Doing Fine

This morning has been spent at the doctor’s office, with a side trip to Costco. Courtesy of being hit by lightning, every six months I get a pretty good check up. Today’s went very well with the bloodwork very good overall. My blood glucose was one point higher than the average, and the doc said he wasn’t going to ding me over that. (smile). The important things were all in range and/or excellent in some cases. Hoping that getting to the gym will make things even better.

Also, yesterday I was gifted a car that had belonged to my Godfather. Not pretty, but mechanically sound and runs well. This despite being stolen at one point by people who did not know how to drive stick-shift and abandoned it. (grin, equipped with millennial anti-theft protection system)

My Godfather had a bunch of work done on it earlier this year, so should be good for getting to Church and back, and occasional trips to the grocery store. I go tomorrow to sign paperwork on insurance, and once I have proof of insurance will transfer the title. Doing a yearly bill as it drops my insurance cost to $55 a month at full coverage. The bill is an ouch, being unbudgeted, but long-term worth it.

My doctor being across the street from a Costco, walked across to take care of some things. When I joined, I had a high-pressure guy who got me to try the Executive membership. Didn’t do much for me, so knowing renewal was coming up, went in and asked to downgrade the renewal. They had me shop first, then came back. Long-story short, they did the downgrade now, refunded the difference, and used some other goodies to renew me for the year at the regular membership price for no additional charge, so I’m good until the end of December 2026 without any payment. That was excellent customer service.

More to come!

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, 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. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. 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.

Prognostication, Pt. 2

A while back, in this post, I offered the start to some prognostications of the future — at least in Europe. Now what I was doing ties into this post and this post on NATO and the need for a new non-military NATO. I stand by my comments on the need to get out of NATO, and why we need to be looking at a new approach and even location.

While I had intended to do detailed run-downs on several countries, and to note some potential inflection points, I fear the time for that has passed. At least it has passed for me and where I am headed on my own personal journey. That said, I want to look at some of the possible futures I see while noting that there are things that can happen to prevent or change the direction of events. These deflection points are going to depend on individuals and their actions, as such has the power to change the world.

First up, the EU is an evil organization and, to my mind, represents the face of the yoke of the godless authority. It is anti-freedom, anti-nationalism, and anti-individualism. It is also a drain on it’s member nations and is doing all it can to destroy them as individual countries. It is a group of WEF communist/socialist flunkies who crave power and wield it like a junkie after a fix. Possibly harsh, but keep that in mind as I go through the following.

England, whatever you call it, is lost. As I’ve noted in previous posts, the still-increasing number of mainly Muslim migrants who are not assimilating but seeking to make it a Muslim country are outgrowing and out-breeding the natives. Law enforcement has gone all-in on promoting and protecting that effort and those behind it, and all-in on persecuting if not terrorizing average citizens who dare object in any way, shape, or form. The courts have gone all-in on a two-tier system of justice where native Britons/average citizens are given harsh and even draconian punishments for not being willing serfs while the new masters of Britain are given slaps on the wrist at worst for far more horrific crimes like rape and murder. Speak up against it and you will be in jail for years, where the rapist or murderer you objected to gets little or no jail time.

Demographics are against England. So are the politics as while the current Labor government is cracking down as hard and fast as it can (and even trying to censor Americans and American companies), the rest of the lot including Reform isn’t much better. While Tommy Robinson may be a viable alternative, I suspect the current government will succeed in killing him within a year via more trumped-up charges and false imprisonment where the dirty work can be done by others. Hope I’m wrong on that, but not going to put a bet that I am.

With elections still several years away on the normal cycle, I don’t think they offer much of a chance. In fact, if things keep going as they are, I don’t think such elections will matter at all. See some of my previous writings for my thoughts on why an uprising is not likely to succeed. Absent arms and other supplies, a revolt against tyranny is not in the cards. If we are not laying the groundwork and making plans to secure England’s nukes when it falls, the staff at the Pentagon is failing at their jobs.

Germany is in much the same boat. The government is continuing the immigration policies started under Merkel but adding their own thuggish touch to them. They are looking to outlaw the growing AfD party and I note with interest the recent sudden deaths of six or so members of the party who were already on ballots but also who could not be replaced before the elections, preventing any AfD victories. Add in a two-tier justice system on the English model, and much tighter governmental controls, and the deck is stacked against the native citizens of Germany. Also, again, demographics is a bear with a declining birthrate on one hand and a rising birthrate on the part of the immigrants not painting a good picture.

While Germany has not yet internalized and accepted the industrial-level of grooming and rape of children as have the English (and it is worth remembering that members of law enforcement and government were paid off with use of the children for years, as well as by political votes and support), it is still tolerated by the courts (and to a lesser extent LE) though not by the citizens. There is a reason for the growth of the AfD…

That said, Germany looks to fall just as England has. If the public suddenly stands up against the government, they may have a chance. Again, however, the odds are against it and, again, they have given up any and all means to revolt against a tyranny. I think Germany will hold on longer than England, but face the same fate absent sudden, radical change.

Now, let’s turn to France. In some respects, France is further along the fall than most realize, thanks to Macaroon and company. France has a huge immigrant problem, and Paris is not the only city that has large-and-growing no-go areas. The French Government and French media for the most part have waged a fairly successful effort to keep bad news suppressed, especially to external audiences. I more than halfway suspect that Macaroon’s shameless pandering to Hamass was an effort to curry favor with the majority Muslim invaders.

Keep in mind that Macaroon and company are still in power because they have refused to accept election results that would put them out of power and Ms. LePen and her populists into power. They are also doing all they can to trump up charges to keep her out of power in the mistaken belief that if they block her the rest will fall away. They would rather see France fall, to the point of becoming a Muslim nation, than accept the will of the people.

Which means France may have a chance. More than once the people of France have taken pragmatic action themselves when the government would not. Given the laissez-faire attitude of many of the citizens of France to various laws (including weapons laws), they may deal with the problem such that the government is handed a fait accompli which can be regretted in public while celebrated in private.

Problem is, once again, demographics. The French are being out bred even as more and more immigrants pour in on top of that. Given the actions of the current French government in fighting their political enemies, there is a very real chance that they will focus on them and not on the larger threat. So, while I think there may be a greater chance there than in England or Germany, I don’t see it happening outside a significant and unexpected event or events. Also, again, we need to be laying groundwork and making plans to secure French nukes when it happens.

Spain may have a chance, if the current group of loons is voted out and someone with some sense voted in. The mood in the Spanish public does seem to be shifting far faster and far greater than those in power realize. However, I think it likely to fall as it is a prime target for the Islamists who want it for historic reasons (and propaganda). Lot going on there now, largely out of view, but it is one of the few countries I think could end up holding on for a while.

Italy is one of the few countries I think has a chance of survival, though it may be in parts. Given both internal Italian politics and the outsized role of the EU in blocking Italian government efforts to control immigration (and more), I have the suspicion we may see the Risorgimento rolled back with mostly the region from Rome north holding. As for Sicily, it may hold out by dint of going full-Sicilian on all immigrants.

As for Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, etc., even if they hold out at first, they will be overwhelmed by numbers. Absent a fanatic defense requiring a LOT of outside assistance, they will fall soon after the larger countries.

Switzerland should be able to hold, though outside aid will be needed long-term. In fact, I can see the mountainous regions of Germany, France, Austria, and Italy being a redoubt around it if and when the rest of same falls. I can see the mountains of Spain being a no-go zone for the Caliphate, and portions of the Scottish Highlands and isles as a redoubt in England. The problem will be sufficient agriculture to feed the population, and sufficient manufacturing of weapons and other needful things. Absent ground logistics, air will be a poor alternative. Sea logistics will be interesting for most of the areas save England.

Which is why I think it would be wise to go with a new, non-military NATO as I discussed in the linked posts above. If we build up Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia, Slovenia, and Croatia. Yes, I know there are some issues with some of the countries, but I also think that such can be dealt with. Fact is, if you have most or all of those countries, you have a solid bulkwark to contain the new Caliphate and provide ground logistics to northern Italy and Switzerland.

You would also have some Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) which are going to be essential. Of course, those are contingent on keeping the straights of Gibraltar open, but again it can be done. I wouldn’t count on the Bosphorus as right now I would put my money on Erdogan going all-in on the side of the Islamists. That again is a good reason to beef things up in the traditional areas that have opposed invasions from Istanbul for a thousand years or so.

There is a lot more behind what I have proposed, but I lack the time to get into all the details. It’s not as off-the-wall as some might think, and there are some historic details hidden beneath the surface. Besides, it’s not a battle I’m likely to fight; so, I put this out for others to consider.

Thing is, the future is not yet written. I can already see some things that could happen to prevent the worst case, which is what my discussion centers around. Thing is, many of those events are as likely to be as catastrophic as the individual countries falling. In a majority of the cases where native citizens rise up not only against their own governments, but to repel the invasion of the immigrants, it will likely be the bloodiest event(s) in human history. It’s why no sane person wants Civil War 2.0 here.

While there are a few chances for a more peaceful resolution of things, the odds are that even if they survive and survive as a Western government built on the foundations of Western civilization, it will not be the country we once knew. If they don’t survive as a Western government built on the foundations of Western civilization, they will be so far removed from what they were as to be unrecognizable.

It’s why we need to start now working to save not only our own Republic (an effort already well underway), but to reform and/or replace those governments that have turned against their own people. The best way for that to happen is from within, by the people and through the ballot box. If we do anything, it should be to ensure free and fair elections do take place and to stomp hard and fast on efforts to push censorship, legislation, and unrest from abroad. We need to use our economic clout to reward governments that do right by their people and their treaty obligations, and to punish those who do not. Some of that is already underway, the only question is will it be enough and in time.

What I present here is the worst case, but it also what I see taking place before us. I truly do fear England is lost, but hope that it may yet save itself without losing itself. All it could take is that one spark, that one unexpected person and event that opens a door for events. Otherwise, I fear that most of Europe will live out Tom Kratman’s Caliphate. Pray that we, and the rest of the world, don’t.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, 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. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. 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.

Still Here

Sorry for the lite posting, but I’ve been busy. We’ve had some form of service (or even more than one) at the Church every day since Saturday. I’m going back down again today, but for something other than services.

Every year, we do a Christmas Village as both a fundraiser and as a community event aimed at the nearby neighborhoods. There are vendors who do everything from homemade Christmas ornaments to homemade soaps, along with a bakery and restaurant (both done by our Church, and the food is good!). The Lamp Post, our coffee bar that is a reproduction of the bar from the Eagle and Child Pub where Lewis, Tolkien, and the other Inklings met, sells warm beverages to ease the cold. It’s a fun thing to do, and to attend.

Today, we will be going around the neighborhoods around the Church distributing flyers that not only advertise the event (later this year) but also give people a chance to order wreaths and other decorations from one of the vendors. Then, we will return to brats and other delights cooked on the grill by one of our grillmasters and enjoy some good fellowship.

I’m going down early both to get the grill up out of the basement and ready for our grillmaster, and to go ahead and try to get some work done on the candles and lamps for Saturday. May try to get a couple of other things done while I can. Our Deacon has been teaching me not only how to do certain things, but also instructing me on how to put together some of the non-liturgy services. All I can say is that the more I learn, the more I learn I have to learn. Cheat sheets are wonderful, though at least one of mine makes him laugh. A few thousand repetitions and I may have memorized ten percent of what he has memorized in his head.

I’ve also been dealing with a situation involving a friend. I would ask you to keep “Standup” uplifted in your prayers. Things are more hopeful than they were, and I pray that he finds peace of mind and soul.

More soon I hope.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, 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. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. 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.

A Bleg Of Sorts, Update 1

Back in July, I did a bleg post sharing a bit of what I was facing , and how your kind gifts to me through the Bard’s Jar in the upper right were being used. I think it’s time to update that as some of what was being talked about has changed.

I’ve had the physical therapy, and am still waiting to see what happens with the insurance appeal. An appeal was necessary as the insurance company approved the physical therapy, then decided for reasons they really did not make clear (but may have been paperwork issues) refused to pay for it. I technically could still be on the hook for about $5k, but am hoping that things are now resolved. We will see.

Other things I mentioned have taken place, and the net result has been a very large positive. My mobility and flexibility (and balance/vertigo issues) are much improved as a result of physical therapy, physical activity, and massage therapy. This is particularly true of my lower body, and while there is still a ways to go it is almost like night and day. It has also helped with the edema, and I am hoping to be able to take the water pill “at need” within six or so months. We are already down to every other day on it.

The cognitive is improving as well. The music therapy is really helping with that, and I thank both my voice coach and our music director at Church for their work and patience. My voice still keeps dropping (as opposed to extending my range upwards), but it makes for a great reading voice and the ability to sing low bass/profundo on some things. Why it is still dropping is a mystery, but there are worse things that could be happening.

There have been some other changes in life, and I am looking at some serious changes to my path. Most of those revolve around Faith. I am doing more at Church, and next year I will making a pilgrimage to Bulgaria and Mount Athos as part of a process of spiritual growth and discernment. Most of my time will be in Bulgaria where I have a chance not only to spend some time at a couple of monasteries; but, I will have the chance to learn, worship, and grow at the “home” of my Church. In addition, we are working on my spending several days at Mount Athos in Greece, and I may be spending a week in Romania as well. Not only has my Priest given his blessing and help to this, my Bishop is providing spiritual guidance as well.

So, here is what I need/where your gifts are going:

First, right now every non-designated donation that comes in is going towards the pilgrimage. I’ve bought my airfare and am working on paying it off. Where I can buy train or other tickets in advance for trips to Mount Athos and other locations, I am doing so. I will be arranging housing in Bulgaria soon, and am trying to get as much done and paid for in advance as I can. For long-term readers, you will not be surprised to learn I’ve been able to arrange some cooking lessons, mostly one day events, and I’m looking at trying to pay for them as far in advance as possible. I will also need a new cell phone (and plan) for the trip, as well as some other odds-and-ends. The total budget for the trip isn’t huge for most (excluding the new cell phone, I think it can be done for around $3k), but my small monthly stipend doesn’t allow me much room. Any and all help is appreciated.

Second, I am going to be coming up on the annual payments to keep this blog up soon. Any help towards that (and you can drop me a line and let me know if your gift is intended for that) is very much appreciated.

Third, help with music and massage therapy is very much appreciated. Both are having a large positive impact on me, and again you can drop me a line and let me know if your gift is intended for that. Massage therapy is roughly $100 per session and I get four lessons for $190 from the voice coach. The latter is a small discount, but will take any discount I can get.

Fourth, efforts are underway to gift me a car. It’s far from new or pretty, but it runs and is reliable. Insurance and other costs were not in my yearly budgeting process, so again any help is appreciated.

Fifth, I would love to do some regular personal training at the gym if possible. Not sure what that will be, but it is a “nice to do” as it were.

I want to thank everyone who has sent me gifts, especially those towards the pilgrimage. I can’t thank you enough for your kindness and generosity. I also want to thank those who have kept me in their prayers, as those are very much needed and appreciated.

Life has not gone anywhere close to what I had planned when I first stated the fundraiser on Give Send Go. Rather than moving out West and becoming a bit of a secular hermit, I may be headed towards a more clerical or monastic life. Where that takes me, spiritually or physically, I don’t know other than I am content wherever it takes me. Been feeling that there was something I was supposed to do/be doing ever since I stood up alive after being hit by lightning. This very much feels like the right path, though I know not where it leads. I’m content to simply be walking the path, knowing that God knows where it leads.

Again, my profound and sincere thanks to all who have provided the gifts and prayers that have kept me going since those early days. Words can’t express my thanks, and how much I appreciate you. Thank you. I look forward to sharing this new journey with you.

Posting May Be Lite

For the next few days at least. I’m attending a religious conference here in town tomorrow, and along with other things already scheduled it is going to be a long day. Sunday, of course, I generally don’t post as it is a day of worship and rest. Monday will see me having to get a fasting blood draw and then going down to Church to help with a special Vespers Monday evening, as we will have a special liturgy on Tuesday. Wednesday evening will see me at Vespers and a class on the life of St. Xenia of Petersburg. Thursday I have to be back down around 1300 as we are distributing fliers for our upcoming Christmas Village/Market followed by a cookout.

For those wondering, it’s not just attendance. I’m helping our Deacon with the care and feeding of various lamps and candles, and as a chanter I’m singing and reading various prayers and such as part of the services. Some of it is a challenge, and all of it is rewarding. I’m learning a lot and slowly memorizing a lot of things I need to for the various services. Give me a few thousand repetitions on the latter and I will eventually get them memorized.

I do plan to get some posts up, but things may be a bit spotty through next week. Just wanted to give you a heads-up.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, 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. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. 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.

Of Oils, Beard Wax, And Learning Experiences

Among other things I got done yesterday, I made up a fresh batch of beard oil using a slightly different recipe and scents than the last time. The results were nice, though I still want to play with the recipe a bit more. Some of the oil is going to a friend, some went into making beard balm (again, some going to a friend), some into beard wax, and some into an experiment.

The beard oil is a mix of several different oils and is intended to help promote healthy skin and hair. If those who champion one particular essential oil are correct, it may even help with hair growth. Not going to bet on that, but it smells and feels good.

Beard oil is a prime component in both beard balms and beard waxes. I was out of my beard balm, so made some more. Again, played with the recipe just a bit as while it was good it was not quite what I was looking for. Wanted a bit more hold, even though — again — the balm is supposed to help ensure healthy skin and hair. Thing is, it is also supposed to provide at least some control and I didn’t think it was quite there.

For the record, a good balm contains beard oil, raw shea butter, and wax. Specifically, bees wax. On the latter, I bought some good quality bees wax “grains” a while back and they are lasting for now. Got some decent shea butter, and life has been good though it is often six months or so between batches as the products can last a while.

Now, a beard wax is new to me and I tried a recipe that sounded interesting. It used pine resin as part of the mix. That was different from what I had bought in the past and been looking at, so decided to try it. It does seem to work, but I’m also underwhelmed with the hold, the clean-up, and the fragrance.

The recipe called for beard oil, wax, and resin. My mug-warmer heater that I use for production (you need a low heat) apparently did not get hot enough for the resin, so used other means to heat (carefully) the mix and eventually pour it into a tin. Used some last night when I went out, and did not get the hold I expected and was hit with the overwhelming odor of turpentine as the resin overrode the scent of the oil. Think I’m going to be looking for a new recipe.

The last measure of the beard oil, however, went to another experiment. I decided to try to do at home a hot-oil conditioning for my hair. Since I’ve started letting it grow out, I’ve had to start using conditioner (Mane and Tail, as if it’s good enough for show horses it’s good enough for me). For a number of reasons, decided to try this at home. My recommendation is, don’t do this at home.

Not only was the application harder than expected, it quickly went everywhere. The floor of the shower was slick, I was slick, and it took a lot of effort to get the hair coated properly. Then, things got interesting.

Despite several washings, I could have appeared in a 1920s feature where all the males had their hair slicked back flat and dripping with oil. I’m just as happy few people saw me looking like that. Today, when I got my shower, I washed my hair with a bit of Dawn, and that did the trick. The conditioning did seem to help, but next time I think I’m going to leave it to the pros.

Meantime, have a good solid “base” recipe for the beard oil and am mostly playing with fragrance now. I also have a solid base recipe for the beard balm, and am mostly playing with how getting the hold where I want it. Finally, am going to be researching new recipes for beard waxes as I am underwhelmed with this one. Also, I’m going to leave hot-oil hair conditioning to the pros.

Onwards.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, 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. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. 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.

To Those Hitting The Tip Jar

Thank You! Thank You! THANK YOU!

All the donations have been anonymous, so wanted to say thank you here. Know you get an automated thank you, but wanted to do something more personal. While the payment processor (not GiveSendGo) takes a cut, I’m putting the full amount donated towards payment of the plane tickets and other expenses of the pilgrimage. Thank you for helping me make this possible.

Remember, the tip jar is in the upper right and if you don’t see an option you like, reach out and we can go from there. The main link is at A New Life on GiveSendGo but there are other options including (sigh) PayPal. Yes, I tried to close that account and there were technical issues on their end that prevented that. Still an option at need.

Again, however, THANK YOU!

Three Good Reads

On the mend, but still not fully back. However, I do have three good reads for your consideration.

First up is The Land That Forgot About Wolves. Second is You say You Want A Revolution. Third up is the launch of Sarah’s latest book. Two solid food-for-thoughts and a fun series to go with it (dessert?). Enjoy.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, 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. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. 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.

Backpacks And Artificial Shoulders Pt 2

I wanted to follow up on this post and thank everyone who offered suggestions and advice. I can’t thank you enough!

Yesterday afternoon, I spent a good bit of time at a locally-owned outfitter with a gentleman who went over current load-bearing technology and pack systems. It was a bit eye-opening, and the days of simple hip belts and such is long gone. I actually got to try on a system or two, and then work out the system and pack for my frame.

I’ve got more reading to do and I plan to go to a chain outfitter this week or next to try on another brand of pack (and verify the size I need). Bit more research, but well worth it and some of these newer pack systems truly rock. Also looking into new passport/ID holders, billfolds, and the like. I’ve been using an ID holder I picked up at Camp Victory, Iraq, as my wallet since 2007, and it is time for something new. So, looking at waterproof and RFID-blocking options, of which the outfitter yesterday had several.

Oh, I should mention that the Osprey packs several recommended have an option for an attachable day pack that could serve as my carry-on luggage as well.

Thank you all for the inputs, and for the introduction to the newer packs and systems. Much appreciated.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, 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. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. 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.