, and an epidural as quickly as possible. Now that I was in a happy place the nurses asked my story.

They knew this was baby #4 in 4yrs. I told them a birth photographer was on her way and they told me to tell her to hurry. I then said Z would be here via FaceTime from his deployed location. The midwife came in and heard my story too.

In walked the birth photographer. She had never had the opportunity to photograph a live birth, she had only ever worked with stillborns. She was so excited that she could help capture these moments for Z.

We got Z on FaceTime and on the next contraction Baby Z was born at 10:05. 8hrs after my OB saying see you next week, 4hrs after noticing labor starting, and 2hrs after arriving at the hospital. She weighed 7lbs 1oz and was 19in long. She came into this world healthy and alert. Seeing Z’s face upon meeting his little girl via FaceTime had the entire room quiet and in awe. It was an amazing image that I will have for the rest of my life.

Thank you Jennifer Seay Photography for capturing it.

For the next 36hrs Baby Z and I spent as much time with Z as we could (having two Z’s may get tough…Need to figure that out). Each time anyone would walk in the room and see the iPad on they would ask if Daddy was on, if he was they would leave if not they would come in and do whatever checks they needed.

Everyone knew our story. Everyone expressed their appreciation for our family’s sacrifice. Everyone said our family had touched them. The outpouring of support from the hospital was amazing and completely unexpected (I’m in a town that never sees a military member in uniform, people rarely move away, and who proudly display Confederate flags). This experience made me appreciate my little hometown so much more.

When I looked up the definition for touched I love that both apply. Our family had touched the lives of others, but we are also touched…As in insane…As in who would have 4 under 4 while both parents are active duty military. We love our life and we wouldn’t trade it for the world. It’s chaos, but it’s a lot of fun.

Baby Z’s current stats at 2wks old…20in/7lbs1oz

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