Running behind today, but did want to thank the wonderful people at Oaken Barrel for hosting again this year. Good people, good food, good beer — highly recommended. This year was the best in several years. My thanks to all who helped make it so.
Smarter Than I Thought…
My landlord’s cat (see photo in previous post) is perhaps a bit smarter than I thought. The landlord is out of town, and the cat has finally figured out that I am not going to let it in my room to sleep with me at night (he and the other cat are both barred from my room at all, a fact that bothers them both) while the landlord is away.
So, stinker tried a new tack this morning. He tried to lead me into the landlord’s room in an apparent bid to have me get in bed so he could cuddle/sleep with me like he does the landlord. Dog-like actions with a cat’s arrogance and determination. The logic is fascinating: if he can’t sleep with me in my bed, have me get in the landlord’s bed instead since he is allowed to sleep with/cuddle humans there.
Have to admit, it made me laugh when I figured out what he was trying to do. I’ll give him points for it; but, I declined and instead got ready for work. Cats…
Some Music For The Day
Memorial Day 2019

Safety Brief: Don’t be stupid. Do not add to or subtract from the population without due thought.
General Orders: Enjoy. Have a good time. Take the time to have good food, good drink, good times — all with good friends and family. Laugh, a lot if possible. Remember those who gave all for our lives and freedoms, for this is their day.
As I noted both here at at Blackfive over the years, none of the troops (or veterans) I know would want anyone to don sackcloth and ashes and mourn today. They would have been first about raising a beer, eating something tasty, or doing something fun with the important people in their lives.
So, go drink something good; eat something tasty; do something fun; and, if possible, do it with good people. Just take the time to raise a glass to them, to remember them.
And follow the safety brief, as only Carl does not want you to follow the safety brief. Don’t be Carl.
*****
Today, I honor all who made the ultimate sacrifice; and, in particular, I remember:
ENS Albert Foster Powers, MIA 1945 Japan
LCPL Bill Stelpflug, Beirut
COL Rick Rescorla, NY 9/11
SPC Ryan Dallam, Iraq
PFC Damian Lopez, Iraq
SPC Marieo Guerrero, Iraq
CPT Anthony Palermo, Iraq
SPC David Behrle, Iraq
SPC Joseph Gilmore, Iraq
PFC Travis Haslip, Iraq
SGT Jean Medlin, Iraq
SSG Christopher Moore, Iraq
PVT Alexander Varela, Iraq
LCPL Jeremy W. Burris, Iraq
SSG Brian Cowdrey, Afghanistan
MAJ Andrew Olmstead, Iraq
Words To Ponder As We Head Into This Special Weekend
Pete Hegseth has some profound words for us to consider as we head into the Memorial Day Weekend. Enjoy your weekend, as I know none who have served who would have it otherwise. That said, take a moment to remember the reason for the weekend, and think about those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
John Wick 3
A longer review is planned, but for now I will simply say that I enjoyed it. Fun, and well worth the investment of time and money. Dogs rule!
Lucky He’s Cute

I get to share the current lair with some interesting critters — including two cats. They are young, less than a year old, and can make life interesting. In this case, I actually found this violation of the rules (they are not to get on shelves, counters, etc. according to their owner) by one of them amusing.
Food, Drink, Cigar Reviews?

As I work my way back into writing, and especially blogging, I hope to do more reviews. What would you like to see in terms of food, drink, and cigar reviews (other than just seeing some finally go up again)? Let me know.
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