laughingwolf_qh33q8 – Page 25

That Bites…

I’ve mentioned before that the lightning strike that hit me caused some memory issues. Short term, well, let’s skip that for now other than to say notes and lists are a large part of my life and even then… I’ve been told by some of the rehab folks that they think most of the long-term memories are still in my brain, but that the root directory is corrupted and the brain doesn’t know how to find them. Between short- and long-term memory, well, it’s a mess (IMO).

Today, I finally got around to updating and getting on the computer a list of people for whom I offer prayers for their souls. The paper/hand-written version was falling apart and out of room. So, time to update and do it right.

In double-checking some things, I found out that some people I thought were still alive are not. Bit of a shock in a couple of cases, as I had thought about getting in touch with them. The “updated” list is going to need a bit more updating it seems.

England, A Warning

Actually, warnings both literal and metaphorical. The fact is, England has fallen and I don’t see it rising again anytime soon. In fact, I would bet on things getting much worse before they get better.

A literal warning: don’t travel to or through England if you are active on social media. Yes, I do think TwoTierKeir and company are stupid enough to try to extradite people on charges of violation of their draconian (by our standards) speech laws. I hope most countries will laugh at them and mock them, as is being done by people to most of their Orwellian posts. Since that is likely, I would be unsurprised if they didn’t also put charges in place (their indictment process is far different from ours) such that if someone travels to or through a British port that they are flagged and arrested as soon as they hit customs. Bags the bad people (from their point of view) and limits the response of the respective countries who’s citizens are nicked. Still likely to backfire, but they are stupid enough to try it and it will suck for the victims until things get taken care of. My own advice to any so pinched is to consider yourself a prisoner of war and act accordingly.

A second literal warning is to avoid electing similar twits/twunts/creatures here. Anyone who says free speech has limits or that misinformation needs control (etc., etc., etc.) is just as much an authoritarian little fascist as TwoTierKeir and most other British politicians. Heck, throw in most of the EU leadership like Her Majesty Thierry Breton (who IMO acts like she would be much more at home in the old East Germany) on that as well as they are pretty much all rather authoritarian to the point of fascistic. We don’t need that here and Walz has already made clear he’s all for such regulations. Remember, they want your speech and your guns for a reason, and as such you need to remember the iron rule of what happens to people who give up either.

And, yes, I’m still feeling under the weather so have been doing my part to annoy INGSOC, er the British Government on other social media. Easy, quick, and fun to do between naps and such.

Just as our elites hate us, the British elites hate the subjects (note, they are not Citizens) and show that in various ways. One way is in how they treat actual subjects of the Crown and pretty much ignore their wishes as often as they can get away with it. The subjects really have very little input even via elections as most parties ignore their wishes when it comes to actually doing things. Some leaders take it even further: look at the descriptions of subjects and even nation by people like the former leader of Scotland, the mayor of London, and others who represent the new England.

Also, look at what groups TwoTierKeir and others coddle, and who they crack down on. The traditional subjects of England are the latter, and Heaven help those that are Christian (literally, please pray for them). They have the contempt of the politician and the media there (not much different from here save degree). Now, look at those “Asians” that run around waving knives and more, threatening people, beating, and even killing and how they are treated. Yes, the British politicians are stupid enough to think they can control the hordes of illegal immigrants and use them as shock troops to control the populace. I think they (and ours) are stupid.

Unless there is a dramatic turn-around and some mass deportations, I suspect England will be a Caliphate in less than a decade. In many areas it already is such, as Sharia is the law enforced. If you are not familiar with Rotherham and the other areas where English children were and are raped by “Asian gangs” and the authorities let it happen as if they had done their jobs they might have been called racists. Recently, one of the victims went on television for an interview and was immediately visited by the authorities and intimidated for telling her story because it made them look bad. Can’t do anything about all the rapes M’am, but how dare you make us or your rapists look bad! Think I’m joking or even getting into hyperbole? Look it up, as this has been going on for years and sadly this is not a joke or hyperbole. The victims get charged, harassed, and intimidated by the police and courts, and the rapists go free. Think it can’t happen here? Have you looked at Michigan (Dearbornistan among others, cough, cough) and elsewhere of late? The honor killings in Texas and elsewhere? The areas where Sharia is the law here? Heck, the efforts to make such legal (guess the persuasion of the politicians involved).

I’ve visited England many times, and spent a fair bit of time there. I’m glad I did, as I have no plans to ever go back again, not even to change planes. These days, I regard large chunks of London as no-go zones, and the laws in place are ridiculous. If I went there with a pocket knife, even a Swiss army knife, I’m a felon. They would probably call in the military if they saw I had my chef’s kit with me. Resist being robbed? You are the felon and will be charged. You should just give up your things, or lie back and be raped (female or male), without fighting back as if you resist violence done to you they will charge you. No joke, lots of examples. FYI, rest of the Commonwealth is trending the same way.

If you are over on X, enjoy the ratios being given the Brits. It is so bad several British government accounts have cut off replies, and the police have blocked US IP servers and those using VPNs from visiting police web sites in the UK so their posts and stories of arresting grannies for saying mean things can’t be shared. Heh. Oh, rumor also has it the British government is going to go after 4-Chan for hate speech and misinformation. Please hit the tip jar as I want to stock up on popcorn for that one. For the record, my money is on 4-Chan.

For now, time to get a little bit done then rest some more. Hoping to be better tomorrow, as there are some things on preparedness I want to get into in a post or posts if I can. Enjoy your Friday, and give thanks you are not in England. We still have a chance to avoid their fate.

UPDATE I: 4-Chan has accepted the challenge and elected to kick-off.

UPDATE II: First, a link to the previous brief discussion that I referenced and forgot to link. Second, my thanks to Sarah for her link at Insty! There was supposed to be a third, but think I just glitched a bit. Expect another post soon (I hope) exploring some of the legal issues as well as the peril we face in terms of free speech and travel. More soon I hope.

UPDATE III: More and fuller discussion on some of the topics is now up in this post. Enjoy.

UPDATE IV: Honored to have been linked by Kim Du Toit!

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. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Exhausted

Yes, I need to do a follow-up post on yesterday’s adventures but the short version is I’m exhausted. Now on antibiotics, thankful I don’t need surgery this time, and need to think outside the box on a few things.

I also need to do a post on things I think are good preparation for near-term possibilities. Things like flour, salt, and pepper are what most people think of for prep. I also think that investing in new shoes, grooming tools, and maybe some other electronics is a very good idea as well. More on this soon I hope.

For now I may take another nap, I really need to feed the girls, and practice the guitar. Maybe by this afternoon I will be up to doing that.

Most Annoying

I had really wanted to get a good solid post up yesterday, as there is a lot going on in the world. In fact, some of the “minor” things not getting much media play may have a lot more impact on us here in the U.S. than it would appear. Unfortunately, what started as the body and I not getting along great on Monday turned into full flare. Spent yesterday resting, fluids, soft foods, etc. to try to keep from having to go to the doc or ER.

Calling the GP as soon as his office opens to see what he recommends, but without a car can’t get to him and don’t trust the hospital/ER nearby anymore. Looking at heading up to the nearest facility of the group the new cardiologist is with if GP recommends or things get worse. Can get there by bus and have already pulled up the schedule(s) to get there if needed. My current thought, which may or may not be a good one, is to get a shower, go up to the nearby diner for some scrambled eggs and cheese, then catch the bus from there if needed. Trying to work out the timing(s) to get the most efficiency.

We will see. I want to be efficient and make any movement count for as much as possible. As much as I hate to admit it, think I may need an antibiotic and something other than ibu to knock things back a bit.

Anywho, here are a few of the things I’m keeping an eye on.

Bangladesh. Pray for them. The Islamists are using the situation to attack not only Hindu (a minority), but also possibly other religious minorities including Christians. If such is indeed true, you will hear about as much on that in corporate media as you do about the kidnappings, killings, and forced conversions/slavery going on in Africa. Keep an eye on religious media instead. Also, if humanitarian is not enough cause for concern, look at who backed and assisted the coup (very quietly) and who lost (India, among others).

Venezuela. I really am not sure what is going on right now, other than Wagner, Cuba, and Iran seem to be going all-in to keep Maduro in power. No surprise, they are not going to let him fall without a fight. Absent something unexpected, this is likely to be a bloody slog (see previous writing). There are some interesting tidbits popping up about Maduro and the Venezuelan gangs causing havoc in the U.S. Also interesting to note what gangs are involved and what gangs appear to be supporting Maduro or have gone over to the opposition at home.

Nicaragua. Something other than just arrests of Catholic clergy is going on. Ortega hates the Catholic Church, and that the Catholic Church has been (effectively) the last organized critic of his regime. So, no surprise at the repression, but there are disruptions in the patterns that suggest something else may be going on.

Iran. Yes, keeping an eye open for what they plan to do to Israel, but there are reasons to look well beyond that. Not the right word, but brittle keeps popping into mind. The mad mullahs are hanging on by a thread right now, and they know it. They also now have to really keep an eye on each other given the penetration by Israel and others of various factions within the power group. When you find out the innermost groups of the Revolutionary Guard are cooperating with external enemies, it tends to make you trust no one. There are investigations, purges, and more underway as shadows are seen everywhere along with little men upon the stairs (who are never there). The problem with mole hunts, however, is the tendency to see anything that even slightly sticks up (real or imagined) as a mole that needs whacking. One wonders if they may be making Angleton’s worst seem mild. I would point out a few things about those days, but I would love to see the mad mullahs make not only all his mistakes but as many new ones as possible. Besides, it was fun to watch “big k” anxiously scan the sky during the funeral.

Space. It’s more than the latest with Woeing, though that is spectacular. With what I know right now, I would not ride that capsule back down. Now, it’s possible there is data I don’t have that indicates it is perfectly safe but… That said, I agreed with Charlie Martin on X yesterday that it would not be surprising if Nelson told them to take one for the team and ride it back down. Especially since Woeing somehow decided to do away with the software on this capsule that would let it do an unmanned undocking from the ISS. Go read David Strom at Hot Air and Stephen Green at PJ for very good coverage of this, and Stephen is doing outstanding ongoing coverage of space. Check it out.

Somebody please remind me later to do two posts on space. First is on the late, great, Martin Caidin as I can just about hear him commenting on what is going on now. Second, on a previous discussion we had here about challenges to our moving off planet. Been fairly reliably informed that Elon and others are aware of the two big issues we talked about here (some excellent comments, thank you!) but there are some updates needed.

England. Two-tier keir (sorry, that creature does not deserve a cap letter) is running things into the ground even faster than expected. Lots to discuss, but when you are subjects, and disarmed subjects at that, what else did you expect? My assessment is pretty bleak (hail caliphate) but there is still a chance though not likely as it requires both spines and reproductive organs and I’m not seeing politicians or so-called leadership class/elites with such. When a female comedian and a female author have bigger pairs than the entire British political establishment combined…

Oh, before I forget, my semi-regular reminder to read Sarah A. Hoyt. Most of you do already I suspect, but always some good food for thought there, whether you agree or disagree. Personally, I agree a good bit, but it is almost always a feast rather than a small portion of food for thought. Also, there seems to be something going on with the Dragon Awards that is concerning, pay attention.

There’s more, but I need to get going. May your day be good, and be thinking about what you can do to be prepared. Then, act. Be prepared. Keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Oh, and keep in mind the universal maxim of what happens to disarmed populations…

Getting Bumpy

Lots going on in the world: Iran getting frisky, the markets not feeling frisky, turmoil in Bangladesh, English politicians seemed determined to foment a civil war, and I could go on. I will go into more soon, I hope. Right now, if you have investments, talk with a professional. My not-quite-as-joking-as-I-would-like-to-be is to buy canned goods, freeze dried, guns, and ammo. Oh, and edged weapons as they always come in handy.

More soon. Now that I’m recovered from the walk to-and-from my guitar lessons (and thank you all for them!!) with high humidity and heat indexes that were already into the 90s by about 0800 (really don’t want to know what it was when I came home at 1100) I have to head out again. It’s not a bad walk, being almost exactly 1.75 miles, but in the heat it is a bit much so I took the time to cool off, rehydrate, and recover. Need to run one more errand while I can, and then see about relaxing and practicing.

Buckle up, the ride is about to get interesting. So, be prepared and always keep your things where you can find them in the dark.

Olympics and IOC

These days, they are one in the same and I am done with both. Two of many reasons are below.

First up was the mockery of the Last Supper in the opening show. No, it was not a depiction of some Dionysian event as revisionist history claims. Got the receipts on that in screen caps of several posts clearly stating that it was a take on the Last Supper. Posts that stayed up until the backlash started and the usual liars and gullible started with the revisions and attacks on ‘stupid and uncultured’ Christians.

Now, at the risk of attracting a lawsuit of some type from the morbidly obese centerpiece of that show (who is now threatening legal actions of various sorts against those who criticize it and the show), maybe it shouldn’t have posted so proudly about what they were doing. Got to agree with someone I read who pointed out that the real pagans of the early games would be outraged over the depiction. It was vapid, uninspired, unimaginative, and derivative. It was so far from original as to be unworthy of even a yawn if not for placement. The placement made it a slap in the face of all Christians, and that was quite deliberate by the producers and the IOC.

You might want to take a long look at the IOC and their participation in the real war on women, as they are also good with biological males beating up on biological females. In fact, they seem to get off on it and are doing all they can to promote it. You might also look at the culture of corruption that goes with the IOC and it’s members, among many other things. Understand, they are the Davos crowd, they are woke, and they hate you and all you stand for peasant — including your religious beliefs. If you think what they are doing is chance, I have a bridge for sale…

Which is why I have not deliberately watched any of the current Olympics and will not knowingly support a sponsor of same. Can’t avoid the news completely (and must admit I have been amused by and enjoyed the photos of the gymnast with the wheels of cheese), but even so I switch stories, channels, or whatever if I do see coverage of any type. I’m also done with any other support, including that to any person or group participating in any event under the IOC. As for the sadly few companies that dropped advertising and sponsorships after this, glad to support them as I can.

Biggest thing I, and you, can do is walk away. Don’t tune in, don’t watch, don’t listen. If viewership and related continue to crater (and that is a trend over the last few games that seems to be growing), neither they nor the advertisers will matter. Boycotting individually or organized, and letting them know why the business is no longer getting my/your business, will only speed things up. Oh, and if your city/state/etc. wants to spend millions to host? Fight it, tooth and nail. Pull up the real financials for past hosts, as they can be most interesting.

Now, if you like men beating up women and otherwise erasing them from sports and public life (heck, even prison life) and ‘putting women in their place’ like that, feel free to support the current secular religion, the olympics, and the IOC. If not, join me and walk away. Trust me, your life will not diminish for it, and in fact is quite likely to be far richer. There are outlets still out there for women’s sports and more, and that value women for being women — and they deserve your support. Entertainment, and that is exactly what the games are, should not mock your religion. The IOC and such have become institutions of disrespect and degradation for women, religion, and even spirituality. Show some respect, and walk away. Your life and your Soul will be better for it.

UPDATE I: Yes, I am aware the boxer in question has a medical condition and is not trans. It really doesn’t matter, and all the screaming about testosterone is a best a smoke screen. What matters is that he tests genetically as a male; he has the physical development of a male; and, he has been barred as a male from other competitions. It is truly sad and even horrible. However, allowing him to compete against women makes it horrible for them, and is unfair to them and potentially to thousands of other female competitors. To argue otherwise is intellectually bankrupt and morally and ethically depraved.

Venezuela

I’m watching far too many people celebrating as if the objections to the outcome of the rigged election had already liberated that country. Sadly, this is a tune we have seen before. For all the unrest and for all the countries and organizations denouncing the election, Maduro is still in power.

Keep in mind that there are elements of Quds, Wagner, and others in Venezuela and they are not likely to just sit idly by and let Maduro be easily swept away by a mere election. Keep in mind that there are thousands (hundreds of thousands even) of Venezuelan gang members and a number of males of military age beyond that here in the United States — and one wonders (cough, cough) what they may be up to.

So far, Maduro is arresting opposition leaders at all levels (failure to protect them has been a huge weak spot for the opposition from the start). For all that some gangs, military, and LE have gone over to the opposition, it’s not been a huge amount nor has anything truly meaningful been done with it. How many tanks and weapons were distributed from the base taken the other day? Hmmmm?

It is likely to get bloody, nasty, and unless some brains and backbone start showing up in opposition leadership, it will either be the usual capitulation by the opposition or a bloody slog that is likely to spill over into the U.S. courtesy of all the illegal immigrants/infiltrators. I’m hoping that the opposition gets smart and operates smart and that Maduro does fall quickly. I’m expecting the slog. I fear very much this will be yet again a failure by the opposition to do anything truly meaningful and effective resulting in Maduro remaining in power. Hope I’m wrong, but buckle up as whatever happens there is likely to be reflected darkly here.

UPDATE I: Meant to add this at the start, but over on X someone pointed out that this is not a fight between freedom loving types and evil commies. Rather, it’s more a fight between different sects of socialists/communists and while you could do analogies to Trotsky/Lenin, I think the Chinese and the multiple sects there may be a better analogy. It’s also one reason I suspect the major opposition has mostly been operating with gloves instead of (much needed) bare knuckles or even a horseshoe in the glove…

Again, be prepared. Keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

What A Week!

Last week, I had volunteered to help with food for a national conference being held at our Church. Officially, I signed up for one three or so hour shift I think. Unofficially, I had already talked with the Chef in charge of all the food for the event, and pretty much signed a blank check. Yes, my mind does still think I’m 20, why do you ask? <smile>

Some of you have figured out a good bit about my Church, but I try to keep them out of the line of fire. Short description of what went on is this: An open annual meeting was hosted by my Church that is in practice national but open to all Churches in our denomination that fall within our diocese. Our diocese covers the United States, Canada, and Australia (!), and apparently a couple of other odd countries. Have sort of gotten the feeling that when they don’t know where to put the Churches in a country, they stick them in our diocese while they figure things out. So, while all of the Churches in these countries can take part, it really comes down to it being the Churches in the U.S. Sometimes there is participation by Canadian Churches, but even that is rare I am told.

Now, the conference is more focused on nuts-and-bolts of operations, though there is some discussion of theology and theological considerations. As a result, the — call him Archbishop though he has a different title — over the diocese (that is all the Churches in the U.S., Canada, Australia, etc.) attends. From a religious perspective, this is — of course — a big deal. Those that have met him before told me a lot of good things about him, but for those that are Roman Catholic or understand their system, you are talking effectively a Cardinal. I had hoped I might get to meet him at a service, maybe get a blessing as part of such, but really didn’t expect more than that. More on that in a bit.

The Chef (and I use the initial cap VERY deliberately) who was in charge of the food is amazing. I’ve met her briefly before, and the short version is that upon coming to America she got a job as a dishwasher at a higher-end establishment, quickly got promoted to cook, and I understand she owned her own restaurant for a while. In short, she knows what she is doing, how she wants things done, and while she may have a small penchant for micromanagement, she’s earned it. I have no objection to being told ‘cut this way and to this size’ and in fact I like it when I am working for someone else if I know EXACTLY what they want and how they want it. Makes life much easier.

Now, it wasn’t one meal. It was an introductory supper; breakfast/brunch, lunch, dinner; breakfast, lunch, (dinner catered as it was also a dance/celebration held elsewhere); then, brunch/lunch. For those who have done restaurant or food service work, it was effectively cooked to order. For those who don’t know what that means, here’s a quick breakdown.

We started food preparation on Wednesday. While some things were bought commercial and pre-made (desserts, chips, etc.), everything else was prepared from scratch. What this really means is that the clock started ticking Wednesday and it is a very complex clock. Some of what I did Wednesday was to prepare ingredients or to prepare to create ingredients that would be needed on Sunday for the final meal. It is a complex process to ensure everything comes together at the right time so that the final products come out at the right time, at the right temperature, and in the right condition for each meal.

Now, to add to the fun, each meal had a different number of people signed up for it. We also had to take into account that there were fasting requirements in place. My Church takes fasting rather seriously, in that during the average week there are two fasting days where depending on circumstances you can’t use meat; you may or may not be able to use oil or wine; and, there may be other restrictions. Also, some of the monastic orders have dietary restrictions on members. So, the whole menu has to be planned around this.

One example. The opening day was an open day, so anything went. The next day was a fasting day with no meat, no dairy, and some minor considerations. We did a salad on the first day native to the home country of the Archbishop, which included a special cheese. Great in that respect (and he was quite happy at seeing it); but, it could not be used in any way on the second day. The Chef did an outstanding job of threading the menu needle with the planned dishes. She also did an AMAZING job of timing things out so that every dish was on the table at the right temp and right condition at precisely the right time.

Which of course meant that almost immediately we got the dreaded ‘can you do this 30 minutes earlier/hour later’ well after the clock had started in earnest on that meal. Unless you have worked food service or cooked professionally, you don’t know what a big hairy warty deal that is, or how much it sucketh more mightily than an 10-to-the-negative-16th TOR vacuum. The clock on that meal starts 8 or more hours before that meal. When you have multiple dishes (and most meals literally have six to 10 dishes/components), you are talking a very complex operation. A good Chef can handle 5-15 minutes even if it is a major pain in the patuchas. Beyond that, only the really good ones can handle it and not at the very last minute. You get much beyond 30, well in advance, and most are going to laugh at you. Thirty minutes, we handled, though the “customer” didn’t have a clue how much work that entailed. When you have a good team, the customer only sees the result, not the massive amount of extra work and sweat. We had a good team.

Now, we did have to change a couple of things on the fly to accommodate both changes and issues. The latter is expected, and you account for it in planning. An ingredient may not be available, a product not delivered on time, etc. Changes are a major, major, pain.

*****

Which leads me to something I want to say to everyone: When you do something like this, and they ask on the flippin registration form if you have dietary issues (for any reason), tell them. If you are going out to eat and have special requirements, call ahead and ask/notify. Please, for the love of all, do not wander up and demand/ask people to stop setting up the meal service to tell you what dishes do/don’t have X in them. If you are massively allergic to dairy, shellfish/iodine (my issue), or peanuts, or whatever TELL THEM AS FAR AHEAD OF TIME AS POSSIBLE.

When you don’t, and we have used prepared ingredients, say a store-bought sausage we did not make ourselves, when you wander up at the last minute we then have to dig through the garbage can (and/or the dumpster, potentially) to find the package and check. This is a bit of a disruption to getting the meal out on time as you then have to have everyone not only stop to try to find every ingredient label from everything used all freakin day, then clean up, sterilize areas, and wash up and sterilize ourselves, and well, if you don’t get it, it is a major pain in the rump and a MAJOR legal liability for those doing the food. In short, if we can’t find all the labels the default (legal and the court of public opinion) is that we have to tell you that a given dish has to be considered as having dairy/shellfish/nut/etc. in it as we can’t prove it DOESN’T. And, no, having just cooked food for 50 to 200 people, we can’t just whip up dishes to accommodate your needs in five minutes. Even if we have the staff, you are talking 30 or more minutes to send someone to the store and hope it has products that meet your specific requirements, prep time, cooking time, and serving time. TELL THE PEOPLE AHEAD OF TIME ESPECIALLY IF THEY FLIPPIN ASK YOU!!! If they ask and you wander up at the last minute, you are either seeking attention or are an idiot. DON’T BE THAT CUSTOMER!!!

Also, if it is not from a medical issue, don’t be that customer who goes into a barbecue joint and demands a vegan option. That’s just being something I’m not supposed to call people these days, and frankly if you do it you get what you deserve. Choices are not medical issues. If you have a medical issue, you should know to check ahead. If it’s not a medical issue, don’t be a jerk. Period. No, we did not have any of those, thank goodness. We did have a couple of people that should have notified us ahead of time on the registration form when asked. We could have at least has signage out saying that X dish was dairy/nut/shellfish/etc. free. Signage is easy. Scrambling at the last minute is not. Be considerate. Also, just a reminder, ask early rather than trying to stop service to get an answer. Again, be considerate.

*****

Oh, and a few extra people showing up usually isn’t an issue. More than seven or so gets to be a problem, but a few is okay. If a few don’t show up, well, your food staff is usually appreciative as it means they get to eat. (smile)

In our case, everything went relatively smoothly. Some changes, some timing changes, etc. Nothing too far out of the park. Which was good as we were usually starting full prep on the next meal before the guests were finished with the one being served. Again (and again) the Chef in charge ran the operation like a restaurant and I really appreciated and enjoyed that. Lots of good reminders.

Also, some good lessons. Her method of cutting/preparing fresh pineapple was much better than what I had been taught. Quicker and less waste. Picked up a few other new takes on how to do things. I’m not as fast as I used to be with some of the prep, but can still get the job done.

I did have a bit of a (pleasant) shock the first day when setting up the food table for the first dinner. A gentleman in robes wandered up and was admiring the table, we chatted a small bit, and I froze as I realized I was talking with the Archbishop and had not been briefed on protocol. I think it amused him that I froze up for a moment, but he just went on and made a couple of nice comments on how good everything looked. I then dove back into preparation and he got ready to eat. Had the impression, and heard from others later, he was very happy to see the salad from his home country on the table, and apparently enjoyed it very much. I did get a more formal blessing later, and he was kind enough to describe the food as “manna” and was quite happy with all the meals from what I could find out. Came away with the impression of a laid-back and even humble man, though he was quite emphatic in the areas that truly counted.

So, it was a week of long (very) days. I’m still exhausted and could tell it both walking to/from the guitar lessons and even with the lesson this morning. Other than this, trying to take the day off and recover a bit. Might have even had a glass of wine. Going to cook up something quick and easy for supper soon. If the weather was nicer, would walk back down to the taco truck, but the weather isn’t nice and the walk to the guitar lesson was a PITA from the humidity and from having to push things because of weather. Really glad I didn’t do anything in the kitchen yesterday as I attended Matins then Liturgy. Was so tired, and voice was off, so made no attempt to sing in the choir/chorus. Besides, let me focus on the services, which were unusual as we had more than 20 priests and deacons (40+???) taking part in addition to the Archbishop. When they sang or chanted in chorus, wow! I did get asked to hold a large bowl of blessed bread at the end of service, which I did as it was just standing there holding a large bowl. Easy.

Because I was in the kitchen so much, didn’t get to mingle and meet quite as much as I would have liked. That said, did get to meet a few new people and was amused at one young man who saw my hat (straw Panama) and thought I looked like an archeologist, which is what he wants to be. Have some invitations to attend other Churches around the U.S., and who knows, I may take some of them up on that one day. Wish I could have met more/spent a bit more time with the crowd, but had a great time in the kitchen. Kitchen is home in many ways.

So, while I’m sorry I didn’t post a whole lot since last Tuesday, I was a touch busy. Today will be a bit of a let-down food-wise, but that may be for the best.

I hope you all had a good weekend, and there is more to come.

Hump Day Update

For all that there is a lot of sound and fury, things are also sort of calm beneath the surface. Won’t last, but enjoy it for now even as you keep your eyes and ears open.

Use the time well. Prepare in ways large and small. Enjoy things as much as possible and while you can. Enjoy each day.

I’ll have more soon, but the next couple of days I’m going to be busy as my Church is hosting a national get-together and I’ve volunteered to help the chef who is handling all the meals and such. Going to be an interesting but also hopefully fun time.

More to discuss on preparedness soon, from short-term to long-term; suspect more current events will be discussed; and, tied into preparedness is some self-reliance as I hope to share some experiments in mustard and mayo making. Did some deviled eggs for Church the other day, and suspect I’m on Southern Living’s ‘headed to hell’ list for using my own mayo instead of Duke’s. (smile) Did some classic, wasabi, oriental hot mustard, dijon-style mustard, and chili-lime.

More soon. Be prepared and keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Biden Out

Quelle Surprise. If it truly was a surprise to you, I have a bridge for sale… Heck, I’ll throw in the troll for free!

I don’t think this could have been pulled off in the White House, because of the scrutiny, visitor logs, and number of people present. As it is, we have a resignation letter that appears to be digitally signed, no sign of the person signing it, no press conference, no nothing. As for the people complaining it is not on Presidential letterhead, keep in mind that his re-election is not part of his Presidential duties and in fact has to be kept separate.

What is going to be interesting is to see when, or if, Biden goes back to the White House. With family members (and others) talking about health issues including hints of a terminal disease, and all sorts of speculations going on, one wonders. When you consider this from Francis Turner, one does wonder if he is not already metaphorically, at least, in the fridge.

The few weeks will tell a lot of what has happened. As I noted before, I suspect some offers that can’t be refused were made. If pardons and related (sweetheart deals) suddenly pop up in regard Hunter and others, it will not be surprising. What would be surprising is if they don’t, as for all that quite a few in DC would be willing to let the Biden family metaphorically hang, such would quickly expand to implicate (or at least inconvenience) others. As such, pardons and deals are the cleanest way to go openly. Also, I expect some sort of sinecure for Jill. Expect some sweetness and light, for now at least.

Nor do I think Trump is in the clear. Yes, he did survive the first attempt. Not so minor miracle when you think about it. His survival and his response have catapulted him quite high. Which is why if I were him I would be looking to hire the mythical Griswold Security and be asking for the Gunny himself to oversee my security (metaphorical glass raised to toast the late, great, L. Neil Smith). Given all that is coming out about the attempt (which is a story unto itself), only a fool would trust the Praetorian Guard or the Stasi with their life and safety.

Buckle up, the fun has truly yet to begin. The elites (on both sides) are so focused on domestic they are ignoring how this is playing outside of the country — especially with those who have less than tender feelings for us. Cough. They get a vote too, and don’t forget about things like this. People are desperate and desperate people do desperate things — and I’m not just talking about people overseas. For all that people are trying to paper over it (all puns intended), this is just a bit of a Constitutional crisis. Who has the biscuit and who is really running things?

Prepare, and choose any vacation spots wisely. Heck, if anyone wants to get me storage pails off my wish list, or donate funds so I can stock up, please feel free. Hope you are starting to be prepared, or are topping off if you already were.

Speaking of which, thank you to the anonymous donor who just was very generous! I’m putting part of that towards the guitar lessons since by paying a lump sum up front I get a “free” lesson added in. May see about doing some video soon as my homework with lesson three includes openings to Tom Dooley, Ghost Riders, and Wipeout. And I sound about as bad with those as you might expect for only being on lesson three. Jury is still out on truly learning how to play, but having a lot of fun. Thank you all.

So, the ride is just starting to get bumpy. Hang on, as it is likely to get wild unless more sanity breaks out that I think is possible. Be prepared. Keep your family and friends close. Keep your things where you can find them in the dark.