RvKamping... A Life on the Road

What will you find here ?

2012-12-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

#1 Don’t mind the date at the top…
it’s dated that way to keep these first two entries always on the top.

Newest entries – Just scroll down

Thanks for visiting…

Blog entries start with the latest on the top

and progress downwards to previous entries.

at the bottom of the page…

just click older posts to continue…

or use the Year / Months

(blog archive) to move around

just to the right…

just click on any Month.

or view by Topic (LABELS) !

Hope you enjoy viewing.

This entry and the next one are always on

top… kinda like an introduction..

just scroll down past this post

to view latest additions.

Hope you have as much fun reading them

as I do making them.

A good sense of humor helps.

[ SCROLL DOWN ]

Shelly also has a blog… Generally a bit more focused than mine…

www.SharingDreamz.blogspot.com

( After all… you never know what I’m gonna post)

Questions or Comments…

Email: RvCampingToday@hotmail.com

Some photo’s are not my own and may come from unknown sources…

so Thanks to the unknown contributors.
(This is a non-profit site)

-----------------------------------------------------

What will you find… here on my blog…

Now that’s a good question…

Could be almost anything…

UPDATES ON WHAT WE ARE DOING

All about Our Current Adventures

FLASHBACKS TO WHAT WE DID

Pre Blogging or just catching up

RARE SERIOUS MOMENTS

Rare being the key word !

NOTHING BUT THE FACTS

(don’t believe that)

FAVORITE THINGS

No explanation needed

RAMDOM THOUGHTS

This covers a wide area

FLIGHTS OF FANTASY

An even bigger topic area

THINGS THAT STRIKE ME FUNNY

or just amusing

GAMES WE PLAY

Too much time on my hands

TRAVEL MEMORIES

Too good not to Share

INFO ON RVing FULLTIME

A Life on the Road

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

It’s good to have a Plan.

DEFINING INSIGHTS

Thoughts of the Day

All Kinds of “STUFF”

Could be anything!

(this is actually a painted hand)

TRIBUTES TO MY HEROES

#1 will always be “Walt”

THE MEANING OF LIFE

As seen through who's eyes!

(now that’s Scary)

WHAT WE EAT

Seafood!

WHERE WE EAT

Bubba Gump Shrimp Company

NEW PLACES

Anything Tropical & Warm

OLD PLACES

Gone but not Forgotten

(Titanic Staircase)

SCARY PLACES

Keep your distance

Florida Everglades

EXCITING PLACES

Beyond Wow!

Epcot Fireworks

RARE SIGHTS

Always have the camera ready

OLD FRIENDS

Getting a little wet.

NEW FRIENDS

He’s kinda quiet

TOUCHING MOMENTS

aaahhhhh !

LIFES QUESTS

Last One Left…

and it’s All Mine

GREAT IDEAS

Dozens of them!

(now this is a BIG Maryland Blue Crab)

AND BURNING QUESTIONS

LIKE…

… ARE WE ALONE ?

Individually – sometimes

Emotionally?

Spiritually ?

Physically – No

Cosmically – No

YA JUST NEVER KNOW !

well… you never know.

But there is one thing for sure…

If I ever write something that should hit a nerve or offend… it’s not intentional or meant to be mean or hurtful… it’s just a moment of levity gone a rye or simply misconstrued. Apologies in Advance.

Some entries will be limited in scope in and effort to simply peak your interest...

( additional information available on the internet for you to check out )

Inspiration…

2012-02-17T23:33:00.001-05:00

Inspiration! It comes from many things. Good and bad… positive and negative… for me, mostly positive influences… places, people, things, happenings, memories, events, conversations, and sometimes when you least expect it… and in the most unusual places. And it’s like the old saying… if you are looking for good, you will find it! New places… old places… relaxing places. Adventures new and old. It starts with an upbeat outgoing outlook on life… and little things just “pop” in to inspire you to think, draw, create, write and share with others. Sometimes just a photograph. Lots of things inspire me… foremost my life with Shelly and all the things we share together [ makes me smile and have a warm feeling all over ]… and naturally my Grand daughters [ priceless ]… which we are currently too far away from to visit [ sad face ]. Places… ah, yes… all the places we have been. Mountains, beaches, lakes, oceans, all the different vistas that nature has to offer… sunrises, sunsets, and warm gentle breezes with your toes in the sand [ love cool sand between my toes on a warm day ]. Walking along the beach just looking for shells. Yep, inspiration is everywhere… even the smallest things… watching hummingbirds at the feeders… or having dragonflies land on your hand… the perfect beauty of natures flowers… and the smell of honeysuckle. The warmth of a nice campfire and toasting marshmallows. Yep… inspiration is everywhere… sometimes ya just need to slow down and stop to smell the roses… and look for the little things. Go through old photos… refresh memories of good times with family and friends. Inspiration and imagination… they’ll keep you young at heart and always feeling good in spirit. I find the things that have inspired me and elevated my sense of well being and happiness. Hope you have the same likes and influences in your life that bring a smile to your face and warm your heart. So there’s your happy thought for the day… sometimes the simplest things bring the best feelings of happiness. Have a great day… and keep looking for those small things… oh… look… a squirrel !

White Chocolate Mocha

2012-02-11T10:48:00.001-05:00

Secrets… life’s all about little secrets… and life’s little pleasures. Some we hold for others and never tell… some we keep for ourselves… and some we share. This one falls into the “share” category. Now I not a big fan of Starbucks Coffee as a whole… except for one thing… Espresso – White Chocolate Mocha. I tried for years to develop my own so I could enjoy my favorite gourmet coffee right at home. Now I don’t have an espresso machine… so this was no doubt a major set back. But just using the trusty old microwave I tried and tried, again and again without success. UNTIL NOW! Our daughter bought a packet of White Chocolate Cocoa Mix… I found it… and the wheels started turning. SUCCESS!

Now here’s what you need…

she gets them at her local Wal-Mart
( where else ! )
look for it in the hot cocoa section

and here’s how you do it…
simple and easy!

Heat milk in the microwave to the desired temp…
(I use 2% milk for a richer flavor and full body texture)
I also use my favorite mug… it adds to the pleasure.

Add a spoon (to taste) of Folgers Instant coffee
(works in place of the espresso/machine)

Add a spoon of sugar (to taste)

Add ½ a packet (or the whole if you desire) of Arctic White Hot Cocoa Mix

Stir well…. sprinkle a bit of ground Nutmeg on top ( if desired )
BTW: Once available at Starbucks… but no longer… must be the cost issue.

Smell…. ahhh…. sip…. ahhh…. ( repeat, over and over ) and enjoy!

That same great taste at home, whenever you want, for about 75¢ verses $4.50.

It’s like drinking dessert… plus gives you a warm feeling all over on these cold days.

I sometimes don’t like sharing my own little secrets, especially since this product is sometimes hard to find… but since I have a sufficient supply of my own… which I will refrain from sharing ( I like to say I’m sorry, but I’m really not )… I thought the least I could do was to share the recipe so to speak. Give it a try… hope you enjoy it.

Houston Rv Show

2012-02-10T09:12:00.001-05:00

We have been to lots of Rv Shows over the years as guests, but never actually did an Rv Show representing a campground or company. This week it all changed. So here’s to another new adventure. Because of the long hours each day… the drive times and the show hours… we shared hosting the booth with two other workampers ( Jim & Dave ) from here at Lone Star Yogi. We left the campground at 7am on Wednesday to drive to the south side of Houston, the Reliant Center, setup the booth, and do the opening day of the show. All four of us stayed for the entire day… returning back to the campground shortly after 9pm… long, long day! Glad the show only runs 5 days… Wednesday to Sunday. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday we’ll split the shifts… two opening and two closing… and Sunday, all four of us all day. Here’s a quick breakdown so far…

From Day One: ( written the next morning after)

Doing the Houston Rv Show for the campground... day 1 behind us... lots of previous Yogi guests visited the booth... lots of positive comments… they can’t wait to come back! Lots of potential new guests... they say they have heard good things about us… and we give them a friendly invite to come visit with us. Was a long day yesterday... left campground at 7am... got back after 9pm... tired and sore. Surprising how Rv shows have changed... or maybe it's just this one. Lots of less expensive vacation units. Not really any Full time Rv units... certainly none I trade our for... and the big expensive units, well, they looked good on the outside but too much seemingly cheap glitz on the inside... like the song said..."That didn't impress me much". Overall... some new ideas and looks... but generally... not impressed at all with anything… from the stand point of a full time rver. The Rv Show food really bites the big one... yuck! $9.40 for a burger ( cold under cooked meat, stale bun, soggy tomatoes) and $5.50 for a coke... you'd think for those prices the food would be the outstanding... brown bagging the rest of the week!

From Day Two: ( written the next morning after)

Houston Rv Show... day two (Thursday) ... very slow day. It was like they closed down the access roads at 6pm. Wednesday was busier due to opening and senior day and what seemed like "free ticket day" ... but today (Thursday) was very, very slow. Friday daytime I was told will be slow too... but Friday evening, and Saturday & Sunday will be a mad house and make up for it all. I'm not sure what makes you more tired... long hours, standing on concrete floors, not moving around much (small confined area), or just being bored when it's slow. Oh... I know... I know... all of the above. Plus to make it worst (little inside joke)... there's no water to play with! But then again, it is raining today... and if it continues, all day today may be another slow day... but I could always go outside for a short walk... to play in the rain! (water...water!) I'm not one for "slow boring time"... so I'm looking forward to the weekend rush... lots of people, lots of kids and 10 hour days won't seem like 20 hour days. ... I hope. Have done a little walkabout to check out the Rv's... and as a Fulltime Rver, and already having the Rv of our dreams... I gotta say... I'm not impressed very much with the Rv's at the show. 90% vacation units, and the few bigger boys... well... not impressed there either. Just like everything else... they found a cheaper way to make Rv's... much cheaper way... and for those that know the difference... just not impressive. But I guess you play to the current buying public's wants and needs. I like a good hamburger too... but given the choice of living with steak or hamburger everyday... I'd opt for the steak! ... it’s the "filet mignon" of Rv's for me. So unless this changes someday... I know, I'll keep what I have... for a long, long, long... long time.

So that’s the Show so far… looking forward to a busy weekend where time goes by quickly!

On a short note: Walking around the show and observing others booths and the dealers… I’m surprised that almost no one greets the guests / customers as they walk by. It’s almost like… “Yeah… I’m here… you’re here… what do you want… why are you looking at me?.” Somewhat shocking way to convey to guests that you are friendly (or NOT) and have them want to learn more about your product or campground. Guess we’ll get the upper edge on that one. The one that does the best job giving the guest a friendly welcome and sells the fun experience and wonderful memories that they will share with their family at Lone Star Yogi… well… that’s who gets the business! So maybe it’s a good thing that the competition has a “devil may care” attitude. We’ excited about the good times at our resort… and it shows!

Profound Message…

2012-02-09T08:20:00.001-05:00

Well… that’s for you to decide for yourself… it’s all a point of perception, attitude, frame of mind, and outlook on life.

So just stop… and slow down… slow down.
Find some quiet moments
Close your eyes
Take a deep breathe… breath in and out slowly and deeply
Relax your body
Think of a peaceful and calm place, or better yet go there.
Flex your muscles and then relax
Relive a fond memory
Breathe and relax
Think of all the good things that bring you happiness and joy
Just breathe and relax

You can lie back or lie down… or be a kid again… go outside and during a quiet time and lie down on the ground looking that the clouds in the sky… or better yet at night gazing at the moon and the stars. Think about the calming effect that the moon has had on people since the beginning of time… calming, relaxing, and almost mesmerizing. Take a walk in the woods looking for all the smallest things… interesting little creatures of all sorts… colorful plants, trees, little wild flowers… the simple beauty of and acorn. Watch the squirrels, chipmunks, or the birds gathering food or twigs for nests. Take a walk along the beach looking for the smallest of treasures.

Just find you own little space to just get emotionally lost for a while and let reality fade away for a while. Pretend you are as a child seeing it all for the first time… everything is new and interesting… see it, hear it, and smell it through a child eyes. Smell the scents of nature, the wild flowers, the honeysuckle… listen to the sounds of the winds as it moves the trees and leaves… listen to the song birds… and find out what every little sound is… you’ll be surprised what you really can hear if you only stop to listen. Nature is always a good place to start… completely away from anything connected with modern reality. Try not to see anything but nature… no buildings, no cars, no people… go someplace away from it all or just get a view point where you can’t see it… only nature. The wondrous things in nature.

Sometimes I just find a vantage point where I just lay back, relax, and wonder off in spirit while looking at the moon and stars… the silhouette of the trees framing the scene… the clouds gently sliding by… wondering how someone was on this very spot gazing at this same moon and sky… hundreds or thousands of years ago… thinking the same thoughts as me… how beautiful and peaceful. What they might have been thinking or feeling… how they lived… and what brought me and them to this same place… ions apart… to gaze at this same scene that has played host to all of us for thousands of years. Just find your own little place to escape to… if only for a little while… every couple of days or so. Refresh your mind and soul… and in finding and being one with nature… you just may find a bit more of yourself that has been somewhat lost to the reality of today’s busy world.

So, what do you think?

2012-02-06T13:28:00.001-05:00

A friend posted…. on their Facebook wall…

My Response: How dare you single me out on a public forum !!! betcha didn't think that I knew that you knew, that I knew what you were talking about all this time that you thought I didn't know... but I did, and sometimes before you even knew that I thought that I knew. ha! Oops... who are you anyway... are you who I think you are, or do you think I don't know that you are who I think you're not?

But I knew it was me… I think…yes…but sometimes it’s so confusing… can you explain that to me… please! Wait… don’t bother… I think I have it all figured out now… yep… I know what to do…. stay off facebook! Problem solved with this… and I can get other things done too… if it just wasn’t for procrastination. Well… can’t do anything about procrastination… why? … because I’m a guy!!! It will get done when it positively absolutely can not be put off any longer… or my wife says so. That’s my final answer. Now where’s that honey do list? If I could only remember where I put it… but that’s another problem… memory… never works right… why? … because I’m a guy! duh! That’s why I’m married… so I’ll have someone to remind me to remember stuff and remind me to remember to stop procrastinating.

Oops… gotta run…. gotta get something done before the “wifey” gets home. As I remember… it doesn’t work out too well if something is not done. Now that’s one thing I do remember. Bye.

Rv of the Future.

2012-02-05T14:44:00.001-05:00

Rv of the Future?

Today!

So… are you ready for this…

Love to see the inside.

Living Room

Bathroom

Bedroom

Lounge

Made in Germany.

http://www.marchi-mobile.com/

Tastefully Depressed

2012-02-05T13:17:00.001-05:00

Tastefully Depressed is the a new term that has been coined by yours truly… me. That is the state I’m in… “Tastefully Depressed”. You arrive at this point little by little over time when you do not and can not enjoy eating the things you love the food you miss the most! After all, food is one of the great joys in life… and when you can’t find happiness in enjoying those things that make you happy… namely great food that you have had all your life… you get depressed… “Tastefully Depressed”. This entry started with one simple thought about a craving for something… a smoked turkey leg! First with a little entry on Facebook to friends…

Then it got expanded to include more things I miss. I guess there’s not too many things that make you feel at “home” then great foods that you are use to. When you travel around to different parts of the country in a Rv, you experience lots of new and different things… but you also miss all your favorites most of the time… and sooner or later, fall into a state of depression in one form or another… and when it involves food… you become “Tastefully Depressed”. The cure? … well, a quick fix is order some of the stuff via the internet and UPS… or have family send it to you… but, most of it, most of the time… ya just do without… and then depression sets in. Nothing is really going to replace Krispy Creme Doughnuts… nothing. And as with everything else, when you can not satisfy a craving… you eat this, that, and everything else to no avail. What you do find, is the attempt to satisfy your cravings which has left you 20 pounds to the heavy… and you still have those cravings! Yep… the list is almost endless and the road to satisfaction is long, endless, and unsatisfying. One of the places I miss from back home in Maryland is a little mexican place called “Baja Fresh”. Now you think being a mexican style food that they would be everywhere in the south, especially Florida and Texas… nope… no where to be found or even heard of. So aside for being usually 25 miles from anything close to being a shopping or food mecca… we are also lacking and missing all the good things that bring happiness! On a positive note… there are some things we really enjoy here that I’m sure will not be found any where else. There’s this little place call Waller County Line BBQ… famous for their “loaded potato”… OMG… so good… over the top best ever… raises the bar so high that everything else falls to a “5” out of 10 at best. But… I’m already sad… because when we leave here, and travel to someplace else, we will not only have our old favorites that we will miss, but also the new favorites as well. I can see this is not going to end well. Over time the favorites list is going to grow larger and larger… the availability will be the same ( can’t get it )… and “tasteful depression” will once again raise it’s ugly head to spawn cravings that will be the torture of the day! So if food is important to you, you may experience this same fate… and become “Tastefully Depressed”… and not even realize what you are experiencing. So… I wish you well. Enjoy what you have available to you… you never know when things could change… and the food that you have always enjoyed, could be gone. Bon Appetite. Pass the crab legs please!

AVG Safe – AVG Fast!

2012-02-04T06:35:00.001-05:00

Just a little computer tip of the day. I’m sure most of you have an Anti-virus program on your computer or know about AVG. But just in case you don’t know… here’s a little something that can help you. First AVG Anti-virus 2012 Free Version. We have been using AVG “Free Version” for several years and love it. It’s free with no strings attached… auto updates, auto scans, auto removals… and it does a great job. Be sure to download the AVG Free Version 2012 ( not the trial version of the full blown AVG Anti-virus ). We like the free version, but if you like you can also download the full version trial… then after the trial, purchase and download the full blown version which offers some other features. But the Free Version has worked great for us.

http://free.avg.com/us-en/free-antivirus-download

Then there’s the AVG Tune-up. It offers some special features to Tune-up, clean up, and customize performance to fit your user needs. I got the trial version and it fixed several problems and I was impressed with it’s features. So I purchased the program download and now enjoy both the AVG Free Anti-virus and the AVG Tune-up features that have made a big difference in performance. I was starting to get “gunked up” with registry errors and other loose ends that were slowing down my pc… now it’s running perfectly once again. During the trial it will tell you that the regular price is $49, but now $29… then offer you a special price of $24.99… if you like it during the trial, buy it… it really works very well.

http://www.avg.com.au/download/home-security/avg-pc-tuneup-2012/

So there’s a couple of pc tips to make your life easier and safer on the computer. Hope they help you. Check’em out!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another quick tip. Ever have a “photo” or “screen” that you’d like to capture, but “right click” - “save image as” won’t work for pictures, or you just want a portion of the screen to save some info… well here’s a tip to capture it.

Sounds cumbersome… but it really easy after you’ve used it several times.

First I keep an icon for “Paint” on my desktop for easy access.

When on the web page you want to save for reference… press the “prt scrn” key
minimize the page
open “paint”
move cursor to “edit” … drop down list appears
click on “paste” … the screen you were on is now pasted onto the paint workspace.
move cursor to “file” … drop down menu appears
click on “save as”… box opens
name file whatever you want
save as type… select “Jpeg” (standard photo format)
and hit “save”
the file will be saved as a Jpeg picture of your screen… usually in your documents/ pictures or download/ file.

I also keep the “picture” file icon on my desktop for easy access.

and there you have it… a copy of the screen that you originally saw.

you can do anything with it that you could as with any other picture… save it to a file, crop it. post it, whatever.

Press 2 for English

2012-01-27T09:04:00.001-05:00

THE WHOLE ENGLISH - SPANISH SPEAKING THING: Things are changing fast... in Texas and Florida ( and no doubt others places too) you are asked to press 2 for English... and it's with a Spanish accent… it’s not even “press 1 for English anymore… Arggg!!! Signs in the stores are in Spanish & English (yes, in that order)... some only in Spanish. When did the stores (especially the BIG one's) get more interested in attracting & helping Spanish speaking people then helping the English speaking people of different descents... Italian, Greek, German, Dutch, French, and all the others? It's gotten to the point where most of the help in the stores (that is Latino) seem to go out of their way to help other Latinos and seem to use the language barrier as a way to not understand and help others. Like with everything else... if you give respect, you should be able to expect it in return... the reverse is also true... don't expect it, if you don't give it. Working here in Texas... some guests will actually get upset with us because we do not speak Spanish... they speak only some English... understand Spanish better... and get upset and irritated with us because we don't speak Spanish.... here in Texas... which if memory serves me well, is still a part of the United States... I think! It's all getting a bit, for lack of a better more intelligent phrase... "out of wack"... and there's no end in sight... except to learn how to speak Spanish... not going there... and shouldn't have to. I’m all for helping others, even to the point of should a bit of favoritism, for a while, as in a determined length of time that has an ending point, until an language adjustment is made… but there is not ending time until we all have to learn to speak Spanish. It’s even in the early stages of discrimination… to certain a degree if you don’t speak Spanish. Many employers see it as a plus if you can speak English and Spanish, and some one who can speak both languages will get hired first before the only English speaking person. Maybe to say that things are “out of wack” is not nearly as clear to demonstrate the severity of the situation and where it’s all heading. So I guess it’s great if you speak Spanish and English… but for the majority that don’t… it seems like a slap in the face, and as with historical situations & references from the past… this situation only leads to more discontent and discrimination rather than less. Sad situation that we are all sliding into… bit by bit… without realizing the pit we are all falling into… and all the possible negative consequences. A rational person might reason that this is not really the case, and that the issue is not like this at all… but a person that sees and listens to what’s happening all around them… how many people are acting and reacting to all the English/Spanish Language Issues… well… being rational usually has little to do with peoples emotions. Emotions coupled with the the feeling that something is unjustly being forced upon you that you shouldn’t have to deal with… well… that’s how resentment and discrimination starts… and it usually only gets bigger. Yep… a sad situation indeed… especially since this country has much bigger and important issues to deal with that effect us all much more than the whole language thing.

Facebook Timeline

2012-01-26T08:21:00.001-05:00

The New Facebook Timeline Format. They’re popping up everywhere in your friends facebook… it’s the new look and features offered in “Timeline”. As far as I can tell right now, your “home page” will look the same, no doubt a temporary thing, and the big change is on your “wall’ … the New Timeline. Looks kinda neat and has some new features. There’s the new banner type photo that goes on the top of your wall… a big photo that goes side to side to offer a first impression. The layout has easy to reach functions that take you to key features of your wall with just a “click”. BTW… this format goes live for everyone come Feb 1st… so you might as well start it now to get use to it.

The new “timeline” format kinda works like the old format in that newest entries are at the top and going down the list leads to older entries. The new timeline feature will give access to earlier months or even years with a mere “click”… rather then endless scrolling down. You can still control what and how things are posted and it seems that all your previous controls have been brought forward to the new format. You just have to watch CLOSELY when you click on “post” to select who will see the new posting. Looks like default is set to “public”… so you will have to change it to “friends” if you want some privacy (if there really is such a thing).

Note: for security reasons, or just to try to avoid making myself a target for what ever evil doers or conspiracies are looking & watching… I keep my posts for only about two weeks… I delete all the older entries as I add new ones. Couldn’t see any use for keeping endless backdated entries going back “forever” for anyone that can hack the controls to have access to. The new timeline format worries me in that it allows very easy and quick access to posting history via the timeline… and the maps give even more information about times and places.

Another neat feature is the “Map”… you can select a location where you were born, lived, visited or traveled to on the map… add dates, a photo, and a summary or comments about the location. Your lifelong timeline at a glance… just be careful what and how much you share. BTW… be careful how you select a location… it may be a business that also includes that businesses link and info attached right to your map entry. Not sure about you… but I really don’t want to advertise businesses on my Fb map… especially places that I never patronized. But there’s the crux… it this another way for Facebook to inadvertently get you to pass on ads for businesses and they get revenues for the extra advertising on your personal facebook? Who knows? Conspiracy of sorts… yes… like everything else. Also funny how easy it is to add things or post things… then it’s more difficult to remove it later… or maybe that’s just me.

Now… here’s the “catch”. Even though you have so called controls on who can see your profile info and wall… I really wouldn’t count on total privacy. So as I have mentioned before… keep your personal information off of your home page as much as you can. Do not publish your full name, address, phone numbers, email addresses, or personal family information that you do not want available to the public. IF YOU WOULDN’T WANT IT PUBLIC… DON’T POST IT! Identity theft aside… who knows what ill could come from sharing too much info with the public. Just as a side note… lots of people have been fired, not promoted, or not hired because of things they post on their Facebook wall. Companies hire researchers (and hackers) to get information on you… good stuff, bad stuff, personal stuff, that gives them more information about you then might be beneficial… your views, your emotional and mental attitudes and beliefs, emotional stability, social interactions, medical information, religious views, political views, and your lifestyle… all of which can be used to develop a personality profile on you. All those bits and pieces that combined “paint” a picture of you as a person… maybe an accurate picture, maybe not… maybe beneficial, maybe not… but certainly the information, good or bad, could be used by “others” for many different reasons which may not be in your best interest. An old saying… “Everything is a conspiracy” … well… it’s true… everything is a conspiracy in some form or another, and in some degree or another. Too many people “vent” momentary emotional stresses on facebook… and on the surface, all those bits and pieces as they say… will come back to bit you in the arse. So it’s “poster – beware”! We know lots of people that either won’t have a facebook page, won’t post things, or have closed their personal facebook down for personal or security reasons. Might be a good idea if you don’t or can’t control yourself and what you post… it could turn out that you could be your own worse enemy.

Well, enough said about that. Watch what you post, what you share… because you never know where that info is going, or how it will be used. Happy Facebooking and Blogging. Enjoy the new Timeline format… just be careful. Me? … an old retired guy… hey, who cares about my info… but I’m still very careful anyway… or at least think I am. If nothing else… I figure that the info I post is so minor that the evil doers will have plenty of other easier targets then me.

Disclaimer: As always… this is just my personal views on what I currently know or feel. I am not the definitive answer on extensive research and analysis of the topic… just an old retired guy that enjoys sharing thoughts and things with others.

Now here’s the ultimate conspiracy: Big Brother… aka, the U.S.Government, helped develop and has control and access to all facebook information about all of us. They have unrestricted and total access to everything… yes, everything that you post… available to them for analysis, tracking, and profiling everyone of us. Kinda like with the show “Person of Interest”… big brother sees everything! Conspiracy phobia? What do you think? Do you really think the government spends untold billions on secret projects and doesn’t or can’t do this? They are probably watching you me right now! … Hello….

2nd Childhood Days

2012-01-23T14:11:00.001-05:00

Second Childhood days is more then just a frame of mind… some times it’s a cold hard reality, and not just a frame of mind. When you get closer to 60, you start having 2nd Childhood moments… and they become ever increasing in frequency, intensity, and duration. So if you’ve already gotten there… you probably know what I mean… if you haven’t… here’s a sample of what you can expect. I know… it’s all been said before… “That won’t happen to me” … but, yea… it will. The worst part is… it’s the simplest things or tasks that always seem to be involved.

shoe laces will be more difficult to tie (never a 10 year old around when you need them)
shoe laces will always go into knots when you undo them ( must be fate)
screws and nails will never go in straight ( first law of the universe)
measure twice, cut once… never works out right (duh)
nothing… repeat nothing is ever straight ( but it looked straight a minute ago)
nothing is ever where you left it ( I think the wife has something to do with this)
I just had it, right here, now where is it (the new order of things… gremlins? )
say it aloud 3 times to remember it (no use… it’s gone)
put something small into a small hole (never happens) ( BTW… don’t go there)
why are cell phones so complicated… I just want to dial a number. (apps!!! ???)
Child guard caps only make it hard for adults ( arggg )
Papers always stick together ( licking fingers no longer works)
rechargeables always need recharging before use (second law of the universe)
you always wake up early when you need the sleep the most (yawn all day)
you can fall asleep in the chair, Tv blaring… but not in the quiet bedroom. (too quiet)
why won’t this lid screw back on right? ( I don’t like peanut butter anyway)
I remember things lasting longer when I was a kid ( everything made to wear out quicker now)
Nothing can be fixed anymore… it’s all disposable. ( no user serviceable parts inside)
Why do they always say you “Id or password is incorrect” ?? (don’t they know which one?)
“help” and instructions are NOT written for the laymen (need an 8 years degree)
everyone else worries about spelling, grammar, and punctuation ( who gives a rats arse) “F7”
explain to me why I need to shave all seven days of the week. ( I need a break 1 or 2 days)
you can never pour anything into another bottle without spilling it ( 3rd law of the universe)
doing the same thing over & over and expecting different results always worked before (always)
remembering what you put into that unmarked bottle… not happening ( yea… when you spilled it)
Hammers can fix anything… not really but it feels good! ( it’s called therapy)
rubber bands never broke when I was a kid ( made better? )
ya leave your finger prints everywhere, especially the fridge ( so don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time)
when you wife says “What?”, she doesn’t want you to repeat it… she’s just giving you a chance to change your response.
shoes walk away by themselves… never where you left them ( wife again )
washing hands never use to leave water splatter everywhere ( go figure)
“passwords” … why can’t I use the same one for everything… ( 1 , that’s easy to remember… okay… 1-2-3-4-5).
“Auto complete” … it thinks it knows what I’m trying to say and auto corrects it ( “dear it all”… SEE! )
spell checker… trying to spell a word that starts with “S”… options include words that start with “B’ or something else… so what’s up with that? (BIG … ARGGG) betcha didn’t know “arse” was a real word either.
I’m tired, ready for bed, feels like 11pm… I look at the clock… OMG… it’s only 7pm. (early to bed, early to rise… just makes you tired the rest of the day… then repeat the cycle all over again… OMG… it’s only 7pm)

Well… you get the picture… and if you don’t right now… you will someday! See… you do have plenty of stuff to look forward to… and if you are already there… this should make you feel better (at least a little)… knowing that you are NOT alone.

Disney Big…

2012-01-21T07:35:00.001-05:00

We all know about Disneyland and Walt Disney World… but just how big is Disney World and the Disney Company? There’s a little something to give you a clue… just in case you didn’t know.

[Research Information via Wikipedia and other sources]

Walter Elias "Walt" Disney (December 5, 1901 – December 15, 1966) was an American film producer, director, screenwriter,voice actor, animator, entrepreneur, entertainer, international icon and philanthropist, well-known for his influence in the field of entertainment during the 20th century. Along with his brother Roy O. Disney, he was co-founder of Walt Disney Productions, which later became one of the best-known motion picture producers in the world. Walt Disney holds the record for both the most Academy Award nominations (59) and the number of Oscars awarded (22). He also earned four honorary Oscars while his last competitive Academy Award was posthumous.

The Walt Disney Company is the largest media conglomerate in the world in terms of revenue. Founded on October 16, 1923, by Walt and Roy Disney as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, Walt Disney Productions established itself as a leader in the American animation industry before diversifying into live-action film production, television, and travel. The company is best known for the products of its film studio, the Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group (Disney Studios and Pixar), and today one of the largest and best-known studios in Hollywood. Walt Disney Pictures, Hollywood Pictures and Touchtone Pictures. Hollywood Records. Disney also owns and operates:

ABC broadcast television network ( less known fact: ABC helped Disney start/finance Disneyland in California)

Disney Channel

ESPN

A&E Television Networks

ABC Family

as well as publishing, merchandising, and theatre divisions;

and owns 14 theme parks around the world

and 38 Resort Hotels

plus 4 Cruise Ships and Castaway Cay.

California: Disneyland Resort

Theme parks:

Disneyland Park 1955
Disney California Adventure Park 2001

Shopping, dining and entertainment complex:

Downtown Disney

Lodging:

Disneyland Hotel
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel

Walt Disney World Resort Florida

The Walt Disney World Resort opened Oct. 1, 1971, with the Magic Kingdom theme park and three resort hotels. Today it is the largest and most-visited vacation resort in the world, with four theme parks, two water parks, a shopping, dining and entertainment complex, 23 resort hotels, eight golf courses and several additional recreational activities. Located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, approximately 21 miles southwest of Orlando, Florida, the resort covers an area of 30,080 acres (47.00 sq miles) and includes four theme parks, two water parks, 23 on-site themed resort hotels including a campground, two health spas and physical fitness centers, five golf courses, and other recreational venues and entertainment. To put the size into perspective… all of Disneyland in California would fit onto just the parking lot of the Magic Kingdom.

It opened on October 1, 1971 with only the Magic Kingdom theme park and has since added Epcot (October 1, 1982), Disney's Hollywood Studios (May 1, 1989) and Disney's Animal Kingdom (April 22, 1998). When the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, the site employed about 5,500 "cast members". Today it employs more than 66,000. The largest single-site employer in the United States,Walt Disney World Resort has more than 3,700 job classifications.

Theme parks:

Magic Kingdom 1971
Epcot 1982
Disney's Hollywood Studios 1989 (formally Disney-MGM Studios… changed after Disney bought/added Pixar Studios 2008)
Disney's Animal Kingdom 1998
Future Park still un-named between Magic Kingdom & Epcot 20XX?

Water parks:

Disney's Blizzard Beach 1995
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon 1989

Other parks:

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex 1997
Disney Quest

Shopping, dining and entertainment complex:

Downtown Disney - Marketplace 1975 - Pleasure Island Complex 1989 - and WestSide was added in 1997

Lodging: The Resorts Hotels are an attraction to themselves, so take a little time from the Parks and visit the hotels… some of my favorite “don’t miss” resorts are in “green”.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge 2001
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa 1988
Disney's Contemporary Resort 1971
Disney's Polynesian Resort 1971
Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside 1992 (originally named Dixie Landings)
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter 1991
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa 2004
Disney's Old Key West Resort 1992
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort 1988
Disney's BoardWalk Resort 1996
Disney's Beach Club Resort 1990
Disney's Yacht Club Resort 1990
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort 1997
Disney's Pop Century Resort 2003
Disney's All-Star Movies Resort 1999
Disney's All-Star Music Resort 1995
Disney's All-Star Sports Resort 1994
Disney's Art of Animation Resort 2011
Disney's Wilderness Lodge 1994
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground 1971
Walt Disney World Swan - Operated By Westin Hotels 1990
Walt Disney World Dolphin - Operated By Sheraton Hotels 1990

So how many rooms are actually on Disney World…

Disney's All Star Movie Resort: 1,920 Guest rooms
Disney's All Star Music Resort: 1,920 Guest rooms
Disney's All Star Sports Resort: 1,920 Guest rooms
Disney's Pop Century Resort: 5,760 Guest rooms
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort: 2,112 Guest rooms
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort: 1,967 Guest rooms
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter: 1,000 Guest rooms
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside: 2,048 Guest rooms
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge: 1,307 Guest rooms
Disney's Beach Club Resort: 583 Guest rooms
Disney's Boardwalk Inn: 378
Disney's Contemporary Resort: 500 Guest rooms
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort: 900 Guest rooms
Disney's Polynesian Resort: 847 Guest rooms
Disney's Wilderness Lodge: 728 Guest rooms
Disney's Yacht Club Resort: 630 Guest rooms
Walt Disney World Dolphin: 1,509 Guest rooms
Walt Disney World Swan: 758 Guest rooms
Shades of Green Resort: 586 Guest rooms
That's a total of 27,373 Guest rooms on Walt Disney World property. However, this doesn't include the number of villas at Disney's Vacation Club Resorts ( Saratoga Springs, Old Key West, and Lodge villas…or the number of cabins and camp sites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground . All total over 30,000+ accommodations right on Disney property.

Tokyo Disney Resort

Parks:

Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo DisneySea

Shopping, dining and entertainment complex:

Ikspiari

Lodging:

Disney's Ambassador Hotel
Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta
Tokyo Disneyland Hotel

Disneyland Paris

Parks:

Disneyland Park
Walt Disney Studios Park

Other parks:

Golf Disneyland

Shopping, dining and entertainment complex:

Disney Village

Lodging:

Disneyland Paris Hotel
Disney's Hotel New York
Disney's Newport Bay Club
Disney's Sequoia Lodge
Disney's Hotel Cheyenne
Disney's Hotel Santa Fe
Disney's Davy Crockett Ranch

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

Park:

Hong Kong Disneyland

Other park:

Inspiration Lake Recreation Centre

Lodging:

Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel
Disney's Hollywood Hotel

Shanghai Disney Resort

Park:

Shanghai Disneyland Park

Disney Cruise Line

Fleet:

Disney Magic
Disney Wonder
Disney Dream
Disney Fantasy

Properties:

Castaway Cay

Disney Ventures

World of Disney retail stores and Disney Outlet Stores.
Disney Vacation Club, a timeshare program that includes several themed resorts within:

Disneyland Resort
Walt Disney World Resort
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort plus
Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii
Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort
Disney's Vero Beach Resort
Adventures by Disney, a program of all-inclusive, guided vacation tour packages offered at predominantly non-Disney sites all around the world.

So… there you have it… maybe you knew some of this, maybe most of it… but when you stop to think about it… it’s almost unimaginable how big The Disney Company really is. And it all started with a Mouse… and One Man’s Dream and Imagination. Thanks Walt!

Development timeline

1965
Walt Disney announces Florida Project

1967
Construction begins

1971
Magic Kingdom
Palm and Magnolia Golf Courses
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Polynesian Resort
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

1974
Discovery Island

1975
Disney's Village Resort
Walt Disney Village Marketplace

1976
Disney's River Country

1980
Walt Disney World Conference Center
Disney's Village Resort — Club Lake Villas

1982
Epcot

1988
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

1989
Disney's Hollywood Studios (originally Disney-MGM Studios)
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
Pleasure Island

1990
Disney's Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts
Walt Disney World Swan
Walt Disney World Dolphin

1991
Disney's Port Orleans Resort French Quarter
Disney Vacation Club
Disney's Old Key West Resort

1992
Disney's Port Orleans Resort Riverside
Bonnet Creek Golf Club

1994
Disney's All-Star Sports Resort
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Shades of Green Golf

1995
Disney's All-Star Music Resort
Disney's Blizzard Beach
Disney's Fairy Tale Wedding Pavilion
Walt Disney World Speedway

1996
Disney Institute
Disney's BoardWalk Inn and BoardWalk Villas

1997
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex
Downtown Disney West Side

1998
Disney's Animal Kingdom
DisneyQuest

1999
Disney's All-Star Movies Resort

2000
The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

2001
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

2002
Disney's Beach Club Villas

2003
Disney's Pop Century Resort

2004
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

2007
Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas

2009
Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Treehouse Villas

2011
Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort

2012
Disney's Art of Animation Resort

American Cars

2012-01-20T22:14:00.001-05:00

Americans have always been in love with big cars. Though smaller today then in years past… still bigger then most of the worlds cars. So what’s in our future? Maybe here’s a sample. One person and two person cars.

zoom, zoom, zoom…it’s kinda sporty…

and then there’s small… and a bit odd looking…

now this is a bit better… I think…

beep, beep…beep,beep… the horn went beep, beep, beep.

So… are you ready for the down sizing?

Idoeno!

Facebook Safety.

2012-01-19T08:49:00.001-05:00

Facebook Safety… is there such a thing? Probably not… but you can limit the risk.

Most of this is common sense stuff…

Never put personal info out there… full name (first and last is bad enough) , address, phone, etc. The less info you make available the better off you will be. Even be careful how the numerous pieces can be put together over time to complete a personal picture of you personal information. One entry tells how old you are, another time tells of your birthday… now they have your date of birth. Things like that.
Never write about things you’re going to do announcing that you won’t be home on vacation… so the house is empty.
Never announce that you won the Lottery… everyone will bug you for money… Just send me a private email… it will be our secret!
Never write anything that you wouldn’t want the world to see.
Never write anything critical about work etc… that could come back to bite you. Saw that someone wrote how they were suppose to be out sick from work and went the Atlantic City to gamble… now that’s a no brainer. Also saw how someone wrote that their boss, a woman, was stupid, and they hated their job… someone just might relay your thoughts and feelings to your boss… and you could be looking for a job you do like.
Never write anything that taken out of context that could show you being troubled… or write something in “jest”… “I could just kill them”… ya never know, something might happen and you’d be the #1 suspect… hope you have a great alibi.
Yep, Friends list… well there’s a questionable picture. My list is short, family, close friends and work friends. And with good reason… I’ve seen friends lists that have 200+ friends… some 500+ friends… do I really want all those people knowing more about my daily or weekly life… probably not… so I keep my friends list rather selectively short. It’s not a popularity contest to see who can reach 1000 friends. Besides, you never know who is going to have the your info available for them to see. And you can’t trust facebook to have functional controls and safeguards to limit the info you make available.
I also limit photos permanently posted to facebook. I thin the posts (delete) so that only a limited number of posts or pictures is available at any one time. Most people leave them wall ongoing… someone could go back through months and years of posts to gather your information for whatever purpose. It’s not to say that they can’t keep an ongoing “saved” file on your posts over time… but they can’t just get everything all at once from a wall that goes back to the beginning of time.
It’s also probably a good practice NOT to open or click on forwarded links to unknown sites or download forwarded files via links on facebook unless you know the source… this is a tool frequently used by hackers… and all these cute little forwarded posts for you to forward to ten people with links to cute little stories or videos… well… why not just hold a gun to your computer like Russian Roulette and pull the trigger and see how much you can do it before the computer is no more… not to mention the personal info that hackers will get from your pc before they destroy it. Don’t open them, don’t repost them… it will be safer for you and all your friends. I’ve even deleted some facebook friends cause they continue to play this high risk game!

Keep everything light hearted and limit your friends list to those close or important to you. Acquaintances… well… that’s what E-mail or letters are for. “Letters”? … I remember them… that’s when you actually sit down with pen and paper and physically write on paper… yes, write on the actual paper… what you want to tell the other person. Then put it into an envelope, seal it, address it, stamp it, and take it to the post office to mail… at which time that person will get you message several days later… if it doesn’t get lost in all their junk mail. Wasn’t this a archaic practice? Or you could just call them on the phone… buh. Or text them! In any even… keep your facebook friends list small… people in the circle of trust. Everyone else can email, call, or text. BTW… I always have a secondary email for everyone less than close friends.

Just a couple of thought on safety… don’t make yourself a target.

Cinderella Castle

2012-01-19T07:33:00.001-05:00

Cinderella Castle… Did you know that Cinderella castle at Walt Disney World is the most photography structure in the world! Being the Center Piece and Icon of the Magic Kingdom, the Castle certainly conjures up and is filled with Disney Magic. First off… Cinderella Castle looking down Main Street appears to be very tall, it’s really only 189 ft tall, but appears to be over 300 ft tall. A method called forced perspective was used to create the tall effect. As the castle gets taller, its proportions get smaller. So the very top "piece" of the castle is close to 1/2 the size it "appears". This technique is used all over in the parks. If you look down Main Street from the Railroad Station to the Castle… Main street appears to be very long and the Castle very tall. Next time you are there take a good look and thing about it… then when you get to the Castle, look back down Main Street towards the Railroad Station… the whole perspective is different… doesn’t look so long anymore… but then again… most of the time you only see this view when you are leaving at the end of the day… and walking Main Street back to the front of the park… when you are tired and worn out… and the walk seems long form a physical standpoint, rather then a visual one. Main Street Buildings are designed the same way… each floor and detail is smaller as you go higher… so the building always appear to be higher then they are. An apartment suite for Walt Disney and his family was to be built in the castle. Unfortunately, Walt died before its completion. And the space was used for storage and offices. In recent years, the space was renovated to become the Castle Suite, a fantastic prize given away to unsuspecting guests during the Year of a Million Dreams promotion. Inside the castle's archway, a series of five mosaic murals tells the story of Cinderella The murals contain just over 300,000 pieces of Italian in more than 500 colors. Would you like to take a guess how many stones there are in Cinderella Castle. How long it took to put all those stones together. Again… it’s all Disney Magic… total stone count… zero… it’s all fabricated surface… and from start to finish it took 18 months to complete the castle. Some of the Real Disney Magic is how many “looks” the castle can have… especially at night time. Endless combinations of colored lights projected onto the walls, images projected, and twinkling lights… endless variations to delight the visual senses and music designed to match the changing Castle colors perfectly set the mood. The most special time is the Christmas Holidays… the Castle is decorated with over two hundred thousand “led” lights that twinkle, sparkle, fade, glow, and dance to the holiday music while the projected colors and images combine with the music… and are all in sync with the spectacular fireworks that take everything over the top to sensory overload. Here’s some photos of the endless faces of the Castle… there’s not end to Imagination and Disney magic!

Imagination and Magic!

Television

2012-01-17T08:35:00.001-05:00

So what shall we read today? To each his own…but… It is, what it is.

Sometimes ya just wake up… think about things… write about things… and this is what you get. A jolt of reality.

Television has more and more annoying issues… just think about it.

First there’s the commercials. Some make you laugh and smile, and then there are the one’s that just don’t make it… in fact, they’re annoying. The ones that show you a vehicle doing something incredibly stupid… something you know, no sane person would do… and you know the vehicle can’t do that… but they want to mentally implant the notion that their vehicle is so good it can ski down a snowy mountain and do barrel rolls… so you should buy this truck because you just saw it do something incredible that is only movie magic… but “don’t try this at home”. Or you could pull a mile long freight train with this truck… or help a jet airliner land when the nose landing gear fails and the truck comes to the rescue to help the plane land. Then there’s the car that has 400+ horse power…why??? Then there’s commercials showing stupid people doing stupid things and buying the advertised product… so why would I want to do what stupid people do, and buy their product? Are they trying to say that stupid people buy their product, so I need to get some… or do they really believe they can basically insult your intelligence knowing you can better identify with stupid people, so that buy their product… therefore you must be stupid… so you need to buy their product. Then there are those unbelievable incredible deals on tv where you get this $200 value for only $19.95… but wait… order now and get a second one free…. just pay additional shipping and handling. This one miracle item will do everything and it will last a lifetime… so why would I need two of them? These commercials play to the stupidity of the consumer… and they must work, because you see them all the time… so I guess there’s plenty of stupid tv consumers out there to make it all worth while.

Lets play it safe and say that for the last 100 years that people have collectively been sold a bill of goods, through advertising, in the name of looking better, feeling better, and loosing weight… all of which… have never worked… and never will… but people buy them with the grand illusion the they can look twenty years younger… feel like a twenty year old again… or get back down to the that magical weight that we all wish we could be. Stupid people doing stupid things… and you would think in today’s economy that there would be no money for frivolous spending… but there actually seems to be more of it. You’d think people would put more value to their spendable income than to waste it on “pie in the sky” products that they know won’t deliver on their promises… remember… “results are not typical - your results may vary”. “Results not typical”… wouldn’t the half way intelligent consumer want to know “typical results” of what they might possibly expect the results to be… so they could make an intelligent evaluation of how their product might benefit them? But if the selling company told you this… they’d be telling you that their product fails to deliver the intended results 99% of the time. Well… nuff said about that.

Then there’s “truth in advertising” … as mandated by federal regulations and legal notices. The Drug companies advertisements. They have this new miracle drug that will make your skin beautiful… wonderful. You look better, feel better, emotionally elevate your perception of yourself and you’ll be more socially acceptable and the envy of others with just everyday normal skin. Wonderful… great perfect skin! Disclaimer: Possible side effects may include in rare cases… redness or yellowing of the skin, trouble sleeping, hearing problems, problems with blurred vision, ability to heal properly, and in rarer cases… trouble breathing, convulsions, loss of motor skills, slurred speech, paralysis, and still even more rare cases , death. But … you’ll have great looking skin!

Just some other thoughts to ponder:

Why on police shows do the police always yell to the felon while he’s running away… “Stop… Police”… they never… ever… stop… never. Do police do this in real life? And why do tv police identify themselves 30 feet away from the person they are trying to arrest… gives them a 30 foot head start to RUN… and they always run… and they know that “Stop, Police” is not going to work. Why not get closer so they can grab them on the spot so they can’t even start to run? Suggestion: Stop all the running… change the law to enable police to shoot a fleeing criminal… so they can’t get away to harm bystanders, or get away completely… okay… how do we know that the fleeing person is a criminal? … if they are running away from the police… duh… they’re a criminal.

Why do movies and tv always… always do this… The situation is bad… something or someone is trying to get us… “lets split up” … COME ON! … “let’s split up”… does this really happen in real life? Why do they always portray people to be so stupid.

Okay… you are unarmed… running away from the guy with the gun… you hide behind the corner with a pipe in your hand… the man with the gun comes around the corner… you hit him with the pipe… he goes down to the ground… WHAT DO YOU DO? In tv land… once he’s down, you start running again… so he can get back up … pick up his gun… and come after you again… COME ON! … who would do this in real life? First I’d make sure he wasn’t going to get up again… preferably never … SECOND… I’M GOING TO TAKE HIS GUN!

CSI’s… funny how they are extremely meticulous to photograph all evidence where it lays and wear rubber gloves to collect evidence…. and in the next location, walk right in and pick it up barehanded.

Then there’s the the more serious shows, showing real people, in real life situations, that gets so preposterous and unreal. Good example… “Private Practice”… the show was good in the beginning… but now the characters all have completely messed up “soap opera” lives. Professional people… doctors that are more messed up then any collection of bottom dwellers. Alcohol, drugs, ethical issues, relationship issues, legal issues, and psychiatrists that are so mentally unstable in their own lives that are helping others with emotional issues… please! Put a warning at the beginning of the show… “Soap Opera”… so we know not to watch it. Could ten professional people in real life… working together… be that screwed up? Hope not.

Slightly changing the topic. I like to watch tv and movies for the enjoyment. Just plain fun, action and adventure, drama, mystery, etc, etc. And while I like to figure things out… I find it very annoying that producers of the shows feel the need to overly burden this enjoyable process by introducing too many unannounced “flash backs… “flash forwards” … “flash some where’s”… repeatedly so that you have to hang on every word or scene and really concentrate on the happenings so you know where you are in the story. I enjoy figuring things out… but come on… I don’t want to work that hard at it.

Why do Tv ads have to go up several notches in volume every time they start. Even if it’s a funny commercial, or something I would buy… why do they want to… excuse the expression… piss me off right form the get go?

Reality talk shows! OMG… what’s worse then watching the brigs of society airing their pathetic lives on tv reality shows. Why are these shows still on Tv… sadly because the people that watch those shows need to see others portraying their pitiful miserable meaningless “waste of life” existence… why… so they can feel good about their own life… please.

Celebrity Reality shows… WHO CARES!

Political Bashing ads… Come on people… get smart… if one politician has to bash another to make himself look good… he must not be worth very much as a person… let alone a leader of the people. But then again… they all are accused of being morally bankrupt by the opposing candidate… and they’re all right… none of them from either party are worth a spit. Years of promises by both parties, telling you what you want to hear… preying on your fears… blaming the other person or party for the mess this country is in… and sadly… voting for a candidate or party has become nothing more then a sham. They offer up the candidates that we get to pick from… yes they are powerful enough to control that… they give you the choices for you to pick from… and as a whole… congress cares little for who you vote for… it will always be “business as usual” for them. Blaming the other party for all the shortcomings… checks and balances… they balance out the blame… assume no responsibility for anything… and go on with business as usual…snakes in a pit with all us mice.

Commercials where cars are given as Christmas Gifts! If this is the real world at large… I must have done something wrong in my life. I’m glad to get a $25 Walmart Gift card… delighted with $50… forever indebted for $100 Gift card. (well… maybe not forever, but for a while anyway).

Special financing of cars and furniture… hello… they’re not loosing money on this deal… you’re just paying the cost of financing or deferred payments hidden up front in the cost of what you are buying… come on! Or I love the one car ad… we’ll give you $5,000 trade in on anything you can push, pull, or drive into our dealership.

Stupid annoying “dumber then all get out” characters on Tv shows… no one can be that stupid.

Socially unacceptable themes to the extreme… like Charlie on 2 ½ men… or for that matter Charlie himself. Yes, he’s not on the show anymore, but the writers made the rest of the characters just a bad.

DVD's… hey… I like the movie… buy the DVD…with my hard earned money… and can’t even skip or fast forward past the previews or ads to get to the movie that I paid for… what’s up with that! It’s worse than going to the movie theater… have to watch 10 minutes of previews in my own house! Argggg!!! ( that’s the pirates expression of discontent, anger, and I’d slash the person responsible for this if I could only find him! )

I’m sure you have your own list… and I’m sure it’s longer this this. Just a little something to think about and be thankful for remote controls… “mute” and “channel”. The next Billionaire… the person that invents and markets a device that mute commercials automatically… or even better replaces them with happy carefree photos and music until the show your are watching returns. And thank god for DVR’s… we pretty much record all shows and watch after the fact… fast forwarding past the commercials. Guess this will be illegal someday too.

Closing remark: Argggg !!!

Ravens vs Texans

2012-01-17T07:02:00.001-05:00

This past Sunday’s game against the Texans was a win… so the Ravens move on to the AFC conference playoff game against the Patriots. Yes it was a win. Celebration of the win should be short lived with a sigh of relief that we won a game with offensive performance that dictated that we should have lost. Texans offence was simply worse than that of the Ravens. If not for the Texans beating themselves with turnovers… like the Ravens recovery at the Texans 2 yard line… we would have had 14 less points and lost the game. As always, defense and special teams saved the day and carried the offense. Stats aside, which were dismal at best for the offense… the only bright spot for Joe was 2 touchdown passes… and given that the Ravens offense got the ball handed to then by the defense so that they could start from being already in the red zone… just about any NFL quarterback should be able to do it. So that’s not much to brag about. The only uplifting news is that with the “Hot & Cold” performance that we have seen all season… the offense usually gets hot after a cold performance the week before. The offense will need to be hot next week in New England. Another dismal performance by the Ravens offense next week will give them a quick ticket back home to watch the Superbowl on tv like the rest of us… and we’ll be rooting for another team to win… rather then the home team that didn’t make it.

Before last week game it was said that Joe had a chip on his shoulder about not getting enough credit for his accomplishments. Next week will tell the tale… and if Joe doesn’t have a better performance next week… Brady, who came off a record setting week last week… well… Joe will get that chip knocked right of his shoulder rather quickly and decisively.

I never have liked the term "critic"... the high and mighty people that judge others… they have no vested interest in the team… they are critics, and that’s their job. But as a Ravens Fan, I am entitled to my opinion... So the question was... "Do I think Joe Flako was elevate to the status of elite quarterback after the game this past Sunday?" Joe has a lot of great potential, makes a lot of great plays, and sometimes we're just not sure who is always to blame when things don't go right... Joe or Cam Cameron. Joe is hot and cold... great or dismal... just not consistent... the offense usually only shows up for half the game at best. So to answer the question... is Joe one of the "elite" quarterbacks... that’s a resounding … NO ... he is no Brady, Brees, Rodgers or Manning... maybe someday, but not yet. The press before last weeks game had Joe expressing that he didn't get enough credit for his efforts... perhaps a re-adjustment in self attitude is needed... Good = sometimes... Great or Elite = not yet! Maybe we can all find out where the dismal blame lies someday, with a new offensive coach calling the plays… maybe someday! When the Ravens won the Superbowl… no one sang the praises of Trent as quarterback. I know… Trent who?

Hopefully, this coming week the offense will show up to play all four quarters against New England. Joe will be “hot” and Cam will come up with a good mix and variation of plays right from the beginning of the game…rather then some of the stale expected plays that go no where fast. New England will be ready for us… but will we be ready for them? I hope so. I’d like to see the Ravens and the 49er’s at the Superbowl…. a tale of two brothers.

Football Playoff Weekend.

2012-01-14T07:36:00.001-05:00

It’s gonna be a great weekend… a great weekend for football. Four playoff games this weekend.

FOOTBALL PLAYOFF WEEKEND... should be some great games... Saints and 49ers... Patriots vs Broncos... Giants vs Packers... and Texans come to Baltimore to play the Ravens at home. Since we are currently here in Texas, we hear all the local talk about how their team are going to easily beat the Ravens at Baltimore.

Our Daughter said it best...

"Those Silly Texans... they must be wearing their hats too tight!"

I like that phrase so much...

I wish I had said it! So I'll just enjoy repeating it! GO RAVENS!

Should be some great games!

Fire up the grill… order the pizza… pass the nacho’s…

and warn the neighbors about all the shouting!

“Ravens Town”

Conspiracy…

2012-01-11T08:38:00.001-05:00

Please excuse this rare moment of being serious… but every once in a while… ya just feel a need to.

Conspiracy? When hasn’t things always been a conspiracy? … never! … there’s always been, and always will be conspiracy. No doubt since the beginning of time, when did any one person or group of persons, that have been in charge or control, didn’t have an agenda. Hidden agendas, personal interests, favoritism, which all leads ultimately to conspiracy and corruption… usually motivated by greed. In today’s world any person, or group of people, that have control or even influence over others… well… the chances are very good that they are in varying degrees involved in conspiracy, greed, and corruption. Everything from seemingly innocent agendas to full blow all consuming corruption in which they premeditate defrauding the general public mostly out of money, and do so with the additional intent of being more controlling and powerful… another words… limiting your freedoms. Their idea of your freedom is to control or limit you to choices that conform to their plans and agendas. So how big is this whole conspiracy corruption thing? Well… lets start with the government. Never has there been anything so large and controlling as our government. Absolute power that corrupts absolutely. What percentage of anything that the government controls ( and they control everything in varying degrees) do you think is free from personal interests, “party” interest, favoritism, conspiracy and corruption. Personal opinion… nearly everything is a conspiracy… in varying degrees… no doubt ever increasing as they “get away” with more an more. So with government, it’s safe to say that almost everything is a conspiracy. How about businesses? Well, the average business is ruled by social morals and the free enterprise system that keeps most of them honest. But given the opportunity to be in a controlling position, and position of power, where the general public could be at their mercy, of which there is none, a monopoly of sorts, only leads to one place… greed and conspiracy. Conspiracy to leave social morals behind and “get away” with all they can, not just a socially accepted profit, but nothing less than price gouging. … of course this is under the legal banner of free enterprise and supply and demand pricing. Or if there is a natural disaster that would mean prices should be higher, supply verses demand, then why do the prices never go back to pre disaster costs? Every little excuse is used on the American public to raise prices to make unwarranted profits… and they public at large believes their excuses… of course at best, we have no choice or control even if we didn’t by all the lies they tell. Biggest offender… big oil companies. The price fuel alone is bringing the economy to it’s knees. Of all the hundreds of reasons why fuel prices go up so that they can maintain profitability… PLEASE… if this was true and they were raising prices to merely stay profitable… why are oil company exec’s retiring with not millions, but billions of dollars, of our hard earned money, that they get for the oil companies being overly profitable. How do they do it… back to big government politics… the politicians allow them to do it and both sides prosper at the publics expense. If it was something reasonable okay… but their greed grows with their control and power. Religious cults and so called spiritual leaders use a form of fear and / or hope of prosperity to control how you feel and think… and naturally maintain control and power over people to get their support… and more importantly their money. Believe in “my god” and I will give you inner peace… try to pull away and you shall fall out of favor, and bad things will happen to you… that’s the fear part. Give me more money (your money) so I might spread the good word… support our cause and there will be prosperity… prosperity for them, not you. But they do give those that are not strong minded or strong willed something to believe in… a false sense of belief in themselves… inner peace… a sense of belonging… a sense that they are promised something better than what this world has to offer… just give them your freedom in part or whole, give them your money, and you can feel good about yourself, for you will get your reward if not here but after death. Radical religious groups get their followers to give up everything in the name of their religion… even their lives, even so that they might kill others that do not follow their true religion. These are just a some of the biggest offenders… yes, offenders… because they are guilty of stealing your money under false pretenses. Others might include some charities, the health care and insurance system, and the legal system… just to mention a few. But you can decide about that.

Conspiracy, agenda, corruption, greed, control & power over people… it’s everywhere… permeating every part of your lives. Sometimes people give into it by choice, sometimes it’s forced upon us by those in authority… mainly big government and powerful companies.

So if you hear the phrase… “Everything is a conspiracy” … in many senses… it’s absolutely true. They either hide it well, divert your attention to something else, or explain it away with propaganda that they know you’ll believe and accept what they say… because you either aren’t smart enough to see the truth, don’t want to mentally know how bad it is, so you won’t accept the truth, or just want feel good about their self and their lives and believe whatever they are told… just so they could feel good about everything… hence the phrase “Rose colored glasses”.

Well… this is all just something to think about.. or not. True or false… well… that’s up to you to decide. If you think it’s all false, and everything is just perfect… and you want to feel really good about yourself… well… send me your money for complete absolution and the promise of a better life after this one. (just kidding about the money part). They’re all “selling” conspiracy, hidden agendas, corruption, greed, control & power over people… some good news…some of it is by your choice… so as the saying goes… “Buyer beware”. Unfortunately… some is forced upon all of us… government and big business. It is what it is… so just do the best you can, with what they allow you to keep. Stay warm and eat hearty… if you still can.

So why did I write this. Certainly not to make you feel bad… just something to open you to the thought process of what is really happening… “Rose colored glasses” make for a bit of mental and emotional relief from the real world… and we all need that from time to time, but it may proved to be beneficial to take one’s head out of the sand and see what’s really happening.

But, as always, that’s you choice… your freedom to think as you will. I have no hidden agenda but encourage you to think for yourself… find strength in yourself… find inner peace within yourself. It’s all up to you.

Those that don’t take your money… or don’t ask for your money… just may have the most honestly and purity of thoughts. Conversely… those that have the power to take your money… and those that lack the power to take it, so they ask for it, under the pretense of your well being, so you can feel good about yourself… well… maybe not all, but certain most… have an agenda… and it’s all about power, control, and greed for your money. Personally… I feel better about myself by not giving up my money or support to their greed, if I don’t have to… and I can feel good about myself… very good indeed! I’d rather try to do good by others around me, support charities where I know the money is going, and help others in whatever way without expecting anything in return. The easiest thing of all… bring a smile or moment of delight to someone’s face… give them a happy feeling…little priceless moments. Smiles and laughs … I collect them all and consider them all payment in full.

Hoping yall have a wonderful day… stay warm… and eat hearty.

Simply, Walt…

2012-01-08T09:06:00.001-05:00

I’d have to say that if there was one person that I would have like to met and talked to… it would have been Walt Disney. I grew up seeing him on Television just like most other kids that were my age. The Mickey Mouse Club, The Wonderful World of Disney, the Wonderful World of Color, Tv specials, and Nature movies. I remember us referring to him as Uncle Walt. He touched the lives of millions… he influenced all our lives… both by what he had to say as a person, and by the stories that told us. Setting the example for how we should be towards others, morals, and in the characters that he developed that gave us good roles models to look up to. Yep… quite the positive influence on millions of lives. It was okay to be a dreamer… and there really were “Happy Endings” where everyone lived happily ever after. Nature films that taught us respect for the land and all living things. And of course, that Magical Place call Disneyland that brought wondrous delights to everyone…. both young and old. Walt’s bigger plans for a whole “world” based on Disneyland in California gave us the Florida Project and Disney World…the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. But it didn’t stop there… Fort Wilderness Campground Resort, and Disney’s Themed Hotel Resorts… The Polynesian Resort and The Modern looking Contemporary Resort were all part of the plan. Themed Shopping areas, golf courses, and themed water parks all came from the Dreams of one man… Walt. Today, following through on Walt’s dreams and visions of the future, there are 20 themed resorts which are an attraction to themselves. My favorite is the Wilderness Lodge modeled after Old Faithful Lodge in Yellowstone National Park. I think Disney does everything so well and completely, that if you experienced the Wilderness Lodge first and then went to Yellowstone, your reaction would be somewhat less on the wow factor. Disney does everything not only down to the last detail, but it is sensory overload to the maximum… you could be in the same place numerous times and still see more things that you previously missed… it’s all too much to take in at one time. It’s the same with all the resorts… Animal Kingdom Lodge, The Grand Floridian, and Dixie Landing (now called Port Orleans Riverside)… sensory overload with everything designed down to the last detail… the sights, sounds, and even smells that immerse you into a different place and time. After all, that’s what’s it all about… dreams and fantasy’s… taking you to someplace you’ve never been before… experience it all with a sense on wonder… be a kid again in a magical world. It’s easy to get caught up in the whole magical celebration, atmosphere and pageantry of it all. Escape to a happy place. Walt’s welcome to Disneyland…. “To All that come to this Happy Place… Welcome”. Well… that’s my little bit of insight and feelings for the dreams of a dreamer that changed the world. Thanks Walt… you touched my life… and that of millions. Disney Imagineers hold true to everything that Walt imagined and are always planning and making those dreams become reality… all over the Earth. Here’s a few of my favorite photos of Walt… if he could have only seen that his dreams became reality… what her would think of it all now.

1928 It All started with a mouse.

Just as I remember…

announcing the Florida Project…Disney World

Walt and Mickey…

Planning and overseeing attractions

Main Street Pastry and Coffee House

Walt rides with Davy Crockett ( Fess Parker)

Walt’s love for railroads… his backyard train…

At Disneyland…

Saw him every Sunday Night on the Tv

A Man and his Dreams…

A Job well done!

Thanks for the Dreams that touched so many!

Snow at Disney!

2012-01-07T20:42:00.001-05:00

Snow at Disney… yes… yes it is. Over the years there have been many Magical Events and Happenings at Disney. Disney Magic is always present in the parks. While we have seen it snow at Disney World on numerous occasions… it was always Pure Disney Magic… Magical Snow that they made for the vacationing guests. Wasn’t nothing quite like being at Disney either at Hollywood Studios for the Osborne Christmas Lights, or at the Magic Kingdom on Main Street watching The Christmas Parade and watching it snow… magically completed the whole Christmas Celebration… it’s snowing! … it’s snowing!

Not to be out done by Disney Magic… mother nature had is own plans for a White Christmas at Disney… and Mickey, Minnie, and the gang loved playing in the snow. This is a real photo… not Photo Shopped or faked… it’s real mother nature snow! You can see Cinderella Castle in the background. Could you imagine… several inches of snow at Disney. Disney Magic one better. Can you say “Snowball fight!”

Yes… it’s a real photo… and yes… that’s Cinderella castle in the background… but in Tokyo Disney! Only Disney Magic can make it snow in Florida. But could you just imagine this… if it really was Orlando.

Do you enjoy everything Disney… check out the Disney Blog at:

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/

Crazy ???

2012-01-07T17:14:00.001-05:00

Inspiration for another topic… someone just posted….

I'm really starting to wonder if I'm going crazy and I don't mean that in a joking kind of way. (Her husband and her) were talking tonight and he was talking about a conversation we had about a week ago that I don't remember (which it isn't the first time it's happened) and things we've done that I don't remember at all!!! And they're things I should remember. I'm actually starting to get worried. Really thinking about seeing a counselor or something after he leaves and see if there's something wrong.

My response….

In simple terms to explain this condition... you are married and have two young kids... spouses from time to time with ever increasing regularity... hear, but don't really listen to the others conversation. You're thinking about something else with 98% of your mental awareness and only 2% involved in the conversation. No wonder you don't remember it. Get use to it... it happens. Neither of you will always be 100% involved in a conversation all the time. If I'm concentrating on something and Shelly's talking, I'm listening, sometimes even responding, but really not mentally involved in the conversation, especially when it seems so casual, and I'm deeply involved in thought on something else. It happens. When you get older the ability or intent, I think mostly intent, is to only do one thing at a time. Thinking I'm really involved in what you are saying when you can see I'm 100% involved and concentrating on something else... well... that conversation however brief or important is going right into the mental recycle bin. It happens… all the time.

PS: Never use the word “crazy”… mental health experts say it’s negatively detrimental. I agree in part for a different reason… never use the word “crazy” … it could be merely a different state of reality that not socially of scientifically accepted because it not understood.

Another pool of thought…

Not remembering things… I'd say welcome to my world... but you're a bit young for that. Not much comfort in the old saying either... "The brighter the bulb, the faster it burns out". Who are you anyway? (just kidding). Can be really scary... first, forgetting things, that once recalled brings it to mind... but even worse, not even remembering things after they are recalled by someone else... stuff you should remember. Feels like a Hitchcock Movie where someone is trying to drive you insane (when you are really okay)... or worse, it's really true and stress or something has driven you into something else from a Hitchcock movie... or pulled you back ... two personalities... and no remembrance of what the other one has done. So who are you today anyway? Drifting into a previous existence of another life and blacking out this one momentarily? Was I just dreaming or was it "real" in a different reality? The mind is complex and in laymen’s terms, subject to a few short-circuits every once in a while. The possibilities are endless. In computer terms, it could be merely "bad clusters", temporally lost data, or lost forever... here today, gone tomorrow, and back the next. Yep, truly scary. Like going someplace you've never been to... and knowing in detail what's around every corner, seeing images like superimposed memories from the past over top of the current reality, smelling something from the past that isn't there now... like the smell of gunpowder, guns and cannon, from a past event where a battle took place. Hearing sounds or voices ever so vivid yet somehow subtle... not currently here (no one else heard them), but still you did hear them, see them and sometimes even smelled them. Drifting in part into another time and loosing part of "now", current time. Daydreaming? for moments, hours, or even longer. Afternoon naps that take you somewhere else in you dreams... or was it real in another place and time... was it really a nap or daydreaming... or something else? As for me... I have zero faith in the ability of trained counselors to do much more then take your money and explain your condition in scientific terms, which would prove to be no help at all. From strictly their scientific view point, it only scratches the surface of the complexity and capabilities of the mind. Science and it's limited scope trying to explain and limit the possibilities within its terms of "science reality"... and not accepting the intangible reality of other possibilities that science can't understand or explain. Deep is not the word for relating to the possibilities. Something wrong with you... or something different? All a point of perception... and acceptance of the probabilities that there's is something that exists that science can't explain... well... it opens new doors to possibilities... possibilities that may not conform to proven facts... but never the less exists. Now there's some food for thought. Dismiss it as if it was a flight of fantasy or be open minded to possibilities beyond understanding and scientific experience... it's the human experience. So... does this help?

If you are an opened minder person… you are thinking about all this… pondering the possibilities or maybe even thinking of something that happened to you in the past. If you are not… you may just be thinking I’m crazy… but I’m just relating the story. But, no matter, it’s just today’s random thoughts on another topic that sparked a bit of inspiration… or imagination… or alternate reality. Well… I’m certain not sure any more. Are you?

Remembering…

2012-01-05T04:32:00.002-05:00

So, what do you do when you go to be early and get up wide awake at 1am? When your mind is racing 100 miles an hour… about things that happen to you at different years of you life. Ya go to the Pc and write about it with your beloved bottle of cool water… write about in part or in whole… and hope that you can go back to sleep to get something more then three hours sleep. So here it goes.

Remembering the most important things that happened to me… year by years.
1953 - Why do my parents act so stupid… “goo, goo, gaga”… please.
1954 – Why do I only get mashed food… strained peas… yuck.
1955 – Why am I wearing these stupid looking clothes… and stupid white shoes… stupid bow-ties! But what did I know… I was young.

…….. DO I LOOK HAPPY ??? …………

1956 – Why do they always play with my toys first, that I got for Christmas… My turn… my turn!
1957 – Got my first red tri-cycle… zoom, zoom, zoom! The backyard was my kingdom.
1958 – Got my first dog… I promise I’ll take care of her… promise!
1959 - Got my first Bicycle… Red… naturally… and thought school was fun.
1960 – Girls had “kooties”… but played with them anyway… Transistor radios were cool.
1961 – Mom had a Chevy Station Wagon… we went everywhere in it… the whole neighbor.
1962 – Playing “cowboys” gave way to playing “army”… the guys played together now… no girls allowed.
1963 – Got a New black & chrome 3 speed English racer bike… and The Beatles… both way cool.
1964 – Rock n Roll and new music was here to stay… changed my life. Girls liked boys… boys ran.
1965 – Wow… Television was now in Color! … use to be only black and white.
1966 – Girls were really cute and still fun to play with… but a little different now
1967 – Girls played games (not that kind) … can’t figure them out. Boys liked girls, now girls ran.
1968 – Girls were still hard to figure out. No meant yes, yes meant maybe, go away meant come here. What did I know… I was only 14.
1969 – First real job… fast food burger joint… 15¢ hamburgers… 95¢ per hour and all you could eat.
1970 – Girls fashion had came of age… hot pants and halter tops… nuf said. Boys chased girls, girls ran, but not too far, boys caught girls.
1971 – Second real job… supermarket. Kissed that “one” girl, the one that I shouldn’t have let get away.
1972 – First trip to Disney World… Yea… Out of School … eternal summer vacation!
1973 – Third real job… lasted 30 years…. Got my first real car… 73 Gran Torino Sport
1974 – Still trying to figure out girls. Kissed that same “one” girl again… made same mistake… let her get away. But what did I know… I was only 21
1975 – Gave up… stopped trying to figure out girls… just have fun! Kissed some girls that needed to get away!
1976 – Yep… still just having fun with the carefree single life. Girls are fun…and now they want to be serious?
1977 – Most of my friends are married… some already miserable… not a good sign… Danger, Will Robinson.
1978 – Got a 280-ZX … now this was really zoom, zoom, zoom… a whole lot more fun.
1979 - Grandfather died… wish I had talked to him more about his life.
1980 – Built a house in Parkville… single, nice house, fast car. Life was sweet.
1981 – Thought about all the girls that got away… good or bad? I think that was good. … still could not figure them out. But what did I know… I was only 28.
1982 – Caught the Rv bug… bought my first Rv… 22 ft Class C Motorhome… really cool.
1983 – Got married… Built a house in Belair … the house and motorhome was not a mistake.
1984 – Still married… can’t figure women out… what gives. Drive a Voltswagon “Golf”… no more zoom here.
1985 – 1998 Still married… life’s a blur to me now… think I remember grilling steaks… yep, steak was still really good.
1999 – Divorced … Life begins anew… still can’t figure women out… but don’t care about it as much… solution:got a hot-tub. But What did I care… I was 46.
2000 – Met Shelly and my Life changed… all for the better. Priceless!
2001 – Married Shelly… think it would have been really nice to met her years ago.
2002 – Year went by fast… planning to retire and getting ready to Rv fulltime! Changed life forever.
2003 – Big Year-retired-sold house- bought Rv of our dreams- drove off into the Sunset! … BTW: the sun sets in Florida.

2004 – Lots of sunsets in Florida… especially in the winter… great being in the south for the winter! ... warm - : )
2005 – Present : Retired... Time sure goes by quickly… days seems like only 16 hours, weeks only 5 days, years only 8 months. Yep... time goes by quickly.
Still fulltime Rving and loving every minute of it. Wouldn't go back to the house thing for anything. Never the same old, same old. (maybe a little, sometimes)
Usually work seasonally 6 months and either part time or off for the other 6 months.
Became Seasonal Cast Members at Disney World in 2005 to present (2-3 days a week – 4 months)
Been up and down the East Coast all the way to Key West… some beautiful sights.
Currently in Texas… wide open prairie… but miss hills and green… like trees, grass, bushes… Something GREEN!
Met lots of people Rving and made lots of new friends every where we travel.
Work seasonally at Rv Resorts doing Activities… paid to play with the young and old.
We kinda go where ever the win blows us… where ever we want to go… always some place new!
We are both big Disney fans… working for Disney got us free admission to all the parks… anytime!
plus free comp admission for 52 family & friends every year… some great times.
Usually spend 3-4 months every year at Disney… past 6 years… still Magical!
Have spent multi-month vacations at Disney with two of our grand daughters… Priceless!
Total experience with the three Grand daughters – totally priceless!
Have spent lots of time at Disney with Rving friends… lots of great memories. Steak is still good!

Rving is the best way to retire… if you’re not wealthy… there are three main ways to save money while still enjoying the freedom to move around to new places… work or not work… and live less expensive.
First: workamping – we work doing activities in Rv Resorts seasonally, we each get our salary 40 hours a week, plus a free place to stay which includes electric, water, propane, cable, internet, and use of resort facilities.
Second: Campground memberships, Once you buy your membership (generally about $1500 on average), you pay your yearly dues (generally about $500), and you can stay in the campground as much as you want for a long as you want… the only restriction is two weeks in and one week out. We have two memberships in Orlando area… so when in Orlando (Disney) we move the Rv 10 miles every two weeks. Repeat the process over several months… on average it costs us about $200 a month (includes electric) to be in the vacation capital of the world!
Third: When traveling we have discounted memberships that allow us to camp for about $10 a night vs the usual $30-$45 a night fees. Or while slowly traveling your cam still find monthly rates which are little more than 15 days of nightly camping fees. Our usual yearly cost for an Rv site with utilities is generally about $100 per month.
Yep… Rving can be a inexpensive way to retire. Travel, seasonal work, vacations, new places, new friends, extra time with family, Priceless Memories and Magical Moments… Life is Sweet! Want to take a couple of months off… on problem. Want to head south for the winter… no problem! No property taxes, no high utility bills, no house payment, no house maintenance, no yard work… freedom to enjoy what you worked all your life for. And, if you pick the right “home” state to retire in… no state income taxes. But for more info and insight on Rving… just click on the “category label” … “Full-time Rving”. Hope you enjoy read about it.

So that’s a little bit about me… and hopefully it will spark a memory for you about your life… and maybe bring a smile to your face.

4 years old … first cigarette ( not lit ) … got into my grand mothers cigarette case… just thought I’d try one. Only cigarette to ever touch my lips. Grand mother smoked – died of cancer. Father smoked – died of heart disease. Grandfather smoked – died of stroke. Me… never smoked a day in my life… not even one puff. But the second hand smoke via my father ( 2 packs a day ) gave me the sinus problems that plague me to this day. Glad I never smoked… I’d no doubt be dead or dying by now.

Funny Vegetables…

2012-01-04T20:01:00.001-05:00

A friend of mine posted:

"An onion can make people cry, but there's never been a vegetable to make people laugh"~WILL RODGERS~

So I just had to reply to that statement….

Well … I’m not sure about that…

a picture is worth a thousands words …

and maybe a laugh… or at least a smile or two.

See for yourself!

Ya see… Some Onions can make you smile!

Some just look funny…

or is it odd… I can’t tell…

Some look goofy…

Some like to laugh…

Some Dance…

Some pray…

Some look sour…

Some just Stare…

Some just hang around…

Some want to rule the roost…

Some show pain & anger…

Some just want to look beautiful…

Some just want to play…

And some loose their heads…

so to speak…

So you see… vegetables & fruits can be funny.

Ya just have to look in the right places.

-----------------------------------------------

Here’s another good quote:

Momma always said:

“Don’t play with your food!”

Yall see how that worked out!

Sinus Remedy…

2012-01-02T23:14:00.001-05:00

Medication Remedy. Perhaps sharing this info may help someone else.

After suffering with and ever increasing problem with sinus drainage and related sinus problems most of my adult life… finally… finally… a doctor gave my a prescription that has for the past three weeks been almost a miracle. After suffering with uncontrolled sinus drainage, repeated sinus infections, severe coughing spells, drainage and coughing every time I started to eat… finally relief… I finally have found relief.

A little background… My condition was no doubt caused by my fathers smoking. My father was a heavy smoker of at least two packs a day… the house, our clothes, the furniture, everything in the house smelled of stale smoke. No doubt those negative effects of smoking created my sinus problems… of course that was back in the 50’s and 60’s before people accepted the health ricks to smoking, both to the smoker, and all those around them.

The remedy, an nasal spray that has dried up my sinus problems and without side effects. And it my be helpful to others that suffer with the same problems.

The down side… the price. Without insurance $115/bottle.

But a small price to pay for relief.

Baltimore Ravens

2012-01-02T10:23:00.001-05:00

Baltimore Ravens take AFC North Division Champs

The Baltimore Ravens have sweep all the division games this season and posted a perfect home record of winning all 8 home games. Watching the games this year was a mixed bag of “hot & cold” team performance. Usually the Ravens would play a great half a game and fizzle for the other half. They either had a disappointing first half and in the second half you jumped for joy as they mounted a comeback… or you experienced euphoria for a great first half that was played perfectly, only to have nail biting anxiety for the entire second half. Of course there were the four games where anxiety ruled over the entire game with it’s two companions… frustration & disappointment.

Last games of the season…
it was certainly nice to be in control of your own destiny
so that with wins,
there was nothing to do by the Steelers but sit and watch…
leaving them powerless.
-------------------------------------------

The last game of the season playing the Bengals…

this set the tone for the whole game…

catch us if you can…

and they never did.

What a way to end the regular season.

AFC Second Seed, a bye week,

and a Playoff Game(s) at Ravens Stadium.

Congratulations to the Ravens Team

and all the Ravens Fans Everywhere!

What a season… 12/4

Winning all division games…

Winning All Home games…

Being in “control” of playoff destiny…

AFC North Champions…

and sweeter than sweet…

Beating the Steelers both Times…

who, if not for the Ravens, would have been the #2 seed.

To the Steelers… our apologies

( I think not ! )

------------------------------------------------------------

It was also great to see Seven Ravens make the

First Squad for the Pro Bowl Game in Hawaii!

Speedy time…

2012-01-01T09:25:00.001-05:00

Speedy Time… just a little catch phrase. When you are older then 50… you go into Speedy Time… and as you get older… Speedy Time gets even faster. A year can go by as if it was a mere 6 months. It certainly didn’t go that fast when I was still working. Everyone that is older will all tell you the same thing… call it what you will… but Speedy Time hits us all. So where did 2011 go… and how did it go by so fast. One of the riddles of the universe, I guess.

We started out the year with 3 months of Disney. This finished up our 7 month winter vacation in the south. I’d say we worked, but 10 hours per month which really can’t be considered work. Since we are seasonal cast members at Disney World we got into the parks for free… anytime we wanted… just one of the perks. One of the best things was to have one of our grand daughters with us for a 3 month Disney Vacation. She saw everything, did everything, went everywhere, and saw more of Disney then most people do after years of vacation visits. This was the second time we had one of the girls for an extended Disney vacation. Such a treat! One of the best things is to see Disney all over again like it was the first time… through he eyes of a child… new and wondrous things… magical happenings… and making memories all over again… just like the first time. So that’s how the year started off. One of the best times ever.

After 7 months of play, it was time to get down to the serious issue of making some extra money. Lots of rv'ers seem to almost travel and plan things out almost by the seat of their pants… next month, unplanned until a few days before it’s time to travel again. We kinda hit the other extreme, and like to usually plan things out for the next several months, if not for a year in advance. It doesn’t mean that things can’t change, but we generally have a good idea of what we are doing and where we are going to next. Travels from late spring and summer took us to Texas, just northwest of Houston. Camp Resort were we did Activities and Arts & Crafts. Lots of good times at the resort right through Halloween weekends. We had a wonderful visit by Shelly’s brother and took trips to Galveston, Corpus Christy, and San Antonio. Very hot summer in Texas. Staying here for the winter until March.

Not a whirlwind year of traveling but still many memorable moments… especially those that shared with one of the grand girls… what could have been any better.

Here’s some memorable moments during the summer job doing activities. Since we were working at a Yogi Bear Park / Resort… part of the job was being “Yogi”. Now I know how much fun the Cast members at Disney have being “characters”. In the beginning it was really odd… when people were having their photo taken with Yogi, the most common thing said was “smile”… smile for the camera…and being inside the Yogi costume I’d find myself striking a “smile” too… natural reaction, right… ironically of course, no one can see me smile while wearing the Yogi head… they can’t see my face. Being Yogi was pretty cool… all the kids shouting his name, running to him, hugs and photos…the smiles on their faces… yep, pretty cool. Pretty cool for the adults too. Once there were three young women in their early twenties that came for photos with Yogi. Two to pose with Yogi’s outstretched arms across their upper backs/shoulders (like everyone else) and one to take the photo. We all got the usual prompt… “smile”… ( I was smiling) then after not getting the smile the photographer wanted came the next prompt… “try to look excited”. Now I couldn’t see their faces but I did understand the “smile and look excited” part… did I mention that all three were very shapely and wearing bikini’s having just came over from the pool. I wasn’t sure about the two posting with Yogi… but I smiled and felt excited… snap the photo… that’s a take!

Another cool time was the Wednesday & Saturday night dance party… live, outside at the Yogi Stage. Originally started as only karaoke nights, it developed into something much more. I started pre-karaoke dance music 30 minutes early to attract and prepare for the karaoke that started at 7pm and ran until 8:30. As the interest in karaoke diminished I started having dance music both before and after karaoke. Eventually when karaoke diminished to less then 30 minutes, we eliminated it completely… and the dance party and contests that overtook the entire evenings program. Unlike having one person sing while everyone else just sits and listens… dance party gave everyone the ability to actively get involved in all the dance songs! We invited kids to come on stage to dance, had dancing on the lawn, and parents taking photos as if all the dancing kids were rock stars. We incorporated a “Twist” contest, “Air Guitar”Contest, and “Air Drummer” Contest and awarded prizes. What a hit… and a great high energy dance party where everyone that wanted to could get involved. But the must rewarding part of the dance party was not limited to everyone having a good time… but to have kids come up at the end of the party and say…. “Mr. Richard… you rock”. Not too bad for an old retired guy. Of course the music selection was a big hit… today’s dance music… high energy! Shelly was a great influence on the choices with songs like…. LMFAO – Party Rock… Lady Gaga, Black eyed peas, Outkast, Taio Cruz, Pitbull, Neyo, Hot Chelle Rae, Spearhead, and group dance favorites like the Cha-Cha slide, Cupid Shuffle, and the Latin songs for the Conga Lines… plus some country dance songs to round it all out. Even some Big Bad Voodoo Daddy for the older generation. Yep… a great time every Wednesday & Saturday night 6:30 to 8:45… ended just in time for the nightly move at 9pm.

All in all… not much travelin’ … but a great year… filled with too many memories to mention here. So here’s looking back… and looking forward to another great year to remember. Hope the same is true for you. Hoping yall find good health and happiness with the new year. Always look for the best… and you will find it.

Memory Education

2011-12-29T21:47:00.001-05:00

Technology advances… so what new miracles are on the horizon. Scientists are currently working on a way to communicate to the human brain via a telepathic type induction technology ( I have no idea) that would enable the human brain to access a mass storage devise similar to a memory card… and with the mere thought of the brain, be able to recall all the information that is stored on the card. Worn like a necklace type devise that’s connected to several neurotransmitters located just under the skin of the scalp… any and all information contained on the memory card will be accessible as if the information had been learned and stored in the brain itself. The implications for education and available knowledge would be endless. Program the memory card… plug it in and an 8 year education would be available in a matter of nanoseconds. It will change the world as we know it. What a brave new world… it will change everything… literally everything. All knowledge and education at your fingertips… instantly. Rather sounds like something from science fiction. Existing work on this technology is still very limited in functionality. As the process is refined and developed the possibilities are endless.

This also seems a bit scary… what kind of a world will it be if we all had access to unlimited education and unlimited knowledge just by more or less plugging a memory card into our brain. Of course the next question would be… who would get this technology and who would not? Who would control it? Scary… yes… unbelievably scary. Like genetic engineering, the benefits could be unimaginable… as well could the implications if this was improperly used. Like most things that were planned and developed for the good of mankind… and later mutated for destruction and weapons of war. It seems like we are playing God with unlimited powers, but with the mind of a child, not knowing the dangers involved. Scary indeed. Reminds me of a line in a movie… “The Incredibles”… if we were all able to be super… then no one would really be super. If we were all knowledgeable … not to be confused with being smart… then none of us would really be knowledgeable. No one would stand out from one another. Where is this all going? Again… not to be confused with being smart… while on the surface this may seem to be a giant leap forward in some respects… I can’t help but feel that there’s more potential for negative then positive. Want to know how to do something… buy this memory card… plug it into your brain… instant knowledge and know how. Program information will self destruct after one application. Sounds funny to say the least… and again… scary to say the most.

To read more on this developing technology, research articles on Telepathic Brain Memory Induction. Interesting reading… but as I say… looking to the future benefits verses possible implications… it’s more than scary.

PS: I can see some very disturbing applications of this… programming by wife… dry your hands… wipe your feet… shut the door… take the trash out… pick up your things… … … I could go on… but I’m sure you get the idea.

Excerpt:

Dateline: Debate rages. Astonishing new research being developed to allow memory cards to be accessed by the human brain via a form of Telepathic Induction. Neurotransmitters will allow the human brain to “plug into” random access memory cards as if the information on the memory card was actually stored in the brain. Current testing has yielded limited positive results, and a breakthrough can be visualized in the near future. Electromagnetic impulses are transmitted directly in to the brain giving the person unlimited access to unlimited information stored on the memory devise. The implication on education and knowledge could be endless. It’s “The next step in human development” as quoted by the CEO of Global Telepathic Induction International. The knowledge of a 8 year Medical Degree could be as simple as changing a memory card. The possibilities are endless. If testing and development continues to go as planned, a working prototype will be available for testing by the end of 2016. If successful, product rollout to the public at large will start by 2020. Initial costs estimates range from $100 for temporary programs to the thousands for programs that would offer complete medical degrees, still a fraction of the cost and time of an eight year education. Opposition is expected by education institutions world wide. President for the Institution of higher education is quoted as saying that this represents nothing more than a “cheat sheet” to pass college exams and should not be permitted. Moral implications and no doubt years of court injunctions and appeals will be forth coming. Watch for future developments on this story here at this station.

New Years Desktop

2011-12-29T06:18:00.001-05:00

Same old desktop for me… never gonna happen… changes weekly.

Here’s my New Years desktop… my icons positioned on the sides.

Here’s the original (without icons) that you are welcome to use!

My some of my others favorites…

favorites… cause I created them.

and my favorite backup…

If you were wondering what program I use to make these…

Microsoft Picture-it 10. on Windows Xp.

BIG BAD WAL-MART

2011-12-28T22:54:00.001-05:00

Big Bad Walmart… well… that’s a personal choice… good or bad. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and beliefs… and my thoughts expressed here are not intended to be imposed upon you. Like everything else… it is what it is… take it or leave it. I see lots of people bashing Walmart, and to each his own. Walmart had a better way to do business within the free enterprise system and grew to be the worlds largest retailer in the span of a relatively short time (verses companies that have been around for 80-100 years). They developed a business strategy that obliviously supplied a service and pricing policy that was extremely well accepted by, and beneficial to the populous at large. People made Wal-mart the largest retailer in the world by choice, the choice being, by shopping there. This type of growth always brings about change. Companies or business concepts that fall short on delivering what the buying public wants will generally loose business or go out of business. So there’s always going to be a downside to the positive. I’m sure that the stage coach lines that gave up business to the trains felt that trains were bad. Eventually anything to do with horse & wagons went out of business due to trains and trucks. Trains lost out to busses and big trucks…. busses lost out to cars…ships lost out to planes… etc,etc. So there’s always the greater good that results in the lesser bad. Lots of people no doubt lost their jobs… lives were changed as progress marched on. Remember, it’s the peoples choice. Walmart didn’t get to be the largest retailer because people were made to shop there. Walmart simply offered, and continues to offer good service, great value, and great convenience… all at one convenient location or right to your door. Companies that fall short of what Walmart is offering… can not or choose not to compete in business (give the majority of the buying public want they want)… well… they will either loose business or go out of business. It’s called free enterprise and it’s what makes and keeps other companies honest and competitive as progress and business evolves. Why would anyone choose to spend more money for the same item some where else? Some because of concept of loyalty to small business. Some like over the top service, and don’t mind paying extra for it in an upscale store. Some like the idea or concept of shopping at socially elevated elite store for designer brand names. Some just like old favorite places to shop and don’t worry about prices. As the economy continues to get worse… and whether you believe it or not… the poor are getting poorer, and the middle income class are heading to the ranks of the poor as more and more choices are made to “do without” what they once enjoyed. Luxury spending is disappearing and what was once everyday purchases are quickly becoming harder choices. So if you are being spared the economic stress, you may be able to continue to spend more money then you need to by shopping at small businesses, socially elite stores, and designer brands…and you can afford to, and be entitled to, spend your money anyway you like. I find myself, as obliviously millions of other Walmart shoppers do, thankful for Wal-Mart's pricing policies of bring me the lowest prices available. Good service, perhaps not great service, value for my money, and convenience of shopping all at one location.

So what prompted all this? Years of talking and complaining about Walmart… and all the negative effects. Like I said… I’m sure the horse & wagon teamsters, and their family and friends, felt the same way about trains and trucks. Just as in modern times, Video Rental stores that were once on every corner gave way to Net-Flix and on demand movies. All things improve and change. Everyone wins big as a whole. Old technology and old business practices give way to the new, modern, and most beneficial service, goods, and value… which is ultimately decided by the buying public… who supports Walmart with their shopping dollars.

Recently witnessed a opposition to Walmart by someone that has a great aversion to Wal-Mart's existence. An employee of a well know vacuum company wrote the following comment as they bashed Walmart.

Excerpt: As their perfect example…

Perfect example. XXXXX sells a "Steam-It" floor cleaner. It retails for $179.99 on the XXXXX Website and in our stores... XXXXX did a one-time buy for Walmart and they offered it for $149.99... Walmart couldn't sell it for $149 and lowered the price to $119... which we are then forced to match in order to make sales... I was making about $20 off of it that way... They undersell and DESTROY brands and the value in the product.

Their job is a commissioned salesperson… the cleaner they sell is priced at $179. They normally would make $80 commission on your hard earned money for being the middleman. The company worked a deal with Walmart to sell their floor cleaner in Walmart stores for $149 ($30 less then the floor cleaner store). Walmart put the floor cleaner on sale for $119… an extremely great savings to consumers. The floor cleaner company store dropped their price to $119 to match Wal-marts price ( otherwise they wouldn’t sell anything… go figure!) … and the sales person complained about the fact that their commission was cut from $80 to only $20 for each floor cleaner they sell. Yall decide for yourself. The population as a whole are going to shop at Walmart… and the sales person is not going to get an extra $60 in commission for simply being the middle man. So why do arguments condemning Walmart for keeping other companies honest (pricing policies) seem to have any validity at all… and more over, why do they expect others to support their reasoning when millions already express their beliefs by spend their hard earned dollars at Walmart where they continually get more value for their money? Well… you judge for yourself.

Another argument: Sale prices at other stores… namely grocery items. Yep… I use to work at a grocery store, a major chain, and their pricing policy was to offer some great sale prices on limited items, good sale prices on other items… and it projects great price image. And if you did all your shopping there for all your grocery needs, as most people do, you are going to pay more in the end for your total grocery bill despite the savings on the sale items. Ahhh… only going there for great sale items? Hope you were going by there anyway, cause if it’s a special trip or out of the way… the cost of gasoline to get there will usually exceed the savings. Remedy… Wal-Mart's price matching policy… so why go anywhere else?

So for me, and millions of others… thank goodness for Walmart. And if you have extra money to freely spend more than you need to… for whatever reason… the more power to you. That’s why it’s America… freedom of choice. Just don’t try to convince me that your way of thinking is absolutely right for all… especially when the opposite is so blatantly oblivious.

Happy New Year…

2011-12-27T08:53:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year to One and All !

New Year Card for You!

click on the link below…

http://www.123greetings.com/send/view/12727311305440851466

http://www.jacquielawson.com/preview.asp?cont=1&hdn=0&pv=3291504&path=83554

Got this from a friend… perfect New Years Message.

Where did the year go? Suddenly it is December .......again

and we realize that with giant strides we started in January and within a blink of an eye,

2011 is on its back!

A big "Thank You" to each and everyone of you, for any impact you had on my life this year.

Especially for all the e-mails I received.......without you, I'm sure that 2011 would have been extremely boring.

From my side I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas Season filled with Loving Wishes and Beautiful Thoughts.

May 2012 mark the beginning of a Tidal Wave of Love, Happiness and Bright Futures.

And to those who need someone special, may you find that true love.

To those who need money, may your finances overflow

To those who need caring, may you find a good heart

To those who need friends, I am still here for you ..

Thanks for being my friend!!

Wishing Everyone a Happy New Year!

The Holidays…

2011-12-26T12:04:00.001-05:00

The Holidays and reflections … thinking back, and thinking ahead.

Thanksgiving has come and gone… Christmas is barely past… we reflect on the past year…and start looking for the New Year. So with a clear mind I reflect on Thanksgiving with family… Christmas with friends and coworkers… and have warm thoughts of time shared with family and friends. Thoughts of our rving friends that somewhat scattered all over the country and how nice it would be to see them all again.

First and foremost… the past year… well, lets get the negative out of the way first. Things that needed to be much better, but were not… and for the oblivious reasons. Politics, nuff said about that. Economy, worse then we think. Personal economics, everything going up by leaps and bounds… and yes, don’t kid yourself… the poor are getting poorer and the once middle income folks are quickly becoming poor. Oh… and the rich, well, their grabbing all they can… and getting richer. Some honestly… some not. Travel, somewhat slowed with the elimination of luxury spending. Outlook, grim… ya do what you have to do and make harder choices limiting or eliminating things that were once part of your everyday life. Armageddon, well… at several points in my lifetime, at least six different ones, the world was coming to an end…. so 12-21-2012 does raise such an alarm… but don’t worry… there will be more predictions of doom as the latest one goes unfulfilled. Just a sideline thought… BIG Business. Well there’s Walmart ( sneaking in a positive) that seems to be a economic positive for the populous at large. Anything you want at a “value” price… certainly seems to be doing right by the people and keeping other businesses honest as far as prices, so to speak. Gasoline and Oil companies… well… there’s the opposite end of the spectrum… politics, greed, corruption, and the source for all economic evils… and that’s putting it mildly. Another quick thought… when the price of a barrel of oil was $80 the price of gasoline was $1.35… then oil prices went up, gas went up… now oil of back down to less then $100 a barrel (that would be a 20% increase)… but gas is still more then twice the price that it once was. Oil company exec’s rake in billions in company profits… and millions in personal bonuses for a job well done in running the company more profitably… can yall spell MONOPLY… that’s not only tolerated and condoned by politics, but orchestrated through political corruption. Health care, medications, and insurance follows a close second to creating economic woos. Do you know why it’s illegal to buy prescription medications out of this country? Well here’s a clue. The same medication, made by the same company… here in the states via my Rx plan that pays 90% of the cost, my Rx costs me $24… the same exact Rx, made by the same company in the companies original packaging cost $15 just across the border… just plain cash… so what is majorly wrong with this picture. You’d actually think that with the economic downturn that we are in, that the greed and politics would at least slow up and not be so oblivious… but they have actually gotten worse… stealing more then they ever did before.

So, negatives out of the way… now how about the positives.

okay….

Got you thinking… thought so! Well, there’s lots of positives despite all the negatives. From a light hearted humorous side… (which is sadly not true for everyone)… we still have a place to live (okay… we’re in an Rv… but that was by choice)… so we are legally and technically “homeless”. We still eat… and sometimes have meat more then once a week (hotdogs don’t count). We still can keep warm in the winter with extra clothes. Electric… well, that’s pretty much a necessity right after food (just turn it off when not in use). We have music to comfort us, television and movies to entertain us, computers to communicate, and sometimes find a cashew mixed in with our peanuts at is now only10% premium nuts. We have our health… so long as we don’t get sick. We have friends that we can still talk to anytime via cell phones and the internet. Ah… the internet… the ability to communicate instantly with family, friends, or the masses as a whole. And as indicated above… Thank God for Walmart, which seems to be the only BIG business that is not price gouging the people…. and serves the free enterprise system to keep all other business from unfair or elevated pricing practices. Technology… now here’s a great convenience and savings… for me… the big savings is in photography… no film to buy, no processing, no printing, no storage issues, no lost of faded photos, and no more expensive (in both time and money) albums to put together and organize… now a pleasant and cheap hobby. No more prepaid phone cards and looking for a payphone (do they still exist?).

Words of Wisdom… or maybe just my way of thinking.

Okay… so much for material things. I have my wonderful wife that keeps me not only centered, but inspired. She also has the ability to make my day perfect just by smiling. Nothing seems too bad when I’m with her.

Religion, now there’s something that most people use to can lift their spirits and give them an emotional hope and faith… I won’t go into this any further.

Family and friends are comforting during stressful times and make the good times even better. If you are down.. it’s like the old saying… “misery loves company” …but look at it this way… yall can comfort, console and encourage each other… works better than you might think! Give it a honest try… works wonders.

Escapes: My favorite… take the Rv to Orlando, either work for Disney or buy a season pass, and go in the parks for a daily dose of Magical Moments and make believe. Works wonders to forget all about the real world every once in a while. The more you can stop thinking about the real world… well… this falls into the category of …. the Happier you will be!

If you need to pay someone (especially for repeated sessions) to listen to your problems and offer possible solutions that usually don’t work… just get some more friends… their free and probably have better real solutions… but then that would be called advise… and we know that that good advise is usually not taken… so you’re right back where you started, but no worse off… and a few more bucks in your pocket.

Time and Money… if ya ain’t got the money…then by all means… take the time to slow down and smell the roses… take a photo or two while you are there… it’s good for the soul. Time with family and friends is an excellent use of “slowing down to smell the roses” time.

I may add to this later… or continue as another entry… either way… it’s nap time. By the way… a nap or two doesn’t hurt anything either. It’s another mini escape.

Everything is what you make of it. Look for the good… and warm content feelings will follow.

If you don’t like being in the rain (or whatever situation you are in)… get out of it…. or at least pretend to be a duck until you do.

Everything …”It is what it is”… while you’re in it, or until you make something different of it.

oh… forgot all about New Years Resolutions… how did I do with last years? and what will the New Year see? Well… that’s the next entry.

Yall have a safe and Happy New Years!

Thanks…

2011-12-26T07:53:00.001-05:00

Just when I thought I didn’t have anything important to say…

So I’ll just say “Thanks”.

Thanks to my readers... of my Fb and Blog... family, friends, and many more. I have recently been amazed by the stats on my blog. December was a busy month, so I didn't post too many entries... but hit a record high for me. Not rock star status, but fairly impressive for an old retired guy... that is enjoying his own little version of fame. So thanks for reading... hope yall enjoy my entries. Wow... nine hundred and eleven hits last month. I don't think I'll quite achieve the status of E.F.Hutton (when E.F.Hutton talks, people listen)... but it is nice to see that I have readers all over the world. Thanks.

Hope you continue to read and that I may spark your imagination, spark some fond memory of something that was memorable for you, give you a new perspective for looking at something from a different point of view… or just plainly bring a smile to your face and a moment of inner peace and contentment.

So, Thanks again for reading…

and it’s true, you’ll never know what you will find here.

Signed…

…Richard (for those that know me in my adult life)

… Rich ( for those that feel closer )

… Rick ( for those from my younger years )

… Dick ( for those looking for a fight ) … lol.

See No Evil…

2011-12-26T07:39:00.001-05:00

See No Evil… Hear No Evil… Speak No Evil.

Remembering Fun with Friends.

Never were truer words ever spoken.

12 Days of Christmas

2011-12-24T07:52:00.001-05:00

[ The Food Version ]

On the Twelve Days of Christmas…

My true love gave to me…

Twelve Blue Crabs Steaming

Eleven Shrimp a Spicing

Ten Chicken Wings

Nine Ocean Scallops

Eight Barbequed Ribs

Seven Hush Puppies

Six Crab Leg Clusters

Five… Onion… Rings

Four Fried Pickles

Three Chickens Breasts

Two French Rolls

and a Crab Cake made with Old Bay

Yes… I’m very Happy… and very Full…

So this is what’s it’s like to feel Jolly!

This is a Maryland Christmas!

Next year…

2011-12-16T20:50:00.001-05:00

So… where will we be next summer?

(if everything goes as planned)

It’s kinda like a world-wind tour…

(hope we can see it all)

So what will we be near?

(here’s the buildup)

Paris – only 18 miles away

Cairo – only 41 miles

Havana – 98

Santa Fe – 16

Cincinnati – 4

Mexico – 30

Louisiana – 33

Princeton – 118

Lancaster - 82

and only 8 miles from Florida.

It’s a heaven for fishing, hunting, sailing,

motorboating, swimming, jet-skiing, parasailing,

and basically any kind of water sports.

(if ya like that stuff)

And it’s all in the same one place!

(okay… here’s the lowdown)

Monroe, Missouri

Where?

“Monroe”…. Missouri.

All those other places… they’re nearby towns in Missouri,

they just couldn’t think of any new names they liked,

so they permanently borrow the names of other popular places.

It’s about 25 miles west of Hannibal Missouri and the mighty Mississippi River,

where Samuel Clemens grew up…

ya know… Mark Twain!

and Tom Sawyer, Becky Thatcher, and their friend Huck Finn!

So we’ll not doubt take some days off trips to St Louis, Kansas City

and whatever else sots our mood.

Ya just never know where we will be on any given season.

and that’s the beauty of Rving!

New places, new faces, new experiences!

Us in our “covered wagon”…

slowly going across the states.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

as for Sam…

Samuel Langhorne Clemens (November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910), better known by his pen name Mark Twain, was an American author and humorist. He is most noted for his novels, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876), and its sequel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885), the latter often called "The Great American Novel."

Twain was born during a visit by Halley's Comet, and he predicted that he would "go out with it" as well. He died the day following the comet's subsequent return. He was lauded as the "greatest American humorist of his age," called "The Father of American Literature."

How amazed people from the 1800’s would be to see the communication technology we enjoy today. Back then, a person that could articulate their thoughts, speak to people, and write of life’s experiences, whether fact or fictional… well… ya see where it got good old Sam. Today, many of us no doubt met or exceed those abilities… education and knowledge… but get lost in the vastness of society and the technology of communication, which makes being heard easier than ever… but also lost among the billions of other voices.

Holiday Recipe

2011-12-15T07:31:00.001-05:00

Like most recipes… got this from a friend… he likes to use tequila. The tradition version has an Island-Beach theme… but you can do anything you like. Simple is always best… you’re gonna eat it anyway… right?

You can do the fancy party version ( don’t eat the shells)… or keep it simple… make my choice… a bundt cake.

I also like the Kahlua & Cream version. Turns out great as a Bundt Cake… just dribble a Cinnamon Glaze over the top of the cake and sprinkle with some fine grind netmeg… and enjoy! Just get the 2 ltr bottle of Kahlua and 2 quarts of half & half to use in place of the tequilla.

Thanks Bryan for the great recipe!

Tequilla Xmas Cake
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1 cup water
1 tsp. salt
1 cup brown sugar
Lemon juice
4 large eggs
Nuts
1 bottle tequila
2 cups dried fruit

Sample the tequila to check quality. Take a large bowl; check the tequila again to be sure it is of the highest quality. Repeat. Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar. Beat again. At this point, it is best to make sure the tequila is still OK. Try another cup just in case. Turn off the mixerer thingy. Break 2 eegs and add to the bowl and chuck iin the cup of dried fruit. Pick the fruit up off the floor. Mix on the turner. If the fried druit getas stuck in the beaterers, just pry it loose with a drewscriver. Sample the tequila to test for tonsisticity. Next, sift 2 cups of salt, or something. Check the tequila. Now shift the lemon ice strain your nuts. Add one table. Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find. Greash the oven. Turn the cake tin 360 s and try not to fall over. Don't forget to beat off the turner. Finally, throw the bowl through the window. Finish the tequila and wipe the counter with the cat.
Cherry Mristmas!

Christmas Card

2011-12-11T09:36:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas to All… and to All a Good Nite!

★*˚°。°*。°*。★*˚°。°*。°˚°★*˚°。°*。°*★*˚°。°*。°*★
˛°_██_*˚°。°/ ♥ \*˚°。°*。°*★*˚°。°*。°*★*˚°。°*。°*★
˛. (´• ̮•)*.。*/♫.♫\*˛.*˛_Π_____*˚°。*。°**˚°。°*。°*★
.°( . • . ) ˛°./• '♫ ' •\.˛*./______/~＼*˚°。°*。°*°*❤ ˚°*★
*(...'•'.. ) *˛╬╬╬╬╬˛°.｜田田｜門｜╬╬╬╬╬*˚°。°*。°* ♥♥
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM MY HOUSE TO YOUR HOUSE
(yes, it’s borrowed… but still very nice!)

There’s another Animated Card to Just enjoy or send!

http://www.jacquielawson.com/preview.asp?cont=1&hdn=0&pv=3111930&path=83563

A Little Christmas cheer…

Land of Cotton (candy)…

2011-12-10T08:55:00.001-05:00

Oh, I wish I was in the land of Disney,
Ginger Bread and Cotton Candy,
Look away, look away, look away Disney Land.

In Disney Land, we all have fun…
Adventure, thrills and playin in the sun,
Look away, look away, look away Disney Land.

I wish I was in Disney! Hooray! Hooray!
In Disney Land you’ll hear the band,
see show and rides, at Disney…
Away, away, away down south in Disney.
Away, away, away down south in Disney.

There’s Mickey Mouse & Goofy too,
Princesses and… Winnie the Pooh,
Pirates, Ghosts, and fun galore,
Elephants, zebra, and loins that roar.

I wish I was in Disney Hooray! Hooray!
In Disney Land there’s pretzel stands,
and lots of food at Disney…
Away, away, away down south in Disney.
Away, away, away down south in Disney.

While Christmas is the best time of the Year,
it’s also when I miss Disney the most.

Simply Magical…

we could all use a little Magic!

Holiday Card

2011-12-09T08:44:00.001-05:00

Wishing everyone a Safe a Joyous Holiday Season…

Here’s a card I’d like to share with you… and you might like to share with others…

http://ak.imgag.com/imgag/product/preview/flash/bws8Shell.swf?ihost=http://ak.imgag.com/imgag&brandldrPath=/product/full/el/&cardNum=/product/full/ap/3132942/graphic1

Happy Holidays…

Christmas Time Small World

2011-12-09T08:09:00.001-05:00

It’s a Small World at Christmas…

Tom and the Gang…

Christmas in Disneyland…

It’s a Small World gets a make-over every Christmas

Everything changes for the Holidays…

Christmas Spirit in All Things Small.

How only Disney could do it!

Each park has it’s own unique attractions and events

Disneyland has it’s… and we have ours at Disney World.

If it’s gotta be cold…

2011-12-07T09:06:00.001-05:00

I always said… when I was younger… if it’s gotta be cold, it might as well snow… so at least it pretty! Not to much wrong with that idea… right? … if it’s gotta be cold it might as well snow! It’s 27° this morning here in Texas… plenty of cold… chill you to the bone… but no snow. So here’s a bit of a salute to the beauty of wintery snow.

The Cold Hard Facts!

Isn’t snow pretty…

unspoiled beauty…

natures gift wrap… all in white…

Good reason to stay home…

(as if you had a choice)

too much work… wait for it to melt…

Invite a friend over… and chill…

Make new friends…

Make lots of new friends…

Yep… a winter wonderland…

Nature at it’s best… beautiful…

then… Nature turns it all around to mock you…

now there’s a “Frosty” hello…

So much for remembering wintery fun and the snow…

As winter snows turn their back on me…

I’ll do the same and think of warmer times…

tropical breezes and toes in the sand…

I’ll trade those snow covered pines for palms anytime, anyday!

So if the cold and snow leave you feeling a bit chilled…

(burrrrr!)

Just remember warm tropical places with your toes in the sand.

Boy … could I use a hot cocoa right now!

Just thinking about warm places…

well.. it needs a little help.

Yall stay warm.

Infrequent Flyers

2011-12-06T08:24:00.001-05:00

A recent potentially bad experience could have been a major problem. For those that fly frequently, this may not be news… for those infrequent flyers like ourselves it seemed unbelievable. We booked our flights (roundtrip) 4 months in advance through Expedia on Continental / United Airlines. The flight was was changed several times by the airline during the 4 months. The outgoing flight was just as planned… the return flight… or should I say, trying to get on the return flight was extremely stressful. Apparently the airline has a standard practice of overbooking flights… selling more tickets than are actually available. This by it’s self is unbelievable to me… why would you sell more tickets than you have seats. As explained, this is a standard practice to make sure the plane is fully occupied. It was further explained that not everyone shows up all the time. We got caught up in this mess on a day when everyone showed up. Even though we booked our flight 4 months in advance… no doubt in advance of many others that booked that flight… and we got to the airport to check in 2 hours early… we were involuntarily placed on a “standby status”. This was not how we booked the flight… we had confirmed reservations for that flight… and nothing was said about the possibility of this until we went to get our boarding passes. When I repeatedly asked how they determined who, of the confirmed reservations, is going to chosen to be involuntarily placed on “standby status”, they would not give a answer… only to say we’ll call you “if” we can get you a seat. The only way we were going to get on that flight was if some people either didn’t show up or voluntarily gave up their seats in favor of a later flight. To me this was unbelievable and unacceptable. To add insult to injury, it was oblivious what determined who was going to get on the flight. First consideration for being on the flight was given to three different Continental Flyer Clubs… something like “The Presidents Club”, “Blue Star Flyers” and “Frequent Flyers” ( the names are probably not accurate, but you get the picture). The next consideration was given to those that booked directly through Continental / United. The last consideration was to “Economy Class” booked via Expedia. Then, the next consideration was for those that needed to make a connecting flight (we were not in this category). The flight was overbooked by at least 9 people… and surely more. Luckily we did get on the flight at the last minute, but could have been left in the airport until the next flight on which we had the same status as “standby'”… and this would happen all over again. No doubt this is a practice of long time standing, and unless you fly enough to experience it, you would never know about it until it affected you. I heard it said years ago… an old saying… “Is this anyway to run an airline?”… just never knew what it pertained to or that it would effect me. Apparently a clue to this possibly of this happening to you is whether or not your conformation has an assigned seat number… but this is something that was never explained anywhere. So it’s flyer beware. It all worked out, but it could have been a real problem. I guess the question to ask the airline in advance… Do I have a 100% guarantee of being on the fight that you book? … and why not? Social status… “First Class” or “Club Member” trumps economy… nothing like the feeling of being a third class consideration regardless of the time you book in advance or the price you pay… wouldn’t be so bad if they gave you a warning of their practices in advance, and the situation you are in. Just a little warning… so you perhaps don’t get caught in the same situation… needlessly stranded in the airport… left to the whims of the airline as a third class citizen.

Spell Checker…

2011-12-04T10:28:00.001-05:00

The modern computer… what a marvel… everything that it can do… wow. Just think… a mere 40 years ago we barely had a pocket calculator that would do the basic 4 math functions. But there was also a little “modern marvel” that made life somewhat easier for those that held little importance on proper spelling (those that didn’t want to look dumb)… those that felt that being able to communicate thoughts and feelings was much more important than proper grammer, speelling or punchuation. See what I mean? Most people could either articulate their thoughts and didn’t worry about spelling or grammar … or could spell every word in the world and couldn’t convey a thought beyond one sentence. Okay, I know that’s extreme situations… but for the most part accurate… something to do with different sides of the brain. A 50/50 mix gave you a bit of both… swing one way and the other suffered… so you could either express your thoughts - or - use proper grammar with perfect spelling and no one knew what you were trying to say. Then came the great spelling equalizer… for those somewhat carefree about their spelling and a bit concerned about it… there was the Franklin Spell Checker… it did it all. 40 years later, we have the modern computer, and the modern pc spell checker. 40 years later, all the improvements, all the technology, all the “thinking” ability of the modern computer… and it still can’t match that of the 40 year old Franklin Spell checker. Okay… here’s the reasoning… first we had the dictionary, a good source to check spelling or look up meanings… but on some occasions if you are trying to find out how to spell a word, that you don’t know how to spell, how do you look it up if you don’t know how to spell it! ?? Then came the Franklin Spell checker… now here’s the great thing… if you spelled the word phonetically… Franklin would come up with the right word. Ex: “new-mo-ya” … okay… pneumonia! I love it ( being sarcastic) when the pc spell checker gives you options of possible choices that don’t even make sense. Lets say you miss spell “school” … you may get the following choices: spool – spook – shoal – etc, etc, and then there’s the other choices: “goodbye” or “football”… now come on… where did those suggestions come from? They don’t even start with the same letter!!! So the modern computer spell checker still has a way to go to match 40 year old “makes sense to me” technology. Now, if only the pc guys would let old Franklin join in … it could be a perfect pc writing world. On further reflection… sometimes I really hate the English language. Like… if we already had the “C”… then why… why do we have the “K”… and the list could go on and on… but that’s another entry saved for a early rainy day, nothing better to do, morning… when Shelly is still sleeping. Good news…they are still around… the Old Franklin Spell Checker (or the something like it) …. think I should buy one… soon. Or maybe wait, and Shelly will get me one so I don’t have to ask her how to spell something every time I write. Good Idea! Simply … Ingenious!

Google Art

2011-12-04T09:09:00.001-05:00

Google Art… ya see them everyday… cute, interesting, and sometimes funny. All those little creations that momentarily lift your senses, yet probably go mostly unnoticed. Usually something new everyday. Art work to commemorate an important social event, discovery, or holiday. So where do they all go when they disappear? The Google Art Site! Just leave the search box empty and hit “I’m feeling lucky”… it will take you right there. You’ll se some of your favorites plus Google Art from all over the world. Just a little light diversion on a rainy day. Enjoy!

Castle Magic…

2011-11-15T22:27:00.001-05:00

It all started with a Dream and a little imagination…

So what does a real castle look like?

Like this…

An Artists conception..

The Project Starts…

The Castle takes shape..

The Finished Castle…

Can’t wait to see the new Fantasyland Expansion…

Walt Disney World – Magic Kingdom

Day to Day Life…

2011-11-15T07:17:00.001-05:00

Just be aware…

Life goes on it’s merry way…

what was I saying?

Oh yes, Food & diet…

Please…

Cause…

and…

fore-warned…

Just think about it…

Gotta love buttons…

now if only people would read them,

and take them serious!

That’s All Folks.

Magic on the Road

2011-11-14T22:01:00.001-05:00

A Little Magic… right on the road… to Dreams.

The first things you will see.

Mickey…

and Minnie…

A little Tink Magic…

A Little Fright…

A little Buggie…

A Little Spacey…

Beginning of Magic…

Yep… Magic!

Workamping…

2011-11-13T10:45:00.001-05:00

Okay… the first question… what is Workamping? Workamping is what some Rvers do to either get a place to stay and / or make some extra money… as in a job… while traveling. Generally it’s temporary work in a campground helping with guests services or campground maintenance. Most workampers have retired from a career and now just want something extra to do to keep active what still enjoying the Rv lifestyle. While not limited to retirees, there are younger folk that find this lifestyle very appealing.

Rather then having a regular job either full-time of part-time year round in one geographic location year after year, Rvers have their own “home on wheels” and can travel to any place they want, work in the area they want to enjoy for a while, met new people, make new friends, and after a while move on to someplace new to have all new experiences. Some work part of the week, some more. Some work part of the year, just for the camping season, and “play” the rest of the year. Work full or part time 4-6 months a year and take off to travel and play the rest of the year. How’s that! A job with 6 months vacation every year.

Here’s how it breaks down:

You have your own Rv to live in while you work and travel. Some still have summer homes someplace and travel in their Rv seasonally.
Some work for site only, some for both site and pay. The usual “work for site only” couple generally want minimum work and usually work about 18 hours per week ( that’s 9 hrs each) for their site (a place to stay) and all utilities… electric, propane, water, cable, internet, laundry, use of all facilities, and other perks and discounts. Some work extra hours beyond the 18 for pay.
Work for site couples usually work 2 days a week and have 5 days to play and enjoy the area… or if only one works, 3-4 days a week.
There are workamper jobs at just about all Rv Resorts and Campgrounds… so what ever part of the country or whatever part of the year you want to work… well… it’s all up to you.
Go new places… enjoy new experiences… make new friends… while getting a place to stay in exchange for a little work.

So, you did the same old, same old, for 30 plus years… then retired… why would you want do the same old, same old, after retirement, in the same house, same place, same friends, same experiences… while you grow older and wait to… well… not to put to fine an edge on it… but, grow older and wait to die. Rving gives you the freedom to travel and have new experiences and do whatever you want, where you want, for as long as you want. Workamping your way around the country gives you a way to travel while minimizing your expenses… unless you’re wealthy and don’t need to work at all. But even those that could make it on their pensions still like to remain active doing something. Seen too many retirees mostly just sitting around at the same old, same old, not being active which usually shortens their life.

I had a choice… I could take my 30 year pension at age 50 and enjoy the freedom of the Rv lifestyle… or continue to work ( age 50 – 65) another 15 years, and have more money, but be in the same old, same old for what would virtually be the rest of my life. Besides, I’d seen too many that didn’t make it to 65, and many of those that did were all physically used up. Not to mention that the last 15 years of working in a stress filled environment wasn’t going to do me any good either. So the choice for me was easy. Yes… Rving full time is unconventional, and maybe not the feeling of the secure same old, same old… but certainly a welcome change from the alternatives. Workamping in different areas and having new experiences… was also certainly a welcome change from a high stress job. I do believe I will have more fun, less stress, travel to more places, and enjoy life much more then I ever could have with the higher paying stress filled job… and another 15 years of the same old, same old… wasn’t for me.

Our workamping job? We do activities and crafts… paid to plan fun activities and crafts, and have fun playing with the big kids and the little kids… all while getting a place to stay and all utilities for free, plus pay. No house payments, no property taxes, no high utility bills, no stress, no tension, and move on to something new every season. Follow the weather for the winter and summer and the freedom to go wherever we want.

Yep, workamping… perhaps not for everyone… certainly unconventional… it changes your lifestyle. You give up some good from the old life but you loose a lot of the stuff that you certainly didn’t need. So much more to gain on the positive side.

For example… we have been Seasonal Cast members at Disney World in Florida since 2005. This was not a workamping job, so we had to get our own place to stay… got two Resort memberships nearby Disney ( but that’s another topic… see campground memberships)… Rving & workamping gave us the freedom to have our 2 oldest grand daughters, each spend 2 months with us for a Disney vacation. Talk about an experience of a lifetime… PRICELESS! Extra time to do what you want, when you want… Rving freedom… also priceless! This would have never been possible if I had elected to stay with the old job and lifestyle for another 15 years. The grand girls have all been able to spend time with us for extended vacations 3-4 weeks at a time… such a joy!

So there you go… a little insight into the Rving & Workamper lifestyle. Doesn’t get any better than this… unless you’re in the top 5% wealthy. But for most normal people… this could be a great alternative lifestyle to enjoy and travel this great country.

Good times with family …

Good times with friends…

Travel…

Yep… great lifestyle…

A Favorite Place… where Dreams do come true!

Couple moments of near-fame.

2011-11-13T08:44:00.001-05:00

Sometimes things start as one thing and become something else. In 2009 I started a Blog just as a simple way to share some of my experiences with family and friends. Probably just the notion to try to keep in touch while we travel to different parts of the country, usually away from family and most friends. Just something to do with some spare time, usually early in the morning when I’m the only one awake. Quiet time and a clear head uncluttered by the days events. Fresh day and fresh thoughts. Usually little tid-bits stories with few photos… ya know… short and sweet. Usually never too serious, rarely political (no need to stir the pot… politics… well… none of it is worth a salt)… just little shorts stories about something in life that made me smile or gave me a warm feeling inside. Kiddingly I thought the only one to read my blog, at least on a regular basis or sometime later, would be me… sometime later kinda like a scrapbook where I could look back and relive fond memories of family, friends, people, and places. Facebook, and the like, are for the moment, and pretty much within hours are gone forever, and I wanted something more lasting and available… all of it, anytime that myself or anyone else would like to read it. I even thought that it would be nice for the grand girls to someday, being older, more aware, and hopefully wanting a little more insight into my life, would be able to look back in it and see some of the real me, and have more then just fading memories. So… that’s how it started… pretty simple.

While recently looking at the “stats” of my blog… I seem to have a bit of a following that extends beyond family and friends… So I “Thank You” for you attention and hope that something that I say might bring a smile to your face or spark a memory of something you did, or a place you visited that made you happy. I guess the “world wide web” really gives everyone access to others around the world separated by not only distance but by language. Not that anything I write will ever get “hits” in the millions or make me world famous… but it does warm the heart that something that I write touches others, and also reaches people of don’t know…. and that’s my couple moments of near-fame.

So “Thanks” for reading. If you have a blog… you are welcome to send me the address, or would like to communicate, my blog e-mail address is RvCampingToday@hotmail.com

Here’s a sample of recent blog activity… like I say… my little bit of near-fame.

Chicken Nuggets

2011-11-12T02:39:00.001-05:00

Chicken Nuggets… 100% chicken…

not much consolation. Especially if this is true…

[ Republished ]

Certainly something to think about…

I didn’t say a good thing… yuck!

Realization…

2011-11-12T01:55:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite characters has always been Jiminy Cricket. Not real sure why… it’s just one of those things that “just is”. No doubt something to do with the concept of “ Let your conscience be your guide”. So for years and years it’s been just that… “it just is”. Then, during a rare moment of revelation… when some times things just come to you… out of the blue… for no reason at all… without even thinking of it… wow… I realized I have a “Pinocchio complex”… so Jiminy would naturally be my guiding influence. Okay, perhaps not quite the complete influence that I need, but he certain should be helpful. For those that know me… I guess I have a playful demeanor to stretch the true… embellish the story… or just plainly make something up just for fun. Guess I should be thankful that I don’t have the same issues as Pinocchio… that “nose growing thing” might be a bit embarrassing, and certainly would spoil a well planned story of a questionable nature, by sending out a warning of sorts. That kind of warning to others could certainly be a hindrance to many stories and moments of fun and laughter… not to mention that it’s always good fun to drag some un-expecting person into a story… “hook, line, and sinker”. You know, the kind of story that really hooks them good… they are hanging on every word… believing everything completely… and as the story goes on it becomes ever increasingly more preposterous… just to see how far they can be “reeled in”… of course, all in a good natured fun… well… at least for me and others that are watching. So I guess I can say that the little Cricket guy is one of my favorite characters… perhaps for obvious reasons. Sure am glad about not having the the whole nose thing going on… but glad I hear the little cricket voice from time to time… “ Let your conscience be your guide”. Helps a little! … or so I tell myself!

Look close at the expression on Pinocchio’s face… and his hands. I know that expression and hand gestures.

It’s not my fault… I can’t help it… ya see, it is what it is!

Veterans - Family

2011-11-11T19:16:00.001-05:00

Veterans Day 2011…

Family Veterans… My Dad…

My Great Grandfather…

In Memory…

A Moment to Reflect…

2011-11-11T08:41:00.001-05:00

Hoping everyone has a great day and takes a moment to reflect on the American Tradition of Honoring those that fought to establish this country, their beliefs, hopes, and dreams for a better world and a new way of life. Remembering those that have made the ultimate sacrifice to not only maintain that freedom and those dreams, but also fought the world over to bring freedom to others around the world. Perhaps it was best stated during the civil war… we are not an army that fights for land or possessions, but for the first time in the history of the world, we are an army that fights for the freedom and rights of others. Something that still rings true to this very day. Veterans and patriots that have fought for not only their freedom, your freedom, but the rights and freedom of many others the world over.

For Liberty… and Justice, for All!

“The Constitution of the United States of America,

is Not an Instrument for the Government to Restrain the People…

It is an Instrument for the People to Restrain the Government”

- - - Patrick Henry.

It’s disheartening that Politics, no matter the party,

are not patriots of the Constitution,

and the dreams and beliefs on which it was based…

and the concepts of Freedom and Justice.

The lack of restraint of Government,

dishonors all that have served as patriots.

Dragon Spirit

2011-11-06T08:04:00.001-05:00

The Spirits of Dragons still fill the sky… if only you look closer.

(unknown photo source)

Nature hints to all things…

that were forgotten from the past.

Dark Halloween

2011-11-06T07:49:00.001-05:00

Halloween is barely past… but the thoughts and feelings surrounding the mood and atmosphere still linger. So when you watch that scary movie or go walking in the woods… in the dark… in the night… where no one could hear your screams… just remember it’s not really real… it’s just your imagination running away with you. There’s nothing hiding in the shadows… there are no spirits lingering nearby waiting for your untimely arrival… no demons looking for a little fun… and certainly nothing evil looking claim another victim… because you don’t believe in that sort of thing… and since you don’t believe it… it couldn’t possible exist… especially here in the dark eerie confines of the woods… right? So just dismiss it all as make believe… just something cooked up to scare little kids. Ancient superstitions that couldn’t have any basis in reality… old tales told and believed by the weak minded. Just because you believe in God and all things good… this doesn’t mean that evil could possible exit… right? There are no supernatural spirits or demons waiting for your unexpected arrival and the right opportunity to… lets say… have you change your mind. And that sort of thing only happens in the movies, or to other people… right? Stay in the house… turn on the lights… and never… ever… go for a peaceful stroll in the woods… in the dark of the night… where no one could hear you scream. You just might become a believer of things not thought possible. Here’s a little collage to set the mood…. Have a ghoul evening.

Ooh-rah

2011-11-03T06:14:00.001-04:00

Got this from my niece… who got it from a friend… who got it from… well, you get the picture.

Too good not to pass on…

Looks like we need a lot more Marines! Everywhere!

Semper Fidelis

From 1 to 101

2011-11-02T08:36:00.001-04:00

No matter the age… from 1 to 101…

It’s not my fault!

2011-10-29T08:47:00.001-04:00

[DEAR DIARY: I ENCOUNERED PERFECT BEINGS TODAY]

It’s not my fault! It’s not the most common phrase, but it is the most common concept for the way that too many people act. I guess if people were to even utter those words it might make then think about what they are actually saying. Today’s society seems to be spawning an ever increasing amount of people that simply can do no wrong. They have gone way past the stage if saying… “It’s not my fault”… and elevated themselves to a position of “perfection”. They can not conceive that they could be wrong, or done something to put them into the position where they don’t get what they expected. They neglect to do something (plan ahead), don’t have the outcome they expected… and then want to blame anyone or everyone for their own nearsightedness or negligence. They can’t be to blame, they are “perfect” and never wrong. I must bow to their status of being “perfect”… and that everyone else is to blame for anything negative in their life… and yes, I’m being totally sarcastic.

Now there’s two ways to look at this. One, you are like me and realize that there is no one that is perfect, and we all make mistakes, forget things, or have a dumb moment where we do something stupid… but we can see that the fault lies in us, and not others. Or Two, you have in some degree, have a “Perfection Complex” that makes you feel that you are never wrong and someone else is always to blame for your lot in life and negative situation that you find yourself in. The “Perfection Complex” seems to be a self feeding ever growing attitude that builds on it’s self until it reaches a god like status… “I am right and everyone else is wrong”. If you find yourself heading down this path… Stop… really think about it… accept the fact that you as well as all your family, friends, and everyone else is only human… we all makes mistakes, and we all should accept responsibility for their own actions. If you can’t do this you will face a lifetime of aggravation… caused by your own perfection issues and face the rejection of others that you unjustly blame… Of course, if you are so far gone down this path and perceive yourself as “perfect”… well, you won’t see this anyway, and face a lifetime of disappointment and aggravation at your own hands. Which in some small part… okay, a very large part, gives the rest of us great relief to know that you make your own life miserable, every moment of every day.

We met a lot of people working here at the campground and seen a lot of situations, and heard or met too many people that have “Perfection Issues”. Here’s a few that seem to always come up. Depending which side of the issue you see as being “right” may indicate what like of person you are.

All the following statements conclude that the management, staff, policies and rules are unfair, and the failure for them, as customers, getting what they want, means that everyone is rude, unprofessional, and uncaring as to their needs or wants… regardless of the situation (after all, they pay our wages)… and they should be above any rules, policies, and should always… yes, always… get what they want… because they are right… regardless of anyone else, customer or staff… and they should be an exception… put above all else and others.

I didn’t get the cabin or site I wanted. [They failed to book early enough to get what they wanted]
All the golf carts were rented before I got here. [They failed to read notices and book early]
The safety rules about campfires should apply to me. [They are told, plus signs, and are no exception]
The safety rules for golf carts shouldn’t apply to me. [No, you can drive reckless and endanger others]
The safety rules at the pool shouldn’t apply to me. [It’s for you kids safety and others]
Why can’t you start the movie over again, I’m only 20 minutes late. [We have a schedule for everyone’s benefit]
Why do I have to follow a schedule. [You don’t… but you will miss out on things]
A light bulb burnt out in my cabin, I want a discount. [The something for free mentality]
The rain ruined my weekend, I want a refund. [Mother nature]
I didn’t sign up early, why can’t I still participate. [sorry, ya missed it, gotta read the schedule]
Why are there so many rules. [Safety and so things run smoothly]
Why are you harassing me about everything. [repeated reminders for not following the rules for safety]
I didn’t know this wasn’t allowed. [yes you do in reality… broke the rules and got caught]
Why do I have to wear an armband. [So we know you belong here… everyone where’s a band]
Why can’t I have another chance [as in… above the two or three you’ve already gotten and did not heed]
Why are you taking my golf cart [severe safety violations, of which you were informed]
Why are you charging me for damage to the golf cart. [because you are responsible for your own negligence]
Quite time shouldn’t apply to us. [Sorry, yes it does, as a consideration to everyone else]
We paid a lot of money to be here. [but it doesn’t change the safety rules or change policy]
I pay your salary, you should do what I want. [Sorry, it doesn’t work that way… rules, policy, schedules]

The list could go on and on… but I’m sure everyone gets the picture.

This may be a way of life for some of the rich and famous. Money, as in super rich, buys anything including the indulgence of god like perfection issues. It buys the bow down, kiss my feet, cater to my every whim attitude. $39 a night in a campground… well… they have the wrong attitude, not to mention checkbook, to expect that the world is going to bow at their feet.

Well, that’s my little bit of “emotional release” to “slough off” the ill effects of those that perceive themselves with god like grandeur. And yes, I find great comfort that they make for themselves, a life of misery and aggravation. So if you are among the 90 some percent that accepts responsibility for your own actions… this too may bring a bit of comfort to you. If you are among the 10 percent or so… then you justifiably reap what you sow… and the rest of us have no sympathy or compassion for you. While I seldom write with the intention to offend anyone, this is one of those cases where if the shoe fits, wear it with the misery that you inflict on others… you deserve it. But in reality… if you are one of those with perfection issues, you probably would never read this… and if you did, you probably wouldn’t realize that this applied to you. But just saying all this just makes me feel better… and maybe a few of the 90%ers too.

Happy Halloween to All.

2011-10-28T08:26:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween to All. This is our last Halloween Weekend here in Texas. We have had 5 great weekends of Halloween… great costumes, decorations, and lots of fun. Very busy park and lots to see and do.

The best time of the year here at the park.

Here’s some photos…

But, them again, nothing could ever be as good as Disney.

Sure do miss all the fun there…

here’s a little flashback…

Halloween Orange Castle

and the Halloween Fireworks

Yall have a Great Halloween!

Amazing what they do with the Castle

and it will all be special again someday.

Time Stands Still…

2011-10-26T23:49:00.001-04:00

Unusual things happen when you simply stare at the night sky…

the moon and the stars.

Clear your mind, and take it all in… the vastness of the sky… all those stars. Exactly the same sky that mankind has gazed at for thousands of years. We all witness the same thing… have the same experience. So what do you feel? What thoughts run through your mind? No doubt the same things that have occupied the minds of man since time began. Time stands still, yet spans thousands of years. Our lives change fast… the Earth changes extremely slow… and the heavens are seemingly endless and never changing. Are you standing at the same space as someone else did one hundred or even a thousands of years ago… and yet you are exactly seeing the same unchanging universe… the heavens and stars… just as they saw them. Kind of a kindred spirit separated by the sands of time… perhaps a bit of a chilling experience. So does time stand still… by the standards of the universe… it may certainly appear that way… endless and timeless. What would it be like if Einstein was right… time bends in space… and in theory, travel to a time in the past could be possible. Looking to the night sky certainly makes the possibilities seem … well… possible. In any event… looking into the night sky certainly evokes possibilities… no matter how seemingly unlikely. Just something to think about… the next time you stare at the night sky.

Wind Power

2011-10-24T09:25:00.001-04:00

Just a quick little entry… on the way to Corpus Christi Texas, we came upon a land mass near the waters of the Gulf that literally had hundreds on turbine windmills. I’ve seen them on Tv and Movies, but never in person. Bigger than life, majestic, large sweeping propeller arms moving in the wind… they stand like silent giants.

Quite the sight to see. The pedestals reach to about 220 feet high and the arms of the propellers span over 100 feet in length each. Certainly quite the sight to see. In the low laying flatlands near the Gulf, the winds are almost constant making this a ideal location to generate electricity form the wind.