November 2023 – The Laughing Wolf

GOTH Matrix

I mentioned yesterday that I want to implement my GOTH (Go/Gone To Hell, the plan for when it has gone to hell and plans A-Z are out the window) plan to move out West early next year. Between texting with a friend and some exchanges elsewhere, thought it might be good to lay out the plan and the decision matrix behind it. Or behind them, as I actually have a couple of them, one for getting out West and one just to get out of Indy at need. Let me explain a bit.

The fact is, I do agree with those who have recommended I move out West for my health. I felt much better out there, and loved the area around Tombstone in particular. However, a two week trip is not enough time to explore, then explore in detail, any one area. The good GOTH plan for moving out West is basically to get out there, then explore and move to a final location if and as needed. The ultimate GOTH plan being, of course, to load up as much as possible if things come completely apart in the world and head West.

I do have a GOTH plan to stay in state and just get away from Indy at need. This would be activated if health issues cropped up that needed to be addressed or required long-term care. Since my insurance would not transfer out of state, I would need to stay in state but want to get out of very blue Indianapolis. I want out regardless, as the current administration has turned this city into a hellhole where I end up praying for the dead and wounded each morning. May rant on that a bit more later.

Thing is, the decision matrix behind each is much the same. While I do appreciate suggestions on where to go, they have to be evaluated in context of the decision matrix.

First Block: Housing Cost. After getting hit by lightning, I did take early retirement from Social Security (SS). I do have a small stipend to go with it, but pretty much wherever you draw the poverty line, I’m at or below it. Yes, I have filed for disability and am now in the kabuki dance that process has become. Initial claim denied, things dragging along while they wait for you to either die of natural causes or suicide. After all, the death benefit is a pittance compared to what they may have to pay out if you win your case. Yes, I am cynical at the racket and lawyer enrichment program the process has become. Not joking about the hoping you die in the years they drag it out either, as they really are hoping for that.

So, I have a limited range I can afford in regards rent, which is what I probably should do while I go out, explore, and look to settle. That said, I got some advice back a couple of years ago and have taken what steps I can to restore my credit rating and otherwise make myself a candidate to buy a home. Don’t have a down payment or anything, just working the score and to hopefully get where I might can build up such a payment.

Now, what I’m looking for is someplace where I can live and have all my stuff that is in storage there, whether still in storage in the house/garage or where I can use it. I miss my books and kitchen gear! It would be nice if I had some semi-secure area in which to do a bit of gardening. In fact, would love to build and use some raised beds for herbs and various vegetables.

I would consider an apartment or space in a senior residence if such location tolerated cigars, drinking, and was run by people who believe in preparedness. So long as I have my stuff and the the ability to do a small bit of gardening, and not have to put up with strict rules…

Second Block: Red area only. If things go as they seem to be going, blue cities and areas are going to become deathtraps. If you thought the summer of love a couple of years ago was bad, I’m very worried we ain’t seen nuthin yet (name that song!).

Third Block: Medical. Wherever I do settle down needs to be within about thirty minutes of a decent primary care facility. I hope not to need such, and really want to avoid doctors and hospitals as much as I can, but that’s not likely. On top of that, I need to be within one to two hours of top-level medical care. The local can treat routine, but if there are heart or other issues, I need to be within transfer distance or easy driving distance.

Fourth Block: Gun and Defense Laws. Thanks to people like Guy Relford, Indiana has some of the best gun laws in the nation. There are very few place I can’t enter while carrying, and our Stand Your Ground and Castle Doctrine laws are very good. I really wish we could get the law changed to allow you to protect your property/place of business, but don’t see that happening soon. Also, municipalities can’t do their own thing and override state law on firearms and self-defense. So, looking for as close to what we have here in the areas where I’m considering moving.

Fifth Block: People. As much as part of me would love to go be a desert hermit somewhere, I do need to be around people. I need to be where people can and will check on me. I also very much want to be around people who are into being prepared and share some similar interests. Which means I need to find people like some of you, or members of Baen’s Bar, the MHI crowd, etc. I also want enough community where I might could even look at dating. After all, I might find some sweet young thing with vision problems or such that might be interested in me. I can dream.

Sixth Block: Resources. The area needs to have a decent grocery store and be within reasonable driving distance (again, one to two hours) of specialty/larger food centers such as a good international grocery. Decent food is nice. It would be nice if they have the same pharmacy I’m using, but that’s workable. There also has to be a Y or gym that gives seniors a discount and has what I need for my workout and health. Also, looking at some fairly distinct religious options. If the area has a couple of other specialty options (cigar store, cough), that’s a plus.

Seventh Block: Water. Area needs to have decent water and no near-term water/aquifer issues.

Eighth Block: Border. Given all that is going on with the Southern border, prefer to keep my distance and ensure that where I do end up is defensible on several levels.

There are a couple of other minor qualifiers, but that hits the most important ones. Now, let’s take a quick look at how this plays out.

New Mexico is out, particularly given the current Reichsgovernor. Pity, there are some wonderful locations there and I love the area north of Santa Fe. Dean Ing used to highly recommend Ruidoso and the area around it.

Benson, Arizona is one area where I’ve looked. If I win the lottery and can convince the owner of the Titan missile silo to sell, I’d head there in a heartbeat. Near Tombstone, decent/acceptable primary care, easy transport by ground or air to advanced care in Tuscon, gym, don’t have to try to surf space debris down to it, etc. Drawbacks are primarily in the resource area, and the fact it is a blue area. Water is also an issue. They have a rental tax that pushes things out into barely afford/can’t afford area. Yes, there are nearby cities that don’t, but the resources, people, and water problems just get worse. Sierra Vista has a higher cost of living than I can go right now. The border is a huge issue for the area.

I really love the area around Ft. Davis, Texas. Alpine fits many aspects of the matrix, but between the border and being more than two hours to get to major medical and other resources…

Right now, two places that are under consideration are San Angelo and Abilene, Texas. Both offer a lot of good resources and fit pretty much all the right boxes in the matrix. Abilene is ahead in some ways because it has a few more resources and is a bit closer to Dallas/Ft. Worth.

I really would like to visit the area around Winslow and Flagstaff, Arizona as there may be some good options there.

One option that has been suggested by several parties is to find some place to store my stuff and use an RV to explore. The primary drawback to that is finances, but it would be a good way to go. If I can find a way to do it, it would be well worth doing I think.

In terms of in-state GOTH, the same considerations apply. I would probably need to be within one to two hours of Indy, probably not too far from either I-65 or I-74 south of Indianapolis. Well away from Indy and the ring counties (I have a very impolite way of referring to the area). North does nothing to mitigate weather and there are resource issues. South, while sparser pickings, seems to be the better option.

Rants on the hellhole Indy has become, the Indy GOP (the party of higher taxes and bigger government — seriously, when the Dems say you need to cut taxes…), and related issues can wait for another day.

If you have suggestions that fit the matrix, please do sound off.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Yes!

Just got back from my visit to the surgeon, and I am cold but happy. In fact, I’m very happy overall. Things are indeed moving along, and we do seem to be further ahead on things with the left shoulder compared to the right.

The incision has healed very well, no issues and in fact it did better than the right incision. Cleared to use moisturizer (a no-no during healing), which is great as much of the rest of the body is dry and itchy. Don’t think the back scrubber I bought will work well for that, but who knows.

For all I’ve complained about “only” doing range-of-motion work, the ROM is extremely good for this soon after surgery. We are now cleared to do “real” PT, for me to start back to the gym on that and my lower/core and cardio, and to use the inversion table. Once I talk to the therapist later this week and we map out a plan, the plan is to move out in a smart fashion.

I have two major goals for the next six to twelve weeks: get the shoulders into the best possible shape I can, and to get things where I can start to actually try to move out West. The recent fronts, along with this morning’s cold and snow are simply reinforcing that desire. It will take at least a year to get the shoulders where they need to be, but given the loss of mobility was gradual and over the course of years, that’s somehow appropriate. Recovery from the surgery is just the first part, the second is stretching things back out and rebuilding both strength and ROM lost over the course of years.

One reason for some of the recent silence is that I’ve been having to deal with some issues related to my care. The surgeon is part of Community Health Network, and they (like most of the larger networks) tries to take over ALL your healthcare. On top of the lack of care on the night shift after my most recent surgery, someone dropped some new diagnoses into my profile this month, including that I was suffering from Chronic Systolic Heart Failure (HCC).

This was news to me, and news to my cardiologist. To make it even more fun, it wasn’t done by the surgeon or his office, and so far no one can tell me who made the diagnosis and on what basis. Given that I had to spend about seven years getting a false diagnosis of cancer removed from the Community system, I’m not even going to try to fight it this time Unless I develop symptoms, the plan is for my cardiologist and I to push forward with their current treatment plan. It did, however, make for several interesting days as this all came to light pretty much last week. Yeah, trying to get answers and things dealt with during Thanksgiving week was so much fun…

Oh, since I turned in my survey and comments on the care in the hospital, haven’t heard a word from Community about being on the patient advisory board and wanting my feedback. Strange. *grin*

I can highly recommend the surgeon and his group, I just have some issues with Community and with Community East hospital. The surgeon and two others I’ve dealt with in the practice on some other issues have been great. If you need a good ortho practice, or have shoulder issues, let me know and glad to recommend them.

Meantime, I’m going to be moving out on PT and trying to get set-up to work on moving. Doing all the meals ahead was a great idea, but now the larder is bare and I need to restock it, stock up on some other essentials, and do some general preparation work including stocking up on Vitamin A to keep the bad pew-pews away. Any help on these areas would be very much appreciated!

Someone has made me a very kind and generous offer in regards some training, and I hope to be able to take them up on it in a few weeks. I tried racking someone’s pistol a week or two ago, and it did not go well. At the rate I’m progressing, however, it may only be another week or two before I can rack and do. Really looking forward to that.

The car is running for now, though I do need to get it to the mechanic to figure out where the coolant is leaking and why, and get it fixed. For right now it’s not leaking much, at least as long as I have the heater engaged. Will be taking the bus as much as possible as I want to reserve the car for PT and other essentials.

So, for the most part we are go! Now in some areas I may be limping, but we are moving forward. Hopefully I can build some momentum and get moving literally and figuratively. Here’s to hoping the new diagnoses are indeed just BS, that things keep going well, and that I move from limping to walking to running in the days ahead so I can implement the GOTH move plan early in the new year.

Keep your friends close and your things where you can find them in the dark. Be Prepared.

Belated Happy Thanksgiving!

I had planned to post Thanksgiving, but got sidetracked with mostly good issues here. As I noted, I went very non-traditional since I still can’t do real cooking. That will hopefully change soon…

I did take the time to truly give thanks for all in my life, particularly the good. One thing for which I am very thankful is each and every one of you who come here to read, to comment, and to encourage. You are very much appreciated!

Had PT this morning, then ran some errands and had my tires pumped up at the tire place as one had dropped very low. So low I borrowed the landlord’s air pump to get it up enough to get to PT and the tire store. Right now, the coolant leak is behaving but still trying not to drive it that much.

I haven’t done much for Christmas in the last few years, as I’m renting a room and the landlord actually does a pretty good tree. Even if the cats do start singing ‘Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, Your Ornaments Are History’ as soon as they see it go up. However, for a number of reasons, I decided to do a small one in my room. So, today I found a Charley Brown tree for $6 and am going to see what I can do. There will be photos.

Not sure when I will get to post tomorrow as I have my six week with the ortho tomorrow morning early and I am hoping he gives the go-ahead to push into “real” PT. Have a few questions for him, but the goal is to get release to go back to full PT and the gym.

I’m also trying to find out who put some new diagnoses in my file at the health corporation where he works. You will be hearing a bit more on this, as it wasn’t him and right now no one in his office can tell me who did it. Considering that the diagnoses in question are in the areas of my GP, cardiologist, and maybe one other — and it’s news to them — well…

Oh, keep an eye on Gaza as I started hearing a few days ago that some of the hostages were being held by other factions who were refusing to give them up to Hamass. Yes, there are some other factions there, though they usually keep a low profile, and several of them regard Hamass as wimps. Sucks for the hostages, but will say one thing for which I am thankful is that so many have been gotten out. I seriously was betting only about a dozen were still alive, very glad to be wrong on that.

Lots to cover in the world and I am looking forward to getting back to it. More soon!

Current PT

Never occurred to me that some might like to know more about the PT. So here’s what we are currently doing. The initial instructions given at the hospital was to do one or two sets of 10 of each; but, my therapist and I changed that up a bit at the start. Instead of sets of ten, I do each of the following for two minutes:

back and forth pendulum of left arm, arm dangling as I bend forward
side to side pendulum, same
arm in circle, same
NOTE: arm movement is generated by whole body movements, and I am thankful that video cameras are not allowed given how you have to move the body while bent over. I am NOT twerking, I swear.
backwards shoulder rolls
shoulder blades together, then lowered
regular shoulder drops
Bicep curls w/2lb weights
Reverse curls
“motorcycle twist”
reverse “motorcycle twist
hands with thumbs up, palms facing each other, move so palms down
hands with thumbs up, palms facing each other, move so palms up
Isometric 1: forward punch into inflated ball
Isometric 2: elbow back into inflated ball
Isometric 3: elbow to the side into inflated ball
Isometric 4: hand to the side into inflated ball

Once that’s done, the therapist does manipulations of the joints and some massage to help loosen things up. Then I sit and enjoy my ice pack for 12 or so minutes. At home I also have some squeeze gel to use to help improve hand strength and reduce swelling.

Additional Thoughts On Gaza

FM had a good comment on my previous Gaza post, and my reply forms a good bit of today’s post. The question has been what the everliving did Iran and Hamass think they were doing with Tet II, especially with the recordings and broadcasts of the rapes, torture, and murders?

There are two things to consider on that. First, they didn’t consider the audience. Rather, for cultural reasons, it never even occurred to them that most sane people would react in horror. They had no concept of any audience other than radical Islamists like themselves. To them, the videos would be a message of power for Hamass and a message of terror for Israel. The sight of what was done would drive Israeli’s away from the land, turning it into a ghost land they could then take over. They also counted on their allies and other useful idiots to run cover for them in the media and on the world stage. The allies and idiots are trying, but as Sarah notes, it’s not really sticking.

Second, they didn’t stick to plan. This may seem a little out there, but it does make sense. Thanks to Evergreen Intel, I found this article in The Times of Israel that puts forth the idea that the original plan had been to push towards Tel Aviv but the music festival surprised and distracted them. Instead of pushing on to pose a threat, both the initial assault and the follow-on wave of “civilians” got pulled into the easy rape and killing of those at the festival. This eliminated the ability to pose a threat that would have focused military and political leadership on Hamass and Gaza.

Why do that? Maybe because an Israel focused on the threat and the need to take back military bases and settlements would have diverted attention from, and pulled resources away from, the north, allowing Hezbollah and others to attack lightly held positions. With that going on, who would have been surprised if the West Bank might not have gone up in flames? Others? Best case, Israel would be destroyed. If not, fighting a multi-front war would have allowed Hamass to fall back with hostages to negotiate from a position of power in the worst case.

However, plans created in bubbles rarely work when dealing with realities outside said bubble. Make no mistake, Hamass (and the mad mullahs) live in a bubble. They have turned Gaza into a multi-generational bed of terrorism and militant islamism that is now well documented and shared around the world. From cradle to grave the people of Gaza are raised to hate Israel, the U.S., and others, and trained to kill. Don’t believe me? Check out this poll and the decent analysis here. The idiotic bleatings in regards a two-state solution won’t work with the mindset within Gaza. Think the poll is off? Check out other polls and previous polls, as the numbers have been extremely consistent for years.

It wasn’t the intention of Iran or Hamass, but what they did accomplish outside the bubble was to wake up a lot of people. Not just to the reality of Hamass and Gaza, but to other things as well. Things like the Second Amendment and the right to self-defense. Things like the rampant antisemitism within progressive/Marxist politics. Things like speech and other actions having consequences. Things that are working to derail a lot of progressive/Marxist efforts here and abroad.

The latter has been a rather rude awakening for many, who performed the progressive virtue signalling (or flat-out psychotic rage) of ripping down the posters of those kidnapped by Hamass, or making antisemitic remarks. They are used to being those protected and cancelling others. They are really not liking it now that it has consequences for them.

Am I worried about the current “pause” and prisoner exchange? Yes. Those trying to hamstring Israel as it rightly (and righteously) works to eliminate Hamass (including the Biden Regency) want either the status quo or for Israel to be destroyed. Period. The status quo is for continuing the terrorism and for Israel not to be secure in its own borders. The ultimate destruction of Israel is a cornerstone of the progressive/Marxist mindset. My take on both is that both are evil.

My hope is that the government of Israel knows what it is doing. Part of me hopes they are placing those prisoners they release for this into a place where they get the chance to die with the rest of Hamass. Otherwise, the pause is just another chance for Hamass to rearm, resupply, and work to have their patrons find a way to try to return to the status quo. For all I don’t think that’s going to happen this time, I also don’t want to see Israel take any more casualties than it has to. I also don’t want Israel to find itself where it can be pressured or pushed by those who wish it ill (and I do include the Biden Regency in that group).

Hamass went full Tet, and the above gives a theory as to why they went full Tet. For now, may they reap the whirlwind and be utterly and completely destroyed.

21 November Update

I really wanted to post yesterday, but life moves at its own pace. I keep getting asked if this time is different: smoother, easier, harder, etc. It is different, but while some of that difference is not to my liking, most of it is.

I’ve said it before, but it seems like things are progressing faster on the whole. My regular physical therapist and I have talked about it, and given that we haven’t been able to start what I call “real” PT yet, we’ve made some amazing progress on range of motion. We have to keep reminding each other that it’s only been a month, and we can’t start real PT until six weeks. Yes, I am counting down the days… That said, we are already getting some results that I did not have until several weeks after the start of real PT.

The increase in range of motion means that I am doing things sooner than before. My ability to get a shirt or coat on has gone from struggle session to almost normal. I can tie shoes again. With the cone of shame, er, sling gone, it makes it easier to pin things so I can work on them with my right hand. I’m still not up to real cooking yet, but I am able to cook eggs for my breakfast now since that is mostly a one-handed process. Figure it’s going to be at least two to three weeks before I am up to knife work and all that’s required to do real cooking.

Officially I am still not supposed to pick up anything other than a piece of paper with my left hand/arm. I am (mostly) being good about that. Makes it hard to cook, do laundry, or many other things. While I’m doing very well on range-of-motion, it does not mean I’m anywhere near where I was or where I hope to ultimately be. Which makes some normal activities, like bathing, a challenge as you can’t reach some places. Still toying with the idea of zip tying a scrub brush to the useless hand hold (the top part is not anchored) so I can scrub parts of the back I can’t yet reach.

Where it has been not-fun interesting is with sleeping and discomfort/pain management. Because we started me on PT sessions earlier than last time, I had to go off the good pain pills in less than a week after surgery. I’ve taken some at need, but mostly I can’t take them as I have to be able to drive. It’s not 24 bottle to throttle, but I prefer 12-16 at a minimum. The idea of trying to drive while on drugs and with one hand (one arm was in a sling for the first four weeks) is a non-starter for me (and the doc).

To complicate things a bit further, I have refused to take the acetaminophen that is prescribed. Hate that stuff. So, have been taking ibuprofen “as needed.” By my standards I’ve had a lot more discomfort this time, but not a lot of pain. Ergo, I probably have not taken the ibuprofen as much as I should have. Not ideal, but livable.

The biggest problem has been sleeping. As I wrote before, I had to transition back to the bed because I was tossing and turning in the recliner. Falling out would be bad, tipping it over would be worse. Sleeping in the bed is another thing that has happened ahead of schedule, with it happening 3 or more weeks sooner than with the left.

Normally, I would take that as a positive but the body is really not yet healed to the point of normal sleep. My body wants to sleep mostly on my sides these days (I used to describe myself as a rotisserie sleeper in that I turn about a quarter turn every so often so that I eventually turn completely around), and neither shoulder is happy with that for long. Trying to sleep on my back also can get uncomfortable. Even using melatonin and other tricks, I’ve only been getting about three hours of sleep before waking up. Sometimes I do manage to get back to sleep, sometimes not, and I’m learning what I can and can’t take to help based on what time I wake up. More often than I care for I’m doing good to be running on 3-4 hours sleep on any given day, six is a wonder, and eight hours of good solid sleep is still a dream.

It will get better, and I think once we can do real PT, that will also help. Hoping to get clearance next week to start back at the gym on lower body and core at least. That too should help with the sleep issues. It will get better, but it is hard to be patient in this case.

So, overall I am ahead of where I was last time in most areas. I think/hope that this will hold true as we move into real PT, which puts me on a good recovery path. Healing from the surgery (both cases) is in many ways the easy part. It’s trying to regain the strength and mobility that were lost in the years before the surgery that is going to be the challenge. There’s a reason that they warn that shoulder replacement recovery takes a year (or more). Thanks to your help, I have what I need and am working with a good physical therapist (and team) for in person.

Who knows, I may even learn some patience out of this. Not likely, but miracles do happen. My methodical determination will come in handy in the days ahead. I feel like I’ve been wimpy on PT so far but results say otherwise.

Even if I could do real cooking right now, there is no way I would try to do a traditional Thanksgiving dinner just for me (no, I would not be inviting the cats to join in). Too much and too much chance of waste. In a week or three I may do something with some salmon in the freezer, looking at a dark rum or bourbon glaze with black Hawaiian salt and smoked sugar when I’m up to it. For Thanksgiving, seriously contemplating left-over pizza, or if the historic diner nearby has meatloaf special tomorrow getting that and having it Thanksgiving. It’s not the food, though I want to have something different and good, it’s that I have options and much for which to be thankful.

More soon, came across something interesting on HamAss and there are some other things going on in the world that I would like to discuss. I may get to some of it later today, but it was a rough night so no guarantees. Up early tomorrow as I have a very early PT session, but I hope to get something up later in the day. We will see.

Onwards.

Congratulations SpaceX!

For all I would have loved for Starship to have hit fractional orbit and then landed in the Pacific, for a second integrated test flight it was a success. Frankly, that they pulled off the hot-stage separation is amazing, and it was not something I was counting on seeing.

As it is, it happened. All the engines lit and stayed lit until shut off on the first stage, and everything was nominal until after the hot-staging. All the engines appeared to be functioning normally on the second stage right up until the self-destruct engaged. I’m curious as to why they had that system on the second stage, and if they plan to continue to do so. The initial word seems to be the pad is good, so no major repairs or upgrades needed (we hope).

Best of all, they seem to have gotten lots of good data that are going to allow them to go in, figure things out, and make improvements to the next system. Lather, rinse, repeat. It really is the best way to develop new systems. Getting things to orbit, especially with a system significantly larger and more powerful than the Saturn V, is not easy. Just look back to the early days even before NASA, where launches rarely worked as planned. Some of the videos from the Navajo (Nevergo) and other early rockets are quite spectacular.

It didn’t end in the Pacific, but it was a good mission in terms of data. Here’s hoping that they can analyze, adapt, and try again as soon as possible — esp. if the Biden Regency will get out of the way. Earth is the cradle of humanity, and it’s past time we left the cradle.

Some Thoughts On Gaza

Tired, but had a good morning at PT. Pain is weakness leaving the body, or an emotion to be controlled (per Spock). Either works for me right now, as what I want more is a good night’s sleep.

Like many, I was surprised at what happened on Oct. 7. That our intelligence services missed what was coming is hardly surprising, but for Israel’s services to miss it is something else. Perhaps if Mossad and others were more focused on their job instead of illegal (per their laws) politics… Some things, sadly, appear universal these days.

I think the DiploMad is on the right track with his take on things. Read through his other posts while you are at it. He states a number of uncomfortable truths that many here, not just in media, would prefer to avoid. This was a huge roll of the dice, with the aim of fomenting a larger war. How they got talked into it is a good question, but what matters is they did it.

For all that I agree that the goal was a larger war, I also agree that one of the thoughts behind it was to create a ghost zone, a place where people would no longer live because of what happened there. An effort to instill fear so that the land would be abandoned so that Hamas could move in.

And horror it was. I’ve watched more video of what happened that day — most shot by HamAss members — than is truly healthy. In addition to noting things like the young lady bleeding rectally who also had her tendon cut to keep her from running, other things stood out. A page was clearly taken from Rwanda as cutting off arms was a big thing. It is an effective way to take people out of action, and barring outside assistance, they tend to bleed out. When you do it to children and young adults, it tends to pull out those hiding who seek to go provide aid so you can kill them too. Heartbreaking doesn’t describe a child who was still alive when help arrived hours later, but was too far gone to save. Rage doesn’t begin to describe the rape and mutilation that took place (and not just to females). Or of those who would gang rape a girl, with the last person pulling her head up and shooting her in the back of the head as he raped her, then finishing the rape. The videos and more are being collected on a couple of sites, hope to link to them soon.

There’s a reason I suggested running an arclight the length and breadth of Gaza, then repeating so as to bounce the rubble. For, it was not just HamAss that came out to play, but quite a few citizens of Gaza who joined in to loot, mutilate, and otherwise add to the horror. Perhaps even some of the same people who danced in joy at what happened to us on 9/11. Given that HamAss has been the legitimate elected government of Gaza for almost all the time since Israel pulled out in 2005, I don’t see a lot of truly “innocent” people in Gaza.

What was done is, sadly, normal for most of the world outside the West. It is tribalism at its finest, and a reminder of the true nature of war and mankind. I strongly suspect they hoped to do more, and hold more territory, even as they tried to strike fear into the hearts of those who might consider living nearby. But, as I noted a while back, something has changed. Still trying to put my finger on it, but the tune has changed and what was expected isn’t happening.

In this case, I think Iran and HamAss both miscalculated. What they tried might well have worked before, but isn’t now. For all the normal useful idiots are trying, Israel isn’t buying it. The demented meat puppet and the Biden Regency have been told to pound sand, as as PM Castreaux and a host of others. This isn’t the time for the usual responses and Israel agreeing to be restrained. This is the time to eliminate HamAss and all who participated in the horrors of the 7th. This is what Israel is doing, and I pray nothing stops them from so doing.

It’s also clear that the Israeli military has been thinking about the 70+kilometers of tunnels under Gaza. To try to fight in them would be a nightmare, and play right into HamAss’s hands. So, that’s not what they are doing. I’ve read some apparently well informed discussions of sealing and dealing, along with some less informed discussions of super foam bombs (and I would be tempted to smoke/take what those people are on to be honest). Israel is blocking entrances, cutting off ventilation, and in some cases collapsing tunnels. Personally, I hope they are leaving some toxic presents in the tunnels before sealing, but after watching all I have seen I’m not inclined to play nice or even by the so-called rules. Israel is showing amazing restraint and still doing so.

Those calling for ceasefires and the like are on the side of HamAss, Hezbollah, and other terrorist groups. Period. They also missed the change in the world, and it shows. Despite the well-funded and centrally organized pro-HamAss/anti-Israel protests, there is no traction for them. Make no mistake, these are indeed well-funded events where people have spent a lot of money and are spending a lot of time coordinating and organizing. If you think these are just random or spontaneous events, I have a bridge for sale…

Had the world not changed, this might have worked. The usual suspects might well have gotten various governments and such to actively work to restrain Israel in its response. Not happening now, though idiots are trying. Israel is not interested, not listening, and is focused on the righteous and long-needed elimination of HamAss and key supporters. I get the feeling that even some of the normal funders are pulling back, realizing that they too may have targets on their backs. Israel does have a bit of history for dealing directly with those who go after their people. I hope they do, as after all Americans were killed and taken hostage on the 7th. That is something that needs to be avenged.

I fear that most of those taken hostage are already dead — and if they are it may be a mercy given what HamAss and others like to do to hostages (think what they did on the 7th). That said, if any are still alive, I hope Israel gets them out and that we help with that. We need to go back to making clear that killing Americans and taking them hostage is a very bad idea. We need to quit encouraging countries (Iran, Russia, cough) to do so by making bad deals and paying ransoms in any form. Don’t care if the Big Guy doesn’t get his ten percent of such things, those killing and kidnapping need to start dying. Perhaps we should take a page out of the KGB manual as used in Lebanon, which would be both ironic and appropriate. In this case, we have the leaders of HamAss living in other countries, and I think that sending back bits and pieces of them until those hostages being held in Gaza are released is a good idea. Even if it officially never happened, might not be the first time on that (cough).

Personally, I hope to see Israel eliminate HamAss, it’s supporters, and any and all who took part on the 7th in Gaza. I hope to see them go after leadership and supporters who made the 7th possible. I also hope that those behind the funding and organization of the so-called anti-genocide (but really pro-HamAss/anti-Israel) protests find the same targets on their backs.

Just a bit of food for thought, for those paying attention. We already know that all sorts of interesting people have crossed the southern border. Expect to see things like this tried here. As I noted in a previous post, I would be unsurprised at much more being tried. Maybe more on that later. Meantime, be prepared and be as safe as you can be. Keep your things where you can find them in the dark.

More soon.

It’s Been Interesting

My apologies for the lack of posting, but interesting is as good a word as any (printable) that describes the last seven days or so. The best laid plans is also appropriate to parts of it, since I had planned to do a lot more posting last week.

However, life had plans of its own. I was already dealing with stiffness and discomfort before a front came through that lit me up like a Christmas tree. Between temperature and pressure changes, I pretty much locked up.

On top of that, it almost seems like time dilation has been taking place. I mentioned before, I think, that it seems like a lot more time has passed since surgery than is the case. Friday will just be four weeks post surgery. In many respects, both my physical therapist and I feel like we are well ahead of where we were with the right shoulder at the same time. Which also makes the fact that we can’t start “real” PT for another couple of weeks frustrating until we realize how early it is in the process.

On top of that, parts of the body/subconscious seem to be on the same boat. Middle of last week I woke up in the middle of trying to roll over onto my side in the recliner. After making sure I wasn’t on my way over the side, or into tipping the chair over, I got on my side and went back to sleep. And then went right back into rolling from one side to the other in my sleep. Not good.

So, I started trying to sleep in the bed. About three weeks ahead of when I did so on the right shoulder. It has seen mixed results. Sleeping on the right side isn’t bad, but the left arm and shoulder have trouble finding a position that doesn’t pull or strain the healing joint. When I roll over onto the left side, well, that is often an ouch moment. Net result was only about three hours of sleep in three days. Getting a bit more now, but still working on a good regimen that gets me some solid sleep.

So, been trying to deal with both surgical and other pain, lack of sleep, and in trying to keep pushing healing and PT along. Dislike aceto so using ibu on a very limited scale for pain/significant discomfort. Have some good pain pills left, but they really are too much, and may be needed a lot more later after we get into real PT. If I can get good sleep reliably, think things will be a lot better.

The good news is that we are making strides just with the range-of-motion physical therapy. I’m ditching the cone of shame, er, sling, starting today and hoping that will help with some of the stiffness, swelling, other issues. Glad to be able to do it, but also expect to see an increase in discomfort or even pain as we transition. Am also delighted to be able to move back to two-handed typing as the one handed thing was a pain to be polite.

So, for now, at least some limited use of the left arm and hand. No lifting yet, that has to wait until six weeks out. I’m trying to be good, but… Do get to use it a bit in the shower, and can “pin” things in place with the left hand. For all that we are making good progress, hoping that we can get a bit more done without the sling.

On top of all that, my car has developed a major coolant leak, as in clouds of steam from under the hood as I drive. I have not been able to track down the leak, and right now getting to my mechanic is going to be interesting between how busy he is and finances if it is more than something simple. I really need to get something newer, but, again, finances just aren’t there yet. So, nursing it to get me to PT and major shopping, and using the bus for almost everything else. Joy.

Hard to believe Thanksgiving is next week. No idea what I am going to do, other than I am not cooking a traditional dinner just for me (even if I could afford to do so). Toying with a couple of ideas, and also halfway wishing the good local Chinese place hadn’t closed (kitchen fire).

More soon, as there is a lot going on in the world right now. When people tell you who and what they are, believe them. Keep your things where you can find them in the dark, and be prepared. More soon, hopefully after some good sleep.

More Soon

Had planned on a post or two today, but doesn’t look good. Up early as last night i ended up sleeping on my sides, which is still a bit of an ow and athletic as am still sleeping in the recliner. So, up a couple of hours early and not feeling great. More soon, promise.