Not Sure About 185…

I got to take a Maserati out for a spin last week, and while I did not live up to the song I did get to try it on both regular streets and the “real” Indy 500 — I-465. Traffic was heavy so I did not get the opportunity to truly open it up, but wish I could have. Given some of what I’ve heard about the brand, I was surprised and pleased with the style, comfort, and ride. The only issue I had was with some ergonomics around the steering wheel which may be adjustable given all that can be adjusted in the car. A nice bit of fun.

More To Come

There are a number of things about which I want to write, and in a couple of cases, have promised to write. They are coming, as I slowly move towards a return to writing and more of the life I knew. It will take time, for a variety of reasons. One reason is that we had storms last night, and this evening I have to take care of some downed limbs/parts of trees before I can mow.

Also, I am sorry to say that all the comments to previous posts are lost courtesy of a glitch. If you care to replace them, please do.

LW

Goodbye Facebook

Pulled the plug this morning and deactivated my FB account. Zuckerberg and those behind FB are antithetical to the concepts of the Enlightenment and the foundations of our Republic. When I HAD to provide a reason for my actions, I summarized by simply stating that they were scum and I refused to support them anymore. Yes, it will hurt on some levels, including marketing when I am writing again. Worth it though to be rid of having them sell me and my information, misuse my information, and otherwise supporting people that I do consider to be scum. Onwards.

Into The Light: Tim “Uncle Timmy” Bolgeo

As a writer, it pains me to say that for some stories, there just are no good words. The passing of Tim Bolgeo is one such story.

Rather, I would tell other stories about a man who was larger-than-life on many levels. The problem there is, where to start? Would it be about him having the cop who pulled him over for speeding sending him on his way without even a warning, then racing away from the nuclear power plant where Tim was headed as fast as he could? Would it be about the “report” on the loss of the Shuttle on a secure government server that ended with “It’s all Uncle Timmy’s Fault?” Would it be the sunburn that nearly got him courtmartialed many years ago? Would it be the extra duties he took on in Vietnam? Would it be, well, suffice it to say that there are several more to choose from.

I hate to admit it, but I can’t remember when I first met him. What I can say is that from the first he knew me, and acted as though I was family from the start. When he got the idea of starting LibertyCon, I found myself — whether I wanted to or not — railroaded into working the convention. By the time I heard the train, it was already over and past me — something not uncommon with Timmy as many will attest. It was an amazing time, setting up the first science programming and helping Klon with general programming. I can’t begin to count how many times I’ve stayed in his home, shared a room at conventions, or just sat and discussed everything from history to books with him. He taught me to play Killer Cutthroat Spades, encouraged me as a writer and offered good advice on life and work over the years. There are many tales there, from blanks getting slipped into his pistol at the range to his flask being liberated on the sly to provide drinks for guests at the dance. So many tales. I’m not sure he ever met a stranger, and today I remember the man who was a friend to all (even some who were not friends to him) and was there for his friends when needed.

It was an honor to know him and his family, and to be a small part of getting LibertyCon started. My prayers go out for him, for Linda Vannucci Bolgeo, Brandy Spraker, Jason, and all his family. I would ask you for your prayers, thoughts, or whatever you do for them all.

Absent Companions

Living The Wildlife

There are many things to write about, but decided to take a break this morning.  I moved a few months ago and despite technically being closer to the big city, am in an area with woods, orchards, a huge yards despite the surrounding big city.

Two weeks ago, spotted a coyote at the end of the street.  Had suspected they were around, but getting the confirmation was interesting.

This morning, had a red fox come trotting down the road.  Said good morning, which startled it a bit, but was very glad to see it.  Foxes keep down a lot of rodents and other things I don’t care to have around.

Both, however, cause me to worry about the landlord’s remaining cat, who I call Boopster/Boopsie/Fleabag.  She is declawed and was living inside, but has decided that she wants to be an outdoor cat.  Only comes in to eat, and quickly demands to be let out again.  We’ve already lost the other cat (possibly to one of the hawks living nearby), really don’t want to lose her despite the fleas (for which I am now applying flea powder on a weekly basis).

The Need For Debridement

About three years ago, I began attending an “old school” Catholic Church:  as in one of the few in this state that routinely performs the high Latin Mass.  In it, I found something that reached me on levels I’ve not felt in some time.  So much so, I began the process to join the Catholic Church.

The RCIA program, designed for adults desiring to become Catholic, varies a bit from church to church.  At this church, it is intense and through it one gets a full history of the Church as well as a thorough grounding in the theology, dogma, and — most importantly — how both the theological and dogmatic aspects of Catholicism have evolved over time.

In this RCIA program, there was often some frank discussions of various problems the Church has faced, theologically, politically, and otherwise.  The fact is, while the Church is the bride of Christ and is intended to be a bedrock of the teachings of Christ and the Apostles, it is an institution of man.  Man (male and female) are fallible, and one sees that fallibility time and time again in the history of the Church (all churches, to be honest).

One of the things I enjoyed most about that process was that this program took the time to get into how theology and dogma developed and why.  We got “into the weeds” if you will of what lies behind the modern beliefs of the Church as contained in the Catechism — the beliefs and “laws” of the Church.  Of how and when the Church has adapted the teachings of Christ and the Apostles, and of how and when the ceremony of worship (the Mass) have changed and why.

Continue reading “The Need For Debridement”

A Laugh for the Day

Cheerfully stolen from Rodger:

A crusty old Army Sergeant Major found himself at a gala event hosted by a local liberal arts college. There was no shortage of extremely young idealistic ladies in attendance, one of whom approached the Sergeant Major for conversation.
“Excuse me, Sergeant Major, but you seem to be a very serious man. Is something bothering you?”
“Negative, ma’am. Just serious by nature.”
The young lady looked at his awards and decorations and said, “It looks like you have seen a lot of action.”
“Yes, ma’am, a lot of action.”
The young lady, tiring of trying to start up a conversation, said, “You know, you should lighten up. Relax and enjoy yourself.”
The Sergeant Major just stared at her in his serious manner.
Finally the young lady said, “You know, I hope you don’t take this the wrong way, but when is the last time you had sex?
“1955, ma’am.”
“Well, there you are. No wonder you’re so serious. You really need to chill out! I mean, no sex since 1955! She took his hand and led him to a private room where she proceeded to “relax” him.
Afterwards, panting for breath, she leaned against his bare chest and said, “Wow, you sure didn’t forget much since 1955.”
The Sergeant Major said, after glancing at his watch, “I hope not; it’s only 2130 now.”